Star Trek: Theurgy

[ USS Theurgy | Conference Lounge | Deck 01 | 1100 hrs. ] Attn: Kurohigi, Valarie, TheBanshee, Leonal & Nolan

On top of the large table in the Theurgy's briefing room rested Lieutenant Commander Carrigan Trent's duffel bag.

It had first been brought to Jien's Ready Room after it had been scanned, and they had then brought it to the larger room. The contents were quite unremarkable. Two spare uniforms, spare boots, two changes of civvies, some gym wear, a toiletry kit - which included an old-fashioned straight shaving razor -  and the two promised data cubes. These data cubes had been inserted in a closed circuit data system for analysis and scanning of malign software, and then projected as a holographic image in the air - suspended above the table.

The contents were - as promised - Starfleet strategic information. Patrol routes, deployment orders, last known courses and locations, communications encryption for six months, supply depot inventories and manning statuses. The second data cube contained all the evidence the Intelligence Officer had collected on everyone he thought to be replaced - or joined - by one of the unknown enemies. It was a lot of data to sift through, with two years of communication logs for all of the suspects. It was unknown how long the enemy had been present in the upper echelon of Starfleet Command, but it seemed the Lieutenant Commander had managed to collect two years worth of data before he defected. Lastly, Carrigan Trent's personal research in the field of electronic warfare could be found on the cube, added with his collective published and unpublished journals.

Jien Ives - in her female form - had spent two hours together with Edena Rez in the Conference Lounge, going over the information that had been brought to them. It was far too much data to study in detail in a single sitting, yet given the contents, they had made it a priority. Two hours they had set as a limit until they would move on to other items on their agenda, and a dull headache had come to Jien - lingering across her temples and her eyes. She knew it was due to the fact she had not eaten at all that since the day before, when they had still been on Theta Eridani IV.

Since she had woken up in that modular shelter with Cam, she had been through hell and acid, faced a whole fleet ready to kill them and ceaselessly pushed herself without rest. While it was still a couple of hours until noon, her stomach made a small noise in protest to the lack of proper nourishment. Still staring at the scrolling data together with Commander Rez, she reached down inside her open uniform jacket with a sigh, and ran her hand over her flat and empty stomach. She could not keep her eyes focused on the patterns she was trying to untangle. Names and numbers were all becoming a blur, and she finally leaned forward over the table to press the heels of her hands against her eyes. "Enough for now," she murmured and pushed to her feet - finally able to stretch her legs. "So far, we can at least judge this intelligence to be legit..."

Jien removed her jacket and tossed it over the back of a chair, folding her arms underneath her breasts while she looked out upon the space of the KNZ. Cloaked as they still were, the low lights touched her dark hair and her red undershirt where she stood - thoughts leaden as she considered their two new passengers and the situation they were in. "Provided that Security and Medical clear them, should we give them both the benefit of the doubt, Commander?"

They were expecting company any minute. Ensign Henshaw was supposed to arrive as soon as she had rested. Also, Jien had ordered their three new Senior Staff members to present themselves. Tatiana Marlowe, Sjaandin Fedd and Simon Tovarek all about to officially be promoted to Lieutenants and given the security access that came with their new Department head status.

"And if Wenn Cinn is who he claims to be, should we let him return to his former position as Chief of Security?"

While Jien was ready to do so if ThanIda zh'Wann could vouch for his credibility and Medical had done their scans, she wanted Edena's thoughts on the subject as well. There was also the matter of Sarresh Morali and the expected report from Dr. Nicander about the chances to restore the Temporal Affairs Officer, which they would get to eventually. Added to this, whether or not Kiya - whom Jien had quite vivid memories of - was willing to assist in the undertaking.

---

OOC: Tatiana, Sjaandin and Simon can all meet up outside the Conference Room and enter at the same time once they are all present. Valarie: Ensign Henshaw can enter as soon as she can.

After helping out Tatiana with the damage control and repairs, Simon made his way to the conference room where he had been called to by the captain and the first commander. After that he had gone for some shut eye, yet he only managed to sleep for a couple of hours. His mind couldn't get any rest with the cloaking and the past events on Theta and what had happened just after it. He wanted to know what this Carrigan character was on about and if he could be trusted or not. He figured the conference room meeting would shed some more light to the case.

Dressed up in a clean new uniform without any scorchmarks or ash on it, he made his ways through the corridors of the ship. He met a few crewmembers on the way there and he nodded at them quietly while going over some data that had been gathered during the cloaked flight of the Theurgy. Seeing that this was pretty new technology to Starfleet personell he wondered if there could be any side effects to the crew inside or to the ship itself. So far the scans showed nothing special and after taking a turbolift he arrived on deck 01. He made his way to the conference room and waited now for the rest of his crewmembers to show up before entering. He leaned against the wall as he was the first to arrive and he tapped his combadge while looking around "Thea, correct me if I'm wrong, but the conference meeting for senior crew members was in about 10 minutes, correct?" He asked the Ship AI while looking up to the empty corridors.

As her new emitter needed recharging after frequent use, Thea was able to answer Simon Tovarek in person. There was a shimmer in the air before him, and her holographic projection appeared - wearing her black chameleon body suit. She had her hands folded behind her back and she smiled faintly to him where she stood.

"Correct, Lieutenant. You and Junior Lieutenants Marlowe and Fedd are due to be promoted to full Lieutenants and officially assume your positions as Chiefs of your separate departments. Congratulations, and I am sure it won't be long until Captain Ives and Commander Rez are ready to receive you."

Thea missed her ability to sense things like a human might now that she was restricted to her old hologrid. The world seemed a mere image around her when she could not feel the air upon her face and sense things with her hands. Her emitter would be fully charged shortly, and she kept a close tally on the seconds remaining until she could download herself to her second processor and data storage in the emitter. It was odd how she had adjusted so quickly to her new preference of using it. Her emotion chip made it utterly clear that using the hologrid was inferior to the emitter. Being as she were, she felt... bleak and lonesome. Being like the organics, at least in the sense of feeling the world like they did, had made her feel that she belonged to them in a new way. A real way.

Indeed, she already felt like a lesser version of her digital self after only having used the emitter for a week. She did not like to show what she felt to the Lieutenant, though. No, she maintained her usual demeanor as best as she might. "I understand that it might feel odd, assuming Amatras Neotin's duties so recently after she..." Thea trailed off, that bloody chip that she couldn't turn off making it hard to finish the sentence. Perhaps it was because of the daughter's fate, and the father's before that. A whole Ash'reem family gone within a week's time. Unless they could somehow save Sarresh Morali, there would be none of the Ash'reem left. Thea had no idea what they might do with the Ash'reem quarters then, when their indigenous pool had been rendered obsolete. She just hoped that Dr. Nicander and the other doctors could help the poor time traveller.

She swallowed, her smile returning. "I am sure you will do fine filling her shoes, Lieutenant Tovarek."

Simon smiled a bit faint as he heard from Thea that he'd be promoted to full lieutenant with the other crewmembers that he was waiting for. The idea of promotion had totally escaped his mind amidst the events that had transpired and he slowly felt his face flush a bit as if he was caught with his hand in a cookie jar. "Right, promotion..." He mumbled and his eyes went back to his PADD before he looked back at Thea. "Thank you Thea for your kind words. If you'd be able to stand here in physical form I'd have to be inclined to give you three kisses. Sort of like a custom back on Earth." He said as he waved it away again as he realised that he probably rubbed it in that she wasn't in her more physical form. He could give her the three kisses now yet he wasn't sure if it would be giving the desired effect like on a human. Her emitter would probably enhance the feeling and he shook his head slowly as his mind started to race forward to what he or she might say.

As she spoke of Amatras now Simon felt an uncomfortable feeling rising up. It started to make him wonder about the fate of Sarresh and the complications that might involve his demise if he could not be saved. Yet Amatras was a great SCO, she had served the ship and the department well. Her death had filled him with certain disbelief and anger, rage even. He looked at Thea now and looked deep into her eyes to see for any emotion from the AI. He was somewhat surprised to see the actual emotions going on within her. Yet it shouldn't have hit him as a surprise seeing how Lin Kae's fine work had proven to be very effective and functioning. He smiled a bit at Thea as she told him he'd do well replacing her "I'm sure I'll make the best of it." Feeling the conversation grinding to a slow yet uncomfortable stop he brought up the emitter anyway "How are you enjoying the emitter Lin made for you?"

The suggestion that she would not feel those three kisses on the cheek hurt her a bit, and reasserted the personal need for her new emitter to be recharged soon. Already, it seemed the crew knew that she was a bit more numb to touch when she was restricted to the ship's internal hologrid. She wanted to object, saying that only two months ago, before Lin Kae had found his brilliant solution for her freedom and could calibrate her tactile senses, she had been state-of-the-art and a highly advanced holographic being that merely lacked senses of smell and taste... but what was the point to argue the moot point? In part, she said nothing because technically, Tovarek was right. Thea had to accept the fact that she had become more than she was before, and as high of a standard her programming once had been, she had been improved.

"The emitter is..." she searched for an appropriate word. There were too many to pick from. Too many cultural variations to illustrate her feelings. All languages in her database had suggestions on how she may describe it, and those words had several ways to be translated into Federation Standard. And yet all words were inferior to how she had felt when walking the soil of Theta Eridani IV. She reveiewed literary works for options too, and scourged the holo vids in her memory storage. The search for the most fitting word took 0,521 seconds. "...liberating."

Lifting her gloved hands to gesture while she spoke, she explained. "Mostly, the difference to me is the texture of things I can touch, and the sensation of the air around me. My original programmers did not bother to take into account the minute sensation of air currents touching upon my projection, so that is something that is always there. Nor can I feel this body suit upon me, so its an interesting feeling to wear real clothing. I had a wardrobe in my quarters to begin with, and I liked to wear clothing upon my projected body even before Lin Kae made me the emitter. Yet now, the augmented feeling of garments upon my skin is... so odd, admittedly, but fascinating too. I hope that makes sense."

There were - of course - other... aspects to her sense of touch too, but it was not socially acceptable to bespeak them openly.

Tia had the decency to look a little sheepish as she rounded the corner to see Tovarek standing there in a clean uniform.  In all honesty she had lost track of time with the repairs that had been so desperately needed and each time she had said 'Just this and then I'll go' had been a circular argument with herself.  Dark circles were beginning to show under her eyes and the ash that was still left on her face and clothes were streaked with sweat and other unidentifiable engineering grime.  By the time she had realised that she was due at the conference room she had no time to tidy up and change.

