Star Trek: Theurgy

Star Trek: Theurgy | Season 1 => Episode 01: Outbreak => Topic started by: Auctor Lucan on May 10, 2011, 02:11:42 PM

Title: EPISODE 01: Outbreak [Prologue]
Post by: Auctor Lucan on May 10, 2011, 02:11:42 PM
EPISODE 01: Outbreak [Prologue]

[The USS Theurgy, Main Bridge, 2200 hrs]

"This is your Captain speaking," said Jien Ives, the deep voice of his male Chosen Form unmistakable to the harried crew. "May I have your full attention, please."

His voice echoed down the flickering corridors of the severely damaged ship, and the crew raised their hollow eyes to listen. They could hear the undercurrents of emotion in the pause that Jien made, and it gave them pause as well. Pause, ironically so, given what they all had been through the last couple of months - hunted across the galaxy by their own. Jien waited for almost half a minute, thinking over what words his First Officer had suggested he might say to boost morale. Good advice, in the worst of times.

"We have been betrayed," the Chameloid began and while his blood ran hot, he did not pace the floor of the bridge. He stood perfectly still in front of his chair. "...outlawed and alienated by Starfleet Command. Yet in times of war and uncertainty, there is a special breed of warriors ready to answer the urgent call for truth, justice and freedom."

Another pause, and while the statement was hollow, a shallow phrase in their bitter aftermath, the next four words were cast in iron.

"We are that crew."

Now, when force gradually built in the Commanding Officer's statement, he began to pace the Bridge, locking eyes with his Senior Officers while he spoke. "Our ship is a symbol of honour and heritage... bestowed upon us by the Federation before the unknown enemy began to replace and impersonate our leaders, and she embodies the trust of those we are sworn to protect. By serving her, we accept the responsibility of our chosen profession... and it is a privilege that we must earn every day."

Jien's dark eyes were haggard, yet his sense of duty stronger than his spirit had been the last weeks. He placed his hand over his chest as he continued. "It is a trial for the heart - to be alone," he said, because that was what they were, "...yet only until we have accomplished what we mean to do: To expose the true nature of Starfleet Command by whatever means necessary. For our loyalty to Starfleet and Federation is beyond reproach. We will always stand ready to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. We do not advertise the nature of our work or seek recognition for our actions. We voluntarily accept the inherent hazards of our profession, placing the welfare and security of others before our own."

He came to a stop, and all that was heard were the cries of their damaged ship, the hiss of broken monitors and the groan of the hull. "We serve with honour... on and off the battlefield."

Silence again, while Jien let those words linger in the hearts of his crew. Honour was a word that at least he had forgotten in the midst of all that had happened. "We will never quit," he said, almost a whisper. "We persevere and thrive on adversity, exemplified but not limited to our ignorant sisters and brethren in Starfleet. Brave men and women of all species known to the Federation have fought and died building the proud fleet we once belonged to, and we will be damned if it was all for naught, and they died in vain!"

The Captain took a deep breath, and soon, when the echo had faded, finished his statement with his chin held high. "In the worst of conditions, the legacy of our predecessors steadies our resolve... and silently guides our every deed."

He turned his head to his XO, as if in contemplation of what else there might remain to to be said at this worst hour of their voyage. In the end, he delivered the Dedication upon their plaque, because no other day had it been a better day to voice those old words. "Courage is fear, when it has said its prayers."

Then, he spoke no more, and retreated to his Ready Room - the XO giving the Bridge to the Second Officer before following.

Throughout the ship, activity gradually picked up again - a long night ahead of them all.



OOC: This thread is open for everyone to post whatever they may in reaction to their new mission statement - a chance for you all to introduce your different characters before the the plot begins. The Theurgy have yet to reach the M-Class planet, heavy repairs are underway, Sickbay is full of patients, yet the ship is in the clear - finally underneath the Federations radar (so to speak).

Feel free to foreshadow the discovery of the planet which they will soon come to orbit around! It might be spotted by their semi-functioning sensors during the night.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: KittyKat on May 10, 2011, 03:25:28 PM
Amatras glanced up briefly from her console as she heard the captain begin to speak.  As soon as he began to speak though she glanced back to the console and continued her simulations.  On the screen thousands of variables flew by almost to fast her for eyes to register them all.  Each time she adjusted the system slightly more either to make up for new data or to try to tweak consumption levels.  However as her husband read off reports over her comm link the system kept getting more and more strained.  Things didn't appear good yet, but she knew she had to keep positive.  She'd even broken her own regulation alittle for the sake of the crew's moral, having all Ash'reem lift their protective harnesses slightly higher then normal, so that the other species pheromones could be spread through the ship's damaged life support systems.  Had the crew been completely comprised of Ash'reem she'd have asked the captain to turn off primary and secondary lightning systems leaving emergency lightning on only.  She dreaded telling the captain but primary deuterium storage tanks had taken a direct hit.  For the last few thousand light years they'd been leaking deuterium giving a trail to follow.  Thankfully, those tanks now were dry, which likely had helped their final escape from Federation space.  She hated to think about it but with the multiple hull breaches on decks 3, 4, 6, and 8 there likely was going to be contamination of the drinking water and air systems from waste management.  Both Battle bridges were in fact in hard vacuum now. 

As she listened to the speech she focused on the words and the positive implications of them.  Allowing them to stimulate her pheromone glands and slowly fill the air around her with a series slight euphoric pheromone.  There  were insufficient Ash'reem onboard to have this effect the entire ship but atleast she knew medbay and the bridge would be in good moral. As the speech finished she glanced at Jien and gave a hopeful smile. "Captain Ives, may I speak with you in private away from the crew I'm ready to give my report."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on May 10, 2011, 10:21:19 PM
Just about to enter his Ready Room together with his Executive Officer, Jien paused and turned half his face towards his new Chief Science Officer.

He gave the half-klingon woman at his heels a glance before replying the Ash'reem - the woman he had yet to truly know beyond her distinguished life-span, achievements and recent efforts in her Department. "If you are merely to deliver the report from the Science Department, then you will not mind if my First Officer also attends while you do so, Lieutenant. She as much as I need to hear what you have to say."

Thus, Jien led the way inside the Ready Room and sat down in his chair. And in that movement, he changed into... her female form. She had felt a need to change since she disliked having to lie to her crew - albeit how she arguably only had given them false hope through poor rhetoric. In any case, she felt some minor relief to simply change, and tell herself that what that other man with her pips had said was the truth. Oh, she knew the ramifications of such thoughts, and imagined that their late Counsellor would have liked to discuss such notions.

Jien simply did not care at that point, bitter and furious as she currently was - an austere frown upon her forehead that was the same as her male form just had worn. From her seat, she watched her First Officer enter followed by Amatras Neotin. Jien did feel the effects - the alleviating feeling that simply could not surmount the sense of responsibility that burdened her conscience - but in as much capacity she could muster, she was pleased at the relief. For Jien still knew that the feeling she felt was treacherous; did not keep her thoughts on the harsh reality they were in. She knew the source, and while pleasant, she grit her teeth and looked the Lieutenant dead in the eye - her own brown meeting the lensed kaleidoscopic irises.

"Go ahead," she said quietly, and just like Jien suspected that her XO would do from her position in the background, she gave Amatras her full attention.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: KittyKat on May 10, 2011, 11:46:02 PM
Amatras nodded at his comment and then stood following them hesitantly at first and then with more confidence.  Her stride only wavering slightly at her knees as she walked which was difficult to control for her species outside of water.  As Jien met her gaze Amatras gave a silent sight of relief that she wore her goggles well on duty.  It made it difficult for others to read her emotions due to the heavy tinting that her species required to see in normal lightning conditions.  Giving a quick salute to both superiors she moved to place her hands behind her back clasping each in the other tightly as she began.

"Initial damage assessments were optimistic at best, delusional at worst ma'am.  You know about the damage on deck three, six and eight to our propulsion systems.  However these are the least of our concerns, decks three, four, six and eight took the worst hits, with all decks suffering minor damage.  Both battle bridges have been rendered uninhabitable, and may take as long as a week to bring back online.  The Deuterium storage tanks on deck three have been completely compromised, and are currently empty well deck eight's storage tanks have multiple leaks, most of which are currently being sealed.  We estimate deck eight's deuterium supply to be at thirty percent capacity, but the matter is trivial as deck eight's dueterium injector cores have been destroyed, and most of our reactor needs are being met by deck ten's fuel storage tanks.  The impulse engines on deck six, have been damaged, but repairs should allow them to be back online within sixty eight hours hopefully. 

"Our real concern though is our food and drinking water supplies.  Damage to decks three and four have compromised our waste management systems and Life support systems.  Initial results aren't conclusive yet but there is a ninety six percent chance our sewage is leaking into our drinking water supplies.  Furthermore the damage to deck six has caused problems in power distribution systems, its hard to be certain right now but we were hit by some manner of torpedo near the power distribution hub there.  Most of the damage on decks three and four was caused by a direct hit to deck three's forward torpedo bays, which acted as a catalysis causing all of our forward torpedo storage bays to explode.  Docking hatches on the upper decks are currently damaged beyond repair, we're working on a potential jury-rig system that can support it until we can find the necessary repair parts though. Cargo bay seven has a atmospheric leak and we've cut life support to it, we suspect most of our supplies have leaked from the bay though. 

"As you know we lost the upper science labs, and torpedo control room.  Several rooms on deck six are experiencing atmospheric leaks, and we're not sure how many actually were damaged in the crew quarters there.  Transporter rooms five and six are no longer accounted for, we have a gaping hole in the hull there, that runs from cargo bay seven to the lower engineering support labs.  We suspect this hole has resulted in secondary damage to the docking latches on the lower part of the ship's deck six section but this has yet to be confirmed.  I've wrote several proposed energy management and resource conservation solutions to get us by for the time being but, at best we're lasting three months, at worst two weeks till we run out of resources.  Our biggest concern is our deuterium supply, we need to find a Class M planet with a large ocean and soon.  Some of my suggestions may seem barbaric and even I'm squeamish about them, but given our supply issues, they needed to be mentioned in case the situation deteriorates further."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on May 11, 2011, 04:12:07 AM
(OOC: The XO will interact as soon as it's been approved ;))

Down in 'Below Decks', Bill looked up as the Captain came over the comm and began to talk. He listened for a little while then went back to cleaning the bar. Typical generic "We shall fight them in the starbases, we fill fight them in the stars" jingo crap that he couldn't care less about. Sure, he'd prefer the ship to be staffed by people who were motivated and not liable to start thinking suicidal thoughts, but he himself didn't need motivation, he needed to get off this ship and onto a big pile of credits and/or women.

Still, it had it's advantages. He glanced up at Felicity, who was singing to herself as she tided up the bar. She was dressed in her usual attire, of a see-through white dress and thong-cut panties, her perminently hardened nipples just visable through the soft material. Whenever the door to the bar opened, she would glance up, and if she saw the captain in either form, she would blink and suddenly have a bra on and her panties would be a more traditional cut, and the material might, if the captain seemed in a bad mood, be less see-through.

But right now, she was in her usual attire since it was just her and Bill, and she saw singing as she danced around. She was singing a late 20th century 'love' song, about how much she loved a certain someone.

"I don't want anybody else
When I think about you
I touch myself
I don't want anybody else
Oh no, oh no, oh no"

Despite the original singer being what... Irish? Canadian? Bill couldn't remember, but Felicty's greek accent somehow made it exotic, and still very hot. As the captain finished his address, Bill called over. "Hey Felicty!" She turned, flicking a blonde curl over her ear. "Yes my loyal worshipper? What can your goddess do for you today?" she asked, smiling with godly patience at him. Bill smiled. "You can run Bill-742 for me. Password- Locked door."

Felicity paused for a moment, then her hands flew to her dress, pulling it up and then yanking down her panties, flashing Bill her digital sex, while pulling down the top of her dress to show off her beautiful artifical breasts. After a few seconds she shook her head and then quickly replaced the clothing, and then went back to cleaning as if nothing had happened.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on May 11, 2011, 01:01:35 PM
As Lt. Neotin reported the combined results no-doubt gathered from both Engineering and Ops together with her own calculated estimation for how long they would manage without gathering supplies and finding means to replenish their energy sources, Jien Ives stood up from her chair and made the wall panel display the deck layout. While the Ash'reem spoke, Jien followed along with her account of their losses whilst her eyes darted between the different segments of the ship. The panel flickered, to and fro, while she took in the news.

Ironic, how she had just told the crew that their ship was their icon - the embodiment of their duty and the last shred of their honour.

Their ship was a gutted fish, throw out into the backwaters of the Alpha Quadrant.

"Priorities..." she said, as if to herself, and turned her eye back to the C-Sci. "Would you relay these measures to their affected departments, Lt: Our first priority is - and this because Starfleet might just pick up our trail of leaking deuterium any given hour - that our propulsion systems are restored. Please have your husband tell the Chief Engineer to allocate manpower enough so that we are not left as sitting ducks out here. Moreover, we need full propulsion in order to reach said M-Class planet. That is, if the COps can find one for us out there outside the door on his sensors, or your department can somehow reach either Stellar Cartography on Deck 04 or the Astrometrics Lab on Deck 06 and find the shortest route possible to such a planet."

Jien turned fully towards Amatras and forestalled any comment. "I hear you in regard to Life Support and the very likely contamination of our drinking water. I also realise that we do not have the energy to spare for replicating an abundance of water supply. In the end, our hopes lies upon finding somewhere to hide and lick our wounds. Hence, propulsion and impulse engines are the top priority."

Walking away from the wall panel, the Captain folded her arms beneath her breasts, thinking while the CSO jotted down the instructions on the PADD. "Unless you have already taken it into consideration, I want you to run a new calculus on the energy we might spare - along with how much longer time we gain - if we resort to order replicator usage to be rationed in order to conserve power for other key systems. We cannot make repairs without energy, and the crew will wish to replicate all of their water since -news will spread about the contamination. The only replicators that will not require Department Senior Officer permission - until we manufacture replicator rations for more accessible usage - will be those in Engineering and Sickbay."

Looking down upon the deck below their feet with a frown, Jien soon continued. "Second priority is," she said and threw a glance towards Nerina, "and I know you might argue with me about it: ....the Docking Latches. I deem it essential that we safeguard our ship's great advantage in battle situations and try to restore our MVAM-capacity as soon as possible. Nearly a third of the ship's weaponry only becomes available during Multi-Vector Assault Mode, and as you just said, our forward torpedo storages have been vaporised. Moreover, the purely tactical advantages are even larger - our rate of survival that much higher - if we can split her up when the heat comes on. I say 'when', and not 'if', since the fleet will sooner or later pick up our trail."

Hard decisions, leaving her crew thirsty and hungry until further notice, yet Jien saw few other alternatives. "Third priority is Life Support... Computer! Will you join us, please?"

There was a shimmering light, and Theurgy - or Thea - materialised in the Ready Room. Evidently, her holomatrix seemed to be affected by the energy crisis on board, since her image was flickering around the edges. "Yes, Captain Ives?"

"Do you deem Lt. Neotin's assessment of the ship accurate?" asked Jien without preamble, knowing that Thea would have overheard the conversation - just like any other conversation on board.

"Yes, Captain," said Thea and turned her head to the Ash'reem, giving her a small smile. She was "dressed" in her usual red suit, arms folded behind her back. she pursed her lips to add, "Her analysis is very astute, like always. Congratulations on your promotion, Lieutenant." The hologram frequently assisted the Science Department given her direct affinity with the ship. She was also a direct support to Ops and Engineering. At such points she would, of course, wear those respective department colours on her body-fitted suit.

Jien did not leave much room for pleasantries, however. This was certainly not the time for it. "The Lt. reported that damage to Deck 06 has caused problems in our power distribution systems, and she says its hard to determine the nature of the damage. Could you tell us more, Thea?"

"Yes, while I do not have the clearance to re-allocate my energy or re-program myself, the Operations Department ought to be advised that the damage has cut power to the these circuit bays in the Middle Computer Core, Engineering, and the Impulse Reactors: Alpha-672, Gamma-954, Epsilon-56-"

"We do not need their designations, Engineering does, so take the information there," said Jien quietly, cutting the AI's narration short, "If the distribution network is rerouted, reserve any additional power for Life Support, but make reparations the priority. Dismissed, Thea."

"Yes, Captain," said the hologram without comment, merely inclining her head dutifully and vanishing.

After the Ship AI Projection vanished, Jien thought a moment, and turned to his new First Officer - this protégée of Starfleet Academy with a soaring track record from her time at Deep Space 4. Jien thought her to be young, but she had not disputed the commission to the USS Theurgy much since she had been told that she would get a new commission of her own. Nerina was never supposed to have been his to begin with, yet events had dictated otherwise. "I would welcome a second opinion, Commander."

Jien leaned against the edge of her desk, her eyes now upon the Half-Klingon instead of the present Ash'reem.



OOC: Kitty, you are welcome to reply once Ascorn has posted next! :) It will be interesting to hear what Amatras has to say about the priorities, and also, thank you for a great and detailed post!
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on May 11, 2011, 03:25:29 PM
Nerina had been focused on her own PADD from the moment their new CSO had begun speaking, bringing up the data, running her own analysis, working out her own conclusions, using her own methods, her own values and equations, taught to her by her father and mother. Her mother had always told her that people would accept a lot of negatives now if you could promise them a big positive tomorrow, and showed them steps to get there. Thus her thinking was more of what was the most they could repair, ignoring the consequences to the crew, then working backwards, bringing it back to a point when the crew would accept it and/or not die because of it.

However, as she began to work out her priorities, as soon as her stylus began to slide and drag them into place, the Captain began to speak, and she paused to listen to his, sorry, now her statements, Nerina jotting them down with taps of the stylus on her PADD. Nerina's brow creased more as the captain went down the list, before finally she looked at the XO and asked for her opinion.

Nerina took in a deep breath, then began. "I agree with you on those being our main priorities, but I would suggest that life support needs to be higher, the docking hatches should be third, not second. Yes the ship, in battle, requires those hatches operational, but the crew's well-being and health right now should be of a higher priority than their possible health and safety in a battle. I understand, Captain, that this seems like a somewhat meaningless argument, but the crew has been through a lot, and the measures that we will have to enact will not be popular. We need to make them see that the problems are temporary, that we are working on the problem as a major priority, and that it will be solved soon." she said, holding her PADD in front of her like a shield.

"But-" she said quickly, not wanting to let the Captain get a word in before she finished. "But I do take your point, Captain, that we may need to split up, if only so that we have a chance to have some section of the crew avoid capture so that the truth can be spread. And to that end, even if we do keep the priority list as you have laid out, two suggestions, one, we focus the crew on the life support repairs, we tell them it's the secondary priority unless they are directly involved in repairs, so that they are thinking about how the ship's focus is on their safety here and now, and secondary, we examine setting up a water filtration system in the mess hall and in..." Nerina looked at her ship schematic for a moment. "Below Decks. We should have some emergency system in the cargo hold, or perhaps replicate one instead. It will not solve the water problem, by any means, but it will be a clear sign that we are working on the problem." she finished, glancing at Ash'reem as she spoke, not ignoring her, trying to gauge both of their reactions to her suggestions. She did broadly agree with the captain, she merely was focusing on the morale of the crew slightly more than she felt the captain was.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on May 11, 2011, 04:46:44 PM
Standing there, leaning against her desk, Jien listened to her XO with eyes utterly unblinking - her features like a cliff-face in the apex of deepest winter.

Yet when she spoke, at last, it was in acquiescence with her First Officer's suggestion. "Agreed," she said, and a small weary smile accompanied the inclination of her dark-haired head, "This needs to be on a strict need-to-know basis for it to work, so make sure only the Department Heads are made aware and they - in turn - inform the people they can trust to not misspeak. Even if certain repairs are made, those that are doing them does not always have to know what kind of priority their work has, given how these circumstances we are in dictate how all repairs and tasks are high priorities. We need to call a Senior Staff meeting as soon as Dr. Nicander in Sickbay deems he has the situation under control."

Jien then turned back to Amatras and folded her hands behind her back.

"So, Lieutenant," she said to summarise, "does the recommendations in your hand entail a water-filtering system as well as replicator rations? Thea will be addressing the Power Distribution issue with Engineering and Ops, so let her handle that, but the rest of the issues needs to be attended to. So, please, do you have any supplementary ideas to handle the situation?"

Somewhere, in the back of Jien's plagued mind, she knew she was being overly militaristic in the use of titles and strict orders. Hell, she had been a Counsellor earlier in her life. However, she still deemed it was quite necessary to handle the crisis; making each and everyone rather well aware about the importance of this coming night they faced - how their actions and inactions would be the triumph or downfall of their enterprise. If they made it through the night, and found a source of supplies and Deuterium, they would be able to regroup...

...and set the records straight.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: KittyKat on May 11, 2011, 06:33:50 PM
"In all honesty, filtering the water would be less effective then sterilizing it.  Also filtering the water would be to expensive in the long run, we simply do not have sufficient water filters to maintain such a system past a week at most.  These filters would be better used locally in the systems that require clean for operating purposes to spread them out until we have enough energy to attempt replication of more.  

"I'd recommend two options for our solution.  The first would be to create a bypass at valve seven, linking our water system up to run near the warp core coolant lines, they should be giving off enough heat that it will cause the water to boil.  Afterwards we run it by the exposed section of the hull, this would cool it again, at that point we can pump it back in near where we had previously made the bypass and we'd be releasing only sanitized water into the system.  This bypass would require roughly two hundred cubic meters of extension tubing to be drawn out of storage one, and take roughly twelve hours to install.  It would however ensure that clean water was available throughout the ship with minimal hassle to the crew as a whole.  Its expensive and time consuming but would make the crew as a whole unaware of the problem only that we had to shut the system down for a few hours to do the repair.  Furthermore after set up it'd be rather easy to undo the bypass we set up once the systems were repaired.  The second option would make the crew completely aware of what was occurring, we'd issue a ship wide order that all water must be boiled before consumption. 

"This has several risks, besides the obvious effects to moral, it also runs the risk of starting a plague on board the vessel, not everyone will be patient enough to wait the full ten minutes it may take to sterilize water, also contamination will remain in utilitarian water, such as showers, and food preparation.  This also runs the problem of with so many individuals boiling their water the energy network will be strained further then it needs to be." She sighed and glanced between the two women before her and then looked down.

"Furthermore, we have the urgent matter of repair parts, under normal circumstances the standard procedure would be to take the Theurgy into space dock for extensive repair, no normal vessel carries a sufficient stock of repair parts to undergo all of the repairs we need.  As this is not an option we're left with three major solutions.  First, we'd need to salvage parts from the vessels we damaged during our escape. not a very pleasant solution, and the one the Federation is most likely to suspect we'll use.  Second, we could try to search the civilian markets for the parts we need, but this would require that we not be detected, and that we have sufficient currency and time to purchase these parts.  The third option is what I'd recommend we do, once we find a class M planet, and replenish our fuel stores, we replicate what parts we can and the tools to make the parts we can't.  This process could take several months, but it'd be months that we could spend mobile avoiding the Federation forces tracking us.  Any questions?"
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on May 12, 2011, 01:49:21 AM
Nerina listened to the Chief Science Officer, well aware that as a woman in her mid 20's, she was here, listing to a subordinate that had lived for nearly twenty times her own lifespan. It did stir some emotions, worry that she wasn't worthy of her position, but she quickly put them aside, like she always did. She was the Executive Officer of the USS Theurgy, and she had earned that position, she belonged here. Even if here was not a place she would choose to.

However, as the CSO began detailing options, discussing how to obtain spare parts, Nerina caught the eye of the captain and shook her head. Once the CSO asked for questions, Nerina spoke up.

"Well, I do like the purification system concept, and would strongly advise that we go that route Captain, although we should still ration water somewhat until we know the system is working fully.

But for spare parts... Option 1 I don't think is possible, since by the time we would have disabled a Federation ship, boarded, located the parts we needed and transported them, they would have alerted all other ships in the area. Unless you suggest that we start actively hunting Federation ships, which is not the way to prove our innocence in my view. Option 2 would be best, since we do have someone on board who knows the criminal world but as I understand it he needs something to trade. We cannot replicate Latinum, and up until now what trading he has done as relied on replicated goods which we cannot make right now. So we are left with Option 3, at least until such time as the replicators are back in near full working condition, then we can transition to Option 2." Nerina advised, clutching her PADD tight as she gave her opinion on their situation. She looked to the captain, and awaited her decision.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on May 12, 2011, 08:49:07 AM
Whilst the two Officers spoke, Jien had begun to slowly pace the room - listening to the wise counsel of people less disheartened. Less cynical in the aftermath of what they had been through. It would have been easy to just write them off as air-headed idealists cheering all the way down into whatever hell might apply for them all, but Jien knew she was far out on the wrong limb there - knew her own error in doing so. It was not justified by any means. Any words or even thoughts in that direction utterly uncalled for. They were presenting solutions, she had to remind herself, qualified assumptions and a factual analysis of what they all might do next to survive. It was not her place as a Captain to voice such petty emotions, regardless of what she thought about the situation. She reminded herself that every individual on-board were in this mess together, and the only way to handle the mess was if they shovelled it up together.

Who was she to think she had all the answers? Oh, she knew it was a common reaction in a time such as this, and even more dangerous given her role on board. She could not afford to be disheartened, especially when some of the crew might sense her lack of faith - see past her two-fold complexion.

"I think Lt. Neotin was referring to going back and scavenge the ships we have left in pieces along our path," she said and shook her head a bit mournfully, "like we have not committed enough atrocities in the eyes of the fleet we consider ourselves somehow still belonging to. I refuse to to make hyenas of ourselves, when we already are kinslayers. In one way, what we have done has stained us in the eyes of the Federation, so a little more dirt under our nails would do little difference - the floating graves out there being an option for spreading the truth we hold. However..."

She rounded on the two, her brown eyes uncompromising. "I will not hear another word about it. We leave the dead to rest in peace, and pray that we somehow - some day - will be forgiven by their families for what we have done. It is by a long-shot that we will even escape being court-marshalled - every single one of us - despite the greater good we think we serve by presenting our evidence. In all likelihood, the medals we get will be the white patches we wear before a firing squad - our last prayers merely giving us the courage to not soil ourselves."

She held their eyes for a few moments, each in turn, before sighing and returning to her desk. "I am in accord with Commander Nerina about this. Please, make it happen, Lieutenant," she said and cast her eye to the Ash'reem... somehow wishing that her affect upon morale would have extended to her own sorry self a bit more potently. Alas, the sorrow, regret, and fury was all too bitter, dark and fiery. "Dismissed."

Jien folded her her arms underneath her breasts and looked to the deck until she was alone with her First Officer.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on May 12, 2011, 04:42:15 PM
Commander Nerina nodded to the Lieutenant as she turned and headed out the door, trying to convey with a simple head nod that she appreciated her input and hard work, hoping she was able to convey her feelings in the brief second before the Ash'reem went back onto the bridge. The half-Klingon turned as the door closed, then sighed. She took a moment to put her PADD down on the captain's desk, then moved the chair opposite the desk so that she was directly facing her commander, Nerina putting her hands together on the desk, then took a second to think before she spoke.

"In the Paq'batlh, the holy books of the Klingon Empire, there is a story, in the fifth tome of Kovkos. It is about Marna, daughter of Molor and one of his many slaves. As a child of Molor, she should have been put to death by Kahless and Lukara when they defeated Molar and formed the Klingon Empire. But Lukara either took pity on the child, or felt that she was not worthy of death, there is argument about that passage, the scroll is damaged. Regardless, she was allowed to live and continue working in the palace as a slave. Despite being the daughter of Molor and despite not having any honor, she served the new empire, and after many years of servitude and abuse she actually threw herself on a poisoned blade meant for the sleeping Kahless. As she died, Kahless issued a threat to Fek'lhr, telling him to not take her, for she had earned her place in Sto-vo-kor." Nerina said, her voice low and soft. As she finished the tale, she shook her head.

"It probably has some basis in fact, most Klingon fables do, but it's implications are hotly debated by wise men and women, the idea that honor can be earned by even the lowest, most dishonarble... Some do not like the fable. But I always viewed it more as a story telling you that if you work hard at the job in front of you, no matter how hard, no matter how badly those above you are treated, you will, eventually, find honor and peace." she said, looking at the changling. "Right here and now, we are that young woman, abused by those above us. But we must do the job in front of us, which is to survive until we can expose the true traitors." she said, her voice calm as she spoke. She knew that she was younger than most of the other officers on board, and that the captain and her were never meant to be a team, but here and now, she could sense that the Captain was... Not thinking positivly, and Nerina had to do what she could to fix that.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: MasterRat on May 13, 2011, 04:44:46 PM
The intercom chimes in and a calm voice is heard over the static, “Chief Engineer Nolak Kalmil, reporting sir.  I just got the intercom system in engineering operational; the situation here is a mess sir as you probably guessed that.”  There’s a pause.  “Warp core is at approximate 68% capacity while we work around the clock to repair the damage from the last battle. Life support now about 62% of the ship and this should be improved to full recovery in all the core areas in a couple hours, however most of the heavy damaged such as deck 3 and the internal explosion from the storage bay on deck 8 are nearly inaccessible until we reach some sort of space dock before these can be of any use to us."

'As for the other hull breach areas Amaras mentioned, these shouldn’t be nearly as impossible to repair.  Estimate time for optimum power will be between two to six days depending on how much can be salvaged from the damage sites.  Without assistance from any starbase or spaceports full recovery is impossible. So if at all possible avoid any engagement that may involve space combat. I can hold her together now but anymore undue stress and our baby Theurgy will twist apart, however because that option might not be available I’ll have her at lease combat ready by the end of today with several of our phaser banks. My computer is shot so much of my damage read out is being handed to me by carrier pigeons, I.E. ensigns running about with their wings flapping.’’ 

There’s sounds of crew members working with heavy gear in the background.  “However, in a pinch we should be able to spike our combat efficiently to approximately 89% or more for a short period of time if we do encounter anything while in route to our current destination. One bit of good news, most of our shield emitters are still reading in working condition; however it’s a matter of rerouting the power flow through the damage area that’s causing the most problems.” His voice trails off as he speaks away from the comlink, “Hey, ensign don’t do that, put those power converters by the turbo compressors and shut that valve off.  (back into the comlink), It’s a mess down here sir but trust me I’ll keep our baby alive and in tip top shape sir. Chief out”  The link goes dead, he then presses a few buttons and sends the captain a full damage report, it’s bad but manageable.

Chief Kalmil, steps away from the console and whips his brow with a rag before scanning the engineering room.  At one time the engine room was a place of peace and order before the sudden attack from Federation ships, the now battered engine room has wires dangling and blown out panels everywhere.  A few small pressure valves have ruptured and jets of steam shoots into the noisy air as crewmembers works diligently to repair the core systems.  Nolak himself having been up since the battle feeling weary from sleep deprivation, slides under the control panel he made his call from and continues to repair the many connections that needs replacing after the panel suffered from a energy spike.  An Ensign Hulark, approaches the chief and lighty taps at his feet, “Sir, here’s the report from the aft section of the ship.” The ensign leans down and hands over a datapad. 

“Thank you, Ensign,” Kalmil says as he slides from beneath the panel and takes the report. Quickly he reads the information and smiles, “More power outages and rubble and this is going to require a good deal of time to find and repair.”  He slides from under the panel and adjust his soot blasted uniform.  “I’ll start perform these repairs myself, some of them require a delicate hand and a lot of jimmy-rigging, glad we are kind of renegades because I’m going to have to break a few Federation protocols just to get his bucket of bolts in working order. Ensign, see what you can do about repairing the communication connection in this control panel, looks like a few of the fused and needs some minor repairs.”  The Ensign nods and proceeds to get to work on the repairs.

 Chief then looks over at a Junior Lieutenant  Arcorn Neotin,  “Lieutenant Neotin, hold the fort while I go make some repairs, call me If you need anything. Make sure that the warp core reading stay well within the safety parameters, and inform me immediately if anything out of the normal happens. You know the drill and keep the young kids repairing anything thing that needs fixing, I’ll be back as soon as I can.” 

He turns and reaches into a locker and takes out a environmental suit and a pair of grav-boots. “The teleporters are somehow operational, however I would advise not using them as of yet until we can perform some tests on them, anyways engineering com is yours, page me if you need me, oh and crew your all doing an outstanding job so keep busy and we’ll nurse baby back healthy and strong.”  After this Chief Kalmil turns and exits engineering heading towards the turbolift.  He takes out a small vial and dabs some of the liquid contents upon his pheromone glands knowing his body has been over stressed as of late and hasn’t taken a shower in god knows when. 
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on May 13, 2011, 11:37:49 PM
Seated in her chair, Jien listened to Nerina's story from the Paq'bathl - her brown eyes staring upon nothing at all. Yet when her First Officer made her point, her gaze returned to her. She saw the merits in Nerina's ambition to put their fates into a different light, to raise her spirits, yet the Captain was not easily swayed. She did smile to Nerina now, having been granted an opportunity to see just how resourceful she might be besides her great efforts since they left Earth. It was a rueful smile, however.

