| Post # | Character | Title |
| 001 | Morningstar | New Command, New CEO |
| 002 | Morningstar | Meeting the FCO |
| 003 | Maya | The Future is Only... |
| 004 | Ttosk | Darn Doors |
| 005 | Dalziel | Second Chances |
| 006 | Stark | Judgment |
| 007 | Morningstar | Welcoming the New OPS |
| 008 | Maya | Being Diligent is… |
| 009 | Doyanne | Routine Inspection |
| 010 | Stark | Volunteer |
| 011 | Paquette | Interesting Information |
| 012 | Morningstar | The Fun Factor |
| 013 | Stark | Patient and Patience |
| 014 | Dalziel | Not a Competition |
| 015 | Maya | Not Even A Nice… |
| 016 | Shar'El | Recruited |
| 017 | Stark | Wings of Power |
| 018 | Doyanne | Prepare the Supplies |
| 019 | Shar'El | Personal Nemesis |
| 020 | Paquette | Getting Ready |
| 021 | Shar'El | Mutual Trust |
| 022 | Ttosk | The Black One is Mine |
| 023 | Doyanne | Fond Memories and… |
| 024 | Maya | In Science There Is… |
| 025 | Dalziel | One More For The Road |
| 026 | Morningstar | Heading to PI ALPHA III |
| 027 | Shar'El | Abundant Knowledge |
| 028 | Dalziel | Inquisition |
| 029 | Stark | Forgotten Memories |
| 030 | Shar'El | Reconsideration |
| 031 | Morningstar | Overcoming Obstacles |
| 032 | Shar'El | Out of the Shadows |
| 033 | Stark | Thinking Too Much |
| 034 | Doyanne | Read, Remember, Relax |
| 035 | Maya | One Person's Thoughts… |
| 036 | Shar'El | Flavor of Memories |
| 037 | Morningstar | Meeting of Minds |
| 038 | Shar'El | Larger Target |
| 039 | Dalziel | Worlds Behind |
| 040 | Stark | Time To Think |
| 041 | Morningstar | Wake Up Call |
| 042 | Shar'El | Peaked Curiosity |
| 043 | Doyanne | Fear of the Unknown |
| 044 | Ttosk | Five More Minutes |
| 045 | Mizore | Eyes Unclouded |
| 046 | Maya | Musing by the Light… |
| 047 | Mizore | First Contact |
| 048 | Shar'El | The New Arrival |
| 049 | Stark | Ghostly Problem |
| 050 | Paquette | Diagnostic Headache |
| 051 | Shar'El | Still Looking |
| 052 | Dalziel | The Case of the Diverted… |
| 053 | Mizore | Analyse and Interpret |
| 054 | Morningstar | Captain's Responsibilities |
| 055 | Maya | Personnel Problems Are… |
| 056 | Stark | Another Shift Ended |
| 057 | Shar'El | Learning Curve |
| 058 | Stark | Liquid Memories |
| 059 | Dalziel | Benevolence of the Prophets |
| 060 | Mizore | War and Pieces |
| 061 | Morningstar | A Few Last Details |
| 062 | Stark | VIPER 3 |
| 063 | Shar'El | Mission Analysis |
| 064 | Mizore | A Race For time, Against... |
| 065 | Paquette | Fun With Transporting |
| 066 | Maya | Only One Direction To Go… |
| 067 | Shar'El | Rapid Descent |
| 068 | Paquette | Bumpy Ride |
| 069 | Ttosk | Seeing Spots |
| 070 | Shar'El | Expressions And Impressions |
| 071 | Mizore | Ride of the Valkyrie |
| 072 | Morningstar | Things Are Never Easy |
| 073 | Stark | Following Orders |
| 074 | Shar'El | What Happened? |
| Post # | Character | Title |
| 075 | Paquette | Trying To Keep It Straight |
| 076 | Maya | Odds and Mathematical… |
| 077 | Stark | Frozen Witnesses |
| 078 | Mizore | The Afterparty |
| 079 | Morningstar | Good And Bad Surprises |
| 080 | Paquette | Crashes And Booboos |
| 081 | Maya | Strength of Heart, Strength… |
| 082 | Shar'El | Memories |
| 083 | Morningstar | One Down, Two To Go |
| 084 | Stark | Fast Pace Banter |
| 085 | Shar'El | Thoughts |
| 086 | Stark | Spinning Wheels |
| 087 | Mizore | Lunacy |
| 088 | Ya'Han | How Things Change |
| 089 | Shar'El | Inner Clonflict |
| 090 | Maya | You Can Take The Science… |
| 091 | Paquette | Catching Up |
| 092 | Shar'El | From Weird To Strange |
| 093 | Morningstar | Fear Is A Choice |
| 094 | Maya | Driving Anyone Crazy… |
| 095 | Stark | Dodge-ball, ANUBIS Style |
| 096 | Ya'Han | And For Something… |
| 097 | Shar'El | Keeping Your Feet On The… |
| 098 | Morningstar | Shifting Understandings |
| 099 | Ttosk | Thoughts of Home |
| 100 | Ya'Han | Colorful Thoughts |
| 101 | Stark | Silicon Mystery |
| 102 | Mizore | Taken |
| 103 | Morningstar | Deep Trouble |
| 104 | Dalziel | Grateful |
| 105 | Shar'El | Clear As Mud |
| 106 | Stark | Wishful Memory |
| 107 | Paquette | What Fresh Hell Is This? |
| 108 | Ya'Han | That Sinking Feeling |
| 109 | Paquette | Freedon - Sorta |
| 110 | Morningstar | Three-Player Game |
| 111 | Shar'El | Beyond Sight |
| 112 | Stark | Unseen Opponent |
| 113 | Maya | Strange Creatures Indeed |
| 114 | Shar'El | Dimensional Dilemma |
| 115 | Mizore | It Never Happed…? |
| 116 | Mizore | What a long, strange trip… |
| 117 | Stark | Shaking Things Up |
| 118 | Ya'Han | Good, Bad Or In Between |
| 119 | Shar'El | Not Happy At All |
| 120 | Morningstar | Questions to be Answered |
| 121 | Stark | Intelligent Argument |
| 122 | Ya'Han | Pieces of the Puzzle |
| 123 | Shar'El | What Sharp Teeth You Have |
| 124 | Morningstar | Expectations of Fear |
| 125 | Stark | Speed VS Strength |
| 126 | Ya'Han | Dislike on Every Dimension |
| 127 | Maya | Poking Small Holes to Solve… |
| 128 | Shar'El | Observations |
| 129 | Maya | Getting Around The Larger… |
| 130 | Paquette | Tasty Treat |
| 131 | Mizore | Oathbreaker |
| 132 | Ya'Han | Chaos All Around |
| 133 | Dalziel | Prisons of the Mind |
| 134 | Shar'El | Shattered Tranquility |
| 135 | Morningstar | Unexpected Twists |
| 136 | Stark | Something Changed |
| 137 | Shar'El | Memory Scan |
| 138 | Maya | Long Ago In A Dimension… |
| 139 | Ya'Han | Trust Issues |
| 140 | Paquette | Touchy Feely |
| 141 | Stark | Something Else Changed |
| 142 | Ya'Han | Unfriendly Skies |
| 143 | Shar'El | Shoulder Deep |
| 144 | Dalziel | Bide |
| 145 | Shar'El | Painful Answers |
| 146 | Paquette | Booboo Removal |
| 147 | Maya | Did Not See That One… |
| 148 | Morningstar | The End? |
##########
"New Command, New CEO"
[Previous post - NONE]
##########
Time is a unforgiving master yet once in a while it displays a compassion and understanding that leave us to question and wonder as to the true nature of the universe.
=====
Setting: NEW ALEXANDRIA, Section B, Level 7, Observation Platform
Stardate: 30145.0600
Erik Morningstar, a 20 year Starfleet veteran, stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze locked on the distant SCARAB-Class vessel that he had been placed in charge of. The USS ANUBIS was a magnificent ship, one that demanded immediate respect by its simple appearance. The aged Native American had never been one to allow his pride to show, but this particular instance would be a rare exception.
With a new crew the ANUBIS would soon resume its timeless mission to protect the interests and citizens of the Federation. Times had changed but the threats had remained as well as the need to confront them with courage and determination.
=====
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 22, Main Engineering
Stardate: 30145.0620
The imposing Oltharian smiled as he watched the redheaded Lieutenant as she gently caressed the cold inactive core. The tenderness of her her touch had not at all struck the former Chief Engineer as odd. In fact Elan understood with ease the thoughts and feelings behind the act.
"I can already see that the two of you will get along just fine," Elan mused with a hint of envy in his voice.
Lt. Paquette turned to face the towering seven foot tall alien, and paused for a moment as she took in the sight. "Sir, if I may. Why are you not staying on the ANUBIS? I can see and feel that the two of you are connected, so why have me take over?"
"There comes a time in each of our lives when we have to let go of the past and embrace the future," Elan replied his eyes admiring the dark tower of the warp core. "The ANUBIS needs you as in many ways you need her, just as I did many years ago."
"Showing the new Chief Engineer around are you Elan?" Erik said as he joined the two officers.
"Captain Morningstar," Sonja gasped as she stood to full attention not having expected the ANUBIS' CO to appear as he had. "Commander Fairborn was just giving me a quick tour and trying to make me feel more at ease."
"Elan has spoken highly of you since the first time he read your file," the Captain stated as he glanced to the imposing giant. "I have the utmost confidence that you will do just fine as the ANUBIS' new Chief Engineer."
The Oltharian smiled in response to the Native American's words. "I have one last thing to show you before I go," Elan said to the redhead as he noticed a unique person heading their way. "Lieutenant Paquette allow me to introduce to you ANI, the ship's Avatar."
"A Sung-type android?" Sonja asked in amazement never actually having seen one before.
"She's a lot more than that," Erik chuckled. As a former Chief Engineer himself the new CO of the ANUBIS had been quick to understand the uniqueness of a being like ANI.
"The best way can I explain ANI is this," Elan began his voice filled with admiration and reverence. "She is the ANUBIS given human form."
"Whoa," Sonja softly gasped. "Are you communicating with the ship's systems through some sort of subspace link or are your processors actually fully integrated with that of the ANUBIS?"
"For simplicity's sake I *am* the ANUBIS," the Avatar replied with a distinct hint of pride in her voice.
"With fully integrated bio-neural processors you can control any and all functions of the ship from anywhere on board," the new CEO grinned like a child having been given a state of the art new toy.
"Actually, thanks to a special encoded subspace link I am able to remotely access the ANUBIS' computer core from up to 10 000 kilometres," ANI clarified with a meek smile.
"Girl, you and I are going to gave a long chat," Sonja said as she took hold of ANI, arm in her own.
"Yup, she'll do just fine," Erik said with a huge grin as he shot a teasing glance up at the towering Oltharian standing next to him.
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
##########
"Meeting the FCO"
[Previous post - "New Command, New CEO"]
##########
True success is not measured by the easy things we do but by the difficult tasks we manage to complete after having failed before.
=====
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30145.0645
The individual and unique character of a ship could be felt when walking onto its bridge for the very first time. The Native American Captain had read everything he could on the USS ANUBIS but this had not prepared him for what he would find.
The moment the doors of the turbolift opened Erik was taken aback by the sensation of power which filled to command deck. Grace and efficiency were in perfect balance in the spacious room. A single chair in the centre left no doubts as to who would be in charge of the rest of the bridge crew neatly set around the outer edge. This would truly be an amazing ship to command and Erik Morningstar knew that he had been a most fortunate man to have been named her new Captain.
As Erik stepped onto the command deck he immediately noted that the flight control station at the front of the Bridge was occupied. It was easy to see the imposing stature of the crewman at the controls even from his sitting position, so based on that the Captain ventured a simple guess as to the identity of the Officer in question.
"I am not at all surprised in finding you here Ensign Ttosk," Erik began while recalling a specific note on the FCO's file. "Bet you can't wait to get the ANUBIS out and see what she can do."
The Zaldan male turned his head to look at the approaching Office, looking at the Native American only long enough to confirm that the person had in fact been the ship's CO. "I hate wasting time on simulations, they never feel right. Just an elaborate lie meant to trick people into believing things that are not real."
Morningstar nodded to himself. Yes this was indeed Ensign Wydran Ttosk and there had been do doubts that he was a Zaldan through and through. Social pleasantries were considered to be insulting to them so Erik needed to be as direct and firm as possible in all of his dealings with the FCO.
"I will be in my Ready Room," Captain Morningstar stated a few seconds later has he moved towards his office. Anything else that could have been said would have likely hindered the Officers' ability to work together. Small talk had never been a Zaldan's strongest ability... not by a long shot.
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
---
"The Future is Only the Past Rediscovered"
(Previous Post: "Meeting the FCO")
---
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 12, Astrometrics Lab
Stardate: 30145.0700
The Shillian Scientist smiled as she gazed at the primary work station of the Science lab that she knew all too well. Despite not having been here in what seemed like an eternity, Maya had been delighted to see that nothing had truly changed since the last time she had been in this specific location.
In Starfleet, Officers worked long and hard to discover their field of expertise. For some this would be found exactly along the lines of what they enjoyed, but for others they would find their personal best in a field that they might never have expected. For the Shillian though, her field of expertise had been exactly where she had known it would be from the very first day on EARTH. Science was in her blood and no amount of training would ever be able to change that.
Koniki had hoped to make an Intel Operative of the Shillian meta-morph but despite endless training sessions Maya could not become the person that the Admiral had hoped her to become. As the Scientist that she was, Maya was thrilled to have her assignment as the Chief Science Officer of the USS ANUBIS reinstated. In that role she would be able to once again look at the universe around her in a way that few could and in so doing discover something new every time.
Being part of an Intel ship attached to a secret base would have turned many people away to seek a better and safer assignment, but to Maya this had been a dream come true. As a member of the USS ANUBIS the Shillian would venture to places never heard of by anyone within the Federation or its allies. Although unspeakable dangers were always around the corner threatening the existence of each and every member of the crew, the potential for amazing scientific discoveries kept the Chief Science Officer where she truly belonged.
---
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 2, Maya's Quarters
Stardate: 30145.0800
Home. Although her the quarters on the NEW ALEXANDRIA complex had been much bigger, the ones on the USS ANUBIS had been where she felt at home. As the last member of her race, the ability to call anywhere home had proven to be essential to the Shillian Scientist, and as strange as it might have seen to others, her quarters on board this ship had been that and much more.
Life had brought her to this place, and life had taken her away, but now that the future had presented her with yet a new life it had done so by returning the Shillian to where she had been most at ease and at peace.
---
Jessica Solarik
Lieutenant Commander Maya
Chief Science Officer
USS ANUBIS
---
"Darn Doors"
(Previous Post: "The Future is Only the Past Rediscovered")
---
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 2, Senior Officer’s Quarters (Wydran’s)
Stardate: 30145.0500
Wydran got up, tried to stretch and immediately bashed his head on the ceiling smashing the light with his head; the FCO then proceeded to shout some rather unpleasant vulgar language and the shattered inanimate object. Ensign Ttosk tried to calm himself down before he decided to walk through the doors once again without hitting his head. Carefully he ducked and walked through the opened doorway quickly heading to engineering.
<><><><><><>
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 22, Main Engineering
Stardate: 30145.0510
As the huge pilot walked into Main Engineering, he noticed a rather short red haired officer standing in his way. Wydran promptly said “I need a cutting tool.”
The Chief Engineering Officer turned around to see the seven foot tall person now standing in front of her. “Oh,” Sonja said a little stunned by the man’s imposing height. “You must be…“
Wydran saw the cutting tool he had come here to acquire and simply took them completely ignoring Lt. Paquette. Turning on his heels to exit without having any further contact with the CEO, the FCO bashed his head once again on the way out. The loud thump was quickly followed by a lengthy train of alien swear words voicing the towering man’s anger and frustration.
The red haired woman giggled at the sight of the imposing man defeated by a simple door, forgetting completely the reason why he had come into Main Engineering.
With the cutting torch in his possession, Wydran proceeded back to his quarters to insure that he would, from now on, never have to deal with the insufficiently high frame of the door.
<><><><><><>
Scott Moll
Ensign Wydran Ttosk
Flight Control Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
--
"Second Chances"
(Previous Post: "Darn Doors")
--
=/\=
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 7, Counsellor's Office
Stardate: 30145.0815
The almost imperceptible smell of cleaning solvent hung in the air of the room, smelling both fresh and chemical at the same time. It was natural that the entire ship be given the once over before it left the haven of spacedock.
Lieutenant JG Eve Dalziel sat behind her desk, perusing a PADD that held the most recent ship's roster. Her elegant brow furrowed as she tossed her gleaming ebony hair over one shoulder. It appeared the crew had gone through a housecleaning of sorts as well. There were a few familiar names and faces, and several new ones too.
Eve stood, adjusting a terracotta pot on the corner of the credenza. The green, waxy ivy plant was a new addition to the office, as a way of making it less cold and impersonal. It was her job to ensure everyone aboard the ship was given the mental tools and support to perform their duties with excellence. That meant she had to be available at all times, with an innate honesty.
But, there was a certain dichotomy there, as the tall, occasionally imposing woman had been born Cardassian. She possessed the instincts and physicality of a hand-to-hand combat specialist. But fate had her fall, orphaned, into the loving home of the Dalziel family, who raised her as their own and exposed her to the Starfleet life. Her father was Human; her mother Bajoran. She had chosen many elements of her mother's mystical faith as her own, and when she turned sixteen she chose a humanoid appearance, casting aside the shadow of assumption that others still made about the Cardassian race, so many years after their nefarious transgressions.
It was this unique combination of traits that had opened the door to a career with the Federation, and had led her to the ANUBIS. And now, new officers had been lured to its clandestine corridors.
"Counsellor," a solid voice acknowledged the gray-eyed woman.
"Captain," Eve said kindly to Erik Morningstar, the ship's Commanding Officer. To be truthful, she hadn't heard the door open. "I thought welcoming the crew was *my* job."
The Native American CO raised his hand slightly. "I don't consider my 'house calls' in the same category."
Dalziel's large, expressive eyes displayed a hint of mischief. "Certainly. the panic of meeting the Captain is a completely different kind of panic than meeting the ship's Counsellor."
Erik stoically placed his hands behind his back. "So, should *I* be worried?"
Eve shook her head. "No... unless you've been diagnosed with some psychosis since we last met."
"Not a chance," Morningstar replied.
"Then I guess my appointment schedule is clear... for now," she added pragmatically.
Morningstar cleared his throat, almost sounding like he were suppressing a laugh. "While I appreciate your overwhelming vote of confidence, I think it's time I leave you to your rounds."
=/\=
Susan Ledbetter
Lieutenant JG Eve Dalziel
Counsellor
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
"Judgment"
[previous "Second Chances"]
[/\]
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Some Corridor
Stardate: 30145.0900
The four years spent at the academy were nothing more than a distant memory now. His parents had guided him to Starfleet with the hopes that he would be able to start a new life. The search for this new life brought him here, to this place and this ship.
Jayson thought that the name of the ship was ironic. Anubis was the Egyptian god of tombs and ruler of the underworld. A jackal-headed beast who lead the dead to judgment to see if they were worthy of an afterlife.
He pretty much considered himself to be dead after the death of his wife and unborn child. That's how he felt having lost all will and reason to live. Starfleet had been the only hope for a new life, an afterlife of sorts. Maybe that was why he was here. To be judged as to his worthiness to this new life.
His footsteps echoed in the empty corridor. The sound drew him deeper into the ship, summoning him to an unknown future. There was something mysterious about this ship, something that made him continue forward.
On the way here Jayson believed that it would take some time before he would feel at home here. The moment he stepped on the ship though that changed. Everything about this ship beckoned him.
When assigned to a new ship people normally go to their quarters when arriving. It is a natural way to become more comfortable, to get to know the layout of their new ship. During his stay at the Academy though Jayson had focused on nothing other than his work and duties. Because of that he decided to head to where he would be most useful, where he would feel most at ease.
Jayson went to the nearest turbolift and immediately stepped in. No hesitation, no fear, only purpose and the desire to embrace this new life.
"Bridge!"
The doors closed and the pod began moving. This was his new home, his new life.
That is what Leena would have wanted.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Ensign Jayson Stark
Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
##########
"Welcoming the New OPS"
[Previous post - "Judgment"]
##########
Space is a void filled with the hopes and dreams of countless.
=====
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 1, Captain's Ready Room
Stardate: 30145.0910
The Native American had returned to the safety of his Ready Room after having paid the ship's CNS a friendly visit. It had been very nice to see Eve once again and the Captain had been glad to see that the Cardassian born woman had not lost her witty edge. As a ship's Counselor such a skill had been an asset, but as a member of an Intel vessel such as the ANUBIS it had been a near necessity.
While leaning back in his chair, Erik perused the content of the PADD in his hands: the latest update to his crew. A faint smile graced the man's lips as he noted the addition of several new names to the roster, including that of a new Operations Officer. Ensign Jayson Stark, a man with a dark and sad past would be joining them very soon, and hopefully with the assistance of the rest of the crew he would find what he had been seeking.
It was always tricky to have fresh graduates out of the Academy join the fleet, and even more so when taking into account the fact that officially the USS ANUBIS or any of the ships attached to the NEW ALEXANDRIA complex were not at all as they were said to be. The secret base had been listed as a simple deep space support outpost, so far away from all of the normal interstellar traffic that no one ever gave it a second thought. The ANUBIS, HORUS and SEKHMET were equally unimpressive in their listing as long-range exploration vessels, insuring that no one would pay too much attention to any of them.
Not falling under the normal chain of command of the fleet, the vessels under the NEW ALEXANDRIA complex enjoyed a wider range of flexibility when dealing with whatever the universe would throw their way. Erik believed that this freedom would come to play an important role in the new Ensign's search for himself and the answer he sought.
With no one on the Bridge and the systems working at bare minimum, the Native American quickly noted a change in status from one of the primary control console on the command deck. Curious as to who had stepped onto the bridge, Erik put the PADD down and headed out of his Ready Room.
=====
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 1, Bridge
Stardate: 30145.0915
The Captain of the USS ANUBIS was surprise to see the man he had been reading about sitting at the Operations Station, obviously the Ensign had been anxious to get busy.
"Welcome to the ANUBIS," Erik offered, drawing the man out of his deep thoughts.
"Captain," Jayson replied somewhat startled. "I was not expecting you to be here."
"No problem Ensign," the Native American said with a faint smile. "In fact I am happy to see you here. It gives me the chance to properly welcome you on board and to tell you to take your time to properly settle in. As of right now we are still waiting for order from Admiral Koniki."
"Thank you Sir," Ensign Stark offered in return, glad to see that he had not been the one and only soul on board the ANUBIS.
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
---
"Being Diligent is Never a Bad Thing"
(Previous Post: "Welcoming the New OPS")
---
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 1, Bridge
Stardate: 30145.0920
The last hour had been spent reviewing all of the science related components of the USS ANUBIS. From Astrometrics to the Zoology Lab, the Shillian Scientist had inspected everything and made a list of what she believed needed to be addressed before the ship could venture once again amongst the stars.
As the doors to the turbolift opened, Maya stepped out and was immediately pleased to find Captain Morningstar standing next to he Operations work station. The Head of the Science Department had feared having to interrupt her Captain to present him with her findings, but this way she could approach him without delay.
"Good morning Captain," the Shillian began not having noticed that the Commanding Officer of the USS ANUBIS had been speaking to an officer sitting at the Operations console before her unannounced entrance. "I took the liberty of making a list of the work that needs to be made to certain elements of the Science Department before we leave. I realize that this may be short notice as we may be called to action at any time, so the list is made in order of importance."
Captain Morningstar hesitantly accepted the padd that the Chief Science Officer had presented to him, certain that a detailed explanation as to its content would soon follow.
"As you will see," the Shillian began confirming the fears of her Captain. "The list is rather lengthy. I noted a discrepancy between the accuracy of the lateral sensors when compared to that of the long-range sensor array on deck A-3. I believe that a simple adjustment to the power-phase inducer would resolve this problem. I am sure that you will agree that being able to properly identify a potential threat from a distance is indispensable. I also noted that the bio-filters in Sickbay were not working to their specified peak efficiency. I realize that technically this is not part of my department, but I did not want to be negligent in my review of the systems of the ANUBIS. Should we come across some unknown contagion, I am sure that we would all feel a lot better knowing that it could be properly contained. Speaking of which, you will see that the containment field in the Exo-Biology Lab is a little shaky, by that I mean that there is a 0.2% variant in the energy output of the field. In the Planetary Studies Lab the holographic emitters appeared to be misaligned causing distortions in the image."
Concerned that this report would continue on, Captain Morningstar decided to politely interrupt. "Lieutenant Commander Maya, have you met our new Chief of Operations, Ensign Jayson Stark?"
"A pleasure to meet you Ensign," the Chief Science Officer said with a beaming smile as she fetched a second padd from her belt. "Here is a copy of the report I have just handed over to Captain Morningstar. At the very least it will give you an idea of the various laboratories that are on board the ANUBIS as well as some of their specific capabilities. Should you have any suggestions as to how to improve any of them, please do not be shy and let me know. Now Captain if you will excuse me, I need to return to Stellar Cartography and complete the system update that I had initiated when I was there earlier this morning. Captain, Ensign."
The two men looked at one another in silence for a brief moment following the departure of the Chief Science Officer.
"Is she always like that?" Ensign Stark asked, still a little stunned by the verbal barrage that he had witnessed.
"That was actually short for Maya," Captain Morningstar chuckled lightly. "I will give her this though, she knows her stuff. Just try to avoid asking her for any explanation."
---
Jessica Solarik
Lieutenant Commander Maya
Chief Science Officer
USS ANUBIS
"To see the world in a grain of sand,
and a heaven in a wild flower.
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
and eternity in an hour."
- William Blake (British, 1757-1827)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Routine Inspection"
[Previous post: "Being Diligent is Never a Bad Thing"]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 7, Main Sickbay
Stardate: 30145.0925
==========^*^==========
Walking into her new area of occupation for the first time gave the young CMO and odd, somewhat breath-taking feeling. The entire build of the ship was new to her and in it's own way very frightening, yet once within she felt at ease as if the machine itself was attempting to welcome her. The Sickbay was proving very promising itself, all the equipment Lillie had ever trained with was neatly stored in one corner or another of the expansive room. Excitement built in her as the Ensign slid a hand over the nearest biobed and imagined what her first treatment in this room would be.
A sharp pang of pain in her core brought the woman out from her inner retrieve and she grimaced. It seemed as though her first patient would in fact be herself. The Tarellian carefully lifted herself up to sit upon the edge of the biobed and rummaged a hand into the small med-kit she kept at her side, withdrawing from it a small injection kit with multiple tiny vials of a sickly green liquid and a hypospray. Expertly, the Ensign tied a tight restraint just above the curve of her elbow and prepared an auto-injection. Careful not to miss the target vein, Lillie gently pressed the button to send the medicine into her bloodstream.
After removing the restraint and rubbing the area to aid in the spread through her body, the blond-haired woman preformed a quick scan with the nearest tricorder. She released a sigh of relief when all scans came back normal. Well... as normal for her as they could get anyway. The humanoid beamed with pride for a moment considering the fact that she technically just treated her first patient under the employ of the USS ANUBIS. To be honest with herself though, aside from the usual check-ups, Lillie hoped there would be little to do in her position.
Hopping down from the biobed the Ensign moved over to the desk near the front door to the Sickbay as well as the PADD that had been left on it for her. Carefully going over the list of crew members in need out a routine check the CMO was surprised to see the extensive variety of species she was going to have the chance to work with. Expecting nothing but Terrans, the woman was quite surprised to see that they had a Shillian on board, as well as an unknown entity marked only as a humanoid. Confused yet intrigued Lillie supposed she would begin with the Captain and work down the list.
Picking up her communicator for the first time since arriving the Tarellian made a connection to what she believed to be the captain's communicator.
"Hello... Captain?" the Ensign tentatively said, not knowing what exactly to say.
[/\] Go ahead Ensign, [/\] a male voice responded, to her experience he sounded older and most likely Terran.
Breathing a short sigh of relief for not having mixed up her signals, Lillie attempted to sound confident "You're due for a routine check-up Captain, at you most available time would you be able to see me in the Sickbay please?"
[/\] Just greeting the crew, I'll be up there as soon as I can,[/\] the Captain responded, voices of another male were being picked up over the transmission so the CMO decided there was no rush.
Leaning back in her chair the Tarellian stared up at the ceiling. Closing her eyes she could almost picture herself holding her daughters at this very moment. The Ensign decided to remain deep in her daydreams as she waited, not much was needed to be done until her routine inspections were complete so why not relax? She could possibly even make time to visit a Holodeck before launch if the remaining crew members were as receptive. Lillie also wanted to visit her quarters at some point to unpack and organize her things.
So much to do, so little time. To heck with it though, time could wait.
==========^*^==========
Ashley Shane
Ensign Lillie Doyanne
Chief Medical Officer
USS ANUBIS
"Volunteer"
[previous "Routine Inspection"]
[/\]
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30145.09:30
So far he had met the Captain and the Chief Science Officer of the ANUBIS. Captain Morningstar was a friendly chap, a man that he could see himself working under without any difficulties. The lead scientist though would be a little more challenging based on their first meeting. She seemed nice enough but getting to talk to the woman might proved to be a full time job. Still everything so far pointed to this being the right ship for him.
Following the call from Sickbay, Jayson thought it best if he bit the bullet first. The Captain had not seemed too keen on going for his check-up and truth be known the Ensign had been overdue for one. Excuses were easy to come by at the Academy, but here things were different. He needed to be the best he could be, and this included being in top physical form.
"With you permission Sir, I will head down to sickbay. Maybe us Ensigns can chat a little and make things easier on you."
The Captain smiled before releasing the Operations officer from his station.
[/\]
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Sickbay
Stardate: 30145.09:40
Jayson felt a little uncomfortable when he walked in. Hospitals and other medical facilities had a bad habit of reminding him of Leena's death. That had happened in another time, another life and he needed to deal with this. The ANUBIS would challenge him in this new life, so facing one of his greatest fears had been necessary.
"Hello? Doctor?"
The woman came out of her office. Her smile was warm and inviting but he could not help but take a step back.
"Are you here for your check-up?"
Instead of hearing the woman's voice he heard a single loud explosion. He froze, stuck between two lives and uncertain as to stay or run.
"Are you alright Ensign?"
He closed his eyes and drew a long deep breath. What mattered was the present and his being here.
"Sorry Doctor, my thoughts were somewhere else. Yes, I am here for my check-up if you have the time."
She smiled again and invited him to take a seat on the main bed. He complied while pushing the thoughts and fears as far away as he could. Maybe after Sickbay he would need to make an appointment with the ship's Counsellor.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Ensign Jayson Stark
Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
##########
"Interesting Information"
[Previous post - "Volunteer"]
##########
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Engineering
Stardate: 30145.0500
Sonja was deep in the ‘zone’ at the central island, with part of its components pulled out as she cleaned and replaced or repair various Isoliniar chips. She was swaying to the music playing in her earpiece. Having chosen to not blare the tunes as she normally would, keeping in mind that she was not alone, and well these were her new staff and want to break them in slowly to her brand of *quirky*. No need to freak them out, not yet at least.
Her personal tool case was laying open on the island, while she worked. The case itself was one that had belonged to her grandfather, he had given it to her when she began her Engineering studies at the Academy. The majority of the tools and instruments had been replaced except for a few that were non-operational but kept simply for their sentimental value. She made a mental note to contact her grandfather once she was off duty, it had been too long.
The sudden entrance of a rather frustrated if not angry and quite large man drew everyone’s attention. As the redheaded CEO turned still slightly slouched from her work, she was met with this new comers midriff, not just a little awkward to say the least.
(overlapping parts of post #004)
Before anyone was able to recover the newcomer stated rather forcefully “I need a cutting tool.“
“Oh,” Sonja said as she straightened, a little stunned by the man’s imposing height. “You must be…”
The Man saw what he was looking for and took it out of the case that was on the central island, turned on his heel and left. There was a rather loud THUMP that was quickly followed a string of alien curses. You do not need to speak the language to recognize swearing you can tell by the tone even if you don’t know the words, and the tone here spoke volumes.
(back to mine)
The red head could not help but giggle at the sight, and asked with a bit of annoyance in her tone “Who in world was that? and does anyone know what he was saying, it sounded colourful.”
“That was FCO Ensign Wydran Ttosk, he was assigned to the ANUBIS on stardate 30140.10,“ the avatar offered without delay.
“OKAY, Thanks ANI,” Sonja replied hastily as she knew that the Ensigns life story would be shared if she didn’t stop the avatar.
“I am able to offer a partial translation of what was said, as some parts were not very clear,” the android continued.
“ANI, just the general idea of what was said is enough,” the engineer clarified in case a typical computer explanation would follow.
“There was a curse to the male reproductive organ and a female Klingon targ mating,” stated the android. “There are no matching references in our data banks,” ANI finished.
“Thank you ANI,” Sonja smiled, glad to know that the avatar understood her request, as she was quite sure she did not want to know *exactly* what was said.
Sonja turned to return to her work when she noticed her tool case and knew that she would be seeing the Ensign again sooner than she thought. He had taken the non-functional cutting tool.
::Oh dear, bet he really will be upset, assuming his memory isn’t affected by all the head banging,:: Sonja thought with a smile on her lips.
=====
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Engineering
Stardate: 30145.0625
The redheaded woman watched the ship’s previous Chief Engineer depart with a smile on her face… She wished that she would have had more time with the Oltharian. They may have had different ways to go about it but they certainly spoke the same language when it came to their ship, “ANI”. Though she saw, well more felt, like the ship was a living being and really, all you had to do was to listen and she would talk to you. The Lt Commander’s vision was different yet strangely the same… as he created ‘ANI’ the ships avatar. Sonja loved the idea of having a *real* person to talk to that was for all intents and purposes the ship. However the Oltharian’s *very* quiet demeanour was clearly evident in ANI, something that was bound to change in the redheads presence…
Sonja turned to the ship’s avatar with a wry grin and said, “Come on ANI let’s see how long it takes to make you into a real girl… without the nose issue of course,” with a laugh, thinking to herself of an old EARTH children’s story Pinocchio.
ANI tilted her head in a most mechanical way before coldly stating “I am an android, an avatar, I am incapable of being a real girl.” She straightened her head after a few seconds and asked, “Is there a malfunction with my nose?“ as her hand reached up to her face. “Would you like me to remove it for repairs?”
“NO!” gasped Sonja, “ There is no malfunction, it was a joke”.
“I do not understand,” ANI stated.
“Never mind, it’s not important,” the redhead said somewhat dismissively, as she thought making ANI more *real* might be a harder job than she first imagined, but still could prove to be very amusing in the long run. “Wait a minute,” Sonja said as an idea came to mind. “ANI, can you actually remove your nose?” and then said quickly “Do not do so, I just want to know if you can?”
ANI in typical android fashion replied “I can remove or replace all of my parts.”
“So you have various replacement parts, hummm,” that was something Sonja would have to remember, she thought with a slightly devilish grin. You just never know when that kind of information can come in handy.
“Alright then let’s get back to work and get the rest of the of the upgrades and systems check done,” Sonja said with purpose picking up her PADD and brushing off her devious thoughts, and getting back to business.
=====
Lorraine Paquette
Lieutenant JG Sonja Paquette
Chief Engineering Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
##########
"The Fun Factor"
[Previous post - "Interesting Information"]
##########
The problem with today's technology is that you no longer feel the wind in your hair or the grass beneath your feet.
=====
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 1, Bridge
Stardate: 30145.0945
The Cardassian born Counsellor smiled as she casually stepped onto the Bridge to find the Native American sitting in his chair. The fact that he had been alone had not seemed at all strange to the Junior Grade Lieutenant.
"Always nice to see you in your natural habitat," Eve playfully chuckled as she made her way down the ramp to join the ANUBIS' CO at the centre of the Bridge. Unlike many other ship classes, the SCARAB-class did not have a dedicated seat for anyone other than the CO, this of course made sense when taking into account the unique nature of the missions assigned to the ship and its crew.
"Doing a house call on me?" Morningstar inquired trying to hide a growing smile. "Should I be concerned?"
"Everyone says how much fun it is to be up here," Dalziel explained as she folded her arms across her chest in a rather successful attempt to come across as being hyper serious. "I just wanted to experience this fun for myself."
The Native American had been ready to offer some sort of retort when an audio signal echoed through the mostly empty Bridge indicating an incoming communication.
"I think it's for you," Eve offered playfully as she took several steps back to remove herself from the main field of vision of the view screen.
Erik sighed and acknowledged the incoming transmission with the press of a button, transferring the communication to the large screen located at the front of the Bridge. "Morningstar here."
[/\] Hello Erik, [/\] Admiral Koniki said as his image filled the oversized view screen. [/\] With the positions of your senior staff nearly fully filled, I thought I would send you and your crew on a little mission. [/\]
"A *mission*?" The Native America repeated sounding somewhat surprised.
"Sounds like fun," Eve chuckled under her breath, having made sure that only the ANUBIS' Captain had heard her opinion.
[/\] Relax Erik, I'm just sending the ANUBIS to the moon of PI ALPHA III. On the way there you and your crew can work the kinks out of the ship. Once in orbit you will take the VIPERS, LOCUS, SPHYNX and BARRACUDA down to the moon's surface to run a few tests. [/\]
"I'm guessing that you have a time frame for us to get this done?" The Native American rhetorically inquired.
"Smile!" Eve softly laughed from outside of the field of vision of the main view screen. "This is supposed to be fun, remember."
[/\] The ANUBIS is scheduled to depart at 1200 hours, giving you ample time to get everything ready. You will be in the moon's orbit for 24 hours at which time you will head back to the barn. [/\]
"You want us under way in under two hours," Erik sighed knowing that the Admiral had actually been generous with his time frame.
[/\] This won't even be a challenge for you or your crew. See you all when you get back. Koniki out. [/\]
The screen went dark prompting the CNS to once again step into the center of the Bridge. "They were right," Eve grinned.
"About what?" The Native American queried, his thoughts already deep in the 'mission' they had received.
"That this is where the fun is," Dalziel said with a smile before she started heading towards the turbolift.
With the press of a single button on his chair, Erik Morningstar opened a ship-wide comm channel. "All senior officers are to report to the Bridge immediately for a mission briefing," then after having closed the channel the Native American grinned at the Counsellor. "Wouldn't want you to miss any of the fun."
=====
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 1, Conference Room
Stardate: 30145.1020
With all of the Senior Officers gathered in the Conference Room the Captain could begin the briefing.
"Our first mission is a simple one; to give the ship and its supporting crafts a once over. At 1200 hours the ANUBIS will be leaving for the moon of PI ALPHA III and I want every department ready before then."
"PI ALPHA III only has one moon," Maya jumped in with. "An F-Class geo-unstable planetoid that is surprisingly maintaining through severe and frequent volcanic eruptions a basic hydrogen atmosphere capable of sustaining basic life."
"Thick ash clouds will make flying any ship including the VIPERS difficult," Ensign Ttsok, the ANUBIS' FCO promptly added.
"The exercise is meant to not only test the support crafts but our ability to handle them in less than ideal circumstances," Captain Morningstar clarified. "During the first leg of the exercise on the moon of PI ALPHA III, Ensigns Ttosk and Stark will be flying the VIPERS. The rest of you will be spilt into teams to drive the two LOCUS to a rendezvous point. There we will board the BARRACUDA and make our way through shifting submerged underground passages in order to reach our final mark where the SPHYNX will be waiting for us."
"If I may Captain," the OPS officer chimed in. "If memory serves I recall reading that the ANUBIS has *three* VIPER-Class interceptors. You only named two pilots."
"Captain's prerogative," Eve chuckled as she leaned back in her chair. "The Captain will be the third pilot."
Erik smiled but said nothing in reply to the Counsellor's statement. "Lt. Paquette, I will need you to make sure that the ANUBIS is ready for departure and that all support crafts are made ready before our arrival at PI ALPHA."
"That will not be a problem Captain," Sonja confirmed with confidence. Getting her hands dirty in engineering work had never been an issue for the red-headed engineer.
The Native American nodded approvingly before he shifted his attention to Ensign Doyanne, the ANUBIS' CMO. "Doctor, I will need you to complete the senior staff's physical exams before we arrive at out destination."
"I will be happy to do so," Lillie stated adding a faint grin. "Shall I schedule you in for right after this meeting or immediately following our leaving NEW ALEXANDRIA?"
Erik hesitated for a moment, recalling the notes he had seen on the personnel file of Ensign Doyanne. As much as he understood the situation, the Native American could not help but feel reluctant in being in close quarters with the ANUBIS' new CMO.
"Captain Morningstar already has an appointment following this meeting," Eve added, having noticed a slight, yet visible change in the Native American's posture. Likely no one else had picked up on it, but as the Ship's Counsellor it had been her duty to notice these things. "I need to complete my psychological review of each and every crew member... including you Captain, and as such you should be the first and set the example for everyone else to follow."
"You are not going to let me get out of that one will you?" Morningstar sighed with amusement.
"Of course not... the fun has just begun," the CNS added with a chuckle as she observed the CO's reaction.
Ignoring Eve's last words, Erik turned his attention to the Shillian. "Maya, yours will be a dual role. Since we do not have an ExO at this time, you will take over as second in command for the duration of this mission. I will also need you to get us all up-to-date on what we are likely going to encounter on the moon of PI ALPHA III."
The Shillian remained silent as the reality of her situation came into focus. Doing the scientific research would not be an issue, but being the acting ExO had not been something she had expected or been ready for.
"Alright," Erik began as he stood from his chair. "We all have things to do and little time to do it. So let's get to work."
Everyone exited the Conference Room with the exception of Eve and Erik who remained behind and gazed at one another in silence for several moments.
"Would you like for me to start here or would you rather be in the safety of your office?" The Counsellor offered as she took a step towards the doorway having already figured out the Native American's answer.
Erik signed once again as he invited the Counsellor to step out first so that they could head to his Ready Room to deal with the *fun* task ahead.
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
"Patient and Patience"
[previous "The Fun Factor"]
[/\]
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Sickbay
Stardate: 30145.09:45
The medial scans had confirmed what he already knew. Physically Jayson was as healthy as could be. Four years in intensive training at the academy had insured that. The problem had never been his physical health, but the emotional scars he carried with him.
The Doctor had been very kind and patient with him. She could tell that he was nervous, that he didn't want to be there. This had been a familiar reaction as many disliked areas associated with the medical field. But Lillie could tell that there was more than simple discomfort.
He fought against his desire to run. The more he sat there, the more the Doctor hovered around him, the more Jayson wanted to escape. He needed to control himself, not allowing his past to deny him the new life he had worked so hard over the last four years to claim.
She spoke to him but what he heard was muffled. When she touched his arm he jumped.
"I said, everything seems to be fine. Is there something you want or need me to check before you go?"
Her smile was warm and soothing. Almost enough to make him forget his troubled past for a split second.
Then the call from the Captain came through. All senior officers to the bridge for a mission briefing. Jayson tried to return the Doctor's smile but failed. Still too many memories and emotions were in the way. He needed to focus on the here and now, so off the examination table he jumped and out of Sickbay he went.
[/\]
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 1, Bridge
Stardate: 30145.10:35
The meeting had been brief and their mission simple. He would get to pilot one of the VIPERS along side the ship's FCO and CO. The specifics on the interceptor class craft pointed to them being nothing like he had seen before. Quick, manoeuvrable and deadly, he was glad to be in one instead of against one.
When Jayson saw the Counselor exiting the conference room he went to speak to her. She had been ordered to do a psychological review of the crew and he saw no reason to wait. He stopped when he noticed the Captain right behind her. He remembered then that she had wanted to speak to him first. Forced to wait, he headed for he turbolift.
There would be other opportunities for him to see the Counsellor before PI ALPHA III.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Ensign Jayson Stark
Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
=/\=
"Not a Competition"
[Previous Post: "Patient and Patience"]
=/\=
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 1, CO's Ready Room
Stardate: 30145.1030
The door closed behind them, making a satisfying swishing noise.
Eve found herself trying, perhaps a little too hard, to keep the mood light. After all, Morningstar was reserved, even though he wasn't as stoic as she first thought. He was everything one would expect in a Commanding Officer and then some. Besides, one simply did not get assigned to the ANUBIS if they didn't have a few tricks up their sleeve. She looked forward to discovering what those were in the Captain's case.
Despite the seriousness of serving on a Federation vessel, he could take a joke, provided it was at the right time, and appreciated a hands-on approach when it came to working with the different department in their shared goals.
Erik had placed a large cup of spiced tea in front of him, heavy on the milk. There was no reason not to try and get comfortable. "Whenever you'd like to begin," he said, offering her the seat across from him.
Lieutenant JG Dalziel smiled weakly and took her place. It wasn't good bedside manner to leave your patient waiting.
"I will admit," Eve began, tossing her off-black hair over one shoulder, "that you don't fit the typical stereotype of the youngest child in a family unit." The baby of the family generally wasn't as disciplined as their older siblings, and sometimes displayed a sense of entitlement. They were often described as a 'party animal', something that didn't seem to fit the Native American man in the slightest.
"Eh, maybe we were too far apart in age. My sister is five years older than I am. My brother is seven years older," he added, trying not to sound uncomfortable mentioning his brother Jean-Claude, who was a patient at the Mental Institute on ARINESS III.
"So no hidden wild streak?" Dalziel asked with genuine curiosity.
"No," Erik answered."But then again, it depends on your definition." Despite the touch of grey in his dark hair, his brown eyes glinted with the spirit of a much younger man.
"What do you consider your proudest achievement?"
The CO thought for a moment. "The day I stopped following my father's wishes and chased after my own."
"I'm sure that was difficult."
"Not as difficult as living an untruth... 'When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.'" The words of his ancestors sprang forth unexpectedly.
The eloquence of his comment took Eve off guard for a few seconds. But she eventually found her voice and continued. "Your first assignment out of the Academy was as an Assistant Flight Control Officer. What about that position was a good fit and what about it was not an ideal fit?"
"The best part? The actual flying- of course. Being in control of the vessel's momement. Being able to make the most minute of adjustments and feel the instant response."
"And the worst part?"
"It wasn't enough just to steer. I had to get down in the core and see how the energy was generated to make her go. There's a part of me that will *always* be an Engineer."
Eve allowed herself a smile. *What was it about Engineers?* she thought. "I think that about covers it. Thank you, Captain."
"That's it?" Morningstar responded with mild surprise.
She stood, holding a small PADD which she had used to take notes. "I try not to overstay my welcome. That way you'll want to come to me when you really need to."
"Well, okay then," Erik said, pleased.
"One more thing before I go. I'll share with you something my first Psych professor taught me at SFA- 'Remember, we're all a little crazy- it's not a competition.'"
=/\=
Susan Ledbetter
Lieutenant JG Eve Dalziel
Counsellor
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
"Not Even A Nice Place To Visit"
(Previous Post: "Not a Competition")
---
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 12, Planetary Studies Lab
Stardate: 30145.1045
A holographic image of a planetoid torn by the most primal of natural forces hovered above the large circular table set in the centre of the Planetary Studies Lab. The Shillian scientist could not draw her eyes from the image as it slowly spun on its normal orbital axis. Jagged lines of glowing red and orange ripped through the spherical image, emanating from countless volcanoes which filled the atmosphere with dust. Right next to these rivers of molten lava, bodies of crystal blue water were shaken without mercy by quakes that threatened to tear the moon apart.
The more information came to be displayed both around the holographic image and on the small view screens surrounding the work station, the more the Chief Science Officer of the USS ANUBIS became interested in that single celestial body.
The moon of PI ALPHA III had been large by planetary accounts, which only made the chaos found on every square meter of the surface that much more impressive. The planetoid as a whole suffered from quakes on a minute to minute basis, some powerful enough to rip open the outer crust. Fuelled by the constant flow of ashes from the volcanoes, tremendous storms raged all over the hellish moon. The temperature of the water found on the shattered surface ranged from near freezing at the poles to boiling when near any of the volcanoes.
The Shillian scientist grinned ever so slightly as she focused her attention on one specific set of data that appeared on her monitors. Through all of this fiery chaos, primal life had found a way to take root, allowing for the most basic of plants and bacterial life form to call this place home. It was easy to see why Admiral Koniki had selected this place as proving grounds for the VIPERS, SPHYNX, LOCUS and BARRACUDA, but the Chief Science Officer had hoped that their little exercise would grant her the opportunity to do a little bit of research in an environment the likes she had never expected to encounter.
The grin was replaced with a sigh as the Shillian remembered another crucial aspect of their trip to the moon of PI ALPHA III, the part where she would be action Executive Officer. As such her responsibilities would be to the rest of the crew, to insure their safety and the rapid completion of their mission objective. To take even a few minutes to analyse some bacterial organism that had evolved to survive in near boiling water or to study a plant able to live through the constant ash falling from the sky would have to wait.
With her role back in perfect focus, the Chief Science Officer began to download and catalog the data that had been available. Captain Morningstar, Ensign Ttosk and Stark would need to be briefed on the several atmospheric turbulence they would be sure to encounter as they flew the VIPERS. The rest of the senior staff would need to know about the unstable nature of the quake plagued ground and the potentially misleading calmness of some of the bodies of water which were to be avoided at all costs. According to the gathered data, several of these isolated pools possessed a high enough concentration of sulphuric acid to reduce a LOCUS into scrap metal in a matter of seconds. Doctor Doyanne would need to be ready to treat such acid burns while Lieutenant Paquette would need to ready the crafts for the extreme conditions they would be forced to deal with once there.
As a Scientist, Maya could see countless elements that she would have loved to investigate during her time on the moon, but as the Executive Officer for the mission, the Shillian instead saw countless things to be wary of and if at all possible avoided. Hopefully Counselor Dalziel would see it as a positive point to see the Head of the Science Department take her new role to such heart.
The moon of PI ALPHA III might have been a dream come true for a Scientist, but unfortunately for the upcoming mission of the crew of the USS ANUBIS the planetoid would not even be a nice place to visit.
---
Jessica Solarik
Lieutenant Commander Maya
Chief Science Officer
USS ANUBIS
"To see the world in a grain of sand,
and a heaven in a wild flower.
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
and eternity in an hour."
- William Blake (British, 1757-1827)
=-=
"Recruited"
[Previous post: "Not Even A Nice Place To Visit",written by the Amazing Jessica]
=-=
Setting: USS ANUBIS, IGC
Stardate: 30145.1000
The entire room was dedicated to Intel work, to listening in on conversations and observing others without their knowledge. Shar'El felt a little bad at being here doing what she was, studying the crew of the ANUBIS without their knowledge. The equipment at her disposal had been meant to be aimed to planets or other ships, not to be used within the ANUBIS, still it was a good way to perform some tests.
These people would in time come to know her, but she wanted to have the advantage of knowing them first. The experienced CO, the troubled Ops, the imposing FCO, the unique Shillian, the fiery CEO, the strange CMO and the confident CNS. Each one had hidden memories that the ILO would sooner or later discover, not because she wanted to use this knowledge against them, but because she knew the power memories could have over people.
=-=
FLASHBACK
Some cultures believe that people are nothing more than memories given form. They are what shapes us and drive us to succeed or fail in whatever we attempt. Shar'El understood this very well having memories that in the greater scheme of things should never have been hers.
The senior staff of STARBASE 118 had been beyond kind and generous in taking her in when her own people had turned their collective backs on her. That single memory had forged an impenetrable barrier between the child and what should have been her people. That emotional wall only grew over time leading Shar'El to withdraw onto herself. Part of the reason had been to distance herself from her race, but she also wanted to protect those who had been so kind to her. Whatever reason why she had been abandoned as an infant had been hers and hers alone to deal with.
Countless people had gathered at the graduation ceremony, everyone cheering for the accomplishments of the family member. Shar'El did her best to block the waves upon waves of memories from the crowd around her. Even her classmates were inundating her with memories, some happy, some not so much.
At the end of the ceremony, the mental storm finally subsided enough for Shar'El to ear a specific memory, one that concerned her directly. That single memory was followed by several others that touched in various ways her life at the Academy. As she turned to discover the source of these unexpected relived thoughts, the grinning face of an elderly Admiral stared back at her.
"Do I know you?"
"You do not, but as you have gathered I on the other hand know you rather well."
More memories came into focus from the Admiral; all of which had been about her. Shar'El could not remember ever having seen this man before, but it was perfectly clear that he had been around since pretty much her entrance at the Academy.
"What do you want from me?" The question seemed out of place when spoken by a telepath, unless that telepath was Ullian, limited to reading the memories of others. What surprised her even more had been just how many such memories this unknown man possessed of her.
"I am here to help. To offer you a place where you can be yourself and help the Federation in ways that you never could have imagined."
Flashes of a distant hidden base and dark powerful ships came into view, even if only for a brief moment. The Admiral had been well trained in blocking his thoughts and memories from outsiders, and Shar'El believed that those images she had seen had been allowed for her benefit.
"Why me?"
"Your unique skills for one," the aged Admiral said with a smile. "Your need to have someone help you focus on your future instead of your past for another. What I am offering you is a chance to have a future free of whatever past you believe you are carrying with you."
"Sounds mysterious."
"More than you can imagine," the Admiral grinned, holding the mental block against Shar'El's intensified scan.
"All right, I'm in."
The face that had been touched by time quickly returned to a cold expression as a single memory took form in his mind, a memory specifically allowed for Shar'El to pick up on. The memory had been clear and specific and offered everything that she needed to take advantage of the offer that had been made. The USS ANUBIS would be her ship with a universe of new memories for her to explore.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
"Wings of Power"
[previous "Recruited"]
[/\]
Setting: USS ANUBIS, VIPER Launch Bay
Stardate: 30145.11:00
The VIPER-Class Interceptor was a marvel of modern engineering. As deadly as it was sleek, as powerful as it was fast.
No one would suspect that the two-man fighter was of Federation design. That was part of the deal. That was why it was shaped as it was. Anyone encountering it would know to fear it before even engaging it in combat. Yes, the VIPER looked *that* menacing.
The more he studied the VIPER, the more Jayson agreed with its name. Sleek, deadly, fast and it even looked like it had fangs. Piloting this would be an amazing experience. The need to thank his CO for this opportunity was almost overwhelming.
From over the sleek shape of the interceptor he could see the giant FCO studying one of the other VIPERS. The man looked large enough to lift the ship with his bare hands which left Jayson with one question. How would Wydran get into it?
"Think the Captain would let us take them for a spin before we leave?"
The giant pilot either ignored him or was so lost in his thoughts that he had not heard a word that was said. Jayson could only guess as to the giant's thoughts but yet he understood how he felt.
Standing next to something like a VIPER made it easy to lose yourself in dreams of adventures, and of battles that would be talked about for generations to come.
With the external inspection done, he decided to climb in and get a true feel of a VIPER. A pilot needed to be inside the cockpit to know the ship he would fly. The inside layout was simple, efficient, just like the outside. He could feel the ship's power and speed without actually flying it. His hand took hold of the old style controls. No clumsy panels where here, the pilot needed to handle the ship directly.
What a rush! To feel the ship as an actual extension of him. To know that it would respond to his movement and touch. If only all other Federation shuttles were built this way, how grand would it be?
As he climbed out of the VIPER Jason hoped that they would be leaving soon. This mission was meant to give these gems a good workout and he intended on doing just that.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Ensign Jayson Stark
Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Prepare the Supplies"
[Previous post: "Wings of Power"]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 7, Main Sickbay
Stardate: 30145.1050
==========^*^==========
Having spent the last hour prepping her instruments for a whole crew of patients had left the ship's new CMO slightly exhausted. Time was of the essence though and the Tarellian wished to have at least one or two more completed diagnostics before take-off. Hopefully they would be more receptive than the Ensign she had worked on just before the trip to the conference room. Lillie didn't know what it was, but try as she might the young man had seemed simply terrified to even sit in her presence. Noting that, she made sure the visit was short enough to allow him to escape - once the Ensign collected all she needed of course.
Sitting at her desk again, the young woman made a few notes on the OPS and his apparent dislike of medical visits. She would attempt to keep them short in the future and far between to hopefully get him better acquainted slowly. Wondering offhandedly the CMO thought maybe this was something the ship's counselor could look into for her seeing as both of them were here to ensure the well-being of the crew. Lieutenant Dalziel was more one for the mind, while she was honed in on the body so therefore it was common sense in thinking that her superior would succeed where she might have failed.
Patching through to the counselor's office, the Ensign decided to give her report "Eve? Can you hear me? It's Ensign Lillie Doyanne from the Sickbay"
"I hear you loud and clear Lillie" the reply came "Am I to assume this is about my visit with you or yours with me?"
"Ummm, neither? We can talk about that after, I just wanted to inform you about Ensign Stark. He seemed... frightened to be in Sickbay and at times he would gaze into space as if not there at all. It seemed to be more your field than mine, he checks out physically though." Lillie reported, hoping maybe the humanoid woman would have better results than she did
"I'll note it into my files and discuss it with him. As for our meeting though..." the Lieutenant queried
"A-another time I assure you... I have... uhhh... Maya! Yes, Lieutenant Maya coming in momentarily so we'll have to talk later" the Tarellian quickly interjected before letting the line fall dead
It wasn't really that she was concerned about what she's find in this 'humanoid's' physical assessment that worried the woman, but instead what the other doctor would find in her. Having kept her true identity secret for so long had not been easy, but with her constant avoidance of the Academy counselors no one had caught much wind of her fear. Here on the ANUBIS - trapped on a ship together for hours on end - the Tarellian would have to face Eve at some point, but she just hoped it would not be soon. Lillie sighed and patched in another call, this time to the Planetary Studies Lab.
"Lieutenant Maya? Would you be willing to come in for a quick medical examination please?" the Ensign requested, not wanting her excuse to have been a lie
"I'll be with you right after I verify, download and catalog the remaining information available concerning PI ALPHA III. The molecular structure and instability of the planetary surface lead me to ponder the extremity of the elements we may face. I'll discuss with you in any case which medical procedures I believe you will need to prepare for through the duration of my examination if you don't mind." the lengthy reply came in a rush, almost too quick for the Tarellian to make out
"That will be fine Maya, I'll prep for your arrival" Lillie answered before yet again letting the line go dead
Was everyone of this ship complex? It seemed the more she found out about the ship's crew the less she felt like an outcast by her racial identity. Each of the other senior officers seemed have have more than enough quirks. Life on the ship was looking better by the minute. The Ensign's mind wandered a moment to her quarters, the ones she hadn't yet made herself acquainted with. Duty came first however and she was determined to write up notes on each senior staff member before taking a respite into her quarters.
==========^*^==========
Ashley Shane
Ensign Lillie Doyanne
Chief Medical Officer
USS ANUBIS
=-=
"Personal Nemesis"
[previous post was "Prepare the Supplies" written by the beautiful and forgiving Ashley]
=-=
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Corridor
Stardate: 30145.1100
Although limited by line-of-sight to probe someone's memories, the ILO had already gathered a fair sample. The crew members she had come across had not at all been shy with their silent recalling of various episodes from their previous days and years.
Most of these rapid recalls had been about earlier preparations for the upcoming mission. Some had been more lengthy and interesting, dealing with family members or even previous missions.
One of the job requirements of an Intel Liaison Officer had been to remain unseen. At least this had been what the ILO had gathered from the memories the Admiral had willingly shared with her. It was an indispensable skill for someone meant to learn everything about everyone and so far Shar'El had managed to do just that.
This had been a perfect opportunity to practice this skill without risking endangering the mission or herself. Failure meant that she would be detected, and maybe even question on her presence and activities. The end result would still be the same though, having touched the target's mind and noted some aspect of their past.
As she rounded the next corner the ILO saw the one *person* who could put an end to her incognito reconnaissance. The purple haired Avatar would prove to be her greatest challenge so far, the artificial woman having access to the ship's entire scanning capability. A simple masking program had been introduced into the ANUBIS' computer to hide the Ensign's movements but there had been only one way to test the program's full effectiveness.
Shar'El promptly hid in one of the recesses housing a nearby turbolift and waited with great curiosity to see if the Avatar would acknowledge the presence of the unseen officer. Logic dictated that should ANI be aware of the ILO, the Avatar would turn to see what the crew member had been up to in such a peculiar area.
No reactions was observed by the ILO, but Shar'El also saw no memories to be explored as the purple haired woman walked by. The Avatar, despite her humanoid appearance, was nothing more than a walking computer. Interestingly though, the Intel Officer found no comfort in this discovery.
In time the ILO and Avatar would become acquainted and maybe even be friends of sorts but for the time being Shar'El thought it best to avoid the mechanical woman at all costs.
With one obstacle out of her way, the ILO decided to raise the stakes in her efforts to test her skill and learn more about the crew that she would be serving with. A basic review of all the senior officers had already been conducted, and based on what she had read Shar'El had decided to set her aim on one particular Ensign.
Like the shadow she tried her best to be, the Intel Officer made her way through the ship with a single goal in mind -- Sickbay and the blonde haired woman that she knew she would find there.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
##########
"Getting Ready"
[Previous post - "Personal Nemesis"]
##########
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30145.1040
Upon leaving the meeting Sonja headed with purpose towards her new home in engineering. Making mental notes of the things that she needed done within the hour to be ready for departure. Thought she knew she had more than an hour she liked to give herself a shorter time frame to give herself some wiggle room if needed.
Once in main engineering the redhead gathered her minions and gave out the details as she knew them about the mission. After having confirmed that everyone had been present around the central island, the CEO began with her instructions. “Alright we have one hours to get everything ready for our departure for PI ALPHA III. I need the warp field generators checked and doubled checked. We also need to give the warp coils a once over to make sure nothing breaks when the Captain pushes the engines. We do not want any unpleasant surprises. I need Gamma shift to check the matter/antimatter injectors as well as the entire armature of the MARA chamber. Beta shift, you guys are in charge of the secondary power conduits. I suspect that we will be asked to test the auxiliary systems to well beyond the design specifications. Alpha shift will be responsible for the power distribution grid, main deflector array as well as shield generators. We can all have a look at the ablative cloak’s response time after we actually get under way. I’ll take care of completing the computer’s maintenance and sub-processor’s data purge in the meantime, which was what I was doing prior to the briefing.”
Sonja gave a quick look around at her teams and froze for a split second before placing her hands on her hips.
“Well, what are you guys waiting for? An engraved invitation? Get going… sheesh!” she added in a tone that was all business, yet still managing to crack a smile as she did so.
The redhead turned back to the work station and noted ANI standing on the other side of the island. “Do you require anything from me?”
“ANI,” the CEO began. “Can you remotely access the VIPER and their on board systems?”
“Due to security protocols,” the ANUBIS’ Avatar replied in a matter-of-fact tone. “The VIPERS are on a stand-alone system to avoid them being compromised should the main computer somehow fall under undesired influence. The last maintenance update on the VIPERS was performed on stardate 29227.1600.”
“ANI, can you do a preliminary check of the VIPERS flight and operational systems? As soon as I am done here I will join you to insure that the mechanical components are as they should be for their flight tests.” Sonja offered before adding one last thing. “Can you go to the upper level and bring one of the spare bio-regenerative hull plating to the VIPER launch bay as well, just in case we need it?”
As the Avatar left having nodded her compliance, Sonja turned back to her work and saw the case she received from her grandfather many years ago. Upon seeing the aged, tattered metal box the redhead began to remember all of the times they had sat together tinkering with odd bits and pieces when she was a child. Unknowingly, Sonja was learning the basics of engineering that she came to love so very much. Lost in her memories for a few seconds, the CEO’s attention was recalled to reality by something or someone on the upper deck. A feeling of having been observed swept through the Engineer causing her to quickly look up, but when she did Sonja saw nothing more than a few shifting shadows.
=====
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Main Engineering, Upper Level
Stardate: 30145.1050
Shar’El silently sighed at the close call that she had just experienced. The memory that she had touched and seen had been very personal which had likely been the reason why the ship’s CEO had actually become, even in the slightest of ways, aware of the ILO’s presence.
=====
Lorraine Paquette
Lieutenant JG Sonja Paquette
Chief Engineering Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
=-=
"Mutual Trust"
[previous post was "Getting Ready" written by the highly talented Lorraine]
=-=
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Sickbay
Stardate: 30145.1120
Being an Intelligence Liaison Officer meant many things. To remain unseen while performing various tasks had been a given. Being able to confront someone face-to-face and maintain one's composure and objectives had been another. For the meeting with the ship's CMO, Shar'El had decided to test her skills on the latter.
"Good morning," the Ensign said in a welcoming manner as the unknown Intel officer stepped into Sickbay.
"Doctor," Shar'El nodded. "I am here for my physical exam."
"I do not recall seeing any senior officers assigned to the Intel department," Lillie said, curious yet still very inviting.
"I was just assigned to the ANUBIS and thought I would report here to get certain matters taken care of," the ILO said, her eyes locked on those of the CMO.
Not truly knowing why, Doctor Doyanne began to feel uncomfortable, as if some unpleasant thought had been crawling inside her head in an effort to come out.
"Do you have any kids?" Lillie asked in an effort to focus her thoughts on something different.
"No," the ILO replied as the stare intensified for a brief moment as a specific memory came into focus for Shar'El to see and explore.
"Neither do I," the CMO said as she pushed the memory of her own children out of her mind. Only a few people knew of them, and to insure their continued safety it had been best that this remained as such.
"You should not deny your own children," Shar'El coldly stated as she closed her eyes to recall the details of the memory she had pried from the blonde woman's thoughts. "They are very beautiful, and lucky to be free of the disease that your people carry."
Lillie's face instantly drained of all color. How could this person have known so much about her and her children?
"You have nothing to worry," the ILO continued. "Your secret is safe with me."
Reluctant, the CMO proceeded with her examination of the ILO not entire sure as to how to deal with the reality that her secret had already been discovered despite her best efforts.
"We all have secrets," Shar'El offered as she pulled back her black hair using both hands.
"You are Ullian and had cosmetic surgery performed to hide that fact," Lille gasped. Most would have failed to see the small scars that had been left by the surgery, and Shar'El was actually pleased to see that the CMO had been skilled and quick enough to link everything together so fast.
"Survival in this universe is based on a great many things. One of these things is the ability to trust someone with your most vulnerable secret," the ILO said with a tone that seemed to belong to someone many times the woman's age. "I am trusting you with my secret to hopefully prove to you that you can trust me with yours."
Lille offered a weak yet sincere smile. The CMO had been right, this place had been filled with a complexity that seemed endless and in that she found comfort and peace. The Terallian was not any more an outsider than the Ullian who sat on the biobed in front of her.
On board the ANUBIS suddenly everything seemed possible.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
--
"The Black One is Mine"
(Previous Post: "Mutual Trust")
--
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge, just exiting the Conference Room
Stardate: 30145.1030
~Uugh finally I’m out of that meeting,~ Ttosk thought to himself as he stepped out of the Conference Room. Just sitting down and listening to others speak had not been one of the Zaldan male's strengthens, still the prospect of getting to fly one of those VIPERS had caught the towering man's interest and now he wanted to see these crafts personally.
As the pilot made his way through the Bridge he noticed that the Operations Officer appeared somewhat nervous as he walked next to him and wondered why anyone would feel this way.
In silence the two Officers boarded the turbolift and turned to see the doors close behind them. A quiet sigh of relief escaped from Jayson Stark as he saw the CO and CNS apparently heading for the Captain's Ready Room.
"Sorry," the shorter of the two Ensign began as he glanced up to the towering FCO. "I just a little nervous at the idea of having our CO flying the VIPERS with us. No pressure to perform at all there."
Ensign Ttosk just shrugged and dismissed the man's opinion. As far as the massive pilot had been concerned the Captain of the ANUBIS had been well within his rights to take advantage of the situation. This would in no way alter Wydran's abilities and desire to put the VIPER through all of the required tests. "Array Section, Deck Alpha - 3," the FCO instructor the computer without any further delays to get them on their way to see the ships that they would soon be flying.
The journey to the array section of the USS ANUBIS had been in perspective to other travels within the ship a very long one. By default people did not just go to the array section as it contained only very specialized areas such as the IGC
--==(/\)==--
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck A-3, Corridor
Stardate: 30145.1045
As Ensign Ttosk and Stark stepped out of the turbolift in unison the two of them were surprised to find a set of heavy-duty doors a few meters directly ahead. The label on them had made it perfectly clear that they had reached their destination, but still neither one of them had expected to find such an obstacle in their path.
"What the heck are they hiding behind those doors?" Jayson inquired to no one in particular and not truly expecting a reply, especially not from the towering Zaldan next to him whom he had come to see has being the rather strong silent type.
As the two Officers stepped up to the doors, they were again surprised by the fact that they had remained closed.
"Computer," the Zaldan began in what could have only been described as a somewhat irritated tone. "Open the doors to the VIPER Launch Bay."
=/\= Unable to comply, =/\= the artificial disembodied voice of the ship's computer promptly stated. =/\= Interceptor Launch Bay is currently depressurized due to the VIPERS being returned to the launch platform. =/\=
"Great," the OPS Officer sighed, "how long before this is completed?"
=/\= Re-pressurization of the Interceptor Launch Bay will be completed in eight minutes and 42 seconds. =/\=
"Alright," Jayson chucked as he once again cranked his neck to look up to the ship's FCO. "Looks like we have only a few options: either we stay and wait or we go back and return later."
Wydran simply looked down at the man standing next to him, the expression on his face speaking volume even though the Zaldan had opted to remain silent.
"Gotcha... we'll wait right here."
The minutes pasts in complete silence as the two ensigns grew increasingly anxious for the massive doors to part allowing them access to the goal of their quest. When an audio chime echoed through the corridor, Wydran and Jayson knew that their wait had come to an end.
--==(/\)==--
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck A-3, Interceptor Launch Bay
Stardate: 30145.1055
The room had been much larger than either Officer had expected it to be, but still this had not been a problem as it actually gave them a perfect view of the three support crafts that they had come here to see.
The instant that Ttosk entered the large room, his eyes were drawn to an almost camouflaged form, one that he took no time in recognizing. Before the PS Officer could even realize what had happened, the FCO had left his companion.
"The black one is MINE," Wydran announced as he literally skipped towards the black coloured VIPER leaving Jayson both stunned and amused.
Never had the OPS Officer expected to see the giant this happy or moving as he was, so he decided to keep to himself the little bit of knowledge he had stumbled upon when reading about the VIPERS. As Intel level Interceptors, the crafts had been given several specialized tools to help them in through the various situations that they might encounter. One such tool had been the ability of the bio-regenerative hull of the VIPERS to change colour allowing them to more easily bland in with their environment so as to be harder to see and even more difficult to target with visually aimed weapons.
With Ttosk busy with his selection of VIPER, Jayson approached the nearest one, his awe and admiration of the craft increasing with each step he too.
<><><><><><>
Scott Moll
Ensign Wydran Ttosk
Flight Control Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
In collaboration with
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Fond Memories and a New Friend"
[Previous post: "The Black One is Mine"]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 7, Main Sickbay
Stardate: 30145.1130
==========^*^==========
Watching as the smaller female easily hoist herself down off the biobed, Lillie still found that her mind was in shock. Learning so much about one person and at the same time being learned so much about all in a matter of seconds was... unsettling. Although, on the brighter side, the Ensigns were on the quick trip to becoming fast friends. It would be good for her, to have at least one person know. A brief memory of her daughters holding her tight eclipsed over her mind, which the attentive ILO easily caught onto.
"What are their names?" Shar'El inquired curiously, not having heard them mentioned. She highly doubted the names bestowed on the two children were 'Lovely' or 'Baby' as they had been referred too in the memories.
"Dawn and Dusk, they're twins" the Tarellian smiled allowing a gentle and fond memory escape especially for the woman in her company to view.
*A MEMORY*
The night sky was dark in comparison the the bright lights inside the ship she had always been aboard. The stars of millions of the brightest galaxies hung in the air above the small envoy as they made their way to a small patch of isolated grass under the open sky. Lille could hardly breath and the breaths she could manage were labored at best. They were coming, her children were to finally be born.
Beside the blonde were two people dressed fully in suits meant specifically to protect from her people's infection. On one side, her mother - brave and strong - an inspiration among their people. On the other, the brilliant-minded son of the fist Terran to ever attempt in aiding a race all else had left for dead.
The two placed the younger Tarellian woman down gently in the soft grass. It was a feeling she had never experienced but had neither the time or energy to do so with enjoyment. All the woman focused on was the immense pain swelling in her abdomen. Even when subsided, the promise of a new wave left a sort of pain itself.
Time between the torturous explosions were thinning. Knowing this the two beside her quickly got to work setting up everything that was needed to aid in a smooth delivery. The weakened youth aided them where she could but was otherwise helpless laying between them as the discomforting bursts racked her body again and again.
All at once her suffering increased from pain to agony. Pushing hard, practically pit-falling into a sea of light-headed sways, the young woman was made a mother as the first of her young was pulled from her and cleaned. Thinking it over the Tarellian beside her calmed, but it was not to be. The torment was not complete.
Again allowing her body to further push into itself lead to waves of nausea. Throbbing aches echoed through each membrane of Lillie's core as another whimpering youth was produced. Feeling defeated, drained and sore the once prominent stomach was left empty of the contents it had once lovingly carried.
After having being checked for health and cleaned to some degree the small newborns were placed in their mother's waiting arms. All the hardship of the delivery was nothing in comparison to the happiness that now erupted in the exhausted body of the new mother. With careful movements the Tarellian kissed each individual forehead in turn and whispered a single word each before slowly allowing sweet oblivion to claim her mind.
"Dawn. Dusk."
*END OF MEMORY*
The self-made Terran seemed surprised at the intensity of the memory shared, so much so that it almost brought a tear to her own eyes. The woman standing next to her however seemed to have allowed the waters of love to claim her eyes if for only a moment.
"T-Thank you... I never expected... I didn't think you would wish to share something so personal with me after I had seen into your mind of my own accord" Shar'El whispered, audible enough for her companion to barely hear.
"It is a memory I cherish... but there are little secrets to be found between friends. I will honor our new friendship and of course keep your background to myself. Your secret is safe with me." Lillie stated offering a bright smile to help reassure the shorter Ensign.
Even if it was not as large, the Ullian offered a fond smile in return before turning to go "Things to do now Doctor, but I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to talk... soon?" the Ensign queried
"Bet on it." the blonde humanoid beamed, watching as her new found ally exited the Sickbay.
Returning to her desk the Tarellian was wiped out already. Only two patients so far and the CMO was hoping to call it a day, but there was work to be done and more of the elusive senior officers to meet. Her mind racing, Lillie couldn't help but wonder as to what the personalities of her other patients would be. Sighing deeply before sitting back up and righting herself the Ensign prepared for what was to come next and hoped that she could later contemplate all that had already occurred at a later date in her quarters.
==========^*^==========
Ashley Shane
Ensign Lillie Doyanne
Chief Medical Officer
USS ANUBIS
---
"In Science There Is No Such Thing As Too Much Information"
(Previous Post: "Fond Memories and a New Friend")
---
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 12, Planetary Studies Lab
Stardate: 30145.1100
The fingers of the Shillian Scientist flew over the console of the Planetary Studies Lab at a frantic pace. As the Chief Science of the USS ANUBIS it had been her responsibility to research everything concerning the moon orbiting PI ALPHA III that could possibly prove useful to the crew. As the acting Executive Officer for the mission though, there had been a complete other set of responsibilities that required her complete attention.