As her mind had been broken out of its constant planning and reworking of plans for repairs it had had time to remember it was feeling pain.  Her fingers were still stiff and there were numerous scrapes that still hadn't been attended to.  She'd just been too busy.  Whatever it was, and she wasn't completely sure if she had been told, she had to be there for she just hoped it would be acceptable to look like she had been dragged through a hedge backwards.

She smiled at Thea as she arrived and nodded to them both, "Glad you see you've at least managed to get some downtime Tovarek.  I seem to have lost track of time entirely."

[Edena Rez]

"While we do have information provided to us, I think we would best send out some long range proves, see if this information can be verified as accurate, and not part of the deception.  I can recommend three points of interest on these star maps that are within operational range of our probes."  Again, Edena felt the need to practice due diligence with what they had.  If they were going to use these star charts to avoid trouble, they needed to confirm they were genuine, not just to affirm the loyalty of Lieutenant Commander Trent, but to determine if his departure would have any affect on the maps provided.

"Wenn Cinn's status is . . . a bit unusual.  He has been listed as KIA, and while his security clearance can be restored to as it was before the incident, we must also ask ourselves if both he and the security department are still the same.  I would suggest, Captain, if it is your wish to reinstate him as chief of security, that we have another within the department provide a competency report on him for a while, just to assure he has not, as humans would say, lost his touch.  Psych evaluations with our counselor might also be in order.  He is a man back from the dead, being placed back into a high ranked position.  Assuring he copes would be a high priority."

Jien listened to Edena and nodded slowly, the advice sound. Appearances of the data aside, they ought to verify it somehow if they were - for example - to chance using the charts in order to get by the closest starbases and into the Alpha Quadrant. When the readings from the probes reached them, they'd know.

"Agreed," she said, turning away from the vista of space, "make the arrangements to launch the probes towards the areas you mentioned. If the cloak will make that difficult, we'll have to launch them a bit later. Perhaps when we rendezvous with the Harbinger. Good thinking, Number One."

Then there was the matter of Wenn Cinn.

"Changes," she mused, sitting down next to Edena again. Her eyes searched the fibres of the table for the answers. "Deputy zh'Wann was - and still is - Deputy. We have lost people in his old department. David Grayson and Adam Kingston being the more prominent ones. Marija Ferrik too... Besides the losses, and the effect that our voyage might have had upon the survivors, our mission remains the same. More complicated, yet I have faith in Wenn Cinn to keep things uncomplicated. He has a gift of being able to see things in black and white when he needs to."

Pausing, Jien leaned back in her chair. "Psych evaluations, yes. Naturally. Yet I am not sure how well Wenn Cinn would respond to having someone evaluate him and send us competency reports. Perhaps... if this was done in the open, with his knowledge. Because asking for such reports without him knowing it would seem in his eyes as a betrayal - present circumstances accounted for." Jien thought some more then dismissed the idea with a small shake of the head. "No, I will deal with the follow-up personally, like I do with all of my Senior Staff. Unless proven otherwise, now or later, I have no doubt towards his competence. I will not jeopardise his trust and loyalty by keeping tabs on him."

Then came the matter about Kiya, something that had arisen due to present demands. Since she knew Kiya best in her male form, Jien changed and turned... his head towards Edena. "I mentioned briefly the present need in Sickbay. Like I said, I wonder if Kiya may be qualified to assist during the time when - or if - Sarresh Morali undergoes treatment. It's a different century, the equipment none like it was back on the USS Augustus, but Kiya would know how to run a Sickbay on a managerial level, as long as she entrusts the real treatment to the doctors and nurses. Right now, it may be a one time thing. As long as the treatment may take."

There was, however, no telling what needs may arise another time. Jien smiled faintly, hoping that the ordeal he and Kiya went through had not turned bitter over time for her.

---

OOC: I will postpone posting with Thea until Tovarek has replied. :)

"Liberating?" he repeated after her now and he smiled a bit, he tried to follow her as she tried to explain it to him and he nodded eventually. "I think I understand. I suppose you could make a human or any other race feel the same like you do when you hit them up with some sort of neural agent. The kind of agent that intensifies feelings instead of numbing them down or poisoning them. I believe that in some cases it was used as a device of torture or well... I suppose also during sexual escapades." The change from scenery made Tovarek pause for a bit as he tried to figure out how he got from clothes to neural stims and he shook his head "Not sure if that made sense... But I'm glad that you're feeling more... Liberated." He answered her now with a smile and he noticed Marlowe turn around the corner.

Tatiana looked like a mess and it seemed she entirely didn't freshen up or get some sleep. "Good to see you too Marlowe. Well, you have looked better than today, I have to admit." He blurted out now and smiled a bit coy. "Well, time is relative.. At least we're still alive for now. How are the works proceeding in engineering? Are my people managing to help to you?" He asked a bit concerned now and wondered if they couldn't use drones to speed up repairs somehow. It would be an idea that he had to discuss with Tia when the time was ripe. "So we're just waiting for Mister Fedd I presume?"

"Don't wait on my account," said Sjaandin Fedd, as he strode across the corridor from the turbolift. Bit of a dramatic entrance, he thought, but oh well. "Tovarek, Marlowe, Thea," he said, making eye contact with each in turn.

Fedd was straddling the line between Simon's impeccable appearance and Tia's... well, he supposed it could be politely described as "casual." Not that he was there to judge; although he wore a fresh uniform, stubble was beginning to show on his carved cheekbones. His hair looked alright, but it usually did regardless of what he did to it. It was still plainly obvious to anyone observing that he had not enjoyed any real downtime.

"Hard at work, I see," was all he said to their grime-smeared engineer, with a smile. Really, he envied the engineering team sometimes. They were the ones who got to get their hands dirty. He had splashed some water on his face in his quarters, to get rid of the bloodstain on his face, and that was the extent of his ablutions. There were only three people present, and one of them was Thea, so he felt like he could relax a bit and let his mind spread out instead of keeping it caged like a bird.

Tovarek's talk about neural agents did make sense to Thea, at least in the way she interpreted his meaning. Not that she could fathom why any organic would like to feel like she currently did. When he mentioned it, her databanks summoned images of the poisoning aspects of neural agents, in regards to all the implemented uses. Among them, rapid shots of torture, drunk driving and the odd - completely unrelated - heightening of emotions during coitus. The combination made Thea want to clear her gigaquads of recent cache memory... as if she was some 20th century computer.

"I am feeling more liberated, indeed," she said, swallowing, when I use my new emitter, that is...

Then Lieutenant Marlowe showed up around the corner, and the Ship A.I. returned the smile she was given. She was happy that the Assistant Chief Engineer had made it out of the Engineering Outpost on Theta Eridani IV. This, after having calculated the possibilities of survival in asking her to do so. Captain Ives had given her the order to help getting as many people she could off the planet, and the only way she had seen to save as highest number of the shuttles and people on the ground had been to restore the shield dome over the valley. She'd had no choice but to ask for the nigh impossible of Tia when she contacted her, reducing the chance of survival for her into the very, very lowest of percentages.

And yet there she was. Alive. Thea had assumed the engineer dead when she contacted Narik Cinsaj to get the emitter aligned, and through the bad transporter signal, the horrible static and interference of the roaring planet, she had detected two life signs, and gotten them both to Sickbay. Thea wanted to say something to Tia, yet the third new Department Head showed up, forcing the Ship A.I. to be content with the smile they had exchanged.

Sjaandin Fedd, who like Tovarek had been with them on the voyage since they left the Sol System in cold of November, joined the small gathering. Thea remembered the walk through the corridors she had shared with Lieutenant Rennan Cooper during the week of repairs, and she thought that the Valkyrie Program's director might have made a fine Chief Tactical Officer if he had gotten the time to brush up on his targeting practice. She was confident, however, that while Lieutenant Fedd might not know the intricate, miniscule details of the phaser arrays on her hull, the Betazoid was a far better shot than Cooper had been during the simulations. As a thoroughly trained tactician, Fedd knew how and when to shoot.

"Lieutenant Fedd," said Thea and smiled to the second man, noticing the various states of their appearances with fleeting amusement before addressing the whole gathering. "Captain Ives and Commander Rez is going over the information in the datacubes that Lieutenant Commander Trent brought to us. They will likely be done any minute."

Thea was just about to switch off her holographic projection and return to her quarters in wait for her emitter to be recharged, yet at the last millisecond, she changed her mind. "I have a question..." She was in the company of three very bright organic minds, so perhaps they had valuable input for her pasitronic one.

"According to my records, the first sizing for female clothes came out in terms of the bust measurement. Using that simple method somehow did not work for me when I began replicating clothing to wear..." She spoke in all seriousness about her conundrum, hands folded behind her back. "What I've learned when using my replicator, and following up on research in my database, is that for some reason no woman want to see their actual measurements on a pair of trousers, for example, ending up with me having to learn ten different convoluted sizing scales for different kinds of garments that all say nothing numerically. While I can manage, certainly, I am perplexed at the complexity of organic wardrobes. What is more serious is that I think there might be a constant and needless power consumption going on in the crew replicating different sizes to make garments fit. Is it the same for men? Either way, I strongly recommend standardisation."

It took her a while to get out of the shower and longer for the redness in her eyes to fade away. If she could have ran she would have. It was the only thing that seemed to help get everything worked out in her mind. Dressing she forsaking her bra and panties as normal never having seen the point of them unless she needed them. Her mind was still lost in grief and duty. Only when she was sure she was ready would she leave making her way towards the conference lounge. She had grabbed a PADD to help her make notes about what they had gathered.

Looking up she noticed four people waiting outside. As hard as it was Cameron forced a warm friendly smile to grace her lips as she approaching the four of them. "Captain Ives will surly be admitting all of you soon. We do appreciate your wait," she said her voice soft and friend before she walked past them slowly entering the conference lounge taking her seat next to the captain laying her PADD on the table ready to take notes. "Hello," she said softly looking to Edena. Turning her warm sad laden eyes to Jien her smile grew only a little as she addressed her captain. "Hello, Sorry for being late,"

[Edena Rez]

At the request for Kiya to assist in Sick bay during the busy time ahead, Edena surrendered control of her consciousness to Kiya, to allow her to discuss the matter directly.  The shift was accompanied by no physical change, but many other tell tale signs.  Kiya sat up straight then Edena, hands folded elegantly in her lap as opposed to fingers stitched together on the table in front of her.  Her eyes were lightly lidded, giving an older, more mature look then the often bright eyed Edena.

