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Episode 02: Cosmic Imperative / Chapter 5: And so it begins [ Day 1 | 1355 ]
Last post by Ellen Fitz -

[ Captain Jien Ives | Lower Deck Converted Starboard Guest Quarters | USS Allegiant | Aerodrome of the Erudite ] @Griff  @Dree  @Pierce  @Dumedion  @P.C. Haring  @chXinya  @UltimaImperatrixia  @Ellen Fitz

“Crewmen of the Apache should be loaded into their craft by 1455 as their craft will be ejected from the aerodrome at 1500. Crewmen of the Allegiant must likewise be in their craft at 1555, as they will be ejected at 1600. We will be departing in precisely twelve minutes, and until the ejection times, you may make use of the facilities on this deck. I am Tachgin, duty officer of this area for the duration of your time aboard. If you have questions or problems, you will come to me.”

The announcement given by the curtly efficient female Savi only a few minutes ago played over in Ives's mind, as did a myriad of other details of the simultaneous missions, as he stood at the threshold of the converted guest quarters. Security and engineering had done a splendid job converting these quarters into a makeshift brig with the cannon in place and Nicander safely situated within. The doctor-turned-informant had the haggard look of determination under a layer of resignation. Ives rather figured his expression mirrored, considering all the moving pieces of the current puzzle. The Ranger was already disengaged from the Helmet and due to leave simultaneously as the Erudite, with both the Apache and Allegiant safely tucked within it.

Nodding to the security detail posted guard over Nicander, Ives moved through the ship until he stood once more on the Erudite’s deck, gaze traveling over the Theurgy crew mingling in the space between the Allegiant and the Apache. He knew some among them would be remaining on the Erudite all the way to Hobus. As he made eye contact with a few who glanced his way, Ives gave them a reassuring nod. Though there was more out of their control and just as much unknown, Ives was confident their efforts here would make a difference. They’d already come so far, sacrificed so much. It was about damn time they struck a direct blow, turning the tide in their favor.


Notes: As Lillee is the driver of this road trip from hell, advise she go first. This is an opening chapter to get things going, so everyone involved in the Ch 5 Allegiant mission should post at least once to establish their character onboard and in motion. Now that this chapter is in motion, you may refer to the calendar here (https://uss-theurgy.com/w/index.php?title=Cosmic_Imperative_Calendar) and remember to make threads like this Ch # S  [ Day #  | Time  ] Title for supplemental threads.

Only Nicander and Ives are official NPC’s slated for this mission, who will be “played” by the GM. I’d suggest you take a gander at the other NPC’s that can be deemed useful for cannon fodder once things go south on the facility here: https://uss-theurgy.com/w/index.php?title=Non-Player_Characters. And for the record, all NPC’s are open for maiming and/or killing as long as it fits the story objectives and the narrative, and you ask nicely (TL;DR: ask the GM before you maim/kill a Theurgy-based NPC). If you have questions regarding this, please let any of the GM’s know. GM’s indicated earlier that if you are maneuvering an NPC, try to stick to NPC’s in your own department.

Also, for funsies, there is a list of serious and silly in-game “side quest” prompts that you can opt-in for to add to the fun and mayhem of the game. These prompts are considered “private,” so once you have your prompt, only you and the GM will know, and it’ll be your task to work it into the story to earn the credit. Successfully working four or more private prompts into the game during the chapter will earn 1 token.
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Episode 02: Cosmic Imperative / Chapter 4: When you wish upon a star [ Day 1 | 1400 ]
Last post by Ellen Fitz -

[ Barpin qi Erudite | Aerodrome of the Erudite ] @Brutus  @RyeTanker  @ob2lander961  @Tae  @Eden  @Sqweloookle  @Griff  @Griffinsummoner  @Eirual

Barpin stood at the entrance to the aerodrome, observing how the Theurgy crew handled the transition into the jump. The drive installed on their own ship was passing fair, in Barpin’s opinion, but still nothing compared to what they had onboard the Erudite. While the officer on duty of the aerodrome, Tachgin, had given a succinct explanation of when each vessel would depart and what the crew could do in the meantime, that was only in connection to those crewmen leaving on the Apache and Allegiant. Barpin had been assigned as liaison with the Theurgy crew, who would remain onboard, traveling with them all the way to Hobus where they would challenge the Scions directly.