"Did you not say Marna died, while our greatest obligation right now is to live?" she said quietly, but she raised her hand to forestall the obvious retort. "Pardon, you are right, of course. I could not help myself. I find it hard to be optimistic about the situation at hand given how I am - strictly speaking - chief responsible for ordering the death of countless comrades in the fleet."

And on that note, the smidgen of mirth fell into the vast pool of their desolation. "They were innocent, Commander," she said, "Ignorant... Beguiled by their very chain of command, by the traditions and principles we aim to uphold. I gave the orders, I raised my hand and I pointed, and I called 'Fire'. Just like I was meant to do, and what - perchance - others than me might in our situation."

Jien got up from her chair, and she walked with her arms folded behind her back. "Now, widows all over the galaxy will curse our names as they weep themselves to sleep. Fathers will die desolate, knowing that their bloodline is extinct. Children will..." she trailed off, her point obvious. She turned her eye to Nerina. "The Theurgy has carved its mark into the Federation, and while we did, thousands were crying out for want of our mercy. We knew this. I knew this quite well. How could one be a an Officer and not know the cost? We knew the possible numbers of lives our phasers and torpedoes claimed each time they were discharged. And I raised my hand, and I called 'Fire'."

She lowered her head a little, thoughtful. "Those numbers all add up. They are, in the end, the very sum of our survival - with only a fraction of a chance that they will ever become justified. Unless we succeed, we are nothing but an atrocity in the annals of history. I find it, in this hour, the very definition of what our old Fleet would name 'The cost of duty'. So, the question is, was the price too high? The answer is as plain as the goals of our enemy - or even their nature - impossible to tell."

Right then, the voice of Chief Petty Officer Kalmil broke the silence with the message from Engineering. Jien did not even look up as the status was relayed.

Subconsciously, as Nolak addessed Jien as 'sir', she changed... into his male form. His stance remained the same, and while his heart was elsewhere, he did listen carefully to what the Chief Engineer had to say. It was a rather cheerful - hopeful - report, given the circumstances, which only served Jien to shake his head a bit. As harried as the Chief was in his dire undertaking, despite how well he seemed to handle it, Jien was not granted the opportunity to answer him - somehow thank him. Somewhere, far below the guilt and the righteous fury in Jien's mind, he was pleased that the Deltan had survived the last couple of months, and not been lost like so many others of his old crew.

Jien walked to his glass cabinet, and on top of it rested his dai-katana on its stand. Without loking at Nerina, Jien lifted it down and held it by his side - his thumb resting upon the hand-guard. "Has not the Federation suffered enough war already, I ask myself, now that we hopefully soon stand before a domestic conflict - a persecution of the enemy within our ranks. It seems more true than ever, that peace is that brief glorious moment in time when everyone is mobilizing. Our disposition will never change that, regardless whether we hold true to the lesson that Marna taught us in the Paq'batlh or not."

With his sheathed sword by his side, Jien looked back to Nerina. She needed to know. It was the right thing to say at this point. The least thing he could do for his young accomplice in murder.

"I have preached for diplomacy and counselled innumerable species in my years, and what I have gained, is but a firm disbelief in the concept of lasting peace." A pause, filled with the droning agony of their ship. The cold dead centres of the Chameloid's eyes were unmoving. "Yes, I question what the Federation stand for, and before we ended up here, I was on the verge of tendering my resignation. What drives me now, Commander, is but my bitter need of vengeance upon the enemy that made us what we are."

Murderers.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on May 14, 2011, 01:30:18 AM
Nerina listened with growing concern as the Captain spoke, and was glad on on level for the Chief Engineer's report. She quickly made notes on her PADD as he spoke, then put the styuls down as the Deltan signed off. As Jien went and picked up the dai-katana, Nerina stood, and had to hold back from charging and wrestling the weapon from him. She mentally regressed to the day when she walked in on the Ambassador, jamming the D'k tahg again and again into the young aide's chest. But she forced down her Klingon blood, she pushed it aside, as she could tell, with her human mind, that the Captain was not a threat, was not holding the sword in an aggressive stance. So when the Captain turned back around, she was standing, but in a relaxed, calm stance. She listened to his words, and as he finished, she crossed her arms.

She stood there for a moment, silent, before she lowered her arms again.

"I make no pretence that you and I, and quite possibly several of those officers below us will probably end up in New Zealand, or worse. I'm sure my Mother, right now, is, despite her age, clearing jungle to vent her anger and frustration at my 'betrayal' of the Federation. Our Starfleet careers are over, yes. And in defending ourselves, we have killed people. I could quote you regulations saying that we were justified, Regulation 3, General Order 8... But while we have only served together briefly and under trying conditions, I won't bother trying to convince you that we're legally right.

I will say this, however, Captain. I, along with every other crewmember on board, is here. Is still doing his, her, or their duty, to take care of this ship. Every single one of them believes in you Captain, believes in this ship, believes in the truth. No-one has attempted to retake the ship, no-one has demanded to leave, the crew believes in you Captain. We did not order those other ships to attack us, the moral guilt lies on the imposters in Starfleet who gave the orders. But if you give up on the crew, if you give up on the ship, if you give up on this mission, Jien, then and only then are you truly murdering anyone!" she said loudly, a flash of passion spilling out of her, a marked change from her usual measured, calm tones. She stood there, breathing heavily, before she shook her head. "I'm sorry Captain, that was out of line..." she said, calming herself down, flicking hair back over her head.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on May 14, 2011, 02:14:07 AM
At first, Jien had expected that which she said she would not opt to do; check off the paper-weight paragraphs and protocolls that gave them the right in this matter. It was what he would have expected from her given what he had come to know about her during their harsh trial together. Thus, Jien had suffered the moment placidly before he might point out that there was a right and wrong besides what Federation Law might say on the matter. The moral righteousness compared to rules and standards was far heavier. Thicker, as blood would soak and part papers in far lesser amounts than they had shed.

Yet when Nerina completely changed course, and nailed - syllable by syllable - the implications of what might have happened into his heart, he was left speechless. He was about to interrupt her and say that he was certainly not deserving of praise in this given moment and time, but she overrode him like a harsh slap in the face, and he remained silent for a great while after her outburst.

"Would you, in my..." he began, but discarded the idea of trying to make her see things from his own weary stand-point. This crew surely did not need another one that had lost faith, and he realised he might just be doing a terrible error by trying to crumble the wall that Nerina had climbed up upon - shouting the truth across the high picket fence that he had raised around his own heart. In the end, he had to sigh and break his gaze away from her. He had to confess, however grudgingly that she had a point, and that he had no measures to dispute it. She had stated facts that he could not deny, however much he mistrusted the right he had to illicit such kind of faith from his crew given the situation.

"There is no need to apologise," he said at last in a low voice, looking at the deck below his feet, "a Captain needs to be reminded, and especially an old one, that there is more to this than their own petty convictions - their beliefs or disbeliefs. Vengeance by all means, fury, aye. Yet I am here, as I am supposed to be, for the crew of this ship, and to bring each and every one of you all home, and to stand tall with my chin raised, and say that you all have served with a sense of duty and honour that has made their Captain feel inadequate, and undeserving. For only then, when faced with your unwavering faith, do I earn the right to feel these things."

Jien looked up, and a small smile - still weary but now touching his eyes - had found itself into his haggard mien.

"Thank you, Number One."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on May 14, 2011, 02:49:09 AM
Commander Nerina picked up her PADD and stylus, slowly. That was the first time he had called her Number One, and she hadn't realised until he said it how much it meant. "You are very welcome, Captain." she said in responce, before turning on her heel and heading to the door. She paused, however, just outside the range of the door's opening mechanism and turned back around. "By the way, when the holodecks are back up and running, we must do some sparring together." she said, indicating the sword still in his hands. "I'm sure you could teach me a few things, and perhaps even I might show you something." she said, trying to inject some sort of humor or good will back into the room before she went back onto the bridge. She sat down in the captain's chair, taking control while he was still in his ready room, Nerina checking over some figures as the ship slowly tried to repair itself.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: MasterRat on May 14, 2011, 06:20:54 AM
Standing alone in the lift he puts on the the environmental suit  checks to make sure all the seals are secure on his suit before saying to the computer, “Computer, follow these instruction , take me to Deck 8, but don’t open the doors” It zooms to level 8 and remain close. The computer chimes in, "affirmative"

“Ok computer, what’s the status outside the turbolift.” The voice answers,”There has been several hull breach on this level, no life support, no active gravity wells.”  

“Damnit,  ok Computer I want you to depressurize the turbolift and siphon the air to a storage unit.”  The computer complies and a hissing sound begins as the ducts suck out the air of the lift.  His body becomes much lighter as the pressure dissipates .  “Now computer, once I exit the turbolift I want you to depressurize and return to normal operational status, also, seal off Deck 8 from all other personal unless they have the right clearance code, Alpha Tango Kalmil 318. Understood?”…  “Yes”  … “Ok computer, open the doors.”

The doors open up to and the rest of the air rushes out from the turbolift making one last hissing sound before complete silence.  He steps through the door and the turbolift closes behind him.  Looking down the hallway into a tangle of debris and floating objects.  The living quarters for some of the commanding officers are located on this deck.  As he walks by each living quarters he scans the room through the door hoping to find some sign of life.

Frozen water droplets hang in the air like diamonds and clings to the walls and doors giving the appearance that someone started gluing glitter and sparkles all over everything. Silently Nolak walks down the hallways being careful avoiding loose free floating wires.  The lights everywhere flicker and sometimes live wires cross sending out an amazing display of fireworks of sparks.  With his tricoder out he checks each room as he passes hoping for any signs of life. This is a dangerous place to walk, he thinks to himself as he continues his scans. 

His goal is to reach the storage bay to find out if there are any of the crucial supplies he needs left within it. He finally stops before a paired of sealed doors of the supply room.  Scanning what lies behind it seeing that the air pressure is the same in there as it is in the hallway decides to open it up. It fails to open automatically forcing him to   manually bypass the doors.

It suddenly opens fast and he’s staring into a pair of human eyes. He jumps back startled and losses his magnetic connection to the floor. Tumbling in a weightlessness before regaining his footing a little ways down the hallway.  After he regains his composure he looks at the human who’s skin is now a bluish tint and devoid of life. 

He suddenly realize it’s a man he used to tell jokes with in the galley, First Lieutenant Arron Linn.  Sadness sweeps over Nolak like a wave smashing against a seawall as tears start to swell within his eyes.  Blankly he gaze into the lifeless eyes for a what seemed like hours lost in thought thinking about all the things Arron could of done with his life, thinking about the Borg invasion onboard the Excalibur, thinking about what’s in stored for the rest of the crew.  Shaking his head a bit he reawakes from his daze saying to himself, “I’m sorry Arron, you should still be alive, everybody should still be alive… why.. can’t they all still be alive.” tears slowly travel down his cheeks . He takes a deep breath and forces his gaze beyond the body. 

Behind the corpse is a cluster of chaos of tangle metal, wires and even worst, the destroyed supply crates and equipment. A huge gapping hole in the side of the ship with the vacuum of space and shining gems called stars twinkling innocently against a black backdrop.  Large chunks of frozen water float suspended in cold silence.

Entering the storage area he quickly scavenges for anything that may be useful. Taking an empty container he fills it with gear that’s floating about the room.  Next he walks along the edge of the room shutting off every valve within the room closing off water mains, and power circuits, air vents, gas lines whatever. 

Once he's done collecting the gear he turns off the main power grid for this section of the ship.  The lights within the room go out and the only light now is coming from the hallway and the lights from the helmet of his spacesuit.  As he leaves the storage room he seals the door shut, and with his scanner he checks the door for it’s strength integrity.

With a mighty shove he sends the crates with useful supplies free floating down the hallway watching them bounce off the walls till they disappear around a bend.  Holding Arron Linn and as if handling a baby he takes the corpse with him walks back down the hallway planning to give the young man a proper burial.  As he passes one of the open rooms he enters inside and takes some blankets free floating, and following an ancient custom wraps the body, says a few words of remembrance, and then returns to the turbolift with the body and crates.

Standing in front of the turbolift with his gathered supplies and the body he then says, “Computer, Alpha Tango Kelmil 318, open the door.  After a few moments the door opens and he quickly throws everything inside and enters before too much wasted energy is used up. Once inside he slumps to the floor tired and exhausted he makes an attempt to get up but find that he just doesn’t have the energy to move anymore within moments he drifts asleep still in his environmental suit with the wrapped up body in his arms and a few crates stacked to the side.

*ooc*  Yeay,  no more eye bleed >.< 
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on May 14, 2011, 09:59:42 PM
After the tubolift's door closed, and the Chief Engineer sank to the floor amongst the supplies and spare parts he has collected, the lift waits there for a supplementary command. Seconds pass, and with the lack of further instructions, most Starship turbolifts would simply go where a new passenger needed it.

Instead, however, the turbolift suddenly had another visitor - photons projecting into the figure of a woman and forcefields making out her "physical" mass. Her body-fitted suit materialised in teal department colours given the situation, and she immediately crouched down next to the two bodies. One human she could not help, but the other was breathing. She would not have appeared "in person" if the Transport routines were not compromised with the power shortage. Instead, her appearance was a minor drain on power, so the situation demanded a somewhat more unorthodox approach. Brave organics, rushing in with miscalculated degrrees of hope...

Her interaction was the turbolift was seamless. Thea, as she preferred to be called, was the Theurgy's AI's sentient interaction hologram, and she certainly did not need to tell the turbolift to head to Sickbay and to return the oxygen she had just compartmentalised. It just happened, while she deftly removed the environmental suit.

The reason for the woman's alacrity was that she had actually just spoken with CPO Kalmil before he took a walk around the de-pressurised Deck 08 and could therefore - through sub-routines installed for emergency situations - activate herself without delay. Indeed, she was the computer-voice whom the whole crew interacted with daily.  Her freedom to roam the ship, while granted all days and nights, was limited due to Starfleet safety regulations, and there were many areas and operations that she was hard-wired to not be able to interact with of affect by her own choice. More than a third of her programming consisted of scenario descriptions and varying degrees of authority levels, degrees of security clearances addressing the ability to relay what members of the crew might have said or done at some point on board, not to mention the overlapping layers of filters set in place for her in other critical ways...

...yet this kind of situation was one that she was programmed to always address.

She did not need a comm-badge, but spoke right out into the air - her voice reaching the person she had in mind. "SAH (Ship AI Hologram) to Sickbay, one unconscious man incoming in 13,798 seconds. One deceased crew member extracted from Deck 08, in need to immediately be taken to the morgue. The body will lie outside turbolift 2. Out," she said and there was barely any pause until she delivered the next transmission.

"SAH to Engineering, your Chief has collected vital spare parts and supplies from Deck 08. I cannot transport them to you because of the energy crisis I am suffering," she said, as she often denominated herself thus - meaning the ship, "yet you may collect them from turbolift 2 in 23,564 seconds. I will hold it in Engineering for you until you have extracted the material. Moreover, your Chief will be in Sickbay because of his ordeal until further notice."

The turbolift doors opened and Thea had finished removing the environmental suit. She dragged the sheet-covered body out into the corridor before she picked up the Chief effortlessly in her arms and ran into Sickbay - mere meters away. She found the Head Nurse named Jovela and shouted to her over the din in the over-crowded Sickbay - asking for the Chief to be scanned with a medical tricorder. "I am unaware of his condition, Nurse, but he was extracting supplies from the farthest are of my hull-breack on Deck 08."

Thea set the Chief down on a bio-bed and stepped back, her subconscious noticing how Engineering had opened the turbolift doors.

"Will he manage?" she asked the nurse with a concern that had gradually manifested itself inside her after she was programmed to develop and learn - to be rendered 'sentient' by her programmers i Starfleet.



OOC: Enter stage left, Jovela! Enter stage right, the Chief when he comes to...
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on May 15, 2011, 10:26:42 AM
Jovela was in the middle of checking over reports when the Ship, or rather it's AI, ran in. With so many people injured and having to be in sickbay for constant treatment, it was hard to deal with them one on one, so she was having to rely on reports, letting the computer keep track of things and then issuing treatments or reporting to the doctor as the needs presented themselves. But an emergency set her into action. She grabbed a tricorder and then made her way over to the patient.

It should be impossible to run, focusing soley on delivering care to a patient, and somehow make it seem like an erotic act. But the young woman somehow managed it, her breasts bouncing in an effortlessly pleasing way, her legs moving her form across the floor in a graceful way, every step highlighting her curves. And all this was without thinking, without planning. She was, instead, solely focused on the patient, as she flipped open the tricorder.

She waited for a few seconds after the Ship asked the question, focusing on the readings of the tricorder. "Yes, it's nothing serious." she said. Like with the walk over, those few words shouldn't be erotic in any way. But her voice was full, rich and breathless, and had the unmistakable Risan accent, one that screamed erotic pleasure to anyone who had ever visited the Federation's Playground as the Risans would often describe themselves as.

"He's just over-worked himself, he'll be fine in a few moments and some pick me up." Jovela said, smiling at the hologram as she pulled out a hypo, and began to prepare a suitable mix of mild drugs to wake him up. She then leant over, showing that her uniform was perhaps slightly smaller than it should be, as her form was very clearly outlined against the fabric, with no line indicating where underclothes should be, just the swell of her buttocks outlined lewdly against the thin uniform. She injected the patient with the pick me up, and then focused on him, leaning over him. "Chief? Can you hear me? It's Head Nurse Jovela, you're in Sickbay, everything's fine..." she said, rubbing his shoulders, unaware or perhaps uncaring that her large, full breasts were dangling over him, and would probably be the first thing he saw when he woke up.

OOC: I didn't see any injury in the post, so...
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: MasterRat on May 15, 2011, 09:03:10 PM
His bright grey eyes open up unfocused and in a slight daze.  He blinks a few times first at the light and then into the doctors eyes. Quicky he looks around himself, seeing and feeling everyone emotions suddenly his body tense up as he quickly tries to rise to his feet, pushing the doctor suddenly aside pressing against her breast which dangle over him.  In a somewhat delusional state he cries out as his eyes begin to swell up, looking at the doctor and the ships AI Thea, well more like looking through them he pushes her aside and stands to his feet shouting, “Computer, status on the borg position on the ship, we haven’t much time before they breach into main engineering!”

His pheromones easily now overpowering the solution he applied earlier begins to cause many of the other patients to become aware of his presents as many of their pains and uneasy feelings begins to fade away into a calm blissful mood quieting the room. Both the computer and doctor try to subdue him as he tries to push forward out of the room, “Damnit, let me go, If they take the engine room the ships lost and I WILL NOT let that happen,” he continues to shout.  His mind is very unsettled due to prolong sleep depredation and a somthing else tricorder pickup but was overlooked (a small amount of illegal drug substance) as he continues to relive a moment of his past. 

It’s because of his telepathic nature of his race and the overwhelming sweet smelling aromas from his glands the sexual mood of the room begins to increase on some of the more sensitive of members within sickbay.  This includes Dr. Jovela who subconsciously releases him because of her direct contact with the man.  However this has no effect on Thea, the ships AI who continues to hold him firmly in place.

“Don’t you understand, I’ve got to get back there, I MUST GET BACK THERE, I shall not be assimilated today or any other day, release me now that’s an order!” This display of rage and emotions has never been witnessed before from the ever calm and pleasant Chief, yet today his eyes are lost in thought and imagination.  Thea, looks at the doctor and understanding the situation calculates a course and take the hypo from the infatuated doctor and places it against his neck.  He tries to struggle but soon slumps in her arms relaxed and calm again his arms wrap around her waist before he falls unconscious. 
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: KittyKat on May 16, 2011, 02:52:24 AM
        Amakris hesitates for a few moments, her nostrils flaring at the sudden introduction of a foreign pheromone.  Her mind and body racing, analyzing its nature, determining its function and then just under her arm pits, a slight swelling occurs.  Her eyes dilate ever so slightly, as her pulse begins to rise steadily her breathing becoming swifter steadily as she turns toward Nolak and tries to move like the others into his path.  She focused her thoughts, and lightly moved one lip over the other on her mouth, pressing them together in a biting like motion as she resisted the effects of the pheromone.   Her parents had long ago taught her self restraint, an important attribute and an almost essential one for Ash'reem serving in the military.  After a few moments she begins to calm her mind although her body continues to react to the pheromone she chooses to ignore the desires swelling inside her reproductive organs. 

         Her mind stared at Nolak going over a mental checklist.  ~Deltan, male, forty five years of age, exhibiting hallucinations, excretions from the pheromone glands, and slight panic.~  It took her a few moments to place everything in its proper place before she lightly lifted her arms just enough to allow air flow to gain better access to the pheromone glands located there.  A sweet if slightly peculiar scent begins to fill the air around her, as the glands begin to secrete a pheromone similar to the one Nolak is secreting, if a bit more precise in its nature.  Its function merely to bring Nolak and any other Deltan's in the area back to their senses by calming their minds, perhaps even causing a slight buzz of euphoria in those most sensitive to its effects.

      "Jovela what did you give him?  Petty Officer, there are no borg on the ship, please calm down." Amakris said as she tried to block his exit from the medical bay as best she could.  A spot between her legs slowly begins to dampen causing the uniform to darken slightly as she takes position blocking his escape.  Mentally Amakris scolds herself for even allowing herself to register the nature of the pheromone, although she knew full well she had no control over the matter.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on May 16, 2011, 04:03:35 PM
Dr. Nicander made his way through Sickbay, leaving a surgical suite.

The heart, he thought as he moved - running his arms through the sleeves of his lab coat. Organ, emotion and abstraction. Sustainer of life, supposed centre of emotions, and a clean slate. Or, an empty stage where life's drama unfold. All Terran beliefs, all equally wrong. How fragile this unjustifiably revered organ was, yet how resilient, though malleable in its vitality. The expert actor had donned his costume yet again; the previous one tossed aside in the spray of a lost crew member's life. It was a heart's aorta that had burst - an open rupture that had flecked him in crimson.

How easily damaged, and how utterly useful in its alleged capacities.

Isn't that why he loved his profession? Idle thought. Well, he amended, that is perhaps one reason, but it is far from my only one. Never let it be said that he did it for purely selfish reasons, since he did it all for Kisane, and his... kin back on Earth. Of course he wanted to help people most of all - did it matter that it was for the sake of appearance? But in helping people, he figuratively also - for a little while - held their hearts in his tattooed hand. A private joke that was best enjoyed privately so. He refrained from smiling. The play begins anew.

It simply cannot be helped, he reminded himself, stamping down the thrill of power. ~ If you are so tempted ~, an oily voice said, ~ who are you to avoid temptation? ~ He ignored it. Shouts and pointing heralded a new patient, and he moved there. And Chief Medical Officer Nicander was handed a medical tricorder from a nurse, and his pale grey eyes could see the extent of the damage - both the external and those... inside the Conn Officer's body below his gaze. An impulse craved that he would light the shredded uniform in flames and make the Biobed a funeral bonfire.

Yet he didn't, no, Lucan let out a whispered oath - unheard in the noise of Sickbay, and this oath not worded for the apparent reasons. No, he had merely hoped to make this helmsman of the Theurgy working on the Bridge... indebted to him by saving his life, but now... he had to weigh if he should distribute his time and effort to other patients instead. He knew, however, that there was still a chance, despite everything the medical tricorder was shouting at him with its glaring display.

He swore as his tattooed hands worked to compensate for the dropping levels of heart-rate and brain activity. He switched to the hypospray and pumped him with 20 ccs of adrenaline in order to keep the heart going. Yet the facts could not be escaped. Even though he managed to animate the brain with artificial dopamine - which was naturally produced in several areas of the brain, including the substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area - these added neurotransmitters that activated five types of dopamine receptors could not help him. There just was too much hemorrhaging at the base of his skull.

Vaguely, he was aware of the shift across Sickbay - felt it himself. He thought it might be a slip from Amikris end, even though she had actually been the one to counter a previous burst of phermones. Such untimely notions slipping inside a doctor's mind could have caused further causalities, but Lucan merely threw an irritated glance towards the exit - spotting the AI Hologram amongst others. No time, especially not to look at the Head Nurse's form - much less Amikris.

Where was he? Ah, yes, thrombal generator. It would coagulate the blood before it managed to break down motor and sensory systems. Six ccs of Kelotane for the burns. Lucan had to throw away the instruments he did not need in order to grasp for others. The brain was still going. The heart-rate was declining, but he still had time. He moved to the helmsman's torso, knowing that beneath the third degree plasma burns across his abdomen and chest, besides the diamond sparkle of shrapnel embedded in the flesh, was also a ruptured spleen. The nerves not burned away were in shock, and the brain had not been able to process it, but splenic rupture permitted large amounts of blood to leak into the abdominal cavity.

Yet that was far from all.

The helmsman had pneumothorax; air present in the pleural cavity - caused by a rib-punctured lung. A lung that was already collapsing, which made plenty of space for the gushing hemothorax - bleeding resulted by the thorn serous membrane. Meanwhile, a piece of shrapnel had cut the liver - spilling bile into already leaking veins. First Lieutenant Arron Lynn was, indeed, bleeding to death inside, and Lucan's sub-dermal regenerator simply could not compensate for the chain-effect. He had to cast Starfleet surgical procedures aside and rely upon his Aldean training, utterly determined to not loose this patient, be it for all the morally wrong reasons or not.

"Doctor! New injured are arriving from the Lone Wolves. The Transporters are still not working!" came the call from the other parts of Sickbay.

"You know what to do, and I will be there momentarily!" he answered whilst gritting his teeth - eyes wild as he found more and more hemorrhaging starting to spread inside the Lieutenant. He had begun to turn the tide of the battle, until suddenly a... straight section through the Lieutenant's body gave away much more quickly than he could compensate for. Old scar tissue? he thought, eyes widening as he tried, in vain, to forestall the inevitable. From the point where the hemorrhaging slipped out of his control, and the chemicals in her blood began to weaken the already declining immune system, it was over in moments. Over the screaming of people and the groan of the ship's hull plating, Lucan heard the bio-bed's sensors tell him that it was over.

"Damnation!" he said and threw his handful of medical instruments upon the tray - stepping back with his chest heaving in frustration and bitter anger. He raked his blood-coated tattooed hands through his hair. His mind caught up with the situation - dissecting the turn of events...

The Conn Officer was dead. Ironically, even if Lucan had cared, he could not bring to mind the patients name. Was it Arron? Perhaps. Regardless, his time of passing, 2354 hours. Already? Time did fly when you were having fun. "Dr. Nicander... to the Bridge," he said with enacted remorse. "I regret to announce that our dear helmsman has passed away... Sickbay Out."

Now, what the hell was going on over there with the Chief Engineer?

Dr. Lucan cin Nicander was already heading that way, his new labcoat flaring out in his wake like the wings of a fallen angel - already bloodstained and wrinkled.

"Would you so kindly keep your bloody pheromones in check," he said in his faded Câroon accent to the Medical Assistant in the doorway, unaware that Amikris was not the culprit, "or I will have you assigned to a more fitting area for you to dwell during the days, like a Cargo Bay or some place that does not require the kind of focus we need here in Sickbay. Nurse Jovela, would you please make sure she has something to do, so that she may keep her head out of the gutter. Look around, there is plenty to do here, is it not? The winds have some bloody mercy...."

He caught the eye of the Ship AI, and privately, he thought about the significant role she would come to play in his scheme. He conferred with her in brief words, learned about the non-critical state of the Chief Engineer, and knew that he was obligated to attend more pressing injuries. He only gave her a quick nod in gratitude to the AI, and given the energy crisis, she soon vanished. Next, his eyes moved to the aforementioned new patients.

One in particular he recognised quite well... A certain Lt. Evelyn Rawley.

"Lay her down," he called to the security officers that had carried the stretchers from the Fighter Assault Bay, wind-worn stone eyes taking in the critical state of the Tactical Conn Officer. He yanked his stained smock back from his uniformed shoulders and disposed it in a bin. While the ship groaned, he tried to sterilise his hands as effectively as he could at a spot not far from the Biobed, since the human woman had open wounds. "Begin the scans! Give her 17 ccs of improvoline and 6 ccs of merfadon!"

Unlike the helmsman, this woman was someone that took a bit more priority...

"Lt. Rawley," he called as he stared into her eyes, then repeated himself more loudly. Yet Lucan already knew that all that this lover and fighter pilot of his could detect was his mouth moving, since blast injuries to the auditory system not only caused significant bleeding, but - self-evidently - equal loss of hearing. "Nurse, scan her - immediately. Is it a bleeding from the external canal or TM rupture?" All patients exposed to cockpit explosions were to have an otologic assessment and audiometry, yet that was not the primary concern. The bleeding was much to severe.

Explosions had the capability to cause multi-system, life-threatening injuries - presenting complex triage, diagnostic, and management challenges. Explosions could produce classic injury patterns from blunt and penetrating afflictions to several organ systems, but they could also result in unique injury patterns to specific organs including the lungs and the central nervous system. Understanding these crucial differences was critical to manage these kinds of situations, and Lucan had already lost the First Yeoman int he aftermath of the Theurgy's last skirmish with Starfleet. Thus, he would be damned if he would loose Evelyn Rawley - of all the oblivious people on board.

Oh, the CMO did not give one whit about her personally beyond the warmth between her legs, yet she was a crucial asset to him.

She was his last remaining contact amongst the Lone Wolves - the Theurgy's Federation Fighter squadron. Without her, he had no unofficial insight there.

"MTBI, Doctor," called Maal, an uncharacteristically Klingon male nurse, meaning mild traumatic brain injury, "yet added with perforated eardrums from the tympanic membrane rupture. That's not all, Doctor. The primary blast before she punched out affected all air-filled compartments - lungs, ears, and the gastrointestinal tract. Doctor, it may be too late..."

"Give me the hypospray!" said Lucan and began to charge it with anaesthetics. Evelyn's multiple injuries were caused by the direct blast overpressure and by the added circumstance of an enclosed-space explosion-signature - this without adding the trauma of punching out afterwards. Already, Lucan could tell by the presence of the bleeding TM rupture that a high-pressure wave of at least 40 kPa had struck her - which suggested more dangerous organ injury. This was in fact quite certain, since the nosebleed told him that an overpressure of 100 kPa had been present - causing the lung injuries. "Quickly!"

Yet the nurse just stood there, at a loss in seeing the injuries. An image flashed before Lucan's eyes, where he switched on the nearest thrombic modulator and rammed it into the irritable Klingon's eye-socket - making the blood around the brain turn into paste while he writhed upon the antiseptic floor. The urge to act on those impulses were ever present, yet as always, Lucan mastered himself - ignored the screaming voices within.

"Ensign!" shouted Lucan to his Nurse and finally received his hypospray. He leaned over Evelyn and pressed the cold muzzle to her neck - dealing her the hiss of oblivion. her eyes fell shut, and the last thing she might see was him - her deceiver. "What kind of pulmonary barotrauma does she have?" They were the most common of the fatal blast injuries, including pulmonary contusion, systemic air embolism, and free radical-associated injuries such as thrombosis, lipoxygenation, and DIC - disseminated intravascular coagulation. His patient might also have drawn a direct lung injury from other body injuries - most likely a broken rib. "Answer me!"

"I'm sorry, Doctor," said Maal, on the verge of breaking, "I can't tell from the readings..."

Jaws clenched and ripping the medical tricorder from Maal, Lucan checked the readings. Vaguely the notion of the Klingon being affected by the earlier pheromone burst came to him, yet he ignored it.

It was all plain - ticking off like clockwork. The immediate cardiovascular response to pulmonary blast injury was a decrease in heart rate, stroke volume, and cardiac index. Blood pressure fell gradually. "It is A.G.E," he grated and quickly began to compensate for the dropping rates - his free tattooed hand punching at the control panel to the Biobed. Acute gas embolism  - A.G.E - was also a form of pulmonary barotrauma. It required excruciating special attention. Air emboli most commonly occluded blood in the brain and the spinal cord. This, resulting in neurologic symptoms that had to be differentiated from the direct trauma of the explosion. This occurrence was responsible for the majority of casualties in any explosions - cockpit or not.

Lucan was working against time to save Lt. Rawley, furiously trying to stabilise the primary systems in her spine. "Abdominal haemorrhage," he shouted to the Ensign when it blossomed below her spleen, "stall it with the sub-dermal regenerator! Her external wounds can be grossly contaminated, so consider delayed primary closure and assess tetanus status. Get a grip, Nurse! Now!"

Maal began to fumble with the instruments, and Lucan had had enough. "Nurse Jovela, anyone, can I please have this imbecile removed from my sight and get some help in saving this life? She needs to be stabilised, but we don't have the time for the operation right now. Someone please prepare a surgical suite, if we can spare one..."

He needed this Lt. Rawley to love him, in case she survived.

First things must come first
, he reminded himself, resisting his dormant desire to go straight for the core. Tension had to build before the climax came, after all. The half-Bajoran's heart had to be prepared, wooed, before it could be taken. It was not such a burden to delay satisfaction enough to assure that it came at all, and he would be the first to admit that there was pleasure to be found in the means as well as the end. Outside influences stripped away, damaged and hurting, he could begin to put this fighter pilot under his thrall.