The safety of the crew, both while on route to the hellish moon and once in orbit, rested squarely on her shoulders, and because of this the Shillian had wanted to insure that all available information had been gathered and forwarded to the right people. In this particular instance, Doctor Doyanne, the Chief Medical Officer of the USS ANUBIS required a great deal of data. Near the top of the rather lengthy list created by the Shillian Scientist, the specifications on the sulfuric pools, the chemical concentration of the acid as well as the possible presence of all other chemical and biological substances that could be dangerous or hinder a treatment could be found.
Although the Chief Science Officer had never directly dealt with the realm of medicine, her background and knowledge of science in general had been more than sufficient to understand how severe such an acid burn could become if not rapidly treated. This of course had insured that this information would make the list as well as several other items, each deemed to be just as important.
Files after lengthy files were downloaded onto the PADD that sat on top of the work station next to the researcher. The information had been as detailed as the Shillian Scientist could make it to be. When the confirmation that the download of the last file had been completed, the Chief Science Officer dashed out of the lab and headed straight for Sickbay, the PADD firmly on her grasp.
---
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 7, Sickbay
Stardate: 30145.1145
The Head of the Science Department burst into the room to find Doctor Doyanne peacefully sitting at her desk. A sudden understanding flashed onto the face of the Chief Medical Officer as she saw the Shillian Scientist now standing in the doorway of her office. The Ensign quickly recalled the conversation the two Officers shared a little while back in which the Chief Science Officer had been invited to hand in her findings on the moon of PI ALPHA III.
"Sorry it took so long," the Shillian said as she offered the PADD to the sitting Medical Officer. "The research and cataloging of the data concerning the biological, chemical and environmental hazards took longer than I had originally expected. It is difficult to imagine anyone, I mean of their own free will, accepting to go to such a completely inhospitable place. That said though, I can see the advantages of using such a dangerous and unpredictable location for training purposes."
Lillie blinked several times as she did her best to absorb the tidal-wave of information that the Shillian had unleashed in what seemed to have been a single breath. Before the Chief Medical Officer could say anything though, the Scientist continued at what seemed to be an even faster rate, if that was at all possible.
"The challenges offered by the hostile environments of that planetoid are truly remarkable. The high velocity winds are strong enough to bring a full size starship down, so the VIPERS will truly be put to the test, not to mention the skills of their pilots. Beyond that, the presence of volcanic ashes in both the upper and lower atmosphere is going to make things exceptionally difficult, greatly reducing visibility and hindering breathing. I would suggest giving every member of the team an injection of tri-oxide just before we go down to the moon of PI ALPHA III, this to help deal with the reduced oxygen intake. Might not be a bad idea to stock up a few extra hypo-spray with that compound in case someone suffers some sort of shortness of breath while on the surface. That said though, the breathing issues will be minor when compared to the possibility of bio-chemical burns. There are a great many sulfuric acid pools on the surface of the planetoid, some of them have a high enough concentration to reduce full limbs to bio-genic goo in a matter of seconds. Those should be easy enough to identify thanks to the orange coloring of the liquid, but other pools will seem perfectly safe at first glance, so we will have to be very cautious. We will need to issue a general order to the senior staff *not* to drink or even touch any of the local water, not if they want to actually survive this little training mission."
For a brief moment the Chief Medical Officer was thankful that she had been sitting, for had she not been there would have been a very high risk of her flat out falling over from the sheer amount and speed of the information being given to her by the Shillian.
"Although the sun of the PI ALPHA system radiates a fair amount of gamma, ultra-violet and infra-red radiation, not to mention the occasional burst of electromagnetic radiation, the ash filled atmosphere of the moon should provide a decent protective coat, that is as long as we do not decide to stay there for more than a few days. As we will be inside various vehicles for the majority of our stay on the surface, I believe that no extra precautions will be required," the Chief Science Officer continued, leaving Ensign Doyanne to wonder if Shillians actually needed to breathe in order to speak.
"I am sure that you have covered every possibilities," the Chief Medical Officer managed to say before the Scientist continued. "It will be my pleasure to review all of the data you have provided me with," Lillie continued as she reached for the PADD that had still been in the hands of the Shillian. "I am sure that Captain Morningstar would be pleased to see your diligence and thoroughness in researching this."
The Shillian grinned. "I was actually going to head to the Bridge next to deliver a complete report to him. I wanted to make sure that he had all available information before we actually got underway,"
Seeing a rare opportunity to get a word in edge wise, the Chief Medical Officer quickly added, "Well it is almost 1200, you might want to hurry if you want him to see the data before we leave."
Shocked by the actual time, the Chief Scientist Officer apologized before making a hasty exit out of Sickbay leaving the Doctor to wonder what had actually just transpired. After a few seconds, Ensign Doyanne laughed as she realized that no medical examination had actually been performed on the Shillian. Opening the medical file of the Lieutenant Commander, the Chief Medical Officer found that there had been only one possible entry that could be made.
"After an interesting visit from Lieutenant Commander Maya, it is the medical opinion of this Officer that her vocal cords, lungs and all aspects of the respiratory system of the Shillian are working *just fine*.
---
Jessica Solarik
Lieutenant Commander Maya
Chief Science Officer
USS ANUBIS
"To see the world in a grain of sand,
and a heaven in a wild flower.
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
and eternity in an hour."
- William Blake (British, 1757-1827)
=/\=
"One More For The Road"
(Previous Post: "In Science There Is No Such Thing As Too Much Information")
=/\=
Location: USS ANUBIS, Deck 7, Sickbay
Stardate: 30145.1150
Almost as quickly as Maya had taken leave of Sickbay, the tall woman known as the Ship's Counsellor entered. "Time for one more?" she asked Doctor Doyanne.
Lillie felt a brush of nerves at Lieutenant JG Dalziel's arrival, but it was tempered with the good spirits of her meeting with Shar'El. "Sure," she said. "How did you know I'd be available?"
Eve shrugged, sitting on the biobed. I didn't. I have good instincts. But I'm no empath, Doctor."
Lillie eyed the pale woman. She almost looked anemic. The CMO decided to start with a base scan, and a little digging. "How many of the senior staff have you spoken to already?"
Eve shook her head. It had been a little more challenging than she had first thought playing 'mission tag' with everyone while they were simultaneously making preparations. "Well, let's see, Ensigns Ttosk and Stark are well occupied at the moment, as is our Engineer. I spoke to the Captain a short time ago."
"Lieutenant Commander Maya?" Lillie ventured, still a little stunned at the rapid fire meeting she had with the uber-prepared officer.
Eve laughed. "Maya and I are already acquainted." In many ways, the Counsellor saw Maya as a mentor. The Shillian's transformation skills couldn't be duplicated, but it was how she dedicated every fiber of her being into self development that Eve was the most interested in and appreciative of.
"Don't forget Shar'El," The good Doctor added.
Eve raised an eyebrow in mock exasperation. "Good luck finding her. I think she's been fully involved in exploring the Intel side of the ship."
"Actually her physical exam is already finished," Ensign Doyenne said with a trace of smugness.
"Oh she's- you've seen her? I think that makes you probably the first." Eve sincerely hoped Morningstar had been able to welcome aboard the elusive ILO. "Congratulations."
Lillie didn't take any time patting herself on the back as the Counsellor's scans were irregular. Body temperature and other baseline readings were off. Eve caught the concern on the blonde woman's face. "I'm sorry... I should have explained first. I'm Cardassian."
Ensign Doyanne's mouth gaped slightly. First a Ullian, now a Cardassian. That would explain the somewhat exotic looks and broad shoulders of the taller woman. And it definitely explained the medical readings. "That's a relief," she said. "I almost thought the equipment was malfunctioning."
"Nope," the dark haired woman said with a smile. "I wouldn't say everyone here has a secret or two, but most of us are..." she searched for the word, "unique."
=/\=
Susan Ledbetter
Lieutenant JG Eve Dalziel
Counsellor
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
"I savored those stories; I read them slowly, one each day. And when I was done, I wished I hadn't read them at all. So I could read them again... like it was the first time."
-Melanie to Old Jake, DS9, "The Visitor"
##########
"Heading to PI ALPHA III"
[Previous post - "One More For The Road"]
##########
"This is the journey you've always been destined to take."
-Kai Opaka
=====
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 1, Bridge
Stardate: 30145.1200
The Senior Officers had made their way to their respective stations one by one as the time of their scheduled departure drew closer. The Native American had taken his place in the center chair a little while ago, anxious to get underway. From there the Captain of the ANUBIS patiently waited for the department's readiness reports.
"Captain," Ensign Stark began from the Operations station located at the forward left of the Bridge. "Flight coordinates have been received from NEW ALEXANDRIA, and we have been given the go ahead for departure."
"Perfect," the Captain began while trying his best to hide the hint of excitement from his voice. "Clear all moorings and secure all access hatches. Helm, once we are clear take us out... thrusters only."
"Releasing umbilical connections," the Ops Officer announced, his own excitement clear in his voice. "Retracting all mooring clamps… external hatches all read closed and secured. We are free to leave."
Since the NEW ALEXANDRIA complex had been constructed inside a huge asteroid, it had made perfect sense to the imposing pilot to use thrusters only. Room had been rather limited but Ensign Ttosk seemed not at all concerned by the maneuvers he would have to execute.
"Thrusters ahead, aye," Wydran confirmed as his fingers pressed the corresponding controls.
==========
Setting: NEW ALEXANDRIA, Docking Area
Stardate: 30145.1204
Slowly the massive form of the USS ANUBIS began to move away from its home within the hidden Intel complex. With an almost poetic grace the SCARAB-Class Cruiser made its way towards the still closed gigantic armoured doors. In order to reduce the odds of detection to an absolute minimum, the doors could only be open at the very last moment, a maneuver that could rattle the most veteran of Officers.
==========
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 1, Bridge
Stardate: 30145.1205
The large space doors filled the main view screen for several moments. The sight had been more than enough to concern the most experienced of Officers, and the near perfect silence on the Bridge seemed to indicate that most felt that way.
"Reading space doors at 22 meters from the forward outer hull," Ensign Stark relayed with a distinct hint of uneasiness in his voice.
General smiles appeared throughout the Bridge when the doors finally showed signs of life and began to part. Beyond the opening space doors the crew could see the numerous floating asteroids and colourful gases of the GIZA Nebula.
"Space doors are opening to match our forward velocity," the CSO and acting ExO reported. "They are remaining at 16.25 meters of the saucer section hull."
Although this had not been his first time taking a ship out of the hidden Intel base, Erik had to admit that the thrill never seemed to go away.
"We have cleared the space doors," Jayson Stark announced from the Ops station.
"Helm, take us out of the asteroid belt and set course for the PI ALPHA system... Warp 6," Erik ordered drawing an unexpected objection from the red headed CEO.
"Excuse me Captain... will we not be testing the engines?" Sonja surprised yet respectfully inquired.
"No worries Lieutenant Paquette," the CSO stepped in with. "At our current speed we will arrive at the PI ALPHA system in just under four days. I am sure that Captain Morningstar has something unexpected planned for yours and every other department of the ANUBIS."
"You are right," Erik grinned to his Executive Officer. "And for my first *unexpected* trick... I'm heading to Sickbay. Commander, the Bridge is yours," the native American stated as simply left Bridge without offering anything more.
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
=-=
"Abundant Knowledge"
[previous post was "Heading to PI ALPHA III" written by the hilarious Francois]
=-=
Setting: USS ANUBIS, IGC
Stardate: 30145.1230
Being an Intelligence Liaison Officer meant many things. Gathering and analysing information was at the heart of the job description.
To follow someone from the cover of nearby shadows might have been fun, but it was impractical especially on a starship. So for the rest of the day, Shar'El had decided to get more accustomed to the surveillance equipment that filled the Intelligence Gathering Centre.
The large central screen had been segmented into nine equal parts, each one trained on a specific member of the crew. Camera angles would automatically change as needed to follow the movements and activities of each and every officer.
The ILO smiled as she watched with interest the rest of the ANUBIS' senior staff. If only she could have looked into all of their memories with this much ease.
Many would have been upset and against the ILO's methods. Some would have been quick to say that this kind of surveillance on members of your own crew was unethical. As far as Shar'El had been concerned though this had not been a matter of ethics, but one of survival and readiness. To know how someone would likely react to a stressful situation, you needed to know them at their most honest selves.
Eve Dalziel could dig into a person's psyche to predict how they would react. Lillie Doyanne had her medial scanners to tell her how someone would likely respond to high stress. For the ILO though, the information required about how each member of the crew would possibly react could only be gathered through observation. Ethics had nothing to do with anything here, she had simply been performing her duty.
The dark eyes of the ILO travelled from side to side of the large screen, allowing Shar'El to take in the whereabouts and actions of the crew. Even if they had not been doing anything particular, a great deal of information could be gathered through this simple peek into their everyday activities.
The imposing and relatively quiet FCO seemed task driven, uninterested by social conventions.
The eager yet troubled Operations Officer always appeared to be torn between his past and future.
The meticulous Chief Science Officer always seemed to have her nose buried in some research.
The fiery engineer had not been not to delegate, instead enjoying getting things done herself.
The friendly yet nervous Doctor was clearly scared that her true identity would jeopardize her ability to care fr her children.
The tall and slender Counelor had learned well to keep her thoughts to reflect in her actions. She would prove to be a difficult person to read.
The experience and confident Captain had long ago given up the appearance of being less than perfect to the rest of his crew. He would be one of the more interesting person to follow.
Oddly enough, the screen had displayed the image of the dark haired ILO, giving Shar'El an insight as to how others would see her. That is when they would be permitted to do so.
The last of the nine segments, the one in the centre had been reserved for the individual who held the most interest for the Intel Officer. The Avatar had been the easiest one to follow and the hardest one to understand. As a walking computer her actions should have been easily predicted, but there had been more about ANI than was visible.
The rest of the day would be spent watching them, studying them, for no other reason than to get to know them better. The ILO's final goal had been to understand each and every member of the senior staff better than they understood themselves.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
=/\=
"Inquisition"
(Previous Post: "Abundant Knowledge")
=/\=
The most elusive prey is the one you chase after with the most vigor.
=/\=
Location: USS ANUBIS, Deck A-5, IGC
Stardate: 30145.1400
Lieutenant JG Dalziel approached the Intelligence Gathering Centre with a wary curiosity. If there was anything to be concluded from Shar'El's relative absence, it was that the new Liaison Officer wasn't the type to introduce herself in a conventional manner. So, Eve would bring her own welcome to the more secretive part of the ship.
Eve had expected the door to be locked, and had prepared to use her override codes to gain purchase, but instead it opened without resistance. She stepped across the threshold into the dimly lit area. "Ensign Shar'El?"
"Lieutenant Dalziel." A petite woman with the darkest hair Eve had ever seen moved forward slightly, allowing the Ullian to be seen. Her eyes were an equally mysterious jet color. It would be easy for someone to get lost by staring into their depths.
"Obviously you were expecting me," Eve said.
"Why do you say that?"
"You left the door open. I've never met an Intel Officer who did that accidentally. I wanted to introduce myself and welcome you aboard the ANUBIS."
Unconsciously, Shar'El's mind reached out. It was what she did. The space between them was filled with swirling memories, none in particular taking importance. There were happy times of being raised by an adopted family, images of Eve as her true race, and then many more mental snapshots of the Counsellor in various disguises. There were violent fights to protect the safety of those she served with, on more than one occasion. Her most recent, sharpest memory was her meeting with Doctor Doyanne.
A smile graced Eve's full lips and angular features. "I see you don't ask a lot of questions."
"I find people aren't always honest when faced with a question," Shar'El replied.
"Did it occur to you that inferences can be made from *any* answer, however untrue?" As she spoke, Eve's gaze fell upon the elaborate display of monitored images of the senior staff that the ILO was watching.
If the Cardassian born woman was shocked by what she saw, it didn't show. "You're gathering Intel. I know the drill. I like to observe in detail as much as the next gal. It's part and parcel of my trade. I just prefer to do it in person, and not by proxy."
"And you think your way is more suitable?"
Eve shook her head. "No. It's just different. And it acknowledges that we work as a *team*. Tell me, what if you no longer had the ability to see into other people's minds?"
Shar'El didn't think terribly long on her answer. The concept was foreign to her. "I would no longer be fit for the position I currently serve."
Eve sighed. "I can't stop you from believing that. But if we were in the middle of a mission when that happened, you'd have to tap into your resourcefulness, your crewmates, and any other tools at your disposal to succeed. That requires building interpersonal relationships, not a PADD full of data files."
Shar'El crossed her arms. "I have met with the ship's CMO."
"Only because it was necessary for your safety and the ship's safety. Getting poked and prodded is not something I enjoy, but I would never jeopardize our position because our Doctor was not kept in the loop. We're more alike than you might think."
The diminutive woman scoffed. "I don't think so."
"Look, I appreciate your methods. Knowing when to be secretive can be very helpful- in a hostile environment. But this is the ANUBIS. We're the 'good guys'. You can gather memories all you want, but that's no substitute for gaining experience. Nobody can live their life *through* the lives of others. Not even someone as obviously gifted as you."
The face of Doctor Lillie Doyanne flashed in Shar'El's mind. Her interaction with the Tarellian had been unexpected and pleasant. But that did not mean she agreed with the Counsellor. "Establishing behavioral patterns is key in determining how someone will react under pressure."
"Not if they make the choice to abandon everything they've ever known or ever done before in an effort to overcome an enemy." Eve gestured to the crew's movements on display. "Do those monitors show you how to tell when someone is at their breaking point?"
The Ullian woman was silent for a few moments. "And you claim to be able to do this?"
"No, but I've spent enough time with the person to help them put the pieces back together and developed the flexibility to roll with the punches when the unexpected happens."
"My method is sound."
"I'm not asking you to change your method. I'm asking you to add to it. The crew, as imperfect as we are, are here to help each other. Not spy on each other."
The earnestness of the tall woman was refreshing. But the ILO was not entirely sold on her ideas. "I appreciate your feedback."
"And I appreciate your audience. I won't forget that you let me in. I'll leave you to your... research," Dalziel said as she withdrew from the usually private sanctum.
=/\=
Susan Ledbetter
Lieutenant JG Eve Dalziel
Counsellor
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
"I savored those stories; I read them slowly, one each day. And when I was done, I wished I hadn't read them at all. So I could read them again... like it was the first time."
-Melanie to Old Jake, DS9, "The Visitor"
"Forgotten Memories"
[previous "Inquisition"]
[/\]
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30145.1400
It had been two hours since their departure. Performing all of his duties had kept him busy. At least for the time being. Now that routine began to settle in, memories began to surface.
Memories of his training at the Academy. These lead to memories of the Academy grounds. From there the memories went to a particular spot where he liked to sit. The counselors knew to find him there because that was where he remembered. That was where the battle between his past and future raged at its strongest.
Some days he wished he could forget those memories. Some days he wanted to forget reality and instead just remember. To remember her smile, her voice, and all of the dreams of they shared.
Memories of his wife always led to one specific day and time when joy turned to pain. When light turned to darkness. It had taken his parents to get him out of his depression. It had taken the counselors at the Academy to make him accept reality. The future and dreams with Leena would be nothing more than an unfulfilled memory.
His duties became his new life, his new purpose. While on duty he needed to forget. He knew that she would not have wanted him to waste his life as he had done. He knew that she would not have wanted for him to waste his future as he had thought.
Jayson needed to forget, at least for now. There would be more than enough time later for him to remember his dreams and forget about reality. In the solitude of his quarters he would be able to do that, but not now.
On the Bridge he needed to think of his duties and forget the memories.
The memories that would always be with him, no matter what.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Ensign Jayson Stark
Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
=-=
"Reconsideration"
[previous post was "Forgotten Memories" written by the persevering Jayson]
=-=
Setting: USS ANUBIS, IGC
Stardate: 30145.1500
The words of Ensign Dalziel weighed heavily on the mind of the ILO. The ANUBIS had become her new home and as such its crew her new family.
This reality proved difficult for Shar'El to just accept. The concept of a family had been distorted because of her own experiences. Many of the memories she had scanned from the crew had dealt with this very subject, but none came even close to match her own.
This served only to prove to Shar'El that something had been missing from her own set of memories. The senior staff of STARBASE 118 had done their best to raise the child but something had always been missing. Time had been short and the demands many.
The aged Admiral who had enlisted the Ensign direct from the Academy and who had helped train her seemed more than happy to have Shar'El be a loner. The memories he had selected to share with the Ullian supported that idea. Intel was a dangerous field of work and having a family, or even close friends, could prove to be a fatal flaw for others to exploit.
Still the logic offered by the CNS has been sound, well as far as Cardassian logic went. Human memories and history were full of instances where the bonds of friendship helped turn the tides of conflicts. Situations that would have been impossible for a single person to overcome were conquered when friends put their own lives at risk. What many saw as a weakness, others saw as an ultimate strength.
Could the Admiral have been wrong? Could his own experiences have tainted his ideas and views as to how best an Intel Officer operated? Had he wanted to shape Shar'El into his own image, be it right or wrong?
The final and ultimate decision would be hers to make but first the ILO needed more time and certainly more information.
Seeing on the large divided screen that the ship's CO had not been occupied Shar'El reached for her comm badge.
"Ensign Shar'El to Captain Morningstar."
=/\= Go ahead Ensign. =/\=
The ILO smiled as she heard a hint of surprise in the man's voice. "I just wanted to know if you had a moment to give me? I would like for us to speak."
=/\= Of course. I always have time for my crew, especially the ILO. =/\=
"Thank you Sir. Shall we say the BLACK HOLE Lounge, in 10 minutes?"
=/\= That would be perfect, I am almost there. =/\=
"I know," the ILO ended with as she closed the comm channel. On the divided screen Shar'El could see the puzzlement in the man's face as it vanished as quickly as it had appeared, being instead replaced by an unwilling acceptance.
After all, Shar'El was the ILO for the USS ANUBIS, and Intel cruiser. It had not been a far stretch to imagine the woman knowing where her CO was at all times.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
##########
"Overcoming Obstacles"
[Previous post - "Reconsideration"]
##########
"The eagle that fears to fly will forever be bound to the earth and never experience the freedom of flight. Likewise is a mind bound by fear will forever be trapped to never know freedom."
- Unknown
=====
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Turbolift
Stardate: 30145.1210
The trip from the Bridge of the ANUBIS to its Sickbay usually took only a few minutes. The Native American had stated, without thinking, that he had been heading to Sickbay. So it was only once the doors to the turbolift had closed that the CO realized what he had said and done prompting his rapid change in destination.
Normally there would not have been any issue with the Native American Captain meeting the ANUBIS' CMO, but this was far from a normal situation. The information he possessed on that specific Officer had been more than enough to make the CO reluctant to see the head of the Medical Department.
Ensign Lillie Doyanne, the ship's Chief Medical Officer, had been a Tarellian. This race of the Alpha Quadrant was know by all space travelling species to be amongst the most dangerous in the galaxy. Despite the fact that only a few dozen members of this race remain, the fear they instilled in others reached to all quadrants of the galaxy.
This reputation had not been earned through their skills in combat or the effectiveness of their weapons of war. The terror that their name alone created had been due to the plague they carried, a disease capable of eradicating life on a planetary scale. This was why their ships were fired upon on sight when encountered. No one dared to risk their deadly and incurable plague to spread to their own people. It was also why the race was nearly hunted out of existence to insure that such a catastrophe would never occur.
The file provided by Admiral Koniki had been detailed and stated on many occasions that Lillie Doyanne had been different from other members of her race. Through a daily regimen of a unique drug, the disease she carried had been placed under control. Although contained and made none-contagious, the drug had not been a cure for this disease which threatened to return in full force should an injection be missed.
To Erik the risk had been too great. A simple error or omission could doom his entire crew within hours if not minutes. Yet Admiral Koniki had been unwilling to hear the Captain's objections. Her disease had been under control and the Native American would just have to learn to deal with it.
==========
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 7, Corridor
Stardate: 30145.1325
The Native American had wandered the corridors of his ship for over an hour now. Still he had been shocked to find himself standing just outside of the Main Sickbay. Erik grinned for a brief second as he imaged how much his Counselor would enjoy seeing him in this state.
He stood just outside of the door's sensor, not wanting for it to acknowledge his presence and force the doors open. A single step stood between the CO and the home of the Tarellian on *his* ship. She had earned the right to be here as well as the Admiral's trust, so why had it been so difficult for him to accept this situation?
With a long and pronounced sigh the Native American resigned himself to entering, hoping and almost wishing with some level of childish attitude that the CMO would not be there.
==========
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 7, Sickbay
Stardate: 30145.1330
Erik forced a smile to appear on his lips as he saw the woman he had hoped to avoid. A conflict the likes of which he had never experienced raged within the Native American pitting the knowledge he had been given against his own respect for others.
"Captain Morningstar," Lillie offered with delight at the sight of the ship's CO. "I am very pleased to see that you have come down to see me on your own. Captains have a tendency to shy away from Doctors until absolutely necessary or ordered to do so."
Erik closed his eyes and drew in a long deep breath.
Lillie instantly understood that this had not been a courtesy visit and that it had been extremely difficult for the seasoned Officer to even be here in her presence. Admiral Koniki had said that only a few on board the ANUBIS would know of her true origins and that the knowledge would likely cause problems at first.
"I am truly sorry Captain," the CMO offered with the utmost respect and apology. "Please understand that I have no intent or desire to hurt anyone on this ship and that I will do everything possible to insure everyone's safety."
Ensign Doyanne paused to see the CO's reaction, and when she saw him slowly open his eyes she allowed the breath that she had been holding to escape ever so slowly.
"I hold you in the highest possible esteem," Erik stated, his voice and physical posture still reflecting a defensive position. "As a Captain, I was made to study your race and their impact on countless cultures. So I hope that it is you who will forgive me for not being able to push back the fear that this field of study forced upon me."
"If it is your wish," Lillie began as she lowered her gaze, "I will confine myself to my quarters and Sickbay, using site-to-site transport to insure that only those required to deal with me will do so."
The Native American eyes narrowed for a brief moment as he studied the Officer standing before him easily imagining that his silence would be perceived by her as a contemplation of the offer she had made.
"Doctor," Erik continued, this time trying his best to have his voice be friendlier. "It would be very impractical for my Chief Medical Officer to be restricted to only her quarters and Sickbay. In case of an emergency, it might be impossible to bring the injured to you. Plus, how do you intend to take part in the training exercises on the moon of PI ALPHA III if you cannot leave the ship?"
"Thank..." the Tarellian woman began before she was interrupted by the Captain you quickly raised his hand.
"Do not thank me yet," Erik explained. "This is going to be difficult for me, as much as I may not want it to be. So let's take it one step at a time, the first of which being you performing my physical."
"It would be my pleasure Captain," Ensign Doyanne said as she held back a smile and invited the ANUBIS' CO to take a seat on the main medical table.
==========
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 7, Sickbay
Stardate: 30145.1450
The examination had taken longer than normal, but the Native American had understood why. Doctor Doyanne had gone above all expectations to insure that she would not physically touch the Captain, even though her condition, if contagious, would be transmitted with far greater ease than through skin-to-skin contact. Still Lillie had wanted to reassure the Native American as much as possible, and she believed that the extra time required had been well worth it.
"All done," the CMO announced from several meters away, still trying to make the CO feel more at ease with her role and presence on his ship. "You are as fit as can be."
"Thank you Doctor," Erik stated as she pushed himself off the biobed and onto his feet, "and again sorry for making this situation that much more difficult for you. I hope that in time I will be able to show you the confidence that you rightfully deserve."
With that the Native American left Sickbay without looking back, fearing more than anything that a last look at the innocent young woman would trigger in him a reaction that should never be imagined.
==========
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 7, Corridor
Stardate: 30145.1455
Feeling a little unsure about himself, the Native American headed for the nearest turbolift with the thought that it had been best for the time being if he did not return to the Bridge. "I think I need a drink," Erik noted to himself as he boarded the turbolift. "Deck 16... BLACK HOLE Lounge."
==========
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 16, Corridor
Stardate: 30145.1505
Erik had taken his time to walk the distance between the turbolift and the doors to the BLACK HOLE Lounge. After all it would not have been proper for anyone to see the ship's CO suddenly rushing into the establishment. Just as he reached the door, his combadge chirped.
=/\= Ensign Shar'El to Captain Morningstar. =/\=
"Go ahead Ensign," Erik replied having almost come to a complete stop at the unexpected call.
=/\= I just wanted to know if you had a moment to give me? I would like for us to speak. =/\=
"Of course," the Native American replied in quiet shock. "I always have time for my crew, especially the ILO."
=/\= Thank you Sir. Shall we say the BLACK HOLE Lounge, in 10 minutes? =/\=
"That would be perfect, I am almost there," the Captain noted, half suspecting that the woman had known his current whereabouts.
=/\= I know, =/\= the Ensign stated before closing the comm channel, confirming the CO's suspicions.
::Guess this means that there will be no hiding on this ship,:: Morningstar thought to himself with a half smile.
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
=-=
"Out of The Shadows"
[previous post was "Overcoming Obstacles" written by the always accommodating Francois]
=-=
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 15, BLACK HOLE Lounge
Stardate: 30145.1508
The arrival of the ILO to the upper level of the BLACK HOLE Lounge had remained undetected. The sight-to-sight transport had proceeded exactly as planned leaving those few already here unaware of a new patron to the establishment. Eve might have convinced Shar'El to be more open and friendly with other members of the command staff, but that had not changed the way the ILO liked to operate. There was a certain comfort and safety in the shadows of this universe.
With the crew busy with their preparations for the upcoming mission, the BLACK HOLE Lounge had been almost empty. This offered the ILO with an opportunity that she simply could not ignore. So from the shadows of the upper level, Shar'El looked down upon those below, scanning their memories for something of interest.
The memories of one of the nurses had caught Shar'El's attention. For some reason the woman had been remembering with a great deal of interest her first meeting with the ship's CMO. As a friend, the ILO had been curious as to the reason for this interest, not wanting Lillie Doyanne's secret to be made public without her consent.
Carefully the ILO studied that particular memory, trying to understand the wave of emotions that accompanied it. Shar'El felt instant relief when the memory of the CMO was associated with joy. Somehow Lillie had reminded the nurse of her sister which had endeared the woman to one of her subordinates.
The Tarellian's secret had been safe, and beyond that she had managed to nicely set her presence in her department. Shar'El's attention suddenly shifted to the BLACK HOLE's new arrival. From the upper level, the seasoned Captain appeared as any other officer, confident and at ease with his environment. Presented with a golden opportunity to look into the man's memories though, Shar'El decided to respect his rank and position. There would be other opportunities, and maybe he would even allow her to do so without her having to sneak behind his back.
The ILO tapped her communicator with a faint smile. "Ensign Shar'El to Captain Morningstar. Upper level."
Erik Morningstar quickly looked up and saw the black haired woman looking down at him. Although he had not said anything it had been easy to figure out that the CO had not been overly pleased by having been ambushed the way he had.
Shar'El felt bad, she had not wanted to make the Captain feel this way, if indeed that was what had happened. Then again, she had been this ship's ILO and it would not have been proper for her as such to just walk in and make a spectacle of her arrival. Hopefully this would be the way Morningstar would see it.
Things were so much easier from the safety of the shadows.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
"Thinking Too Much"
[previous "Out of The Shadows"]
[/\]
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30145.1500
It had been three hours since their mission had begun. A simple training exercise on a moon that even the most daring of adventurer would have wanted to avoid. The final destination was still several days away which meant a lot of time for him to think. Too much time.
[DREAM SEQUENCE]
It was a bright summer's day. The trees were full and green, the flowers next to the smooth stone path had been at their prettiest. The park resembled the one found near the Academy back on EARTH. It was a place where he knew he could find peace from his troubles.
He walked on the path and suddenly felt something in his hand. The softness of her hand in his had made him want to sing but all he could manage was a smile that filled his face. He turned and looked at her. How easily he could lose himself in her eyes. How easy it had been for her to make him more happy than he could have ever imagined. Leena was everything to him and she in return had given him everything.
A small hand reached for his free fingers. He hesitated for a minute as this simple sensation made no sense. He knew who had taken hold of him in this way but refused to look. He closed his eyes as the hold on his hand grew more demanding. The more the child pulled on his fingers the more it made him want to pull away and cry.
When he opened his eyes to look at the woman by his side he chocked. His throat grew dry and tight instantly, Sad, pleading eyes surrounded by black, burnt flesh was all he saw.
[END OF DREAM SEQUENCE]
Wide eyed he looked at his controls while he tried to control his breathing. For a split second nothing made sense, but then he remembered who and where he was.
"Is everything all right Ensign?"
The Executive Officer had noted something amiss with Jayson, but there had been no way for her to know what. All she knew is that it had been something severe enough to cause him to suddenly jerk.
"My apologies Commander. I was distracted. All systems are showing fully operational."
The report had been quickly offered with the hope that the matter would be considered done and closed. That hope was brought to a quick end as he heard the First Officer quietly call for the ship's counsellor to report to the Bridge.
In another time, another life, he might have been offended by this. Maybe even insulted. This time though Jayson had felt honest relief and gratitude. He had needed to speak to someone and now had been just as good a time as any.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Ensign Jayson Stark
Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Read, Remember, Relax"
[Previous post: "Thinking Too Much"]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 7, Main Sickbay
Stardate: 30145.1505
==========^*^==========
Scanning through the PADD given to her by the knowledgeable CSO was proving more difficult than the confused woman had first envisioned. The data was beyond her wildest expectations that it would take hours to completely analyze,especially since the CMO found herself in need of a digital English dictionary for some of the longer words. Lillie had to give the Lieutenant Commander some credit where it was due though, that woman truly left no detail to chance. Attempting to read and retain all the stored information between patients was proving to be pointless.
Frustrated, the medical specialist stood and rubbed her temple softly. Abandoning the PADD on her desk for the time being the Tarellian supposed that now would be a good opportunity to visit her personal quarters seeing as the two - possibly three - remaining officers in need of a physical were tied up in work of their own. Laughing a bit to herself, the Ensign fondly remembered each individual visit she had experienced. It seemed to her that life aboard the ANUBIS was to be anything but ordinary.
Her very first patient had been a torn young male Terran who called himself Jayson. Even with her expertise only in the physical field, the CMO could have cut the tension vibrating from that man with a rusty scalpel. His obvious internal battle raged with each step and the plagued humanoid felt empathy for him. Lillie hoped it had been right of her to inform the counselor of his troubles, though she didn't often have much success when meddling.
The patient soon after that was none other than the ship's elusive ILO. Shar'El had seemed cold and observant on the surface, such as many in her position were expected to be, but after having only spent minutes with her Lillie discovered that the raven haired woman was simply a good person with a secret to keep. One that now, Lillie was proud to keep as well. As surprising as both seemed to think it, they had found a common denominator they both shared.
Looking back at her desk the CMO recalled the previous holder of that particular PADD as well as her brief visit to Sickbay. The ship's chief medical officer was obviously well trained where scientific Intel gathering was concerned. The sheer mass of the information not only droned into the Tarellian at their first meeting but also filling the brims of the PADD proved as much. Though the visit had been to short to really complete a physical on the other woman, Lillie was sure her respiratory system worked VERY well.
Pocketing the PADD for later contemplation, the Ensign recalled the uncomfortable and sudden appearance of the ship's counselor not moments after the departure of the CSO. Though Lillie had absolutely no qualms with Dalziel personally she DID in fact have a few issues with being counselled. As their job description clearly imposes, the Cardassian-born woman was able to look into the mind's of others simply through speech with no aid of telepathic abilities such as those her new friends the hidden Ullian possessed. With so much to hide and protect, this made the Tarellian worry for her children's secrecy and well-being.
The last and most recent had been the most unnerving. The CO himself had walked into her domain looking as though it was a figurative lion's den. The mental struggle he must have put himself through just to take a single step through those doors must have been monumental for him to look so stricken at even the sight for his new medical officer. This man was the only one on the ship who not only knew of her race and the plague they had been burdened with, but had studied them and been taught to show only fear or hate. The fear had been mutual. There was a number of times during his physical where the more seasoned officer could have easily lashed at any exposed vital point on the Tarellian's body. For this reason and to ensure his comfort, Lillie had taken every possible precaution during his physical to not come into any sort of physical contact with the imposing senior admiral.
Mentally drained the young woman retired from her working station, informing one of the nurses to take over temporarily in her stead. Leaving her comm badge frequency open for any to signal in case of emergency of need the CMO stepped out into the corridor and drew in a long, deep breath. Some well deserved time dressing up her quarters would sooth the Ensign's frazzled nerves and hopefully provide her with the momentary escape she craved before having to come face-to-face with even more members of the senior staff.
==========^*^==========
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 2, Doyanne's Quarters
Stardate: 30145.1520
==========^*^==========
Arriving at her quarters with a few moments to spare the Tarellian shut the doors and merely stood and admired the space. The quarters were much more spacious than those she had lived in during her time aboard the plague ship. Although, more wasn't necessarily better. Lillie was reminded as to how much larger the space seemed seeing as her husband would not be sharing it.
A sudden chill forced the CMO to rub her arms for warmth as she moved with wraith-like slowness over to the bed. Instead of sitting on the plush bedding she had requested, the teary woman simply laid a had on the sheets and allowed her tears to trail silently over her skin. The room was colder without the presence of another.
A short curse escaped the humanoid's lips before she turned from the bed and immediately left the room. It's sheer emptiness was too much to bare, at least right now. Sickbay was where she was needed so that was where she would remain. In a moment of bitterness, Lillie reminded herself that her simply being aboard the ship was putting their captain ill at ease. Then why leave her post, aside from emergencies and training of course.
Reading the PADD that she had fished from her pocket more thoroughly during her walk, the CMO was now determined to spend as little time as possible in her quarters. Relaxation would come from knowing she was doing her best with the position assigned to her. The decorating would have to wait.
==========^*^==========
Ashley Shane
Ensign Lillie Doyanne
Chief Medical Officer
USS ANUBIS
---
"One Person's Thoughts Is Another Person's Hell"
(Previous Post: "Read, Remember, Relax")
---
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 1, Bridge
Stardate: 30145.1510
Although somewhat concerned by the apparent distraction of the Operations Officer, the Shillian Scientist and acting Executive Officer found herself still heavily thinking about their mission and destination.
The moon orbiting PI ALPHA III had been a perfect example of primal natural forces at their most devastating extreme. Winds capable of taking down a full size starship; quakes and volcanoes reshaping the planetary landscape on an hourly basis; and a flora that appeared unwilling to give up despite the harshness of the environment.
All of these things and countless others beckoned the Shillian Scientist, and as such she could not wait to arrive at their destination. As the acting Executive Officer of the USS ANUBIS though, this curiosity and wish to explore the hellish world had been tempered by the reality of the hazards that moon possessed.
Had she been the only one involved, the Chief Science Officer would not have hesitated to embrace this unique opportunity. Unfortunately, her responsibilities also included now the safety of the crew which forced the Shillian to look at the mission from a completely different perspective.
This mission had been set to test the crew and challenge their skills to the highest limit. Still though, the Shillian had hoped to find a way to achieve some of her scientific objectives while staying within the boundaries of her new role.
The Executive Officer stood from the Captain's chair, while keeping a vigilant watch on the man sitting at the Operations station. As much as it was hers to sit in while Erik was away, Maya just could not find it within her to be comfortable while sitting in it. Plus the recent event had given her another reason to return to her feet. "Mr. Stark," the Shillian began in a cautious and polite tone, "Would you be so kind as to tie-in all available data on PI ALPHA III to the science station. I would like to perform a few more analysis before we arrive."
"But," the Ensign stared before adding a pause. "We are still four days away from that system," the Operations Officer pointed out. Although not what she had expected as a reply, the acting Executive Officer had been pleased to see that the Ensign had returned to some level of normality and had been on task with his responsibilities.
"Science is in her blood," the Counselor of the USS ANUBIS said as she walked onto the Bridge. "Plus it is likely better for her to address this research now while we actually have time."
Ensign Dalziel gave the Shillian a quick inquiring gaze which was answered by a rapid movement of the head towards the Operations station and the man manning it.
"While we have time?" The giant man sitting at the helm of the ANUBIS added with distinct skepticism, completely unaware of the silent conversation that had taken place between the acting Executive Officer and Ship's Counselor.
"I am convinced that our Captain is at this very moment thinking of countless devious ways to put the ship and all of us to the test," Ensign Dalziel said, half looking forward to seeing what Morningstar would come up with while at the same time focusing on the reason why she had been called to the Bridge. Something had not been quite right with Ensign Stark and it had been her responsibility to figure out what it was.
"Good, hope whatever he has in mind happens soon," Ensign Paquette contributed from the engineering station, the Engineer also unaware of the situation that had brought the Counselor to the command deck. "I have never been one to just sit around and wait for something to happen."
---
Jessica Solarik
Lieutenant Commander Maya
Chief Science Officer
USS ANUBIS
"To see the world in a grain of sand,
and a heaven in a wild flower.
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
and eternity in an hour."
- William Blake (British, 1757-1827)
=-=
"Flavor of Memories"
[previous post was "One Person's Thoughts Is Another Person's Hell" written by the glamorous Jessika]
=-=
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 15, BLACK HOLE Lounge
Stardate: 30145.1512
Like a cat she watched from the upper level, silent and motionless as her prey made his way to the stairs that would allow the CO to join with the ILO. The location and been perfect for a hunter, granting higher ground and a clean and direct line of sight. It would have been so easy for Shar'El to peek into his memories and get a better idea of the man she had been set to meet. She could have learned more about him in a few seconds thanks to her skills over what she could have gathered in days and weeks of simple discussion.
Knowledge though had been the ILO's field of expertise and although this would be their first meeting, Shar'El already knew a fair deal about the approaching man. The file that the aged Admiral had provided on the Commanding Officer of the ANUBIS had been very detailed, almost as much as if it had been compiled by the ship's own CSO. As elaborate as the information in the file had been though, it lacked depth and flavor. Being told about all of the ingredients in a recipe, how ever delicious it was said to be, could not give someone the actual taste of that dish. People were very much the same when reading their service record. The nuances of the events could not be carried in a written format, so the unique flavor of these events and memories were unfortunately missing from the information.
While commanding the PARADOX, had he been scared or excited? There had been no way for Morningstar's file to relay this to the ILO, but she could have answered that question with one simple peek into his mind. The AVALON, the PROPHECY, the GATEWAY, were all detailed in his file but the flavor of his time in each could not be found.
When it came to memories, people were like a fine aged wine, gaining a more complex flavor with each passing year. If not kept in order though, the sheer volume of these memories could risk to overcome both the owner and observer. That said though Shar'El suspected that the Morningstar's mind had been perfectly pristine making it ever more difficult for the ILO to hold herself back from reaching into his mind and svoring each and every memory that she would discover.
With each step Morningstar drew closer to the ILO, and with each step Shar'El's temptation to look into the man's head grew. What secrets hid in his mind? What unique memories did he hold onto or tried desperately to suppress? The desire grew to such a level that the ILO actually found herself shaking. After a few seconds, the Intel Officer came to realize that she had lost track of the man's physical form only to find him standing but a few meters ahead of her.
So close, yet so far. Shar'El could almost taste the sweetness of his memories, a forbidden taste that she denied herself, at least for the time being.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
##########
"Meeting of Minds"
[Previous post - "Flavor of Memories"]
##########
"In the world of Intel it is wise to know who your enemies are, who your friends are, and who pretends to be something else."
- Admiral Charles N. Koniki
=====
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 15, BLACK HOLE lounge, upper level
Stardate: 30145.1210
The Native American slowly walked up the stairs to the level where the ILO had been waiting for him. With each step he took Erik could easily feel the intensity of the woman's eyes on him.
Little had been said by Admiral Koniki on the ANUBIS' new Intel Operative, other that she had been a uniquely talented Ensign. That alone had been enough to put the ship's CO on the defensive. For Charles to describe anyone as being talented had already been high praise, so when the word *uniquely* was used as well Erik began to wonder.
Not knowing if Shar'El had possessed any telepathic abilities, the Native American had put up all of the barriers his training and experience had taught him. Whatever frustration he might have had about the mysterious nature of the woman would have to be put aside and dealt with at a later time. For now the CO had been given a chance to know more about the mysterious ILO and he had not been one to ignore such an opportunity.
"Ensign Shar'El," Erik began with as he quickly studied the raven haired woman, noting her posture and general expression. "It is a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine Captain," the ILO respectfully offered in return. "I have had the pleasure to read quite a lot about you and your career," Shar'El added as she continued to fight the urge to look into the man's mind. The Ullian still had so many unanswered questions that could so easily be addressed in mere seconds.
"You have me at a great disadvantage, Ensign," Erik admitted having figured that the direct approach had been best in this situation. "Admiral Koniki was, shall we say, less than forthcoming with the details of your assignment, qualifications and *unique* skills."
"Your file does not do you justice Captain," Shar'El countered with, a playful smile having appeared on her dark lips. "I see why you were assigned to the USS PARADOX and now are in command of the ANUBIS. You are an agile tactician as well as quick on your feet. Skills that would be essential to the CO of any specialized vessel operating under the NEW ALEXANDRIA banner."
"Are you complimenting your CO in the hopes of gaining some advantage or are you simply trying to flatter an adversary into a false sense of confidence?" Morningstar returned as he crossed his arm over his chest. As much as the Native American may not have enjoyed playing such mind games, he knew enough to understand that this had been a normal part of the world of Intel Operations.
"Although I may appear to be human," the ILO began having decided to be completely honest with her Captain. "I am Ullian, and was surgically altered at my own request to be this way. If you are unfamiliar with my species, I am capable of scanning people's memories. Surface memories are the simplest and require only a few seconds while intense or buried memories require more time and usually alerts the target to my efforts to scan them."
"Target?" Erik repeated, not truly liking the implied significance of the word used by the ILO.
"My apologies Captain," Shar'El said through a faint smile. "I could have used the word *victim* or *subject*, but I thought that those words would certainly create the wrong impression."
"I see why Koniki used *uniquely talented* in describing you to me," Erik stated. "Shall we sit and continue this meeting as Officers serving on the same vessel or stay standing and try to ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of our respective adversary?"
Yes, there had been no doubt, Shar'El would have loved to gaze into the man's mind and sample his memories. How much she would enjoy discovering the intricacies of his past and see through his eyes the events that had made him who he now was. Instead though, all that the ILO could do at this time was to sit and invite Erik to join her.
"Shall I order us something to drink?" Morningstar inquired. Although they both had still been on duty, the ANUBIS' CO believed that this single breach of protocol would not be a problem. At least not this time.
"Thank you but I only drink water," the ILO explained. "That way there are less temptations and should a drink be tempered with I have a greater chance of identifying the attempt before it becomes a problem." The explanation came followed by a faint smile from the ILO.
"I believe that working with you is going to be a very interesting experience," Erik stated as he joined the ILO at the small table. The rest of their meeting was spent nursing two glasses of water as they discussed and shared ideas, opinions and expectations for the upcoming training mission to the moon of PI ALPHA III.
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
=-=
"Larger Target"
[previous post was "Meeting of Minds" written by the masterful Francois]
=-=
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck A-4, IGC
Stardate: 30145.1800
Respect. That had been one of the things Shar'El had gained from her meeting with the ship's CO. The ILO had also gained a lot of information on the man and his way of thinking, all of which led to her understanding him that much better.
The meeting had not been as efficient as her own method but there had been some high points. In talking to one another the ILO had been able to first hand sample the man's humor. Maybe the Counselor had been right in suggesting a more personal approach. Still there had been a distinct advantage in looking at someone through their memories.
If nothing else, the ILO had concluded from her meeting with the Captain that a personal approach had been worth looking into again as a valid method. For the time being though Shar'El would maintain her current method of gathering info as her preferred choice.
Her eyes returned and scanned the large screen and its nine divisions. With the change in shifts the ILO found her interest turn to the towering mountain of a man who had been charged with piloting the ship. Ensign Ttosk, a Zaldan, had so far been a quiet, although large and imposing, presence on the Bridge.
It had almost been funny to see that the Zaldan and Shillian were on extreme opposites on the verbal spectrum. Maybe that been why Shar'El had become curious about the giant FCO; his memories would likely hold far more information than his words.
With that idea in mind the ILO followed with her eyes as the FCO left the Bridge at the end of his shift. Shar'El was surprised when she noted that the man had chosen to head to yhe VIPER launch bay instead of his quarters. Obviously something there had caught the Zaldan's attention and interest.
With Wydran heading into *her* section of the ship, the ILO decided to make use of his interest to quench her own.
=-=
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck A-3, VIPER Launch Bay
The ILO had arrived well before the imposing pilot, this allowed the Intel Officer to find the perfect location to conduct her research into the memories of the FCO. Shar'El could always argue at a later time with Eve that Wydran had not been a good candidate for the *personal* approach the CNS had proposed.
From the safety and comfort of the shadows that she knew so very well, Shar'El observed as Wydran entered to room and made his way directly to the black colored VIPER. Purpose could be felt in each of the man's step making it clear that it had been best for all to nit be in his way.
The memory of the Zaldan's first visit to this place immediately filled the mind of the FCO. To say the Ensign Ttosk had been completely taken by the dark colored interceptor would have been a huge understatement.
Shar'El had been pleased by this almost overwhelming focus as it allowed her to dive deeper into the FCO's memories without his notice.
Memory after memory the ILO peeled away the layers into the man's past. His assignment to the ANUBIS, his time at the Academy, and his experiences before then.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
=/\=
"Worlds Behind"
(Continued from "Larger Target" by the impressive Tiffany)
=/\=
“Home is behind, the world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread
Through shadows to the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.
Then world behind and home ahead,
We'll wander back and home to bed.
Mist and twilight, cloud and shade,
Away shall fade! Away shall fade!”
- J.R.R. Tolkien, "The Fellowship of the Ring"
=/\=
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 1, CO's Ready Room
Stardate: 30145.1515
Ensign Stark agreed to Eve's offer to meet in the Captain's Ready Room without an argument. Frankly, the Counsellor hadn't been sure what to expect. Anger, denial, perhaps? But none of these had come to the surface as Jayson sat on the sofa in Morningstar's office, a touch of dejection gracing his features.
"Do you understand why Commander Maya called me to the Bridge?" she asked. She didn't think the CO would mind this unauthorized use of his space to assist the troubled Operations Officer. It just didn't make sense to drag him back to the Counsellor's office.
Stark let out a ragged breath, brushing a hand over his scalp and close-cropped hair. "I wasn't paying attention to my duties."
"What's the last thing you remember before you were distracted?"
"I'm not sure... the control panel? The outline for our mission?" It was the first time he realized he didn't quite remember.
"Not to worry," Eve said soothingly. "There isn't a right answer."
Jayson looked up and drew a breath in sharply. Pain was clearly evident in his dark brown eyes. "The right answer is to focus on one's responsibilities."
"We all have responsibilities... to our choice of career, to the Federation and to Starfleet, and to our fellow officers. But we also have a responsibility to ourselves."
Stark gestured with his hands for emphasis. "And I want to be a top notch officer. End of story."
Eve sat on the arm of the couch, in a relaxed posture. "Acknowledgement of your memories, your entire being, is critical to your performance. Surely you understand that?"
"I think I do," he replied resolutely. This wasn't his first trip to 'crazy town', to use a bastardized expression. He'd grown to tolerate, even occasionally like, the Counsellors who had helped him throughout his time at the Academy.
"You're not the first officer to be 'lost in space' at your station."
The Ensign struggled with his thoughts. The grief at the loss of his wife and unborn child wrestled with the fresh start and chance to make a difference that he held in the palm of his hand. The threads of those stories were inexplicably and irrevocably intertwined. "Everything reminds me of her," was all he could muster. "Leena."
"Of course it does," Dalziel said softly. "We all desire to share things with those closest to us, whether they be good, bad, or indifferent. Obviously your connection with her and love for her is very strong."
"I can still feel her sometimes," Jayson said in a raspy voice. "And I want her to be proud of what I'm doing... but sometimes the memories get in the way." He looked down into his clasped hands as if he was in prayer.
The next words fell out of Eve's mouth without much thought. "What made you decide to pursue a career in Starfleet?"
If Stark was surprised by the conversation's change in timbre, he didn't seem affected by it. "After Leena... well I didn't feel like my life had any direction. My family was there to support me and encourage me, and that eventually led me to SFA."
"Sounds like you were trying to completely submerge yourself in hard work."
"Yeah... I guess so. But even I can't work twenty-four seven."
"And you shouldn't have to."
For the first time since they started talking, Jayson almost looked amused. "Okay, we agree. Great. So what do I do then?"
The corners of Eve's mouth twitched a little as she thought. "I want you to schedule your thoughts."
"Huh? I don't get it."
"Set aside 30 minutes each day, while off- duty of course, and deliberately think of nothing but Leena. It would probably help if you kept a journal of your memories for each day."
"What if I start to think of her at some other time?"
Eve shrugged. "Stop and tell yourself you have a scheduled time to, well, remember her. I'm not saying it will be easy, but knowing you've promised yourself that time is very important. It allows you to exert control on something that doesn't feel controllable right now. I can check back with you a couple of weeks and see how it's going."
Jayson nodded. He had nothing to lose. "Okay." He stood to leave. He had to get back out on the Bridge.
"One more thing," Eve said as the Ops officer turned around. "I want you to write in your journal one thing each day that you liked about that day. What serving on the ANUBIS means to you. For yourself. Trying to honor your wife and make your family proud may have got you in that uniform, but unless you find those things that make *you* truly happy in your career, it's not worth sticking around. I don't have to tell you that life is too short to waste."
Ensign Stark took a sobering look at Lieutenant JG Dalziel, their eyes meeting in a mutual understanding. "Thanks," Jayson offered.
Eve crossed her arms and smiled, then began to follow Jayson out. "It's my job."
=/\=
Susan Ledbetter
Lieutenant JG Eve Dalziel
Counsellor
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
"I savored those stories; I read them slowly, one each day. And when I was done, I wished I hadn't read them at all. So I could read them again... like it was the first time."
-Melanie to Old Jake, DS9, "The Visitor"
"Time To Think"
[previous "Worlds Behind"]
[/\]
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Stark's Quarters
Stardate: 30145.18:10
His shift on the bridge had ended, but the words of Counsellor Dalziel were still on his mind. Forcing himself to think about Leena sounded crazy. He always thought of her in some way. But the more he thought about the idea, the more he understood the reason why. How could he concentrate on his duties if his mind was elsewhere?
Jayson, with his mind filled with random thoughts, jumped into the shower. There he would relax and take a moment to put his thoughts in order. Memories of his days at the Academy came rushing in as well as the event that had brought him there. Tears flowed with the water before they vanished beneath his feat, taking some of his sorrow with them.
He would dedicate the 30 minutes before bed time to her, to their memories and to the life that would have been theirs. But first there had been one other thing he needed to do, something the Counsellor had requested of him.
"Computer, begin recording. Ensign Stark's personal log, stardate 30145.1825. As per the request of Counsellor Dalziel I am making a special log entry to identify the one thing that I liked about today. I guess being on board the ANUBIS ranks up there. She's a fine ship and to be honest one that pretty much runs itself. One thing that I liked about today??? I guess I could say that I liked Commander Maya on a professional level. She did her job of getting me the help I needed without making me feel like I had failed in some way. But if I have to give only a single thing that I liked about today, I will have to go with meeting Counsellor Dalziel today. That was the high point of my day. End log."
With the task completed, he went to the food replicator and asked for a bowl of hot chicken soup. A simple dish for a simple evening that he would spend resting. The day had not been that difficult, yet he felt beat. All he could do now was to think about going to bed and spend 30 minutes with Leena.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Ensign Jayson Stark
Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
##########
"Wake Up Call"
Previous post "Time to Think"
##########
"The past can be a source of knowledge for the future or a burden to the present. The choice as to which has always been and will forever be ours to make."
-Grand Maester Treb'EL of the Ullian Archives Council
=====
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Captain's Quarters
Stardate: 30146.0115
The Native American was drawn out of his sleep by the repeated tone of the computer.
"Computer," Erik mumbled half asleep. "Take a message."
=/\= Unable to comply. Priority 1 communication from Admiral Koniki on secured channel,=/\= the computer coldly replied as only a machine could.
Upon hearing the name of the NEW ALEXANDRIA's CO, Morningstar instantly woke up and bounced to his feet.
"Computer," the Native American stated as he stood in front of the wall mounted screen. "Open secured channel on this terminal."
=/\= Please provide recognition and clearance access code. =/\=
"Recognize Mormingstar, Erik. Clearance access code 2-5-8-Charlie-Red-Zero," the CO offered wondering what could have prompted the Admiral to call at such an hour.
The logo of the Federation that had filled the screen was replaced after a few seconds by the grinning face of Admiral Koniki. [/\]Good morning Erik.[/\]
"Morning is a little of a stretch," the bearded CO sighed. "As for the good part, depends on your answer to my next question. What's going on?"
[/\] You have a late addition to your crew heading your way on the USS NILE. You are to change course and get her on board before going to PI ALPHA III,[/\] the Admiral firmly stated leaving no doubt that this had not been a request but rather an order.
"The price for peace is eternal vigilance," the Native American confirmed, quoting the words engraved on the dedication plaque of his own ship to acknowledge the order and remind himself of those very words.
[/\] You are right, [/\] Koniki agreed before he added one last thing. [/\] By the way, your request has been approved. Sorry it took so long, Allyson had to remind me again to get it done. See you when you get back to the barn. Koniki out. [/\]
As the screen went dark, Erik smiled and debated for a few seconds as to how to proceed. The CO could easily relay the instructions to the Bridge, but that would have been a waste of a golden opportunity to get two things done all in one shot.
"Computer... Red alert!"
The inside of the SCARAB-Class cruiser was plunged into a red hue as the alarm klaxon echoed through every deck. If anyone gad been asleep, they would not be so for long.
=====
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 1, Observation Lounge
Stardate: 30146.0130
All of the Senior Officers had assembled to see what the situation had been. Some had not been fully awake, a simple fact that the Native American had found sightly amusing.
"Did sensors pick up some temporal anomaly?" the CSO and acting ExO inquired sounding rather hopeful. "Maybe a gaseous form possessing bio-genic properties has crossed our path; or did we notice a sensor void that we will be changing course to investigate?"
"Well," the CNS grinned. "You have to admit that she is the hopeful one of the group."
"According to the track record of the ANUBIS though," Ensign Stark added. "It is far more likely that we will be heading into a dangerous situation."
"And now we know who the pessimist is," the CEO chimed in with, trying to tease a smile out of the overly serious and up tight man.
"Nothing so drastic," Erik explained. "We have been ordered to rendezvous with the USS NILE to pick up a new member of the crew." The CO paused as he shifted his attention to the Ullian woman trying her best to look as awake as she could. "You are about to get an assistant, Doctor Doyanne."
"A new assistant?" the CMO repeated, a hint of fear having laced her words. Hiding her true heritage from the crew who only spent a few minutes here and there with her had been relatively easy. Doing the same with someone constantly in the same working environment would likely prove to be far more difficult.
"You could have inform the Bridge in the course change without taking the ship to Red Alert and waking us," the Zaldan FCO sighed heavily. Most would have looked upon the giant's words as insubordination, but knowing the unique social stands of the race, Erik actually found the comment funny.
"If he had," Shar'El jumped in with. If anyone had truly been awake at this time, it had been the ILO. "He would have missed an opportunity to test our ability to deal with an unexpected situation."
The Native American grinned and nodded. At least one person understood how the CO thought. "Speaking of unexpected," Erik continued as he turned his attention to the Cardassian born Counselor. "Ensign Dalziel, please stand."
Eve's eyes opened to their widest. To have the Senior Staff called at such an early hour as a test and to explain a change of course had been within the boundaries of normal, so why had the Native American suddenly singled her out? Somewhat reluctantly the CNS complied, scared and curious all at the same time as to what would happen next.
"This has been well overdue and I figured that there was no better time than the present. Ensign Eve Dalziel, you are hereby promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade effective immediately. As such you will receive all of the honours and responsibilities attributed to your new rank," Erik announced as he fetch a small blue velvet box and retrieved from it a black centered pip to add to the woman's collar.
As the pip was locked into place, the gathered officers cheered and applauded as best as their half-awake state permitted.
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
=-=
"Peaked Curiosity"
[previous post was "Wake Up Call" written by the very much awake Francois]
=-=
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck A-4, IGC
Stardate: 30146.0200
The unexpected. That was the heart and soul of life in Starfleet. Some dealt with the unexpected nature of scientific discoveries, others with the unexpected mechanical problems associated with space travel. For Shar'El though, her unexpected dealt with the randomness of people and their memories.
The unexpected news of a new officer coming on board the ANUBIS had peaked the ILO's curiosity to an extreme. As an Intel Officer, being surprised had been something of a rarity for Shar'El, so after the briefing she had wasted no time to return to her domain. There, within the multitude of screens and instruments at her disposal, the ILO could begin a thorough investigation of the aCMO.
Starfleet records, medical files and even a psychological evaluation from VULCAN all appeared on separate screens for the ILO to review at her discretion. Her name was Mizore Seska, a Bajoran who had a rather unique history. Born in 2375 the woman should have been 55 years old now, yet her file showed her to only be 31. Reading further into the woman's Starfleet dossier, Shar'El discovered the reason for this strange discrepancy. Thanks to an unexplained Bajoran wormhole incident, the new aCMO had vanished from this reality for 24 years. Of course this had caused the Bajoran woman to still be 31 years old, while holding on to memories that reached beyond her years.
If that had not been enough for the ILO to gain a certain interest in the new Officer, the note in Seska's file which indicated that memories had also been implanted by the Prophets had insured Shar'El's desire to meet this person. Although those memories had been inserted at the young age of 5, they had none the less impacted on the woman's way of looking at the shattered world around her.
The more the ILO read the file, the more she could understand the Admiral's fascination in her, something along the lines that he had shown towards Shar'El. Records of her time on VULCAN showed the extent of some of these alien memories, and yet Seska's own reports pointed to them feeling as if they had been hers.
Shar'El imagined that the new aCMO was very much like her in that regards, able to recall memories that were in fact not her own. The only difference having been that for the ILO these memories had been willingly gathered from selected people, while for Seska those memories had just been dumped into her head. Of course this entire situation left one question unanswered: why? Why would the Wormhole Aliens, or Prophets as the Bajorans preferred referring to them as, would have wanted to burden a child with such memories?
This was a mystery that the ILO had every intentions of getting to the bottom of. Likely this would be a long term goal, but a goal nonetheless. In the meantime, with no way to fully quench her thirst for knowledge about the mind of the new officer, the ILO turned to look at a tactical display. On the small screen to her right two Federation icons appeared displaying the locations of the USS ANUBIS and USS NILE. A soft but clearly unhappy growl came out as Shar'El noted that the two ships were at least one full day apart.
Patience it seemed would have to be her closest companion for the next day.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Fear of the Unknown"
[Previous post: "Peaked Curiosity"]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 7, Main Sickbay
Stardate: 30146.0055
==========^*^==========
Dreams of the culinary art she could create swirled through the CMO's consciousness as she dozed quietly against the chilled surface of her desk. Having not been able to return to her quarters, the Ensign decided to continue work late past her shift. Weariness and fatigue had crept up on her like a viper slithering through tall grass and before she knew it the Ullian woman had fallen into a deep sleep her hand still clutching the CSO's PADD.
Suddenly her dreams shattered around her as though they had been nothing but precious glass and she bolted awake at her station. Lillie's eyes were met with a deep red hue filling the sickbay from one of the light overhead. As quickly as her dream-walking state allowed, the CMO pulled out a small but usable med-kit and rushed from her sanctuary to the Observation deck. Questions swarmed her mind, had someone been hurt? Was was happening?
Well, the Ullian would soon find out.
==========^*^==========
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 1, Near Bridge
Stardate: 30146.0200
==========^*^==========
Staggering back to her post atop the fragments of her dream, the Terran-like woman could hardly contemplate what manner of twisted humor possessed their CO to awaken them all at such an hour. the Ullian wondered momentarily if all their red-alerts would be end this way. Thinking back on their briefing the Ensign shuddered at the prospect of having yet another recruit on board. More people meant less chance for secrecy.
Although fearful, the CMO was to some extent excited at the prospect of mentoring another to one day obtain her position. Even with the possibility of discovery looming like a dark cloud above her, the Ensign saw a small silver lining along the puffy exterior - a chance to be like her mother. Yasmina had in many ways been her daughter's idol during their occupation of the plague ship, and her technique's still showed in each and every medical procedure the younger Ullian preformed. Having been mentored in such a way left a deep impression on Lillie, one she hoped to transfer onto her newest aCMO.
Reality threatened to tear through her hopes as questions swam menacingly though the Ensign's thoughts. Like small piranha the questions nibbled and bit at her hopes. Would this new crew member realize her true race? If she did find out, how would the aCMO react? Ghostly fingertips danced down the woman's spine as the final question entered her mind. What would discovery mean for her children?
Newly determined, the CMO stood her ground a moment and let out a sigh she hadn't realized she was holding. This fresh face would not disorientate her, would not sway her from her resolve. The Ullian was here to build a better life for her children, for her people. Lillie would never allow even the slightest thing compromise all they had achieved.
A deep growl resonated from her stomach near the end of her inner monologue. Caught off-guard the Ensign tensed slightly before chuckling to herself. All those promises could hardly be kept on an empty stomach, the Ullian mused. Changing course, Lillie headed instead towards deck 16 and the promise of a satisfied hunger it held.
==========^*^==========
Ashley Shane
Ensign Lillie Doyanne
Chief Medical Officer
USS ANUBIS
---
"Five More Minutes"
(Previous Post: "Fear of The Unknown")
---
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 2, Senior Officer’s Quarters (Wydran’s)
Stardate: 63146.0100
Ttosk slept peacefully in his bed, curled up into a semi-ball so his feet wouldn’t hang off the end of the bed. Starfleet had obviously did not have the comfort of any Zaldans in mind when they designed starships. Maybe that had been the reason why the towering FCO dreamt the way he did.
He was dreaming of himself being in much larger ship, a ship to which he could walk through a door without having to lower his head. The vessel that he had somehow found his way in seemed as if it was from Starfleet except the inside had been red and orange. Beyond the colour difference there had been another welcomed dissimilarity – the ceilings had been a lot higher.
It was the end of his shift, so Wydran stood from his station and left. No one seemed to be bothered by the Zaldan’s apparent joyful skip in his step as he made his way to, an entered the turbo. Once inside he turned and offered a bright smile to those he had left behind, again to no visible reaction as if this had been all perfectly normal for the usually stoic character.
On his way back to his quarters, Wydran felt as if there was not a worry in the world for him, but as he entered his room … the giant hit his head on the frame. As he stumbled into the room, the dreaming man felt as if the walls had begun to shrink down on him causing a certain level of panic to emerge. When the walls were almost upon him, the sound of a red alert klaxon joined in on the nightmarish scene.
Ttosk suddenly awoke to flashing red lights and sirens to witch his only response was to pull the blankets over his head and said “five more minutes,” followed by a loud groan.
A few seconds later the Zaldan rolled out of bed and ungracefully crashed onto the floor. With some effort he stumbled back to his feet mumbling and cursing all the while. Wydran promptly changed into proper clothing before heading to the Bridge and hopefully discover what the red alert status had been for.
Slowly becoming more awake as the turbolift raced to Deck 1, Ttosk grumpily thought to himself, ::Wonder if someone lost a sweet roll or something?:: The strange nature of the Ensign’s idea actually caused him to smile for an instant, a reaction that would remain unseen by all as it vanished the moment the doors parted open after the turbolift had reached it destination.
<><><><><><>
Scott Moll
Ensign Wydran Ttosk
Flight Control Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
"Eyes Unclouded"
[Previous Post - "Five More Minutes"]
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Setting: Holosuite, Starbase Han'shir
Stardate 29365.1900
"You must see with eyes unclouded by hate. See the good in that which is evil, and the evil in that which is good. Pledge yourself to neither side, but vow instead to preserve the balance that exists between the two." Hayao Miyazaki
Seska had been seated low on the floor, with her body in a natural, relaxed position, adopting the forms from her own philosophy, openly displaying reverence to the Bajoran philosophy which connected her to the Prophets. She thought of Ka'len, who had accepted her, and became her mentor of a sort in matters of how to focus ones thoughts, master ones mind, and control the mental chaos of her memories both her own and those she was given.
The only visible light from the flickering illumination of a single flame that burned from the Vulcan meditation lamp. The atmosphere of silence that so completely surrounded Seska felt as if she were separated by great distances, or worlds apart from anything or anyone, the sensation was only intensified even more so by the smoke burning off the incense around her, displacing Seska's sight. Moments passed before she found herself speaking Ka'len's words that usually initiated the meditation by reciting an appropriate mantra.
“Think of how your mind is working, how it plans for the future, visits the past. Notice those thoughts and set them aside. Turn your attention to the light that is your breath, your pagh.”
Everything around her seemed to fade, as each word she spoke lingered in the air, and resounded in her consciousness, gripping at the very center of her being. Her eyes slowly started to close, and everything had become transient, her will, her thoughts, both pleasure and pain, even herself.
She envisioned herself centuries far into where the future might take her, as aged and wizened woman, having accomplished things she had never even imagined possible or logical. Then her mind conjured some obscure memory from her past, little Seska at thirteen years, surrounded by frost touched blue iris', the snow falling gently on to the flowers and earth around her. She could not figure why she would remember this of all the many other experiences that she carried, or why this one memory was significant.
Again, another image coalesced into her conscious, causing her to heave forward, gasping deep for air. It almost shattered her concentration, seizing at her focus, she struggled for dominance. If she were to lose control now, it would break her both mentally and emotionally, as well as annihilate her resolve in similar situations.
Seska, nearly seventeen, the song of war echoed around her, carried on the winds, while everything cast in shades of red as blood stained her eyes. Seska knew it as the skirmish at Sahving Valley, that turned into a massacre, It was here, where she lost a good friend, Rika. This was a dark place of her own personal history she did not want to witness again, as she tried to force it from mind, started to feel like a recurring reality, with a vengeance as if every detail that happened had an unequivocal clarity. The shear force against her sanity would only recede when the entire conflict had played out and taken its course.
There was the point where the intensity would gradually diminish into nothing, an endless black and empty void. Seska only now started to reflect on herself and inward. Who was she exactly and what was she, really? A fatherless little Bajoran girl. A cunning and motivated young member of the resistance rebelling against tyranny, genocide, and cultural annihilation, A space faring ethical gypsy in a uniform.
Seska began to let go of everything she firmly believed about who she was or had been, forgetting everything she thought she knew to be undeniably true, little by little, simply let the entire process take her. Before her, far in the distance, a tiny blue shimmer of light sparkled to life, an apparition in the form of a sapphire tinted sun. An instance soon after, three more white wisps emerged twinkling out of the darkness, each resembling lunar moons, significantly smaller than the blue sun, as these danced into existence adapting a sort of triple helix orbit formation around the original body.
Ever remaining just out of reach, never moving, Seska always unable to touch the lights. The more distance covered the more it seemed to evade or elude her advances, forever fixated in an eternally static position farther from her. When she abandoned such attempts, her intent no longer sought or desired to caress the light in her hand, it drew nearer. Rather than her feeling it, instead it began to press against her fingertips, embraced her.
Her eyes crept open, to find herself surrounded by the holographically rendered Bajoran temple walls of the holosuite. The incense haze began to vanish after having long since ceased their use or function, yet the lamp alone before her, still alit as if to be some guiding point during the entire matter. All of these aspects assimilated into familiar setting, each and every detail specifically recreated to be both conductive and divine in its purpose and function. A place where none but Seska would only feel at ease, deeply connected with her mind and grounded in her faith. Then and there she knew, as the sudden realization came, that she now possessed the answers to who and what she was.
_____________
Gwen Spellblade
Ensign Mizore Seska
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS ANUBIS
---
"Musing by The Lights of The Stars"
(Previous Post: "Eyes Unclouded")
---
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 1, Observation Lounge
Stardate: 30146.0230
To those who take the time to look and listen, the universe is an endless source of knowledge and wisdom. Not every story told is one of happy endings, but they are worth listening to nonetheless as they carry with them the knowledge of errors long ago made. Although she had been very young, the Shillian woman recalled this particular wisdom from her own father, a man who had perished along with the world that had once been hers. The story had been a less than happy one, but over time it had formed the Chief Science Officer of the USS ANUBIS into the person she now was.
Following the unexpected wake up call initiated by the Commanding Officer of the USS ANUBIS, and the announcement of a new Officer coming on board, the Shillian Scientist stood alone in the Observation Lounge. Her gaze, as well as her thoughts, had been lost amongst the streaking stars beyond the large window that stood between the Chief Science Officer and the vast dark void of space. The past, present and future seems to come together as one in the streaking lights that rushed by the window, leading the Acting Executive Officer to pounder what had come to pass as well s what would soon happen.
"Sorry that I had to disappoint you Maya," Captain Morningstar said as he joined the Shillian woman in front of the large window. Maybe it had been a natural gift born of the Native American ancestry of the man, for Erik Morningstar could be as stealthy as a cat if he desired to be so.
"You move as silently as a cat, and here I thought *I* was the shape-shifter on this ship. That said though, you did not disappoint me Sir. I mean I was disappointed that the nature of our change in heading was not rooted in a potential scientific discovery, but that was not your personal doing. As the Acting Executive Officer I am happy that we are getting a new Assistant Chief Medial Officer, this will enable us to better address any medical situation that we might encounter during our mission to the moon of PI ALPHA III and beyond. I also suspect that this will allow Doctor Doyanne to take some time for herself, so far our Chief Medical Officer has been spending a lot of time in her department."
Erik stifled a grin at the amount of information the Shillian woman had always been able to compress into a single breath. "The good Doctor does remind me of another very eager Officer of the USS ANUBIS."
The Acting Executive Officer turned to look at her Captain, a quizzical expression forged onto her features. When she saw the look in the eyes of her Commanding Officer, the Shillian knew that he had been referring to none other than her.
"Maya," Captain Morningstar began, his voice being calm and supportive. "There is nothing wrong with an Officer wanting to dedicate their time to their passion and duties. You would not be a Lieutenant Commander or the Acting Executive Officer of the ANUBIS if you had not shown that same kind of drive."
"You sound like you have been speaking with our Counsellor, Ensign Eve Dalziel," the Shillian said before realizing the mistake she had just made. "I meant *Lieutenant* Eve Dalziel, a promotion that I would add is very well deserved. We are fortunate to have someone like her on board to deal with our collective issues and problems."
"Well, if she was here I am sure that she would say something profoundly wise to thank you for your compliment," the Captain said while returning his gaze to the streaking stars.
"Being profoundly wise is in my job description," the Counsellor added as she came in and joined the two standing Officers. "I thought that maybe I should drop in to see if my wisdom was required at this time. I will admit that I was not expecting a *standing* meeting."
"Captain Morningstar was simply trying to cheer me up, well I mean he actually was cheering me up, pointing out that we are all where we are because we have worked and earned our positions through dedication to our duties and passions, whatever they may be. That said, I have to make sure that everything is in place for our new Assistant Chief Medical Officer. I have to assign her quarters and check with Doctor Doyanne to see if there are any specific details that I need to address before our new Officer comes aboard. Guess it would not hurt if I read her file to insure that any special requirements, should there be any, are properly accommodated."
The Captain and Counsellor watched in silence as the Chief Science Officer exited the room, lost in her thoughts and responsibilities.
"You have to admit that she is a dedicated hard worker," The newly promoted Lieutenant said with a gentle smile.
"Her dedication to her work and duties has never been in question," Captain Morningstar noted as he watched the doors that had closed behind the departing scientist. "I just hope that she will not try to take on too much as she tries to fulfil the dual role of Chief Science Officer and Executive Officer."
"No worries. I'll keep an eye on her."