"You have no need for concern over my ability to recognize the changes in medical technology, Captain.  As an aspect of Edena, I have seen everything she has seen since her joining to the Rez symbiont, and followed many such advancements in medical technology since my time.  Save for the license to practice medicine, I feel that I lack nothing a currently instated MD would.  What I do have concern about is the willing consent of Mr. Morali.  You were proposing an ocular transplant to restore his vision, yes?  In my time, I once performed a kidney transplant from a deceased wife to a comatose husband.  When he discovered this, he was so horror stricken with grief he nearly tore it out with his bare fingers.  A patient needs time to accept things such as this if at all possible, to avoid psychological trauma, especially when the person the transplant came from was close to them."

Kiya's concern was whether Morali would reject the new eyes, attempt self-harm trying to remove them in his own moment of grief.  A softer touch was needed, the kind that came with speaking to the man, with presenting the option and allowing him the right to accept or refuse.

With the arrival of the Captain's Yeoman, Kiya restored Edena to her proper place, allowing the true host of the Rez Symbiont to return a greeting, before she looked to Ives again.  "Discussion of what Kiya says can wait for a more opportune time, Captain.  Right now, we have more pressing matters to attend, yes?"

The former host of the Rez symbiont spoke words of wisdom in regard to the time when - or if - Sarresh Morali would become conscious. Like Dr. Nicander has said when Jien gave the order; the Ash'reem had lost everything. His former commissioning on the USS Relativity, his memories, Cadet Amikris, his CSO Amatras Neotin, his people... and now his own body as he knew it. Lesser things might rob a man of his sanity.

"I think Lieutenant Morali would merit if someone was there when he woke up, even if the eyes might be just one in many prosthetic replacements he ends up with. We have yet to receive the report from Nicander, but I would like for you to be there if he responds well to whatever treatment they come up with to restore him."

Like Edena said, the topic had to be put aside since it was due time to admit the people waiting outside. "Indeed we do," replied Jien, having smiled faintly and nodded to Cameron when she entered the room. When he continued, he spoke to the both of them. "We will continue going over the intel that Lieutenant Commander Trent brought us after we have had something to eat. First, let us greet our new officers, shall we?"

Jien pushed out his chair and stood at the middle of the table, and since this was a ceremony, however watered out it had become after all the field promotions that they had been forced to do during the past two months, he waited until Rez and Henshaw also stood up on either side of him. "Thea, can you please bid them enter?" he said, and to his mild surprise, he saw that the A.I. was standing outside when the sliding doors opened. The holographic projection led the way, her body suit changing colour to its red nuance. She gestured for the three Junior Lieutenants to stand at the other side of the table, facing their First Officer, Captain and his Yeoman.

"Welcome," he said, somehow finding a faint smile despite all that had happened. On the tabletop rested three small boxes, having been placed there ahead of time. "Despite the great toll this last battle took upon us, the number faces that we will never see again, I remain gratified to - at least - be here to witness your entering this new chapter of service aboard. I look forward to working with all three of you in your new capacities as full Lieutenants and Department Heads."

Jien walked away from where he stood between Rez and Henshaw, slowly stepping around the long table - hard eyes distant. "Even before we were made outlaws, we bore certain and heavy responsibilities in our profession as Starfleet Officer. Now, these responsibilities are even more important, so that we never forget what we are. What we remain despite what fate may have in store for us."

Standing next to their short line, Jien continued as he looked upon their profiles. "Today, you're stepping forward to join our Senior Staff and to help lead our ship on this hard voyage ahead," he said as he resumed moving, passing by in front of them as he spoke. "Whether you are an engineer... a tactician... or a scientist, you have all earned your new ranks and positions. You may think it is all because of the body-count, and the need to preserve the chain-of-command. You may belittle your right to be here today, thinking we'd have no choice but to promote you, and to pick you as leaders for your different divisions of Starfleet aboard."

Coming to a stop, Jien turned slowly to look at them from the far end of the table. "This is not true. No officers are promoted on a whim. As much Commander Rez can assure you if you do not believe me. Your background, your experience, your training, your skills... they all complement those of your fellow crew aboard this ship, and you enable us all - upon the Theurgy and the Harbinger alike - to deliver on our pledge, our obligation, to spread the truth and to defend the Galaxy against our hidden enemy. You are examples. You not only do great work, for you inspire it in others."

Captain Ives returned to their side, and he picked up one box, facing Simon Tovarek squarely. His words, while mentioning the human's fortes, were still spoken as if directed to them all. And as he spoke, he opened the small box with the golden pip. "You are the scientists whose dedication, expertise, and resourcefulness create the conditions for our success," he said, and replaced the black pip with the new one in Tovarek's collar, "You find the ways to thwart the enemy. The means through which we can ensure victory before the battles are even fought."

Silently, when the pip was replaced, Jien extended his hand to shake Simon's, his own oaken eyes solemn with meaning. Then, he stepped to the Betazoid in the small group, picking up the second box and meeting the man's black eyes. "You are the tactical officers who possess the alacrity, the cunning, and the resoluteness to protect the truth we carry by any means necessary," he said, and shook Sjaandin Fedd's hand as well, his words forthright, "...even if it means that we may have to fire upon ignorant brothers and sisters in Starfleet."

Next, Jien stepped to the woman in the group, facing Tatiana Marlowe. "And you are the engineers," he said, looking into her eyes as he finished with her collar, "who apply technological genius to our cause and give us, on this mission against a foe equally relentless as he is resourceful, our technological edge. You keep Thea together, and makes sure she can carry us all the way back to the Sol System." He shook her hand as well, making neither comment nor lingering look upon the state of her appearance. He was certainly not the kind of officer to care when they were in such dire straits as they were.

"You are now also leaders," he said stepping away, "and one of our most fundamental duties as leaders is to inspire your personnel. To make them think less of the grief and blame that stain the memory of our loved ones back home, and to focus on their work. If we falter. If we give up. Only then has the enemy won, and we might as well believe the lies told of us, for they would be rendered true. Failure to do our duty as Starfleet Officers remains the same kind of failure as when we were still a part of the Federation... and not out here."

Jien returned to stand between Rez and Henshaw. "Thank you for all the hard work that has brought you here. Yet remember. This is not a reward for that. This is a informed decision about your potential to do even more. As such, I welcome you into executive service on our Senior Staff."

The faint smile appearing again, Captain Ives inclined his head to the three, the mechanic, the marksman and the scientist. "Well done, all of you. If you have nothing to comment or to report, then you are dismissed for now. Not you, Marlowe, you will be staying."

The last comment left no clue as to the reason for the order.

Cam quickly made herself as comfortable as possible in the seat even with all the questions running through her mind. There was the situation with Morali, the crew moral, everything that had just happened and everything they would have to end up sorting out after all of this. There would be so much they would have have to work with to get Lieutenant Morali to a state where he could function both mentally and physically. Carefully she made a note to make sure to make frequent checks on his condition. The last thing they needed was someone going crazy aboard the ship. It took her a few seconds before she realized that Jien had stood. Almost too quickly she stood feeling her cheeks flushing ever so softly. She watched as the new officers entered watching the ships A.I. Leading the way.

As the captain bit them welcome she would only nod her head softly offering a soft faint smile. Her eyes turned to Jien for a few seconds seeing that same weariness resting on his brow once more. Just as quickly her eyes turned back to her PADD making a note to make sure and check on the ones being promoted making sure their transition was smooth and there wasn't anything they could do to help. She watched her captain go through what had become a somewhat hollow ritual of promoting officers. It seemed when every they did something like this it was just more meat for the grinder so to speak.  She watched silently as the ceremony continued. How many more times would they go through this? How many more officers would be promoted to replace those that died. It seemed so unending. As it all ended Cam slowly brought her hands up offering the three of them an applaud for having made it into the service of the senior staff  hoping in her heart this would be the last time they would have such a meeting.

Tia had been thinking of a response to Thea's garment issue that made any kind of sense but was struggling since female clothing sizes were more of a mystery than the true identity of Jack the Ripper.  Just when she thought she had worked something out that might be vaguely understandable the call had been made for them to enter.  As they turned she whispered, "I'll try and help you out on that later," before entering the conference lounge.

Tia had no idea why they were there but despite wracking her brains she could think of no reason she would be getting into any trouble.  It wasn't until she spotted the boxes that it made any kind of sense.

The Captain's speech was moving as much as it was a reminder of their obligations and new responsibilities yet despite feeling the pressure just that little bit more Tia couldn't help but feel the warm glow of pride deep inside.  Yes they had been through hell, in her case the only thing missing from that cavern was the horned beast with the pitchfork, but they had come out of it.  Not everyone had done so but it was up to them to continue this fight so they did not die in vain.

She held Jien's eyes when the pin was attached to her collar and she hoped that despite the grime and the scabbed cuts that still adorned her she looked suitably grateful and determined to continue serving to the best of her ability.  Tia had been on the fence about becoming the renegades and fighting to free the Federation but after all that had happened recently she could see that if nothing was done even the people back at home who currently thought ill of them would suffer.  Better that they were the enemy for a short while than leaving their loved ones to who knew what fate.

As Jien rounded off his speech she allowed herself to think of her next plans.  First was the shower, she knew this would be the best shower of her life.  Then to Sickbay to get the burn that was beginning to itch and any scratches that needed treating seen to.  Finally, bed, sleep, even just for a couple of hours.  The Engineering teams were working fine enough without her, there was plenty to be getting along with and they were doing it without needing her hovering over any shoulders.  She wouldn't be missed for a couple of hours at least.

Then she was ordered to remain as the rest were dismissed.  Inside she sagged a little as she put those thoughts to one side then picked herself back up and with a deep breath readied for whatever was coming next, "Aye sir."

Feeling proud to be part of the senior staff now, Tovarek tried to shield most of his thoughts from Fedd. He smiled a bit coy to the captain just before he moved further down the way to meet Sjaandin and his eyes now went over Cameron and Edena. He presumed the the lot of them would have more regular appointments in the future or when time would force them to call emergency meetings. Somehow it felt like a burden had fallen of Tovarek's shoulders as he now made full lieutenant and he couldn't help but feel a wee bit proud. Not because of climbing the ranks like any officer would, but just because he thought that this would be a promise he had filled in. A promise he made to a man a few years ago when he last was on a starship.

The thoughts that went through his head made him a bit sad, he was disappointed that he couldn't let his good friend know what had transpired and what they were doing. Sending a message to Novorosk would give away their position but also spread the danger to him on Earth. It was a new burden that he had to bear, yet this burden could not outweigh the one he just dropped. He looked at Ives now as he told them they were dismissed besides Marlowe and he nodded "Aye Sir." With a quarter turn he made his way to the door and walked out, making his way back to the turbo lifts. He decided that he could work on some course projections and punched the button towards the holodecks. "Anywhere you need to go Sjaandin?" he asked Fedd now as he kept the doors open.