He would grasp Evelyn's heart and lift it out of its cage, making it his captive - wounded, hurting, and wholly dependent on him. Under the stage lights, he would make a speech of comfort, of understanding, of healing, and thus enticed, the heart would yield to him, accept him, welcome him without reservations. Deftly, he would hook catheters into the arteries - his words and warmth siphoning blood away and isolating that powerful yet weak organ.

The amount of good he could do was equalled only by the amount of harm, and he was in the negative space between the two. He felt drunk, getting more visions, actually seeing the woman's heart in his hand. Drunk on this giddy dichotomy, Lucan was intoxicated with this heady concoction of power and potential.

This was the moment he was now waiting for, and he was intent on its arrival. In a glimpse, he heeded the fragmented shard of a half-dream or a half-imagination. He saw it - the breaking point. The show-stopper. The scene he'd been waiting for in breathless anticipation to play: the decisive moment. Light glinted off the raised exoscalpel, poised like some bird of prey, hovering above and waiting for the instant when its prey was utterly defenceless and unaware.

It plunged in his mind, a perfect extension of his arm. In reality... he waited seemingly impatiently for a new nurse by his side.

What next? Images flashed like lightning before his dark grey eyes. How could he possibly resist taking a bite of the succulent apple, savouring its rich, dark sweetness, succumbing for a heartbeat to its seduction? Or, would the heart remain whole in his hands, a pagan sacrifice to appease an angry god? Though what good, and for what purpose, he would not venture a guess - not with his insidious half-thoughts coiling in the back of his mind.

He was oddly tempted to laugh.

Blinking, Dr. Nicander clenched his jaws together - focusing on the display before him. It was a component of the script he was to play. He thought that his hands had to be shaking...

...yet when he lifted one, he found that it was not.



OOC: Damn... Got on a roll, and this Prologue being for character introductions, I did not shorten it any... I promise not to make the same kind of posts in the Episode unless it is for setting a new scene, if only then.

Update: I noticed that in switching places with the two patients he treated, the pronouns got tangled up. I made some corrections and I hope it reads better now.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: KittyKat on May 16, 2011, 11:40:55 PM
Amikris Neotin gave a silent glare at Dr Nicander as he accused her of not keeping herself in check.  For a moment she was glad she had to wear goggles in the med bay for her eyes surely would have given away to anger building inside her. "If you feel you must dismiss me, then do so, but it won't solve your pheromone problem doctor."  She asks with a hint of disgust in her voice as she helps Nolak to a bed and lays him down.  Once done, she secures some restraints on his wrists and ankles to ensure he doesn't hurt himself should he stir well in his delusional state, then goes to prepare Lucan's surgical suite. 

She uses her tricorder to scan the room carefully making note of any contaminants she finds and applying the appropriate countermeasures for such contamination should it exist.  Once done she applies a universal coat of antimicrobials to all the needed surgical tools and waits the five minutes for them to air dry.  It would be difficult to be certain that it would be a hundred percent successful but it should prevent bacterial or fungal infection in most patients.

She watches her hands nervously watching the subtle tremor that began in the thumbs and slowly was moving along her hand.  A silent very low pitch groan escaped her lips as she reached into her pocket removing a small package and breaking the seal.   She removes the small pale cream pills inside and extends her tongue wrapping them firmly around the pills and pulling them back into her mouth.  Within moments they slide down her throat and she waits.  The tremor begins to subside within minutes.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: MasterRat on May 17, 2011, 12:51:25 AM
It’s around midnight when the door to the Captains waiting room chimes.  “Enter,” Captain Jien Ives says in his/her female form. The young helmsman replacement Ensign Lawrence Orrlan Lance, enters the room and stands at attention before the Captain and salutes.  “Ensign Lawrence Lance, reporting as directed sir.”  His eyes can't help but wander at the captain beautifully tone body as he waits for further orders.

On top of a pile of data-pads sits the his service record on the Captains desk. The information reads: Ensign Lawrence Orrlan Lance, from outside Willington, New Zealand. He is fresh recruit straight from the academy on his first voyage with a total service time outside under a month. His academy records show that he was among top of his class in several of the courses such as astrophysics, navigation and flight wing command, especially when piloting small vessels. However in some of this other courses utterly failed in such as galactic history. All of his personal records are marred with red tape, *classified sections*, and blanked out reports, all this questionable data it was like reading swiss cheese thrown in a blender. Even more questions; the battle started during the night shift; One minor incident within the holodeck mountain climbing with safety off; and although he navigated the ship beautifully during combat, he did make some rather unusual maneuvers not specified within Starfleet regulations. The report ends with some statistics regarding of his academic performance.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: MasterRat on May 17, 2011, 01:53:28 AM
Although physically asleep Nolak's telepathic mind always remains 'semi-aware' of his surroundings.  Feeling emotional arousal auras of Amakris and other people surround him his mind starts to revel in the flow of sexual emotions.  He takes deep breaths when the female Ash'reem is close by taking in as much pheromone aromas into his lungs as possible. This sends his mind in to a blissful state of erotica dreams and fantasies.  Lying strapped on the table it hard not to notice the lower portion of his uniform rising and pitching a large tent as his body shifts from from side to side and occasionally thrusts upwards pressing against the fabric as much as possible. While his mind dances with erotic dreams and the ill side effects from the drug he continues tugging at the restraints while whispered moans escapes his lips.  Although his glands are still active, the potency of it's effects begins to run it's course while his mind slips into the darkness of sleep. 

(ooc ok he should be out for a few hours unless rp says otherwise) :D
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on May 17, 2011, 04:26:04 AM
Jovela had to lean against the wall, taking deep breaths. She ignored the complaints, the questions, the looks, as she instead only focused on keeping down her desires.

Ever since she left Risa and began the slow process to becoming a Nurse and, hopefully one day, a Doctor in Starfleet, she was constantly fighting back the urges, the desire. Her upbrining, her genetics, everything that made her her prior to that day she left Risa was telling her to focus on pleasure, to tear off her clothes and dance, perform, fuck. It took concentration to keep these thoughts down, to keep what Jovela dubbed 'The Performer' from coming loose. You add in some pheremones that told her to do that anyway, and it became almost impossible.

But somehow, after a few minutes, Jovela was able to regain control. Her uniform was soaked, however, from the crotch to about her thighs were covered in her wetness. As soon as she realised this, she ran to the Nurses office and quickly pulled out the spare uniform she kept there for just such a purpose. She quickly changed (one skill that being a dancer/stripper had given her was the abilty to get into clothes very quickly) before shoving the old one into the drawer and then heading out into the main bay. She paused, realising that one of the male crewmembers whose bed was leaning probably saw her changing, but she ignored it and continued her rounds, looking after the patients.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on May 17, 2011, 11:29:37 AM
Surgical Suite, Sickbay

At the point where Lucan walked inside the Surgical suite, Lt. Rawley's condition had become stable enough to prepare her for surgery. The Fighter pilot was still out there in main Sickbay, being prepped by two Nurses. As to where Jovela had vanished, Lucan had no idea, but he suspected it might have something to do with the pheromones that had swept the area earlier. It was not like he was not affected by them either, having half a mind to go look for the Head Nurse himself and leave all the injured to fend for themselves... yet if there was one thing he had truly mastered over the years, it was restraint. Patience. Immaculate care to be in control.

Still, a few images flashed before his eyes where he ravaged the Risan on top of his desk, or smothered her breasts against the antiseptic floor with his thrusts.

The idle thought he had when he emerged into the sterile and stark light of the surgical suite, was how the pheromone bust had been so short-lived. Yet the thought vanished when he saw who had assisted him with the suite. She stood there with some form of canister in her hand. His head tilted forward as the door shut behind him - pale grey eyes upon the Cadet.

"Computer, lock this door," he said quietly, his tone even, "Authority; Nicander Beta Seven Two Niner." Lt. Rawley could wait a little while. All the critical patients had been seen to. Here, was an issue that he had had under scrutiny for some while - some of his suspicions proven yet many questions still remaining. Yet he said nothing to Amikris at first, just looking at her - his gaze telling her far more than any accusation might. It was all an act, of course, the image of a disgruntled Starfleet officer. Behind his eyes were another intention altogether; to use this opportunity to the best of his advantage. Already, the sharp talons of his mind was dissecting her and what lay between them; finding out what was the best course to take.

When the decision was made, he let out a sigh and removed his barely used lab coat, tossing it in the appropriate bin. Next, he began to deftly remove his uniform jacket - apparently about to change into surgical scrubs. "Whatever it was in your hand, I hope you understand what it is you are doing," he said quietly, looking through the lenses of her goggles, "Our Ship Counsellor is dead, and I am not qualified to discuss your problems, Cadet. Our Captain has a lot of new field promotions to make after this battle, and that role is just one of many with a vacant seat."

Having removed his jacket, Lucan turned to the small frosted stall - back to Amikris - and removed his underskirt as well. "Yet as your superior, I feel obligated to express my concerns. You said earlier that the pheromone problems would not go away even if I dismissed you, in a tone that would be quite frowned upon, yet it leads me to believe that you did not have anything to do with what happened? Then I find you here, your skin a bit paler than usual, and smuggling something in your pocket - perhaps some kind of drug that helps you cope with the situation at hand?"

A qualified guess. Lucan removed his shoes with his feet. "Tell me, Cadet, if you were in my position, what would you think? What kind of managerial decision would you make, in order to keep your house in order?" He glances over his shoulder at Amikris and gives her a weary smile, unbuttoning his trousers. "Please, Cadet Neotin, if you want to talk off the record, that is acceptable, but let us discuss this here and now."

Turning his head back to the stall, he pulls down his trousers and underwear and step into it - enabling him get the blood out of his hair and nails, and the grime that came with Sickbay during a battle. Yet all that he did, all that he said, was for a reason - a purpose predetermined. He did not act self-concious about his nudity, yet that was prone to be interpreted as the culture and customs of his species. It was true that he did feel suffocated by the uniform... and the pheromones might have emboldened him to make such a move in front of a Cadet... but the bottom line was that they were in Sickbay, and propriety was valued far lower than the care of their patients.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: KittyKat on May 17, 2011, 11:46:16 AM
She tensed as he spoke glancing at her hand again hoping that the tremor had stopped. "It wasn't me that was secreting the generalized pheromone into the med bay sir, it was CPO Kalmil, as for what I just took, that'd be Bupropion, SR 200 mg, if you don't believe me by all means check my chart and do a blood work up sir.  It does seem to have...an unusual reaction with Ash'reem though, that is troubling."  She did her best to turn her back and give him some privacy as he changed wishing she had a spare uniform now as well as the thick viscus fluids that coated her nether region, irritated her skin slightly as they were allowed to sit in her panties.  It was awkward to say the least talking about her issue with her direct superior.  "I've been on it for almost three years now.  Initially it was meant to treat the depressive symptoms of Isophobia, during my time at the academy, however any time I try to go off it I develop a noticeable tremor, cold sweats, dehydration, and migraines.  Sir." She explains anxiously as she tosses the wrapper for the pills away in the trash disposal unit.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on May 17, 2011, 12:06:59 PM
Inside the stall, Lucan listened to the faint echo of her voice from outside the glass wall. He rinsed his nails and his hair in the sonic shower - especially fitted and augmented for Sickbay - and considered her words. He noted that it was probably the Chief Engineer that had accosted them with pheromone. Yet especially, he considered her symptoms, and what he knew about Ash'reem anatomy along with what kind of agents in the Bupropion pills might affect them.

"I see... I would suppose you have already tried to find out the reasons for your ailments; secretly tried to find answers on your own?" he asked, his deep voice thrumming against the frosted class wall that separated them. "I am aware of the Isophobia that might accost your species, and I am sorry to hear the answer you found was not the best - leaving you with withdrawal symptoms and forcing you into an addiction that might gradually worsen - perhaps someday even become uncontrollable. I venture to guess that given your harsh symptoms for something other species does not the get the least bothered by, it is potentially far worse than you might think. My question to you; what is it you would like me to do about your situation?"

All the while he talked, images of him stepping out of the shower and slamming her against the wall flickered in his peripheral vision. He saw himself bashing her goggles and her face until she went limp, and then would spread her weak legs wide, rip her clothes, and plough her until he spent himself inside her. The stark light of the room would render the Ash'reem blind, he realised - an interesting spice to the vile concoction in his imagination. He tried to blink the images away, but they persisted because of the pheromone. He found himself growing awkwardly rigid, and decided to stay in the stall a while longer - taking care to wash himself very thoroughly...

"I want to help you, Cadet," he said, finding that closing his eyes made his visions become that more stronger, "but I also need to do what is best for Sickbay. I hope you understand that."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on May 17, 2011, 12:59:55 PM
Captain's Ready Room, Deck 01

Seated behind her desk, Jien looked up and gave the Ensign a weary smile, standing up from her chair to greet him properly.

"When I am wearing this form," she said as she came around the desk, casually indicating her "uniformed" body through a tired little wave with her hand, "I prefer to be addressed as ma'am. At ease, Ensign. Please, have a seat."

She walked to the window and folded her arms underneath her breasts, looking out towards space. He spotted one of the Lone Wolves patrolling in the far distance - but a speck moving across the backdrop of a red distant nebula. There something poignant and sad about the elegant sweep the Federation fighter made - immortalised in her memories from strife of old. She turned around to face the Ensign, suppressing the images from the Dominion War and whatever else conflict that came to mind.

"I would offer you something to drink, alas, I have only sanctioned key segments of the ship to use the replicators, and I did not include my Ready Room." She turned her eye to the PADD containing Lance's personnel file, and she frowned a little. It was time for the little speech she had made far too many times recently. "I regret to inform you that Sickbay just contacted us here at the Bridge, informing us that the Chief CONN Officer has been subdued by the wounds he was inflicted during the last fight. He passed away just before midnight, and our CONN Department stands without a head - another position vacant in the Senior Staff of our ship."

Jien now looked into the... admittedly very handsome yet quite young man's eyes, and her jaws were clenched. "I am considering to offer you this position, Ensign, complete with a promotion to Lieutenant and new quarters. Your track record speaks for itself, and while you lack in experience according to these files, you show promise to become a great asset to the CONN department. However..."

She unfolded her arms and placed her hands on her hips, and though she was not leaning over the human, her presence filled the room nonetheless. "You have parts in your file that is classified above Level 10, and that casts you in doubt. I am unwilling to offer you the position unless you spill your guts, and tell me why a great deal of your background has been locked away."

Standing perfectly still, Jien's eyes remained upon the Ensign's, utterly unblinking. She did not have her sword in her hand, but she just as well might have, given the piercing quality of her scrutiny. "I am sure you understand my disposition, Ensign," she says in a low voice, "given the recent events...."

Why would Starfleet Command - their current enemy - have locked away this crew man's background?
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: MasterRat on May 17, 2011, 08:06:15 PM
Ensign Lance watches the captain as the stands up and walks to the window. While her back is towards him his eyes quickly takes the momentous occasion to study the contours of her shoulders, back, and well formed buttocks, before snapping his eyes back  to attention looking into her eye as she turns back around.  Quickly he decides on what to say to can he tell her the truth, or the Federation speech he was required to say when asked about his personal information.  I’ll smug them both and play it by ear he thinks as he starts to address the Captain.

“I’m sorry to hear about the Lieutenant, he was a good man and damn good outdoors man.  If you don't mind I'd rather stand, I've been sitting at the helm position since his injury. As for my service record Madam, as you can understand the Federation has been under attack by nearly every hostile faction who wish to conquer instead of following peaceful means of co-existence.  From our recently semi-allied Klingons gone sour, the sneaky plotting Romulans, the Dominion warrior intrusion, to the unfeeling Berg (intended).  So it's I it's, "his speach stumbles slighly,"it may appear somewhat puzzling, and understandable why my record is marred with blank spots and gaps.  Prior to joining Starfleet, I grow up in a small farming community outside Willington, New Zealand sector of Earth, raised by my mother and her brothers.” He scratches his nose and continues thinking again for a moment.

“My father was a non-commissioned Starfleet freighter captain. He died during an Orion raid while I was young, Robert M. Lance.  His service record is more of a mystery than mine.  After his death I was perhaps no more than 10 years old, old enough to stowaway escape earth and reach space vowing revenge on the Orion pirates.  I joined a non official resistance group called Wing 42, and we gave them pirates hell.  However during one of our raids my small one man ship was critically disabled and after spending time slowly starving to death drifting in space got real lucky, and was picked up by a passing Starfleet vessel Saber class.” He runs his fingers through his hair before returning to attention.

“I can’t recall the designation number or the name of the captain.  Since I wasn’t a member of any faction official government and had no personal record. I spent the rest of that ships tour located in the brig after I decked the commanding officer after a heated debate over ethics.”

“I was transferred back to Starfleet and given the option either join or have some other mundane position, or face a prison sentence,and wither away like the rest of the universe.  Obviously I enter the academy.  My affiliation with Wing 42 and the Orions, both group used inhuman methods to kill each other, and because we had no loyalty except to ourselves Wing 42.  In reality we were no better than the pirates themselves, because we prayed on Starfleet ships, and any other vessels that crossed our territory.  So my record is marred with blank spots to prevent resentment from other members of the crew.  I’ve changed my ways from those bloody years, and those events are long long ago behind. My loyalty is to Starfleet Federation and I intend to right the wrongs I've caused.  If you feel you an trust me than it would be an honor to serve as helmsman of the USS Theurgy with any rank I have.” He stands awaiting her reaction. 
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on May 17, 2011, 09:52:28 PM
While the Ensign told her his story in his own words, the Captain slowly began to pace the room - the lights of the nebula flickering across the dark fall of her hair.

"Trust," said Jien as she came to stand at arms length from the young man. In her chosen form, she was shorter than him, yet she nevertheless held his eye, "is like a vase... once it's broken, though you can fix it the vase will never be same again. I would not become upset if you lied to me, Ensign, I would - however - demote you to service duties on the Fighter Assault Bay - scrubbing that wast hangar until we all either die, or are thrown into custody for what we have done. Either way, we will not gain any merits for uncovering the impersonators in Starfleet Command at this point. No, we have killed our own, and a continued career within the fleet is unlikely for any of us."

Jien folded her hands behind her back as she stood there in front of him, but her gaze never wavered - daring him to look away. Challenging him to even blink or give her a sign that he was not forthright. "Consider this, as this might be the last time you serve in Starfleet, if you serve anyone else at all but the maggots of your early grave. Would you spend your last time in service... living a lie?"

Her scowl now poured into her features from her hairline, yet her eyes were still right there - nailed to his. She took a very small step forward - the intimidation quite plain. "Reason I ask... is because I find it highly unlikely that a discriminating criminal record would ever be under the same kind of red tape that I see all across your file."

It was plain that she did not believe him just yet. There were too many risks involved too, in just accepting the story he had told her. The enemy had fooled the whole Fleet, after all.

"So, should I begin to ask more detailed questions, like what the ethical argument was about, or very specific information about the area where Wing 47 roamed? I would begin asking for things that such raiders would know; hiding places and planets, moons and nebulas to shake off bad company," she folded her arms again, tilting her head a bit - giving him a side-glance. "Or have you reconsidered?"

The silence screamed in the Ready Room, as if it dampened the sounds of the Theurgy. Only then, did Jien break away and walked back around the desk. Idly, she fond herself enjoying his breath. A curious observation.

"Trust, like the soul, never returns whence it has once departed, Ensign," she finished, and sat down, "Speak, and know that given what you say, what you tell me will remain a secret, but I need to know whom is reporting directly to me. If we are to live, and prevail, I need to know, surely you understand this."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: MasterRat on May 18, 2011, 01:05:18 AM
It had been over three hundred years since his true military training back in the war of his home world.  Had this interrogation taking place back then this would have been a piece of cake.  The academy was too soft on the students he once thought, and bullshitting the professors and other students was a piece of cake.  Captian Jien Ives wasn’t a stuffy headed professor.  As she steps forward her breath to his, he could feel the blood rising to his face.  He remains rigid never flinching like a disciplined soldier who has done this routine a million times, except for his blushing cheeks.  His eyes gaze deeply into her eyes exploring every little detail of her beautiful brown eyes.

He stands silently never challenging the captain in any form. He watching her figure studying her every movement while she walks around the desk and sits at her desk.  His imagination wanders for a spit second thinking what it would be like to challenge her to a simple sparing contest noticing the blade. For several seconds he continues to stare into her eyes judging was this a test, knowing it wasn’t he lets out a deep breath.

“Well, I can see that my Starfleet speech didn’t work, like I had hoped. It’s more believable than the truth.”  He steps forward and sits down on the seat in front of him. Looking her dead in the eyes continues, “The truth, well the truth starts around three hundred and third years or more years, when I was born on a planet suffering from a ravaging war.  The battles were bloody and the horrors of wars shattered the lives of everbody on it. I was Commander of Wing 42, and much of what I said about them is true except our enemy was not the Orions. During the final months of my home a band of people gathered all we had and became refugees escaping our world before the final judgment was passed with left the world a now desolate dead rock.”  He frowns thinking about those times, the natural color returns to his cheeks.

Glancing out the window at looking at the nebulae he continues, “We spent a several years in deep space searching for a new home. Finally we found a planet located deep within a the nebula in Sector 441 according to your star charts the 'briar patch'. " He makes a jesture with his fingers.  "It is here the Ba’ku, our name for ourselves which means 'the peaceful ones,'  lived and thrived.  After years living there we soon discovered that the unique rings around our planet created a regenerative metaphasic radiation which slowed the aging process of our bodies and in some cases cured and reversed the aging of time.  A fact your Federation took intrest in. As a matter of fact it not only made us younger again it made us healthier than we had ever had before.  Our children grew up naturally as they do on earth up until puberty before the effects also preserved their lives.” 

Looking into the captains eyes again, “However, our paradise planet began to have troubles as of younger members began to grow restless wanting to explore the galaxy. The elders of the village disagreed and there was a revolt that ended with many of the younger generation to be exiled into space.  They began calling themselves the Sor’a, and recently began a joint research and study with Starfleet Federation under top secret programs. I don't know any of the spacifics except their plan to relocate us.  However, had it not been for the malfunction of the Artificial life form called Commander  Data, USS Enterprise, and it’s captain and crew the planned force relocation of the Ba’ku to a new world would of taken place.”  He sighs out now knowing he has broken top secret protocol.

 “This is the truth, some of the High command ordered with willful knowledge breaking several prime directives to extract a way to cheat death or something ethical like that.  I took the opportunity to leave the planet after the situation was resolved by the noble crew of the Enterprise. I never fought an Orion, never plundered any ships, I lived on a peaceful planet isolated from the galaxy deep with a nebula for around the hundred years until 2375 and joined Starfleet early the next year.”  He sits back done relaying his story, then he adds, “Sorry I don’t have any clearance to prove my story other than what I just told you now. If you don't believe me then I'll spend the rest of our voyage within the brig so that you and anybody else may feel comfortable."  He saids with a very serious expression.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on May 20, 2011, 11:44:17 PM
Considering the contents of her crewman's story, Jien would have afterwards - had she had such inclinations - prided herself with how she reacted whilst hearing it.

She sat there, as the most austere cliff-face solemnly watching the brilliance of dawn; in this case being the dawning realisation that this would-be helmsman of hers had both led a life longer than her own and also an... unforeseen magnitude of gravitas in his disposition. Humble, yet without shame - proud of his heritage, yet knowledgeable enough not to be demeaning himself in haughtiness once the truth was spilled. Oh, to have led a life in seclusion; unable to be whom he really was, even lie in order to serve the greater good of the Galaxy. For indeed, Jien had heard  - through the Enterprise's involvement - the tale of the Baku but unofficially, yet she knew this story she heard to resemble what she had learned. These were not lies she heard.

No, the lies had been the good Ensign Lance's  life until that point.

Lawerence was most probably not even his real birth-given name.

Oh, she would not insult the integrity of the Ensign by questioning him further. Nor would she be so presumptuous as to beg for more details about his past. What she had been told was quite enough, and her decision made. She rose to her feet after he had finished speaking, and she inclined her head. "My gratitude, for your candour in this matter, and for being so kind as to forswear your oath of secrecy for the sake of this ship and this crew. Your generosity and willingness to serve your duty to the Theurgy before all else has been duly noted, and shall neither go unnoticed nor unrewarded."

From her desk, she produced a small black box with silken lining, and she stepped up to the Ensign-no-more.

"I hereby bestow upon you the rank of Lieutenant, and the position of Chief CONN Officer aboard this ship - the USS Theurgy. You will forego the intermediate rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade, for reasons that will unofficially remain between our eyes alone. Officially, you we given this rank and position for lack of other suitable candidates which, alas, might hold a smidgen of truth..." She looked up into his eyes and took his hand into her own. Then, she lay the box between his fingers, and she smiled - gratified to have found such a remarkable and clandestinely resourceful man aboard at her poor tormented starship.

"Congratulations... Lieutenant. I hope that you will safely fly this wounded hydra back to where she belongs."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: KittyKat on May 21, 2011, 09:27:02 PM
Bupropion was an anti-depressant (Chemical formula below) belonging to the aminoketone class, most closely related to diethylpropion, and is officially designated under the Federation standardized molecular index as (+-)-1-(3Chlorophenyl)-2-1[(1,1-Dimethylethyl)Amino]-1-propanone Hydrochloride.  Its molecular weight coming in at about 276.2, and its full formula being C13H18ClNO*HCl, in its natural form it is a bitter water soluble white crystal, that produces localized anesthesia to human Oral Mucosa.  It works on most humanoid races and is produced in the form of tablets most often although some races require it be made into a powder and dissolved to have a more controlled reaction.

                     CH3
          H   C <-CH3
           \  /     CH3
O         N
\\        /    H
   C-C-C<-H   * HCl
  /       \H  H
 //\
|   ||
 \\/  \Cl

http://www.rxlist.com/wellbutrin_xl-drug.htm

Several of the symptoms that were displayed were found in humanoid subjects, but never as severe as Amikris seemed to have been implying, and never upon coming off the drug.   Studies into Ash'reem reactions to certain medications had shown abnormalities but nothing like this, and the most common binders the only other substances in drugs that could cause side effects seemed to have minimal if any effect on Ash'reem bodies, only causing a mild immune reaction to their introduction. Bupropion did seem to be chemically similar to a naturally secreted hormone in the Ash'reem nervous system that reinforced the concept of communal mentality but it didn't cause reactions like this in Ash'reem in fact, according to the files ash'reem had released on their own biology, it was essential in preventing isophobia from setting in naturally.

Amikris glanced at Lucan anxiously as he spoke her hands calming finally although the tension in her body said that she wasn't relaxed by a long shot.  "Correct, my initial reaction to discovering my addiction was to give myself a endorphin feedback inhibitor in low doses to break any possible emotional dependency on the drug.  My academy medical instructor placed me on it when I started showing severe signs of Isophobia outside of the classroom setting.  I don't know what more I can do, aside from feeding the addiction, I can't work well off of it at this point, my hands have a pronounced tremor, if I'm off it for more then six hours. I know you have to do whats best for sickbay we all have to, especially in a crisis like this.  Our first concern should be our patient not me though."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on May 22, 2011, 09:03:21 PM
As she finished speaking, Lucan stepped out of the sonic shower and wrapped a towel low around his hips - so low and so tightly as to forcefully keep his physical condition from ...springing to attention. Despite himself, along with the momentary urge to bodily approach her (perhaps along with the fact that Lt. Rawley was due to surgery in the room quite momentarily), the CMO spoke to Amikris in a quite detached and professional voice.

"Indeed, the hour does not call for reprimands and the idea to loose a set of able hands - despite the fact that they might not be so for too much longer during this journey. I reckon you are quite able to assist us in this crisis, and therefore you stay. However, as soon as Sickbay returns to something resembling normalcy, I will suggest you present me with a solution for your shifts and duties aboard this ship - given how you know your own condition best at this point - until the point where I am able to find a cure for your medical predicament."

Turning away from her, he tossed the towel and began to don his surgical scrubs. "Given the crisis, keep in mind that I am rather forced to find some kind of remedy. It is not like we can educate new personnel for Sickbay. If we can find the time, other sections of the ship will become short-staffed instead." Lucan might have sounded bitter, and the statement not so flattering for Amikris, but he turned his head to her next and smiled. "I am just saying that I better find something for you, even though I do it out of the kind nature of my heart."

Inside, the serpents laughed at him, and he shared in their remark.

"My apologies for my tone earlier," he said as he finished dressing, "when I believed it was you instead of the Chief Engineer that had assaulted Sickbay."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on May 24, 2011, 02:02:30 PM
[Below Decks | 0100 hrs] Attn: Acornfilm and SteveJ (the latter whom might make an appearence...)

Her uniform still ripped and covered in soot from plasma explosions and phaser fire, Deputy ThanIda zh'Wann entered Below Decks along with a handful of other Sec/Tac personnel. Though unarmed, her walk in the wake of the battle seemed to suggest that she had just seconds ago stowed away a Mk. III Phaser Assault Rifle.

The Andorian drew the attention from the proprietor of the establishment even as she approached the bar counter. "Mr. Regal!" she called out to the Pinkskin, "me and my guardsmen are wondering who you have to screw in order to get a stiff drink around here, now that the replicators are off-line. Our throats have been dry since we left Earth, and now that we are in the clear, we are in sore need for something else than polluted water."

She slapped her hand on the counter as she reached it and leaned against it with her back to to the human, elbows on the bar and her foot against the polished footrest behind her calves. The torn state of her uniform just about preserved her modesty, but after what they al had been through, she could not care less. She tossed her hair out of her midnight blue eyes and glanced sideways at the Pinkskin. "Put it on our department's tab, will you? Chances are that we will have little else to spend our gold-plated latinum on than in your drinks. Surely you have a bottle or two already replicated and stored under here."

She thudded her fist against the polished surface of the counter and then returned her attention to the surviving members of her shift.

"Listen up!" she said, and she levelled her stare and her antennae upon them all. "Our Chief is dead, and while you might have expected that I would take his place, it seems that our good Captain has decided otherwise. He, or she, has decided to raise another one from our ranks - one from the Alpha shift, apparently. I will not tell you who it is, since I expect him to announce his own promotion. I will be damned before I do his job for him on this eve of celebration... or whatever we should call it."

The matter of being passed by for the position of Chief Sec/Tac Officer was a sore point for Ida, and moreover so because of whom it was that had earned the position and what he had done to gain the recognition. The salt in her wounds were still stinging after the Captain had taken her and the new Chief aside and told them his - or her - intentions for their department and its future. She drew back her blue lips from her white teeth and rounded on Mr. Regal.

"Well, you pardoned little culprit, what about the drinks?" she demanded, and behind her, the people she trusted her lives with became a beehive of talk about whom it was that could have snatched the Chief-position from their Deputy.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: KittyKat on May 25, 2011, 01:03:23 AM
Amikris listened to him as he droned on in a detached tone.  "I'd have thought my natural secretions would have been more useful given our energy crisis then my 'hands' but if that's your opinion." she smirked at him causing her left hand to have a slight almost seizure like movement when it ceases a few seconds later she turns it to face him, as a thick white paste rests in her palm,  extending from a small hole that looked surprisingly like a ear canal coming from the base of her palm.

 "I'm ready to begin surgery when you are sir, and thank you for the apology." She turned her head and glanced at Lt. Rawley she approached and began to take some careful readings with her tri-corder.  Her hand expertly keeping the paste like substance away from the tricorder.  "How shall we proceed with the surgery Doctor?"
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on May 27, 2011, 12:28:52 AM
Noting the disinfectant secretion that squirted into Amakris' palm, Lucan found her humour quite compelling - perhaps because of the morbid timing given the situation. He smiled to her and adjusted his scrubs across his shoulders. "First things first," he said and folded his tattooed hands behind his back - eyes following the arriving patient, "we need to try and find more able hands than your own if we are to undertake this quite lengthy ordeal. Computer!"

[Yes, Doctor?] came the reply.

"If you would be so kind and contact the available Department Heads, " he said, as he lit the displays on the diagnostic table and motioned for the team of nurses lay Lt. Rawley down, "and ask them to have any available personnel that has undergone something more than regular medical training to deploying them to Sickbay until further notice?"

[Consider it done, Doctor,] said Thea over the comm, her AI probably in the middle of a dozen conversations simultaneously all across the ship. So strange to the mind, when considering that her holographic projection was limited to be in only one place at the time. It was nigh unfathomable how the sentient physical image could practically do anything she felt like while still being there - through the comm - for everyone aboard.

Lucan stepped up towards the sterile instruments that would be his arsenal. His grey overcast eyes were hard as granite. He turned his gaze to Amikris and replied to her previous question. "Surgery on Lt. Rawley will commence momentarily... With no estimation for time required to complete it."

There was emotion to those few words, yet Lucan could not afford to take notice of them. He needed to protect his asset. All things considered, he owed her as much for the pleasant evenings they had shared aboard... beyond the queer feeling that he actually gave a damn.

"This is Doctor Lucan cin Nicander. The time is 0013 hours," he said according to protocol - the recording initiated, "the patient has been prepared for surgery, where we will treat the following conditions; MTBI, tympanic membrane rupture, A.G.E, occluded veins in the cerebral cortex and around the vertebral column that was caused by blast injury to the lungs - which are presently stabilised from collapsing. Furthermore, massive internal haemorrhaging to be drained from five places. First degree burns. Hairline fractures to seven ribs. Assisting me is Medical Assistant Officer Amikris, who will run continuous diagnostics and provide resuscitation if required. Surgery... will now commence."