---
Jessica Solarik
Lieutenant Commander Maya
Chief Science Officer
USS ANUBIS
"To see the world in a grain of sand,
and a heaven in a wild flower.
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
and eternity in an hour."
- William Blake (British, 1757-1827)
_____________
"First Contact"
[Previous Post - "Musing by The Lights of The Stars"]
_____________
Setting: USS NILE, Sickbay
Stardate 30147.11
"You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile. We will add your biological distinctiveness to our own."
-The Borg
Seska sat quietly at a desk reserved for her use in sickbay. Even though it was not an official Starfleet order, or active duty assignment, she would not sit around without any purpose, or some general agenda to fulfill. To say the USS NILE carried anything less than a full compliment of crew, would have been a fallacy. Still she offered her talents willingly, some might even say vigorously if the Commander had anything more to say about it. Her eyes scanned over mission reports, service records, entire medical histories, on a very specific list of officers, in significant detail, each one rendered in flawless Starfleet protocol. It was very dry, lacking any substantial depth or personal detail, though it did little to undermine her focus on the task.
::Dry:: The thought seemed to echo through her mind, remembering only then she had the replicator in the room synthesize spice tea moments ago, which still rested on the edge of the table in her periphery, still hot enough to condensate steam. When her attention left the PADD, bringing the tepid drink to her lips, her eyes caught the holographic image of her family at corner of the desk. Instantly her morale seemed to collapse at the sight of them. Having missed so much time with them, had almost broken her to tears, when Seska had originally been informed that twenty-three years of her life were lost, both the shock and exasperation returned sending her resolve spiraling inside.
Even with the incident, she was sated to know her mother Aurora and sister Seo were alive, doing quite well, and that her line had even grown to include Renate. Her own younger sister, Seo, somehow, even managed to make her own path into Starfleet. Very few things could have given Seska quite a sense of pride, which affected her expression, that gave way as she smiled lightly, if only for an instant. As emotions became a flood, most of all, an endless sense of regret, thinking that those she would have been so close with, were so foreign and alien, despite having accepted her as blood always would.
Though little changed in her demeanor, her thoughts lingered on her family. When she turned back to reading over Starfleet Command's files of her soon to be fellow crewmen once more. The omission of personal information left her with very little more than competent analyses of personnel on their individual missions, or methodical assessments of medical staff. ::What were they like in person?:: ::What sort of interests did they enjoy experiencing while off-duty?::
Mizore began to identify many of them with some little stereotype, witty anecdote, or notation. There was Captain Morningstar *The Ace* or *Rising Star*,then Ensign Stark the *Tragic Hero*, and Lieutenant JG Sonja Paquette was *The Legacy*, followed by Ensign Shar'El a *Lone Wolf*, and lastly Lieutenant JG Eve Dalziel *The Enigma*. It was the sparingly little information on Lt. Dalziel that caught Seska's interest most of all. As an officer in Starfleet with apparently two years of operational experience with no formal recorded information, or the vaguely detailed, brief history, aside from the very recent promotion from Ensign to Lieutenant Junior Grade. Something not soon forgotten, yet she was not overly suspicious of the lack of content on the subject, and decided it was not worthwhile to press the matter.
She had been so completely lost in thought while concentrating on the material displayed on the PADD, that she had not even realized her tea was now gone, and time slipped by along with it. She took one more look around confirming that was all she had not been attentive to. Rising from her seat, setting the device on the desk, easing into a light stretch before collecting her personal effects. "Computer, please state the current time." Slowly moving to the door, as it quietly opened into the interior of the ship, the response to her request sounded. =/\=Current time is 1150. =/\=
_____________
Setting: USS NILE, Personal Quarters
Stardate: 30147.1222
Seska had already assembled and prepared the scant few possessions she owned, ready to leave the USS NILE. Each one bringing the memories they carried with them to her mind. Her fathers phaser, which was now more for sentimental value, since taking the oath to do no harm, though it has been modified to comply with Starfleet regulations. The recent acquisition of a first edition 'The Call of the Prophets' by Akorem Laan. A massive silk wall cover containing the complete list of every known Bajoran prophecy in their entirety produced by Renate when she was only an apprentice weaver. The Vulcan meditation lamp that Ka'len had made specifically for her when she left, that she might continue her sessions. Seska added among them the holo image of her family, though without her, she felt it was incomplete, which was something she hoped to remedy one day.
Now that she would be leaving soon, she could not help feeling anxious, excited, even a little uneasy. ::Where was the fiery little girl who was no stranger to terror at a young age, or placed her life on the line in the fight against an entire species' claim on her planet?:: Despite now having the slightest sensation of fear as she was about to meet those among the crew of the USS ANUBIS, it was her first real assignment since joining Starfleet. ::What if they don't like me?.:: ::What if I don't fit in?:: The possibilities weighed heavily on her. Nonetheless, she would not let it affect her, much less stop her from making the most of the opportunity. Taking with her what little she acquired over the years, made her way toward the transporter room.
_____________
Setting: USS NILE, Transporter Room
Stardate: 30147.1259
Pressing a few fingers to her comm badge, Seska reported to the Captain, acknowledging she was ready. "Mizore Seska to the Captain, one to beam out." When the Captain responded, it caught her off guard. With such an obvious reference to her not so long ago past, she couldn't help but crack a smile, which both positively affected her state and improved her mood more than anyone could imagine. =/\= Live long and prosper, Seska. =/\= Then, giving an approving nod to the engineer at the transporter control, she raised her right hand and gave the Vulcan sign, almost laughing as the word escaped her mouth. "Energize."
_____________
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck Seven, Transporter Room Three
Stardate: 30147.1301
Standing in unfamiliar territory aboard the USS ANUBIS, now among a foreign unknown crew, except whatever she had access to through proper medical clearance in Starfleet database. ::After all, being a doctor did have some benefits in that field.:: She thought slyly, as a smirk touched her features. Pressing her communicator to address her new commanding officer. "Captain Morningstar, this is Ensign Mizore Seska assigned to the USS ANUBIS as Assistant Chief Medical Officer." A momentary break, long enough to allow her to breath then exhale deeply, prior to continuing. "Will you require an officer dress inspection, Captain?"
Erik listened while he waited for the woman to finish, already she amused him as he began to laugh quietly, if only to himself. Seska executed every official Starfleet procedure to the letter as the situation called for. "Welcome aboard the USS ANUBIS Doctor. We can skip with all the formality for the moment. I will have the acting First Officer, Lieutenant Commander Maya, show you to your quarters, take you to sick bay, and work out a duty schedule. I expect you to report to my ready room on the bridge at 1500 where you will receive our mission briefing."
_____________
Gwen Spellblade
Ensign Mizore Seska
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS ANUBIS
=-=
"The New Arrival"
[previous post was "First Contact" written by the eager Gwen]
=-=
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck A-4, IGC
Stardate: 30147.1300
The unknown. That had been one of the many reasons why Shar'El had been tracking the USS NILE for more than an hour. It had also been why she had scanned the transport ship for one specific Bajoran woman when it had come into range and why she had been curious to see this new officer beam on board. The file on Ensign Mizore Seska had been, as all Starfleet dossiers, very thorough in their details, but the ILO believed there to be a lot still to be discovered. After all, there had been a large portion of time in he woman's life that had remained a complete mystery, an unknown element that Shar'El hoped to break open.
Captain Morningstar had dispatched his acting First Officer to greet the new arrival, which had been standard procedures. It was after all the duty of the ExO to welcome new officers and deal with the general crew of the ship. What Maya had not counted on had been an unexpected malfunction of the turbolift which caused her to arrive three desks off her intended destination. The CEO, who would be called to look into this at some point in the near future, would find nothing to explain the strange occurrence, Shar'El had made sure of that. All that the ILO had wanted to do was to see how their new aCMO would react to the unexpected situation.
Seska's file had made it rather clear that she upheld the ideas and methods of the Federation to almost an extreme. From experience the ILO had learned that those who lived and worked by the strictest of routines were the ones who usually had the most difficult time dealing with the unexpected and the unknown. This little test would be a painless way to see if the new aCMO had been amongst these type of people.
From the IGC, the Intel officer watched with great interest as the Bajoran materialized onto the platform. With the acting First Officer having been distracted, the ILO could have easily been there to get a quick peek into the new officer's memories. So Shar'El having stayed in the IGC had been a way to insure that the ILO would not succumb to the temptation.
The usually split-screen had been set to a single image, allowing the curious Ullian to see the Bajoran in perfectly digitized detail. The nervousness in her eyes, the uncertainty in her stance, all of there and many more tale-tale signs had been carefully camouflaged. Strangely enough, Shar'El found this visible sensation of unfamiliarity to be reassuring, a sign that like every other officer on board the USS ANUBIS, Seska had been a less than perfect being.
Shar'El would make a point to go visit her friend Lillie in Sickbay when both the CMO and aCMO would be present. This would give Doctor Doyanne a way to help protect her own secrets while giving the ILO a perfect opportunity to look inside Seska's head. Even if the simplest of surface scan of the woman's memories, a great deal of information could be gathered, allowing for questions to be answered.
After all, answering questions and pushing back the boundaries of the unknown had been one of the many reasons Shar'El had been here on the ANUBIS as the Intelligence Liaison Officer.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
"Ghostly Problem"
[previous "The New Arrival"]
[/\]
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30147.1330
With the arrival of the new aCMO done and over with, the ANUBIS had resumed its course. The wake-up call in the early hours of the morning of the second day had already been forgotten. Still, it had an unpleasant event that made Jayson's list of things he had not cared for during that day.
At the end of the second day, the Ops officer had made another entry in his personal log as per Counsellor Dalziel's recommendation. In it he had mentioned that a smile from the ship's Doctor as their paths crossed had been the highlight of the day. With the third day more than half way through, Jayson hoped that tonight's entry would be about something more involving.
So far though, the OPS officer had not come across anything worthy of mentioning in his log. The malfunction of the turbolift that was recorded on his instruments had caught his attention though. He had heard Commander Maya instruct the computer to take her to transporter room 3 on Deck 7. The order had been clear and simple enough. There had been no apparent reason for the pod to stop on Deck 10 instead, three full decks out of the way.
Lt. Paquette had been sent on the quest for an answer when the initial diagnostics showed that nothing had been wrong with any of the systems. Everything, from the computer to the physical components of the turbolift had checked out.
Stark knew that problems and malfunctions were a normal thing on space ships as large and complex as the one they were on. That said, the Ops officer could not simply accept that the turbolift had just decided to not work as designed for no reason. Not unless the ship had suddenly become haunted in some way.
The problem had not been his to investigate, so he found comfort in the knowledge that the CEO would get to the bottom of this. With no other pressing matters for him to focus on, Jayson concentrated on ensuring that no other system would malfunction. Even if it meant for him to be looking for ghosts. Maybe this had been another way for their CO to test their skills and expertise. If it had not been, the alternative had been that something beyond their ability to detect had been tampering with the ship.
That idea had not been a pleasant one at all. If it was to be proven true, it would certainly make Jayson's list of things he did not at all cared for. Just thinking of the 685 crew members aboard the ANUBIS who depended on the ship's proper working had been scary enough.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Ensign Jayson Stark
Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
##########
"Diagnostic Headache"
[Previous post - "Ghostly Problems"]
##########
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Main Engineering
Stardate: 30147.1345
The diagnostic on the voice recognition protocols had come back negative. The diagnostic on the computer sub-processor handling all turbolift transits had come back negative. The diagnostic on the magnetic ramps that held the turbolift pod had come back negative. Even the diagnostic on the pod's components had come back negative. If it had not been for the computer records clearly showing Commander Maya instructing the computer to take her to Transporter Room 3 on Deck 7, Sonja would have assigned the malfunction to human error. Well, Shillian error that is, but that not been the case.
So with all of the standard possibilities having been looked into, as well as a few *less than likely* ones, the CEO had been forced to look into the *truly unexpected and out of the way* possibilities to explain what had happened. Sitting on the floor of the ANUBIS’ Main Engineering in a position that the Captain might have found either funny or offensive, Sonja had tackled the next step in getting to the bottom of this *malfunction*. One by one the Chief Engineering Officer had removed the control chips from beneath one of the Engineering stations. The large access panel had been removed and placed against the Control Island giving the CEO as much room as possible to be sitting cross-legged with several piles of isolinear chips all around her.
"You still have not been able to isolate the cause of the malfunction," the ANUBIS's Avatar stated as she came to stand behind the Chief Engineering Officer. Although ANI had not been a physical part of the search for an answer to what had happened, her link to the ship's computer made that she was aware of what had transpired and the steps that had been taken to discover the cause. So far though no answer had been found, although several more questions had surfaced thanks to the continuing investigation.
"It just doesn't make any sense," the redhead angrily sighed, "A turbolift doesn't just decide to take someone three decks lower than they had stated when getting on board. It’s not like it came from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or something."
"That would be highly improbable given that none of the turbolifts on board the ANUBIS have independent processors; therefore making them incapable of any sudden deviation from instruction given to them by the computer," the Avatar stated in a matter-of-fact manner, not at all having understood that the comment had been said out of sheer frustration. “By the way, what does a chocolate factory have to do with the malfunction and who is Charlie?”
"ANI!" Sonja snapped before she took in a long breath to calm herself. "You are not helping right now. I need to figure out what happened before something truly bad happens. For all we know whatever caused this could lead to one of the external hatches to open or cause life support to be terminated on some or all decks."
"The odds of such scenarios taking place are nearly nonexistent," the Avatar pointed out with almost a hint of pride. "The ANUBIS' computer and processors are equipped with quantum triple redundancies, not including my own ability to monitor all computer functions and intervene should any one of them show any sign of a malfunction."
“WAIT ONE SECOND!” Sonja exclaimed as a thought jumped into her mind. “Did you have anything to do with this? Because if you did I can tell you that you are about to suffer from a severe malfunction.”
“I can assure you that I have nothing to do with this,” ANI replied. “I am as concerned as you that this deviation does not register in any of my systems. The fact that none of the back-ups were triggered and that I failed to notice the problem is troublesome. Perhaps I am suffering from some sort of malfunction.”
"I know," the CEO growled Ignoring her malfunction comment before she froze in mid motion. "Hang on, any of the redundant back-up systems *should* have kicked in the moment something had gone wrong, and if none of them had *you* would have stepped in."
"That is quite correct," ANI confirmed.
"So at the very worst possible case, the turbolift pod should have gone past its destination, triggering any of the safety measures to correct the matter forcing the pod to stop and go back to where it had been meant to go," the red haired Chief Engineering Officer mused out loud.
"Again, that is quite correct," ANI stated.
"So there was *no* malfunction, not unless it was a cascading system's failure that not only affected all of the back-up emergency systems but you as well," Sonja said as a faint smile formed on her lips.
"It would be highly improbable that such a catastrophic system's failure be isolated to affect a single turbolift pod. At the time of the recorded malfunction, there was seven other pods moving throughout the ship. The computer was also busy running various diagnostics, sensor scans and other high level processes that should have at the very least shown some signs of having suffered from the cascading system's failure," the Avatar explained which led to the CEO's smile to only grow larger.
"Someone broke into the system and overrode the destination," Sonja exclaimed. "That is the only possible explanation. Everything else is bordering on the impossible."
"Very few people on board the ANUBIS would have had that kind of access and the skill to insure that no trace of this tempering would be discovered by anyone else including yourself," ANI offered, almost sounding relieved that a possible solution had been discovered and that it had not involved any problems with any of her systems.
"Who would have had that kind of access?" the redhead demanded, now more than ever ready to confront the possible culprit.
"Captain Morningstar, acting Executive Officer Maya, Chief of Operations Stark, yourself and me." The short list had made things actually more difficult in that none of them had any reason to create such an situation. The Captain had likely been the one who sent Maya to greet the new arrival. The malfunction had directly affected the ExO so that had pretty much removed her as a possible cause. The Operations Officer had performed several scans and diagnostics to figure out why this had happened, so why start it in the first place? There had been no reason for ANI to create a problem and hide it from herself and lastly Sonja had not been in any mood to play these kind of games.
"That's not helping one bit," the CEO stated as she gazed at the piles of isolinear chips scattered all around her. "All right, let's try another angle: is there anyone on board who could have forged the required access to not only create the malfunction but also make sure that no trace of it would be found?"
"There is only one officer who meets your latest criteria; Ensign Shar'El, the Intelligence Liaison Officer for the ANUBIS."
"Now all that's left is to prove it," Sonja exclaimed, not sounding overly confident that she would be able to pin this malfunction on the ILO, especially given that she could not figure out why Shar'El would have wanted to do it in the first place. "I pity the fool who made me lose all of this time, there are better things to do. Bad enough that I was woken up at the crack of dawn by a Red Alert for no reason. I am so getting a drink after this."
=====
Lorraine Paquette
Lieutenant JG Sonja Paquette
Chief Engineering Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
=-=
"Still Looking"
[previous post was "Diagnostic Headache" written by the happily married Lorraine]
=-=
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck A-4, IGC
Stardate: 30147.1400
The delay that the acting First Officer had been forced into by the ILO had served its purpose. From the IGC, Shar'El had been able to assess how the ANUBIS' new aCMO had dealt with the unexpected absence of an officer to greet her. The situation as a whole had been minor by any measure, but it had been sufficient to see how Ensign Seska Mizore acted and reacted when confronted with something outside of normal expectations.
Seska had proven herself to be both professional and a Starfleet officer through and through. Of course that had not been such a surprise when considering that the crew members of the ANUBIS were all hand picked by none other than Admiral Koniki. The aged man had come across as not being one to make any sort of decision lightly or on a whim.
Still in the safety and seclusion of the IGC, Shar'El followed the ExO and aCMO as they moved about the ship. Maya had of course brought Seska to Sickbay to introduce her to Lille before escorting the new officer to her quarters. Shar'El saw on the large monitor how the new Doctor had smiled as the ExO went on about some very detailed matter. It always took a little while for people to get used to the Shillian's way of sharing information, the woman being very thorough and quick in her verbal accounts.
Seska had almost appeared relieved when she was shown her quarters and left there to get comfortable before meeting the Captain. A distinct sigh was observed by the ILO as the doors closed behind the Ensign, isolating her from the rest of the ship and its crew.
There, in her quarters, would be where the next phase in the character research of Ensign Seska Mizore would take place. To be perfectly honest, Shar'El enjoyed playing this sort of games and seeing people's reactions almost as much as she enjoyed looking into their memories. Both were valid methods to learn more about someone, and although the latter had been more direct and efficient, the first had proven to be far more amusing in the long run.
Minor little items had been placed in the Ensign's room, items that would not have appeared as being out of place to anyone else but a very few Bajorans. The replica of a silver plated religious symbol that would have been found in a specific temple before the Cardassians destroyed it. The replicas of a few wooden statuettes depicting what the Bajoran's believed the Prophets to be prior to the first occupation of BAJOR.
These and a few more items scattered throughout the quarters would allow Shar'El to further test the woman's character and see if the memories that had been implanted in her head by the Prophets had changed who she actually was. As a Ullian, the ILO knew that memories were at the very foundation of what made a person who they were, but in this particular instance, the fact that the memories had not been hers presented Shar'El with a whole new set of possibilities.
On the large monitor the Bajoran aCMO could be seen trying to make herself more at ease in her new quarters, unaware that her every move and action had been carefully observed, studied and recorded by the ILO.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
=/\=
"The Case of the Diverted Turbolift"
(Continued from "Still Looking" by the eloquent Tiffany)
"When you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."
―Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, "The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes"
=/\=
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Main Engineering
Stardate: 30147.1645
Eve entered Main Engineering, pausing for a second to appreciate the unique sounds and sights of the mechanical nerve center responsible for the ship's propulsion. She didn't have any idea as to why Lieutenant Paquette asked for her to meet, but since she hadn't had a chance to fully welcome the CEO, it was an important opportunity.
Of course, that wasn't the only reason Eve was pleased. It was a much needed diversion from her appointment with Doctor Mizore that she had scheduled at 1700. The new Assistant CMO needed to be apprised of Eve's "condition" as quickly as Doctor Doyanne had, for the safety of Eve, the crew and their missions. But the Cardassian born woman was concerned by any unintentional emotional trauma it might cause to the new officer, who had such a close and deep understanding of the Bajoran occupation and the Prophets. Mizore Seska was from a part of history that Eve turned her back on in shame and disgust, but for the Medical Officer the tragedy of those times certainly couldn't be shirked that easily.
However, her current surroundings hummed with a far different kind of energy. Judging by the looks of it, Sonja Paquette was reinstalling a large volume of isolinear chips, sitting indian style on the floor, and drinking a large cup of tea. "Something stronger is going to have to wait," she said aloud to nobody in particular.
"You rang, Chief?" Eve Dalziel said as she entered into a closer proximity to the curvaceous Engineer.
"Ah, yes," Lieutenant Paquette carefully rose to her feet as to not disturb the work around her, and more properly greeted the Counsellor. "Thank you for meeting with me. I have a problem, and ANI thought you might be able to help."
Eve's large gray eyes widened involuntarily. If the ship's consciousness couldn't help, how would she be able to? "I'm officially intrigued. Although I hope it's nothing technical."
Sonja rubbed the back of her neck and sighed. The she noticed a few strands of red hair had escaped the bun on the back of her head and she pushed them out of the way. "We have a mystery." She turned her tea into the matter reclamation unit and replicated a fresh cup. The previous one had long since grown cold even though she hadn't bothered to replace it until now. "At about 13:05 today, there was a malfunction of the turbolift that resulted in Lieutenant Commander Maya being delivered to a point three decks from her requested destination."
"And ANI was not able to detect the source of this?" That just didn't make sense.
The Canadian woman shook her head in frustration. "It's impossible. I've just done a complete workup of the systems on my end and it shows no anomaly whatsoever. Ditto for Ensign Stark's research into the matter. ANI pointed out that only a set list of officers would have the clearance to execute that sort of thing, and we've eliminated all of them... except for one."
"Ensign Shar'El." Eve's lips drew into a grim expression.
"How did you guess?" Sonja asked.
"She's Intel. She would certainly be able to manipulate the systems so that even the ship itself wouldn't be able to detect it. Of course I don't understand why." Was it to isolate Maya, and give the ILO the chance to better observe her under pressure, or was it to test the crew's ability to discover the source of the event? Eve thought back Morningstar's "Red Alert" in the wee hours of the morning and it had been a very effective gauge of the crew's readiness. Perhaps this was Shar'El's way of doing the same.
Lieutenant Paquette's vibrant green eyes were filled with concern. "You're one of the few senior staff members who has actually met with her, so I wanted your input on her behavior and if this was something she might do before I continued working on the problem."
Eve toyed with the part of her ponytail that had fallen over one shoulder before tugging the end of her hair into place so that it fell down the middle of her back. "There's no evidence that she did this, correct?"
"No.. not yet. But I wanted to know I was headed in the right direction before I resumed working, as any type of work we do on this from this point forward is going to involve time and resources beyond the norm."
"Do you have a summation of the research so far?"
"Yes." She handed the taller woman a PADD. "There's not much there other than what we've eliminated as not being the possibility."
Eve grasped the device in her hand. There was only one person she knew who might be able to help get to the bottom of this. "I need to take this to Lieutenant Commander Maya and let her take a look at it."
Lieutenant Paquette folded her arms in discomfort. "I really didn't want to get anyone else involved until we could prove something."
"I understand. It's not fair to accuse Shar'El of something without proof. But if anyone can understand the complexities of the data we need, it's Maya. The sooner the better." ::Damn:: Eve thought. She was going to be late for her appointment with Doctor Mizore. She tapped her comm badge. "Counsellor Dalziel to Doctor Mizore."
=/\= This is Doctor Mizore, =/\= the Bajoran woman answered.
"I apologize but I'm running late for our appointment." Eve shared a look with the Engineer next to her. "Something has come up and I'll need to see the ExO first."
The newly arrived crew member didn't act surprised. =/\= I will await your arrival, Counsellor. There are many things to attend to in the meantime. Mizore out. =/\=
Satisfied that she'd kept up with any loose ends, Eve nodded her head in approval to the CEO. "Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I promise either myself or Maya will let you know something as soon as possible."
=/\=
Susan Ledbetter
Lieutenant JG Eve Dalziel
Counsellor
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
"I savored those stories; I read them slowly, one each day. And when I was done, I wished I hadn't read them at all. So I could read them again... like it was the first time."
-Melanie to Old Jake, DS9, "The Visitor"
"Analyze and Interpret"
[Previous Post - "The Case of the Diverted Turbolift" written by the Beneficent Lady Susan Ledbetter]
_____________
Setting: USS ABUBIS, Deck Thirteen, Personal Quarters
Stardate 30147.1615
Morningstar had given her a lot to think over, even more so was to what purpose or what role she was to play in all of this. As an officer in Starfleet, she had become accustomed to the nomadic sort of lifestyle that came with membership. The accommodations, while temporarily aboard the USS NILE, while minimal, had been adequate, though sparse. Comparing the habitations of the USS NILE to those aboard the USS ANUBIS, the latter allowed a much larger scale, nearly three times the size if her estimation of dimensional space was relatively accurate. While it had already been quite the eventful day, arriving on a new ship, under a new command, with a new mission. For the moment at least, all she really wanted or could ask for was some semblance of normalcy while providing time to process, even if just a moment or two, as the thought of a sonic shower appealed as a means to that very end.
When Seska had finished the cycle, she dressed in some half schemed hybrid of Vulcan attire embroidered with native orchids and Bajoran tailoring dyed an array resembling that of spring at twilight. Her taste in clothing was far from fashionista, it was comfortable, while instilling some form or degree of intentional provocative insight. Lastly, gracing her right ear, was the symbol of the Mi'tino D'jarra, and affixed her communicator as it was placed left. Not worrying to examine herself even once over in a mirror, taking her personal PADD in her arms, departed the confines of her haven.
_____________
Setting: USS ABUBIS, Deck Fifteen, Crew Lounge
Stardate 30147.1640
Stepping quietly about the area, it was silent, devoid of any other crewmen, Seska grinned as her tongue flicked an audible snap of contentment before slipping to a replicator station on the far wall. "Computer, Milaberry Synthale, chilled." It was this that always reminded her of something a rather charismatic Ferengi once spoke in her company. *Never trust ale from a god-fearing people.* Now, it forever remained a reminder of him, of a time so long ago and far away it seems. Her reminiscence swiftly interrupted by the systems inquiry. =/\= Please specify temperature. =/\= The moment vanished as she was called back to the present reality. "Five point five C." When it materialized, she moved, taking the libation in her hand, the entire place which was hers alone, at least for awhile, only to begin settling herself in to a seat. Mizore thought it might be worthwhile to do a little surveillance and reconnaissance of her own, to better acclimate herself with her new ship as well as a little more detailed synopses of the officers on her list.
Seska steeled herself for what would be a long night, if the inclination in the back of her mind was any indication. Her breath became calm, rational in preparation for the operation she was about to perform. Her recent exploits into Vulcan ideology had done much in providing her the means to deal, not only with herself, in contrast, with others as well. To see the series of complex logical patterns in all things. It was a practice she had not completely adopted, instead, expanded to include, more over, adapting it to her own. It had been prime among skills or talents taught to and learned by her, when it came to repressing the memories of the Prophets to her. Omnipresent in her surface thoughts, eternally existing at the edge of her consciousness.
"Computer, please access all medical data including all confidentiality sensitive material on currently displayed list of officers aboard the USS ANUBIS. Captain Erik Morningstar. Chief Operations Officer, Ensign Jayson Stark. Chief Science Officer and acting First Officer, Lieutenant Commander Maya. Chief Engineering Officer, Lieutenant JG Sonja Paquette. Chief Medical Officer, Ensign Lillie Doyanne. Counselor, Lieutenant JG Eve Dalziel. Intelligence Liaison Officer, Ensign Shar'el." Allowing a temporary cessation, as her twin tinted eyes surveyed the room, taking a sip of the synthale. =/\= Security clearance authorization required. =/\=
Maintaining her equanimity, she continued. "Authorization Mizore Papa Seven Five Two Eight Six." While in waiting, Seska had thought to extend her request a little more. "Include current locations, as well as active visual records since stardate 30147.1301, compensate for the omission on the part of Captain Erik Morningstar. Link all available resources to this location on my personal access display device." While the information was transferred, she finished what little was left of her refreshment, taking one more before the real test commenced. =/\= Authorization Confirmed. Define parameters for the nature and basis of your request, Doctor. =/\= Returning to her previous sitting position, a single shallow sigh slid from her lips. "Observation, initial examination, and individual assessment." Her sight had fallen back to the dimly lit screen before her, though her perceptions continuously aware of the atmosphere in her proximity.
=/\= "Counsellor Dalziel to Doctor Mizore." =/\= A new voice sounded over communications, it was nice to be addressed by a senior officer quite so soon after her arrival, which was not only unexpected, but well received. "This is Doctor Mizore." Having responded in kind with her words carrying a tone of concern as to whether there had been a medical emergency that required her attention. =/\= "I apologize but I'm running late for our appointment." There was a short break in the transmission, no doubt Eve was currently preoccupied or involved with some matter of importance that required her attention. "Something has come up and I'll need to see the Executive Officer first." =/\= Attempting to express an understanding for the counselors situation for the moment, all she could offer was an open invitation to join her at her leisure, at such a time as suited her, at Seska's current location. "I will await your arrival, Counsellor. There are many things to do not mind attending to in the meantime. Mizore out."
Background processes clocked as the archives came like torrents, bringing with them six audiovisual displays in perfectly rendered high definition. In one scene, Stark could be seen going over entire maintenance manifests with a single minded determination of one possessed, so focused. It was not a stretch for her to come to the realization, he possessed a passion, and was the very definition of consumed with dedication to his work. One could not ask for or would be hard pressed to find a better Chief of Operations. A close inspection of his medical history, Mizore noted a recent amendment to his psychological profile involving someone called Leena, by Counselor Dalziel. A condition she might take some time to address and familiarize herself with, though she wasn't that sort of doctor. She who could scarcely master her own mind, was hardly the one to air or assist another in similar situation.
Her attention turned toward Maya on screen, who she had now met and been in direct contact with, Seska was only starting to attain a generalized knowledge about her from first hand experience. The acting First Officer was slightly eccentric, excitable, meticulously driven in the pursuit of science, yet who saw the beauty in each new revelation.
In another projection, was Paquette, in typical engineering yellow, placed on the floor amidst the dismantled remnants of a turbolift, in the presence of some strangely unfamiliar entity. "Computer, identify subject with Lieutenant Paquette in Main Engineering at the time 1345." Magnifying the image to notice the finer details of the woman in the company of the Chief Engineer, styled lavender hair with deep brown eyes. =/\= That is the USS ANUBIS proprietary avatar known as ANI. A physical machination of the Main Computer, composed of an incredibly high density polycarbonate alloy exoskeletal frame under a synthetically grafted bio regenerative layer. =/\= Seska, upon hearing even the elementary explanation, had more questions now than her previous inquiry, something she made sure to investigate more perhaps another day. "So, essentially, when I issue a command, I am effectively speaking to her?" The onboard system responded without haste. =/\= Affirmative. =/\=
Seska looked about, with a significant sense of interest openly visible on her expression. Once more returning to watch Eve seemingly roaming capriciously while patrolling about the USS ANUBIS. Which appeared rather uncharacteristic even with the little known about her, except that she had been a commissioned officer in Starfleet for approximately two years possibly more, and no formal or legitimate evidence of any position or station she has ever held prior to stardate 30073. Mizore was becoming so involved in witnessing Eve's activity, she herself had almost not realized the pending mark demanding her attention. In iridescent blue Bajoran ideograms, the flash located below the animated picture. *Cardassian*
Referring back to the unabridged medical report on Eve, it was all there, every last horrid detail. Instantaneously, her face lost all pigmentation, her heart skipped repeatedly, Seska reacted as if struck to her core by unseen force, a foul taste starting to rise in her mouth. Nothing could have altered her spirit as swiftly or entirely distorted her aura, twisting her visage into an unlikely fusion of apathy and hostility directed to extremes at her kind rather than Eve herself. Though, she assured herself, swearing to herself and the Prophets, that she would honor Starfleet, and it would not prevent her from her duty or affect her performance.
As the womans course converged to its zenith in Main Engineering. Vigilant from her secluded perspective within the lounge, that still remained empty except her alone, which was a small albeit welcome consolation to the peace of personal solitude, especially after uncovering a Cardassian among the staff. Overseeing the entire verbal exchange between Dalziel and Paquette over the Intelligence Officers alleged benign misdirection of the localized transport system. If both Eve and Sonja had their suspicions, and were closer to the Shar'El than she was, what sort of woman was she, leaving Seska to speculate. Inspired by the entire unassuming trail left behind by the sequence of events, slowly creating a ripple effect, a traceable configuration of coincidences leading to cause and effect. Bringing the focus of her attention to converge on to the Liaison.
Shifting the view to a mostly hollow expanse, where darkness existed and light barely endured, reminding Mizore of some forgotten neon lair or sanctum from centuries past, with walls of countless monitors scattered, encompassing the lone pale figure of a woman, effortlessly operating several consoles, accessing command functions, and controlling various systems at her disposal. Executing every routine without error, the obvious recipients of her fascination scryed from several angles. Seska recognizing only two targets in question on the wall with any certainty. Several scans of herself carefully analyzed and studied in depth as she had transported on the USS ANUBIS, and the covert manipulation to the internal workings of a singular turbolift, leaving *almost* no discernible history excluding the residual visual imagery of the Intelligence Officer's entire involvement.
Singlehandedly identifying and resolving the obscure riddle of the dysfunctional turbolift, brought a wild sense of satisfaction to her, dispelling the sentiment toward the Cardassian present on the vessel, until such time as she is reminded of the fact. Standing to her feet, placing anything left into matter reclamation, where shadows seemed to move and dance just outside the range of her vision, that generally preceded the warmth of life as it entered within. the entrance to the recreation facility slid open.
_____________
Gwen Spellblade
Ensign Mizore Seska
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS ANUBIS
##########
"Captain's Responsibilities"
Previous post "Analyze and Interpret"
##########
"As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others."
-Bill Gates
=====
USS ANUBIS, Deck 1, Captain's Ready Room
Stardate: 30147.1500
This had not been Erik's first command, and after having been on board the USS PARADOX, a trans-dimensional temporal vessel, the Native American had thought that he had seen it all. The events of the last few hours had strangely enough proven him wrong. A simple turbolift malfunction had taken on a life of its own, and drawn the majority of his Senior Officers into a quest for answers that seemed beyond reach.
The sound of the door chime brought the CO back to the matter at hand. A quick glance at the time displayed showed how punctual the person he had been expecting was. The issues with the lack of immediate answers surrounding his First Officer arriving three decks off target would have to wait, not that he was at all complaining about this change,
"Come in," the Native American stated as he put the PADD that he had been holding face down on his desk and leaned back into his chair. Seconds later the doors parted granting access to the Bajoran woman who had been standing on the other side. "Welcome abroad, I hope that your trip to join us was an uneventful one," the Captain added as the nervous looking officer walked in.
"It was... quiet," Seska replied after having carefully thought of a good way to answer.the question without saying anything that might be considered out of line about the USS NILE.
"I am sorry that I will have to cut this short," the Native American continued without wasting any time. "Our current mission is nothing more than a training exercise, but it will be one that will put the entire Senior Staff to the test, and that includes you now." The Captain fetched another PADD and handed it over to his new aCMO before he continued. "Our destination is the moon of PI ALPHA III, it is a small, inhospitable world that will prove challenging on multiple levels. Doctor Doyanne has already been made aware of the possible medical issues that we will be faced with thanks to Commander Maya's detailed report. I have just handed you a copy of that report which I would strongly suggest you thoroughly read before our arrival."
"Are we expecting there to be injuries during this exercise?" The Bajoran woman inquired, wondering if this was normal for Captain Morningstar to place his own people in a situation where they could be injured, especially in a situation meant to only put them to the test.
"It never hurts to be prepared, and this is meant in every way possible," Erik explained, recalling the words that were once spoken to him many years ago. "The crew of the ANUBIS can be called upon at a moment's notice to act in situations that could very well shape the entire quadrant and beyond. I need every member of this crew to be ready to act and react to anything that gets thrown our way. I personally do not wish for anyone to get hurt, but alas the universe we deal with is far from being kind."
"I understand, Sir." Seska acknowledge, not wanting any of her questions or even uncertainties to be visible.
"I could go on for a few hours and tell you about all of the dangers that we might face, but in the end I would have only scratched the surface," the Native American continued, this time coming across as friendlier than before. "We all have better things to do though, so read the information and do your best to enjoy your time on the ANUBIS. Make the best of each hour and day that you are given We may be all a little crazy, but believe it or not, that is what allows us to make it through each day."
"Thank you Sir," the Bajoran aCMO replied as she glanced at the PADD now in her hands. "I will do my best to contribute to this crew in every way possible."
"I know you will," Erik offered with a faint smile dancing on his lips. "That's why you are here and not on some routine patrol ship safe inside Federation space."
=====
USS ANUBIS, Deck 1, Captain's Ready Room
Stardate: 30147.1600
The door chime rang once more, drawing the Native American out of his reading. For Erik being a CO meant that he never was off duty or unable to be reached by any member of his Senior Staff. "Come in," he stated, half hoping that there had not been another explainable situation that had transpired.
"Sorry to bother you Captain," the acting Executive Officer said as she stepped in and headed directly for the Captain's desk, the PADD in her hand already extended for the CO to take. "Here are the latest findings on the turbolift malfunction that saw me arrive on Deck 10 instead of Deck 7. Everyone is working hard to get to the bottom of this issue, but so far no one has come up with anything concrete as to a possible explanation. I have asked Ensign Stark to look into the possibility of a sudden increase in the ship's power flow, maybe originating from an outside source. I know that this is very unlikely, as I suspect that the systems of the ANUBIS are not that vulnerable to outside influences, but at this point I fear that there is no options that we can afford to overlook. Lieutenant Paquette has taken it up herself to individually check each and every system to insure that this malfunction, whatever it may have been, does not spread to anything else. Of course in doing so she is hoping to actually discover the initial cause. I have every available crew member checking other options as well, just in case someone comes across something that may point us in the right direction."
"Thorough as always Commander," Erik acknowledged. "I am certain that the solution to this problem will be found before we reach the PI ALPHA system."
"There is one other matter that I would like to bring to your attention," the CSO and acting ExO added, her words having slowed down by several warp factors hinting that this had been something rather important and troublesome to the Shillian.
"Go ahead Maya, I am sure that it can't be half as bad as you think it is," the Captain offered in an attempt to ease the woman's obvious concerns.
"It's about our mission to the moon of PI ALPHA III," Maya began, her words having regained some of their initial velocity. "Well, actually it's about Ensign Shar'El and her role in that mission. As Executive Officer it is my duty to keep a certain level of contact and supervision on each and every member of the Senior Staff. In doing so I have discovered that she spends the greater part of her time in the IGC. Now, as the ship's ILO it makes sense that her time be spent there, but we are not currently in a situation that demands the kind of dedication that she has demonstrated."
"You are afraid that since the exercise is partially meant to test the staff's ability to work as a group, that Ensign's Shar'El apparent *isolation* is going to hinder that aspect of the mission," Erik said as he nodded his complete understanding.
"To be perfectly honest," the acting ExO added, "I am afraid that her desire to remain isolated might actually place other's lives at risk."
"Alright," Erik sighed. "I'll talk to her."
Maya grinned briefly. "If you are planning on going up to the IGC, may I recommend that you take the Jefferies tubes... just in case."
Erik let out a loud laughter, never having expected his Chief Science officer to crack such a joke. At least he hopped that she had been kidding.
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
--
"Personnel Problems Are Nothing To Get Personal About"
(Previous Post: "Captain's Responsibilities")
---
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 1, Bridge
Stardate: 30147.1710
Captain Morningstar had left the Shillian Scientist in charge while he took care of a few things, at least that had been what the Commanding Officer had stated upon leaving his office and stepping into the turbolift. Silently, the acting Executive Officer wished him good luck on his journey as she hoped that he had been heading to see the Intelligence Liaison Officer. It was true that matters concerning personnel had been her responsibility, but given that she had yet to see the Intel Officer had made the situation awkward and difficult.
As a Scientist, the Shillian possessed a great deal of experience dealing with a wide range of unknowns, but Shar'El had been an exception to this. Members of the Senior Staff were by default expected to communicate with the First Officer, relaying information, providing updates on current situations and generally keeping the lines of communication open. The Intel Officer had seemingly gone out of her way to avoid all of this, staying isolated as much as possible and allowing only a select few to actually see her. Since the acting Executive Officer had not been deemed worthy of being amongst these elite few, she had thought it best to involve Captain Morningstar into this matter. After all, he actually knew the woman having spent some time in her company. The only other officer who had been granted this apparent honour had been the Counsellor of the ANUBIS, Lieutenant Eve Dalziel.
As if she had heard the thoughts of the Shillian Scientist, the newly promoted Lieutenant stepped onto the command deck of the USS ANUBIS with purpose and seemed pleased to see the acting Executive Officer standing on the bridge.
"What brings you here Counsellor? I hope that it is not another turbolift malfunction, although it would be nice to have someone else go through this, if only to make me feel as if I had not been singled out by some unknown galactic force," the Shillian said as she forced a grin.
"Actually I am here to see you," the Counsellor replied with a wink. "I have a mystery for you to solve."
Instantly the Chief Science Officer perked up and moved closer to the Counsellor, this was what the Shillian loved the most and she was not about to delay digging into the mystery that was being handed to her. "There is a lot of data here," the acting Executive Officer said as her smile grew wider.
"I was hoping that you could analyse all of the data gathered on this one particular research that several members of the crew have been involved in," Eve explained without actually stating the goal of this research.
"Wait, I recognize this. Its the power flow analysis of the ANUBIS that Ensign Stark performed to see it there had been some way to explain the turbolift malfunction. This is my own spectral analysis of the warp field dynamic that I hoped could have given me a clue as to what had happened," the Chief Science Officer said before she continued to scan through the data contained on the PADD that she had been handed.
"The rest of the research data is mostly from Lieutenant Paquette who added in the Engineering aspect to the malfunction as well as a few personnel notes that I took the liberty to add in," Dalziel said. "I was hoping that you could confirm an hypothesis of mine as to the possible cause of this malfunction."
Thrilled with the prospect of finally discovering what had happened, the Shillian Scientist turned on her heels and proceeded to the nearest science station at he back of the bridge. Within seconds the data had been downloaded to the work station and Maya had begun cataloguing and indexing it by reference, type and time to help in her analysis.
"Wow," the Shillian exclaimed. "Our Chief Engineering Officer has looked at everything. I mean she even went as far as to check the magnetic coils on every single turbolift pod to see if there was any discrepancies between them, noting the age and usage parameters of each. I even have the interlink data record from the computer and all of the back-ups including those of ANI showing that no signal was ever transmitted or received from that p[articular pod to indicate that something was not working according to the established parameters."
"I need you to look at this and tell me, given that we are suspecting that this was not a malfunction but rather a deliberate effort from someone within the ANUBIS, who could have done this," the Counsellor said, trying to insure that the Shillian Scientist stayed on task.
"Well, there are any number of people who could have diverted that turbolift pod, including the computer itself if it had perceived some sort of danger along the track, but the key here is the lack of any record of that change having been made. I mean even the computer records show that no such event occurred, which I can say first hand is not the case. So if we are going under the assumption that this was not a computer oversight and that someone tampered with the system to hide this fact, we are left with only a very few possibilities," the Shillian paused for a very brief moment leaving Dalziel to wonder if Maya was thinking of something or simply drawing in a breath before continuing.
The Counsellor of the ANUBIS took that opportunity to watch the Chief Science Officer in her element, scanning and cross referring lists of seemingly incoherent data and finding the pattern in them.
"The only people who have the access to erase computer records on board the ANUBIS are Captain Morningstar, our Chief of Operations Ensign Stark, our Chief Engineering Officer Lieutenant Paquette, and myself as acting Executive Office. It is a waste of time to include ANI into this list as there would be no logical reason for her to hide something from herself as she is for all intent and purposes the ANUBIS. We can also eliminate me as a potential source as there was no reason for me to order a change of destination and to have that order hidden from the records only to have me report it as a malfunction later. Well, unless I suffered from some sort of neurological problem that made me act this way and forget all about it, but according to Doctor Doyanne I am fit for duty which makes that probability rather unlikely. This brings us to Captain
Morningstar who could have done this but according to all of the computer records, no interface was executed at the time of the malfunction from his location. Of course the Captain could have erased those records as well, but that would have been a great deal of work for something that seems to be such a inconsequential matter. Using that same thinking, we can remove Ensign Stark from this list, not taking into account that he lacks the full clearance to erase from the computer his own ability to affect computer records. If he had done this, there would have been a computer record of him doing so, and according to everything we have seen there is no such evidence."
Dalziel watched slightly amused and dazed as the Chief Science Officer took another breath in preparation for the next analytic round.
"Lieutenant Paquette could have physically removed the memory components from the computer to hide the order to the turbolift pod, but again there would have been a trace of open panels either in main engineering or in the computer core. These records show no such access, plus it would be hard to imagine our Chief Engineering Officer going through such much trouble to find the cause when it was her all along. Given her access to the mechanical side of the ship, she could have found a few hundred other and simpler ways to divert that pod while I was inside. With all of the people on that list now removed we are left with only one other possibility, that is of course while we are still going on the assumption that this malfunction was initiated by a member of the crew. The key here is the lack of evidence, which leaves us with only one other possibility, but there is no record to confirm this as she would have likely erased those as well," the Shillian said while her fingers flew over the console.
"Who are you referring to?" The Counsellor asked, wanted to see if the Shillian had been thinking along the same lines as she had, namely that this had all originated from Ensign Shar'El.
"Erasing computer records is one thing, hiding your own access to the computer to erase these records is another, but some sections of the ANUBIS are equipped with special independent co-processors to avoid the system going down should a ship wide cascading failure occur. This is a safety measure that is not present on every ship in the fleet, but one that is very much here on the ANUBIS. The records could have been erased as well as the records of the access, but the sub-processor would still show a record of these systems having been affected. In this particular case we are not looking for data, but the absence of said data. Just like this!"
Dalziel followed the finger of the Shillian which now pointed to an area on the screen where nothing was being displayed. This had been as close to a proof as they would likely get, but Eve needed one last thing to be confirmed beyond any doubts. "Who did this?"
"There is only one person with that kind of access to the computer and who would have been able to make the system believe that someone else was giving the clearance while all at the same time keeping all of the records of this clear. Again the key here is the absence of evidence, and this fit perfectly into what her *modus operandi* should be: anonymity," the Shillian said as she looked over her shoulder at the tall woman standing there. "Ensign Shar'El."
"Thank you Commander," Dalziel grinned. "I owe you one."
As the Counsellor left the Bridge, the Shillian acting Executive Officer looked back at the data still being displayed on the screen of the science station, glad that she had found what Lieutenant Dalziel had been looking for while at the same time being a little troubled by the fact that this possibility had not crossed her mind earlier. Had her duties as First Officer of the ANUBIS dulled her research instincts? Beyond that, the discovery of the missing data in the sub-processor of the IGC computer left one question still very much unanswered: why? Why would the Intelligence Liaison Officer want to divert the First Officer and delay her greeting Ensign Seska Mizore to the ANUBIS?
---
Jessica Solarik
Lieutenant Commander Maya
Chief Science Officer
USS ANUBIS
"To see the world in a grain of sand,
and a heaven in a wild flower.
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
and eternity in an hour."
- William Blake (British, 1757-1827)
"Another Shift Ended"
[previous "Personnel Problems Are Nothing To Get Personal About"]
[/\]
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30147.1800
The trip to PI ALPHA III had been quiet so far, yet the bridge had been a very busy place. People had been coming and going for various reasons, but no major problem seemed to be at play.
A little before the end of his shift on the bridge, Stark thought he had heard the First Officer mention something about the ILO having been responsible for the turbolift malfunction. That seemed a little odd, but then again he had not met Shar'El like many others on the ship.
He had done his part in contributing to the search for the cause. There had been nothing more that Jayson could do so he accepted the fact that this situation had been out of his hands. That the ILO had or had not been involved in this no longer was his concern, although he had been a little curious.
[/\]
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Black Hole Lounge
Stardate: 30147.1820
Before heading back to his quarters, Jayson thought that he would take a moment to relax and enjoy a drink. He was off duty and thought Counsellor Dalziel would appreciate his trying to be more social. He ordered an old style American beer before finding an empty table, somewhere close to the front windows.
The view was beautiful but left Stark unimpressed. He had been looking at the exact same view of stars streaking by for the entire duration of his shift. So instead of looking out the window, Jayson turned and observed the other patrons.
He watched as a group of three engineers came to sit at the table next to his. Everyone in the group seemed tired after a long and difficult day. Out of simple curiosity Stark ask if he could join them, which they agreed.
The conversation started with general introductions but soon turned to all of the work that had been asked of them lately.
"I had to help take apart several turbolift pods. Getting those things out of the shafts is not an easy task I tell you."
"Quit your complaining, we all had to do a lot since that blasted turbolift malfunction. Maybe if the ship was that fragile we should not have left base."
"Remember that red alert that we were put through? Some say that this is just our CO's way to test the crew again. That he wants to see just how far people will go to find an explanation for something that cannot be explained."
Jayson smiled. "Whatever the reason may be, look at it this way. It has made an otherwise boring trip eventful, at least for you guys. I'm stuck on the bridge making sure everything works well, and aside from that one problem everything is working perfectly."
"I for one like the boring missions."
"Here here."
All glasses were raised for a cheer which Jayson joined in. There would likely be more than enough excitement to go around once they reached their destination. So now had been the time to enjoy the simplicity of things instead of complaining about them.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Ensign Jayson Stark
Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
=-=
"Learning Curve"
[previous post was "Another Shift Ended" written by the patient Jayson]
=-=
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck A-4, IGC
Stardate: 30147.1730
She had watched the seasoned Commanding Officer as he approached her domain, the expression on his face spoke volumes. Captain Morningstar had not come all the way up to the array section for a courtesy visit, not that she had expected him to ever do something like that. His file and her first impression of the man had been one of professionalism and efficiency, so if he was coming to see her, it had to be important.
Prior to his arrival into the IGC, the ILO had observed the man speak with several crew members as well as a two Senior Officers, namely Lieutenant Commander Maya and Lieutenant Dalziel. It had made sense to suspect that the CO's visit had something to do with what had been discussed with one or both of them.
"To what do I owe the honor of this visit Captain?" the ILO asked right after she turned off the large, multi-framed screen before the CO could see himself on it. In the hopes to reduce the temptation to peek into the man's memories, Shar'El had not turned to face the Captain as he moved closer.
"A situation was brought to my attention, *Ensign!*"
::Oops,:: Shar'El thought. The way the Captain had emphasised her rank had likely been meant as a reminder of the ILO's own's rank and position on the ANUBIS. As much as her duties gave her a great deal of flexibility and freedom, the Intel Agent still fell firmly under the jurisdiction and authority of the ANUBIS' CO.
"My apologies Captain," Shar'El said as she stood from her chair and turned to face the angered man. "No disrespect was intended, I was lost in my work and thoughts."
"That would be one of the reasons I am here Ensign," Morningstar said, his narrowed brown eyes drilling into the shorter dark haired woman who honestly feared that she had gone too far with her methods to learn more about the rest of the Senior Staff.
The ILO stood sheepishly in front of the taller man, like a girl being scolded by a parent. Had he been made aware of what she had done with the turbolift, or of her surveillance of the senior staff? If so, how had he found out? Shar'El quickly reviewed all of the steps she had taken to hide her tracks and could not see where she had erred.
"Lieutenant Commander Maya has pointed out that who have been keeping to yourself and spending a great deal of time here," the Captain said, his voice firm and commanding. "I also recall reading a report from Lieutenant Dalziel in which she mentions having spoken to you, I can only guess that it had been about a similar situation."
Shar'El almost let out an audible sigh in response to what the veteran officer had said. All of her secrets were safe and she would be able to continue as she had, at least for the most part needing to be more social as Eve had initially suggested.
"I am sorry Captain," the ILO said calmly, putting on her best poker face. "Due to my training and personal abilities, it is difficult for me to interact with others on a simple social level. Unlike Betazoids who learn to control their telepathy at a very early age, I only received basic training in controlling my gift at a much later age. This has caused problems in the past which have left me to seek out solitude as much as possible."
"I fully understand this Ensign," Morningstar said. "I suspect that this is the very reason why Admiral Koniki selected you to be the ANUBIS' ILO. The problem is that you are a member of the crew, and as such you cannot stay hidden away in this room. I am sure that Lieutenant Dalziel and maybe even Doctors Doyanne and Mizore could lend a hand in helping you control your gift."
"I will seek out their assistance immediately, Sir."
"Good," the CO added as he turned to leave. "oh, one last thing. I would appreciate if you left the turbolifts alone from now on."
Stunned by the CO's last words, Shar'El simply watched as the Captain exited the ICG and the doors closed behind him.
::HOW?!?!::
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
"Liquid Memories"
[previous "Learning Curves"]
[/\]
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Black Hole Lounge
Stardate: 30147.1830
The laughter from the table filled the entire room. It had felt good to laugh this way, a feeling that Jayson had actually forgotten. His life had gone from sadly depressed to constantly busy, leaving no room for the simpler joys.
His eyes were suddenly drawn to a new arrival to the Black Hole. There was something mysterious about the woman, and that she wore the grey on Intel had only added to that aura. Hair as black as night, skin as white as snow, and her dark red lips left him wondering.
He watched as she carefully selected a table out of the way. Why come here if her intents had been to be alone? Maybe it was just the way of that department, searching for solitude in a crowded room. She ordered a drink with a single short word that left the waiter unimpressed. Now he was curious, was her beverage of choice as mysterious as she was?
Without saying a word to his drinking buddies Jayson stood and went to the bar to fetch the drink that had been prepared for her. Clear and cold without any smell, had she ordered nothing more than water? The mystery thickened leaving him to want to find out more about the dark haired woman.
Her gaze bore into his mind as he approached, making him feel as if she had been there in his thoughts. Jayson just smiled and placed the cold glass on the table. "There you go Miss."
"Thank you Ensign Stark."
How did she know his name? His eyes glanced over her collar to note her rank and be reminded of the department she worked in. Intel! She likely knew everyone on the ship by name, or at the very leas knew everyone on the senior staff. "You have me at a disadvantage, Miss."
"Ensign Shar'El," was all that she said in return as glimpses of the memory of his meeting Leena for the first time hung on the edge of his thoughts. She could feel the thrill and excitement that he experienced at meeting someone new as well as the nearly overpowering guilt he was about to give into. His wife had been everything to him, and to approach another woman has he had bordered on betraying her memory. "Sit and join me," the ILO added giving the OPS officer the excuse he needed; she had invited him as a fellow shipmate.
His mind was filled with fears and memories. Counsellor Dalziel had helped him accept his situation by giving Leena her own time in his thoughts. That had helped him focus on his work, but this was different. All he could do was to remember how things had been and imagine how Leena would have wanted for him to not stop living because of what had happened.
"Counsellor Dalziel would likely be very proud right now," Shar'El said as the memory of Jayson's last meeting with the Counsellor crossed the man's mind. The ILO realized too late that her words would be interpreted to mean that she knew things about him that she should not have known. "She had been after me to be more *social* with the rest of the crew."
Jayson grinned. Leena would have more than likely approved of him helping someone from his own crew in this way. "So, as the head of the Intel department, is there anything that you do not know about me?"
Shar'El returned the man's grin. As the head of the Intel department, as he had put it, her knowledge of the crew had been extensive. As a Ullian though, she had been discovering more about the OPS officer with each passing moment. Unlike the Admiral who had long ago learned to control his memories and thoughts, Jayson was a historical playback set on fast forward. In mere seconds the ILO had learned of his parents, his struggles both before and during the Academy and most important about the toll that the accident that had taken his wife and unborn child had taken on him.
"I know that I do not know the most important parts of what makes people who they are," Shar'El replied. "People, like their memories, are fluid and able to flow from one state to the next. Some are frozen in the past, locked in a single moment of their lives which might have taken place decades before. Others are carefree and happily move from one state to the next, only holding onto the positive aspects of what they have experienced."
"You don't sound like any Intel Officer I have ever imagined," Jayson said having found the mysterious woman even more puzzling now.
"Sometimes you have to listen to *how* people say things instead of *what* they say," the ILO said, realizing again too late that she had repeated a line from the man's memories, a line that had been spoken by none other than his late wife.
Jayson froze as he looked into Shar'El dark eyes, trying to make sense of what he had just heard. After a few seconds his stance relaxed ever so slightly, and seconds after that he actually grinned.
"Tell me more about yourself. I am sure that you rarely get to do the talking and am ready to bet that you have a lot of interesting things to share." Stark said before he ordered a drink from the waiter, one that matched that of the ILO.
It was Shar'El's turn to smile. Maybe there was something good about this socializing after all.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Ensign Jayson Stark
Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
=/\=
"Benevolence of the Prophets"
(Continued from "Liquid Memories" by the powerhouse duo of Jayson and Tiffany)
"Don't deny the violence inside you, Kira. Only when you accept it, can you move beyond it."
-Opaka to Kira, ST:DS9: "Battle Lines"
=/\=
Location: USS ANUBIS
Scene: Bridge -> Deck 16
SD: 30147.1725
Eve, after asking for the location of Ensign Mizore, silently rode the turbolift. It was only a minute later that she noticed her breathing was huffed, her fists clenched. She had done her duty and followed protocol in reporting Lieutenant Paquette's findings to Maya, but why did she not feel any less troubled?
She desperately wanted to believe that Shar'El was working for the same goal that she had- the crew acting like a cohesive team, a balance struck between the individuals themselves and the impressive group they could become. But Shar'El's isolationism and downright spying felt like an affront to the open and honest Counsellor. She tugged at her uniform in frustration as she existed the turbolift.
It wasn't her place to question the ILO and her techniques, however invasive and unnecessary they seemed to her. Never mind the waste of time, manpower, and resources spent researching a transporter malfunction that was manufactured to suit an as yet unknown purpose. She shook her head ruefully as she walked to the entrance to the Black Hole. What she was doing in her mind surely seemed like judgement. She was going to have to accept that she and Shar'El would agree to disagree.
=/\=
Scene: Black Hole Lounge
Lieutenant JG Dalziel crossed the threshold of the lounge, which had a relaxed atmosphere. It was too bad it did little to settle her mind. She scanned a few faces before she saw the new Doctor seated, possibly reviewing information regarding the upcoming mission.
"Doctor Mizore?" Eve asked, and the Bajoran woman's bi-colored eyes looked up, soberly, in an effort to veil the disgust she felt creep back into her consciousness.
"Counsellor," she said. "Have a seat."
Seska studied the woman carefully as she ordered an orange-pomegranate juice and sat across from her. "I apologize for being late," Eve said as she tossed her sable ponytail over one shoulder.
"Not necessary," the aCMO responded. "Duty does come first."
Eve sought solace by staring into her drink, still in a funk due to the reason for her delay. "I consider our meeting equally important. I trust you've seen Sickbay?"
"Among other things," Seska quipped. "I also had a mission briefing with Captain Morningstar."
Eve smiled. It pleased her that the new assistant Chief Medical Officer didn't seem to share the same aversion to social interaction that the ILO did. "You're welcome to check out the Counselling department anytime you like, you know? We're practically neighbors."
Seska tried to focus on Dalziel's words, but she was scouring the woman's face. Being a physician, she knew the surgery responsible for Dalziel's decidedly 'humanoid' look was complicated under the best of conditions with a skilled surgeon. But for all intents and purposes, it was as if the offensive bone structure had been wiped away with the wave of a magic wand. But the countless Bajoran dead would not be forgotten so easily. She would never forget.
Eve took a long slow sip of her beverage, hoping its cooling sweetness would temper what she was about to say. "As part of our medical staff, there's something you need to know. As I already told Doctor Doyanne, genetically, I'm a Cardassian."
Seska took a breath. Perusing it in the file had been one thing, but hearing it uttered from the other woman's lips was something else entirely. She considered her response carefully. The paradox of this pale one before her, one of traitorous blood, but wearing a familiar uniform, having seemingly made a career for herself, was not easy to reconcile. "I already know," she finally said quietly.
Eve tried her best not to look pained but failed miserably. Even a first year psych student could see the regret and realization on her face. "If it makes a difference, I was raised by adoptive parents since the age of six. My father is human, my mother, Bajoran."
This piqued the other woman's interest to an extent. But it was just another paradox. A complication. "Who else knows this?"
"The entire senior staff, I think." Her gray eyes shone like steel in the dim light. "Of course, the Captain. The ANUBIS is not your typical vessel of the line. Each of us is unique, and uniquely talented. It was why we were assigned here. But I shouldn't have to tell you that. You must already feel it."
Confusion was the primary sensation Ensign Mizore felt as she struggled to stay in control. She felt herself stand to leave. "Do not be concerned, Lieutenant. Nothing will prevent me from the fulfillment of my duties aboard the ANUBIS or my responsibilities as a Starfleet Officer. If you will excuse me."
"Of course," Dalziel uttered as the Doctor left her alone with her thoughts, which were now in considerable turmoil. Suddenly her differences in opinion with the Intel Operative seemed trivial.
=/\=
Susan Ledbetter
Lieutenant JG Eve Dalziel
Counsellor
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
"I savored those stories; I read them slowly, one each day. And when I was done, I wished I hadn't read them at all. So I could read them again... like it was the first time."
-Melanie to Old Jake, DS9, "The Visitor"
_____________
"War and Pieces"
[Previous Post - "Benevolence of the Prophets"]
_____________
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 16, 'Black Hole' Upper level
Stardate 30147.1745
Seska finding no excuse and even less interest to stay, removed herself from the woman's company, in one reasonably graceful motion as not to cause unnecessary tension or offense. Silence was all she managed to offer, as she was desperately attempting to maintain even the smallest measure of professionalism. Just before leaving the 'Black Hole' entirely, her body tightened almost tormenting her in an instinctive act of protest, when she took one last glance behind her at the Cardassian. ::An act unobserved.:: Mizore's expression deepened and attitude darkened, simultaneously tipping her head to a side in reflection. ::Has essentially not happened.:: She continued her escape as the doors parted, covertly leaving as if fading from the room altogether, feigning that no one particularly had any interest in her or had bothered to pay any attention to her in the least.
Soon as Seska set the place aback, convinced she was quite on her own, an icy shiver stretched itself along her spine. Thoughts which normally flowed freely, now converted her memories within to something vile, viciously slamming against her will only seemed to blur and obscure the reality of the present with the details of the past.
So entranced by the sensation that brought strange and unusual imagery as it appeared. Her reflection glared back, face smeared in blood, from her fingertips to her elbows stained in intense shades of red, Rika's last words as they were whispered to her. The sound of Bajoran phaser fire. Eve's visage cast in scarlet and black bearing a decidedly malevolent display on her features, where she stood face to face with her, the Cardassian visibly towering over her own figure.
Everything seemed to dimly flicker when the the scenery rapidly changed, replaced by the familiar snow leaden field of blue iris, where a slow frozen breeze frosted the landscape. Seska existed here as a young girl, a time from her past, where she was naive but content in such a peaceful place. What was unexpected was Dalziel's presence, though the woman's entire disposition had softened, taking the thirteen year old girl by her hand, a small yet warm smile surfaced on her lips, lowering herself into position as she stared with bright cobalt eyes, catching the Bajoran girls twin colored view, as the child returned her gaze.
With decisive finality, the visions ceased, torn from her conscious, snapping her senses into hypersensitivity. Light burned into her sight, sound echoed a deafening static, and the air seemed thinly laced with a sour acidity. Aimlessly, the Bajoran woman wandered like some vagrant without a cause, lost in a haze, completely detached and unaware as her body roamed through the craft.
_____________
Setting: USS ABUBIS, Deck 7, Main Sick Bay
Stardate 30147.1755
Driven by an unknown desire, guided by a hidden impulse, fixated to a singular compulsion. Inaudibly slipping herself into sickbay, where it was possible to recover her senses. Again, Dalziel came to her in thought after some extensive introspection, where Seska began to isolate and identify details about the Counsellor she was able to rationally substantiate about the woman.
::Openly honest, direct, relatively sensitive and emotionally expressive, passively accepting, considerably brave, friendly, intuitive, perceptively thoughtful.:: Mizore thought many of these were positive aspects or admirable traits. ::Empathetically receptive as one would expect a Counsellor to be, yet I cant help sensing a lack of meaningful, long term social connection, seems eager to associate, to be acknowledged or accepted.::
Admittedly sensed with a fleeting sympathy, instantly raising the half century conflict to the surface, that relapsed her confusion almost sending her reeling once more into the prior cycle of oblivion. Eve was not the enemy, not an enemy at all really. Nonetheless, this female alone, had come to represent the very embodiment of the one thing Seska both loathed and feared personified, carried in her Cardassian bloodline. To function in her role as Assistant Chief Medical Officer, where Main Sickbay lie situated within such close proximity the Counsellor's office, and coexist on the USS ANUBIS, would be no small accomplishment. If this was to be a trial to test her, gauge her fortitude, find the limits of her convictions, Seska accepted it the moment she stepped on the ship.
Even as the situation stood, there were times when she wished she could step aside herself, to be someone else. To gain some perspective and find a little objectivity, yet she was who she was, 'Mizore Seska', in all that included to define her as an individual and create her personality. Leaving the facility, the ACMO taking time to requisition a medical tricorder and portable medical kit containing a set of hyposprays, an autosuture, a blood infuser, a defibrillator, a dermal regenerator, a neural stimulator, finally adding a space for her own personal PADD.
Prior to setting a course to the observation area on deck one, not wanting to miss an opportunity, she would at least make the effort to associate with the woman. The Lieutenant had done the same, undoubtedly aware of her sentiment toward Cardassians, the deep sense of personal loss, and possibly her sordid history during the re-annexation of Bajor . To find some mutual understanding, as Eve had confessed, she had been in part raised into Bajoran society. Seska would use the moment to her advantage, leaving a digitized copy of 'The Soul of Gratitude' by the poet Ocman Darniv for the Counsellor, should she find the time or interest to read the literary work.
_____________
Gwen Spellblade
Ensign Mizore Seska
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS ANUBIS
##########
"A Few Last Details"
Previous post "War and Pieces"
##########
“The true test of character is not how much we know how to do, but how we behave when we don’t know what to do.”
- John Holt
===
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 1, Bridge
Stardate: 30148.0650
The Native American sat in the central chair, the events of the past few days well behind him. His thoughts were on the immediate task at hand, his gaze was lost on the chaos of the moon they were now in orbit of. They had arrived a few hours ago but the CO thought it best to wait for a more reasonable hour to summon his Senior Officers to the Bridge. There had been no reason to make a habit of getting the whole crew up in the early hours of the morning to test their readiness.
That was then, and now was a far better hour. Plus Erik saw no need to delay things any more than he had already done.
With the press of one of the controls on the arm of his chair, the Captain opened a channel to all affected by their training mission to this hellish world. "Morningstar to Commander Maya, Lieutenant Dalziel and Paquette, as well as Ensigns Shar'El, Ttosk, Starks, Doyanne and Seska. Report to the Observation Lounge *immediately*."
"Ten minutes before 0700?" the Native American mused to himself. "I think I am getting soft in my old age."
=====
Setting: USS ANUBIS: Deck 1, Observation Lounge
Stardate: 30148.0705
As the last of the Officers rushed in to take a seat, the ANUBIS' CO began the briefing by summoning a holographic image of the inhospitable world they were already orbiting.
"Our mission to the moon of PI ALPHA III will be divided into three legs. The first consist of our actually making it to the surface using the SPHINX and VIPERS. The VIPERS, piloted by Ensign Ttsok, Ensign Stark and myself will offer support to the SPHINX on the way down and throughout the first 100 km of our trek." Erik paused and glanced at the Ops and FCO to see their nods of acknowledgement.
With a press of a control Erik changed the holographic display to show a topographic view of a specific region of the moon. "Our second leg of the journey will be made using the three LOCUS and will cover another 100 km, this time in a very unwelcoming environment."
"Unwelcoming indeed," Lieutenant Paquette, the ship's CEO chimed in with, "because the rest of that world is such an inviting and pleasurable place for a peaceful stroll."
"Could be worst," the Cardassian born Counselor added with a partial grin. "We could have been heading down to the Breen homeworld in only shorts and t-shirts."
"I think I would still rather face bone freezing conditions instead of that place," Doctor Doyanne offered with a sign, having also noted from the corner of her eye a distinct discomfort from her assistant at the sound of the Counselor's voice.
"Actually," the acting Executive Officer and Chief Science Officer began, unable to hold back the scientific perspective presented to the rest of the Senior Officers, "the odds of survival on PI ALPHA III are much greater than any we would be faced with on the Breen homeworld, and that is not taking into account any potential resistance we would encounter from the Breen should our presence be detected."
"Once we arrive to our second mark," Erik continued, bringing the briefing back on track, "we will split up into three teams and use the LOCUS to cross this expanse which will take us to our final mark and the third leg of our journey to PI ALPHA III. The teams will be as indicated on the PADDs that have been set in front of you."
All eyes moved onto the small hand-held devices upon which the three-man teams had been indicated for each vehicle. The first LOCUS would see the CO and aCMO behind the CNS who would be driving. Erik had wanted to share some of the *fun*, so the pilots of the VIPERS had been given simple passenger positions on board the LOCUS. Team two had been comprised of the ILO and OPS officer with the ANUBIS' own CEO in the driver's seat. This left the CMO, FCO and Acting ExO for the this team, where Maya would be at the controls.
After having given everyone a few seconds to review the data, the CO moved on with the briefing. With another press of the controls, the ANUBIS' Captain changed the holographic display to show the Barracuda-Class Underwater & Stealth Mobile Command Unit resting by the shore of small lake.
"We are all going to fit in that?" The imposing FCO grumbled unimpressed, not at all looking forward to seeing his own massive form being confined into that particular craft.
"I reviewed the specs on all of the supporting crafts including that one," Ensign Stark said with a certain relaxed confidence. "The BARRACUDA is a lot larger than it looks, you should not have any problems fitting in. Heck, if you can fit 30 Marines in there, you should have more than enough room to stretch comfortably. Still, it might be a good idea for you to keep your head down, just in case. No need to give our medical staff any more work than they will already have on their hands."
"Sir, if I may?" the newest addition to the ANUBIS' crew spoke up. "I was under the impression that this mission was meant for the Senior Officers only. As the Assistant Chief Medical Officer of the ANUBIS why have I been included?" The question had been a valid one, but part of the reason for the Bajoran inquiring as she did had been more about the teams' set-up. Being confined to larger crafts with the Cardassian born Counselor had been difficult enough, but to be in very close quarters while riding in the LOCUS could prove to be problematic.
The Native American had not made this decision blind, and this showed as he offered the *official* reason for his decision. "It is true that this mission was initially intended to include only the Senior Officers, but given the high potential for injuries, I thought it best to give Doctor Doyanne a little bit of extra help. Plus I did not want you to get bored while we had all the fun on the moon's surface."
Shar'El let out a long breath as a few images from various *fun* memories were broadcast by the CO, clearly showing to the Ullian ILO that for the Native American this particular mission would actually be pleasant when compared to others that he had taken part in.
"Once in the BARRACUDA we will navigate the moon's underground river system to our extraction mark which is oddly enough another 100 km away. If there are no questions... It is now 0715," Erik offered in closing. "Since all crafts have been previously prepared, you all have 15 minutes to get ready and make it to your crafts for deployment."
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
"VIPER 3"
[previous "A Few Last Details"]
[/\]
Setting: USS ANUBIS, VIPER Launch Bay
Stardate: 30148.0715
The general quietness of the last days was no more. Today had started with a bang and that was the way he liked it. Out of bed, dressed and out the door in a few minutes, that was what he had always hoped life in Starfleet would be like. Excitement around every corner.
Manning the Operations station on the ANUBIS was fun, but this would be better. The VIPERS were state of the art interceptors and just being at the controls of one made his blood rush. Unlike a shuttle this felt like an extension of himself, and he liked that feeling.
Jayson would be alone in the two-man craft, but that didn't bother him. This whole mission was designed to be a test of their skills and resourcefulness. His mind went through the pre-launch check, making sure that everything had been ready. There had been no room for mistakes.
The Ops officer glanced over to the other two VIPERS to see the Captain and FCO also getting ready. All of the training and practices he had gone through would be called upon. This was going to be a live exercise like none he had ever dealt with.
The cockpit had been secured leaving him alone with his hands wrapped around the control stick. It felt strange to have the ship's controls in his hands, but Jayson had to admit that it felt since. The day had barely started and he already found something to say in having been good. He almost wished that Counsellor Dalziel had been there behind him to see all this. He would likely have more than one opportunity to mention it to her over the 300 km exercise they were about to start.
=/\= ANUBIS to all VIPERS. We need a 'go' / 'no go' for final verification before launch sequence is initiated. =/\=
The silence that followed was perfect. Everyone seemed to be holding back their breathes.
=/\= VIPER 1 is go! =/\= The Captain said sounding excited, which only added to the feeling that Jayson was already experiencing.
Another short pause followed, this one touched by the sound of labored breathing.
=/\= VIPER 2 is go! =/\= Wydran said next, sounding like he was a little too tightly stuffed into his craft.
The Ops officer scanned his console one last time. All of the indicators were green and showing full readiness. This was it, and although he did not know what to expect Jayson smiled before he breathed in deeply. His hands held the joystick even tighter than he had before as he looked down into the long tunnel in which his VIPER would be sent out through.
=/\= VIPER 3 is go! =/\=
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Ensign Jayson Stark
Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
=-=
"Mission Analysis"
[previous post was "VIPER 3" written by the anxious Jayson]
=-=
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 1, Observation Lounge
Stardate: 30148.0710
It had been impossible for the ILO to not *see* the memories of the ship's CO. The seasoned officer had actually been looking forward to going down to the moon they were orbiting.
Everyone else, including the ILO, saw an inhospitable world filled with countless dangers and perils. Based on the partial memories Shar'El had seen from Captain Morningstar, the man saw something entirely different. The CO looked upon their mission as one without conflict, one without any real danger and one were the safety of the universe was not at stake.
A quick scan of the gathered officers made the ILO reconsider in some ways her earlier thoughts. Despite the hostile nature of the moon's environment many saw unique opportunities in this mission. Maya likely still hoped for the chance to do some scientific research while on the surface. Wydarn 'the huge' would be happy just flying a VIPER. Jayson would likely use the mission to lose himself in the work while Sonja would do what Engineers did best; fix things as needed.
Shar'El's eyes stopped for a second on the CMO, wondering how the new aCMO and herself would handle the mission. Would they be too busy to even think or so bored that they would get on each other's nerves?
One thing far for sure though, Eve would likely use the mission to try and work things out with Seska. The CNS had not stop looking at the aCMO during the short meeting.
Following the conclusion of the briefing, the first step before anything else had been a simple one; to make it to the SPHINX within the next 15 minutes.
That should not be all that difficult, that is as long as the ILO did as the Captain had requested: for Shar'El to leave the turbolifts alone.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
_____________
" A Race For Time, Against Time. "
[Previous Post - " Mission Analysis " by Esteemed Lady Tiffany Reeve]
_____________
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck One, Observation Area
Stardate 30147.0715
As the Captain finished delivering the information and final instructions, Seska could feel her body tense, already her breathing had become light and shallow in controlled rhythm, the unbelievable sense of trepidation hardly showing from her expression. When the sound of his voice had stopped, and every member of the team dismissed at once, her posture lowered itself as it tightened and went into a lean. Before anyone had even the slightest chance to look at her, to react, or adapt, she was gone like some phantom apparition.
