Star Trek: Theurgy

CHAPTER 02:The Festival of the Moon

Captain's Log. Supplemental. One hour ago, we rendezvoused with the Harbinger at the designated coordinates. We have travelled deep into the KNZ, far away from Federation or Klingon civilisation and well outside any long range sensors of the crippled fleet we left behind. We have de-cloaked within the relative safety of a Class 9 nebulae, and many of the skeleton crew on the Harbinger has now beamed over to the Theurgy for an event that has been planned on the holodeck.

An event that will hopefully raise crew morale and give us strength to continue the fight for truth, justice and freedom... despite what we've all endured over the course of the past few months. We have barely cleared the ashes from our faces after we escaped Theta Eridani IV, only begun hull repairs for the enemy fire we drew from the Reavers and Task Force Archeron, and we do not know how many of the injured will ever get back on their feet. Nonetheless, we must find the courage we lost when we could not save everyone. When we had to make tough decisions and follow orders regardless the cost. All for the sake of the greater good... and to make the truth live on.

It is my hope, that we can all raise ourselves from wallowing in regret of past losses...

...and look ahead.


[ USS Theurgy | Corridors | Deck 05 | 2100 hrs. ]

Walking alongside each other, Captain Ives and Captain Vasser were just a part of the throng of people moving down the corridors towards Holodeck 01. Jien was in her female form, and to honour the event of the evening, she had changed her form to wear a white toga. She wanted to be able to be reached, though, so she had brought her combadge - tucking it inside one of the small folds of the garment - but otherwise she merely wore white sandals and a had her dark hair braided down her back.

"This could either be a success... or a total catastrophe," she commented, her face belying her attire in its grimness, walking next to the other Commanding Officer, "It all depends on the civilian that appeared in the Yridian shuttle before the Calamity found us the first time. Her name is Rihen Neyah, and being a Risian native, we will have to have faith in that she can make the crews focus on the present and enjoy themselves. After all, this might be the last chance we get to let them all experience something like this. For on the morrow, we set course for the Sol System again."

Soon enough, they reached the open doors to the holodeck, and as they stepped through, the tropical expanse of Suraya Bay on Risa spread out below them. They had entered upon a white marble terrace that had stairs leading down the mountainside on both sides. The exotic scents hit them first, and then the chirping of crickets in the moonlit night. Torches were lit along the railing of the terrace and down the stairs, and as she stepped up to it in order to see more of the view, the flickering light made Jien squint. The vista below her expanded all the way to the ocean; a turquoise sea alive with the reflection of the full moons, and all the way down the sprawling cliffs towards the beach, there were numerous villas in white stone. They were built into the cliffs, competing for  space with the many waterfalls that fell from on high; gushing from the mainland plateau far above. The sound of foreign music flowed from the buildings and became an undercurrent to the sounds of the waterfalls, and to set the rhythm, the beating of drums made the night alive with expectation. It was as if Suraya Bay had a heartbeat, and everyone had taken that heart for their own - the promenades alive with celebrating people.

Directly below the marble terrace that Jien stood upon, about a hundred yards down the mountainside, a bowl-shaped stage in white stone awaited at the end of the two stairs. It resembled an amphitheatre without the distinct mediterranean build from Earth history, and at the centre of the fine sand danced the figure of a woman. Jien was fairly sure that it was Rihen Neyah. For what she did was no ordinary dance. No, for the glint of steel flashed in the firelight, and when Jien leaned out a little over the railing, she saw that the Risian was juggling curved, long knives. The performance seemed effortless, despite the fact that she danced around upon the sand while the steel whirled in the air above her.

When Jien pushed away from the railing and began to descend the stairs, she spoke again to Vasser. "On the morrow, you and I will have to speak of a matter concerning Petty Officer Dyan Cardamone," she said, not thinking that the evening of festivities was suitable to sort out that administrative mess. "Sufficed to say, she was more than she seemed, yet not the enemy. She revealed her true nature in order to help restore our fallen Temporal Affairs Officer. We need to decide on her fate come morning."

Looking around herself at the steady stream of familiar faces, all of them slowly making their way down the wide stairs and seating themselves in the amphiteatre, Jien found herself wearing a faint smile in the moonlight. "Tonight," she said quietly, reminding herself as much as speaking with Captain Vasser, "will be all about the present."

Now that she had gotten closer, Jien saw that the Risian also wore a toga-like garment, and Rihen Neyah smiled brightly and genuinely to her growing audience. All this while she danced and kept juggling her blades.

The Risian celebration known as Lohlunat - meaning the 'Festival of the Moon' - was traditionally celebrated at Suraya Bay, so the plan was that once enough people had arrived and seated themselves, Ms. Neyah would end her show and officially declare that the festival had begun.

---

OOC: Its time for shore-leave in mid-episode! Chapter 02 takes place on the night of the same day as Chapter 01 played out, and it will focus entirely upon this night on Risia (holdeck version). This thread is open for all characters, since they can all pass on urgent matters or duties to a subordinate if needed. There will be Supplementary threads posted for different kinds of activities or locations in Suraya Bay once Rihen makes her announcement.

Doctor Maya was seated in a depression placed just before the stage playing a harp and was dressed in a diaphanous white toga that concealed far more than those of the Risian or Captain Ives.  Although the neckline dropped low enough to reveal her décolletage, her sleeves were so long that they threatened to interfere with her playing and the little Vulcan's slender legs were completely hidden from view. 
Large golden earrings concealed each of her earlobes.  With her hair concealing the tips of her ears she appeared more like a musician from Earth's ancient past than a neurological surgeon from Vulcan.  She sang in a high ghostly tone that sounded more like a musical instrument than a voice.

Petty officer Katdare was with seated next her accompanying the little Vulcan on the drums.  The maintenance tech from the Terran province of India had forsaken her uniform for a white toga that displayed her bronze sinewy arms as she kept up a rhythm that matched Rihen Neyah's flawless performance.  She also provided additional vocals when needed.  The rest of the band was composed of holographic Risians in festival dress, creating a seamless illusion of Lohlunat on Risa.

---

http://www.cornel1801.com/enya/Storms_In_Africa/video_lyrics.html (http://www.cornel1801.com/enya/Storms_In_Africa/video_lyrics.html)

Miles couldn't help but smile at the scenery both living and holographic as he gazed into the deep night in the simulated Riza.   All the fox person wore in the holodeck was a form fitting pair of black trunks, his custom replicated white collar bearing embrodery of his rank insignias and an built in comunicator and a aalmost sheer cloth white toga of sorts that flowed over the furred body and was attached to the collar. able to unravel into a form not unlike a long whispy cape.   The vulpinian watched the show as he waked to a seat and sat down relaxing in it keeping an eye out for a certain other as he wondered if the Asurian would be cleared for the evenings festivities or for that matter if the captain would even allow her here if she were cleared.

The augmented human smiled softly as she stretched out er artificial arms and legs  wearing the same unitard that covered almost the retentivity of her natural body, she had yet to receive any word on the findings regarding her paralizer gun and knew now wouldn't be the time to inquire though part of her knew that at some point it might prove wise to subtlety conduct her own investigation about its whereabouts.  for the time being she just laid comfortably on one of the provided chairs watching the show her eyes and augmented brain watching the swords dance admiring the swords move through the calculated angles and drops predictable through projectile motion physics knowing the act would be easy to imitate if sh had wanted though having her own idea on a dance in mind imagining the show she could preform if she still had the paralyze housed within its now empty compartment within her thigh.

How beautiful the articicial night was here thought Aisha as she stared at the twin moons. Each pale orb had its own unique beauty as she relazed in the simulation of lunar light.  as she lay on her stomach in the warm sand as the tides rolled over her going in and out the water hugging her near naked Cardassian body the water sometimes creeping between her legs and crashing into her causing literal waves of pleasurable sensations to dance inside her with each tidal motion.  She softly sunk her face in the sand hiding her arousal as she resisted every urge to slip her hands down into her swimsuit and finish herself off knowing it would be much more relaxing and in a sense enjoyable over the long term to let the feelings build and allow whoever happened to find the basking reptile on the beach a pleasing sight could perhaps deal with the lusts that the water had been making mount within her.  still she couldn't help but give a soft sigh f content as she felt a soft wave creep up her body and caress her spine and cause a soothing bathing of over half of her body as her fingers reflexively dug into the sand just enjoying the simple pleasures that nature, simulated or not, could give.

[Declan Vasser]

"I'm going to choose the route of positivity, for the sake of morale," Declan responded to the claim of either success or catastrophe.  "A native Risian having to plan a party?  I would place as much faith in that as I would in a Ferengi finding the most profitable means to an end.  You should be trying to relax yourself, Captain Ives, let that toga be more then just a choice of dress."  The clothing Jien had fabricated for herself represented freedom, decadence, so she had to check her worries at the door and allow her crew to see her enjoy herself as much as they should have.

When the matter of Cardamore came up, Declan's look became more neutral, his lips a thin straight line.  "Seems nothing can be what it seems any longer.  Does this concern you as a security threat or as a breach of trust?  Dyan Cardamore is one of the few officers on the Harbinger I would call truly exceptional.  I would rather believe she has secrets then is a danger.  Who among us doesn't have some secrets?"

When it was pointed out that she ought to relax herself, Jien turned and looked at the other Commanding Officer with a blank stare. Then, as if the air was let out of her, she sighed and nodded in assent. "I suppose you are right. Lead by example, even in this," she said and casually lay her hand inside the nook of Declan's arm, letting herself be led by the gentleman beside her as according to their homeplanet's customs at these kind of events. Adapting a loose gait, she let her hips roll a bit as she glided down the steps of the stairs. She even tried to ease her frown, to wear a faint smile - looking serene together with Captain Vasser while they descended.

When Vasser showed concern about his Petty Officer in Security, Jien could only allay his fears in passing, since the music was getting too loud to have a proper conversation. "Threat, doubtful. Secrets, very much so. The kind that forces us to consider her a threat according to regulations, even if she has shown herself a benefactor."

Then, all conversation drew to a stop as the music reached a crescendo, and at the end, four ardent silver arcs of spinning steel rose high into the air... and then dropped from the nocturnal sky. The dancer rolled in beneath, casting sand into the air as she leapt high. She caught all four blades in rapid succession just as the night fell quiet - the music gone. Only the murmur of voices and the breaking of waves against Suraya Bay's shore disturbed the song of crickets. With two curved blades held in each hand, Rihen Neyah rose from her kneeling stance, and regardless if she was given applause or not, her beaming smile was nonetheless warm and included everyone seated around her.

Her glistening bosom was heaving from the exertion of her dancing, and the toga she wore left a lot of her womanly form bare to the warm night. Barefoot, and with her short, blonde hair damp with perspiration, she stepped towards the centre of the sands - eyes bright as she regarded them all. She swallowed to find her voice, and when she spoke, the acoustics of the amphitheatre amplified her voice.

"Commanding Officers. Honored crews of the Theurgy and the Harbinger," she said, grinning wide to undermine her formal words, "Ladies and gentlemen of all species and nations present here tonight. Dear new friends of mine. Heroes and heroines. I am honoured to have been given this chance to speak to you all. I am even more honored to bask here where I stand; in your commitment, dedication, and accomplishment of surviving for the sake of the future. In protecting the truth and being steadfast in your aim to make sure the annals of Galactic history are not written in falsehood. Thank you, for coming here, and letting me help you gather strength for the morrow."

As if she could not keep her face straight at the double meaning when she grounded her blades in the sand before her, the mirth bubbled through her words. "I lay my weapons down, and I urge you all to do the same. Forget your strife and your battles, large or small. Because tonight is not about tomorrow, or the day after that, or what may come, but only about tonight. Leave your troubles and your duties behind, and welcome the need you all have to just relax and enjoy yourselves."

With her blades sticking up from the sand before her, Rihen walked away from them, looking towards the other half of the amphitheatre, her contagious smile beseeching them all to see it her way. "Though you have still to accomplish your goal, you are here tonight to celebrate your achievements so far. For you have endured, and the truth still lives. I have learned about your pain, heard of your losses, and know how difficult there will be for some of you to forget the past, and only think about tonight," she paused there, and her smile receded in acknowledgement. "There is nothing I can say that will bring back those you have lost. Only time may heal some wounds upon your souls."

Pacing the edge of the sands with her bare feet, Rihen's smile returned. "But that does not mean that distraction, and the attempt to enjoy this rare chance to laugh in the face of the enemy would a bad thing, would it? Hear me in this, because no one has the right to deny you joy. Tonight, there is no shame that cannot be overcome! No hurt that can't be forgotten! There is no limit to the amount of love you should show for the people around you! No need to withdraw from the love of your fellow crew! Because tonight! It is your right to celebrate! Tonight, is Lohlunat ! The Festival of the Moon!"

The music resumed right then as loud as it had been before, and Rihen dropped her hands, having stretched her arms to the dark sky at her proclamation. She could not help the laugh of excitement that came over her, jumping on the spot as the fireworks that she remembered from her youth flared up in the sky - rivaling the moon in brilliance. A minute passed while the conflagrations in the heavens lasted, and the music dropped to a point where she could speak again and make herself heard.

"On Risia, you are all aware that we follow the tradition of the jamaharon, and if anyone would like to proclaim their wish to celebrate this tradition, the native women here on the holodeck will be handing out horga'hn amulettes to wear around your necks," she said, and of course there was the awkward shuffling and wringing on the seats around her, so she smiled warmly and raised her hands in a calming gesture, meaning to allay their fears to make a fool of themselves. "But the amulettes does not have to signify true jamaharon tonight, but may merely show that you would be willing to speak to people you have not spoken to before, and to have an open mind about the person - not letting concerns or opinions of yesterday interfere with the opportunity to let these persons make a good second impression. Captain Ives! Captain Vasser! Would you be willing to wear the horga'hn?"

The holograms with the amulettes walked through the seated crowd, and Jien could very well not refuse, could she?

"I will," she said and stood up, making sure her smile remained as one of the girls came over and hung it around her neck - feeling utterly mortified. She thanked her before she seated herself again, fingering the thing while she wondered how she might get rid of it. Part of her wanted to keep it, though, and she hoped she would be able to drop the yoke of duties enough to not mind wearing the thing.

"The will be bathing by the shore long into the night!" Rihen proclaimed and threw her hands up, " Music and dancing everywhere until morning! Food and drink served until you can't eat any more! Let Lohlunat begin!"

That said, she walked up to her blades and picked them up from the sands, and she turned her heterochromatic eyes to her Vulcan doctor and smiled in affirmation - Ensign Maya about to perform while she resumed dancing to the tune. Only now, she would dare light her blades on fire as she did so - dousing them in oil and letting them kiss a torch before she began.

On her seat, Jien glanced towards Captain Vasser and could not help a quiet chuckle escaping her. What on Earth had gotten into her allowing the Risian to host this kind of event...

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OOC: From here on, I will be posting separate threads with my own characters as required and inspiration strikes, and I encourage everyone to do so as well. If you have ideas for where your characters would be at during the night, and also inviting people to join the scene (someone specifically or anyone), you can start things off at your own leisure. No need for me to write thread starters for you, right? I urge everyone to use the OOC board to make up plans, or PMs if that suits you better.

That being said, this specific thread you are reading now is open for everyone to post in with your characters. If you are more comfortable replying here, that works just as well too! Fair warning, though, that there might be a lot of traffic here if everyone posts in this thread.

Lastly, in order to not let a specific pairing of conversation (or sex) take over this starter thread, I think that all one-on-one scenes that become too "exclusive" - in lack of a better word - should emigrate into a new thread on the board where such a scene can play out without sending notifications to numerous non-involved writers.

Options: A) Post reactions to the announcement here and let things evolve on their own, and/or B) Post starters for new threads after (or before) making plans with other writers. C) Alternatively, focus on finishing scenes that are still ongoing in the Prologue or in Chapter 01 for the time being.

[Declan Vasser]

"I suppose I should follow in the lead of my fellow Captain and set a good example for my crew," Declan responded, accepting the horga'hn.  Both captains adorning the item, Vasser turned to Ives.  "It would be best if we branched off from here I think.  I still remember my days as an officer on-board a starship.  Two commanding officers talking together for an extended length of time can be an unsettling thing.  Let us socialize with the crew.  If I have a chance, I will keep my eyes out for Petty Officer Cardamore, and speak with her personally.  I'd like to get some context from her, as her commanding officer, before we go into any sort of official meeting with her."

She was from his crew, and he felt some responsibility for her, just as Jien would for any member of her own crew.  It meant there was a bond of trust at least, one that Dyan might be more willing to believe in then if she were placed in front of a formal inquisition.

(https://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/117/e/a/maya_by_auctor_lucan-d7g90oi.png)

Maya rose from her Vulcan harp and nodded to the ravishing Risian, her smile practiced and perfect.  She walked forward to the center of the stage as Petty Officer Katdare and the holographic orchestra began playing a jaunty upbeat tune.  

Incredibly, the little Vulcan not only sang but maintained a cheery smile that even reached her eyes the entire time.  The holodeck layered her mezzo-soprano into a choir where all the voices were Maya herself.   The song she chose was as optimistic as a wartime ditty and had verses in Federation Standard, Risian, and French.  The lyrics of the song indicated that any goal was possible if the desire was strong enough and that hope was always present.

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http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCAQ3ywwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dfm5S9EqGiIc%26feature%3Dkp&ei=1BSiU8CJLMX4oAS7tIKoDw&usg=AFQjCNEclPVxubgsaK6SqwI6M4BtTKcOyQ&bvm=bv.69411363,d.cGU (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCAQ3ywwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dfm5S9EqGiIc%26feature%3Dkp&ei=1BSiU8CJLMX4oAS7tIKoDw&usg=AFQjCNEclPVxubgsaK6SqwI6M4BtTKcOyQ&bvm=bv.69411363,d.cGU)

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Master Chief William Robert 'Billy Bob' O'Connell stayed by the arch leading out of the holodeck while more stragglers entered to join the festivities.  He had clad his burly frame in a Hawaiian shirt, khaki shorts and sandals, dressing exactly like Tim Colt the hero from the 1979 feature film Colt, P.I..   He felt like a ghost looking at the things he used to enjoy when he was living.  After the getting infected by the alien pollen they had picked up in in the Mahéwa System, the former skirt chaser and ladies' man had become as celibate as a monk.   While he was still reeling from the feelings of violation from the Niga Incident, the Theurgy had fallen under the influence of the entity known as Ishtar.  The one-two punch of losing control of his inhibitions a second time had added an unhealthy dose of self-loathing to his troubles.

When he heard that the Theurgy had gotten a new counselor he was relieved.  The Vulcan neurologist was just plain creepy.  Talking to her was like sharing your secrets with Morticia Addams.  Unfortunately the counselor they had received from the Harbinger was so drop dead gorgeous, she didn't look like a real woman at all, she looked like a holodeck programmer's simulation of a perfect woman.  At least the Risian had the decency to have eyes that didn't match.  O'Connell was probably the one on the holodeck (male or female) who made an effort to look her in the eye.  

The long and the short of it was that counselling was out, and that Billy Bob was going to have the treat his hang-ups himself.  They say you got to walk before you can run but a simulation of a festival on Risa where they passed out horga'hns like candy on Halloween seemed to be a track race in Billy's mind.  This was like phobia immersion therapy or some such nonsense.

Still, it was a good time to scope out the Harbinger's personnel, particularly the ones who were going to be staying aboard the Theurgy from here on in.  Billy didn't know if they were spies being planted by Vassler or troublemakers the Harbinger's captain was aiming to get rid of, but he reckoned it sure would prevent a lot of trouble down the line if he found out now.

 Cameron Henshaw

Even though she had helped champion the idea of this party she was still late in showing up. Her choice of clothing she was sure would draw some attention. It was a loose fitting light blue dress its free flirty appearance was perfect for how she wanted people to see her. At least for tonight. She would be let everything go tonight. Leave everything that happened on the other side of the holodeck doors. Stepping in she couldn't help but smile seeing the stretch of the beach and everyone that had shown up. With her smile ever growing she quickly descended down into the group walking among them feeling her own sorrow lifting seeing everyone enjoying themselves. The smiles and laughing was just what she needed as she made her way along the beach sitting listening to Rihen speak before the holograms walked out passing out the amulets. She knew she probably shouldn't but she took one slowly slipping it on as she moved her feet into the sand missing the feeling of it between her toes.

Sar-unga Neleo (10 minutes after Henshaw's arrival)

It had taken thirty minutes for her to make up her mind to see what the celebration was about. Another ten to talk herself into thinking about being among the crew. By now she was sure rumors about her had gone threw the crew. She had replicated as close to representation of her peoples clothing as she could before very slowly making her way to the holodeck. As much as she hated she stood outside the door for another five minutes before she  wrapped her tail around her waist. Slowly she walked in not sure what to expect. She did her best not to draw attention as she moved along the outside of the group trying to remain as unseen as possible among the breathtaking surroundings. Her body was tense as one of the holograms approached her and she took one of the amulets looking it over as the show continued.

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OOC: Here are pics for Cams and Sar's clothing

(http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=107770510)                      (http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/9c/89/93/9c89933f90585d20fd2e35d2a85ec8d6.jpg)

Selena watched as the show continued but soon had her attentions diverted when she caught sight of Captain Vasser.  "Yes," she thought as she made her way behind a few others taking one of the amulets as a holographic risan approached her if for no other reason than to not seem suspicious by not taking one.  Soon she found herself walking almost in every shadow silently watching the captain from a short distance. not trying to appear as sneaking just constantly just a nameless face within a sea of other party-goers in the midst of the crowd.

Miles watched the sword dance with interest waiting for a break in the entertainment again having taken one of the amulets offered but having yet to put it on simply holding it in his hand.  At the first opportunity he approached the stage and confronted the Rizan host. "I'm sorry I don't want to be impolite, but the amulet?  I can't help but feel it's an object of great cultural significance to your people.  I just wouldn't feel right wearing an item of such meaning without understanding its proper significance.  You see I just feel to not understand the meaning of an object like this and then to wear it.  it seems like to do so would undermine even diminish the meaning of the object and i feel it would be almost dishonorable to your culture to do that.  Could you please explain it to me?"  he said politely genuinely wanting to learn about the culture who's celebration they were simulating tonight.

[CWO1 Sten Covington]

It wasn't something Papa Bear made a habit of, but on this evening he had ordered all work in the hangar deck shut down in order to grant everyone the chance to attend the gathering that had been organized on the holodeck. Yes, there was still plenty to be done but as the Chief of the Deck, Sten had more than just the readiness of the fighters to worry about.

He had an entire ground crew that was putting in long hours to begin with and were to be available at all times whenever the Theurgy was running flight operations. These men and women needed their rest as much as everyone else on this ship, and if it meant the very occasional delay in the work to be done, so be it. And it wasn't like Covington made a habit of such things, and he knew he could trust his people to pick up the slack comes morning.

Not to mention the grizzled veteran took a certain perverse pleasure knowing he was displeasing Phantom with his tyrannical command attitude and bloodthirsty disposition. Kilinvos was doing very little  to make people actually want to work for him. Granted, leadership was no popularity contest but was there really a point to terrorizing and alienating one's subordinates?

When he stepped into the simulation, Sten was dressed for the part. Between his loose knee-length pants, the shirt he wore untucked and the sandals on his feet, he did definitely look the part of the beach-goer. And in his hand, he carried his guitar case. After all, this was a party and he didn't get to jam with other members of the crew who also played instruments as much as he'd like.

When he was presented with the ceremonial necklace, Sten accepted gracefully, allowing the pendant to lose itself in the mat of hair on his chest. And then, he headed for the stage just as the little Vulcan doctor finished her song. Addressing the other musicians as he invaded his instrument, Covington spoke.  "Well Doc, that was nice. Would you care to stick around for some other Earth tunes, maybe  things that move a bit faster?"

As he spoke, the Chief adjusted his guitar's output. While he did have a few antique instruments and reproductions back home, the instrument he took with him on this trip was thoroughly modern and could emulate the sound any type of guitar in existence. It lacked the feel of a purpose-designed one, but it was easier to travel with only one axe instead of his whole collection. Finally settling on a sound popular in the last quarter of the twentieth century, he once more addressed those around him.

"How about starting off with something that's not too aggressive but gets people moving?" And so his fingers began to pick at the strings, playing the opening bars of an upbeat version of Star of the County Down.