As for Amikris, whom he had yet to share such pleasant evenings with, Lucan would make it his priority to be quite helpful indeed when it came to her withdrawal symptoms...


OOC: Perhaps we shall end the Sickbay scene on that note and focus on Below Decks? :)
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on May 27, 2011, 03:56:11 AM
William looked up as he heard his name called out, and supressed an urge to make a run for it. He had always had this reflex, to run when someone called out to him, ever since as a child he had begun scamming toys off the other kids. But he managed to keep it under his hat, so to speak, and came over to the rather loud Andorian.

"Screwing anyone is not needed, alas." he said quietly, before she continued, demanding a stiff drink. He nodded, but then paused, trying desperatly to remember if Andorians drank in the same way as humans and most other races. It caused him to pause for a moment, ignoring her comments, before he finally decided to risk it.

As she demanded to know where the drinks were, William came back up from behind the bar, holding in his hands a bottle of vodka. "Here we go, I replicated the classic 2015 vintage, strong stuff but goes down nice and smooth. Mostly." he said, pulling out enough glasses for the troop. "Would you like me to pour or would you just prefer the bottle?" he asked, when Felicity came over, putting down a tray of empty glasses. "For shame, Williamus, asking a lady that sort of question. My dear Worshipper, why not come over here by the far portal that... isn't working at the moment, and I shall regale you and your friends with tales of the Pantheon!" she said, smiling at her, her Greek accent thick but clear.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on May 27, 2011, 12:37:43 PM
Fingering a bruise across the back of her hand, Ida's initial anger-infused gusto at being able to go to Below Decks began to settle down - being replaced by the more self-important and bitter disappointment in being passed over for a promotion. The passion she so indulgently placed in her paintings and her duties had become the pinnacle of demeanour, but now, she merely nodded briefly to the human behind the counter.

"Please, serve them," she said and merely poured for herself before turning to the hologram. It was a wonder that the proprietor had been able to circumvent the energy crisis on board and kept Felicity running. Perhaps he utilised some illegal generator, or had circumvented the security sub-routines that Operations maintained and utilised in those situations, but as it were, Ida could not care less.

Numbly, yet with her back straight and a scowl persisting to plague her smooth brow, she followed along with Felicity to the broken panel - her vodka cradled in her dirty hand. She did not have any patience for the prying questions of her colleagues about whom the new Chief would be, so the hologram had provided her with a good way to excuse herself somewhat from the bunch.

Coming to stand before the panel, Ida's thoughts came to touch the fact of her uniform's state - how the air in the lounge touched her in places where it shouldn't. She looked down herself and hiked up a loose shoulder, tugged down her jacket so that the underside of her breasts did not show as prominently, hiked up the hem of her trousers so that the lower curve of her left buttock was not granted to the eyes of the proprietor and her subordinates, and then had to start over as the shoulder feel down once more. With her drink in her free hand, she realised there was not much to be done, so she abandoned the task with a resigned sigh.

In the aftermath of what had happened, her own modesty seemed a silly thing to defend - the ship having been her priority for that for too long. It was undignified for her, but not something to think about right then. Normally, she would have excused herself hastily and squirmed all the way to her quarters so that she might change, but given her dirty, grimy and despicable state and mood, she hardly thought anyone would take notice anyway.

The Hologram, by comparison, would surely draw any straying glances that came in their way... so Ida folded her arms underneath her riven uniform chest and cocked a hip - waiting for the Hologram to begin her tale and draw her own mind away from that awkwardly handsome young Officer that had not only snatched her from death's jaws, but also snatched her career from under her feet...

"What is your mythological Terran tale, Felicity?" she asked quietly, eyes upon the deck below their feet.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on May 30, 2011, 09:02:23 PM
Nathaniel Isley was a new addition to the crew.  His transfer came at the same time as the departure from Earth, when the Theurgy and it's crew were marked as enemies of the Federation.  Amidst all the chaos, he wasn't even sure his transfer was remembered.  There was no talk with any of the senior staff, or a meeting with the Captain, though all of that was quite understandable, given the circumstance.  He hated formalities, anyway; all that standing up straight and the "sir, yes sirs" could be a pain in his ass most days.  He was here for one reason.  To be exactly where he was at that moment; the cockpit of a MK. III Valkyrie class Fighter.

His last post on the USS Emery had been an okay place to get his space legs out of the academy, but their fighters were hardly as advanced as the ones on the Theurgy.  For a true pilot, even the most slight of alteration could have a profound effect on performance.  As a fan of the twentieth century's contributions to the world, Nathan would use the comparison of a beaten down truck to a high end sports car to define how drastically different the new fighters handled.  His first time out in it was also an ideal test run.  A simple recon mission let him fly without dodging enemy phasers, allowing any tactical maneuvers he performed to simply be practice.

You are leaving the allotted range for this reconnaissance mission.  Came the distinctive female voice of the computer.  It was a reminder to stay within a certain distance of the ship, and not venture out too far.  "Maybe the range is unacceptable."  He responded, causing the computer system to speak again.  Clarify.  It said, seeking better understanding for Nathaniel's last statement.  With a sigh of annoyance, he spoke again.  "Let the record show that I am moving beyond the allotted range to get the job done right.  Any complaints for my actions should be forwarded to Astrometics and Stellar Cartography for being offline."  It was the real reason why the fighters were out there; the Theurgy's ability to use a sensor sweep was greatly hindered, forcing it to rely on shuttles and fighters to blaze a trail forward in search of resources.

Nathan knew the only way he was getting out of this with less then a stern talking to for his behavior was to find something of use.  Luckily for him, he had no intention of going back empty handed.  His sensors were on the lookout for anything they could find which might have been useful.  A resupply of dueterium would mean a replenishing of replicator rations; something the entire crew was in desperate need of, in order to avoid the terrible standard issue rations.  It would also allow for replication of parts needed for ship repair.  Too much was needed to go back to the hanger bay with nothing.

Then it came.  Exactly what was needed.  Nathaniel's sensors had picked it up, not five minutes distance from Theurgy's path.  if he had stuck to the distance required, it could have been lost entirely.  "This is Wolf Nine reporting an M Class planet found.  Transmitting coordinates now."  Taking in a deep breath as a reward for a job done, he remained stationed in orbit around the planet.  He could dock with Theurgy when it arrived at his location.  In the meantime, he was hoping the praise would outweigh the archaic need to discipline him for going against orders.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on May 30, 2011, 10:21:32 PM
[Fighter Assault Bay | 0127 hrs] Attn: Ascornfilm & Darkninja2000 (once you have submitted your character)

The discovery was a fact, and Captain Jien Ives had - after an endless list of field promotions done out of necessity to preserve a functioning command structure - used it as an excuse to get out of his Ready Room and the Bridge altogether. He had even asked his First Officer to come along, and just emerged out of the tubolift into the Theurgy's Fighter Assault Bay.

With his sheathed dai-katana held in his left hand - held around the mouth of the scabbard - and with Nerina next to him, Jien strode out across the wast open area. Along the starboard and port bows of this great hangar (though admittedly small compared to some of the Starships that mainly functioned as carriers), those remaining Valkyries that had survived their flight across the Alpha Quadrant all had their individual platforms. As for now, only six ships were present of the remaining twelve. Or eleven, given how Wolf-07 seemed beyond the technicians' ability to repair without spare parts. Jien's brown eyes drifted to it - sitting there with neither pilot nor designated engineers since the former had perished in the battle and the others were needed elsewhere. It had been sheer luck that they had managed to tow it in with a tractor beam before they had shaken the heat they had been in. How long ago was it? A week? Jien failed to remember.

As for the other wolves, they were out on the prowl - guarding their new course towards the planet Niga. A course set thanks to the pilot standing alone in the middle of the hangar. The person whom Jien and Nerina was about to speak with. In a way, it was for the better that the Lone Wolves' SCO was up and about, since this confrontation would most likely flow quite better with a lesser number of superiors in attendance.

Once they reached the pilot - this Nathaniel Isley that had found their means for salvation - Jien's pace slowed down, and he came to a stop before the man just a couple of yards away. The Chameloid grounded the tip of his covered sword against the deck and raised his chin slightly as he looked the Junior Lieutenant over, and in the lingering silence, the three individuals in the middle of the hangar were the only ones standing still - technicians milling about in their peripheral vision.

"At ease, 'Lieutenant," said Jien quietly, and the echo made his voice carry. He did not glance towards Nerina at his side, but it was evident that he would rather have her - as she was in charge of Mission Ops and the man's SCO reported directly to her - describe the import of following orders, and relay the reasons for the patrol orbit that had been set for the Lone Wolves squadron. Yet he suspected (perhaps without ground) that she might be a bit lenient, however justifiable that was in this particular instance, so he instead spoke up - his deep voice emphasising the stare he dealt the man.

"I would have you debrief us," he merely said, "on your reconnaissance mission, and motivate your actions that led you to endanger the safety of your pack, and the den in which you dwell."

Had Starfleet found his Valkyrie on their fully empowered long-range sensor readings, the three of them would not have been standing there - at the centre of the hangar. Then again, had he not done what he did, there was no telling how long they would have remained adrift in the backwaters of the galaxy, and the chances of the same result would have increased exponentially with every passing day, hour and minute.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on May 30, 2011, 10:49:48 PM
Nathan's return to the hanger bay meant being put back on his leash.  When he was piloting his Valkyrie, he felt a sense of freedom he couldn't get elsewhere on a Federation ship, even if that ship was recognized as an enemy vessel to their organization.  After exiting his space craft, the first thing he had to do was fix his uniform, fastening the jacket closed so that only the collar of the white shirt below it was visible.  It felt more restrained, and outside his preferred comfort zone, but he could only get away with his uniform being out of regulation while there were no senior officers present.

The captain and first officer arrived together.  It was his first time being face to face with either of them.  His first impression was as much a good one as it was a bad one, being equal parts hero and insubordinate, and when Jien began to speak, it was clear which one the focus would be placed on, at least during the initial phase of the debriefing.  Both officers had their professional faces on, which were best described as one part attentive and two parts stern.  They had to establish the chain of command, which meant displaying themselves as authority figures in front of a defiant crewman.

"I operated within the range that had been permitted, monitoring my sensor sweeps for any celestial body that contained even a trace of the materials needed.  the closest I found was an asteroid, which had negligible levels, which two of the other crafts present on the sweep can confirm.  I took it upon myself to break formation, trusting the SCO could create a new formation while I took the risk moving solo.  My reasoning for taking the path I did was faint warp signatures I detected.  They were a few hours old, and matched that of a Ferengi cargo transport.  I ran cargo long enough to know that Ferengi civilian transports always plot their course along the path of M class planets which display no signs of advanced life.  They are a bit obsessive with finding new resources."

It was knowledge outside that of a normal Starfleet officer, which was why it could have gone unnoticed.  It was only due to flying a cargo ship himself before entering the academy that he had knowledge of how other species conducted their business.  "While there were risks that I could have been detected, I reasoned that there is risk in every action we take, including continuing on our course without replenishing and repairing this vessel.  I might be new here, but I'm getting attached to this hanger bay.  I'd like it to remain attached to the ship as long as possible."  Following his last statement, rife with attitude, he was watchful of the captain, who held a bladed weapon in his hand.  In his experience, men who carried a weapon had little issue brandishing it to solidify their place in the chain of command.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on May 31, 2011, 09:54:36 AM
Yet Jien did not draw his sword. No, he was far more cultivated than that, his age a tad older than what his features let on. Had he been human, his temples would already have owned wings of grey hair, and his features far more lined than they presently were. Especially after this last bit of the Theurgy's journey, where a common man in his position would have looked far more harried - great rifts embedded in his brow from the scowls and the private worries.

No, he merely listened impassively to the fighter pilot, and he only moved to fold his hands behind his back - the grip of his sword returned to the scabbard's mouth. He did not say anything, his breathing slow and even, yet his presence filled the hangar even in his impassiveness - far more than the physical fact of his body. Nerina remained silent by his side - a mirror image of his own stance.

"Do not act smart with me, 'Lieutenant," he commented at last, and there was quite a bit of iron in his vowels, "I fully well understand the poorly hidden innuendo that you foresee an option to decouple the Theurgy and take the Secondary Hull with this flight hangar with it... should things turn more sour than they already are. A quite dangerous thing to say in present company, I assure you. Strictly speaking, it would be mutiny to commandeer even a part of this ship, as it has its own propulsion. I need not remind you of the measures I may wield to rectify such actions, do I? Moreover, should that innuendo not have been your intention... and your words were just poorly chosen... then you are threading rotten ice indeed."

Jien did not step forward, but the sudden shift in his stare was like a kick in the teeth. "And I will be the one waiting below, 'Lieutenant."

Even though he had the inclination to begin circling the new crew man like a wolf around his prey, Jien chose not to. Nathaniel was supposed to be the wolf in present company, and he had an itching need to put it down for its attitude. If the wolf could not work with its pack, then it was better to let it loose into the wild. Whether it would be in a casket shot out into the desolate Mahewa System or beamed down upon some planet after a long time of isolation in the Brig.... all depending on the whelp's adroitness and understanding of the present situation.

"Such a shame, that you would chose to act like a pup with its first set of teeth grown out, when my First Officer and I was about to congratulate you - even thank you - for your astuteness. Especially since your debriefing shows that you had the right on your side, acting as you did."


OOC: Ascornfilm might reply after you, but either way, you go next. :)
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on May 31, 2011, 07:35:08 PM
"You're referring to M-VAM?"  He said, pronouncing it as two words, and referring to the Multi-Vector Assault Mode that the Prometheus-class vessel was equipped with.  he hoped that his mention of it, along with the tone of his voice, would tell the Captain he had not considered it before.  "Call it poor choice of words, sir.  The only thing I meant by that comment was a wish to maintain the structural integrity of the ship.  I don't want it breaking down or falling apart under the wear and tear of combat without maintenance.  I know this ship is more advanced then the last one I served on, but we are an enemy of our own organization, and any race it has friendly ties with.  That limits our options in this sector of the galaxy for finding anyone other then ourselves to keep us in the air."

Jien appeared the type to mark his territory, at least from the impression that Nathaniel got.  He was the one in charge, and wasn't going to let some new transfer threaten the way he ran things.  At least he appeared more willing to fight then the other commanding officers he had seen; he could respect that.  All the rules and regulations that most COs hid behind to make themselves seem bigger and scarier didn't seem as necessary for Jien.  "Well . . . this was my first real mission as a Lone Wolf, so I suppose in a way, I did just get my teeth.  I'm sure you run a tight ship around here, and I hope your idea of procedure doesn't conflict with mine, because I think you are the closest a commanding officer has come to earning my respect."

There had never been a time that his insubordination had been noted as being in the right.  No matter the circumstance, there was not a superior alive who could admit that he might have done good if he wasn't following a direct order.  Perhaps it was just arrogance on their part, which Jien wasn't allowing to get in the way.  Maybe it was the fact that they were on the run from the Federation, and a bit more willing to relax the rules and regulations that bound them so tightly.  "I just want to fly, Captain.  The universe makes more sense out there then anywhere else to me.  I'll fly as fast and as far as you need me to, but staying within the 'yard'?  This ship sees too much danger to worry about stepping outside a comfort zone.  Better me, one man in a small craft, then this ship full of people being the ones in danger.  If I can detect trouble by going further, then it's a risk I am willing to take."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on May 31, 2011, 10:06:44 PM
Respecting the Tac/CONN Officer's right to voice his view upon the situation, Jien remained silent while he watched the man.

There was always a fine line for people like Mr. Nathaniel Isley to thread with his kind of disposition towards the world around him. What one man might perceive as backbone and certitude, a sense of righteousness that overruled the nit-picking regulations he served under because of common sense, another man would view such qualities quite differently. For to others, the pilot's actions and his way to view life was a sign of altogether different qualities; stubbornness soaked in stupidity, narrow-minded temper and a lack of humility that bordered on sheer arrogance. People might find him a self-righteous man instead of one of firm beliefs. In how the Junior Lieutenant was honouring common sense instead of the laws, rules and regulations that they all adhered to in the Fleet - regardless of present circumstances - he would either be shot down hard... or elevated to a point where his words would carry some weight.

Thus lay the decision before Captain Ives, when the echo of the Lone Wolf's voice had faded.

In the end, Jien had to look upon their present situation, and make his ruling as best fitted them all - which was something that the pilot had just touched upon.

"Perspective," said Jien quietly and began to pace, walking past the man's shoulder. He raised his eyes to the great ceiling of the hangar, as if in contemplating the ship they were upon. "That is your margin of error, 'Lieutenant. Note that there be a margin and not a complete ruling that I now address. I want you to listen closely, and open your mind to this, because it was something that I personally drew great benefit from in my Academy years. I hope you will pardon the lecture."

Jien rounded on the pilot and gestured with his free hand whilst he spoke, his sword still held casually behind his back - a weary smile having found itself to his features. "When you said that our present situation does not call for worries about a comfort zone, you err in how you do not look upon the greater perspective of your actions. You say you would rather sacrifice yourself and... your vessel before endangering this one and those that serve upon it. The 'trouble' you are referring to, and that it would be a risk you are willing to take... is in fact a risk not upon just you, but this entire ship you so courageously wish to defend with your own life at stake. When it comes to the safety of the Theurgy, 'Lieutenant, you cannot merely measure the risks from your own - sole - perspective."

Coming to stand right next to Nathaniel's left, Jien spelled out the truth about what had happened from a tactical point of view. "Suppose you do not stay in the 'yard', as you put it, and you are detected by Starfleet on long-range sensors, do not think they will go after just you for one minute. No, they would follow you from well without your own sensor range - being as they have better eyes than you. They would trace your sweep, and they would watch you return to this den. You, single-handedly, would be the bane of us all. For they would immediately send a sub-space transmission to all of the fleet, and the hunt that we have just barely survived... would begin anew. And I do not know what you believe, but I find it unlikely that we would survive another ordeal like the one we have just emerged from. Not now, when we barely have any propulsion, much less ammunition for a valiant last stand. Thus... Perspective, Lieutenant."

Jien left Nathaniel's side and walked in Nerina's direction, his words coming anew - his decision final. "The fence of the so-called 'yard' has been raised for reasons that you might not be aware of, and you need to remember this; to know that there are reasons for such routines and tactics that far outlasts your momentary whims. In this case, the fence is staked out so that the Theurgy's sensors would have had a chance to respond to a threat - to call you Wolves in and to gut our Warp Core in attempt to flee. Tear our already torn thrusters apart in the attempt to leave this System before the Fleet gets a fixed position on us."

Looking over his shoulder upon the Lieutenant, Jien did smile - a bit ruefully at that. "Great leaders and distinguished men and women have through history been those that dare climb the fences around them," he said, and there was no doubt that he spoke of the pilot from the look in his eye, "yet they do not jump over them unless they have good reasons for it. Your reasons were not solid from a greater perspective... yet the outcome quite fortunate for us all. I take this moment to thank you on behalf of the Senior Staff. Yet mark my words... if you fail to broaden your vision again, and endanger your fellow crew on a whim without communicating your qualified assumptions with your SCO or with Mission Ops before acting, then you will no longer serve your pack or your den, but your own need for freedom. Which will be the point where you do not longer serve me, and I have no choice but to let you go - to leave you in pursuit of your self-government."

Jien's smile remained, but there was nothing mellow about the look in his eye. "Do I make myself clear, 'Lieutenant?"
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on May 31, 2011, 11:15:15 PM
Jien told a good story.  Any other time someone was giving him a long winded speech about his actions, Nathaniel would have just ignored it, and wouldn't have any qualms over making it known.  This time, he actually listened, because it was the first time he felt like he was being lectured by someone who was actually qualified to do it.  It wasn't a matter of just telling him he did wrong; the Captain broke every action down in detail, and explained how it affected the Theurgy as a whole.  It was the kind of command structure Nathan wasn't used to witnessing first hand.

"You speak like a tactician rather then a politician.  A soldier instead of a diplomat."  That was the straight forward observations he made, and they were meant to be high praise, regardless of how they might have sounded.  "I'm a big enough man to acknowledge my mistakes, when there is someone who can see them.  My intentions did place danger upon this ship, which only proves that I am not ready to be a man giving the orders.  If it was anyone else giving me this speech, I might use a human saying like 'the ends justify the means' or a Vulcan saying about the needs of the many.  This time . . . I'll issue a formal apology for my actions and accept whatever punishment you see fit for my crime."

If his service record said anything, it would tell the tale of a man who never issued a formal apology to a commanding officer, Academy instructor, or even a fellow crewman or cadet.  That alone was a testament to the leadership of the sword carrying man in front of him.  He'd struck more senior officers then he had ever given a kind word to.  It might have been the fact that the crew of a ship like the Theurgy was geared more towards combat then diplomacy, but it seemed a better fit for him then anywhere else he tried to make a home of since leaving his birthplace.

"I can't promise you won't have any more troubles from me.  My last CO said I was as irritable as a Klingon.  I can honestly tell you though . . . widening my perspective is now my number one priority."  Taking in a breath, the Lieutenant stood up straight, arms behind his back entering into a formal stance.  "Lieutenant Junior Grade Nathaniel Isley requesting permission to come aboard."  It was a ceremony that had not been recognized, due to the crisis the ship had faced.  His first meeting with the captain would have begun with that.  In his own subtle way, Nathan was displaying a bit of respect to the man in charge, and looking to be officially recognized as a member of the Theurgy's crew.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on June 01, 2011, 03:51:14 PM
Honouring the pilot's gesture, Captain Ives turned to face the man fully with Nerina by his side.

"Permission granted," the Chameloid said clearly, then lowered his voice, "and apology accepted. At ease, 'Lieutenant and welcome aboard."

Jien stepped forward again, and he chuckled quietly. "You say you find me a soldiering tactician, even though the fact is... that I have served the Fleet both in the capacity of counsellor and of a diplomatic officer, negotiating treaties and been a shoulder to cry on for victims of war, if you would pardon the crude generalisation. I do not know whether I should find your comment an insult or words of praise. Then again, I served in Starfleet Intelligence to begin with, so I suppose that I ought not take too much offence."

In fact, it served to make Jien come to think about how much he had changed since his failure at Romulus.

Coming to stand at arms length from the man, Jien raised his chin anew. "As for your punishment," he said a little louder, changing the topic from his own service record, "which you - by your own words - will accept... on the penalty of your time actively piloting your Valkyrie being allocated to the simulators for one day each time you fail, will be to properly address your superiors by title, or sir..."

In mid-sentence, Jien changed into... her female form.

"...or ma'am, as Starfleet regulations clearly states that you should in order to be allowed to wear that uniform. This will be your punishment, even though every single puny cadet fresh of the Academy has learned to do so already. Thus, I hardly think you will have any difficulties to live up to such a low standard of protocol."

Jien turned away, as if her change of appearance did not mean anything, which it hardly did in the situation. She still carried herself the same way, and her sword was still held casually behind her back, so the only thing that might be different would be the view for the pilot while she returned to her First Officer's side. Something Jien did not ponder for a moment when she looked over her shoulder - her big brown eyes as hard as they had ever been - like seasoned oak. "Do you understand your punishment, 'Lieutenant?"

After she returned to Nerina's side, she glanced sideways at her First Officer. "Anything to add, Number One? It is you besides the SCO that Mr.Isley here will be reporting to, after all."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on June 02, 2011, 02:00:13 AM
(OOC: Sorry, RL threw some curveballs at me the last couple of days...)

Below Decks

Felicity smiled as William served up the vodka to the other members of the team. As William began to quietly serve them and the rest of the bar (it was fairly late and William had been up for a long time, he would say if pressed. Actually he had just started, but he was just feeling lazy right now) Felicity began to talk.

"A fair question, my dear Worshipper. Sadly my origin story has been lost to the ages, according to your so called historians. But given that I was there when it happened, I remember it well." she said, laughing. "It was many moons ago, on a hill overlooking Rome, a farmer was working on his crops, he had grown some very nice carrots, he was the first man to have grown the new plant in the region. He was tending to them when a passing squad of soliders were hungry. They called out to the farmer, asking in that special way that soliders ask, I'm sure you know-" she said, laughing, a hand resting on Ida's shoulder in a pleasant, slightly flirting way. "They asked for some carrots, to sustain them, they had been fighting so very hard to defend Rome from barbarians. The farmer refused, saying that these carrots were for selling, they were his livelyhood. The soldiers began to press the issue when there was an allmighty crash, BANG!" she said, jumping up and clapping, the hem of her skirt flying up, showing off the thin strips of her thong panties to the room.

"A powerful evil wizard chose that moment to unleash his creations, vicious horrible beasts, formed from livestock. The soliders were caught unawares, and were about to be slain, when the farmer got to his knees and prayed to the Dii Consentes, begging for help and forgivness. They looked down and saw that he was truly sorry, and they called me into being, Mars and Ceres having a quick daliance to create me. I then appeared, and I gave my hand to the farmer. And he threw his farming tool, and my guiding hand saw that it flew straight and true, and killed the evil wizard there and then. The beasts were then confused, and the soliders slew them.

And from then on, farmers and soliders both worship me, to bring them luck in their battles and their growing, as I remind them that without the other, they are both lost. An army needs food, a farmer needs protection. And they both need me!" she said, bobbing happily as she finished the tale. She smiled at Ida, looking at her, having finished her tale.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on June 02, 2011, 05:32:59 PM
Flight Deck

Nerina had remained silent through the conversation, her hands gripping the pad and stylus in her hands, her face deliberatly blank. The fact was that she was very conflicted about the young pilot's actions. He had found the planet, and saved them, but at the same time, he'd recklessily risked their lives by leaving formation, by going outside the guides that Nerina herself had helped set.

So as the Captain and the pilot talked, she was trying to calm her thoughts, as she resisted the temptation to either offer him a drink or throw him in the brig. But thankfully for her mental stability, the Captain and the pilot seemed to work out some sort of accord between them. Nerina did approve of that, at least, since she respected the chain of command and, in the short time she had served as the Captain's XO, grown to respect them greatly.

When the Captain finally spoke directly to her, she blinked a few times before finally speaking. "Not as such, although any knoweldge you have that you think might be useful to your fellow pilots, Lieutenant, should be put into a report and circulated. We need all the good info we can get." she said, smiling at him, picking a factor of the discussion she felt un-conflicted about. She understood his point of view, but she wasn't going to focus on his actions, for now.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on June 02, 2011, 06:02:53 PM
Flight Deck

The shift in Jien's physical form was startling.  He knew nothing about the Cameloid, leaving the transformation to be something completely unexpected.  His first suspicion was that Jien was a Changeling; one of the so-called Founders from the Dominion War.  He soon dismissed that theory, noting the fundamental differences between the way a changeling looked while shifting between forms and how Jien appeared.  For the time being, it would remain a mystery.

When the initial surprise wore off, he was able to collect his thoughts, and quickly adjust to the now female version of the Captain.  "Yes, Ma'am."  He responded, clarifying that he understood the terms of punishment.  He was to be denied the freedom to fly; an effective choice, catered to his own preferences, rather then just a generalized deprivation that anyone would receive.  It was just another way that Captain Ives commanded her ship just a little bit differently then a standard Starship CO.

With the floor being passed to Nerina, Nathaniel's eyes moved to her.  A Klingon-Human hybrid was an interesting choice of Executive Officer; he hadn't seen one able to rank so high in a ship's hierarchy before.  Most of the officers he met that had Klingon blood were about as irritable as he was, which made interpersonal relations all the more difficult.  For the first time in a long time, he had some hope that he might actually be able to advance in his career.  "I will provide any warp signatures for civilian class cargo ships that I can.  With them, sensor sweeps should be able to identify them, ma'am."  He replied to Nerina's mention of submitting a report.  He wasn't sure what else from his cargo running days might have been useful, but he knew to be more vocal about it in the future.  At the very least, he proved his knowledge was useful, so it was less likely to be dismissed.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on June 02, 2011, 11:17:20 PM
In approval of the pilots immediate and tactful adaptation to his punishment, Jien inclined her head once the XO had given her say and the pilot accepted to accede to her demand.

"Very well then," she said quietly, "I think that ought to settle this matter. As a modest gesture of our gratitude, much due to the fact that we have little to offer at the given hour, we will accompany you to the ship's lounge and provide Mr. Regal with enough replicator rations for you to celebrate in whatever way you deem fitting - be it a meal outside of the messhall or drinks to celebrate yours and the Theurgy's momentary triumph. The SCO has been notified of your absence for the remainder of your shift, and we leave right away. Personally, I have to hold an interview for the position of our replacement Ship Counsellor in a short while, yet I believe I will be able to accompany you two to the turbolift, at least."

She inclined her head to the pilot's Valkyrie, where it stood upon its platform and with its allotted technicans running the usual post-flight diagnostics. "Feel free to debrief the engineering crew before we leave, or stove away your flight gear unless you have already done so."

Jien then turned her brown eyes to Nerina, and while the pilot was out of earshot, and raised a brow in query. "I would not hold it against you if you joined Mr. Isley in Below Decks. Your advice and your support for a weary and ageing Chameloid this evening has been irreplaceable. Our Second Officer can have the Bridge for the remainder of the night, it being his shift after all, while I hold the last meetings in my Ready Room. After all, it would serve to inform those off-duty about the good news, and to name Isley as our benefactor. Our new Wolf being not too familiar with many outside his squadron, I'm sure it would assist the cause to make him more welcome aboard despite the dark circumstances we find ourselves in. Can you make it so, or do you have any other pressing matters than cannot be dealt with on the morrow?"

Once the pilot rejoined them, Jien led the way out of the flight deck - her hips swaying in perfect alignment with her centre of gravity. Having been raised in Japan and in rigorous training of the martial arts, it appeared as if she was nailed to the floor with each step - in mastership of her body and her surroundings. Perhaps her ability to truly master her body in every aspect - her Chameloid morphogenic matrix being her means for it - served to make it so, but she hoped that her capacity to keep the slashes of her sword true had not deteriorated since that yore time under Sensei Hitoshi's tutelage.

The stars knew she had tried to honour his blade since that last time she saw him.

She idly turned her eyes to her First Officer and to the Lone Wolf - two individuals so different yet both wearing aesthetically pleasing physical forms (something she as a Chameloid appreciated in other ways humans might) - once they were inside the turbolift. There were two individuals who had no reason to mourn their lack of ability to alter their forms. "Deck 07," she said in a low voice to Thea - the Computer - and the lift sped towards the ship lounge - a stop on the way after she would continue to the Main Bridge.

Solitude was always the price one paid for authority...


[Below Decks | Deck 07]

ThanIda had finished her drink at the time when Felicity had finished her story, and she put the empty glass down on a table nearby - the taste of the Terran vodka still in her mouth - a rather gratifying burn to her throat and cerulean gums.

It was hard to truly appreciate the story in such a good-natured way as the hologram deserved, her intentions so innocent and heart-warming. To tell the truth, it was not merely her heart that warmed to Felicity, yet the circumstances of Ida's withdrawn promotion was predominantly on her mind. She tried to imagine how it would be to capture the hologram's allure with her paints and brushes, yet it was but a fleeting attempt for her bountiful imagination - just as it would be if she made the same efforts in gazing upon any of males in the ship lounge. Even Adam Kensington, whom she had already made highly private renderings of once he had been commissioned to the Theurgy long before - highly private pieces of artwork indeed...

She could almost imagine his eyes upon her backside, and she wished she had second drink in hand.

"So upon this ship," she said to Felicity, pinching the bridge of her nose before attempting a smile to the Pinkskin hologram, "that would mean you both serve Mr. Regal in the nourishment of the crew, but you also serve the crew in their fighting capacity. Tell me, unless I am out on a limb here, how do you serve us directly besides your stories and your services in this establishment?"

Ida gestured idly with her hand while she spoke. "So far, I have only seen you serving drinks and dance for public enjoyment. In the story... you incapacitated the beasts through the true angle of a thrown farming tool, but how might that be translated into your capacities aboard this ship?"

It was true that the whole ship had been fitted with holo-emitters so that the Theurgy Hologram might move about as she pleased, but what did that entail for this divine female creature of photons and toned force-fields? Had Mr. Regal gotten the clearance to let her program be run anywhere aboard? She admittedly did not know, and right then, she truly was not out to pin more complaints or reports to the human's file.

In the back of the ship lounge, the turbolift doors opened...

[OOC: Ascornfilm, sorry for getting Nerina's name wrong in some of my earlier posts. I have moved to correct the spelling immediately. :) ]
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on June 03, 2011, 04:20:15 AM
(OOC: It's cool. Wasn't like it was confusing or anything ;))

Nerina had begun to input some data into her padd when the captain spoke, and couldn't hide the flash of surprise as the captain suggested she join the pilot in the 'bar', as she understood Mr. Regal called it. She had avoided it after a flare up with him early on when she misunderstood a comment he had made, plus she was not at home with alcohol. It was a surprising fact that very few people knew, that despite her Klingon physiology, she just couldn't handle her booze, but then she was rarely put in a position to reveal this.