::Fifteen minutes.:: The thought repeated in her head, as she raced toward the lift that would take her to deck fifteen. ::Fifteen minutes.:: Almost flying as she navigated the path with a certainty of ease, sliding her way though a narrow passage, or snapped as her entire frame whipped and twisted itself into a turn down a corridor with tremendous agility. Throwing herself in the air over the last few meters as the ACMO vaulted both inside and on to the turbolift, halting temporarily as her hands slammed against the sides of the transport with a resonating slap.
"Computer, Deck Fifteen, increase velocity to four times standard system operation. Do not engage the procedure until I give my mark." Without missing so much as a breath while she issued the command request, dropping her form down, aligned horizontal not far from the floor. Preparatorily bracing herself for the ride. "Initiate." As the means of her conveyance performed the operation, accelerating to specified speed in point zero eight seconds, it whistled through the starship until it had terminated its course. Applying any residual momentum from the trip, Mizore kicked off the surface into a straight chase, rushing toward her personal quarters.
_____________
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck Fifteen, Personal Quarters
Stardate 30147.0718
The entrance slid open, almost in anticipation of her arrival the moment she advanced on its location, to reveal the comfortable familiarity of her refuge on board the vessel, though this was hardly a time to appreciate the surrounding atmosphere she had created in the short time she had been assigned to the ship. Stopping herself, as she visually scanned the area thoroughly for the few items she hastily improvised, planning for the away mission. Expeditiously seizing the tricorder from the bedside stand in her left hand with a deathly grip, throwing the portable medical kit on the bed, swiftly forcing it open with a flurry of motion, surveying its contents once, examining each apparatus, checking the appropriately assembled and organized materials twice. Waylaid from withdrawing from her quarters, there was one last matter to attend, Mizore deftly rigging the sheath containing her modified Bajoran phaser, holstering it to her left thigh, before lashing the medical kit to her.
Resolving to take the device was something that was never questioned or doubted, even for an instant. ::Some might view it as uncharacteristic or somewhat ironic, a Medical Officer armed with a weapon.:: There was the obvious fact, its original design and intent was to pacify or worst case scenario, kill. However, for every valid reason one could pose to disagree, she knew and was convinced she could counter with another nonlethal point to having it with her or on her person. In her eyes it was an invaluable tool yet still so much more. It had been and always would be a comfort to her, through some belief that links her to her father, that he might still be watching over her, or superstitiously that it might at least possess a little luck.
"Computer, state the current time." As the Ensign broke from the space, reestablishing her former pace, rushing as she rampaged through the interior of the USS ANUBIS, the system responded as it tracked her location. =/\= Current time is 0721. =/\= Resembling scarcely more than a flash of black and streak of Starfleet green. The rigorous conditioning during the reintegration to active status as an officer did little to diminish her physique, leaving Seska inclined to believe she had improved significantly. ::Nine minutes.:: The thought ricocheted inside her mind, resounding in her ears so intensely that she was deafened to anything and everything around her, which effectively affected her by heightening both her awareness and reaction time, though she was rendered audibly blind.
Hitting the turbolift, practically screaming when assuming the position she had taken to traverse the span of distance between decks one and fifteen amid her last flight. "Computer, Deck Twentynine, Specialized Craft Hangar Area, set velocity at four times standard system operation on my mark engage the procedure. On reaching designated destination, delay opening the lift for precisely sixty seconds, notify at ten seconds prior to enacting procedure." exhaling slowly, until there was nothing left, holding her stance hovering ever so slightly off the structure beneath her. "Ready, steady. . . Go."
Seska's eyes slammed shut, her hands in a white knuckled grip on the flooring, along the wild ride she felt the recoil ripple across her as she fought to maintain her composure and virtually prone formation. When the inertia had dissipated, the ACMO elevated to stand upright at her full height. One minute was all she had allowed herself to tend to her mental and physical state. Making use of the polished metallic sheet, plaited her hair, brushed her uniform at the shoulders, and generally collected herself, exuding a serene sense of calm under pressure in mere moments of time. =/\= Ten seconds, Doctor Mizore. =/\=
_____________
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 29, Specialized Craft Area
Stardate 30147.0728
The lift doors released, granting her access or entrance into the docking bay, not so mush as a hair out of place or a single trace of sweat. When a satisfied smirk fell across her lips, one she wore plain and proudly as she slickly joined the ranks, offering the customary Vulcan hand sign with her right to those in attendance that reported for the mission. Seska even went so far as to offer the Intelligence Liaison Officer a wink, which caught Shar'el off guard a bit, causing the Ullian born female a minor sensation of interest, invoking a mild curiosity. Then, she began to think of the Commanding Officer's order, speculating that the imposed limitation he had placed on the team was a challenge of sorts. For her, personally, it would provide a method of testing her medical response time. ::I have not been beaten yet. Compared to the ten kilometer training course on VULCAN, competing against Vulcans, this posed only a relative or slight challenge.::
_____________
Gwen Spellblade
Ensign Mizore Seska
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS ANUBIS
=====
"Fun With Transporting"
Previous post was Gwen's
=====
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 1, Bridge
Stardate: 30148.0710
The meeting had ended and everyone had rushed out to meet the CO's rather hurried time line. Well almost everyone, the red headed Engineer showed no signs of being in any kind of rush.
"Good morning Lieutenant," the ship's Avatar said as she approached the CEO. "All crafts have been readied for the mission. The modifications you had requested for the VIPERs, SPHINX and LOCUS were all completed as of 0400," the android reported.
"Perfect, thank you ANI," the redhead offered with a grin. "Only one last thing to do. Initiate emergency protocol Paquette-1."
"Have a safe journey," the Avatar stated almost smiling before adding a few final words. "Initializing protocol."
The Chief Engineering Officer vanished from the Bridge in the customary shimmering lights of a transporter beam.
--==(/\)==--
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 18, Main Engineering
Stardate: 30148.0712
Sonja had created several emergency protocols to help her deal with countless potential problems. Being able to be in Main Engineering at a moment's notice had been deemed to be the most important. Although this had not truly been an emergency, the CEO had figured that this had been a perfect opportunity to test the first of her protocols.
As the redhead materialized right next to the Engineering Control Island, the rest of the staff on duty seemed not at all surprised by the unannounced arrival.
Over the last few days the Engineering staff had come to expect the unexpected from their Department Head. Sonja had easily come across as someone who always got the job done.
A quick scan of the control panel showed Sonja that everything had been as it needed to be. So without hesitation she reached beneath the island for her Engineering Field Kit before tapping her communicator.
"Computer, initiate site-to-site transport from this location to deck 29, SPHINX launch bay. Authorization Paquette Charlie-Echo-Oscar-zero-one."
--==(/\)==--
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 29
Stardate: 30148.0715
Sonja materialized without any difficulties where she had wanted to be, right next to the SPHINX. With a few minutes now at her disposal, the red haired engineer boarded the craft to perform a few last minute checks.
After all, their Captain had shown an affinity for testing them when they least expected it and Sonja had hoped for a quiet trip down to the moon's surface.
Next stop: the moon of PI ALPHA III.
--==(/\)==--
Lorraine Paquette
Lieutenant JG Sonja Paquette
Chief Engineering Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
---
"Only One Direction To Go From Here"
(Previous Post: "Fun With Transporting")
---
Setting: SPHINX, Control Deck
Stardate: 30148.0725
The SPHINX appeared small in comparison to other mobile orbital drop ships. The mission specifications that it had been designed for though had forced it to be a highly versitile and compact craft. Able to carry the entire Senior Staff along with a few extra bodies meant that there had been more than enough room for the six Officers current on board.
The control deck at the front of the SPHINX held four stations; the two that faced forward were used for driving and flying the craft as well all other engineering related tasks. These stations were currently occupied by Lieutenant Dalziel and Lieutenant Paquette.
The Chief Engineering Officer had been perfectly at ease sitting at one of these stations, and surprisingly enough the Counsellor appeared equally at home at the controls of the SPHINX.
The two other stations set to the left and right of the command deck were set for tactical, sensors, communication and life support. One simple and lonely chair sat in the middle of all these, a seat reserved for the officer in charge of the mission.
With the available officers and the Shillian acting First Officer in the central chair, the remaining stations had been named by the Intel Liaison Officer and Chief Medical Officer. Unfortunately this left Ensign Mizore Seska without an actual task to perform.
The Bajoran-born woman stood behind the command chair silently wondering why she had been dragged into this. The words said to her by Captain Morningstar played over and over in the mind of the assistant Medical Officer but they did not seemed to answer her questions. All that Ensign Mizore could do was hope that her usefulness would come into play as the mission progressed.
=/\= ANUBIS to SPHINX. We need a 'go' / 'no go' for final verification before launch sequence is initiated. =/\=
"All stations, status report," the Shillian Scientist demanded having only limited access to data from her station.
"Flight is showing green across the board," Eve reported first.
"Engineering systems are working above standards. We are ready to launch," Lieutenant Paquette reported in next, glad to see that her extra few minutes of preparation had achieved much.
"Tactical and sensor systems are go," the Intel Officer reported next.
"Life support and communications are fully operational," Doctor Doyanne said next as she shot a rapid glance towards her standing assistant.
Having noticed the glance, the acting Executive Officer turned to the standing Bajoran. "You will want to sit and strap in for the next part."
Seska quickly looked around and found an emergency seat to use.
"SPHINX to ANUBIS. We are GO."
---
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 29, outside the SPHINX
Stardate: 30148.0730
The electrical buzz of the force field beneath the craft being activated filled the large room. Seconds later the ventral doors opened leaving the SPHINX hovering over open space and the surface of the moon several hundred kilometers below.
When the force field was removed, the SPHINX fell out of the ANUBIS and began its journey to the moon of PI ALPHA III.
---
Jessica Solarik
Lieutenant Commander Maya
Chief Science Officer
USS ANUBIS
"To see the world in a grain of sand,
and a heaven in a wild flower.
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
and eternity in an hour."
- William Blake (British, 1757-1827)
=-=
"Rapid Descent"
[previous post was "Only One Direction To Go From Here" written by the commanding Jessica]
=-=
Setting: SPHINX, Command Deck
Stardate: 30148.0735
Shar'El thanked the universal powers for her having been so tightly secured in the chair. The drop had been sudden and that had just been the start of their descent to the moon's surface.
To keep the SPHINX small, many luxuries had been left out from it's design. Thankfully the padded shoulder straps on the chairs of the command deck had not been one of those things sacrificed.
Shortly after the initial drop, things relaxed a little allowing everyone to address their immediate responsibilities. For the ILO this meant checking on the sensors and communications.
"Commander Maya," Shar'El said after a few touches on her consol, "sensors are showing all three VIPERS on a close parallel course to ours. Captain Morningstar is hailing us."
=/\= VIPER 1 to SPHINX. We will do our best to help stabilize your descent, be warned that the atmospheric turbulences below look rather nasty. =/\=
"I think that our Captain has a gift for under statements," Shar'El said with a sigh. "Sensors are picking up winds in excess of 180 kilometers in the *quiet* zones ahead."
"We are going to get tossed around like a pea in a blender," the CEO added, her hands already at work trying to find a way to make things easier for them.
"Boost the structural integrity field to max and strap in tightly. We may get a little bruised on the way down," the commanding officer of the SPHINX said.
Shar'El glanced over her shoulder to the CMO who seemed somewhat nervous before looking at the aCMO who flashed a smile back at the ILO. A mix of memories flashed in the Bajoran's head leaving the Ullian at a lost to understand where that smile had originated from.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
##########
"Bumpy Ride"
[Previous post - "Rapid Descent"]
##########
Setting: SPACE, view of the SPHINX and VIPERS heading towards the moon of PI ALPHA III
Stardate: 30148.0730
The SPHINX had been dropped out of the ANUBIS while being in an aided geosynchronous low orbit around the moon of PI ALPHA III. This meant that the small Mobile Command Unit, or MCU, had roughly been 2,500 kilometers from unwelcoming the surface at the start of its rapid descent. Centuries ago, well before the advent of shields, ships would use a planet’s gravity to bring them down to the surface as slowly as possible to avoid burning up during atmospheric re-entry. They would go as far as to use a planet’s own atmosphere to help reduce their rate of descent. Back then a speed of 500 kilometers per hours would have been considered to be far too rapid and risky, no one would have even looked twice at the fact that the journey would have taken only five hours to complete.
Modern technology had made things much safer allowing for greater speeds to be achieved while attempting orbital re-entry, so much so that ships now increased their speeds instead of reducing it as they approached a planet. With the SPHINX heading straight down towards the small moon at an approximate rate of 2,500 kilometers per hours, this meant that the trip would take roughly an hour, if everything went according to plan of course.
The shield geometry would need to be adjusted for atmospherically re-entry and readjusted according to the ship’s changing angel of entry. Engine power output would have to also be monitored and altered according to the craft’s speed as the atmosphere around it became thicker. Of course all of these calculations could have easily been left to the on board computer except for one problem: the winds that they would be encountering all too soon would make all of these fancy numbers obsolete leaving the CEO with the unenvious task of performing everything herself.
=====
Setting: SPHINX, Command Deck
Stardate: 30148.0735
As Sonja was performing the first of many calculations, the redheaded CEO glanced outside through the small triangular window to see one of the VIPERS currently flying in close formation with the SPHINX. “Oh, sweet fancy Moses,” the woman exclaimed as she confirmed with a much longer gaze that she had indeed seen the ANUBIS’ FCO, “that man looks like he is stuffed in there like a crazy miniature clown car. I can almost see his legs being folded to his chest like an accordion from here.”
The ship’s Counsellor who had been sitting next to the CEO looked over with puzzlement until she too saw the FCO and the odd predicament he had found himself in as one of the pilots of the VIPERS. “Oh my, that can’t be comfortable,” the dark haired woman noted. “I hope that he does not have any claustrophobic issues.”
“Maybe he will after this,” said the CEO with a laugh before she returned to her work, the last rattling of the SPHINX having summoned her attention back onto her duties. “Current altitude is just over 2,000 kilometers, nowhere close to those nasty winds we have been told about, so why are we drifting off course? We are nearly 5 degrees out of line with the initial course, the redheaded Engineer noted out loud.”
“There are several possible reasons for this drifting…” Maya began before being politely interrupted as she took the customary breath that preceded one of her lengthy explanations.
“Was just thinking out loud,” the CEO quickly pointed out. “Rhetorical question only, no need for any explanation, just me going through my process,” Sonja added as she made a mental note to never say something like that again in the presence of the Shillian Commander who was well known for her detailed and heavily verbose explanations. At this the CEO looked at Eve as the Counsellor took in a quiet sigh of relief at the close call of a long scientific lecture they had been subjected to in the past.
Sonja’s hands and finger flew over her controls as memories of her solving similar scenarios at the Academy filled her mind along with thoughts of the lengthy discussions she and her grandfather shared in regards to addressing such Engineering puzzles.
While the CEO was deep in thought with the task at head, an odd feeling of being watched came over her. With a quick glance over her shoulder Sonja noted that the ILO had been looking in her direction, a playful smile dancing on her lips. The two women shared a quick nod of the head before both quickly resumed their respective tasks.
“Alright ladies,” Sonja added after a few moments of intense working. “Hang on to your *girls*, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.”
“Please tell me that you are kidding,” Doctor Doyanne nervously inquired from her station.
“Nope,” the redhead replied. “Not in the least. This is the best I can do given the circumstances. So please keep your hands and feet *inside* the ride at all times,” Sonja added with a huge grin as she tightened her safety harness while sounding as if she was very much looking forward to what would soon come to pass.
Seeing this, the rest of the SPHINX’s crew quickly followed suit and tightened their harnesses. Soon after the Mobile Command Unit was rocked forcefully from side to side causing the CEO to note out loud, “Here we go!!!” adding a playful giggle right after.
=====
Lorraine Paquette
Lieutenant JG Sonja Paquette
Chief Engineering Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
---
"Seeing Spots"
(Previous Post: "Bumpy Ride")
---
Setting: VIPER 2, Cockpit
Stardate: 63148.0730
“Oooooooh, this is nice,” Ttosk said to himself wiggling in the pilot’s seat of the VIPER, but just as he was going to close the top of the Interceptor a young man handed Wydran a helmet. “What do you want me to do with this? Is this supposed to keep me safe if I crash because if I do the VIPER is going to explode and that helmet isn’t going to do squat and if it’s just for communications than just give us some headsets”.
“Fair enough,” the crewman said as he shrugged and walked away. The Zaldan looked back at the helmet pulled out the headset inside of it put it on and closed the top of the craft. The massive tritanium door shut sealing all three pilots and their crafts from the rest of the ship. A voice immediately blared in his ear, startled he swatted the headset off of his head.
=/\= VIPER 1 is go, =/\= Ttosk recognized this as the Captain’s voice.
After a few seconds, the Zaldan confirmed, “VIPER 2 is go,” as he scrambled to grab his headset.
=/\= VIPER 3 is go, =/\= He heard Jayson say next.
Shortly after the VIPER that Wydran was in was suddenly launched forward through the tube, in only a few heartbeats the craft and pilot were now outside amongst the stars. A small piece of debris struck the wing of the VIPER, Ttosk promptly cringed and started whispering to himself “It will buff out… it will buff out”.
As he said this, the on board computer stated, =/\= Ensign Ttosk, the VIPERS have bio-regenerative armor they will not… =/\=
“Yea yea I know,” the Ensign said angrily, trying to interrupt the computer to no avail. Not wishing to hear more, the pilot added in a exasperated tone “SHUT UP!”. As Wydran shouted this, he threw his hands up in the air accidentally hitting several controls above him which caused the VIPER’s exterior hull color to change into leopard print. After having noticed this, he frantically switched it back to the original colors.
<><><><><><>
Scott Moll
Ensign Wydran Ttosk
Flight Control Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
=-=
"Expressions And Impressions"
[previous post was "Seeing Spots" written by the ever learning Scott]
=-=
Setting: SPHINX, Command Deck
Stardate: 30148.0745
Shar'El had been very puzzled by one of the more recent comments of the CEO. Having been raised on a Federation starbase had allowed the Ullian woman to learn a great deal about Humans and their sometimes strange expressions. This one though had been a completely new one, an expression that indicated trouble ahead but still left the ILO questioning the significance of "Hang on to your *girls*."
As far as Shar'El knew, none of the officer on board the SPHINX, with the exception of Doctor Doyenne had any *girls*. So how had they been expected to hang on to them?
Unable to control her curiosity the ILO turned her gaze away from her console and focused on the CEO. Surely the answer would be found somewhere in the engineer's memories.
The constant and rather severe shaking of the SPHINX had made the task exceptionally difficult as Shar'El tried to maintain her focus on the red haired woman. The ILO even came to worry at one point that her efforts would be noticed by others but her curiosity had become impossible to ignore.
Countless memories from Sonja's days while at the Academy kept surfacing as the CEO continued to work on keeping the craft steady. The fact that nearly everyone else had also been remembering very stressful moments in theirs lives had made the task even more complicated. It was like isolating a single bird in a flock that never stopped moving.
Eventually though the determined ILO found what she had been so desperately searching for. A single memories which explained the significance of the *girls* referred to by Sonja. Seconds after the discovery Shar'El turned back to look at her console but not before casting her gaze down onto her own form.
Confusion settled in once more as the ILO tried to understand how holding onto herself in such a manner could possibly help in their current situation?
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
_____________
"Ride of the Valkyrie"
[Previous Post - "Expressions and Impressions" by Esteemed Lady Tiffany Reeve ]
_____________
Setting: SPHINX, Control
Stardate 30147.0739
With the rest of the women officers at their stations on the SPHINX, leaving the Bajoran ACMO, Ensign Mizore isolated without any significant role to perform or service to provide, setting her mind unbidden and free to roam. Exposing a rather detached expression as the rest of the crew all did what they were there to do, unintentionally Seska began to quietly hum soft melodies past through generations of her people, reminding her with thoughts as she recalled them, of home on BAJOR, its many moons, a simple life after the emancipation of BAJOR from the Cardassian attempted re-annexation. Time seemed to drag on, where minutes felt like hours or even days while the craft was slammed by winds and rattled by turbulence, generating some anxiety which precipitated some intangible twitch of restlessness and complacency to crawl over her.
Seska's eyes gave a fleeting scan outside, where nothing was familiar or welcoming about the cold, violent, and inhospitable conditions and environment outside the metaphorical composite cage of the SPHINX like some prison among an foreign, desolate, barren wasteland. No recognizable star formations, nothing visible to comfort her or satiate her desire, which only reinforced her longing for home as it grew within her. Silently slipping on a pair of emerald and black magnetic gravity boots lined neatly where they rested along the wall in a matching arrangement of colored environmental suits assembled for each member of the away team present.
"Lieutenant. . ." A momentary lapse as she had felt a little at a loss for words for the moment, having not thought what rank or specific title the Chief Science Officer might prefer to be referred to, acknowledged as, or called. "Hmm, Commander Maya." Figuring this might be an opportune moment to break words on the subject, rising to stand with a lowered posture and widened stance as the boots anchored her to the metallic flooring beneath her. "If you would excuse me, I think this might be an appropriate time for me to get acquainted and acclimated with the medical facility."
Quizzically arcing her appearance, staring at the Shillian from behind, glancing aside to the officers at each of the occupied consoles, Lieutenant Dalziel, Ensign Doyanne, Ensign Shar'El, Lieutenant Paquette. Each one offering their respective talents toward the success of the mission. Everyone contributing as one team, with Maya assuming direct control, turning her head very slightly as not to remove her attention from the fore. "Very well Ensign, you may take your leave, though you should remain on call, leaving communications open. Should you be needed, I expect you to report with haste, immediately." The Senior Officer giving a modest tip of her head in confirmation, Mizore relieved herself from the area, nodding to herself as she attempted to convince herself of something. ::To attend to the needs of the crew, or assist Doctor Doyanne, if I am to function in any capacity, it might benefit everyone more if I was to be aware of what limitations I have to operate under. It is not as if I myself, or my presence, is all that needed or necessary in command and control section currently for the moment.::
"Infinite diversity in infinite combinations." Seska whispered to herself in her native language, a sigh quietly slipping through her lips as it escaped her. "The sun is warm, the grass is green." Soundlessly, her words once more resorting to speaking in her Bajoran dialect, went nigh unheard as the shuddering of the mobile command vehicle proved more sonorous than her own subdued voice while attempting to settle her state of unease amid the turbulent atmospheric conditions.
_____________
Setting: SPHINX, Medical Facility
Stardate 30147.0742
Resigning herself to the accommodations offered by the Med Bay, becoming accustomed while she situated herself among the modest collection of resources at her disposal. Recognizing or identifying the many instruments of her craft, systematically establishing her own order within, organizing every device to its use or purpose as it suited her, obsessively compelled to extreme detail.
Gently touching her fingertips across the Starfleet emblem, before executing an eminently imposing stretch, appreciating the sense of being unrestrained and freely mobile. "Mizore to Paquette and Shar'El, I have some minor requests to ask of you both." Conflicted by the duality of her nature, and the realization as being the only one not considered a Senior Officer among those chosen for the away team, afflicted her with an deep sense of antipathy, inducing a sort of trembling nervous quality to her words, thoroughly trying to conceal her insecure sentimentality over her own self worth. "Lieutenant, if you would be inclined to acquiesce, I think it might be advantageous to initiate a transporter lock on those members of the away team operating in the Interceptors."
The woman's voice positively chimed with enthusiasm in reply, very nearly jumping an the opportunity at something more than vectors and course corrections to do, providing a way to lessen the mental exertion and emotional stress and take her mind off the immediate nature of her concern for the dangerous situation the crew all found themselves currently in.
=/\= In such harsh winds, I can make no promises, though I will see what I can do to accomplish some progress toward that end, Doctor. It will have to take secondary priority over the safety of those on Sphinx One. It will take time, some adjustments will have to be made to the transporter array, compensating for interference, not to mention modifications to power relays to provide enough energy, if I can divert a small trace percentage from both shields and holographic camouflage, it just might be possible. =/\=
"Ensign Shar'El, I would like to possibly create a method of monitoring the status of the crew members on each of the Viper Class vessels, as well as staying apprised of any conditions or medical emergency that require attention. Ideally transferring that information to display at my current location as well as CMO Doctor Doyanne at environmental control and life support command console. I am certain she would approve, as well as prefer to be privy to the knowledge of their state and stay informed of any problems."
The raven haired officer had seemed to have been preoccupied with some subject that weighed rather heavily on her mind, leaving the Ullian with a slight delay in response. Suddenly the female snapped from her contemplative state back to reality. =/\= Understood, Ensign Mizore Seska.=/\= Unaware of the nuances of Bajoran society and culture, as she referred to the Bajoran entirely by her full name. "Simply Seska is fine or will do, or if you prefer to more formally address while on duty, Ensign or Doctor Mizore is or would be sufficient."
=/\= Got it, Seska. =/\= Opting to take a more personal association. =/\= It may be difficult to execute such a process, not only from the violent intensity of the storms force on our ship, we have no means of receiving an accurate immunobiological scan to facilitate any reliable data. =/\=
"I still think it worth a shot, I only wish there had been more time to prepare, though there was not much chance or option of that, with only a minimum of fifteen minutes to rally to deck twenty nine and report for the away team assignment. Can it be possible to temporarily adapt an algorithm in to their comm badges allowing such a procedure or operation?"
=/\= That it would have to be processed and transmitted through long range sensors, as such is only mere speculation or theoretical conjecture, is quite risky with little to almost no chance of success. =/\=
"Anything is better than blind ignorance of the not knowing the unknown. If there is an infinitesimal possibility, even in the face of insanely limited odds, I will take it. We have to try or should at least attempt it, right? No?" Her voice taking a desperate tone with a touch of exasperation.
=/\= I will concede your point and agree with you there, Seska. =/\= A sense determination showing over her face, as it brightened her expression, having been presented with a new challenge.
"Much appreciated Lieutenant Sonja and thanks to you Intel Liaison Shar'El." Seska had wished she was able to serve a little more actively, yet sparing any subsequent serious or dire medical emergency, there was little to do but sit around tripping the light fantastic at PI ALPHA III.
"Computer, open a secure communication link on coded subspace frequencies with all specified ships. VIPER One, Captain Erik Morningstar. VIPER Two, Flight Control Officer Ensign Wydran Ttosk. VIPER Three, Chief Operations Officer Ensign Jayson Stark."
"SPHINX One to VIPER Pilots and passengers, this is ACMO Mizore. Confirm. SPHINX One crew will be running simulated tests in effort to acquire a transporter lock on each of you, as well as set a means of enabling a synchronous system to track and record your mental cognitive processes, physiological capabilities, and vital functions."
Slowly resting aback as she took to recline in a seat, eyes always held in vigilant stare toward the exterior of the SPHINX for the crew not on board. Mentally having notated every last piece of equipment, where she arranged each one to its place or position, she subconsciously started to sing sotto voce, something she only did when alone or isolated.
_____________
Gwen Spellblade
Ensign Mizore Seska
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS ANUBIS
##########
"Things Are Never Easy"
Previous post "Ride of the Valkyries"
##########
"The true test of a leader is whether his followers will adhere to his cause from their own volition, enduring the most arduous hardships without being forced to do so, and remaining steadfast in the moments of greatest peril."
- Xenophon
===
Setting: VIPER 1, Cockpit
Stardate: 30148.0750
The further they pressed into the atmosphere of the small, inhospitable moon, the more the Native American had to concentrate on piloting the small craft. Unlike other small ships of the Federation which heavily relied on computer assistance, the VIPERs had been designed to mostly respond to the pilot's actions and thoughts. The readouts were all there to help the pilot make the right decision, but in the end it was him that needed to do what had been required to avoid a most unpleasant turn of events.
The three VIPERs had taken up a triangular formation around the SPHINX, using their short-range confinement beams to help the larger vessel remain on course as it descended towards the moon's surface. The Mobile Command Unit had been designed to accomplish such treks, but not while being tossed around by winds that would have given the ANUBIS itself a hard time.
In order for the confinement beam to work as intended, the VIPER needed to remain between 200 and 100 meters from the target. Under normal circumstances this would have required the complete attention of the most expert pilot, in their current situation though there had been absolutely no margin for error. That the aCMO had suddenly decided to make herself busy by running tests and establishing a transporter lock on each of the pilots had been a demand on their time and attention that the Native American could not spare.
On a few occasions the Captain had thought about mentioning this to Ensign Mizore or even to Lieutenant Commander Maya, but each time a sudden jolt of the small interceptor reminded the Native American of where his attention had been most required. Once on the moon's surface there would be ample time for the Captain to confront the Ensign and explain as to the ill timing of her efforts. It was more than understandable that the newest member of the crew had wished to prove herself to everyone else, but there had been a time and place for such show of devotion; and there rocky descent had been neither.
--==(/\)==--
Setting: SPHINX, Command Deck
Stardate: 30148.0800
Roughly half way through their turbulent descent, the Officers manning the SPHINX's Command Deck had already received more than their fair share of bumps and bruised caused by the violent shaking of the craft. Of course no one dared saying anything about these as everyone knew that the journey so far could have been, and still held the possibility of, being far worse.
"Ensign Shar'El to VIPER 3," the ILO said, the communication channel having been left opened in case an emergency surfaced. "Watch your distance. You came within 125 meters of the SPHINX."
=/\= I'm doing my best here, =/\= the OPS Officer replied, a clear tone of annoyance lacing his words. =/\= Flying this ship is not as easy as it looks, and this blasted wind is not making things any easier. Tell you what, next time you pilot a VIPER and I'll take the comfy seat on board the SPHINX. =/\=
The situation had been difficult for everyone, so it had made sense for the acting Executive Officer not to confront the Ensign about the tone of his words, so instead the Shillian opted to offer what she hoped would be a helpful hint as to the VIPER's unique interface.
"Ensign Stark, if I may," Lieutenant Commander Maya interjected. "The VIPERs were designed not only to respond to a pilot's manual input through the control stick but also through the cerebral interface contained in your helmet. In short the craft is designed to, in some ways, respond to your thoughts as well as your actions."
=/\ It's called a joystick Commander, =/\= the Zaldan pilot stated on the open channel. =/\= and that might explain why I am having such a hard time flying this thing, I don't have my helmet on. =/\=
::I know I am going to regret asking,:: Lieutenant Dalziel thought with a faint sigh. "Where is your helm?"
=/\= On the floor of the VIPER Launch Bay,=/\= the imposing pilot answer. =/\= I took the headset out and left the rest behind. =/\=
"Ensign Stark," the acting Executive Officer continued with, recalling everyone back on the situation at hand. "Try to relax your mind and allow your thoughts to help guide the VIPER through the atmospheric disturbances."
A few seconds passed in silence as everyone waited to see what would happen before the ILO once again spoke. "Now reading VIPER 3 at a steady 185 meters from us."
"What about VIPER 2?" the acting ExO inquired, surprised that nothing had been mentioned prior to now, especially given that the Ensign had not been benefiting from one of the most useful aspects of the VIPER's systems.
"Ttosk has maintained his craft between 195 and 175 meters from the SPHINX since the very beginning," the Intel Liaison Officer reported, a faint hint of admiration in her voice.
"At least that big lug has *one* useful skill," Sonja muttered under her breath as she recalled the earlier run-ins the CEO had with the FCO.
"SPHINX to all crafts," the ILO added as something appeared on her console. "Sensors are picking up multiple electrical discharges in the clouds ahead, we are likely heading straight into the middle of a thunderstorm."
"Be sure that all of the systems are secured and shielded," the Shillian stated not truly fearing for anything to happen given that all of the crafts had been designed to withstand electrical impacts far greater than anything any thunderstorm could produce.
--==(/\)==--
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Lower Atmosphere
Stardate: 30148.0810
Battered by apocalyptic-strength winds and torrential rains, the four crafts continued their hurried descent towards the surface, the VIPERs managing to stay, through whatever means available, in formation around the SPHINX. Having come this far and gained both skills and knowledge to help them in the moments to come, it seemed that a successful conclusion to the first part of their training mission was well within reach.
--==(/\)==--
Setting: SPHINX, Command Deck
Stardate: 30148.0815
A gentle smile formed on the lips of the Chief Medical Officer as she noted a decrease in the heart rate of the VIPER pilots as well as the members of the SPHINX's crew. Granted the change had been very small, but it had nonetheless been an indication that the team had begun to truly adapt to their current environment.
That was when a bright explosion of light filled the stormy skies beyond the walls of the SPHINX. The blast had been so powerful that it reached deep inside the craft through the four small windows causing several members of the crew to be momentarily blinded.
"REPORT!" Maya demanded as she quickly surveyed her instruments and the Officers around her to make sure that everyone was alright.
"Give me a second," Sonja announced as she blinked repeatedly in an effort to ward off the effect of the flash. "I can't see anything right now."
"Not reading anything wrong with our instruments," the Cardassian born Counselor added, her eyes not having been affected as much by the bright explosion of light.
"What about the VIPERs?" the Shillian continued as she turned her attention to the ILO who had been manning the Tactical and Sensor station.
"All three VIPERs are there and on course," Shar'El confirmed with relief.
"Whatever that was seems to not have caused any damage," the CEO added as she surveyed her console with what she had been able to regain of her vision.
"Commander!" Doctor Doyanne stated in a panic. "I am not getting *any* life readings from VIPER 1."
Maya turned to look at the ILO once again and received a non-verbal confirmation that the interceptor in question had still been where it should have been. "SPHINX to VIPER 1... Captain Morningstar please respond."
Lillie noted a sharp rise in the heart rates of everyone as the call to the ANUBIS' CO was met with nothing but silence.
"VIPER 1 is now 170 meters from us and closing," Shar'El announced, not at all liking this unexpected turn of events.
"SPHINX to VIPER 1," Maya repeated as she leaned forward in her seat as far as her restraints permitted. "Captain Morningstar, *please* respond."
Maya turned her attention back to the CMO in the hopes that Lillie would be able to offer some sort of explanation, but instead the acting ExO only received a faint shake of the woman's head confirming that no life signs had been received from the lead VIPER.
"SPHINX to VIPER 1, Captain Morningstar, can you hear me?" The Shililan's voice had been on the edge of panic but the posture of the woman remained calm.
"VIPER 1 now at 150 meters and closing," the ILO reported. "Collision in 18 seconds."
"Helm!" the Shillian began as she looked down at the small console on the armrest of her chair, "Try to keep us on a parallel course to VIPER 1. VIPER 2 and 3 can either one of you see what happened?"
=/\= Negative, =/\= came the simultaneous reply from the other two pilots.
"VIPER 1 now at 120 meters and closing," Shar'El stated in a trembling voice.
"The SPHINX does not have the needed maneuvering capabilities to pull away," Sonja reported as she worked frantically to try and resolve the problem they were now faced with. "We have to rely on the VIPERs to help guide us and in this storm even they are having problems."
"SPHINX to VIPER 1," Maya tried once again. "Captain Morningstar, please respond."
"Still no reply and no life signs," the CMO reported unsure as to what to offer next.
"VIPER 1 now at 85 meters from us, collision in 10 seconds," the Intel Liaison Officer reported, unsure as to what to offer as well.
"SPHINX to VIPERs 2 and 3, fall back 200 meters and arm weapons. Destroy VIPER 1 on my mark," the Shillian ordered.
=/\= What?!? =/\=
=/\= You can't be serious? =/\=
"DO IT!," Maya forcefully confirmed as she looked down at her instruments to test the mathematical probabilities of her theory which was about to be turned into reality. "Ensign Shar'El, lock transporter on the coordinates acquired by the earlier tests on VIPER 1 and beam the Captain directly to the Infirmary. Doctor Seska, stand by to receive a wounded."
=/\= Standing by, =/\= the aCMO replied having been listening in on the entire matter since the very beginning.
"VIPER 1 is at 50 meters," Eve reported having taken over the task of tracking the interceptor's rapid approach while the ILO worked on getting a transporter lock.
"Locked established," Shar'El announced, not waiting a single second to initiate the transport. "Energizing."
"VIPERs 2 and 3... FIRE!"
Seconds later the sound of an explosion was immediately followed by the SPHINX being shook to one side hard. Although everyone had been more than concerned about the fate of their CO, the crew had more immediate issues to deal with.
"SPHINX to VIPERs, take up position on either side of the SPHINX and do your best to keep us from losing attitude control," the Shillian ordered as she tried her best to not think about their Captain, not knowing if the man had been brought back dead, alive or even if the procedure had actually been successful at all. "Lieutenant Paquette and Dalziel, divert all available power to the thrusters, we still have a fair deal of distance between us and the surface.
--==(/\)==--
Setting: SPHINX, Infirmary
Stardate: 30148.0825
The body of the ANUBIS' Commanding Officer had indeed materialized on the one and only bio bed, and to the aCMO's relief the Native American had been alive, but his vital signs had not been conducive to that staying for long. After having identified the cause of the fluctuating readings, Doctor Mizore selected a specific hypospray and applied it to the Captain's neck.
The results were almost immediate.
Seska allowed a deep sigh of relief to fill the still the open channel. "The Captain is alive and will make a full recovery, although I recommend that he rest for a while." After closing the communications' frequency to give herself and the CO a little bit of privacy, the aCMO leaned in closer to the man who laid on the examination table. "Welcome to the SPHINX Captain Morningstar."
Still rather disoriented by all that had just happened, the Native American offered nothing more than a smile knowing all too well that he had been most fortunate to having been where he was in the state that he had been. Beyond that, Erik knew that the talk he had expected to have with the aCMO would be a completely different one from that he had initially expected to have with the Ensign. Before then though, the Captain found the strength within him to give the Doctor by his side two simple words.
"Thank you."
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
"Following Orders"
[previous "Things Are Never Easy"]
[/\]
Setting: VIPER 3, Cockpit
Stardate: 30148.0825
Between the time he had fired on VIPER 1 and the news of the Captain having been okay, Jayson had not breathed. The destruction of the craft had left him with a fear that the Ensign could barely control. His entire body trembled at the thought of what he had been a part of and what the result could have been. Following orders had been one thing, but killing his CO on his first mission would have been an other matter entirely.
Thinking it through a little he could see why Commander Maya had acted as she had. The Captain's VIPER was going to collide with the SPHINX and kill everyone. Still ordering to fire on the disabled ship could not have been easy for her, and following that order had not been any easier for him. Luckily though everything had worked out in the end, at least for their CO if not his craft.
Flying next to he SPHINX, Jayson thought of Counselor Dalziel and what he would say to her. "The favorite part of this day was when I tried killing my Captain." Of course this was not the case and would not be anywhere close to what he would enter in his log. Actually, having heard Seska's voice saying that he was alive and well had so far been the high point of the day.
A small flashing red light accompanied by an audio warning made Jayson look down at his instruments. The computer had identified a problem between their speed, angle of approach and the moon's surface which rapidly approaching. The two VIPERS needed to act quick if they were to avoid crashing.
"Stark to Ttosk, we need to get the SHPINX's nose up and slow it down for landing."
=/\= What do you think I am trying to do here? =/\=
Jayson realized that the same indicator had appeared in front of the other pilot and that both were now faced with a difficult task. Where three VIPERS had been, only two now remained to pull off this maneuver and the stormy weather around them had not helped in the least.
"We need to slow things down. What if we turned the VIPERS around?"
=/\= You are crazy, you know that? =/\=
"Hear me out. If we pull a 180, we could use our main engines to actually slow down the SPHINX."
=/\= But we wouldn't be able to see where we are going. =/\=
"Right now all we are seeing is the ground getting closer a lot faster than we should."
=/\= Fine, but pulling a 180 in this weather is impossible. =/\=
"Fine, what do you suggest?"
=/\= You and I trading place. We fly ahead, turn around and take each other's place, facing the other way. =/\=
With the surface approaching at an alarming rate, Jayson did not truly see any other option or the time to debate as to any better way to accomplish this plan.
"Kicking in boosters in 3... 2... 1... GO!"
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Ensign Jayson Stark
Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
=-=
"What Happened?"
[previous post was "Following Orders" written by the daring Jayson]
=-=
Setting: SPHINX, Command Deck
Stardate: 30148.0830
What happened? In only a few minutes they had gone from being right on target to having lost one of their VIPERS and having their CO in the Infirmary. It just didn't make any sense and the more the ILO looked into the sensor logs the less it all added up.
Yes, the sensors had picked up a severe thunderstorm ahead. Yes, the sensor had recorded an impressive amount of electrical discharges. The problem was that nothing the sensors had picked up could account for the VIPER having gone "dead". Of course following the ship's destruction there had been no material evidence to investigate in order to find out what had happened.
There had been one possibility left, one that fell squarely into the ILO's field of expertise. With a scan of the Captain's memories Shar'El would be able to see what had happened to cause the medical readouts of Captain Morningstar to be blank and why the VIPER had suddenly taken up a collision course with the SPHINX.
Had the blinding flash of light stunned their CO and in so doing caused him lean into the controls to bring the two ships onto a collision course? If this had been the case, why had Doctor Doyanne's readouts show no life signs from Captain Morningstar?
Had the flash of light been a visual effect of a massive electrical discharge that had caused the VIPER's system to go offline? Again, this failed to explain why no life signs had been detected not to mention that only VIPER 1 had been affected leaving the other ships who were in close range untouched.
The SPHINX's tactical system showed that nothing had come in contact with the ship other than the rain and wind, so the lack of life signs from the Captain had to have originated from his end. What happened?
A quick glance over the ILO's shoulder towards the calm acting First Officer made it clear that the woman's mind had not been so at rest. The memory of her order to fire on the VIPER echoed through her thoughts with dizzying speed and frequency. Maya could not be reproached for what she had done, in fact her quick action had likely saved them all, but this did not offer any explanation as to what had caused this situation.
Only one person could answer this question and for the time being he would be safe from the Ullian's ability to look into other's memories. Seska had made it clear that the Captain would have to rest, and that made perfect sense given what he had just gone through. So the answers would have to wait until after they landed onto the moon's surface.
Shar'El's eyes opened wide as she suddenly noted just how little distance separated the SPHINX from the moon's surface. The ILO's thoughts had been so focused on trying to figure out what had happened that she had lost track of what *was* happening.
"I hope their plan works or we are all going to become flattened scrambled eggs really soon," Sonja said allowing Shar'El to quickly review the plan in question from her memories. The ILO had been so caught up in her own thoughts that she had completely failed to hear the conversation between the two pilots.
All that Shar'El could do now was to wait and hope. Depending on what *would* happen next, the ILO might be given the opportunity to investigate what *had* happened to their Captain. In the meantime there had been only one thing for the woman to do, and that had been to hold on to the "ladies" as Sonja had earlier suggested.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
##########
"Trying To Keep It Straight"
[Previous post - "What Happened?"]
##########
Setting: SPHINX, Command Deck
Stardate: 30148.0830
::Well, that was some messed up unexpected crap,:: Sonja thought to herself as she surveyed the data being displayed on her control, wondering still as to what the bright light had been and how it could have knocked out both the Captain and his craft the way it had.
As the CEO continued to try to understand what had happened to the VIPER, Sonja along with the rest of the SPHINX’s command staff overheard the conversation between the two VIPER pilots. The announcement of their break-neck plan broke the Engineer out of her current thought process. Immediately wanting to help Wydran and Jayson in whatever way she could, Sonja went back to work, this time focusing on finding a solution to their situation. One possibly immediately came to mind, that of shifting the craft back in the slightest possible way so as to result in the dangerous VIPER maneuver to have a greater chance of being successful.
With three VIPERs the SPHINX’s pitch could be relatively maintained, but with only two the nose of the craft had started to dangerously dip forward. This resulted in two problems; the first being an increased lack of flight control that quickly lead to the second: a head-first crash landing into the moon’s surface. The CEO had little time to find a way to help assist the VIPERs in their effort to correct the SPHINX’s horizontal attitude and rapid descent, so whatever idea would come first would have to be the one they would work on.
“This is like trying to flying a brick; there is nothing for me to really use to help get us back to a semblance of being horizontal,” the CEO announced, by the same manner informing the two VIPER pilots that she had been working to help them in their task.
“What if we shifted the weight around,” the Counsellor quickly suggested, giving the CEO the one idea she had been looking for.
“The SPHINX was created to be balanced on purpose to avoid this problem, the forward systems being counter weighted by the power cores at the back. The problem is that the unexpected blast caused some strange powerful updraft that drastically shifted our weight forward,” Sonja explained, still wanting by necessity for this idea to be the one.
As Sonja continued to work at her console in search for a miracle solution, she glanced over to the ILO and noted with surprise the dark haired woman’s odd posture; Shar’El’s hands firmly grasping onto her breasts as if the Intel Officer had been afraid that they would fly away of their own accord. It was obvious that woman had been temporarily unaware of her surroundings at that time, and of the fact that her posture had been witnessed by the CEO.
For a brief moment, the two women’s gaze met leading to a rather troubled looked from the CEO and a shocked expression from the ILO who immediately corrected the posture, her hands snapping back to their previous location at her control station.
It only took a few seconds for the ILO to understand the predicament they were all faced with and after having scanned her console, Shar’El offered in a shy voice, “I have a weird idea.”
“I do not doubt that you are having several weird ideas at this time, but beggars can’t be choosers. What’cha got buttercup?” Sonja said with conspiratorial grin, offering an odd contrast to their dire situation.
A little surprised by this, the blushing ILO hesitated for a brief moment before she continued. “What if we took the rear shields offline and modulated the forward shields to act as some sort of atmospheric drag. This should in theory force the rear of the SPHINX down as the front descends slower towards the surface.”
“You will need to change the shield’s modulation to being nearly solid,” the Chief Science Officer and Acting ExO offered, this having been right up her field of expertize. “I suggest that you make the shields be at least 65% opaque, anything higher might cause the SPHINX to have too much drag at the front and send us completely spinning on our Y-Axis. On the other hand, you could make them to be more opaque but compensate by having the shield activate and deactivate in a rapid high frequency pulse. This would likely have a higher success percentage in achieving our intended goal.”
“On it like white on rice,” the red headed woman announced, her hands dancing on the console with speed and efficiency that could have only belonged to an Engineer.
The Counsellor shot a rapid glance at the CEO. “You and I will have to have a talk about these weird expressions of yours. I would love to know where they all have originated from, but that will have to wait. Right now though, one crisis at a time.”
=====
Lorraine Paquette
Lieutenant JG Sonja Paquette
Chief Engineering Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
---
"Odds and Mathematical Probabilities Are not Always Right"
(Previous Post: "Trying to Keep It Straight")
---
Who?
Only three people knew of the special safeguard that had been put into place for this mission, a way to insure that everything could be brought to a safe conclusion at a moment's notice. To have everyone be aware of this would have tainted the final results and very possibly made certain people act in a different way when faced with insurmountable adversity.
Why?
The moon of PI ALPHA III had been far from a nice place visit, even if only for a short time. A thousands things could go wrong, each possibly having fatal results for one or all of the members of the team. It had made no sense to not have something like this in place given the particular level of variable dangers that this mission dealt with.
What?
The USS ANUBIS had been designed to be a state-of-the-art Intel vessel possessing an astonishing range of systems and tools meant to help accomplish all sorts of perilous missions. Among these were some of the most powerful and accurate sensors and transporters ever created by Starfleet, and these were currently tracking the team's every movements and actions.
Where?
From the Bridge of the USS ANUBIS the Avatar stood perfectly motionless, her split second reflexes ready to intervene should any of the sensor readouts indicate a need to do so. For ANI it required nothing more than a decision brought on by a logical conclusion of inevitable mathematical probabilities.
When?
Once before, when the VIPER piloted by the Captain Morningstar had become disabled, had the safeguard nearly been triggered. Now, as the entire away team faced a possible catastrophic crash had the safeguard been brought again to full readiness.
---
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 1, Bridge
Stardate: 30148.0830
A Vulcan-like expression had engraved itself on the features of the Avatar, her eyes seeing far more than the visual display on the main view screen of the SPHINX and VIPERs as they frantically descended towards the moon of PI ALPHA III. The multitude of parameters and data gathered by the sensors were being reviewed, analysed and evaluated each and every second allowing for ANI to be ready to make a single important decision.
An emotional being would have likely triggered the safeguards long ago, especially after what had transpired with VIPER 1, but the Avatar had been given very specific and detailed instructions which had given her an extremely rigid set of parameters to be met before she would be permitted to act.
This mission had been meant to be a test of equipment, a test of skills, a test of resourcefulness as well as a test of character for everyone involved. Such test could only be properly administered when people were pushed to well beyond their training and limits.
---
Setting: SPHINX, Command Deck
Stardate: 30148.0835
Only 4000 meters now separated the SPHINX from the surface of the moon, and at a rate of descent of approximately 55 meters per second, the Mobile Command Unit and everyone on board would crash in less than two minutes. The Acting First Officer had run the calculations many times in her head and although she knew of the Avatar and her orders, the situation had still managed to instill a fair amount of fear in the Shillian.
A rapid glance at her personal console allowed the woman in charge to see the four sets of numbers that had come to perfectly summarize the extent of their predicament.
Altitude: 3945 meters
Downward speed: 55 meters per second or roughly 198 kilometers per hour
Angle of descent: negative 34 degrees from planetary horizon.
Time to surface: 71 seconds
"Forward shields have been modulated to maximize atmospheric drag and set on a rapid alternating pulse," Lieutenant Paquette announced.
"VIPERs 2 and 3 are on their way back," Ensign Shar'El added. "This is going to be close."
"Activating shields and transferring all non-essential power to forward control thrusters and structural integrity field. Things are going to get rough when those VIPERs take a hold of us again," the Chief Engineer continued with, her composure and self control having truly been exemplary.
Altitude: 3783 meters
Downward speed: 54 meters per second or roughly 194 kilometers per hour
Angle of descent: negative 34 degrees from planetary horizon.
Time to surface: 69 seconds
Although the changes in the displayed numbers, aside from altitude, had been negligible, they had indicated that their efforts had been working as intended. The problem now had been time, or more to the point the lack thereof.
The SPHINX shook violently as the VIPERs locked on with their confinement beams and pushed their engines to help reduce the rate of descent. The Shillian woman knew that the straps on her shoulders had caused several bruises from the shock, but there had been no time to comment on this to the Physician sitting to her left.
Altitude: 3512 meters
Downward speed: 52 meters per second or roughly 187 kilometers per hour
Angle of descent: negative 33 degrees from planetary horizon.
Time to surface: 67 seconds
A deep vibration resonated throughout the SPHINX as a result of the stress the structure had been put under by the gravity of the moon pulling them down and the VIPERs doing their best to counter this.
For a brief moment the lights inside of the Mobile Command Unit flickered prompting the Chief Engineering Officer to report on what had happened. "The power cores are exceeding safety parameters, they will go critical in just over a minute if we keep this up."
"Great, so either we crash or we blow up," Doctor Doyanne sighed in desperation. "Maybe we should have tried to infiltrate the Romulan Star Empire, at least it would have been safer."
Altitude: 3252 meters
Downward speed: 51 meters per second or roughly 184 kilometers per hour
Angle of descent: negative 32 degrees from planetary horizon.
Time to surface: 64 seconds
Power core overload in: 64 seconds
"Is there anything we can cut from the power grid?" Lieutenant Dalziel asked not having come up with anything herself to help reduce the demand on the power cores of the SPHINX.
"We need full thrusters until our speed gets to at least 40 meters per second," Sonja explained. "Forward shields have to stay operational until our angle of descent comes back to at least 15 degrees and as long as the VIPERs are pushing us back, we need every bit of energy into the structural integrity field or we risk arriving on the surface in a whole lot of separate pieces. Like a bad cosmic game of 52 pick-up bits."
"We need to either regain control of the SPHINX or gain more time," the Shillian Acting First Officer voiced as she debated on her next course of action. "Cut power to life support, hopefully that will give us a few more seconds."
"Take a deep breath people," the Chief Engineering Officer stated as she complied with the latest order. "Time to turn blue," Sonja added although she knew that the air contained inside the SPHINX would be more than sufficient to last until they crashed or blew up.
Altitude: 3000 meters
Downward speed: 49 meters per second or roughly 176 kilometers per hour
Angle of descent: negative 30 degrees from planetary horizon.
Time to surface: 61 seconds
Power core overload in: 60 seconds
So many variables had been at play, some helping the situation while others made matters only worse with each second. The drop in altitude had been slowed, but this meant that the power cores would go critical before they would reach the surface. If they tried to compensate this by letting the Mobile Command Unit rush downward, they would be arriving far too fast to be able to manage any sort of controlled landing.
Memories of her Academy training and the infamous Kobayashi Maru no-win scenario came to mind, but in this particular case there had been one way to technically win, and that had been to use the emergency safeguards that had been in placed on the USS ANUBIS.
Altitude: 2706 meters
Downward speed: 47 meters per second or roughly 169 kilometers per hour
Angle of descent: negative 28 degrees from planetary horizon.
Time to surface: 58 seconds
Power core overload in: 55 seconds
Another violent shock rocked the SPHINX and its crew leaving everyone to wonder as to what had happened this time.
"Looks like we just lost some of the external holographic emitters," Ensign Shar'El reported from the station to the right of the Command chair. "They never were designed to deal with the sort of stress we are in the middle of, but luckily it looks like our structural integrity is still intact."
"Why did I not think of this before," the Chief Engineer exclaimed in frustration. "Basic physical engineering for starships able to enter an atmosphere. The heavier the ship is the more power is required to slow it down, one way to deal with that is to use a low intensity warp field to reduce the mass of the ship during the descent. The SPHINX cannot create a warp field but we *can* reduce our own weight."
"Jettison all of the holographic emitters. SPHINX to VIPERs 2 and 3, watch out for flying debris," the Shillian announced.
=/\= Sure, we were getting bored out here anyway. =/\= Ensign Stark sarcastically said not having in any way been looking forward to having to deal with metallic plates flying off the SPHINX.
The loud sounds of plates being resealed from the hull of the SPHINX filled the craft, making it seem for a moment as if the ship had fallen under some sort of attack.
Altitude: 2256 meters
Downward speed: 44 meters per second or roughly 158 kilometers per hour
Angle of descent: negative 26 degrees from planetary horizon.
Time to surface: 51 seconds
Power core overload in: 45 seconds
"Unless anyone else has another bright idea, I think we are done and have nothing else to do but to wait to see what wins; the surface of the moon or the power core overload," Sonja said with a sigh having been fresh out of ideas at this point.
None of the officers offered anything else, everyone having silently agreed with the reality that their fate had been beyond their immediate control. They had done everything imaginable to help their situation, and now all that had been left had been to wait and see if it had all been enough.
Altitude: 1836 meters
Downward speed: 41 meters per second or roughly 148 kilometers per hour
Angle of descent: negative 22 degrees from planetary horizon.
Time to surface: 45 seconds
Power core overload in: 35 seconds
Although they still had been going too fast to insure a somewhat safe landing, the Acting First Officer made a decision which she hoped would increase their overall odds of making it to the surface in one piece. "Reduce power to the forward thrusters, we need to reduce the load on the power cores and give ourselves more time before they go critical.
"Forward thrusters now at 75 percent power," Lieutenant Dalziel announced, hope and concern mixed in her voice.
Altitude: 1631 meters
Downward speed: 41 meters per second or roughly 148 kilometers per hour
Angle of descent: negative 21 degrees from planetary horizon.
Time to surface: 40 seconds
Power core overload in: 30 seconds
"We still need to get our nose up to at least 15 degrees or we are going to create our own deep grave as we land," the Chief Engineer Officer pointed out, bringing their dilemma back in perspective. The situation had been far from being under control.
"Slow the pulse rate of the forward shield by 20 percent, this will increase our atmospheric drag and force our nose up," the Shillian ordered knowing all too well that doing so would also greatly reduced their ability to control their descent leaving the unenviable task to the already overworked VIPERs and their pilots.
Altitude: 1212 meters
Downward speed: 39 meters per second or roughly 140 kilometers per hour
Angle of descent: negative 18 degrees from planetary horizon.
Time to surface: 31 seconds
Power core overload in: 22 seconds
"Commander," the Counsellor spoke up after having had a few moments to analyse one last possible way to reduce their speed and bring the nose of the SPHINX to a more conducive angle of descent. "If we throw all available energy into the forward shield and thrusters *then* eject the power cores, we should become light enough for the VIPERs to easily guide us down to the surface. Of course at that point there would be no way for us to affect our speed in any way."
"Hmmm, A one kilometer-high controlled crash landing," the Chief Engineer grinned. "Last time I checked the SPHINX did not have any air bags."
"We wait until the cores are just about to go critical, giving us as much control over flight and speed as possible before we go into free fall," Eve explained further.
"Okay," Sonja signed playfully. "I now know why there is no life insurance for us." The Chief Engineering Officer paused as she prepared the power cores to give everything available before being ejected into the storm. "Ready, be sure to be buckled in tightly and stand-by to assume the crash position."
Altitude: 642 meters
Downward speed: 36 meters per second or roughly 130 kilometers per hour
Angle of descent: negative 15 degrees from planetary horizon.
Time to surface: 18 seconds
Power core overload in: 7 seconds
"Full power transfer to the forward shields and thrusters in 5... 4... 3... 2...1... NOW!"
All lights went out on board the SPHINX moments before the ship was pushed back and its nose thrown several degrees past the planetary horizon. A few seconds later two large explosions were heard coming from behind the falling craft showing just how close they had been from meeting a most unpleasant and untimely end. Because of the new angle of the Mobile Command Unit, no one on board could see just how far the surface had been and without instruments there had been no way to know how long they had before crashing.
---
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 1, Bridge
Stardate: 30148.0838
The Avatar unemotionally analysed the data gathered by the sensors of the ANUBIS.
Altitude: 324 meters
Downward speed: 32 meters per second or roughly 115 kilometers per hour
Angle of descent: positive 6 degrees from planetary horizon.
Time to surface impact: 10 seconds
Probability of all members of the away team on board the SPHINX surviving the crash landing: 72.46 percent.
Being mechanical in nature, ANI could not feel emotions, yet the Avatar did experience a semblance of hope as she allowed for the crash to happen, the parameters having been given to her by Captain Morningstar had been set to engage should the percentage only drop below 70 percent.
---
Jessica Solarik
Lieutenant Commander Maya
Chief Science Officer
USS ANUBIS
"To see the world in a grain of sand,
and a heaven in a wild flower.
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
and eternity in an hour."
- William Blake (British, 1757-1827)
"Frozen Witnesses"
[previous "Odds and Mathematical Probabilities Are not Always Right"]
[/\]
Setting: VIPER 3, Cockpit
Stardate: 30148.0840
The two pilots had done all that they could to bring the ship down in one piece. The explosion of the power cores had not made things any easier, forcing Jayson and Wydran to pull away at the very last moment. That meant that the SPHINX had been on its own for the last 300 meters before it crashed on the rocky surface of the moon. At least its nose had been up allowing it to bounce a few times before it finally stopped.
If at least there had been water or even sand at the crash site, he would have felt a little more at peace. Even a few tress would have helped soften the crash but this world seemed to greatly lack in all of those things. The OPS officer glanced around the crash site and was thankful that they had actually stopped where they did. Red hot rivers of molten magma flowed near the broken shell of the SPHINX, but at least it had not fallen into any of them.
"VIPER 3 to SPHINX."
=/\= They have no power, they won't hear you. =/\=
"VIPER 3 to anyone on board the SPHINX, come in."
Jayson knew they had no power but he still had to try, just in case. The crash had been a rough one but from where he was he could see the shell of the SPHINX almost completely intact. That little ship had been made to take a pounding and a pounding was exactly what it had received. All that the pilots could do was to hope that those inside had fared as well or better than the craft.
=/\= We need to land. =/\=
"Easier said than done." The landscape beneath them, and what surrounded the SPHINX for as far as the eyes could see, had been dangerously rocky and uneven making any landing nearly impossible. The shifting boiling red rivers did not help any, threatening to swallow anything that they came in contact with.
=/\= So what do we do? =/\=
Jayson had been ready to reply many things, none of which they could safely do. They needed to get down there and help, but how and in what way? Without communications the pilots could not even confirm that everyone was alright or if they needed any sort of immediate assistance. He became instantly concerned for those inside the SPHINX especially Eve for some reason. Of all those down there he hoped that she had been the one safe above everyone else.
The VIPERs hovered over the crash site, not sure as to what to do next. Landing might put the last two remaining crafts at risk, but staying in the air meant they could do nothing but wait. What had they been expected to do? This training exercise had turned into a quest for survival that no one could have expected.
Right now Jayson could barely remember what he had learned during the Wilderness Survival classes back at the Academy. His mind too full of questions and concerns. Had this meant that their mission had come to an end or was this nothing more than an obstacle for them to overcome? Were they truly expected to make their way to where the LOCUS were and continue, or were the two pilots expected to bring survivors back tot he ANUBIS?
He found himself frozen by uncertainty, unable to think as to what to do next.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Ensign Jayson Stark
Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
"The Afterparty"
[Previous Post - " Frozen Witnesses " by Jayson Sousa ]
_____________
Setting: Infirmary
Stardate 30147.0833
Mizore uttered nary a sound, nothing in response for verbal acknowledgement to the Captain's words appreciation, though his show of gratitude had reached deep inside her, instead conjuring a small, warm smile forming on her features, slowly softened by his presence. Her first real, substantial moment of personal connection with anyone from the ship since arriving on the USS ANUBIS, seated in such close proximity to her Commanding Officer. Mizore was only doing what she could, what she had to, or what she felt or believed needed to be done. Still, there was something more that she experienced in that semi intimate moment of kith attachment.
"Sir, are you hurt or are you injured?" Awaiting the reply to her inquiry, her twin shaded eyes affixed themselves as they met and locked with his vision, a noticeable display of concern apparent on her expression. The Captain paused for time to pass, self evaluating aspects of his operational capacity and current abilities, or lack of. "I am only hurt Doctor, no reason to worry needlessly." The hesitant grin on his face did little to ease or lessen her concern.
Mizore positioned herself standing at Morningstar's left side, embracing a sense or sort of maternal instinct, as one would in the care of their own. Slowly removing the flight helm, careful not to agitate any existing injuries or inflict any other damage to the Captain. Gently placing a neural stimulator to one side of her commanding officer's head, restoring and stabilizing his higher mental functions. "You, Captain, are either most fortunate or incredibly lucky to have been spared any cerebral trauma." Expelling a deep breath, as an elated sensation of relief flowed through her for a mere instant before it passed.
"I will continue to watch you, and follow your condition. However, I see no reason you need to be kept here or confined to this space, so you are relatively free to move about the SPHINX." Now in possession of every possible readout on her patients condition, made aware of any and every change, even the slightest development. "While your mental state is perfectly in tact and functioning flawlessly, I admit had used a small dose of Five CC's Improvoline, a sedative, to passively nullify any pain, so you will, or might possibly exhibit a slight delay physically in motor function for awhile."
Giving her superior a few seconds to adjust to the medically induced lapse in body response. "I would suggest you maintain only limited physical activity, Captain."
"Maybe you would like to stretch a little, see the Control Section of the SPHINX, check on the rest of the crew?" Cleverly dodging a proverbial bullet before getting blasted by Morningstar should he resort to invoking his personal authority over her with a strongly worded hazing on her prescribed limitation, slipping across the central corridor in to storage to retrieve an unassuming set of purely black magnetic gravity boots before returning to the Infirmary.
"Is that your professional opinion ACMO Seska. . ." As the Earthborn man posed the statement rhetorically. "Doctors orders?" Resting a rather intense stare in to her own eyes. "Yes, yes, I will transfer your case to Doctor Doyanne at the first possible opportunity, as she is the Senior Officer. There is little else I can do or provide for you, Captain Morningstar." Rendering her reply with deliberate shrug, assisting Erik, while he slipped in to the boots.
"One last thing, Sir, if I may speak? When you listed me among those officers chosen for this on the USS ANUBIS." She looked at him, as if to study the man before her. "You had called me by my given name, and once more a moment ago. For those of us from my world, our culture is a little different, you could say it is very similar to Asian culture from your world when it comes to names. Where our given name comes after our family name." Expelling a breath for a moment.
"I do not mean to correct, so much as inform, as you do not seem to know much about us as a people Captain. Our family names were once part of a Bajoran caste system or social hierarchy, called D'jarra, which determined their occupation. Mine belongs to the Mi'tino D'jarra, representing the class of merchants and land owners." Her appearance betrayed her, painting a sense of confusion and loss across her face while she continued. "The whole system was set aside during The Occupation, and since abandoned. It is like turning your back on one's ancestor's, or one's own personal history."
Her lips pressed together in an attempt to supress a sigh, instead only served to quietly mute it somewhat. The Commanding Officer had been listening, though his eyes often wandered toward the front of the vessel, in the direction of the control section. "I am aware your attention seems to be preoccupied by other matters and can see your interest lies elsewhere." Taking what little she had brought with her in preparing for the exercise, shifted her weight toward the Captain, silently offering her aid should he require it, as they moved toward the front of the MCU.
_____________
Setting: SPHINX, Control
Stardate 30147.0836
Morningstar was the first to enter, followed in time by the ACMO carrying a tangible look of indifference. Wasting no time as they both strapped in, Erik to the right, Seska to the left, against the rear wall behind Maya at the command chair. As the Captain familiarized himself with the staff present, the situation of the SPHINX, the conditions of the crew, and the operations of the mission. "First Officer Maya, you have Command, I am only here in a secondary observational capacity." His voice carrying the presence and experience of years spent in command in Starfleet.
Almost as soon as she had situated herself, the lights went dark, only moments before the delayed synchronous explosions that preceded the dual shockwaves that rocked the ship, skewing their approach angle two point five degrees downward on the fore to port. The closer to the SPHINX was in relation to the surface of PI ALPHA III, the more Seska seemed to withdraw in to the thoughts of her own mind, yet without power there was no way to accurately gauge any more than instinct, intuition, and anticipation. ::By The Prophets, I swear this place, PI ALPHA III makes TALOS IV look like a 'ras' theme park.:: Finding it within herself to susurrate only a few words, scarcely more that a whisper in the darkness. "Jia'kaja, tre'nu'tol'a rem. . . La'por i'lanu kos. . . I'nar tan'a'tali nor. . ."
Then came the horrific ambient noise of folding metal, as alloys were twisted by the impact collision, breaking stone in to gravel which acted like shrapnel against the sides of the SPHINX. The cataclysmic force had shattered her collar bone, dislocating her right arm, and slammed her head against jagged plating. When everything had come to a complete stop, all motion had ceased, her head pounded, blood gradually dripped in to her right eye, stinging her vision, with her right arm cold and paralyzed, and sharp pain wracked her nerves. It was all of these factors that heavily influenced her mood, and disposition, as she fought to extricate herself from the harness that bound her to the jump seat with only a single hand.
Falling to the floor, where Seska collapsed to her knees, bracing herself in a three pointed crawl toward the storage locker nearest her, roughly pressing her hand against it, shifting her position, before forcing it open with a hard right kick. Sensorily hunting intensely through the contents for a SIMS beacon, took great concentration and intense effort in managing to successfully procure one. Placing it strapped to her one good arm as she shoved herself upward in one heaved motion to her feet, activated the light device, before scanning the floor for her personal PADD and the medical kit.
Mizore's words came rasped in low hushed tones from her mouth, where she almost choked trying to speak them. "Status report, and state the nature of any medical emergency." Ripping the corded strap off the portable medical kit, using it to lash and tether her damaged arm tightly against her own body, immobilizing the limb. Collecting what was left of her equipment, taking some small measure of comfort in having retrieved them. There, still dialed in on her PADD was the entire scope of Captain Morningstars condition in complete detail, the synopsis pixelated in luminous emerald glowing Bajoran ideograms. 'Stable. All functions normal.'
_____________
Gwen Spellblade
Ensign Mizore Seska
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS ANUBIS
##########
"Good And Bad Surprises"
Previous post "The Afterparty"
##########
"In times of great stress or adversity, it's always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive."
- Lee Iacocca
===
Setting: SPHINX, Command Deck
Stardate: 30148.0840
Erik grasped onto the shoulder straps that held him in place with all of his strength as the SPHINX impacted with the surface of moon of PI ALPHA III for the first time. Part of him had almost wanted to laugh as memories of some of the more difficult dimensional jumps of the USS PROPHECY came into mind. The shock of a second crash rapidly followed by a third refocused the man's thoughts instantly. His days as a Chief Engineering Officer on board that ship had been a long time ago, in what seemed to be another life. As the Commanding Officer of the USS ANUBIS, Erik quickly reminded himself that his thoughts and attention needed to be in the here and now.
Flashes of exploding power conduits shattered the darkness that had swallowed the inside of the SPHINX acting almost as a reminder of the storm that had sent them crashing this way. The accompanying eerie sound of the external hull plating being shredded by whatever they had crashed into had only made the entire event feel that much more surreal.
As far as training scenarios had been concerned, this one had already become one of the more demanding the Native American had ever endured. Strangely enough thought, Captain Morningstar had not feared for the performance of his crew, having confidence in their skills, abilities and resourcefulness. A great crew required a great challenge to properly test them, and this situation seemed to fit this idea just perfectly.
The SPHINX came to an abrupt stop which sent everyone lunging towards the front of the craft with one swift shot. The final impact had been severe enough to knock the wind out of the senior most officer's lungs causing him to remember that he had only minutes ago been released from the Infirmary. It took several seconds for the Captain to even begin to regain his breath just enough to acknowledge the question that had been presented by the Assistant Chief Medical Officer.
Erik surveyed the Command Deck, debris littered the entire room in a grim display of just how brutal the crash had been. Despite the severity of the scene the Native American found it within him to smile faintly as he noted to himself that, at least at first glance, everyone had appeared to be alive.
"SPHINX to VIPERs," the Native American said with difficulty after having tapped his combadge, having realized once again that his physical condition had not been as perfect as he might have wanted it to be.
Instead of a reply from either of the pilots, the voice of the Acting Executive Officer was heard offering the most likely reason for this silence. "The shield modulations that we used at the very end could have polarized the hull interfering with communications. You may need to step outside of the SPHINX to establish contact."
Erik immediately noted the efforts of Shillian Scientist who had been trying to free herself from the command chair, the debris that surrounded the officer having made it difficult for her to get free of the safety harness. Not having noticed the aCMO's own injuries, the Captain motioned with his hand for Seska to assist the SPHINX's CO. "Ensign Mizore," the Native American offered recalling their earlier conversation about the proper use of Bajoran names, "Check on Lieutenant Commander Maya, I will check on the others."
"Captain!" the voice of Doctor Doyanne came over the remnants of sparks from the exploding nearby control consoles. "Lieutenant Dalziel appears stuck by some sort of debris at the front."
"Lieutenant Paquette is in the same situation Captain," Shar'El reported, both the ILO and CMO having had little difficulties setting themselves free of their respective chairs and stations. "We are going to need extra muscles if we are to get them out," the raven haired woman stated prompting the CO to act as his Acting Executive Officer had earlier suggested.
"Alright, see what you can do, I will try to get a hold of Ensigns Ttosk and Stark," the Native American announced as he began the journey towards the back of the SPHINX expecting there to be some hull breach for him to crawl out through instead of trying to open either one of the front accesses and risk weakening the damaged forward structure.
Although not suffering from any apparent physical injuries, the Native American had managed to climb over the various obstacles that he encountered with far greater difficulty than he had expected. Any attempt to lift beams and plates out of his way were met with shortness of breath and unpleasant muscle aches. Still, determined to make it out to see if he could contact the VIPERs, the Captain pressed on not giving himself the luxury to being slowed more than he had already been.
When he finally arrived and pried open the doors leading to the Situation Room, Erik was shocked yet glad to see that this part of the SPHINX had been completely missing. This had either been the result of the explosion of the power cores or that the section had simply been torn off during the crash. Either way this had given the Native American an easy way to exit the craft and attempt to contact the VIPERs.
Just as the Captain stood upright and tapped his comm badge, the Native American noticed with great surprise both VIPERs hovering over the crash site.
=/\= Are we ever glad to see you Captain, =/\= Ensign Stark stated with tangible relief in his voice. =/\= When we didn't get any replies we feared the worst. =/\=
"Everyone seems to be alright," Morningstar explained with some urgency, "but we need you both down here to help us move some of the debris. It seems that Lieutenant Paquette and Dalziel are pinned by what was the front of the SPHINX."
=/\= There is nowhere for us to land, =/\= the Zaldan pilot reported, his voice clearly indicated that the towering man had been less than happy in not having been able to help as the Captain had wished them to.
=/\= There may be one way, =/\= the OPS Officer countered with. =/\= Land your VIPER on top of the SPHINX and go in to help, I will stay and hook the magnetic tow cable of my craft to the front of the SPHINX and try to help from here. =/\=
=/\= The structure will not hold the weight, =/\= Wydran stated, not at all liking the offered suggestion.
=/\= Well, if you have a better idea, I am sure that Captain Morningstar will be happy to hear it, =/\= the OPS Officer shot back, certain that his plan had at the very least fair odds of succeeding.
"Try it, we need all the help we can in there," the Native American stated, giving by the same account his clearance to the pilot to attempt the maneuver.
Slowly, the Zaldan brought his ship over the crashed form of the SPHINX and lowered the Interceptor onto the crashed craft as gently as he could under the bemused eyes of the Captain. Erik could not help but cringe as he heard the sound of metal bending and cracking, but the Native American was rather pleased to see that the structure, as weakened as it might have appeared, seemed more than capable of supporting the weight of the Interceptor-Class VIPER.
Once out of the tight confinement of his craft, the towering Zaldan followed the Commanding Officer back into the debris filled SPHINX. With an ease that seemed almost unreal, the Flight Control Officer removed large beams and metal plates out of their way to grant the two men an easy access to the Command Deck.
"Where did you find him?" Commander Maya inquired as she noticed the Captain and FCO stepping back into the Command Deck of the SPHINX.
"Both VIPERs were hovering over the crash site," Erik replied with a grin, still somewhat shocked by this unexpected discovery.
"The VIPERs can *hover*?" The Acting Executive Officer demanded in shock. "I do not recall ever seeing that ability in their specs."
"They hovered?!?" Lieutenant Paquette said with great joy. "Woo Hoo, giddy up! I am so glad that those upgrades worked," Sonja stated as she tried to move. "OWW," the redhead exclaimed loudly, "now that was not pleasant," the CEO added as she looked down to the source of the pain. "Well that can't be good," the woman noted as she saw one of her injuries.
Erik and Wydran quickly moved in closer to see what they could do to help, noticing with great dismay that Sonja had in fact been in a rather bad state.
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
=====
“Crashes And Booboos”
Previous post - “Good and Bad Surprises”
=====
Setting: EARTH, Starfleet Academy
Time Index: Approximately 2 years ago
Sonja was studying yet another engineering manual all but committing it to memory like all the others. When her roommate B’Vorkah, a Klingon female, burst into the room exclaiming “Human males are so weak” and slumped into her bunk.
“Oh dear I guess the date did not go well?” the redhead sighed. “Is he in the infirmary?” knowing the answer before getting the nod of confirmation from her Klingon friend.
“Today is a good day to die” the Klingon woman would say before every fight simulated or otherwise. During hand to hand combats in their training B’Vorkah would snarled these words at her opponent. Klingon woman meant business, of that there was no doubt.
Sonja and the Klingon did not always see eye to eye but they had gained a mutual respect for each other.