It was just as unsettling now as it always had been, this schism in the ranks of his people. This…civil war. The Infested had marred the perfection of the Code and would continue to be warped and twisted until they could finish this conflict once and for all. Barpin did not relish what was to come. Many would be lost who had never truly understood the underlying machinations of the Infested. There were so many among those they were about to confront who could be labeled as ignorant and blind, and it pained Barpin that they likely would not be allowed to “see the light” before they were destroyed as collateral. Or, Barpin sighed, they would continue to live in ignorance, potentially taking a sense of accomplishment at having destroyed Barpin and the rest of the “rebels” should this mission fail.

The fighter craft assigned to their mission were loaded off to the sides of the aerodrome, not exactly in front or behind the larger craft that would be used for the other missions. They’d been loaded in such a way that if they needed to deploy the fighter craft in the process of getting to the drop-off coordinates, it would be easy enough to do so without having to maneuver the larger craft out of the way. Because of the potential length of time, their mission would encompass, the Theurgy crew who would stay onboard to Hobus were given berthing quarters in the habitation hall in the aft recreational district. Barpin had the list of who would berth where on his data padd but had yet to speak directly to any of the Theurgy crew. He didn’t know which of those mingling in the large aerodrome would remain on board and which were assigned to either the Allegiant or Apache. He knew that those remaining onboard had been given directions to seek him out at the entrance to the aft habitation hall to receive their berthing assignments, so he waited. Waiting was one of his least favorite things to do, but such was his life at this point.


Notes: As Brutus is GM of this chapter, he will go first. This is an opening chapter to get things going, so everyone involved in Ch 4 Hobus mission should post at least once to establish their character onboard and in motion. Now that this chapter is in motion, you may refer to the calendar here (https://uss-theurgy.com/w/index.php?title=Cosmic_Imperative_Calendar) and remember to make threads like this Ch # S  [ Day #  | Time  ] Title for supplemental threads.

Official NPC’s needing assistance getting onboard are: Ida zh'Wann, Nara Nueva, Sorek Morgan, and Amissa. GM’s indicated earlier that if you are maneuvering an NPC, try to stick to NPC’s in your own department. I’d suggest you take a gander at the other NPC’s that can be deemed useful for cannon fodder once things go south on the facility here: https://uss-theurgy.com/w/index.php?title=Non-Player_Characters. And for the record, all NPC’s are open for maiming and/or killing as long as it fits the story objectives and the narrative, and you ask nicely (TL;DR: ask the GM before you maim/kill a Theurgy-based NPC). If you have questions regarding this, please let any of the GM’s know.

Also, for funsies, there is a list of serious and silly in-game “side quest” prompts that you can opt-in for to add to the fun and mayhem of the game. These prompts are considered “private,” so once you have your prompt, only you and the GM will know, and it’ll be your task to work it into the story to earn the credit. Successfully working four or more private prompts into the game during the chapter will earn 1 token.
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Episode 02: Cosmic Imperative / Chapter 3: Stand and Deliver [ Day 1 | 1258 ]
Last post by Ellen Fitz -

[ Ens. L’Nari | Diplomatic Council Offices | V. 1 | Deck 2 | The Helmet ] @Brutus  @Stegro88  @jreeves1701  @GroundPetrel  @Fife  @trevorvw  @P.C. Haring @Nolan  @Juzzie  @Eirual  @Ellen Fitz

Though she was loathed to admit any sort of appreciation for her new department head, L’Nari was at least thankful the chaos-incarnate woman hadn’t assigned her to any of the other missions. L’Nari had missed attending the “get to know your colleague’s skills” meeting Lieutenant Madsen had hosted in the days leading up to this mission but, not one to defy a direct order that didn’t require violence, L’Nari had forwarded her own answers. She’d not expected the lieutenant to respond to them or seek to engage her in a follow-up conversation regarding them either, but she had, and L’Nari had been disgruntledly surprised by that. Her personal views on her superior officer were complicated, to say the least, and any sort of time spent alone with the woman she – again, personally – found unfit for her position as head of this department was trying for the young Caitian. That Danvers seemed to have taken a shine to the human so-called diplomat only furthered L’Nari’s distrust and borderline dislike.

But, in all that, L’Nari still appreciated her current status – aboard the Helmet – while her colleagues were warping off on other missions more likely to meet violence and mayhem. Of course, that was also a likely fact here. They were entering into delicate negotiations after all, and at the threshold of a known area of discontent and borderline lawlessness by Klingon standards. L’Nari wasn’t naive enough to think there wouldn’t still be some sort of danger here but she truly believed that if they conducted themselves in the manner they were supposed to as diplomats, they could avoid further violence and ensure a strong alliance, one ready to stand against the Infested.