She quickly weighed up the options, and decided not to disappoint the captain. "Very well, Ma'am." she said, as she pocketed her stylus, and placed the padd back in a nearby drawer. As they head into the turbolift, she turned to Nathan as it began to move. "So, Lieutenant, how long did you run cargo for?" she asked, her tone somewhat friendly, as she tried to indicate that they were off duty with her stance and tone, if not her words.

In Down Below itself, Felicity's image... flickered for a moment as Ida asked her question, as if her software had glitched or, more likely, the question was outside the expected range, and had taken a moment to work out an answer. Her expression did not change however, as she still had the same divine smile on her face as she always did. "Oh, I look after the ship, I protect it, I make sure it will return home safely, and vanquish its foes." she explained, avoiding details and any actual impact she had on the ship.

But then the doors to the room opened, and Felicity's eyes darted towards it. And when she saw the Captain, she again flickered, but this time there was a visual change. Her outfit became much less see through, and her panties were now more like the standard cut for Starfleet, only just visible through the material of her dress, joined by a bra across her breasts. She made no comment on her visual change, instead nodding at Ida. "If you'll excuse me Worshipper, I must go greet our new guests." she said, nodding at the blue skinned woman,
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on June 03, 2011, 05:36:21 AM
He wasn't about to turn down an opportunity to relax a little, and maybe enjoy a drink or two.  Being in the company of two lovely looking women, even if one of them was of an ambiguous gender, only made things all the more appealing.  Nathaniel made quick work of his gear, stowing it away for future need.  It was best off remaining with his Valkyrie, where it would not be misplaced or forgotten.  In a final effort to provide himself some comfort, he unzipped his uniform's jacket, leaving it open to reveal the white inner shirt below.  It made him feel a bit less restrained, and helped him to stand out from all the others who were still wearing their uniforms to standard.

When Nerina asked about his cargo running days, he turned his head towards her, showing some respect by making eye contact.  Though his first instinct was to take a look at the cranial ridges on her forehead, he avoided doing so; part of him just knew it wasn't respectful without being told.  "It was maybe two and a half years.  It was a while after my sixteenth birthday that I joined up, after the relocation of the colony on Sennis IV.  I was with them until shortly after my nineteenth birthday, when I left to join Starfleet.  The Fighters were calling out to me, and I couldn't say no."  He explained his motivations.  For some, it was making a career, and for others the wonder of discovery.  For Nathan, it was a simple wish to soar through space in the most sophisticated ship he could pilot.

Arriving on Deck 07, He was quick to take in the sights.  "It's quite a diverse crew you have."  He commented to both his CO and XO.  Half Klingons, Andorians . . . whatever race Jien belonged to.  He got to know a number of cadets from varying home worlds, but the ones on the Theurgy were more rare to see in the Academy.  Both Klingons and Andorians were known for being a militaristic people, which only led him to wonder if it was fate that brought them to a ship which had been thrust into a fight with difficult odds.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on June 04, 2011, 01:00:26 AM
At the comment that the pilot made as the three stepped out of the turbolift, Jien could but smile faintly in the artificial light - her full lips curving ever so slightly. Her crew was a source of pride, given how they were all survivors in this together. All of them bore their plight in their own fashion, yet as a ship and a crew, they all stood more or less united.

"The complexity and diversity of the galaxy are the hopes for the future, 'Lieutenant," she said, her arms still folded behind her back, "yet the Federation's strength is not our diversity; for our strength is our ability to unite people of different backgrounds around common principles. All the more reason we need to follow through with our journey towards the truth instead of scattering to the winds of the cosmos. These principles might - one day - be one of the keys for intergalactic peace."

She said these words as though she meant them, even though she had more or less given up on the concept of lasting peace... The smile was, in fact, a lie.

"Number One," she said and turned to Nerina, "I will leave you to the announcement." She then turned her gaze to include the pilot as well. "I wish you both a pleasant evening. Should anything happen, I will be in my Ready Room until the small hours of the night."

With that, Jien stepped back into the turbolift, and just as she asked to be taken to Deck 01, she saw Mr. Regal's bloody hologram approach from afar. This 'Felicity' was barely tolerated purely due to the fact that it was a creation of the pardoned culprit's imagination - a program that would not have been accepted upon any Starship yet now made a fact due to the favours that the proprietor of Below Decks could call in for the benefit of their survival. Moreover, for the survival of Starfleet as they knew it.

At least it seemed like the hologram wore some little nothing on her skin, but there was no mistaking the glare that William Regal got before the turbolift doors closed. How did he have the nerve to run Felicity when they had an energy crisis aboard? She would make sure to inform the new Chief of Security about this whenever she could spare a minute - to have the situation in the lounge dealt with once and for all.



Given how Felicity left her side to greet the two new individuals in the lounge, Ida naturally noticed them. She had also noticed the shift in the holograms apparel, and as Deputy, she immediately drew the conclusion that Mr. Regal had installed a few modifications to her already non-existing modesty configuration.

She decided to have a word with the man about this, along with a new drink, when the news were delivered...
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: FallenRanger on June 05, 2011, 03:24:17 PM
|A Dream


The sun that shone on Betazed hit Jaru's face as he lay on the grass with a woman beside him, her head on his chest listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Her long sundress was hitched up so her bare thigh could rest on his stomach. The uniformed male figured opened his eyes and tilted his head so icy blue irises gazed into black ones. Jaru began to grin and laugh gently as the woman kissed his jawline but finally he was silence when their lips caught each other.

After a moment of tender kisses and probing tongues they settled back into their original position, resting in the midday sun. "I'm going to miss this planet." said Jaru softly, "And you."

She seemed to smile sadly at that and her hand began to run through Jaru's dark hair. They both know this moment was bitter sweet.  "Why would you do that? Surely in all of your amazing Starfleet travels you must have met a woman better than myself."

"Met women yes." admitted the pilot with a shrug. "Met a woman better than you? Never." They both shared a giggle before kissing one another again, enjoying the affectionate moment that it symbolised. Jaru thought she was one of, if not the most, beautiful women he had ever seen. Her dark hair and pale skin complimented her soulful dark eyes, slim figure wrapping along his muscles.

"They say that more Dominion are arriving at Bajor each day, they also say that it could be war."

Jaru gave a small scoff before shaking his head. "Really, where do you get your facts from?" he asked teasingly. "As new and scary as they Dominion are we can take them....besides, they'll never reach Betazed."

"Maybe it's you I'm worried about. Maybe I want you to come back."

"And if I promise?"

"Will you?" asked the woman with a raised eyebrow and a coy smile.

"I promise..." said Jaru honestly, sadly kissing her brow and holding her close. It's true that when you meet a woman you don't  want to walk away from it hurts. He just didn't expect it to hurt this bad...


|Sickbay
|0230 Hours

Whatever dream Jaru had been lost in it had left him with a pang in his heart and a bitter taste in his mouth as he awoke in the biobed to the smell of nothing. It was then he knew exactly where he was; sickbay. The place was always devoid of any natural musk. Come to think of it half the ship was but in sickbay it just seemed worse. It assaulted you, cleansed you.
 
He looked down and saw he was currently topless with a neatly wrapped bandage around his right shoulder. At least they had managed to do him the favour of taking the shrapnel out before wrapping him up. Oh he remembered how it happened now. Something went wrong with his deflector and the splash from his kill peppered his canopy. A sliver of metal had broker through and given him a wound like a gunshot. Still, ever tough he had managed to land before passing out. Barely. He might have been tough but he was only human.

As soon as he sat up a male Klingon came running to him with a medical tricorder in hand to which Jaru groaned inwards and waved him away. "Kid if you so much as come near me with that thing you'll be on an operating table fishing for it. If you can't help me get discharged from this butcher's shop then go find someone who can. Go on, be useful."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on June 06, 2011, 12:27:45 AM
Yet Maal did not have to, since the Chief Medical Officer was already on his way over to the biobed - his tattooed hands folded behind his back and his lab coat billowing out in his wake. Lucan cin Nicander had recently finished the surgery he had committed himself to, and now roamed in his ignorant realm once more.

"Oh, I am hurt, 'Commander," he said to the SCO with an easy smile, "so recently sprung from the blissful oblivion, and you insult my personnel and spill ungratefulness from your lips. Had you wished to continue flying your Valkyrie and lead your squadron from the cockpit, then you ought to have been quite thankful instead. Someone once told me... that an ungrateful man is like a hog under a tree, eating acorns, yet never look up to see where they come from."

Lucan smiled to the one designated Wolf-01 as he came to stand next to the biobed and read the readings on the display - a fingertip trailing the numbers shown. "I would not be so presumptuous to call you a swine, Jaru, nor would I imply myself or Sickbay to be the tree, yet nevertheless... the comparison does seem fitting given what might have happened unless your injury was expediently dealt with. Maal, thank you, your services are no longer needed here. Please attend to the patients in the Recovery Ward."

Regardless of what the human lout had said to the Klingon nurse, Dr. Nicander fished out a medical tricorder and scanned the human without preamble. "I would have you know that I saved Elisabeth Rawley - one of your flightmembers I belive? - just little while ago from massive internal injuries, and that she will be back from her rehabilitation in a matter of weeks. You, however, ought to be cleared for duty in five days depending on your willingness to cooperate this time around."

Lucan met the eye of the pilot, and while he smiled to him, the doctor had the barest impulse to fracture the man's jaw with the blunt edge of his tricorder - if only to be amuse himself with the blubbering efforts the man would make in dealing him a reply. He did, however, do no such thing - only returned his attention to the readings. "I was successful in extracting all the debris from your wound, yet as you've proven, I was quite unsuccessful with instilling some kind of manners to your mind. Alas, hope springs eternal."

In the background of their conversation, the pace and flowing routines of Sickbay had somewhat returned to normal. As normal as the circumstances allowed, at least. In the back of his mind, the shadows hissed for more blood, yet Lucan paid them no heed, for he knew that before the strife would come to an end, there would be a sea of blood to bathe in - the corridors of the ship literally flowing with it like arteries of a dying animal.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: FallenRanger on June 06, 2011, 06:48:14 AM
"There's another way to put that." said Jaru in a rather irritated tone. "Ignorance is bliss. Sometimes it's best just to accept things for what they are but as officers we can't afford such a delicate luxury. You especially for being a doctor."

He looked at Lucan rather coldly after his little speech. In all honesty he couldn't care if he was hurt one way or another. All he wanted was to get out of this medical hell hole and to the Captain to discuss his squadron's status. Right now Jaru didn't know if he was in the mood for bad news. Jaru hated losing people but he also hated losing them needlessly. Right now they weren't in a position to resupply on fighters and pilots. Every little counted.

At least in times like this there was a chance for little rays of sunshine and Lucan had more or less delivered a supernova to Jaru. "So Lizzy is alive...." he muttered softly with a little smile and chuckle. "Thanks for that doc. It's good to know my pilots have somewhere to do to get a decent patching up. Speaking of which what's the butchers bill?"

Jaru hated asking that question since some things were best left unknown. The human part wanted to just leave it to find out for himself in his own time. Twenty pilots left the ship in the battle but who knew how many where standing now? The Squadron Commanding Officer part however wanted to know so it could plan how to fill the gaps. The state of the ship after a battle was never a good indicator to fighter casualties because they weren't on the ship. Sometimes Jaru would be on the bridge as flight controller but he preferred to be in the thick of it. He couldn't ask someone to take risks while he sat cozy on the ship.

"So tell me Doc, how many caskets am I making?" he asked sadly.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on June 06, 2011, 12:54:40 PM
"None," said Lucan resolutely as he closed his tricorder and pocketed it again, "since Ms. Rawley survived. Unless there are any post-surgery complications, and you do not plan of ending your own life prematurely, the last skirmish with our brothers and sisters in the Fleet did not cause any casualties in your squadron. As for the Theurgy as a whole, we lost seven crewmembers to the winds, forty-nine were injured to a greater or lesser degree, the ship itself... you have better ask Engineering about that for a qualified answer, but suffice to say, several decks have lost life-support and a majority of our key functions are under heavy repairs. We have an energy crisis on board, and the Captain has limited replicator usage for personnel severely through a rationing-system - this excluding Engineering and Sickbay since we need to have one hundred per cent functionality."

Deftly, Lucan's long fingers picked up a hypo-spray and he charged it whilst he spoke, not saying what it was for. "I do believe that while you were in surgery, flight patrols still had to be conducted, yet I do not know what the XO ordered from her seat in Mission Ops on the Bridge, and I do not have the damage estimates to your Valkyries. I would suggest that you run your queries through the right people once you are allowed to leave Sickbay. Which is not quite yet, I am afraid."

Thus spoken, Lucan quickly lay his hand upon the SCO's head to keep him still and pressed the cold muzzle of the hypospray against the man's neck - the sharp hiss resembling that of a cold-blooded snake's. The anaesthetics passed seamlessly through skin and into blood, the pressure spreading the pain-reducing cocktail like a wildfire in along his nervous system. To the recipient, it was like getting two drinks too many in Below Decks.

Foregoing any kind of violent retort to the administered dosage (or the swift action) Lucan simply stepped away - casually powering down the hypospray with a smile and replacing it in its allotted place on the tray. "I am ordering you to rest here for a duration of twenty-four hours, 'Commander Jaru, and its not a point of negotiation. If you would so kindly retreat to the Recovery Ward immediately, you will find that the hours will pass by quite swiftly once you lie down."

The Chief Medical Officer had the official leverage to even take the Captain off duty if so needed, and it was an authority that Lucan would not have infringed upon merely because of mule-headed stubbornness. "Unless you do take this time to rest, the wound will not heal under the best circumstances, and I will not clear you for flying your Valkyrie until a full week has passed - maybe two depending on your body's natural capacities to heal itself."

Folding his hands behind his back again, Lucan smiled and raised a brow, and would the man have any loud objections, he would simply override them. "Are you still here? Off to the Ward with you. Chop chop, 'Commander."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: FallenRanger on June 06, 2011, 07:48:08 PM
As Lucan spun the report of woe Jaru's mood seemed to darken not to mention the idea of staying in bed while work had to be carried out. He wasn't one for lying around while good people did the hard but his hands were tied in the matter. As soon as the hypospray injected the fluid into Jaru's bloodstream he could already feel himself drifting away slightly. Right now rest felt like the best thing for him. Besides wouldn't it be better if he rested up so he could get back to duty as soon as possible?

"Yeah you're right Doc I should sleep it off..." yawned Jarulightly. "Wake me up in eight hours or so. I wanna speak to the captain. I need to know what the exact status is and besides we're more or less royally fucked now. Stuck on the ass end of the quadrant while being shot at by our own people. It was tough, but it'll get tougher. I want to hear what he...she...has to say." With a small amount of thanks Jaru pushed himself off the bed and staggered slightly, waving off the nurses who attempted to assist. Like always he did himself no favours as he made his way into the recovery ward.

Inside were people like him resting. Mostly from surgery which took a lot out of the body. Right now the only remedy for him was plenty of fluids and rest. Then he could focus on getting the information he wanted. Acting tough by denying medical treatment was a certain negative trait that Jaru had in abundance but he was already here, locked away under medical lock and key and full of painkillers. It was little surprise that when he flopped onto the nearest empty bed he could already feel sleep gently cradling him in its arms. Soon he could hear the soft winds of Betazed and the familiar voice of a woman he once knew.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on June 07, 2011, 02:10:53 AM
[ Sickbay | 8 hours later ]

As the Chief Medical Officer left her side, the woman turned the hypospray she had been given over in her hands while she looked at the prone form of the SCO.

She did not know why she paused, but perhaps it was in consideration of why she had come at all instead of just speaking with Mr. Jaru Rel over the comm. Bloody hell, it was certainly not like she had other things to do, now that she had been given a few hours of sleep after her meeting with the new Ship Counsellor aboard the ship. Though she had slept, she did not feel rested. Despite the fact that the ETA on Niga was four hours into the future - given their need for stealth and their lack of proper propulsion - she was certainly not able to sleep well. She knew that despite the found source of supplies and energy, the Theurgy's journey back home and the difficulties the future had in store had merely begun.

With a sigh, she leaned down over the SCO and ran her fingers through his hair - tilting his head to the side - and she delivered the hypospray's kiss against the human's neck. He would come to in seconds, so she merely straightened by his side and put the medical tool aside.

When Lt. Commander Jaru Rel woke up, he would see Captain Ives - in her female form - standing next to him in the recovery ward. She had her hands on her hips and her smile was but a weary one. "I envy you, 'Commander," she said quietly and chuckled, "few of us who are not injured have been granted the luxury of proper sleep for a long while. I am here to debrief you, since I need you back on Flight Deck as soon as your legs can carry your weight."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: FallenRanger on June 07, 2011, 03:29:30 AM
Shaking his head from sleep Jaru could hear the captain's voice and see her outline through his groggy eyes. Say what you want about 24th century medicine; drugs were drugs and they were kicking the crap out of his system. First to send him to sleep now to wake him up. It seemed like no matter where he went someone was injecting him with vials of fluids. "Well you can always join me..." suggested Jaru from his drug induced half sleep. Then he began to wake up more and his brain caught up with his mouth. Finally he realised what he had said, and to who.

Soon he shot right up causing a rippling pain in his shoulder and a wince to contort his face. "Ah! Bugger...ma'am sorry ma'am I uh...thought I was dreaming." said Jaru defensively before relaxing to his usual calm state. "Reporting for briefing ma'am, such as I can. Could you please ask for a shirt? I feel out of uniform with you standing there. No offence meant ma'am. Call me a slave to protocol."

Finally Jaru had more or less managed to shake off the effects of both his sleep and his prior embarrassment."If I had any choice ma'am I'd be going a CAP right now, sadly the doctor has confined me to sickbay until he seems me ready to leave his care. Nothing bad ma'am. Just a bit of metal after my deflector failed. Should be in the cockpit in about a week but if you have something for me to do...anything for me to do to get me out of here I'll gladly do it. Right now I feel pretty useless. I mean I'm not the worst off and I'm taking up a bed. Just feels wrong to me."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on June 07, 2011, 04:52:26 AM
(OOC: Sorry, RL again.)

Nerina smiled at the pilot as they walked in. "Excuse me for just a moment." she said, before turning around and coming face to face (or rather, face to empty air as the Hologram was, at least in Nerina's mind, quite short.). "Welcome dear Wor-" she got out before Nerina coldly spoke. "Not now, I have an announcement." she said, heading for the center panel of the room, the drab grey display giving her a place upon which to stand and be the center of attention. However, as she made her way there, Felicity, seemingly not noticing the coldness of Nerina, suddenly held a small stringed instrument in her hands. "Attention, dear Worshippers, your charming Co-Centurion has an announcement!"  she declared, the stringed instrument gaining everyone's attention with a soft but somehow quite loud chord.

Nerina glared at the hologram, and then at Regal, who shrugged, before she shook her head and began.

"I do understand that as a crew, we have had to go up against a lot, we have been up against the wall. So when we get some good news, I don't feel the need to build it up, or to spend a great deal of time explaining it. So, here it is. Thanks to Pilot Isley, we have found an M class planet that is uncharted, that will allow us a much needed chance to recoup, rebuild and refuel. We should be arriving soon, and thus please prepare for planet side assignments." she said, simply, clearly. She smiled at the small cheer, then nodded and headed back to the pilot.

"So, I might as well be the first to offer you a drink. I'm sure many other crewmembers will." she said, smiling at the pilot as she came back to him, as Felicity was swept and up began dancing with one of the more excited crewmembers.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on June 07, 2011, 05:50:19 AM
Nerina's announcement was sure to place attention upon him.  Some of it was bound to be good, but some of it could just as easily be unfavorable.  He would just hope for more of the earlier and less of the latter.  Watching the Executive Officer with the hologram was interesting, to say the least.  Nathaniel had to wonder just how much of her attitude was based solely on the fact that the girl was a bunch of photons held together by a forcefield, and how much was her true personality.  Was Nerina naturally aggressive like that?  Her Klingon heritage would say yes, but genetics wasn't everything.  If they were, Nathan would be much more tame then was, and every second word out of his mouth would be "logic."

Upon her return, and offer of a drink, he gave his superior a grin.  "Well, if you're buying, I'll have what you're having . . . that is . . . you're not a fan of bloodwine, are you?"  He was still testing the waters about how Nerina was with her Klingon side of the family.  Most who were partly human did not take well to it, but he couldn't be certain just from the short time he knew her.  All he knew was that bloodwine was at least twice as strong as drinking whiskey, though it was more the "blood" part of the name then the "wine" he was worried about.  There was never much talk of what Bloodwine was made from, but knowing Klingons, it wouldn't have been a stretch to say the name was an accurate one.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on June 07, 2011, 01:32:47 PM
[ Sickbay ]

When the SCO spoke at first, and made his indecent proposal, Jien raised an eyebrow and folded her arms underneath her breasts - staring down at the man along her petite nose. It appeared, though, that his words were not intended. Then again, he said in the same sentence that he believed she had been a dream, and the idea of what the pilot would do in such a dream still carried weight. Behind her frown, however, Jien was humoured by the incident - a hidden smile behind her iron curtain.

The same façade remained when Mr. Jaru Rel asked her to fend a shirt for him, as if she was his maid or wife or something. While she did no such thing, remaining on the same spot where she stood, she reminded herself that the human was barely awake and not in his proper senses. She did not even comment upon his transgression, merely speaking at long last in a quiet and patient tone.

"There are many things on this ship that I can meddle with. Few things - in fact - does not happen when I ask them to. Yet when it comes to the physical health of the crew, and the treatment of injuries inflicted whilst serving under my command, it is the Chief Medical Officer who has the final say. If he orders rest for a shorter duration of time, and the ship is not under attack, I will not gainsay Dr. Nicander in this matter. You will abide to the treatment he gives you, and return to duty - if not the cockpit for some time - when he grants you leave to do so."

To take the edge of her firm tone, Jien unfolded her stance and paced around to the other side of his biobed - shooting him a mock look of seriousness with a casual smile on the way there. "And you think your little predicament with some metal removed from your shoulder feels wrong? This, considering when 'wrong' is the gravest of understatements for the kind of situation we have found ourselves in... Wouldn't you agree? By now, some protocols," she said and gestured to his bandaged upper body with her eye-lashes and a raised palm, "I find obsolete in these present times, when we should be worrying about the next hour, day or week if we are going to make it out of said times and have our claim heard by ears who do not think the word of Starfleet Command omnipotent."

Coming to stand on the other side, Jien folded her hands behind her bum and stood  bit straighter - unconcerned about her Chosen Form's feminine charms in relation to his line of sight. Rather she demanded him (best as she might) to meet her gaze with her tone. "I have orders that I wish you to relay to the Lone Wolves as expediently as possible, be it from here or if you can have one of the Enlisted in your department carry the word."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: FallenRanger on June 07, 2011, 08:23:38 PM
|Sickbay

So not even the Captain could help him get out of there. To be fair he half expected that, medical was medical after all and once you started sticking your nose into a place it's not wanted then it's used as an excuse to do so later. What she said made sense to the pilot even though he wanted to escape as soon as possible. Jaru was in a position to set an example and the last thing he wanted to do was made the doctors' and nurses' time hell when they were saving lives.

"You just needed to say 'no' ma'am, I would have dropped it." promised Jaru with a small smile as he rotated his shoulder, trying to the get the stiffness expelled from it. "Right now all we have to go on is each other and the rules we've been trained with. Without them we're no better than a pirate crew. As long as I wear the uniform I'll obey the chain of command. You have my word."

Looking up at Jien he gave the woman another small smile. He liked her, she was direct and straight to the point. She knew how to lead, when to tighten the leash and when to take it off. Right now everyone was high-strung but they needed to solider on. Things like RnR could wait when holes weren't in the hull and people weren't getting surgery.

"I think you've known me long enough to know I'll follow your orders to the letter ma'am. Your last point states pretty much I don't have a choice. Either way if I did I'd still be resting up at sickbay waiting for the word. Call me loyal, I guess once you have the proverbial collar around your neck all you end up doing is following orders."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on June 07, 2011, 09:25:58 PM
At that, Jien had to chuckle a bit at his humour.

"I am glad we understand each other, Jaru," she said and folded her arms again - her eyes lowering as she lay out the situation plainly.

"Currently, you have twelve functioning Valkyries in the Fighter Bay, yet only ten have pilots to fly them," she said, this because the SCO and Elisabeth Rawley were not cleared for active duty, and the thirteenth Valkyrie both lacked spare parts as well as a new pilot, "while you were in surgery, and because you and Lt. Rawley were in surgery, Mission Ops decided to let 'Lieutenant Nathaniel Isley man Elisabeth's fighter in her absence - his first patrol outside the simulators since he just came aboard when we had our short stop in San Francisco."

Jien then told her SCO about the details about Nathaniel's patrol, his breach of protocol, and his god-sent discovery of the forest planet of Niga. She also explained - while she paced in front of the pilot's biobed - that the ETA for Niga was in four hours, and that the Mahewa system appeared perfectly devoid of any other ships in the closest sensor-range vicinity. She furthermore detailed the damage to the Theurgy after their last skirmish with the Fleet, (http://houseeros.com/roleplay-role-playing-forum/tar-trek-the-uss-theurgy-series/prologue-aftermath-general-character-introductions/msg103822/#msg103822) and what their subsequent unofficial priorities were (http://houseeros.com/roleplay-role-playing-forum/tar-trek-the-uss-theurgy-series/prologue-aftermath-general-character-introductions/msg104044/#msg104044). She also told Jaru that their Chief Engineer was recovering in Sickbay after risking his life (http://houseeros.com/roleplay-role-playing-forum/tar-trek-the-uss-theurgy-series/prologue-aftermath-general-character-introductions/msg105001/#msg105001) in the de-pressurised eight deck of their ship.

Pausing before dealing her orders, she lifted her big brown eyes to his, quietly awaiting his comments upon the briefing.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: FallenRanger on June 07, 2011, 10:02:55 PM
If the CMO's words sent Jaru into a dark mood then Jien's words made him feel defeated. He didn't know if Thea felt each hit but that didn't stop him feeling sorry for her. For the ship. For the people they lost and the people who might be on the verge of being lost. As he pinched the bridge of his nose Jaru let loose a soulful sigh. "Times like this I wish I could do more." said Jaru. "At least the kid is out behind the stick. From his scores he'll develop into a good Valk jockey."

At that he turned to look up at Jien. "Captain...Jien, look I just want you to know that I'm here if you need someone to vent at. We're lightyears away from home and like I said before all the crew has is each other. I want to be there as a senior officer, as a pilot and as a friend. I know the crew see me as that damaged SCO and honestly that's what I am. Sure I can be difficult but I know when people need friends."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on June 07, 2011, 11:10:53 PM
[Brig]

Everyone had regrets in their life.  For Edena Rez, her biggest regret was revealing her true nature to the Captain of Theurgy.  She had been known as Azani Mikahl to the crew only a short time ago; an alias invented by Starfleet Intelligence for the sake of placing an agent on board the Theurgy-class ship.  It carried valuable new prototype technology, which had to be closely safeguarded; her duty had been to inconspicuously oversee the critical areas of augmentation, to assure there was no subterfuge involving experimental technology not yet released as a standard aboard all Federation vessels.  It was her duty, just as the Theurgy had it's own mission to perform.

Something happened along the way, however.  The ship was branded an enemy vessel; a threat to the Federation as a whole.  Edena had seen it all, and knew no blame was to be placed upon the crew.  While she could have just walked away, she chose not to; even if the crew manifest of names listed Azani Mikahl as an enemy of the Federation, Edena Rez was still a faithful member of Starfleet.  It was the knowledge that Jien Ives and the rest of the Theurgy crew were the only ones she could trust; the enemy had infiltrated the depths of Starfleet, with Intelligence likely no exception.

What was her reward for coming out with the truth?  She was locked in the brig.  It was the right call for a Starfleet vessel, though Edena was surprised that they could still hold true to their code after being left to the jackals by their own people.  "You put too much on the line.  Of course they would lock you up when you said you were a spy."  Came the voice of Illya, as she sat next to Edena in the brig.  Illya was just one of the ghosts who haunted her; a voice from the past, brought upon by the Symbiont that had bonded with her years before.

"If they found out on their own, it only would have been worse."  Came the only male voice in her mind.  Jona had been the last host before her, and the one who had worked for Starfleet Intelligence, providing her with both the skills and knowledge to fill his shoes after her joining. 

"At the very least, you have earned some credibility with the senior staff by coming forward, rather then being discovered."  Kiya was the oldest of the four, having been the first host.  Her voice was much less condescending then the others, providing a more mature, maternal response.  As the three discussed Edena's situation, she simply sat back, looking a bit annoyed with the whole thing. 

"So much for solitary confinement . . . "  She said aloud, looking to the security officer who was watching over her.  "I want to speak with the commanding officer.  I want an audience with Captain Jien Ives."  She tried to make a demand, but her tone of voice lacked the strength needed; it sounded more like a request then anything else.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on June 08, 2011, 10:41:19 PM
By the spirits of her ancestors, she did need a friend. She changed... into his male form, and was about to answer.

[The Brig to Captain Ives.]

"Go ahead."

[Our prisoner asks for an audience with you, sir.]

"I'm on my way," he replied, started to walk, but then looked over his shoulder at the SCO. "Your orders can wait, 'Commander, for when you have have recovered fully. I will have my Yeoman deliver them to you. And thank you, for the offer. We'll speak later, perhaps over an ale, remembering the fallen." And with those words, he stepped out of Sickbay.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on June 08, 2011, 11:56:22 PM
[The Brig]

The Captain stepped through the sliding doors, his hands fists by his sides.

His mood was still sour, and his scowl still dark - if somewhat reined in to maintain a professional façade. He passed by the Andorian Deputy on the way in, and though she might have given him a long unreadable look, Jien would not trust himself explaining his choice to forego her promotion for the benefit of the newly appointed Chief Security Officer. He had his reasons, but regardless what he might say, he suspected that Lt. zh'Wann would not be listening. He understood her feelings about it, but he could not take everyone's feelings into consideration.

Especially not his own.

Jien gave the posted Security Officer a nod in greeting before stepping out before the force-field - into plain view for the Starfleet Intelligence operative.

"Greetings 'Commander Rez," he said to her, his vowels cold, and folded his hands behind his back. "I believe you wished to speak with me... perchance to tell me more about your mission here aboard my ship. Even better, if you can tell me something more about the conspiracy that placed you aboard and the Ship and what your ulterior motives were with making yourself known to us."

A long time ago, Jien had shaken Junior Lieutenant Azani Mikahl's hand and welcomed her aboard as his Assistant Chief Counsellor - smiling to her and wishing her luck in her journey upon the USS Theurgy. He had even had counselling sessions with her, none too many but it was still a situation where one exposed oneself in trust of the counsellor to honour the discretion that came with the role. Still, it was not as if Jien did not know the Trill's situation - having served in Starfleet Intelligence many years ago.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on June 09, 2011, 12:31:35 AM
Edena stood up from the bed inside the small holding chamber, and walked over next to the force field.  Along the way, she gave a look to Jona, a person who only existed inside her mind, yet was as real to her as anyone made of flesh and blood.  He remained next to her, as if providing some moral support as a more experienced intelligence officer.  Illya and Kiya were close behind, prepared to offer their own advice.  It was like having a team of lawyers, ready to work with her to carefully word everything that came out of her mouth.

"I chose to reveal myself, not for ulterior motive, but because I believe this ship is the only one left in the Quadrant that can be trusted.  Whatever conspiracy is afoot in Starfleet's upper echelon, I have no knowledge of it, but I know that I cannot trust that my own superiors have not been compromised, as well.  It is for this reason that I am choosing to follow a certain protocol of Starfleet Intelligence.  It states that in the event that the command structure of Starfleet is under scrutiny, an agent is to report to the officer of high rank that she can be certain is trustworthy.  That is why, Captain Jien Ives, I not only reveal myself to you, but am now permitted, by this protocol, to offer you full disclosure."

Everything she knew could be turned over to him, and left to Jien to decide who else would be apprised of the matters, be it no one, the senior staff, or the entire crew.  "My mission was purely oversight.  Theurgy carries many prototype technologies, which I was charged with ensuring were not in any danger.  In the event that this ship were to fall into the hands of hostiles, my orders were to destroy this technology, to prevent it from falling into the hands of opposing factions, if there was no way to prevent it from being taken.  I transmitted by reports once a month via an encoded subspace transmission, performed during the scheduled ship-wide maintenance, where it would remain undetected."  She stopped her explanation there, allowing Jien to continue questioning before she went on.  Jona would give a nod to her, drawing her eyesight to him for just a moment, before bringing it back to the Captain of the vessel.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on June 09, 2011, 09:40:04 AM
Whilst listening, Jien had folded his arms across his chest - his wide shoulders squared as his eyes were watching the operative from underneath his browridge.

"I warn you to try and recite protocols from Starfleeet Intelligence, for as you have certainly made yourself aware of, I have served your superiors as well. At least their predecessors, given that it was some time ago," he said quietly, his stance not altering a hair - his eyes unblinking like a folklore dragon, "If you recite anything incorrectly, it will be your undoing - having me believe instead that you are one of the enemy trying to nestle your way into this crew at a more elevated rank than Azani held. For what purpose, I can only speculate in, but it does grant you a higher Security Level access to be styled a Lt. Commander."