[Amelya Duv]

After a long day at the battlesickbays and the DNA resequencing Amelya made her appearance at the holodeck. She had been tired yet she had freshened up and wore something light and noticeable. It was something that could go through as a toga as she noticed most of the people wore such a thing for the festivities. Plus she didn't want to wear just beachwear, she wanted something more stylish. She looked around at all the gathered crewmembers and gladfully accepted one of the amulets and wore it around her neck. Her hair was a bit tied up with clips and two curly strands of hair dropped to the side of her face while the rest of her long hair was braided to fall down over her back. She wore white sandals that seemed to stick against her skin and she made her way down the stairs towards the crashing waves. She closed her eyes to feel the water against her feet as it stimulated her skin and she took in a few long deep breaths before slowly turning around to look at the beautiful Risian sky and architecture.

[Simon Tovarek]

Tovarek arrived a bit late at the party. He had been lost in research and experiments yet he had managed to grant everyone on his department shore leave for the event. He had decided that his crewmembers had earned a break and the Risian festivity might help with just that. He arrived in a pair of dark blue Bermuda shorts and a white loose shirt. He had opened up the first 4 buttons of his shirt, revealing a bit of his light muscular chest. It was nothing compared to most of the fighter pilots of members of security. He also took one of the amulets from one of the girls and wore it as well after asking for the meaning of it, since he missed Rihen's speech. He took his post at the terrace and he overlooked the festivities. His eyes looking for people he knew yet as he understood correctly he'd have to be open for anyone else who'd want to make contact with him. Yet for now he just remained where he was as he grew accustomed to the Risian climate.

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OOC:
Amelya's Toga:
[Show/Hide]

Maybe it was the sound of singing that drew her attention or it could have been her wandering eyes but she soon spotted the Vulcan female on stage and just as quickly her blood started running cold. It had been a great number of years since she had last seen her sister. While the woman that was singing might have looked Vulcan and might be going under the name of Maya all Sar-unga saw was the possibility that what had been lost might have just be found in the most unlikely of places. It took a few minutes for her mind to process what she was seeing and the possibility that this all was real. Shaking her head slight a few loose strands of white hair fell to either side of her pale face. Slowly she started making her way towards the stage once more staying clear of most the crowd. As she slowly approached her eyes  remained on the Vulcan female as she slowly made her way off the stage replaced by Covington. She waited tell the slender woman was off the stage before she spoke her voice shaking slightly. "Excuse me, Dr. Maya but may I please have a word with you in private," she spoke her green eyes looking over the woman's features noting all the things that where the same as Najin. They where so close to each other it was haunting in a way. "It will only take a moment. I would not want to keep you from the festivities of the night," she spoke her heart still racing with the possibilities that rested before her in the dark haired female.

[Lieutenant Commander Carrigan Trent]

To say it had been a long day was an understatement. Waking up in a cell only to be stunned and suffering from a concussion in the process, freed after a brief interview, forced to face his demons not once but twice and then appointed to Theurgy's senior staff as the Intelligence Officer. And all that before lunch.

And then, the rest of the day had been a combination of going over battle tactics, schematics and reports. Not to mention waveform patterns and background noise levels and pseudo-random noise algorithms. And while that sort of work was what Carrigan Trent thoroughly enjoyed and excelled at, there came a time when even he would feel the need to stop. And that time had come just as Jien Ives' 'strong suggestion' to attend the evening's event was recalled.

And as such, he secured his workspace and headed to his quarters to replicate himself proper attire for a beach party.

It was wearing loose linen trousers and shirt and with a pair of canvas deck shoes on his feet that Trent entered the holodeck, his prosthetics only showing from the wrist down and between the hem of his trousers and the top or his shoe. It was not he was worried about sand in the works, but he did not particularly feel as though this was the. Let appropriate time to display these constant reminders of his wartime losses.


After accepting the necklace that was being offered by holographic hostesses, the Intelligence Officer made his way to the nearest bar and ordered a white ale that was quite fitting to the beach setting and made his way towards the water and he stopped just short of the line where the waves would lick the sand, just as a Trill woman in a very noticeable town turned around, drinking in the sights.

And, at least making an attempt to socialize, Trent spoke."This is a nice place for a party, isn't it?"

Maya gracefully surrendered the stage to Sten Covington and went to join the crowd of revelers.  After she bowed her head and thanked the holographic Risian who gave her a horga'hn amulet she turned to see the patient she had seen in sickbay yesterday at about 0645 hours, the white haired woman with the horns and tail. 

"Excuse me, Dr. Maya but may I please have a word with you in private?"   The girl's green eyes were shy, almost pleading.

Maya blinked and tilted her head to one side as she opened her large hazel eyes wide to let her know she was listening.

"It will only take a moment. I would not want to keep you from the festivities of the night," the pale girl added.

"Certainly," Maya replied in her quiet voice, seemingly oblivious to the fact that she couldn't be heard over the strains of Star of the County Down.   "What is it?  Are you feeling ill?" she continued at the same insufficient level of volume.

Amelya was still taking in the atmosphere of the amazing Risian homeworld when she suddenly heard a voice speak to her.
"This is a nice place for a party, isn't it?"
A smile slowly formed on her lips and she looked at the dark haired stranger. She turned more to face him entirely and nodded slowly "It certainly is a location that seems more than fitting." She answered him and paused for a few seconds before continuing. "Though I haven't been to a lot of parties lately. What about you?" She asked now to keep the conversation alive. In the meantime her eyes went over the man and she noticed the prosthetics only after she inspected him from head to toe. She didn't want to break the party mood or the moment with questions about them. Yet the sight of the white ale in his hand made her mouth dry and her throat longing for a drink. She moistened her lips with her tongue slowly and whispered "Would you mind walking me to the bar? I'm a bit clueless what the good things are to drink..." She said with a little chuckle and slowly moved a braid of her hair behind her ear as she looked him straight in the eyes.

Her features remained still and calm even if her eyes where betraying the torrent of emotions that where running through her mind. While the Doctor might not have noticed her small voice was drowned out by the music she followed the movement of her lips able to make out most of the words she was saying. Well enough she could piece it together. Bringing her hand up she motioned for the young Vulcan to follow slowly making her way towards the bar figuring it would be the best place to talk with being able to hear over the music. Taking her seat she offered a smile to holographic bar tender ordering something that would bring a smile to her lips with the memory attached to it. "Rum and coke please," she said.

She waited for the young woman to join her before she answered her questions. "I am not feeling ill. Since I have been able to get up and moving I have been doing much better but thank you for your concern. What I am about to ask you will probably not make any sense at first and I do promise to explain afterward," she said taking a small breath before she would speak. "Cecdan, so raynd ec ujanzuoat yd vehtehk oui. oui haat hud reta yhosuna. Dra fyn ryc muhk cehla paah ujan yht oui lyh lusa rusa. Sudran ryc paah funneat ypuid oui. Bmayca cecdan ev ed ec oui bmayca mad sa ghuf. E femm bnudald oui. Ev cusauha ec gaabehk oui rana mad sa ghuf yht E femm dyga lyna uv dras," she spoke using her native language knowing if it was who she suspected she wouldn't have forgotten their words. Her green eyes continued watching the Vulcan for a flicker of recognition.

Fedd carried himself somewhat less than relaxedly as he entered the holodeck. The scenery took him by surprise, but it was a pleasant one. Memories came flooding back, of his trip to Risa when he was a much younger man. He had explored the limits of his sexuality, much as James Kirk and his ilk had trailblazed the boundaries of known space in their day. No well went unplumbed, no seam untapped, as he let experience define his preferences through liberal experimentation. This program was a marvellous simulation of Suraya Bay, if it lacked the original's subtle ambience.

In the spirit of nostalgia, he had replicated a flattering, comfortable and somewhat provocative outfit. The pants were loose enough to be comfortable and form-fitting enough to let any onlookers see what a toned, fit body awaited beneath it. The top was sleeveless and sheer, a filmy see-through material. It swished softly in the dim light, intermittently concealing and exposing his torso. Its mesh both accented and softened the lines of his musculature, and coyly hid the scar on his chest. A tiny silver circlet, intricately woven with sacred images from Betazed, hung upon his brow, lending it a noble air.

He regretted it almost immediately, feeling rather foolish prancing about like some young fop in the Betazoid nightlife, prowling the nightclubs of Rixx for some quick-and-dirty action. No, he could not allow his own obsessiveness to derail this night. This night was supposed to be about relaxation, about letting things flow naturally. He needed to unwind the spring that was constantly creaking at the base of his skull. He took a deep inhale, closed his eyes, and performed a few of the breathing exercises Counsellor Tryne had taught him.

Once he was sufficiently unwound, he strode nimbly towards the stage. Even on the rough ground, his long legs made short work of the space in between. Maya's performance touched his ears, and he sighed happily. He was grateful for the music. Not only was it magnificent from an artistic standpoint, but it would quiet the minds of those around him. At worst, he would get an echo of the music they, too, were focused on; it would become a chorus, a symphony inside his head. He accepted a necklace from one of the holographic hostesses and moved closer to the stage, basking in the ephemeral glow of music plucked from a skilfully-crafted instrument by talented fingers. He noticed Cameron Henshaw playing with the sand, and wiggled his own toes in response. Whomever programmed this simulation had really nailed the sand, he thought. It was virtually indistinguishable from the real deal. He ambled over to Henshaw, feeling slightly more comfortable with someone whom he had seen earlier.

"Feels pretty close to the real thing," he said breezily. He was striking up a conversation, as opposed to standing around aimlessly. It seemed preferable. "Whoever programmed this simulation knows Suraya Bay quite well."

When the pale white haired woman with the lovely horns led her to the bar Maya ordered lemonade.  She listened with bright eyes and a polite yet frozen smile as the girl spoke to her and waited until she finished before speaking.  Then the smile vanished as the little Vulcan removed her combadge from where it was pinned to her gown and examined it.  "I'm sorry Miss, but the universal translator in my combadge doesn't seem to be working," she admitted.   "I didn't understand a word of that; could you repeat that in Federation Standard?"

---

OOC:  Short?  Yes, but there's no point slowing down the dialog with a lot of exposition.

[Carrigan Trent]

"It's been... Quite a while" Carrigan took a moment to answer the question about the last time he was at a party. How long had he been effectively undercover, unable to trust a soul within Starfleet and always watching his back. Not to mention the frequent bouts of doubts and the constant worry of being simply paranoid. "I haven't felt this free in a long time."

Trent examined the Trill some more, his eyes quickly wandering from the top of her head to her feet, lingering along the curves that filled out her dress so well. However, he was not so engrossed that he failed to notice the look she cast at the sweating glass of beer in his hand. And when she asked to be walked to the bar, he nodded. "Of course. And if I might make a suggestion, Alexander Keith's white ale with a slice of orange is a great beach drink."

As he transferred the glass from his own hand to his prosthetic one, he offered his arm to the beautiful woman before him. "Carrigan Trent, freshly defected from Admiral Sankolov."

Sar-unga Neleo

Hearing the Vulcan ordering a lemonade she couldn't help but smile slightly as it seemed the woman was more apprehensive then she in relaxing. Still for her it was odd seeing a Vulcan smiling. As the smile faded from her features and she didn't see the spark of recognition in her eyes Sar-unga's features would slowly soften as she knew it was only their features that where similar. "No need to apologize. The universal translator more then likely didn't have enough syntax needed to be able to translate. This was the first our language has been heard by the Federation," she said with a soft smile before taking a drink finding it lacked the nip that it had before. "We had a civil war many years back. Near the end of it my elder sister disappeared," she explained before taking another drink before she continue.

"If she had a twin in this universe it would be you. The two of you look almost the same. With my races ability to change our forms I was hoping the two of you where one in the same that was what I was asking," she spoke before she leaned up slowly letting her tail unwrap from around her waist before letting move behind her the tip waving slightly. "But since it is not the case and I have you here maybe you would care for some conversation," she spoke offering the woman beside her a soft warm smile. " I know I am curious as to how a Vulcan smiles. I thought you where bound by logic,"

Cameron Henshaw

Her ears soaked in the melodic song as she continued soaking in the feeling of the sand between her toes. She was happy they had consented to this. Her mind was so wrapped up in the music and the feelings around her when she head a voice speaking to her it quickly snapped her out of her thoughts as she looked up at him smiling her normal warm bubbly smile. His words made her smile all that much more as her toes moved through the sand once more. "It does feel close to the real thing," she said scooting over slightly as she took in his appearance from toe to head. While his pants were loose they did little to hide the toned, fit body awaited beneath. The sheer filmy see through top that teased and concealed at the same time. All together in her mind he looked somewhat like a present. Hinting at what was so carefully wrapped up but at the same time hiding it.

Pulling the edge of her dress in she smiled as she looked into his eyes. "Care to join me and test the sand yourself?" she asked her voice warm and welcoming. She hoped he would take up the offer as for her it would be nice having company. Looking about the she nodded softly before looking back at Fedd  seeing the necklace hanging around his neck. "It is beautiful here. I think this will do everyone some good. Its nice to see something besides the inside of the ship," she said softly as she leaned back her hands supporting her weight feeling her hands in the sand.

[ After the Announcement ] (Parting with Captain Vasser)

"It would be best if we branched off from here I think.  I still remember my days as an officer on-board a starship.  Two commanding officers talking together for an extended length of time can be an unsettling thing.  Let us socialize with the crew."

Jien could but nod in agreement to Captain Vasser's sentiment in regard to what the crew would think if they continued speaking of the mission when they were supposed to enjoy themselves. "Agreed," said Jien and stood up, smoothing down her toga over her hips before following Declan a few strides. Below, Rihen Neyah danced to the new music with her blades lit, flying high into the air or whipping around her whirling form as she moved across the ground - clouds of sand billowing in her wake. Her dance was slower now, more sensual, and yet forceful when it fit the music being played. Eventually, Jien ceased watching as she left the amphitheatre.

"If you happen upon Petty Officer Cardamone," she said to her counterpart on the Harbinger, "do not be alarmed if she appears a bit different than you are used to."

With that enigmatic statement, and with a faint smile on her lips, Jien stepped out into the crowd - vanishing in the throng.


[ A Short Time Later | At the Edge of the Sands ] (Attn: IronFerrox)

"Could you please explain it to me?"

Having finished her dancing at the time when Doctor Maya's last tones faded into the night, Rihen had grinned to the applauding audience and walked off the sands with humble courtesies on the way. She had just doused the fire that licked her blades in a barrel of water when the Vulpinian explained his ignorance of the horga'hn's meaning and his reluctance to wear it unless he knew what it stood for.

Her heart was still racing from her dancing, and her white Risian toga clung to her bare body, yet even if she was exhausted and her limbs ached in that good way that came of dancing, Rihen beamed as she stepped to the man and left her curved blades leaning against the barrel. "Of course!" she said and took a deep breath so that she could speak properly. As she did, she fished up her own horga'hn from the deep cleavage of her toga, showing it to the Vulpinian while looking into his eyes.

"This is an ancient cultural symbol of my people's freedom and sexuality," she said, her smiling face glistening with perspiration as she spoke. "Traditionally, to display it indicates one's desire to participate in jamaharon, which is the rite of passion and eroticism adherent to our culture of hospitality and generosity. Yet as I said earlier... given what the crew has suffered... the meaning is not so specific tonight. It is a sign to be open to speak with strangers, and to invite conversation that would not otherwise happen naturally."

Dropping the amulette into her bosom, Rihen grinned mischievously and took the Vulpinian's horga'hn from his hand, and she gently put it around his neck. "Since you have just spoken to me... I think you are safe from diminish the meaning of it now, don't you? I am Rihen Neyah."

Having helped the man don his amulette, she stepped back and spread her hands in the traditional greeting. "What is mine... is yours."

Meanwhile, Earthen music stirred on the sands behind her, and it was a jovial and festive tune that seized the crowd - played by Chief Covington.


[ After the Music Fades ] (Attn: CanadianVet)

When the Chief of the Deck had begun to play the familiar tune of her homeland, Evelyn Rawley had stood from her seat and cheered with a cigar between her teeth. "Whoooooohoooo!"

She was dressed in cargo pants and boots, both black, but her white tanktop glowed in the light of the moons as she made her way down the steps of the amphitheatre - singing along with Covington. She was not the least drunk, at least not yet, but the memory of the old song stirred her. With a wide grin, she got down to the edge of the sand and danced on the spot - spinning in circles and stomping along with the tune while also smoking her cigar. Hearing this ancient reminder of home back on Earth made Rawley feel alive - invigorated with the promise of what they were fighting for.

Home. To return. To fight for the right to her home soil in the United Kindom of old.

When the song was finished, she put out her cigar against the palm of her hand and stepped out to the Chief. "That was bloody great, Chief! Bollocks but I have missed the old tunes. Thank you so much for making my night," she said and slapped his upper arm, "What do I have to do to have you play in the Flight Hangar? Some of the shite we listen to when we work there is bloody terrible! Seriously! Tell me you really played that and didn't pre-record or anything like that bullshit."

"Yes, but if one believes in the personal freedoms the Federation stands for, one should be bound by ethics, not logic," Maya replied animatedly.  "The right to self-expression should dictated by the culture one is visiting, not by the planet of your origin.  By imposing your values on someone else's one is merely being rude.  Besides, I want to feel things, experience emotions, sensations... I want to be a part of those I'm with, not merely a silent witness.  I want to meet people and get to know them, not alienate them and keep them at bay." 

The little Vulcan stopped speaking abruptly and blinked at Sar-unga.  "My apologies," she said as she clasped her hands and gave a little bow.  "I am doing what is colloquially known as 'rambling.'  It is always stimulating to meet a fellow traveler.  I'm Doctor Maya.  I'm the ship's neurologist.  I would be both honored and invigorated to speak with you.  You were informing me about your sister, and the uncanny ability your species possesses allowing them to change their form.  Both topics sound fascinating.  Please continue."

[ At the Edge of the Sands ] Lt. Cmdr. Miles Renard  

"This is an ancient cultural symbol of my people's freedom and sexuality. Traditionally, to display it indicates one's desire to participate in 'jamaharon,' which is the rite of passion and eroticism adherent to our culture of hospitality and generosity. Yet as I said earlier... given what the crew has suffered... the meaning is not so specific tonight. It is a sign to be open to speak with strangers, and to invite conversation that would not otherwise happen naturally."

he nodded as he saw take his into her hands as she replaced her own back in between the Vally between her lovely mounds of Risian flesh.  "I think I understand" he said softly.  "Sexuality and eroticism within your people are a means of expressing selflessness.  Giving of ones body is not simply a means of pleasure but is a gesture of wanting to give ones very self to another to contribute to their well being.  Its a beautiful custom, to be so willing to give one's self for another benefit."  Allowing her to slip the medallion around his neck he offered a pseudo toast of words to cement the cultural exchange, "To Risa, the culturally philanthropic polar opposite to Feranginar."

"What is mine... is yours."

He didn't know the proper response but improvised his own by copying her gesture an simply replying. "Likewise, What is mine is yours as well."

Unlike many of the others on the ship he had not really felt any suffering from the experiences.  Besides in his previous career loosing people you cared for was just part of the job. Loosing lovers, friends, he had felt it all and no longer did it seem to affect him as it would many, he had learned not to mourn his loss but to cherish the memories he would have never experienced if not for those lost ones.   Rather than feeling loss he always felt a reminder of what had been gained from having known the ones lost.   As or the experiences he had been recovered after the incident on Niga so he had no experience in the violation of self and of others that the parasites of that planet had shown the others.  and Ishtar's interference merely were a reflection of a part of himself he had previously hidden.  a side he had shown and since then had resulted in a healthy liberation from previous years of self censuring for the sake of fitting in.  Ishtar had in a sense freed him of guilt of his own urges and allowed him to find a balance he had not been at liberty to enjoy before.  In his experience with one of the previous hosts of Rez he had got to treat a once old lady to a night on the town in her prime.  In Thea he had shown her the experience of organic sensation an experience she pursued in earnest since then aiding her to grow far beyond her original design parameters.  Now not just was she an experimental and advanced holographic AI interface, she was now a holographic person who was discovering the joys of finially feeling the sensations of belonging to the world of the living.  IN the end Ishtar had even left a positive influence on him.  Hell the attacks by the calamaty brought the thrill of fighter to fighter combat that he hadn't experienced in ages.

In a way he was quite possibly the least harmed member of the crew, far from a person who required the services of this night.  IN a sense in Miles was one of the few members of this crew that may have fit in more as one of the holographic Risans offering the pedants and "services" than as one of the crew members who needed this night desperately.

[Declan Vasser]

"Something I can do for you, miss Ravenholm?"  Declan said, after several minutes of being followed around by her.  He hadn't been sure if she were following him at first, but when he felt someone on his back, that strange feeling iof being watched, he had started to work in odd patterns, moving from one place to the next, Selena having followed him each way, proving it wasn't mere coincidence that brought her the same way as him. To her credit, she had done a good job of following him.  Declan Vasser was simply a Starfleet Captain of enough experience to be far too paranoid.

"We never had time for the discussion I wanted to have on the Harbinger, the one about you bringing a concealed weapon onto my bridge without any form of consent or notification."  The presence of the weapon had helped them in dealing with the matter of Ensign Acerth, most certainly, so he wasn't going to be particularly damning about it.  It was simply about regulation, about the fact that the weapon was there and he had never been informed about it.



[Edena Rez]

"I'm putting it back," Edena softly whispered, talking to herself, or at least, to a part of herself.

You are not putting it back, came the voice of Illya in her head.  She had been the one who insisted that Edena accept one of the amulets, the horga'hn.  It felt like an iron weight around her neck, knowing what it was meant to symbolize.  She found herself pleading with Kiya, the oldest and most mature of her past hosts, to reason with the wild fire that was Illya, the most free spirited among them.

In a rare event, I am inclined to agree with Illya.  You could use some connections outside of your duties, and some . . . relief from your frustrations.

"I'm -- !" She cut herself off, lowering her voice once again.  "I am not frustrated,"  Edena answered with the scowl of a child just told that she wasn't getting dessert until she finished her vegetables.

Just her luck that Illya and Kiya agreed on something for once, and it happened to be Edena's sex life.

She listened to her rambling all the while holding a soft smile on her lips. Much of what she said she agreed with. Some of which she didn't. But then again you would never agree with everything anyone said. Still she liked that the woman was open minded. She shared her desire to experience things. Things that normally would be forbidden by their respective races. When the speaking stopped she slowly took another drink from her glass hearing her apologizing. "There is no need to apologies," she spoke softly as she smiled. "It is obviously something you are passionate about and as it doesn't seem like it would be something that would harm another I see nothing bad about being passionate about it. I understand your desire not to be bound by the customs of your people. This mission was my chance to experience life outside the confines of my race,"

"You can call me either Sar-unga or Dyan. I have not decided which name I will keep yet," Slowly turning around in her seat she leaned back her elbows resting on the flat surface of the bar as she looked out over the crowd. Some part of her keeping an eye out for a fluffy tail. Slowly her eyes turned back to the odd Vulcan sitting next to her. "Both topics are interesting but long and detailed. Since it is our one night to celebrate. I do not wish to keep you from enjoying. If you would like we could go out for a drink on some night when duty becomes heavy and talk. But if you wish to hear it now I have no qualm of telling it,"

[Sten Covington]

"...Til a smiling bride my my own fireside,
Sits the Star of the County Down!"

And with a hard strum Sten finished his more spirited than usual rendition of this traditional song, only to be approached by Evelyn Rawley. The pilot had obviously thoroughly enjoyed the song, as he's seen her dancing to the tune in an approximation of Irish folk steps. And that sight alone reminded the old Chief of one of the reasons he found playing these old tunes from the Old Country so much. Even six or seven hundred years removed, these songs still spoke of home and tradition. Granted, he also found pleasure in twentieth and twenty-first century music, but the really ancient songs were always his favourite.

"Glad you enjoyed it Ranger. And yes, that's all me." The veteran offered a broad grin. "It's not because I can sort you out from one end of the deck to the other I can't sing, and when have you ever known me to do any bullshit tricks like that?" While the words reflected some outrage, the man showed nothing of it. In fact, he was in great humour and kept on smiling. "You know what,  I can belt out a few more songs and if you know 'em, climb on up and join in of you like. But in the meantime, if you could find me a nice cold pint of Stowford Press cider and a pint of Newcastle I'd be much obliged."

And, with another smile, he began to pluck the opening bars of the Scottish tune 'Donald MacGillavry', which should be a nice foot-stomper at this point in time.