Fedd could not help himself. When Thea questioned them about garment sizing, he burst out laughing. "Oh, Thea," he said at length, when the heaving shudders of his ribcage had subsided, "I am not mocking you. It's just that... you have touched upon a topic universal to the cultures of those present. Before the age of smart fabrics, finding clothing that fit was like finding a kal-toh set in an asteroid belt, I am told. Even nowadays... gods help the wide-hipped man, or the long-legged woman. And that's not even covering Caitians, Nevomites... Whomever runs Starfleet's uniform department, I sincerely hope they are a four-star admiral."

He was still chuckling when the doors opened, but sobered himself immediately for the presentation of rank pips. He comported himself with solemn honour as Ives fitted the lieutenant's insignia--his insignia, Sjaandin reminded himself--onto his formerly sweat-stained collar. He listened with grateful respect during the captain's speech, but his face twitched at the word "brothers." It had been a long time since Sjaandin's brother had crossed his mind, but with that little speech he recalled that they might end up on opposite sides of this conflict. Roxin Fedd was a member of Starfleet Intelligence. Due to the secretive nature of his work, his communications with Sjaandin were few and far between even before the Theurgy went AWOL.

"Thank you, sir," he murmured barely above a whisper. As Marlowe received her promotion, and then as they were dismissed, everything mounted up on Fedd, and a tear escaped his dark eye and ran down his chiselled cheekbone. He immediately felt a surge of anger at it for betraying him, like a host enraged at the rodent making an appearance in front of houseguests. Fortunately no others followed, whilst he was rapidly blinking and following Tovarek from the room. The CSO's voice brought him back from his reverie, and he realized the man was considerately holding the door for him. "Actually, I could use a good stiff drink," Fedd replied. "If you are busy, I can wait and see if Ms. Marlowe will join me."

At first, when Lieutenant Tatiana Marlowe remained alone before he table, Jien Ives said nothing, walking away from her slowly.

"You came to us from the Harbinger," he said eventually "a new fish in the pond that only had a couple of days to learn your way about Thea's systems. She claims that even as it was not the easiest of transitions, you did adapt quickly, and while you were quite outspoken and almost insubordinate towards Chief Rosek - who had been your colleague - your comments were astute and acurate."

Returning, Jien soon came to stand between Rez and Henshaw, his unblinking eyes taking in her uniform and her overall state of appearance. It did not only illustrate how she made her priorities in the wake of the crisis, but also bore the visual imprint of what she had been through on Theta Eridani IV. "Rosek never had a chance to truly prove himself on the Theurgy, yet it was clear that while he was often missing in Main Engineering during the repairs, we had you there - picking up the slack and getting the teams to work in his absence. What you did not know, for obvious reasons, was that Rosek was working on the hardware for our new phasing cloaks. Together with Lin Kae, who handled the emitter assembly unit inside the device - because of his unchallenged expertise in field of projection technology - Rosek managed to finish the two devices in time, while CWO Ravenholm on the Harbinger handled the required software."

His tone becoming more quiet, Jien had come to touch upon the dreadful morning they had shared. "Unfortunately, he never got the chance to see the device activated. Had fate been kind, none of us would... but that opportunity has long passed by now. After the shield dome failed us under the orbital bombardment from the Calamity, Chief Rosek transported himself to the Engineering Outpost in order to get it up again. Would you mind telling us - in your own words - what happened next?"

In the background Thea remained with her hands folded behind her back, yet even she would not know what might have transpired in the depths of the bedrock after she had sent Tia down there.

She had expected that a report would have to be submitted about what had happened in the cavern on Theta Eridani IV but had not expected it to be a verbal one in front of the senior staff.  At first she thought perhaps she was being accused of something less than savoury when the prickly relationship between her and her former superior had been brought up but she realised that there was no accusation in the words.

Standing at ease, hands clasped in the small of her back, Tia closed her eyes for a brief moment as she recalled what had happened in those moments before she had been contacted by the Theurgy AI.

"I was in my module just before the attack started," she began as the images unfolded once more in her mind's eye, "Thea contacted me shortly after to say that Rosek had beamed down to the shield generator but that someone else was needed.  It wasn't an order but there wasn't a choice really and she beamed me down into the cavern too."

She looked around the room to the watching eyes and grimaced, "The heat was already intense when I got there and Rosek was trying to do everything at once.  Both recalibrating the generator and the relays so that once last surge of power could be transferred to the emitter to get the shield back up and running.  He ordered me to return to the Theurgy, his own combadge had malfunctioned, and I refused."  There was no point in denying any of it, she had refused a direct order from a superior officer.

"I had just started on the work to try and increase the power tolerance of the generator when a massive bubble of magma rose and then burst sending it everywhere," Tia paused for a moment and shuddered, her hand involuntarily moving to rub the still-sore areas where she had been splattered before returning to her original stance, "I managed to get some cover but Rosek got hit badly.  That's when I threw my jacket over him and had him beamed to sickbay for treatment.  Someone had to stay and get the shield generator working."

Her eyes no longer looked at anyone directly, instead staring into the middle distance while the memory of hell played out like a macabre dance in her mind, "I got the power to the emitter but in doing so the generator overloaded and exploded.  I tried to get back out through the door but it was jammed.  The lava was rising so quickly.  I was trapped there.  The emitter was misaligned too, vertical and not the dome it should have been.  I had no idea if anyone was even aware it was online again.  I didn't have a choice... so I climbed."

Tia's speech had become faster as the memory of being trapped in that place came back.  As she came to the point where she started to talk about the climb she shook herself out of the imagery in her head, took a breath and looked at the Captain, "That's when I came across Narik Cinsaj, she had been sent to realign the emitter and that's how I got out.

It actually sounded so tame when she spoke about it.  The heat, the pain and the fear were impossible to convey in a formal report like this.  She hadn't expected to have come out of there alive, despite her fighting for every last breath.  Most of her injuries had remained untreated, ignored while she worked on getting the ship repaired.  Even now, as she stood there, the aches and pains wormed their way into her mind and she fought to keep from fidgeting.

Her arms ached from the climb, as did her legs.  Her hands were still raw from the rock and metal.  Her skin was still blackened and burned from the splashes of liquid fire that had claimed Rosek's life.  Her head began to ache from the falling rocks that had threatened to knock her into the flaming pool below.  Yet despite all of that she was still alive, no thanks to Starfleet.

With that her eyes returned to their neutral position and she remained at ease, waiting for someone to say something, ask a question or demote her back down again.

In the wake of Tia's account of what had happened, ending with how the Boslic civilian Narik Cinsaj had aligned the emitter and gotten them out of there, Thea spoke up from where she stood - approaching the table with a couple of steps.

"The power readings made it clear that the emitter went online, so I sent Ms. Cinsaj to the mountainside - her being the last engineer available on the planet - and I asked her to try and realign the emitter," she said, hands still folded behind her back. She looked towards Tia and gave her an apologetic smile, "My sensors also showed that the Engineering Outpost was flooded with volcanic lava, so I had to assume you dead and send someone else. Since you relinquished the combadge on your jacket in order to get Lieutenant Rosek out, I had no means to confirm your status, nor retrieve you. When I established communication with Cinsaj, she told me of your survival, and I could ultimately beam you both to Sickbay."

Thea looked down to the deck plating. "I... lack the words in my databases that would describe how relieved I felt learning that I had not sent you to your death, Lieutenant Marlowe. It still amazes me that you managed to climb the vertical tunnel to the emitter platform - enduring the seismic tremors without loosing your grip. Your odds of survival were 4,352 %."

Nodding slowly, feeling that he had learned enough, Jien glanced towards Edena Rez meaningly before he continued. "You did right to not follow Rosek's orders, because according to Thea's calculations, the quick way in which the dome was raised saved a minimum of one hundred lives during the evacuation. Yet that's not all, for when you were finally aboard, you assumed your duties without delay despite your ordeal. After the threat of Task Force Archeron was revealed, I ordered you to install the cloaking device that your predecessor had assembled - being given basically no time at all to complete the task. Still, you made it in time, and since we are using the cloak right now, it seems that you were quite successful too. It would seem, to us, that you are uniquely well-suited to working under pressure. So many people alive... that would otherwise have died - myself included. We all owe you our thanks for your collective actions today, Lieutenant Marlowe."

From the assorted items on the table, Jien picked up a black rectangular box and walked around the table. "Therefore, it is with great admiration and respect for your efforts," said Jien quietly as he came to stand before Tia again, handing over the box to her on his fingertips, "that we present you with the Starfleet Medal of Commendation."

Waiting until Tatiana had opened the box, Jien continued with a faint, weary smile on his lips."It is but a small token in recognition of your actions, but at least it is something that shows how grateful we all are." He extended his hand to shake hers. "Thank you, Lieutenant Tatiana Marlowe."

Despite her attempt to keep facing forwards, when Thea spoke Tia turned to listen to what she was saying.  A smile pulled on her lips gently as Thea spoke of her relief that Tia had made it out alive despite her calculations of the odds.  In truth she had no idea how she had managed the climb other than by survival instinct with a healthy dose of sheer bloody-mindedness.

As Jien spoke she turned to face forwards again, ready to accept whatever was going to happen next.  Despite being on the run from Starfleet the level of professionalism had to be maintained.  Regulations and protocols had to be enforced now more than ever to keep discipline and morale up.  Tia accepted this, understood the need for it and awaited judgement as a Starfleet officer should.

That was why, when Jien spoke, Tia had an internal double-take at the positivity of the words.  Her actions had not just been approved of but they were being lauded.  The Captain's thanks for helping to save many lives would have been enough, to know that her efforts had not been in vain was a boost to her tired mind but Jien didn't stop there.

As he handed her the small box, Tia wasn't quite sure what to expect but hesitantly opened it and eyed the contents with surprise and a glow of pride.  The Starfleet Medal of Commendation twinkled at her from the black case.  Protocol and regulations being upheld, just not the way she had expected.

She looked up into the eyes of Jien as he spoke once more and she shook his hand with a smile.  "Thank you, sir," she said, still not quite believing it, "I'm pretty sure any of the crew in my position would have done the same... but... thank you."

With a crew full of people who had risked or given their lives to help get the ship back off the ground and defend the people while they got back aboard Tatiana felt a little embarrassed and extremely humbled.  She hoped silently that there would be others getting awards of this nature, to be the only one aboard with such an honour would make her feel even more uncomfortable around others than usual as they would have deserved the same if not greater recognition in her opinion.

The Captain's smile was faint as he spoke, ending the handshake. "I can but hope that the entire crew would follow your example, but this is not a medal that we give you for what you could do, but because what you did. To do and be able to do is not the same thing, and especially in times of crisis."

Walking back around the table slowly, Jien gestured with a calloused hand as he spoke. "While many would say they would sacrifice themselves to save so many, not everyone might, instead trying to save themselves - relying on their survival isntinct. Even fewer would strive to do even more after they performed a feat such as you did this morning. Yours is truly an unyielding spririt, Lieutenant Marlowe, and you should be lauded for what you have done. Now, and after our names have been cleared." He raised his hand a little and pointed towards the box. "Because that medal, like the rest of those we have rewarded our crew with for their extraordinary efforts on our voyage, will all be made official in the eyes of the fleet we once belonged to."

Seating himself, Jien next words were cast in iron. "Indeed," he said, one hand resting on the table, his countenance matching his words in utter conviction, "the entire of the Federation will know our true story before long. They will not just know the names of the ships we had to destroy, or the unfortunate losses Starfleet has suffered because we were forced to defend the truth, but I'd be damned if they will not know the names of those we lost as well... and those who rose up when they'd fall."

Leaning forward, Jien's unblinking stare bore into the woman standing before him. "I promise you this, Lieutenant Marlowe, that what you did will never be forgotten. Ultimately, we are all now soldiers, regardless what we might be doing aboard this ship, and we are meant to stand. For in this field of battle that our voyage has become, we stand, or we die. This morning, you stood, and you helped us all to stand with you because you did."

Since it was not possible to add anything that wouldn't diminish what had been said, Jien leaned back and ended the 'ceremony', as it were with a fleeting smile. "Dismissed. Shower and rest. Visit Sickbay if you need to. You will be summoned for the next Senior Staff meeting."

Despite appearences, Jien found himself bleeding inside in the wake of his own words. He looked down upon his hands, half expecting there to be blood upon them when thinking of what they'd had to do when they fled the Sol System. I can but pray that we will not forget all of our sacrifices. For the surviving families would surely not forget the losses they suffered from his orders. It made it hard to breathe thinking of the collective hate that faced him even if he held the righteous path. Even if he stayed true to the mission, despite being raped and loosing hundreds of people in order to save them all, he would still face the blame of thousands... and it was not something he could just ignore. I pray I can save my tears for the day when all our pain is far behind.

He had no gods to believe in, especially not when Ishtar had undermined all belief in divine purpose. Now, Jien only had a sense of duty towards a Federation that had branded him and his crew traitors. He did not know who he prayed to anymore to find his courage. Please... He closed his eyes a moment.  ...give me the strength to be the truth.

When he opened his eyes, he took a deep breath and looked towards Cameron Henshaw. "What is the next appointment?" he asked quietly of his Yeoman, hoping that there were not too many more since he was weary from the morning's ordeal. He then looked towards Commander Rez, hoping that his First Officer had been able to keep track of the incoming messages from the ship. "I know the reports containing the accounts of the battle are still coming in, but among the people considered for more awards, are there any that stand out above the rest?"

Smiling at Fedd as he mentioned going for a drink, Tovarek shook his head and turned the offer down. "I'll think I'll pass for now. I have some calculations to make and other things to do. But I'm sure Miss Marlowe could use a drink after all we've been through. Actually, I think she might use it since I believe her section has been hit the most compared to Tactical or Science..." He paused for a moment to think about what he just said and than pressed the door of the turbolifts to close. With a slight ping, the doors shut and Tovarek decided to make use of the new found way of communicating with Fedd as the lift would almost start moving. 'Have fun with the Lieutenaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa....' was the last thing Fedd could pick up. The last bit only because the turbolift responded to the order given and moved away from the corridor of the conference lounge deck.

Cam stayed close to her captain always feeling this was her place to be. Looking up at him it did her heart good to see the faint smile grace his lips once more. As he spoke she could hear the cold strong conviction in his words knowing if anyone could do it would be him. When he ended their ceremony she was happy knowing soon enough she would have him to herself again. "Rihen Neyah, Captain," she spoke seeing the weight once more resting heavy on her captains shoulders. "She wants to meet with either you or Rez," she said her hands folding on the table wishing she could comfort him but knowing while someone else was around it wasn't something that was possible. Soon enough she told herself. Soon enough. "She wants permission to host a show in below decks. I think we really should allow this. It would be good for crew morale. Right now anything to take their minds off of Theta Eridani IV would be a step in the right direction. I also think it would help your image with the crew letting them know you are not above letting the relax and blow off steam in this way," Cam said as she pulled her PADD from the table resting it on her lap as she looked to Jien. She hopped the captain would see the merit of allowing the crew some time to put everything aside and enjoy themselves.

Even though her words held the normal warm bubbly nature inside was still raw and hurting with everything that had happened. Something she knew wasn't going to end until they could permanently put this all behind them. "Risian is waiting outside the conference lounge to present the idea," Cam said hoping giving them time to mull over the idea would help them say yes.

[Edena Rez]

With such a large scale battle, with so many crewmen under so many department heads, there were just too many reports to get through, though if one thing summed them all up, it was what Edena said next to the captain.  "Standing out . . . it can be hard to do with a crew like ours.  For everything they have been through, and to keep going as they do, I think they are all deserving of something.  A medal is nice, an accomplishment to look back on, but what the crew needs more is something immediate.  The hot springs were meant to be their respite, their chance to relax, and it only led to another high stress situation with more lives lost and at risk.  Though our resources don't well permit it, I think we should use the holodeck to create a suitable environment that the crew can take comfort in, a shore leave on-board the ship."

The suggestion had been reinforced in her mind by both Kiya, from a medical standpoint, and Illya, who covered both the irresponsible, fun-loving side of Edena, as well as the expert on humanoid behavior.

"As for standout officers . . . I think it would be fitting to allow the department heads to choose their own.  It was be beneficial to displaying their ability to reward, not just issue orders, and to build a better rapport among them.  A nomination from each department, each one to be distinguished by the Captain for their work.  What do you think?"

Fedd chuckled at the odd effect produced by Tovarek's departure. Had he so wished, Sjaandin could have chosen to focus his mind and continue to detect Simon's thoughts, but he was exhausted and content to let the man make his own exit. After today's encounter with the Archeron and the task force, he was not exactly anxious to actively seek out more thoughts.

The tall Betazoid leaned against the bulkhead behind him and let his head fall back, coming to rest against the cool plasteel. It was a welcoming sensation against his exhausted, pounding head. What he needed was a shower and some bedrest; what he wanted, on the other hand, was to enjoy a drink or several with Tatiana Marlowe below decks.

Something like five minutes went by, and Fedd, who was leaning against the bulkhead with his eyes closed, heard soft footfalls approaching. He looked up and saw a brilliantly blonde, short-haired woman in civilian garb with a combadge affixed to it. It dangled precariously to one side of her... he hated to call it cleavage because that implied a confined space. What she had was a situation where, if she sneezed, she would technically be in violation of uniform protocol. How did she keep such a wonderful pair of...? Fedd paused and shook his head, relieved this newcomer was not a Betazoid. She flashed him a brilliant Risian smile, and he rewarded her with one of his own, which looked like it had been carved onto his face from the day he was born.

Then as he looked up Tatiana Marlowe emerged. "Ah, Ms. Marlowe. If you would be so kind as to accompany me, I am heading below decks to unwind.

The Captain's words filled Tatiana with a sense of overwhelming pride and determination to the extent that the power of it made her eyes prickle with tears.  She believed Jien completely and utterly and was enthralled with the leadership skills of the Chameloid that was currently in its attractive male form.  In that instant Tia would have happily gone back to that hell pit and climbed the wall again if he had asked, such was the strength of his speech.

It took her a few moments to realise she had been dismissed and closing the box before briefly coming to attention in respect she turned and left the conference lounge.  Outside the door was a woman waiting to go in.  Her striking mismatched eyes along with the bright smile caught her attention briefly and she returned a smile before heading around the main bridge to the turbolift between the two ready rooms.  She had no idea where to go first, to shower and change and then to sickbay to get the nasty niggling pains sorted or to sickbay first and then properly enjoy the shower without doing the 'ouch' dance as she got in.

As she rounded the corner she reacted to the movement in her peripheral vision and looked up to see Fedd standing there, seemingly waiting for her.  Her eyes widened a little in surprise, he was waiting for her?  She smiled and carried on walking to him fer fingers stroked the box, still barely believing what it contained within the unassuming black shell while her other hand ran through her dry, tangled hair, hissing as her fingers tugged a knot loose.

"Lieutenant, congratulations.  Where are you heading?"

Fedd tore his eyes without too much difficulty from the comely Risian and turned his cool gaze upon their Chief Engineer. She was certainly attractive from this close, even with all the grime and wrinkled fabric. Judging by that little box she was cradling, she had received some sort of commendation. Well, it was not his to pry, but he could still offer his best wishes upon her promotion.

"Congratulations yourself, lieutenant--or should I say chief?" His already-present smile deepened, looking like it had been on his lips since before time began. Then it dimmed slightly, but only in the sense that the sun dims when one sits in the shade. "No one is better qualified for the job." Some of her surface thoughts were still brushing against his senses, something about showering and sickbay.

"I thought I might head to Below Decks... I feel like this is a time to celebrate even such a small victory. I feel like I ought to be mingling with the crew more. Simon turned my invitation down, he has important business to attend to, but I had hoped you might join me. I know you had your heart set on a shower, but I don't mind waiting. Unless you'd like me to join you."

The smile did not so much vanish as it was retracted, drawn away by Fedd behind a façade of professional detachment. Ye gods, what was he saying? Did he really just offer to shower with the new Chief Engineer? Well, they were the same rank, and his "shower" before the promotion ceremony had been more of a perfunctory rinse than anything. He had a lot to offer, with his trained physique, but he had deprived himself somewhat since the Ishtar incident... barring a few relapses.

"I'd be happy with a simple drink," he finished. This lack of mental barriers was getting to him. He kept making assumptions based on the thoughts of others, mixing his own train of thought with theirs. The smile emerged slowly and genuinely.