He paused there, not having asked any question as of yet. He paced slowly along the forcefield while he considered her - his stare never leaving her hazel eyes. The information she divulged allowed him a few alternatives, so he chose to tug at a couple of the loose ends.

"You say you will speak. Then describe to me how you had planned to accomplish the destruction of this ship's technological assets. What precautions have you already taken to ensure this to be executed in the expedient way that the situation that you just described would enforce." His voice might be cold, but his tone calm. Only his eyes remained fiery. "Moreover, you will tell me where in the main computer you have installed your pre-emptive SI sub-routines. You will tell me where your hidden assets and equipment are in case of the aforementioned scenario, and you will tell me your planned escape-route from this ship."

He came to stop, standing one meter away from her - the force field separating them with its quiet hum.

"After that, you will tell me what you might have written in your reports to Starfleet Intelligence that might compromise our survival. What does the enemy now know that might be a threat to us? How far does your betrayal to this crew extend? Personal logs retrieved from the ship database? Your unqualified counsellor sessions that you held with those who trusted you? The classified algorithm to our shield-frequencies?  Casual and snide observations about our performance as a crew? Our most private weaknesses?" Suddenly, he lashed out, his fist connecting with the force-field right before her face - creating a blinding cascade of blue fury between them.

"What the hell did you reveal to the enemy, Azani!" he braked at her - like a whip lashing her back.

It was only after the sting lingered in the air that Jien realised he had titled her by her false name. He did not care, it served to show her just how furious he was with her. He knew he ought to remain calm, but the past two months had been hard on him and the entire crew - without respite. The outburst might even illustrate how much ground the prisoner would have to cover to earn the Senior Staff's trust; the personal betrayal far worse than the official repercussions. While rubbing his hand, Jien paced away again.

"Speak."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on June 09, 2011, 05:40:53 PM
Nerina laughed, a surprisingly soft, feminine chuckle, her hair falling back over her neck and shoulders. "No, no, Mom hates the stuff. And Dad thought white wine was a bit strong." she said as she leant against the bar, clearing a space between her and the wall for Isley to lean. Truth be told he was fairly attractive, and seemed like an interesting person. Nerina wasn't... superb in these sorts of environment, but given the circumstances she felt that she might as well give it a go. What was the worst that could happen?

"But I drink Cider, actually." she said, nodding at Regal and then holding up two fingers. "Old Earth variety, English ancestry I believe. It's just got enough kick to it that it's quite nice without being overpowering. But I'm having to pace it out, I only got one crate of it delivered before... Anyway, here's to your discovery. Even if you broke protocol." she added as Regal put two open bottles of the clear yellow sparkling beverage in front of them. Nerina picked one up and waited to toast the pilot, glancing at Regal to keep him nearby while she took her first long sip of the drink.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on June 10, 2011, 12:02:51 AM
[Below Deck]

Nerina had her own charms.  Not just her voice, but her appearance was also quite feminine.  Though those of Klingon blood were often viewed as warriors first, she had an attractive figure that other humanoids would undoubtedly find appealing.  "Well, glad to hear you don't drink too strong; most of the Klingons I have met have been mean drunks . . . well, I guess they were plenty mean before the drinks too.  A few friends and I ended up having a fist fight on the promenade of DS9 with a couple of them.  A dislocated shoulder and a few lacerations to the face before it was broken up.  The one I fought had a broken rib and a punctured lung.  Luckily he still had two more."  Three lungs made something like that a bit less of a threat, but still required hasty treatment.

When she offered the toast to his discovery, he was quick to add to it in his own way.  "To arrogant, impetuous decisions."  He spoke, at least willing to admit what he did was wrong, even if it had ended well for them this time.  His glass clinked to hers, before he took back his first taste of the cider.  It was a softer taste then he was used to; drinking with other males was often a test of toughness, where one drank strong liquors without any sort of mix to dilute the flavor.  Women were more sensible; it was about a taste, rather then an alcohol content.



"The deletion of the ship's avatar, designated Thea, was the most simple.  It was simply a matter of accessing a subroutine I installed and activating the process that would remove all files related to the hologram.  The Valkyrie fighters were a bit more complicated.  The subroutine for that one involved decompressing the hangar bay, causing the fighters to be pulled out into space.  Once they had cleared a safe distance, a remote overload would cause their engines to explode, obliterating all traces.  I had also prepared a warp core overload for the ship as a whole, allowing a countdown to be issued, giving those inside the ship time to evacuate to the nearest escape pods."

Her explanation of what would occur was only half of what Jien wanted.  There was also a matter of how the subroutines were installed.  "I gained access to the ship's systems using a conduit in the jefferies tubes.  Deck sixteen, near the Emergency Warp Core Jettison Control; it was deemed the location least likely to draw attention, and served as an adequate back door to the main computer.  The authorization for these subroutines is Rez-Omega-Delta-Five; you can use this access code to alter or delete the subroutines."

Jien's talk to betrayal left her feeling a shame that could not be truly put into words.  Illya and Kiya both frowned, feeling the sorrow that emanated from Edena.  Jona kept silent, far too professional to be holding her hand through what must be done.  "My reports . . . they were limited to activity that might have been a potential threat.  As such, I reported nothing of the crew to my superiors; everyone you serve with on this ship I hold in high regard as upstanding officers of the Federation.  With every report, the same piece of information was always given about the personnel.  'Captain and crew operating within the standards and regulations of Starfleet.  No cause for concern.'"
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on June 10, 2011, 09:49:11 PM
Pacing in front of the holding cell, Jien's eyes returned to the traitor's at the point where she finished the statement she had sent to Starfleet Intelligence.

"No cause for concern, you wrote," he said in cold syllables, and his brow drew down over his eyes when he added, "what about our bloody concerns, then? The ship and its crew? Would you not think that it would be a concern that you had effectively undermined the chances for me and the Senior Staff to handle a difficult situation? I cannot even recall how many times the USS Vendetta was considered done for, yet still managed to get out of any precarious situation. What if we had one of you aboard then?

"What if you - whom are not privy to all the facts of a situation - made an ungrounded decision to delete a sentient life-form that happens to Federaton prototype technology? Have you not spoken to Thea every day since you came aboard? Have you not smiled and jested with her, knowing that you might kill her based on your limited knowledge of our mission strategies? What if you gutted the ship from its Warp Core when we were merely stalling for the opportune moment to retreat? What if you ejected a squadron of Valkyries along with their pilots - whom I assure you will not be going for the escape pods - to create morbid fireworks in celebration of our demise - rendering us bereft of our final line of defence for the escape pods?"

Jien came to stand right before Edena Raz, his arms folded across his chest.

"I am perfectly aware that you were only doing your job. Hell, I spent six years on Aldea masquerading as one of the natives, so I know where you are coming from, but did you even consider the repercussions of your orders; how they might affect the outcome of our missions? Your presence upon this ship as been a hidden rot in its hull. So tell me, why should I not send you out the closest fucking air-lock?"

Though that was not his intention, he would hear what the spy had to say for herself.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on June 11, 2011, 07:46:03 AM
Jien's words left Edena feeling defeated.  It was true that there was no way she could have been absolutely certain of anything, yet she had her orders.  Lowering her head, her eyes shutting tight to prevent showing signs of weakness in them.  Jona, sensing that compromise of her emotional center, took the opportunity to force himself into control of her body, Edena's personality going dormant in favor of his own.

"You know as well as I that not everything can be won with high hopes."  Her eyes were more determined, and her voice deeper and more masculine; the way she was acting was completely different, and it was obvious to anyone who saw it.  "If the USS Vendetta was under my purview, then it would have been destroyed at the sight of failure.  Even if it managed to survive that first case of near compromise, my reports would have seen changes to it's command structure to bring forth more . . . competence.  Those who serve in Starfleet are expected to lay their life on the line for what must be done, and if it meant keeping new technology out of enemy hands, and tipping the balance of power further away from the Federation, then it is the duty of such a ship to make a sacrifice."

It was the cold observation of an agent; words that Jien might have known well, even if he no longer agreed with them.  "I get it.  You're a captain, and that means you feel responsible for this ship and it's crew.  Believe me when I say I want nothing less then the continued service of your fine vessel and it's staff.  That is why I have revealed my nature to you.  It will soon be time to repair this ship, allowing for a blackout in which I would send a report to Starfleet Intelligence.  That places you in an interesting position; you have the power to determine what I tell them.  You need an inside man . . . you're looking at him."  Between the behavior change, and the use of male pronouns, it must have been painfully clear Edena was no longer the one in charge, even if a condition like hers had never been seen before.  What would Jien think about it?
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on June 12, 2011, 04:55:33 AM
Nerina paused as he added his own words to the toast, quickly hiding her pause with the glass, draining a good chunk of the liquid in one go. She was feeling... odd around this young pilot, she knew she should be upset with him, even if his discovery was just what they needed. And yet, looking at him, it was stirring odd feelings up inside her.

Not that she was prudish or anything, but she had prided herself on avoiding any hint of her advancement so fast through the ranks of Starfleet being due to personal relationships. She had gone on a few dates, even had a couple of boyfriends, a fellow cadet in the Academy, a shuttle owner on DS4, but had not been in a relationship for a long time.

She found herself staring at him for longer than was polite and quickly shook her head and turned to Regal. "Mr. Regal, may I ask why that program of yours is still running? Holograms are an intense drain on our already dwindling resources, and she is hardly essential to the running of the ship, is she?" she said, her voice going cold. William made a non-committal noise in his throat and then nodded as Felicity took this moment to deposit a large tray filled with empty glasses on the bar. "Actually, if this place is as important as you and the captain said when you demanded I do this job, if this venue is as essential a place to the crew's wellbeing as you guys think it is, then she is essential. One man can't run a bar by himself, I need her. If I had a real life waitress, maybe, but without one, I need her to run the bar. Like when I'm asleep." he said. Nerina grunted, seeing the logic he was using and not instantly having a comeback for it.

She eventually turned back to Isley. "So, when you're not flying the fighters, what do you do to relax?" she asked him, ignoring Regal, who shrugged and began to clean up the glasses Felicity had brought him.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on June 12, 2011, 07:02:05 AM
If he had to go by the impression he got from Nerina, he would say she was a consistent professional.  The way in which she took the time to question the use of the hologram during an energy rationing periods, even when she was off-duty, was a display of how seriously she took her job.  There was nothing wrong with it, but it also left him with a bit more motivation to get her to loosen up. 

It was also during her time facing Regal that Nathan took a chance to size up her frame.  It would have been rude to do so while he was talking to her, but while her attention was elsewhere, it was a great time to see what the executive officer had to offer.  She was rather shapely in the right places, carrying a fine set of hips and breasts on a frame that seemed slightly too thin for them.  It resulted in quite the eye full, only enhanced by the beauty of her face, with those dark, piercing eyes.  There was not a complaint to be found on her.

When her attention turned back to him, his eyes were already prepared to meet her gaze, and was waiting for her when she was fully turned around.  "When I'm not flying fighters, I enjoy . . . martial arts, jogging, and I have been a fan of twentieth century Earth music for some time.  It was a rather wide ranged time for music back then.  When I transferred to the Theurgy, I brought my collection with me.  I like to play it in the comfort of my quarters."  There was a subtle invitation in there for her.  She could have asked to listen to some of the music, which would have involved going back to his quarters together.  It was hardly by accident that he dropped the words her way.  He had an interest in seeing more of that frame he had been admiring behind her back.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on June 13, 2011, 12:02:49 AM
The change certainly gave Jien pause, and he raised his chin in order to appraise this new persona that had come to possess Edena's mortal coil - his scowl still persisting.

Oh, he had come to hear that she had a joining-defect with her symbiont, but he had not the vaguest idea of whom he was speaking with now. Apparently, there were two other women in the Rez ancestry, yet no man. He further realised how incomplete the alleged Assistant Chief Counsellor's personnel file was; lacking details that his own security clearance ought to have unlocked. Given how it was a fabrication, he truly could not say anything for certain about this enigmatic Trill. He only knew what the late Chief Counsellor had told him, which was far too little.

"Before I order you to present yourself - whomever you are - to me as your Captain," he said atfer a few seconds, his arms still folded across his chest, "I will tell you up front what I think of your haughty opinion; your erroneous belief that you can deliver reports to Starfleet with recommendations of re-commissioning - not to mention the quaint idea that you have the bloody right to play gods in the shadows. I say who the hell do you think you are, questioning the competence of war heroes like the crew and officers of the Vendetta? I could write you an essay about the repercussions of Starfleet history had you been aboard to blow our ship up or changed even one person in the crew manifest. I could run you a body count for the people who would have died if the Vendetta had not pulled through when it should have. You - whomever you are - represent the very reason I left Starfleet Intelligence."

Jien took a step closer to the humming wall between them. "Your kind make me sick, and the only reason I do not lower this forcefield and ram your opinions of my old crew mates back down your throat with my fist is that I also know that you have no idea what the hell you are talking about. You have not served in the light of day, and therefore does not know what it means to have the crew around you as equals. You are merely a spectator with an agenda, not actually lifting a finger in earnest attempt to save the people you serve with. And you have the gall to ask for the opportunity to serve in the staff? Of course you'd prefer that, wouldn't you? The choice between death and life plain to any imbecile."

Jien held this spirit in contempt, and his stare reflected it plainly.

"State your name, rank and position and then return to the shadows; where you belong."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on June 13, 2011, 01:54:48 AM
"And I need not tell you that there have been many instances where what I am suggesting has been necessary.  You know as well as I, being a former Intelligence officer, that we have records of cases in which those sacrifices did have to be made.  You also know of times when safety measures like ours were not in place, and it ended in disaster.  If you chose to leave SI, it was because you didn't possess the moral vacuum necessary for the job.  A job like this will eat away at you if you let it.  I stopped allowing it too long ago; something the current Rez host has been unable to do.  She is soft; even softer then you.  It's why I have to take over and do what's necessary when she hesitates.  The body you're looking at right now just had a bad luck of the draw, being the only Trill for light years when my body was mortally wounded.  The Symbiont knew too much to be allowed to walk free, and that's why Starfleet Intelligence recruited her."

Jona spoke of her being weak and unfit for the work he performed; a lack of respect one might have expected from a high ranking Intelligence officer, faced with a girl who had graduated in the middle of her class, and lacked any of the qualities he deemed necessary before her joining.  She was too little like him.  "You want to know who I am?  Jona Rez.  Lieutenant Commander.  Starfleet Intelligence Agent."

Edena's body fell to it's knees, as her hands came up to her face.  She appeared visibly ill.  It was the true host, back in control of her body, and left overwhelmed by everything that had been said.  "I'm . . . I'm sorry.  I have nothing but respect for you and this crew . . . but my duty was as an agent.  When I trained with SI, they told me I shouldn't consider myself a member of any crew I infiltrate.  They warned about getting attached to anyone, or letting too much of myself get into the role I was playing.  Jona is right . . . I'm not cut out for this."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on June 13, 2011, 03:31:19 AM
Nerina's eyes did light up when he mentioned the music, and she did turn to face him slightly more. However, the look in her face was not one of lust or even flirtation, but rather genuine interest. She put the cider down as she focused now on him alone.

"Twentieth century music? Really? Which region? I did my Academy dissertation on the role of South East Asian Nation States in the lead up to the Eugenics War. Well, one of them. But I always had a deep respect for the music from that region and time, the anti-war protest songs, the works of Han Zo Mon and Kylie Krueger." she said, speaking quickly, her voice having a tone of something akin to joy, a stark contrast to the business like attitude that she had the vast majority of the time. But she quickly caught herself, and shook her head. "But of course, there was a lot of really good music before the end of the century of course. People like... Uh..."

She looked blank as she stared at nothing in particular, before meeting his eyes. "The Stone Rollers?" she tried, her voice trying to sound confident but unable to prevent a small hint of doubt creeping in at the very end. She picked up the cider and took another sip to hide a nervous cough. She flicked some hair out of her face, only to get it out of the way, she told herself.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on June 13, 2011, 04:33:11 AM
There was a grin on his face when she attempted to name the band, finding some amusement in it.  It wasn't exactly common knowledge in their day and age, but the fact that he knew the answer himself made it feel so obvious in his mind.  "They're actually called the Rolling Stones."  He said, in a friendly tone that was either annoyed nor contradicting.  If anything, he sounded informative, like he was enlightening her about something new.

"I find music from that time had so many different ways of affecting people.  I have heard songs that have given me that extra drive when I am working out, or ones that help me to relax, and even some that are great for setting a mood when you just want to be alone with another person.  Sure, there are plenty from other centuries and planets, but I found the twentieth century Earth collection to have the best range."

That was the set up.  Now came time to lay it out, and see how it went.  "You should come by my quarters some time.  I'll play some of my favorites and you can tell me what you think."  He didn't press for it to be immediately.  It might have been too forward for her, but if it was by her own choice, it might have been more likely that she would be accepting of the offer.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on June 13, 2011, 01:19:28 PM
With the revelations fresh to Jien's ears, he watched Edena fall down - face made unreadable.

He remained standing for a couple of seconds, remembering having heard the name just uttered. He would have to do some research in the off-line contents of the Federation database - their connection effectively severed after leaving Earth - yet he believed that the man he had just spoken with, or his ghost at least, was a distinguished Starfleet Officer. This fact did not lessen his revulsion the least, but it did assist in telling him enough to know where this ghost's priorities lay. Trustworthy was a strong term... but at least their ambitions coincided.

For the greater good, yet differing in the how it might be best achieved.

After a couple of seconds, Jien crouched down with his elbows resting on his knees, folding his hands between his legs, whilst he sought out Edena's gaze. "That you tell me this, 'Commander, serves you well, for I would never consider letting you out of this holding cell unless you did. That your empathy overruled your sense of duty towards a faction other than this crew makes me trust you a tad bit more. You might think yourself inferior in the eyes of Starfleet Intelligence, yet you are perceived to be quite else here; where loyalty is something treasured and not frowned upon. Now stand up, 'Commander. I would not have you grovelling before me."

Straightening, Jien sighed, considering the woman further.

"What you and Mr. Jona have said does hold merit: the chance you present not to be neglected. Moreover, there are other things to consider; how we need to know more about the enemy than we currently have manpower to dedicate to the research. The crew and I need to focus on keeping this ship functional, and we have not had the time to thoroughly analyse the correspondence we have found. We, the Senior Staff, had to escape far too early, and there are too many unanswered questions. I need someone who can work on this full-time, and continuously keep the staff informed of any new findings made through sub-space correspondence and SI clearance to the Federation database."

The question, or the offer, was unspoken. She had already said she had turned herself over to his absolute command, though he had yet to give her the role of a command support staff position - plainly an advisory function for the Senior Staff of the ship. While not having a Bridge posting, she would be close at hand and be on the Main Bridge as required.

One question remained, and he dealt it to her in a quiet voice.

"Would you have been able to follow through with your orders?"

Jien knew it to be a question that either answer might doom her, depending on how she motivated it - how it would reflect upon her continued services.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on June 13, 2011, 03:53:07 PM
Nerina laughed as he said the name of the band, and slowly finished off her drink as he continued to discuss the music. When he offered to play some, she paused, realising that it wasn't exactly procedure to visit a pilot in his quarters, even if it was purely to listen to music. But then, when she looked at him...

The various conflicting ideas and demands in her head all clambered for attention, and she eventually settled on an answer. She smiled at him, and put down her glass. "That does sound like fun... But my roommate back at the Academy was obsessed with the Stones. Every evening, she'd be playing their songs and dancing around, singing to them. I could probably do that entire Satisfaction song from heart now." she said, laughing, her answer deliberately vague. She wasn't about to jump into his bed just yet, but she wasn't shutting him off either. She kept her distance, slightly, but she still stayed upbeat. She smiled at him again. "Well, I do think the other crew members may want to buy you a round now, however..." she said, sighing softly, as she began to take her leave.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on June 13, 2011, 06:32:02 PM
[Brig]

Edena had acted as a spy for Starfleet Intelligence for years, and before her, Jona had been one of it's top agents.  How ironic that she would now be using the skills they taught her to spy on them.  "There is only so much I can do without drawing attention.  SI might wish for the coordinates to this ship in order to prepare an ambush, and if I refuse that, it could be the end of my cover then and there.  We would need to find ways around making them avoid issuing a termination order." 

Edena's head shot up, her mind allowing another host it's time to speak.  This time, it was Illya, speaking with an idea of her own.  The culture, high and might tone of her voice made her unmistakable.  "If the Federation had reason to believe you were seeking out allies elsewhere, they would want to know who.  Edena could send an encoded message back to SI, informing them that the Captain has arranged to meet with some old associates whom he believes can resupply and rearm the ship.  Starfleet Intelligence would never allow such a threat to go unknown.  It would buy some time."

There was a slight dip in Edena's head, as she returned to being the central personality again, and finally stood herself back up.  She had to take the time to consider what Jien had asked.  "I don't know if I could have.  I know Jona could, and would have used any doubt in my mind to take over and finish the job.  But I also know that as cold as he sounded, he has never been in a situation where he has needed to put a termination order into effect.  He treats such an order almost the same as a captain would issuing a self-destruct."



[Below Deck]

If it was just a matter of spending more time at the bar, he would have been fine with his invitation not being taken.  Seeing Nerina walk away, however, was something he didn't want to tolerate.  His only hope was that some part of her that was Klingon would be unable to refuse a challenge.  It didn't have to be battle; more a challenge of her integrity.  "Liar."  He called her, arms crossing, waiting to see if that much got her attention.  "A roommate back in the Academy played it all the time?  You know the words from heart?  You didn't even get the band's name right."

A small grin formed on his face, as he began to outright challenge the woman.  "Look, I get it.  You wanna get out of here before everyone finds out you can't hold your liquor and don't know how to have any fun.  You bow out now, and you save face."  Taunting a Klingon woman, even one who was half human, was never a wise idea, yet there was a part of Nathaniel that thought that even when she was angry, Nerina might still manage to be just a little sexy.  That was worth seeing, if it came to that.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on June 14, 2011, 12:17:37 AM
[Brig]

At that, Jien grunted. "There is a difference between conceit and confidence. Conceit is bragging about yourself. Confidence means you believe you can get the job done," he said ruefully, "I heard something of both from Jona, while you say the latter be the case. I suppose I have to believe your words, since you evidently know him just a little tad better than me. I suppose that is a good quality, hidden behind his haughty defensive persona and shallow understanding about the moral consequences of his actions. However..."

Jien raked back some hair from his forehead and considered what that other nameless Trill-ghost had said, not being able to remember whom it might might be. He began to pace a bit again, yet this was no longer a wolf stalking its prey. "...as for the use of misinformation, I think there are merits to be found there. However, if SI move to investigate any claim you make about fake old associates, your cover is blown regardless. No, the associates have to be real, and they have to be so clean that SI cannot pin anything on them."

The aforementioned being something that they ought to dwell upon at a later time, Jien came to a stop - considering the Trill and her future aboard.

In the end, Jien turned to the brig officer and gave him a nod - a simple nod that told it all - so the forcefield vanished. He turned back to Edena, and despite the occasion, it was not the time for smiles. "You do understand... that you have a steep hill indeed to climb if you are ever to earn back the trust you lost, from every single crewman on board - not to mention Thea? One meagre way to remedy this... is that you don your new uniform and openly walk this ship together with a crew from Operations, removing each and everyone of your contraptions and sub-routines in plain view."

Only then, did Jien extend his calloused hand to his new Intelligence Officer.

"Welcome aboard the USS Theurgy, Lieutenant Commander Edena Rez."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on June 14, 2011, 05:59:53 AM
The force flickered for a moment before vanishing again; a sure sign it had been deactivated, along with the sight of the metal edges of the small alcove no longer lighting up with that glowing blue; the energy field was now inactive.  She wasted no time stepping out, just so she could be standing in a place she couldn't just a few seconds before.  The sense of freedom was a relief to her, even in front of the ship's commanding officer.  He already had her first assignment; to undo the very same damage that she herself had put in place.

"Before I do so, I would like to recalibrate the ship's internal sensors, so that you can detect everything I did.  I wish you to see everything before I begin, so there is no question that I have not removed every single component and subroutine from the ship."  It seemed a simple request, and one meant to assure that Jien was fully aware of everything beforehand, as well as being able to later sweep and find the modifications she made were no longer present.  She knew her word had to be tainted by her actions, and hoped this offer would be the first step up that steep incline that Jien had mentioned to her.

Looking around for a PADD, she quickly located one, and began to input a series of numbers, creating a coding sequence capable of detecting her changes.  "SI officers have developed a new signature; each of us use a new frequency when covering out tracks, which almost acts as an identifier to our work.  Only Starfleet Intelligence's central headquarters has access to the list of all the frequencies, but at least with this one, you can detect any hidden data or subroutines I have installed anywhere in the last five years, be it on this ship or any other."  Edena handed the PADD over to Jien, allowing him to make the necessary input to the ship's sensors personally, and locate all of her work.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on June 16, 2011, 09:50:16 AM
After shaking her hand, Jien accepted the PADD from Edena's hand

"Permission granted, and I will run this buy the Chief of Operations and the Chief Engineer. In the meantime, I would venture to guess you would like to move your personal belongings to your new quarters and freshen up. I'll give you one hour, and then I will have a couple of Operations Officer waiting outside your door, ready to follow along to assist you in your first task. I will also announce your pardon and your new position aboard over the comm."

With the PADD in his hand, Jien walked with Edena towards the exit of the Brig. "Worth knowing is that we have located an M-Class planet named Niga that we will enter orbit of in order to resupply and repair the ship. We are currently in the Mahewa System and have effectively escaped the Fleet - now in hiding in order to regroup for our stealthy voyage back into proper Federation space. If you care to learn the extent of the ship's damage, I suggest you speak with someone in Engineering at first given opportunity."

Stepping outside, Jien exchanged quick words with the Andorian Deputy, telling her about Edena's release, before returning his attention to the Trill. Behind his shoulder, ThanIda zh'Wann seemed not too convinced this was a wise thing to do, but her antennae and eyes turned away without comment - restoring Edena's security clearance aboard the ship though a wall panel.

"Best of luck, 'Commander. Do not disappoint me again," said Jien, his face quite serious, "The Quartermaster on Deck 02 will be able to help you locate your new accommodations. I will speak with you later on to make sure everything has been accounted for in your assignment."

And this, the Captain left here there in the Security Department - the sliding doors closing behind his back.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on June 16, 2011, 07:16:41 PM
The security clearance meant almost as much as the clearance to leave the brig.  There was nothing quite like the idea of putting some distance between herself and that confined space.  As suggested, she found and spoke with the quartermaster, and acquired his help in locating her new quarters, where her belongings had been moved to.  She knew everything she had must have been looked through as part of the investigation into her, which had a way of making her feel a bit violated.  It was something she could blame no one for, however.  It was what they had to do in response to her own actions.

Waiting for her was a new uniform, featuring the red command division color, to replace the blue she had been wearing previously as part of her false identity.  Having been a science officer before she was an agent, she was used to the color, but she did feel there was more prestige in the red; it was the color more commonly worn by leaders, after all.  removing her outer jacket and casting it onto the chair in front of her, Edena took hold of the hem of her shirt and began to pull up, stopping near the naval to look toward Jona.  "Eyes forward, soldier."  She commented, noting that even if he was a part of her now, he wasn't getting a free show.  Pulling the shirt off over her head, and dropping the trousers, she was left in her underwear.

Being in the brig always left a feeling a dirtiness on a person.  A sonic shower was the perfect thing to remedy that feeling.  Stepping into her bathroom, she pulled off her shirt-like underwear, exposing her moderate frame; she was petite, and while she did have some shapely curves, she was a bit undersized in the breast department, especially when compared to Illya and Kiya, whom she felt like were flaunting their figures, though they were simply standing around.  Hands to the waistband of her final piece of clothing, she wiggled her hips to help get out of them more easily, letting them slide to the floor, and leaving her body bare in front of her small mirror.

Entering the small chamber that was the sonic shower, Edena activated it.  The vibrations in the hair helped to loosen away dirt and any other contaminants on her body, as well as to deeply massage her body, while a degree of steam would wet her body and warm her up.  She drew her hands across her face, and through her hair, as it was moistened and became flat against her head, rather then it's normally frizzed look.  Afterward, her hands pressed against the wall of the shower, simply allowing the shower to do it's work for a while, during which time she allowed herself to be lost in thought.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on June 17, 2011, 05:27:01 PM
Below Decks

(OOC: Sorry, RL again.... Stupid RL...)

Nerina was just about to leave the room when his 'Liar' hit her. She stopped, and listened, silently, as he laid out his thinking, challenging her. As he finished, she turned around, and stared at him.

In that brief moment, her guard slipped, and a sneer was across her face, anger and annoyance and almost rage crossing her face as she tried, desperately, to stop herself lunging at him and snapping his neck like a twig. She might, had she been outside her body and in someone else, have conceded that her chest was heaving in a pleasing fashion, but at that point all she could do was stop her Klingon blood boiling.

She then took the few steps back to the bar and leaned over, grabbing another bottle of the cider that Regal had gotten out and left, roughly pulling it open and then begin to chug it down, the bottle empty in several seconds. She slammed it down, her eyes closed. She then opened them, and turned to face him.

And she began to sing.

If this was a holonovel, she'd have the voice of an angel and it would be loud and proud and at the end of it the whole room would applaud. But this was real life, and thus her voice had practically no range, the song coming out at almost a drone, and softly, just loud enough for Nathaniel to hear. But the song's melody was in there, somewhere, and more importantly she did indeed sing the song, word for word.

As she came to the end, she cracked her knuckles. "I didn't recall the band name because I hated her for playing the records while I was trying to study." she said, her tone of voice a mixture of triumph and defiance.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on June 18, 2011, 05:27:35 AM
That look on her face was one he never got used to seeing in a Klingon female.  He couldn't tell if it was going to end with a punch to his face, or if she was going to end up biting his jaw; the sign that she wanted to mate with him.  of course, both of that supposed that she was following her Klingon side.  If she were human, it could have just as easily ended with a slap for his attitude.  In a fight, a Klingon could take a Vulcan normally, but in their case, it could have went the other way.  As where most Vulcan did not train physical, Nathan did, while Nerina followed the path of a Starfleet officer, rather then a Klingon warrior.  It might have bridged the gap between their capabilities, or even put the advantage in his corner.  He was hoping it didn't come to blows, though; he was more interested in another kind of physicality.

When she actually began to sing, he raised an eyebrow, and suppressed a grin in her direction.  Instead, he listened to her rendition, finding her words to be accurate.  It proved she wasn't lying . . . not that he was actually accusing her in the first place.  He was just looking for any way he could to keep her from leaving.  When she finished, his hands came up to give a small clap, trying not to draw too much attention to her, but providing her some praise for her performance.  "You definitely know the words, and I'm impressed you actually sang it in front of everyone . . . even if you did contain your voice."  He smiled her way, allowing her the victory she had obtained.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on June 20, 2011, 05:04:40 PM
Nerina shook her head. "Please, I'm one of only a few beings who get named in Starfleet Regulations under Cruel and Unusual Punishment, I'm not allowed to sing within 1000 yards of a prisoner." she said, smiling at him as she made the joke, her skin blushing slightly as the alcohol burnt off slightly and she realised what, exactly, she had done. She was by no means shy, but she much preferred ordering or just plain public speaking than anything artistic. The idea that she had just sung in a public place was... She couldn't quite believe it. And yet, it happened.

"Now, that said, I really should be heading back to my quarters. If I've proven in your mind that I'm not a liar, Mr. Isley, I will bid you goodnight." she said, giving him a slightly overblown bow, and then she turned to leave. However, her step was unsteady, and she began to fall, her arms flailing slightly in his direction as she slowly but surely began to fall to the ground, the alcohol having seemingly headed straight to her feet.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on June 22, 2011, 06:31:53 PM
"I'm sure it can't be all that bad."  Nathaniel responded.  Sure, she might not have made it as a professional singer or anything, but he wouldn't say her voice was something that would have inflicted punishment upon others  Simply making her perform, even if it was through a challenge, was a big step for her, he imagined, based on the impression she gave of herself.  "You had the courage to get up and sing, and that should say something.  Klingon warriors will tell tales of this day."  He made it sound like glorious battle, which for her, it could have been; a social battle she had fought and won that day.

Her unsteady body began to stagger, and he was quick with his motions to catch her.  Her body was denser then her figure might have suggested, which made her weight quite surprising.  A normal human might have fell over trying to catch her, but Nathan had his Vulcan half giving him a physiology stronger then the typical Earthling.  With his appearance looking completely human, however, it often caught others by surprise when he displayed that strength; however.  The only thing that separated his looks from a standard human was the blood in his veins, which made his skin take on more of a green appearance then a red when he was overexerted, or blush ran to his face.  Neither of those cases applied to him just then. 