“Ensign,” L’Nari looked up at the sound of Madsen’s voice, schooling her feline features into an expression of open neutrality. The woman hadn’t done anything YET to rub her fur wrong. “Contact Chancellor Martok’s ship and inform them of the Ranger’s imminent departure.” L’Nari nodded, paws hovering over the console, ready to do as she was bid. “Also, ask them what time we can expect to meet with the Chancellor and his entourage. I believe a face-to-face meeting before Donatra arrives will aid our efforts to keep the peace.”

L’Nari nodded, surprised to find that she was of accord with the lieutenant’s assessment. As L’Nari contacted the Chancellor’s vessel, the rest of the crew still aboard the Helmet settled into the new reality of operating as one vector, surrounded by Klingons and, soon enough, Romulans as well. It was as if they were the needle seeking to prevent the haystack from igniting.


Notes: As Brutus is the GM of this chapter, he will go first. This is an opening chapter to get things going, so everyone involved in the Ch 3 Helmet mission should post at least once to establish their character onboard and in motion. Now that this chapter is in motion, you may refer to the calendar here: https://uss-theurgy.com/w/index.php?title=Cosmic_Imperative_Calendar

Remember to make threads like this Ch # S  [ Day #  | Time  ] Title for supplemental threads.

The official NPC’s slated for this mission who need assistance getting onboard are: Jaya Thorne, Logan Hale, Vinata Vajona, V-Nine, Kala Marika, Kizra Tos, Drauc T’Laus. I’d suggest you take a gander at the other NPC’s that can be deemed useful for cannon fodder once things go south on the facility here: https://uss-theurgy.com/w/index.php?title=Non-Player_Characters. And for the record, all NPC’s are open for maiming and/or killing as long as it fits the story objectives and the narrative, and you ask nicely (TL;DR: ask the GM before you maim/kill a Theurgy-based NPC). If you have questions regarding this, please let any of the GM’s know. GM’s indicated earlier that if you are maneuvering an NPC, try to stick to NPC’s in your own department.

Also, for funsies, there is a list of serious and silly in-game “side quest” prompts that you can opt-in for to add to the fun and mayhem of the game. These prompts are considered “private,” so once you have your prompt, only you and the GM will know, and it’ll be your task to work it into the story to earn the credit. Successfully working four or more private prompts into the game during the chapter will earn 1 token.
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Episode 02: Cosmic Imperative / Chapter 1: Outside Looking In [ Day 1 | 1345 ]
Last post by Ellen Fitz -

[ Tachgin qi Erudite | Aerodrome of the Erudite ] @BipSpoon  @Stegro88  @RyeTanker  @Sqweloookle  @Dree  @Number6 @Nesota Kynnovan @P.C. Haring

“Double-check the phase quantum thruster brackets,” Tachgin paused in giving the remainder of her instructions to the younger Savi when the arrival of the first group of Theurgy crew alongside their craft, called the Apache, caught her attention. While it was not the first time they had tucked Theurgy-based vessels in their hold for safekeeping during a mission, it was still a strange sight to Tachgin, these Federation entities and their technology cradled within their Savi vessel. Returning her gaze to the data padd in hand, Tachgin pressed it into Dempen’s hands. “And ensure the beryllium bubble thruster housings are tightened down. We will depart exactly on the hour.”

His own eyes having wandered over to the Theurgy crewmen, Dempen asked, “Do you think they will be successful?”

Tachgin shook her head, “It is not for us to wonder such things. Finish your tasks in readiness for our departure.”

Dempen hurried away, leaving Tachgin to her own thoughts. She circled around the milling group of Theurgy crew, eyeing the Apache and double-checking that the Savi in charge of securing it in the aerodrome were doing it correctly. She was the lead Savi on duty of the aerodrome right now, and she certainly didn’t want to leave anything to chance. Pausing between the two mingling groups of Theurgy crew, Tachgin studied the crew a moment more before looking past them to the other craft, the Allegiant, which had already been loaded. As the Apache would be leaving their aerodrome first, it was the last loaded. The Theurgy crewmen assigned to both craft arrived in their own disorganized fashion – at least, it appeared disorganized to Tachgin. However, Tachgin did not know which Theurgy crewmen were assigned to which craft and only vaguely knew the names of those who would remain aboard the Erudite as they sped on to face off with the Scions at Hobus.

Squaring her shoulders, Tachgin moved forward until she stood just shy of both groups of the crew, supposing they’d sequestered themselves according to craft. Uncertain who among these groups were the commanding officers, at least aside from Captain Ives, whom she knew from passing and not personally, Tachgin decided to speak in general terms to them all. It was the most efficient use of her time, considering she had so many other things to oversee before they left exactly on the hour.

“Crewmen of the Apache should be loaded into their craft by 1455 as their craft will be ejected from the aerodrome at 1500. Crewmen of the Allegiant must likewise be in their craft at 1555, as they will be ejected at 1600. We will be departing in precisely twelve minutes, and until the ejection times, you may make use of the facilities on this deck. I am Tachgin, duty officer of this area for the duration of your time aboard. If you have questions or problems, you will come to me.”

Tachgin paused, waiting a moment to see if there were any questions, as there certainly hadn’t been enough time for there to be problems – at least, not in her opinion. When no one immediately spoke up, she turned on her heel and left them to their own devices. She had a checklist to get through before they left, and she was at least three items behind schedule.


Notes: As Valyn Amarik is the commanding officer of the Apache mission, advise she go first. This is an opening chapter to get things going, so everyone involved in the Ch 1 Apache mission should post at least once to establish their character onboard and in motion. Both Rye's and P.C.'s characters are not currently onboard but will rendezvous near or at local, however, you may still write your character from their present location as of the start of this chapter to help give everyone a feel for how things may come together.

Now that this chapter is in motion, you may refer to the calendar here (https://uss-theurgy.com/w/index.php?title=Cosmic_Imperative_Calendar) and remember to make threads like this Ch # S  [ Day #  | Time  ] Title for supplemental threads.

There are a few NPC’s slated for this mission as well who will need assistance in getting onboard. GM’s indicated earlier that if you are maneuvering an NPC, try to stick to NPC’s in your own department. Official NPC’s on the Apache mission are: Salem Martin, Asra Tek, and Tyreke Okafor, though I’d suggest you take a gander at the other NPC’s that can be deemed useful for cannon fodder once things go south on the facility here: https://uss-theurgy.com/w/index.php?title=Non-Player_Characters. And for the record, all NPC’s are open for maiming and/or killing as long as it fits the story objectives and the narrative, and you ask nicely (TL;DR: ask the GM before you maim/kill a Theurgy-based NPC). If you have questions regarding this, please let any of the GM’s know.

Also, for funsies, there is a list of serious and silly in-game “side quest” prompts that you can opt-in for to add to the fun and mayhem of the game. These prompts are considered “private,” so once you have your prompt, only you and the GM will know, and it’ll be your task to work it into the story to earn the credit. Successfully working four or more private prompts into the game during the chapter will earn 1 token.

5
Interregnum 01-02 S2 / Re: Day 19 [1430hrs] The Trill of hockey
Last post by BipSpoon -
[ Lieutenant Amelya Rez | Holodeck 01 | Deck 08 | Vector 2 | USS Theurgy ] Attn: @Nesota Kynnovan
[Show/Hide]
Amelya Rez had only intended to go for a walk that morning, her route taking her past the large bulkhead-style doors that Federation holodecks often possessed. As she passed, she saw a certain blonde Lieutenant walking in, and her ears were met with thunderous applause, and the CLANG-CLANG-CLANG of shoes hitting the bleachers in excitement for…whatever was going on in the holodeck. She only caught one word as she continued past the doors, ‘Harbour Station’. Her eyes went wide. She hadn’t seen a game in ages. Surely it couldn’t hurt just to poke her head into the holodeck?

“Go.” A male baritone called out from behind her, giving her a shove towards the door. She stumbled, and braced her hand against the access panel, inadvertently hitting the entry key. “Jona it’s not my-” Though clearly, he wasn’t asking and continued to physically push her into the door, Jona must have enjoyed watching the Trill team, otherwise Amy saw no reason why he’d even care, unless he only wanted to cause further dramatics, and increased difficulty on Amy’s part in keeping the existence of her little mind-parasite a secret from the rest of the crew. That was the crux though, wasn’t it? It wasn’t a parasite. It WAS Jona, at least the piece of his psyche that imprinted itself upon the symbiote. What he wanted though, or why he was the only one that showed up, Amy didn’t know.

As the lights dimmed, Amy ducked her head a bit and made her way to an empty seat, ushered in by the holographic security staff of the venue, and pointed at a seat. Behind her, stood about fifty holographic patrons in line, trying to get to their own seats. Amy and Jona followed the directions of the staff, and found themselves face to face with Amanda Ashby, “Oh-” Amy swallowed nervously, hoping that the lieutenant wouldn’t be annoyed with the intrusion, “Sorry I just haven’t seen a game in forever and well-” She gave her a nervous sort of smile, “If you want someone to watch with…but I’m definitely cheering for the Trill.” She smirked, and glanced once at the empty seat to Amanda’s left, Jona already worming his way through the bleachers to sit in the empty chair to Amanda’s right. Of course, he was invisible to everyone except for Amy, but his presence was nonetheless distracting as he began yelling expletives at the Klingon player.
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Parallel Universes - "What if?" / Re: [2376] Entanglement of Chaos
Last post by RyeTanker -
[Ensign XamotZark zh’Ptrell (Ens. Zark) | Cardassia Prime] Attn: @Ellen Fitz

While Enyd negotiated their way out of the tense situation, Zark stood by, bent her knees a bit and folded her hands in front of her.  To the casual observer, she looked like she was casually settling into for the  discussion.  To anyone who knew martial arts, she was in a ready position to cause a raucous if need be. Still, the Andorian listened with her ears while her eyes swept the crowd of moonshiners.  Alcohol really was a lucrative business and on a war ravaged world, it was one of the joys that helped take the edge off the drudgery and misery of rebuilding.

As Zark listened though, she mentally took notes on some of the cereal grains being used to make the spirits and Enyd's notes on them.  If nothing else, it would be good to keep an eye out for them since anything that was used to make spirits, could also be used for bread, noodles, and the like.  This meant there were other alternatives available, of the munchable variety.  On the other hand as she thought about what the diplomat was negotiating, the security officer in her began to wonder what sort of connections the human had established in her time on planet and to what purpose.  This was filed away as Enyd used their open faced logic to explain they really weren't a government sting operation and the two would be easy to track down.  Zark felt the temptation to pull on the diplomats ear to stop giving them ideas and make her job harder; but it seemed to all turn out well as the spirit makers and Enyd came to an agreement.

As the group left, Zark felt herself relax and she took a moment to stretch out her neck and shoulders. Lifting her arms above her head, Zark turned to Enyd and smiled when asked if she was hungry.  "I don't think I'm that hungry at the moment." To which a gurgle could be heard emanating from her mid section that gave lie to that statement.  The hands came down and covered the rebellious stomach at which Zark looked down and glared at her own innards. "Or maybe I am and the black hole in me has decided otherwise.  Never really had a chance to try Cardassian food, so that sounds good."

Following Enyd to the Tavern, Zark immediately noted the metal construction of the place.  It was a lot like the stories she heard from people who'd spent time on Deep Space Nine. It was a contrasting combination of dark materials, oddly coloured dark pastel floors, and really bright white lights.   It must have had something to do with how Cardassian eyes worked since it looked like there was a lot of clashing.  On the other hand, Zark did prefer her blue tones, even in the other colours, so she didn't bother to comment on her preferences. Upon sitting down, Zark did a quick check of their surroundings, keeping sight lines, exits, and measuring the other people in the establishment.  She unconsciously filed away an escape plan in case they had to make a run for it again as she settled down.

A older gentlemen in a robe tunic came by the door quickly and with dignity.  Business was business after all and he didn't have a lot of it before the lunch rush. "Welcome, welcome ladies! It's a wonderful day."  He greeted warmly.  It didn't matter that the two women weren't Cardassians, in fact, it might make his place more appealing two have a couple of noticeable exotic beauties in his restaurant.  Leading the pair to a table near the window, he pulled the chairs out for the two then dropped a couple of menus on the table.  "Propayl's is the word in comfort fare, and you're in luck, the catch this morning was generous so we have a seafood stew with fresh Tefla Broth, and a wonderful pillowy, airy with a great blend of flour from Nokar and Elar."  Zark arched an eyebrow at this and gave a bemused smile as she shook her in acceptance and pulled a small PADD that she used to take a moment to scan and translate the menu before continuing to read.  "I certainly can't argue with that." Propayl nodded delightedly as he took the order down while Zark continued scanning the menu.  "Excellent! Can I get you anything else?"  Zark paused for a moment as she looked down the menu. "Uhmmm, can I also get a Larish pie, a serving of Tuli, uhhh, gotta have the meat roll. some canka nuts."  Propayl's face widened in astonishment as the lithe blue woman rattled off more food than he thought she could eat, but quickly turned back as Zark finally finished with a pot of Ocealeaf Tea and K'Hava Wine. "Ahem, errr, I see, yes. Sounds good." He replied trying to recover before turning to Enyd and getting her order.

When the shocked proprietor left, Zark took a moment to plant her head on her hand as she leaned on the table to admire the view.  Having taken her moment, she turned back to her charge.  "That was certainly an energetic morning.  Not just one potential disaster, but two!"  Smiling, the Andorian crossed her arms on the table and leaned in towards Enyd.  "Thank you for digging me out of that little exposition in the park.  If I'm being showcased like that, I usually prefer it to be in private.  And that negotiation at the distillery was pretty smooth, and I can say that since we didn't have to fight our way out."  The security officer took a moment to tap her chin. "How did you find that sort of information?  Was it part of a previous negotiation somewhere?"
7
Director's Cut / Re: [2381] USS Aurora: The Memories of Nobody
Last post by Nesota Kynnovan -
[Captain Rebecca Anders | Conference Room | Deck 1 | USS Aurora]
Image for visual reference: [Show/Hide]
Attn: @Brutus, @Eirual, @Griff  and everyone else who wants to join! Just send me a PM if you are interested.

The question of pirates was a good one and Captain Anders briefly turned her blue eyes towards the planet which was holographically displayed above the briefing room table. They were practically charging in blind, not knowing what was waiting for them on Traxis Prime or even how the planet came to be there in the first place; maybe the planet had been there for centuries and developed a thriving community of pirates, smugglers and other criminals over the many years. As she pondered those possibilities, it didn’t fail to escape Rebecca’s attention that the Conference Room had grown quiet and she turned her attention back towards Lieutenant Monroe again. ”That’s a good question, Lieutenant.”

A small, approving smile began to adorn the Captain’s face as she spoke. ”The simple fact is that we don’t really know what’s waiting for us on the planet. Like I said, the USS Ranger only performed a preliminary scan of Traxis Prime before she retreated out of the Badlands to report her findings to Starfleet Command.” Rebecca knew that everyone who would read between the lines could easily figure out that they might be walking straight into an ambush and, as a result, her smile became much more reassuring. ”That’s why we have you though.” While it might place a huge burden on the shoulders of Lieutenant Monroe, Rebecca had read the woman’s personnel file thoroughly enough to know that Amilee was one of those people who thrived under pressure; a person not unlike herself, a Scientist rapidly elevated to a Command-level position and forged in the fires of the Dominion War. ”You’ll be leading on-site security for the duration of our survey, Lieutenant. Since we don’t know what we’re walking into exactly, your rules of engagement will limit you to return fire only.” Rebecca’s blue eyes locked with Amilee Monroe’s equally blue ones. In that brief moment of eye contact, it was as if the Captain wanted to stress that particular fact. Don’t shoot if unless you’re absolutely sure that you won’t rile up the entire planet against you. ”So please don’t engage unless you have to. If you’re forced into an engagement however, the USS Ranger will be in orbit and standing by to deploy additional security teams at your discretion.”

With a small smile, Captain Anders turned her attention back to the Conference Room in general. ”If there are no further questions I’d like to end the briefing.”
8
Interregnum 01-02 S2 / Re: Day 15 [1410 hrs.] The Gemini/Bloodwing Adventure
Last post by Griff -
[PO3 Lillee t’Jellaieu | Hamar Mountains | Qo'nos ] Attn: @P.C. Haring

The following spar was fierce and relentless. From the first blow, Lillee was momentarily shocked by how her arms ached at the clash of blades, the steel singing keenly into the mountain air. How could such a short human be so powerful!? Lillee fended off the initial flurry easily enough but she found herself stuck on the defensive, moving from block to block, unable to find an opening. Reggie's attacks had no rythym, no form, but they were clever, weaving an offensive riddle that was quickly wearing on Lillee's nerves.

Finally she managed to counter, attacking Reggie with a furious onslaught, only just remembering to lighten her strikes. Lillee was painfully conscious of hurting her friend; a fractured wrist or broken arm would be poor recompense for such a good spar.   Heart pounding, her blood aflame with the thrill of the fight, Lillee saw Reggie's expression become oddly blank and ruthlessly hammered Reggie's guard away with brute force.

Then, somehow, Reggie managed to leverage her evasion into a strike that sent Lillee to the ground. Furious, she rolled onto her back for the inevitable finish, only to see her opponent holding back. Reggie's tone communicated more than her words, and Lillee accepted the helping hand, grimacing at her aching arms. She eyed her Betazoid partner ruefully; regardless of superior strength or superior training, Reggie was still physically more fit and more nimble. It showed; she'd won.

"Company?" Lillee repeated, looking around the mesa in confusion. "How...oh."

Voices began to be audible from the path, steadily growing louder, a man and woman. The conversation was...unexpected.

"...with pink hair! Pink hair, Balq!" the woman said, laughing all the while, her voice carrying easily up to the mesa. "You should've seen her at work the next day! The foreman had her meet the governor when she visited the factory, and on my honour, the governor just kissed her, called her courageous, and asked the foreman to make pink uniforms and hair mandatory for us all! Can you imagine what the High Council would say if they find out that an entire factory becomes pink during the Festival of Raq'thul?"

"Blame the Federation, probably," the man replied wearily, clearly not sharing his partner's enthusiasm. "I'm sure the governor visited Risa or Betazed not long before. She probably got some strange fashion in her head while over there."

"Is that so bad?" the woman countered irritably. "Balq, you know I love you, so would it be so bad to travel with me one day? There's more to the galaxy than the Empire! Andorians are honourable warriors, you'd really like-" she stopped talking abruptly as the two Klingons crested the top of the mesa and realised that they weren't alone. They briefly stopped and spoke to each other quietly before approaching.

As Klingons went, both were quite impressive. The man was enormous, wearing a loose vest that bared powerful arms; he looked like he could bench-press Lillee and Reggie combined without issue. His black hair was long and lustrous, stretching past his shoulders, framing a handsome face. He even wore shorts, a bat'leth slung on his back via a harness.

The woman was a good match for her boyfriend, much taller than the other women, and strong to match. She wore even less than her partner, with just a black sports bra containing her substantial breasts and exposing a chiseled abdomen, plus tight-fitting shorts and her own bat'leth. True to her words, her hair was short, violently pink and undeniably....cute.

"Romulan filth," she hissed upon seeing Lillee's crenaled forehead. "What-?"

"You're the one who keeps telling me to keep an open mind," Balq said to his girlfriend in a gentle voice that seemed completely at odds with his appearance. "You. Human. Identify yourselves."
9
Interregnum 01-02 S2 / Re: Day 10 [1326] Chaos in the Clouds of Qo'Nos
Last post by Ellen Fitz -
[ Lt. Enyd Isolde Madson | Mekro'vak Region | Qo'noS ] ATTN: @Eden

Enyd was so intent on listening to Cal that she was less than careful when moving over the thorn-covered hump. One of the thorns caught her in the left heel, the intial prick painful enough to give Enyd pause, eyes closing in a wince. When she opened her eyes again, Cal was offering her a hand down, and she smiled, thankful for the gesture. Trying to distract herself from the strange tingling sensation emanating from the prick point, Enyd responded to Cal’s words, “I think each culture has its own view on what is considered chaos and control. Likely, my closet would horrify most Vulcans while barely getting a blink from your average Pakled.”

She continued following after Cal, nodding to herself as he spoke, the movement born out of a lifetime of being an active listener. As he spoke of desiring control and conquering chaos, Enyd’s mind strayed. One part drank in the sight of Cal as he stood confidently in the path, an assertive look denoting a dangerous undercurrent to his affable nature. Another part fussed over the fact that her entire left foot now felt like ants were dancing over her skin. And a third part was reflecting on her own relationship with chaos and the striving for control, namely that no matter what she did, chaos found her, and only by an endless line of contingency measures and a highly adaptable nature had she ever had any fleeting sense of control over her life.

“I wonder,” Enyd stumbled over the rock Cal had easily stepped over, blaming the dancing ants feeling in her left foot for the added level of clumsiness, “do your parents respect this trait? Are there others like you who likewise wish to find their own…uncultivated Ardana set to be conquered and tamed by their skills and invested time?”

Ducking under a low-hanging fern frond, Cal had easily shifted around, thanks to his two good feet, Enyd determined to ignore the onward creep of the ant-dancing feeling as it now circled around her left ankle and seemed to move, one tendril at a time, up into her calf. Focusing the entirety of her attention on Cal’s words, Enyd fisted her hands at her sides. The way he spoke about chaos made her inwardly laugh. Not in mirth at him, but more so at the ready fact that where he seemed love chasing chaos, she was always chased by it. If she’d been made of less stern stuff or had a more demure nature, likely Enyd would’ve ended up in a nuthouse years before, given how often she ended up in the most random and most chaotic scenarios, even with careful planning and appropriate or logical maneuverings.

“You know, Cal,” Enyd couldn’t hide the wince any longer, not now that the noisome ticklish feeling had reached her knee, “If you like chaos so much, it’s a good thing you and I found each other. Chaos seems to love me and –“

Two things cut off her words. One, less than a hundred meters ahead, a medium-sized squealing targ ran across the path, pursued by a hopping, leathery-looking avian creature approximately the size of a child. Two, a pair of talons wrapped over Enyd’s shoulders, one painfully piercing through the muscle of her right shoulder, and hoisted her off the ground without further warning. A huffed gasp of pain escaped her throat, followed by a high-pitched yelp at the unexpected attack. Enyd instinctively kicked her legs back and forth as her body was raised further off the ground, arms coming up to grab hold of the spindly legs attached to the talons. She looked up and found, to her chagrin and growing concern, that a larger version of the same type of avian had decided she looked just as tasty as a targ. The fact that she’d just been talking to Cal about chaos was not lost on the diplomat. So, despite the gravity – both literal and figurative – of her situation, Enyd couldn’t help but laugh a little in between her curses and struggles against the Klingon pterodactyls’s vice-like grip.
10
Interregnum 01-02 S2 / Re: Day 10 [2000 hrs.] - Holonovel Club - Book 1: Storm of the Century
Last post by Ellen Fitz -
[ Lt. Cmdr. Cross aka Vinton Lee Cross | Holosuite 2 | Below Decks Lounge | D. 28 | V. 3 | USS Theurgy ] Attn: @Nero

Cross allowed her the momentary lead as they maneuvered through the broken window onto the street. Off to the right, he heard the tell-tale pitter-patter of spats running on pavement. It seemed some of Russo gang had been outside waiting by the getaway cars and, having heard the ruckus, were running to their boss’s aid. His hand against the curve of her lower back, Cross pushed not so gently against RraHnam, encouraging a faster departure. The head of this new wave of ruffians spied their flight and already had his pistol in hand, slowly pursuit just enough to take aim.

“Excuse me,” Cross murmured just milliseconds before he shoved RraHnam into the alleyway and likewise twirled in after, the brick wall across from them shattering as a bullet wedged in, approximately the same height and location as where Cross’ body had been just moments before. “That your car?” Cross nodded toward the luxury car idling just outside the alley entrance to the club. “You sure know how to blend in, don’t you, Miss Gladstone?” Cross allowed the sarcasm to seep into his voice as he pulled out his pistol, adjusted his stance, and returned fire back down the street. Based on the grunting masculine cry, he figured he’d at least injured one of them.

Not wasting more precious time teasing her about the less-than-low profile this type of vehicle allowed in this part of town, Cross followed RraHnam, sliding into the leather-clad backseat right after her. The car took off, tires squealing, moving at a surprising speed, given the room they had to maneuver in. His eyes still trained on the corner where the ruffians would soon come rushing around, Cross didn’t see the new threat, though he easily heard the gun cock, accompanied by a self-satisfied chuckle from the passenger seat up front.

“Hand over the gun, Cross, real slow, or else the dame gets it.”

Cross was slow about twisting his body to face the front of the car, gaze taking in RraHnam’s state first before centering his scowl of annoyance on none other than Ga’ra. He didn’t need to interrogate the man to know what had happened. Ga’ra had sold them both out, likely taking them to Boss Heinthen himself for double the reward, one for turning over Cross and the other for turning over RraHnam as Miss Gladstone.

“Don’t you get tired of playing the two-bit backstabber?” Cross flipped the safety, then twisted the gun so Ga’ra could take it handle first. “Isn’t it time you played the loyal sidekick or downtrodden hero instead?”

“Hero’s don’t get paid in anything but lead.” Ga’ra snorted.

Cross exchanged a look with RraHnam, curious if the Caitian had anything helpful hidden somewhere on her person that could prove timely for their new pinch.
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