=====
Setting: EARTH, Vancouver
Time Index: Approximately 5 years ago
Her memories jumped to a time with her grandfather while they tinkered with bits of machiner. Her beloved grandfather was discussing courage and his thoughts on it. “Fear is at the start of courage, just as it is at the start of cowardice” the aged man stated. He turned and looked at his granddaughter straight in the eye “courage is being able to overcome that fear and doing what needs to be done or standing your ground if there is nothing you can do.” he stated with mater of fact. “Only a bloody fool, or a Klingon, has no fear” he said with a wave of his hand in dismissal of the statement.
=====
Setting: SPHINX, Command Deck
Stardate: 30148.0838
Sonja sat at her console with nothing left to do, she checked her shoulder straps again, heard the acting EXO state with subdued authority “10 seconds to impact”. As the redhead looked over her shoulder she noticed the CO and aCMO had just strapped themselves in at the back. The engineer turned back to her powerless console, feeling somewhat frustrated that there was nothing she could do. The woman was overwhelmed the memories of B’Vorkah, her Klingon roommate at the Academy, chats with her grandfather. She felt as if she was being observed, she looked over to see Shar’El watching her with a slight bemused look, they nodded at each other as they heard the Shillian Commander announce “5 seconds to impact”.
:: Could do without the count down to my potential demise :: the CEO thought with a sigh. “2 Seconds to impact” the Commander stated with finality. Sonja took a deep breath and said “Today is good day to die” with all the courage she could muster.
(Paraphrasing from Francois’ last post)
The SPHINX came to an abrupt stop which sent everyone lunging towards the front of the craft with one swift shot. The sounds of crunching metal was overwhelming in the cabin. There was a moment of stillness when the sounds stopped, before there was motion again in the heavily damaged craft.
The CEO tried to free herself from her restraints and realized that she had been unable to move her right harm, likely her shoulder had become dislocated during the crash. Sonja also noted that her right forearm had been in a peculiar angel, one that had been far from natural. Pain swept through the woman’s mind, making her lose track of time. Her awareness returned when Sonja heard the CO and the EXO discussing communications with the VIPERS. Taking this as a good sign she closed her eyes for a moment rather pleased to be alive.
That moment quickly ended when a crunching almost heaving sound came from above, followed immediately by several loud thuds… almost as if someone had been walking *on* the outer hull of the SPHINX, but clearly that was impossible as far as the CEO was concerned.
"Where did you find him?" the CEO heard Commander Maya inquire as the Captain and FCO stepped into the Command Deck of the SPHINX.
"Both VIPERs were hovering over the crash site," Erik replied with a grin, still somewhat shocked by this unexpected discovery.
"The VIPERs can *hover*?" The Acting Executive Officer demanded in shock. "I do not recall ever seeing that ability in their specs."
"They hovered?!?" the redhead said with great joy. "Woo Hoo, giddy up! I am so glad that those upgrades worked," Sonja stated as she tried to move with her damaged arm. "OWW," the redhead exclaimed loudly, "now that was not pleasant," the CEO added as she looked down to the actual source of the pain. "Well that can't be good," the woman noted as she saw yet another injury, this one far more severe than the previous.
Erik and Wydran quickly moved in closer to see what they could do to help, noticing with great dismay that Sonja had in fact been in a rather bad state. Shar’El was close enough to see what caused the CEO dismay and blanched at the sight. Sonja was staring at the injury, a portion of the metal console had imbedded itself into her thigh and was bleeding rather freely.
(Back to my own words)
“I can see why you said OWW,” the FCO said as he looked over the CO’s shoulder.
“Thank you Captain obvious,” Sonja stated with bravado humour.
“Doctor Doyanne, your attention is required here,” the Captain calmly stated knowing that adding any emotions would only aggravate the situation.
“A little busy right now,” the Doctor replied as she was dealing with a minor cut on Dalziel’s arm.
“No Doctor,” Erik countered forcefully. “Now!”
Lillie quickly made her way to the station where the redheaded CEO had been sitting and noted the severity of the injury. “That’s a lot of blood,” the Doctor pointed out with dismay.
“I don’t mind blood as a general rule,” Sonja explained rather calmly, “but I do take issue with seeing my own.”
“We are going to have to address this injury before we do anything else including getting her out of there,” Lillie stated as she rummaged through her medical kit. “I need some room to work, is there a way to get this panel out of the way?”
Everyone stared in awe at the metal panel that nearly stood as tall as the CMO, everyone with the exception of the towering Zaldan who without needing to be told simply moved closer and lifted the hindering item out of the way with a subtle grunt.
“This is going to hurt,” the CMO stated as she got a better look at the severity of the injury. “Shar’El, I need you to keep her awake and her thoughts on something other than what I am about to do.”
The ILO blinked a few times as she tried to figure out how she would perform the task that she had just been handed.
=====
Lorraine Paquette
Lieutenant JG Sonja Paquette
Chief Engineering Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
---
“Strength of Heart, Strength of Will and Strength of Character”
(Previous Post: "Crashes And Booboos”)
---
Setting: SPHINX, Command Deck
Stardate: 30148.0845
The concerned Shillian watched as Doctor Doyanne did her best to attend the injuries of the Chief Engineering Officer. The acting First Officer had not seen the extent of the injuries suffered by Lieutenant Paquette, but the comments offered by those nearby as well as their facial expression left little doubt as to the severity of the situation.
“Doctor Mizore,” the Shillian began as she shifted her attention away from the medical emergency and onto the assistant Chief Medical Officer. It was only then that the acting First Officer noticed that Ensign Mizore had also been injured during the crash. “Are you all right?”
It had been easy for the former Chief Science Officer to see that not only had the Bajoran been alright but that she had expertly taken care of her own medical needs well before now. Still the question had been a valid one, if only to establish the readiness to perform of the Doctor.
“I have been better,” Seika replied dryly as she glanced at her secured arm for only a second before looking at the Shillian once again. “What can I do for you?”
The Shillian smiled ever so softly in admiration of the dedication the Ensign had displayed. Over the years Maya had work and met a fair number of Starfleet personnel, ranging in rank from crewman to Admirals, and unfortunately some would have used lesser injuries to excuse themselves from any type of work. The acting First Officer had been very happy to see that Ensign Mizore had not been amongst these type of people, a proof that the Bajoran had indeed been worthy of being a member of the elite crew of the USS ANUBIS.
“If you could, I would like for you to insure that Lieutenant Dalziel is all right, I fear that Doctor Doyanne is be rather busy at the moment,” the acting First Officer explained as she glanced once again in the direction of the Chief Medical Officer and the other gathered officers. “I would send you in to assist but there seems to already be more people than room in that corner of the ship.”
“No problem Commander,” Seska acknowledged politely. “If they need me I will not be far,” the Bajoran added before she made her way towards the black-haired Counsellor, trying her best to keep her professionalism firmly in mind. For the time being, the woman in question had not been a surgically altered Cardassian but a rather a member of the crew of the USS ANUBIS who required medical attention. As a physician and assistant Chief Medical Officer of the same ship it had been her responsibility to act accordingly.
Having noticed that the imposing Zaldan Flight Control Officer had been momentarily unoccupied, the Shillian motioned or him to move closer. Although massive, Ensign Ttosk appeared rather agile as he navigated around the scattered debris that covered the floor of the Command Deck.
“Ensign, I require your physical prowess on two separate tasks, both of which I suspect you will be able to perform with remarkable ease given both your size and strength,” the Shillian woman explained having only once before met anyone of such an imposing and commanding size. “The first will required you to make full use of your height while the second may demand of you a more delicate and accurate application of your full upper body strength.”
“Okay,” Wydran slowly acknowledged with puzzlement in his deep voice, not having understood why the woman had not simply told him what she had wanted him to o instead of going on the way she had.
“First we would need the auxiliary docking hatch, which is located overhead behind the command chair, to be released and forced opened, the hydraulics requiring main power to function. This should give us some natural light, air circulation as well as a clear line of communication with the VIPER that is currently hovering over our position,” the acting First Officer said before she again glanced in the direction of Doctor Doyanne and Lieutenant Paquette. By the time the Shillian had turned to look at the Flight Control Officer once more, the towering Zaldan had already moved beneath the panel and released the safety hatches ready to push the now visible hatch outward.
With the first task completed, Wydran turned back to look at the Shillian, silently hoping that the explanation to the second task would not be as lengthy as the first.
“I believe that Doctor Mizore could use a little more room to take care of Lieutenant Dalzell who seems to be pinned by some debris,” Maya began but before she could continue the giant made his way to the respective corner of the ship and promptly started to remove any and all debris, regardless of size or weight, from his path. In seconds the muscular man had been left with a single item left to remove, the one that had forced the Counsellor of the USS ANUBIS to remain seated at her station.
“Be careful,” Doctor Mizore said forcefully, obviously worried that Ensign Ttosk would do something that could easily lead to Eve suffering more serious injuries.
By the time the words had passed over the lips of the assistant Chief Medical Officer, the frame that had fallen and pinned Lieutenant Dalziel had been removed and tossed towards the back well out of the way.
“You do have to admit though that he his handy to have around. I suspect that it would have required several man to accomplish what he did in mere seconds,” the Shillian acting First Officer noted in admiration to both Lieutenant Dalziel and Ensign Mizore.
“Strength alone has all too often proven to be more a tool of destruction than a tool of creation,” the Bajoran woman venomously pointed out, recalling without effort far too many atrocities done to her people by the Cardassians.
“As I recall, the Bajoran legend of Imjahel speaks of pure strength having saved the inhabitants of an entire village from the Cardassians for several years,” Eve pointed out matter-of-factly, carefully observing the reaction that her statement would instil in the Bajoran physician. This had not been meant in any way to be an attack against Seska or her beliefs, but rather to show that her own people had come to value the benefits of raw strength in the time of greatest need.
The Bajoran assistant Chief Medical Officer sighed as she fetched a hyprospray from her med kit and applied it against the Counsellor’s neck before returning to the side of the Shillian acting First Officer, waiting to see if her skills and expertise would be required elsewhere.
---
Jessica Solarik
Lieutenant Commander Maya
Chief Science Officer
USS ANUBIS
"To see the world in a grain of sand,
and a heaven in a wild flower.
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
and eternity in an hour."
- William Blake (British, 1757-1827)
=-=
"Memories"
[previous post was "Strength of Heart" from the verbosely talented Jessica]
=-=
Setting: SPHINX, Command Deck
Stardate: 30148.0845
Shar'El held with hesitation the hand of Sonja while the ILO tried her best to comply with the task that Doctor Doyanne had given her. How was she expected to keep the CEO both awake and with her thoughts on something others than the pain that had likely been coursing through every cell in her body?
"Everything will be alright," Shar'El said nervously, glancing to the other side of the Command Deck thinking that Seska or even Eve would have been a much better person to be doing this instead of her.
"Let me guess, you always wanted to be a motivational speaker," Sonja said in return, suddenly clenching onto the hand of the ILO with a grip born of excruciating pain.
"Try to keep her from moving," Doctor Doyanne snapped, "She needs to be stabilized and I can't have her flailing about, since sedation is not an option right now, you need to keep her steady."
The first thought that crossed the ILO's mind had been to knock out the red haired woman, at least that way she would stop moving as well end the need for any casual chatting. Since that had obviously not been a valid option, Shar'El thought of something else to do, something that would keep the CEO calm, awake and most important quiet.
The ability to look into another's mind and explore their memories had been an ability unique to the Ullians, but this required time and a direct line of sight to be accomplished. Surface memories, those brought up by the person themselves were easy to pick up, and required little effort from the observer, but deeper memories, those hidden deep inside a person'a mind, were not so easily reached. With the CEO only a breath away, and her own mind distracted with dealing with her condition, Shar'El figured that this had been the best available way to achieve the final goal.
Sonja felt her mind and memories open as if someone had reached in to scan them all, getting only glimpses of the most personal and private moments of her life. Powerless to control the flow of her own memories, the CEO watched as events, some separated by years, flew by.
The family picnic at English Bay Beach with her older brother Stephen and younger sister Tiffany. That had been one of the rare moments when the entire family had been together including her grandparents, the sunset over the mountains beyond the water had always been one of her favorite memories. The gentle waves on the water seemed to move in slow motion, allowing her to take in the sight with even more detail then when she had been there originally. For a brief moment Sonja even felt as if someone had been there, standing next to her in this memory, but that had been impossible.
The natural scenery of the beach was suddenly replaced by a more recent memory, one that she had actually recalled moments before the crash. Starfleet Academy had introduced the redhead to many different people and races each possessing a wide range of interest and ideals. B'Vorkah had been one of the more interesting fellow Cadets even though the Klingon's ways had been worlds apart from her own. How many times had she sent her boyfriend of the moment to the infirmary? Many had thought of the exotic woman as a prize to be conquered only to find out in the most brutal of ways that she had not been one to be pushed around or taken for granted.
The next memory to anchor itself into her mind had been the Engineer's own first meeting with the ANUBIS' Avatar. The purple haired android had made a lasting impression with the ship's CEO filling her thoughts with ideas and plans that made ANI as close to a friend as Sonja had hoped to have on her first tour of duty on board the Intel ship.
Without any explanation, Sonja suddenly found herself standing in a white void without any walls, ceiling or even a floor for her to see. The emptiness had been complete and yet it had not left her feeling lost or even uncomfortable. As her gaze locked onto a single distant point beyond the emptiness, the red haired woman felt a familiar sensation, one that she had not experienced since then, many years ago.
The memory of the event had been pushed back to the farther reaches of her mind, blocked and buried by whatever she could come up with. Sonja stood in the middle of the emptiness unable to even begin to fight as she felt the memory of that event come closer. There had been nowhere for her to run, nowhere for her to hide, all that she could do was to wait for the memory to overtake her, despite her efforts to never have to deal with this again.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
##########
"One Down, Two To Go"
Previous post "Memories"
##########
"Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other."
- Walter Elliot
===
Setting: SPHINX, Command Deck
Stardate: 30148.0900
Doctor Doyanne had done her best to stabilize the CEO's condition so that the entire console could be moved and free the trapped woman. The plan had been to have the VIPER lift the forward section of the SPHINX thus allowing for the red haired Engineer to be pulled from under the wreckage.
=/\= VIPER 3, ready and awaiting orders, =/\= Stark announced over the opened communications channel.
"This is how it's going to work," Lillie began as she looked with intensity at those already around the pinned CEO. "Wydran, you are going to *gently* pull her out but only when I say so. Shar'El, you help keep her steady. We will need to strap her legs onto a splint as soon as they are free."
Doctor Mizore and Commander Maya had been standing-by to jump in and assist with the splint as soon as there would be enough room to do so. Erik and Eve on their end watched as if to make sure everyone and everything was where it needed to be.
"Nice to see the crew come together so well in times of adversity," the Counselor mentioned in a soft whispered voice to the man standing right next to her. After having been taken cared of by the aCMO, Eve had joined the rest of the standing Officers in the middle of the Command Deck, having easily understood that the very front section had not been the best place to be at this time.
"The mission is far from over," the Native American countered with, allowing himself to still hold back any final judgement on the crew's evaluation. The mission had been meant to test a great many things, and granted the parameters of these tests had shifted well beyond what the Captain had initially expected, but the truth had still remained that all of this paled in comparison to what they might run into out there.
Doctor Doyanne met everyone's gaze one last time before she spoke. "SPHINX to VIPER 3, slowly start to move the forward section up."
The sound of the Interceptor's engines could be heard through the open hatch, quickly followed the the eerie noise of shifting metal as it echoed throughout the entire SPHINX. Sonja clenched her teeth together and grabbed hold of the ILO's arm with both of her hands, but to the red headed Engineer's credit she did not cry out.
"A little more," Lillie noted, both to the VIPER pilot to keep going and to the FCO for him to wait a little longer before attempting to pull the injured woman out.
The loud sound of a beam cracking to its breaking point had been all that everyone needed to know that this had been the time to act. With a motion of her hand the Doctor gave the go ahead sign to Wydran who, with ease, pulled Sonja out from under the shattered console.
As soon as the trio had cleared that section of the craft, Erik verbally stepped in. "VIPER 3, disconnect tow cable now!"
The forward most section quickly collapsed back down, falling further than it had initially been, but this time without anyone trapped beneath it. A general sigh of relief was shared by all those present, allowing the crew to attend to the next part of their problems.
Although injured herself, Seska moved in to assist the CMO, doing what she could to insure that Sonja would be alright and her wounds properly addressed, this of course within the limits of the available equipment and resources.
"Morningstar to Stark," the Native American called out not having to tap his comm badge, the channel having remained open.
=/\= Go ahead Sir, =/\= the OPS Officer replied, having kept an ear open since the very beginning.
"Well done, looks like everything has worked out perfectly," the Native American reported.
=/\= Very glad to hear that Sir, =/\= Jayson said, glad that he had been able to help.
"On another note, do you have the bearings of our targeted landing site," Erik inquired. "The three LOCUS should be there, and we are going to need them to make it to the BARRACUDA and then back to the ANUBIS."
=/\= According to the coordinates we had and our estimated current location, the landing site should be 21 or 22 kilometers Northwest, =/\= the VIPER pilot reported, knowing that the distance and environment would make any ground level journey nearly impossible.
"Alright," the ANUBIS' CO acknowledged as he looked at the rest of the away team. "Let me get back to you."
"There is no way we can safety traverse such a distance on foot," the Acting Executive Officer interjected. "To make matters more complicated, Lieutenant Paquette will be in no condition to walk, requiring the assistance of one or more members of the crew."
"You have made you point loud and clear Commander," Erik conceded with a sigh. "We have to get the LOCUS here and with two VIPERs we will need a second pilot as well as someone else to ride as a passenger."
"There are currently only five Officers able to pilot a VIPER," Maya pointed out having spotted a potential problem with the Captain's plan of action.
"Wydran's strength may come in handy here, so that leaves him out," the Native American stated as he went through the list in his head, anticipating what the Shillian had been leading towards.
"Our CEO is in no condition to fly and it seems that our ILO has taken on the role of *morale officer* by her side," the Acting Executive Officer added thus leaving a single pilot remaining.
"Looks like I'm going back into the pilot's seat," Erik grinned as he turned to look at the ship's Counselor. "Care to go for a ride?"
"Why me?" Eve questioned, trying her best to look shocked and troubled by the Captain's words.
"Both Doctors are needed here, the muscles of our FCO are of better use here then up there, Our CEO is out of commission and the ILO is playing nurse. That leaves the ExO in charge while you and I fly off with OPS to return with the three LOCUS," Erik explained in a matter-of-fact manner, knowing that only the Counselor could actually get away with asking such a question because of her knowing the man as well as she did.
"With all due respect Captain," Dalziel grinned. "You have already crashed a VIPER, and frankly I do not feel overly safe getting into another one with you."
Maya watched in shocked amazement, not fully understanding the friendly banter that the two Officers had engaged in.
"In my defense, I would like to point out that I did not *crash* the VIPER, but that I was in fact *shot down*," the CO huffed playfully.
"All the more reason for me to ask if I can go with Jayson instead, at least if something happens, he'll be doing the shooting instead of being shot at," Eve concluded, having managed to remain rather serious throughout the entire exchange.
"Request denied," the CO said as he shook his head. "I need you on board *my* VIPER to make sure Ensign Stark doesn't get any ideas to try that little maneuver again."
=/\= Sir, I would never... =/\= The OPS Officer kicked in with, having missed all of the smiles and grins that had been shared between the CNS and CO.
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
"Fast Paced Banter"
[previous "One Down, Two To Go"]
[/\]
Setting: VIPER 3, Cockpit
Stardate: 30148.0930
It had been great to be back flying instead of just hovering over the crashed SPHINX. Jayson had never been good at feeling helpless, and it had taken a lot of hours talking to counselors for him to get over it. Helplessness had been a common feeling following the accident that had claimed his wife and unborn child. So much so that it had made him stop living.
He saw Counselor Dalziel in the rear seat as he shot a quick glance to the other VIPER. Instantly he was reminded of her words in regards to his thinking about Leena. This had neither been the right time or place to have his thoughts on anything else other than his duties.
=/\= Are you sure you are heading in the right direction? =/\=
The Counselor had likely asked the question to tease the Captain as she had done before their departure. That said though, Jayson could not assume that this had been the case and figured that it had been safer to answer.
"We are on the right heading, we should be there in just a few minutes."
=/\= Thank you, just wanted to make sure. =/\=
Counselor Dalziel smiled as she looked back in the direction of the second VIPER, Jayson having given the lead position to the Captain.
=/\= I have the feeling you do not trust my flying. =/\=
This time Jayson picked up on the unseen grin of his Captain as the CO continued with the friendly banter.
=/\= You can't blame a woman for wanting to be sure. Right Ensign? =/\=
The question had been unexpected and caught Jayson completely off guard. The banter had been up until now limited to being between the Counselor and the Captain, so why drag him into it?
He hesitated for a few moments, not entire sure how to answer or even if he should answer at all. His reply might be looked upon as a challenge to the Captain, and even if it wasn't could Jayson afford to have his CO think any less of him for whatever reason.
"I wouldn't know Counselor."
The reply caused Counselor Dalziel to frown, so much so that Jayson had no problem seeing the expression on her face from where he was.
=/\= No worries Ensign, Looks like we are there. =/\=
The Captain's announcement made Jayson smile, at least this little exchange had come to an end, hopefully without him having offended either of the superior officers. All that was left to do had been to land the VIPERs. insure that the three LOCUS had been operational and drive them back to the crash site so that the second part of their training mission could commence.
All that Jayson could do was hope that their journey to the BARRACUDA would prove to be easier than their descent to the planet surface. There had been no room to lose another vehicle if they were to reach the second Mobile Command Unit and return to the ANUBIS on their own.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Ensign Jayson Stark
Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
=-=
"Thoughts"
[previous post was "Fast Paced Banter"]
=-=
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Outside the SPHINX
Stardate: 30148.0935
The storm had passed as if it had never even been there in the first place, giving Shar'El the chance to stretch her legs. The truth had been that after the deep scan of Lieutenant Paquette's memories the ILO had needed some time to herself, some time to rest. Experiencing someone else's most intimate memories was a draining experience to say the least.
The two Doctors, with the assistance of the giant pilot, had been securing the free CEO onto a made-shift stretcher. In the meantime Commander Maya had taken the opportunity to search and gather whatever equipment had survived the crash. This had given the ILO time to think about what she had experienced while inside Sonja's head.
This mission had not been anything like anyone could have imagined. Still everyone seemed to take everything that was being sent their way in stride. One thing for sure though, no one had been bored and they would all come out of this with a lot more knowledge than they might have expected. Some, more than others.
Shar'El found herself gazing at a distant volcano, the strangely charming view made the ILO forget for a moment as to the dangers that they all faced while on the surface of this inhospitable world.
"Are you hurt?" The Bajoran Doctor asked with puzzlement, having followed the ILO out after a while, and taking Shar'El out of her thoughts.
"No. Why do you ask?" a surprised Shar'El answered wondering if she had appeared injured in some way.
"Just the way you are rubbing your arm and shoulder," Doctor Mizore said, showing with a look that the ILO had been doing just that as they spoke.
"Didn't even realize that I was doing it," Shar'El said quickly removing her hand from the arm and shoulder it had been busy on. "Guess it's a new nervous twitch."
"Maybe so," Seska said while opening her medical tricoder, "but it won't hurt either one of us for me to check, just in case."
"I am fine Doctor, " Shar'El objected to no avail. All CMOs were after all a very unique and stubborn breed. Once they had it in their heads to check someone's medical condition, there had been nothing that anyone could say or do, that much the ILO knew.
"I will be the judge of that, plus I can only guess as to how physically and/or mentally demanding it was for you to keep Lieutenant Paquette steady the way you did," Mizore said before she closed her medical tricoder and put it away. "Serotonin levels are somewhat elevated but I believe they will return to normal in time."
Shar'El glared at the woman for a very brief instant, the ILO having momentarily forgotten that as a Doctor on board the ANUBIS, Mizore had been well aware of her Ullian roots and the abilities this meant the dark haired woman possessed.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
"Spinning Wheels"
[previous "Thoughts" by the forgetful Tiffany]
[/\]
Setting: LOCUS 2
Stardate: 30148.1000
He glanced over his shoulder at the two VIPERS sitting on the ground. It felt weird to just leave them behind that way, trading wings for wheels. Jayson sighed as he looked down at the steering wheel in front of him. This would be a completely different experience, an experience that he was not entirely against.
The low hum of the engine gave no indications of the power these small personnel carriers had. It took a few minutes for Jayson to get the hang of driving a LOCUS, but after that it actually became fun. The cockpit of the VIPER had offered some type of protection against the elements unlike the opened cage of the LOCUS. Luckily the storm had passed and the sun had come out making the ride actually enjoyable. The air had been dry and warm, so the breeze created by the speed had been a welcomed one.
The rocky terrain gave way to the speed of the LOCUS as it bounced from one spot to the next. The bumpy ride through the atmosphere was nothing when compared to this, but the wind through his hair made it feel a lot more exciting. Maybe it had been the way the LOCUS was designed, or the sun now shinning on them. Whatever the reason was, this part of the mission could be something to be pleasantly remembered by the end.
=/\= Morningstar to Stark, you might want to slow it down a little. =/\=
Jayson eased off the gas and turned the LOCUS to be able to see behind him. The other two four-wheel personnel carriers appeared as little specs in the distant, at least a full minute behind him.
"Sorry Captain, I didn't realize I was going so fast."
=/\= They do seem to have quite a bit of power, but the idea is for us to return to the SPHINX with them in one piece. =/\=
"Aye Sir. Count it as my having tested the suspension on my LOCUS."
=/\= I am sure Lieutenant Paquette will be happy to hear that, especially the fact that you did so before she was on board. =/\=
The name of the injured CEO made him realize that he had lost track of many aspects of the current mission. Never had he anticipated to lose himself so much into something that had not been his job or responsibility. Drowning himself into his work had been his way of dealing with his thoughts and memories, but this had been different.
As he waited for the other two LOCUS to catch up, Jayson thought back to his discussion with Counselor Dalziel and how she had made him look at things differently. He never begun to realize how much it had affected him until now, the way he had been so single-mindedly plowing through his day-to-day work before then. He had been hiding from his past so much that he had actually forgotten how to enjoy the simpler things in life.
It had taken a lot of time and work to get him here, and Jayson knew that Counselor Dalziel would warn him that there had been still a lot more work to do. Each day would be a new challenge, but at least things had been looking up for Ensign Stark.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Ensign Jayson Stark
Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
_____________
"Lunacy"
[Previous Post - " Spinning Wheels " by Jayson Sousa ]
_____________
Setting: Lunar Surface of PI ALPHA III
Stardate 30147.0941
Having addressed the immediacy of the Intel Liaison Officer's present operational status and any resulting medical conditions, was quite satisfied that most, save Officer Paquette, had been spared the extent of damage or injuries resembling her own. Seska's own blood having quite recently and since dried into hard, darkened scarlet lines on her own face, like some strange even enigmatic tribal representation across her pallid appearance.
ACMO Mizore having clearly noted Shar'El expressing a slight apprehension, even voicing a minor objection in resistance to being examined. It had been and would be her one major responsibility to herself for the state of her team, the crew, in matters of health. Her authority superseded many things when it came to the field of medical practice, she was 'Ace', not even an Admiral had the right to deny or refuse her, much less the present company of the raven haired minx of a woman.
As she attempted to assuage the young Ullian and relate to Shar'El, even if only a little, through a segue in to sharing a bit about herself. "I too, seem to have a minor personality tick as well, at least I have been so informed as much during my time at the Academy, though it is not something I am all that conscious or aware of when it happens or I do it." Giving a reactionary feint smile as she related even the small account, likely insignificant detailed summation of her collective past, which was something she did not seem to do lightly.
While the Bajoran Doctor had skillfully operated the medical tricorder, managing to quite proficiently manipulate the device with only the use of her left hand. Actively providing the means to assimilate terabytes of immunobiological information, routinely link to her PADD, and sort and compile all material in the extremely vast collection of patient related data in to customized list of records in nanoseconds.
There was more that still piqued a sudden and certain interest in Mizore's curiosity, as the tricorder registered several scattered traces of unusual, anomalous, unclassified and unspecified life signs. Average sized facilitative biped, some sort of silicon based Hominid Canidae was the closest conclusively theoretical explanation she could determine. Scans indicative of Five possibly Six relatively similar lifeforms or biosignatures in Ten klicks. :: I should make mention of this to Lieutenant Commander Maya, perhaps as an informal report, as it may very well prove a potential threat, though I am sure she would share a particular interest in this. We aren't exactly on a Five year mission to explore strange new worlds or seek out new life, nonetheless, it would be a shame to miss one such opportunity as this. ::
"I can see by the implicitly duplicitous or disingenuous look you are giving or directing at me. . ." Returning the woman's hard stare with her own, that seemed to see through Shar'El rather than at her. "I am aware of the inherent abilities of your species that or which you possess, as it is necessary to know everything I can, as even the slightest detail can affect, is reflected in, or may impact, the performance of my duties." Her expression never betrayed her, and remained incredibly stoic.
Mizore having taken the time to tighten the bindings on her right arm. "I may not have the capacity to do what you do, and have only a limited understanding of what it is you do, as my only reference or source on telepaths is at best, secondary observation or third party indoctrination from Vulcans. I could or would only surmise that Counsellor Dalziel would have a superior insight and legitimately more range of knowledge and resources to draw from, as to what exactly goes on in that head of yours." Her voice dropped a full scale, acquiring a definite reserved accent with a resonant disdain when she referred to or mentioned the Cardassian by name.
For an instant, she thought of Five moons of her home, her world. Derna, Jeraddo, and the Three unnamed sisters that rested in orbit above BAJOR. Her innermost thoughts had taken her back in time as she was reminded of Rika, reminiscent flashes of imagery of the time they both spent together, usually while performing some mission, under some orders, or on some assignment, ending only with the memory of Rika's passing. The mere act of standing, or being present on the moonscape of PI ALPHA III placed her in a psychologically open, receptive state that seemed to evoke her emotions, her thoughts, as sensations spread from within.
The Doctor's imagination took hold and seized her consciousness, creating a deep mental impression. While musing over the fantasized events, and lightly exaggerated elements of her fathers death, having been executed or assassinated in the Dominion War. Conceptually forging him in to some legendary Bajoran 'lyshu' or freedom fighter paragon burned itself in to her mind, evermore immortalized in some literary epic and the lore of her kind, if only in her memory. That she alone was his sole descendant, both inherited and carried on the ancestral Mizore name and its legacy, had instilled Seska with an endless pride, touched by the current realization that she could truly say she was papa's little girl.
Mizore's sight caught only shadowed or blurred glimpses when her attention finally snapped back to present reality. Flitting between the ILO and the scenery beyond while she adjusted herself, and fixed her wandering mind by reigning in her collective thoughts. Still, progress was slow to claim or achieve any dominance over her unfocused vision. In the distance, she noticed places where new plant life in a stage of early growth sparsely covered the ashen spanse. Past the trench of molten magma where it flowed East South East. Farther beyond the luminous river and low lying flora, surrounded by a mist of smoke, lay a recently formed tree line almost entirely clouded in obscurity to the North East.
Seska swiftly searched for a way to slip in even a shot or chance to improve the mood or atmosphere between the ACMO and ILO. Where Seska was attempting to develop some substantial or lasting reputation or connection with Shar'El, in hopes of becoming less of a stranger, a step toward acquaintance or even friend to the Ullian female. Though it seemed for the moment, like trying to shoot for the moon with a TR 116 Rifle, there was nothing she could think of to say or do that might change the situation. There was only silence, when nothing seemed to appeal toward that end, to alter the exchange in to a more positive context or contact. Seska could only hope that the woman would not misinterpret words she spoke, her actions, mannerisms, or lack thereof to mistakenly or intentionally cause any offense.
_____________
Gwen Spellblade
Ensign Mizore Seska
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS ANUBIS
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
"How Things Change"
[previous post was "Lunacy"]
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Thirty four years ago her father took over the Nylaan thrown to become the uncontested ruler of their world, acclaimed, worshiped and feared by all. As the first born male of the preceding High Sovereign his place in history had been set from the moment of his birth. This had been the way of things since the dawn of time and would continue to be until the end of all life.
As the new High Sovereign, Ya'Fen would insure the status of all his brothers by giving titles and roles of great importance within the planetary government to them. Minister of Trade, Minister of Science, Minister of Defense and many more equally flamboyant titles would be bestowed to each and all of the older brothers. The regal coloring of their hair being the only qualifications any of them required to be accepted in these positions of importance, the fact that no one would dare oppose the High Sovereign helped quite a bit. This had been the way of things since the dawn of time and would continue to be until the end of all life.
Any daughters of the High Sovereign would be properly trained to insure the continued value of their bloodline. This made finding a suitable husband for each one of them that much easier, not to mention expending the influence and available resources of the High Sovereign. This had been the way of things since the dawn of time and would continue to be until the end of all life.
Ya'Han, thirteenth born and seventh daughter of the High Sovereign, like all of her six sisters before her, had been educated and trained to be a perfect, intelligent and desirable mate. Their arranged marriages to outworlders would insure continued prosperity for generations to come, and secure the fame and importance of their world in the galaxy. This had been the way of things since the dawn of time and would continue to be until the end of all life.
Daimon Ardax, a wealthy and therefore important member of the Ferengi Alliance had been a well-known presence within the Ministry of Trades, and his wedding to Ya'Han had been hoped to prove profitable for all. She had not been the first daughter to be given in marriage to solidify the family's influence and reach, but she had been the first to ever refuse the expressed wishes of her father, the one and only High Sovereign. This had not been the way of things since the dawn of time and would not be permitted to continue even to the price of her life.
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Nine years ago she had fled her family, her home and her world, leaving all that she knew behind in defiance of her father's wishes. His command to see her marry Daimon Ardrax, a vile creature that she could only see as a small, pitiful Troll, had been too much for the youngest daughter of the High Sovereign to accept. All of her skills, abilities and feminine wiles had been called upon to see Ya'Han escape the walls of the royal palace, and her escape from the only world she had known until then had come at the price of her own personal dignity.
The shadows of regrets and doubts would occasionally fall upon her, whispering in her ears the gentle and caring words of her mother. This marriage would bring wealth to the entire planet and as a daughter of the High Sovereign her own fame would be forever assured. Ya'Han could see how quickly any of her sisters would have embraced the opportunity to travel to another world and live a wealthy life, but that had not been her goal.
As the youngest daughter of the High Sovereign her path had been set from the moment of her birth, a path that saw her become nothing more than a property to be sold, traded or even given away under the right circumstances. She had hoped for more from her life, and by the time she had reached her twelfth year she had wanted even more.
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Setting: NEW ALEXANDRIA, Holodeck C4-2
Stardate: 30148.1000
The empty walls of the holodeck surrounded her like an inescapable prison, yet she felt more alive and free than she had ever felt before. Ya'Han had wanted to conjure scenes from her world in response to latest whispers from the shadows of her past, but the woman with the long purple hair could not bring herself to give the final command. Through great pain and hardship she had earned her freedom from that life, an escape from her past, her family and the wishes of her father. To bring back to life, even by means of some elaborate scientific illusion the place that she had worked so long and hard to escape from would have been wrong.
That life, the life of her being the thirteenth born and seventh daughter of the High Sovereign had no longer been hers to claim or even remember. She stood, not as a member of some distant royal family but as an Officer of Starfleet, with all of the personal freedoms and liberties granted by her simply being on this side of the Ferengi / Federation border.
Ya'Han reached around her neck and brought with pride her solid black colored hair over her right shoulder. She had earned the right to take on any and all of the colors associated with her people, but the darkest had been hers to claim as her own by her decision and actions. Where she would have once been nothing more than a commoner, she now stood as an cherished elite in her field with the entire universe opened for her to explore as a free woman.
The thought of one day returning there did not even cross her mind because to do so would be to move in the wrong direction. Her home was now here, inside Federation controlled space in a base known only to a few. Her family would become the members of the crew she had been assigned to, and they would become her brothers and sisters.
She would work with and defend each and every member of the USS ANUBIS as if they had been of her own blood. This would be the way of things from now until the end of all life.
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Hanali Han
Ensign Ya'Han
Chief of Security / Chief Tactical Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
=-=
"Inner Conflict"
[previous post was "How Things Change" by the amazing Hanali]
=-=
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Outside the SPHINX
Stardate: 30148.0945
A little while back Shar'El had stepped out of the SPHINX to gather her thoughts after the draining, deep memory scan of Lieutenant Paquette. The scan had been needed to help keep the CEO calm while Doctor Doyanne and Ensign Ttosk attended to the Engineer's most immediate medical needs.
Physically, Shar'El would have needed several minutes to recuperate from such a deep scan, but it was the memories that the Ullian had forced back into the light of day that had proven to be the difficult part to deal with. Because of the intensity of the scan and how deep that single bit of Sonja's past had been buried in her psyche, the ILO had been forced to experience ever imaginable aspects of that memory.
Everything had come to a perfect stand-still while Shar'El experienced all of the sounds, textured and flavor of that one specific memory. The vividness of the emotions had been such that the memory had almost become a part of the ILO's own personal history. The Ullian had needed to take time to separate herself from the event and memory that she had never actually experienced.
The unexpected arrival of Doctor Mizore had not at all helped to ease the Ullian's abrasive mood. The fact that Seska had simply wanted to check up on Shar'El had been noble, especially when taking into account the Bajoran's own physical condition, but still it had not been necessary. At least as far as the ILO had deemed it to be.
Images of BAJOR and its five moons began to flood Shar'El's mind as these same images appeared uncontrollably to Seska. That memory was soon followed by images of times spent with a friend during the Cardassian occupation, memories that concluded with the death of that friend.
Shar'El did her best to block those memories, but Seska had been broadcasting these with such strength that the Ullian, in her current weakened state, could do nothing about it. From the death of her friend, the mental images and recollections went to the exploits of the Bajoran's father which only added to the intensity of the memories.
The ILO shifted her feet to help steady her posture for fear that she might end up losing her physical balance in response to the myriad of images that came from the Bajoran Doctor. Something had triggered this volley of memories in Mizore and she had been powerless to do anything about it, as Shar'El had been powerless to block them from seeing all of them.
Like the storm that had seen their ship crash, the flood of memories finally receded giving both women the chance to catch their proverbial breath and regain what little mental posture they could manage. Seska and Shar'El shared a lengthy look, neither one able to conjure the words that would adequately address what they had shared. The aCMO knew that her sudden outburst of memories had been picked up by the ILO, the expression on the Ullian's face having been more than enough of a hint to that effect. Shar'El on her side knew that this had not been of Seska's conscious doing and that something else had caused this to happen.
Despite this mutual understanding, only silence stood between the two women as each tried to move past what had come to be.
"I am sorry," Seska finally said before taking in a long, deep breath.
"I understand," Shar'El replied in a whispered voice. "At least I think I do. This place, this moon, is playing with us, testing us in way that I suspect even our great and powerful leader did not expect."
"This universe has a way of doing that," the Bajoran said sounding almost Vulcan in her emotional detachment, a fain hint of a memory hinting to the time she had lost while trapped by the Prophets inside their Celestial Temple.
Another silence was shared between the women, this one tempered by two weak yet genuine smiles which instantly vanished when the Acting First Officer stepped out of the SPHINX and joined the other two standing officer.
"Is everything alright?" Maya asked, having been concerned by the sudden disappearance of both the aCMO and ILO.
"Everything is fine Commander," the ILO replied, not truly wanting to go into any details as to what had actually taken place.
"I came out to make sure that Ensign Shar'El was medically fit and noted some strange tricorder readings that I had wanted to bring to your attention," Seska skillfully said, shifting the attention of their superior away from them and onto the tricorder readings the aCMO presented to scientist-at-heart Shillian.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
---
"You Can Take The Science Out, But This Shillian Will Always Bring It Back"
(Previous Post: "Inner Conflict")
---
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Outside the SPHINX
Stardate: 30148.1000
The Shillian had completed her survey of the inside of the SPHINX and gathered all of the items the acting First Officer believed might come in handy during the next phases of their training mission. As she stepped out, Maya noted something odd between the Intelligence Liaison Officer and assistant Chief Medical Officer which beckoned her to approached.
After having inquired as to the status of the two Officers, Maya was presented with a scientific mystery that the Shillian simply could not ignore. Although she had taken on the role and responsibilities of a First Officer, the fact remained that she had been a Scientist at heart, always willing and ready to dive into the unknown in search of an answer.
"If I understood these readings correctly, there seems to be five or six average-sized, silicon-based, Hominid Canidae bipedal creatures about ten clicks in that direction," Seska relayed as she pointed in the general direction with her one free hand while the acting First Officer closely studied the data contained on the small hand held device.
"Ensign, it is very unlikely that you picked up anything from such a distance on your medical tricorders as they are not meant to function at such a large range," the once Chief Science Officer of the USS ANUBIS diligently explained. "The sensory components of the TR-755 are in fact rated, at best, to pick life-signs within only a five kilometer radius," the Shillian added with some hesitation as she studied the readings displayed on the device in her hand with unparalleled intensity. "I mean, that this is not how these devices are meant to operate. After all they are limited by their design specifications which were made to sacrifice range for mobility and medical accuracy."
"I'm guessing you found something," the Intelligence Liaison Officer said with a grin as the acting First Officer continued to study the small device in her hand, a growing expression of disbelief and confusion having entrenched itself on her face.
"This cannot be possible, unless," the Shillian said as she reached for her own tricorder. "Microscopic metallic elements could have been vaporized into the thin atmosphere by the numerous volcanoes on this world creating a sort of sensor distortion field. In a high enough concentration the presence of such elements in the atmosphere could, in theory, cause sensor beams to be reflected, in part or even in whole, back to the point of origin. Of course this would also require some level of ionic polarization which could have, again in theory, been caused by the storm which we encountered on our descent to the surface. Since there is a mathematical probability that these conditions have been met, it is therefore plausible that your tricorder readings are merely the sensor echoes of the members of the crew of the SPHINX. Still, I have to admit that although the theory does have several solid points to create a scientifically sound foundation, it does fail to address one disturbing reading. It does not explain why the life forms that you noted on your tricorder are of a silicon-based evolution."
"If I recall my Academy Exo-biology class correctly, the Horta is a silicon-based life form, no?" The Intelligence Liaison Officer said, having managed to follow, if only barely, the rapid ramblings of the Shillian acting First officer.
"Unfortunately, the Horta is more of a moving rock than anything else, and is far from fitting the bipedal readings gathered and recorded by Ensign Mizore. What is even more unfortunate is the fact that there are very few races that we know of which fit both the characteristics of moving on two legs and having their cell structure contain silicon instead of iron or copper," the Shillian continued as she tried to have her own tricorder lock-in on the life signs that had been noted earlier by the Assistant Chief Medical Officer.
"All right, you got me. I admit that I was not paying as much attention in my Exo-biology classes at the Academy as I should have," Shar'El regretfully admitted. "The Horta is the only sillicon-based life form that I know of. What are the others?"
A short pause of silence was shared between the three women as each tried to make sense of the tricorder readings and their implication on their current situation and training mission as a whole.
"The Excalbians are one," the Bajoran Assistant Chief Medical Officer said after a few seconds, almost hoping that her readings had in fact not been of that specific race. Seska quietly went one step further in hoping that her tricorder had in fact not picked up the only other race that she could think of which also met the established primary characteristics.
"Although the Excalbians would find themselves very much at home in this type of environment, it is very unlikely that they would be present on this moon. The most recent intelligence report on that race still shows them as not having any space travel capabilities. This leave us with only one other possibility, one that we sadly cannot easily dismiss as being a possible explanation for this silicon-based life form capable of bipedal motion who would also have no problems existing in an environment as hostile as that of the moon of PI ALPHA III." The Shillian paused as if the mentioning of the name of the race would have been enough to make this possibility a reality. "The Sheliak could have easily traveled to this world for exploration or even colonization purposes."
"This is not good, is it?" Shar'El said with a sigh.
"Damn, no this is not good at all," the injured Chief Engineering Officer said as she was being carried out on a stretcher by Doctor Doyanne and Ensign Ttosk.
The three women who had stepped out first turned to see the remaining officer standing just outside the SPHINX, clearly having heard what had been explained about the tricorder readings and their most likely and undesirable source.
"If the Sheliaks are in town, it is time for us to get the hell out of dodge. They are not the kind of guests we want at this party," the Chief Engineer said with a sigh, not at all pleased to being unable to move on her own.
"We could always use her as bait to cover our escape," the Flight Control Officer said as serious as anyone could have been, drawing the immediate glare of the crimson haired Engineer and everyone else around.
---
Jessica Solarik
Lieutenant Commander Maya
Chief Science Officer
USS ANUBIS
"To see the world in a grain of sand,
and a heaven in a wild flower.
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
and eternity in an hour."
- William Blake (British, 1757-1827)
=====
“Catching Up”
Previous post - Jessica’s “Science”
=====
Setting: SPHINX, Command Deck
Stardate: 30148.0945
Sonja could hardly breath as the doctor was working on her leg, she was amazed that she had not felt it at the time of their so called landing… However she sure as heck felt it now.
She opened her eyes as the doctor told her to stop moving …well more like commanded. The CEO was not moving intentionally and was infact trying to stay still. She felt the ILO next to her being somewhat fidgety, Sonja looked at her and the woman could only manage a weak ‘you’ll be Ok’. Wow the CEO thought she really is not comfy with the task given to her by the CMO.
Sonja leaned back and tried to relax as the doctor worked, allowing her thoughts to drift to an other place and time. If her body could not move, at least her mind could keep busy. The CEO's mind went unbidden to memories of her family, her years at Starfleet Academy, her friends past and present. It seemed like these memories were passing like a slide show in her head. Every so often a memory would come to the front and remain to be explored in full details, like that picnic when all the family was together, sunset walks on the on the beach, classes at the academy even chats with her Starfleet roommate B’vorkah and her ill-fated liaisons.
What seemed odd about it all was that Sonja felt as though she was not alone with these memories. This became more evident when there was a memory the CEO was not willing to think of or remember. She had to forcefully push that memory out of her mind once again had she had done so many years ago. When she opened her eyes the CEO found the ILO staring down at, and almost trough her, with an intensity that would have been fierce even for a Klingon. This of course struck Sonja as odd because it had been so much out of character for the small raven haired woman.
Sonja looked back at Shar’el and was about to ask to confirm her thought that it was indeed the ILO who had, somehow, been digging into her memories…. When Doctor Doyanne put an end to it by telling the VIPER pilot to begin lifting the SPHINX so that Ttosk could pull her out.
Once she was freed of the console the CMO returned to work bandaging her wound with the assistance of the aCMO. While they were doing this Sonja turned to the towering FCO stating “Thank you for helping me,” and with a gentle grin she added “ I appreciate that you didn't go all macho caveman and drag me out by my hair”.
The towering Ensign gave a small snort of laughter adding “That is for longer trips."
The doctor finished her bandaging and sent the FCO to find the stretcher that was in the sickbay. Dr Mizore had gone outside to join the ILO with whom she would have to have a chat at a later time. The CEO looked at the doctor as she applied the finishing touches and fussed over her.
“So guess this means no pirouettes or kick boxing in my near future?” Sonja asked with a slightly pessimistic grin.
“Well not here you won’t,” the doctor replied professionally. “Your right Femur shows several hairline fractures and I fear that it could break and damage several of the arteries which were in a less than stellar state. I was able to repair the damage to the circulatory system, however the nerve and muscle damage I will have to wait until we are back on the ANUBIS due to their extent”.
“Ahh, here is my ride,” the CEO stated with a resigned sigh. As she was getting on the stretcher Sonja notice their EXO getting up and leave the SPHINX, she had almost forgotten the woman was present as she was so quiet and lost in her thoughts after the events of the day so far.
Dr Doyanne and Ensign Ttosk carried the injured CEO out of the SPHINX, they were directly behind the three women as they were discussing the possible meaning of the tricorder readings and hearing Maya’s usual lengthy scientific explanations.
(From Jessica's last post)
"This is not good, is it?" Shar'El said with a sigh.
"Damn, no this is not good at all," the injured Chief Engineering Officer said as she was being carried out on a stretcher by Doctor Doyanne and Ensign Ttosk.
The three women who had stepped out first turned to see the remaining officer standing just outside the SPHINX, clearly having heard what had been explained about the tricorder readings and their most likely and undesirable source.
"If the Sheliaks are in town, it is time for us to get the hell out of dodge. They are not the kind of guests we want at this party," the Chief Engineer said with a sigh, not at all pleased to being unable to move on her own.
"We could always use her as bait to cover our escape," the Flight Control Officer said as serious as anyone could have been, drawing the immediate glare of the crimson haired Engineer and everyone else around.
(Back to mine)
The CEO asked, with a polite smile, to see the CMO’s med kit for a moment.
“Certainly” the doctor replied quizzically has she handed over the small case over.
“I’ll make you a deal,” Sonja said seriously. “I will repair this should it need it in the very NEAR future, if you agree to fix a broken nose,” the CEO finished, her gaze locked onto that of the ANUBIS' CMO.
“Alright,“ Dr Doyenne said rather cautiously, “who’s nose needs fixing?” Before the CEO replied she notice a slight grin on the other woman's faces as what Sonja had said began to more fully register.
“HIS!” Sonja stated suddenly as she whipped the med kit as hard and high as she could at the targeted nose of the FCO, It landed with a loud thunk on the man's chest causing the imposing Ensign to step back out of surprise.
"What the he…” Ttosk had started but was cut off by Sonja who glared at him in such a way that he did not dare to say anything more.
"THAT is for the bait comment," the CEO clarified, wishing that her aim had been better.
=====
Lorraine Paquette
Lieutenant JG Sonja Paquette
Chief Engineering Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
=-=
"From Weird to Strange"
[previous post was "Catching UP" by the quick witted Lorraine]
=-=
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Outside the SPHINX
Stardate: 30148.1015
The spat between Ensign Ttosk and Lieutenant Paquette, as amusing as it might have been, had only momentarily distracted the rest of the team from what had been possibly discovered. In short, that they had not been along.
Doctor Mizore had inadvertently found something that despite her best effort, the acting First officer had been unable to dismiss. The more the Shillian had tried, the more grim the prospect had been of what had been out there with them.
"Could it be something other than the Excalbian or the Sheliak?" Shar'El asked not truly having understood the full extent of their predicament following the ExO's explanation. It was only due to the reactions of the others, notably the injured CEO's words that had made the ILO hope for any other alternative. The raven haired woman's lack of knowledge on those two specific races had been a failing on her part, that she freely admitted, but in her defense she had never expected to encounter either any time soon, if ever at all.
"Scientifically speaking, the Federation has cataloged only a fraction of the species in our corner of the galaxy, so it is very possible that we may be dealing with a never before encountered life form." Maya's short answer, at least for her, had been another indication of just how bad the idea of having a group of Sheliak out there had been.
Shar'El could not help but wonder if this had all been another way to test the team or if this had truly been happening. If the Sheliak, or some other hostile race, had actually been out there, it would at the very least offer a possible explanation as to why their descent had proven so difficult. Maybe whoever had already been on the moon's surface had intended for their presence to remain secret and the arrival of the ANUBIS's team had been very unfortunate.
Be it only a test or a real life-and-death situation, things would likely not get any better soon. It was the voice Ensign Mizore that brought an end to the ILO's deep thoughts.
"Maybe we could find more defensible ground," the Bajoran aCMO said while looking around. Although the immediate surroundings of the crash site had been very rocky, nothing had been of a shape or size that would give any member of the team enough cover should a conflict erupt.
"Moving Lieutenant Paquette on foot would be slow and very difficult given the terrain," the CMO said as she looked at her patient, the CEO appearing less than happy with the idea of them staying where they were with the possibility of the Sheliak being out there and closing.
"As much as none of you might like to hear it, staying near the SPHINX will give us the greatest advantage. While near the crash site, we leave it to our adversaries to guess as to what sort of resources we actually have access to. Also, it will make it easier for Captain Morningstar and the others to find us when they get back," Shar'El said as she accepted one of the phaser riffles that had been brought out from the SPHINX and passed around.
"So it is decided," the Commander said while she made sure that everyone had been properly armed. "We stay here and wait for the Captain's return."
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
##########
"Fear Is A Choice"
Previous post "From Weird To Strange"
##########
"Only fools fight what they cannot see or hear."
- Khan Noonien Singh, during the colonization of Ceti Alpha V
===
Setting: LOCUS 1, on the moon surface of PI ALPHA III
Stardate: 30148.1030
The Native American had to admit that the ride back to the crash site of the SPHINX had actually been a pleasant one. The four-wheel drive craft almost seemed to enjoy traveling over the rough moonscape, as if designed for that specific purpose. This of course left Captain Morningstar to think that it all had been too good to last. Let's face it, their journey to the moon of PI ALPHA III had not been such a joy from pretty much the get go.
From afar the Native American could see the rest of the away team, everyone having gathered outside of the wreckage of the SPHINX. It was only when the three LOCUS came to a stop that the CO noted something different, especially in the facial expressions of those that had stayed behind.
"Something wrong Commander?" Erik inquired as he got out of the craft, not truly wanting for his acting Executive Officer to reply in the affirmative.
"Doctor Mizore detected on her medical tricorder some bipedal silicone-base life forms about 10 kilometers from our current location," Maya reported with a certain hint of concern in her voice.
The Captain had been ready to point out that the mentioned device could not have performed as stated, but Erik thought against it. As an experienced Officer and Scientist there had been no doubt in the CO's mind that the acting Executive Officer had been very well aware of that fact and that an explanation had already been thoroughly investigated.
"Silicone-base bipedal life forms," Morningstar repeated with a sigh. "That narrows the field of possibilities down quite a bit, and none of them are all that desirable."
"Well, that would explain the phaser rifles," the OPS Officer noted as he and the CNS came to stand next to the Captain after having disembarked from their respective LOCUS.
"What would either one of those races be doing here?" Eve questioned as she looked onto the distant horizon as if trying to see what the tricorder had picked up.
"Too many possibilities," the Captain pointed out. "Still, it may be safer if we consider all of the options from the safety of an alternate location."
"Like the ANUBIS? I'm in, let's get going, NOW!" The CEO quickly contributed not at all trying to hide her desire to put as much distance between these silicone-based life forms and herself.
"Has there been any additional tricorder readings since the initial contact?" Erik inquired in an effort to accurately established the threat level and their own tactical situation.
"None," Maya replied as she handed over her tricorder to the Native American so that he could take knowledge of what little information they had managed to gather. The small device had receive a copy of the data picked up by the aCMO's tricorder as well as presented the CO with a map of their immediate surroundings.
"The lack of any addition readings may indicate that they are aware of our ability to track them," the ILO stated in a matter-of-fact manner, pointing out the growing tactical disadvantage the team had been faced with. "We are at a tactical disadvantage."
"Has anyone tried to contact the ANUBIS?" The CO inquired, thinking that maybe this situation had been beyond the limits of what had been expected from a training mission, regardless of how demanding it might have been meant to be.
"There is some type of ionization field present in the atmosphere," Maya explained. "There is no way to contact the ANUBIS, our signals are being reflected back down to us and the SPHINX's subspace communication array is completely destroyed. We were also unable to determine as to how far this field stretches making it impossible to know if we could just get out of the range of the interference. Our best bet would be to head for the BARRACUDA, we may be able to contact the ANUBIS along the way, or if we are unable to do so use the craft to return there ourselves."
The Native American sighed to himself in momentary discouragement, this mission had not at all turned out the way he could have hoped or ever expected.
"Alright," Erik began making sure that he had everyone's attention before he continued. "Commander, you, Ensign Stalk and Ensign Ttosk will take LOCUS 3 and take point. Stark knows the coordinates of the BARRACUDA and can be your navigator." The Native American paused as he shifted his attention onto the CMO and her patient. "Doctor, you will accompany Lieutenant Paquette in LOCUS 2 with Ensign Shar'El at the helm. Counselor Dalziel, Doctor Mizore and myself will take LOCUS 1 and bring up the rear making sure that everything is alright. Questions?"
"How long will it take us to reach the BARRACUDA?" Ensign Mizore inquired, trying her best to make it appear that her question had been meant for medical purposes.
"It is hard to say for certain because of the terrain and the shifting rivers of magma," Ensign Stark reported. "We might be able to make it in about two hours if we are lucky, if not and we have to take several detours, it could maybe take four to five hours before we reach the BARRACUDA."
"Then it would be best for us to get going now," Erik offered, sending everyone onto their respective tasks and crafts.
"I will need help to bring Lieutenant Paquette into the LOCUS," Doctor Doyanne stated, her gaze having already drifted onto the towering Flight Control Officer.
"You want her *on* or *in*?" Wydran asked of the CMO, the seriousness in his voice leaving it to everyone else's imagination to figure out if whether or not he had actually been joking.
Sonja raised a threatening finger towards the approaching FCO.
"In will be just fine," Lillie replied, interrupting whatever the CEO had been ready to unleash as her own answer, one that would have likely been sharp and meant to put the Ensign in his place.
"Doctor, Counselor," the Native American CO said as he invited the two women to step inside the LOCUS that would be theirs for the next leg of the journey. "Will you be needing any assistance," Erik added as the injured Bajoran passed next to him.
"I will be fine Captain, although I do appreciate the thought," Seska replied, keeping her own personal concerns about getting into a LOCUS with her CO as hidden as she could.
"If you don't mind, I'll drive," Eve said in a half teasing tone. Although the situation had been very serious, the Counselor had thought it best to try and keep the mood light, plus giving the CO some level of freedom to deal with whatever might come their way seemed like a good decision.
Captain Morningstar grinned for a second before he turned and watched as everyone got themselves ready in their respective crafts, wanting to make sure that nothing had been forgotten and that no surprises would come to disrupt their hasty departure. Erik gave one last look at the broken form of the SPHINX, thinking to himself as to just how much this training mission had taken a life of its own. What had begun as a mere exercise had turned into a possible race for their very lives, all depending on what had been on the moon surface with them, if anything at all.
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
---
"Driving Anyone Crazy, Especially One Self, Is A Unique Gift"
(Previous Post: "Fear Is A Choice")
---
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, LOCUS 3
Stardate: 30148.1100
With the swiftness and agility of an EARTH Gazelle, the lead LOCUS maneuvered over and around the treacherous terrain with ease. Since their departure from the crash site of the SPHINX only a few minutes ago, the Shillian acting First Officer had done nothing else but focus on her driving, acknowledging the directions of Ensign Stark with a quick and silent nod of her head.
"Is there a problem Commander?" The Operations Officer cautiously asked, his latest course correction having been once again received by the usually vocal woman with suspicious silence. Ensign Stark had debated with himself as to the risks of actually looking into the odd behavior of the Commander, and in the end the Ensign had thought it best to insure that all had been as it should be, even at the cost of an overly lengthy reply.
"Why do you ask Ensign?" The Shillian replied, the shortness of her counter-question having actually taking the Operations Officer by surprise.
"You seem... quieter than usual," the Ensign ventured,certain more than ever that this would either bring forth the Commander that everyone had become accustomed to or prove beyond and doubts that something had truly been wrong with the Shillian acting First Officer.
"I was just thinking back to our descent and the problems we encountered. The storm nor its intensity were truly unexpected but the flash of light and its effect on VIPER 1 made no sense. The sensors on board the SPHINX did not pick up anything that could explain what happened or even begin to indicate as to why the effects of the incident were specifically isolated to that particular craft," the Scientist replied actually causing Ensign Stark to smile, even if only briefly. Everything with the Commander seemed to be fine.
"Are you implying that this was not a natural occurrence?" The Operations Officer continued. As much as he might have dreaded one of the excessively detailed explanations the Commander seemed so fond of, Ensign Stark believed that the silent alternative had been less desirable for the duration of their two hour plus trip to the BARRACUDA.
"I am not saying or implying anything," the Shillian said as she maneuvered the lead LOCUS around a small eruption of magma that had spewed out from the ground directly along their current trajectory. " I am only stating the simple scientific facts that what happened during our descent does not fit within any normal natural parameters, and that unfortunately it leaves us with a great of unanswered questions . There had been no mention of any energy or magnetic storms in our mission briefing due to the fact that the sensors of the ANUBIS had not picked up any indications of such meteorological condition anywhere along our descent vector."
The Ensign quietly sighed to himself as he remembered that it had been him who had started this conversation. Still, the Commander had made a valid point, one that they all had been far to preoccupied to consider up until now.
"Sound like you are saying that the storm was artificially created," the Operations Officer said as he tried to formulate in his mind how such an explanation could have been made into reality. Weather control devices were almost common within the Federation, but all required a level of technology and power that would have been easily detectable by the ANUBIS well before achieving any type of orbit.
"Again I am not saying anything other than stating the facts as we encountered and recorded them. I am simply trying to make sense of the information that is currently available to us in order to understand what may have truly happened," the Shillian Scientist replied, her never ending need to find a scientific explanation for everything around her having once again surfaced above all other traits of her character and attitude towards the universe around her.
"Some people just like to have all the answers," Ensign Ttosk dryly said as he shifted in his seat, trying his best to make himself comfortable despite the constant bouncing around. The Zaldan Flight Control Officer would have been more than happy to drive the LOCUS if it had not been for the fact that the craft had never been designed for someone of his imposing physical stature.
"Part of life and why we are in Starfleet is to explain the unexplained mysteries that surround us," Ensign Stark said with a grin as he looked at the visibly uncomfortable man sitting next to him in the back of the LOCUS.
"There is no mystery on our having survived the crash," the Shillian acting first Officer said as she made yet another rapid course change, "but there is an interesting puzzle that led to the sudden malfunction of VIPER 1 and the difficult descent of the SPHINX that immediately followed."
"You are suspecting that those Silicone-based life forms had something to do with the malfunction of VIPER 1," the Operations Officer said as he tried to visualize how this could have been accomplished without any of the required equipment that would have been detected by the ANUBIS well before the start of their mission.
"I am simply entertaining one of several possible explanations as we currently do not have enough information to formulate any type of valid theory as to what actually happened," the Shillian woman said as she threw the LOCUS into a sharp right turn to avoid a fiery boulder that had come crashing down only a few meters ahead of them. "Such speculations could lead us to imagine things that are highly unlikely, like these boulders being sent along our current course by design instead of being a simple act of random natural probabilities."
"Well, probabilities or not," the Operations Officer said with a gasp as he looked up into the sky. "I do not like the way our odds, imaginary or not, have changed."
The eruption of a nearby volcano behind their current location had caused several blobs of molten rocks to be projected into the air, and strangely enough the majority of these fiery projectiles had appeared to be heading in the specific direction of the three LOCUS.
---
Jessica Solarik
Lieutenant Commander Maya
Chief Science Officer
USS ANUBIS
"To see the world in a grain of sand,
and a heaven in a wild flower.
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
and eternity in an hour."
- William Blake (British, 1757-1827)
"Dodge-ball, ANUBIS Style"
[previous "Driving Anyone Crazy, Especially One Self, Is A Unique Gift"]
[/\]
Setting: LOCUS 3
Stardate: 30148.1110
He held on to whatever he could as the LOCUS, under the expert control of the Shillian First Officer, dodged one fiery rock after the other. Jayson could not help but think that hell itself had been falling on them. Of course this only added to the suspicions of foul play.
"Someone or something is defensively after us."
Jayson had barely managed to say those words when another fireball landed right next to them sending the LOCUS rolling onto its side. After one full barrel-roll the four-wheel drive vehicle landed back onto its wheels and continued as if nothing had happened.
His gaze fell onto the First Officer who gave no indication of having been shaken by the stunt. Jayson had to admit to himself that he had been impressed by the woman's concentration in the midst of the chaos.
"Are the other two LOCUS still behind us?"
The question from the Commander made the Ensign reach for his tricorder. It had been nearly impossible for him to read the information being displayed due to the shifts and turns the LOCUS had been forced into. Eventually, Jayson managed to confirm that two mobile metallic signatures were behind them, dodging the falling rocks just as much as they were.
"They are both keeping up behind us. If this is some unnatural phenomenon at least this one if aimed at all of us."
The intended humor was lost on Commander Maya as she was forced into yet another hard right bank which threw Jayson against the inside of the LOCUS. The impact was so severe that it knocked the tricoder clear out of his hand, the devise landing into one of the many pools of lava.
"Sorry Commander, I just lost my tricorder."
"Let's just hope that it will be the only thing we lose. HANG ON!"
The LOCUS was sent into a sharp left turn that sent both Jayson and Wydran flying to the other side of the craft, the Ensigns crashing into one another. Not at all pleased by this, the FCO shoved the smaller man back into his seat. The last thing the Zaldan had needed was to have someone else in his already too small corner of the LOCUS.
As soon as the two Ensigns had returned to their respective seats, Jayson's eyes opened wide as he saw what was ahead of them. A large chasm had opened threatening to swallow the LOCUS and those inside whole.
Jayson's heart skipped a beat when he felt the LOCUS actually accelerate. Commander Maya had seen the chasm but hr reaction had not been what Ensign Stark had expected.
"Commander?"
"Yes I know, but going back is not an option and I think everyone will appreciate us reaching the BARRACUDA as quickly as possible."
Jayson and Wydran quickly held on to whatever had been closest just in time to feel the LOCUS hit a slanted stone that angled them upwards. The two Ensigns, out of morbid curiosity, glanced over the edges of the craft to see the raging river of lava flowing at the bottom of the deep chasm which they were now directly over.
The impact of their landing, as ungraceful as it might have been, was welcomed with joy and relief. Without the ability to use his tricorder, Jayson stuck his head out to see the other two LOCUS, both of them already in their air.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Ensign Jayson Stark
Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
"And For Something Completely Different"
[previous post was "Dodge-ball, ANUBIS Style"]
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
A Klingon, a Nausicaan and a Jem'Hadar walk into a bar.
This is not going to end well
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Setting: NEW ALEXANDRIA, Holodeck C4-2
Stardate: 30148.1100
The air was thick with smoke and the sound of the old wooden piano could barely be heard over the ruckus of the crowd. The barman on the other side of the large polished wooden counter had been busy cleaning a cup while he kept an eye on his patron-filled establishment. Through the cracked and stained reflective glass behind him, the black haired Chief of Security could do the same as she took an occasional sip from the drink which sat in front of her.
It was when the bartender suddenly stopped what he had been doing that she knew something had changed. His gaze, along with that of everyone else's in the saloon moved onto the three tall figures that now stood in the doorway. Their arrival caused the saloon to become deadly quiet in a single second, the expression in their eyes making it clear that they had been searching for trouble, and trouble had been exactly what they would find.
The black haired Chief of Security never turned to look at the three figures, instead letting the flatness of her back greet them. As the sound of their footsteps grew closer she reached for the drink that already displayed the imprints of her lips. In one single move she downed the more than half full glass before bringing it back onto the smooth counter top and sliding it towards the barman with a flick of her wrist.
"Fill her up, I'll be right back."
Ya'Han turned to fall face-to-chest with a Klingon warrior who immediately burst out laughing. She looked up into his dark eyes before looking at the other two figures standing right behind him. With their attention on her, many of the patrons had taken the opportunity to make their escape, but many more had remained. The Chief of Security knew that she might be able to hold the three of them this way for a few more seconds, allowing for more to leave, but she suspected that those who had stayed wanted to see what would happen next.
The Klingon rose both of his closed fists over his head and brought them crashing down onto where the Chief of Security had been standing. The iron fists easily broke through the wooden counter but failed to connect with their intended target, Ya'Han having swiftly moved to her side avoiding the attack with ease.
Using the off balance Klingon warrior as leverage, the Chief of Security brought both of her feet up and kicked the Nausicaan back several meters until he crashed into one of the many tables. The less than sturdy wooden structure quickly shattered under the weight of the creature, letting him fall to the ground.
Infuriated by what he had seen, the Jem'Hadar reached for his side arm only to find his Klingon companion stumbling towards him as he prepared to aim. The Chief of Security had skilfully used her momentum to swing and toss the warrior to knock down the third would-be trouble maker.
Ya'Han looked down at the three disabled combatants thinking that this had been far too easy. Stories of the combat prowess of all three of these races had made the Chief of Security expect much more even at the lowest setting of this program. "Computer, raise difficulty level to highest setting and resume program."
A few chirps and chimes were heard by the black haired woman just before she found her feet swept clean from under her. The Nausicaan had somehow crawled back without her noticing him, and by the time she had returned to her feet, so had the Klingon and Jem'Hadar who had been quickly closing in on her position.
The Chief of Security had to call upon all of her agility and speed to dodge the repeated ferocious attacks of the hunter and warrior, both out to claim the bragging rights of the kill. Pieces of shattered wood filled the air as each strike found some kind of mark, luckily for Ya'Han none had been her.
The black haired woman jumped on a nearby table in the hopes of taking advantage of the higher ground, but this would-be advantage was quickly stolen from her as the flat surface exploded under the bone-crushing hit of the Nausicaan. It would be the Jem'Hadar who would reach her first, his hand easily wrapping around her throat to lift the Chief of Security clean off the ground.
Her hands struggled against the hunter's wrists as her lungs began to ache from the lack of oxygen, but her efforts to break free from the Jem'Hadar's hold had proven to be well short of success. Ya'Han's vision became blur as she felt the strength in her arms draining.
"Computer, emergency end program," Lt. Commander NabuS said causing the three attackers to vanish into nothingness. The female Andorian had been watching from afar the training program since the very beginning, and thought that now had been the time to act. "It would be wise for you to remember that this is not an Academy training facility. The highest settings here automatically take all safety protocols off line. You could have been killed," the blue skin woman said as she offered a helping hand to woman trying desperately to catch her breath. "I will admit though that you lasted longer than I expected."
"Lasting longer counts for little if you end up as a trophy on someone's wall," the black haired woman said with difficulty as she rubbed her throat and neck, glad that the Andorian had acted as she had. "That said, this was an interesting program."
"It is a favorite of my twin brother," the Lt. Commander said. "Personally I think it childish. Anyway, I have been informed that there is a transport for you. They will rendezvous with the USS ANUBIS which is still on training exercises orbiting the Moon of PI ALPHA III."
Ya'Han's eyes sparkled with excitement at the news, she had heard and read so much about the ANUBIS and its crew that she had been very anxious to joining them. "When is the transport leaving?"
"As soon as you get on board."
Although still feeling the tightness of the Jem'Hadar's hold around her throat, Ya'Han quickly exited the holodeck to gather her few possessions before boarding the transport that would take her to her first posting as a Starfleet officer.
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Hanali Han
Ensign Ya'Han
Chief of Security / Chief Tactical Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
=-=
"Keeping Your Feet On The Ground"
[previous post was "And For Something Completely Different" by the ferocious Hanali]
=-=
Setting: LOCUS 2 on the Moon of PI ALPHA III
Stardate: 30148.1130
How Shar'El had ended up being the pilot of LOCUS 2 had still been a complete mystery to her. Surely there had been better drivers for the task, people with experience playing dodge-ball with meteor-sized rocks falling from the sky while trying to keep all four wheels on the ground.
Reading about the LOCUS and their systems had not prepared the ILO for this. Reviewing the schematics of the craft had certain not helped in anyway to understand how it would behave in a situation such as this one. The worst part had been that there had been no memories for her to access to help her handle this crisis.
Like everything else about this mission, this had been meant to be a relatively simple yet challenging exercise. There had been nothing simple about the crash of the SPHINX and certainly nothing simple about this point A-to-Point B drive. The challenge it seemed had been for Shar'El to maintain some semblance of sanity through this mess.
The torrential rain of fiery rocks had been difficult enough for the ILO to deal with, not to mention the ever changing landscape in front of her. It was when, following the lead LOCUS, she was forced to jump over a chasm with a river of lava at the bottom that all of this became too much. Either she would allow herself to *lose it* or Shar'El would vent her frustrations in an effort to reduce her growing anxiety. Luckily for those on board LOCUS 2 including herself, the ILO had opted for the latter.
"Doctor, I think you were right," Shar'El yelled to the CMO sitting in the back of the LOCUS while the craft dangerously flew over the chasm. "We should have infiltrated the Romulan Star Empire instead of coming here, it would have been a whole lot safer."
Doctor Doyanne recalled briefly the words she had spoken during the mission briefing as the LOCUS roughly landed on the other side of the chasm they had just crossed. The CMO would have offered some sort of reply if had not been for the screams of pain from the CEO.
"Do you mind, there is someone injured back here!" Sonja snapped at the ILO, the CEO's nails embedded into the fabric of her seat.
"Listen here," Shar'El snarled back as she turned around to look at the two women sitting in the back of the LOCUS. "If you have a problem with my driving, you can come up here."
The argument came to a rapid end when the Doctor pointed with a trembling finger to somewhere behind the ILO. In her haste to challenge Sonja's argument, Shar'El had not bothered to stop the LOCUS which was not heading straight for a boulder twice the size of the craft.
As the ILO fell back into her seat she slammed on the breaks as hard as she could to bring the LOCUS to a dead stop only a few hair-width from the bolder. Of course the sudden stop had caused the CMO and CEO to fly out of their seat, leaving the Doctor to land half way onto the hood of the craft while the Engineer rested squarely on top of the Intelligence Liaison officer.
"Next time you want me to drive, just say so, okay?" Sonja growled through clenched teeth before she closed her eyes and bit her upper lip. The CEO had been ready to scream bloody murder from the pain she was experiencing, but instead Sonja simply slid back into her seat having passed out.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
##########
"Shifting Understandings"
Previous post "Keeping Your Feet On The Ground"
##########
"IDIC, which stands for "Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations" is the basis of Vulcan philosophy, celebrating the vast array of variables in the universe. For us mere mortals it simply means that in the universe that surrounds us, everything is possible."
- Captain Seamus McTavish, USS PROPHECY, MIA
==
Setting: USS ANUBIS, in orbit of the moon of PI ALPHA III
Stardate: 30148.1130
"Still unable to get any sort of sensor readings from the surface," one of the crewman assigned to the science department reported to the Avatar who stood in the middle of the bridge. Since the beginning of this training mission she had been there, aware of everything that happened, both on the ANUBIS and with the away team.
It had been difficult or the majority of the crew to understand that ANI and the ANUBIS were actually one, sharing every iota of information. As the ship's Avatar she held no specific rank and therefor no official authority over any member of the crew, but as the ship-made-flesh, she controlled every aspect of the SCARAB-Class Intel Cruise which placed her in a role of command in the absence of the Senior Staff.
As an extension of the ship, most accepted her presence on the Bridge without question, going about their business without thinking twice about the Avatar. As a purple-haired artificial humanoid ANI was respected as an individual and often interacted with as if she had been not only a member of the crew, but a ranking officer. This had been the reason why reports had been given verbally to her, despite the fact that she already knew of their content well before the words had been spoken.
What continued to occupy the Avatar's mechanical and computerized thoughts though had been that despite all of the state-of-the-art equipment present on board the USS ANUBIS, ANI had been unable to explain why all sensor and communication contact with the Senior Staff had so suddenly stopped. The Science department had been tasked with identifying the origin and actual make-up of the interference field that had enveloped the moon in its entirety. The Engineering department on their end had been tasked with finding a way to somehow penetrate this field from orbit, the Avatar not ready to blindly send in a shuttle to look for their missing officers.
"Probes 2, 3 and 4 all stopped transmitting the moment they came into contact with the distortion field," the crewman at the tactical station reported with dismay. "It's as if the probes just vanished from existence. There is no trace, no debris, nothing."
"The absence of something can be a clue on its own," the Avatar offered out loud as she accessed the ship's memory banks on dimensional phenomenon. "There," she added as the main view screen shifted to display a tactical representation of a dimensional rift surrounded by countless sensor data and scientific formulas.
"I don't get it," the lead scientist moaned, unable to see the connection between the displayed image and their current dilemma. "If you are suggestion that the distortion field is caused by some sort of dimensional rift, we would have picked up some traces of an event horizon or a visual hint as to where the center of the phenomenon is located."