Pulling himself out of the dark place that his mind had gone to after giving Ms. Marlowe her medal, Jien turned his head to look upon Cameron when she spoke of the woman that had ended up in the middle of the first battle with the Calamity. The very Risian that Dr. Nicander's away-team had found holding the industrial replicator they needed, and whom they'd had to take advantage of by repairing it, and then preventing its full usage after they had gotten the spare parts they needed. The Prime Directive had forced the team's hand, and the poor woman went after their Warp trail to beg them to undo the hard-wired blocks in the replicator's systems, only to find herself getting involved in something far bigger than the potential terraforming of Nimbus III.

"We'll see her now. Thea, show her in," said Jien, for despite his grim thoughts, he heard reason in Cameron's suggestion to at least hear the civilian out. Perhaps it was the supportive smile - despite all that had happened - from his new Yeoman that made him acquiesce to the idea, even if he'd seen too many shows in Below Decks ended before they began once he'd learn what William Regal had planned. He glanced towards Edena. "Perhaps the Risian has a more... tasteful programme in mind than what the late Mr. Regal tended to ask his Felicity hologram to perform."

Before Rihen Neyah entered, Edena Rez suggested they'd allot precious energy to open up a holodeck for recreational activities. "Perhaps," said Jien, having to think on it some more. Yet when it came to awarding their officers for their efforts in leaving Theta Eridani IV, Jien nodded immediately. "Make it so. If nothing else, a special commendation for 'endurance and bravery' should be registered for applicable members of the crew in our mission report."

When the Risian entered, following Thea into the room, the three sitting by the table were hit with a beaming, bright smile and mismatched eyes that seemed both excited and sensual at the same time. Her overalls seemed to have been zipped in a haste, leaving little to the imagination, but somehow, the civilian engineer managed to carry the look without appearing indecent. Racy, yes. Immodest, certainly, but not bawdy or vulgar. It had to take a Risian to get away with something of the kind, the art of making the immodest seem respectable taught since birth... or in their very genes.

"Thank you for receiving me," she said, holding her PADD lowered in both her hands and looking between all three of them, "After hearing from my doctor how desperately the crew aboard might need distraction, the idea came to me to bring some of my homeplanet's culture aboard to lift their spirits. On Risa, before I was... before I left, I entertained like the rest of my people, and in my younger years, I even performed at my father's circus in Suraya Bay. I have not been there for years, but helping people relax and have a good time runs in my blood. I am positive I can make a difference for your crew if I get the chance."

It seemed Rihen's smile dimmed a bit as she continued. "I have heard about what has befallen your crew, and how some aspects of relaxing and celebrating survival may have a... stigma attached to it. I am fully aware that it would be bad to openly encourage procreation on its own because of the residual trauma. Yet my idea is that during the show I want to hold, I could still make some kind of horga'hn statuettes available for those who wish to participate in jamaharon. I'd explain how they worked and I would let people use them in the way they were originally intended; to remove one's own guarding walls and let someone get to know you that you would not normally speak with. It is, and remains, a liberating feeling. Healing the soul from the toil and struggle of everyday life."

She trailed off there, looking to her PADD for support. "I have made a list of things I might need, and what I would be doing. If I am allowed to, there will be dancing, storytelling, oh, and don't be alarmed with the burning blade juggling. I will keep my distance to the spectators..."

"Thank you, Ms. Neyah, I think we get the general idea."Recognising the fact that Rihen Neyah was a bit out of her element, he was silent at first, then turned to Edena with a random thought. "Your idea about the holodeck... Perhaps Below Decks is not the only venue for this kind of show. Risa might fit our requirements for shore leave while still away from port."

Jien also turned to Cameron, his look a query of what she thought now that the details were known.

Camoren watched as Risian entered followed by Thea hoping Jien would see the merit in allowing the crew some time to unwind and relax. Seeing the bright, beaming smile showing both excitement and sensuality at the same time. Cam couldn't help but notice her clothing was almost at the point of revealing everything. Somehow the woman always managed to reveal and hide all at the same time. Cam nodded her head as she thanked them for receiving them as she shifted slightly waiting to hear the idea that could bring the crew a much needed distraction. Leaning forward her arms crossed in front of her listening to her desire to bring someone her culture to the ship which would either be good or bad. It all remained to be seen. She truly did seem to believe that she could help lift crew moral. Watching her smile dimming a bit as she continued making her wonder what was about to come.

She listened quietly as Rihen continued talking about horga'hn statuettes for those who wanted to use them her mind was split all at once knowing it could either be good or bad. A eyebrow rose slightly hearing about burning blade juggling picture someone reporting to sickbay with a severed limb. Looking up her eyes met Jien's warm brown eyes as she thought over everything. The crew did need 'something' to take their mind off of everything that happened. It still took her a few seconds to realize Jien was waiting for her response.

"I do like Ms. Neyah idea as I think it would give the crew the distraction they need. If we do use the holodecks it would be all that much better. Below decks still looks like you're on the ship where the holodeck it can look far different. To be honest everyone could use a change of view," she said offering him that same soft smile. "About the only thing I thick would need to be approached carefully are the horga'hn," she said taking a small breath the image of her captain atop her as the storm raged outside flashed through her mind. "What has happened is still a touchy subject so I would like to see it handled with care,"

Fedd had made an interesting initial proposition and the idea of heading to the bar on board and having a few stiff drinks before heading to get herself sorted out did appeal.  She briefly gave him the once over, subconsciously, wither her eyes that despite being so tired still showed a sparkle.  He certainly was an attractive man, tall and with those deep dark eyes that held so much... wait... what did he just suggest?

The second proposition pulled her out of the sizing up of the man in front of her and sent her mind reeling.  She wasn't the best people-person in the universe and such an invitation was certainly not something she was used to.  Relationships with people weren't high on her priority list, they were complicated and messy.  Keeping her ship running was her main focus, something that let her ignore her own personal desires in favour of the greater good.  Even when she wasn't on shift she would be working away on something, either improvements or her model internal combustion engine.

A pull in her stomach felt both terrified and excited by the idea.  Tia couldn't even remember the last time she had shared pleasure with another being.  Her cheeks flushed and she couldn't hold his gaze as she fought to control the whirl of emotions.

"Ah... ummm... that would be quite nice... the drink that is... not the... well I'm sure that would be too but... uhh..." she stumbled over her words in a most un-Chief-like way.  Inside she was kicking herself for sounding like a schoolgirl being asked out by her crush.

"Actually I think I'll get patched up before I do anything," the thought of something completely not a shower or a drink coming to her rescue as she rubbed her neck and felt the sting once more, "Maybe I'll see you down in Below Decks after I've got myself mended and cleaned up a bit?"

She swallowed hard as she thought about seeing him again after this conversation that she had so badly mangled.  Her eyes met his once more and she tried to smile at the handsome man who had been so forward.  She swallowed again as unbidden imaginings of the body hidden below the uniform came to mind.

Tia called for the turbolift and stepped in when the doors swished open, not trusting her tongue enough to speak again to Sjaandin, "Deck seven."

[Edena Rez]

"The computer has more then enough records and scans of Risia to recreate nearly any part of the planet with detailed accuracy.  It would be about the easiest thing anyone could do, especially with Lieutenant Lin here."  The holography expert could ensure that the holodeck was running at peak efficiency, to avoid using too much power, making him an excellent candidate to place in charge of managing the creation of the program.

"For the sake of truly making it feel like shore leave, I would suggest we make the dress code casual as well, Captain.  Uniformed officers on Risia doesn't give the feeling everyone is going to need.   We can also extend the invitation to the remaining crew on board the Harbinger.  They deserve shore leave as much as we do after everything we've been through."

Captain Ives shared the Yeoman's thoughts about caution when it came to the use of those Risian statuettes, so he nodded in affirmation. It did seem like Cam was very much in favour of letting Ms. Neyah host the show she intended, though. Commander Rez, on her end, came up with an excellent solution in order to make the option of using a holodeck reality. Jien glanced towards Thea where she stood and she merely inclined her head and smiled a little, confirming that Lieutenant Kae would have opportunity to work on this instead of calibrating the Ship A.I:s holographic matrix and her new emitter. "Excellent."

At the suggestion of dresscode and inviting the Harbinger personnel, Jien thought for a moment before inclining his head. "Make sure the required replicator rations for these casual attires are distributed well before we host this event so that the energy consumption can be spread out over the time between now and then. I will inform Captain Vasser about this when we reach the rendezvous point."

Fixing his oaken eyes upon Rihen Neyah, Jien ended the matter as far as him and Commander Rez were concerned in the preparations. "If you require anything to inform the crew about the show, please talk to my Yeoman here and she can put you in contact with the people you need. A holodeck will be at your disposal tomorrow evening and throughout the night. Our Holographic Specialist will be helping you with the preparations as far as the location is concerned. Anything else?"

"No, Captain," said Rihen, beaming with the smile she wore at her request being granted. "I have worked closely with Lin Kae before, back when he visited me in Paradise City. I will really enjoy working with him again, and I promise that I will try to not let everyone down. It was many years since I entertained, but old habits die hard, even in a desert ruin like Paradise City. Afterwards... I would like to discuss what might be done for Nimbus III... but I understand that it is not what you would call a priority... even if it is for me."

"I am sorry about your homeplanet, Ms. Neyah," said Jien, tone quiet but his countenance resolute, "and I am equally sorry that Lieutenant Kae had to disable the higher setting on the industrial replicator. We might be outlaws, but we still adhere to the Prime Directive. If we did not honour protocol and regulations, we are no better than the enemy. You have seen what we are up against."

"I know... I just..." Rihen trailed off, probably knowing that improving the conditions on Nimbus III had to come second to protecting it from the new threat in the Federation. Her smile did not take long to return, though. "I will practice. With my blades and talking to you all. Finding what words may restore your resolve and encourage to enjoy respite away from strife and turmoil. Thank you so much, all of you."

"We are those that should be grateful. Best of luck, Ms. Neyah."

After the Risian left the Conference Lounge, Jien stood up. "We can continue working through Carrigan Trent's information later on today. Now, I think we need to take a break. Eat something. We'll meet here at 1300 hrs again. Dismissed," he said, stepping away and waking towards his Ready Room. Thea replied with a quick 'Aye, aye' before vanishing where she stood.

Jien walked to his Ready Room, and since Cameron had her office in the aft of his rooms, Jien found himself alone with her for the first time after they woke up together on Theta Eridani IV.  He came to a stop in the middle of the large room and looked towards the Yeoman, his hands by his sides.

"How are you, Ensign?" he asked quietly, appraising her.

Cam would softly nod her head as it was mentioned to get in touch with her about helping informing the crew about the show that was about to take place. For the first time she had a truly open honest smile on her lips. Seeing the smile on Rihen she knew that this was going to work. It had to work. Slowly her warm eyes turned back to Jien hearing the quite tone in his voice wishing she could reach out and assure him. Hearing him speaking of their enemy she knew his resolution in this matter, against their enemy was unquestionable. Quickly Cam's eyes turned back Rihen finding she liked her bubbly personality as it seemed it was just as hard to get her spirits down. "Good luck," she spoke looking forward to the party that was sorely needed for the crew.

She counted it as a relief when he recommended that they took a break. Slowly she stood following behind Jien waiting tell they where alone before she allowed her eyes to travel over him once more. As he came to a stop in the middle of the large room and she once more felt his eyes on her. This truly was their first time they had been alone since they woke up in hell. Even with the raw pain and stress still being around him brought about those feelings. She still found a smile gracing her lips as she looked up at him.

"I thought it was my job to look out after you. Not the other way around," she whispered softly trying not to let him see her emotions where still raw and it was taking everything she had to keep from jumping into his arms for some form of comfort. "I'll be alright," she said trying to sound as convincing as she could.

Listening to her, Jien tilted his head a bit - seeing the ghost of something hidden in her demeanour.

It was utterly hard to fathom what it was that gave him the idea that things were not entirely alright with her, yet despite of his old skills as a rehabilitation officer and later counsellor were more dead than anything else, Jien thought he saw something, and he stepped up to lay his calloused hands upon her shoulders and look into her eyes.

"What is the matter?" he asked quietly, thumbs rubbing her shoulders minutely. "Did you see things that you wish you never saw when we left Theta Eridani IV?" Captain Ives knew naught about what kind of personal hardship that she had undergone; what kind of choice his orders had forced her to make, so her behaviour made him think that their working relationship had become too complex too quickly. In fact, he thought neither one of them knew what to make out of what had happened, but for the time being, Jien held on to the conviction that what intimacy had been between them had nothing to do with their working relationship. He was not taking advantage of her in any way or form, but she had rather showed herself the aggressor - both their needs addressed.

Yet from the looks of it, such intimate comfort may not be what Cameron wanted. Rather, if Jien had to guess, it was something she needed to get off her chest. Something difficult, and perhaps something that involved him too. He removed his hands from her shoulders and set them upon his own hips, waiting for his Yeoman to speak.

She watched him tilting his head a bit she knew he could see something was wrong. It seemed no matter how well she tried to hide it he could see what she was trying to hide. As he stepped closer she soaked in the feeling of being close to him as she looked up into his eyes. His calloused hands upon her shoulders almost broke her resistance. To her credit though she remained still as she looked up into his eyes. His quite question as she felt his thumbs rubbing her shoulders minutely made her want him to comfort her. They had been close and she knew she was the one who was the aggressor. To her it had nothing to do with rank or their position on the ship. It was simply two sentient creatures seeking comfort from one another.

"I...," she started feeling the raw emotions starting to choke off her words. "I lost Lisa on Theta Eridani IV," she spoke softly her head lowering slightly missing the feeling of his touch. Of his comfort. "Besides my adoptive parents, she was was very close to me," she spoke allowing a few tears to role down her cheek. "I haven't really adjusted to the idea that I lost her," she spoke softly her hands coming up rubbing her arms very softly. Slowly she stepped closer to him wanting to be near him once more. Just being close to him like they where. Knowing what they had shared before and standing that it was more then a once in a life time event. She took a half step her arms softly wrapping around his waist softly as her forehead rested against his chest. He would either push her aside or welcome the embrace. All Cam cared about right now was that he was there with her and for a little she could forget everything.

There was also the underlying blame she placed on him, for having to leave the transport centre behind... It proved the hardest to forget.

The realisation that Cameron had spoken of her sister in Ops when they had their first meeting on the Theurgy came to Jien at the same time as her tears came down her cheek. The sight tugged at the Captain's mimicked heart, and when she stepped close to embrace his waist, there was no hesitation when he embraced her in kind.

Even if the past months had been difficult on a personal level, it was not like he could make this about himself in any way - to direct the hurt and the blame upon his role and responsibility in what happened. So when he whispered "I'm sorry," he did not fish for any comforting words about that it wasn't his fault. No, his grief for her sake was out of empathy because she was hurt. So when he embraced her, it was not as the Commanding Officer of the mission that cost her this loss, but as a fellow being capable to recognise how bereaved she felt. "I am so sorry, Cameron."

Hugging her, he lay his cheek against the top of her head - and his brown eyes looked out through the view screen at the vista of space. The darkness outside made their reflection clear in the glass, and as Jien looked into his own eyes, he was surprised to see the amount of bitter hate in his own eyes. For while his hurt reflected hers, and the deaths throughout their voyage weighed down on him, this loss that his Yeoman had suffered at the hands of their enemy made him furious. Perhaps it was because this was the first time someone did not try to hide their pain, stoically denying their suffering and trying to be hardened officers.

The honesty cut to the heart, and while it had become cold and he had fortified it for sake of being able to lead this mission of theirs, it still bled. So in also being a fighter, a wound made his adrenaline run in his veins, and the acute need to defend himself and fight back was close at hand. It was surely better than to think of his own role in her loss, because his own grief had already been undermining his fortifications since the onset of their strife against the enemy.

"How..." he began, and he realised he had to unclench his jaw to speak, "How did it happen? Do you think she suffered?"

Terrible question, yet he was at a loss for what he might say.

When he felt his arms wrapping around her in a loving caring embrace she could feel the hurt welling up for the first time since the shower. When he whispered he was sorry she would only shake her head slightly words still having difficulty forming in her mind. Her eyes drifted closed as a few tears rolled down her cheek feeling the weight of his cheek against the top of her head. There was something about having him close. Holding her like he was. The comfort she was feeling from this simple action that made the pain ease slightly. As he started asking questions of how and if she suffered more tears rolled down her cheeks. Some part of his questions made her made mad as her small body tensed in your arms.

Pulling back slightly she looked up at him the tears finally ebbing slightly. "Do I think she suffered?," she whispered as she looked into his eyes wondering how he could have asked a question like that. "How could you ask something like that? I am hurting over loosing her and the last thing I want to think about is if her last minutes was spent hurting," she spoke slowly pulling away from him. Bring her hands up she slowly worked on drying her tears with the edge of her uniform jacket. She didn't want to think about it. To think about she was alone now, she would never see her Lisa again. Now thanks to him all she could picture was the pain the last moments of her life might have brought. "I..I just want to forget everything right now. Shut the world out. I don't want to feel this pain right now," she whispered softly.

The Ensign's reaction was immediate, and so was Captain Ives' regret to having said anything. Of course he had been wrong to ask her, reminding her of whatever it had been that befell her lost sister. She stepped away from him, and he released her - not about to try and hold her after she tensed up. "My apologies, I did not mean to..."

He trailed off, since the hurt was already there in the outline of her back, in how she turned away from him and left him standing next to the viewscreen. Nothing he could offer as an explanation or excuse would matter at that point, and since she did not pursue and answer to her question, Jien reckoned she already knew he had not meant to hurt her intentionally. He had once been a Counsellor, a diplomatic envoy, and there he was... treating his very Yeoman with the tactfulness of a Borg drone.

Cameron told him that she wanted to forget everything and shut off the pain, and that was a feeling Jien was all too familiar with. He wanted many things. Tactical advantages. Information. Means of infiltrating the corrupt Federation's inner chambers of power and lay the truth bare. Yet most often, he merely wanted to remind himself of the things that were worth fighting for. The reasons why he had to continue despite the hardships and the things he had to do in the name of justice. To save the Starfleet he once knew from becoming an instrument for reducing the whole Galaxy into a state of turmoil and war.

"Is there anything I can do?" he asked the figure of her back, looking down upon his hands as he imagined the blood of the innocent covering them once more - that image that kept haunting him. "I do not know how to rewind time. Nor bring back those we have lost. I can only affect the future, even as much as I would like to do what our enemies do: going back in time to deal with their grievances of old."

Jien looked up from his calloused hands and sighed, putting them on his hips. "I am positive your sister is in a much better place than we are, at least. I would not wish for anyone to go through what we are right now."

She had managed to try her tears when he asked if there was anything he could do. Should she asked him? His words had hurt but at the same time she knew he had not meant to hurt her. Slowly she turned back around looking up at him. Slowly she closed the distance between them once more still not touching him. She didn't speak as her hands slowly reached out brushing over his stomach before moving up along his chest. Her arms came to rest around his neck resting on his shoulders as she looked up at him almost pleading for his touch. To drown out everything in the fiery embrace of unbridled passion. Taking another small step her body lightly brushed against his as she looked into his eyes.

Leaning up her lips brushed against his before forming a solid seal as her eyes drifted closed feeling the desire for him once more taking over. Surly he wouldn't deny her. Her hands moved down over his shoulders before softly moving in starting to undo the front of his uniform as her tongue brushed over his lips. Slowly her tongue ventured in as her hands moved under his jacket touching him softly. All the while she waited to feel his touch. She wanted him and some part of her told her that he felt the same. They seemed to be the port in the storm for each other. There to drown out the world when they needed it.

It did not take long until Jien realised what Cameron's intentions were.

The silent way in which she approached him spoke more than words ever might. It was utterly plain what she desired in order to cease thinking of her loss. The day before, it had been about him, and the comfort she had given him. That they had given each other for the better part of the night. Now, even though Jien's soul remained as scarred as before, his Yeoman had the greater need. Slow, gentle touches. Fingers sliding over the fabric of his non-uniform. How could he refuse her? At the same pace as she had approached him, his lips drifted closer to hers - barely touching before the kiss would deepen.

Soon, at the memory of her the night before, Jien let their tongues dance in familiarity - feeling her hands tug at his Chosen Form to undress him. His thoughts were leaden, weary with what the morning had entailed, yet slowly turning to focus solely on Cameron Heshaw. This Ensign that desired to use their silent accord for sake of some intimate distraction. Eventually, Jien lifted his calloused hands from his sides and ran his hard fingers into her short hair - keeping her mouth pressed against his. He found himself breathing heavier while she bared the inner layers of his form - jacket and undershirt slowly opened to reveal his bronze skin. For even though his clothes were a part of him, they could still be opened before he'd let them vanish.

He let them remain, because soon, it came to him that he could not just stand there and accept her touch as if it was enough for her. No, she'd want him to act as well, and as his heart quickened with need - beating faster at all the feelings her fingers and her mouth caused him - Jien's hands ran down her neck and scaled down her body. He started to reveal her skin underneath her uniform; her jacket falling open as they kissed. So did her red undershirt. She wore no bra, which seemed to be her preference, so his rough palms found her hardened peaks easily enough, just as his hands and arms soon came to wrap around her and lift her up.