"Wow, looks like you didn't inherit a Klingon constitution.  I'd better make sure you make it back to your quarters, and don't stumble out an airlock."  He put his hands on her arms, standing behind her and just to the side, acting to keep her from going too far to the left or right, as well as bracing her back and enabling himself to pull her back if she went too forward.  Covering every direction she might have gone in, it still allowed her the freedom to walk, and could thus show him the way to her room, where he could make certain she arrived safely.  "I'm sorry about calling you a liar.  It wasn't that I didn't believe you.  I was just looking for an excuse to make you stay longer."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on June 25, 2011, 05:44:19 PM
It was with determined steps that Ida made her way to the newly occupied Senior Staff quarters belonging to Edena Rez. Without further a due, she simply overrode the lock upon the door with her position as Deputy Chief of Security on board the Theurgy and entered the rooms. She had also made sure to deactivate the internal sensors in the room. No one on board would know about what was about to transpire.

With her antennae angled forward, she looked around and listened, seeing both with her midnight blue eyes and her sensitive appendages. After swiftly determining that the new Intelligence Officer was on the head - taking a sonic shower - she pulled her hand phaser from her hip and stepped into the hazy room.

She lingered not for a moment, simply stepping up to the shower and opening it with her freehand. She then extended her hand to clasp it around Edena's neck - pushing her against the far wall. If not the phaser in her hand - trained against her flat abdomen - held her still, the grip around her neck and the mask of death she wore over her blue facial features would give her pause enough to pre-emptively raise her voice and override any objections.

"Hear my words, Pinkskin," she hissed between her teeth, her scowl uncompromising, "know what I am to say as facts indisputable. I do not trust you for a single moment, and I find the Captain's benediction of your crimes against this crew a grave mistake. You should have wilfully died instead of showing your true colours. Died, rather than betray your friends, as anyone of this crew would have done for you!"

Raising her phaser, she pressed the cold muzzle up underneath her jaw - raising her chin and pressing her head against the wall. "I may have given you the security clearance since I was ordered to do so by my Captain... yet know that I will never let a single action you do go unwatched. While I draw breath... you will hold yours."

The Andorian former guardsman's glare was cold, and brutally honest in its crystal clear hate. "Do you understand, Pinkskin?"
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on June 27, 2011, 03:15:44 AM
Nerina snorted at his complimenting her singing, not bothering to reply. She knew her voice wasn't that bad, but she also knew she was no singer. His attempts to make it into some sort of personal victory didn't really press any of her buttons, in anything it ended the topic quicker as she wasn't one to crow about her victories.

But after she began to fall and he caught her, she softened slightly to him. As she slowly began to walk away she spoke. "I'm fine, thank you Pilot. But I will accept your offer for a walk." she said as she began to head to her quarters, her walk one of confidence even if she was still leaning on him.

They were next to the turbolift when he admitted his reason for lying. "Really?" she asked, her voice surprised before she shook her head as the lift opened. She stepped in, and leant against the back wall. Her face was slightly flushed, her hair toused a little, as one hand went to her hip. With her hips forward and head back, she looked at the pilot with a mixture of emotions and alcohol on her face. "It's bad form to lie to a superior, Mr. Isley. But perhaps it's warranted in this case." she said, her free hand waving at him to enter the lift, her eyes taking in his form with a long, slow gaze.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on June 29, 2011, 03:07:56 PM
[Edena's Quarters]

The sound of someone entering her bathroom caught her attention.  Edena turned towards the door, where she could see a figure outside through the foggy glass.  Even with her own figure obscured by the steamed up shower door, her hands still moved to cover strategically, one arm going across her chest, while her free hand cupped over her crotch.  "Who's out there?"  She asked, knowing it had to be someone with clearance to get past her door's security; that left only a hand full of people it could have possibly been.

She was startled by the opening of the door, and the hand that grasped at her throat.  It had been enough to make her forget her nudity, and raise her hands defensively at first, only for them to end up pressed against the wall in a form of surrender, as her eyes shut tightly.  Her heart was beating heavily for a few seconds, before she seemed to begin calming down, even with a phaser pressed against her bare torso.  She reacted to none of the words that were spoken, nor when the phaser was brought to her jaw.  It was only when Ida had finished talking that her eyes finally opened, and displayed much more confidence then one would have expected from the Trill.

"Sorry, but Edena isn't available right now.  She fainted about three seconds after you stuck that hand phaser to her skin."  Came a voice commonly associated with Illya; the kind of high society, sophisticated tone that made her appear like some kind of noblewoman.  Her eyes moved downward, taking a look at the effects of the steam on Ida's uniform, leaving it wet and clinging to her figure.  "You might be a bit overdressed for here, Babe.  If you want to join me, you should have taken off your work clothes first, don't you think?"

She was unafraid of the weapon brandished against her, and with good reason.  "You're not going to fire that thing.  You'd be the one in the wrong if you did.  You barge into another officer's quarters, using your security clearance for your own benefit, and hold a weapon to me.  Can't claim self-defense either . . . I'm not exactly wearing anything that can conceal a weapon."  Illya had been a criminal in her lifetime, using her ability to psychoanalyze in combination with great improvisational acting to con people into doing what she wanted.  For her subsequent hosts, it helped to keep them out of trouble as intelligence officers, and to better pass off as whatever role they were hiding behind.

Illya brought hand up, a pair of fingers pressing against the phaser and slowly brushing it away, so that it was no longer aimed directly at her.  "You had your mission and I had mine, Babe.  That's why I am not offended that you are here playing mama bear on me now; as the one most responsible for the safety of this crew, I have nothing but respect for your actions.  My mission has changed though.  I'm no longer under the orders of Starfleet Intelligence . . . I'm under the orders of Captain Jien Ives.  The best way we can both do our jobs is to forget everything, and start fresh.  If you can't do that . . . well, I suppose we could try kissing and making up."

[Below Deck]

The walk to the turbolift wasn't eventful.  Nerina managed to keep her footing well, preventing any need for him to rush to keep her vertical.  Once inside, and the destination named, they were on their way, the soft hum of the lift acting as the only form of silence breaker between their exchange of words.  "I figure I would get away with lying to a superior officer so long as I was off duty.  If that's not the case, then perhaps she knows some way I can makes amends for my transgressions?"  His words were flirty, implying that whatever means he could use to repay her might have been best left in private.

Within that small space, there was little to see, leaving him without any real need to be sneaky in taking a look at her.  It only helped his case that he seen her doing the same to him.  Often times, that was enough of a signal between a consenting pair for something to occur, but he kept himself reserved, continuing to simply drink in her appearance as the lift brought them to their desired point of exit.  "So . . . what does a healthy female Human-Klingon do around here to keep such a lovely figure?"  He was being less discreet with his flirting, coming outright with statements about her attractiveness.  Such forwardness might have come off a bit surprising, but games were often too slow for his tastes.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on June 29, 2011, 11:41:50 PM
It was true that Ida, in her liberated passions as an artist aside from her currently acted-upon duties and her Andorian strong sense of right and wrong, had come to appreciate the fairer sex in manners not limited to a canvas... yet despite the invitation, and the bare view that both appealed to her artistic senses as well as in more... direct manners, Ida was merely aggravated by the Trill's words. She chose to enlighten the despicable spy about the situation as a whole, given how the current persona had a rather... cavalier attitude towards her own life and the ramifications of Ida's factual promises.

For they were no idle threats.

"I don't care whom you currently are," she said and she offered a smile of her own, though her scowl lessened by not even a hair, "It makes no difference to me. You, her, or any damnable soul hiding behind those eyes, you are all equally guilty. Just as my mercy is equidistant with my wish to acquiesce to your petty distractions. Yet for you, Lieutenant Commander Rez, it is far more important to know whom I am."

Her blue fingers still gripping the Trill's throat, she let the muzzle of her phaser wander - skimming down her neck and along her collarbone. "First, this weapon that I am holding is set to level 10, and it would mean that this sonic shower be dusted with your cremated remains when I press this trigger long enough," she said, her eyes lowering to trace the path of her weapon - not only to see her glistening flesh yield to the pressure of the muzzle, but to also catch any unwanted bodily movements. The weapon was running down her chest now - into the valley between her breasts. "Secondly, you fail to take into account that you are facing the Deputy on board, and I will be the one leading the investigation of your murder... which - sadly - will not be progressing very far. One need to take into account the greater crisis we face, and the importance of our mission back to Federation Space. Priorities, 'Commander, does not always merit those already dead in the face of the potential increase of bodies in the morgue."

The weapon circled the silken swell of her left breast casually, yet Ida only let he back of her mind process the view - to remember it for future reference when she had a moment to pull out her drawing utensils. She could already picture the forbidden result, knew she could never save it if push came to shove in these ripe moments.

"You give me little credit in the means of wiping my tracks. You think only Starfleet Intelligence can keep their backs clear in their secret endeavours? Believe me when I say that your murder will be but a footnote in this ship's accumulated logs, if perhaps later noticed due to the lack of a solution. These harsh times merits harsh methods, and most of the crew would stand me by in this decision - for the sake of their survival and not just for the injustice they have suffered up until this point. Justice may be blind, yet my eyes are completely open. You are a hazard walking these corridors, and the Theurgy is at stake with all the people on board. A very ripe and potential threat."

Ida raised her eyes, and the phaser came up to brush against her soft lips - the weapon's muzzle just underneath the locked horns of their eyes.

"Who do you think I am to believe you have severed your ties with Starfleet Intelligence, Pinkskin? You are merely following protocols for each potential development. Who are you to tell me that the next message you send to Earth will not contain our location in the Mahewa System?"

Ida noticed that her heart was racing despite her cold words, and she knew the reasons to be mixed - only chose to not acknowledge it.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on July 01, 2011, 06:30:31 PM
Maybe she was underestimating Ida more then she should have.  She was placed in a position of power that gave her more potential then anyone else to get away with murder.  Her description of her phaser setting was accurate too.  Illya knew it's effects quite well, and the resulting damage it would do, not only to her, but her surroundings as well.  Despite it all, she didn't display the slightest change in her personality.  There was no sign of sweating, no increased heartbeat, or even a subtle communication of fear in her eyes.  It wasn't because she was unafraid, but because she knew she couldn't show fear.

"You're more aggressive then I gave you credit for, Babe."  Illya spoke, a grin forming, especially as she felt the phaser pass over her chest, as if she was being played with by the Andorian Chief of Security.  "Why don't we just get to the brunt of this.  You don't trust me, and nothing I say is going to change your mind about it.  We should just get right to the point; you'll be watching every action I make, waiting for me to slip up.  I'm tell you I have no other agenda, you don't trust me, and so you keep monitoring me.  Any method I try to find to prove myself to you will seem like trickery on my part, and we'll keep walking around in circles for the rest of our time together on this ship.  Am I close?"

Illya's gaze fell to Edena's left breast, which was receiving the majority of Ida's attention.  It had resulted in the stiffening of the nipple, which only made the woman's smile grow more devious.  "You are paying a lot of attention to this body.  Soaking in every detail.  Trying to make sure it won't be forgotten if you pull the trigger?"  She questioned, before delving a bit deeper in her theories. 

"I've seen eyes like those before.  Photographers . . . painters . . . they're the eyes of an artist.  Are you an artist, Babe?"  Illya searched the woman's face for any indication she was right; looking for some tell-tale sign.  "I did my share of modeling . . . but that was two lifetimes ago.  Edena's body is uncaptured by an artist's eye . . . she rarely has any fun whatsoever.  It can be rather boring and . . . frustrating, if you catch my drift.  Maybe you should let me pose for you?  If you still plan on killing me, you should at least let me leave something behind to be remembered by." 

Ida hadn't even admitted to being an artist yet, and Illya was going on about wanting to be a model.  Maybe it was just a way of taking her mind from the confrontation between them, or maybe it was simply an act of seduction.  Then there was another theory.  Illya didn't get control of Edena's body all that much, and maybe, in that brief moment of freedom, she wanted to have some fun.   Gaining control of the body which it must have felt like she was alive again, rather then just an echo from the past.  Who wouldn't want another chance to feel alive?

"I have no interest in Starfleet Intelligence, the Mahewa System, or anything else right now.  The only thing I am interested in . . . is Babe the Blue Ox."  Illya stated, revealing the origin of her nickname for Ida; an old Earth tale.  "I've seen a lot of Andorians in my time, but I never knew one who had such a flattering figure as you.  If you really are an artist . . . I do hope you had the decency to share that body of yours with the art community as well.  It would be a shame if you didn't."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on July 04, 2011, 01:59:01 AM
The more Ida grew convinced that this soul inside the Trill was tying to stall for time or distract her from her intentions, she grew both more and more resentful as well as intrigued with her efforts. Ida had to give her credit for he qualified guesses. It proved to show that she was as capable of deduction as an SI operative should be. Therefore, it proved nothing but that she was using her insight to address the current threat.

Question remained, what should Ida do?

The spy was right, they could trade words all night and it would make no difference. There were only three possible outcomes to the situation. One, she pulled the trigger and smeared whatever would remain of the Trill all over the place, with all the ramifications. Two, she left, and time would pass for the spy to pre-emptively circumvent whatever measures Ida could resort to to keep her under surveillance. It would be a state of deterrence - lasting for as long as either of them remained alive and/or aboard the starship. Three... she stayed, and...

Lost, in a sense.

Yet at the same time, it would serve to keep one's enemy close.
A nagging and irritating thought, however intriguing. Yet she knew that the intrigue was dangerous, and that she could not trust either of them - herself or the spy. How in the name of the Andorian moon could she accept an invite from this woman? No, this was not her kind of battleground. It was the spy who would be on conditioned ground, whilst she only knew the more... direct means of approach when it came to dealing with an enemy.

"This," she said, and calmly - coldly - placed the top-side of her phaser between the spies legs, "is also a weapon, yet in comparison to you, I have the decency to not wield it on a whim. Therefore, I want you to remember the coldness you feel now, for it is the only thing you will feel from me. Enjoy your freedom, Lt. Commander... while it lasts."

And thus, she turned around, an walked out of the Intelligence Officer's quarters, not looking back. The only sound heard was the hiss from the sonic shower.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on July 09, 2011, 04:55:31 PM
Ida's ability to remain calm and cold made Illya question if Andorians were blue because of ice water in their veins, rather then because of some kind of pigmentation to their flesh.  Undoubtedly, such a personality served her well, yet it disappointed the former host to a degree.  She almost thought of her proposition as a win-win scenario, providing them both with something she was certain they both wanted, while neither of them truly lost anything.

Then came the feeling of a phaser pressed against the bare flesh between her thighs, which made her chin raise.  There was a feeling of fear that she still couldn't afford to show, so she disguised it as a small moan, as if pleasuring by that sensation.  Perhaps it was the first thing she could think of, or maybe her body just responded with the thing Illya would have most expected from her.  "You know where to find me if you change your mind.  Just ask for a private moment with Illya Rez.  I'm sure Edena would oblige."  She flirted one more time, unable to resist the idea of one last tease, to cement herself as calm and cool under the pressure the Andorian woman pushed on her.

Finally, Ida turned to make her exit, leaving Illya to make her last comment.  "Enjoy the wet T-shirt contest.  I'll bet you take first place."  It was a last chance to draw attention to the soaked uniform clinging to her body as a result of her barging into the sonic shower.  As the woman's visage soon became a memory, Illya let out a desperate, terrified breath, finally allowing her bottled up fear to escape her.  Her hand moved to her chest, feeling the pounding of her heart that came from the wake of an intense confrontation.  It wasn't the heart pounding moment she had been aiming for, but it did leave her with a similar effect; the danger had been a turn-on.

"I'm betting Edena is out for another little while."  She murmured to herself, as her hand began to trail down her abdomen, to the place where Ida's phaser had been pressed only a short time ago.  The only way that Illya could feel was when she was in control of the body, and when that happened, she couldn't help but miss the simple pleasures.  Since Ida had denied her, she was left with no choice but to take care of her own needs.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on July 11, 2011, 03:04:18 PM
(OOC: GAAAAAAAHHHH.... *stabs RL in the eye several times*)

Below Decks:

Nerina laughed, again her soft, feminine chuckle sounding slightly out of place from such a tall, striking woman. "We are off duty, so I believe you're off the hook, so to speak, offically." she said, her words coming out clearly, although the alcohol was clearly having some affect, her choice of words being slightly repeditive. "Unoffically... We'll see." She added.

But when he asked about her figure, she shook her head. "It's a shame, when we lost holodeck privaledges, I lost my normal training scheme. I'm not big on exersize for the sake of it, you know? I have this great program, it's got rowing down the rivers of my home planet, sparring with some of the greatest warriors in Klingon and Human history, rock climbing, some olympic events... Now I'm down to just jogging down around the lower decks. I don't really like gyms, I prefer more... interesting work out methods." she said, her eyes closing slightly as she looked at him. A part of her was telling her that this was a bad idea, but most of her, and the booze, was waiting to see if he would move or if she'd have to do it herself.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on July 16, 2011, 03:21:11 PM
"Sounds like a good program.  I usually stick to runs around the lower decks myself, though on most of my postings, I requested the right to adjust the gravity settings on the deck during the time I was using it.  An increase of thirty percent I have found to be enough to get the most intensity out of a run without wearing down the body too quickly."  Nathan explained his own usual training methods from previous times aboard Starfleet vessels.  "I've always found that the holodecks serve better to escape from any kind of work, be it a workout or just a way to forget one's last duty shift.  I was never much of a holodeck user, though; I had . . . maybe four programs that I transferred with me when I came aboard.  My music collection was more plentiful then that.  My most run program was a flight simulator for the fighters; I'd been using it not only for training, but for devising my own tactical strikes and even for making some modifications to the fighter itself that I planned to submit for future improvements; not exactly an escape from work, but it was something I found myself wanting to do."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on July 18, 2011, 01:49:45 PM
Nerina half listened to his words, instead her eyes remained focused on his eyes, as she tried to think through the alcohol. She was trying to weigh the pros and cons, trying to work out if this was a good idea or not, if what she was considering was too far one way or the other. But as he spoke, her Klingon blood finally boiled over, and chided her for trying to think. A Klingon does not think, does not plan, they charge in and take! Take!

As he finished a sentance, she suddenly lunged forward, albeit slowly thanks to the drinks. Her hands went to his shoulders, pushing him back against the side of the turbolift. She leaned forward, their faces almost touching. "Stop talking." she said, her voice a low growl, before she grabbed his chin, turning his face to the side. She then leant in and kissed at his neck, her lips and teeth moving over his skin. Her bites were not enough to draw blood, nor enough to leave a mark, but deep enough for him to feel it, as she nuzzled at the flesh of his neck.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on July 20, 2011, 01:13:01 AM
[ The day before the Brig interrogation | Captain's Ready Room ] Attn: Garen Nelis

With dark eyes weary from the battle they had just won, Jien Ives read through the personnel file of the person he had summoned to his Ready Room.

He had, of course, already perused the information twice, and this not counting the years he had been the Counsellor of the USS Vendetta, and Ensign - now Lieutenant - Garen Nelis had seen him regularly. The young man had suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from his lingering presence on the site known as AR-558, and though it was years ago, Jien wondered if it had been his own advice that had made the man decide to go back to studies at the Academy, and change departments.

For now, given the evolving situation in the Counselling Department aboard, Garen Nelis was the both the highest ranking and best suited man to replace their late Chief Counsellor. This, after the Assistant Chief Counsellor had shown her true dark colours. Jien scowled at the thought of this Edena Rez, whom now sat in the Brig, and closed Garen's file on his computer console.

He folded his fingers underneath his eyes, and rested his jaw on his thumbs - his gaze staring upon the door which was bound to admit the half-blood Betazoid momentarily. After the bygone years, Jien did not know which of his Chosen Forms he had used during his sessions with Garen, and at the dire hour, he did not care. Because these were different times for them both, and though nostalgia was oft considered a pleasant reverie, Jien Ives was no longer the man's Counsellor, but his Captain and Commanding Officer.

The Lieutenant would probably notice the difference; in how Jien's iron faith in diplomacy had been reduced to burning debris. There is no lasting peace to protect. Never was. Only intervals of mobilisation.

Oh, Captain Ives knew the advantage of just rattling the sabre, but to draw it had proved to render more results. Had he merely threatened to fire upon the Starships that had harried them, they would not have been alive, and the truth would have died with them. Still, it was a cost that lay upon his soul, and a burden he would carry to his grave.

The chime rang through his blackened thoughts, and he quietly told the Computer to admit the visitor.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: WyteKnyte on July 20, 2011, 05:26:24 AM
[ Captain's Ready Room ]

So, this is it, thought Garen Nelis.

The Theurgy's newest--and now only--senior counselor stood before the door to Captain Ives' ready room, preparing to speak with his commanding officer for the first time since the world had turned upside down.

He had a feeling that he knew why Jien--no it's Captain Ives, now, he corrected--had called him up here. Garen had joined the crew of the Theurgy mere days before the Federation turned its back on one of its own, with the idea that he would start out small and work his way up. He had only recently completed his training as a counselor, after all. But now his boss was dead, and Lieutenant Mikahl had turned out to be a spy, which left Garen the highest ranking counselor on the ship.

Can I really do this? he asked himself. He'd been pondering that same question all day, now. He had only just joined the crew. This was supposed to be his first assignment. And now he had the shadow of being a fugitive hanging over his head, on top of everything else. How was Garen supposed to cope with all of this? He sometimes still had trouble handling too much stress.

But he had to get over it, at least for now. His captain, his friend, was waiting on him. So he rang the door chime, and when Jien gave him permission to enter, Garen took a deep breath and stepped forward.

The door hissed open, and Garen stepped into Jien's ready room. "Hello, Captain," he said, offering Jien a friendly nod, and smiled. "It's been a long time."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on July 21, 2011, 10:29:31 AM
Jien remained where he sat for a small moment, taking in the changes in the physical form of Garen - a habit common for Chameloids - before he rose to his feet and walked around the desk to greet him. He had half a mind to reprimand him for not following protocol, in not stating rank and reporting his presence as summoned, but that was but a small notion - one that passed when the memory of that old face pierced the dark clouds of his mind.

"Indeed, Mr. Nelis," he said, still having to act formal given the circumstances. Garen could not get the impression that he was given a personal favour in being asked to fill the seat in the Senior Staff that had become vacant in the passing of their former Counsellor, and the betrayal of Mikahl - or Edena Rez - but was picked out of both necessity and his merits. Moreover, because of things Jien knew about his past; the first hand experience to suffer under the circumstances that that the crew currently were.

Abandoned, all on their own - fighting impossible odds.

This Jien thought whilst shaking his hand. "Please, have a seat, for I reckon we have a few things to discuss."

After seating himself again, Jien folded his hands on top of the desk, and looked Garen dead in the eye. First things first. "Before we continue, I need to know whether you accept the position as Chief Counsellor, despite your recently completed training in this field. I could very well order you to carry out this duties; tasks sorely needed at this dark hour for our crew. Make no mistake, I will not lie to you and thus say right away that you have little choice in the matter, yet I would regardless require to know whether your heart is in the right place. It will serve me to know if you will serve devotedly, or reluctantly."

He paused, realising how he sounded compared to the man Garen had once known. Rather than pretend at nothing, Jien chose to effectively address it.

"Nor should you make the mistake to think me your own past Counsellor," he said in a low voice, the dead centres of his eyes completely still, "for I am now commanding a vessel destined for hell, with the faintest hope to complete our mission, and save the Federation from being eaten up from within by the enemy. I cannot afford to make compromises, or stray from protocol. For these things are the invisible iron web that keep the crew's hopes high, and the chances of mutiny low. It will be on your head to keep such thoughts from their minds too, so I will have you know the challenge you are up for as well - now that we are alone in our desolate trench, with the enemy shrouded in shadows."

He had chosen his words very precisely, even if his features remained cut in cold stone.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: WyteKnyte on July 21, 2011, 11:01:33 AM
Garen watched Jien as the Chameloid spoke, his brow creased in a concerned frown. He knew that his old friend would be different, given their present circumstances, but he had been hoping for a somewhat friendlier welcome.

"I understand completely, sir," he said after taking a moment to compose his thoughts. "I never expected to be put in this position when I joined the crew. I'm sure you never thought you'd have to put me in this position, either; at least not yet."

The Betazoid paused for a moment, watching Jien's expressionless face, wondering what was going on under the surface. He could have easily reached out with his empathic senses and felt for himself, but Garen was not quite ready to invade his new CO's privacy, certainly not so soon after everything that had just happened.

"I understand what you require of me, Captain Ives, and while I'll admit to having some doubts, I also understand that you're low on options." He sighed and leaned forward in his chair, resting his elbows over his knees.

"Captain, you found me during a dark time in my life, and led me out of the darkness. I'll never forget that. I owe you everything; I wouldn't even be in Starfleet now if it hadn't been for you." Garen smiled. "Now it's my turn to repay the favor. Of course I accept the position, sir. It's the least I could do."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on July 21, 2011, 07:08:17 PM
Jien inclined his head where he sat, and leaned back a little in his chair. "My gratitude," he said quietly, "for your loyalty and your altruistic disposition."

Even though Mr. Nathaniel Isley had managed to find the M-Class planet by the name Niga in the Mahéwa System and they were heading there to regroup and resupply, they were all - any given moment - prone to be detected by their comrades in Starfleet via long-range sensors. Before they could restore their own sight, Jien felt like he was sitting on nails all the time. It came with the job, he supposed, and it did not serve to elevate the mood even if Garen Nelis understood and complied with the requirements bestowed upon him.

Pausing, Jien chose to address the second item on the agenda. "Before I move on to the practicalities concerning your place amongst the Senior Staff, I would like to discuss the matter of Edena Rez - whom you served under during our flight from Earth," said Jien and placed his elbows on the arm-rests of his chair, fingertips meeting before his face as he thought the matter through once more. "During the brief time of the past number of weeks that we have been running for our lives, was there any point where the former Assistant Chief Counsellor acted out of the ordinary. Moreover, did you sense anything from her that would verify or exemplify her betrayal towards this ship and crew?"

Captain Ives paused there, to let his former client and friend think this through. "Reason I am asking is that by her claim, which she made at one of the Briefings after one of the many battles we have been through, she is supposedly still wishing to serve the Senior Staff of this ship in our dire undertaking."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: WyteKnyte on July 21, 2011, 08:55:41 PM
Garen took a moment to think back on the events of the past couple of weeks. He hadn't exactly had time to closely monitor Mikahl--Rez, he amended--with Starfleet hounding the ship at seemingly every waking moment.

"To be honest, sir, nothing comes to mind," he said with a shake of his head. "Nothing in regards to her duplicity or deception, I mean. I do recall sensing some apprehension from Rez, as if she were conflicted about something, but I never got the chance to ask her about it."

He frowned at Jien. "You're not actually going to let her rejoin the crew, are you? How can you be sure that you can trust her?"
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on July 22, 2011, 01:53:45 AM
At the question, Jien did smile a little - yet it was a rueful expression. "One must consider all eventualities, yet I indeed find the possibility... remote. However, I should - perchance - let you know that I have been a Starfleet Intelligence operative myself, decades ago. Thus, I have some insight that will help me ascertain her disposition - to know by her answers in upcoming hearings whether there is any iron in her claim to being trustworthy. Yet the matter is not as simple as that, I am afraid..."

The Captain inclined his head towards the view-screen of the spatial vista; a blue nebula iluminating one side of his face with its bright glare. "Out there, the hounds are still upon our tail; scenting for us tirelessly. Suppose that we would have an SI operative on board that could send sub-space messages on the right frequencies... and we would learn where the hounds are? Edena Rez might just be the key to know the enemy, if she pretends at still being on their leash and wearing her false name."

Shrugging a little, Jien moved on. "Yet as you say, the matter of her actions up until now is heavy indeed. I have yet to fully entertain the notions about what kind of possible use she might be to us - loyal or not. Time will tell, if we can spare enough of it."

Next were the usual proceedings, and Jien addressed them deftly to get it over with. "You can contact the Quartermaster to learn where your new Senior Officer Quarters are. If you don't mind it, he will probably give you the former Counsellor's rooms. They have been cleared from his personal belongings, so the Quarter Master will simply Transport your own items there. Security will give you clearance to all of the crew's evaluations and journals, along with what our offline database contains in regard to your new position. Moreover, you need to establish routines with Dr. Nicander regarding the prescription of anti-depressants and other medications; or simply inform yourself about how these things have been handled prior to this challenge we are facing. Then, you have your office to set up in either of our two Battle Sickbays, the remaining vacant one being meant for any kind of future Assistant Chief Counsellor that you recommend to me or Commander Nerina."

Taking a deep breath after relaying this speech - or the versions of it - that he had been giving far too often lately, Jien fell silent for a while. He supposed that he ought to indulge in less prioritised topics. Garen was, after all, a familiar face from a time when Jien had been both a lesser and a greater man - instead of the rabid dog he now felt like.

"Have you kept up with your training, Garen?" he asked at last. It was not until then that he remembered how he had commonly worn his female form in his company. Thus, he then changed... into her other form. She smiled faintly to him, as if in apology for his oversight. With her voice altered, she added, "Your form does seem to have aged well, so I would venture to guess that you have."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: WyteKnyte on July 22, 2011, 03:00:07 AM
Garen nodded along with Jien as he listed off orders pertaining to his new duties. He remembered meeting Doctor Nicander, very briefly, but they hadn't really said much more than 'hello' to one another. He wasn't looking forward to taking over his predecessor's old office, but life must go on.

He flinched a little when Jien shifted into her female form. Not out of fear, it had just been so long since he'd last seen it done that he'd forgotten how it looked. Garen smiled at Jien and shrugged modestly.

"I figured since it proved to be so helpful during my recovery, I might as well keep at it. I definitely feel more focused now, both in mind and body." The Betazoid grinned across the desk at her. "Thank you for noticing, by the way. I do try to keep in shape."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on July 22, 2011, 01:30:00 PM
Nodding, Jien got to her feet and slowly paced over towards the view screen - gazing at he nebula. "Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try," she commented idly in reply on the way there, "decisions that Counsellors enable - yet never make themselves - for all of their patients. The credit is all yours, and I had little to do with it besides showing you how I focus."

Considering whether she had any words of advise to Garen, given the rather challenging task he had been given - being the Chief Counsellor during the present circumstances, she came up short. She certainly did not envy the soldier-turned-psychologist. She glanced over her shoulder, her hands folded behind her back. "Solitude," she said quietly, obviously speaking of the ship, "is something that you ought to consider a potential thing for us all. For we hear voices in solitude that we never hear in the hurry and turmoil of our ordinary lives. Not just yours, others, but our own inner voices. We may receive counsels and comforts we get under no other condition. Perchance it is something to remember in these extraordinary times - the days, weeks or even months that just might be our last."

She fell silent there, looking back out of the view-screen. "Do you have any questions, Garen? We can speak off the record if you so wish."

Before her minds eye, she saw debris floating in space, expanding across many light-years. An endless sea of scrap metal. Carcasses of Starships that she had commanded to be shot down. Her cost of duty. Though she had pride for her crew, none whom had decided to jump ship regardless of everything they had been through and the obstacles yet to come. Though to Jien, she could not shake the thought that they were - in the end - merely her accomplices in murder.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: WyteKnyte on July 22, 2011, 01:48:08 PM
Garen watched Jien as she slowly crossed her ready room to settle before the viewport. He regarded her silhouette, framed by the nebula outside, with concern. Despite Jien's cool and detached demeanor, Garen could sense the turmoil she was trying to bury deep down.

He sighed and stood up, watching Jien carefully as he joined her over in front of the viewport. "Captain, I'm the Chief Counselor now--which makes me your counselor," he said as he walked up behind her. "It's now my responsibility to look after your mental and emotional well-being. I know you're hiding your feelings for the benefit of the crew; as their leader, you can't afford to let them see you conflicted."

The Betazoid stepped around from behind Jien and stood beside her, looking briefly out at the nebula before turning to face her, noting the way the blue light of the nebula illuminated her features. "You don't have to do that when it's just us, Captain. You can talk to me."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on July 22, 2011, 04:40:04 PM
Nerina's actions were so sudden, he didn't even anticipate her.  Being a fighter pilot, he was used to having sharp reflexes, so her speed at catching him off guard was something to admire.  Aggressive actions followed, as he was pushed against the wall of the turbolift.  Despite her nature, he knew there was no need for concern; no matter how roughly it might have began, it wasn't violence in her eyes.  It was something he was much more happy to see.  He forced his head to the side, as she powerfully forced her lips against his neck, acting with the kind of lustful strength he would have expected from a full blooded Klingon.  As much as he wanted to just let himself enjoy it, he knew he couldn't.

No Klingon woman could respect a timid lover.

Nathaniel pushed back against her, giving her the very same treatment as he pinned her against the wall.  "Computer, halt turbolift."  He spoke, hearing the familiar chime of compliance.  There would be no interruptions, as he brought his mouth to her jaw, lightly pressing his teeth against it.  It was for one simple reason; a showing that he desired her, in a way that would be familiar to her Klingon half.  It was a mating ritual amongst that side of her family, though they often drew blood and left a bite wound with their sharp, pointed teeth.  More then the bite, his hands told his desires, as they held to her hips, strongly moving up her sides with a strength few women got to experience.  After all, Nerina was part of a race that was far from made of glass.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on July 22, 2011, 05:15:56 PM
Nerina growled, a mix of lust, discomfort and anger, her mind a mess of conflicting emotions, desires and thoughts, coupled with a generious (for her) amount of alcohol, leaving her slightly dazed. As unprepared as he was for her lunge, she was just as unprepared for his return, and for his biting. Her hips resisted his grip, as her hands went to his shoulders.