"Not if the moon itself is the origin and center of the dimensional rift," ANI offered, all of the clues, in their absence or presence, having left only one possible explanation.
"There has never been any records of a dimensional rift of that size," the scientist stated. "In fact I would go as far as to say that it would be impossible to create a rift that size, it would tear everything around it for light-years."
"I believe that we are limited by our understanding of this type of phenomenon," the Avatar offered as the image on the main view screen changed to superimpose the moon with the tactical display that had been summoned earlier. "The Federation has some dealings with dimensional rifts and travels, and although nothing has ever been recorded of this magnitude, their is no proof that such a rift is in fact impossible."
"Well, if we are dealing with a dimensional rift," the Scientist sighed. "What do you propose we do about it?"
"Unfortunately because we are completely isolated from the moon which is physically in another dimension from our own, there is nothing we can do other than wait," ANI admitted with as much regret as the programming of the artificial being could manage.
"We are receiving an encoded message from NEW ALEXANDRIA," the crewman sitting at OPS reported, the signal on his console having drawn his attention away from the main view screen. "The USS MA'AT will rendezvous with us in two hours, apparently they have a new Chief of Security for us."
Although she felt no emotions, the android actual smiled at the news, thinking of the distance the MA'AT would cross in only a few hours where the ANUBIS had taken days. The Quantum Slipstream Drive at the heart of the modified ANDROMEDA-Class Frigate had been something truly amazing, not that the ANUBIS had not been equally as impressive in her own way. Maybe the new Chief of Security would be able to offer a fresh perspective of this situation, one that would give them a way to see the members of the Senior Staff return safe and sound to the ANUBIS.
To insure that the new Chief of Security had been up-to-date with their current situation, ANI sent a copy of all available data and sensor logs to the USS MA'AT. At the very least it would allow Ensign Ya'Han to become familiar with the issues being faced, allowing her to maybe formulate an alternate explanation to what the USS ANUBIS had been unexpectedly called to deal with.
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
---
"Thoughts of Home"
(Previous Post: "Shifting Understandings")
---
Setting: LOCUS #3
Stardate: 63148.1120
As Ensign Ttosk was quietly sitting in the back of the LOCUS piloted by the Shillian Commander, he thought to himself about how awful his last attempt at a joke had been. Obviously comedy had not been something that he should contemplate as a possible future career. Asking whether he should put Sonja *in* or *on top* of the LOCUS was now occurring to him as not having been the best idea. If fact, the more he thought of this, the more he became certain that it had been one of his worst ideas yet.
The slight lack of emotion of it might have confused the rest of the away team, but Wydran continued on the journey in his mind and memories of the past. As he was thinking of the time he had spent on EARTH at Starfleet Academy, the Zaldan giant recalled not having enjoyed most of it because he had found it rather cold. The simple reason for this had been because of where he grew up on ZALDAN PRIME.
His ancestral home was located on a very large tropical island, near the planet’s equatorial region. Less than 100 meters from the front entrance a hot springs could be found, a place that the tall humanoid enjoyed visiting every chance he had. The clear bubbling water of this spring had been so hot that just getting into the water would make any normal human sweat instantaneously. Wydran also remembered a specific time when, as a young child, one of his older brothers added a large quantity of bubbly soap to the pool. The nearly instant mountain of bubbles which had been created still made him smile to this day.
He always found the cool breeze on the island he called home most enjoyable despite them easily reaching 40 to 45 degrees Celcius. It was not difficult to understand from this why the Zaldan would break out into uncontrollably shivers by just thinking of going back to Starfleet Academy in San Francisco.
His thoughts and pleasant memories of his home world we interrupted all too suddenly when a loud *CLANG* echoed through the LOCUS. The sharp turn that quickly followed caused his head to knock rather forcefully against one of the top safety bars of the four-wheel craft. After quickly regaining his wits, Wydran sighed as he easily imagined Lieutenant Paquette’s would-be laughter from miles away at the scene that he had been the one and only star of.
The Ensign sighed rubbing delicately the lump on his head matching his own imposing stature, silently dreading to himself the rest of what had been said would only be a two hour journey. The Zaldan faintly smiled to himself as he pictured this time frame applying, according to the Terran expression, as the crow flies. Of course this would only apply if said crow did not meet an unfortunate fiery end in this hell of a world that oddly enough the Flight Control Officer of the USS ANUBIS still found rather pleasant.
<><><><><><>
Scott Moll
Ensign Wydran Ttosk
Flight Control Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 1850
"Carrot juice carrot juice carrot juice!"
-the Doctor(6)
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
"Colorful Thoughts"
[previous post was "Thoughts of Home"]
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Setting: USS MA'AT, Guest Quarters
Stardate: 30148.1145
The Chief of Security sat on the chair in front of the computer display, her hands unconsciously playing with and brushing the long raven hair cascading over her left shoulder. The received mission report from the ANUBIS had been particularly detailed, enough to leave Ya'Han to question the training practices of the Federation Intel world.
To better understand everything, Ya'Han had decided to review in more detail the personnel files of the command staff. This she hoped would give her an inside look at the people and how they were likely responding to having been cut off from their ship. Working from the ground up, the Chief of Security decided to start with the Ensigns and work her way up the chain of command. As an Ensign herself, it seemed more appropriate given that she would likely relate more to them than anyone one else.
Ensign Wydran Ttosk, the Zaldan Flight Control Officer. Being as large and muscular as he was, Ya'Han was surprised that he had not chosen a career in the field of security. From what she could see from his file, Ya'Han concluded that he was the strong quiet type, letting his actions speak for him. In a crisis situation it had been very easy to see him being the one taking care of all the demanding physical tasks.
Ensign Shar'El, the ship's Intelligence Liaison Officer was next. The picture on her file reflected well the content therein, the woman being dark and mysterious in numerous ways. Abandoned as a new born child she had learned to fend for herself and this led the Chief of Security to picture the now grown woman as being one to deal with whatever came her way. Ya'Han grinned as she continued to brush her own hair with her fingers, amused by the status of someone with the same matching hair color.
Doctor Mizore Seska, the Bajoran Assistant Chief Medical Officer holding the rank of Ensign followed. Now here was a woman with a strange and interesting past. Vanishing into nothingness for over two decades would have been an impossible ordeal for some, but to have memories of an earlier time implanted into their mind would have caused most to go insane. It gave Ya'Han an indication as to why Mizore had spent a year on VULCAN and left the Chief of Security to imagine the Doctor as being someone able to deal with the most unpredictable of situations.
Next was Doctor Lille Hardusa Doyanne, the Chief Medical Officer. The Chief of Security paused for a moment, holding onto her perfectly white colored hair as she admired the almost innocent looking woman. Interestingly enough though, the history contained in the file reflected a troubled past. It was at this point that Ya'Han realized a little more just how complex the crew of the ANUBIS was and how perfectly she fit in with her own personal history.
Ensign Jayson Stark, the Chief of Operations came next. Compared to everyone else that she had read upon so far, the man came across as almost normal. The lost of his wife and unborn child had not been something easy to handle, but it had been a situation that he had not been the first to experience and would certainly not be the last. Ya'Han shared the man's pain having lost, in a different way, her own family leaving her to easily picture him as possessing an inner strength that would come in handy in times of great need.
The Chief Engineering Officer, Lieutenant Junior Grade Sonja Paquette was next. A third generation Starfleet brat, the woman's red hair seemed to hint to a fiery and independent character, one that Ya'Han easily appreciated as she brushed her own fiery locks as they flowed over her shoulder.
Lieutenant Junior Grade Eve Dalziel, a dark haired woman holding the position of Ship's Counselor came up next. Although the content of the file had been simple, there had been something about the woman's eyes that Ya'Han could not explain, something that pointed to the Counselor as being far more than she appeared. This left the Chief of Security to imagine the woman has possessing skills and abilities well beyond her official position and duties, assets that would most certainly play an important role in any difficult situation.
Ya'Han's hair turned a bright shade of blue as she read the next file, that of Lieutenant Commander Maya, the Chief Science Officer and current acting First Officer of the ANUBIS. Here was yet another officer with a troubled past, not only having lost her family but her entire world. The awards and lengthy service record showed a level of dedication that the Chief of Security instantly acknowledged. It would be interesting to speak with he Shillian and get to know her better, having succeeded after being faced with such an impossible situation.
Last, but not least, Captain Erik Morningstar, an Okanagan / Syilx Native American in command of the USS ANUBIS. Although Ya'Han did not personally know the man, she could see him as being the type to remain calm during the most chaotic of times, offering his strength of character to anyone who required it. The man possessed an aura of leadership about him, something that she admired through his picture as she pushed her purple hair back over her shoulder.
With about 30 minutes before her boarding the ANUBIS, Ya'Han thought it best to focus back on the mission details that had been forwarded to her. The situation on the moon would require the Chief of Security to land running and not waste any time asking questions to which the answers could be found on the computer display in front of her.
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Hanali Han
Ensign Ya'Han
Chief of Security / Chief Tactical Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
"Silicon Mystery"
[previous "Colorful Thoughts"]
[/\]
Setting: LOCUS 3
Stardate: 30148.1145
He stood next to the stopped four-wheel drive craft while scratching his head. His task had been to give directions to Commander Maya using the information that had been transferred from the VIPER to his tricorder. The problem was that he had lost the tricorder right after the jump over the chasm. As much as he might have wanted to, there had been no way to get the tricorder out of the pool of lava it had vanished into.
"We are lost, aren't we?"
The low growl in Wydran's question made it known to everyone that he had been less than pleased. By now, everyone had been more than a little anxious about getting off this hell moon.
"We are not lost. Being lost would imply that we do not know where we are. We know where we are, we simply do not know which way to go to reach our destination."
Commander Maya said from the driver seat of the LOCUS, clarifying the situation and making the OPS officer feel like he had failed in his task and responsibilities to the rest of the crew. His task had been a simple one, a fact that only made matters worse as he looked at the nearby hills and distant volcanoes.
"If it was not for the constantly changing landscape or the complete cloud cover it would be easy to get our bearings. Right now we will be lucky if we don't get completely turned around and end up back to the SPHINX and those silicone things we moved away from."
Jayson had been just as annoyed by their situation. Even more so when the other LOCUS came to stop next to them and the Captain walked up to him.
"Problems Ensign?"
"I'm sorry Captain. I lost the only map we had to get us to the BARRACUDA. It slipped out of my hand after the jump over the chasm and landed right into a pool of magma."
"We are all here safe and sound, and right now that is what matters most. The rest I have no doubts we will figure out in time."
The Captain's words were calm and reassuring, something Jayson found a little surprising. To be honest he had expected the CO to be at the very least crossed with the fact that they had lost their way because of the clumsiness of the OPS officer.
Jayson sighed, his eyes lost on he distant fiery horizon. As supportive and understanding as the Captain had been, they needed something to help them, to get them back on the right track. At this point, the OPS officer had been ready to accept pretty much anything that would help in one way, shape or form.
"Captain, my tricorder is picking up new silicon signatures. Three of them rapidly moving away from us, it looks like..."
Ensign Mizore's report stopped in mid-sentence. The Bajoran woman looked at her tricorder in a puzzled way as if something did not make sense.
"It looks like what?"
Jayson asked, thinking that maybe he should have been more careful as to that he had hoped for.
"They just vanished Sir, as if they had never been there in the first place."
"I don't know about you, but I am starting to dislike the idea that we are being toyed with."
The Captain's words in reply to what Doctor Mizore had reported seemed to echo everyone else's feelings.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Ensign Jayson Stark
Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
_____________
"Taken"
[Previous Post "Silicon Mystery" by Jayson Sousa ]
_____________
Setting: PI ALPHA III
Stardate: 30148.1137
So far the trip had been more a disaster, or depraved series of misfortunes, since the inception of the teams arrival. Since she so recently spent approximately the greater part or moments of the last hour eerily, nigh uncharacteristically in absolute silence, having been so savagely knocked, slammed, and generally beaten around inside the land transport craft, annihilating her fortitude and lowering her constitution, reducing her to a near primal state. She felt nothing, only the pain that wracked her entirely and so completely, rippling through every nerve in her body, as she could hear the bones grinding hard against the point of breakage.
The ACMO was quietly appreciating the temporary cessation from traveling in the LOCUS on what she was starting or beginning to consider as an accursed pile of lunar debris hanging dead in space. Still, Mizore's expression was one possessing extreme and obviously apparent enervation, while her eyes seemed animalistic, resembling a predator with a blood lust. Adapting more base instincts, embracing wild and feral urges. While completely aware mentally, still master of her own cognitive processes and functions, and sound of mind. had initially displayed mannerisms and body language that adopted a noticeably primitive archetype.
"Captain, my tricorder is picking up new silicon signatures. Three of them rapidly moving away from us, it looks like. . ."
Seska's voice fell into the quiet, curiously eyeing her tricorder quizzically, not fully understanding the strange complexity of the information displayed on the device. Turning her own attention to First Officer Maya, delaying to see if her words had registered with the Lieutenant Commander for a moment. Once, she was willing to accept as error, twice she would take as infallible evidence and incontrovertible proof that silicon based life indeed existed here on PI ALPHA III. Now it was undeniable these were not only some type of canine hominid species, these were in fact facilitative bipeds, normally or most common method of motion as a quadruped, with the potential or tendency to stand upright and walk as humanoid as well.
"It looks like what?" The Operations Officer inquired, thinking maybe he should have been more cautious about pressing the matter extensively, careful as to what he had hoped for or expected.
"They just vanished Sir, as if they had never been there in the first place." The Bajoran womans words were delivered rather flatly, giving no sign of intent to give an extensive analytical disquisition as she had issued her own offered response.
"I don't know about you, but I am starting to dislike the idea that we are being toyed with." The Captain's words spoken in reply to what Mizore had reported, echoed everyone else's feelings.
Lost and exhausted, Seska seemed intrinsically distant, her eyes stared off toward the west, following morass as far as the lunar horizon line. Making no effort to conceal her current state or obscure her present condition, she had neither the strength to engage in anything much more than standing in perfect stillness, nor the energy to keep appearances. Life seemed to slip from her as every moment passed, stripped of life and vitality, leaving her with no means of resistance. A relatively grave spectre of her former self.
:: This place, is like a doomsday clock. :: Mizore, entertaining thoughts of such a thing, as if the mass of PI ALPHA III were spiraling ever forward, toward some unknown and ominous event. Even her mind became heavy, weighed by the entire chronicle of recent occurrences, which was becoming quite the collectively extensive list. Everything wore on her since the impact of the SPHINX, tearing her apart pieces at a time, leaving her mostly unable to contribute in any major capacity, where most were busy with their assigned rank and field, Seska could only observe from a sort of sideline.
Morningstar, rallying the team into one unified cohesive purpose. Maya meting out specific orders, Paquette being the mind while Dalziel acted as the Chief Engineer's hands running basic or general diagnostic or performing minor maintenance procedures on the LOCUS vehicles. Shar'el taking up as active morale officer, while Doctor Doyanne continued monitoring the condition of Paquette and the crew, leaving Stark and Ttosk act as recon, scouting the area, and get a heading or some direction to the next LZ.
Mizore could feel herself falling, as if time itself stretched thin, almost stopped its course, altering her perception as it distorted everything around her. Seska's twin colored eyes dilated, forcing her vision to become extremely slowed, experiencing a strangely familiar sensation in some form of temporal vertigo, before gradually fading into deep black nothingness before the ACMO collapsed or even touched the dust covered greyed surface of the moon, nowhere to be seen or heard. There, where she once stood, was the only trace she was or had ever even present, her Starfleet comm.
_____________
Setting: PI ALPHA III, Location: Unknown
Stardate: 30148.????
In the darkness, there were only echoes of sound and shadows that shifted among the surrounding scene where the Bajoran now found herself in the midst of, when consciousness had finally returned to the ACMO. . .
_____________
Gwen Spellblade
Ensign Mizore Seska
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS ANUBIS
##########
"Deep Trouble"
Previous post "Taken"
##########
"Curiosity is one of the most permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect."
- Samuel Johnson
==
Setting: USS MA'AT, Transporter Room 3
Stardate: 30148.1230
=/\= Bridge to Ensign Ya'Han, stand by for transport. Sorry we can't stay, but we are expected elsewhere. Hope your journey with us was a pleasant one. Transporter Chief, energize in six seconds, Captain Greene out. =/\=
The new Chief of Security stood on the transporter platform, her hands held the travel bag which contained all of her personal belongings. The woman felt somewhat stunned by the rushed manner of her transfer off the MA'AT and onto what would become *her* ship. Since the now black haired woman had spent her time on board studying the crew of the ANUBIS and its most recent mission reports, she had not had the opportunity to better understand the primary purpose of the ship that had granted her passage. Time had been of the utmost importance for this ship and her Captain, and making the detour to the PI ALPHA system had been an already huge stretch for the crew of the ANDROMEDA-Class Rapid Intervention Frigate.
"Initiating transport sequence in 3... 2... 1..." the Transporter Chief announced, timing the transfer of their passenger perfectly with the ship dropping out of Quantum Slip Stream only long enough to permit the transport sequence.
==
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30148.1231
"Welcome aboard the USS ANUBIS Ensign Ya'Han," the ship's Avatar stated immediately after the woman finished materializing on the command deck. "My name is ANI."
"Give me a second," Ya'Han pleaded as she raised her left hand while the right dropped onto her knee to help insure that she would not collapsed onto the floor. "It feels like my head is in another part of this ship."
"Technically speaking, it was. What you are experiencing is an unfortunate side effect of what is referred to as a near-warp transport, but the feelings will quickly subside," the artificial woman explained as she extended a helping hand to the ship's newest Senior Officer.
==
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Underground cave system
Stardate: 30148.1235
The Native American felt as if his head had been part of the rock face that his arm had been resting against. The last thing he remembered was responding to someone calling out Ensign Mizore's name in panic. Erik's head felt so scrambled that the Commanding Officer of the USS ANUBIS could not recall who had actually said it, all Morningstar could remember for certain had been the sensation of overwhelming dizziness that had soon followed.
Erik stumbled as he tried to return to his feet, unable to understand why the dark room that he now found himself in spun so much. "What happened?" the Captain inquired with difficulty as he fell forward onto his knees, his hand instinctively reaching ahead towards a stone-made bar of some sort.
"Captain," the Shillian Acting First Officer quickly warned. "Do not touch the bars..." but Maya's efforts proved to be too late as the screams of their CO filled the underground passages that connected the cells in which the crew had somehow found their way into. "They are charged with some sort of bio-electrical energy, and although the voltage is not strong enough to actually cause physical damage, they are powerful enough though to cause excruciating pain."
"So noted," the Native American grunted as he cradled his hand against his chest in an effort to ward of the excruciating pain mentioned only seconds before. "What is our status?"
"We seem to have been transported into separate, individual cells," Shar'El stated allowing for the Captain to get a vague bearing as to where the ILO had been in relation to the Acting ExO and himself. "I cannot see you Captain, but I do have a line-of-sight on Commander Maya."
"I find it very interesting that these caves appear to possess bio-luminescent crystals scattered through the rock face, thus explaining our ability to actually see anything at all," the Shillian noted, once again proving that she had been and would forever continue to be a scientist above anything else.
"Do we know where everyone else is?" The CO inquired, his immediate concerns having been for the well being of his crew over their current location, especially thinking of those who had been injured prior to this unexpected turn of events.
"Captain, this is Doctor Doyanne. I am alright but I cannot see anyone else from my current location," the CMO reported. "What I can confirm is that I am in a cell made of rock as well."
"Ensign Stark here Captain," the OPS Officer chimed in next. "I can see Lieutenant Dalziel and Ensign Ttosk from where I am. Granted seeing Wydran is not all that difficult even from our respective distance, but still I can confirm that we are here and that both the Lieutenant and the Ensign appear to be unconscious."
"How are you feeling Ensign?" The Doctor asked, her duties as the ANUBIS' CMO leading her to insure that everyone had been as well as could be.
"I am fine, in fact that may be what is the strangest part of all this. I clearly remember bruising my arm when we landed from the jump over the chasm, but there is no pain or even any traces of the bruise on my arm," Ensign Stark reported with surprise. "It is as if my injury was healed while I was unconscious."
"Wish I could take the credit for that one," the CMO admitted with a sigh, "but alas it was not my doing."
"Where am I?" the Bajoran woman inquired next, having regained enough of her wits to note that she had been in a different environment then when she had fallen unconscious.
"Glad to have you with us Ensign," the Captain offered. "It looks like we have all been abducted, although we have yet to identify those responsible or their reasons for having done so. On another note, how are you feeling?"
"I am feeling fine, why?" the aCMO replied not at all understanding the reason for the question.
"How is your arm?" Doctor Doyanne inquired next, wondering if the condition that Ensign Stark had reported had been isolated to him or affected everyone else.
"My arm is..." Seska began as she grabbed hold of her now unbound arm and noted with confusion the complete absence of any pain. "By the Prophets, my arm is healed, but how is that possible?"
"That is just another of the many questions that we are currently faced with Ensign," Captain Morningstar replied as he tried as best he could to understand what had happened. Had the silicon-based life forms been responsible to their abduction, and if so why heal their wounds only to imprison them like animals?
==
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30148.1245
"Do you have anything more to add to the reports that I received while in transit on board the MA'AT?" Ensign Ya'Han inquired after having recuperated from the effects of her near-warp transport, the new Chief of Security wanting to get right to work on helping to find the rest of the Senior Officers of the USS ANUBIS.
"Sensors have confirmed that the interference field surrounding the moon of PI ALPHA III is in fact caused by a dimensional rift originating from the moon's center. There is currently no way to reach or even communicate with the away team," ANI reported, not quite as coldly as someone might have expected an android to. For all of her mechanical properties, the ANUBIS' Avatar did have the uncanny ability to appear human in many different ways from time to time.
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
"Grateful"
(Previous post - "Deep Trouble")
=/\=
"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others."
-Cicero
=/\=
Location: Moon of PI ALPHA III
Setting: Underground cave system
Stardate: 30148.1345
**Cold. Hard. Damp. Cold.**
Those were the sensations that pressed through to Eve’s mind as she slowly regained consciousness. Her thoughts were jumbled. At first she thought she was in her quarters on the ANUBIS. Then she remembered their mission objectives regarding the journey on the moon of PI ALPHA III. But she didn’t remember getting knocked out. And she sure as hell didn’t know where she was now.
She opened her eyes. It took some time for them to focus and adjust to the gentle light being cast by more crystalline parts of the stone walls of a cell… a rough hewn cell akin to some kind of prison. She sat up, disoriented, rubbing her teeth against her bottom lip as to somehow alleviate the physical malaise of her arrival there. Shadows were cast across her form by stone bars which served as the front of the cell. She saw others across the way to her left and to her right. Her mood improved when she realized they were Stark and Mizore.
“Sleeping beauty’s awake,” the Ops officer said, which elicited a noise from Eve somewhere between a groan and a chuckle.
“Everyone’s here?” she called out. Erik Morningstar’s voice answered reassuringly.
“Yes, we are all accounted for, Counsellor… but a bit of a captive audience as it were.”
“I would strongly suggest you not come into contact with the bars in any way, shape, or form,” Maya said from somewhere a little closer than Morningstar. “They are imbued with a bio-electrical energy which can be extremely painful if touched.”
“I will take that under advisement,” Eve mused, trying to figure out exactly what happened. She thought she remembered losing track of Doctor Mizore, but wasn’t even sure of that. “Are you alright?” she asked the aCMO.
“Yes. Somehow my arm has been healed,” she added, holding up the once wrapped appendage.
“Curious- why would a captor heal us and then imprison us?” That demonstrated some sort of civilization on their part, to take the time to tend to the wounded and yet still regard them as someone to be segregated from. Were they unknowingly interfering with the beings’ own plans, or did they simply not want witnesses?
“I think we’ve all been asking that question,” the CO added.
Instinctively, she tapped her comm badge and found it unresponsive. She silently questioned her judgement, as if most of the others were already awake, they too would have tried to reach the ship already. “Any thought to what could be blocking communications?”
“There are at least five main scenarios that could cause this,” Maya began, “but it’s impossible to speculate further without diagnostic equipment,” the Shillian Science officer added with a twinge of disappointment.
Eve sighed, laying back down in the cold hard floor, hands behind her head for support, examining the bars for any way to tamper with or disable them. There were too many unanswered questions. How long had they been here? Why were they abducted? What had they stumbled upon?
And, most importantly, how were they going to escape?
=/\=
Susan Ledbetter
Lieutenant JG Eve Dalziel
Counsellor
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
=-=
"Clear As Mud"
[previous post was "Grateful" by the cherished Susan]
=-=
Setting: PI ALPHA III, Underground cave system
Stardate: 30148.1350
It was hard to believe that they had been on the same world. The fiery chaos on the surface had been replaced, by no choice of their own, by the cool stillness of the underground. Every now and then a small tremor would be felt as a reminder of their location, leaving the ILO to wonder in silence if they would all end up buried alive.
Occasionally a pebble or two would be knocked loose giving Shar'El something to amuse herself as best she could. With the repeated warning about the bio-electrical energy that the bars were imbued with, no one dared to come close to front of their rocky prison. Some had chosen to pace the short length of their cell while the others, like the ILO, had retreated to the safety of the back wall.
Every so often Captain Morningstar, Commander Maya or Doctor Doyanne would call out to the rest of he crew, checking to make sure that everyone had been alright. With a very limited visual access to the rest of the senior staff, this had been the only way to insure that all was well.
Due to a mixture of fatigue and boredom, Shar'El allowed her eyes to close for a moment, letting her mind drift to nowhere in particular. Memories of her own Academy training days began to flash in her mind followed by her time spent on STARBASE 118. The ILO actually enjoyed this journey through her own memories until she realized on frightening similarity. Someone beyond her ability to see had been there in her memories, seeing what she saw, and feeling what she felt.
Shar'El's eyes sprang open as she drew in a large breath. The ILO instantly felt violated and angered from the experience, letting her know how others likely felt when she dug into their memories as someone had done to hers.
"Captain, I am not sure how or why, but someone was scanning my memories," the black haired woman said as she moved as close to the front bars of her cell as she dared to.
"Was it a telepathic scan?" the CO asked, not that he would have been able to do or even offer a way for any of them to counter such a mental invasion.
"I am sorry, I cannot say if it was that or some other means, but I can tell you for sure that I felt someone lurking about in my memories." Shar'El paused for a moment as she wondered how the rest of the crew would react to what she had said. The few who knew of her unique power to see other's memories would like understand where the ILO's realization had originated from. For everyone else though, the question as to how the apparently non-telepath officer had been able to sense this intrusion into her mind.
"Until we have more on this, I want everyone to focus on a single created thought," Morningstar ordered from his cell, giving the crew the simplest means to block mental scans. "Focus on an image and explore every detail you can, make it as real as possible to you, adding colors, sounds and textures. The most important though is that this thought, this memory be created. You can take something that is real, but add in details that should not be there. Imagine Starfleet Academy on VULCAN or RISA. See your quarters on some run down freighter."
"The deeper you force yourself into that memory, the more details you add, the better the barrier will be," Shar'El added. At the very least she would be able to explain that as the ANUBIS' ILO, she had been trained in ways to block simple telepathic scans. "Look at a field of flowers and imagine yourself picking one up, enjoying the feel of it in your hand, the way the sunlight dances on the petals. There are no wrong way to do this, so use whatever is easiest to you."
Silence once more claimed the underground corridor that stretched between the cells as each and every officer did their best to comply with their Captain's order. Why had their captors been searching into their minds? What means had they been using to do so? Most important though had been what would they, whoever or whatever they were, do with the information that would be gathered in this manner?
If Shar'El had not felt like a lab rat before this, the ILO certainly felt the most uncomfortable that she had ever experienced in her life thus far.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
"Wishful Memory"
[previous "Clear As Mud"]
[/\]
Setting: PI ALPHA III, Underground cave system
Stardate: 30148.1400
He had been a long-time expert in losing himself in a single memory, one that consumed his every thoughts and feelings. It had taken a lot of time and work to have him be free of that one memory, a part of his past that threatened to destroy his future. The moment the Captain's order was heard, that specific memory came to mind pushing all others out of its way.
Jayson closed his eyes and did his best to hold back his tears, but the memory had been too strong for him to control. Leena had been his world, and when she announced that she had been pregnant, the two of them became the only thing that mattered in his life. When the explosion destroyed the medical facility, it did not only kill mother and child, it also destroyed everything that he had and was.
His breathing became quick and shallow as the memory took a stronger hold of his consciousness. Details that had been made vague over time were as sharp as the day the memory had been created. The radiance of her smile, the happiness in her eyes, even the way she always tilted her head to the left. Part of him wanted to turn away and run, to escape this place that he had worked so hard to leave behind, but part of him wanted to stay and hold this memory until the end of time.
::The most important though is that this thought, this memory be created.::
The order from Captain Morningstar had been specific. Whoever or whatever had been looking into the memories of the crew had likely wanted to learn about them. To give a single memory for them to study would limit their access a great deal, but to make that one memory inaccurate would make their efforts worthless.
Jayson wiped the tears with his sleeve as he called upon every ounce of strength at his disposal. He needed to do this, not only for himself but for the rest of the crew.
He actually smiled when he saw Leena's blonde hair once again, the light of the bright overhead sun giving his wife an aura that was rightfully angelic. As he welcomed her into his arms, Jayson's mind extended to detail their surroundings. A field of bright wild flowers surrounded them for as far as the eye could see. The perfectly blue sky had not been touched in the slightest way by the presence of clouds, reflecting like a mirror the gentle color of her eyes.
His breathing as well as his heart rate slowed as the embrace went on. The flowery scent that hovered in the air mixed in with the delicate smell of the shampoo she used each and every day. they shared a lengthy gaze which was interrupted by a small yet insistent tug on his uniform shirt. As he looked down, Jayson's eye met those of a small little girls staring back at him. The blue of her eyes matched that of her mother, as did the golden lightness of her long wavy hair.
A smile that could only be found on a youth, happy child filled the space between them before the little girl reached for her parents' hands. The three of them headed out into the field of flowers without a care in the world, enjoying this moment as the perfect family that they were.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Ensign Jayson Stark
Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
=====
"What Fresh Hell Is This?"
Previous post - Jayson's "Wishful Memory"
=====
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Underground cave system
Stardate: 30148.1330
Sonja awoke feeling like she had been on a serious drinking binge involving Samarian Sunsets with Chech’tluth chasers, not a good feeling to say the very least about it. The surprising thing was that she no longer felt any pain. The redheaded engineer managed to peel open her eyes to see if the leg was in fact still there. Yup, there it was without any scar either… hum that is a bit of a mystery. She knew she wasn’t dreaming, or she would not feel this dreadful. It was a sign that she was indeed alive.
The CEO took a deep breath and brought herself up to a sitting position, this also testing the strength of her stomach as she felt like the contents would be making a move for a rather grand if not pretty escape. ::Alrighty then,:: the woman thought to herself, ::so far so good.:: The redhead decided to check out her surroundings, the walls seemed to be stone the bed was more of a ledge that stuck out of the wall, the ceiling was also stone though it seemed to be a bit lose and unfinished. In general it seemed like these cells were rather hastily made. Which could be a good thing as it meant more opportunity for flaws in construction. The far wall was openish and the bars made of stone or stone like material. Sonja stood rather slowly testing her leg as she did so and being mindful of her stomach that gave queasy a new level existence. Leg seems fine and back to normal and stomach was still contained, ::WooHoo so far.:: The redheaded woman made her way slowly to the entrance, to investigate these bars.
As the CEO was reaching out to touch the bar in front of her, Shar’El shouted “Don’t touch them, they are bio-electrical it seems.”
“Interesting,” said with a bit of curious wonder, becoming even more interested in the bars now. “Thanks for the warning, that shock would not have been good considering how I’m feeling,” Sonja stated with some relief that she was spared the experience.
“Whats seems to be wrong? How are you feeling?” the CMO asked with curious concern. Coming into view on the left hand cell across the hall.
“My leg feels like it’s never been injured as do the other injuries, however my gut feels like I spent the night drinking Klingons under the table” The CEO stated with slightly nauseated tone, “I only wish I remembered the party”.
The CMO wrinkled her nose and said “Possibly not the kind of party I would want to remember”. The Doctor paused for a second or two before she continued, “The queasy feeling your experiencing may be due to the healing process or the transporter they ‘whomever they are’ used to get us here” the blond woman stated.
“So was everyone similarly affected, and if so how long till this passes?” the CEO asked.
“Well so far, no one has reported anything as severe as you have mentioned, however you were the more severely injured or us and that would have impacted the reaction you are experiencing.” The Doctor replied. “As to how long this will last, I really don’t know, but it shouldn't last too long,” sighed with exasperation as she truly missed not having a medical tricorder available.
“Alrighty then, what have I missed?” Sonja asked wanting to get up to speed.
=====
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Underground cave system
Stardate: 30148.1400 (roughly 15 to 20 minutes later)
Well that was a mass of info and non-info all at once Sonja thought to herself. Now how the frak do they get out of… and what keeps falling on my head?. The red haired woman looked up to notice that the ceiling seemed to be crumbling in spots. She wondered what could be causing it and thought perhaps storms on the outside or minor quakes may be the cause giving her an idea that perhaps the quakes could loosen more than just the ceiling. Sonja shot up and started trying to shift the stones on the walls around the entrance with single mindedness. As she did so she noticed both Shar’El and the Doctor looking at her rather curiously, as she moved around her cell.
=====
Lorraine Paquette
Lieutenant JG Sonja Paquette
Chief Engineering Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
"That Sinking Feeling"
[previous post was "What Fresh Hell Is This?"]
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30148.1400
An hour and a half had passed since the new Chief of Security had arrived onto the ANUBIS. During that time Ya'Han had joined the efforts in progress to locate the missing officer and in that same time she had seen her frustration grow to an unimaginable level. Everything that could have been done to had been done, even things that seemed beyond crazy had been attempted and still no traces of the command staff had been found.
This had not been what the raven haired Nylaan had expected on her first tourr of duty a a Starfleet officer. She had not expected to be thrown in the middle of a battle the moment she would arrive on the ship, but it had not been her hopes to land in the middle of continued efforts to find the rest of the ship's command staff.
"Sensors are picking up something," ANI said causing the dark haired Chief of Security to quickly turn to face the mechanical woman with hope.
"Have we found the missing officers?" Ya'Han asked thinking that this was it, all would be fine and she would be able to actually get to know the ship instead of desperately looking for its command staff.
"No, but we are losing contact with the moon," the Avatar said unemotionally.
"WHAT!?!" Ya'Han had barely touched the floor from where she had been to where the artificial woman had been standing. "We can't just lose the moon that we are orbiting."
"Normally I would agree, but in this case that is exactly what is happening. The moon that we are orbiting is now barely registering on our sensors," ANI said 'a la Vulcan'. "The dimensional rift that is surrounding the moon has suddenly increased in intensity."
"What does that mean?" The Chief of Security asked, this science thing had never been her best field, and if given the choice Ya'Han would have much rather gone toe-to-toe with some mindless giant instead of trying to figure out this mystery. The fact that she had gained the ability to change her hair to blue only after having attended the Academy had been a solid proof of her weakness in that field of expertise.
"According to the latest sensor readings, the moon as well as the members of the command staff currently on it, are being pulled into another dimension," the Avatar explained as if this had been a common occurrence.
"Is there anything that we can do? What if we fired our weapons at the rift, could we affect it in some way that would see the moon and our officers stay in *this* dimension?" Ya'Han already knew the answer but asking the question had been the only thing that she could do at this time. Never before had she felt this level of uselessness, the formerly purple-haired daughter of the High Sovereign had always been able to do or say something that resulted in some level of action. The Chief of Security had expected, maybe with some level of naivety, that her position and duties would permit her to do the same while in Starfleet.
"Weapons fire will not affect the rift," ANI said just before the ship began to shake violently. "The rift has increased in size by more than 50 percent, we are now caught inside of it."
"Great, why do I have the feeling that this is not going to be the kind of day I will look back to with fondness?" the Chief of Security said to no one in particular as she took hold of the nearest thing to help her stay standing.
The ship continued to shake, threatening to send everyone flat on their backs, for several second before everything finally returned to how it had been. Everyone did a quick check to make sure that all had been well, and Ya'Han looked at the main view screen to see the moon in its fullest details.
"Well, at least this should mean that we will be able to get a lock on the command staff and bring them back on board with relative ease," the Chief of Security said, trying her best to look at the positive of their situation. Those words had just been spoken when the ship shook once again. "I thought we had cleared the rift?"
"We did," ANI said in that Vulcan tone that Ya'Han had truly begun to find annoying. "The shock we have just experienced is from an energy-type weapon. We are being fired upon."
Ya'Han's eyes suddenly glowed with excitement, and for a brief moment the black hair of the excited woman gained a faint reddish hue. "Someone is shooting at us?!? Now *that* I can handle. RED ALERT, shields up, bring all weapons to full combat readiness," the Chief of Security all but screamed, letting everyone present on the bridge know that this had been *her* field of expertise.
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Hanali Han
Ensign Ya'Han
Chief of Security / Chief Tactical Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
=====
“Freedom - Sorta”
Previous post - Hanali's “That Sinking Feeling”
=====
Setting: PI ALPHA III, Underground cave system
Stardate: 30148.1400
Sitting on the cold, rocky ground with her back against the far wall of her cell, Shar'El's thoughts were lost in fictitious memories. Thanks to her Ullian heritage, the mind of the ILO had been filled with partial memories of others which she could mix and match to create something that had never truly happened. If their captors had indeed been looking into their minds to learn something to be used against them, the dark haired prisoner had every intentions on disappointing them to the highest degree.
The ANUBIS had been made to be a simple exploration ship with holodecks on every level. An elaborate Bajoran temple occupied a complete section of the ship leaving barely enough space for the medical and scientific laboratories. The main engineering section on its part appeared more like an old style library filled with paper books on history. Shar'El had been just about to use the memories of their FCO to reshape the command deck of the ANUBIS when a pebble of notable size fell onto the woman's head.
The ILO rubbed her head while staring at the offensive rock now next to her feet. As far as Shar'El had been concerned at that specific moment, there had been clear and obvious advantages to working in space. When another rumble swept through the cell, he dark haired woman quickly got up hopefully giving her the ability to avoid another stoning. Several more rocks fell from the ceiling, some several times the size of the one that had previously found its mark on her head. What followed next startled the ILO, as a large rectangular slab came off the side wall of her cell.
"What was that?" The CEO asked from her cell across the passage way in response to the loud sound.
"A large piece of the wall just came crashing down. I am guessing that the last tremor loosed it," Shar'El replied, her eyes studying an unexpected discovery where the stone slab had been.
"Are you alright?" Doctor Doyanne asked soon after, the CMO never having abandoned her duties and responsibilities despite her inability to see or touch any of the other members of the team.
"I am fine Doctor, but I think I have discovered something interesting," the ILO said while looking at the dozen or so small conduits set against what appeared to be some sort of computerized back board.
"As long as it's not a skeleton, I guess we will be alright," Sonja said with a chuckle.
"It is not a skeleton, but I do believe that it is something that you would likely be interested in," Shar'El said. "It looks like something that you would find behind one of the access panels in your department. I just can't make any sense of it as it looks like a cross between an Andorian abstract sculpture and a light show set on *epileptic seizure*.
“Ooooh pretty lights,” Sonja chimed in, a little unhumourously. “Well looks like you’re going to be the guinea pig for now, likely part of that may control the doors so we have to try,” the CEO confirmed.
“Great, and I have no idea what I’m looking at, I have never seen anything like this...” The ILO sighed with trepidation.
“Ensign, just give it a try. Begin by removing a chip or wire,” The CO said encouragingly from afar.
The raven haired woman slowly advanced onto the now opened wall trying to decide what to do. As she stared into the open panel with its multitude of rods in various colours, her eyes focused on what appeared to be some isolinear chips and a trunk of cables and wires. The trunk even had small rods within it and what seemed like tube with a fluid running through it. The ILO could actually see the energy flowing over the trunk. She could stare at this for some time if it weren't for the fact that this open panel could free them.
Shar’El took a deep breath and reached for the more familiar looking item within the panel. She touched it quickly to test. All seem to be fine. She was reaching out again when…
“Go for it, it’s not going to bite you, well it shouldn't anyway,” grinned the anxious CEO, while she wished she was able to tinker with the panel herself. “At best you will have a perm,” the redhead said helpfully.
“Thanks, that helps,” the ILO said with a little sarcasm.
It was then that the woman grabbed what looked like an isolinear chip and tugged.
Shar’El suddenly found herself on the ground after receiving a shock, and was shaking her head to clear it.
“Feeling a wee bit tingly, are we,” Sonja said with a bit of giggle. “Did you get any curls from that one?,” the CEO couldn't help adding.
“No curls, thanks for asking,” the black haired woman stated with more sarcasm as she began to stand. “I would rather not do that again,” the ILO added once fully on her feet.
“Are you alright?” Dr Doyanna asked even knowing there was not much she could do.
“She will be just fine in a minute or so,” the engineer said with confidence. “That happens to me all time, well more like it used too,” she continued.
“That could explain things,” Stark chimed in from a distance.
That statement caused Lilly and Shar’El to smile a bit having become familiar with the ANNUBIS’ new CEO’s quirky ways and humour.
“A little ZAPPITY DO DA never hurt anyone,” the redhead stated matter of factly.
“Still I would rather not…,” the ILO started to explain.
“Ok… I read a lot of engineering books and manuals and I remember them,” Sonja stated staring directly at the ILO and remembering she was not alone with her memories while on the SPHINX. “Perhaps I should flip through them now,” the CEO said flippantly adding. “Perhaps it might help get this sorted."
The ILO returned the look understanding what the engineer was saying. Although she was a bit annoyed with herself that she had let herself get found out as it were, while assisting the red haired woman keep her mind off her injuries on the SPHINX.
“Aright, go through your memories and see what you come up with.” Shar’El stated, also understanding that in speaking as she had the CEO was not letting her secret out, something the ILO was appreciative of.
The raven haired woman looked over at Sonja who was making herself comfortable on the floor of her cell by the keeping herself in plain view. The ILO took a deep breath and began…
Shar’El stood next to Sonja in her memory real or fabricated she wasn't sure. In front of them stood a massive bookshelf filled with what looked like an amazing array of engineering tomes.
The CEO picked one and started flipping through it slowing at pages with diagrams or photos of panels. The only way to let her know it was or was not right was to say so aloud.
“No,” the ILO said firmly. And the next book was picked up … and so it went for several books. This must have sounded strange to the others, if so no one said that she noticed at least.
Until finally Shar’El saw what looked familiar and all but shouted “Stop that is the one”.
The CEO stopped and spread the book in front of her. Suddenly the memory shifted to one of an lab at Starfleet Engineering on EARTH. The speed of the images being spun through made the raven haired woman dizzy, the engineer was on a mission to find the right information.
The image stopped still in the engineering lab and the was an elderly man looking fondly at the engineer. The panel was in front of them the red haired woman pointed at the the components in order several times then removed them in the same order.
Shar’El looked at the panel and did as she was shown, thankfully no shocking surprise. “Done,” she stated aloud and turned back to the memory. The CEO showed her wires sounding a rod on the bottom of the panel… she pulled the orange wire off leaving the others. The ILO sighed and went back to the panel, hoping not to have a perm at the end of it. The wire came free with little effort. Once free the bars came down to everyone's surprise not least the ILO who was wearing a huge grin.
“Well done cupcake,” Sonja declared. “Now get over here and open mine,” the CEO said with a grin.
Shar’El opened the red haired engineer's cell using what appeared to be some sort of control panel that had been for obvious reasons located well out of reach and sight of anyone within the cells. Once the woman was freed they both opened the other cells with haste.
Sonja reached Tosk’s cell, “are we sure we want senor grumpy pants out?” This eliciting a growl from the Zaldan who was in fact grumpy. “Alright, alright don’t get you panties in a wad, sheesh” The CEO stated laughingly as she reached for the panel and freed the FCO.
All the crew was out and standing in the middle of the hall talking quietly as Tossk and Sonja arrived.
“Everyone is present and accounted for, so what’s the plan El Capitaine?” The CEO asked with a grin.
=====
Lorraine Paquette
Lieutenant JG Sonja Paquette
Chief Engineering Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
##########
"Three-Player Game"
Previous post "Freedom - Sorta"
##########
"If you know the enemy and know yourself you need not fear the results of a hundred battles."
- Sun Tzu
==
Setting: PI ALPHA III, Underground cave system
Stardate: 30148.1430
The crew members of the ANUBIS had all gathered at the end of the passage way where the CO and acting ExO had been held captive, everyone appearing more than happy to having regained their freedom. Although no one had been hurt or even mistreated, and in fact some had seen their injuries healed, the period of time spent in captivity had been less than enjoyable.
Without any tools at their disposal, the officers had been forced to rely on their senses to figure out a way out of this underground prison. Tricorders and communicators had been taken away when they had been brought here, making the task slightly more complicated. Luckily for them, the group as a whole possessed skills and experiences that would have made most ancient trackers envious.
"I will take point," the Native American stated in a whispered voice, not wanting to take any chances as to anyone or anything discovering their recently regained freedom. "Lieutenant Dalziel and Ensign Shar'El, you two will be right behind me, making sure that I didn't miss anything. Commander, you and Ensign Mizore will bring up the rear with Ensign Ttosk, making sure that we are not being followed. Everybody else in the middle. Unless there are any objections... let's go."
Morningstar headed down into the passageway, silently confirming to himself the reasoning he had used. His own tracking skills and rank had made him the only logical choice to lead, as well as using Eve's Cardassian genetic ancestry and Shar'El's Intel training to see what he might miss. Having the next most experienced officer at the rear in Maya had made just as much sense, adding the Bajoran instincts and Zaldan strength to insure that all went well.
As much as the group moved forward carefully, their speed had been steady leaving no doubt in anyone's mind that they had been searching for an exit with the greatest of possible haste. When the group arrived into a larger chamber they discovered what appeared to be some sort of control center.
"This is definitely not your typical cave formation," the red headed CEO pointed out as she studied the rock pillar that appeared to be shaped to create the supports for the consoles.
"It would seem that whoever did this is capable of reshaping stone formations to suit their needs," Commander Maya added in clear and unmitigated admiration.
"It is clear that they possess a high level of technology," the ILO stated to their Captain with some puzzlement. "It does not explain the reason or purpose of them putting us in isolated cells though."
"It is a natural reaction to fear what is not understood," Eve explained, trying to understand herself the nature of what they had all experienced thus far.
"They did heal all of our injuries," Doctor Doyanne added, certain that this simple fact had made them to be more friend than foe.
"With all due respect," the Bajoran aCMO quickly interjected. "Cardassians were well known for healing their prisoners during the occupation just before executing them. It made them feel good about themselves and served to show everyone how just the Cardassian Union was." It had been easy for everyone else to see and hear that this particular memory had deeply bothered Seska.
Just then all eyes turned towards the latest arrival in the room, a tall and muscular creature that appeared almost as a Terran wolf standing on its hind legs. Everyone froze as each tried to guess as to what would happen next, the crew of the ANUBIS reflecting the surprise displayed by the strange alien being.
"We mean you no harm," Erik offered, not at all certain if his words would be understood. Without their communicators the universal translator had not been available, something that could make this situation far more complicated than it could have otherwise been.
"Friends... no," the words from the wolf-like alien had been partially distorted as if spoken by someone who had never heard those sounds before.
"Did he just say that he is not our friend?" the FCO snarled, ready to tackle the creature should the need arise.
"He might just have stated that he *is* a friend and for us *not* to do anything to him," Ensign Stark offered as an alternative. "He actually looks scared of us."
"That's all nice and dandy," Sonja whispered to no one in particular, "I am not all that thrilled to seeing *that* either."
"Difficult is your language," the menacing-looking creature with the shimmering fur stated, leaving most among the crew to realize that it was not fur at all but some kind of artificial fiber.
"We are friends," the Native American repeated, offering both of his wide opened hands as a gesture of friendship and peace.
"Akitashiinu we are," the creature stated after a short pause during which he tried to form the proper sounds to say what he had intended to.
"Wow, that rolls off the tongue," the redheaded engineer added again in a whispered voice to no one in particular.
After the exchange, the wolf-like creature pointed to one of the consoles near the far wall and the collection of Federation issued devices that had been placed there. The crew moved in the indicated direction to retrieve their belonging with one single exception. The ILO remained behind, her eyes scanning the room as if searching for something that had touched her thoughts, the fact that she could not see anything only made her search all the more.
The entire scene played out in front of blue eyes hidden by natural invisibility. Normally the sharp senses of the lupine like race would have alerted them to the presence of the invisible intruder, but the presence of these never before seen aliens had given the cloaked being the opportunity to remain undetected and be a witness to this unexpected meeting.
==
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30148.1430
"All combat systems have been activated," ANI confirmed in reply to the order given by the Chief of Security only seconds before.
"Return fire," Ya'Han ordered, more than happy to be in the middle of the action in a ship that she suspected could take care of itself in a fight with elegant ease.
"Against which target?" the ANUBIS' Avatar inquired, drawing a rather puzzled look from the new Chief of Security. "There are two other ships in orbit with us, and they seem to be fighting one another, not us."
"How did we not detect them before now?" Ya'Han asked as she called up the latest sensor data to her station.
"Likely for the same reason we were losing sensor contact with the moon," the Avatar explained. "Those ships were most likely present in this dimension when the moon was drawn into it as we were. Given the very different construction styles and weapons being used, it is highly unlikely that these ships belong to the same race."
"So our luck being what it is, we just crossed into another dimension in the middle of a fire-fight," the Chief of Security sighed. "Back us away from the battle zone and let them finish it without our interference."
"Engaging reverse thrusters, transferring all available power to forward shields," ANI said as she complied with the order, moving the ship back literally through the power of her thoughts. Once the ANUBIS had reached a safer distance, the vessel stopped allowing those on the bridge to witness the ongoing conflict between the two alien vessels.
Although the two ships were proportionally small in comparison to the ANUBIS, the battle between them was fierce and soon led to one of the ships to distance itself in a hurry.
"Why are they not perusing the other vessel?" the crewman at Flight Control inquired out loud.
"Two possibilities come to mind," Ya'Han said through a lengthy sigh. "Either they are the type not to finish a fight, or they have identified a larger threat that requires their immediate attention."
"A larger threat?"
"That would be us," ANI confirmed. "Alien ship as altered course and is now targeting us. We are being scanned and I am detecting an unauthorized access to our computer's linguistic bank."
"Looking to find how to say *hi*?" Ya'Han said in a half grin.
"If so they have found it. We are being hailed," the Avatar announced calmly.
"This is where things get interesting," the Chief of Security offered as she straightened her uniform. "Put them on screen."
A large, almost featureless face filled the main view screen of the ANUBIS, two rather menacing wide-spread blue coloured eyes looked back at them with such intensity that it had been almost a foregone conclusion that whatever this species had been, they meant business.
[/\] We are Yxidii. State your identity, purpose and allegiance. [/\]
"OK... This is Ensign Ya'Han of the USS ANUBIS, we are here in search of our missing officer who are likely trapped on the moon over there. As for our allegiance, we are part of the United Federation of Planets," the Chief of Security replied, not entirely certain that her answer would satisfy the imposing beast that had appeared on the screen.
[/\] If your people are in the hands of the Akitashiinu, they are either already dead or in mortal danger. [/\]
"Well," Ya'Han said as she closed here eyes for a brief moment. "Not exactly what I had hoped to hear."
==========
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
=-=
"Beyond Sight"
[previous post was "Three-Player Game" by the amazing Francois]
=-=
Setting: PI ALPHA III, Underground control chamber
Stardate: 30148.1445
All creatures, be them great or small, use their senses to navigate and survive the universe around them. Touch, smell, sight, sound and taste all play role in giving shape to the world around each and every being. For some though, another sense is added to the common ones giving an additional level of experiencing the limits of their surroundings.
Although not a true telepath by common definition, the Ullian's ability to reach into a person's mind to see memories gave them an understanding of this extra sense that most could barely comprehend. Because of this, Shar'El knew beyond any doubts that there had been something more about their first meeting with the wolf-like race known as the Akitashiinu.
Looking at the canine-humanoid specie the ILO could *see* intelligence and cunningness as well as fear and nervousness. The odd part had been that when looking at the Akitashiinu Shar'El did not *feel* anything beyond what her five primary senses had noted. Still the strange and nagging sensation of something hovering at the edge of her mind persisted.
Shar'El's eyes searched with purpose the dimly light room, trying her best not to dismiss the occasional blurry distortion effect as having been caused by the bio-luminescent crystals embedded in the walls and ceiling. This entire room had been alien in every aspect and the ILO could not bring herself to take anything for granted, how ever strange it might have appeared. As far as the dark haired woman had been concerned there had been something else in the room with them, and all that she needed to do now was to somehow prove it.
Had the ILO believed in the slightest way in ghosts or the supernatural, she might have thought that it was some sort of unnatural creature that had been in the room with them. Science and experience though had thought the raven haired woman that there had been no such things, only conditions beyond anyone's immediate understanding. Shar'El took a step forward as if heading to catch up with the rest of the crew before she stopped mid step and fully turned around without any warning. Her gaze aimed into the middle of a blurry distortion set against the wall as her mind reached out to see if her suspicious had been correct.
A faint smile flashed on the ILO as she began to see a distant fog of memories which only made her dig even further in search of answers and proof. Her suspicions had been proven correct, not she needed more to convince the others of what she had discovered. Where the smile had been only seconds ago, an expression of total disbelief now appeared as the memories Shar'El had found became clearer.
Frozen in time, the ILO could not stop herself from seeing the rapid flow of memories she had discovered, each flawless image triggering countless more to surface threatening to drown the dark haired woman in a world of the past.
"Are you alright?" Seska asked having noticed the absence of the ILO from the group. The presence of the Bajoran's hand on Shar'El's shoulder proved to be enough to break whatever connection had been created with the unseen creature.
"There is something in here with us," the ILO explained while trying to regain both her breath and wits.
"How do you know this?" the aCMO asked as she looked at the empty wall ahead, wondering if maybe the stress of their current situation had been too much for the ILO to handle.
"I saw so many memories, distant and detached," Shar'El explained as she brought her hands to cradle her head. "What bothers me the most is that those memories where *mine*," the ILO added as the rest of the crew now gathered around the dark haired woman to see what had happened and if they could help in whatever way available to them. "Those memories were *MINE!"
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
"Unseen Opponent"
[previous "Beyond Sight"]
[/\]
Setting: PI ALPHA III, Underground control chamber
Stardate: 30148.1450
To say that the ILO had been upset would have been a huge understatement. She seemed ready to cry or lash out at the nearest target. What worried the OPS officer the most had been that she looked like she would do both at any moment.
"Why is she so upset at having seen her memories?"
Jayson's question had been directed to Counselor Dalziel who had taken a kneeling position in front of the troubled woman. As much as she might have wanted to answer the question that had very likely been on everyone's mind, the CNS focused instead on the officer needing her immediate and complete attention.
As Counselor Dalziel attempted to comfort Ensign Shar'El, the canine-humanoid creature that the crew had met only minutes ago approached with hesitation. The creature's nostrils were flaring ferociously as it took position next to the ILO and CNS, its eyes seemingly searching for something else. Ensign Stark noticed this behavior and attributed it to the creature trying to understand what had been going on with Shar'El. When he tried to reassure the Akitashiinu that all had been fine, the wolf-like beast leaped in a single bound through the gathered officers knocking several to he floor.
By the time everyone managed to get back to their feet, they saw the Akitashiinu in the throws of a battle with an unseen form. Its sharp claws and teeth were digging deep into an invisible flesh to release an odd green colored liquid. Each time the canine-humanoid creature was thrown away, it would bounce back just as quickly, never giving a chance to its opponent to consider any other alternatives.
Wydran and Jayson quickly took position in front of the other officers to offer a barrier of sorts. Should the battle come to them, the two Ensigns had hoped to make sure that neither combatants would reach members of the crew, protecting their CO and everyone else by doing so.
Luckily it seemed that the battle was well contained between the two fierce opponents, although only one of them could actually be seen. Because of this it had been difficult to gauge as to how the battle had been going. That said though, the amount of green blood now on the walls and floor pointed towards the idea that the fight would soon reach a permanent conclusion.
Jayson was a little shocked when he saw the Akitashiinu dig its teeth into what turned out to be the other creature's neck, causing it to become visible. Everyone could see that there had still been some life in the once unseen combatant, but that was taken care of swiftly by the wolf-humanoid alien hybrid.
From behind his back the Akitashiinu fetched a small cylindrical object which with a single jerking motion expanded into a full length staff. That staff was quickly forced into his opponent with so much brute force that it impaled it clean through to the wall.
"Yxidii BAD! Yxidii DEAD! All we now are safe."
With the battle over, the Akitashiinu withdrew from the battle field to tend to its own injuries leaving the motionless form of its opponent there for everyone else to see. The imposing humanoid appeared to be larger than their FCO, which by itself had been very impressive. The manner in which it had been dealt with had also been impressive, leaving the OPS officer to think that it had been best not to upset their host in any way.
As the away team studied the final scene a general understanding washed over the Starfleet officers. The hatred and rage between the two races had been beyond any simple description. The question remained though as to why and how this would help or hinder in their efforts to return to the ANUBIS?
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Ensign Jayson Stark
Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
---
"Strange Creatures Indeed"
(Previous Post: "Unseen Opponent")
---
Setting: Yxidii Battle Cruiser. Command Deck
Stardate: 30148.1500
"If your people are in the hands of the Akitashiinu, they are either already dead or in mortal danger," the Commanding Officer snarled not having enjoyed speaking the name of their enemy or the fact that someone else had come to get in the way of their affairs.
[/\] Well... Not exactly what I had hoped to hear. [/\]
It had been easy for the Yxidii to access the linguistic translation bank from the computer of the USS ANUBIS, this despite the layers of protection that had stood in their way. From there it had been simple to establish a translation matrix and contact the unknown ship. What had been far more complicated though had been to understand the nuances of the language and dealing with the odd looking creatures that appeared on their main viewer.
At first glance the race appeared almost fragile, lacking in physical stature and mass. Their ability to construct a vessel the size that had been encountered indicated a certain level of engineering and mechanical skill, so far though there had been little to show as to the intellectual level of these alien creatures.
A simple glance towards the science station had been enough to have the Yxidii manning that station to initiate a bio-scan of the alien command deck. It had long ago become normal procedure to scan any enemy vessel and gather as much information as possible. In the heat of battle, knowledge could easily turn the tide and grant victory where defeat had been expected.
The data gathered was made to be displayed on the main screen, unseen by those the scan had concerned. This permitted to pinpoint specific data to their respective sources. A detailed listing of the atmospheric content appeared at the bottom of the screen, showing down to the atomic make up what the Yxidii would encounter should they board the alien ship. Although different from their own, the O2 / N2 (Oxygen / Nitrogen) atmosphere would not prove harmful. The rest of the data that appeared on the screen showed the heart-rate, respiratory frequency and bone density among other crucial details of each individual on the alien command deck. That data had been essential to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of any potential enemy.
The attention of the Commanding Officer stopped on one set of reading which greatly differ from all others. The creature that stood next to he one who had spoken earlier had been completely different, in fact it had not been biological at all but rather mechanical in origin. This unexpected discovery guided the course of action that the Yxidii would follow from this point on.
"If you are having difficulties in locating your missing officers, we are ready to offer our help. The Akitashiinu have grown increasingly more sneaky in their ways of hiding their victims from potential rescue, and although our methods may not be perfect, we do have more experience in dealing with these unnatural beasts than you," the Yxidii Commanding Officer said in a forceful yet friendly tone, not at all trying to hide his own dislike of the enemy.
[/\] Thank you very much for your offer, [/\] the Chief of Security replied with a hint of hesitation and caution. [/\] If you will permit us, we would like to review the situation and contact you once this had been completed. [/\]
"Act as you must, but keep in mind that each second you chose to review your situation may cost your fellow shipmates their lives. The Akitashiinu are not known for being patient, or civilized for that matter," the Yxidii said as he ended the communication with the alien vessel, not at all pleased by the reply that he had received.
Ages ago the Yxidii had leaner the hard way that diplomacy had been a tool for cowards and the weak to delay or even hinder progress. Only once their social structure had been challenged and destroyed, to be immediately replaced by a military command structure had their society truly begun to evolve and prosper. Within the first full solar rotation, they had reached the stars and within the next ten solar rotations of their home world the Yxidii had taken their place in the galaxy.
Dealing with races that still used the tools and methods found within the diplomatic measures had been difficult for the Yxidii who valued honesty and action over words and promises. Still, there had been no reason to mistrust those found within the new ship at this time, so the Commanding Officer would do his best to be patient without becoming foolish. The Akitashiinu had still been out there and could return at a moment's notice, so the battle cruiser and its crew could not afford to be distracted in the slightest way by these strange creatures and their alien ways.
---
Jessica Solarik
Lieutenant Commander Maya
Chief Science Officer
USS ANUBIS
"To see the world in a grain of sand,
and a heaven in a wild flower.
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
and eternity in an hour."
- William Blake (British, 1757-1827)
=-=
"Dimensional Dilemma"
[previous post was "Strange Creatures Indeed" by the stellar Jessica]
=-=
Setting: Yxidii Battle Cruiser. Command Deck
Stardate: 30148.1510
The Yxidii Commanding Officer joined his Science Officer to more closely review the data gathered during their scan of the alien command deck. As much as he might have personally disliked the wait that they had been forced into, there had been little choice. Had it not been for one troubling anomaly, the Yxidii Battle Cruiser would have tried to force the ship back to whatever dimension it had originated from. That way the Akitashiinu would be their one and only headache to deal with. Unfortunately he situation had not been so simple.
The two sets of dark blue eyes studied with great interest the information from the scan of the artificial life form that they had discovered. The fact that it had said nothing only added to the unsettling mystery, the robot having stood silently behind the creature that had spoken. The motionless mechanical creature had remained still, listening and watching as if supervising the verbal exchange. If their suspensions were correct, this alien ship would prove to be far more dangerous than they could have ever cared for.
It was true that the alien ship had come from another dimension, and that because of this the single robot might have been something completely different. Then again the possible differences between their dimensions could explain why the robot had appeared so different from anything they had encountered and fought against countless times before. Neither form had been all that pleasant to look at for the Yxidii Commanding Officer, but it had been difficult to see the purple haired alien as being a cold, ruthless killer.
The robotic race known as the Imperian had been encountered over a hundred times, and each time the Yxidii had barely managed to escape, if at all. Luckily the artificial creatures had possessed a technology lesser then their own in regards to speed and propulsion permitting an escape when possible. The problem with these mechanical creatures had been their tireless tenacity which had made them to be very deadly opponents. Their core programming, to see all biological life be eradicated, drove these artificial monsters to perform countless horrors. So far though there had been no indications that the creature on the alien command deck had been in anyway way, shape or form related or even associated with the mechanical race.
One possible theory offered by the science officer was that the Imperians, in another dimension, could have evolved to be less robotic in appearance allowing them to manipulate those they were sworn to destroy. Why risk their own perfect creation when a single well placed artificial agent could force biological life forms to fight against themselves? That simple thought made the Yxidii Commanding Officer think twice before engaging the alien ship in any manner.
Even if the artificial creature had not been a member of the mechanical race, there had been no way for the Yxidii Commanding Officer, or anyone on his crew, to know if there had not been some collaboration between them. The best that could be done had been to wait and see how the alien would reply to the offer for help.
Insuring that the Akitashiinu did not gain control of this moon and its resources had been of the highest importance leaving the Yxidii commander with little to no choices. Patience it seemed would need to be a close friend of his for the time being.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
" It never happened. . . ? "
[Previous Post "Dimensional Dilemma" ]
_____________
Setting: PI ALPHA III Underground
Stardate: 30148.1354
Alone, in perfect stillness, Mizore sat caged in her cell, among the surrounding senior officers. While not the most accommodating conditions, it was still far from disagreeable. Having thought to herself, that there were far worse places that she could think of, one of a more personal nature. Though she had not given it any more attention than a fleeting glance, instead turning toward Morningstar's suggestion of isolating a single memory, one moment in time, and fabricate some experience.
“Your thoughts are a turbulent ocean. Visualize yourself floating above them.” In hushed echo, Seska recanted words spoken to her by her Vulcan master and mentor Ka'len, where even her breathing slowed, as any sign of life became imperceptibly nonexistent.
Adapting false details, or even creating entire alternate memories was quite easy, and the ACMO had decided to take the Captain's advice to an extreme. Not only a solitary memory, instead changing an entire moment in her history, and shifting an entire experience in her lifetime into a strange sort or form of erratic montage of layer upon layer, tier by tier of deception.
"Officer Shar'El, you may want to focus on something, or at the very least, direct your attention away from me for the moment." A wry smile crossing her lips, though only CMO Doyanne or Counselor Dalziel would take any notice of it as it appeared for the briefest instant. Seconds turned to minutes, as time ebbed before her conscious thoughts had become loud enough to drown the surface thoughts from the Prophets.
Seska summoned the memory of Rika, as she called it to her mind, cold and stripped of life, her closest friend held in the embrace of her arms. However, decidedly not revealing any definitive details how such a situation had come to be. No sentiment was shown, no sign of any feeling given. Only the motionless form of her first real, good friend as Mizore had laid the form of the girl to rest on the hard packed dusty ground, still stained in pools of crimson and umber, more lining the scene of the skirmish.
A slow constant rumble of emanated from the away team's cavernous grotto prison, loosing dirt, stone, and debris around them. Most of the ACMO's attention had been concentrated on very specific memories, while she had carefully and skillfully combined lies with half truths, in attempt to not only stealthily manipulate what the Prophets had given her, but to confuse and mislead any who would read or rend her mind for thoughts. Occupied by the mental process, Mizore passed the time collectively gathering the scattered small stones at her feet as they had fallen from above, arranging them into formations of a makeshift or rough variant of the Vulcan game or test of logic, Kal'toh.
The Bajoran girl, only seventeen years of age, slowly extended her left hand toward Rika, where it floated in the air like dancing leaves, lingering aloft on gentle winds. When and where her fingers softly came to rest on her friend's right ear, her voice was given breath, and her breath gave way to words so quietly spoken it was difficult to know for certain exactly what was said.
"Ahn kay ya, ay ya vas, Coh mah ra di nay ya."
She spoke the words in her thought from memory, as they echoed through the distance. Her voice uttering to the words that fell from her lips, from mental illusions across the barrier or breach in to the realm of reality.
Whenever Seska had removed a piece of the stone, casually tossing with a flick of motion at the geological pillars that formed the bars lining her cell, the bioluminescent light whirled and swirled like some small scaled version of an aurora. Noting the behavior of the illuminations, simple or base organic matter as well as metallic elements caused the patterns to stay or remain passive, inactive. The energies only reacted to complex matter or synthetic compounds such as lifeforms or tech, causing sparks or shimmers.
When the last sounds had died down and all was almost silent, as soon as everything had once again become a hushed din, Rika stirred before Seska, spread in front her, Rika came to rouse and rise. Trading the pale chill of one no more for the world for the sanguine glow of life returned bring renewed vitality and virility. The fiery red headed girl with freckles and dark brown eyes, only just older than Seska herself, no longer or no more for the throes of the unliving or passing to an afterlife.
Inherently entranced, interested in the phenomena, curious, Mizore's vision started to take a slight haze, everything she could see became just slightly blurred as if observed through a gauss filter. Color became brighter, more vivid or vibrant, as shadows and darkness were muted or dull. Her twin shaded eyes panned and dilated, becoming unfocused, as she had started to see beyond color, light and dark. Her depth perception seemed chaotic, or rendered irrelevant. When Seska cautiously leaned in moving her face gradually toward the strange sights of the spectral dim glowing aura around the bars. When she had reach a distance of approximately one meter, the sharp current shocked through the air, spanning the distance as it arced in a single hard line toward her and recoiled, stinging the the surface of her face as it lightly burned, singeing the skin, momentarily stunning her vision, temporarily blinding the Bajoran with cascading flashes of bright blue, pure white, and deep purple light.
Her mind began to flood, turning thought in to a tempestuous maelstrom of memory. Two individual beings stood apart, facing the other, surrounded amidst a scape dark as pitch and black as night. Mizore, adorned in the traditional Vulcan robes customarily associated with a master of the art of 'Ke tarya yatar'. Across in opposed position was her teacher, Ka'len. Equidistantly lying between them, a solitary flame lit lantern was the only source of light providing little in the way of illumination. Ka'len recanted the words appropriate to the situation. . .
“The flame, like emotion, is a primitive force. Left unchecked, it is chaotic and destructive, but if controlled, it can be a powerful tool. The lamp controls the flame, as you must learn to control your emotions. Envision the flame burning within you. The flame grows hotter, a point of white light. Follow it backward through the years to a time when you were younger. . . A child. . . Your earliest memories. Try to recall a time when you experienced uncontrollable anger. Then your anger was a source of strength, it protected you and gave you courage. The rage within you runs deep and has been with you for many years. You must learn to master it.”
It was these very same exact words that Seska recited in whispers in the quiet.
As the Vulcan male spoke to her, his voice containing a lifetime of wisdom, knowledge, insight, and experience of his age, always drawing nearer. With each step, she followed in kind, mimicking his every move, only stopping when he did. "There is nothing more, nothing left I can show you, young woman, Seska. I have taught you all I know, trained you in every way. There is only one thing you must do, and you will do it. You have to finish what we started when I accepted you, taken you, chose you as my apprentice."
The reactionary effect the ACMO had received from the latent bolt had frightened her to her very center, where she shoved herself away, slamming her back against the far wall with her hands over her face. Shivering from the residual charge as it coursed from her head down her spine then through her hands to the tips of her fingers.
The ordinarily normal look to Ka'len's eyes had changed to reflect the seriousness of his sincerity. The dance had already begun before he had even finished his words. Every step to circle her was calculated, while Seska herself countered and mirrored his every move or motion. Ka'len was the first to draw blood, counting for his many, long years of experience in Vulcan customs and rituals. A crimson line forming from the corner of her lips, turning small spots on the blackened floor a dark crimson. It was another three swift series of exchanges before she finally connected. Proving to herself as well as Ka'len, that she was worthy, not to be underestimated or taken lightly. The Vulcan coughed harshly, yielding up green blood only to be spat to the floor.
"By the Prophets, for Kai's sake. . . Why is this happening to me today. . . ?" Seska managing to curse and swear on her misfortune or inauspicious luck, while she whimpered under muted breath.
The conflict or confrontation went on, a constant fight for dominance in a test of wits. Where one gave ground, the other advanced. Where one retreated, the other would pursue. Where one lead, the other followed. The floor tainted, and slick with sweat and blood, creating a bizarre mosaic cast in emerald green, bright scarlet, or the color of earth where they mixed, upon which now seemed like hallowed ground of an arena. The soft sound of foot falls and steps where they each tread.
Ka'len moved forward, balancing the entirety of his weight away from her, the Vulcan slid toward her covering his body with his left arm and hand. Then, appearing in her counterparts eyes, was the fatal flaw or error of his mistake. He had projected and telegraphed his tactics, which she noted, interpreted, and anticipated. When he feinted toward her left side, preceding the attack of a flurry of blows to her right, she had moved to aside, pushed in toward him as her left hand gripped soft area between his neck and shoulder, rolling her own weight, applied significantly substantial pressure, as she had come to stand behind only just off to his left. This was it, there was no turning back, it was over, and all the man, Ka'len, could do, was accept it, expect it. An uneasy nod was all he gave, which was something Mizore had not often seen.
"You have become more than I imagined, young lady, Seska. To have successfully learned and executed such a maneuver." Knowing that there was nothing anyone could do now that would change his fate, only turned ever slowly to face her, pressing the fingers of his hand to press against Seska's head. "This, is the last thing I have left, the only thing I can offer to you or give. It is yours now. Keep it with you." Her own eyes had fixated with his, as she could only understand his actions, that he had given her his katra, or in her native tongue, his pagh. She too, knew what she had just done, what she had committed by the act of performing such a move. Soon as she released the pressure, Ka'len fell to the floor, there was only silence as her eyes had still followed him.
_____________
Gwen Spellblade
Ensign Mizore Seska
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS ANUBIS
_____________
" What a long, strange trip it's been. . . "
[Previous post "It Never Happened...?"]
_____________
Setting: PI ALPHA III, Location: Underground Akitashiinu Den / Encampment
Stardate: 30148.1441
The ACMO, was anxiously among one of the first to reclaim what was lost or confiscated on their arrival to the endless maze of the cave system below the surface of PI ALPHA III. Even if Starfleet's presence here, was not consentual or forced, all crew was accounted for and otherwise seemed alright, some even improved, herself included. She had made it a specific mission or quest of hers to retrieve her fathers keepsake the instant she had noticed or realized it was not at her side, her Bajoran phaser no matter what it might take, or cost her. The portable med kit containing her personal PADD. Then the medical tricorder she had been issued or provided in Sick Bay, yet there was nothing of her Starfleet comm badge.
Witnessing the Intel Officer's state of unrest, panic, afflicted with or suffering from a minor case of paranoia at having seen through the mind of another, her own memories. "Officer Shar'el, is there anything I can offer or do to assist you medically?" Mizore having carefully composed her statement as it was given with a noticeable sense of concern for her crew under her care. "A small dose of norepinephrine might calm your nerves or at the very least settle them even a little." Lowering herself to the same level as the crouching Ullian woman, so that she could see Shar'El eye to eye.
It was only reluctantly that she had accepted the offer Seska had proposed, it was simply to disturbing seeing ones one memories through the mind of another, like a mental mirror, familiar places, experiences, people and their faces, though without any of the direct emotional context or personal reference, only mere hollow images. Deep within, she had felt that if anyone could in some manner, connect over such an event or relate to the ILO in this, it was her.
As the Akitashiinu bounded through the stone control antechamber toward them, the ACMO scarcely had time able enough to shove or throw Dalziel out of its direct path, and pull the Intel Liaison with her away from the line of sight of the lycanthropic aggressor, where Shar'El had come to rest on her having fallen on her backside, was only glad none were caught in the resulting melee.
When everything had come to a standstill between the Akitashiinu and Yxidii, and the combat or fighting had ceased, Mizore scanned for each of her team, continuing her role as one of the two medical officers on hand, responsible for the safety of the crewmen, quickly ascertained and evaluated the fallout.
Having set her eyes on the injured Akitashiinu, who seemed to be bleeding out a semitransparent blue ichor through a meter long wound across its chest, she had also caught sight of the CMO, visually interpreting her situation and status appearing to be unscathed. When Doyanne had looked back at her, both looked to the body of the respective Yxidii visitor or intruder. Almost of the same mind, Seska deferred to the CMO, as Lillie took the initiative as the senior medical officer, the two in perfect agreement or accord as if through unspoken communication. Where as Doyanne had taken it upon herself, as she assumed the task of examining the Yxidii or going through the procedures of or for an autopsy if needed, to learn what they could about them, as a species.
Mizore raised her arms, revealing an open tricorder in her left hand, steadily approaching the member of the Akitashiinu race, to make known her intentions. "I am no threat." She paused for a moment, looking for the way to best convey her field or position, or at least the most appropriate word to explain her role. Her right hand pressed to touch against the green of her uniform with slow movements, openly showing that she meant no harm "Healer." Then placing her hand over the center of her mass. "Mizore Seska" Bringing the tip of one finger to the bridge her nose, tracing the ridges, then toward the metal cuffed earring on her right. "Bajoran." Having dropped to her knees beside the injured creature, now able to see, this one with eyes the resembling pure latinum, and 'fur' alike in color to the mineral jet.