He set her down on the edge of his Ready Room's desk. He parted from her lips to look into her eyes. To speak.

"Computer, lock the doors," he said thickly, and the chirp told him that they were to remain alone.

Only then the hurried struggle to shed her clothing commenced in earnest... just as he let his garments fade out of existence when she tugged at them. His mouth came to wander her skin as it was bared to the light of the moving space outside the view screen, and soon, he was treating her breasts and nipples with his mouth.

Feeling his lips barely touching hers made her desire for him growing even more. His tongue dancing with hers was all she needed to know he wanted this as much as she. His calloused hands brushing through her short hair pulled a deep sigh of contentment as her breath brushed over his cheek. Her body arched slightly as his hands ran down her neck and along her body awake more desire with every brush and touch. As he worked to reveal her skin she would help where she could wanting to feel every inch of his body touching her. As his rough palms found her hardened peaks her eyes clenched closed as she moaned loudly her hands gripping his hair. Pleasure spiked through her body feeling his touch. For the first time since her tears started to fall she found herself smiling as he wrapped his arms around her lifting her up almost effortlessly. Her bottom coming to rest on the edge of his ready room desk caused her smile wondering if he would be able to work at this desk again with out thinking about what they where about to do here.

As his lips parted from hers she would be breathing heavily as she looked into his eyes not hiding the want that rested there. Oddly there was something sensual about his thick voice ordering the doors locked. For a second she pictured him a battle worn king about to take his latest conquest. Just as quickly the mental image was gone and she had her captain. Which to her was better. The hurried struggle to remove every last thread that stood between them. Her hands roamed over his body before slipping around squeezing his ass tightly. His lips wandering over her skin made her moan softly feeling the pleasure her captain could give her. His hot wet mouth finding her nipple and breast ripped another deep moan from her lips as she looked down into his eyes. Odd as it was she watched to watch him.

Resolutely, Jien reached behind her seated form to clear the desktop from the PADDs that were lying there, and they thumped against the carpet. He laid her down so that he could frame her breasts with his hands for the ministrations of his lips - the lashings of his tongue. Yet when her hands had come to push his shirt back from his shoulders, he helped ripped it back from his body - revealing his muscled chest and arms before the garment faded out of existence. Hurriedly, he found himself taking off her panties, ripping them clear from her legs, and his fingers were between her legs before she had a moment to catch her breath.

He found her ready, his middle finger squirming into her tightness just as his others fingers stroked her wet nether lips. Jien raised his head and looked down at Cameron's lustful gaze, repeatedly easing his hard finger through her passage. The study lasted but a moment before he returned to her breasts - her nippled pointing accusingly at him for being bereft of his mouth. So he accommodated them as best as he might - his free hand roaming her naked body on top of his desk.

Soon, he teased her by burying his finger deep into her, yet forcing her to move her hips on her own to feel the friction against the roof of her love canal. He kissed her mouth again to encourage her, his tongue fighting with hers in passion. Suddenly, he would withdraw his hand from her... only to ease two fingers inside instead. And as he kissed and teased her, the anticipation, her sounds and the sight of her writhing body had made him hard.

It had only been a half a day since they enjoyed each others bodies, yet it showed to Jien in their wild reunion that this was not an attempt to reacquaint themselves, but to push away the time between their first night and the harrowing morning they'd awakened to. Loss and suffering to be shed by diversion. This time, not just for him, but primarily for her.

Hearing PADDs thumping against the carpet only fueled her hunger for him seeing how he wanted her. Knowing it was her that he wanted. She laid down watching him wanting him bad enough it was almost hurting. The ministration of his lips was heaven to her as her body squirmed softly wanting more. The feeling of panties being ripped from her legs made her groan out his name his hunger tangible as they continued. Her back arched off his desk as his finger squirmed into her tightness her legs shaking softly. "Jien," she moaned out his name feeling his finger thrust into her tight wet passage sparking her pleasure to the point she found herself panting softly as he continued. As his mouth enclosed around one hard nipple made her groan softly as her hands gripped his hair tightly pushing his head down.

As he trusted his fingers into her it wasn't the friction she wanted and soon enough through the lust clouded mind she realized what he was wanting. Her hips started moving against his fingers feeling the friction against her tight slick passage. She kissed him back her tongue ravishing his mouth. Her breathing was heavy as her toned form was already starting to show a soft layer of perspiration. She whimpered softly as his hand withdrew from her leaving her wanting. Just as suddenly she felt two fingers thrusting into her pulling a loud gasp from her lips.

She could feel her orgasm drawing closer and closer still she knew she wanted to feel something besides his fingers in her when she did. Slowly she pulled back breaking the kiss as she panted softly. Looking up into his eyes she could see his hunger or maybe it was a reflection of her own. "Jien, fuck me. Please fuck me long and hard," she moaned out knowing her language was crude but at the same time it was how she was feeling.

And the Captain needn't be asked twice.

Her desire for him to be inside her was plain, so he removed his fingers and straightened where he stood between her parted legs - hanging off the edge of his desk as they were. He reached down to grab the base of his arousal and he stroked the swollen head of his member against her dewy folds. It was merely brief teasing, though, since he merely wanted her juices to cover his hardness before he pushed inside. As hard as she had gotten him, he did not want to hurt her. So when the angle was just right and she had lubed him up properly with her nectar, he pushed into her tightness.

As he did, he leaned down over her, kissing her at first as she began with small thrusts - her tight sheet expanding for his girth. She felt divine to him, and the movements took a life of it own, where he surged against her like the sea. He brushed his lips against her mouth and neck - feeling her nipples brush over the har panes of his chest as he leaned over her and thrust himself into her sheath.

His hands teased and cupped her breasts, yet his mouth soon came to wander to her ear briefly - teasing the earlobe with his lips and his tongue. She had seemed to enjoy it the last night, so he took the opportunity to do so again. He wanted to hear her sounds when he did.

Once she had adapted to his size, he grabbed a hold of her hips and began to grind his entire member into her with each thrust. He even made the desk wobble a bit with the force he applied.

As his fingers slipped from her wet passage she almost whimpered at missing the feeling of having him in her. Still the sight of him standing between her parted legs was more then enough to alleviate the pain. Just knowing what was about to come. Her body twitched in anticipation with every stroke of his swollen member on her wet slit. "Please," she pleaded with him once more wanting him to take her. To ravish her body this time. When he pushed into her tightness her world shrunk to just the joining of their bodies. Her lips met his with passion and need as her fingers buried themselves in his hair holding him to the kiss he had started. She could feel her body wanting more then the small thrusts he had started off with.

Her tight passage stretched slowly accepting his girth as she moaned for him. Her legs wrapped around his waist opening her passage as much as possible. The feeling oh having him in her almost drove her to a maddening level of pleasure. Her hands released their grip on his hair as her fingers brushed down along his beck her nails biting into his skin slightly. Every time her hardened nipples brushed against the hard planes of his chest she would gasp ever so softly. His hands cupping the same sensitive breasts she groaned out as her feet pushed against his bottom wanting him as deep as he could get.

She was so wrapped up in the feeling of him thrusting into her that when his mouth came to wander to her ear it sent a sudden sharp spike of pleasure making her moan. Her breath was coming out in heavy pants as her nails continued lightly scratching his back. His large callused hands on her hips before he began to grind his entire member into her made her moan even louder. "Yes, yes that's it fuck me hard," she moaned out wanting to feel how ferocious her caption to take a woman.

With her legs wrapped around him and urging him on, Jien drove himself deep into Cameron with a firm hold upon her hips. His eyes were captivated with the lustful expression upon her face, how his thrusts made her breasts bounce and she writhed in pleasure. The sight alone made him harden to close release, yet it was her warm damp entrance and her satin walls that would drive him over the edge unless...

It was already happening. Too late to stop. Bucking and arching and colliding in perfect rhythm, it was a wild rush towards the end - another minute of complete abandon as he moved faster and harder. He was a towering, smooth bronze expanse of streamlined muscle and sinew above her - tapering down to his taut, flat abdomen where muscles rippled as filled her with his male meat. The hard muscles of his arms held her against his movements, and his lean, muscular legs provided the main part of the force that shoved into her body in slamming thrusts.

In the last moments, he leaned down over the desk and made it stop rocking over the floor - embracing the Ensign tightly. He kissed her hard as one of his strong arms circled her waist and the other held her behind her shoulders. His pulsating manhood still drove hard into her as he came. He groaned hard against her lips, grinding himself into her depth as his warm semen gushed into her - load after load roping her hot confines.

The harsh rush of his breath stirred her short hair as he raised his face from hers - the perspiration of their bodies making them gleam in the starlight of space.

Feeling him driving himself into her body sparked her pleasure as she felt him driving himself down into her wanton body. She felt him harden which would pull a satisfied gasp from her as her nails bit into his skin just a little deeper. The way his hips bucked and his body arched made her scream out in pleasure as her hot wet walls started to clench down around him. It had been a wild hard coupling and she wouldn't have it any other way. As he threw caution to the wind thrusting into her faster and harder it would be her undoing as her head rolled back screaming out his name as she hit her orgasm hard her fluid leaking from her over him. With the pace he was keeping it only served to draw out her release leaving her shaking and almost breathless with pleasure.

As he leaned down embracing her as his last barrier fell holding back his own release her arms would wrap around him. Welcoming him and what was to come. Her lips moved against his with heated passion as her hips softly started to rock against his wanting to milk as much from him as she could get. His hard groan and the way his body moved against her depth she would moan. His hot seed flooding into her left her almost light headed. As his head raised from hers her eyes would only half open as she looked up at him with a lop sided smile. She knew she should have thanked him but to do so would have cheapened what happened between them. "I can't believe you're that good," she whispered softly to him feeling her lips and throat where dry from the moaning he had pulled out of her.

Swallowing, Captain Ives met her gaze and smiled faintly in return. "Likewise, Ensign."

The use of her rank was merely playful in the afterglow they shared. Hopefully, they would be able to find some distraction and humour together despite the odds, even if joviality was most often far from Jien's mind. He'd found means to heal his soul over the course of their journey, yet fate had a tendency to rob him of all means to develop something lasting. He just hoped he would not lose Cameron too, since she was such a balm for the festering wounds upon his soul.

"Now," he said and pulled out of her - breath catching at the sensation of leaving her and stepping back, "Let us find something to eat. I have a feeling that this will be a long day."

- Fin