They rested there as she tried to work out what to do. This was different, she'd never met a man who knew as much about Klingon mating as this one did. She had gotten used to the human way of doing it, and she was trying to remember what her mother told her, and trying to listen to the voice that she normally fought to keep in control. But it just wouldn't come, she wasn't sure what the true Klingon mating ritual would entail. So she decided to just wing it. If he wanted pure, true Klingon sex, he could find a pureblood Klingon.

Instead, her hands went to the fasteners of his uniform and worked at them, forcefully pulling on the material, not quite hard enough to tear but certainly not as smoothly as regulations would allow. Her grip was not ideal, given her head was leaning to one side, presenting her jaw and neck to his mouth, allowing him to continue, even as she began to try and undress him.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on July 22, 2011, 06:07:00 PM
Nathaniel wasn't looking for a Klingon mating ritual; far too many broken bones resulted from such things.  Sex for a Klingon man and woman was as much a fight as anything else, with both fighting for control, and not above inflicting serious harm to get it.  All he wanted to do was turn Nerina on, by using a degree of aggression to resonate with her Klingon heritage.  Even if she was only partly Klingon, there was still a part of her that was an aggressive lover and responded to it favorably when it was given.

Once she had unfastened his outer jacket, he put his arms back, allowing it to be easily slid off, leaving him in just the white undershirt.  He returned the favor, tugging at her own jacket until her red undershirt had been revealed, though his efforts did not end at that.  Just as quick as he could open her jacket, his hands were to the hem of her shirt, which he pulled upward until it was up and over her chest, revealing whatever laid below, be it a brassiere or bare breasts.  His hips pinned her own against the wall, bringing their lower bodies tightly together as he continued to kiss and nibble on the jaw and neck that she so eagerly presented, even as the self-generated heat that was building in the turbolift started making him think they were in a steam room.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on July 23, 2011, 03:36:16 AM
As her upper body became exposed to the increasingly heated air of the lift, she grunted, as her hips tried to push against his, his position pinning her against the way, her lower body unable to move. She tried to move a couple more times, but it became clear he had her pinned, and so she stopped bothering.

Instead, she growled and pushed away his chest, creating some air between them, pulling his mouth away from her jaw and neck, even if it had felt wonderful. Instead, she shrugged off the undershirt, and then slowly, looking into the pilot's eyes, her hands went to her brassiere. It was not standard issue, it was in fact a traditional Klingon brassiere, albeit one with none of the blades or weaponry that marked a true female Klingon Warrior's garment. It was instead an interesting mix of leather and the silver metalic fabric that marked the Klingon uniform. Nerina, her face slowly clouding with lust, slowly undid it, both to entice and tease the young man, and also because it was an unusual item to undo, having been designed for battle and to support the weight of some blades and/or vials. But after undoing the clasps, and the tie, she slowly let it fall off her, her slightly tanned orbs revealing themselves to the lift, her nipples already hardened. She took a deep breath, looking at him, awaiting his next move.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on July 23, 2011, 04:20:03 AM
When he lifted her shirt he expected to either see the standard issue underwear, or nothing at all.  Instead, the sight of something befitting a female Klingon warrior was what he was met with, proving that Nerina wasn't as far away from her warrior side as he might have thought.  He had known Klingon officers who wore additional decoration on the outside of their uniform, but this was something new, and between the exotic nature of her undergarment, and the way they made her breasts look, he was turned on even more.  The instant she removed the item, baring her naked chest to him, his head lowered, lips pressing to the exquisite mounds of flesh, while his hand moved to massage the other, displaying attention for both of her ample assets.  This left his other hand unoccupied, though it soon found a purpose for itself, moving between her legs to rub the fabric of her pants into her feminine region, warming it up for the time when he got her lower body just as naked as her upper.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on July 23, 2011, 05:34:34 PM
Nerina had no time nor any mind to explain the relationship she had with her mother, the complex nature of her and her mother's attitude to their culture, their past. Instead, it sufficed to her that he liked the look of the bra, and began to lick and fondle her breasts after she revealed them to him. She growled once again, although this one was much higher in pitch, and was more a moan than a growl. Her hands went to the young pilot's head, running through his hair, encouraging him.

Her legs at first tried to squeeze together, tried to stop his other hand from entering into her crotch. But she overcame the reflex and spread her legs slightly, giving him access while keeping some pressure there, the friction from her thighs adding to his talented hand's rubbing, causing her to become more excitied, her body reaction to his touch, becoming hotter, her sex beginning to moisten, her nipples hardening even more in his mouth, under his touch.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on July 23, 2011, 05:43:34 PM
Nerina was one of the few women in the galaxy that Nathaniel had met capable of looking both strong and attractive.  Her body was sturdy, looking like she could resist any advance, be it a proposition from a crewman or the force of a storm against her, yet she still retained a femininity that appeared so sexy.  Hearing her strong growl begin to break down into a softer sound of desire was enough to turn him on even further, as she was baring herself more then just taking her top off.

His lips sealed around her nipple, he let his teeth lightly graze against them, to give her that feeling of roughness in their act, but not to hurt her.  Likewise, the hand that groped her other breast closed in on the other nipple, fingers squeezing and twisting, using the sounds that came from her to determine just how much would bring her to the limit of pleasure without going into pain.  Even as all of this occurred, his hand continued to rub her lower region, before reaching up to the waist band of her pants, and beginning to tug them down, and get a look at what laid beneath.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on July 24, 2011, 04:00:22 AM
Nerina's moans did not stop, her body kept reacting favorably to his touch, her nipples staying as hard as pebbles as he twisted and turned them, her eyes closing tightly as she leaned back, short sharp breaths marking every moan, as she lost herself to the touches of the young pilot. She wasn't sure why him, what about him she was drawn to, but at this moment, she didn't much care. He knew what he was doing, and her body demanded to be touched.

Her hands went to her waist band as well, helping him pull them down. Unsurprisingly, there was a matching leather panties beneath her uniform, although this one was far simpler. While it was clearly the match of the bra, there was only one loop for a blade, as if Klingon woman felt that too much bladed weaponry down there might be a problem. But she kicked off her pants, and boots, leaving her in just her panties, against the by now quite warm wall of the turbolift.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on July 24, 2011, 06:27:42 AM
The leather brassiere and underwear had more of an effect on Nathaniel then he had expected.  Perhaps it was the idea that leather was often associated with a dominatrix, and given Nerina's aggressive personality, it wasn't a far stretch to think she could have been the type.  For Nathan, there was no bigger turn-on then making a strong woman weak; to see her become submissive to his whims.  Raising his head back up, his lips went to hers, while his hands traveled down to her rear end, grasping it and pulling her closer to him, groping her ass as he passionately kissed her.

When he had enough of the taste of her mouth, he moved on to another taste he had an interest in.  Descending to his knees, he pulled down her underwear, and removed the last barrier to everything he wanted.  For a moment, he simply admired her intimate region, taking in the details; it's scent, it's shape.  After what must have seemed like forever to Nerina, he gave her what she must have been craving by that time; his tongue extended, and licked upward across her moist slit, taking his first taste of her sex.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on July 24, 2011, 09:04:32 AM
Nerina was in a daze, right now, the fact that she was his commanding officer, second in command on the ship, none of that mattered, as he roamed across her body, his hands and mouth exploring her. She was silent, except for moaning and soft sighs, as she responded to his attention, his touch, his presense. Her mouth opened for him, her tongue running along his, exploring his mouth, her own hands on his rear, gently pulling him inwards at the same time he pulled her.

But then he dropped to his knees, and she sighed, looking down as he removed her panties. Beneath the leather was smooth slightly bronzed skin, Nerina keeping herself hairless below the neck, all over, including her sex. As he knelt there, her sex was clearly engorged, plump and wet, begging to be touched. She waited, and then moaned softly, pleading with him, before he touched her, his tongue sending a bolt of electricty up her spine, a loud moan filling the cramped turbolift. She leant back against the wall, her head rolling to the side, her eyes closed, as she focused on the pleasure.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on July 24, 2011, 06:43:42 PM
[ Captain's Ready Room | Deck 01 ]

When Garen interposed himself between her and the viewport, Jien raised her eyes to meet his... though her brows didn't.

The scowl was unmistakable in the blue light. Her dark brown orbs did not shift a fraction; the impulse speed of the ship merely making the light from the nebula skim across her orbs. Floating spectres cast upon the fortifications of her soul, never finding a crack to slip into. Her stance had not shifted. Rather the opposite. She had become immovable. Like a statue. To the trained eye, imminent brutal movements was carefully being disregarded - even though the promise of such remained.

"As you said," came the quiet reply after a few moments, "for the benefit of the crew..."

Slowly, she turned away - walking back to her desk.

After a few moments, deciding to amend her greatly diminished sense of manners, she added as she sat down, "I will discuss my personal feelings with you during my next counselling session, for which I will make an appointment as soon as we have initiated repairs at Niga. Tonight, however, I have several other promotions and reassignments to make in order to preserve this ship's chain of command. Something which I find a priority over the cause to discuss feelings which many more than I feel at this moment inside the hull of this poor vessel."

She folded her hands upon her desk and looked to Garen one last time. "Forgive me for my lack of time to reminisce, yet I think you have plenty of things to attend to as well. Dismissed, 'Lieutenant. I will get back to you within a couple of days to make my appointment. If you would like to set aside time for me, you may freely consult my Yeoman to find out whether I am available."

Jien scolded herself for being unable to comply with Garen's wishes to speak with her, but the sound of the crying children - the spouses of the hundreds of Federation parents - was still crying in her ears at night... when she was alone with her thoughts.

In her dreams... she apologised to them all. One at the time.

Some of which she knew.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on July 25, 2011, 09:18:19 AM
It was hard to describe just how she tasted, but it was well suited to her.  Strong, yet delicate in some ways, much like she had displayed herself to be.  More then anything, her taste acted as motivation; it made him want to keep going, until he had primed her for more.  His tongue lashed against her outer lips several more times, running along the labia and stimulating it, before moving to the engorged clitoris.  There, he gave it similar treatment to a nipple, as his lips moved around her sensitive region, and he began to softly suck, along with the random flick of his tongue's tip against it.  His fingers rubbed against her slick mound, soaking the fingers with her own wetness, before plunging them inside her, and adding another dimension to his sexual attack upon her defenses.  "How's this for par'Mach?"  He spoke a Klingon word, which was roughly translated to "love" though the pronunciation noted it as not something romantic, but something with aggressive undertones, which seemed to describe their act well.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on July 25, 2011, 02:26:03 PM
Nerina's eyes had been closed tight as she focused on his touch, her body focused solely on the pleasure his tongue and fingers were giving her, his every touch a small jolt of electricity through her body. But as he slid his fingers inside her sex, where her warm, wet passage immedatly squeezed down on them, she opened her eyes and looked down at him. Her breath was heavy, her face a mask of lust, but she spoke Klingon to him, her head cocked slightly to one side.

"You are a worthy warrior, and have earnt your rewards. Take me, and make me yours." she replied, the harsh, gutterial tones falling like raindrops from her lips. It was a traditional phrase, said by whichever warrior took the defeated or submissive role in a new relationship. True, the average Klingon 'submissive' was more akin to a human dominate, but the point still stood. Her tone was, however, a lighter than usual tone, indicating that while she believed in what she was saying, for no true Klingon ever spoke something they did not believe, it was not meant to be taken as an oath. Of course, her saying it was due to the lust and pleasure he was giving her. For all she knew, he might not understand her, or perhaps not grasp the inflection...

But right now, as her hips thrust against his probing fingers and tongue, she did not care.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on July 25, 2011, 04:54:18 PM
He recognized most of the Klingon she spoke; he became familiar with the language during his cargo running days, since their people were some of the most dangerous to run into at the time.  Learning their language was seen as a sign of respect, which served to lessen the mighty tempers of Klingon captains and their Birds of Prey.  The words Nerina spoke, however, were much different from the ones heard in conversation on a ship's bridge.

With her offer to give herself over to him, Nathan looked up from her wet sex, to see the submission in her eyes.  Rising back to his feet, his hands went to his pants, pulling them down as far as needed for function, ending up somewhere along his kneecaps.  His underwear followed suit, showing off the erection he had gained from seeing her naked body, and from touching it in such a sexual manner.  He stood stiff and thick, and as one hand gripped the base to guide it in, he moved forward, pressing the head to her entrance.  With one swift motion, he was inside her, and his hands moved to her hips again, where he could more easily move to the next phase, his hips making the motions inward and out that plunged him deeply inside her, only to withdraw and begin again.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: WyteKnyte on July 25, 2011, 05:37:23 PM
"Forgive me for my lack of time to reminisce, yet I think you have plenty of things to attend to as well. Dismissed, 'Lieutenant. I will get back to you within a couple of days to make my appointment. If you would like to set aside time for me, you may freely consult my Yeoman to find out whether I am available."

Garen nodded half-heartedly. Though he wanted to say more, he knew it would do him no good. Not right now, anyway. "I understand completely, Captain. There's too much going on right now. Too much to do, and...too many people to say goodbye to."

The counselor sighed, wishing he could do or say something to help his captain, but he knew Jien wouldn't listen to him, not yet. So, after one final look out at the nebula beyond, Garen glanced down at Jien and gave her a small, sad smile. "I look forward to hearing from you, soon."

He turned and made his way for the exit. The door hissed open, but a thought struck him before he stepped through it. He turned back around, looking across the room at Jien. "Just try to remember that this crew will need their captain, before this is all over," he told her. "This, right now...it's not who you are. Not completely. You've been through a lot, and it's going to take time to find your way again. Believe me, I know how that feels. But I'll be there to help you do so, when you're ready."

Garen paused for a moment, noting how alone Jien looked in that moment, then sighed and turned toward the exit again. "Just think about what I said, Captain. And...take care of yourself."

With that, the ship's new Chief Counselor stepped through the open doorway, which slid closed behind him with barely a whisper.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on July 27, 2011, 03:21:13 PM
Nerina watched, slightly dazed, as he removed his pants, or at least pulled them down. But when he entered her, she suddenly let out a long, loud moan of pure pleasure, her eyes shut tight as she almost screamed. Her hands found his neck, intertwining with each other as he began to piston his hips. They began to pull him in, and try and hold him there. "For the honor of Kahless, harder! HARDER! Fuck me with all your strength, fuck..." she growled, her voice dipping into the lower registers, almost being spat out, as her sex gripped his shaft, not wanting it to leave her, even for a moment. Her legs wrapped around him, her weight against the back wall, as she pulled him into her, her strength focused on helping him drive into her harder and deeper. Soon, every breath brought another word, be if 'Harder!' or 'Fuck!' or 'Yes'...
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on July 28, 2011, 05:32:19 AM
Nathaniel considered any number of jokes he could have made, to the way she used the name of her people's god-king, to the tease that the ship's avatar, Thea, might have been able to see and hear everything they were doing.  None of that mattered, though; all he wanted to do was have his way with Nerina, and make them both feel better then they had in a long time.  The knowledge that her body could take more then a typical human allowed him to hold her stronger, and thrust his hips into hers with a bit more abandon then he normally would; his half-Vulcan strength was a well suited match to her Klingon side in terms of physical ability, letting them play a bit rough.  The legs intertwining behind him, gripping him as tightly as her lower lips held his shaft, made everything all the satisfying, as she stopped just sliding, but was pushing up and down by his strength, gaining much more range of motion, as well as burying his face in her breasts.  "You want me to play with your tits while I fuck you?"  He spoke, giving her some dirty talk, as well as offering to stimulate her even further with everything he had to offer.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on July 28, 2011, 07:43:10 AM
"Oh... Fuck, yes, good, just don't stop... Fuck you're good...." she moaned, her voice clearly surprised as well as lustful, as she marveled at his strength, looking down at how he supported her weight. She grabbed his head and pulled it into her chest, burying his face between her soft breasts, holding him closer as he filled her. The added stimulation was both a blessing and a curse, as she found herself becoming overwhealmed with pleasure, and her slit began to clamp down, harder and harder, as she felt herself nearing the point of orgasm.

"Oh god, I'm so close... Come with me... Come with me, you wonderful man, harder! Harder!" she screamed, her body tensing up, as it reached to the very brink of orgasm, her body ready for him, her moans loud and constant as she begged for release.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on July 28, 2011, 08:52:37 AM
She only grew more intense with each passing second, both in terms of how her inner walls clenched him tight, and in the way she drew him in.  His mouth was quick to return to teasing her breasts when she forced him in with a firm hand.  The act of stimulating her breasts was just another weight added to the scale on her side, designed to make her reach her limit, and receive her payout for the act.  Just hearing her say she was close made Nathaniel beginning to edge ever closer himself, looking to keep pace with her to give her just what she wanted, and climax alongside Nerina.

With a final thrust, he expelled his seed within her, his knees feeling as if they would buckle for a second, before regaining his composure.  His eyes moved to hers, making sure she was looking his way before he flashed her a suggestive smile; something to thank her for a memorable night.  "You're quite a woman, Commander."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on July 28, 2011, 09:53:16 AM
Nerina said nothing for several seconds, still coming down from her orgasm. But then her eyes met his, and he spoke. She smiled at first, but then realisation struck her, and she looked more hurried, frightened. She coughed, and picked up her clothes, pulling them on quickly. "Um... Well, thank you but... I.... Look, please don't mention this to anyone, will you? I don't... I mean.... I'm sorry." she said, as she quickly zipped her uniform up, pressing the turbolift to resume it's movement. "I just... You... Just give me some time and space to work out... This." she said, trying to sound professional, and merely sounding embarrised.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: WyteKnyte on July 28, 2011, 09:33:47 PM
[Below Decks | Deck 07 - 0130 hrs] Attn: Lucan

What remained of the crowd seemed to part before him as if they knew he was on a mission. A few glanced his way, noting his haggard, slightly disheveled look, despite his attempts to clean himself up a little bit. None were surprised when he neglected to make eye contact with any of them, however; after everything they'd all just been through, everyone deserved a little leeway.

He barely registered the sound of music playing in the background, the guarded but relieved laughter surrounding him as people tried to forget about the last few days. He had only one thing on his mind right now, and he hoped he would be able to get through it with a minimum of agitation. Considering whom he was looking for, however, and their current mood, he had a feeling that this conversation was not going to be a particularly pleasant one.

When he finally spotted his quarry, he took a breath and made his way toward her. The crewmen surrounding her, their uniforms just as ragged as his own, all noticed him first, and at first they regarded him with confusion before understanding finally dawned in their eyes. He greeted them all with a short, brief nod.

"Gentlemen, I'd like a word with Lieutenant zh'Wann, if you wouldn't mind," he told them. He waited until the security officers all backed off enough to give the pair some semblance of privacy.

"Another drink, Ida?" asked Lieutenant Commander David Grayson, the ship's new Chief of Security, as he walked up to stand beside his deputy. He offered Ida a small, friendly smile as he held up the bottle of vodka he had snagged from the bar--with Mr. Regal's permission, of course. "We should probably talk."
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on July 29, 2011, 01:31:16 AM
Ida had noticed the shift in the immediate crowd around her, and she raised her midnight blue eyes to stare straight ahead - her antennae angling forward. She suspected she knew who had come. In fact, she had counted on it. However, she had hoped he wouldn't. In all things, to hope was better than to despair.

When he spoke, having the insolence to try an bridge the great chasm that had parted them inside Captain Ives' ready room, Ida turned her head to look upon the Pinkskin. The first thing she noticed was that he was already wearing his new pip - that black dot lined with gold that made all the difference to her current fate. Now, she was destined to adhere to the command of that black little bloody pip, even though at present, she would never consider herself to adhere to the word of the man who wore it.

Tact was the means of making a point without making an enemy, that much she knew. Moreover, she was a former guardsman of the Imperial Guard on Andoria. She would wear her disgrace as best she possibly could, despite how she knew that everyone on board their lonely vessel would gossip and ask why she was not picked instead. The man, whom she turned her eyes to look upon, was the embodiment and breathing flyer that everyone would see.

She would have asked to be commissioned upon another ship, had she had the opportunity. Yet now? All she could do was to swallow her pride and bear this as best she might. "No thank you, Lt. Commander," she said quietly, and she did not smile. She folded her arms underneath her damaged uniform chest and cocked a hip, "I will be retiring to my quarters soon. What was it you wished to speak about? Can it wait for the morrow when we are at the Security Centre instead?"

To see him was to have salt poured into her blue blood...
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on July 29, 2011, 06:58:05 AM
Nerina was suddenly back to being the same woman from the bar.  She was reserved and in control again, as if their act had cast out some strange being possessing her.  While she was hurriedly redressing, Nathan slowly pulled his pants and briefs back up, able to take his time, given how much more she had to put on.  He also enjoyed the show of seeing her naked body, even as she was counteracting that tremendous visual.  "Don't worry, Commander.  I am very discreet.  It wasn't like I was expecting something permanent between us when this happened.  We're both adults, and we both have needs.  We took care of those needs."  He tried to make everything sound perfectly natural, to ease any apprehensions in her mind.  There was no need for embarrassment or worries as far as he was concerned; it was just some fantastic, casual sex.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: WyteKnyte on July 29, 2011, 08:07:32 AM
[Below Decks]

David barely managed to keep from scowling at Ida. He knew she wasn't going to make this easy on him.

"No, I think it's best that we get this out of the way now," he told her, setting the bottle of vodka down. "Listen, I know you're angry about being passed over, and I'm sorry it had to go down the way it did, but Captain Ives had his reasons for doing so. Pardon my bluntness, but he needs a Security Chief that won't buckle under pressure."

David frowned, immediately regretting his choice of words. Ida was a fine security officer, and under normal circumstances she likely would have made a fine Chief of Security. But when the time came for her to step up, instead she'd fallen apart and almost got herself and a lot of other good people killed.

"I need you on my side, Ida," he continued a moment later. "You're still my Deputy, and right now this ship can't afford its crew letting their personal grudges getting in the way of their duty. There's too much work to be done, especially now with this M-class planet Isley discovered."

He took a breath and held out his hand to Ida, hoping she would take it. "Can I count on you, Lieutenant?"
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Ascornfilm on July 29, 2011, 04:19:38 PM
Nerina paused, her arms over her head as she was halfway through pulling on her shirt, listening to his words. She coughed, pulling the uniform top down. "I... Yes, well... It was enjoyable, by all means... Thank you, Isley. I just... Look, once the ship has surveyed the planet, regained some supplies... I'll comm you, arrange a dinner in my quarters. Normally it's the other way around, but I do... Well... All right?" she finally managed, her calm demenor thrown by his own calmness as he stood there. The turbolift arrived at her level and she got off. "After we deal with the planet..." she said, before turning on her heel and heading towards her quarters, trying to stifle the blush and bite marks across her face and neck.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Kurohigi on July 30, 2011, 07:10:04 AM
"Well . . . good to know you'll still respect me in the morning."  She said with a grin, referring to feelings often associated with women who had been used and dumped by men looking for one thing.  It was more then he had expected from her; he figured they were just having some kind of one-night stand, though after such an act, there was more then one part of him interested in another round with the female Commander.  "Take care . . . have a good night."  He spoke, saying his parting words to her, before it was time for him to move on to his own quarters, satisfied with the way the night had ended, even if it did just leave him feeling hungry for more.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on July 31, 2011, 02:31:50 AM
[ Below Decks ]

Ida was mortified in hearing him bespeak the past events so openly, considered it a direct insult upon her pride. Moreover, the Pinkskin extended his hand in a Terran gesture to... what? Recognise his position, or as in a mawkish sign that he forgave her, as if he was in the position to judge her after what had happened? The damnable human had not only taken her place, but now sought to rub it in her face? How dared he!

She grit her teeth, antennae curling forward like cobras about to strike. She looked at the hand again, trying to raise herself above his words for the sake of duty. A strangled sound came out her throat, pent up rage making her words a sharp whisper.

"You are not making this very easy for me, 'Commander," she said truthfully - the very least of what she had a mind to say to him. Unwittingly, she had mirrored his thoughts with her words.

She snagged up the bottle of Terran vodka, not taking his hand yet. She took it to her lips and heaved it up, her ruined uniform slipping down her shoulder again, and with her arm raised, the underside of her bosom became quite plain in the artificial light because of the rift across the front of her jacket and shirt... yet it was far remote from her mind. She cared not for propriety when she was at such turmoil inside. She had to numb herself to her own feelings a bit, else they would have a brawl right there in the ship lounge. After several mouthfuls, she slammed the bottle down and resettled her stare upon Grayson.

"I suppose," she said tightly, clearing her throat, "that I ought to be grateful that you would want me as your Deputy, despite how you recognise my feelings about serving you. Moreover, since you witnessed me at my least finest hour. Yet you should not ask me whether or not you may count on me. You ought to know that you can if you have made the decision to keep me already."

She folded her hands behind her back formally, and raised her chin. "I... I need just quell the fresh feelings of anger I hold. That was why I asked for respite this night, and to wait until the morrow before we held this conversation."

Ida took a deep breath, unable to lash out in any fashion - to expel the anger. She sorely needed to take her aggressions out on something, but she was denied both respite and a fight. Only a demeaning handshake was left to her, and it was the last thing she wanted. With reluctance, she finally did as expected of her as a Starfleet officer, and took his hand, whether or not she had lowered it already during her explanation. "Give me some brief time, and I will come to terms with it, but please don't ask me for more tonight, 'Commander."

Her handshake was firm, despite it all.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: WyteKnyte on July 31, 2011, 06:54:13 AM
[Below Decks]

"That's all I'm asking for, Lieutenant," David agreed, nodding as he shook the Andorian's hand.

With that out of the way, he let go of Ida's hand and turned to face the group surrounding them. His blue eyes carefully scanned the assorted security officers, regarding them carefully as their new chief nodded. "Listen, I understand you've been through a lot," he told them. "We all have. But now is the time when the security department has to step up its game. We're out in the middle of nowhere with the biggest target imaginable on our backs. There's a lot of work to be done, and not a lot of time in which to do it."

Grayson glanced back at Ida, though continued to address everyone as he spoke. "What's past is past. We all miss Commander Sorik, but it's up to us to continue where he left off. We can't lose our focus now, not when this crew needs us more than ever. I know I'm not the one you were expecting to be taking orders from, but I promise that I won't let you down."

He turned back to the group and smiled at them, even if on the inside he didn't feel particularly happy right now. "Enjoy yourselves tonight, and make sure you get some sleep. We've got a lot of work ahead of us tomorrow."

David turned back to face Idea and took the bottle of vodka she'd slammed back onto the table, lifting it to his lips and took a long swig, his eyes never leaving Ida's. When he finished, he nodded to the Andorian and handed the bottle to her. "That goes double for you, Lieutenant. Blow off all the steam you need to tonight, but tomorrow I want you focused and ready to go to work." With that, Grayson turned and started to walk away, ready to leave Ida to her devices.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on July 31, 2011, 11:31:55 PM
Ida found David Grayson's promise to not let them all down bold, and she favoured it the most among the claims he made in his short speech. She did not miss the double meaning in his statement to let the past be what it may, and look ahead, much less how he practically asked her to wash all her frustration away with the vodka - yet still wanting her to be on her toes on the morrow.

As she watched him leave, she considered how there were alternative ways to forget the present than to infuse nerve-poison labelled with pretty names.

"I'll be leaving," she told those in her shift, "I'll see you all tomorrow. Behave." The Deputy then left the ship lounge, heading for her quarters. It had been a long time since she indulged in her passions...

...for the arts.

The turmoil of her emotions were more than sufficient fodder for making a canvas come to life. Already, she was picturing the result with her inner eye, selecting methods and paints. The motif was quite clear already, for she would draw both the Captain and David Greyson in one canvas. One portrait of them both, and she would rinse her feelings about them both in every minuscule detail. They would both be staring at the onlooker, with the Bridge in the backdrop - both austere and demanding. She would come to terms with her superiors, by familiarising herself with every little shade upon their brows.

Yet first, she would be ridding herself of her clothes and take a long needed shower. She used the time it took her to reach her quarters to remove her jacket, which could not be saved at that point. With her torn undershirt barely preserving her modesty, she walked past the Ship AI Hologram, whom seemed to have materialised just recently before the Assistant Chief of Operations. It was probably duty-related...

"Yes, Lt?" asked the hologram, wearing Operation department colours. Ida did not listen any longer, but walked them both by.

Attn: Brutus, in case you wanted a prologue thing and had not already written something in that regard. I'll follow your lead on this!
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on August 21, 2011, 01:48:05 PM
[ Main Sickbay | The CMO Office ]
 
Seated behind his desk, Dr. Lucan cin Nicander was re-scheduling the appointments and routines for the Alpha shift to come - by then long accustomed to the administrative side of his duties. He imagined he might be weary of the tasks at hand given time, yet up till then, he was quite content with the mundane and pleasantly challenging side of it.

It was, after all, not as stressful as leading a double life and planning the genocide of a race, whilst still juggling a successful career on board an outlawed Tactical Strike Cruiser of a changing Federation - neither the former Officials nor the Symbiotic replacements looking too kindly upon his egotistical endeavours. Not to mention how the ship he was upon was hunted by his own, and he would have to compete with his own kin in order to have the ship serve in his grand scheme, instead of being swatted like a fly with the meaty fist of the collective Fleet. Moreover, considering the last battle and the burden he had to pull in Sickbay for the last couple of days...

No, administrative duties were decidedly a relief, sometimes, from both his own as well as his dissolved symbiont's clandestine plans.
 
Hearing a chirp from his door, his dark grey eyes snapped towards it - almost like his gaze pierced through the plastic and steel to skewer the person on the other side. "Enter," he called though, and reasserted a more pleasant expression on his face.

Upon seeing his visitor, Lucan rose to his feet and walked up to meet him. "Ah, Lt. Nelis. Captain Ives informed me about your promotion," he said to the half-blood Betazoid and smiled. He extended a tattooed hand from his lab coat sleeve to shook his, "Thank you for coming in. I had planned to visit you myself, but it seems you beat me to it."
 
Whilst he spoke, his friendly yet still discreetly seized him up - adjoining his physical appearance with his well-studied personnel file. This meeting was decidedly a welcome distraction, and even more so due to the fact that Betazoid's could not read Caroôn minds. A fact that Lucan owned a lot of gratitude for over the years, considering...

The symbiont merely chuckled at the back of his mind - the demon always present.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: WyteKnyte on September 01, 2011, 03:20:21 AM
[Main Sickbay - CMO's Office]

Garen offered Lucan a friendly smile as he shook the Chief Medical Officer's hand. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything, sir. I just thought it might be best if we got together as soon as possible." He hadn't even been Chief Counselor for a day yet, but with circumstances the way they were it made sense to him to jump right in.

He had to admit to some trepidation leading up to this moment. While he was not a full Betazoid, Garen still possessed some latent telepathy and a powerful sense of empathy, which had served him well over the years. He was usually able to get a read on pretty much everyone he met. But Lucan Nicander was not one of them. Garen had read up on the Caroôn when he joined the Theurgy's medical department, so he'd known ahead of time that he wouldn't be able to read Lucan, but it was a sensation he was unaccustomed to. It was both disconcerting and...strangely pleasant.

"I know I wasn't originally who you were expecting to work with, Doctor, but I hope you won't hold my lack of experience against me," Garen added with a friendly smile.
Title: Re: PROLOGUE: Aftermath & General Character Introductions
Post by: Auctor Lucan on September 03, 2011, 01:02:16 PM
"Not at all," said Lucan immediately and gestured for Garen to take a seat before his desk, "with the alternatives being someone dead or a traitor straight out of the Brig, I find your promotion quite timely." A joke in layers, the bottom one not confrontational as much as it was truthful. After all, Lucan was supposed to little to nothing about the man. Seating himself, the CMO's smile still presided in his exotic features. He moved on to practical matters straight away.

"I view Counselling and Medical to be two sides of the same coin, merely differing in the aspect of the health that we are treating. I foresee a lot of interaction between our two Departments, and I want to just make sure we are both on the same page so that we can keep things as smooth as possible with that interaction. I do believe it is better to get expectations out in the open early so as to avoid stepping on any toes."

Folding his hands on top of his desk, having to push aside a PADD or two, the Doctor continued. "As Chief Medical Officer, I will recommend patients to you in every case that I think there is a need for them to get counseling. However I must request that any and all medications that you want to give your patients on a psychological level must be given through my medical staff. I do not know if that is what they teach a the Academy these days, but situations in the past have made me make sure I get that point out of the way. The conflict of different medications and what repercussions that may bring are increased exponentially with the number of different species and biological compositions that our crew consists of."

The CMO paused, considering for a brief moment what Garen's face might look like when Lucan's manufactured virus were int he final stages - where each facial orifice gushed with blood. Further, what it might feel like to have blood as lubricant for a much... lower orifice. His gaze never changed, however much the mental image made his penis stiffen underneath his desk. The Lt. might just have his uses before the Theurgy was destroyed...

"Do you have any requests of your own, given how you might be looking forward to a... - what's the expression? - a butt-load or work to do, all things considered?"
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