Her first contact and communication with a type not alike and so different from her own, or any she had encountered before, being silicon based rather than carbon based like so much of Starfleet many members. She had to perform an initial scan, constantly recalibrate and reconfigure the settings of her tricorder to compensate for the numerous differences between carbon and silicon life, performing a routine blood test as the catalyst.
Bringing to her hands both the autosuture and dermal regenerator from her medical kit, as she was about to enact the standard operation procedure, the injured patient before it stopped her for a moment. Glaring with those wild eyes, resting a hand over its chest, its tall ears flickered. "This one name, Satesh." As another came from the shadows, a slightly smaller Akitashiinu, with sleek build and slivery white 'fur' had arrived without notice. "I am tribe Souhai. This one name, Maro. Shaman, Healer, Priestess, Spirit Walker. Peacekeeper for tribe Souhai and tribe Seka. Her tribe Ketai."
_____________
Gwen Spellblade
Ensign Mizore Seska
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS ANUBIS
"Shaking Things Up"
[previous "What a long, strange trip it's been..."]
[/\]
Setting: PI ALPHA III, Underground Akitashiinu Den
Stardate: 30148.1520
With Seska and Maro attending the injured Akitashiinu, Jayson decided to join Doctor Doyanne in her examination of the impaled Yxidii. The growing pool of whatever liquid had come out of the alien creature had made it difficult to get close. Still, both the CMO and OPS officer managed to get as close as they each cared to be.
"Those things appear to be as nasty as they are ugly."
The OPS officer said as he stretched his neck just a little more. As curious as he might have been, Jayson had not been feeling brave enough to venturing within arms' reach of the thing, dead or not.
"Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder. I am sure that we look just as strange to them as they look to us. As I recall, the first time the Ferengi saw a Terran, they were disgusted beyond words."
Doctor Doyanne's words, as true as they might have been, had not reassured him in the least. All that the OPS officer had seen of the fight had been the way the Akitashiinu had been tossed around leaving everyone to guess as to what matter of beast it had been fighting against. Now that Jayson could lay eyes on the beast in question, all he could see was a monster born of someone's deranged nightmare.
"How was it able to be invisible? I don't see any sort of device that could act as a personal cloak. Even with nano-technology a cloaking device would still require some sort of visible emitter and a sizable power source."
"There is something different about their skin, some sort of residual energy field that leaves me to believe that the invisibility we witnessed is not technological in origin but rather biological."
Jayson could hear in the Doctor's words a mix of disbelief and interest. If the Yxidii could in fact become invisible without the need of any external tools or equipment, this would give them a drastic advantage in any close combat.
"So you're saying that there could be more of those things around and we would not even know about them. I have to admit that I am not feeling overly safe right now."
Doctor Doyanne nodded in agreement and glanced back at the two Akitashiinu understanding that their feral abilities had been the perfect counter measures against the Yxidii's invisibility. As long as the crew of the ANUBIS stayed near one of those wolf-like beings, the odds of them being surprised by an unseen attacked would be greatly reduced.
As the two Ensigns studied in more detail the dead creature, Commander Maya joined them. As a devout scientist it had been surprising that the acting First Officer had not been here earlier to take a closer look at the now visible attacker.
"Fascinating."
The Commander's admiration made the other two officers smile, but the sound of an oddly shaped metallic sphere rolling on the rocky terrain made everyone freeze. No one had a chance to even think about what the object might have been when it suddenly exploded.
The force of the explosion threw the three Officers against the far wall so hard that all three were knocked out instantly. In that state, none of them could do anything as large fragments of the cave's ceiling came crashing down near them.
[/\]
As he drifted in and out of consciousness, Jayson felt as if he had been floating, moving without the use of his muscles. Thoughts and memories of being carried as a child came back to him until he was deposited with a certain amount of care back onto the rocky ground.
By the time he an the others regained their wits, they found themselves back on the moon's surface. No traces of the Akitashiinu could be seen, which of course left the OPS officer to wonder if the Yxidii had not been involved with what had happened.
Just as Commander Maya had been about to speak, the three officers were engulfed in some sort of transporter beam. What immediately caught everyone's attention had been the fact that there had been a total of six forms being transported, three of them unseen other than by the transporter effect that surrounded them.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Ensign Jayson Stark
Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
"Good, Bad or In Between"
[previous post was "Shaking Things Up"]
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30148.1545
"Still no change," the purple haired Avatar said following the latest effort to get something more from the sensors aimed towards the moon of PI ALPHA III. "Something is interfering with our sensors, we are unable to get any life readings from the moon's surface."
"Well," Ya'Han sighed as she looked at the Yxidii battle cruiser being shown on the main view screen. "They did say that, whatever the name of that other race was, had been good at hiding their captives."
"Victims," the Avatar corrected, quoting the Commanding Officer of the other ship, going as far as mimicking the alien's voice as she spoke.
"Alright, hail them," the Chief of Security said believing that she did not have any other course of action. The alien ship had not intentionally fired on them, they had scanned their linguistic banks only to learn the language and had gone as far as to offer their help in locating the missing officers. Surely based on all of this her misgivings had been ill placed.
There was a delay before any reply came from the alien ship. Normally she would have dismissed this has having been nothing worth giving a second thought to, but in this case the silence had brought the Chief of Security to the verge of a nervous twitch. When the image of the alien Commanding Officer filled the main view screen once again, Ya'Han took a step forward as if trying to established that she had been someone to be taken seriously.
[/\] We have been able to locate your people and rescue three of them from the clutches of the Akitashiinu. They seem to be unharmed, but I am sure that you will want to confirm this for yourself, [/\] the alien Commanding Officer said without any prior niceties and ignoring the posturing of the dark haired Starlite Officer.
"We are most grateful for all that you have done for us," the Chief of Security said without delay. "We are ready to receive them at your convenience," Ya'Han continued trying her best to keep her renewed misgivings from being visible to the alien or anyone else.
Ya'Han stared into the dark blue eyes of the alien, half expecting that this rescue would be used to gain some leverage against the ANUBIS and her crew. Based on what she had observed so far of the never before seen race, this kind of behavior would not have been at all unexpected. What followed next though took the new Chief of Security completely by surprise.
Instead of a verbal reply from the alien, three transporter beams appeared on the bridge. As the shimmering effect began to dissipate, the forms of the ship's acting Executive Officer, Operations Officer and Chief Medical Officer came into focus.
"Welcome back to the ANUBIS," Ya'Han said, a beaming smile having appeared on her face. The truth had been that being the only senior officer on board had been somewhat troubling to the newest member of the crew.
"And you are?" Ensign Stark asked, taking a defensive position between the new officer and the other two women.
"Ensign Ya'Han, newly assigned to the USS ANUBIS as Chief of Security," the dark haired woman replied. "The USS MA'AT brought me here and dropped me off unaware of the unusual situation that had taken hold. I was on board when the ship was drawn into the dimension rift. We have been searching for a way to locate you since then. It was thanks to the Yxidii that you have been freed from your captors and returned on board safe and sound, at least I hope that you are well."
Several strange looks were exchanged between the officers as they tried to understand what had happened and how it all fit in with what had been said. One thing had been certain, whatever story had been between the two races, the staff of the ANUBIS only knew a small part of it.
[/\] Two enemy ships have been located not far from our current location. I would suggest that you remain here while we take care of them. We would not want for you to get caught in the crossfire again, [/\] the Yxidii Commanding Officer said before the communication was terminated without anything else being added.
The four officers watched as the Battle Cruiser quickly turned and headed to confront the two ships that had been mentioned leaving the ANUBIS and its now partially restored senior staff to discuss the situation.
"I would have thought that you would be happier to being rescued by the Yxidii," Ya'Han said, puzzled by the confusion present on the faces of the other three officers.
"I think we need to talk," Commander Maya said all too seriously. "This entire story is a lot more complicated than I think any of us realizes. This rescue or whatever it actually was is just one piece in a very complex puzzle that we need to figure out as quickly as possible."
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Hanali Han
Ensign Ya'Han
Chief of Security / Chief Tactical Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
=-=
"Not Happy At All"
[previous post was "Good, Bad or In Between" by the sweet Hanali]
=-=
Setting: PI ALPHA III, Underground Akitashiinu Den
Stardate: 30148.1545
The shock-wave of the explosion had broken every single luminescent crystal in the room. Maybe that had been part of the plan, or maybe it had been only a strange coincidence. Either way there had been nothing but darkness to greet people as they tried to figure out what had happened.
Rocky debris covered the floor which made it that much more difficult for Shar'El to get back to her feet. The ILO still felt the effect of her having seen her own memories in the mind of the Yxidii, but there had not been any time for that now. Her confusion and even her anger would have to wait, that she liked it or not.
"Captain Morningstar, are you alright?" the ILO called out into the near perfect darkness over the sounds of falling and shifting rocks.
"I'm here," the Commanding Officer replied sounding not at all pleased with the latest misfortune to befall upon them. "What about everyone else? Anyone injured or missing?"
Shar'El could not help but smile. Erik Morningstar had been a Captain and leader in more than just rank. He cared for his crew, likely more than he about himself, and that the ILO found had been a reoccurring trait for a Commanding Officer.
"Without any lights we will have to do a manual search of the entire room," Shar'El said understanding all too well the magnitude of the task she had just mentioned. They would have to first try to get a verbal account of who had been in a condition to reply, then move on to search through the rocky rubble for those missing.
"Well, I'm here," Seska said through her coughing. The hair had been thick with dust from the explosion which had not helped matters in any way.
"This help?" one of the Akitashiinu said as they lifted the glowing end of their staff high in the air. The intensity of the light had not been much but it had been enough to show just how extensive the damage to the room had been. The corridor through which they had entered the room had been completely sealed making it perfectly clear that they would not be able to go back that way even if they wanted to.
The ILO noticed the towering Zaldan helping Counselor Dalziel back to her feet, both appearing at first glanced to be uninjured. Next Shar'El spotted the red headed engineer appearing less than happy as she pulled herself back to an upright position.
"For the record," Sonja said as she brushed the dust and pebbles off her uniform, "this is starting to no longer being fun. I say we get ourselves out of here and head for the showers."
"I will be happy to do just that," Captain Morningstar said. "That is as soon as we locate the others. Does anyone see Commander Maya, Ensign Stark or Ensign Doyanne?"
"Last time I saw them there were... by the Prophets!" the ACMO said almost in tears as she pointed to a massive wall of rocks which stood where the three officers had been prior to the explosion.
Everyone rushed to the wall and began to remove whatever rocks they could, acting more on emotions than thought. Out of hope they each wanted to find someone, anyone trapped behind the wall; out of fear they each wished not to find any signs that someone, anyone had been trapped *under* the wall.
"NO!" The Akitashiinu named Maro called out in a panic. "Dangerous! More will fall."
Ensign Mizore reached for her tricorder with trembling hands. If she found lifesigns, would it be too late to save them? If she found nothing but residual bio-matter it would have already been too late. Either possibility filled her with fear, but what she saw displayed on her medical tricoder puzzled her even more.
"Nothing," Seska said to no one in particular.
"No life signs?" The Captain said with a lump in his throat.
"I mean there is nothing," the ACMO explained. "No life signs, no bio-matter, nothing. There is no one either behind or beneath this wall of rocks."
A shared sighed of relief filled the room as the news rekindled everyone's hope that the three missing officers had still been alive.
"Go we must," Maro said as she took hold of Captain Morningstar's arm. "Dangerous here. Hurry."
Reluctantly the CO of the ANUBIS agreed to follow the Akitashiinu, not at all happy to being forced to leave anyone behind. All that he could do was hope that they had managed to get out of the room from the other side and that somehow they would be able to find their way back together without running into the Yixidii.
As the crew followed their Captain, Shar'El glanced back into the darkening room still feeling as if someone or something had been looking into her mind, into her memories.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
##########
"Questions to be Answered"
Previous post "Not Happy At All"
##########
"Understanding is a three edged sword: your side, their side, and the truth."
- J. Michael Straczynski
=====
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Underground cave system
Stardate: 30148.1600
With the two Akitashiinu in the lead, the Native American and what had been left of the away team followed uncertain as to where they were being taken to. Thanks to the explosion that had nearly brought the cave down on them, the ANUBIS' CO believed that there had been little to no choices available to them. For the time being they would follow their benefactors until more information could be obtained on this conflict that they had apparently landed in the middle of.
"Are you alright Ensign Mizore?" the redheaded Engineer inquired of the Bajoran Doctor who seemed heavily preoccupied by the item strapped onto her forearm.
"I'm fine," Seska quickly answered, her attention still focused on the device. "I just can't get this thing to work. Would be nice for us to have a little more light, just in case," the aCMO added thinking back to the dark room they had left behind and how it would have been useful for her beacon to have actually been functioning at that time.
"Let me have a look at it," the Junior Grade Lieutenant offered with a smile as she offered her hand. Dealing with trans-dimensional aliens had not been Sonja's strongest point; fixing broken tools and devices on the other hand had been right up the redhead's alley. With some level of hesitation the Assistant Chief Medical Officer handed the uncooperative device to the Chief Engineer, appearing almost as if she might never see it again.
Sonja smiled, looked at the beacon from every angel, snapped it open and fetched a small pin from her pocket. Seska watched with trepidation as the redheaded woman worked on the device in her hand, while still keeping up with the rest of the team as they followed their Captain. A few seconds later the CEO snapped the beacon back together and pressed the *on* switch. To the aCMO's great delight the device activated shining its light onto the head of the ship's ILO.
"Keep that light off," Shar'El stated with a distinct hint of authority. "If we are being followed, it is to our advantage to keep any details of our current location and heading as minimal as possible."
Sonja made a face at Shar'El before she handed the device back to Seska. "Just needed to bypass the power regulation module. It will work but make sure not to keep it on for more than a few minutes at a time," the Engineer explained. "The module was likely damaged at some point after our arriving in these caves, and I don't have the parts to replace it here. As soon as we get back to the ANUBIS it will be made to be just as new."
"Engineers," Eve offered with a quiet chuckle. "You just have to love the way they can fix pretty much anything."
"Would be nice if she could fix us a way to getting back to the ANUBIS," the Zaldan FCO snarled, not at all sharing the Counselor's admiration in the CEO's handy field repair work.
"Before we can get back to the ship," the Native American offered in a quasi-whispered tone as he looked back over his shoulder. "There are a great deal of questions that need answers."
=====
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Conference Lounge
Stardate: 30148.1600
"There are a great deal of questions that need answers," the acting First Officer said as the four Senior Officers currently on board the ANUBIS gathered around the conference table. As a reflex, Maya sat in her usual seat laving the chair at the head of the table, usually reserved for their Captain, empty which acted as a reminder of the absence of the CO and the rest of the senior staff. "So far the only details we are relatively certain of are that the Akitashiinu and Yxidii are in some sort of conflict and that this conflict has led them to bringing the moon we are orbiting into another dimension."
"According to the Yxidii," the black-haired Chief of Security began, "at least what little we did get from them, the Akitashiinu are a vicious race that had captured the entire away team. They went as far as to warn me that you might all be dead."
"It is true that the Akitashiinu imprisoned us, but they healed our wounded and later told us of equally disturbing aspects of the Yxidii," the Chief Medical Officer reported. "While in the care of the Akitashiinu we were treated with fairness given that we were aliens with unknown intents."
"Truth is the first casualty of war," Ensign Stark sighed, the situation having become far more complicated now that they had been able to see the conflict from both sides.
"Both sides will be telling us what they want us to know and keeping the rest as far away as possible," Maya acknowledged. "We must stay objective and keep our focus on getting the away team back to the ANUBIS. This conflict is not ours to get involved in, and certainly not ours to take sides in. Neutrality may be our best and only option to insure the return of Captain Morningstar and the others safe and sound."
"In the meantime though," Ya'Han continued, "I would suggest us getting as much information as possible on both races and the method used to bring the moon into this dimension. Not only will this help us figure this conflict out a little more but it may give us the means to get the ANUBIS back to our own dimension."
"Exactly what I was thinking," the acting First Officer said as she stood from her chair. For a brief second Maya's eyes locked on the chair at the head of the table, its emptiness filling her with sadness and fear. The idea of her being next in line for command of the ANUBIS had actually been a less than palatable one, and she would do everything in her power to insure the return of the ship's legitimate Captain. "Ensign Stark, you and Ensign Ya'Han will gather as much information on both the Yxidii and Akitashiinu. Although I hope that we will not have to use this data, we will need to gather all tactical strengths and weaknesses of both races. Doctor Doyanne and I will head to the science labs and see if we can come up with some way to pierce the interference and get a lock on our people to bring them back."
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
"Intelligent Argument"
[previous "Questions to be Answered"]
[/\]
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30148.1630
He stood behind the black haired Chief of Security, his attention bouncing back and forth from the displayed information on the screen and the woman accessing it. There was something strange and different about this one, well, something *more* strange and different. When looking at the senior staff of the ANUBIS, it had been hard not to see something strange or different. In that regards, the new Ensign perfectly fitted in.
"Any other details you can recall on the Akitashiinu?"
Since the end of their meeting with Commander Maya, the Chief of Security had been grilling him for information on the race that had been encountered in the underground of the moon. Ya'Han had been thorough to say the least, and as strange as it seemed, Jayson found this oddly endearing.
"Canine-Humanoid, agile and fast, not overly intelligent."
The OPS officer stopped as the Sec/Tac suddenly turned to face him.
"What exactly did you use to arrive at this conclusion?"
The question took him by surprised forcing him to think quickly as to what he had thought about to make him say what he had.
"Guess I would have to say that I am basing this on the fact that the cells used actual rocks for bars instead of a force field."
Ya'Han's eyes narrowed. It was easy to see that she had not accepted his answer as having been a valid one.
"Low or even a complete absence of technology does not equal a lack of intellect. There are several races that would be considered to be primitive in heir technology yet have an understanding of sciences and the universe that far exceeds yours."
"Fine, they use rocks as stools and pillars to support their work stations."
Jayson felt pressured to come up with a valid reason to support his earlier statement.
"Based on your earlier description of the room you were in prior to the explosion, the ability to manipulate natural rock formation to suit their needs would point to the Akitashiinu possessing a technology that is beyond our own. That said, and referring back to your earlier statement, wouldn't that indicate that they are in fact very intelligent?"
The OPS officer felt his frustration mounting. He had met this race and for some reason he had thought them to be lacking in the field of intelligence, so why had he suddenly been forced to justify this perception? Especially to another Ensign who had just arrived to the ANUBIS.
"They were unable to speak properly. Their language was broken, which made it extremely difficult to understand what they were trying to tell us."
Jayson had been sure that this time he had given a sufficient argument to justify his position. The expression on the black haired Chief of Security though indicated something entirely different.
"Were you able to say anything in their language, even a single word?"
"No!"
Ensign Stark felt himself being cornered, and there seemed to be no escape for him.
"So the Akitashiinu were able to communicate in your language, granted in a limited fashion, with the away team, but you were unable to communicate back in theirs. To me it seems that they are not only intelligent but me very well be more so than you or me."
He just stood there, blinking as he looked down at the sitting Chief of Security. His argument had not just been turned down but completely destroyed. It was very likely that she had been completely correct, but surely there had been a better way to make her point.
"Alright, you win. I guess my opinion was based on my own personal observations and frustrations in having been made a prisoner by them."
"You and the rest of the senior staff went through hell, and in more ways than one judging by the descriptions you gave me. So your frustration is very understandable and even expected. I am not trying to play down your feelings, I am only trying to give Commander Maya an accurate tactical evaluation of the two races that we are dealing with."
Jayson nodded his agreement. Ya'Han may have been new to the ANUBIS but her place had already been well secured by her simple attitude and drive to do the best job that she could. Thinking that it had been time to change the subject of their investigation, the OPS officer forced their attention onto the other half of their goal.
"What about the Yxidii? What did you learn in your dealings with them?"
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Ensign Jayson Stark
Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
"Pieces of the Puzzle"
[previous post was "Intelligent Argument"]
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30148.1640
It had never been the goal of the Chief of Security to insult anyone on the ship, she had merely wanted to be absolutely certain of the details that she would be including in her report to Commander Maya. Maybe her desire to prove herself to the crew had made her to be too direct and blunt. The problem was that slightest error could prove dangerous and possibly even deadly, and given the complexity of the situation Ya'Han had thought it best to be as precise as possible.
Time had always been a factor in any situation, and in most cases it had been a factor that pressured everyone to perform and come up with solutions within the briefest possible delays. That they were in another dimension did not change the fact that time had been an unseen adversary, one that followed their every move.
"Based on my observations of the Yxidii," the Chief of Security replied, following the question that she had been presented with, "they are a direct and proud race. I suspect that their offer to help us was not out of compassion but rather came from a need. Either to have us be out of their way as soon as possible or to try and sway us onto their side of their conflict against the Akitashiinu. I am sure that this need was also responsible for your speedy return to the ship soon after."
"There is a lot that we do not know about both races," Stark said, happy that the discussion had moved away from his earlier ideas and impressions. "From what I saw while on the moon, I would say that they both have secrets and that they are trying to deal with us landing in the middle of their affairs as best as they can."
"I agree, they seem to be far too busy with each other. Either race could have held the away team hostage demanding that we provided weapons, supplies or even tactical assistance in their conflict. Instead, one race healed the wounded while the other side removed some of the unknown elements from the equation returning them to this ship," Ya'Han said, thinking out loud.
"Could it be that simple?" Jayson asked, the words of the Chief of Security having triggered a thought. "Could both races be simply trying to get us on our way so that they can continue the fight without anyone getting underfoot?"
"Did you not tell me that one of the Yxidii had been killed while you were in the underground room?" Ya'Han questioned, trying to make sense of Jayson's new train of thought.
"Getting us out of their way is only a secondary objective," Stark answered. "They are still trying to out maneuver one another and want us to be out of their way so that they do not have to deal with us interfering while they try to kill one another."
"It does sound like an odd tactic, but one that is not beyond the realm of possibilities," the dark haired woman said with a grin. "In any conflict, one side will try to gain the advantage over the other. Sometimes this advantage presents itself in the form of knowledge that was not available to either side. Here, we may be dealing with information that both sides already have in their possession and wish to keep it that way."
"Would it not have been easier to just kill the away team and destroy the ANUBIS?" Ensign Stark said, only realizing the full extent of what he had proposed after the words had come out of his mouth.
"Too many unknown variables," the Chief of Security replied as if she understood how both sides had thought. "Kill the away team would have likely been easy, destroying an unknown ship could have presented unexpected problems. Plus, it would have been too risky that more would be sent to investigate if they were successful. Instead of stumbling onto something this ship and crew did now know of, the next ships and their crew would be rushing in searching for explanation and maybe even revenge. No, this makes a lot more sense. Rescue the crew and ship, allowing them to quickly head back to where they came from while they count their blessings. If more ships did return after a while, they would do so much later and out of cautious curiosity instead of looking for blood."
"So if we accept this as the more likely possibility," Jayson said with a sigh. "We are left with a large piece of this puzzle still missing. What is it that they do not want us to know about?"
"Whatever it is has to be somewhere on the moon," Ya'Han said with definite certainty. "Why else drag the entire moon into another dimension? Why limit the movements of the away team and shield the entire moon from our sensors? Why would both races be so friendly towards us while in the middle of a life-or-death conflict? It is apparent now that they do not want us to just find whatever it is out of fear that we would either join the battle for its control or simply destroy it to avoid either side to possess it."
A moment of silence was shared between the two Ensign as the implications of what had been offered became clearer. As much as all of this had only been a speculation, the pieces of this puzzle seemed to fall into place far more than with any other line of reasoning. Unfortunately this also presented the crew with an additional problem, that of discovering what the two races had been so adamant in hiding from them while at the same time rescuing the still missing senior officers.
"Getting our sensors to work through this interference is even more important now," Jayson stated, breaking the silence that had taken hold. Both Ensigns looked into each other's eyes and shared an unspoken hope; that Commander Maya and Doctor Doyanne were making some level of progress in their efforts to do just that which would allow them to become active in the search for their missing officers and allow them to search for the secret at the heart of this mystery.
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Hanali Han
Ensign Ya'Han
Chief of Security / Chief Tactical Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
=-=
"What Sharp Teeth You Have"
[previous post was "Pieces of the Puzzle" by the amazing Hanali]
=-=
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Underground cave system
Stardate: 30148.1700
They had been walking for what felt like weeks, at least that had been the way the ILO's feet felt like. The uneven and rocky corridors that snaked through the underground of the moon had not been easily traveled. At times the crew had to walk sideways or nearly crawl on their hands and knees to follow the lead Akitashiinu. For the canine-like race traveling on all fours had had been second nature, but for the humanoids following them, some of the more narrow passages had proven to be rather challenging obstacles.
Being underground, there had been no way to accurately gauge the distance they had traveled or the passage of time without referring to a tricorder. A quick scan at those who had such a tool at their disposal revealed that no one had been in a hurry to find out exactly how far or long they had been walking. That knowledge would have likely only added to the torture they were already being submitted to.
The occasional grunts from many of the officers pointed to everyone having been tired but no one dared to openly voice their discomfort. As long as Captain Morningstar would follow the two Akitashiinu, the rest of the crew would follow him. Maybe this had been because the Captain had not wanted to show any sign of weakness to their hosts, or maybe he had wanted to make sure the crew stayed ahead of the Yxidii should they be following them. For all they knew, maybe this had been the CO's method to find a way to locate the three officers that had gone missing.
Whatever the reason had been, Shar'El and the others followed without questions or complaints.
"Almost there," Maro said from the front of the line, instantly rejuvenating those that had been following. No one knew where *there* was, but all had been more than happy to having finally reached some sort of destination.
The room they stepped into had been very similar to the one they had left behind, although much larger. When one of the Akitashiinu invited those that had followed to sit all had been happy to oblige, save their CO who chose to remain standing.
As the crew rested their tired feet, they noted two more members of the canine-humanoid race standing at the far end of the room. Although far, their piercing feral eyes easily reached the sitting officers, scrutinizing every single one with an intensity that could not be ignored.
"There is something about that pair which is not sitting well with me," Sonja noted in a whispered voice to the ILO.
"You would think that one of them having reddish fur would leave you being more receptive," Shar'El snickered back.
"The one with the reddish fur is very likely a female," Seska added, matching the CEO's whisper. "The smaller and more delicate frame is a common trait in many humanoid species and her facial features seem to point to her being closer to a fox than a wolf like the others. The Akitashiinu may be different from us in a lot of ways, but in others they follow the same general evolutionary patterns. That they are a silicon-based life form or not, they possess a lot of similarities with species from our own dimension."
"Alright, if she's a fox, what is the other one standing next to her? It's only a little bit larger but looks three times as mean." Eve asked, joining the ongoing whispered speculations.
"My guess, he's a Jackal," Sonja sighed. "The look in his eyes is that of a killer, one that has a few hundred ways to get the job done. The hard part for him is to figure out which one to use."
"Well, that's an uplifting imagery," the Bajoran Doctor said as she swallowed hard.
Silence returned to the group as the two new Akitashiinu approached, the reddish fur one only a single step in front of the other. The two were met by Maro who appeared to explain something to the fox-like being, an explanation that did not seem to soften either of the two new Akitashiinu's disposition.
After a few minutes of talking between themselves, Maro stepped aside with a bow of respect allowing the other two to approached the fur-less aliens. The gesture, as simple as it might have been, indicated that there had been some sort of hierarchy at play, and that the reddish furred being had ranked well above the other.
"My name is Eeru," the Akitashiinu said, her words not being as strained as the others as she spoke the foreign language. "This is Ruhek, we are happy to see you not harmed. I have questions for you as I know you have questions for me."
Not wanting his Captain to be left in a position of obvious disadvantage, Wydran casually stood up to stand next to Morningstar. Before the Zaldan could reach a fully upright stance, Ruhek had leaped forward to knock the imposing officer back down onto the stone-made chair and return next to Eeru as if he had never actually moved. The impact from the jackal-humanoid creature had been powerful enough to wind the towering Starfleet officer insuring that he would not try to stand for quite some time.
Wanting to avoid what would have likely been an all out battle, the Captain quickly turned to face his crew, instructing them to remain seated with a single gesture of his hands.
"My apologies for my crew's reaction," the Captain said using his best diplomatic tone. "No disrespect was meant."
Eeru nodded her acceptance of the apology and invited the only standing man to follow her. With a single glare Ruhek insured that no one else would get the idea to follow or even attempt to intervene in any way. With the Captain gone, the attention of the officers turned onto the winded FCO.
"Is he alright?" Eve asked of the Bajoran Doctor who had already pulled her tricorder out.
"No broken bones, although I would guess that this is due more to Wydran's strength than the holding back of our host's attack," Doctor Mizore said, her voice betraying her current feelings towards the Akitashiinu.
"I knew there was something that I didn't like about those two," Sonja said as she shot a nasty glare in the direction of the departing aliens and their Captain.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
##########
"Expectations of Fear"
Previous post "What Sharp Teeth You Have"
##########
"Starfleet captains don't easily succumb... to fear."
- Captain Kathryn Janeway
=====
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Underground cave system
Stardate: 30148.1715
The Native American quietly followed the Akitashiinu named Eeru, the Captain being all too aware of the vigilant scrutiny of her bodyguard Ruhek. Maybe that had not been his role or purpose, but the Jackal featured creature had all too recently played that part with remarkable speed and agility. The unexpected display had made it perfectly clear to Erik and everyone else that any unwelcome gesture would be quickly dealt with without hesitations or restraint.
As a Starfleet Officer, Erik had been given countless opportunities to deal with a wide variety of strange creatures and beings. Having been part of the crew of the USS PROPHECY, the only Federation Trans-Dimensional vessel at the time, the Native American had also seen things that had been well beyond the reach of the wildest imagination. Maybe it had been because of this, or maybe simply because of the kind of individual he had always been, but Morningstar did not feel any worries or concerns at having been taken aside. Fear had never been something that came easily to him.
If the Akitashiinu had truly wished any of them dead, the deed would have long ago been done, so there had not been any reason for Erik to truly be concerned at this time. When considering the situation and conflict between the two alien races, it had been all too natural to expect to be on the receiving end of caution and concerns. The reality of the situation had very likely been that the two alien races knew just as much about the crew of the ANUBIS as they did about the beings from another spacial dimension.
It had been with an almost Vulcan logic that the Native American had analysed the situation. From there he expected that Eeru had wished to speak to the person in charge about the conflict that raged between the Akitashiinu and the Yxidii. In the light of this same logic the Commanding Officer of the ANUBIS expected one of the two most probable course of action. The Captain would find himself on the receiving end of an effort to enlist the help his crew in the ongoing conflict; or he would be questioned to insure that there had not already been some sort of alliance between the Yxidii and the members of the Terran vessel.
Although far from having been a gambling man, Morningstar had been ready to bet that he would face both possibilities at some point in the very near future. However different races could appear to be, their basic drives and methods to deal with complications and conflicts remained mostly identical. Found in this quasi universal constant had been the source of the Native American's calmness at this time.
As Erik and the two Akitashiinu walked by an adjacent room, the Native American noticed a single Yxidii held against the far wall by what appeared to be rock-made shackles around his ankles, wrists and neck. The dark blue skinned alien clearly appeared to be in distress and had likely been the target of a repeated and lengthy interrogation which would have most certainly included some level of torture.
The expression on the face of the Yxidii captive hinted to pain and a silent request to help. In a single heartbeat the Native American considered his position and options.
Under the charter of the United Federation of Planets, prisoner of war could not be treated in such a manner, but Captain Morningstar quickly reminded himself of several point of importance concerning this specific situation. Neither races were a member of the Federation, an ally or shared any sort of diplomatic understanding. In fact neither race were even a protectorate of the inter-stellar organization, and to make it even more clear that Erik had no right to say anything, the CO pointed out to himself that he and his crew had not even been in their home dimension.
Whatever rules of engagement that the organization the Native American belong to abided by did not apply in any way, shape or form in this specific conflict. His one and only goal had to be to insure the continued safety of his crew and to see them all return to the ANUBIS within the briefest possible delay. The emotions and peaceful wishes of the crew including his own would have to be ignored for the time being.
As they continued walking, Erik noted a soft growl of discontent had emanated from the Akitashiinu bodyguard Ruhek. The Native American had fully expected to be questioned on his crew's possible involvement with the Yxidii, but he had not expected to be so bluntly tested. It was easy to see that the Jackal featured being had hoped for the Captain to say or do something in defense of the Yxidii. Unfortunately for Ruhek, Morningstar appeared completely unaffected by the harshness of the scene that he had been made to witness.
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
"Speed VS Strength"
[previous "Expectations of Fear"]
[/\]
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30148.1715
From a safe distance they watched as the battle between the two alien forces raged on high above the surface of the moon. The methods and tactics used by either side strangely reflected the race's general appearance and expected attitude or style. The Yxidii had a single ship, large and imposing like themselves while the Akitashiinu used several smaller, faster ships, which attacked as a pack.
"They seem nearly perfectly matched. Right now it would be a pure guess as to who would win. If it was not for our missing Command staff, this might actually be fun to watch."
Jayson's comment made Ya'Han look down at her tactical console to review once again the data that they had been gathering. Somehow the two Ensign had found their way to be on opposite sides of this conflict, the Ops officer siding for the Yxiddi while the Chief of Security seemed to root for the Akitashiinu.
"The Yxidii ship is a lot more powerful than that of the Akitashiinu. Weapon energy output is close to three times higher, the problem is their targeting system. It's far too slow to properly compensate for the speed and maneuverability of the targets. On the other side, the Akitashiinu's weapons are barely scratching the surface of that armored hull despite their repeated hits, so I have to guess that they are trying or at the very least hoping to hit some critical system."
The analysis of the dark haired Chief of Security pushed her own thoughts onto a specific memory from her days back at the Academy. This had not been the first time speed had gone up against strength and if history was to repeat itself, the Akitashiinu would in time emerge victorious.
Jayson unintentionally smiled as one of the energy bolts from the larger Yxidii ship scraped the side of one of the smaller Akitashiinu ship, exposing several of its systems to the vacuum of space. Had the shot been right on target, the small ship would have been reduced to space dust, but the grazing hit had allowed it to escape although at a much slower speed.
"Looks like the Akitashiinu are retreating, again. I am not sure why they keep trying though. From what we have see so far I truly believe that they do not have the firepower needed to destroy that ship. Heck I am even doubting that they have the power to cause any real damage to it. I would be surprised if *we* had the firepower to destroy it."
"You should know your ship better than that. The combined power of the four pulse cannons with the forward phaser banks should be more than sufficient to pierce that armor and with a couple of well placed quantum torpedoes hitting at the weakened area, the subsequent explosions should end whatever battle we would be in the middle of with the Yxidii."
Jayson blinked a few times as he looked at Ya'Han, not sure as to why the new Chief of Security had been so ready and willing to confront the Yxidii and apparently send them back in detached pieces to wherever they had originally come from.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Ensign Jayson Stark
Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
"Dislike on Every Dimension"
[previous post was "Speed VS Strength"]
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30148.1720
There was no hiding the fact that the Chief of Security did not like the Yxidii, not one bit. There had been something about them that simply did not sit right with the dark haired woman from the moment the had first appeared on the main viewer. This feeling persisted through the communications that followed, the shortness of the exchanges not having helped ease the woman's uneasiness in the least.
Ya'Han tried to understand where this overwhelming dislike had originated from, but each time the thought crossed her mind a wave of icy shivers ran through her body and ended things right there and then. The only other time the dark haired woman had felt something similar had been when she had thought of her would-be husband. The Ferengi troll had led her to leave her family behind and seek refuge and a new life deep within Federation controlled space.
At first glance there had been nothing remotely similar between the Ferengi and Yxidii. One race was short and relatively weak looking while the other appeared rather tall and muscular. One possessed ears large enough to intercept subspace signals while the other barely seemed to have any. One seemed motivated by strong militaristic ideas while the other was driven by selfishness, greed and the lust for physical possessions.
To not like anyone by their simple appearance had never been something that Ya'Han did, and the concept had actually been foreign to her. Through her strict upbringing and education, she had been made to understand that how someone looks was nothing more than an illusion. The richest of man could appear as a popper and the mentally sickest of being could be gazed upon as a holy figure. It had been because of this that the Chief of Security knew that there had been a much deeper reason for her feeling the way she did towards the Yxidii.
"We are being hailed by the battle cruiser," the ship's Avatar said almost making Ya'Han wish that she could excuse herself from her station on the bridge. That thought was rapidly dismissed by the ship's Chief of Security knowing that her place had been where she was and to assist Ensign Stark in dealing with the alien race, despite her personal feelings.
"The battle cruiser is resuming its earlier place between us and the moon," Ya'Han said as she watched the ship's movements on her tactical instruments. "I am still reading their energy weapons as being active and charged. Whatever they may be saying to us, their actions show that they do not want us anywhere near that moon."
"Maybe so," Ensign Stark said in a mild agreeing tone, "but right now they are our best chance to getting the Captain and the rest of the crew back safe and sound." The man in charge of the ship's operations paused for a few seconds as if debating what he would do next, not that there had been a wide range of available options. "Let's see what they have to say. Put them on the main viewer."
The Avatar acknowledged with a nod of her head. silently accessing the required systems to comply with the Ensign's request. A few seconds later, the imagine of the Yxidii battle cruiser on the main viewer was replaced by that of its commander, an unwelcoming expression on its face.
[/\] The Akitashiinu have left, but not for long. Those beasts never give up once they have engaged and they will continue until either we are dead or they are. [/\] The hatred in the alien's voice had almost been tangible.
"What a lovely thought," the Chief of Security whispered to herself, not loud enough to be heard by the Yxidii but unfortunately loud enough to draw a rapid glare from the Chief of Operations who had been standing in the middle of the bridge.
[/\] We will continue the search for your people in the meantime. Again, we strongly suggest that you remain where you are now to avoid getting caught in any crossfire. Should the beasts decide to come after you, we will intercept them. We will take care of everything and inform you as soon as we have found anything concerning your people. [/\]
The image of the Yxidii vanished from the main view screen, leaving the two Ensigns and Avatar to consider what had been said and their next course of action.
"Well, there is one thing we can say about that race," Jayson said with a sigh. "They don't waste any time with lengthy discussions."
"There is a difference between being efficient with one's words and trying to keep someone at a verbal distance," Ya'Han said having found that her dislike of the race had actually increased. "They are hiding something from us, something that I am sure they would not hesitate to fight to keep us away from. Right now, I can imagine that they are hoping not to have to battle on two separate fronts. That will remain as is only as long as we do not show ourselves to be some sort of threat or hindrance to their plans."
"We can only hope that Commander Maya is make some sort of progress in getting through that interference field," Ensign Stark said as he moved closer to the Chief of Security. "The problem is if she does find a way for us to scan the moon, will the Yxidii let us?"
"Like it or not," Ya'Han said from the tactical station. "We are likely going to end up fighting our way there and back, we just don't know against who yet."
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Hanali Han
Ensign Ya'Han
Chief of Security / Chief Tactical Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
---
"Poking Small Holes to Solve a Big Problem"
(Previous Post: "Dislike on Every Dimension")
---
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 12, Astrometrics Lab
Stardate: 30148.1715
It had been almost an hour since Doctor Doyanne and the Shillian Scientist had been working on finding a way to pierce the interference field that surrounded the Moon of PI ALPHA III, and by the looks of things they had not been any closer then when they had started. The two officers had began their quest in one of the Planetary Studies Lab located on the same deck, gathering as much information as possible on the moon and its immediate surroundings. From there they had moved to the Astrometrics lab to see if the specifics of the dimension that they had been pulled into played a role in the interference or if something here could be used to off-set it.
For every question that the Doctor and Scientist had been able to answer, several more came to replace it leading to an increase in the general frustration shared by he two women. With the fate of the rest of the Senior Officer possibly hanging in the outcome of their work though, the pair continued while hanging onto the hope that they might come across something new.
"It would be easier if that Battle Cruiser was not in our direct line of sight of the moon," Doctor Doyanne sighed with frustration, the presence of the Yxidii ship having made things that much more difficult without having actually done anything.
"It is very likely their intention to hinder whatever attempt we are making to locate the Captain and the rest of the team," the acting Executive Officer offered while she continued to work at the primary station of the Astrometrics Lab. "I suspect that there is something on the moon that both races are working very hard to keep us from discovering, it is the only way to explain the way that both have acted towards us. As much as the Yxidii and Akitashiinu may be at war with one another, they appear rather united in their efforts to have us as a whole remain out of their conflict."
"I guess believing that they simply did not want innocent people getting hurt is asking for too much," the Chief Medical Officer stated in return, her own attitude as a Doctor having biased her perception and hopes to be on the far more benevolent level. Lillie met the gaze of the Shillian for a brief moment before smiling, "I know I'm the optimist here, it would just have been nice to have someone trying to help us without having an ulterior motive."
"Unfortunately Doctor," the Lieutenant Commander began, her words echoing from her own lengthy experience, "it is exceptionally rare to find in this universe, or any other for that matter, an individual willing to help someone for no other reason than to give them the needed assistance. It would be even more impressive to find not only such an individual here, but to actually find an inter race. The reality of the world is that everyone does what they do for a reason that is in one way, shape or form, self indulging."
"I have to admit Commander that your opinion is a rather odd one especially coming from an experienced Starfleet Officer," Doctor Doyanne stated with distinct disbelief in her voice.
"Starfleet as a whole may have more benevolent intentions at the core of their actions, but those intents still govern the actions of each ship commander and of the crews that serve under them," the Shillian explained with a air of certainty that had never been associated with the Chief Science Officer before. "The spread and defense of the ideals of the Federation are implied in the mandates of every Commanding Officer, and each action taken by the crews under their command reflects on the Federation as a whole, presenting it as what is wanted. As positive as the end results may well be, our actions in whatever situation are dictated by the ulterior motive of representing the Federation for the benevolent, peace centered organization that our superiors wish it to be."
"I will admit this," Lillie said through a heavy sigh. "You have a unique way of looking at things, and I am not sure if I am troubled by this because of what you have said or because you are most likely right."
"Did you notice that there was only a .002 percent degradation of the narrow-band particle beam we sent to the moon through the interference field?" The Shillian Scientist asked, the apparent discovery having shifted her thoughts away from the discussion and back onto the task at hand.
"With a beam that small there is nothing that we could really do," the Chief Medical Officer pointed out in return. "For gathering information, the beam is too specifically targeted to give us any real indication as to where anyone or anything is, and the beam strength is far too weak to be modified and used by the transporter system."
"I completely agree with your analysis," the acting Executive Officer began as she turned away from the console to look at the Doctor with a glimmer of joy in her eyes. "That said though, given that the crew is currently in the hands of the Akitashiinu, a silicon-based life form, we should be able to calibrate such a beam to react to carbon-based biological matter. Although this would not give us a great deal to work with, it would be sufficient to discover the specific whereabouts of the away team at that precise moment. Establishing multiple such beams in a circular search pattern following a positive hit would lead to us being able to accurately estimate their location and movement rate."
"That is an interesting trick, but a rather impractical one," the Chief Medical Officer said not wanting to raise either of their hopes. "We have no idea where to send those first search beams for someone to walk through. We would be blindly shooting a finger sized beam in the hopes of hitting someone, not to mention that the Battle Cruiser currently in front of us is not going to just move aside to allow us to start poking at the moon to see if we find anything. Beyond that, even if we did manage to somehow get a hit from one of those beams, what would we do after? There is no way that a narrow-band particle beam can be used to transport anyone up."
"Again I agree with your analysis," the Shillian said as she returned her attention onto the primary work station of the Astrometrics Lab. "Although we would not be able to beam anyone back up to the USS ANUBIS, in theory we should be able to beam down small and chemically simplistic items that could relay some sort of message to Captain Morningstar, letting him know that at the very least we are aware of their location. As for blindly shooting at the moon, we could use similar beams to test the density of the rock to a specific depth. Areas of low density would indicate locations where underground passages can be found. Although it could be time consuming, the search using this process would not be as blind as you envision it to be."
"Alright," Doctor Doyanne said having finally accepted the plan as being one with some potential for success. "You head back to the bridge and find a way to get that Battle Cruiser out of our way and I will work on the modifications to the narrow-band particle beam to react to carbon-based bio-matter. Should you actually get them to move, the beam will need to be ready for us to start poking holes into the moon."
"No worries Doctor," the Shillian acting First Officer said as she made her way out of the Astrometrics Lab. "I know exactly who I need to speak to about our plan and the best way to make it happen. After that, I will see if our new Chief of Security and Chief of Operations might not have a few tricks up their sleeves to see the battle Cruiser move out of our line of sight."
---
Jessica Solarik
Lieutenant Commander Maya
Chief Science Officer
USS ANUBIS
"To see the world in a grain of sand,
and a heaven in a wild flower.
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
and eternity in an hour."
- William Blake (British, 1757-1827)
=-=
"Observations"
[previous post was "Poking Small Holes to Solve a Big Problem" by the talented Jessica]
=-=
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Underground cave system
Stardate: 30148.1715
The level of uneasiness had drastically increased over the last few minutes. The Bajoran Doctor had been taking care of the knocked down Zaldan giant who had still been feeling the effect of the Akitashiinu's attack. That by itself had been enough to make everyone more nervous about their current situation but the sudden arrival of several more members of the race had sealed the deal for everyone.
Something was up, and no one liked it.
The first impression the ILO had gotten from the Akitashiinu named Satesh had been a positive one; him being a fierce and loyal warrior. Likewise for Maro who had come across as being a caring and dedicated healer, the first impression had been a positive one. Both individuals had given a distinct perception of their race and their conflict with the Yxidii. Unfortunately that all changed for Shar'El when Eeru and Ruhek came into the picture.
There had been something shady about the reddish furred female Akitashiinu and her Jackal-like bodyguard. Whatever they had appeared to be the ILO of the ANUBIS felt that it had been nothing but a cover, a front to hide something. The question though had been what were they hiding?
"I hope the Captain is alright," Eve whispered, her large grey eyes scrutinizing the new arrivals into the room with concern and silent apprehension.
"This is starting to stink more than that Ferengi back at the Academy," Sonja said in a low growl, her emerald eyes meeting the pure black orbs of one of the new imposing figures.
"They could be here to protect us from another Yxidii attack," Seska said while still attending to the winded FCO. "The incident with Wydran and the arrival of the others may not be related in any way."
"You think this is a coincidence, really? You're a whole different type of special aren't you," the redheaded Engineer sighed quietly as she rolled her eyes.
"All Doctors share one common trait," the black haired ILO quickly added. "They see the best in everything and everyone, which depending on the situation may not be such a bad thing. Doctor Mizore is simply keeping an optimistic view of our situation instead of giving into her fears."
"Hope for the best," the Counselor said before continuing in a much lower tone. "Plan for the worst. We cannot afford to take anything for granted at this point. Maybe Eeru is speaking with Captain Morningstar to make him aware of a delicate situation, or maybe she needed to remove him from this location to make it easier for them to do what it is they are setting up for. Would be nice if we knew what is happening with the ANUBIS though. Are they looking for us or are they having problems of their own?"
Shar'El grinned faintly as she looked at the Cardassian born woman, her heritage and position on the USS ANUBIS having been conflicting in a rather strange way. With the Counselor's words firmly in her mind, the ILO once again met the dark gaze of one of the new Akitashiinu.
Out of fear for what strange and unimaginable alien images she might find, the Ullian Intelligence Liaison Officer had not dared to look inside the memories of Satesh or Maro. Now though, their need for information had exceeded by far her fears and it had been well overdue to find out if Shar'El could in fact reach into the mind of an Akitashiinu.
If luck was on her side, Shar'El would find out what was happening, if not at least Doctor Mizore and Counselor Dalziel were right there next to her ready to help with whatever madness would wash over the ILO.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
---
"Getting Around The Largest Problems"
(Previous Post: "Observations")
---
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30148.1730
With Doctor Doyanne working on the details of the narrow-band particle beam which would be used to hopefully locate the missing crew members of the USS ANUBIS, the Shillian Scientist returned to the bridge to tackle the problem that literally stood in their way.
"Report," the acting First Officer demanded as she stepped onto the command deck.
"The Yxidii battle cruiser is back in our direct line of sight after having forced another group of Akitashiinu ships to withdraw. No casualties were noted from either side as far as we were able to see," the Chief of Security reported from the Tactical station.
"Any luck in finding a way to get past that interference field?" Ensign Stark asked as the Shillian approached the center of the bridge.
"Doctor Doyanne and I came up with an idea," the Chief Science Officer explained, this having been far more her field of expertise than command. "We hope to use a narrow-band particle beam modulated to react to carbon-based bio-matter in order to locate and eventually track the movements of our people on the moon. From there we will be able to use this same beam to transport a small item to them which will hopefully relay the message that we are here and aware of their location. With some minor modifications, we should be able to use the same beams to draw a quick map of the underground cave system that we encountered and partially traveled through while there."
"You are planning on doing a rock density check using the beams," the Ensign nodded with understanding, that part of the plan having been easy enough to follow.
"If I may ask," Ensign Ya'Han cut in with. "How are you planning on getting these beams to reach the moon with that thing in our way?" The Chief of Security continued as she pointed to the imposing Battle Cruiser visible on the main view screen.
"I was actually hoping that you would have a way to get the Yxidii Battle Cruiser to move granting us a direct line of sight," the Shillian acting First Officer admitted. "Otherwise we will have to try and bounce the beams off the nearby asteroids that were detected while Doctor Doyanne and I were working in the Planetary Studies Lab. Those asteroids appear to have a rather high concentration of metallic matter which should enable us to use them as a point of deflection for our particle search beams."
"That is going to be one heck of a tricky pool shot," the Operations Officer grunted. "Not to mention that the uneven surfaces of the asteroids is going to reduce the accuracy of the beams. We will be able to aim towards the asteroid but it will be an unpredictable wild guess as to where on the moon they will hit, if it hits the moon at all. Heck, it might even end up hitting the Battle Cruiser and there is no way to know for sure as to how they would react to that."
"I know," the Shillian reluctantly admitted. "That is why I am hoping that either one of you will be able to offer an alternate option, hopefully one that will see the Yxidii ship move from its current position without its crew becoming wise to our intentions."
"I might have something for you Commander," the Chief of Security offered. "During the battle between the Yxidii and Akitashiinu, we gathered a great deal of tactical data including specific weapon and shield energy signatures. What if we could make that Battle Cruiser believe that the enemy had suddenly returned?"
"You want to use some sort of sensor echo that we would bounce off one of the asteroids to trick them?" Ensign Stark wondered, not entire sure that the plan, if indeed this had been the idea, would work against the battle hardened Yxidii.
"Much better than that," the black haired Chief of Security replied, a devilish grin having formed on her lips. "Using an confined modulated energy transfer beam, we should be able to imbue one or more of those asteroids with an energy signature that very closely matches that of the Akitashiinu shields and weapons. In theory this should make the Yxidii not only believe that enemy ships have returned but that they are preparing to fire, all of this without having been previously detected."
"And you think that will make them move?" Stark asked, not sounding overly confident that this would actually work.
"I am sure they will respond without any second thoughts," Ya'Han confirmed without hesitation. "I know I would. The Yxidii are likely keeping a very close watch on anything that resembles a Akitashiinu ship, and to suddenly have one or more show up without having been seen approaching will get their fullest attention. The only problem is that there is no way to know as to just how much time this will give us before they figure out it was a ruse and return to get in our way."
"Then we will just have to make sure the ruse is a good one," the Shillian acting First Officer said with confidence. "Ensign Ya'Han, you are to work on the details of your plan and let me know the moment you are ready. Ensign Stark, plot a search pattern using a narrow-band particle beam to scan the moon, for now use a direct line of sight angle with the hope that the ruse suggested by Ensign Ya'Han will work," the Chief Science Officer said having fallen into the demands of her new role a little more than she had before. "Lastly," Maya continued as she looked at the Avatar who had been quietly standing on the bridge taking in everything that had been said, "ANI, could I see you in the Ready Room please. You and I have quite a bit of personal research to do in a very short period of time if we are to take full advantage of all this should it work."
Although not being an emotional being, the Avatar actually appeared perplexed following the statement made by the Shillian woman and prompt followed into the Ready Room where Lieutenant Commander Maya had already vanished into.
---
Jessica Solarik
Lieutenant Commander Maya
Chief Science Officer
USS ANUBIS
"To see the world in a grain of sand,
and a heaven in a wild flower.
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
and eternity in an hour."
- William Blake (British, 1757-1827)
=====
“Tasty Treat”
Previous post – Jessica’s “Getting Around The Largest Problems”
=====
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Captain Ready Room
Stardate: 30148.1745
ANI was going through the plan that Lt Commander Maya and her had discussed and was currently running several calculations as to what item would best suit their needs. Using details of personal logs, items find in their respective quarters and recorded snippets of conversations,
ANI had been given an immeasurable amount of raw data to worth with. After some basic filtering though, several possibilities had presented themselves but the variables were seemingly endless.
From behind the Captain’s desk the Shillian looked over and saw ANI standing seemingly motionless in the middle of the room, but knew that no matter how still the avatar looked there were hundreds if not thousands of calculations and possibilities running through her system.
[/\] Doctor Doyanne to Lt Commander Maya, [/\] the comm badge chirped interrupting her thoughts.
“Go ahead doctor,” the Shillian stated.
[/\] Got it, it’s small but usable, [/\] the CMO stated with a bit of excitement.
“ANI, we have a beam, we just need to know what to send,” the acting first officer stated.
“I know what to send, we just have to make sure Lt Paquette gets it,” ANI confirmed with a grin that seemed out of place for the Avatar.
“Why does the engineer need to receive it?” Maya asked curiously.
“She will know it is from me, and understand the message without any problem,” ANI all but laughed, making the EXO give her a curious look.
=====
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Underground cave system
Stardate: 30148.1800
Sonja had been slowly pacing trying to burn off some the nervous energy she had. It was nice to see that the Aki… that had entered so suddenly had retreated to the far end of the vast space keeping to themselves as they didn’t truly see the crew of the ANUBIS. Based on their greater size, strength, speed and agility it was easy to imagine that their treat level had been low. This suited the CEO just fine as she did not trust them one bit. She certainly did not have the sunshine and lollipops outlook Seska had which bordered naïve. However as the councillor pointed out doctors in general were far more optimistic in nature. Possibly this helped them perform their duties.
Sonja was distracted in her thoughts as she noticed a small flicker by the back far wall, near where the rest of the crew had been sitting. There is was again… the engineer’s curiosity was as always getting the best of her, so she moved cautiously in the direction not wanting to attract attention from either the AKI or her shipmates, just in case. She approaches slowly and scanned the area and spots something… she could not quite believe what she eventually discovered. She crouched down to pick up the small items and looked them over with a grin. Yup, this indeed what she thought. She started to giggle almost uncontrollably, drawing the attention and curious looks form her close by shipmates. The CEO approached them laughing full out at this point.
“Great the warp core withdraw chose now to hit,” Toskk stated with a heavy sigh.
“Not at all you great Lumox,” Sonja giggled, addressing the others. “We have a message from above,” the CEO stated with a grin as she extended her hand to show what she had discovered.
“By the Prophets… what…” Seska stated.
At the same time the counselor exclaimed, “What is the meaning of this?”
=====
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30148.1810
“Cookies… cookies really?” Stark stated with a rather incredulous look on his face.
“Seems a bit odd, how would they know it’s from us let alone what it means?” the security officer stated as she joined her fellow Ensign in questioning the validity of the plan that they had just now been informed of.
“We needed to send an item that someone on the away team would recognize without drawing any undesired attention from anyone else,” Maya explained. “With the help of ANI we were able to narrow the field of possibilities down to this particular item.”
“Alright,” Ensign Stark finally accepted, “but how will they know for sure that they came from us?”
“Lieutenant Paquette had personally mentioned the chocolate chip cookies in a conversation with me,” the Avatar stated. “When compared to all other possibilities that were small enough to be beamed down, recognizable by someone from the away team and innocent enough in appearance to be ignored by everyone else, the cookies had the highest probability of achieving the intended goal.”
“Based on the research done by ANI,” Maya jumped back in with. “The cookies were the best choice, the purple coloring of the chips was my idea,” the acting ExO added as she glanced back at the Avatar’s own head of hair.
=====
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Underground cave system
Stardate: 30148.1810
“These are from my girl ANI,” Sonja says with a southern accent and a laugh. “They know where we are and the others are safe,” the engineer continued confidently with a grin.
"You do know she is an android and not a real girl, right?" Shar'El asked thinking that perhaps the CEO had gone completely mad.
“What makes you say that?” Counselor Dalziel asked of the engineer, ignoring for the time being the comment made by the ILO.
“First there are purple chips, which can only be ANI,” Sonja stated matter-of-factly. “Second there are six cookies, ANI would not overlook anyone, so that means the others are on the ship, safe,” the ships engineer stated with finality.
It was then that the redhead noticed the four officers were looking at her with rather bemused looks, as she chomped happily on one of the cookies.
She extended her hand with the cookies and said, “Want one, they are quite good?”
=====
Lorraine Paquette
Lieutenant JG Sonja Paquette
Chief Engineering Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
"Oathbreaker"
[Previous Post " Tasty Treat " by Lorraine Paquette ]
_____________
Setting: PI ALPHA III, Lunar Subterra
Stardate: 30148.1754
The ACMO had only been minimally attentive to the events following Morningstar's tete a tete with Eeru and Ruhek. Having had originally felt like making note of an objection, that the Captain should not be left alone, isolated from the rest of the team, thinking that each member she had decided would benefit a wide range of possible or potential situation. Ttosk and Shar'El being at the top of the list. Still, Seska was silent, knowing every captain had their 'chosen' counsel, yet this one was quickly starting to become the epitome of the exception to that. It was starting to become clear or evident that the one was greater than the sum of the pieces of the whole, and that is where Seska dropped it, the entire thought to its logical conclusion, from her mind entirely.
The initial observations made of Mizore's personality or character traits openly and verbally expressed by the other members of the crew present, having been viewed, seen, or labeled as 'optimistic', had in fact provided a minor sense amusement. An entertained expression momentarily touched her features where it crept on to her face, turning the left corner of her lips in to an almost smile. She knew there was a time and place to form a positive spin on events or particular subjects, which for her was usually during treatment, or reserved to Sickbay. Outside or other than that, she knew she was more accurately or acutely a realist, not withstanding the linear chronicle of her life's path, direction, and all the events throughout her sordid personal history and past.
Her attention was yet still far more occupied with, far more interested in, the massive enigma of information that she had taken from the injured Akitashiinu, Satesh at the time. Constantly shifting and shuffling data between the tricorder and her PADD through a synchronous link. Somewhere between the tricorder and the PADD system's interface sometime during routine transfer protocol, a strange, foreign spike of code had attached itself on to Seska's records appearing on the PADD screen as a flash like a small aurora instantaneously before returning to the device's standard operation parameters in a matter of minutes. There was some unexplained new function displayed on screen, that having had written itself in to the proprietary primary memory, apparently exceeded the processing threshold, which she had no explanation for, though was adamantly and vehemently determined to figure out, whatever it would take.
Motivated with the specific purpose to track down and uncover the source, all she needed or required was a means of slipping away. :: Distraction. :: ::Distraction. :: The idea echoed in her conscious mind, while her eyes scanned over the scene, her surrounding area, those members of her crew still left on the away team, Shar'El the minx, fiery Paquette, the Cardassian Dalziel, and the titan Ttosk, and the Akitashiinu, Satesh the fighter and the spiritwalker Maro.
The Chief Engineer's maniacal laughter, having attracted everyone's attention and drawn all focus toward the redheaded Terran woman, was just the diversion she needed to exit, putting the room to her back without notice.
" By the Prophets. . . What. . . " Seska stated, feigning some interest, not to draw suspicion to her plans and or activity.
On the way out through a west facing passage, she snatched Satesh's 'light lance' with her right as a means to illuminate her way and guide her through the darkness toward the epicenter of the mysterious transmission signal with her PADD as a sort of compass.
_____________
Setting: PI ALPHA III, Lunar Subterra Ruins
Stardate: 30148.1821
Summoning on her experience from her childhood, the young girl in the resistance as a scout, navigating shadowy corridors and blackened paths, silently passing without much more than the sound of a whisper. As she managed to slide her lithe form through a narrow fracture in the stone wall that lead to an area in to what seemed or appeared to the Bajoran as a great hall of some kind.
Her first act was to get an idea of the place, surveying the expanse with a tricorder and her vision to gain some spatial awareness, setting the tool on a surface near eye level, when and where her left hand brushed against a solid formation, it had come to life as lights flickered into existence and large flat surfaces became illuminated with high definition screens, and a dense particle field projected on a holo emitter, Bajor and its trinity of moons, the three sisters. Little by little every part of the hall had become bathed in the full spectrum light, as well as a residual energy conflux that danced like fire as it whirled and swirled high above in sapphire blue, pure white as snow, and deep shades of iridescent purple.
Overseeing the machinations spark come to life, Seska began to check the system memory for any significant information related to activity records, files, and logs still contained and intact, where her left hand dexterously worked with a deftness that resembled ripples across water's surface. The more she operated and manipulated the functions, the more it responded to her. Not only through tactile contact, or touch, it was as if it anticipated her next objective, mentally analyzing and interpreting conscious and subconscious simultaneously.
As all systems checked out, awaiting the next series of commands, the ACMO at that moment reached a left hand across where her fingertips pressed against her uniform, about to notify the others, only to realize the comm badge was still lost somewhere on PI ALPHA III.
Without warning, a deep set of glowing eyes extricated themselves from the wall off to aside of Seska, in a blindingly swift flash or flurry of motion, it had her at the neck with one hand, and her right wrist with the other, disarming her of the 'light lance' as it fell from her possession with a resounding metallic resonance against the console. Lifting her entire body with ease, pinning her against the cold hard stone, just elevated enough to keep her boots from touching ground beneath her.
" Species, rank, and status. " It spoke with a voice that crackled like lightning. Mizore writhed under the force of the grip, fighting to catch even one more breath as she fought to speak her response, unable to break the words. " Species, rank, and status. What is your mission, why, or what are you here for. " it repeated again, with more, this time with a noticeable or apparent frustration in it's rather demanding tone.
She could feel its eyes piercing the veil in her mind, unable to resist for more than minutes as asphyxiation was starting to set in, weakening her resolve and fortitude, her twin shaded eyes only beginning to roll back in her head. The last act of desperation to hold on to life, her left hand dropped to her side, feeling as her hand gripped her sidearm fired four shots at Level Ten in to the Yxiddi attaker before it released her and collapsed on to itself, merely unconscious from what she was able to tell.
Fightning for air, where she herself had dropped to her knees, one hand still with a tight hold on her Bajoran phaser, braced on the machine, the other reaching for the 'light lance'. It had taken Seska some time to get her wind back, using the pole to lift herself to stand. Unsettled she laid her weapon down, staring between it and the fallen Yxiddi in disbelief. Leaning her weight on the haft of the Akitashiinu 'light lance' and her left hand resting on the main control computer, she could almost feel it become part of her, or her part of it as it connected to her through physically, mentally. This was not just some machine, it was a living form of self aware, semi sentient technology.
In moments, the image of her home world had faded into a holopixelated oblivion, where in moments it had come together in form, replaced with a perfect, flawless rendered avatar of Rika. . .
_____________
Gwen Spellblade
Ensign Mizore Seska
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
"Chaos All Around"
[Previous post was "Oathbreake"]
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30148.1810
The new Chief of Security could not help but smile as she watched the Yxidii Battle Cruiser madly rushing around like a Ferengi who had lost a few slips of gold-pressed latium. The ruse of imbuing a few of the asteroids with an energy signature that matched that of the Akitashiinu ships had proven to be far more successful than anyone could have imagined or even hoped for.
Thanks to this, it had been easy for ANI and Ensign Stark to use the modified particle beams to search and actually locate the majority of the members of the crew who had still been in the moon's underground passages and rooms. The item used to actually communicate with the team on the moon had been unique to say the last, but the overall logic had been perfect, unfortunately there had been no way for those on board the ANUBIS to know if the cookies had actually reached the intended person and if she had understood the full message.
A flashing light from her station made Ya'Han look down to see what had caused the alarm. "Looks like the Yxidii Battle Cruiser has stopped searching for the invisible Akitashiinu ships," the dark haired Chief of Security said from the Tactical station.
"Are they showing any signs of returning?" Commander Maya asked, knowing that their return to block their direct line of sight to the moon would make them lose what little contact they had managed to get with their missing officers.
"No, right now they seems to be staying in the same place, searching or waiting or both," Ya'Han answered, her eyes never moving away from the information being displayed at the Tactical station. "My guess is that they are trying to figure out what is going on. Either that or they are waiting for another *ship* to appear for them to go after. Either way I can imagine that their CO is scratching that big bald blue head of his."
"Maybe so, but may I suggest that we wait to see what happens before giving them another signal to go investigate," Stark said. "If we do this too much they might get wise to the trick and come back to us in a less than happy mood."
"It would be interesting to see an Yxidii showing a happy mood, or any mood for that matter," Ya'Han said in return, not able to imagine that race as appearing anything else than an inter stellar brute from another dimension. "Those guys just look nasty, almost as bad as a Ferengi."
"You should have seen those Akitashiinu," Stark shot back almost instantly. "They are nowhere in the running for Miss Universe, that much I can tell you. As for the Ferengi, what is it with you and that race? Granted they are not the warm and cuddly type, but you seem to have a chip on your shoulder when it comes to them."
"That discussion will have to be settled at another time. Ensign Ya'Han, please have all defensive systems on full readiness status," Commander Maya said as she joined the new Chief of Security at the Tactical station. "If they come back wanting an explanation or even looking for a fight, I do not want to make things easy for them. This of course means that we have to keep out attention on the situation at hand."
"No worries Commander, "Ya'Han said with a faint grin, glad that she would not have to explain herself to the other Ensign or anyone else for that matter. "Thanks to the data gathered from their battle with the Akitashiinu ships, I was able to modify the shields to increase their effectiveness against their weapons. If those blue skinned things decide to come after us looking for a fight, we will be more than ready to give it to them and make them regret that decision rather quickly."
Silence spread through the bridge as everyone returned to their immediate duties. Stark would have to put his curiosity in check for the time being, and Ya'Han would have to come up with a feasible reason to explain why she disliked the race and a very specific member of it so much. Maybe one day she would be able to reveal the truth, but for the time being it had been best for no one to know of her past and issues with the Ferengi Alliance.
"Commander, I think we have a problem," the Chief of Operations said, ending the silence and drawing the Commander's attention to the front of the bridge.
"Is it the Akitashiinu? Are they back?" the First Officer asked, hoping that the second alien race had not chosen now to actually return and likely complicate things a great deal for them.
"No, it's the members of the away team... we lost contact with one of them," Stark said without being able to explain why. "Whoever it was just suddenly vanished, we were tracking their movements and then nothing. Either the search beams can't locate them or they have entered a location that the modified particle beams are unable to get into."
"Great," the Commander sighed. After having spent so much time and effort to finally be able to locate the members of the crew still on the moon, it had been a hard blow to unexpectedly lose one of them. "Establish a new search parameters starting from the last known location of that crewman. Let's try to get them back or at the very least figure out what has happened to cause us to lose contact with them."
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Hanali Han
Ensign Ya'Han
Chief of Security / Chief Tactical Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
“Prisons of the Mind”
(Continued from “Chaos All Around”)
“Men are not prisoners of fate, but prisoners of their own minds.”
-Franklin D. Roosevelt
=-=
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Underground cave system
Stardate: 30148.1740
The crew had fallen back to doing their own thing while they waited for the return of their Captain. Surrounded and outnumbered as they were by the Akitashiinu, this had been the safest course of action. Seska had been tending to Wydran, Sonja had decided to walk off her frustrations and Eve had simply been keeping an eye on Shar'El, who appeared fascinated by one specific member of the silicon-based feral race.
A sizeable chunk of the Counsellor’s brain power had been spent studying their… cohabitants of the caves. Lieutenant JG Dalziel struggled to find a more fitting word but her efforts fell short. It was not fair to call them captors, nor were they entirely friendly to them. The more time they spent with the animalistic beings, the more Eve believed they thought of the ANUBIS’ crew as an inconvenience to be dealt with. This conclusion, right or not, left her with a twinge of sadness. There could be so much information to share. Perhaps an ally to be made. Another species to meld to the rich tapestry that was the Federation.
The Akitashiinu seemed to have motives well beyond the thoughts of goodwill and cooperation that floated around in Eve’s head. She wanted to share these opinions with the others, but it did not feel safe to do so. Even though the stranded officers were not being treated as a threat at the moment, the Cardassian born woman felt it would not take much to tip the scales in that direction.
She glanced to Shar’El, who at first appeared to be resting, but her posture held a certain tension as she focused on the group of aliens. Even though the ambient temperature underground was not unpleasant, beads of perspiration had formed on the Intel officer’s smooth forehead. She seemed unaware of the Cns’ observation of her, which was unlikely. This made the tall woman take notice… she quietly observed, careful to not disturb whatever was happening.
It had taken longer than usual for the ILO to reach her target's memories, digging through primal images that barely made sense to the Starfleet Officer. To look into someone else's memories had always been a risky business, as the initial images could never be controlled or expected. It usually required a few seconds for Shar'El to get her bearings once she entered someone's mind. With the Akitashiinu though, this had taken several lengthy minutes and even then the black haired woman had not been completely successful.
Emotions and feelings were always encountered when dealing with someone's memories, the more alien the mind though, the stranger some of these could be. In the case of the Akitashiinu, the emotions that followed the as raw as could be, and seemed to be mixed one into the other.
Without any warning, the ILO suddenly collapsed forward onto her knees and held her head. Although this had been noticed by most, only the Ship's Counselor moved in to see what had happened and if she could help.
“Shar’El?” Eve questioned softly, touching her arm. The petite woman was shaking, her hands unmoving from her head. The Ensign seemed trapped in a private battle. Slowly, she lifted her head and opened her eyes, with a pained expression. Eve could only guess at what was playing behind the ILO’s eyes. But outwardly, she looked confused and unsure, two things she had never seen before in the often reclusive officer. And, as much as she didn’t always appreciate the secretive tactics of the diminutive woman, it felt important to protect her.
Seska had given the Ullian something to help her nerves earlier, but it seemed to have worn off a lot quicker than the aCMO had been hoping. And the mental health of the crew was *her* responsibility, not the Doctor's. However, the cave was not exactly a conducive location from which to prevent psychosis. Eve needed a plan.
"My mind is clear," Eve said aloud, but quietly. "Shar'El?"
Obsidian eyes bored into gray ones. "What?" Shar'El heard herself ask.
"Enter my mind... my thoughts."
Shar'El paused.
“I'm certain." Eve positioned herself with crossed legs and arms upturned, hands open, and gestured for Shar’El to assume the same posture.
Eve remembered when they had been imprisoned, Morningstar had asked them all to craft a memory, something strong and as real to them as possible. It was this imprint that Eve went back to, a lazy sunrise on Jorus Island on RISA. The sky was layered with brilliant colors of fire coral, goldenrod and azure; the flora and fauna were every shade of green imaginable, punctuated with flashes of colorful birds and rushing water from a nearby stream. She’d been lucky enough to visit this idyllic place on several occasions, and it was highly suitable now as a place of respite. And even though Eve was not telepathic, psionic, or even an empath, she tried to force the weak thoughts of her average mind to Shar’El, hoping she would seek the memory she wanted her to seek. And to find solace within it...
=-=
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Underground cave system
Stardate: 30148.1815
With a cookie in her hand, Shar'El looked at the redheaded Engineer, still trying to bring order back to her own thoughts. The news that Maya, Lillie and Jayson had somehow found their way back onto the ANUBIS had been a great news, but it had been far from answering all of the questions the rest of them still faced.
“How did the others find their way back to the ANUBIS?” the Counsellor asked softly, taking a bite of the message cookie. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was, and how tired. She still felt drained by whatever it was she and Shar’El had shared. But Shar’El looked and acted much more like herself again, so it was well worth the effort.
“Technology of some kind would have to be involved. They would not have made it back without transport, shuttle, or some other type of device. The environmental factors outside would preclude any other methods of escape.”
“I wish Maya were here- I know she could make sense of it,” Eve commented wistfully.
“I’m glad her erudite efforts can be used to free us,” Shar’El said thoughtfully.
“Point well taken,” the Counsellor agreed.
After the friendly exchange, Shar'El smiled at the Counselor and silently thanked her for what she had done: being a friend as well as an understanding fellow shipmate. The smile on the ILO's lips was short lived though as her eyes fell onto another Akitashiinu, this one walking through the room with some level of urgency.
"Seska?" Shar'El whispered, the image in the alien's mind having been beyond clear.
"What about Seska?" Eve asked, looking at the ILO with a measure of confusion and concern.
"Where is she?"
=-=
Susan Ledbetter
Lieutenant JG Eve Dalziel
Counsellor
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
=-=
"Shattered Tranquility"
[previous post was "Prisons of the Mind" by the adored Susan]
=-=
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Underground cave system
Stardate: 30148.1820
"Where is she?" Shar'El ask having seen a partial memory of the ship's ACMO in the mind of the Akitashiinu who had so quickly passed by them. It had taken a great deal of effort for the ILO to make sense of the images and sensations that she found within the alien minds but thanks to the help of Counselor Dalziel the task had been made a great deal easier.
From confusion at the incomprehensible images sees in the mind of the Akitashiinu, to discomfort at experiencing the primal rage of the silicon-based canine race, the ILO had been given refuge in the peace and tranquility one of Eve's specific memories of RISA. The single image of a lazy sunrise over the calm waters surrounding the Jorus island had been more than enough to immediately put Shar'El in a state of relaxation. The emotions that followed only serve to wash the black haired woman of any and all trouble that she had experienced allowing for the Intel Liaison Officer to come back as the person she was.
"Seska is nowhere to be seen," Wydran said, the towering FCO having returned to his feet, his height granting him a unique vantage point to survey the room.
"What I find strange is the lack of alarm or visible concern from our hosts," the redheaded engineer huffed. "You would think they would be mad as hornets to lose one of us like that."
"They did seem to be rather interested in keeping us here, especially after the Captain was taken away," Eve confirmed as she glanced around the room to see the lack of concern the CEO had just mentioned.
"What bothers me is the fact that the Captain's instructions were as clear as could be, well at least they were to me," the CEO said as she recalled the gesture from their CO that ordered them to remain seated and where they were. Wherever Captain Morningstar would be taken to, the last thing he likely needed to do was to worry about his crew.
"Tactically speaking it also made more sense for us to remain together in this case," Shar'El added. "Not only would it make it easier for the ANUBIS to find and rescue us, but it allowed us to react as a single unit to whatever might happen. As guests of the Akitashiinu it also made it easier for them to protect us from another Yxidii attack."
"And that is where none of this makes any sense," the CEO sighed. "As their prisoners those dog faced aliens should have hit the roof the moment one of us escaped. As their guest, you would think that they would scramble under the idea that our ACMO was abducted. Yet they are relatively going about their business as if it had been normal for Ensign Mizore to just go wondering back into the caves."
"Normal, no," Eve said with a seriousness that reflected her Cardassian heritage a little more than the CNS might have wanted. "I suspect that it was more along the lines of expected or maybe even hoped for."
"Why would they want her to go wandering back into the caves?" The FCO asked as he leaned down to make sure his voice did not carry too far.
"Maybe not her specifically," the ILO said. "The Akitashiinu might have set the trap for any one of us to take and Seska was the lucky one that did."
"That is just great," Sonja uttered in frustration. "I am going to wipe those ridges clean off that nose when we find her.