The spy within her was sweating at the thought of being caught instantly regretting having not chosen to wear something dark to hide her overly pale artificial limbs which most likely were what so easily gave her position away. Instantly she came up with an improvisation.  "umm, sorry I was just, i mean i didn't mean to seem like a stalker or anything its just.  I'm a bit embarrassed about the whole thing with the weapon.  I just keep it around in case i have to defend myself and well you see when we were on the bridge and the thing inside the ensign was trying to get here I just wanted to prove myself to you.  and with that Vulcan always trying to demean me I just wanted to prove I was valuable too."  she said putting on a facade of the embarrassed schoolgirl smitten with a teacher who had already chosen his teachers pet.  "I--I-I guess i just wanted to impress you is all."  she said completing the act with an embarased stammer.  Hoping he caught the hint that the acting warrant officer was really just a young girl inside who was feeling the pull of attraction to authority.  Hopefully her mask would work,  Maybe he would realize the version of her on the bridge was merely a projection to hide a very socially awkward smitten girl.  She wanted him to not see a warrant officer but a weak vulnerable and extremely impressionable girl who wanted nothing more than to please her captain and her previous distance from him has merely been a cloud of childlike embarrassment.

Hearing that the man in front of her had not felt so free in a long time made Amelya wonder. Was he the victim of long time imprisonment? Or was he just having a hard time to bear the pressure of the constant worry. Her eyes moved over his features once more now and she smiled a bit mysterious. She noticed how the man in front of her was letting his eyes slide over her dress and body, yet she didn't mind. In fact she was pleased that he seemed to like her attire. "What is this Alexander Keith Ale? Are there any special ingredients besides the alcohol?" she asked now with a smirk as she nodded gently as he offered his arm to her. She rested her hand on his forearm and walked with him to the bar a bit further up on the beach.

As Trent introduced himself to her, she looked up at him and answered "Amelya Duv, Chief Medical Officer of the Harbinger... Although I've spent most of my time since Theta here. Involved with the salvation of Lieutenant Morali and well other injured patients." She paused now and sighed as they arrived at the bar and waited for the barkeep to serve them. "Oh what am I talking about... This festival was supposed to be some sort relaxation to let go of the troubles we have... I'm sorry about bringing it up." She apologised herself as she launched her eyes up to meet Trent's.

Once she was served with the ale she sipped from it and Trent could see her face squeeze together as she coughed a bit and started laughing "Darn you could have warned me that this ale packs quite a punch!" She said and held her hand up to her mouth as she coughed a bit more, but she couldn't help but laugh a bit. As she took another sip from the ale she seemed to adapt quite fast to the alcohol "So, Mister Carrigan... Would you mind if I ask how things were on the Acheron? I mean, do people act differently or are they really clueless?" she asked softly, her eyes piercing his as she really was curious.

[ At the Edge of the Sands ] Parting with Lt. Cmdr. Miles Renard

Her mismatched eyes smiling as warmly as her face, Rihen accepted the return of her greeting and had to chuckle at the formal turn of the brief encounter with the Vulpinian.

"Is it okay if I just run down to the sea for a bit?" she asked and took his hands into her own as she stepped close, "I am just so hot right now and I have to take a swim." It was the truth, she really felt like cooling down her warm body and bathe off the sand that had gotten everywhere upon her during the show.

She leaned closer as she held his hands and spoke into his ear with a tone very much native to her people and not so much the grimy engineer she had become on Nimbus III. "Perhaps I can see you soon," she said in that warmly suggestive voice she had mastered since she came of age, "and show you what jamaharon is all about." She was not so forward as to nibble his earlobe. No, that would have been too invasive and might have startled this patron. Yet her breath was there, and the close proximity of her moonlit and glimmering body would surely please him. She just hoped that he would not be felt let down if she excused herself for a while.

"Enjoy yourself!" she said as she strode away, and after a few steps she began to run for the beach. She turned around to wave at him before vanishing into the darkness. "Tonight we all deserve to not have a care in the world!"


[ Where the Music Be ] Attn: CanadianVet

Evelyn Rawley had chuckled and slapped the Chief's arm again when he asked for the impossible to drink at this rendition of Risia that they enjoyed. Unless he wanted to drink holographic drinks, of course, but she had dismissed the notion already - stepping away to give him room as he began to play and sing again.

As she began to dance on the sand amongst the rest of those that remained in the amphitheatre, one holographic Risian came by and carried a tray of drinks. Rawley picked one clay jar in passing and took it to her mouth. She chugged it as she danced, her pelvis rolling and her feet kicking up small clouds of sand. Synthehol, of course, and the drink's taste totally unremarkable in its fruity flavour. Probably perfectly accurate to the kind of sweet swill that they served on the real planet. "Nightmare!"

"Yeah?" asked the Martian Wolf with the long hair not far away - dancing closely and suggestively to an engineer from the Flight Hangar.

"How about you and I go by Below Decks and find some real stuff to drink?"

"Sure thing!" said Hannah and playfully pushed the guy away, giving him a grin that made it clear that she might be back for more soon.

"Are you talking about this?" asked someone that came up to them. It was Soo Young Seung, and Rawley checked her smile for a moment. Yet the Asian Wolf did not seem to be bothered with her presence, instead setting down a crate in the sand. Behind her came a couple of Harbinger pilots, among them Smoke and Titan, that had helped carry more of the stock from Deck 07 to the holodeck. Something that would be frowned upon at best by Security, especially the Andorian Deputy.

"It seems the party has finally begun for real!" said Nightmare and yanked a bottle from a crate by the neck, and she unstoppered it in short order so that she might pour the contents down her throat.

Rawley kept looking at Soo Young for some sign of resentment, expecting to hear some comment about rejecting her, yet she never caught her past lover's eye. So after a couple of seconds, the song still lasting, she pulled up two bottles of IPA and set her steps towards the towering singer. She knew this song well enough, so when she reached Covington she gave him a wide grin before she pressed one of the bottles to his chest  - joining in with her raspy vocals and her own bottle raised high.

Come like the devil, Donald Macgillavry,
Come like the devil, Donald Macgillavry;
Skelp them and scaud them that proved sae unbritherly,
Up wi' King James and wi' Donald Macgillavry!

Miles couldn't help but smile a bit at her playful actions.  I think I'll be a bit busy tonight if you don't mind. Look me up some other day though I'm usually in the fighter bay, Hell even if ya ain't lookin for me don't be scared to drop in.  I'm sure your mechanical skills would be welcomed by Chief Covington.  he said with a smirk watching her head off.   "And, I think I have someone special in mind to share this custom with if you don't mind."  he said smirking as he headed up the beach breathing in the simulated air and smiling as a familiar scent crossed his nose. "There you are Valkyrie." he said softly to himself as he turned looking to the bar seeing her next to the Vulcan neurologist smiling as he couldn't help but admire every alien feature of the winged beauty's body

Maya blinked.  "Oh yes," she nodded at Sar-unga.  It was then she noticed Miles Reynard the most successful Lothario aboard the Theurgy sizing up his latest conquest.  She couldn't blame the Vulpinian for being attracted to Sar-unga.  They both had tails after all.  "Yes of course, it's time to celebrate," she said as she rose from her barstool.   "I'll leave you two alone.  I look forward meeting with you later Sar-unga.  Goodbye." 

Maya walked away before turning to witness the charming Valkyrie pilot make his move.  How did Commander Reynard do it?  Once again the little Vulcan had done something that most people didn't think was possible for her species:  Come on too strong.  Maya had been so invigorated when she realized that she had met a sister alien she had scared her off. 

Stranded more than two centuries ahead of her own time, Maya was an alien to the United Federation of Planets just as much as Sar-unga was despite being grandfathered into citizenship.  In truth, the neurologist had felt like an alien on her home planet more than two centuries ago.  She had hoped to make a friend, and the possibility still could, but it wouldn't happen if she asked for too much too quickly.  She had to wait for the alcohol to take effect first.

Seeing the reaction of the Vulcan she realized that her words could have been seen as pushing her away. Something she would have to clarify later. She had just started to do that when she spotted someone out of the corner of her eye. Turning her head she finally spotted someone she had been looking for all night. "I will probably see you tomorrow," she spoke to Maya with a warm smile. "Goodbye and enjoy yourself," she watched Maya leave before her eyes turned to Miles. Looking into his eyes she couldn't help but let her smile grow. Slowly she slipped from the bar stool with a grace that made it look fluid as she slowly approached him her eyes traveling over how he was dressed seeing it left little to the imagination.

"Lieutenant Commander Miles Renard," she spoke softly as she came to a stop in front of him proud of herself that she managed to keep herself looking into his eyes. "One would almost think you where stalking me," she whispered enjoying being close to him. She watched him almost wondering if over everything he would be able to smell the state of her body. The hormones that where still coursing. The necklace remained wrapped softly around her hand. Slowly she looked around him seeing that he seemed to be alone. "Well Fluffy, since you seem to be alone would you care to accompany me on a walk?" she asked offering her arm hoping he would. She couldn't see a better way to spend the evening then to walk with him in such a lovely setting.

(http://www.furaj.ba/images/gallery/full/elizabeth_hurley_beach_2010_leopard_print_pareo.jpg)Lt. Eve Jenkins - Head Nurse

It had been a rough time but after a sonic shower that might have taken off a few layers of skin as well as the sweat and ash and most of all some rest, Eve was feeling about as well as she could though she knew she would be haunted by the sweet little engineer she couldn't save.  They had all been so focused on the casualties and the temporal officer's restructuring that it had been impossible to just relax ... until now.

Again she'd showered then smoothed lotion over her body that smelled something like coconut cream, a new scent for her but one she enjoyed at least.  Slipping on the brown bikini bottom then the wrap around leopard print flowing top, she shivered at the feeling of freedom to be barely clothed.  She could easily go naked but not everyone was as comfortable in their own skin or around other skin.  Sweeping up her hair with a clip and adorning herself with hoop eaarings and bangles, she made her way to the party.

Stepping up to the holodeck, Eve placed a delicate hand on the master chief's upper arm.  "Excuse me," she murmured in her sultry lightly British accented voice as she squeezed between him and someone else blocking the door.  As her eyes made contact with his, he would have a flash of a vision.  He and the head nurse locked in an intimate embrace, her throaty moans spurring him to plunge into her until he burst inside of her.

Just as suddenly, the vision disappeared and she was through the obstacle but the woman looked back to grace him with another smile.  She sensed turmoil in him and hoped the simple gesture of a smile would perhaps lighten his mood for a moment.  Making her way to the bar, she thought of the perfect drink.  It was a blend of coconut rum, raspberry liqeur, pineapple and cranberry juices, with a float of 151-Proof rum.  "Fuck Me From Behind, please," she requested with a bright smile, an impish part of her just waiting for the reactions around her.

(https://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/156/a/5/o_connell_by_auctor_lucan-d7l5lue.png)

Billy Bob grunted and rolled his eyes as the enchanting Eve Jenkins brushed past him to enter the holodeck.  By the time he found his way back to reality all he could see of Nurse Jenkins was her tempting and tasty backside. 

Of all the officers to address him it had to be the half Deltan head nurse!   Did she put the whammy on him on purpose or was she just too much woman to handle?  Was he going crazy enough to eat the devil with horns on or was his brand new celibate lifestyle giving him extra strong daydreams?

William O'Connell clenched his fists and started walking, both to avoid blocking the archway and to get something medicinal that would calm him down.  He had almost made it to the bar when he heard Adam's better half say "Fuck Me From Behind, please." 

He jumped backwards and held his head as he grimaced in horror.  She was definitely doing this on purpose!  This gal had to be crooked enough to eat nails and spit out corkscrews.  "Tarnation, woman!" he heard himself exclaim.  "Ain't yuh got no shame?"

[Sten Covington] Attn Auctor Lucan

Sten did not particularly expect getting the drinks he would prefer. Not unless someone burned replicator rations and even then, there was no comparison with the real stuff. There were days he truly missed even being in the Sol system, with easy access to these elements of creature comforts. However, he gracefully accepted the bottle of pale ale Evelyn offered him and took a swig before setting it down and finishing the song, easily catching up with both tune and melody.

Once that number was over, the Chief took a moment to partake from the beer that,was brought to him. It was crisp and hoppy as any IPA should be, and it held the pleasant tingle of actual alcohol instead of the intoxication-free relaxing effect of synthehol. "So, folks, I'm not going to hog the stage all night so for now, I'll be taking a break."

Stepping down from the stage, Sten walked straight towards the shaved pilot, drawing deep from his beer as he slung his guitar across his broad back. "Thanks for the beer. And you know what, thanks for enjoying the tunes. I was wondering if I'd be the only one wanting to hear those." Then, he smiled genially. "But I really don't feel like stopping right now. Maybe we ought to find a quiet spot for an unplugged session and leave the big stage for now?"

[Carrigan Trent] Attn Nolan

"It's just a good brand originally from Nova Scotia back on Earth. Been around for almost six hundred years, too so they are definitely doing something right" Trent's description of the brew he suggested was left deliberately vague as to create a bit of a mystery about it.

And when Amelya brought up the stress she'd been under lately and then apologized, all the Human did was to gently shrug. After all, this was a small community, cut off from the Federation and all of its happenings. As such, shop talk would be a prevalent topic of conversation. But his smile grew wider at her reaction to the alcohol content. "Sorry, Amelya, I should have warned you. I don't know what it is with the Starfleet mainstay beers being American-style. Compared to Canadian stuff, it might as well be dirty carbonated water."

But then, the topic grew more serious. "Please, Carrigan is my given name. Saying 'Mister' before it almost makes you sound like you're talking to a Klingon." Again, he grinned but then he addressed the graver point. "I can't deny there's some doubts out there, but most don't see there's something wrong and there are only a very small percentage that actually senses the... wrongness of things. And of those, there's only a few that really realize it. For the entire Task Force, I can honestly say almost everyone was following their orders in good faith. I can't say for sure how many were actually compromised or were following them knowing what they were, but I figure less than two dozen out of the ten or so thousand men and women in the Task Force."

Only then did Carrigan take more than small, polite sips from his drink. In fact, he drained the pint glass with the ease of a man who had over indulged a lot more often than was healthyBeing on the Archeron and on Sankolov's staff before that, always on guard, never knowing who to trust and even questioning his sanity had taken a toll on the Intelligence Officer. Revisiting these memories was hardly a pleasant thing. " Now, as you said, this is a party for us to relax, mingle and have a good time." Setting his empty glass down, he gestured the bartender for another. "And here I am, with a beautiful woman, a drink on its way and arguably the finest beaches in known space. What do you say we leave all shop talk behind and enjoy ourselves? Maybe starting with a walk down the beach?"

"I would love to," he said, bottomless dark eyes glinting in the dim light. He sprawled casually into the sand beside her with a lazy kind of grace, like a freshly fed lion basking in the sun. "I was here once. This beach, I mean, on Risa. It was the first planet I visited as a man and not a boy. The trip was a gift from my parents, celebrating my ascension from the College of the Blessed Flame. It was... memorable. I was a different person then. Young and idealistic. I was planning to eat, drink and... mingle my way across the Alpha Quadrant. Beta too, if I could manage it. Then I met someone who suggested I do my exploring from the decks of a starship, and here I am."

He smiled wistfully at the memory, although his black eyes hardened at the memories of his Imzadi. "Funnily enough, I never made it back to Risa. I suppose I figured I had experienced everything there was to see, hear and do." As he stretched out on the smooth white sand, his hand brushed Henshaw's where it rested beside her. He left it there a moment, enjoying the warmth of a fellow person, before respectfully withdrawing.

"Look at me rambling," he chuckled. In the different lighting, his austere features looked less stern and more inviting, merry. He turned to Henshaw, his eyes briefly flicking down to admire the way her simple white dress looked on her slender form. He allowed her to see him looking, too; after all, she had worn that dress for a reason. It was an admiring glance, not at all rapacious or vulgar; it was the way one might look at a fine piece of art. "Tell me more about you, Ens-" He bit down on referring to her by her rank. Tonight was not about formalities. "Ms. Henshaw. Have you ever been to Risa?"

[ Terrace | Overlooking the Amphitheatre ] Attn: Doctor Maya (post upcoming in the steam-pools thread)

His horribly scarred face unreadable, Phantom had watched the announcement from the terrace - unmoved by the silly encouragement that permeated the show.

When the ceremony came to an end, the Risian ceasing to dance and the righteous Chief Covington instead singing there on the sand, Phantom had pushed away with a grimace and descended the steps - dressed in a functional black t-shirt that hugged his powerful frame. He might be in his middle years, yet he had always maintained it like someone decades younger. He saw a few of his squadron whisk by in desire to join the merriment, yet when they saw him, they drew to a halt and nodded in respect. He returned the greetings, accepted a full bottle of kanar from Riptor, yet then he merely moved on, his mind not upon attending the singing and dancing. His mismatched eyes were instead searching for the area he remembered from a visit to the actual Suraya Bay, ten years earlier.

His path took him by one of the bars close to the amphitheatre, and his chilling stare settled upon a Vulcan female that rose from one of the barstools. He looked at her without blinking, as if he dared her look away. He thought her to be one of the Theurgy's doctors, yet he was not certain, and he did not care. Nor did he care what the sight of his white eye and the seared away flesh of his cheek made her think if that was her profession. He'd had enough with the doctors already. His mind made up. He would wear his face as a badge of honour; a reminder of the cost of duty. He had never been a vain man anyway. What was the purpose of vanity when it did not matter in the face of death. In the eye of the storm that was the cockpit of an attack fighter.

A couple of yards down the path, he found the sign he had been looking for. The steam-pools of Suraya Bay were renowned, and in visiting them, it had reminded him of his upbringing on Cardassia Prime - the cleanliness and the scalding heat of their baths delights he still longed for. Now that his years of glory as a Wing Commander of Starfleet had come to a sordid end, he often found himself thinking of home. Longing for the order and structure that the fleet had always lacked.

Before he vanished into the undergrowth of the mountainside, he turned his dead eye towards the Vulcan once more - a wordless threat that to pursue him was not advisable. How she may have interpreted his stare, however, he did not know.

Not yet.


[ The Amphitheatre Sands ] Attn: CanadianVet

Heat racing from the dancing, Rawley had the time of her life - making up for all the hours she had been in the recovery wards on the Theurgy and the Triage Centre on Theta Eridani IV.

In dancing as she had, she had learned that all the physical exercise she had pushed herself through had paid off. Her appearance had gone from underfed and comatose after waking up before the Ishtar Incident to the toned and - by comparison - vastly stronger body that she possessed now. She had kept her scars, though, not liking to lose the reminders of her faults. So with a minimum of fat under skin that criss-crossed with decorations from battles new and old, the alcohol had a quick effect on her. Yet she did not mind. Not tonight. She could take care of herself in the cockpit and she sure as hell could take care of herself while imbibing tasteful nerve-poisons - which was what they were all actually doing.

She had downed her second pale ale by the time the music stopped and Chief Covington stepped over to her, and she grinned at him in thankfulness for his contribution to the party they were having; this shore leave while still on the ship that had been arranged for them even in their most grave hour of desperation.

"Yeah, I surely wouldn't mind listening to some more proper music," she said with a lazy smile and casually smoothed down her white tank over her abdomen with her free hand. She gave the tall Chief a once-over and wondered idly if that was all he was interested in doing that night, "Lead the way, Chief, I'll bring the refreshments."

Passing by the crates that had been brought, Rawley yanked up two new bottles and fell in pace with tall man with the guitar. There were easily three feet of height difference between them yet she did not think much of it. Not beyond the fact that she liked tall and strong men in the sack just as much as ravishing women. Strange to think of the Chief in that way, yet once she had begun, the idea was not so easily shaken off. Especially not now that she had learned that he could both play and sing.

"Where to, Papa Bear?" she asked and looked up at him with a mischievous grin.

Miles smiled hearing her 'warm' greeting not able to resist noticing the scent wafting from her body, a scent that had developed in their time in the sickbay together and seemed to have grown a bit since then.  "Awww by that scent you carry I would think you would be disappointed if I weren't stalking a beautiful and exotic kind of winged prey." he said with a smirk forgoing the offer of the arm and instead warmly wrapping her in an embrace gently wrapping his tail around her body.  Of course I would join you for a walk.  He said softly, loving every moment of the game of flirtations the two had quickly developed between each other since their meeting in the sickbay.  "By the way, the dress is beautiful.  Something of your home?" he asked noticing how it seemed to flow perfectly with her horns and tail realizing that it must have been designed for someone with those features.

Sar-unga Neleo  Attn: IronFerrox

Seeing his smile was enough to pull one on her lips as she looked up into his eyes. Once again the Vulpinian displayed his uncanny ability to make her blush softly as he revealed he could smell the scent she was sure she was giving off and more then likely he knew the reason for it. As he wrapped her in a warm embrace feeling his tail wrapping around her. Her arms softly came up wrapping around his neck feeling his body pressing lightly with her. Her arms softly wrapped around him holding him closely to her. Hearing he would join her for a walk her smile grew as her tail softly wrapped around his waist. She nodded her head softly when he asked about the dress she wore. "As close as I could get it. But I am sure by now it is out dated," she whispered one hand ventured down brushing softly over his chest. "And your clothes? Are they from your home world?" she asked her fingers lingering on his chest.

"I was hoping I was going to see you here. We have some unfinished business and no doctor to save you this time," she spoke as she leaned up her lips coming close to his. For one whose race was conservative she was starting to push with open public displays of affection. "Now I get to make sure you don't get too much sand in my blanket," she whispered before her head tilted slightly her lips softly resting against his seeing if he would accept the affection she was seeking to give him.

Cameron Henshaw Attn: Leonal

As he said he would love to her smile grew as she watched him sprawling causally out on the sand beside her. There was something soothing and relaxing about stretching out in the sand enjoying the company of another living soul. She listened to him as he spoke of his trip to Risa. As much as she fought the reaction her eyes soften at the mention of his parents. With her recent lost the mention of parents brought back bittersweet memories. As he spoke of mingling his way across the Alpha quadrant and Beta too if he could she couldn't hide a large smile knowing the type of 'mingling' he was referring to. She continued listening to his words when she felt his hand brushing over hers and her eyes softened enjoying the simple, open contact. As it lingered there the more she enjoyed it. Still as it withdrew she knew that was something they where going to have to come back to.

She saw the way his eyes grazed down her form and she couldn't help but smile a little more. It was the look someone would get when they liked what they seen. "Cameron or Cam," she spoke softly knowing tonight, here there was no rank. Only living souls seeking comfort from being around each other. "No, I never had the chance," she spoke with a soft smile as her hand slipped back seeking out his once more. Her fingers softly brushed over the top of his and that was where it would rest. "But after this is all over I think I want to go see it. Maybe take some time and see the sites," she said her thumb lightly brushing over his.

[Declan Vasser] Attn: IronFerrox and Lucan

Selena usually composed herself as cool and calm as her mechanical parts would have suggested, but now she was like an entirely different person.  Was this simply the divide between professional and casual appearances?  Or was this some kind of advance upon him, impressing a different side of her personality upon him?  He couldn't say he was displeased with the manner in which she acted, the way her more shy, reserved act made her eyes a bit brighter, her lips more prominent as she displayed her more feminine features.

"Your weapon's presence on the bridge was of help to us, miss Ravenholm, so I can't be too angry with you," Declan said with a smile, hoping that would be her cue that she could relax a bit with him.  "All I ask if to be aware of it.  Plenty of officers carry phasers, especially those in the Security Yellow.  Your weapon is different though, so I would ask that we have schematics on file, and the weapon be given a full inspection by someone capable."  All reasonable requests for a commanding officer to make.  He had to be aware of what went on on his own ship, after all.  "For the record, you are valuable, miss Ravenholm, and you did impress.  So how about we see about getting your weapon back?"

If he recalled correctly, it was the Andorian Security officer from the Theurgy who currently had the weapon.  Tapping his combadge, he opened a connection between himself and ThanIda, making the request of him.  "Lieutenant, could you bring me the weapon confiscated from Selena Ravenholm?  I'm in the middle of an informal inquiry with her and would appreciate having it present."

[ USS Theurgy | Deck 07 | Deputy's Office | Security ]

Seated behind her desk, Ida had not planned to visit the Holodeck event. She had far too much on her plate as it was, and she had no desire to face those accusatory stares again.

Yet as she sat there and worked through her reports, there was a chirp from her combadge and no other voice than Captain Declan Vasser's addressed her. The inquiry seemed formal enough to her since he wanted the weapon brought to him, and yet she considered to ask one of the security guards to carry the thing to the holodeck. This was, however, a chance for her to go there briefly - just to see the sights of what she would be missing. Therefore, she replied with the a voice loud enough for him to hear over the music that she had heard in the background of the transmission.

"zh'Wann to Captain Vasser. Acknowledged. I will be there shortly with the weapon and the inspection protocols. zh'Wann out."

In uniform and with the gun holstered like a phaser by her hip, the Andorian Deputy left the Security Office, heading for the holodeck. In her mind resided the kind words of the Captain after the incident in the Harbinger's Brig, where he had sided with her on account of her judgement in the situation. The Pinkskin had been good to her, so this might be the proper chance to thank him.

Sjaandin felt something odd creeping up his arm. It was a twitching little conga line, like ants on the march, starting where her thumb had touched him and ending in his chest. He realized it was not mere pleasure or arousal, but joy. It was the joy that came only from enjoying the touch of another human being. He wanted more of it, so he shifted his wrist ever so slightly and let his ring and pinky fingers lie delicately across her knuckles.

He sensed her slight apprehension at the mention of parents at the same moment he saw her eyes soften. He should have known it might be a touchy subject. Rather than say anything, he gave her a look of empathy and understanding that conveyed more than his words could. He could have mentioned to her that his parents died in the war, true, but bringing his pain up would only serve to remind her of her own.

"It's not something to be missed... Cameron," he replied, testing how her name sounded on his tongue. It was as delightful as she was. "We've been given such a vast universe to explore, thousands of stars each with their own worlds, and yet scarcely more than a hundred years in which to enjoy it. It hardly seems fair." He had a smile on his face. He was waxing philosophical, not complaining pessimistically. "Even the centuries-long lifespans that Vulcans and Romulans enjoy are but a blip on the galactic timeline. When I looked out a starship viewport and beheld the cosmos for the first time, unfettered by atmospheric refraction and ambient light... I understood why our progenitors looked up and the sky and assumed it to be the work of some grand deity."

"I would be happy to show you around any of the sights when this unpleasantness ends," he told her, meeting her gaze again. "Especially Risa. In fact, I'm sure there are some landmarks in this holographic version that I could point out."

Miles Renard;  Attn: Cathreen Dawinter
Miles immediately returned the affection diving back into the kiss as there had never been any interruption and his tongue and ers resumed their eager dance against each other this time his hand wandering more than before and wandering past her hips as he gently cupped her firm rump before briefly breaking the kiss. "I think that's going to be the other way around. There's no doctor to save you from my advances this time."  he teased giving her rump a rather generous squeeze groping the flesh. he smiled as he began to softly cup and rub her rump holding her close as his lips touched her neck softly whispering gently in her ears occasionally giving them a soft suckle or lick as he spoke. "I think the shorts are an old earth design developed originally for competitive swimming, but i find they work quite well at any form of activity when I need to have a bit of support to make sure nothing moves around unsecured too much.  the collar and sheer fabric well the collar is based on a military object of my own planet called the pilots collar.  essentially it was a collar of sorts made to allow for a flush connection between an EVA pilot suit and the environmental helmet.  The collar of sorts became a signature item of our star-fighter corps much like the "wings" are used to designate a pilot here in the Federation.  In my case here it serves as a means of retaining my rank insignia and a communicator on hand even if I were transform into my quadrupedal animal form.  The sheer fabric well I just felt that i could use a bit more of something to cover up with if necessary and i choose something sheer cause, Hey, can't hurt to give the ladies a little eye candy if they are interested in looking; hell I don't even mind if the guys look.  They just don't get to touch.  Guess you could call the ensemble just a little bit of my own creativity."

Selena Ravenholm;  Attn: Auctor Lucan and kurohigi
She smiled softly letting a blush creep over her face.  She calculated what would probably be the best route and knew that the more socially awkward she was the less threatening she would probably appear to the target of her interest.  "Well I can give you the schematics easily enough.  And if you want i can give you a more formal presentation of its abilities if it were to be returned." she said quickly as she imitated the mannerisms of spazzing out over the prospect of hoping to impress the captain as she began moving her hand down to her naked thigh and pushing in on the synthetic flesh causing a seam to form before it opened into a semi hollow compartment which held a smaller sized version of a PADD that seemed to be linked by a wire into the machinery of her artificial leg.  "Micropad, download from neck card all files an sub-folders from the paralyzer directory."

  A soft chirp was heard as the files transferred to the 'micropad' that she quickly disconnected from its wire causing the wire to retract into her leg before she handed the captain the object and used her other hand to reach down and push the opening in her leg closed with a gentle push the seam closing again as she ran a finger gently over it.  "All of the designs for it and previous versions are here." she said softly.  "The weapon is of my own design and its original shape and appearance is of terran design particularly the appearance of a Pistol type firearm and the function of a 20th century police issue Tazer, a non lethal firearm."  by now the shyness had fully dissipated and she was in a state of socially awkward rambling that at one point in Terran history would have been called 'geeking out' as she began to explain more and more about the weapon.

---

OOC: Congratulations Vasser, despite the lack of her having pockets in the normal sense you just caused Luna to "spill spaghetti" all over the holodeck.

[Declan Vasser]

The opening of her leg and the retrieval of the micropad were surprising sights, a reminder of her partly artificial nature, sure, but even androids closely mimicked human body behavior where possible.  Selena had gone another route, utilizing the space within her false limbs for additional purposes.  Engineers were always finding ways to negate wasted space and make everything more practical.  Selena had simply taken that to the next level with her body.  "You are full of surprises," he said, a brief glance towards the amulet that she had picked up without knowing the meaning, "literally and figuratively."

He listened as she gave her explanation of the weapon, viewing the files provided at the same time.  No doubt there had been inspections made by Theurgy's Security while the weapon was in custody, so Declan would compare her files to those, to be if everything matched up.  "The pistol was a well praised design on earth, though considered a bit cumbersome in comparison to the compact nature of the Phaser.  I haven't gotten far enough to have read it, but I would guess the size difference of your weapon allows for a greater power output then a phaser?"  There was more room for a larger capacity battery, as well as reflectors to intensity the power of any beam it fired.  It wasn't an elegant design in comparison to a Phaser, but it likely packed more punch, especially to have been effective against Ensign Acerth.

She laughed softly, "Honestly the power output is completely different in nature.  While a phaser creates a beam of energy the paraizer is at its core a projectile weapon.  The projectile in question is a barb coated in a neurotoxic paralitic fired via electromagnetic repulsion,  In addition to the chambered round the ammunition is held in a "clip" type magazine that holds 7 additional filament/burr units. The beam you saw was an electrical charge flowing through the filament that connects the barb to the weapon itself.  this beam is powered by an internal rechargable energy cell that siphons power from the energy cells in its holster within my thigh.  Consequently the  legs arms and other hardware that I "wear" are powered via a generator that converts my body's own excess heat into power or as I call it a biothermal power generator.  The amount of power it takes to use my hardware is much lower than the amount that is produced so naturally I outfitted the legs and arms with power storage cells which can be used to charge my other equipment.  As a result the gun can continuously be powered on with electricity flowing for up to 1 hour on a standard settings or about 20 bursts on its highest settings.  as for the recharge rate about 1 second of use requires 3 seconds of recharge.  at times when my power cells are full and there is nothing else to siphon the power into my hardware activates its cooling systems which dissipates the excess thermal energy via a combination of radiation cooling and hydrodynamic cooling hence the existence of the artificial limbs having "body heat" and the ability to "sweat" as a means of emergency heat venting."

"As for average output of the electricity it has different settings each regulated by the internal computer within the weapon.  Settings of type 1 are those to paralize members of the many races known to the Federation essentially this is the stun setting but each species requires a slightly different configuraton.  Setting 2 are sufficient to kill via electrocution said species known to the Federation.  as such it is configured to cause an average death in a period of 5 seconds in the target species. Setting zero simply flows enough electricity into the energy whip to activate the special properties that require electricity to activate such as the whips ability to move like a whip or with the appropriate command condense the filament to make a strait line rather than something flowing that varies in length of up to a meter and a half to 15 centimeters in length.  as such this setting is optimal for if I wanted to entertain a crowd with some form of whip dance or just for sparring with someone.  Settings of type 3 are sufficient to energize the air around the surface to plasma allowing the whip or the small knife or sword modes to be useful as a cutting implement similar to a plasma cutter.  And setting f4 is the most lethal setting where I release as much charge as can be released at once through the filiment into the target.  Essentially this is a duplication an arc flash accident."

I wish it were more powerful but you are forgetting the biggest positive of my gun.  You didn't even know it existed until i pulled it out.  Do you know how any security screenings i have been through, how many transports i have logged.  Not once has it even been detected as a weapon hell you didn't even know there was anything in my thighs other than synthetic muscle.  that's because the materials and design are such that it blends in with my legs perfectly.  Yes in modern terms is it a bit cumbersome and over-sized and don't have much to show for the excess size but with the materials its made of being undetectable as a weapon and its capacity for damage can you really call it an inefficient design.  Besides I like how it looks and feels.  Call it an archaic design but it feels right to me." she said rambling it all out at a mile a minute never given the captain a moment to interrupt as she spilled her guts about the intricacies of the weapons features a part of her not playing a art at the moment as her own creations were one of the things that tended to cause her to genuinely become a bit of a spaz.

Cameron Henshaw Attn: Leonal

As his hand shifted his ring and pinky fingers lie across her knuckles her smile would only grow as she enjoyed the feeling. There was something about sweet innocent points of contact that was reaffirming to life. She liked his view on how unfair like was as she found herself smiling in earnest. "I agree our lives are but a flicker but after recent events I want my flicker to burn bright," she spoke having fully made up her mind she was going to try to enjoy every minute life had. She had no family so there would be no one to miss her should something happen. Maybe if she chased her starts long enough she would find a way to fill the hole in her heart. Her free hand slowly moved up brushing across the horga'hn around his neck as her eyes lingered there before slowly moving up to his still holding that same smile. Her hand though would stay hovering on the horga'hn.

"I should warn you I might be hard to keep up with," she whispered as he said he would be happy to show her around. Already more then a few pick up lines flashed through her mind though none of them found their way to her tongue. When he spoke of pointing out a couple landmarks she finally couldn't hold them back. "I would like that," she said looking up at him her smile turning slightly more sultry. Softly she bit her lower lip as her mind wrestled with the next words she would speak. "Maybe after that we could find some place quite and you could show me some different sites," she whispered wondering how he would take her words. Her warm brown eyes looked up into his face trying to judge his reactions as her hand lingered just over his chest on the horga'hn.

Sar-unga Neleo  Attn: IronFerrox

There was no hesitation in the affection he returned to her making her feel more at ease in his embrace. Her eyes slowly closed feeling their tongue once more starting a mutually eager dance. She felt his hand wandering down her body brushing past the soft swell of her hips. As his hand cupped her firm rump her eyes would snap open as she felt her cheeks flushing slightly. When their kiss slowly broke her breathing would already be just a little heavier. His words mixed with the amours grope of her flesh started to spike her arousal again. The soft scent of hormones around her would start to grow stronger once more. "Are you so sure Miles? You don't know how my kinds mating habits. It could be something you wouldn't be able to live through," she whispered softly to him. Her head turned opening her pale neck to his lips as her eyes closed her hands coming up to rest on his arms. The tip of her tail though would find his bottom brushing over it before the tip slowly ventured between his legs.

As his lips moved up to whisper into her ear her mouth opened to warn him not to but it would come to late as his breath brushed over the sensitive flesh making her moan softly as pleasure jolted through her body. Her grip on his arms would tighten. The soft suckle or licks would pull more moans and soft gasps from her as the scent of her hormones would continue to grow stronger. Already she could feel some wetness starting to from between her legs. She tried to focus on his words as desire once more started taking over her body. Already her green eyes where starting to grow darker in color. "Well I am definitely interested in looking," she whispered as she leaned back slightly looking into his eyes. Her voice already having grown a little heavy as her body still felt the effects of him playing with her ears. "I should warn you though. Right now the ears are a bit sensitive so if you continue to play with them we will either end up fighting or fucking tonight," she spoke as she leaned in kissing his lips softly but hungrily as she nibbled on his bottom lip softly. "How about we take that walk so we aren't making a scene,"

[Tatiana Marlowe] (attn. Nolan)

It had taken Tia an age to get ready, she was still unsure of meeting so many people all at once in a non-professional capacity and she had changed her mind about what she was wearing so many times she had become flustered. 

The choices had been a variety of different togas in various lengths and opacities as per the usual attire for this festival or something more party-like.  Just when she had thought she had decided on something she panicked that she would look ridiculous in it and changed her mind once more.  Finally she had decided on a simple yet elegant knee-length, white toga that revealed little but didn't make her feel under or over-dressed. 

Thus it was that she missed the announcement and it seemed as she stepped into the holodeck that people had already begun to mingle.  Being given one of the amulets she put it on but didn't ask exactly what it was for, being too busy cursing herself for being late and tried to sneak quietly to the edge of the group of people so as not to be so obviously noticed.  Spotting a quiet terrace she headed towards it, keeping as low a profile as she could before standing and watching the people gathered.

She had never been to Risa having only heard of it being the pleasure planet and having her problems with the opposite sex had considered that she would just feel awkward and out of place.  A little knot was forming in her stomach as she thought that was exactly what would happen tonight too.  So many of the people were already talking to each other, some clearly flirting, she felt almost like a voyeur and it made her more than a little uncomfortable.

[Wenn Cinn] (attn. kurohigi)

Cinn stepped into the holodeck wearing a loose fitting white shirt and trousers ensemble, he accepted the horga'hn from the holographic hostess with a smile and a nod before heading out into the open space of the beach.  His feet were bare and the warm sand felt good beneath his feet and squishing up between his toes.

Walking over to the throng of people he spotted the woman who had been a spy and now was his XO.  He looked down at the horga'hn and contemplated the meaning of the symbol for a moment, the hostess had told him what the meaning was and certainly neither of them would normally strike up a conversation considering their history.  The fact that he had seen her first would set him on the front foot so to speak, giving him the upper hand on the situation.  Well, if this was what Jien wanted, this is what s/he'd get.

He walked over to the woman and nodded his head politely, "Commander Rez, it seems as though there's been a lot happened since I died.  Since we're doing this," he indicated the amulet around his neck, "I was hoping we could talk."

Sjaandin Fedd
ATTN: Cathreen Dawinter

Fedd looked down with mild surprise at her hand upon his chest, and smiled. Well... it seemed he was getting his old self back. He reached up with his left hand and brought it down to rest upon hers. "I've been known to do a fair bit of keeping up," he replied. "I've travelled halfway across the Quadrant, after all." His fingers grasped the hand she was resting on his chest, enfolding it in his own larger hand and enjoying the warmth of her touch. A thousand different comebacks to her line about seeing sights floated around his head, but all that came out was, "It's a lot to take in."

He let her hand rest on his firm chest, let her feel his heartbeat quicken slightly under the rising and falling wall of muscle that covered his torso. His thumb reached around her slender wrist and stroked the sensitive flesh on the underside, over the large vein. He raised the hand to his mouth and pressed his lips to her knuckles in a gentlemanly kiss, although his thoughts were decidedly un-gentlemanly. He reached out with his mind, the telepathic equivalent of brushing his fingers against her cheek, and let her feel a psychic glimpse of what he was feeling. His dark eyes smouldered with masculine glee and benevolent intent.

"Well then, Cameron," he said, not quite used enough to her first name to call her Cam yet, "shall we?" He rose, still lightly holding the fingers of the hand that had been lying on his chest. "If my memory serves me, we are quite close to the steam pools, one of Suraya's more delightful landmarks. And you may call me Sjaandin, or Sjaan if you prefer."

[Amelya Duv] Attn CanadianVet
Hearing about the history of the drink Made Amelya curious about how it would taste. She wasn't sure if she had ever drank a beverage that had a recipe of over six hundred years old. After recovering from the punch of the drink she was surprised to hear that he knew drinks that were even stronger than this. "Really?" She asked a bit in unbelief, than again she knew very little of Earth's drinks and food. She only had the Starfleet main dishes to eat and even those were a bit dull compared to the local dishes she had tasted off during her life.

She listened carefully to what Carrigan had to say about the Acheron, yet she could see how straining it was for him. It was her years of medical training and intuition that had learned her when people were talking about things they rather didn't. Even though so she was surprised how well the high command ranks were infiltrated and how little the men and women in Starfleet knew about it. She now and than nipped from her drink while she kept listening attentively and for a moment she forgot she was on the holodeck at Risa. She saw how he took more than little sips and she didn't want to follow his example fearing that she might get drunk in record time than. Even now a bit of the alcohol went up to her head.

Amelya smiled as he said to her what she had said to him about work and this party. She nodded in agreement and blushed a bit as he told her she was a beautiful woman. She laughed playfully and drank from her drink once more before her eyes looked over the glass into his eyes as he asked her to go for a walk down the beach. "I'd very much like that." She answered him and after they both got restocked with drinks they wandered away from the bar. Amelya had changed her drink from the far to strong ale to a softer cocktail. It was called a Blue Wave and it was on recommendation of one of the barkeeps. The looks of it were pretty funny, but it tasted quite good and less like a sucker punch like the ale.

She place her arm back around Carrigan's and they ventured off towards the white sands of the beach. When they were far enough of the bar she looked up at the dark haired man and asked "So what did you have in mind? Did they teach you intel boys something fun to do?" she asked playful once more and her eyes sparkling a bit. The ale had done it's work and slowly crumbled down her shyness.

[Simon Tovarek] (attn. TheBanshee)

When Simon had noticed that most of the people were already interacting with eachother, even flirting or here and there a few lovebirds making out, he knew that he had been standing still for too long. His eyes had been daydreaming into the Risian sea and he had looked at some other people without feeling the urge himself to mix. He turned his back now against the terrace and took a deep breath as he scanned the people on the terrace. He was wondering who would still be free for conversation and his eyes suddenly caught Lieutenant Marlowe just outside a group of people.

His eyes went over her simple dress and he smiled as he saw her eyes darting from person to person. She seemed a bit uneasy, perhaps because of the lack of interaction? He decided to make a move and he walked over towards her. He approached her from behind and placed his hand on her shoulder gently "Lieutenant, how good to see you down here." He said with a genuine smile. He waited for her to turn and face him before continuing "How do you like the scenery they managed to pull up here? He asked her and looked into her eyes while pausing a bit "Also, I have to say you look quite lovely in that dress." He added the last sentence on a lower tone so not a whole lot of people around them would hear so.

Cameron Henshaw Attn: Leonal

She watched the mild surprise cross his fair features wondering if she had made the wrong move or moved too quickly. When a smile graced his lips she felt more assured that she had done right. As his hand rested on hers, she would soften her smile. His words though of keeping up would quickly turn her smile from soft to playful wondering if she would be testing those words tonight. The way his larger enclosed her sent a slight chill up her spine as it was something she enjoyed. "I'll just have to take my time and make sure I get it all," she whispered in a soft teasing manor.

She could feel him. The steady rising and falling of his chest, the quickening beating of his heart, the warmth from his body and the firmness of his chest. The tender stroking of his thumb in contrast to the strength his body seemed to hold excited her, but not as much as when she felt his lips pressing against her knuckles. As his mind brushed against hers providing a new sensation allowing her a glimpse of the feelings that shown in the dark pools of his eyes. If all she received was a glimpse she was looking forward to the rest of it.

"I would love to," she said rising to her feet leaving her shoes discarded in the sand. She could either come back for them later or leave them. After all how often did one get to wear shoes on a starship? Her delight seemed to pick up even more, if such a thing was possible, when he mentioned the steam pools. "Then lets go see them, Sjaan. The night is still young and I feel like celebrating and please call me Cam. After all I think we will be getting to know each other better," she spoke her smile growing as she moved ahead of him pulling softly on his arm. She was sure for someone looking in on them it would seem she was dragging him along. Truth be told she didn't care.

[Tatiana Marlowe] (attn Nolan)

Briefly Tia caught a glimpse of Sjaandin in the distance and felt a little tweak of pain as she saw another woman standing with him before they walked away together.  It wasn't that she had expected anything more than last night but it would have been nice, especially with that particular gift of his species.  She sighed, wondering exactly what she was doing here now.

The hand on her shoulder made her jump and a squeak of surprise exploded from her lips.  She turned to the man who spoke, recognising the voice, heart beating 19 to the dozen.  "Lieutenant Tovarek, you scared the holy hell out of me!" she breathed, hand on her chest as she tried to calm herself.  Her face flushed red when she registered what he had said, "Oh... umm... yes... it's nice what they've done here... thank you... about the dress."

She smiled back at him, looking him over she noted the firm, strong body hiding beneath the white shirt, "Wish I'd thought of a shorts and shirt option... I'm not used to dresses, they usually get in the way when you're elbows deep into an engine."  With a soft chuckle she met his gaze, the glittering blue-green eyes seeming to stare straight down into her soul.

"So... uhh... you're not with anyone here?" she asked, floundering for something, anything to say before wincing at the bluntness of the question.

Miles Renard;  Attn: Cathreen Dawinter

He smirked hearing her words, "I thought you were the one the doctor had to warn about my kind being rough in the sheets." he said with a soft chuckle as he welcomed the kiss again.  His own tail explored and made its away aginst hers and wrapping around it gently.  "Well perhaps later on tonight we can retire to the gym and have a bit of a fun sparring match that is if you want to fight that badly.  Perhaps the two of us will find ourselves in the other situation you mentioned too." he said as he broke the extremely intimate contact and gave her one last kiss on the lips.  "But perhaps we should go on that walk."

---

OOC:  perhaps we should make our own thread at this point since they are walking to somewhere else in the holodeck for some time justto themselves.

[ A New Arrival ] Attn: Kurohigi & IronFerrox

After having taken the turbolift to the right deck, it did not take a minute for ThanIda zh'Wann to step through the sliding doors to the holodeck and emerge on the terrace that overlooked the amphitheatre. The sight and sounds, the air and the scents hit her like a warm wind as she stepped forth and placed her hands on the marble railing.

As Deputy, Ida frowned as she watched the present officers of the two crews mingle in the moonlit night, thinking that if the Calamity struck, they better well still be at the top of their games. She tried to locate Captain Vasser with her eyes alone in the dark night - antennae following her where her squinting eyes gazed - and she was about to give up and enquire where he was in the currently running program when she caught sight of him. The Harbinger's CO was speaking with the woman that seemed more machine than human, who allegedly was the owner of the gun by her hip.

Walking down the steps, Ida closed the distance to the two talking figures, and when she drew near, her moonlit blue features were perfectly reserved and cordial. "You requested the weapon and the inspection protocols, Captain?" she asked Vasser and handed over both to them to him - the gun pulled from her hip and fluidly being presented hilt-first.

She glanced towards the Pinkskin with the synthetic limbs and inclined her head. "I understand you provided assistance in subduing Sonja Acreth on the Harbinger. Well done, Chief Ravenholm."

[Carrigan Trent] Attn Nolan

The Trill's hand on his forearm sent a wave of warmth through Carrigan. Intimacy had been a rare thing since he had first found his way into actual command ranks, even more so after the Harrier had met her end and he was left a broken husk of the man he had once been.

Granted, he had a regular thing going when he was assigned to a listening post, even when he was in charge of it. After all, with such a small crew in such an isolated posting with extremely limited personal communication opportunities and even fewer recreational options, the need for companionship was stronger than ever.

And then, as Chief Tactical Officer, his dalliances had to be either with other members of the senior staff or outside of his department, and as Executive Officer, they had ground to a halt. When he assumed command of the Harrier, there had been offers made to him, apparently as a way to secure positive reviews for various departments and sections and those he refused flat out. After all, it was that sort of thing that had led to his taking command of that ship. And then, while convalescing, he had some contacts with other injured officers but those were few and far between.

And aside from the typical short-lived romance he had while undergoing his training at Starfleet Intelligence's training campus, he had no other relationships since. Especially styler he discovered the rot within Starfleet Command.

And now, with this beautiful Trill at his arm, on this gorgeous beach, he found feelings long buried stirring to life. In fact, he found himself stealing glances downwards as they walked down the beach and away from the main body of the celebration, eyeing the pale flesh that showed at the top edge of Amelya's toga.

When she asked what he had in mind, followed by her playful question, the Intelligence Officer stopped and turned, his arms wrapping about her narrow waist and pulling her in close, his natural hand resting against her lower back while his synthetic one was kept carefully away, evidently self-conscious about its nature and the fact it did not have the padding and artificial skin covering that was common with modern prosthetics. "Well, I'm not a spy so I don't know any of their fancy tricks. But I'm told that a moonlight swim is always a good thing. Especially when there isn't any swimwear involved."

And then, making a move as bold as he had ever been known to do when he was a Cadet undergoing his tactical training, manning a tactical station or commanding a ship, he bent down and placed a kiss on the Trill's lips.

[Edena Rez] attn: TheBanshee

He wants to talk.  What do I do? Edena thought in the direction of Illya and Kiya, calling upon their council now more then ever.  You open your mouth and make words come out!  Don't act like you you never spoken before!  Leave it to Illya to cut to the point of it.  She sweet nothings were saved for those she was trying to seduce and no one else.

"I suppose a lot has happened.  When last we spoke, I most certainly wasn't a Commander," she said, brushing some hair behind her ears as he head lowered, suddenly elf conscious about her clothes.  Was the hem too short on her sun dress?  Was a floral pattern too cheesy for a tropical site like Risia?  Wenn Cinn mentioning the amulets around their necks had made her entirely too self-conscious.  This is too weird.  I can't do this.

You do it or let me take over, and if you do that, you ain't getting to complain about anything I say or do.  Trusting Illya with her body sometimes felt like trusting a Ferengi to watch your cargo ship a light year away from a trading station.  She was the social butterfly, though, and with some hesitance, Edena did surrender control of her body, and Illya put on her best Edena impression, to leave no one the wiser.

"I apologize for the way you were recieved when you first came back.  I'm sure you can understand.  There was a time when I was the one behind a forcefield, for the good of the ship.  I've had to adopt that paranoia for myself, to protect Theurgy and all who serve aboard her.  It was not a personal slight towards you.  Your service record speaks for itself."



[Declan Vasser] attn: Lucan and ironferrox

With Ida delivering the weapon and the diagnostic report, Vasser went over it, his eyes focused upon it for a few seconds, before looking back to Ida.  "You're inappropriately dressed, Lieutenant.  Your captain and myself agreed that uniforms should be left out of this holodeck, and you deserve as much time to unwind as everyone else here."  Even if it sounded like he was disciplining her, it was clearly meant to insist that the Andorian enjoy herself, take that much needed rest and relaxation that this event was meant to inspire.  If she had been intending to thank him for sticking up for her, then a good start was honoring his request and get herself something more comfortable to wear and enjoy the festivities.

"Your report appears thorough, as does that of miss Ravenholm.  It's an impressive piece of technology, Selena, and after our activities here have ended, and we are back on the Harbinger, I'll draw up the needed reports of my own to sanction the weapon to be carried on the bridge.  Just do me a favor and keep it on setting one unless we get attacked by anything resistant to that level, like Ensign Acerth.  Now that the business side of things is out of the way, I'll have to insist, as a commanding officer as well as a ranking one, that the both of you have fun.  Objections shall be denied."



[Nathan Isley] attn: Searcher

The lovely head nurse most definitely had a sense of humor, if her choice of drink was any indication.  The fact that she was a bit bent over the bar, awaiting her drink, only made the comment more enticing.  "With that body, and that outfit, I din't think you'll have any problems filling that request," spoke Wolf oh-nine, known to most everyone else as Nathaniel Isley.  Strong arms folded over each other and braced him again the bar beside her, calling for a refill of his own drink, which consisted of nothing more then a unmixed liquor in a glass with ice.  Like Eve, he had dressed in beach wear, which for him only consisted of a pair of dark blue shorts reaching almost to the knee, while his bare upper body was made available for any appreciative eyes that sought to behold it.

[Simon Tovarek] Attn Banshee

Simon couldn't help but to chuckle a bit as the fresh lieutenant seemed to jump into the air as he touched her shoulder and her reaction was even more amusing. "I didn't mean to frighten you lieutenant." He said to calm her down and nodded as she thanked him for the remark on her dress. Back on Earth they had a saying when people would be caught off guard and would react so surprised, but Simon left it the little memory to himself as she started about wanting to have the option to wear a shorts and shirt option.

"Well I certainly hope you won't be going elbow deep into any engines any time soon." He answered her with a smile and kept his eyes locked on hers "Besides, I think nearly every woman would look good with a dress... Depending what kind of course..." He said and smirked a bit.

Slowly shaking his head, Simon continued "No, I managed to get in a bit too late for the opening ceremony and after that I got a bit lost by the sights of Risa... So yes..." He paused now and thought about what to say next. It had been a while since he tried being this social. "Would you want anything to drink? Or shall we just take a stroll somewhere away from all these people?" he asked her with a genuine warm smile. He already offered his arm to her, wether it was to go down to the bar or to take a stroll.

[Selena "Luna" Ravenholm] attn: Lucan and Kurohigi
The augmented human smiled and spoke aloud close enough to the weapon for its sensors to hear her voice. "Paralizer, switch to setting zero." she said as there was a small chirp issued by the weapon signifying that it had heard her order.

"There, now the safety's on she said looking over, and my actions would have only been useful if it hadn't been for the quick actions of Miss Neleo.  the fact that she isn't human is probably the only reason we were spared a bloodbath on the bridge.  Besides, from what I can tell the only reason my weapon even had an effect on her, was whatever this parasite is it's got an ability to adjust to whatever opposition is thrown at it.  It's almost like a borg drone in the way they are able to self shield from phasers.  Hit them with something unexpected and they are helpless until their hive mind can create a counter.  In my case I think it was the fact that the first hit was a paralytic agent which it was already overcoming when I sent the electricity through to it.  As for the amount I was sending it was on the highest level 2 setting which was just barely under the amount of juice to ignite the air around it and turn it into a whip shaped plasma torch.  Instead the effects were like a human taking a 20th century tazer and somehow shrugging off the effect."  she said to Ida knowing that she may find it useful to know what damage a normal human would have suffered she fired should have done vs what it actually did do.

In her mind she was already subconsciously processing the necessary design alterations and such to create a new model of the paralizer.  This model she knew she would make sure to care not for hiding it.  It would have the necessary structural integrity to do just as Vasser suggested and she would do as he said and utilize the more cumbersome size to allow for greater energy output.  No more need to just hide it and not be known to have a hold out weapon.   This model would be a paralizer in name and lowest settings only.  It's primary function would be to make a weapon that these parasites would learn to fear.

[ Deputy zh'Wann ] Attn: Kurohigi & IronFerrox

When she was told that she had not adhered to the dress-code for the event, ThanIda zh'Wann was about to object and say she came at Captain's Vasser's own request, but when the Harbinger's Commanding Officer said that she has the right to enjoy herself just as everyone elses, she took a deep breath. It seemed the Pinkskin had the best of intentions despite his tone.

"This Andorian serve so that Commander Wenn might reacquaint himself with the crew now that he has returned," she said and cloaked her tone with formality, though she knew it was an excuse to avoid the kind of event that was being hosted. After what she had done at Niga, she was not about to remind the crew about it by enjoying a night of decadence.

Yet when Captain Vasser insisted and would not take 'no' for an answer, Ida took the Pinkskin's word quite seriously - the mouth she'd open to excuse herself snapping shut and her antennae rising in reaction to the peripetia that beset her quiet evening in her office. Have fun? She looked around, feeling a bit trapped and not yet seeing the merit to leave her post in Security for sake of merriment. Orders were, however, orders - meaning that she had little choice.

So while Chief Ravenholm spoke of her weapon and what had happened on the Harbinger, Ida took a deep breath and stepped away to contact the highest ranking available officer to assume her post should anything happen, and to contact her if anything the least suspicious happened aboard. Once she was done, though, she got back to Captain Vasser and the bionic woman in time to hear of the comparison to the Borg.

"You might be right," she said in regard to the possible adaptation feature, and she glanced around before unzipping her uniform jacket, and despite her stoic mien as she did it, she felt embarrassed about doing it before Captain Vasser. "Though it is just a theory, and without hard evidence, I will stick to protocol on this, for I would be hesitant to be too presumptuous about the abilities of the enemy. Not unless proven true. We know too little, and if we happen to face a similar situation here on the Theurgy now that she is being held in our Brig, orders for maximum stun and phaser assault rifle armament for all present personnel will stand. It has worked twice with guaranteed effect, so I cannot have my people take any chances."

She shrugged back her uniform from her shoulders and folded it over her arm before opening her undershirt, and while she was self-conscious about it, she thought of the precautions taken with their prisoner. Her forcefield controls were running on a separate system and demanded the highest authorisation to be lowered. "I am not disputing the effect of your weapon, Chief Ravenholm, I am merely hesitant to draw hasty conclusions when our crew's lives are at stake. Yet hopefully," and cleared her throat before removing her undershirt as well - her white bra almost glowing against her blue skin in the moonlight, "we can learn more about the enemy from the medical scans that are being evaluated, but I understand Medical is busy with all the injured and with the Lieutenant Morali project, so we'll have to use what we have right now."

Realising that even if she had been respectful in her tone, discrediting the civilian's word might not be socially acceptable among Pinskins even if it came to matters of one's duty. She amended this as best as she might, even if she had never understood the need to tip-toe around such things. In the Andorian Guard, the woman would have been disciplined for making ungrounded suggestions that would bear such consequences. "Perhaps you are correct, but I want Dr. Nicander's word on it first. I will ask his opinion on this first chance available," she said and smiled as amiably as she could, even if she'd want nothing else than leave for her office.

She glanced towards Captain Vasser, unsure what to say. "Thank you," she managed and nodded in acknowledgement that she had not been able to give him on that day in the Harbinger's Brig. "For before. I am gratified you saw merit in my actions where there was none perceived by others."

[Wenn Cinn] (attn Kurohigi)

For a moment Cinn thought the woman who was his new XO was a little uncertain of herself, certainly her body language suggested as much.  Then she changed, as though picking herself up and dusting herself off before broaching the subject at hand. 

"Yes, the last time we met I believe I was carting you off to the brig for being a spy," he smiled at the woman who had gone from enemy to bosom ally in the time he had been missing.  He didn't resent it or feel at all threatened by it.  That's just how it was and Jien had had good reasons for doing so.

"I understand now why I was treated the way I was and had I had to make the call I would have done the same without any hesitation.  I trust we can start afresh?  The past is behind us and I would like to at least be on speaking terms with my boss," with a grin he offered her his arm, "Can I at least get you a drink before we start getting into the whys and wherefores?"

He might have heard the information from Jien but Cinn wanted to hear the story directly from the woman in question.  Second hand information was at best tinted with personal influences, much better to hear it directly and take the facts from the main witness' perspective.



[Tatiana Marlowe] (attn Nolan)

Tia's face only reddened further as he kept his gaze fixed on hers, "I know you didn't... it's just that... well I'm not used to things like this and I certainly wasn't expecting anyone to voluntarily come and talk to me.  I thought I would be able to hide away in the shadows until I'd been here long enough to not be leaving early.  As for the engines, I hope not too.  I would really like this to go smoothly since I have to be here.  The last thing I need is to be called away, dressed like this, to some emergency."

A small frown creased her forehead as she thought about his comment about the dress, "I hope you aren't advocating a return to the uniform back in the 23rd century.  Bending over in one of those would expose far more than I'm willing to... I was halfway in the wall with that cloaking device... anyone stood behind me..."

A little flustered Tia took his arm, reacting to his offer of a drink and escape from people rather than actually thinking about what she was doing, "Yes, drink, please.  Then maybe getting away from the crowd would be a good thing."

[Simon Tovarek]

Simon smiled as Tatiana continued to talk on about emergencies and escaping the event as soon as she could. He didn't reply to it and just let her talk a bit. Yet when she brought up the uniform they had to wear in the 23rd century, he couldn't manage to subdue a small snicker. "Hmm, I didn't mind those uniforms to be fair..." He murmured and started to make a mental image of Tia halfway the wall in one of those uniforms. The image he got was not one that he regretted for thinking up and he managed to smirk a bit before he felt her arm take his.

As they made their way down to the bar he looked at the flirting people all over the place now and spoke on a lower tone "Now that you brought it up, I have some questions about the cloaking device. More specifically about the energy consumption of it. I was planning possible course trajectories in the holosuites a few hours ago but lacked some data for the final calculations." He said to her. The memory of Thea and him in the holodeck was brought back to his mind and he looked around quietly as they waited by the bar to catch a glimpse of the AI.

He asked Tia what she wanted to drink and than placed the order. As they waited for their drinks he looked at the mass of people gathering on the beach and the bar "So do you have any preferences on where you want to go after we got our drinks?" he asked her as it got pretty hard to talk normally in this crowd "I heard they have some sort of subterranean gardens or so, unless you prefer the ocean."

[Tatiana Marlowe]

By the time she had realised she was walking arm in arm with Simon it was far too late and she resigned herself to being there.  So many people were around, talking, flirting and generally taking advantage of this time away from work.

Relief flooded over her as he spoke about the cloaking device, something finally she could talk about and not be embarrassed or self-conscious about.  Talking to him about that, despite their attire, was something she could do without turning into a gibbering wreck.

"I'd be happy to help," she replied, confidence in the topic brimming over as she smiled broadly, "The gardens sound lovely, nice and peaceful to talk about power consumption and trajectories without sand or people getting in the way.  Yes, that will be perfect."

Tia took her drink when it arrived and had a small sip, "I have to say this beats the raktajino that usually accompanies a discussion about work.  I don't think I'll be able to persuade the Captain that mai-tai's should be standard at all department meetings though."

She took his arm once more, relaxing now the conversation was turning to something she could get her teeth into, "So tell me about your missing data and I'll do what I can to fill in the blanks."

[Declan Vasser]

Selena set her ambitions high, wanting to take a highly effective weapon and improve it so much that it would have been like the jump from warp five to warp nine.  Declan always has a respect for engineers, be they Starfleet or civilian, for that ability to look at something and decide it could be better, to go back and see how to reinvent the wheel.  As a holographic Risian passed by with a tray of drinks, Declan reached out for one, halting the hologram's advance to see if any more hands would be reaching.  "Either of you drink?  I don't usually indulge, but this seems like the right time for it."  He paid careful attention not to discuss the matters of business, a subtle nod to the women to leave matters of weapons calibrations and medical exams for another time, and just enjoy themselves.

An appreciative glance graced Ida's body as she discarded her uniform, stripping down to plain white underwear which had a way of proving not too effective of hiding her.  Sure, it didn't show off anything much, but if the artificial humidity on the holographic beach was any indication, she might find it becoming rather see through eventually.  She thanked him for something that, after all they'd been through, felt like ages ago.  "I call them like I see them, and I thought you made the right call.  You put a life in danger ahead of everything else, and that is what a true officer should do.  The only people beyond saving are the ones we give up on.  It is my hope that the security on board this ship and mine never give up on someone still living."


[Edena Rez]

"A drink would be lovely.  Something sweet," she said, knowing Edena's taste buds usually took to a sweet drink over something bitter like beer or raw like hard liquor.  A mixed drink was just what Illya thought Edena's body could use.  "Your boss huh?  I suppose that was something you never would have considered when last we met, when I was sitting in the brig, discovered as a Starfleet Intelligence Operative.  Commander Nerina did her job well.  I just found myself occupying her position when it needed to be filled, mostly because I was gutsy enough to test Doctor Lucan's cure during the Outbreak.  I trust you've already read the incident reports from before your return?  There aren't many who will talk about aloud any more, unless it's in a therapist's office, and they are required to."

(http://www.furaj.ba/images/gallery/full/elizabeth_hurley_beach_2010_leopard_print_pareo.jpg)Lt. Eve Jenkins - Head Nurse

Attn: Dr. Maya and Kurohigi

Eve had only hoped to lighten the mood more, make people around laugh since that was the objective of this little festival.  O'Connell's reaction brought her head around, her eyes wide with surprise and then she smiled warmly and quite apologetically.  "Master Chief O'Connell, I apologize for offending you.  Admittedly I don't usually have much shame but I was simply ordering a tropical drink."  There was no guile or deceit in her expression, merely concern as she felt some of his emotions.

"With that body, and that outfit, I don't think you'll have any problems filling that request."  Eve turned her head to see Nathan Isley 'bellying' up to the bar and a slow smile formed, then a slow wink.  "That's a relief to hear.  There's many gorgeous women here I worried," she teased lightly.  She wasn't really worried but it was a bit of a game.  A game that she held up with the universal 'one moment please' finger to Isley so he wouldn't think she was ignoring him.

  She turned back to O'Connell for a moment, the teasing gone.  "I'd like to talk with you sometime soon if you don't mind, sometime after the party since we're all supposed to be trying to relax."  It was a friendly request though it did have a bit of that clinical 'come to my office' sound.  Most likely if he didn't come by within a day or two, she would seek him out on her own.

Looking to the blue skinned security officer, she nodded hearing the rather blunt reply about her weapon.  "There is no offense; you were making a professional judgement of my weapon compared to traditional Federation weaponry based on your experience in the field of security.  While I may be proud of my weapon I know it has its advantages and disadvantages, and for most operations traditional Federation weaponry is much better suited.  Hell the thing I am the most proud of is that no one would have ever known I had it unless I had pulled it out.  I'm just glad that when I had to use it it preformed adequately to the task," she said matter of factly. 

The cyberneticially augmented parts of her brain alerted her that given her previous words that someone, herself included, could easily have slipped in a joke regarding male genitalia on a otherwise female body, the so-called 'ITS A TRAP.' meme of a certain Federation Network image-board forum.  She missed having the opportunity to browse it due to being cut off from the net in their 'exile.'  She would have to find some way to rectify that issue while not revealing their location to those watching for the wanted ships.  Still she had other 'business' to attend to at the moment primarily trying to find out what she had been sent to discover in the first place and now seemed like an ample opportunity to begin her subtle investigation.

The cyborg couldn't help but smile softly hearing the offer. from her captain, "I'll take a drink under one condition, Sir.  You join me for it."  she said with a soft flirtatious smile. as she slid the weapon down against her thigh and her artificial leg opened up so she could stash the weapon away again safely within the apparently seamless compartment in her thigh.   "So what do you say Captain; care to treat a girl to a drink?"

[ Deputy zh'Wann ] Attn: IronFerrox & Kurohigi

In just her uniform trousers and her bra, ThanIda had thought she'd caught Captain Vasser to look upon her Andorian body yet she was not quite sure. Perhaps it was human to look upon the female form when the opportunity presented itself, rather than with her own people where display of skin was rather common. His words was more kind than she had expected, and she felt a warm feeling of pride and assertion in regard to her actions. For even if Vasser had lost his Chief of Security because of her, he still thought that one should take the chance to save someone if there was a chance to do so.

She took the drink in her free hand, her uniform jacket folded over the other arm, and she was just about to tell Captain Vasser how gratified she was that he approved of her actions despite how he lost Lieutenant Dee, but Chief Ravenholm spoke up ahead of her.

"I'll take a drink under one condition, Sir.  You join me for it... So what do you say Captain; care to treat a girl to a drink?"

Ida shut her mouth, looking between the civilian and the Captain - realising that she might have intruded upon something in coming there as ordered. In part she felt a little bit humiliated at being so blatantly pushed aside by the cybernetically enhanced woman, and on the other hand she realised that she had wanted to speak more with the Harbinger's Commanding Officer since he had been more kind to her than Captain Ives ever had been. In fact, now that Wenn Cinn had returned, she had thought that the Harbinger might be in need of someone to protect the skeleton crew. A chance to start over. Yet she had not spoken with Cinn about it yet. Nor Captain Ives. She had wanted to see if Captain Vasser was in need of her first.

Given what had happened when Sonja Acreth broke out, the Harbinger only had a Petty Officer, and no ranking Line Officers to fill the spot of David Cerrato. Not only was Dyan Cardamone too low of Non-Comissioned rank, but she wasn't even who she'd claimed to be - apparently an infiltrator just like Ensign Acreth had been. The matter was apparently not entirely sorted out yet, so Ida had been hesitant to bring it up.

Yet now, it seemed, she was suddenly the fifth wheel, so she cleared her throat and looked away - unsure if she'd just walk away or suffer the awkwardness of the situation a few seconds more.

Then again, this might just be my chance to return to my office...

Attn: Dr. Maya

Hayden entered the bar area offering a polite smile to those who caught her eye.  Fortunately, most everyone appeared to be busy talking to other people and generally having a good time, which was after all, the point of all this.  Hayden was happy to see her crewmates relaxing and enjoying each other's company, and even felt a small amount of personal pleasure from it, but if she were completely honest, she wasn't in much of a party mood.  As Chief Counselor, however, she knew it would be bad form to not be seen socializing with the group.  Even if she wanted to go off and brood somewhere by herself, she wasn't confident she could find the privacy she sought, and didn't relish the notion that someone would stumble upon her looking less than festive.

She was still feeling numb, and though she accepted that as a normal response to what had happened - she'd taken to mentally referring to the deaths of her Harbinger crewmates as "what had happened" though it hardly did them justice - she kept waiting to feel connected to the universe again.  O'Connor hadn't even cried yet, though she'd tried.  She'd never experienced clinical depression personally before, but she remembered those who had describing a universe absent of color. 

She found it rather apt. 

Hayden's colors weren't gone, but they were definitely muted.  At least when she was fighting for her life aboard the Harbinger, she had felt alive.  The adrenaline had seen to that.  Now?  She was trying to come back to herself again, and the only thing that brought her comfort was believing work would eventually snap her out of it, if only out of sheer necessity. 

At the moment, she would just have to deal with sheer idle time by trying not to feel lonely at a bar full of people.

She sat down next to a younger man with dark hair, who seemed at first blush, agitated.  She didn't get the impression he was close to becoming aggressive, so she ignored him, keeping her attention on the bartender.  "Something coconut flavored, but non-alcoholic, please."  She knew better than to compound her emotional state with alcohol, even synthetic

OOC:  Uh, oh, looks like you need to modify your entry Counselor.  It looks like the end got cut off.

(https://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/156/a/5/o_connell_by_auctor_lucan-d7l5lue.png)

Attn: The Counselor

"Yes Ma'am," a blushing Billy Bob O'Connell smiled disarmingly at the Theurgy's head nurse.  She was right of course.  There was no reason why she couldn't order a drink, flirt, and do a whole lot more just because the ship's maintenance chief was studying to be a halfwit.  He was about to beat a hasty retreat, but changed his mind when he noticed Eve Jenkins appraising him with her medical eye.  Rolling his eyes he plopped himself down before she had a mind to have him sent to sickbay.   

It was then he heard a woman's voice say "Something coconut flavored, but non-alcoholic, please."   Someone was at a party and refused to drink?  "Sounds like somebody is still on duty," he smiled wryly.  Out of curiosity he turned his head and saw what he had been dreaming of all his life, but unfortunately it was the last thing he wanted to see now.

The vision of loveliness was five feet, eight inches of female whose mysterious brown eyes, alluring high cheekbones, and full sensuous lips were complemented by a lithe, runner's body.  As Billy's pants got in a family way he was assaulted by the memories of the violations he had suffered from the alien pollen and the Ishtar incident.  He grimaced painfully and took a step backwards before swearing under his breath and shaking his head. 

'Great first impression Billy Bob,' he thought angrily.  'She probably thinks you're as crazy as popcorn on a hot stove.'

Hayden was hoping her request to the bartender would be audible only to him and would get lost in the din of conversations around her.  This wasn't because she cared if people knew she was there or what she was drinking.  O'Connor was old enough and professional enough to ask for what she wanted without worrying about being judged.  She wasn't in any mood to give up even the smallest control of her faculties, and the doctor in her knew any alcohol or synthahol would do that to her, even if she didn't get wasted and even if she could shake the effects off when she chose.  No, she hoped her order would get lost in the din so she could get lost in her thoughts for a little while.

It was not to be.  Taking a deep breath against the impulse to bite back, Hayden knew she was reacting unfairly even as she fought the surge of irritation.  The man's emphasis on the word somebody just seemed to rub her the wrong way.  So she didn't want to get wasted...what of it?  So what if she was still on duty?  She was the  Chief Counselor for the Theurgy.  Counselors didn't go off-duty, at least not in reality.  She didn't have the luxury of clocking out just because her shift was over.  All of this went through her mind in a blink even as she pasted a smile on her face and she turned to face the man who had spoken to her.

Before she could say something in return, however, she thought she heard him curse, a sharp departure from the confidence and wry humor she'd detected in him just a second ago.  She saw him step back and wondered if he'd hurt himself.  Just her luck if he was already plastered.  "You ok?"

(https://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/156/a/5/o_connell_by_auctor_lucan-d7l5lue.png)

Attn: The Counselor

"What?  Oh don't worry 'bout me none.  I'm as happy as a weasel in a hen house," a blushing Billy Bob lied to Hayden.  "Guess I should stop bendin' an elbow afore I'm as full as a tick.  Ain't seen you round here before.  Billy Bob O'Connell, at your service.  I'm one of the top engineers round here.   Spent all day repairing the hull and the flight deck.  Theurgy's my baby know what I'm sayin'?"

When Hayden tried to respond, O'Connell cut her off.  "Now I know, I say, I know what you're about to say!  You're right, the Theurgy belongs to all of us; there ain't one man who can take credit for her.  Yuh got me.  I was just blowin' my own horn some."

Just when she was about to speak Billy Bob cut her off again.  Either girls made him nervous or he had a phobia of awkward silences.  "Ah there's no point lying to yuh," he admitted as his bravado faded.  "I'm gonna be goin' on my way anyhow.  I got a lot to do and I gotta get back to work.  You're absolutely right little lady.  There's no point being three sheets to the wind now is there?"

He looked into her eyes and Hayden could actually see thought.  Now that he had stopped talking for two seconds it appeared like his brain was finally working.  He looked at her with a grave expression and said "I can see it in your eyes that your heart really ain't here neither.  Want to get out of here and put some clothes on?  If you need to bend an ear, I'm right here for yuh, no strings attached.  If I was in the mood for that kind of thing I'd stay here till I got lucky."

"Me?" he sighed as he looked around at the crowed of revelers.  "Right now I'm the resident killjoy.  If I stayed, I'd just wreck it for everybody else.  I'm not in the mood for a festival that's the glorification of he-in and she-in, if you catch my drift.  Besides, I have to pull up stakes before someone in charge notices that somebody stole my rudder and orders me to have a meeting with the counselor, you know what I'm sayin'?  I heard tell that the Theurgy's got itself a new head shrinker, but if I see her she'll do the sensible thing and pull me off duty where I won't be doing anything more important than maintaining the food replicators."

He looked back at Hayden.  "How about you?  I can see from that haunted look in your eyes that the new counselor will pull your duty too if you let her.  You want to pull out and meet up Below Decks after we get dressed?  We can put our heads together and come up with some nonsense that'll keep the counselor off our backs.  You don't gotta drink anything stronger than sarsaparilla, I promise."

It was almost a minute before Hayden realized that he had stopped talking and was finally going to let her get a word in edgewise.

---

OOC:  Having a little fun there Counselor.  Let me know if I need to cut down on Billy's colorful way of talkin' (and my God-moding).  I can remove the last sentence too if you decide that Hayden speaks up quicker. 

[Nathan Isley]

Eve Jenkins didn't exactly strike him as the type to get self-conscious just because she wasn't the only attractive woman in a room.  If anything, he imagined she owned a room, came into it with the confidence that she never had to go home alone if she didn't want to.  It was that kind of confidence, along with a bikini bottom and a leopard print half robe that made sure she didn't either.  When she asked for a moment, he gave it to her, settling their drink orders while she was attending other business.  He used his own replicator rations to pay for the drink, seeing it slid over to her as a gift, an invitation to continue engaging him on her own time.  She was the kind of woman you waited for the attention of.


[Declan Vasser]

"Consider it done, miss Ravenholm," Declan replied, taking another drink from the serving plate and handing it to the cybernetic woman.  A third drink was taken then, which vasser held towards Ida.  "Would you join us as well?  I know I must have put you on the spot, asking you to join in the celebrations.  For that reason, i won't see you left high and dry, lieutenant."  He continued to show her the kindness she had come to expect from him.  With Vasser, Ida had a fresh plate, none of the preconceptions and judgments that came with the difficulties of the Niga Incident.  He only saw an upstanding officer, working hard to prove herself to a crew that sometimes held her at arm's reach.

"What should we drink to?" he asked, looking for suggestions from both Cyborg and Andorian beauties.  It seemed only fitting that when drinking with more then one person, that there should be something to drink to.

 (http://www.furaj.ba/images/gallery/full/elizabeth_hurley_beach_2010_leopard_print_pareo.jpg)Lt. Eve Jenkins - Head Nurse

Attn: Dr. Maya, Counselor, and Kurohigi

Perhaps it was because she was more mentally than physically fatigued at the moment but the shielding she always kept up seemed to flag now and then and right then it flagged to where she felt the lie roll of O'Connell's tongue.  The lie and the pain, embarrassment, and other things that made his desire seem shameful to him.  She looked to the Chief Counselor and gave her a little tilt of the head toward the engineer when he wasn't looking her way, a silent communication that indicated the man needed some help and she hoped since he was certainly attracted to Hayden that he would allow her to do just that for him.

Another empathic sensation was to her right, one that was confident and respectful.  Turning back to Nathan, her smile was warm and she picked up the drink he'd gotten for her.  "Thank you, Nathan," she said with a bright yet still alluring voice, giving his name a little different flavor.  "I was glad to see our Wolves come in mostly safe and sound."  She wanted to focus on the positive, the ones who were still with them and not the losses ... like Esther.  It was easier yet to focus on the man before her, the body of a god and a smile that would charm the clothes off almost any woman.  Leaning a little closer as she took a sip, he would catch a whiff of something like perfume yet it was something natural and even more alluring than her sultry voice.

Selena smiled softly hearing the Captain's response.  "Of course You are welcome to stay if you wish,  Speaking of which Captain I know this isn't the time for business, but perhaps at some point you could talk to Captain Ives.   According to her files she was until recently The Theurgy's chief of security. Also there are reasons to suggest that others on the ship may consider her partially responsible for the Niga incident.  Perhaps amongst the other officer exchanges that have taken place you should put in a request to have her transferred over to the Harbinger.  Based on the present information she is the highest ranked and most experienced officer in that field that Ives may be willing to part with.  For lack of a better term I believe random chance has presented to us the perfect candidate to replace our late chief of security and possibly gain an officer with a wealth of experience unmatched in much of the Federation.  Speaking frankly it would be foolish for the two of you to ignore this potential opportunity."  AS she had spoke her voice had became flat and neutral almost monotone,  some could even call the voice eerily impersonal to the point of sounding robotic.  For lack of anything else the thousand mile stare she wore as she spoke and the complete disregard for any form of tact in the way she brought up things made her not only seem a bit distant but almost dead inside as she said her piece.

As suddenly as she had shifted her focus earlier the focus returned and she was back to being the slightly bubbly eager girl of before.  "Ya know, that gives me an idea for our toast, 'To new opportunities!' she said eagerly as she raised her glass.

Deputy ThanIda zh'Wann Attn: Kurohigi & IronFerrox

When the Pinkskin with the artificial arms and legs began to speak, Ida had been about to correct her about her temporary responsibilities on the Theurgy, yet the way she droned on with information that she didn't feel entirely comfortable with made her mouth open and close a few times - her blue eyes widening. My files? Why would she look at..? she began to think, yet then the mentioning of the Niga incident made her clench her jaws in instant humiliation - not having wanted Captain Vasser to have any reason to believe those lies.

Yet even as she bared her teeth to bite off the Pinkskin's head, her face became expressionless in surprise when this Ravenholm gave voice to her own idea - having planned to speak with her two closest superiors first before talking openly about the notion to leave the Theurgy. To have the words ripped from her was awkward to say the least, and at the point when Chief Ravenholm shifted gears and happily announced what they ought to toast to, Ida could but raise her glass slowly with a stricken expression.

"I..." she began and cleared her throat, looking around so that she would not have Cinn or Captain Ives right behind her when she addressed the things that had been said. "I was Acting Chief of Security after Commander Grayson was killed in the line of duty while we engaged the Calamity the first time. I have never been more than Deputy officially."

She glanced towards Captain Vasser next, her antennae lowering in resolute denial of the next issue. "I was as much a victim as anyone else during the Niga Incident. The only difference was that I was the first victim. I certainly had no intentions towards aiding the cause of that pollination spreading across the entire galaxy and reducing all known societies to..." she made an angry gesture, not wanting to discuss the details further, "...that."

Taking a calming breath she glanced between the two Harbinger people she spoke with, finally addressing the idea that reflected her own. "I would not be object to being transferred, yet only after I have had a chance to speak with my department and my superior officers on the Theurgy. I am not going to speak out of turn in this matter, since the decision is not mine to make in any regard. I..."

She trailed off and glanced towards Captain Vasser. "I do think that it would be an honour to serve as Chief of Security, and from what I have observed, I think I would perform well under your kind of leadership, Captain. If you would have me... of course."

[Nathan Isley] attn: Searcher

"We do our best to come in alive, Nurse Jenkins.  When you're a pilot, there aren't many injuries that don't resolve in death."  Destruction of one's fighter was the worst, but there was also the possibility of being sucked out into space, where the elements would decimate any human form short of a Species 8472.  A broken arm for severe concussion was usually the best one could hope for.  "I suppose if there was any shame in that fact, it's that you and I have never had a chance to be properly acquainted because of it.  Maybe I should have gone into the holodeck with the safety off to get myself hurt and have an excuse."  He grinned at her, the kind of grin that seemed to say he was liking everything he saw when he looked at her.  By the time her scent caught his nose, there would be no doubt that Eve didn't need any pheromones to get Nathan's interest.  He already wanted to take her to a bedroom . . . hell, anywhere would be fine by him, so long as it involved getting her clothes off and seeing that Human-Deltan perfection.


[Declan Vasser] attn: ironferrox and lucan

When Ida attempted to defend herself against the reports on the Niga incident, Declan held a hand up to stay her.  "I have read the reports, Lieutenant, and I am inclined to agree with you.  You were a victim, perhaps the biggest one of all.  You not only suffered the same indignities as your fellow crew, but you also live with the fact that you were the Trojan horse that brought it aboard the ship.  It had to be difficult, likely still is.  You need not defend yourself to me.  I do not hold you responsible for anything that happened, no more then I would accuse anyone else who had been affected."  It was agreed that such crimes would not be set upon those who were affected, as they were not in their right minds, but someone, Ida had been exempt from that along the way, the sole one mistreated for her part. 

"I would agree with miss Ravenholm.  You would be a welcome asset on the Harbinger, and a fresh assignment might not only help you get past such dealings, but perhaps remind your fellow crew how important you are."  She stepped up to take over when there was no security chief, had saved lives when Acerth made her attempt on the good doctor Lucan.  She was worthy of commendation, not judgment.  "I would allow you the time you need to make the decision, but hope you would at least allow me to enjoy your company this evening?"  A drink was to be shared between the three of them, a good start to the night.  If tonight was about unwinding, then there was no sense holding anything back.  To that effect, Vasser also stated to both Selena and Ida, "No command roles tonight.  You can both speak freely and call me Declan."

As unsociable as Hayden was feeling, she had to admit Billy Bob's speechifying, of which he seemed oblivious, was quite amusing.  Of course, inwardly, and all acceptance of diversity aside, just his name  was enough to cause her some amusement, though she would never admit that aloud.  Counselors were only allowed to be people with biases in theory, and that was especially true for Starfleet counselors, who were particularly expected to avoid any hint of intolerance.

Of course, this meant many people never expected counselors to have a sense of humor either.  Political correctness was understandable to Hayden, and she took that kind of sensitivity seriously, but she wouldn't deny it sometimes made building relationships awfully difficult.

Rather than interrupt O'Connell as she attempted a few times, she ultimately decided to let him drone on.  Mostly because she didn't expect to be able to get a word in edgewise, but also because she rather enjoyed the time she had to be just some nameless member of the crew and not "Counselor O'Connor."  She was certain if she told him who she was, he would either run from her completely, or the conversation would become so awkwardly proper, Hayden's teeth and cheeks would hut from smiling politely,

Her expectations were confirmed when Billy Bob mentioned the new head shrinker, completely unaware he was speaking to the very shrinker herself.  She found the whole situation hilarious, and would have found it even more so, had he not mentioned the part about the head shrinker pulling him off-duty as the sensible thing to do.  As much as she enjoyed being just one of the crew tonight, it would be irresponsible to let a comment like that go, but more importantly, it would be unethical for her not to disclose who she was and let him pour his heart out to her.  It was better to be honest now, because there was no way it wouldn't come out at some point.  The only question was whether she wanted to risk him feeling betrayed by the truth or not.

Seemingly to confirm her instincts, her eyes met those of Eve Jenkins, the Head Nurse, who inclined her head toward O'Connell.  Since the nurse had never shown interest in O'Connor's romantic life before, she could only assume her intention was to communicate a professional message.  Hayden nodded back.  She might not have wanted to work tonight,  but now that it was before her, it was not in her character to say no.

Turning to Billy Bob, she offered apologetically, with a gentle smile, "I'd love to get away from here and talk with you, but you should know I'm Hayden O'Connor, that head shrinker you mentioned."  Before he could speak, she reassured, "I'm not offended at all by anything you said, I just wanted to give you the choice to go with me or not.  It wouldn't be fair to deceive you.  I'll understand if you just realized you have somewhere else to be," she added with a wry smile.

(https://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/156/a/5/o_connell_by_auctor_lucan-d7l5lue.png)

Attn: The Counselor

Chief O'Connell blushed, but at least he was smiling.  "I couldn't have dug myself deeper if'n I had a new shovel huh?" he snickered.  "No really, I knew it was you.  The whole 'not drinking on duty' thing was a dead giveaway," he blustered, but whether or not he had really recognized her as the new counselor before he shot his mouth off was questionable.  It was likely that he had forgotten the old adage:  Better to keep quiet and let people think you're a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

There was only one thing to do to turn this around:  Get proactive and turn it around. 

He grinned a confident smile that had melted many a heart in the past but probably wouldn't melt any hearts now on account of Billy Bob's face being as red as a Starfleet captain's collar.  At least he managed to be disarming.  "Shoulda known that only the officer on duty or the ship's counselor wouldn't be drinkin' on a fine simulated evening like this," he shrugged.  "If you're not on the clock my offer still stands.  I can tell you could use some counseling yourself so in my way o' thinkin' that puts us very nearly on equal footing.  At the very least I could convince you that you're not alone.  Or is it the converse?   Ah it don't matter no how.   As long as one of us gets their head on straight it'll be a success.  What say we amscray and meet up in Below Decks after we put some clothes on?  If you want to get an inside out conversation out of me you're gonna hafta put some clothes on," he snickered as his face reddened again.  Hell you're so purty a fella would be lucky to remember his own name let alone what he was gonna talk to you about."

[Wenn Cinn] (attn Kurohigi)

With an outstretched arm he indicated that they should walk together to the bar, "I thought there was more chance of me putting you out an airlock than me calling you boss.  It seems however that it was me that was spaced instead although the Prophets saw fit to send me back again."  The half-smile on his face and hard glint in his eyes indicated that he was only partially joking about jettisoning her back when they first met.

"I've been brought up to speed on most things.  I haven't had the time to get through all the details yet of course but I have a broad impression of what happened since I went MIA.  It seems that despite the initial mistrust that events have conspired to prove your true intentions."

He stopped at the bar and ordered a couple of suitably happy-looking party-type drinks.  When they arrived he handed hers to her and took a sip, "Phekk that is sweeter than I thought."  His eyes squinted as he became accustomed to the taste and laughed, "I did not anticipate that... but it's not bad.  I hope you like it."

Slowly he started to walk away from the throng of people round the bar and thus away from the noise, "I trust you've seen the reports pertaining to my resurrection?"

Selena smiled seeing the Captain listening to her assessment.  It made her feel a lot more secure in the position she was building herself.  Perhaps sooner rather than later she could begin to make her real moves towards the truth.  The more he trusted her the more he would be willing to see her as a potential confidant. The more likely if there was anything not entirely on the straight and narrow he would be likely to make her privy to said information.  Yes this mask was coming together quite nicely tonight.  After all she had now proven her usefulness in potentially scouting out others for his causes whatever they may be.

Still there was something else in her mind at the moment, something that had been triggered since she had listened in on the hail from the Admiral who had hunted them down.  She knew that most people had dark things in their pasts hell when Vasser and the rest of the Harbinger's crew had been assigned to hunt down the Theurgy, the skeletons in Ives closet that this enemy within the Federation had chosen to reveal had been made available.  Upon recieving her higher station she had been privy to the access needed to read what had been made available.  For the most part these charges seemed to hold a fair degree of probable truth, but far under par for the course for the dirt she had dug up before on current and former SI ops.   Hell for guy in Intel, compared to the records she had leaked before Ives was a Saint.  At least when given a sword that allowed him to cut rules and morals aside it had appeared he had at least used a degree of judgement and hadn't abused the power he had been given.  Meeting him face to face had only strengthened her previous opinion. 

On the other hand every second on the Harbinger with Vasser made her feel something was wrong.  The way Vasser seemed to waive the regulations on some things but not others picking and choosing just how "Starfleet" things were run on his ship.  The way his XO was so strict about every rule making her in a sense the bad cop while the Captain was the understanding easier going one just seemed suspicions to her.  Like a facade created to create unflinching loyalty towards the "kind and understanding Captain"  The kicker had been the time the two had just disappeared after they had initially cloaked.  On a ship with an already skeleton crew, at a time when moments before they had been on the brink of death the two had just left the bridge and had not returned for some time having left the bridge with but a noncom helms-woman to staff it alone. 

'What kind of captain leaves the bridge at a time like that?' she thought, 'And why was he and his XO in the same room together, if not for the obvious reasons?' Though those reasons frankly were the least disconcerting to her at the moment.  No, no matter what Captain Ives said she was not going to trust Vasser.  And, she damn well wasn't dropping her guard around that XO of his ever again.

She sighed softly for a moment after finishing her drink, creating a false air of disappointment in her voice, perhaps if she sounded just disappointed enough he would seek her out to try and make things lie they had never been interrupted by business that had turned into the possible pleasure with another.  Perhaps if he wanted in her pants badly enough she would have a chance to learn more. "Well if you two will excuse me I think I'm making for a bit of a third wheel myself now.  You two have fun together; I'll leave you alone to "discuss future assignments."  she said taking her leave feeling much more secure now that the Paralyzer was secure within her hip compartment and secure in that she had left a lasting impression on her target.

Deputy ThanIda zh'Wann Attn: Kurohigi & IronFerrox

Ida was gladdened to hear that Captain Vasser had understood the nature of the threat during the Niga Incident and did not consider her a liability just because she had been the first to be infected. Yet that was but a minor thing compared to hearing him say that she would be a welcome asset on the Harbinger, which was when Ida silently thanked Chief Ravenholm in her thoughts now that the idea had been given voice to and the outcome was so beneficial. There was a risk that Ives or Cinn would hear of this before she presented the idea to them, but she hoped the two Pinkskin in her company could keep it to themselves before then.

Yet Ida's words of gratitude fell off her mind when Vasser finished by saying that he wanted to enjoy her company for the evening, and she was immediately a bit self-concious about standing there before him and the cybernetically enhanced woman in just her trousers and her bra. "Capt-" she began to say yet Vasser had just told them to use his first name, "Declan. Thank you, of course I would accompany you tonight if you want me to. I am, however, afraid I have never been to Suraya Bay so I would not be able to recommend any activities."

At this point, Chief Raveholm seemed a wee bit... hurt, for some reason, and chose to withdraw - leaving Ida a bit confused as to what had just happened. Had the female thought she'd been put aside by Vasser in favour of Ida? Was that truly so? And in that case, what was she supposed to do? Ask her to stay as well? Ida was not sure what would be the just choice. Of course, she did want to speak further with Vasser, but not at the expense of insulting the other woman. She ended up looking towards Vasser since he knew Ravenholm better than she did.

"Pardon me, I did not mean to intrude upon the two of you..." she said quietly and drank from her glass in order to focus on something else than the implications of spending time alone with Captain Vasser before she presented her idea to Ives and Cinn. She looked towards Ravenholm and tried a brief smile even if the woman had seemed to allude to something intimate going on between her and Vasser. "I did not realise I was imposing. I truly didn't."

By Lor'Vela, things had been so much simpler back at her office...

The augmented human laughed softly as she turned from walking away, "Intruding? I wouldn't even be talking to him if he hadn't caught me following him around."  She said hoping that the two bought the cover that she was a shy and timid girl at heart who may at best have had voyeuristic intentions to why she had been shadowing the Captain. "but, after he caught me watching the matter of the weapon came up and one thing led to another and here you are.  Besides I am sure I can find a way to entertain myself here."

"If I stay with him I bet you'll be off to some lonely security office. Clearly the logical means to ensure that both of us are placed in a situation that will ensure our enjoyment will be for me to seek other entertainment and leave you without an excuse to leave some very attractive company.   Clearly one of the best possible scenarios for all parties involved."  she said, another possibility entering her mind though she didn't want to be the one to point it out.  Besides, she was trying to play the slightly shy one here. Pointing out that possibility might ruin the facade; responding to it being brought up on the other hand would only be more fun to act out.  She really was starting to enjoy this mask; perhaps she would have to wear it more often.

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Lt. Eve Jenkins - Head Nurse

Attn: Kurohigi

It was something so many didn't talk about, the true danger that the pilots put themselves in for the rest of the ship.  They hung out together mostly, understanding each other better than any of the rest of the crew could but Eve still chuckled when he said he should have at least turned off the safety protocols on the holodeck.  "I actually prefer to get to know people without using a medical tricorder on them," she replied with a touch of her hand to his.

There was a moment she looked at the gorgeous man before her and felt a certain pang.  Lucan had been so busy with Saresh and other things that they hadn't had a chance to even really just talk yet she had the feeling he hadn't been lacking for company of late as she had, though it was purely her fault.  They had not pledged themselves to each other after all, though she couldn't help loving the man.  Everyone had someone who made them weak after all.

She mentally gave herself a shove, telling herself she was quite stupid.  There was a man in front of her who was clearly interested and she felt attraction to him as well.  Her eyes told him so too as she lifted the glass to her lips and took a long drink of it and him.  Leaning in closer as she set the glass down, she looked up and pursed her lips.  "Perhaps we could go somewhere a little quieter and get to know each other," she suggested, unable to deny her body's needs nor his.

[Edena Rez] attn: thebanshee

"Reports are frankly the best way to catch up with a couple of our encounters.  The Niga Incident and the Mysterious god were both points of difficulty for the crew, the kind of thing that most only talk about in mandatory therapy sessions.  Many of the crew lost memory of the Niga incident, and those were the lucky ones.  My unique blending with the Rez symbiont provided me a measure of immunity during the outbreak, which also means a lot of vivid detail remains."  Edena was horrified to think about it, but Illya, in control of Edena's body, didn't carry the weight as firmly on her shoulders.  She saw it all through Edena's eyes, but just her voice was enough to tell Wenn Cinn that it didn't bother her as much as others.

Taking a sip of her own drink, Illya smiled, enjoying that overly sweet taste.  She had sweeter taste buds then any of the other personalities, making her likely the only one who could have tolerated it, but when she enjoyed a drink, she enjoyed it immensely.  "Life has thrown us far too many bitter pills to swallow.  I will grasp for whatever sweetness I can get my hands on, so thank you for the drink."  as things turned to talk of Wenn's mysterious resurrection, She gave a nod.  "I read the report, though I am afraid much of it is gibberish to me.  The Rez symbiont might be 300 years old, but ot has always had Trill hosts, and Trill are much more firmly rooted in science then faith.  To me, the prophets will always be nothing more then a powerful race of aliens living within the Bajoran wormhole . . . I apologize if that is insulting to your beliefs.  My point is that I believe your return the result of a powerful being, but the prophets?  Can they have an effect this far from Bajor's wormhole?  Or is it the result of another being of considerable power?  The mysterious god we met also had the capability, I think."



[Declan Vasser] attn: ironferrox and lucan

As Selena attempted to dismiss herself, Declan raised a hand first, attempting to stay her before he got the words out.  "Please, miss Ravenholm, don't rush off.  I was enjoying both your company.  I wouldn't want either of you to feel like a third wheel.  Future assignments are a matter of business, and that's not what this time is supposed to be about.  We are all supposed to be enjoying ourselves, and I am enjoying both your company.  I'd very much like to hear some ideas how we might continue it."  Selena and Ida were both excellent company, so why should there be a limitation that said he could only speak with one of them?  Thus far, he hadn't felt like he had gotten to know either of them beyond the scope of work, a shame when one considered they both must have other interests beyond their job, things to share?

"Though maybe you were hoping to find an interested party for that," Declan added to his comment towards Selena, gesturing to what hung around her neck, one very much like the one he had around his own.  Ida's neck was bare, but then so was the majority of her torso, save for that white brassiere which didn't do much to quench any attraction her exotic blue skin brought to the table.  "Been a while since I was on Risa, but what I do remember is that a Horga'hn is displayed by those seeking Jamaharon.  You're aware of what that is, aren't you miss Ravenholm?"



[Nathan Isley] attn: Searcher

"I'm sure your status as Head Nurse makes plenty of people want to know you.  It takes a special kind of person to heal the sick, care for the injured.  You must be very . . . attentive."  What he saw in her eyes was definitely interest, something his own gaze returned with a excess.  When she suggested going somewhere a bit quieter, he smiled, clearly liking the idea and all that it implied.  "Well, I'm sure there is plenty of space out here for us to find a quiet slice of it for ourselves.  Could I interest you in a lovely walk along the water?"  The walk would give them time to discuss things further, while also seeking out a perfect place to lay claim to, to let whatever was going to happen between them happen.  Nathan extended a hand, gesturing toward the beach, his other hand pressing to the small of her back to help guide her forward, wrapping around and resting on her hop as they started to walk away.

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Lt. Eve Jenkins - Head Nurse

Attn: Kurohigi

Eve smiled gently, enjoying how he hesitated before saying she was attentive.  "It's a deep part of me to care about others and easing pain and suffering is second nature to me."  Her expression turned a bit playful and she smiled a little more broadly as the moved away from the bar, his hand smoothing over the thin fabric to rest upon her hip.  "Something tells me you would be all stoic, say It's just a flesh wound when you're missing an arm or such."

It was a compliment really, even if she was teasing him a little.  She saw him for a true man who would hide his own pain for the sake of others.  "I have to say I'm impressed by this simulation.  There are many beautiful places to choose from."  As they'd walked her body drifted closer to his, enough that her arm would brush up against his side.  Each time it happened, it was like tiny electrical pulses shooting between them.  Finally she brought her own arm behind him and let her fingers play along the skin right above the waist of his swim trunks.

Even with the sexual tension growing, she observed him with a medical eye which just melded into making him even more attractive.  He was in peak physical health, had the body of a young god and yet his dark hair and beard gave him a bit of sophistication.  His skin was warm to the touch and firm, the muscles moving smoothly beneath.  Simply put, he was exquisite and she could hardly wait to unveil that part hidden from her in the moment, to touch and taste him then feel him deep within her.

It surprised her immediately Billy Bob didn't go running for the exit, but just as quickly, it seemed he was determined to insult her anyway.  A person's profession wasn't the only reason not to drink, but O'Connell seemed quite eager to equate her drinking habits to her occupation, as if the former made the latter that much more obvious.  In her less than stellar mood, she was tempted to react to the undertone of condescension in his words, and inwardly she felt a flash of irritation.  She took a deep breath, which gave her just enough time to come to her senses.

If she wasn't in such a foul mood, she would've quickly identified the man's behavior for what she realized it could very well be:  an attempt to save face at a time when the fragility of his male ego couldn't bear too much in the face of his blunder.  Of course, she knew not all men were so inclined, and she knew she would be just as guilty as he had been if she were to chalk his behavior up to something as transparent as a stereotype.  Nevertheless, there was a certain cockiness required for being an engineer, similar to that required for fighter pilots or security officers, and Hayden suspected there was some of that in play here.  It didn't sit well with her either that he'd taken her silence as a need for therapy, but then again, he was probably just trying to be friendly.

O'Connor accepted her irritation was distorting her reactions, and in any case, remembering Eve's nod to her, she decided to give the man the benefit of the doubt.  She smiled wanly as he complimented her looks, and automatically looked down when he referenced her attire.  She was wearing a simple sun dress in an emerald green shade that was neither too revealing or short in Hayden's eyes, but in truth, she felt more comfortable in uniform anyway.

"I'm comfortable dressed as I am, but if I'm really that distracting, I can put on my uniform," she replied with a chuckle.  "I'd love to get away from here and shoot the breeze, but do you mind if we go someplace quieter than Below Decks?"

[Wenn Cinn] attn: Kurohigi

"I can't even begin to imagine," Cinn confessed regarding the Niga incident, "and for that I am grateful."  He looked around at the throng of people, most of whom would have been involved in it, wondering how many of the faces were hiding the tears of a clown.  The XO didn't seem to be as disturbed by it as he thought anyone might have been, perhaps the Trill host/symbiot relationship did indeed prevent her from suffering as greatly as the others would have done.

"You are very welcome for the drink and I agree with the sentiment about bitter pills but this has certainly reminded me that I'm alive.  Nothing like a sugar rush to get you awake for the party," he chuckled and licked his lips, still tasting the sweetness from just the small sip he had taken.  He looked at the glass suspiciously, wondering how much sugar his system could take in one go and then shrugged, "I got a second chance, I might as well abuse it."  Taking another sip he pulled another face and laughed, "Yep, abuse it to the max."

Cinn listened to what she had to say about the reports of his return and nodded as she asked about it, "I take no offence at all, if I took offence at everyone who called the Prophets the 'Wormhole Aliens' I wouldn't have time to do anything else.  I have my faith and no-one can take that away no matter what they say about it."

He paused for a moment, considering her questions, "When I was dead it was the Prophets who spoke to me.  I can't explain it any more than you can but I know it was them.  The Orbs of the Prophets have been used many light years away from Bajor and they still allow communication with the Prophets, I can only guess that their influence is greater than anyone thought.  The 'god' you met may have had a similar capability as you suggest but so do the Pah-Wraiths.  It would be presumptuous of me to suggest that no other beings in this universe could have the same powers as the Prophets but I can only tell you what happened from my perspective.  I was resurrected by the Prophets who reside in the Celestial Temple near Bajor."

Cinn remained calm throughout his explanation, he believed what he had experienced to be as he told Rez.  There was no anger, frustration or persuasion in his words simply a calm description of his time with his deities.  As he spoke the calm seemed to radiate from him as his memory took him back to the conversation, humbled and honoured by their attention.

[Selena (Luna) Ravenholm] attn: Kuro and Lucan

Luna turned around and listened to her captain for a moment. Honestly, she was a bit disappointed that she may not be able to have extra time for a bit of "research," but she would find a way to turn things in a direction that favored her goals. She usually did find a way after all.

She shrugged at his question about Risan culture.  She really didn't know and if anything was willing to learn firsthand whatever was necessary if need be.  By the context of the setting and the lack of the usual Federation-standard levels of self-restraint, she could guess that it involved loosening of one's inhibitions.  Given the interactions she had witnessed between crew so far most of those inhibitions seemed to be those centered on sexuality.

Within less than a second's time a signal was sent between her internal systems and the Theurgy shipboard computer.  Much like a PADD up-linking to the host computer, the information was downloaded directly into her brain to computer interface.  Of course she wouldn't let either of them know what she had done.  As far as they knew she was as clueless as she let on.

"Not really, I just took it because they were giving them out and I figured I would just go with the flow of things around here.  Didn't really think to ask; I just took one cause it seemed like the right thing to do at the time."  She replied being honest in a certain way as she hadn't known what it was when she had taken it.

[ ThanIda zh'Wann ] Attn: Kurohigi & IronFerrox

To Ida, it seemed Captain Vasser managed to sway the augmented Pinkskin to stay. If only for a little while longer at least.

Then, when Vasser insisted upon enjoying both the company of them both, the Andorian glanced towards him and wondered in passing if the man meant anything specific by the way he phrased it. Yet her suspicious nature failed her given the jovial circumstances of the event, and especially since she had just heard - with her own ears - that Vasser wanted her to be his new Chief of Security on the Harbinger. She had no reason to justify her usual doubt. Instead, she took the opportunity to pick up a drink from a Risian that passed by with a tray. She had no intention of drinking it though - still considering her shift not to have truly ended.

Yet the topic of Horga'hn and the seeking of Jamaharon that surfaced made her reconsider quite quickly. She turned her head away and sipped the drink in order to cover her stoic embarrassment at the notion that the two Pinkskins were seeking sexual intercourse - having not heard the altered meaning of the necklaces from Rihen's announcement since she had arrived late. Chief Ravenholm seemed oblivious to what she had done, yet to think that Captain Vasser had donned the pendant and sought...

Ida cleared her throat a bit and then took a deep breath. Glass in hand, she folded her arms underneath her chest, not knowing how to proceed. her antenna shifted uncomfortably. Should she tell Ravenholm what she had gotten herself into, or ought she have to figure out for herself? In the end, it was Ravenholm's safety as a woman that won Ida over, but not in the sense that she thought Captain Vasser would take advantage of her. No, for there might be others of less character than Vasser who'd see that pendant and violate the wearer because they'd think it justified. Being a victim of rape as she were, she spoke up before the Captain managed to answer.

"They are usually statues," Ida said roughly and gestured towards the pendant, "and they symbolise an open invitation for anyone visiting Risia that they seek relaxation and satisfaction through sexual contact. They may use other words, but I understand that is the crude meaning. You should take it off, otherwise people will get the wrong idea about you if you do not seek..."

She trailed off, not really having to finish her statement. She downed her drink instead, and in doing so, she caught a glimpse of Wenn Cinn on a terrace. Yet it was not his wide-shouldered frame that caught her eye across the large distance, but the woman to whom he was speaking.

Edena Rez.

Images from the Thermal Springs Lounge flashed before Ida's eyes. What would Cinn say if he'd learned what Ida and his former prisoner had been intimate? It certainly would not help that Ida might be leaving for the Harbinger either. No, she refused to be paranoid, hoping that Cinn would understand. She knew Captain Ives wanted to get rid of her though, so she supposed that was a kind of bittersweet comfort.

To reel in her thoughts, Ida put her drink aside and busied her hands with tying the sleeves of her uniform jacket and undershirt low around her hips. She tried to think of something besides her duties, present and coming. "I paint when I am off duty," she said out of the blue, wanting to change the topic from the pendant that Captain Vasser was wearing. She refused to think anything of it. She looked towards them both, her artist's eye opening a little. "It would be my privilege if either one of you would consider modelling for me sometime. You would both do well illustrated in acrylics or oil. Perhaps not tonight, but whenever the time presents itself."

[Nathan Isley] attn: Searcher

"You know us lone wolves.  We have our stubborn pride in the way of common sense much of the time."  Add to the fact that Nathan had a human's pride with the physical superiority of a Vulcan, mixed with the physique that demanded a certain amount of toughness, and you had a man who didn't easily seek medical attention, though a sight as welcome as Eve was the type to change minds on such matters. 

Feeling her touch against him, that undeniable sexual energy that poured off her in waves, a hand on her hip simply couldn't last.  It was subtle, but his hand did eventually find it's way to her backside, palm pressing against the firm cheek, fingers tensing a bit but not outright groping at her flesh.  If they were more distant from others, he likely wouldn't have settled for touching her above the clothes, but as they shrank away into the distance, that became less and less of a concern.  "Sometimes a lovely nurse needs the attention of someone else as well.  Do you, miss Jenkins?"



[Edena Rez] attn: TheBanshee

Trill might have believed in science rather then religion, but Illya could appreciate the effect it had on Wenn Cinn.  there was a serenity to him when he discussed the Prophets, remembered the divine touch he felt from them.  As a con artist in her time, she learned what to say to people to get what she wanted, something which made her quite capable of serving false roles.  This time, it was less about personal gain and more about building bridges that Edena's time as a detainee had burned.

"I have heard that gods tend to ride their chosen hard.  If the Prophets returned you from the dead, then that must mean they have some grand purpose for you.  Any thought as to what it is?"



[Declan Vasser] attn: Ironferrox and lucan

Selena explained her ignorance to the meaning of the item she carried, while Ida filled in the information with the kind of knowledge that came from someone perhaps well versed in the Risian traditions.  "Spent some shore leave on Risia before?" he asked Ida, curious if that came from first hand information or she was simply a study of many things.  Honestly, between Ida's artistic mind and Selena's deep understanding of all things technical, he was feeling quite outclassed in the intellect department, though welcomed the feeling of raised IQ simply from being in their presence.

When Ida mentioned her painting, it seemed a lovely topic to continue on.  "I would never have thought of myself as a model, though I suppose a skilled artist could make something of this face," he responded, fingertips brushing along his jaw as he suggested Ida capable of removing the imperfections that he thought might plague him.  "Selena would most certainly make a good model, I think.  She is a very beautiful sight, if I may say so as an off-duty commanding officer."

(http://www.furaj.ba/images/gallery/full/elizabeth_hurley_beach_2010_leopard_print_pareo.jpg)
Lt. Eve Jenkins - Head Nurse

Attn: Kurohigi

"Stubborn and yet noble at the same time, something I find quite admirable," Eve replied.  She knew if it were simply attraction that many more Wolves as well as Theurgy crew would be swarming the medical bay.  Lucan was quite attractive though often times a bit aloof.  Many of the medical staff were quite attractive but it was the admission of pain or not being at one hundred percent that kept many from getting the attention they needed.

One corner of her mouth turned up more as his hand slipped to cup her backside and she glanced up at him, even more warmth radiating from her.  Fingertips teased along his skin over the waistband, curling in a tiny circle over his lower spine.  Though sometimes it was fun to play little sexual games, Eve wasn't quite in the mood to play them.  She had been through physical and emotional trauma and so far ignored it for the most part.

Now there was a handsome and very willing man with her and that need to feel alive welled within her.  Another stride brought him to a halt with her facing him, her other hand coming to rest on his chest.  "There are many times I need attention," she replied in a silky voice, a smoldering glance capturing his eyes as she leaned forward to touch her lips on his well-formed pectoral muscle.  "And right now I can honestly say I'm in dire need of your attention." It was her way of giving him permission to simply act like a caveman and drag her off somewhere, to ravage and be ravaged.

[Wenn Cinn] attn kurohigi

Cinn smiled at the Trill woman beside him and shook his head, "They don't give you anything straight, it was enough to let me know they wanted me back here but as to why they were less than helpful."

Edena seemed to have a confidence and ease with him that he appreciated.  She came across as thoughtful and intelligent while still being respectfully curious.  Despite his initial wariness he was beginning to feel more at ease in her company, probably a good thing since she was his boss but it had come about rather more quickly than he had anticipated.  Maybe it was something in that obnoxiously sweet drink.

"Being spaced counts as a hard riding, I've not had any harder that's for damned sure," he said, voice gravelly and low, "All they told me was 'The Wenn is of the Theurgy', whatever is going on it seems like I wasn't supposed to die yet.  Maybe it's something with this temporal incursion, maybe they have a plan, I don't know.  Ida was curious as to whether I was immortal, I don't think they'd go that far but I don't want to test it out."

Taking another sip of the drink caused his right eye to twitch, he was getting more used to it at least, "Enough of me.  What about you?  All I know you as is the infiltrator turned XO, there's got to be more to you than that.  I would like to get to know you a bit better if we're going to be working together, especially in the situation we're in."

Selena "Luna" Ravenholm,
attn: Lucan and kuro

She shrugged having heard an explanation, "Oh, so the Captain is wishing me to stay because he wishes to take me up on the implied offer, she said in a deadpan analytical way as if taking in new information.  "A very interesting custom. One that befits a race who I understand have customs dictating generosity in many things.  It appears this generosity also includes their view towards their own bodies.  She said softly caught in her own thought.

When Ida mentioned the paintings her mind was diverted back into the world of the living so to speak and she nodded hearing the captains statements regarding her aesthetic qualities. "Thank you for the compliment Captain.  And I would be honored to be the subject of an artistic rendering.  I suppose I could pose an interesting diversion from the norm of Human form,"  she said as she nonchalantly placed a few fingers upon two different spots One spot on her left arm and one spot on her left leg.her arms and legs. The many seams began to open in a way that would allow her to work on the internal mechanisms of the artificial limbs.  The arm seemed to Open at the center with the top and bottom halves folding up to reveal a full cross section of the artificial arm as she moved it.  On her leg the flesh seemed to split open and parted revealing the Mechanical muscles that tensed and relaxed with each movement revealing how similar it functioned to human muscle. In a morbid way the display might bring to mind what one would imagine what it would be like to preform a dissection on a Borg drone's artificial limbs.   I don't know if you have any interest on mechanical or anatomical studies but from what I understand during the Earth Renaissance The artist Leonardo preformed autopsies as a means of better understanding human anatomy as a means to more accurately portray it in art."  As quickly as she had displayed the workings of her limbs she folded the skin like material back down on her legs and closed the arm allowing the seams to form back as they were before.

She then looked over at the Captain.  "Oh and about my thoughts on the Risian custom and the meaning of this pendant. I have thought over what I should do now that i know it's meaning. I believe the old Earth saying is "When in Rome."  she said walking over to the captain and giving him an impromptu and rather deep kiss on the lips making sure to slip her tongue in for good measure so he would know she meant business so to speak.  "I most certainly accept your invitation to the aforementioned rites; nor, would I be opposed to an artistic friend joining us if she desired."

"Spent some shore leave on Risia before?"

The remark from Captain Vasser had caught Ida somewhat off guard, not able to reply to it since it would have made her appear either prude or fully indulging in such activities that the pendants suggested. No, it had been safer to speak of her artistry... until the point when Vasser brushed his own jaw and complimented Chief Ravenholm on her appearance. Did he ask for her opinion? "I... would not presume to challenge a commanding officer on his personal preferences, especially not off-duty. Starfleet regulations does suggest that it is frowned upon when a superior officer display affection towards one-"

Yet it seemed that the Pinkskin woman broke out of whatever reverie that she had been caught in and thanked the Captain for his compliment. What happened next, when Ravenholm turned to her, made Ida take a half step back in surprise. Not really alarm, but a... precautionary withdrawal. The Chief's arms and legs opened up to reveal the inner mechanisms of and workings of her body. She referenced someone, probably a painter, in Terran history while she did so. The name seemed familiar, yet she could hardly say she'd paid much attention to the history of art in her own culture, much less during her years in the Academy in San Francisco. Artistry for her was private and sacred, not to be undermined by the pre-existing ideas and achievements of great accalim. She did not paint for sake of recognition. She had painted for money, to sustain herself after her exile... yet never for repute.

"This... DaVinci must have been more scientist than artist if he would go so far to capture something that the eye alone ought to be able to do," she said to the Pinkskin once her limbs returned to normal, fascinated but cautious since she had trouble predicting the whims of the other woman in the company. She was truly an intriguing motif, and beautiful as well, yet before she managed to suggest a time and place for making a rendition of either of them, another whim seemed to have come over Chief Ravenholm.

Her antennae rising in speechless shock, she beheld how the two Pinkskins were suddenly kissing, their pendants touching each other where they hung around their necks. Ida's mouth opened and closed in unsaid objections or admonisions. This was hardly the way Senior Officers should act. She had come to admire Captain Vasser, so seeing him being so forwardly approached by the woman with artificial limbs made her react protectively. Then again, perhaps it was envy that sprung her awkward feelings...

In the end, she had managed to keep her words from pouring out, but then Selena suggested that she might wish to partake in the madness. Less than fifteen minutes ago she had been doing her duty by her desk and now she was openly being asked to join in... in... "I... I am flattered, but It would hardly be proper of me as I might be..." Chief of Security on the Harbinger? Ravenholm served both as Chief Engineer and headed Operations. She might be civilian, but she would be no less Senior Staff than Ida might become if the transfer was approved. "I... don't know. I am sorry. I am flattered, I suppose, but..."

She snatched up another drink and tried to look everywhere else than upon the two Pinkskins, one of which that wanted her to join them. Worst thing was that she could not come up with a reason not to follow them other than a certain sense of propriety and integrity. She cleared her throat stoically, furrowing her white eyebrows. "I can... make sure no one sees you."

As much she could offer her new Captain. Strange as the whole situation was to her, she wanted to show some kind of loyalty to him. She did not dare think he wanted the same as the crazy Ravenholm did.

Hylota was quite late to the party, she had lost track of time and had been in her new quarters collecting herself, she had lost quite a bit and she had ended up spending a long time just curled up on her bed unsure of ho o proceed, usually she would talk with her brother bout such things and see what his input was, but now...with him in medical care and recovering. eventually she decided he would have been told that sitting around moping for him was good for nothing at all and that she should go and try and make some friends. So with a sigh she picked herself  up out of bed, went to her closet and got out her only dress. She left her scarf behind and put on the maroon toga like outfit and then her usual boots as she left her room and finally headed out for the holo deck to join the festivities.

As she walked through the ship she fiddled with her fingers, the light clang of her boots on the floor was comforting. As she reached the holo deck she stood at the door and took some deep breaths, she put her hands over her chest and sh nodded to herself and walked in. Seeing the alien landscape and the beautiful sting made Hylota smile, it reminded her of the wetter placed on her home world, she looked around and spotted where everyone else was and began to make her way down towards the festivities. She had left her scarf behind so sh could not hide herself in the crowd, she wanted to meet people, to make contact and to make new friends maybe.

As she reached the edge of the crowd she stopped and just stood there out of the way and looked on, so many happy people, she frowned, could he really come in and just join in like that...she didn't know these people and it was likely they would not want to meet her, she was a member of a race most people din not know or care about, she was nothing special an as she stood there she looked down and then back up the path she ha come down, perhaps it was not to late to just go back...she could go back to her room, have a bath and fill out her reports and record some logs...maybe that would be the better idea.

[Nathan Isley] attn: Searcher

"If you're in dire need, then let us not waste any more time taking care of that need," he told her, their pace picking up, moving farther and farther away until they were outside the range of others, both visually and vocally.  It might have still been rather exposed, but it was enough privacy for him, and he suspected for Eve as well.  Her, like himself, appeared the type to get a thrill from the open air, of the possibility of being seen by another.  It wasn't that it was welcomed, but the thought of it was all the more exciting.

((Exit to private thread))



[Edena Rez] attn: theBanshee

"'The Wenn is of the Theurgy,'" She repeated, allowing the words to grace her tongue in an attempt to better understand them.  "Perhaps they are rooting for our success, and believe you would be vital to it.  I feel a bit better knowing we have some powerful beings out there who might be supporting us."  If the prophets had a purpose for putting Wenn Cinn, alive and well, on board their ship, then maybe it was to contribute to victory.  Maybe they were destined to fail without his help.

"You want to know about me?  I'm afraid my story isn't all that interesting.  Just your typical Trill Science Officer, serving as an Ensign on a starship carrying a Joined Starfleet Intelligence officer.  When he was fatally injured, the Symbiont in him needed a host, and when I was used, it put me on the fast track with Intelligence.  The counselor position I was using here was for cover, so I could keep watch on this ship and assure it's prototypes never fell into wrong hands.  I am fortunate that the Captain freed me of that responsibility and allowed me to properly serve, for I came to respect this crew far too much to carry out my orders to destroy this vessel if it fell into the wrong hands.  The Captain also saw fit to name me his first officer, and I have been working to prove worthy of it ever since."



[Declan Vasser] attn: luxcan and ironferrox

"Well . . .  that's not exactly . . ." he was lost for what to say in response to Selena.  It wasn't that he was aiming to steal her up just because she was wearing that necklace.  Would he have turned down such an offer?  probably not, not even after seeing her open up her mechanical components and display her artificial nature.  He was surprised by it, but he wasn't disturbed or disgusted by it.  There was an elegance to her form, the kind that could be appreciated on many levels, be it artistic, engineering, or simply a loveliness to her form.

If he thought that the biggest surprise, however, he would have been wrong, as Selena engaged him with a deep kiss, the kind he hadn't truly expected of her when she spoke of him taking her up on an implied offer.  When it finished, she even expressed that perhaps Ida might join them, making him turn to look at the woman, even as she protested, thinking it improper.  "Ida," he said, reminding her that ranks and seniority were not an issue that evening, "if you did wish to . . . take part in certain activities, I would not hold it against you.  Even captain Ives agreed that tonight, things should be set aside.  With such things set aside, I would also state that I would not refuse advances from either of you.  Both of you . . . well, I can only hope I am man enough for the task.  If any bit of you is interested . . . know I am as well."  Looking back to Selena, he also gave her an answer.  "If you are game, then I am as well."

[ ThanIda zh'Wann ] Attn: IronFerrox, Kurohigi & Cathreen Dawinter

'Things' set aside? Like all sense of decency and propriety between officers? Had they all strayed so far from the norm of Starfleet in the months since they fled Earth? Had the Niga Incident blasted an irreparable hole in the hull of their conduct and slowly made them sink to new depths each day?

Ida's neck was much darker blue in indignant embarrassment and she did not know what to do with her hands, so she wrapped both hands around her drink. She wished she had stayed in the office, or better yet, gone to the phaser range and depleted enough energy with an assault rifle to shut down a Warp Core. She wanted something to strike down. Something easy. Something she knew. Her jaw worked as she glanced between the two, realising that neither Vasser nor Ravenholm had been present at the Niga Incident, so perhaps she was wrong. Was this considered more normal than she'd thought?

She had been with both men and women, had let the passion of her artistry be channeled sexually when she had the choice to do so. Yet this was so sudden, and she had never been with with two people at the same time before. Well, at least not that she could remember, ignorant as she was of what she had done while they orbited Niga almost one month ago.

Though at the same time... if she were to look at the two Pinkskins embracing before her... and she considered them in the way an artist might... she could see herself sleeping with either one of them. In regaining control of her emotions, she found herself fancying the exotic hue of their bodies, intrigued by Selena's unique limbs and and the charismatic gaze of Captain Vasser. She took a deep breath, shuddering a little in restiveness, and looked around - concerned about her reputation since the Niga Incident.

"Let us find someplace private then," she said and stepped past them, clearing her throat a little. Yet she had taken no more than a couple of steps...

...before they found themselves facing Petty Officer Dyan Cardamone.

[ To Be Continued In a New Thread... ]

---

[ Soo Young Seung ] Attn: Zenozine

The drinking had helped Soo a bit in restraining the maelstrom of thoughts around her from overpowering her mind. Yet she had been more measured in her synthehol and alcohol intake compared to the other day in Below Decks, where she had made quite a mess and utter embarrassment of herself. As it were, she was... slightly tipsy, and she wore her small white headphones so that she might play music wherever she walked - the tune also aiding in keeping the two crews on the holodeck from projecting their emotions and thoughts onto her.

She walked the path with a bottle of cider in her hand, stolen from the crate they'd brought from Below Decks not long ago. Dressed in a white top and black denim shorts, with dark leather sandals on her feet, she enjoyed the vista of the beach sprawling far off into the distance and the moonlit sea. And on the other side, she saw the climbing stairs and the luxurious villas and buildings that seemed so perfectly meld into the cliffs and the trees. She had left the other Wolves behind in the amphitheatre, setting out on a private adventure away from the dancing crowd. Titan and Smoke had insisted that she stayed, yet there was something about the two Harbinger pilots that made her ill at ease. She'd noticed something... cold in their feelings towards her, and she had not liked to stay to find out what they intended.

While she walked, Soo came across a woman in a maroon toga. At least she thought it was a woman because of her beautiful features and the shape of her bare head, yet with the way the toga fell around the glimmering texture of her body, she seemed to almost possess the bodily stature of a human male - barring the unique way her legs bent, that was. This was a species she had only seen images of and read about, but she recognised the woman to be of the Ovri after studying her for a couple of seconds. Intrigued, Soo set her steps in the woman's direction, emboldened by the drinks and the rush of her recent dancing.

"Hello," Oracle said and smiled to the exotic, black-eyed woman - removing one of her headphones from her ear. "Did you see the sword dancing? I never realised that Risians had such skills. I thought they merely pranced about in scant clothes and offered massages."

Extending her hand in the Earthen fashion, the halfblood Betazoid introduced herself. "Soo Young Seung. Known as Oracle among the Lone Wolves here on the Theurgy. I don't believe I have seen you around before."

She almost added that she would have remembered if she had, but despite her alcohol intake, she managed to restrain herself from being quite that bold.

Hylota was considering her departure when suddenly she was greeted, this ma her bump slightly as she had not expected to be encountering anyone. She looked to Soo Young and listened to her greeting and brief bit of small talk and she sighed. "I'm sorry I missed that bit of show, I have only just arrived here Miss Seung. I am a new transfer from the USS Harbinger,  I have never been aboard this ship before today, and my introductions with most of the crews has been strictly professional, so I am not very well known...I'm sorry I am a little out of it after some events that have unfolded before this, pleas just ignore my rambling." She rubbed the back of her head and sighed, She looked at Soo Young and smiled. "I am Hylota Vojona, I am an ensign in the medical bad...I guess you can figure out why I little on edge from that." She chuckled slightly and kept smiling.

Hylota looked out at the group and she fiddled with her hands. "Again sorry, I just need o brighten my mood a little...sadly being new here I do not really know anyone...and I do not know how exactly I will fit in around here." She looked too Soo Young and smiled slightly looking rather shy. "Um would I be able to ask you for companionship tonight? I have no idea what I am doing here, and you seem to know these people and how to act at such an event." In the moist sea air of the artificial environment she was losing her scaly skin and softening up to state closer to human skin, her eyes also benefited from the different lighting, reflecting off the dark orbs making them look mysterious.

When it came to recent events, Soo had a lot of sympathy for the Ovri when she alluded towards the collapse of the Triage Centre on Theta Eridani IV. On her part, the choices she had made when she manned that shuttle and tried to  extract as much personnel as possible would stay with her for the rest of her life. The sounds of the crew banging their fists against the hull. Their mass psychosis permeating all my thoughts and actions. The screaming. The pyroclastic clouds rolling in. The deadly cough of Reaver fire assailing me as I tried to take off.

Yet Hylota Vojona was trying to smile and it felt like she tried to get over the past, so that made Soo try the same, finding strength in the Ovri to do so. She smiled back quietly and pushed the memories to the back of her head. "I am glad you medics in Sickbay get to have this holodeck shore-leave despite the number of injured we now have aboard," she said thoughtfully and folded her arms underneath her breasts, "You surely deserve it, and I can imagine that people are really thankful that we have you aboard when something like that happens. In the weeks to come, you will have come to save more people than any others aboard, making you the heroes as opposed to us fighter pilots and tactical officers that tried to fight back the Reavers. We could not fight the fires or the earthquakes, but indirectly, you fight to limit the casualties."

The Ovri then asked her for her companionship for the night, and despite how formal it sounded, Soo could not help how the way she phrased it could mean something entirely else... Then again, it could just be imagining things because of her slightly inebriated mind. It made Soo smile, however, and as according to the formal request, she chuckled and slid up to the Ovri's side - laying her hand in the nook of the Ensign's arm. "Chief Seung reporting for duty," she commented in mockery of regulations and gestured with her free hand to begin walking, "I would not be so presumptuous - or bold - to say that I know how to act during Lohlunat  on Risia, but I do know is that it will not do to just stand around and talk about strife and injury. Lets dance, drink and sing. Find enjoyment where it might not be found otherwise. So tell me, Hylota... what strikes your fancy?"

Men, women or both? thought Oracle, surprising herself with her bold thoughts even if she kept them unvoiced.

[Wenn Cinn] attn kurohigi

Cinn nodded at her appraisal of the Prophets, "It is comforting thought.  Especially for me, as I'm sure you'll understand."

This Edena wasn't supposed to be host then?  That was interesting.  As was the knowledge that the Jona character must have been the one who had been fatally wounded and set these wheels in motion.  Who the other two personalities were was still a mystery but it was worth investigating further.  The nagging question of who he was actually talking to right now bubbled to the surface but he put it to one side and smiled warmly.  She seemed to be open and honest with him about her history and her reason for having been assigned to the Theurgy.

"That's about your career," he said, the smile turning into a grin with a small shake of his head.  "What about you?  The woman who has had the career must have other interests than work, other... passions?"

He steered them to a bench, close enough to the crowds so as not to be alone with her yet far enough away that their conversation would remain purely between them.  Cinn sat down and leaned back against the upright panel behind, he put his drink on the ground by his feet and gestured for Edena to join him and turning a little so he would face her.

[Hylota Vojona] Attn Auctor Lucan

As Hylota was complimented by Soo she could tell the events he had as much of an effect on her as they had on Hylota, the woman had probably been flying the shuttles trying to save those that were in the camp. She knew better than to keep lingering on that topic, nothing good would com of it. "well thank you, you have no idea how nice it is to feel like I am important. And you are right a lot of us are not here tonight, I know half of the medical team from the Harbinger is either in medical working still or being worked on. I almost did not come myself, but i figured I should meet some people and get out after all that has happened." She smiled at the other woman, her mind admiring the woman's figure, reminding her of the beautiful bodies of her peoples med, her mind already thinking of mates as she drew closer to her fertile period.

As Soo linked arms with her Hylota smiled. As Soo introduced herself s Chief she momentarily thought of the chain of command. "Well I guess you outrank me, but thank you, to have company for such an event brings my quite a bit of happiness, It is nice to know that I am not alone here...as for how o start off this evening, how about a drink to start, then we can try and chat about happier things and see where things go for us, how does that sound Chief Seung." She smiled at her and patted her hand and took a step closer to her companion for the evening hoping that she would not scar her off.

[ Soo Young Seung ] Attn: Zenozine

"That sounds lovely," she said and gave Nurse Vojona a cheeky grin, leaving the headphone that she had removed out so that she could hear her night's companion, and she certainly did not mind the indistinct attraction she thought she could derive from the Ovri - new as she was to interpreting their unique manner of thoughts. "I am glad I can help in making you feel welcome aboard, for you will hardly be alone here, and if you want, I can help break the ice a bit with a few people I know. They are rather unwilling patients in Sickbay, but at a night like this, they will not treat medics like the plague. Reason is that us pilots do not like to have our wings clipped and sentenced to long periods of medical recovery before we can get back into the cockpits again."

A holographic Risian paused before them to let them take drinks from her tray, and as Soo sipped her glass, she glanced up towards Hylota's forehead. "Is that a tattoo?" she asked, wondering if she wore any others beneath that toga. "Does it have a meaning or significance, or are you really into grounding things to spice your meals?"

Soo realised she had begin to stroke Hylota's arm with her thumb, but upon this realisation, she did not stop since she'd heard no objection. Her smooth scales were too intriguing to leave be.

[Hylota Vojona] Attn: Auctor Lucan

Hylota smiled at the generous offers of helping her to make friends, and with the pilot of the fighters no less, as her mind lingered on this she thought about how she could use this friendship with the pilot to help them to get medical aid without much hassle. With a smile she locked her dark eyes on Soo's. "I would love to meet your friends, who knows, maybe we could get this to work out for your benefit, with my help you and your friends could avoid getting grounded an from pushing yourselves too far." She sighed and looked back at the crowd. "Granted for the next few day cycles I figure most of the crew will avoid the medical bay, still plenty of burns there...of course I think you should know I will drag you and your other flying friends in for your checkups if I have to." She smiled teasingly at Soo.

As they got themselves drinks and Soo brought up the mark on her head Hylota looked up despite not being able to see the mark. She smiled and chuckled as she was asked the series of questions about it and she shook her head. "No no it was nothing like that, It is a stain, it helps to identify our people and our jobs. Tattoos never developed on our worlds, our skin did not recover as quickly from the act and would often get infected." she touched her mark and smiled. "My mark indicates I am of the medical core for my people, the mortar and pestle was used to grind the herbs used in the first medicines so it remained the mark of medicine for us. The pentagon surrounding it indicates I am from the fifth planetary colony, And whit indicate my field. In my case white indicated the most basic and common, I was desirable for use in any hospital or medical bay for my people, I was also desired as a basic researcher. But i have no qualification or special recognized skills in other fields." She smiled a she finished talking about herself, she took pride in her mark, to her it as hr greatest feature.

As Soo gently stroked her arm Hylota did not notice and as hr arm was rubbed she subconsciously registered the contact and her mood improved. she had not had any comforting contact in a while, this sudden change made her smile more despite not noticing.

"Sounding like a true medic, alright," said Soo when Hylota remarked that she'd never hesitate to bring the Lone Wolves in for check-ups, perhaps regardless of how many injured there were in Sickbay. "Pilots seem to be the grand prize for Sickbay to stick in the recovery wards. Word of advice, let someone else tell a pilot named Rawley that she is due for a check-up, though. She has been locked up for almost a month and just got out. She might react... explosively."

Unbidden, memories of Evelyn and her being together - from before Soo went MIA - surfaced in her mind. Their limbs intertwined, bodies heaving, fingers reaching everywhere, Rawley's lips and tongue making Soo toss and turn in sweet agony. Yet with such memories came also Rawley's rejection of her, and the unfinished chapter that was their feelings for each other. Soo glanced towards the paved stones that led her and the Ovri forward, thinking that moving on was the only thing she could do. The hurtful things Rawley said to keep her distance, to dig her bloody heels in and maintain her cavalier attitude towards life. It was obvious that Rawley felt she could not afford to invest herself in the relationship they'd had, but that did not make it any easier for Soo to just forget what had been between them.

When Hylota spoke of her mark, Soo looked up at her and sipped her drink, pushing Rawley from her mind so that she could enjoy the Ovri's company better. "A stain," she mused, raising her free hand from Hylota's arm to brush her fingertips across her forehead. Indeed, the skin was not raised like a tattoo would make it, but somehow otherwise applied on the Ovri's gleaming skin. It was as if the seaside air had revitalised her minute scales a bit, making them smooth to the touch. "Come, I think I left Nightmare on that side of the amphitheatre."

So they passed below a marble arch and into a small district of restaurants and botanical gardens, their path taking them through shifting crowds of crewmembers and Risians.

Hylota smiled and nodded. "I will keep that in mind, but with all the things that are going on I think I might and up doing hat just because there is no one else available right now, since I am new here I am not being brought in to work on the patient, familiar faces help with recoveries I have been told. Hylota shrugged, bu as she was suddenly touched on the forehead she froze up and went wide eyed, to be touched on ones mark was a very personal thing, it was one's identity for their first impression, and since that tied in to sex quite often it was a very sexual action and her mind instantly darted to thoughts of caressing Soo's body and getting intimate with her, to feel her up and pull her close in a embrace, but she remembered the difference of cultures and she dismissed this and allowed the touch to happen.

As Soo mentioned another person that they would go see she smiled and she nodded. "I see, well I would like to meet your friend, could be the beginning of a nice friendship." As she followed along after her friend she decided to ask a question of her new friend. "So Soo, what is with the headphones you are wearing?  Is there a specific music you are listening to right now? I would be rather interested in discussing that if we need to have a starting point for our conversation." She smiled pleasantly as she followed along, he easily ignored the rest of the crew as she went. As she passed a waitress she quickly downed her entire drink and grabbed another one. 

[Edena Rez]

"Sadly, my career has been my life.  I have defined myself by what I have accomplished and little else.  Call it a sibling rivalry issue, being the youngest of three sisters.  My two older siblings are highly accomplished in fields of science as part of the Trill Science Academy.  As a lowly Science Officer on a Federation starship, I was the wasted potential, at least until my joining.  Joining to a Symbiont is a huge deal for Trill, so I instantly shot forward in the contest between me and my sisters, and how my work for Starfleet Intelligence and command experience has pushed me forward again.  Unfortunately, that also means my romantic life has been unfulfilling for quite a long time."

Oh my God, why would you say that?! Edena's voice echoed in her own head, cross with Illya for making her sound like some lovelorn fool.  She knew when Illya was baiting, and that was exactly it.  She might as well have been wearing an Orion slave girl outfit, lamenting on how her bed had been empty so long, she didn't know if she would ever feel a loving touch again.

[ Soo Young Seung ] Attn: Zenozine

Hard as it might be for her to read an Ovri after just having met one a couple of minutes ago, Soo experienced the suddenness of the reaction all too well when she brushed her fingertips over Hylota's mark. She did not get much clarity, yet it was evident that after the slight alarm the nurse felt, thoughts based in lust and sexual desire dominated the the reading of her. After Soo had removed her hand, she felt how her already lowered inhibitions fed on Hylota's thoughts and made her own eyes glaze over  in response. Being a Betazoid, even a halfbreed, had its distinct distractions.

She was so distracted as she walked next to the Ovri that she almost did not catch the question about her music and her headphones. Hylota had spoken of friendship in a odd way, something which could to be a trait of her people, this formal way in which she cherished the friendship of the people around her. Soo had to clear her throat and blink several times to keep feeding on the Ovri's sexual desires, and she realised that she might even be feeding the people around her with it too, making it a hazardous feedback-loop. It was something she knew was well liked when having sex with her. As much Rawley had said to her, but here? In public? She really had to get a grip on herself.

"The music helps me from keeping the minds of others away and to focus on myself," she said, feeling a bit weak in her knees but leaning more on Hylota to compensate. "You seee, my father was Betazoid, which should explain most of my off behaviour tonight. MY favourite type of music... is 20th century R&B and Disco. It is the kind of Earth music that usually embodies happiness within its tune."

They had yet to find Nightmare, which might be for the best given the path the encounter with the Ovri had put her on. Soo kept her legs together as she walked, happy that she was wearing black shorts.

"Your... thoughts of me are very... intriguing, Hylota Vojona," she whispered as she walked, subconsciously looking for somewhere that they might escape from the path - seeing one that would take them behind the amphitheatre and the shadows below an alcove with a dense forest of marble pillars. "I think Nightmare might be down there."

A lie, perhaps, but she had no idea where Hanna von Slaverton might have gone, had she?

---

OOC: After one more post with Hylota here, I can post in Behind the Amphitheater, unless you want to split your post between here and there, Zenozine.

[Wenn Cinn] attn kurohigi

"I never had that rivalry, we were too busy trying to stay alive," Cinn commented, "I can't even understand why you would compete with your own siblings, surely your parents loved you all equally regardless of what you did in life?"  It was something he recalled from his youth, despite his siblings being much older than he, their parents didn't judge between them in the slightest, loving them all regardless of their life choices.

Her comments about her love life took him a little by surprise.  He hadn't expected her to be so candid about romantic entanglements, or lack thereof.   This raised the niggling question that had been in his head all this time of who exactly he was speaking to, he didn't trust her, not entirely, not yet.  He shook his head, "Edena," he put a little extra stress on the name he was supposed to be addressing, "you are by no means the only one who has sacrificed personal fulfilment for their career.  I am in the same position as you, romantic liaisons have been thin on the ground although I have to say having died and come back I am starting to reconsider focussing all of my attentions on my work.  Even in this situation it is good to find something to hold onto when times get hard."

The confession of his inner thoughts was entirely true, he had focussed all of his life on fighting and keeping order, spending little time on anything else.  Most of his other attentions had been on his faith and while it had been rewarded his second chance had made him realise that there was more to life than the fight, that returning to his quarters had been all too sad an affair with no-one there to truly welcome him home, nothing like as his parents had been with each other.  It had felt a little bit hollow and he didn't like it.  Despite his honesty with her though he watched her face intently, watching for anything that would give her away or indeed show her truth.

"It wasn't about earning love, but about earning respect.  Three highly competitive girls, sometimes trying to be the best means you get to push yourself a little harder, gives you new determination."  In that sense, her sisters were a driving force, Edena running to catch up and surpass them, rather then be fine with a light jog that would have seen her not get as far.  It was the same thing people felt with their peers back at the Academy, striving to be top of the class, everyone helping to push each other to not settle for second best, and to give their full effort in the quest for it.

When he spoke of his own life, his own unfulfilled personal life, Illya spoke to Edena within the confines of her mind.  He can understand you, Eden.  Why not give it a chance?  You'd have been willing to sit back and let me use your body with him, right?  Like I did with Ida?  Why not actually try putting yourself out there for once?

The transition from Illya to Edena, the former host surrendering control to the true owner, was literally in the blink of an eye.  The shift could have been more drastic if it was being watched for, however, as her stance shifted from confident, a manner in which her curves were slightly more pronounced, to more timid and gentle, her eyes sharing that same softness where once there was fire.  Even with control returned, her former host encouraged in her head, Edena fingering the necklace around her neck, that which was meant to signal she was open to a tryst.  "H-have you ever . . . just wanted to say to hell with it?  Forget about ambitions and goals for one night, and just finf some personal fulfillment?"

The change that occurred before his eyes was incredible, he'd seen similar changes in people who had realised they had been caught for whatever crime they had committed and broken down but this was something completely different. "Well at least that's one question answered," he thought to himself as he realised that this was the real Edena, he'd been speaking to one of the others all of this time but now the woman in front of him was the one who had been born into the body.

And yet he found himself not angry with the deception.  In fact he realised what a strength her unique position could be.  Clearly the real Edena was shy and nervous in this situation and so had enlisted the help of one of her other personas, there was a softer expression in her eyes, sweet and gentle.  Suddenly she was no longer the enemy, not like this, and while he might not have trusted her intentions he swept it aside for tonight.

Cinn reached for her hand, gently taking her delicate digits with his own larger ones and drew them to his lips.  Kissing her palm gently he looked up into her eyes and smiled, "Many, many times but this is the first time I feel I can actually do it."  Standing up again he gently helped her stand with him and slid the hand that had been holding hers up her arm, moving closer as he did and then softly stroking down her back until his arm settled around her waist.

"I think we should find somewhere a little more private but I've never been here before, any idea where we should go?" his voice was low and rumbling but conveyed only the desire to explore this suggestion of hers.  The more he looked at her the more attractive he was finding her, he'd noticed her good looks of course when he had first started talking to her of course, but the real Edena was far more beautiful than whoever he had been speaking to before. He had to stop himself from physically shaking his head, maybe it was the atmosphere, the drink, the recent events but something really had changed in him.

[Hylota Vojona] Attn: Auctor Lucan

Hylota did not realize that sh was having any effect on Soo, in all honesty she did not remember every Federation race, she had to memorize hundreds of different races, cultures, medicines and so much more that she simply remembered the most common one like Humans to ensure that she did not encounter complications, she didn't realize that Soo had Betazoid genetics an a heightened emphatic link with people. And in her current state she had not realized that her heightened arousal and lust might be coming off of external sources, she thought it was just a side effect of stress, the events prior to this and her own oncoming fertility. 

As Soo began to talk about what she listened to Hylota nodded and stroked her chin. "Sounds like a good set of music, I would like to listen to it with you some time, I myself have in interest in music...wait i'm sorry I missed that first bit, you are half Betazoid?" Hr eyes squinted and she focused for a second going through her mental list and then her eyes went wide as sh realized what Betazoids could do and she actively emptied her mind of thought, clearing it and not thinking of anything perverse anymore and fighting off the feelings of arousal as best she could.

As they reached the back of the amphitheater and Soo commented on the interesting nature of Hylota' thoughts she blushed and rubbed the back of her neck as she blushed a reddish purple color. "I apologize, I sill do not recognize every race and I did not realize your abilities until you mentioned your race...I hope I have not made a poor impression on you Soo, I would hate for this to ruin any potential friendship we could have." Looking at here Soo had said her friend was Hylota smiled and nodded as she headed in.

There's that beach house farther down the shoreline.

Illya, do you just look around for opportunistic places to fuck when I give you control?

Not just that.  Escapes routes too, but that's just a force of habit from my thieving days.  Now tell him about the beach house and get some relief!  You'll thank me, guaranteed.

"T-there's a beach house just over there," she finally said, gesturing with her head rather then pointing, as though pointing would make everyone look at her, and see she was planning some kind of illicit meeting with the newly returned member of the crew.  As nervous as she was now, that would have just been absolutely mortifying!

Glancing around to see if anyone was watching them and satisfied that everyone else was too caught up in their own party to worry about the two of them he gently guided her into the shadows and along in the direction of the beach house she had suggested.  He felt like a young man again, stealing away for a moment of passion with a fellow fighter.  It hadn't happened a lot, there was too much risk involved, but those moments that he could share with a woman who had needed the release and brief pleasure were etched into his mind.  This was going to be no different.

His smile to her was seductive and full of mischievous anticipation of their rendezvous.  She was nervous, that was very clear, in honesty so was he.  Cinn hadn't expected the night to lead to this and even if it had he hadn't expected that his arm would be around her out of all the women on the ship.  Still, now that it was happening he felt it was right. 

Reaching the building with her he paused just for a moment to open the door.  He released his arm from her waist, sliding it around to take her hand once more and slowly stepped backwards into the beach house, drawing her with him as he did.