"Let's not jump to any conclusion," Eve quickly added, trying her best to be the peacekeeper in this situation. "We have no idea as to what happened or why. All we have is the lack of visible response from the Akitashiinu to guide us. For all we know they might be turning this moon inside-out searching for her."
"Well someone better find that Bajoran Doctor quick," the redhead signed in defeat. "Looks like her condition is contagious and spreading."
"Her condition?" Wydran and Eve asked in unison.
"Seska being overly optimistic," Shar'El replied through a heavy sigh having caught the intended joke of the frustrated Lt. JG Paquette.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
##########
"Unexpected Twists"
Previous post "Shattered Tranquility"
##########
"To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting."
- Sun Tzu
=====
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Underground cave system
Stardate: 30148.1720
With a gentle nod of her head Eeru dismissed the more imposing Akitashiinu who had accompanied them thus far. The Jackal featured Ruhek acknowledged his superior before glancing back at the Human with tangible disappointment. The fact that the alien Commanding Officer to them had not reacted in the least at the sight of the tortured Yxidii had robed the Enforcer of one of his greatest joys.
"Please forgive Ruhek," the reddish furred Akitashiinu politely offered in nearly perfect English. "Diplomacy is not his clan's highest strength, but in this war against the Yxidii, his skills have come in handy on more than one occasion."
"No apologies required, and if I may be so bold," the Native American ever so gently grinned back, "I suspect that your skills in diplomacy come in second only to your ability to test another without them actually being aware of it and your ability to learn my language."
"You are a most wise man Captain Morningstar," the Intelligence and Tactical trained creature said with a toothy smile. "That is why I thought it best to bring you here and explain the situation that you and your crew have been drawn into." With a movement of her hand, the Akitashiinu invited the Native American to sit in one of the rock-made chairs surrounding a table which had also been formed from the available and abundant material found in the underground of the moon. "I will not waste your time with pointless explanations and will go straight to the point. We are at war with the Yxidii because we are trying to stop them from gaining control of a technology that would grant them the power to conquer not only their dimension but yours and mine as well."
"That is quite a claim," the Native American offered having long ago learned not to take anything or anyone at face value without some level of proof.
"A claim that is not made lightly I assure you," Eeru continued. "As for my skills in having learned your language, I must give credit to one of your own, and the person responsible for having opened our minds to the possibilities of countless other dimensions."
With another movement of her hand Eeru instructed Ruhek to return, an order that the agile and swift Akitashiinu promptly obeyed as he escorted someone else into the room. In the dim light the Native American could not make out who the new arrival had been, but there had been one thing certain: whoever it was had not been Akitashiinu or Yxidii, but Human.
Slowly the frail figure moved forward before coming to a complete stop upon having noticed the seated Starfleet Officer. "Commander Morningstar?" the weak looking Human male offered as he gazed onto the face of the Native American with distant recognition.
"Actually, it's Captain now," Erik cautiously corrected as he tried his best to match the man with one of countless memories that had suddenly come rushing into the CO's mind. Morningstar knew him, that much had been sure, but from where? Having served on board the USS DISCOVERY, USS PROPHECY, the GATEWAY space station, the USS AVALON and USS PARADOX had insured that the Native American had come to know a great deal of people. "Jackson? Thomas Jackson?"
"Glad you remember me Commander, I mean Captain," the man offered with genuine smile as he moved closer to the Native American only to collapse into his arms further hinting to the man's weakened condition. "You have no idea how happy I am to see you."
"The last reports concerning the PROPHECY said that it had been lost with all hands," Captain Morningstar stated as he helped his former Assistant Chief Engineering Officer onto the chair that he had been sitting in seconds before.
"We were *lost* but not that way," Jackson confirmed with a laboured chuckle, "we were adrift in the endless sea of dimensions after we suffered a massive computer breakdown. Captain McTavish never gave up hope despite our running into countless problems and obstacles the last one having been a race bent on using the PROPHECY's D-Drive to gain a tactical advantage over the entire multi-verse."
"I'm guessing you are speaking about the Yxidii," Erik sighed as he studied the features of the man who appeared much older than he should have been. Granted it had been nine years since the Native American had last seen the Engineering Officer, but the then Lieutenant appeared as if he had ventured to hell and back several times over.
Jackson tightly closed his eyes for a moment at the sound of the alien race`s name, as if that single word had actually caused him physical pain. Erik could only imagine the horrors that Thomas and the rest of the PROPHECY crew had endured to cause such a reaction. The Native American had wished that he could have said or done something to ease the man's apparent pain, but all he could do was to gaze upon the Officer with sadness and sorrow.
"We found him in a shuttle along with three other members of your Starfleet," Eeru explained. "Unfortunately he was the only one who had survived, the others having perished from their wounds. As our healers restored him to health as best they could, we learned his language and of the ship that he had been separated from. Unfortunately we were unable to return him before the Yxidii attacked once again and forced the ship into another dimension stranding this one in our domain. Our healers did their best but our knowledge of carbon-based life forms was and unfortunately still is very limited."
"It's a long story," Thomas admitted in a tired voice having forced himself to regain some level of composure, "but it is one that you need to be made aware of."
Eeru watched and listened with undivided interest as the weakened Human male told his kinsman of the tale on how his ship and crew had travelled into a never before visited dimension to come across a vicious, bloodthirsty race. The gruesome details of the story kept the Native American riveted to each and every word spoken for the next hour, time having literally lost all meaning for the two men. The story covered how this savage race would use the D-Drive in combination with a powerful living machine to achieve its goal of universal conquest, a machine that itself could travel between dimensions and possibly even time itself.
During that time the two Akitashiinu present in the room remained perfectly still, the only indication of their attentiveness having been an occasional twitching of one of their ears.
"They have to be stopped," Thomas pleaded as he held his former superior's shoulders in his weakened grasp. "They cannot be permitted to get control of that device or we are *all* lost."
"We will make sure that the Yxidii never get their hands on that device," Erik reassured, the name of the race having caused Thomas to once again close his eyes to ward off the wave of pain that had been sent coursing through his weakened body and mind.
The sound of a strange alarm drew everyone's attention away from man who had been at the centre of the attention for the past hour.
"Parameter has been breached," Eeru stated with urgency. "It might be best for you to return to your people," the fox featured Akitashiinu added, aiming her comment to the now standing Starfleet Captain. "Ruhek will take care of your friend," the reddish furred being stated with a delicate smile as she motioned with a movement of her head to the Enforcer to follow the orders that he had already been given.
Although reluctant to leave Thomas behind, Erik knew that he had no choice. The story told by the Engineer had been clear on many points including the importance of addressing this situation with the utmost haste to insure that the savage race would never be permitted to control this unique device.
"Go," Jackson said with a nod of his head as Ruhek came to stand next to the frail Human. "I have done all that I can here, the rest is up to you and your crew, Captain Morningstar."
The Native American nodded his understanding before slipping behind Ereru as she rushed back to the room where the rest of the ANUBIS crew had been told to wait for their CO's return.
Now alone with Ruhek, Thomas rose to his feet with some difficulty and slowly turned to face the Akitashiinu guardian before the Human took in a long, deep breath. "Time for you to take care of me," Jackson hissed, his words laced with a hatred that he had been unable to voice in any outward manner while Morningstar had been in front of him. "Mark my words though, Erik Morningstar will be a name that you and your cursed race will learn to hate and fear very soon."
The jackal featured Akitashiinu growled as he leaned in over the shorter Human and took a firm hold of the man's throat and neck with a single powerful hand. For far too long Ruhek had been forced to endure this worm's presence and now he would be rid of him once and for all. The toothy evil grin grew to its largest when the frail man was lifted clean off the floor and his neck snapped with sadistic ease.
=====
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Underground cave system
Stardate: 30148.1830
As the Native American returned to the large room where the rest of the crew had remained, he was met by the redheaded Chief Engineering Officer and Ship's Counsellor.
"Good or bad or ugly first?" Lieutenant Paquette asked, not giving the Captain the chance to say anything.
"Bad news first," Erik sighed, his thoughts still on the man he had just left behind to a likely less than pleasant fate.
"Seska is missing," Sonja reported in a half whispered voice.
"The good news is that we received a message from the ANUBIS saying that Maya, Jayson and Lillie are safe and sound on board," Eve added in an even softer, whispered voice as she handed the last cookie to her Captain.
The Native American took the sweet offering with a distinct perplexed expression engraved onto his brow. A quick study of the item revealed a single clue that Erik wasted no time to confirm. "Purple chocolate chips? I'm guessing ANI is involved in this somehow?"
The Chief Engineering Officer replied with nothing more than a huge grin of satisfaction and pride.
"What about the ugly?" Erik inquired not entirely certain that he wanted to know.
The redhead grinned as she shrugged a shoulder and half pointed to the giant Zaldan FCO who just rolled his eyes at the Engineer again, causing the ILO to actually chuckle, if only for a second.
"You can explain this later, right now I need to fill you all in," Morningstar stated as he took a bite of the sweet offering, ignoring the last exchange between the CEO and himself with a roll of his eyes which matched that of the FCO. "Our first priority is to find Ensign Mizore, after that we'll need to put an end to this war."
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
"Something Changed"
[previous "Unexpected Twists"]
[/\]
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30148.1845
The interference field that surrounded the moon had made things very difficult for the ANUBIS and its staff. Commander Maya and Doctor Doyanne had found a way to poke holes through it but that had helped only a little, giving them a way to track the movements of the majority of the away team.
Luck had actually been on their side. The unseen force had kept the Yxidii battle cruise out of their way to allow them to find their missing officers. Like all things though, luck had its limits and there had been no way to know how long it would hold. The odds would be that the alien ship would return and its crew would be in a less than pleasant mood.
Time was against them on every front. Everyone knew this and worked against it to find a solution that would be one step higher than the cookies that had been sent down. It might not have been the best possible solution, but it had been a step in the right direction. Six cookies for six people, a simple message that said more than most would have understood from it. One of the hidden messages had been that the others were safe and that the away team had been found.
Jayson sighed in frustration as he scratched his head not having been able to think any more on the problem at hand. Getting through the interference field had been the first step but they had still been miles away of being able to beam any of them back up or even open a communications channel. Unable to do more at that time, Jayson turned his attention to the screen that displayed the location of the members of the away team.
Dots on a screen. That had been all that he could see, and it was all that he knew of what had been happening below the moon's surface. What bugged Jayson the most was that there had been no sign of the *dot* that had vanished a little while back. Had the officer been moved to a secured location? Had something been blocking the narrow-band particle beams in that area? Had the officer met an unfortunate end leaving there to be nothing for the beam to find?
All that he could do was to work at his station and continue the search in hope that something would change. As if the universe had heard him, his unvoiced wish was answered.
"They're on the move."
Jayson's announcement followed his having noticed on his console that the members of the away team they had manage to locate were changing location as a group. The problem was that there had still been no way to know where they were heading to and if it was away or towards the one member of the team that had been lost .
"Something has happened, the Yxidii battle cruise is moving as well, and they're heading back in our direction."
Ya'Han said from the tactical station, her fingers already hovering over the ANUBIS' weapons' controls.
Silence spread on the bridge as all eyes watched the large Yxidii ship turn and rush back to its earlier position between the ANUBIS and the moon. Had they figured out the ruse that had been used against them or had something else happened. Either way it was easy to see that the answer would not be long in coming.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Ensign Jayson Stark
Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
=-=
"Memory Scan"
[previous post was "Something Changed" by the cautious Jayson]
=-=
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Underground cave system
Stardate: 30148.1845
The Captain had returned more focused and driven than the ILO had ever seen him be before. Whatever had happened during his time away from the rest of the crew had deeply affected the Commanding Officer, so much so that his mental defences had been lowered enough for Shar'El to get glimpses into the man's most prominent memories.
Images from another ship and crew flashed in the man's head, returning to one specific officer. From the background setting the ILO could tell that Captain Morningstar and this other man had been in this other ship's engineering section. Obviously the two had worked together at some point but that was all that Shar'El could put together at this time. The CO's memories had been too frantic for the Ullian to make any real sense of them, so she tried her best to piece the images together to make a *bigger picture*, one that might give clues as to what had happened and why.
Eeru was in the lead closely followed by Captain Morningstar, the rest of the crew doing their best to keep pace. The two Lieutenants had been right behind their CO which had been an indication by itself as to the importance of the matter at hand. Rapid actions had been called for, the reason for which none of the Ensigns knew as of yet, but it was beyond clear that the situation had changed in a major way. The ILO could only guess as to the involvement of the ACMO in this, wondering if the Bajoran woman had in one way or another been the reason or cause for this sudden urgency for action.
The image of a dimensional rift from the Captain's memories took Shar'El by surprised and caused her to stop in mid stride. Wydran, who had been bringing up the rear, simply scooped up the much smaller dark haired woman off her feet instead of running into her. The two shared a quick grin confirming that all had been well before the giant FCO returned the ILO to her feet as if nothing had happened.
As the group continued on their way, the Ullian tried to find more about that one specific memory from their Captain, a memory that had been all too quickly replaced by a string of other images. The ILO eventually saw an image that gave her a little more information to go one, the memory of a bridge of a Starfleet ship, and a plaque that named the vessel they had been on: The USS PROPHECY.
Searching through her own memories to locate that specific name would have likely been much easier had it not been for the rushing about the uneven underground corridors. The foxy Akitashiinu had obviously been in a rush, enough so to have left her jackal bodyguard behind, but yet there had been something about the way she moved that did not convey urgency. The more Shar'El looked at Eeru the more she sound the female to not displaying what should have been expected from some sort of emergency, one important enough to have them move as they were.
With her curiosity having found a new target, the ILO focused her gaze onto the red furred alien. Shar'El had gained a little bit of experience in searching through the minds of an Akitashiinu and she hoped that it would be enough to allow her to actually get something useful. At worst case the Intel Liaison Officer would walk away from this latest attempt with another headache and the reality that she would never be able to scan that race's minds and memories.
Through the chaos found within the memories of the alien mind, the ILO was able to lock in on two specific images that told of a strange story. The first had been a memory of a machine that was as alien to the Akitashiinu as they were to the crew members of the USS ANUBIS. The second image, the one that added the most puzzling piece to this mystery had been the memory of the man that Shar'El had seen in the Captain's own memories.
Now, for people to share aspects of certain memories had been perfectly normal given that both had experienced the same thing. In this case though, it was easy to see that there had been no similarities between the memories other than the presence of that man. It was logical to assume that he had been an acquaintance of both Eeru and Captain Morningstar, but that by itself had been the strange part.
Why would the two of them know this single individual and what role did he play in this alien machine?
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
---
"Long Ago In A Dimension Far Far Away"
(Previous Post: "Memory Scan")
---
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30148.1850
Everyone held their breaths as the Yxidii Battle Cruiser returned to its previous location directly in between the USS ANUBIS and the moon of PI ALPHA III. Whatever had prompted the alien ship to return, it had done so with distinct urgency and that alone had been enough to make Lieutenant Commander Maya, Ensign Ya'Han and Ensign Stark nervous and expecting a less than pleasant next encounter with the trans-dimensional race.
"We are being hailed," the Chief of Operations announced, not sounding surprised in the least.
"All combat systems are ready and on stand-by," the Chief of Security quickly added, certain that at one point or another during the conversation things would turn ugly.
"You are not to take any actions unless I explicitly say so," the acting First Officer said in a calm voice, the Shillian still hoping that whatever had taken place would be able to be resolved through a diplomatic avenue. "Put them on screen."
The angered face of the blue skinned alien filled the main view screen of the USS ANUBIS leaving it impossible for anyone to miss the rage that the Yxidii felt at that very moment.
[/\] What have you people done *this time*? Stay *OUT* of our way or else. [/\] The blue skinned commanding officer angrily barked.
"This time?" Ensign Ya'Han repeated as the image on the main view screen returned to the default setting, that of a forward perspective which right now showed the Yxidii Battle Cruiser turning on its Y-Axis to face the moon instead of the USS ANUBIS.
"Something happened down on the moon and I think it would be best for all parties involved if we figured out what with all due urgency," the Shillian said with a sigh, glad that the communication had ended without a fight but concerned as to what had actually taken place and if it meant that the rest of the crew currently on the moon had been in any sort of danger.
---
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Inside the Underground Ruins
Stardate: 30148.1855
The away team led by Captain Morningstar followed the lead of the Akitashiinu name Eeru, everyone trying in their own way to understand what had happened.
After his talk with Thomas Jackson, Erik knew more than anyone else but there had still been a great deal of unanswered questions left for the Commanding Officer of the USS ANUBIS to address. Keeping the crew safe had been a high priority but the Captain knew that there had been a much larger issue at stake. Keeping the Akitashiinu from completing their plan, whatever it might have been, had become a more important goal, at least that had been the conclusion following the desperate and silent plea of the former Assistant Chief Engineering Officer.
As the group arrived into a large room, everyone stopped in shock at what they saw. A great machine that stretched as far as the eyes could see with lights and moving parts that would have filled countless starships. What the crew found more troubling had been the sight of the Assistant Chief Medical Officer standing into some sort of alcove, shimmering wires held the Bajoran in place in a manner that did not reflect imprisonment but rather a strange type of embrace.
"Captain," the Intelligence Liaison Officer quickly jumped in with, the machine matching the memory that Shar'El had seen in the mind of Eeru. "This is what Thomas Jackson was trying to make you understand. *This* is the machine."
Captain Morningstar quickly turned to look at Ensign Shar'El in shock as he took a few seconds to understand how the Intelligence Liaison Officer had come to know this. His mental barriers must have been down after having spoken to his former Assistant Chief Engineering Officer, but in the end the Commanding Officer found himself grateful that he did not have to explain anything.
"Try to get as much as you can from Eeru and Seska. We need to know what it is we are dealing with," The words of the Commanding Officer had been precise and to he point making it clear that they would be dealing with this on every possible level and that any knowledge on what this machine actually was would be very useful.
Having already tried to get some information from the Akitashiinu with little success, Shar'El turned her full attention onto the Assistant Chief Medical Officer while Captain Morningstar and the rest of the away team dealt with Eeru and her likely unique explanation.
The Intelligence Liaison Officer was surprised to find the mind of the Bajoran at peace, lost in a world of her own. Shar'El quickly concluded that the machine used some sort of hypnotic system to subdue and control its victims, but for what purpose? As easy as it had been to look into the memories of the Assistant Chief Medical Officer, these had been very focused on her home planet of BAJOR.
Although Shar'El could hear some sort of heated discussion between Captain Morningstar and Eeru, the Intelligence Liaison Officer continued her efforts to find out more about the machine and its purpose. It was then that the Ullian felt within her mind another presence, something that she could not explain but yet recognized as being a consciousness.
With the utmost urgency Shar'El severed her link with the Bajoran woman to seek guidance and assistance. The person nearest to her had been the Chief Engineering Officer who noted the visible distress on the face of the Ensign.
"Are you alright?" Sonja asked, offering her arms to help steady the wobbly woman.
"There is another mind in here with us," the Intelligence Liaison Officer explained, "and somehow it has made a link with Seska."
"The only thing that has *linked* with our adventurous Doctor over there seems to be that machine," the redheaded engineer pointed out, "and our long-nosed foxy *friend* over there is trying to sell us the notion that it is something that will help us return to the ANUBIS. I think there is some swamp land involved in that deal," Sonja added with a distinct tone of sarcasm.
"The machine?!?" Shar'El whispered as she studied the part of the contraption what had been visible to the group. "Of course, now it makes perfect sense."
"Alright, and now for the English speaking audience?" the redhead said as she blinked several times.
"The Borg, V-Ger, the Imperian, they are all types of *living* machines," the black haired woman explained sounding as if the solution to this entire mystery had been discovered. "The mind that I felt in Seska *is* the machine, and if it has a mind I should be able to reach it."
"That does not sound like a prudent idea... clearly though you are ignoring me as you have already started... damn it woman," the Chief Engineer said having realized as the words passed her lips that the Intelligence Liaison Officer had already begun to link with the mechanical monstrosity.
---
Setting: Space between time
Stardate: Inapplicable
To look through the mind of a Humanoid usually meant a search through decades of memories, each filled with specific feelings. This was the main difference that Shar'El faced in this journey as the memories she had gained accessed to stretched over several millennium and contained no feelings or emotions what-so-ever.
The centuries flashed passed the inner eyes of the Operative as she fell deeper into the memories of a distant past. Without emotions there had been nothing standing in her way as she pushed events aside until she finally reached the beginning... the birth of this mechanical entity.
Even then the race that had given life to this machine appeared ancient, as if they had been present in that universe since its very birth. From there Shar'El made her way back through countless memories allowing the black haired woman to see that the purpose of the machine had initially been to gather and safeguard all knowledge.
From this knowledge an intellect emerged, one with a hunger that could not be satisfied within the boundaries of that universe. In an effort to grow beyond its physical limits the machine learned to use the unique properties found within carbon-based life forms. This granted it unimaginable powers and abilities, the opening of portals between dimensions having been only one of countless others. With their continued existence threatened, several races including the Yxidii united to fight the machine. The battle ended when many gave their lives to cast the artificial entity into a dimension where its powers would prove useless.
Lost and isolated within a dimension where silicon was the only source of life, the machine became dormant, waiting in silence for an opportunity to re-awaken and resume its quest for the knowledge found within the multi-verse.
It took centuries for the Akitashiinu to break the secrets kept hidden within the machine after it had been discovered. Not possessing any means to travel to other dimensions in search of the element required by the machine, the race joined in the patient wait, eagerly planning the conquest of their universe.
It was less than a year ago that the USS PROPHECY, under the command of Captain Seamus McTavish, arrived into the silicon dimension as explorers. The Akitashiinu quickly saw a golden opportunity and eventually enlisted the help of the crew to revive the machine, promising access to an endless source of knowledge.
By the time the crew of the PROPHECY had figured out the ruse, the machine along with the entire Akitashiinu fleet had vanished to return to the point of origin of the entity. There, a war like no other took place, the machine no longer content to only gathering information thanks to the ambitions that it had collected from its new ally.
Recognizing the grave error that they had made, the crew of the PROPHECY traveled to the home dimension of the Yxidii and joined in the fight against the machine and Akitashiinu. In the hopes of shifting the tide of the war and depriving the silicon-based race its greatest asset, six Officers of the Terran vessel found their way into the heart of the machine. There, the half dozen daring men found a way to bring the machine to their home dimension where the Officers had hoped the Federation and its allies would find a way to dismantle it.
Unfortunately, during the trans-dimensional jump several vessels of the Akitashiinu fleet were dragged along with a single Yxidii Battle Cruiser. Thomas Jackson, the sole survivor had just enough strength to send the machine deep into a world where he had hoped it would remain hidden and out of reach of the alien race. Driven by greed and a desire to regroup with their fleet, the silicon-based canine race hunted the man until they found him and their artificial ally.
Too weak to be of any use to the machine and the Akitashiinu, Thomas Jackson was held captive, interrogated and tortured to gain as much information on this dimension and those who would be of help to complete their goal of universal conquest.
---
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Inside the Underground Ruins
Stardate: 30148.1900
Shar'El blinked several times as she tried to make sense of everything that she had seen. Centuries of information had been hers to review in mere seconds and this had proven to be a rather taxing event. With Lieutenant Paquette now kneeling next to the Intelligence Liaison Officer, the black haired woman realized that she had collapsed onto the floor.
"Captain," Shar'El frantically called out needing to get the attention of the Captain at all costs. "It needs us... all six of us to open a rift back to the home dimension of the Akitashiinu. There a fleet is at war with the Yxidii and several other races. The machine wants knowledge, not only from its home dimension but from all others, and those beasts have offered their help with the price of being the conquerors or everything they find."
---
Jessica Solarik
Lieutenant Commander Maya
Chief Science Officer
USS ANUBIS
"To see the world in a grain of sand,
and a heaven in a wild flower.
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
and eternity in an hour."
- William Blake (British, 1757-1827)
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
"Trust Issues"
[previous post was "Long Ago In A Dimension Far Far Away"]
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30148.1900
"They just turned their backs to us," the Chief of Security gasped, not sure if she was stunned or angry by the maneuver. The fact that the main view screen now displayed the rear section of the imposing Yxidii battle cruiser only made matters worse for the black haired Ensign.
"Means they are not looking for a fight, and they don`t see us as a threat" the Chief of Operations said with confusion. "It that a problem?"
"It's insulting, disrespectful and just plain rude," Ya'Han said as she crossed her arms over her chest displaying for all to see her displeasure. "What's stopping us from blowing them clear across to the other side of that moon?"
"A great many things are stopping us Ensign," Command Maya answered calmly, the situation not having phased the woman in the least. "That we are a Federation starship and that we do not go out of our way to get into a fight would likely be among the top reasons as to why we are not acting as you have just suggested."
"What's got you so worked up?" Jayson asked, not understanding where the anger of the Chief of Security had come from. "Something about being at the tactical station and needing to blow something up?"
Ya'Han glared back at Jayson not sure as to what to say or even if she should say anything at all. The Chief of Security had been ready for a fight, had expected one and had gone as far as to almost trigger one. That the Yxidii had just given them a verbal lashing before ignoring them had proven to be more than the black haired woman could handle.
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
FLASHBACK
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Sitting at the back of the dirty cargo hold, the young fugitive held her legs close to her shivering body. There had been two reason for this posture, the first having been to help Ya`Han keep warm as there had been limited heat in the room she had been put in for the journey. The other had been to offer some level of protection from the men who had allowed her onboard.
Her need to escape quickly had been greater than her need to find safe travel arrangements. This had caused the runaway to make several hasty decisions, one of which had been to select that specific ship over any other. No questions had been asked by the crew and the ship had been small enough not to draw the attention of the patrols. Truth be known, Ya`Han figured that no one would have ever expected a daughter of the High Sovereign to be inside such a rundown trade vessel.
From the moment she had stepped inside the ship Ya`Han had felt distrust towards the crew. There had been something about the way they walked, they way they spoke, and most important the way they looked at her that had instilled that feeling. Not having had any other alternatives for her escape though, she had been left with no other choice but to make due with her feelings.
Since this had been the first time the youngest daughter of the High Sovereign had ever felt this way, Ya`Han did her best to dismiss it as having been nothing more than a childish fear. During her travels away from her home world though Ya`Han would learn in the harshest of ways to trust that feeling more and more beyond any other.
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
End of FLASHBACK
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
"I just don't trust them," Ya'Han admitted through clenched teeth after an awkward silence.
"You may be right not to trust them as it is obvious that they have been holding back crucial information from us," Commander Maya said as she made her way to the tactical station where the Chief of Security had been standing. "That though is not enough for us to allow our feelings to cloud our judgement. I understand that you have had more dealings with the Yxidii than either one of us," the Commander said as she pointed to the Chief of Operations and herself, "but your dislike of them should not dictate your or our actions towards them."
"Like it or not, it is because of them that the Commander, Doctor Doyanne and myself are here instead of you being alone dealing with them," Ensign Stark added. "As much as you may not want them to be, it looks like we are on the same side, or at the very least in the same general area."
Reluctantly Ya'Han nodded her head having conceded the point to the other two officers. Whatever feelings she might have held against the race had originated from a different lifetime guided by different rules. The young runaway had grown up in many ways and no longer found herself defenceless against the evils of the universe.
It had been true that the Yxidii had been standing in their way to find their missing officers, but not knowing the full story had caused the Chief of Security to assume a great many things. From these assumptions, fears had come to cloud her judgement and actions. As the Chief of Security and Tactical Officer of the USS ANUBIS there had been no need for the Ensign to fear the Yxidii or anything else for that matter.
"My apologies Commander, I allowed my personal feelings to get the better of me," the black haired woman said with a gentle smile and a bruised pride.
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Hanali Han
Ensign Ya'Han
Chief of Security / Chief Tactical Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
=====
“Touchy Feely”
Previous post – Hanali’s “Trust Issues”
=====
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Inside the Underground Ruins
Stardate: 30148.1905
The redheaded engineer’s eyes bounced from the fallen ILO to the standing Native American Captain and back again following Shar’El’s announcement as to the machine’s unique needs. No one understood why any device, alien or otherwise, would need not one but six individuals to open a dimensional rift, but after having dealt with everything that they had thus far, none within the away team had been ready to question the validity of the statement.
“You do not understand what this machine does and what it is capable of,” Eeru stated to the standing man who had soon after been joined by the imposing FCO. Either by design or by chance, the two men had created a visual barrier between the Akitashiinu and the rest of the away team, allowing for some privacy between Eve, Shar’El and Sonja.
“What is that machine and what is it doing to Ensign Mizore?” The Counselor asked in a whispered tone, wishing that they knew more as to the specific operations of the alien device.
“Its original purpose was to gather information, to collect knowledge through whatever means it could,” Shar’El explained having obtained a unique understanding of the machine through her looking into its own memories.
“A lot like the VOYAGER probes,” the Human Engineer pointed out, “one of which eventually returned to EARTH as V-GER and tried to wipe out all life on the planet.”
“There are some similarities here,” the ILO quietly explained further, “but this one was not programmed to return home with its findings. It was given very simple instructions: to record all that could be recorded and most important to learn all that could be learned. Somewhere in that knowledge soup it learned about other dimensions and how to use carbon-based life forms as the means to reach those other dimensions.”
“How is that possible?” the Cardassian born woman asked with wide opened eyes. “How could a inanimate object meant to gather information use carbon-based life forms to reach other dimensions?.”
“The flexibility of the humanoid mind is what it is after Counselor. What the machine requires is the so-called illogical *element*,” Sonja ever so quietly chuckled. “To the pure logical and linear mind of a computer, the concept of other dimensions and establishing bridges between them is something that is impossible to compute. Since the first Human space flight, there has always been a need for the Humanoid *element*, the Humanoid *instinct*, the Humanoid ability to look beyond what can be seen, recorded and learned.”
“So the machine learned about new dimensions and in turn taught the Akitashiinu about these,” the Counselor nodded having only partially understood. “So where does the need for carbon-based life forms originated?”
“Having been constructed by carbon-based entities millennia ago, it is possible that it can only interface with such beings,” Shar’El shrugged. “As great as this machine’s ability to learn may be, it is limited to its core elements. That is why it was exiled by the Yxidii and the other races which came together to cast it into a dimension where it would be incapable to use that specific ability.”
“A dimension completely deprived of any sort of carbon-based life,” Counselor Dalziel quietly grinned. “So then, what is it doing with Ensign Mizore now?”
“It is using her mind as an external biological sub-processor to extrapolate the formulas and concepts on inert-dimensional travel, something that it could never actually learn or implement by itself,” Shar’El sighed.
“So it’s using her, not learning from her?” Dalziel questioned tried to better understand what was happening to the ANUBIS’ ACMO.
“Not entirely,” Shar’El tried to explain. “The machine learns through any and all contacts that it makes, but in this particular case the machine as likely put a higher priority in using the Ensign over learning from her. From what I was able to gather from what I saw, the learning process does not harm those linked with the machine, but when used as an external biological sub-processor, the body and mind are put through quite a shock. The need for six is likely only a safety guideline to insure that the calculations are verified before being implemented.”
“Well peachy keen! Without any back-ups and a mind trained on Vulcan far too many years as far as I am concerned to confirm these fancy calculations,” Sonja said in a half growl, “an attempt to get this place into another dimension could see us land anywhere or worst not arrive in any specific location at all.”
“That is why we need to stop it here and now,” Eve said with a heavy swallow. “In the wrong hands, this machine could become an ultimate weapon and turn the purest of saints into a blood-thirsty conquering beast.”
“Don’t know about y’all but I am not into that kind of funky ride, so you two stay here,” Sonja whispered, having already begun to move away while making sure that Eeru had been too busy to notice the Engineer’s intended target. “I’m going to have a closer look at that thing and see if I can stall it and see if at the same time I can try to turn the tables on it so that we learn something instead of the other way around.”
Before either the Counselor or the ILO could say anything, the redheaded engineer had already reached the far edge of the machine, only a few meters away from the alcove where the ACMO had been in. In order to keep her presence hidden from the Akitashiinu, the CEO quickly moved to the side where she would be able to gain access to the machine’s inner components without drawing any attention from their guest.
As Sonja touched one of the panels, she felt a very faint energy field present, nothing harmful to the touch although it did cause her crimson hair to react to the electrical charge. The engineer ran her hand on the side and found an indentation that enabled her to pry the panel off reveal the inside components. To her surprise, although the elements had been truly alien, their configuration appeared almost familiar, at least to an engineering mind.
Pushing her fears back, Sonja ever so cautiously reached in feeling the energy field of the machine dancing across her arm. Touching one of the components inside the machine, the engineer could feel a sensation resembling a quiet hum at her touch; the faint vibration gave the redhead the impression that the machine had been far more than a simple collection of parts. What truly bothered the woman had been that she could sense the vibration had not been as it should have been, and that for one reason or another, the mechanical entity had actually been “hurting”.
“Talk to me,” Sonja whispered to the machine in the only way she knew how as she closed her eyes. “Tell me what’s wrong.”
Since before her Academy days, the red head had possessed a unique gift, one that permitted her to sense what a machine needed to be fixed. Although none of the professors truly believed in this gift, the results of her work had proven time and time again that Sonja Paquette had been a unique type of person, one that had been nicknamed the “engine whisperer” by some of her fellow classmates.
=====
Lorraine Paquette
Lieutenant JG Sonja Paquette
Chief Engineering Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
"Something Else Changed"
[previous "Touchy Feely"]
[/\]
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30148.1915
With the Yxidii battle cruiser back in their line-of-sight, their ability to scan the moon and keep tabs on the members of the away team still there had been reduced to nil. In an effort not to trigger a confrontation, the ANUBIS stayed put and did its best to scan around the vessel in front of them.
"What if we asked them to move?"
The questions asked by the Operations Officer had been said out loud from frustration. The efforts to bounce sensor signals off the nearby asteroids had been less than effective, giving the ANUBIS spotty images of the moon's surface. Unfortunately there had been nothing that anyone could make any use of to help in their situation.
"Even if we could get a direct line-of-sight, that interference field still makes it impossible for us to get a lock on the crew and get them back."
The frustration from the new Chief of Security had been all too present in her voice and words. It was easy to see that the raven haired woman had been a person of action, and that simply standing here waiting had not been something that she enjoyed.
Jayson looked down at his console once again, this time rechecking the data on the interference field that surrounded the planet. At least that had been the one thing they had been able to scan without too much problem. Not that it had helped them in any way.
"The field around the moon is still reading as a dimensional distortion with a level 5 amplitude and a phase variance of 12.4."
The report from the OPS had not been meant to be anything more than the stating of the obvious, at least that was until the acting First Officer stepped up to stand next to Ensign Stark.
"Actually, the phase variance is at 12.398. Instead of using the bounced signal from the asteroids, try a direct scan towards the northern polar regions of the moon."
The idea of checking the interference field from somewhere other than directly above the estimated location of the away team had actually never crossed Jayson's mind. After having redirected the sensors, the OPS officer noted something of interest, at least for the Chief Science Officer.
"A lot more accurate. Now reading the phase variance at 12.395 and dropping."
"Why would the phase variance of the interference field be changing? I am not detecting any activity from the Yxidii ship other than their sensors sweeping the moon."
The Chief of Security appeared a little on edge, as if waiting for a reason to engage the Yxidii. The problem had been that whatever had been happening had been in their favour. With a lower phase variance the sensors of the ANUBIS would have a better chance of getting a lock on the members of the away team.
"Phase variance now at 12.388 and dropping fast."
"If this is not the result of some action from the Yxidii battle cruiser, then we have to conclude that something has changed down on the moon. We have to be ready to take full advantage of this opportunity, regardless of what the Yxidii may want us to do."
The acting First Officer returned to the center of the bridge, ready to give whatever orders would be required should the phase variance drop low enough to allow for the ANUBIS to actually do something other than simply stand there as an unwilling observer.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Ensign Jayson Stark
Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
"Unfriendly Skies"
[previous post was "Something Else Changed"]
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30148.1925
From the tactical station the new Chief of Security and tactical Officer kept a close watch on the battle cruiser as the phase variance dropped. There had been no reason for Ya'Han to trust the Yxidii in anyway, or to believe that they had not been responsible for what had been happening around the moon. The conflict faced by the black haired woman had been that if the alien race had caused the reduction in the phase variance to happen, they would have proven themselves to actually be on the side of the ANUBIS.
Despite this revelation, Ya'Han could not bring herself to trust the blue skinned race in the slightest, so she manned her station and kept any reservations she had silent. The Chief of Security had been convinced that the Yxidii were playing some sort of game and she had every intentions on discovering what it was and how the missing officers were implicated in it.
"Phase variance now at 12.225," Ensign Stark said from his station, the numbers having steadily gone down but not enough to yet prove to be of any real significance to the ANUBIS and its continued search for its missing officers.
"Any movements or activity from the Yxidii ship?" Commander Maya asked, the acting First Officer needing to have all available information at her immediate disposal to make the proper call should things continue along the path that they had been heading in.
"The battle cruiser is performing constant sensor sweeps of the moon," Ya'Han replied as she looked down to her instruments. "I am not detecting anything else, but they could be affecting the interference field from another location and through means which cannot be detected by our instruments."
"It must burn you that they may actually be helping us," Jayson said with a pleased grin dancing on his face. "Nothing worst than having an enemy proving that they are anything but. Phase variance now at 12.188."
"The phase variance will need to be well below 10 before we can consider trying a sensor sweep of our own," Commander Maya said sounding almost impatient at the speed at which the variance had been dropping.
"The moment you give the word I will move the ANUBIS directly below the Yxidii ship," the OPS officer said. "That way we will have a directly line of sight and most of our weapons will still be able to be used should they give us any sort of trouble."
As much as she might have come to dislike the man, Ya'Han had to admit that Jayson Stark had been a good officer, one who gave consideration to several possibilities when faced with a specific situation. For a brief moment the Chief of Security thought that she might have something to learn from him, not that she would ever let him know this.
"Again, we are not to open fire unless I explicitly say so," the acting First Officer reminded the Chief of Security without actually sounding apprehensive. Commander Maya seemed to understand the dislike of the Chief of Security and simply wanted to make sure that the situation would not be made worse by any slip of an itchy trigger finger.
"Phase variance now at 11.972," Jayson reported, the man having ever so slightly begun to lean forward over his station.
"No changes on the status of that battle cruiser," Ya'Han added right after. "There is no way that they are not seeing what we see. I would just love to know what they plan to do about it, if they are not the ones actually responsible for it."
"Based on their previous action of bringing Ensign Doyanne, Ensign Stark and myself back to the ANUBIS, we must hold on to the idea that they are planning on doing the same with the rest of the away team," Maya said, her eyes locked onto the main view screen. "Still we must be prepared to act or react should something unexpected happen."
Silence took hold of the bridge as everyone waited for the phase variance to drop to 10 or for the unexpected to cross their path. Unspoken bets were made by each person on the command deck as to which would happen first.
"I think I have your unexpected right here," the black haired Chief of Security said with a short sigh. "Sensors have picked up five Akitashiinu ships heading in on a rapid intercept course. Their weapons are armed and ready. They are coming in looking for a fight."
"So it looks like whatever it is that is happening, they are not all too happy about it," the OPS officer said, having shifted his attention to the ship's flight systems instead of the sensor readouts.
"Helm, stand-by for evasive maneuvers should any of the Akitashiinu ships target us," Commander Maya ordered as she lowered herself into the command chair. "Tactical, ready all system but only return fire on my command. Our primary objective is to hold our position until we can get a clean line-of-sight to the moon and hopefully get our people back in one piece.
As Ya'Han watched on her instruments the rapidly approaching ships, the Chief of Security could not help but be thankful for their arrival as it would keep the battle cruiser busy and hopefully allow them a more direct access to the moon without having to challenge the orders that the black haired woman had received several times.
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Hanali Han
Ensign Ya'Han
Chief of Security / Chief Tactical Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
=-=
"Shoulder Deep"
[previous post was "Unfriendly Skies" by the trigger happy Hanali]
=-=
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Inside the Underground Ruins
Stardate: 30148.1925
Eve and Shar'El watched as the fiery redhead vanished behind a corner of the alien and ancient machine, both women silently hoping that she would be alright. It had become all too clear that when Sonja Paquette got an idea in her head, nothing could stop her from following it to its conclusion. Many would have called this stubbornness, but to the ILO this character trait had been more along the lines of extreme determination and was a defining positive aspect of the engineer.
Aving lost sight of the redhead the ILO turned to the Counselor and offered a faint smile before she glanced up to the two standing men in amazement that they had managed to so fully keep Eeru's attention. The Akitashiinu had been sent on a rant about the machine and how it had opened the universe to her people, how it had given them the knowledge they needed to take their rightful place in the cosmos.
Eve rolled her eyes at the words spoken by the silicon-based being, having heard similar stories to explain how an individual or even an entire race had come to justify what they had done. It had been an interesting aspect of life in general, which obviously crossed not only the endless reaches of space but dimensions as well, to be able to find a way to justify anything.
Counselor Dalziel remembered several instances of her Academy classes dealing with the psychological drive throughout the history of worlds known to he Federation. Crimes beyond description had all too often been committed against the weak by those who had found a way to justify their actions. Oppression, revenge, and divine right had been but a few of the statements used to ward of whatever guilt should have accompanied the actions that had been taken.
"I hope Seska is alright in there," the Counselor said in a whispered voice, her large grey eyes having found the Bajoran-born woman trapped inside the strange collection of glowing wires and tubes. Eve had forced her Academy memories aside to avoid being swept by them and knowing that they had become too much for her to keep away from the Ullian's ability.
Shar'El nodded and turned to look in the same direction as Eve before she mentally reached out into the Doctor's mind to see if all had been as it had was before. Peace and tranquility still ruled the mind of the Bajoran as powerful memories of her time on VULCAN were being kept at the forefront. From where she sat, the ILO could almost feel a struggle taking place, one that opposed Seska and the machine.
"Not sure what is actually happening," the ILO said, again making sure that her voice had been soft enough not to be heard by anyone else by Eve, "but Seska is forcefully keeping the memories of her time on VULCAN to the surface, effectively putting up a barrier to the machine's ability to look into her mind."
"I guess it's not used to having road blocks be put in its way when it comes to learning all that it can," the Counselor said repeating in some ways what the ILO had said earlier about the machine's original purpose.
"There is more about that thing than we know," Shar'El quietly sighed, "and I would not be surprised if it had a major role to play in what the Akitashiinu are doing." With this in mind the ILO turned her attention back to Eeru. As difficult as it had been for the Ullan to scan the memories of the silicon-based creature there had simply been too many unanswered questions. Granted the answers would have likely been found inside the machine's bio-mechanical mind, but there had been simply too much information for the Intel Officer to scan through and too little time to do it in.
"Try not to force your way in," Eve said having figured out what Shar'El intended to do by the glare that pierced through her narrowed eyes towards the Akitashiinu female. "Go slowly, she is distracted with our Captain and FCO, that may be enough to allow you to slip in and find what you are looking for."
The Counselor's words had been heard but as if they had come from a distance that had been hundreds of times the few inches that actually separated the two women. All of her concentration would be required to make this work, if at all, and Shar'El welcomed the encouragements and anchor that Eve provided with her whispered words.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
"Bide"
(Continued from "Shoulder Deep" from the Amazing Tiffany)
=/\=
"The anger of a person who is strong, can always bide its time."
-James Whitcomb Riley
=/\=
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Inside the Underground Ruins
Stardate: 30148.1935
Eve was as still as possible, while the members of the away team took to their tasks as stealthily as they could. As she watched Morningstar speak to Eeru, with Ensign Ttosk flanking them, she uttered a Bajoran curse under her breath that she wasn't able to read lips.
Her fists clenched involuntarily, as her Cardassian physiology prepared to fight. Logically, she knew that wasn't a wise prospect. The Akitashiinu's near feral strength had proved more than a match for the men on the away team; and even though she was stronger than most men her size, so were her male crewmates in their own right.
But perhaps, if it came to fisticuffs, she could buy the rest of the group enough time to escape.
Eve shook her head in the dark, trying to cast out any thoughts of violence. It was not the way she wished to carry herself; but it was a necessary part of who she was and as such could not be ignored. She had learned long ago to make it her friend, to nurture it, and not only would it serve her well, she would maintain control and discipline over it.
She felt the smallest push of fear at the edges of her stomach. Fear wasn't necessarily a bad thing either; a little fear would make one careful, and prevent them from acting in haste.
Unable to see the Chief from her vantage point, Eve looked to Shar'El, monitoring her vitals as best as she could without being an actual Doctor. Her breathing had become more shallow, but not so much that it felt endangered. Her eyes were open, but gave the impression that they were unseeing, as least in the physical sense.
Commander Zakel, one of Eve's Intel handlers, had shown her the Vulcan mind meld once as part of a demonstration. The practical uses for such a process hadn't fully dawned on the young officer at the time, but even as she tried to stay on task and in the moment she wondered if the technique would help her better understand and help Shar'El at moments like these.
Eve sighed, and remembered a prayer her adoptive mother had taught her as a child, and she used it now to focus and to ask for protection for Seska, those around her, as well as those on the ANUBIS. "Jia'kaja, tre'nu'tol'a rem. La'por i'lanu kos. I'nar tan'a'tali nor...."
=/\=
Setting: Behind the "Machine"
Anyone else looking at the jumble of tubing and wires would have just seen a complete mess, but the zaftig CEO could see well beyond that. She could sense that the delicate balance of the device was off, as sure as the sound of a mosquito could unnerve a herd of wild horses.
"What is it, baby," the redhead said soothingly, listening to the distinct hum the equipment made, and also the discordant murmur she could occasionally detect.
Her hands gently followed where her mind told them where to go, until she came upon a coupling that appeared to have been tampered with. The materials used in this section of the device weren't homogenous with the rest of the structure.
Sonja frowned. Was this a repair? Sabotage? Or had the machine's purpose been somehow changed? She continued to explore the circuitry, wondering what more she could do without bringing harm upon the aCMO captured in its embrace.
=/\=
Susan Ledbetter
Lieutenant JG Eve Dalziel
Counsellor
USS ANUBIS
=-=
"Painful Answers"
[previous post was "Bide" by the delightfully talented Susan]
=-=
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Inside the Underground Ruins
Stardate: 30148.1935
Through narrowed eyes the Intelligence Liaison Officer looked at the Atkitashiinu named Eeru, or to be more accurate the ILO peered into the mind of the alien being in search of answers. The race and the ancient machine that had been discovered inside the underground ruins had been linked in some way, and Shar'El had taken on the task to flesh out this association and understand what it had all been about.
The general consensus had likely been that the machine had been used by the silicon-based race for some dark purpose, but the more the ILO tried to understand both the race and machine, the more she grew to question the simplicity of that idea. Aas she made her way through the shattered images, Shar'El could not help but feel that something had not been right. As alien as the images had been, the memories simply felt as if they had not been as they should have been.
The barely audible words that had been spoken by the Ship's Counselor when this experience began had continued to echo in the mind of the Ullian as she navigated through the fragmented memories of the Akitashiinu. ~Try not to force your way in.~ Strangely enough, Shar'El could hear another voice, one that originated from within beckoning, almost pleading her forward.
=-=
Setting: Inside the mind of Shar'El
Stardate: Not Applicable
The seemingly endless maze of images had given way to a long circular corridor which began to dip forward. Any and all efforts to she the ILO retreat proved to be in vain and soon Shar'El found herself falling with no way for her to slow her rapid descent. Being in someone else's mind meant that the Ullian often came to experience the emotions of her subject, but in this case the fear she felt had been hers and hers alone. When the fall ended with the ILO landing onto a rocky surface a quick survey of her surroundings showed her to be in the same place as she had been when all of this began. The difference of course had been that none of the other members of the ANUBIS' crew had been present, this having been a deeply buried memory in Eeru's mind.
The machine stood there unchanged as how Shar'El remembered it, the alcove where Doctor Mizore had been trapped in having been vacant in this memory. As the observer that she was, the ILO could do nothing but watch as Eeru approached the machine. Curiosity it seemed had not been limited to carbon-based life forms. A deep gasp of air filled the ILO's lungs when the Akitashiinu was lassoed by several glowing conduits and dragged into the machine.
=-=
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Inside the Underground Ruins
Stardate: 30148.1940
"Are you alright?" Eve asked of the ILO who seemed in urgent need to draw breath.
"That machine," Shar'El barely managed to say through her rapid and shallow breathing. "It changed Eeru and the others that went into it."
"Changed?" the Counselor wondered in a whispered voice not wanting to draw the attention of the named Akitashiinu.
"I am not sure how to describe it," the ILO said appearing almost in a panic. "Brainwashed doesn't truly define what it is that I saw and felt."
"Reprogrammed?" the Captain asked in an equally whispered tone, indicating by the same token that he had been listening in on what had transpired.
"In theory the brain of a silicon-based life form should act very much like a computer, a sort of bio-mechanical processor," Eve nodded. "At the very least it should be able to be accessed in the same general way and possibly even affected in the same manner."
"Yes," the ILO said with wide opened eyes. "That would fit what I felt, a sense of duality in Eeru's mind, like conflicting directives, peaceful intentions and ways having been overwritten by more militaristic objectives. Whatever the Akitashiinu are doing they are doing it under the directive of that thing," Shar'El added as she sent an accusatory finger in the general direction of the machine.
Without saying anything else, Captain Morningstar simply looked at the kneeling ILO and then at the machine, the intensity of his gaze had made it very clear what he expected Shar'El to do next.
"I am so much going to need a vacation after this," the ILO whispered to the Counselor in a half joking manner before Shar'El turned her complete attention to the machine and the Bajoran trapped within it.
"I think Seska has the easier part of this," the ILO whispered as she glanced into the memories of the aCMO to find her still firmly holding on to the peaceful recollections of her time on VULCAN. Using the link that the machine had established between the Bajoran and itself, Shar'El could easily travel back into the bio-mechanical mind and try to discover why the machine had been using the Akitashiinu as it had.
=-=
Setting: Inside the mind of Shar'El
Stardate: Not Applicable
Having visited this memory archive once before, the ILO did not feel as lost as she had that first time around, yet there had been no way for Shar'El to full ward off the overwhelming sense that she faced at the sheer amount of memories and knowledge that stood before her. The one advantage that the Intelligence Liaison Officer had was the fact that the memories had been very neatly organized and catalogued. All that she needed to do was to locate the correct memory segment among the hundreds of thousands that stretched before her.
Using a simple process of elimination, the ILO scanned general time periods to see if she could see anything that seemed out of place for an entity devoted to learning all that could be learned. At some point the machine had gained a militaristic attitude and goals, and backtracking to that specific point of origin would hopefully indicate who or what had been responsible for this shift in the machine's directive.
The knowledge of thousands of years flashed before the ILO's mind, causing her on several occasions to nearly forget why she had been here in the first place. Exploring the knowledge of places never seen or heard of by the Federation as a whole had proven to be an enticing prospect, one that could very easily cause the Ullian to never return to he real world. So using Seska's own memories of VULCAN and the Counselor's words as an anchor, the ILO continued her search.
When she encountered a memory loosely based on pain, the ILO narrowed her search to that general area. How could a living machine actually experience *pain*?
=-=
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Inside the Underground Ruins
Stardate: 30148.1945
"It was tempered with," Shar'El said as she clenched her stomach, the pain of the machine having become hers for a split second. "I could not identify who did it, but someone added a component to he machine which forced it to follow a new set of military driven directives. All it wants is to gather information for the sake of the experience, it was never programmed to hurt anyone or anything in this search for knowledge."
"Why the pain?" the Cardassian born Counselor asked, trying her best to help the ILO without actually knowing what was happening.
"Although it had gathered knowledge on this concept, It directly knew nothing of pain and suffering until *after* the tampering of its system. It was tricked in some way to accept this modification, and through it learned what it was to actually feel pain. Not as you and I know pain, but it does *feel* something because it has been used in ways that contradict its primary function and programing."
"You need to rest now," Eve said as she offered the agitated woman a chance to lean back and rest.
"No!" the ILO snapped as she pushed the Counselor's caring hands away. "We need to help it and the Akitashiinu NOW!."
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Ensign Shar'El
Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
=====
"Booboo Removal"
Previous post – Tiffany's "Painful Answers"
=====
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Inside the Underground Ruins
Stardate: 30148.1950
Everything had been said in a whispered tone between the ILO and CNS up until Shar'El had voiced the need to not only help the Akitashiinu but also the ancient machine. Whatever memories she had encountered in her quest for answers had been powerful enough to make the Ensign forget about the need to keep a low profile.
The Captain had heard everything that had been said thus far, his attention having been split between Eeru's speech and the ongoing efforts to understand the situation at hand. Eve and Shar'El had done a great job to unraveling some of the mystery that involved the alien race and ancient machine, and the outburst from the ILO had only made it clear that the time for action had come.
"Ensign Shar'El, go and see if you can help Lieutenant Paquette in addressing the machine's tempering. Counselor, see if you can help Ensign Mizore, we have no way to know what will happen should this tempering be somehow reversed."
Upon seeing the two women heading towards the machine, Eeru became aware that she had completely lost track of everyone else except for the two men who had been standing in front of her. As the Akitashiinu tried to catch the closer of the two females, the imposing FCO moved to stand in the being's way. Normally the Zaldan would have been more than a match for someone of the size of the reddish furred being, but in this case Wydran had to call upon all of his strength and training to hold the silicon-based creature at bay.
"Whatever you two are doing," Erik called out to the CEO and ILO as he joined the much taller pilot to try and keep Eeru from intervening, "I would suggest that you hurry up."
Without wasting any time Shar'El followed the direction the CEO had taken and quickly found her kneeling in front of an open panel with her arm elbow deep into the machine.
"It's in pain?" the redheaded CEO said in a way that hinted to her not fully understanding the emotion that she had perceived from the biomechanical entity.
"Someone tampered with it," Shar'El explained.
"Alright spy-girl," Sonja grinned. "Gimme the skinny."
Although the phrasing had been completely foreign to her, the ILO had still understood the idea that Sonja had welcomed any and all information that Shar'El could provide. "The best I can offer is that something was added to the core processing component, something that added a set of military directives which are conflicting with the machine's original programmed parameters."
"That would explain a few things, found something a little fishy in here," the Engineer nodded, her attention still very much focussed on the hand that had been sent deep into the contraption. "I came across something that didn't feel right, and based on what you have just told me, I think we found the booboo."
"I hope you two are making some sort of progress in there," the Captain said in a clearly strained manner, obviously being given more than they could handle from the Atkiatshiinu.
"If you have indeed found the problem," the ILO pointed out, "then just remove it."
"In a mechanical system, pulling any component without having it properly disconnected has the potential to create energy feedback or an overflow that could lead to a discharge or even an explosions that could leave us looking for a new line of work in the hereafter," the redhead explained obviously not overly keen with the proposed idea. "What, are you trying to get me back for that *zappity* issue from back in the cells?" Sonja lightheartedly added with a grin, her hands still fidgeting inside the ancient machine.
"The problem is that right now we do not have any real data to work off from. The machine is hurting because of the added device, and because of it an entire race has been made to act against its beliefs and ways," the ILO argued back.
Sonja looked at the device in question, her hand firmly having taken a hold of what she believed to be the cause of the machine's pain. Her experience and training as an Engineer made it so that she could not act as suggested, yet the redhead woman knew that something needed to be done.
On the other side of the machine, Eve had made her way to Seska, the Bajoran still appearing relatively at peace on the surface. "Don't worry," the Counselor said to the Doctor, trying her best to offer whatever morale support she could. "We'll have you out of this in no time."
"Machine in pain... trying to fight itself... trying to help its hold on to logic... and... reason," the Bajoran explained, hinting as to what she had been doing since her integration into the ancient machine, but the mechanical sound that had accompanied her last word has pointed to the degrading state of this conflict.
"Sonja, Shar'El," Eve called out. "If you two have a course of action, I suggest that you *try* it NOW!" the Cardassian born Counsellor added having noticed the increasing intensity of the scuffle between Captain Morningstar, Ensign Wydran and Eeru.
"Do or, do not," the redheaded Engineer muttered to herself with a quiet laugh. "There is no try," Sonja added as she took a solid two-handed hold on the item before bracing her feet against the side of the machine. "Looks like this is it baby girl, lets hold on to our hats and see what happens. By the way, I do this and you get to clean up whatever mess comes out," the CEO concluded with before she pulled with all of her strength.
Out of simple reflex mixed in with fear the ILO turned away and shielded her face half expecting there to be some sort of explosion as earlier warned by the crazy redhead.
=====
Lorraine Paquette
Lieutenant JG Sonja Paquette
Chief Engineering Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
---
"Did Not See That One Coming"
(Previous Post: "Booboo Removal")
---
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30148.1940
The red hue of the alert condition bathed the entirety of the bridge and its occupants as the combat systems of the USS ANUBIS were brought to full readiness. To fight for whatever reason had never been something that the Shillian Scientist had been in favour of, but experience had long taught the Lieutenant Commander of the foolishness of not being ready for the worst while still holding on to the hopes for the best.
"Reading the phase variance at 11.203, and still dropping," the Chief of Operations announced, his attention having been divided between the interference field surrounding the moon and the five rapidly approaching vessels.
"At that rate those Akitashiinu ships are going to be well on top of us before the phase variance drops to below 10," the Chief of Security and Tactical Officer said, not to indicate a weakness in their plan, but to insure that everyone had been aware that the ANUBIS would likely be faced with a combat situation before anything else. "The Akitashiinu ships will be in optimum firing range of the Yxidii battle cruiser in eight seconds," Ya'Han added, her fingers hovering over the tactical controls ever so ready to act should the Acting First Officer give the order.
"Phase variance at 10.998," Ensign Stark said as he continued the verbal readout of the sensor data, while he silently wished that the numbers had been moving a lot faster than they had been.
A short pause of complete silence filled the crimson lit command deck as everyone readied themselves for what would happen next.
"All five Akitashiinu ships have engaged the Yxidii battle cruiser," the raven haired Chief of Security said, the hesitation in her voice having been meant only for the second part of her report. "None of the ships seem to be interested in us."
"Good, helm," the Shillian Acting First Officer began, not wanting to lose the opportunity that they had apparently been handed. "Move us back and get the ANUBIS to be in a direct line-of-sight of the moon. Tactical, keep an eye on those ships and report any movements made in our direction."
Using lateral thruster the USS ANUBIS slid towards the port side adding some distance between them and the battle while at the same time enabling the Federation ship to get the line-of-sight it had so desperately needed to be able to pinpoint its missing officers.
"The Akitashiinu are not pulling any punches on this one," Ensign Ya'Han announced, the fierceness of the battle having been far greater than anything she had witnessed before between the two races.
"Phase variance now at 10.547 and still dropping," Ensign Stark announced from the Operations station, a distinct tone of disappointment having laced his words. By now every officer present on the bridge had been itching to hear that number finally make it to something to be less than the minimum limit that had been set.
"Commander!" the Chief of Security and Tactical Officer called out in a hurry. "The Yxidii cruiser is altering its course and is heading straight for us."
"Are they trying to force us to get involved in their fight?" the Chief of Operations asked out of disbelief, not at all having expected such a manoeuvre from the alien race.
"That or they have noticed that we now have a clear line to the moon," Ya'Han hissed, her dislike for the blue skinned alien race having only grown in the last few seconds. "They probably figured that they will be able to stop us before those Akitashiinu ships can fully disable them."
"Alright, if they want us involved, we will oblige them," the Acting First Officer said as she took in a deep breath. "Helm, thrusters ahead full. Take us in to the moon and get us as close as possible. Hopefully when the phase variance drops to below 10 we will be able to get a lock on the away team and lower the shield long enough to beam them back on board."
"Always wanted to play chicken with a small moon," Ensign Stark said to no one in particular as the USS ANUBIS began to move forward towards the astral body that they had been orbiting since the start of this mission. "Phase variance now at 10.273."
"All forward sensor to maximum sensitivity," the Shillian ordered knowing very well that the accuracy of those systems would be put to the test should everything come to pass as she had hoped it would. "Transporter rooms 1 and 2, stand by to beam up the away team as soon as we get a positive lock on them."
"Impact with the surface of the moon in 15 seconds," the Chief of Security announced, never having expected that the moon would become a bigger threat than the Yxidii or the Akitashiinu.
"Phase variance now at... zero?" Stark said, not believing his own words as they crossed his lips.
"Ensign, confirm what you have just said," the Shillian demanded, certain that some sort of error had been made.
"I do not understand how this is Commander, but the interference field has completely dissipated," the Chief of Operations reported with astonishment. "Sensors are now picking up six humanoid life forms several meters below the surface of the moon."
"USS ANUBIS to Captain Morningstar," the Acting First Officer said as she opened a channel before standing from the central chair. "Stand by to be beamed on board."
=/\= Negative! Beam everyone else but myself, =/\= came the unexpected reply from the Commanding Officer.
"Captain," the Shillian said with understandable surprise, "we may not have another opportunity. The Yxidii and Akitashiinu are fighting up here and there is no way to know if or when the interference field will return and prevent us from getting another transporter lock."
=/\= You have your orders Commander, =/\= Captain Morningstar said in a tone that the Shillian had seldom heard from the normally passive and collected man. =/\= Carry them out! =/\=
"Tactical, lower shields. Bridge to transporter room 1, lock on to all signals except for that of the Captain and energize," the Acting First Officer ordered, the words having barely been able to be spoken due to the realization of what the Shillian had done.
"Impact with the surface of the moon is 6 seconds," the Chief of Security stated, certain that the reality of their situation had been all too obvious as per the display on the main view screen.
=/\= Transporter room 1 to bridge, transport complete, we have everyone on board save the Captain. =/\=
"Helm, bring us back up and away from the Yxidii cruiser," the Shillian Acting First Officer ordered before she turned to the raven haired Chief of Security and Tactical Officer. "Bring the shields back up. Now all we can do is wait and see what the Captain has in mind."
---
Jessica Solarik
Lieutenant Commander Maya
Chief Science Officer
USS ANUBIS
"To see the world in a grain of sand,
and a heaven in a wild flower.
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
and eternity in an hour."
- William Blake (British, 1757-1827)
##########
"The End?"
Previous post "Did Not See That One Coming"
##########
"Alas it is far too often the most gentle and peaceful minds that fall victim to the ideas of power and conquest."
- Captain Seamus McTavish
=====
Setting: Moon of PI ALPHA III, Underground cave system
Stardate: 30148.1955
The Native American smiled, even if only a little, as he looked around to see no one other than the angered Akitashiinu in the large open space. As the Commanding Officer of the USS ANUBIS, Erik's first priority had always been to insure the safety of his ship and crew, so it was with unrestricted delight that he welcomed the voice of his acting First Officer as it came over an opened comm channel. This joy was multiplied by several folds when the rest of the senior officers were brought back to the relative safety of the Intel vessel. Now, alone with the knowledge that his crew had been out of immediate danger Captain Morningstar could address the rather lengthy list of tasks that he believed still needed to be accomplished.
"The machine has been using you and your people," Erik offered in a delicate tone to the red furred Akitashiinu who appeared ready to tear the man limb from limb for what he had done. Not only had he tricked her, but he had found a way to remove from her grasp all who Eeru believed she needed to bring the machine to its fullest potential.
"We are meant to rule the galaxy," Eeru barked as she took a single decisive step forward before coming to a full stop as another Akitashiinu came to stand next to the Native American.
"We are meant to go home," Maro, the silvered fur healer of the Akitashiinu calmly countered with as she stepped into the room and made her way to stand next to the carbon-based life form as if hinting that he had now been under her protection.
"You do not understand what this machine can do for us, for all of the Akitashiinu," the fox-featured being continued in blatant defiance, her anger having shifted to her kinsman without as much as a split second of hesitation.
"You were a knowledge seeker," Maro said in an effort to remind her angered red furred friend of what she had once been. "Machine changed you and those who stepped in as you did. This is not your path, not our path."
"You know nothing of what our path is," the fox featured Akitashiinu snarled with an almost evil chuckle. "For too long have we lived as *nothing* when we were destined to rule *everything*."
A soft growl emerged from Maro as she noted the arrival of Eeru's number one henchman who came to stand by her side with an air of arrogance about him. A challenging snarl rolled on the lips of jackal featured enforcer as he glared back at the Human and silvered fur healer next to him.
"The Akitashiinu are meant to rule the galaxy and *I* am destined to rule our people," Eeru growled as her narrowed eyes focussed on the kinsman opposing her. "If you will not stand by my side, you will be made to lay at my feet."
With a quick movement of her head the red furred fox featured being unleashed the brute that had come to stand by her side. His strength and speed had been far more than either Erik or Maro could manage and in the span of a single heartbeat Captain Morningstar had been easily tossed aside so that Ruhek could deal with the traitor as he had been instructed to.
The powerful hands of the enforced tightened around the neck of the healer until she could no longer utter a sound. The Native American had been ready to rush back to his feet and try his best to rescue the silver furred healer when another Akitashiinu leaped into the fray. Satesh, the dark grey furred warrior had come to Maro's rescue just in time, tackling the enforcer clear off his prey.
"Eeru! You have to put an end to this NOW!" the Native American pleaded as he pushed himself back onto his feet trying his best to ignore the fierce battle taking place only a few meters from his location. "All that you will succeed in doing will be to divide your race in conflict. You will be leading your people into a civil war from which neither side will ever be able to come out victorious. If you lose, the idea of power as well as its false promises will forever haunt your people, and should you win, you will be the ruler of a broken people who will hold you personally responsible for the countless lives lost for generations to come. You have it in you to stop this *now* before it actually starts and help bring your people back onto the path that they have always been meant to follow."
The anger visible in Eeru's eyes slowly began to drain as she watched the two Akitashiinu fighting, imagining the same scene repeated a hundred folds. The Native American could see that his words had been heard, but there had been no way for him to know if the red furred being had actually been listening to what had been trying to explain. The future of an entire race hung in the balance and all that the CO of the ANUBIS could do was to wait and hope.
"Ruhek... stop." Eeru sighed just as the enforcer had been poised to unleash what could have been the final and fatal blow against the warrior.
"You have to use the knowledge you were given in this place," Morningstar explained, "not as a foundation but as a warning of what would happen should you permit yourself or your people to walk down the path of conflict. War is not now nor will ever be the solution or the way to a prosperous future. All that would come to pass would be the fading memories of a people who left nothing but pain and destruction in their wake. Use the knowledge that you have been given to create, not to destroy, and in doing so you will insure your as well as your people's place in the galaxy."
Silence stretched throughout the ancient ruins as each person fell back onto their own thoughts, contemplating a future that had still to be written.
"Thank you," Maro whispered as she finally managed to get back onto her feet to once again stand next to the Native American. "It will not be easy, but try we will," she added as the healer made her way towards the visibly troubled kinsman.
The Native American cautiously grinned as he watched the two female Akitashiinu come to stand one next to the other under the resentful glare of the enforcer. "Peace is never an easy path, but it is a course that will prove to be a far more rewarding one."
Maro took a gentle hold of Eeru's arm and began to escort her out of the large open room, the two of them having been joined by a limping Satesh leaving the angered enforcer alone with the Native American. Erik could not help but understand the creature's thoughts and feelings despite the wolf-like being having been from a completely different universe. Even through the fabric of space and time which stood between dimensions there had been certain constants that could never be escaped from. The sad reality had been that the need for some to impose their will on others could and would be found therein.
In time the jackal featured being followed his people, leaving the Human by himself. Like all things, success in prosperity and maintaining peace could only be measured against the prospect of desolation and war. None could truly enjoy the warmth of light without having felt the coldness of darkness, and Ruhek would be one of many reminders to the Akitashiinu of the darkness that they would have to fight while on their chosen path.
=/\= ANUBIS to Captain Morningstar, please come in. =/\=
"Morningstar here, how are things up there?" the Native American replied as he tapped him comm badge, once again drawing pleasure in hearing the Shillian's voice.
=/\= Not entirely sure as to what happened but the fighting suddenly stopped, =/\= the acting First Officer reported with a clear hint of surprise in her voice. =/\= We are ready to beam you up at your convenience. =/\=
"Standby on that Commander," Erik stated as he turned his attention towards the ancient machine, "I still have a few things to take care of down here."
Slowly the Native American approached the machine, his eyes traveling the length of what he could see of it. As a former Engineer Erik could not help but admire the mechanical entity that had been at the center of this, and as an explorer the Captain wished that there had been more time to investigate the endless knowledge that had been gathered. Unfortunately time had been, as always, against them as there had been no way to insure that the peace that had come to pass would remain for any notable length of time.
So, faced with the issue of returning each race and their vessels to their own dimension, Erik stepped into the alcove where Doctor Mizore had been not so very long ago. Although the information he had received from Ensign Shar'El had been limited, the Native American had been relatively certain that he would be able to accomplish what he had set out to do.
With the device that had been interfering with the machine's programing removed, the Native American had hoped to be able to at the very least open a dimensional portal for the ships to use. At best, he would be able to open multiple such rifts simultaneously and insure that each ship went into the proper one.
Once the connections had been established, Erik found his mind flooded with images and it took him several moments to be able to access the information he required and used it to perform what he had set out to. The ILO had explained at one point the need for the machine to tap into six minds to enable it to open a dimensional rift. Erik had hoped that his having been the CEO on board the USS PROPHECY and Executive Officer on board the USS PARADOX, both vessels capable of transdimensional travels, would grant him the experience and knowledge the machine required to accomplish this task.
From the machine the dimensional coordinates for each of the races were obtained as well as the current location of each and every member of the respective races. The machine's tracking capabilities had truly been spectacular, but as much as Erik might have wanted to study this further, time had still been against him. From his own mind, the Native American offered the mechanical entity the means to create stable dimensional rifts, each one targeting the race's own point of origin.
Although he could not see anything, Captain Morningstar had been able to follow the movements of each ship as they made their way into the rifts that had been created directly along their flight path. Erik sighed as his mind locked on the coordinates of the ANUBIS and the rift that had been opened for it.
=/\= ANUBIS to Captain Morningstar, we are being pulled into a dimensional rift. We need to beam you back NOW. =/\=
The Native American could not reply and knew that his presence within the machine had been required to insure a safe transition from one dimensional to another. As long as his ship and crew were safe, all would be fine.
=====
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 30148.2005
"Unable to alter course," Jayson Stark stated with frustration as he watched the ANUBIS making its way ever closer to the dimensional rift that had opened directly in their path.
"Boost the confinement beam," Commander Maya ordered of the Transporter Chief, all of their efforts to get a lock on their Commanding Officer having so far been unsuccessful.
"The distortions from the dimensional rift are making it almost impossible to scan the moon, let alone get a specific lock on the Captain," Ensign Ya'Han added having tried to use the weapons' targeting system to supplement the ship's sensors.
"Captain Morningstar, please respond!" Maya said in desperation as she ship entered the dimensional rift and began its journey home.
A general veil of silence descended on the command deck of the USS ANUBIS as the vessel went from one dimension to the next, everyone's thoughts having been on the one individual who had been left behind. When the ship finally stopped shaking and the lights returned to their full intensity, Maya found herself leaning back into the chair that she had done her best to avoid.
"All stations, status report," the Shillian demanded trying her best to come to terms with the reality of their situation. The ANUBIS had returned home without its Captain.
"All tactical systems are showing green," the black haired Chief of Security reported first, her not having actually met the captain having granted her a greater ease to deal with the situation.
"Structural integrity, life support as well as all power systems are reading go," Ensign Stark reported next.
Before anyone else could offer their report, Maya bounced out of the central chair having noted something unexpected on the main view screen.
Apparently the moon had also been returned to its home dimension and the Shillian had been quick to hope that the Captain had followed suit. "Scan the moon for any signs of life, if Captain Morningstar is there I want him found and beamed directly to Sickbay."
"Sensors are showing no signs of life on or beneath the surface of the moon," the Chief of Operations stated. The Chief of Security quickly followed with a silent shake of her head, confirming the report offered by the Chief of Operations.
After a few seconds, the Shillian turned and looked at the empty central chair with sadness before she drew in a deep breath. "Ensign Stark, you have the bridge. Get reports from every department as to the status of the ship, I will be in Sickbay checking up on the rest of the senior staff."
=====
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Sickbay
Stardate: 30148.2015
Maya walked in to find Doctor Doyanne reviewing her findings on the members of the away team who had been returned to the ship as per Captain Morningstar's orders.
"Commander," the red headed Engineer said, calling the Shillian's attention onto her. "I brought back a souvenir and thought that this thingy-ma-bobber might be of interest to you," Sonja added as she pointed to the device that had been pulled from the machine.
Although such a prospect would have normally caught the scientist's full attention, in this particular instance the Lieutenant Commander simply nodded before turning her attention to the Chief Medical Officer. "Doctor Doyanne, how is everyone?"
"Everyone seems to be in pretty good shape," the CMO replied. "Lieutenant Paquette is suffering from minor muscular strain from pulling that thing out of whatever she has been trying to explain. Ensign Shar'El showed some elevated endorphin levels but those could have easily been caused by what she endured during the latter part of the mission. Ensign Ttosk suffered several light lacerations from his battle and Doctor Mizore is in isolation room 1 with Counsellor Dalziel recuperating from her experience. Physically everything shows Seska to be fine, but it was thought wise to allow her to quietly rest. As soon as I am done here I would like to check Captain Morningstar, he is the last one left."
"That may be a problem," Maya sighed as Eve walked into Main Sickbay, the expression on her face in response to the Commander's words leaving little doubts that she had understood the extent of the situation.
"Do we know what happened?" the Counselor inquired already expecting that she would have to deal with the emotional trauma caused by the lose of a member of the crew.
"No," the Shillian admitted with regret. At least if they had known for sure, there would have been either hope or closure. "I can only guess that the Captain remained on the moon to use the machine to send the Akitashiinu, Yxidii and ourselves back to our home dimensions."
"The machine would have required some sort of external assistance to perform such a task," the ILO interjected with, her own dealings with the machine having given her a unique understanding of the way the biomechanical entity worked.
"I will get the counselling staff ready to deal with the announcement," Eve offered, trying to be as supportive of the Shilian acting Captain as she could.
"Thank you Counselor, but I am not ready to make that announcement just yet," Maya admitted with a faint smile.
=====
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Isolation Room 1
Stardate: 30148.2025
The Bajoran woman laid on the biobed, her eyes closed as she tried to make sense of the events that had only recently come to an end. The entire mission had been most difficult for the aCMO, and the way everything had ended had only added to the stress that she still experienced.
"How are you feeling Doctor?" A male voice inquired from the surrounding darkness.
"Famished actually, it has been more than 24 hours since I had anything to eat," Mizore answered without any hesitation.
"You did well down there," the amused voice offered from the darkness that surrounded the Bajoran woman.
"It doesn't feel like it to me," Seska replied, not even bothering to open her eyes to see who had spoken. The intonation and mannerism of the voice had been enough for her to know who it had belonged to.
"I was given the chance to experience what it was like to be linked to that machine," the gentle voice of the male said from the shadows. "So I can tell you this from first hand experience, you allowed it to remember what mattered most to it, a feeling that it carried on back to me when I was linked with it. If it had not been for you and your memories of VULCAN, things would have turned out very differently down there."
"I still feel like I failed," the Doctor added with clear regret in her voice, still not wanting to open her eyes.
"You did not fail," the reassuring voice continued from the surrounding shadows, "and I will go as far to say that the ANUBIS is fortunate to have you among its crew. It may take a while, but you will find your place here as others have."
"You are being far too kind," the Bajoran countered with a heavy sigh.
"Who are you speaking to?" the Shillian woman inquired as she stepped into the barely lit room.
"That would be me," Captain Erik Morningstar announced as he stepped out of the shadows to the Shillian's overflowing joy.
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA