USS ANUBIS - Mission 17
USS BASTET - Mission 13
A New Universe Of Trouble
A New Universe Of Trouble
POST INDEX
| Post # | Character | Title |
| B001 | Iverson | Here We Go, Part 1 The BASTET heads out on its new mission |
| A001 | Maya | Here We Go, Part 2 Sofia and Nic speak to Maya to get her help |
| A002 | Stark | Thinking of Her Jayson deals with his personal situation |
| A003 | Lopez | Another Day In Paradise Adriana talks to Ya'Han and is brought up to date |
| A004 | Ya'Han | Thinking of Him Ya'Han searches for Xana and runs into Stella |
| B002 | Mitshiba | Predictable Uncertainties Aki explains to Sarena a problem they will face |
| B003 | Enel | A Quantum Erik runs into Zub |
| A005 | Bonviva | Skulking, Lying, and Dying Ya'Han find and talks to Xana |
| A006 | Morningstar | Patience, Patience, Mon... Erik goes to speak to Selene |
| B004 | Gemma | Intel Report Gemma run into Zub |
| A007 | Shar'El | Hidden Truth Shar'El confronts Gemma |
| B005 | Enel | Double Trouble Zub tries to mediate the ILO discussion |
| A008 | Maya | The Scientific Approach Maya and Aki find a possible solution |
| B006 | Iverson | The Plan, Part 1 The staff comes up with a plan to reach ORION |
| B007 | Gemma | The Plan, Part 2 Shar'El and Gemma talk |
| A009 | Stark | The Plan, Part 3 Jayson is offered the OPS position temporarely |
| B008 | Andersson | A Lovely Chat Sofia and Nic discuss Jayson |
| B009 | Mitshiba | New friends Aki returns to the bridge |
| A010 | Lopez | Regrets While alone, Adrina thinks of their situation |
| B010 | Enel | Dogged Something is discovered following the BASTET |
| A011 | Bonviva | Living or Alive The ladies debate on their next course of action |
| B011 | A'Janni | Cat and Mouse The crew tries to figure out what is following them |
| A012 | Shar'El | Observations The BASTET confronts the ship following them |
| B012 | Dima | The Only Constant Nic has a discussion with Erik |
| B013 | Iverson | Broken Mirror The crew prepares for their new guest |
| B014 | Enel | Wary Welcome Zub and Sarena greet their newest guest |
| A013 | Bruxa | Helping Hand Satella and Sofia begin the medial exam |
| A014 | Lopez | Emotional Overflow While trying to escape, Adriana loses control |
| B015 | Andersson | Assessment Sofia confronts Shar'El and Gemma |
| B016 | Mitshiba | Confirming The Mystery Maya and Aki conclude their scans of the craft |
| A015 | Ya'Han | Let's Move During their escape, Sonja talks to Ya'Han |
| B017 | Gemma | Intel War Friction mounts between Shar'El and Gemma |
| B018 | Enel | Testing The Wind Zub and Gemma talk while escorting their guest |
| A016 | Lopez | Easier Said Than Done The girls are having trouble on the EAGLE-5 |
| B019 | Iverson | Two-Way Mirror Fiona, AKA faux-Selene, explains the situation |
| A017 | Stark | Waiting and Talking Jayson is growing impatien as the BASTET waits |
| A018 | Ya'Han | Moving and Talking The ladies give Krokas a hard time |
| B020 | Andersson | Preparations Sofia gets Sickbay ready while Satella watches |
| A019 | Morningstar | Keeping Busy Erik goes to Main Engineering to help Gemma |
| B021 | Enel | Battle for EAGLE-5 The BASTET swoops in to the rescue |
| A020 | Bonviva | Etcetera, Etcetera, Etcetera The ladies arrive on the BASTET |
| A021 | Shar'El | Questions Shar'El and Zub escort Krokus to guest quarters |
| B022 | Dima/Iverson | Counseling Session Selene speak with Nicole |
| A022 | Lopez/Dima | Counselling The Counsellor Nicole goes to speak to Adriana to help her |
| A023 | Bruxa | Time To Rest Satella and Sofia talk about what happened |
| A024 | Ya'Han | Tactical Meeting Zub goes to see Ya'Han |
| B023 | Gemma | Character Assessment Gemma tries to figure out the guests as well as her |
| B024 | Dima/Iverson/ Morningstar |
Negotiations Things get heated between Selene and Erik |
| A025 | Shar'El | One Team Erik returns to his quarters and speaks with Shar'El |
| B025 | A'Janni | Night Watch Zub talks to A'Janni about his sense of smell |
| A026 | Lopez | Starry Night Adriana is unable to sleep, haunted by nightmares |
| B026 | Enel | Rattled Zub, followed by Shar'El, interrogates the guests |
| A027 | Bruxa | Do All That You Can Satella notices something is wrong with Adriana |
| A028 | Bonviva/Shar'El | Tea and Hope and Memories Xana and Shar'El rush to Adriana's side |
| B027 | Iverson/ Morningstar |
Pre-Mission Briefing In groups, the crew gets ready for the briefing |
| A029 | Stark | Alone Satella runs into a lonely looking Jayson |
| B028 | Mitshiba | Together Aki is greatful for working with Maya |
| A030 | Lopez | Not Alone Xana visits Adriana in Sickbay |
| B029 | Enel | Roses Zub is having issues with so many people present |
| A031 | Paquette | Not Happy One Bit Sonja is infuriated by what she saw |
| A032 | Morningstar/ Iverson |
Hop, Skip and a Jump Mission briefing and an unexpected D-jump |
| B030 | Dima/Bonviva | Space Full of Memories Nicole goes to see Xana who is feeling down |
| A033 | Shar'El | Intel Operative's Log Shar'El makes a secret report to Koniki |
| B031 | Mitshiba | Miss Congeniality... NOT Aki and Maya try to explain Abrasivnyy |
| B032 | Andersson/ Bruxa |
Medical Debate Nicole and Satella discuss Gemma's new personality |
| B033 | Enel | Do I Bug You? Zub tries to reason with Abrasivnyy |
| B034 | Iverson | Decisions and Actions Fiona and Abrasivnyy make things complicated |
| A034 | Ya'Han | Time for Red Ya'Han volunteers to help search for Abrasivnyy |
| A035 | Lopez | Diplomatic Force Adriana convinces Xana to go back tot he station |
| B035 | Andersson | Who Helps the Helpers Sofia and Nic join in on Gemma's search |
| A036 | Morningstar | From One Surprise to the... Xana, Selene and Erik set up the teams |
| B036 | Enel | Scout's Honor Ya'Han sets ground rules with Zub and A'Janni |
| A037 | Stark | Orders Jayson looks at Ya'Han and contemplates his role |
| B037 | Mitshiba | Fitting In Aki tries to accept her role in the away mission |
| A038 | Bonviva | Acts of Optimism The EAGLE-5 leaves for the station |
| A039 | Shar'El | Observations Shar'El observes the members of the away team |
| B038 | A'Janni | Huddle A'Janni compares Ya'Han to Sheetora |
| A040 | Stark | Huddle, Part 2 Jayson reacts to Ya'Han's purple hair |
| B039 | Iverson | The Arrival The EAGLE-5 lands at the station |
| A041 | Lopez | Weak Knees Adriana has difficulties being on the station |
| A042 | Morningstar/ Bonviva |
Promises Made, Promises... Erik holds Xana back from rushing to Adriana |
| B040 | Enel | Tea For Two The Arena team gets into trouble |
| A043 | Bruxa | Personal Space Selene's team has a minor run-in with trouble |
| A044 | Ya'Han | Battle For Life and Death Things go from bad to worse for the Arena team |
| B041 | Mitshiba | Something Different The exploration teams finds something odd |
| A045 | Maya | A Stab in the Dark The Lower Level teams finds a corpse |
| A046 | Shar'El | Echoes of Memories The exploration team learns about the crystals |
| Post # | Character | Title |
| B042 | A'Janni | Injured Kitty The arena teams seeks refuge, A'Janni is hurt |
| A047 | Bonviva | The Performer The Lower Level team encounters Charlie |
| B043 | Enel | Tiger Butter Zub tries to help lessen A'Janni's pain |
| B044 | Gemma | Unfriendly Alliance Abrasivnyy observes people in the Zocalo |
| A048 | Ya'Han | A Simple Mistake Ya'Han mistakingly brings Stella back to her team |
| A049 | Maya | The Cost Maya meets people who might be Shillians |
| B045 | Andersson | Feeling As If You Were... Sofia is having trouble waiting |
| A050 | Bruxa | Small Hands A small child steals a med kit |
| A051 | Stark | Mad Dash The Zocalo team rushes after the speedy thief |
| A052 | Lopez | Change of Plan The Oasis team decides on a new course of action |
| B046 | Enel | Reunion The teams find themselves back together |
| A053 | Ya'Han | Be True to Thy Self Ya'Han and Jayson talk about their situation |
| A054 | Bonviva | How Ben Discovered The... Xana discoveres that Ben is actually her son |
| A055 | Morningstar | Understanding Colonel Morningstar takes the refugee to safety |
| B047 | Dima/Andersson | Floating Pain Nic and Sofia share a moment |
| B048 | Iverson | The Goal Shar'El gives her report to Selene |
| A056 | Stark | Volunteer Jayson makes a decision |
| B049 | Mitshiba | Lacking The Skills Aki deals with the multiple issues around her |
| A057 | Lopez/Bonviva | Ambassadorial Counseling Xana and Adriana talk, entertain Ben |
| B050 | Enel/A'Janni | Eclipse Zub and A'Janni talk to Satella |
| A058 | Ya'Han | Lover's Quarrel Jayson and Ya'Han have a heart-to-heart |
| A059 | Bruxa | Hurt Satella goes face-to-face with Stella |
| B051 | Enel | Unnerved Zub deals with the aftermath of killing someone |
| B052 | Lopez/Dima | Take a Number Nicole tries to Speak to Adriana |
| B053 | A'Janni | Heightened Senses A'Janni hears something approaching |
| B054 | Iverson | A New Plan A new plan is partially conceived |
| A060 | Shar'El | Show of Force Shar'El speaks to Satella |
| A061 | Lopez | Hidden Rage Adriana walks towards Zub and the others |
| B055 | Enel/Dima | Presence Adriana verbally attacks Zub |
| A062 | Bruxa | Different Self Jayson goes to speak to Satella |
| A063 | Bonviva | Consequences Ben is unset and Xana goes 'mother bear' |
| B056 | Dima | Under Duress Nicole confronts Adriana |
| B057 | Mitshiba | Expectations Aki speaks with Selene before moving to Shar'El |
| B058 | A'Janni | Twitching Ears A'Janni hears something faint in the distance |
| A064 | Stark | Unseen The Covert Assault team moves forward |
| B059 | Enel/Lopez/ Stark/Dima | Decamped The team goes looking for Stella's missing body |
| B060 | Mitshiba | Field Work Aki work on the device given to her by Shar'El |
| B061 | Enel | Moppet The teams makes its way through a kitchen |
| B062 | Gemma | Her Home Abrasivnyy recalls her first time on the station |
| A065 | Lopez | Between a Rock and a... Adriana struggles with her feelings and emotions |
| A066 | Ya'Han | Agent of Destruction Sonju and Han come to meet the crew |
| B063 | Mitshiba | Getting Closer The team gets information on Hel's whereabouts |
| B064 | Enel | It's Alive The Oasis' Guardian and a Dr discuss reanimation |
| B065 | Gemma | Her Way Abrasivnyy helps the team |
| B066 | A'Janni | A Lizard and a Cat... The team arrives at the Oasis and the Morgue |
| B067 | Iverson | The Showdown The crew is captured and threatened by Sonju |
| A067 | Ya'Han | Han to Han Discussion Ya'Han and Han have a heart-to-heart |
| A068 | Bonviva | Heart to Heart Xana and Ben have a heart-to-heart discussion |
| B068 | Andersson | Change of Plan Sofia tries to takje care of Erik's injuries |
| A069 | Lopez | Post Mortem The team tries to identify the burnt corpse |
| A070 | Shar'El | Hide and Seek The team fails to find Hel |
| B069 | Enel | Peekaboo The team returns and find the others in trouble |
| A071 | Morningstar | Prelude to War The Shillians are seen setting up to attack |
| A072 | Ya'Han | Searching Ya'Han searches for a way to express her feelings |
| A073 | Maya | Pride The Shillians, in cat form, attack the robots |
| B070 | Iverson | Check Mate The batlle is brought to an unexpected end |
| B071 | Mitshiba | A Few Questions Left to... Aki questions Selene about Gemma |
| A074 | Shar'El | Something Changed Abrassivnyy/Gemma confronts Shar'El |
| A075 | Morningstar | Is It The End? Captain Morningstar talks to Colonel Moringstar |
| B072 | Enel | Coping Zub and A'Janni do their best to cope |
| A076 | Bruxa | From A Distance Satella accepts the reason for her actions |
| B073 | Gemma | Moving On Abrasivnyy recalls her first encounter with Sonju |
| B074 | Mitshiba/Iverson | Hel's Fury The crews are forced to abandon the station |
| B075 | A'Janni | One Eye Open A'Janni relaxes while sitting at the FCO's station |
| A077 | Lopez/Bonviva | Ambassadorial Meeting Adriana recalls an earlier chat with Xana |
| B076 | Enel | Rainmaker Zub goes to see Nicole in the Holodeck |
| A078 | Bonviva | Untangling Webs Xana deals with personal matters with her Ex |
| A079 | Shar'El | Business As Usual Shar'El gets back in her ILO routine |
| A080 | Ya'Han | Together And Apart Ya'Han and Jayson enjoy breakfast together |
| A081 | Stark | Explanation Jayson explains his reason for writing the letter |
| B077 | Gemma | The Awakening Gemma is in sickbay with Sofia and Satella |
| B078 | Iverson | Recognition Sarena is given her own command |
| B079 | Gemma/Enel/ Dima | Counseling Session Sarena is given her own command |
| A082 | Maya | Scientific Support Aki offers her support to Maya |
| B080 | Lopez/Bonviva/ Dima | Crazier than Expected Adriana & Xana attenda a counseling session |
| A083 | Shar'El | Face-to-Face Shar'El Confronts Gemma |
| B081 | Gemma/Enel | The Awakening (Rev...) Gemma wakes up in Sickbay with memory loss |
| B082 | Mitshiba | A Place Like No Other Aki finishes the holodeck program |
| A084 | Dima/Bonviva | Grateful Xana, Nic and Sofia head to the holodeck |
| A085 | Lopez/Bonviva | Journey Xana speaks with Adriana |
| A086 | Stark | Perfection Jayson admires Ya'Han and deals with Sonja |
| B083 | A'Janni/Enel | Friends A'Janni and Zub discuss Gemma |
| B084 | Valentine/Iverson | A New Journey Selene and Sarena make their announcements |
| B085 | Mitshiba | Settling In Aki makes her first visit to the bridge as ExO |
---
"Here We Go, Part 1"
(Previous Post: (ANU) "Things Are Getting Complicated" / (BAS) "Character Conflicts")
---
Setting: USS BASTET, Bridge
Stardate: 35012.0730
"All preparations have been completed," Commander Valentine announced as she walked onto the bridge. "Our guests are on board and making themselves comfortable in their quarters. I do not think Commander Shr'El was overly happy about not being granted access to the bridge right away."
"Do keep in mind that both Captain Morningstar, Commander Shar'El and the rest of the crew of the ANUBIS are not used to being mere spectators. They are, as we are, people of action and it would be just as difficult for us to be in their position, so a little bit of understanding and compassion would not go amiss," Selene suggested to her First Officer, making sure that her words were also heard by everyone else present on the command deck of the USS BASTET.
"I will make sure that Counselor Dima and Doctor Andersson take a few minutes to check in on them," Sarena offered.
"You are the epitome of kindness," Selene fired back before turning her attention to her Chief of Security. "Ensign Enel, are we ready to depart?"
"Yes Captain, the massive lizardman replied, his three-fingered hands dancing over the security console with grace and ease. "All stations are secured."
"Main engineering reporting that all systems, including temporal and dimensional drives, are at full readiness," Gemma reported anticipating the next question from the Captain. While acting as Chief Engineer, the woman was still keeping up with her duties and responsibilities as the Intel Liaison Officer, her workstation displaying images from the quarters where their guests were at this time.
"Very well," Captain Iverson acknowledged. "Lieutenant A'Janni, take us out."
"The Caitian nodded his head. "Clearing all moorings and setting course for the space doors. Forward motion using only thrusters.
This was one of the parts of a new mission Selene enjoyed, seeing the ship make its way through the massive doors and into open space ushered the endless possibilities that waited for them in the darkness between the stars. The only thing Captain Iverson found more enjoyable was to travel through those same doors in the opposite direction, indicated that they had returned home once again. Hopefully, this mission would see these two special events happen close to one another.
A general hush of silence spread through the bridge as the doors moved apart from one another revealing the asteroid field the secret base of NEW ALEXANDRIA called home. The majority of those present had seen this specific scene many times before but it did not change the fact that most found it exhilarating.
"We have cleared the space doors," the Caitian Flight Control Officer reported.
"Lieutenant Mitshiba, have you figured out the best location or us to cross over into this other dimension?" Captain Iverson inquired of her Chief Science Officer.
"I have Captain," Misaki confirmed. "The data provided by Lieutenant Commander Maya through Captain Morningstar made things very easy. Crossing to this new dimension should not present any special problems, but in order to make sure that we are in the best possible situation to locate their missing officers, we would need to make the dimensional jump as close to ORION as possible."
"That is going to add several days to our mission just with us getting there," Commander Valentine pointed out in a less than enthusiastic manner.
"I am afraid that this cannot be helped," the Asian woman explained. "Although we have the dimensional coordinates for our destination, we have no way to know about the physical properties that are there. Completing a jump here instead of near ORION could mean that we would find ourselves millions of lightyears from where we need to be, and we would not have any clues as to where that would be. By making our jump as close to the location said to be where the missing officers vanished, we greatly increase the odds of our being able to find clues as to their current location."
"There goes the idea of a quick and easy mission," Gemma noted aloud.
"Helm," Selene said as she turned back to look at the Flight Control Officer. "Set course for ORION, maximum speed."
"Setting course for ORION," A'Janni said as he entered the required coordinates into his console. "Maximum safe sustainable speed... Warp 8."
"Bridge to Doctor Andersson and Counselor Dima," Commander Valentine said after reaching for her communicator.
---
Setting: USS BASTET, Sickbay
Stardate: 35012.0740
"This does not sound good," Nicole said while looking at Sofia in a concerned manner before reaching for her comm badge. "Go ahead Commander, what can we do for you?"
=/\= The BASTET is on route for ORION. Lieutenant Mitshiba believes that it is best for us to perform the dimensional jump there in order to increase our odds of finding the missing officers of the ANUBIS. =/\=
"This is going to add several days to our journey," Doctor Andersson said, already anticipating the reaction of her former crew members.
=/\= That is why I would like you two to go and relay this latest information to them. As the Counselor, I believe that Dima will be able to manage whatever anger this news might trigger. I also hope that the fact Doctor Andersson was a member of the crew before will help soften the impact a little. =/\=
Sofia let out an elongated sigh. "Maya will understand this without any need for her to be convinced. I am not so sure that things are going to be as smooth with the other officers, especially Captain Morningstar and Commander Shar'El. It is their officers who are missing and I am sure that they feel a certain level of responsibility for this even if they had nothing to do with it."
"Maybe it would be best for us to start with Maya then," Nicole suggested. "If we can have her join us and explain things to the Captain and First Officer, it might help make it more acceptable to them."
"As I recall, having Maya explain *anything* is never a good way for anyone to accept it," Sofia said thinking back to a few instances when the Shillian scientist had gone into one of her detailed explanations. "That said, I do agree that having her support our claims will help. Maybe not as much as we would hope for, but it will be better than having just the two of us there by ourselves."
=/\= Good, =/\= Sarena noted. =/\= Proceed as you see fit and let us know if there are any problems. Bridge out. =/\=
---
Jessica Solarik
Captain Selene Fiona Iverson [Access Character BIO for Selene Iverson]
Commanding Officer
USS BASTET
&
Lieutenant Commander Maya [Access Character BIO for 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)
---
"Here We Go, Part 2"
(Previous Posts: (ANU) "Things Are Getting Complicated" / (BAS) "Here We Go, Part 1")
---
Setting: USS BASTET, Guest Quarters
Stardate: 35012.0745
Since her arrival, the Shillian Scientist had been carefully scrutinizing every square centimeter of the quarters she was assigned for the duration of this mission. Starfleet was not known for being overly original in the format and decor of room on their ships, but Maya was curious to see what subtle differences she would be able to find. After all, it was not every day that she had the chance to compare the inside of not two but three ships in such a short period of time.
The quarters were spacious, maybe not quite as large as those onboard the USS ANUBIS but most certainly larger than those found on the USS HATHOR. No matter the size though, the Shillian was happy to be exploring something new as it kept her from overthinking about their new mission and the simple fact that they were going to be traveling to another dimension in the hopes of rescuing Adriana, Ya'Han, Sonja and Xana.
The sound of the door chime reluctantly pulled the scientist out of her investigation. Maybe it was time for them to make the jump to this other dimension and she would be invited to witness the process. Another possibility that came to mind was that the Chief Science Officer of the BASTET had come to confirm some of what Maya had uncovered during her analysis of the captured alien shuttle. The Shillian found both options very appealing making her waste no time rushing to the door and greeting whoever she would find standing on the other side.
"Dima?!?" Maya exclaimed as the sight of the joint Trill whom she had not seen in quite some time. The last missing the two of them had shared was when the crew of the ANUBIS was hunting for the crystals that would eventually come together to allow the creation of the 'Blink-Drive' that was now on board the USS HATHOR. "How are you? Have you received any news from Professor Elijah Arken? I doubt that the man would have kept contact with you even though he was partially responsible for your sudden vanishing. I guess I always hoped that he would feel some sort of guilt in what he put you through, but alas knowing him as the eccentric scientist that he is, I am surprised and very happy to see that he did not seek you out and locked you up in some unknown and 'never-before-heard-of' research lab to be examined for him to see if the use of the crystals had any negative effects on you. I am very glad to see you and I am equally glad to see you, Doctor Andersson. You both appear to be well. You are well, right? You seem to be bothered by something or has your lives on board the BASTET been so difficult that you have forgotten how to smile, not that I actually believe that to be possible as it would require a very specific eradication of synapses in your brains."
"Yes, we are well," Nicole said with a smile interrupting Maya for fear that she would continue on her ramblings. The exchange served to confirm that nothing had changed as far as the Shillian was concerned. The woman was still as talkative as she had ever been, and somehow Dima found this simple revelation to be comforting. "We came to talk to you about something that we need your assistance with."
"You need my assistance?" Maya sounded like she was ready to jump clean out of her Trill-like spots at the news. "Please come in, come in. Tell me what I can do to help. My knowledge in the field of Psychology is next to non-existent and my expertise in medicine is limited to Exobiology and Xenobiology, but I would be delighted to help in whatever way I can." The Shillian continued as she moved away from the door leaving her would-be guests still out in the corridor.
"You know, I didn't remember her talking so much," Sofia said to Nicole in a whispered voice.
"I believe the term you are looking for is 'Traumatic Psychological Memory Blockage'," the Counselor stated. "You do not remember because the memory is too traumatic for you to deal with, so your mind is hiding it from your conscious thoughts."
"Funny," the Doctor scuffed but as she looked into the room to see the Shillian scientist still rambling on, Sofia turned back to look at Nicole. "On second thought, you might be right."
"Of course I am right," the Trill quietly laughed as she walked into the guest quarters assigned to the Chief Science Officer of the USS ANUBIS. "Maya, allow me to go straight to the point," the Counsellor said once again interrupting the woman. "We need your help to talk to Captain Morningstar and Commander Shar'El."
"Is there some sort of problem?" The Shillian appeared to be quickly moving towards a nervous collapse. "Did something happen to our missing officers?"
"Nothing of the sort," Sofia reassured. "It is just that our journey to whatever this other dimension they are in will be delayed by a few days as we need to travel to ORION."
"Lieutenant Mitshiba believes that it would be safer for the BASTET to make the dimensional jump as close to the location where your people vanished as we have no idea of the physical properties of our destination," Nicole added thinking that Maya would appreciate the specific and scientific details.
"That makes perfect sense," Maya noted without any hesitation. "I should have thought of that myself. I was not taking into account that the dimensional data I provided might point to a location beyond those that the BASTET had already traveled to. Since there would not be any available information as to where we would arrive in this new dimension, we need to reduce our initial field of research to be as small as possible to permit us to find some clues as to the location of our missing officers."
"That was easier than I expected," Doctor Andersson happily chimed.
"So you will help us speak to Captain Morningstar and Commander Shar'El and make them understand that the days of a couple of days is necessary?" Counsellor Dima asked, more than certain that the Shillian would be more than happy to lend a hand.
"Captain Morningstar will not be happy," Maya pointed out. "We have already been waiting several days to board the BASTET and be underway with the rescue mission, and now we have to wait another two days. I am sure that he will come to realize that this is necessary, but it will not change the fact that he will not be happy about it. As for Commander Shar'El, I fear that out of the two of them, she will be the one to make more of a scene. She sees the safety of the crew as one of her primary responsibilities, and having to wait as we all have is not making her disposition any more pleasant."
"That is the reason why we came to you first," Nicole explained. "We figured that with the three of us presenting the facts and explaining things, both the Captain and Commander will be more inclined to accept the situation as being the best possible course of action, regardless of how unpleasant it may be."
"Of course," Maya agreed. "I will help. I am sure that the three of us will be able to present the fact in a manner that both Captain Morningstar and Commander Shar'El will come to accept. Of course, having a pair of hypo-sprays loaded with a mild to medium strength sedative might not be a bad idea."
An expression of utter horrour engraved itself onto the features of the Chief Medical officer of the USS BASTET, prompting the Counsellor to quickly set the record straight. "Relax Sofia, Maya is just kidding."
"We better get going," the Shillian scientist said forcing her way between the two other women. "The longer we wait to speak to the Captain and Commander, the more difficult it will be for them to accept this as something that cannot be challenged in any way or form."
Doctor Andersson watched as the Shillian walked out of the room before Sofia turned her attention back onto Nicole. "You are sure she was kidding? She did not sound like she was."
"She was," Counsellor Dima confirmed. "At least I hope she was," Nicole added under her breath as both Sofia and her followed Maya out into the corridor.
---
Jessica Solarik
&
"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)
"Thinking of Her"
[previous (ANU) "Here We Go, Part 2" / (BAS) "Here We Go, Part 1"]
[/\]
Setting: USS BASTET, Guest Quarters
Stardate: 35012.0800
It felt weird not being on the bridge as the ship left their base of operations. Seeing the massive space doors from the side felt wrong in so many ways but he understood that this was not *his* ship. Captain Morningstar, Commander Shar'El and the rest of the team were here on board the BASTET as guests and nothing more. All he could do was wait and see what would happen next.
With the ship now at warp speed, the COO just stared and admired the streaking lights that flew by his window. This was certainly not the first time he took a few moments to enjoy such scenery but like his feelings about being on this ship instead of on the ANUBIS, everything about this felt wrong. The last time she had looked out at the stars in this manner was when Ya'Han and he were still sharing quarters, something that now felt a lifetime ago. So many things had taken place between then and now that Jayson could barely manage to recall them all.
The arrival of his clone on board the ANUBIS, the desertion of Ya'Han and their journey to OLTHAR PRIME. The more he thoughts about all those things, the more Jayson could not believe what had happened. It was as if the universe had decided to play a cruel joke on him, never giving him the slightest moment to manage to get his feet back under him. In the latest twist, Ya'Han was now in a different dimension leaving Stark to wonder if she was even thinking of him.
Of course, he hoped that she was but everything that had taken place as of late made him realize that this was unlikely. The moment his clone had come into the picture things started to change, and despite his greatest efforts to hold on to whatever was left of their relationship it was evident that his desires alone would not prove enough to turn things around.
Jayson closed his eyes, thinking back to one particular kiss they had shared. Ya'Han had taken on her green hair, something that Jayson understood as meaning that she was his and his alone, but clearly that was no longer the case. As his thoughts lingered onto the kiss, his fingers moved to touch his lips as if to confirm that the presence he felt there was indeed only a figment of his imagination. The moment this was confirmed, his thoughts jumped onto another kiss, one far more recent.
The image of a woman with silver hair replaced that of the green-haired woman that had been there seconds before. He had fought against this from the start, but Satella had made her position clear, she wanted to be what she believed he needed, a companion that Ya'Han no longer was.
Reality came crashing back down on him when the sound of the door chime echoed through the room causing the COO to straighten his uniform and step away from the window. This was not the time for him to be emotional regardless of how he truly felt. Captain Morningstar would need him to be at his best if they were to succeed in their mission to find and bring their missing people back safe and sound. The door chime rang once more causing Jayson to move towards the door. Maybe it was Captain Iverson or her First Officer who had come to speak to him. Stark had noticed when studying the BASTET's crew roster that the position of a Chief of Operations was vacant, so maybe, just maybe, they would allow him to make himself useful right away.
Jayson remained silent as the door opened revealing the person who had come to speak to him. He had not expected it to be her and yet he found himself not disliking the idea that she was there standing in front of him, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "I hope that I am not interrupting anything," Satella asked as she looked up at Jayson.
With a full 12 inches difference between their heights, he felt like a giant when looking down at her but the way she looked back at him made him see that she was not bothered by this. "I was just looking at the stars and waiting to see what would happen next."
"Being here on the BASTET is weird," the Doctor said. "At least on the HATHOR we could force ourselves to see the ship as being ours, even if only for a few days, but here there is nothing we can do to make us feel more at home because this is *not* our ship."
"I suspect that Captain Morningstar and Commander Shar'El feel the same way," Jayson said. "Come, there is no reason why you should have to stand in the corridor like that while we talk."
Satella seemed genuinely surprised to be invited in, but she did not hesitate to accept the offer. "I checked with the computer, we have access to all of the common areas of the ship, so at least that's a plus. We are not restricted to our quarters."
"I doubt Captain Morningstar would have allowed that," Stark said. "He asked Captain Iverson for help in getting our people back, so there is no reason for us to be treated as anything less than fellow shipmates."
"Of course, you are absolutely right," Satella quickly said. "I was just pointing out the fact that we can go and visit some of the areas of this ship. It may not be the ANUBNIS but I am sure that we could find something interesting to keep us occupied while we wait to see what happens next."
Jayson hesitated. He was not sure if what he heard was what she meant to say or if it was just his current emotional state spinning her words to suit what he needed to hear, to be made to feel wanted in some minute way. "I think it would be best if we wait to hear from Captain Morningstar or Commander Shar'El first. We have no idea how long this trip to another dimension could take, in fact, for all we know, we could already be there."
"It's not that simple," Satella chuckled. "Remember, I served on the BASTET before transferring to the ANUBIS. I am sure that Doctor Andersson would be more than happy to welcome us in *her* sickbay, but I understand what you are saying. I am happy to wait with you if you will allow me."
Jayson hesitated once more. To say yes might invite her to believe that he had changed his mind from his earlier stated position following their sharing a kiss. Him saying no, on the other hand, could make her believe that he did not want anything to do with her, which in all honesty was not the truth. No matter the situation he found himself in, it always seemed to be a complicated affair.
"No," he said causing the smile on her lips to instantly vanish. "I do not want you to go. I think it will make it easier for both of us if we wait together."
The smile on the silver-haired woman returned, brighter and before. "Let me get you something to drink," she said while making her way to the replicator. "Unless things have drastically changed on the BASTET, there should still be a few interesting drink selections available. Don't worry, none of those are made with real alcohol, but the taste will definitively make your head spin, at least for a few seconds."
Jayson just watched as the woman went to the replicator and returned shortly after with two identical drinks. So many questions, so many emotions ran through his head but all he could do was to reach for one o the glasses and taste the liquid held inside, never taking his eyes from the woman standing in front of him.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Lieutenant Jayson Stark [Access Character BIO for Jayson Stark]
Chief of Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
-=-=-
"Another Day In Paradise"
[Previous post: (ANU) "Thinking of Her" & (BAS) "Here We Go, Part 1"]
-=-=-
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Guest Quarters
Stardate: 35012.0800
With every day that passed, Adriana felt a little better. Instead of sleeping on a cold floor, she was able to enjoy the softness of a bed. That alone would have made her smile but the feeling of a warm blanket over her as she peacefully slept made the sensation even more enjoyable. Wherever and whatever this place was could not be compared to the ANUBIS, but thanks to Xana, Sonja and Ya'Han it almost felt like home.
"Good morning." The sound of Ya'Han's voice made Adriana smile as it instantly made her feel safe, a sensation that she had been denied for far too long. The smile on the Counselor's lips grew larger as she opened her eyes to see the black and red-haired woman looking back at her. Granted her vision was still a little blurry, but the simple fact that she was able to see was another major bonus as compared to what she had endured not so long ago.
"Good morning," Adriana replied silently debating as to whether or not to try and get out of bed. She knew that her restored strength was enough to allow her to perform this simple task, but the idea of leaving the warmth and comfort of her bed was less than enticing. A quick scan of the room they all shared revealed that the Chief of Security and Ship's Counselor were the only ones here. "Where are the others?"
"Sonja is inspecting the station. She is not the type of person to be locked in a room with nothing to do. The moment she found a way to unlocked the door, she figured that the rest of the station was hers to explore," Ya'Han said. "I can't say that I am against her doing so as if there is a way for us to get off this dark prison, she is the one to find it."
"What about Xana?" The Junior Ambassador suspected that Ya'Han's reluctance in reporting the whereabouts of the Ambassador meant that the Bolian/Human woman was up to something.
"She's alright."
"That is not what I asked," Adriana pointed out as she swung one leg out from beneath the comfort and warmth of the blanket.
"You need to rest," Ya'Han quickly said moving in to block the woman's attempt to get out of bed.
"Just tell me where Xana is," the Junior Ambassador demanded. It was not that long ago that the Counselor would never have even considered raising her voice in such a manner, but this was no the woman who was currently in bed, recuperating from having been beaten to near-death only to now be kept in the dark as to her friend and mentor's whereabouts.
"You have been asleep for several days now," Ya'Han explained. "You needed to rest so we all understood and took turns watching over you. Yesterday, Xana failed to return after she went out exploring the station. She figured that she could use the identity of her dimensional alter ego who is here on the station to get more information."
"Alter ego?" Adriana was clearly lost following that statement.
"I guess you would not know about this," the Nylaan said trying o figure out the best possible way to explain things. "We are in another dimension, one that appears to echo our own in some ways, mainly the presence of people who look like us but have slightly different names and apparently went through very different lives to bring them here. Sonja and I have been searching for Xana every chance we have had."
"What are we waiting for?" Adriana said, abandoning the warmth and comfort of the bed with one single move that saw the blanket fly through the air. "Let's go."
"I do not believe that you are in any condition to be up," Ya'Han said. "We have not had any access to proper medical equipment, so your recovery has been slow. Although the swelling of your eyes has visibly gone down, I am sure that your vision is less than perfect."
"Even with only partial eyesight, I can help look for Xana. An extra set of eyes is just that, an extra set that will allow us to cover more ground. If she is out there in need, it is our duty to find her, just like you found me when I needed help," the Junior Ambassador argued.
"Counselor, please do not force me to pull rank on you," the full-fledged Lieutenant said. "You are still weak and need to rest."
"Thank you, I appreciate what you are trying to do," Adriana said in a soft and grateful tone. "As for rank," she continued in a much more assertive voice, "I do not believe that you can order a Junior Ambassador who is on a diplomatic mission to find a missing Federation Ambassador."
"I can see that there is no talking you out of this," the Nylaan Chief of Security said realizing that this was not a fight that she wanted to be a part of. "Fine, we can go, but you and I are sticking together."
"I would not have it any other way," the Junior Ambassador said wrapping her arms around that of Ya'Han as both a way to confirm that she would not be straying far and to also provide her with the additional support she feared she might need as they went searching for Xana.
-=-=-
Marissa Montonera-Lombardi
Lieutenant JG Adriana Lopez [Access Character BIO for Adriana Lopez]
Ship's Counselor & Junior Ambassador
USS ANUBIS
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
"Thinking of Him"
[previous post were (ANU) "Another Day In Paradise" / (BAS) "Here We Go, Part 1"]
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Zocalo
Stardate: 35012.0815
It was weird for her to be wondering this place while openly displaying the black colored hair of the commoners of NYLA IV. As the daughter of the High Sovereign, Ya'Han had been brought up to look down upon those who displayed such a color as unworthy of being anything else but the lowest of the low. Following her escape, she took on that color as her own because it reflected in part how she felt. Yes, it allowed her to hide her lineage from those she came in contact with but it also perfectly displayed how she felt; an outcast branding her to be what she had been taught to despise -- a nobody.
On NYLA IV such a color would have called upon her glares of loathing or at best to be ignored as if not even being alive. Here, on this dark and isolated station found in another dimension, the same black hair caused people to look upon her with an expression of concern or even to run away in fear. Ya'Han understood that this was due to the woman known as 'The Agent', her doppelganger from this dimension. As long as the two of them did not run into one another, things would be fine and risking such an encounter was most certainly worth it in order to find Ambassador Bonviva.
Ya'Han smiled as her eyes fell upon the familiar silhouette of Jayson Stark. The Sec/Tac had to quickly remind herself that this was not the ANUBIS' Chief of Operations she was looking at but rather his dimensional counterpart. The man known as Jay was nothing like the Jayson she knew. Hidden behind the corner of one of the merchant's booths, the black-haired woman watched the man as he coward from one location to the next. She knew that she was supposed to be searching for Xana, but for some reason, she could not resist studying the man and comparing everything he did to the man she knew.
Jay was a mere shadow of what Jayson was, possessing none of his strength of character or kindness. Through observing 'The Corwad', Ya'Han realized just how much she admired Jayson for the person that he was. It was true that her dealings with his clone had made her look upon the man through a different set of eyes, seeing flaws that had never been there before. At first, she wondered if maybe the Jayson Stark she knew might not be the man he should have been, but seeing the way Jay was, the black-haired Nylaan quickly realized that Jayson was just the man he needed to be.
A wave of deeply-felt sadness swept through Ya'Han as she thought back to the way she had treated Jayson lately. He had not deserved her distancing herself the way she had, making him feel as if she no longer loved him. The sacrifice and death of the clone had marked her, that there was no doubt, but it should not have affected her relationship the way it had. Giving Jay one last look, the woman with the black hair vowed to make things better between Jayson and her, that is as soon as they would find a way back to their dimension and lives.
"Han!" The unexpected forceful call made Ya'Han turn to look in the direction from which the demanding voice had come from. There, the Nylaan saw who she initially believed to be Doctor Bruxa but quickly realized that it was her counterpart from this dimension. The expression on the woman's face was like nothing the Sec/Tac had ever seen or could have imagined to see on the delicate features of the ANUBIS' Chief Medical Officer. "Stop wasting time, we need you."
"We?" Ya'Han asked, clearly louder than she should have as it drew a deathly glare from the silver-haired woman.
"Yea... *we*," the woman growled. "If you are all done keeping an eye on that sorry waste of skin Jay, *we* need you *now*. So, are you coming or do I have to kill him before you decide to follow?"
"Kill him? Why?" Ya'Han gasped.
"Listen, Han," the woman said moving toe-to-toe with the Nylaan. "I do not know why you are interested in Jay nor do I care to know. You are 'The Agent", and am just 'The Executioner', we do what we are told and that's that. If for some reason, that coward of a man or anyone else gets in the way of either our responsibilities, we are obliged to act accordingly. So, I will say it for the last time, either you come with or I will gladly bury a blade straight into his sorry excuse for a heart."
Although Jay was not Jayson, Ya'Han could not bear the thought of the man being subjected to such an unforgiving fate for no other reason than she had given him more attention then she should have. Without even casting a last glance in his direction, the black-haired woman agreed to follow without any further resistance.
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Hanali Han
Lieutenant Ya'Han [Access Character BIO for Ya'Han]
Chief of Security / Chief Tactical Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
"Predictable Uncertainties"
Previous posts: (ANU) "Thinking of Him" & (BAS) "Here We Go, Part 1"
///^\\\
Setting: USS BASTET, Bridge
Stardate: 35012.0830
With the initial rush over and the BASTET well on its way to the ORION system at maximum warp speed, the senior officers were now busy with their own affairs. At first glance, this was just another trans-dimensional mission that would take the ship to a never-before explored location, but the atmosphere throughout the ship made it clear to all that there was much more to this. The sense of discomfort was tangible and made it clear that this was not just another exploration mission, this was, for all intents and purposes, a 'search and rescue' mission.
Four members of the ANUBIS crew were missing, and it was up to those on board the BASTET to do everything they could to find them. The problem at the moment was that there were far more questions than answers as to how they would proceed in doing this.
Commander Valentine casually made her way to the science station, making sure that Aki saw her coming to ensure that she would not be startled. "Have you identified the best location for us to use the D-Drive?"
This was an odd question coming from the First Officer, Sarena knew that this had already been done and never before had the Commander felt the need to make sure in such a direct way. Not entirely certain as to how to take this, Aki just decided to answer as if this had been completely natural. "Of course, Commander. I have identified the best possible location for the BASTET to perform a dimensional jump as well as two back-up alternates. Is there a problem?"
"None whatsoever," the First Officer said. "I just wanted to make sure everything was as ready as could be. Please, do not believe that my asking you this is in any way suggesting that you are not performed your duties to your usual high standards. I just believe that should either Captain Morningstar or Commander Shar'El make inquiries about anything that we are doing, that I would be able to state with perfect honesty that we are following the best possible course of action."
"Of course," Aki acknowledged. "When it is just us, meaning the crew of the BASTET, we accept everything that is done as being just that, what needed to be done at that time, but right now we are dealing with a group of people who will be second-guessing everything we do, even if they do not openly say so. It is hard to hold this against them, in fact, I would say that feeling this way is actually a credit to their characters."
"How so?" The Commander asked with a distinct hint of surprise in her voice.
"It shows that they care about the well-being of those we are on this mission to find," the Asian woman stated. "Although there is no scientific way to measure how much or little someone cares about something or someone else, there are several distinct indicators that can be observed to get a better understanding of the level of this emotion."
Sarena laughed. "You just went from making me believe that you might be trying to take over our Ship's Counselor's duty to confirm that you are this ship's 'hard-core' scientist. Thank you and keep up with the great work. Let me know if there are any changes to where and when we are best to perform the D-jump."
"Of course, Commander," Aki said. "There is one thing that we might need to discuss before we arrive at the ORION system."
"And that would be?"
"ORION is not an out-of-the-way planet," the Asian woman explained. "It is a highly populated planet possessing a full array of orbital sensors. The local authorities will be able to see us coming even before we enter the system. From there, it would be next to impossible to approach the planet without being noticed and identified. This would not usually be an issue, but the moment we suddenly *vanish* after performing a dimensional jump, there are going to be a lot of people asking a lot of questions as to what happened. The problem is that using the combined Dimensional and Temporal drives to hide the ship is usually done when the ship is not moving."
"That *is* a problem," the Commander agreed. "Guess we all have been so busy with the objective of this mission that we missed that part on how we are going to get there. Do you have any suggestions as to how we can get around this?"
"As of right now, no," Aki sadly admitted. "But I do have a suggestion as to how we might be able to find a way a little faster."
"And that would be?"
Aki turned and called up a personnel file to be displayed on one of her monitors. "According to everything I have read about Lt. Commander Maya, she is a devoted and skilled scientist whose experience might prove her with a perspective on this problem that I have not considered. I know that she and the rest of the members of the ANUBIS have been asked to stay off the bridge and other sensitive areas, but I would like your permission to bring her to the Astrometric Lab so that we can work together on solving this problem."
"What about Gemma?" Sarena suggested. "I am sure that Wimda would be able to help just as much."
"Right now, Gemma is in engineering trying to get a little more speed out of the engines," the CSciO said. "I hoped to bring her in on this little scientific venture once her objective there was accomplished. With three scientists each possessing a very unique perspective on the universe around us, I am sure that we would be able to solve this problem well before we reach the ORION system."
"Sounds like you have given this plenty of thoughts, but then again, you always do," Sarena said. "Let me check with the Captain first, but I suspect that she will agree to your plan. I am looking forward to seeing how you three work this out, not to mention how you are going to explain to Lt. Commander Maya that Gemma and Wimda are the same physical person with thoughts and actions that are as individual as can be."
"See... that was something I hoped to be able to somehow avoid. If I can keep the two of them working on opposite sides of the lab, I might not have to explain anything about who Wimdalli is. To be completely honest, I doubt that a couple of days would be enough to do so anyway."
"Do what you need to do, and beyond that... good luck, on every front."
///^\\\
Dawn Bohr
Lieutenant Misaki 'Aki' Mitshiba [Access Character BIO for Misaki Mitshiba]
Chief Science Officer
USS BASTET - NCC 74977
=-=
“A Quantum”
Previous posts: (ANU) "Thinking of Him" / (BAS) "Predictable Uncertainties"
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 8, Arboretum
Stardate: 35012.0835
Erik Morningstar stood just inside the Arboretum after the door swished shut.
Hands behind his back, he gazed up at leafy trees. The air smelled of moist soil and twigs. He wondered how much of the effect was real. The larger ANUBIS didn’t have room for much of an arboretum. He guessed this green space was a biggish room reliant on special effects.
He followed a sharply curving path made of chipped wood. He touched the bark of one of the trees. It felt real enough, but overhead, the spreading branches interlaced with others appeared to be flat ceiling projections. Around another hairpin curve, a large man in a Security uniform sprawled on a bench. The man sported brown scales and an enormous head crest. He read a PADD grasped in one three-fingered hand.
Erik started back, but then remembered he was here because he was bored. With no access to the bridge, why not explore an arboretum and its denizens? He approached the studious lizard, knowing only by description this was a Voth.
The Voth noticed him. He gathered long arms and legs for a hop to attention, but Eric waved him down. “Relax! You are Ensign Zub Enel, Security Chief.”
The ensign’s scales had colored slightly pink. He sat at attention, arms bent at his elbows and hands pressed beside his thighs. The Voth’s resonant voice could carry across a battlefield, though Enel kept it soft between them. “Correct, Captain Morningstar. It is an honor to meet you, sir.”
Eric sat a bench across the woody path from the Voth. “Me? An honor?”
“You are a highly decorated starship captain.”
“I see you follow our mission logs,” Morningstar said with an approving nod. “Our missing Chief of Security, Ya’Han, follows the BASTET’s, too. She is a fiery Nylaan. When we find her, you might get a kick out of her.”
The Security officer’s scaly face registered polite interest. Erik judged the Voth had missed the double meaning about Ya’Han, deadly warrior princess.
Instead of explaining, Erik raised his hand. “It is an honor to meet one of the few survivors of a bare-knuckled brawl with the Masters.”
At the mention of the Masters, the Voth’s golden eyes dilated and then pinpointed before resuming their ordinary size. Morningstar recognized that the Ensign had momentarily returned to that battle.
Zub Enel said in a measured cadence like he was controlling difficult emotions, “Not to take anything away from the fighting prowess of Lt. A’Janni and Commander Valentine, sir, but the Masters fatally outnumbered us. We were one moment from oblivion.”
“We always are, Chief.”
Eric expected an officer so much his junior to say ‘Yes, sir!’ or something equally submissive. Instead Ensign Enel said, “One can hope that will not always be true, sir.”
The prospect of enlightened conversation! The stoic captain hid his surprise. His eyebrows didn’t rise. His mouth didn’t pop open. He did not smile. He did lean forward from the edge of his bench. “It is my experience that among all sentient beings, there is a surprisingly frequent tendency toward violence, aggression, and domination. So, Ensign, you may never get a life without being one moment from oblivion.”
Enel tilted his big head to the side. His shoulders hunched and relaxed in the faintest of shrugs. The Captain read this as disagreement. “You may disagree with me.”
The Voth nodded.
“You may disagree with me out loud, Ensign.”
The lizard man looked at the Native American in way that wasn’t impertinent, challenging or rude. To Erik it was the gaze of someone paying close attention and maintaining steady eye contact out of interest. Morningstar decided this was a display of quiet confidence.
“Sir,” the Chief of Security said, “I would point out, with the utmost respect, that starships are more often sent to places and peoples where at least one party is being violent, aggressive or dominating.”
Erik took in the argument while keeping his face impassive. When the ensign didn’t elaborate, he said, “Your premise is that my experience has been biased toward more violent sentient beings and, thus, has skewed my perception of intelligent life as a whole.”
The SecTac raised a scaly finger, its black claw clipped flat. “I would say *may* have caused bias, sir.”
As he thought about the argument, Captain Morningstar squinted his brown eyes at the BASTET’s Chief of Security to see if inscrutability would make the ensign nervous enough to retract what he’d stated. The Voth briefly colored pink before the color faded to mocha brown. They sat regarding each other in lengthening silence. There was the rush of a wind in the crown of surrounding trees. He looked up into swaying branches, but felt no wind. Another special effect.
Erik slapped both hands on his thighs and stood. “*You* are an optimist.”
The Voth smiled a little. “Perhaps, but I would rather be a realist, sir. I want to see everything for what it is.”
Now slightly taller than the seated Voth, Morningstar looked down at him. “Be careful what you wish for.”
“So I have been told. Thank you for visiting with me, sir. And truly, welcome aboard.”
“Thank you, Ensign Enel, for giving me something new to think about.” As the Voth began to sort out limbs, Erik waved him down. “No need to jump to attention. Go back to reading. I can find my way out.”
The Security Chief relaxed. “Sir.”
Morningstar turned to follow the path ahead that he hadn’t taken. The wood chips wound him sharply around in such a way he was soon alone among tall bushes under a flexing leafy crown of branches that roared in the wind. Looking around, he noted the cleverness of the design of this space. The sharp switchbacks with little straight stretches amid tree trunks and high plants made the most of the floor space. With a little imagination, one could be alone on a crowded ship in just a few steps. It was not as as solitary as standing on the outer hull of the ANUBIS when he wanted some alone time, but still he was sure the ensign had returned to his reading and left the captain alone in his thoughts.
He smiled ever so briefly, feeling a fraction of a second’s relief from the burden of command.
His smile faded. The Voth had disagreed with everything he’d brought up - politely, gently - but disagreed nonetheless. He looked back in the general direction where the now unseen towering lizard might be seated. Captain Iverson was lucky to have someone so junior yet willing to respectfully make his views known.
Erik left the Arboretum, not smiling, but feeling refreshed.
=-=
David Michael Inverso
Ensign Zub Enel [Access Character BIO for Zub Enel]
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS BASTET, NCC 74977
“Find joy and solace in the simple, and cultivate your utopia by feeling the Tao in every cubic inch of space.”
- Wayne Dyer
“Skulking, Lying, and Dying”
Previous posts: (ANU) "Thinking of Him" / (BAS) "A Quantum"
=/\=
Please, my friends. Choose to live.
-Elnor from Picard
=/\=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Zocalo -> Medical Bay
Stardate: 35012.1030
Ya’Han followed “The Executioner” through twisting corridors, past the areas where kids were running and adults milled about, in total silence as various smells of cooking wafted around them. The two women kept up their quick pace, up old-fashioned metal staircases, through swooshing doorways, past various Security Checkpoints.
Until finally they reached a Medical Center, which would have made sense if they were with Satella, Ya’Han thought to herself. With “The Executioner” this made less sense. Something in The Executioner’s demeanor changed because Ya’Han heard the other woman mutter, “You know what to do.”
Ya’Han knew then why they were there; or at least who they were here to see as The Executioner walked off. Looking around she saw the Bolian/Human Ambassador woman looking out over a medical bay, her arms folded as if in thought. Someone notified Xana to her presence, and after a moment she turned her head and nodded at Ya’Han. Turning fully around, she dropped her hands to her side and walked over to where Ya’Han was. “I’m glad you’re here,” the Ambassador said in a soft voice. “Is everyone ok?”
The Security officer blinked at that. “Yes--”
“Adriana? Sonja?”
“They’re fine,” Ya’Han nodded.
“How’s D’Artagnan?”
Ya’Han glared at Xana; she never forgot who the woman was before her although many times she did wonder about the Bolian/Human’s sanity. “The dog?” she asked skeptically. When she continued to be stared at she said, “The dog is fine.”
Xana turned and walked back to the Medical Bay window, anticipating that Ya’Han would be following her. Before them in the Operating Gallery it had been transformed into an assembly line of sorts, allowing the men, women, and teenagers to come in, be scanned by the medical professionals, and then punctured with an old-fashioned hypo. “As “The Warrior” and “The Agent” we’ve already been innoculated,” Xana said softly. “But it’s good to watch the others get ready.”
Ya’Han watched out of the corner of her eye, and noticed that others were walking by, figuring that Xana had slipped into her alter mirror’s persona and was hoping she too would do the same. The Security Officer watched everyone line up; there was a methodicalness to the lining up. Men in one line, women in the next, teenagers in the last line. “They can’t inoculate children,” she said.
“No, those whose bodies reject the inoculation, those that are too weak, will stay behind. Everyone else will go to make the jump for The Confederacy. To the next universe. To explore new worlds--”
“--seek out new civilizations--”
“--and conquer them,” Xana finished off. As Ya’Han stared at her the Ambassador continued on, “Of course you will go on, but I will not.”
On a good day, Nylaan thought to herself, talking to the fast-talking Bolian/Human was confusing. This was just exponentially more confusing. Staring at the men, women, and teenagers who were lining up for battle, the Nylaan pieced it together. It wasn’t Xana who wasn’t going but Xena. “Surely you could talk to--”
“When people see me, they see “The Warrior” and nobody else,” Xana said quietly. Looking back at the assembly line of people sighed and walked away with Ya’Han. “The Warrior keeps the peace until the people leave.”
“The dying Warrior,” Ya’Han said quietly, noting the strangeness of having just had Xana having a second chance at life when her mirror now was dying.
Xana nodded at that. Looking around she found an empty closet and dragged Ya’Han in there. Finally finding privacy she whispered. “Look they’re starting a war.”
“I noticed,” Ya’Han whispered back. ”And were not in a position to fight back. Why can’t you talk to them?”
The Ambassador sighed. “I tried, trust me I did but they kept thinking I was Xena. Plus diplomacy isn’t really valued here. But if someone didn’t have a mirror here, then perhaps that would work.” Leaning back against the cleaning supplies she sighed, “There was one other idea I had to stop going to war.”
Ya’Han waited for a moment and then shook her head. “You do not want to start a mutiny,” the Nylaan warned.
“That’s a very negative word,” Xana parried back. “I was going to suggest leading the people in an uprising, a loosely gathered process if you will, to resist their current systematic if authoritarian governmental control.”
The Security Officer exhaled at that. “Say all the fancy words you want, that’s a mutiny.”
“I prefer: revolution.”
“What’s the difference?”
“When you win, revolution is lawfully preferred. Mutiny is illegal,” Xana pointed out.
Ya’Han closed her eyes. “Spoken like a true diplomat,” she muttered. “Keep watch, I’ll find the others.”
=/\=
Sarah Albertini-Bond
USS ANUBIS
##########
"Patience, Patience, Mon Capitaine"
Previous posts (ANU) "Skulking, Lying, and Dying" / (BAS) "A Quantum"
##########
"Never Give Up, Never Surrender."
- Captain Jason Nesmith
=====
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 1, Bridge
Stardate: 35012.1100
The moment the Native American stepped onto the BASTET's command deck, the eyes of both the First Officer and Captain fell upon him making Erik feel as if he had done something wrong. For a split second, Morningstar believed that he might be made to meet Ensign Zub Enel, the ship's Chief of Security once more, this time though in a much more professional manner.
"Can we help you, Captain Morningstar?" The tone of voice used by Commander Vallentine was stern but polite reminding the higher ranking officer that his authority onboard the BASTET was limited and that his being allowed on the bridge was nothing more than professional courtesy.
"Just been wandering the ship," the Native American stated, focusing his attention solely on the woman sitting in the central chair. "The BASTET is an amazing crew, made that much more special thanks to its crew."
"You obviously did not speak to *everyone*," Commander Valentine said, again her tone of voice saying much more than her words.
"What my First Officer is trying to say is that every ship in the fleet has at least one member of the crew who does not quite fit the expected norm," Iverson said, the woman as calm as she always was. Since the first time Erik had met Selene, he wondered if she had not some Vulcan blood running through her veins.
"On the ANUBIS, that crewmember would be my Chief Engineering Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Paquette," Captain Morningstar said, smiling ever so slightly as he did so.
"I would have expected you to list you First Officer in that list," Sarena said shooting a quick glare at Erik, one that he failed to see as his attention was solely on Selene.
Ignoring the comment, Morningstar kept his eyes locked on Iverson. "No, I just believe that being unlike any other officer is an unfortunate side-effect of being an Intel Liaison Officer onboard a ship operating under the banner of the NEW ALEXANDRIA complex. From what I have heard, your own ILO is quite *unique*."
"Unique is not how I would describe Lt. Gemma," Selene noted as she allowed a faint smile to flash on her face before she turned her gaze onto Serena. "Commander, you have the bridge. Captain Morningstar and I will be in my Ready Room."
=====
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 1, Captain's Ready Room
Stardate: 35012.1110
"I am sorry," the Native American offered as soon as the door closed behind him. "I would not have come to the bridge had I known that's would create such trouble."
"You did not create any trouble," Iverson said as she made her way to the food replicator. "Computer, a cup of Risian Tea with a dash of milk."
The Native American watched with piqued interest as the woman waited for the replicator to complete the task before seeing her return to him with an offering. "We are all on edge. I know that you and your people would like for the BASTET to already be in this other dimension, but the days we spend getting toORION may save us weeks if not months searching for your missing officers."
"Selene," Erik said raising his free hand to stop the woman from continuing. "I assure you that everyone from the ANUBIS who is here understands what must be done. Yes, we may be displaying some signs of impatience, but we know that this is the only way for us to proceed if we want to accomplish our goal as quickly as possible."
"Thank you for your understanding," Iverson offered.
"No," Morningstar quickly added. "Thank you. This is all possible thanks to you and your crew."
"We are stronger together."
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar [Access Character BIO for Erik Morningstar]
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn [Access Character BIO for Elan Fairborn]
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
=-=
"Intel Report"
[the previous post was (ANU) "Patience, Patience, Mon Capitaine" / (BAS) "A Quantum"]
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 4
Stardate: 35012.1115
Gemma stepped out of the Astrometrics Lab just in time to run into Zub. The towering lizard-man appeared genuinely happy to see the woman. Maybe it was just him ignoring the fact that the ILO was more than she seemed. Maybe it was him believing that this mission might allow him to understand her better. Maybe it was just the way he greeted everyone he saw. Whatever the reason was for the Ensign's mood, the Lieutenant was not against it.
"Checking in on our new and improved scientist team?" Zub asked.
"Those two were made for one another," Gemma said trying not to roll her eyes or sigh as she spoke. "One is Asian, the other Shillian, and yet they behave as if they were twins. One starts a sentence and the other finishes it. They share ideas and theories without actually giving any details. Even Wimda had to take a step back, unsure as to how to deal with them."
A frown formed on the Voth's scaly forehead. It was strange to see Gemma referring to herself in the third person. That the woman standing in front of him was actually several people wrapped into a single body was equally as strange. Enel could imagine that many would find this troubling. Some might even be disturbed and scared by this realization, but he was not. Fear was not something he easily gave into, it was not his way. Learning about Gemma's multiple personalities was quite a shock, but in some ways it made him admire her even more. Not ready to openly admit this, the Chief of Security decided to change the subject. "As the BASTET's ILO, have you taken the time to meet our guests?"
"As the BASTET's ILO, it is best for me *not* to meet our guests," Gemma said. "I do not need to. You already met Captain Morningstar, you two sharing a few minutes in the arboretum. Lt. Cmdr. Maya is being taken care of by Lt. Mitshiba. Dr. Bruxa and Lt. Stark seem to be happy spending time with Dr. Andersson and Counselor Dima."
"That leaves the ANUBIS' XO, Cmdr. Shar'El," the Ensign said. "As I understand it, she also acts as that ship's ILO. That should give the two of you ample common ground to start a conversation."
"ILOs are not your typical kind of people," Gemma sighed. "We operate on a different level, and it is very rare to have two such officers on the same ship. It is ever rarer to have them working together. Let me just say this, we are not the 'friendly' sort."
"You are," Zub said without as much as a split second of hesitation. "Maybe the Voth definition of 'friendly' differs from that of other races, but I doubt it. I think you are just being too hard on yourself. There are aspects of your own personality that I believe you are not allowing yourself to see." The Ensign stopped talking. His words had not been meant to point attention to the multiple personalities the woman suffered from. All he had hoped to accomplish was to show Gemma that she was not being as objective as she could be about herself. As he waited for any sort of reaction, the Chief of Security found himself clenching his three-fingered hands as if expecting a fight. He certainly did not want this to happen, but he had been warmed about Anya enough to be concerned about her making an appearance.
"Dealing with Cmdr. Shar'El is not that easy," Gemma said. Hearing the relaxed statement from the woman, Zub allowed his hands to release their grip. He had not planned on dealing with the Russian woman today, and things were looking up that he would not have to, at least for the time being.
"Would you like me to take care of that?" The Ensign asked. "I mean speak to her on your behalf."
"How else would you think I would want you to 'take care of her'?" The ILO inquired.
"I... I just did not want you to believe I was offering something that I was not." The giant lizard-man felt half his height as he looked at the woman standing in front of him.
"I think that would be a great idea," Gemma admitted.
"Great idea?" Zub half smiled. "Meaning my talking to her on your behalf?"
"Of course," the ILO confirmed. Although she found this little exchange rather amusing, Gemma did not allow any emotions to be displayed. This made it difficult for the Ensign to get a clear idea of what he was being asked to do, but the Lieutenant did not seem to be in a rush to clarify the situation. "lt. Cmdr. Shar'El is currently in the Mess Hall."
"I will go and check in on her right away." Ensign Enel wasted no time and headed for the stated location. As soon as the Voth was out of sigh, Gemma followed as only an ILO could. While he kept Shar'El busy, the BASTET's ILO would be able to enter the room without drawing any attention. This would allow her to perform the task given to her by Cmdr. Valentine -- keeping a close watch on the ANUBIS' ILO.
=-=
Rachel Jackie Johnson
[The fun is getting to wear multiple disguises and getting to explore multiple personalities and bring them to life. - Jenna Fischer]
=-=
"Hidden Truth"
[the previous posts were (ANU) "Patience, Patience, Mon Capitaine" by Francois / (BAS) "Intel Report" by Rachel]
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Mess Hall
Stardate: 35012.1130
Shar'El sat alone in one of the corners of the room, her back to the wall and her eyes wandering from table to table, from person to person, never staying on anyone for more than a few seconds. Being an ExO / ILO meant that she was always busy with various aspects of a ship's activities, supervising specific tasks, overlooking general processes while making sure that the crew, both as a single working force and as individuals, were performing at their best. While on the BASTET though, the raven-haired woman found herself feeling useless, more so then she had ever thought possible, and that did not sit well with her, not at all.
It made perfect sense for Captain Iverson to set clear limits for the crew of the ANUBIS as they were guests and nothing more. No ship could properly function with two Captains or even two First Officers. The chain of command needed to remain intact to ensure the smooth working of the crew. Erik had taken this opportunity to be a man, something that he rarely had the chance to do thanks to the constant and seemingly endless string of complications they faced. For once, he could just sit back and let someone else deal with the demands of command. For Shar'El though, things were not that easy.
As the ANUBIS' ExO / ILO her time was split between two very distinct sets of responsibilities. If things were quiet on one side she could always turn her attention to the other, usually, this meant that she would focus more on the Intel aspects of her duties as things were never truly quiet there. Shar'El could spend hours and even days sitting in the ICG looking over various reports from every quadrants, regions and planetary system, but here on the BASTET even that had been taken away from her.
The Ullian, without needing to use her telepathic abilities, knew that offering to help Commander Valentine in her duties as First Officer would be politely dismissed, as it should be. Shar'El had no right to impose herself in that role, even if only partially. This left the ExO / ILO with offering to help the BASTET's Intel Liaison Officer, Lt. Gemma, but this would be an equally unwelcome option although for completely different reasons.
Experience dictated that Commander Valentine would task the BASTET's ILO with keeping an eye on the ANUBIS' counterpart. The raven-haired woman knew of her own reputation and had the roles been reversed, the ExO / ILO would have opted for the same course of action. What Sarena and Gemma failed to realized though was that Shar'El knew about the unique condition of the Lieutenant, likely better than anyone else on board this ship.
Although she had no direct involvement in the 'GAMMA' project, Shar'El had been with Admiral Koniki during some of the key moments granting her knowledge that few could claim to possess. Maybe this played a role in the head of NEW ALEXANDRIA assigning her to the position she now held, allowing the Admiral to keep the Ullian under control while at the same time distancing her from the project.
A sudden flood of memories washed over Shar'El as a new arrival made his way into the Mess Hall. The officer was a beast, both in size and general appearance, but then again members of the Voth race were never known for being small. Judging by the broadcasted memories of those in the room, Ensign Zub Enel had heard the respect and admiral of many, but what quickly caught the Ullian's attention was the reptilian's own memories of Gemma. It seemed that the two of them were closer than she would have expected the BASTET's ILO to be with anyone.
From the corner of the room, Shar'El just observed the walking lizard as he scanned the room, likely searching for her, but the Ullian's attention was not truly on him. She understood her counterpart enough to know that he was here as a distraction, an oddity meant to divert attention away from what was truly happening. ILOs were very much like the old-style magicians, using whatever tricks they could to trick others into doing or not doing something.
Several minutes passed before the Ullian stood from her chair and made her way to another table, sitting down next to another officer without being invited. "Hello Gamma," Shar'El said in a cold and unemotional voice.
"It's pronounced Gemma," the ILO sighed, clearly not at all happy that her presence and identity had been discovered so easily.
"If you say so," Shar'El conceded. In a way the woman was correct, the first had been her designation while the latter was the name she had taken on following her inability to remember anything about who or what she was. Looking into the eyes of the other ILO, the ExO / ILO recalled one of the specifics of the GAMMA project she had been exposed to, namely the significance of the acronym.
Genetic
Augmentation and
Manipulation using
Microscopic
Automatons
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Commander Shar'El [Access Character BIO for Shar'El]
Executive Officer / Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
Ensign Sofia Andersson [Access Character BIO for Sofia Andersson]
Chief Medical Officer
USS BASTET
=-=
“Double Trouble”
Previous posts: (ANU) “Hidden Truth” / (BAS) “Intel Report”
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Mess Hall
Stardate: 35012.1135
Gripping his tray of replicated “Mixed greens, random. Gagh, small bowl. Chopsticks” in his three-fingered hands, tall and scaly Zub Enel watched as the black-haired ANUBIS ExO / ILO, Shar'El, changed tables to sit with the red-haired BASTET ILO, Gemma. The plan had been for him to talk to Lt. Commander Shar'El about working together with Gemma. He had not expected Gemma to be in the Mess Hall. Clearly, both women had changed the plan.
As they conversed, Zub watched their faces and body language. The guest ExO / ILO sat a bit stiffly. Gemma remained unreadable as ever. Memories of Gemma’s assassin Anya breaking his neck flooded in. He’d tricked her with a holographic image, but what Gemma could abruptly unleash on an ally made his bowl of gagh rattle on his tray.
As though hearing the rattle over the general Mess Hall din, the ANUBIS ExO / ILO turned her head and locked her black eyes on him. Unsmiling, she beckoned him to approach. He gripped his tray even tighter but complied.
As she watched him edge through other tables crowded with laughing crew, the Ullian said to Gemma, “You killed him?”
Gemma’s eyes narrowed. “Not me. Only he and I know that. Aren’t you forbidden to eavesdrop on crew memories?”
“Yes.”
“And yet?”
Shar'El shrugged. “It was like he was broadcasting that memory on all subspace channels. You can’t unhear a shout.”
Gemma’s face hardened around her blue eyes. “He volunteered to help me with an experiment.”
“We know where that road leads,” the ANUBIS ILO said as the SecTac arrived and peered down at her with golden eyes.
His tone was parental. “If you two kids don’t start getting along, I’ll smack your heads together.”
Shar'El gaped in surprise, a sense of indignation growing within her. “How dare a mere ensign speak to ….”
“Voth humor is a touch droll,” Gemma said by way of explanation.
The Ullian craned her neck backward to keep eye contact with the Voth. “Oh, I see. ‘You can't fight in here! This is the War Room!’” (1)
The scaly face so far above her changed from bright-eyed amusement to confusion. Mocha-brown scales tinged pink. Downy feathers visible only up close stirred like neck hair rising.
“Never mind,” she said, miffed her clever riposte had bounced off his cultural ignorance. “Sit. You’re impossibly tall.”
“Thank you, sir.”
He settled into the seat slightly sideways and stretched his long legs behind Gemma’s chair. Enel grabbed the chopsticks and tapped the bowl to set the gagh stirring again. He glanced into the ExO coal black eyes, “Welcome aboard, sir.”
The ExO / ILO rolled her eyes, “Your part in this drama was to sound me out about Gemma. At least **you** have something to do onboard.”
The Voth let a shiny black serpent worm squirm between his chopsticks as he studied the guest ILO’s face. He guessed she was pretty, by humanoid standards, Terran except for her strange black eyes. She gave off a sharp scent not in the usual musky range of Terran sweat, more acidic like heightened agitation even though she acted completely calm. “Commander, were you and Lt. Gemma fighting over who is going to do what we get to ORION?”
“Filden gagh,” the ExO / ILO observed as she ignored his question.
“We weren’t fighting,” Gemma said. “Just reaffirming mutual dislike.”
The Security officer chewed the worm without making crunching sounds. Once his mouth was clear he picked up another squirming worm. “So you two know each other.”
“From way back,” said Shar’El. She pointed a finger like a dagger at the BASTET ILO. “From **her** beginning.”
As he chewed, he kept a watch on Gemma’s hair for any change. Her coppery ringlets hung same as always. Zub Enel admired her grip on her emotions under the guest ILO’s vitriol.
He asked the Terran with black eyes, “May I assume, Commander, when we arrive at ORION, one of our first duties will be to ascertain that none of your missing crew has returned to this dimension before we shift into the other one we plan to visit?”
The ANUBIS ExO / ILO scoffed. “You make assumptions well above your pay grade, Ensign.”
“Yes, sir,” the lizard man said in a respectful tone. His face remained thoughtful as he ate his gagh. It was clear to her he had not dropped the subject. She scowled at him and jabbed a finger toward his broad chest, “I’ve been on ORION. You haven’t. Wherever my crew is, **I** will decide how to find them. Not the other way around!”
Gemma cut in, “He still has a point. Some or all of them might have returned to ORION. If they can’t communicate with us, they could be used against us if we blindly pop into a strange dimension and upset whatever apple cart is there.”
Shar’El glared at the red-headed ILO for defending the Voth. She let out a sigh. "I would prefer it if we were doing something useful,” she explained. “There’s a robot army missing. That can’t bode well for the future. Where are they? We have shuttles popping in and out of a dimension. What’s their cargo? People? Drugs? Weapons? There’s crew missing in an economy based on slavery. Yet, I’m listening to a worm eating man ask about basic search protocols.”
Gemma gazed at her, her expression remote.
The Voth showed a stunning bit of nerve by speaking again. “We have brilliant people from two starships. What if we all pool what we know and don’t know, come up with a Plan A and B for these missing persons.”
“Sure,” Shar’El said loudly, hugging herself. “And make wild guesses at Plans C , D, and E when A and B go down the toilet.”
As silence stretched, the Voth finished his gagh. Gemma said, “If you’re serious, Commander Shar’El, I’ll ask our ExO and CO about starting coordinated modeling of arrival and search scenarios. Are you’re willing to ask Captain Morningstar to assign all his crew to participate?”
The Ullian stared silently at Admiral Koniki’s red-headed project.
Gemma added, “You’ll have something useful to do. I can help you find Intel on that missing army.”
The ANUBIS ExO / ILO stood. “I will consider these suggestions.” She wheeled and left the Mess Hall.
Zub had picked at his greens with his chopsticks during the exchange. He held up a bright green leaf with purple veins. He asked Gemma, “Will she work with you?”
Gemma stood. “Does a woodchuck chuck wood?” (2)
The ensign watched her leave while he mulled the possible meanings of her reply.
=-=
David Michael Inverso
Ensign Zub Enel [Access Character BIO for Zub Enel]
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS BASTET, NCC 74977
“Nothing goes over my head. My reflexes are too fast. I would catch it.”
- Drax the Destroyer - Guardians of the Galaxy
---
"The Scientific Approach"
(Previous Posts: (ANU) "Hidden Truth" / (BAS) "Double Trouble")
---
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 4, Astrometrics Lab
Stardate: 35012.1145
The task: to find a way for the USS BASTET and its crew to reach ORION and perform a dimensional jump without drawing any sort of attention. Had the planet been some sort of distant and uninhabited world, this would not have been an issue, but as it was the standard for missions involving the crew of the USS ANUBIS, things were not that simple.
"I have been thinking about so many different things that I have actually lost track of some of the more basic starting details," Maya admitted. "Could you please remind me as to how the BASTET uses the Dimensional and Temporal Drives to cloak the ship?"
"No problem," Mitshiba acknowledged with a smile, welcoming the opportunity to step back from their research. Following the many hours the two scientists had gone through in search of a solution to their dilemma, the Asian woman understood perfectly how someone unaccustomed to the technology might lose track of how the process of camouflaging the BASTET unfolded. "By themselves, the Temporal and Dimensional Drives are unable to 'hide' the ship as far as sensors operating within the same parameters. So, in order to circumvent this weakness, we use the properties of one drive to offset the shortcomings of the other. The Dimensional drive takes care of hiding the ship within the visual spectrum and from temporal sensors while the temporal drive takes care of making the ship invisible to sensors including those searching for various anomalies including dimensional ones. The problem is that both drives require the ship to not be moving through physical space, which is required for us to reach ORION."
Maya sighed as a faint smile formed on her lips. "You do not realize how useful simple devices such as the Cloaking Armour of the USS ANUBIS or the Cloaking Device onboard the USS HATHOR are to the outcome of a mission until you find yourself in a situation where you do not have access to them or any sort of equipment that can duplicate their specific properties. That said, I understand that there is nothing simple about any of the cloaking systems I mentioned as they are quite mechanically and scientifically demanding, which of course only contributes to them not being so easily replaced."
"You do not know what you have until you lose it," Misaki said using the Terran idiom to summarize the lengthy explanation given by the Shillian. "Unfortunately, this is not helping us solve our problem..." the voice of the Asian woman trailed into silence instantly piquing the interest of her fellow scientist.
"Is everything all right? Did you think of something?"
Misaki smiled. It was refreshing to have Maya be so 'on point' with her questions, the Shillian usually preferring a much wordier approach to anything she did.
"Our problem is that we cannot use the Dimensional and Temporal Drives while the BASTET is moving in physical space," Misaki restated before offering some insight into her thoughts. "If the mountain will not come to Muhammad, then Muhammad must go to the mountain."
"Who is Muhammad?" The Shillian was visibly confused and troubled. "Why does going to this mountain important to our mission?"
"It is nothing more than a Terran expression," Aki clarified. "It refers to a train of thought where one cannot reach an intended destination or goal, maybe a way to bring it to the person can be found." It was clear to see that the Lieutenant was onto something as she called up a holographic image of the ORION star system. "We tend to think of space, especially that around a planetary body, to be static, unmoving, but the moment you take into account the orbit around a sun and the trajectory of that same sun through the galaxy, you quickly realize that everything *moves*, even if our perception says otherwise."
"You want to have the BASTET, while under the camouflage of the Temporal and Dimensional Drives, to wait ahead in the orbital trajectory of planet allowing us to sneak by all of the sensors and defenses. Once the ship is where it needs to be, we could engage a dimensional jump without drawing any attention. Brilliant! The calculations to makes this happen are going to be quite extensive and may require our calling upon several others, but I do believe that your plan will work."
"I will need to pass this idea by Commander Valentine and Captain Iverson first, but if you voice your support, I do not see why they would oppose it."
"What are we waiting for?" Maya said. "Let us head to the bridge and speak to your Captain and First Officer.
---
Non-Mission Message:
This will allow the BASTET to reach ORION without being detected, but it will provide the crew with a very small window of opportunity to scan the planet for signs of the missing officers, something that I am sure Ensign Enel will point out as soon as Maya gives him the chance to put a word in.
Keep up with the great posting everyone, and remember, stay inside and stay safe.
---
Jessica Solarik
&
"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 Plan, Part 1"
(Previous Post: (ANU) "Double Trouble" / (BAS) "The Scientific Approach")
---
Setting: USS BASTET, Observation Lounge
Stardate: 35012.1330
It was nice and weird to see this unlikely gathering of officers. On one side of the table sat the First Officer and Chief Science Officer of the USS BASTET while their counterparts from the USS ANUBIS sat on the opposite on the other side directly across them. Captain Iverson, as required by protocol sat at the head of the table while Captain Morningstar, as the honoured guest, sat opposite her at the other end of the conference table.
The lengthy and detailed presentation from the team of scientist comprised of Lieutenant Commander Maya and Lieutenant Mitshiba ended with everyone else doing their best to process all of the information that had been provided.
"Is she always like that?" Commander Valentine inquired of the First Officer of the ANUBIS.
Commander Shar'El grinned as she glanced in the direction of the Shillian woman. "This was one of her shortest reports. I suspect that it was thanks to Lieutenant Mitshiba who kept bringing her back on topic. Maya may be longwinded, but she knows her stuff."
"Captain Morningstar? What are your thoughts?" Selene asked of the man sitting at the other hand of the table. Likely because both he and Commander Shar'El were used to the style of presentations and reports given by their Chief Science Officer, the two senior officers did not appear overly taken aback by the latest lengthy and overly detailed offering.
"The plan makes sense," Erik nodded pensively before looking over at his First Officer. "The final decision is yours of course as this is *your* ship, but I would like to offer some additional information if I may."
"Additional information?" Commander Valentine quizzically repeated easily picking up on the wordless exchange between the two command-level officers of the USS ANUBIS.
"I suspect that your Intel Liaison Officer has been too preoccupied with other matters to keep up with the reports from the RIGEL star system, ORION and more specifically the Orion Syndicate," Shar'El offered. "The plan presented by our Chief Science Officers is good, there is no debating that, but it ignores a major aspect of the area we are heading to. The Orion Syndicate is the one in charge now."
"Admiral Koniki sent the USS SATET to gather intel on the situation some time ago, and unfortunately the vessel was lost during the escalating conflict between the Klingon forces led by Is'toQ and the Romulan-aided-Syndicate which now stands as the official government."
"Wait, what?" Misaki gasped. "The Orion Syndicate is a legitimate government?"
"Legitimate government may be stretching the official definition," Commander Shar'El said as she leaned forward, her elbows now resting on the table. "Let us just agree that they are the ones in charge of that area of space for the time being."
"This is going to make things a lot more complicated," Commander Valentine sighed, now wondering if they should not reevaluate their current mission.
"Complicated would be an understatement," the First Officer of the USS ANUBIS added, "but not for our current mission. The increased tension between the Romulan Star Empire, the Klingons and the Federation may actually play in our favour at this point in time. Following the heavy losses suffered by the Syndicate during the Battle of ALCYONUS, a sizeable portion of their operational fleet was destroyed. The chaos of having what is left of their fleet and personnel returning to their home base should provide us with ample cover to reach ORION undetected. Also," Shar'El continued but not before pausing for a second or so to drive her point even further home, "as much as the Syndicate and the Tal'Shiar may hate to admit it, NEW ALEXANDRIA still has several operatives inside both organizations. Those operatives could help us reach our destination without having to resort to a complete scientific 'tour-de-force' as suggested by Lieutenant Mitshiba and Lieutenant Commander Maya."
Silence spread through the Observation Lounge as people looked at those around them trying to get a better idea of the emotional state and the perceived impact of what had been added to the scientific presentation given by the Shillian and Asian women.
"What did you have in mind?" Selene eventually asked of Shar’El, curious to see what 'Plan B' would require of them.
"First, I would need to speak to your Intel Liaison Officer, Lieutenant Gamma, sorry, Lieutenant Gemma. After that, I would also recommend that you fill in all of the bridge positions with experienced officers. I noticed that your Operations station is not officially assigned and with the permission of Captain Morningstar, I would like to offer the services of Lieutenant Stark for that role."
Erik nodded his head, knowing better than to disagree with his First Officer in times like these.
"All right," Captain Iverson agreed. "Commander Valentine, please arrange for Gemma to meet with Shar'El and have Lieutenant Stark report to the bridge. I think it would be best for all of us to put all available assets to work if we are to even come close to completing this mission.
---
Jessica Solarik
Captain Selene Fiona Iverson [Access Character BIO for Selene Iverson]
Commanding Officer
USS BASTET
&
Lieutenant Commander Maya [Access Character BIO for 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 Plan, Part 2"
[the previous post was (ANU) "Scientific Approach" / (BAS) "The Plan, Part 2"]
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Sickbay
Stardate: 35012.1400
Gemma sat on the main examination bed. Her eyes were fixated on the wall display which showed her to be in perfect health. Normally, the ILO would find this reassuring as it indicated that everything was as it should be. Today though, following the conversation with the ANUBIS' ILO, she felt troubled by what she saw.
"There is absolutely nothing wrong with you," Doctor Andersson reported. "Physically," the CMO added in a whispered voice. The CMO wanted to make sure that Gemma understood the parameters of her diagnosis.
"You are truly a remarkable woman," Doctor Bruxa chimed in. The more she read the patient's medical history, the more interested she became. "Your test results are exactly the same as they were the time before, or the time before that. I think even ANI can't pull that off, and she's an android."
"Gemma is unique, in many ways," Sofia said with a grin.
When Shar'El entered the room, she instantly focused on the ANUBIS' CMO. "I am glad that you are finding your time here educational."
"Commander Shar'El," Sofia said greeting the woman. "What brings you to my Sickbay?"
"Actually, I am here to speak to Gemma. That is, if you are done with her."
"She is," the ILO rapidly stated as she jumped off the examination bed. Without saying anything more the two ILOs exited Sickbay. Doctor Andersson had several questions, but it was clear that she would not get any answers at this time.
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 5, Corridor outside Sickbay
Stardate: 35012.1410
Looking straight at the BASTET's ILO, Shar'El spoke first. "I see that your social skills have not improved."
Gemma glared at the other ILO. There was something about that woman she despised. It was the Russian Assassin that literally stepped up to confront the other woman. "I know that you are a Ullian. That means you can read memories. So, look at what I am remembering. It would not take me much to do the same to you."
"Relax Anya," Shar'El said in a dismissive manner. "Although I cannot read *your* memories, I know what you are trying to do. Whatever brutal killing you are trying to make me see will not change anything. I know you, and I am not scared of you." The ILO seemed perfectly sure of herself, but that was not surprised Gemma. The fact that the Russian woman was replaced by Gemma proved to be the real mystery. "Now, I believe that the rest of our discussion should take place in a more private setting."
Following what had just transpired, Gemma saw no reason to oppose Shar'El's suggestion. In fact, the BASTET's ILO agreed fearing that something even more unexpected might come to be.
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 2, Gemma's Quarters
Stardate: 35012.1420
The two ILOs entered, Gemma stopping right after walking in while Shar'El went exploring.
"You don't spend a lot of time in here, do you?" Shar'El asked. The Ullian seemed unconcerned about investigating Gemma's private quarters without permission."
"I'm busy," Gemma snapped. As much as she hated seeing Shar'El snooping around, the redhead could not bring herself to do anything against it.
"Relax," the ANUBIS' ILO said. "I was not trying to say that you were doing something wrong. Being busy is part of our lives. In your case though, you have multiple lives that keep you away from here."
"How is it that you know so much about me?"
"You mean how is it that I know more about you than you do?" Shar'El was visibly enjoying the way this conversation was unfolding. Gemma could do nothing but listen and watch as the other ILO looked into every corner of her quarters. "Alright," the guest said as she rejoined the quarter's owner. "We have waisted enough time. I need to talk to Vasna."
Confusion swashed over Gemma's mind as she found herself mentally pushed out of the way. Thanks to the efforts of Ensign Enel, the ILO had begun to understand her multiple personality issues a little more. There was still a great deal for her to learn but she had begun to grasp how each identity took over. At least, until now, that was what she believed. What knowledge did Shar'El possess to allow her to summon a personality like this?
The BASTET's ILO could do nothing but listen to the conversation. A conversation that was taking place between Shar'El and Vasna. While in this mental void, she could hear other voices, all of which were as familiar as her own.
"This is truly amazing." It was the Uxali scientist who voiced her wonderment. "We never thought it possible that some external force could force one of us out."
"This opens up a whole new worlds of possibilities," the blonde-hair Edo added. Lireen, being the explorer that she was, always looked upon things with a hefty dose of excitement.
It was a Germanic accent that followed. "You two are pathetic. This is not a *good* thing. Shar'El pushed Anya back and did the same to Gemma. If that was not enough, she was able to call someone else up. This without the slightest effort. This is not good, not good at all."
"We must have faith," theOltharian Priestess offered next. "If Shar'El had wanted to hurt any of us, Vasna would not be here talking to her. We have to trust that the ANUBIS' ILO is doing this to help us all."
"Trust is not something easily given," Gwenvel said speaking from experience. "Shar'El knows too much to be so easily trusted. There are no doubts about it, she is hiding something."
"She's an ILO," Gemma said next. "We are always hiding something from someone."
=-=
Rachel Jackie Johnson
[The fun is getting to wear multiple disguises and getting to explore multiple personalities and bring them to life. - Jenna Fischer]
"The Plan, Part 3"
[previous (ANU) "The Scientific Approach" / (BAS) "The Plan, Part 2"]
[/\]
Setting: USS BASTET, Turbolift en route to the Bridge
Stardate: 35012.1400
He was nervous and the main reason for that was that Jayson had no idea why he had been called to the bridge. Being summoned to see your Commanding Officer was bad enough but being called to see the Captain of another ship could only mean trouble. The question was: what could he have done?
Satella and he went to Sickbay to visit the BASTET's resident CMO and CNS. There was nothing wrong about doing this as the personnel and location had not been identified as being off-limits. So why was he asked to go and speak to Captain Iverson? Belter still, why had Bruxa not been called along with him?
[/\]
Setting: USS BASTET, Bridge
Stardate: 35012.1405
Jayson stepped onto the bridge to find the towering lizard-man standing there as if waiting for him. There was something about the way the Ensign held his three-fingered hands that reminded Stark of talons. The image of a bird of prey ripping its target to shreds filled the man's thoughts so much so that he hesitated to take another step forward. If that was not enough, the OPS Officer of the ANUBIS noticed the Caitian moving closer.
All he could do was stand there, frozen and uncertain as to what to do next, if anything as his eyes bounced from one giant to the other and back. Jayson actually found himself longing for the days when the only giant he had to deal with was the pacifist Oltharian. It only took a few seconds for A'Janni to reach Stark, but those seconds seemed to take an eternity to pass.
"The Captains are in the Ready Room waiting for you," A'Janni said inviting the man to step further onto the command deck.
"The *Captains*?" Jayson repeated as he looked up at the imposing reptilian figure partially blocking his way. After receiving a nod to confirm what had been said, the Human man reluctantly accepted the offer and followed the felinoid giant never truly taking his eyes off the reptilian one, just in case.
The Caitian used the door chime to announce the man's arrival and as soon as the door opened, A'Janni ushered Jayson in. When the doors closed between them, the BASTET's FCO turned to look at the Chief of Security with a puzzled expression.
"That was mean," A'Janni said grinning.
"I did nothing," Enel said in his defense. "I was just standing there when the doors to the turbolift opened and he walked out. I picked up an odd odor from him and wanted to make sure that he was not having some sort of medical issue that would require my calling Doctor Andersson here to respond to an emergency."
"You scared the life out of him," A'Janni pointed out. "The worst part of it all is that I think you enjoyed it. I am starting to wonder if maybe you have not been spending a little too much time with Gemma.You are picking up some of her inter-personal mannerisms."
Zub just looked back at A'Janni for a few seconds before returning to the Security and Tactical station.
[/\]
Setting: USS BASTET, Captain's Ready Room
Stardate: 35012.1410
Jayson just stood there feeling the eyes of the two Captains on him.
"Relax Jayson," Captain Morningstar said trying to reassure the visibly nervous man. "We need your help."
"My help?"
"It was strongly recommended that all of our stations be manned by experienced officers," Captain Iverson explained. "Right now, the BASTET does not have the services of a Chief of Operations. Captain Morningstar says that you would be happy to lend us a hand and ensure that our arrival to ORION is as uneventful as possible."
"You want me to man the Operations' station of the BASTET?" It was a bad habit of Jayson to repeat things, especially when he was nervous.
"Jayson," Morningstar said with authority. "Not exactly the best way for you to make a good first professional impression."
"My apologies Captain," Stark said, sounding as official as he could making him feel like a first-year cadet all over. "The opportunity was just an unexpected one. It would be my honor to fill in as the BASTET's Chief of Operations for as long as it is deemed necessary."
"Good," Captain Iverson noted. "Due to the presence of a Dimensional Jump Drive and a Temporal Drive aboard the BASTET, some of the systems' readouts will be different, but I am sure that Lt. A'Janni and Ensign Enel will be happy to answer any questions you might have."
Jayson caught himself just as he was about to repeat the names of the two officers. This might prove to be a more challenging opportunity than he had initially expected, not that he had been given that much time to think about any of this.
"Commander Shar'El will be coordinating with you as ILO," Morningstar clarified. "This may be a little difficult for you to get used to at first, but keep in mind that as long as you operate as the BASTET's Chief of Operations, Captain Iverson and Commander Valentine are the ones you need to listen to."
"There will be no issues, Captain," Jayson said directing his reassurance to the woman sitting on the other side of the desk.
"Glad to hear it," Iverson said. "We are currently waiting for Commander Shar'El and Lieutenant Gemma to get their plans worked out. In the meantime, you can start getting yourself familiarized with the BASTET and its systems."
"Yes Sir." Jayson turned around and headed for the door, pausing for a split second before he walked close enough to have it open. He wondered with some level of apprehension as to how the Voth and Caitian would react to his appointment, as temporary as it might be, to the position of OPS Officer of the USS BASTET.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Lieutenant Jayson Stark [Access Character BIO for Jayson Stark]
Chief of Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
=-=
"A Lovely Chat"
[the previous post was (ANU) "The Plan, Part 3" by Jayson/ (BAS) "The Plan, Part 2" by Rachel]
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Sickbay
Stardate: 35012.1430
"It was nice to see Satella," the joint Trill said as she looked around the once again vacant Sickbay.
"Yes, it was," Sofia agreed. "There was something different about her though. Maybe it is just due to the fact that we have not seen each other for a while, but I could not shake the feeling that there was something unusual."
"You mean the way she kept looking at Jayson?" The CNS said, doing her best to hide her smile.
"What? No! Satella is not that kind of person," Sofia quickly said in defense of her fellow Doctor. "Jayson and Ya'Han are an item. It took them long enough to realize just how much each admired and loved the other, so I doubt that either one of them would stray or allow anyone to get between them."
"If you say so," Nic shrugged. "All I can say is that after having experienced love from so many different perspectives and lifetimes, there are signs that cannot be ignored. Satella was not just looking at Jayson, she was swooning over him."
Sofia was about to state that Nicole had to be wrong, but quickly realizing that she would lose such an argument due to the simple fact that the joined Trill's experience in much matters far exceeded that of the Human woman, the Doctor decided on another angel. "I am sure that there is a perfectly logical explanation for what you saw. I just cannot believe that Satella would willingly become 'the other woman', nor can I accept that Jayson would allow her or anyone else to get between him and Ya'Han."
"You do know the crew of the ANUBIS better than I do," Dima said knowing very well that those simple few words would get Andersson to think a little more closely about what had just been proposed.
"Well, I cannot claim to know that all that much. I was never officially a member of the ANUBIS' crew. I did spend some time with them while in PARIS and did see them in action. I know that Jayson is a loyal and dedicated officer while Ya'Han is as fierce as a Chief of Security should be. Anyone wronging her would put their lives on the line."
Nic moved closer to Sofia before adding. "Then this leaves us with only one of two possibilities. Either Jayson and Satella have a death wish or something happened between Jayson and Ya'Han." The Trill paused for a moment as she caressed the cheek of the blonde woman standing right in front of her. "After several lifetimes I can tell you this, life has a way of sending people into completely unexpected situations. Sometimes these situations turn out for the best, other times they end up shattering things that were never meant to be damaged, let alone broken."
Sofia wanted to argue the point made, she wanted to defend Jayson and Ya'Han, but in the end, the CMO found herself more carefully reviewing what she could recall of the interaction between their two guests. She had picked up on something between them but had elected to brush it aside, but after speaking with Dima, Andersson found it impossible to dismiss the possibility presented by her better half.
If something did happen to the relationship between Jayson and Ya'Han, how would it come to impact on their new mission? More importantly, would whatever Satella felt for him get in the way of what they would be called to do during the unexpected trials they would most certainly encounter?
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Commander Shar'El [Access Character BIO for Shar'El]
Executive Officer / Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
"New Friends"
Previous posts: (ANU) "The Plan, Part 3" & (BAS) "A Lovely Chat"
///^\\\
Setting: USS BASTET, Bridge
Stardate: 35012.1500
Aki returned to the bridge feeling both energized and exhausted. Working with Lt. Cmdr. Maya was an eye-opening experience, the Shillian displaying on repeated occasions the extent of her knowledge and understanding of the universe as a whole. The Asian woman was thrilled to be able to now count the other CSciO as a friend and fellow researcher, which also explained why she needed to return to the bridge if only to put some distance between them.
Maya was a great person and an even greater scientist, but her methodology and style of work required a great deal of energy from those around her. As much as Aki had done her best to keep up, the Asian woman needed to take a break, even if only for a few minutes.
"Where is Lt. Cmdr. Maya?" Ensign Enel asked. As Chief of Security, it was his responsibility to know where everyone was at all times. Since Aki had been unofficially given the task of keeping eyes on the Shillian, the question made perfect sense since they were no longer together.
"Maya is still in the Astrometrics Lab," Mitshiba replied. "The woman's appetite for scientific knowledge does appear to be endless, that or she just likes to be in a lab. I offered for us to take a break and go for a walk but she refused stating that she would rather do more research and stay in the lab."
"That is where she tends to spend the greater majority of her time when on the ANUBIS," Lt. Stark said surprising Aki who had not noticed the man standing at the Operations Station. "One advantage of that is we always know where to find her."
"Zub?" Aki asked of the Chief of Security in a whispered voice, her partially hidden finger indicating the target of her question as the man currently standing at the Operations Station.
"It is expected that things are going to be happening very quickly once we reach ORION. This prompted Captain Iverson to make a decision that would see all key stations on the BASTET be properly manned," the 7-foot-tall Voth explained while looking down to the puny looking 5'6" Asian woman standing next to him.
"Makes sense, and it is also kind of the scary," the CSciO noted to herself.
"Scary? Why do you believe that her decision is scary?" Zub Enel asked, uncertain as to what Mitshiba was referring to.
"Not her decision but rather the reasoning that led her to make it. Getting *to* ORION is supposed to be the easy part of this mission," Aki pointed out. "The first part of this mission is meant to see us get as close to that planet as possible without drawing any attention and jump to whatever dimension the members of the ANUBIS were taken to. That is where our problems were expected to start, not before, this for no other reason than we know nothing about this other dimension. Let us be honest about the situation, we are not even sure that the missing officers are going to be near our general vicinity once we get there. For all we know they could have been taken prisoner by some local hostile force and being made to endure pain and suffering the likes of which we are unable to imagine. That is not even taking account of the possibility that they might have run into another race capable of trans-dimensional travels the likes of the Masters or worse the Lokustaar."
The giant reptilian blinked his golden eyes several times before raising a hand and spreading his three fingers as wide as he could. "I think you spending a little bit of time away from Lt. Cmdr. Maya might prove to be a very good thing. I have never heard you be so pessimistic about anything."
"I do not know about that as I have not had the chance to be with anyone of you for any length of time," Lt. Stark added. "What I can say though is that he may be right based on the simple fact that you sounded a lot like Maya especially when she gets into one of her long-winded explanations."
Aki just stood there, her eyes bouncing from the Chief of Security to the Chief of Operations and back again. "I'm sorry. I did not mean to sound pessimistic about what we might encounter or even the state of your missing officers."
Jayson shrugged. "Believe it or not, the crew of the ANUBIS has gone through much worse. The big surprise would be finding Xana, Adriana, Sonja and Ya'Han just sitting on some beach waiting for us to arrive while enjoying a few drinks. Finding them in any sort of trouble is the unfortunate expectation that we all have come to accept."
"Trust me," A'Janni chimed in. "This crew is no stranger to trouble.
///^\\\
Dawn Bohr
Lieutenant Misaki 'Aki' Mitshiba [Access Character BIO for Misaki Mitshiba]
Chief Science Officer
USS BASTET - NCC 74977
-=-=-
"Regrets"
[Previous post: (ANU) "The Plan, Part 3" & (BAS) "New Friends"]
-=-=-
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Guest Quarters
Stardate: 35012.1500
Adriana sat in their room, alone, gently petting their new-found pet while thinking of what was, what is and what might be. All she wanted to do was to find Amanda, to finally bring the search for her missing twin sister to an end. Those thoughts haunted her, so much so that she often interacted with a hallucination of the woman in question, an mental projection that the Counselor knew very well was not real and yet she found herself missing it when, for one reason or another, the vision did not manifest itself.
As a Junior Ambassador to the Federation, Adriana Lopez easily convinced people that she was going to ORION on official business. The upheaval brought on by the rise of the Orion Syndicate to official power set the perfect foundation for her journey. Going to that world was a calculated risk as the CNS suspected that the syndicate had a role to play in her sister's disappearance so many years ago. It was true that none of the information gathered clearly indicated a connection, but even Shar'El had to agree that there were too many mentions of the organization for it to be ignored. Whatever reasoning she had used to justify her going there, it could never have prepared her for what happened next.
As bad as it was, being captured and tortured was the result of her actions and in some twisted way she accepted this. No one else needed to suffer for a lapse in judgement brought upon by her uncontrollable need to find out what happened to her sister. OF course, Satella would not have agreed with such an opinion and that thought made Adriana smile.
No matter how difficult things were, no matter how demanding or dangerous a situation proved to be, Lopez could always count on her friends and fellow shipmates to be there for her. Sometimes it was just to be there to listen to the Counselor's ramblings, but that was never the limit of their willingness to help. No matter the situation, no matter who the person in need was, the crew always came together to help. In many ways, they acted more like a family than anything else. Everyone played an important role in this strange family created out of necessity. Captain Morningstar and Commander Shar'El took on the respective roles of father and mother, doing their best to guide the others to be their very best in everything they did.
That particular thought made Adriana pause for an instant as she contemplated the idea that aside from Erik and Shar'El, everyone else she worked with could be looked upon as a sibling. As weird as that might have initially seemed to be, the concept proved to be a reassuring one for Lopez. In her search for a missing sister she had discovered a family that would stand by her through thick and thin, the proof of this being easily seen in Xana, Ya'Han and Sonja being here, wherever or whatever this place was.
D'Artagnan suddenly jump from her laps and rushed to the door, his tail wagging furiously. Adriana just smiled and watched as the small canine anxiously waited for the return of its other mistresses who wasted little time in granting the puppies' wish.
"What are we going to do about this?" Ya'Han asked of Xana as they walked in followed by Sonja. The redhead engineer was the first one to notice and acknowledge their furry greeting party.
"What happened?" Adriana asked while grinning at the sight of Sonja playing with their puppy, D'Artagnan displaying a joyfulness that she in a strange way relate to. He had been taken from his home and brought to this place only to be rescued by the three ladies near him. His story mirrored hers very closely as both were brought here against their will and endured harsh times before being rescued by the same people.
"We discovered something," Xana replied not giving any more details.
"Just the usual, nothing special," Sonja added. "It is just the end of life as we know it. Nothing that we have not had to deal with a thousand times before." Through her words, the Chief Engineer did not stop playing with the puppy who was not licking the woman's face in complete and absolute admiration.
"Are you serious?" The Counselor asked as she glanced at the two women in the middle of an intensive discussion before returning her attention onto the woman and her dog. "The end of life as we know it?!?"
"Sonja is exaggerating," the Bolian/Human Ambassador dismissed without even looking at the other two women. "We do have a situation that requires our immediate attention though."
"I have already figured out that it will be best if you leave this situation to Xana and Ya'Han," Sonja said. "Whatever solution they will agree upon, it will either involve a diplomatic or physical approach. Either way, you and I will be told what they need from us at that time. Getting involved in the discussion will only lead to frustration on everyone's part."
"That does not sound like you," Adriana said joining the woman on the ground to join her playing with D'Artagnan. "You have always been a person of action, so hearing you say that there is nothing to do but wait is very strange."
"Everything about this place is strange," Sonja pointed out. "My counterpart in this place is some kind of ruler, Xana's is some kind of ruthless warrior and Ya'Han's is a shadowing operative who is more dangerous than the woman we know and call friend. Right now, I need a moment to ground myself and little fur-ball here is just what the Doctor prescribed. As the Ship's Counselor, you of all people should see the benefits of finding a way to not let your darker or troubled thoughts get the better of you."
"He's a lucky puppy," Adriana said with a smile.
"How so?" The redhead asked.
"To have someone like you in his life," the CNS grinned.
"Ah, is someone jealous?" Sonja teased as she reached over and started petting Adriana's head.
-=-=-
Marissa Montonera-Lombardi
Lieutenant JG Adriana Lopez [Access Character BIO for Adriana Lopez]
Ship's Counselor & Junior Ambassador
USS ANUBIS
=-=
“Dogged”
Previous posts: (ANU) “Regrets” / (BAS) "New Friends"
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Bridge
Stardate: 35012.1510
At the Ops station, Jayson shrugged. "Believe it or not, the crew of the ANUBIS has gone through much worse. The big surprise would be finding Xana, Adriana, Sonja and Ya'Han just sitting on some beach waiting for us to arrive while enjoying a few drinks. Finding them in any sort of trouble is the unfortunate expectation that we all have come to accept."
"Trust me," A'Janni chimed in. "This crew is no stranger to trouble.”
Lt. Mitshiba smiled at the three officers. She said to the new Ops officer, “At least I won’t break my neck looking up at you, Lt. Stark.”
“Jayson, please,” he said to the CSciO. After he glanced around the Bridge, he added, “When off duty.”
“Aki.” She smiled again before she returned to her station.
The Voth said to Jayson, “Zub. Off duty, of course.”
A’Janni locked the Ops Officer with his one white-eye. “Newt.”
Jayson looked skeptically at the felinoid. “Your given name is Newton?”
The Flight Control Officer pointed a claw at the Ops console. “I meant to say that I assume you are ’Newt’ to Dimensional and Temporal Jump protocols.”
Jayson smiled and raised his hands palm out. “I get it. The ‘new guy’ routine. Very funny. But even though I don’t know the Jump protocols yet, I am an experienced Operations Officer.” He waved his hand at the Ops console screen checkered with colorful graphs and inching columns of data. “ANUBIS has probably twice the systems BASTET does. Your Ops is nowhere near as complicated.”
Lt. A’Janni pointed his furry feline face up at the tall, scaly Voth. “He doesn’t like our telegraph key. It’s new.”
Jayson chuckled. “Relax. Really. I can be trusted with Ops. I mean,” he glanced at the display for an example of what he was on top of. He noticed a small square blinking yellow. He stooped to peer at it. “For instance, the Dorsal Optonic Array is showing some fragmentation. That’ll distort any display of the aft port quadrant. Probably instrument noise. I’ll just call the Chief Engineer and have it defragged.” He reached toward his comm badge.
Zub Enel put up a three-fingered hand palm out, his golden gaze on the Ops console, “You said ‘probably’.” He approached the Tactical station.
A’Janni said to Jayson, “Gemma fills in as Chief Engineer. She is highly capable so it is unlikely she would let any system drift off spec.”
Jayson followed the Caitian to Zub’s Tactical station. “We rarely get glitches on the ANUBIS, but they happen.” The two officers didn’t appear to hear. They stood bent with their faces hovering over the Tactical console.
Ensign Enel asked without looking away from the display, “Whereabouts aft would fragmentation distort a scan?”
Jayson shrugged. “Port. Above the flight line, a little.”
The big lizard’s claw clicked on the display as he zoomed in on the area. “There appears to be a faint distortion there.”
The FCO trained his one eye on the spot indicated by the SecTac’s claw. “That does look like a glitch.”
Jayson frowned. His impromptu demonstration of Ops prowess was being ignored. “As I said, Engineering needs to defrag the Dorsal Optonic Array.”
“Perhaps it is a glitch. What if … ,” Zeb Enel said. He reached toward the console controls.
The Caitian’s fur rose along his arms. He grabbed the SecTac’s scaly wrist. “Wait. Let’s be careful. No active scans yet. Let’s get Gemma to check out that array.” He tapped his comm. “Bridge to Engineering.”
=/\= Yes? =/\=
=-=
Aki joined the other senior officers crowded around the SecTac station. She had to pat Zub and A’Janni on the back to get them to step aside so she could see. The blackness of space was crossed by stars, most of them bright orange, streaming backward to convene at a point. Above and left of the vanishing point sat a tight area of faint pixilation.
Gemma’s soft contralto stated, =/\= Engineering to Bridge. =/\=
Jayson got to his comm first. “Bridge. Lt. Stark.”
=/\= The Dorsal Optonic Array is and has been 100% functional. All related systems are at 100%. Have you run an Ops console diagnostic? =/\=
“Affirmative,” Jayson said. “It is functioning perfectly. The fragmentation warning is still showing.”
=/\= It’s not the equipment. Engineering out. =/\=
Jayson shook his head. “So, what could make the Ops station think it has a problem? Something back aft?”
A’Janni rubbed a clawed finger just behind his whiskers while thinking. He stepped over to the Flight Control station. “Until and unless we learn differently, we should all return to our stations and treat this as an unidentified ship.”
Aki returned to Science. Jayson to the Ops station. He said, “Someone is cloaked and shadowing us? Who’s out here?”
Zub said, “We are nearing the ORION system.”
By the time the turbolift door hissed shut, Lt. Gemma had entered the Bridge. “The Romulans, Klingons and Orion Syndicate have capital ships here. There are independent smugglers operating as well.” Clearly, the ILO had heard part of the discussion. “If you think we picked up a cloaked ship, you need to alert the CO and ExO.”
A’Janni’s gaze swept the red-headed intel officer. For a changeable as she was, she would never turn back into Sheetora, a queen, a mother, a diplomat, a fighter he had loved before she died, twice.
He said gruffly to hide a bitter taste, “If this glitch is a cloaked ship, it’s not Klingon or Romulan. They could sneak up and rap on our hull without being detected. If this is a cloaked ship, I would guess it’s using a more local, homegrown cloaking device that is leaking energy into space.”
Zub circled his claw around the tiny distortion. “Can we play back the last hour of that aft area?”
Aki brightened at the Science station. “Yes we can.”
From Ops Jayson eyed everyone busy at their duty stations. “I caused a lot of fuss over a glitch, huh?”
“Yes,” A’Janni said. “But, we needed something to do.”
“Okay,” Aki said. “On the main viewer. Looking aft, the last hour compressed to two minutes.”
The main screen came alive to show stars moving leisurely toward the aft vanishing point. The little fuzzy spot maintained approximately the same position. The passage of stars suddenly sped up marking the transition to Warp 8. The spot disappeared for a while and then reappeared, slowly expanded from a single point to approximately the same size again. The playback froze and ended.
Jayson said, “That sure looked like something was following us. We lost it by speeding away, but then it caught back up again.”
Zub added, “Caught up to Warp 8 and maintained Warp 8.”
Gemma tapped her comm. “Captain and ExO to the Bridge.”
=-=
David Michael Inverso
Ensign Zub Enel [Access Character BIO for Zub Enel]
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS BASTET, NCC 74977
“Strategy requires thought, tactics require observation.”
— Max Euwe
“Living or Alive”
Previous posts: (ANU) “Regrets” / (BAS) "Dogged"
=/\=
Are you living
Or
Are you just alive?
--Trixie Mattel
=/\=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Guest Quarters
Stardate: 35012.1545
Adriana was watching D’Artagnan play when Xana came over and gently sat down next to her. Exhausted, emotionally as well as physically, watching the dog was the best she could do.
“You’ve been through a lot,” Xana said quietly.
The Counselor nodded, her already dry throat closing up as she thought about that. There had been so much rawness and anger in the time leading up to her crewmates finding her.
“You had to learn to live without what you’ve known.”
As she listened to the Italian accented Bolian Ambassador, on one level the Counselor supposed that the Ambassador was talking about being here in this strange flipped about universe. But for some reason listening to the lyrical voice of her friend, Adriana wasn’t thinking about being here... she thought about her twin. For so long she had to live without Amanda... so many birthdays, milestones, and all the in between moments.
Without Amanda really being there with her.
Adriana slid down on her side, curling up as she listened to Xana talk to softly. At one point, the puppy came up and snuggled up to her. She was vaguely aware of Xana stroking her hair, gently untangling it; gently smoothing it away from her face. It was as if her friend was trying to straighten her hair so it wouldnt be so tangled in her face for when she cried.
But there were no tears. Lots of sniffles, a tight face… but no tears.
“Sometimes you can’t cry. It’s not that you don’t want to but it’s because you can’t,” Xana said quietly. “And some days you will cry. You know this. You are a series of moving parts that have come undone, and now you’ve realized how much you hurt and how much you’ve lost.” Shifting a little so her friend could see her she said, “You will rebuild yourself--”
“Is that an order?” Adriana asked.
Smiling gently Xana said quietly, “More like... a preview of things to come. You will heal, you will rebuild yourself, and you will never be the same.” Pausing for a moment she said, “And that’s ok; you wouldn’t want to be the same after this.” Pausing she said, “But you still have a chance of life and someone I know told me that you should take every chance for it.”
Sighing Adriana realized that Xana was referring to *her*; when Xana had been dying, it was Adriana who had pushed Xana (literally at the end) to go after life.
Sonja sighed and walked over. “Not only are we in a new universe, with new versions of ourselves, but now you have to each other’s jobs too?” she asked.
“Well I need a back up job,” Xana smiled. Looking over at Ya’Han she said, “Did you tell her?”
As the Nylaan nodded, the Engineer sat down across from the Ambassador. “We’re not doing this here,” Sonja replied, darting her eyes to Adriana.
“Either we’re all in this together or not at all,” Xana replied.
Sonja threw up her hands and looked at Ya’Han. “Talk to her will you!”
“I can do my job or I can explain to Xana why she shouldn’t do something,” Ya’Han pointed out. Leaning against the wall, with an eye on the door she conceded, “I see both points.” Thinking on it for a moment she said, “We don’t know when our crew will come for us, if they are able to. It makes sense to have us all aware of what is going on.” Thinking for a moment Ya’Han considered the Counselor, whom she respected greatly she said with a measure of soft caution, “But if we are all not at our best then it could be worse.”
Looking down, the Nylaan saw the puppy had abandoned Adriana and was sitting at her feet, his big brown eyes wide as he wagged his tail, clearly looking for attention. “Lavish displays of attention will not impress me,” Ya’Han warned D’Artagnan.
“You heard Ya’Han,” Sonja pointed out.
Xana smirked at the scene of Ya’Han with D’Artagnan. “Yes, I heard lavish displays don’t impress her much.” At Sonja’s growl of warning, the Ambassador turned her head to the CEO. “It goes both ways, Ya’Han said as much, and in this case I happen to disagree with you. She should know what’s going on. She’s never going to get better if we treat her like she’s an artifact from the Kyrian Heritage Museum.”
“She needs time to heal! We’ve barely given her any room to breathe and now you want to unload on her,” Sonja pointed out. “Do what you need to without involving everyone. That should be possible from what I’ve heard. It’s either shoot or talk, figure it out without her--”
As she lay curled up on her side, it occurred (belatedly) to Adriana that the *her* and *she* in this conversation… was… well… “It’s me, isn’t it?” she asked rhetorically. “Stop talking about me like I’m not here,” she said. Sitting up from her curled up position she said, “I can at least *listen*.” When Sonja looked pissed off Adriana felt a shadow of herself hovering outside herself as she said, “I know how to listen, Sonja.” Looking at Xana she said, “And I don't have to do anything. Just listen, Xana.” Looking at Ya’Han she asked, “Is there any harm in listening?”
“Yes,” Ya’Han replied. Looking up straight at her friend she said, “Listening always leads to *something*.”
Adriana thought about that and nodded. “Puppy size steps,” she smiled as she watched D’Artagnan trot around looking for something to play with.
Over Sonja’s mutterings, Ya’Han began. “Xana uncovered that the government, The Confederacy, is looking to prepare their people for a jump. They want to go to war with The Federation, with the idea of taking over.”
Xana turned and looked at the Junior Ambassador. “As we were going around, Ya’Han was able to overhear that there is a link between Krokax, who managed to bring us all here, The Confederacy, and the Orions, where we left from.” Sighing she said, “We can’t figure it out yet, but we were thinking--”
“Shoot or make peace,” Sonja pointed out. Looking at Adriana she said, “See you know everything now, either we shoot our way out or make peace. But Ya’Han and Xana will deal with this and--”
Adriana, whose eyes had never left the puppy, interrupted Sonja. “There’s a third option.”
It was quiet in the quarters except for the playful growls of the puppy who was trying to pull on a piece of rope he found.
Looking over at her friend, the Counselor said quietly, “We could run.” As the other women stared at her, Adriana clarified her thinking, “You said it yourself Ya’Han, we don’t know *when* or *if* anyone is coming for us. It may only just be us.”
Looking at Xana she said, “And you have no power here to negotiate. An Ambassador’s ability to negotiate is either by her own strength, or by the strength she brings with her. You aren’t recognized here, and they want to kill the Federation.”
Finally turning to Sonja Adriana said, “I don’t remember how I came here. But how did you all come here? Could we use that? Maybe to go back and warn the others?”
“That hunk of junk, lasting another trip?” Sonja muttered. “Sure Cinderelly can fix the atmospheric alternate conduit for another joyride.” Grabbing her hair in frustration, “Now if only I had something to fix that outdated ionic tetryon emissions system.”
As Sonja began muttering, Adriana saw Ya’Han glare at her. “I told you listening always leads to something,” she muttered. “But I did not think it was going to lead us to that *thing* again.”
Adriana looked at Xana who smiled. “I’m calling dibs on piloting the Winnebago with Wings.” The azure woman stretched her arms and stood up, and whistled for the dog, “Come on sweetie, we need to take you for a walk.”
The Counselor looked back and forth at her friends. “What’s a Winnebago with Wings?” she asked.
“You wanted to listen,” Ya’Han warned. “You know no one is just going to let us walk, or fly out of here.”
“One step at a time, Ya’Han.” Xana threw a playful glance at the Security officer as she said that and smiled. Looking back at Adriana she explained. “The Winnebago with Wings is Option 3. I think we should check it out.” Looking at Adriana she said, “There is a difference between living and being alive... congrats on taking a puppy size step towards the latter.”
=/\=
Sarah Albertini-Bond
USS ANUBIS
"Cat and Mouse"
[previous (ANU) "Living or Alive" / (BAS) "Dogged"]
[/\]
Setting: USS BASTET. Bridge
Stardate: 35012.1525
With each second that passed, the idea that they were being followed by some sort of cloaked ship sink in a little further. Every course correction, every change in speed was echoed perfectly by whatever was behind them. Whoever or whatever they were knew about the limits of Federation technology as they managed to remain right on the very edge of their sensors.
No one on the bridge found this amusing and the one-eyed Catian found it even less enjoyable as he was not the type to like playing a game of 'cat and mouse', especially when he was forced to play the latter.
Captain Iverson and Commander Valentine decided not to bring the BASTET to red alert, playing on the odds that whatever was following them would pick up on the change of status and realize that they had been discovered. So far, the change in heading and speed could be explained as an effort to thwart the long-range sensors located on the outskirts of the ORION system. Enel was less than happy with that decision as it left the ship and crew vulnerable to attacks, a sentiment that A'Janni silently shared.
"Captain," the FCO began. "We are approaching the limits of the ORION system. We will no longer be able to make these unexpected course corrections without taking the risk that they know about them."
"We know they are there, so there is no need for us to use such maneuvers anymore," Commander Valentine pointed out. "Lt. Mitshiba, do you have anything more to report on whatever is following us?"
"Absolutely nothing," Misaki reported. "They know exactly where to stay in order to avoid being identified, the only thing I can offer is that I suspect that their sensors have the exact same limitations, which explains why they are not further away making it impossible for us to detect them."
"A cloaked Federation vessel?" A'Janni gasped.
"The USS HATHOR is the only Federation ship with a cloaking device," Gemma reported. "Whatever it out there is not it. If the HATHOR was trailing us for whatever reasons, it would not be so far away for the simple reason that it would be able to modulate its shields to offset our sensors. It is far more likely that the cloaking device is of another origin but that the propulsion system of that ship is based on Federation technology."
"Based on or stolen from," Captain Iverson offered as another possible explanation.
"Stealing a propulsion system from a Federation ship is not like swiping lose credits from someone's pocket," A'Janni pointed out. "I doubt that Starfleet would have let such a crime go unanswered."
"Not if the propulsion system came from a derelict ship," Gemma noted. "It could have also been taken from a ship that was presumed destroyed during the War of Shadows. Many vessels were unfortunately lost during that conflict. There is also the possibility that we are dealing with a ship from a race that received technological assistance from the Federation, beit willingly or covertly. It would not the first time that the Ferengi have sold stolen and more advanced tech to other races."
"That would explain why the cloaking device is not operating as it should," Zub theorized. "If this is what we are dealing with, the next question needs to be 'what other tech did they get their hands on?' We have to assume that they may decide to engage us before we get to close to ORION."
"If they wanted to attack, they would have done so well before we detected them," A'Janni proposed. "That is if they even have any weapons. This game of 'cat and mouse' they are playing is not a sound combat tactic."
"They have stolen Federation technology," the Voth huffed. "That alone should identify the limit of their intellect, which in turn makes them that much more unpredictable and dangerous."
"Great, all we need is to have the Pakled on our tail at this time," Misaki sighed.
"Even the Pakled have better tactical know-how," Jayson said from the Operations station. "It is far more likely that we are dealing with someone trying to gather intel rather then seeking the perfect opportunity to engage us."
"We could always turn around and see what they want," the Caitian suggested as he was quickly getting tired of this game they were being forced to play.
"Continue on our current course and speed," Captain Iverson ordered. "We know they are there, let us just see what they do as we get closer to ORION and the various ships that will most certainly be in orbit of that planet."
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
=-=
"Observations"
[the previous posts were (ANU) "Living or Alive" by Sarah / (BAS) "Cat and Mouse" by Jayson]
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Bridge
Stardate: 35012.1530
The ExO / ILO walked onto the bridge to find everyone busy with the latest issue to have presented itself. Normally, Shar'El would have immediately taken control of the situation, likely heading to the IGC to focus all of the ship's resources onto identifying the craft that was following them, but this was not the ANUBIS nor was it her place to take control of anything. The best the Commander could do was to stand out of the way and observe, study and learn, as any good ILO always did.
For obvious reasons, Shar'El's attention was directed onto her counterpart; the woman the member of this crew referred to as Gemma. It was easy to see that the Lieutenant was skilled and knew exactly what do to in her current role as ILO. Had the situation been different, the ExO / ILO would have cherished having someone with her abilities on board the ANUBIS, but alas, the woman with the multiple shattered personalities had a very specific role to play on this ship. Who else could have been in Main Engineering fixing what needed to be fixed one minute and be on the Bridge dealing with identifying an unknown ship the next?
Not wanting to give the impression that she was there only to keep an eye on the woman tasked with doing the same back, Shar'El scanned the rest of the bridge officers. When she met the narrowed eyes of Commander Valentine, the two women shared a silent stare-down meant to make it clear what roles each played in the present situation. One was in charge while the other was nothing more than an observer.
Not wishing to challenge this, the EXO / ILO continue her scan of the room until her eyes fell upon a man she knew all too well. As if sensing her presence, he looked up causing the Commander to offer a quick grin to the Chief of Operations, glad to see that Jayson had taken ownership of his new responsibilities with ease. Shar'El even noted that the man appeared happier than he had been in a long time, his thoughts and memories finally focused on something other than the woman he loved and so desperately needed to see her give him the affection she had once so abundantly offered.
"Lt. Gemma, have you been able to get anything more on whatever is following us?" Sarena demanded.
"No," the ILO promptly replied. "They are making sure to stay at the outer most edge of our sensors."
"Commander Valentine, Captain Iverson," Shar'El said calling upon her the attention of the two senior-most officers in charge of the BASTET. "If I may be so bold, could I offer a possible course of action."
Selene glanced up at Sarena to see if she had an objection to offer. As much as the First Officer was visibly not pleased to see Shar'El on the bridge, Valentine could not offer any argument that her Captain would find acceptable. "Go ahead," Iverson said, willing to entertain anything that might provide them with an answer as to the identity and purpose of the craft not-so-covertly following them.
"We are approaching the border of the ORION System," Shar'El said. "Have the ship drop to impulse power. Even if the ship following us matches our speed, they will not be able to do so fast enough to avoid falling inside the reach of your sensors. The maneuver might be overly simple, but it might grant you a few seconds of sensor data which might prove sufficient to identify who is following us."
"The window will be only seconds at best," Sarena pointed out. "That ship back there has done everything it can to stay out of reach."
"A few seconds might be all we need Commander," Mitshiba joined in. "As far as we know, that other ship has no idea that we know it is there. If all of our sensors are aimed to that location, we might be able to get enough data to identify it, or at the very least its origin."
"It would also leave us very vulnerable," the tall lizardman said opening his three-fingered hands as a show of disapproval. "That should would be able to get within optimal firing range long before we could raise our shields because I am guessing that raising shields first is not part of that plan."
"If we did raise shields first, it would tip whoever is on that ship as to our knowing something is not right," Gemma said. "If they are half as smart and they are paranoid, they will change course and make sure that we do not get even a fraction of a second's time to scan them."
"It is a calculated risk," Shar'El stated.
"We better make a decision fast," A'Janni added. "We are going to be at the outer border in 22 seconds."
The Captain looked up once more at her First Officer, but instead of letting her take control, it was Selene herself who stepped up. "Misaki, get the sensors ready. Gemma, I need you to get everything possible on that ship. No data is to be considered insignificant. A'Janni, stand by to drop out of warp on my orders."
"Better hold on to something people," Jayson said grinning. "Inertial dampeners are not going to be 100% effective at this rate of deceleration."
"Helm..." The Captain quickly looked around to make sure everyone was ready. "NOW!"
The sudden shift from Faster-than-light travel to sub-light speed caused everyone to jerk forward, but since everyone expected this to happen no one was caught off-guard. Silence ruled the bridge as the officers waited to see what would happen next.
"The other ship is now less than 14,000 kilometers from us, well within range of our sensors," Mitshiba reported.
"The ship is matching our speed and does not appear to be trying to do anything else," Gemma added.
"Captain," Ensign Enel said, the nervousness of his voice clear as day. "We need to raise shields now, before it is too late."
"The ship is small, no larger than a runabout" Mitshiba followed with. "It is unlikely that they have any sort of weapons that could prove dangerous to this ship. I am actually surprised that it possesses a cloaking device, but it would explain why it is working so poorly. That ship simply doesn't have the kind of power output required for a piece of equipment like that."
"I do not know about weapons, but I can vouch that they have a communication system," Jayson offered. "They are trying to contact us. They are requesting visual two-way channel."
"Guess we left them with nothing else to do but explain themselves," Shar'El said sounding rather pleased with herself.
"On main viewer," Captain Iverson ordered.
Silence once again took hold of the bridge as an unexpected face appeared on the large forward screen.
[/\] Captain Iverson, it is nice to finally meet you. I will be honest in saying that I had hoped this would not happen right away, but you have left me with no other choice. I am sure that you and your officers have a million questions, and I would be happy to answer them all. Would you allow me to come aboard? [/\]
Selene's eyes, as well as those of everyone else on the bridge, were glued to the screen and the image being displayed on it. Even after countless travels through space, other dimensions and time, no one could have expected to see the person looking back at them.
"We will have a shuttle bay ready to receive your ship," the Captain said, never taking her eyes off the large screen.
[/\] Thank you, [/\] the woman with a striking head of long blonde hair said. [/\] See you soon. [/\] As soon as the visual communication ended, all eyes turned onto Captain Iverson.
"She looks just like you," Commander Valentine said. "Except for the long blond hair that is. Do you have a sister?"
"I do not," Selene sighed. "I do not."
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Commander Shar'El [Access Character BIO for Shar'El]
Executive Officer / Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
Ensign Sofia Andersson [Access Character BIO for Sofia Andersson]
Chief Medical Officer
USS BASTET
"The Only Constant"
[Previous Posts: (ANU) "Observations”/ (BAS) "Cat and Mouse”]
=/\=
"Give me knowledge, so I may have kindness for all."
-Plains Indian Proverb
=/\=
Setting: USS BASTET, Arboretum
Stardate: 35012.1535
Eric inhaled deeply. The plant life surrounding him energized the atmosphere with its oxygen. He could feel the imperceptible change between this and the slight staleness on other decks. The closeness with nature provided him with a small degree of comfort, something that was in scathingly short supply.
“Enjoying the scenery?” a warm, inviting voice asked. The impish brunette walked over to her former CO.
While it was a feast for the eyes, it was not a replacement for his ship or his missing crew... by a long shot. “Not especially,” he admitted to the Counselor. “Were you looking for me?”
She ran a hand haphazardly through her short hair. “I’m looking for answers.”
Morningstar laughed in spite of himself. “You might be lost.”
“Wouldn’t be the first time,” she answered, a chill touching her shoulders. The memories of her time in the Reman prison camp hazily surfaced. “We didn’t really get the chance to talk earlier.” Maya had accompanied Nicole and Sofia to brief the Captain and the ILO of the ANUBIS regarding the ship’s heading to ORION. Everything moved quickly after that; too quickly to catch up.
“Business before pleasure,” he acknowledged. They walked slowly in tandem, a stance that was still familiar to both of them.
Eric settled in for a minute, waiting for a conversation that wasn't forthcoming, even though Dima had indicated she wanted to talk. "It's not like you to hesitate."
She folded her arms in defiance. “Maybe if I don’t say anything, I can keep pretending things haven’t changed.”
“Things?”
“A tiny pebble is dropped into a still pond. Ripples disrupt the water’s surface, going outward from the point of impact. Everything is affected. Only I don’t know if I’m a pebble or a ripple.” She bit her lip. “I want to apologize.”
“Apologize? What for?”
“For accidentally activating the Blink Drive, and getting lost.”
The Native American man’s face registered surprise. She had endured suffering for her innocent mistake. “I should be the one apologizing, for not being able to find some way to rescue you.”
“Orders from Koniki aren’t negotiable- I know that,” she replied. “And assignments come and go. It’s part and parcel of the job. But to not be able to say a proper goodbye, I never wanted that,” Nicole replied. “Certainly not in such an abrupt way. Maybe if I had never left…” she looked troubled as her thought trailed off.
“Wait a minute- surely you can’t believe we are here now because of that anomaly?”
Nic sighed. “I’m not sure what to believe. Even though it wasn’t intentional, I cultivated an image of all of you in my mind, being exactly the same as when I had left you.” Whatever had happened between Jayson and Ya’Han was just one of many things she had been forced to face, even though she had yet to discover what that was. “Now I realize that was foolish of me.”
“The only constant in the universe is change,” Eric remarked. “If it applies to you, it applies to all of us.”
“It’s not wrong that I want you all to be safe,” she said defensively.
“Of course not,” he answered gently. “But you cannot take sole responsibility for our safety. You can’t even be fully responsible for your *own* safety. Events happen that are beyond our control. When you put that last crystal in Arken’s device, no one suspected what would transpire.”
The realization passed over the joined Trill’s face. “Just like Counselor Lopez’ trip to ORION somehow ended up with her in another universe.”
“And three more of my people after her,” Eric said.
Nicole clasped her hands on top of his. ”I’m so sorry this is happening.”
“That’s two apologies in one conversation. What have you been learning on this ship?” he asked with the beginnings of a smile.
“That no matter what, I want to help.”
=/\=
Susan Ledbetter
---
"Broken Mirror"
(Previous Post: (ANU) "Observations" / (BAS) "The Only Constant")
---
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 11, Shuttle Bay
Stardate: 35012.1610
The BASTET was on an urgent mission, but Selene suspected that given the circumstances Erik and the other member of his crew onboard her ship would understand why this delay was necessary. With that in mind, Captain Iverson stood in the open doorway leading into the shuttle bay, a very nervous First Officer and Chief of Security standing on either side of her.
"Captain, you should not be here," Ensign Enel said repeating his objection once more. "We have no idea *who* that person is. For all we know she could have been sent here to capture you, or worse. Her appearance could be nothing more than a ploy to allow her easy access to the ship, which I must again state for the record that I am completely against. There is just too much we do not know about her or the reasons that have brought here her."
Sarena joined in right away, making her position on this situation abundantly clear. "Your Chief of Security is right. You should not be here."
"I need to know *who* she is," Iverson said without looking at either officer. The eyes of the Captain were locked on the area of space that could be seen through the currently opened external doors of the shuttle bay. The only thing that stood between the three officers and the vacuum of space was a simple forcefield, but this was the least of their concerns.
"We all do," Valentine said correcting the statement of the Voth Chief of Security, "but that is not the only reason why you should not be here. The visual communication gave her an unexpected advantage, she knows that you are here. We have no idea what her plans are, and I would feel a lot better knowing that you are safe and as far away from her as possible until we get to the bottom of what is going on here. I am sure that you would do the same for anyone else on board, including our guests from the ANUBIS."
"Captain, there is still time. The ship has not yet begun its final approach, this means that whoever is inside has no idea that you are here, on this deck and ready to greet them," Zub said, hoping that the Captain would see the folly in allowing her curiosity to win over logic and self-preservation.
"You can observe everything from the bridge," Sarena added. "Let me and Ensign Enel take care of this. We can escort her to Sickbay and have the Doctor run some physical scans and tests, this will give Sofia the opportunity to maybe learn something about who she really is. In the meantime, I am sure that Aki and Maya will be more than happy to give that ship a thorough once over. If there is something to be learned from it, they are the ones to find it."
Selene rolled her eyes. It was clear that she would not win this argument, especially given that those opposing her were right. There were just too many questions and unknown variables, all of them possibly putting her life as well as that of everyone else on board the BASTET at risk. "Find out as much as you can," the Captain said before she walked away leaving her First Officer and Chief of Security to take care of things.
---
Setting: USS BASTET, Bridge
Stardate: 35012.1615
"The ship is on final approach to the shuttle bay," Lieutenant Stark reported from the Operations station. "Everything looks as it should. Sensors are not picking up any other ships or any unexpected energy spikes from our soon-to-be-guest."
"The ship appears to be a Federation runabout, well, at least for the most part," Mitshiba said, the Chief Science Officer having already begun the investigation into the unknown craft. "The energy output is all wrong, not to mention that there is an odd residual energy field around the nacelles."
All eyes quickly turned onto Iverson as she returned to the bridge prompting Gemma to intercept her before she could even reach her chair. "Captain, I am glad to see that you have elected to watch from a distance."
"I was not given much of a choice," Selene said stoically. "Commander Valentine and Ensign Enel will be escorting our guest to Sickbay so that Doctor Andersson can perform a full physical examination on her. I would like for you to be there as well, maybe you can help uncover what the purpose of her visit truly is."
"Of course, Captain," the Intel Liaison Officer acknowledged.
"Captain," Commander Shar'El interjected. "May I offer my assistance. I do have certain unique abilities that might prove most useful at this time."
Everyone could see that Gemma was not at all pleased, but she knew that the decision was not hers to make. Selene took a few seconds to consider the offer before she nodded her acceptance. "Thank you, Commander, any advantage we can get will be a welcomed one. Proceed."
With that said Gemma and Shar'El headed for the turbolift, neither one saying anything to the other, not that they needed to as both already knew what the other was thinking.
Once the ILOs had left, Captain Iverson turned her attention onto the Asian scientist. "Lieutenant Mitshiba, I would like for you to perform a thorough scan of the ship that is in our shuttle bay. It might be an idea for you to bring Lieutenant Commander Maya along, I am sure that the two of you will be able to uncover whatever secrets that may be hiding inside."
"Of course, Captain," Misaki acknowledged before making her way to the turbolift.
"Captain?" The Chief of Operations asked. "This might be a very weird question, but have you *ever* had or even considered letting your hair grow and bleached blonde?"
Selene sighed to herself. The question might have seemed weird, but the answer might prove to be equally unexpected. "If that woman is an alternate me, I can assure you that the choice of hair style and colour is the least of our differences."
---
Jessica Solarik
Captain Selene Fiona Iverson [Access Character BIO for Selene Iverson]
Commanding Officer
USS BASTET
&
Lieutenant Commander Maya [Access Character BIO for 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)
=-=
“Wary Welcome”
Previous posts: (ANU) “Observations” / (BAS) “Broken Mirror”
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 11, Shuttle Bay
Stardate: 35012.1620
After Captain Iverson agreed to leave and the crew access door to the shuttle bay had closed behind her, ExO Sarena Valentine leaned toward the tall scaly Chief of Security and said in a conspiratorial whisper, “Thanks for backing me on that one, Zub Enel.”
“All the same, taking this alien aboard is a highly dangerous decision. Whoever that is may have us right where she wants us.”
“Aki says she’s alone in that little ship. At best she is an army of one.”
“It could blow up right in the middle of our shuttle bay.”
The ExO tilted her head as she thought about that. “No, she seemed interested in meeting us. Plus, since she bears such a striking resemblance to our CO, she might be as motivated to stay alive as Selene is.”
“Or she might be as crafty, too,” the Voth said, dropping his three-fingered hands into a fig leaf.
The alien ship came into view, bracketed by the open shuttle bay doors. Barely visible blue beams played on the vessel blunt bow. The Ops Officer Jayson Stark announced, =/\= Craft inbound. Accepted our tractor beam. =/\=
Sarena glanced at the BASTET’s own Euphrates-class runabout that had been moved aside to make room for the incoming alien craft. The ExO asked the giant Chief of Security, “Why is there a light on inside the BLACK CAT?”
The scaly Voth stood a little straighter at attention. “Security detail hidden aboard. Just in case we need to flood the area.”
The ExO looked up at his face cooly. “You’re wise to be so cautious, but nix the lights.”
Zub Enel spoke softly into his comm. The lights went out in the runabout just as the alien runabout nosed into the bay.
The runabout, guided smoothly by the tractor beam, was about 25 meters in length, It was painted black with no insignia. The front of twin nacelles, like fat landing skis, glowed dusky orange. A person could be seen backlit in the cockpit.
The SecTac’s resonant voice bounced back a bit from the force field protecting the two officers from violent decompression. “Surprisingly like a Federation Danube-class vessel. A somewhat modified one.”
The ExO nodded. “Not an ancient relic, exactly, certainly not the most modern of runabouts. Look at all that extra cabling and strap-on boxes on the nacelles.”
The towering lizard man smiled. “Aki and Lt. Commander Maya are going to be very pleased to inspect that.”
The runabout touched down gently in the exact center of the shuttle bay. A field had glinted briefly as it formed over the door of the outer port of the shuttle bay. The force field protecting the pair of Federation officers vanished, letting in cool air. The lighting of the bay brightened automatically. The runabout’s door didn’t immediately open.
The Exo and Security Chief waited with growing anxiety as the vessel just sat there.
The Chief spoke softly into his comm. The hatch of the BLACK CAT opened and a surprising number of security personnel issued out. They formed a rough ring around the craft as they faced it.
Sarena chuckled. “You are one to prepare, Chief.”
“Sir,” Zub said, his voice betraying tension.
After another short wait without movement on the runabout, Commander Valentine said, “Alright, all this display of muscle might be making her nervous. Let’s try approaching *her*.”
Zub clasped his clawed fingers behind his back. He and the Exo stepped toward the vessel. “Smile,” the Exo said softly. “We’re one big happy fleet.” Zub watched the door of the runabout closely, but he managed to get the corners of his mouth turned upward.
The door made a slight hiss of air exchange as it swung out and up. A set of stairs swung out and down from the hull. An average sized woman of apparent Terran origin appeared in the hatchway in a red pantsuit with a white top under a red jacket that closed over her chest with the seam along one shoulder. Her hair was strikingly blonde, but her grey eyes were definitely Selene Iverson’s. Unlike Selene in most situations, she showed a wide smile verging on a grin.
“Thank you for allowing me aboard,” she said as she stepped down from the runabout in sensible flat black shoes. Her carriage and gait as she came forward was confident.
Sarena started to say, “I’m the ExO of this vessel ….”
“Lt. Commander Sarena Valentine,” the woman with Selene’s face said, almost as a recitation. Her grey eyes took in the Voth, looking up and up at him.
Zub stood at attention. “I am Chief of Security Ensign Zub Enel.”
“Mmm,” the woman said noncommittally. She looked at Sarena. “At first I though he was your pet.” She smiled broader to show she might be joking.
“Him?” Sarena said. “Too high maintenance. Just keeping him stuffed with salad is a budget buster.”
The woman’s gaze swept the Voth. “So, those claws are for digging roots, I gather. A vegetarian Security Chief. Mmm.”
Zub’s down stirred as a small fire of indignation flared in his stomach. His scales tingled as they started to pink. He glanced down with golden eyes at the Exo. Her own steel-gray gaze was telling him to not react.
The Exo said to the woman, “Would you please accompany us to our medical area. We’d like to make sure you’re in good health.”
“Of course,” the woman said.
Zub looked over the head of the woman and held up two of his three fingers. A man and a woman of the security detail immediately left the circle around the runabout and came up silently.
“This way,” the ExO said solicitously to the woman. “Sickbay, “ she said to the pair of security people. They took the lead toward the bay’s exit door.
The woman’s smile cooled just a fraction. “Walking? No site-to-site transport?”
The ExO looked up at her Security Chief for an explanation.
They’d agreed earlier to show this alien as little of the ship as possible. Zub said, “We’d rather not transport you until we know more about your - uh - configuration.”
The woman gave a little musical laugh. She said to Sarena, “He’s worried about my ‘configuration’.”
Sarena smiled at her as they started to follow the guards. “Is that some sort of uniform you’re wearing?”
“This?” The stunning blonde arched a perfectly manicured hand toward the shoulder of her red jacket. He tone was dismissive. “It’s just something I threw on.”
The woman turned her head forward and with her perma-smile followed the security team. Sarena fell behind a few steps and pulled the Voth closer. “Looks exactly like Selene. A clone maybe?”
The Ensign was afraid to speak because his voice carried. He gave a big shrug.
They needed to move 6 decks to reach Sickbay. Getting five souls into the turbolift proved challenging, especially since the 7-foot tall Security Chief took up an inordinate among of space. They got themselves crammed in all the same. Zub was behind the woman. He took a sniff of her.
The turbolift doors hiccuped opened to let them out on Deck 5. The security detail led the way toward Sickbay. The woman, smiling, followed at a stride. Sarena and Zub trailed.
The ExO said softly, “That’s a uniform or I’ll eat my hat. You notice she didn’t give us her name?”
The lizard man nodded.
The door to Sickbay opened with a whoosh. As the guards and the woman stepped in, the ExO held back the Voth by tugging his arm.
She whispered, “You sniffed her, didn’t you?”
“Only the once,” he said, feigning shame in his tone.
Sarena raised her eyebrows at him, clearly wanting an answer.
“Exactly like our CO,” Zub Enel said. “I did notice something else. Might be nothing. She knew you, but seemed not to expect me or know me. I’m new on the BASTET. Maybe whatever information she has on us is a little out-of-date.”
“Maybe,” Sarena said. “But you’re an awful lot to take in as a first-impression. Let’s join our ‘guest’. Smile.”
The two entered Sickbay smiling.
=-=
David Michael Inverso
Ensign Zub Enel [Access Character BIO for Zub Enel]
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS BASTET, NCC 74977
“Be wary of strong drink. It can make you shoot at tax collectors... and miss.”
— Robert A. Heinlein
=-=
"Helping Hand"
[the previous posts were (ANU) "Observations" / (BAS) "Wary Welcome"]
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Sickbay
Stardate: 35012.1635
The moment Sarena and Zub walked in, the two CMOs knew what to do. Sofia didn't even have to ask Satella for help. The Mikulak woman was there, waiting and ready to assist in any way she could. Of course, this was not nearly as strange as it was for everyone else. As far as Bruxa was concerned, their new patient simply bared an uncanny resemblance to Capt. Iverson. Nothing more, the woman was just another patient like so many other.
"Please, have a seat." Sofia's tone was polite but cautious. Satella could tell that her fellow CMO did not trust the woman. Despite this unmistakable and tangible feeling, the woman complied and smiled. That pleasant display was more than enough to set the woman as a separate individual. As far as Bruxa was concerned and based on what she had been told by Andersson, Capt. Iverson very rarely smiled.
"Please sit still while the Doctor runs a few tests," Satella said. Although she was a certified CMO, her role right now would be that of a nurse. This was not her Sickbay and she would not presume to be an equal to Sofia. Right now, Andersson needed to focus on her new patient, not fight for control of her own domain. All things said and done though, Bruxa was more than happy to take a back seat in this particular affair. It was nice for once to not be the one responsible for everything that happened in Sickbay.
A soft beam of white light shunned from above, engulfing the sitting woman. Instantly a set of medical readings appeared on the main diagnostic board. "Alright, so let’s see… 5'7", 166 pounds, strong muscular structure. Circulatory and respiratory systems are both working at peak efficiency." Sofia's report sounded more like her reading from a medical file. The Doctor was not even acknowledging the woman's presence on the examination bed. Andersson paused than softly growled and sighed before adding one more detail. "You are a Dinaali/Terran hybrid."
"Thank you for noticing, Doctor," the woman said, smiling. "Was it the grey eyes that gave me away?" Satella found the woman's joyful demeanor endearing. The same could not be said for Sofia who did her best to ignore her patient. It was as if she wanted to despise her for just being there. That sentiment made Bruxa think of the situation more carefully. Soon, memories of another Jayson Stark snuck into her mind. Now the CMO of the ANUBIS understood perfectly why the other Doctor was acting the way she was.
"The genetic markers are a match at 99.86 percent." Doctor Andersson was sounding increasingly upset. Likely, the CMO had hoped to find something to explain the woman's appearance aside from the obvious. Every test so far though pointed to the same inevitable conclusion. The woman was a match for Iverson Captain minus the flowing long blonde hair.
"Could we be dealing with a clone?" The question might have sounded weird to Sofia, but for Satella it made perfect sense. Dealing with Mordana and her clones, especially that of Jayson Stark, the possibility was all too real. The more Bruxa thought of that single possibility, the stronger the cold chill running down her back grew.
Dr. Andersson shook her head dismissing the suggestion. "No, my scans picked up a dimensional resonance at the cellular level. If she is a clone, she didn't come from this dimension."
For a brief moment Satella considered another possibility. After all, the Lokustaar were from another dimension and they were responsible for the creation of the clones encountered during the War of Shadows. If this was the case though, it would mean that the Shadows had found a way back to this dimension. That thought alone was more than enough to make Bruxa wish for the woman to be anything but a clone.
"Doctor, I assure you that I am not a clone. Both my parents can attest to that. I am sure that there were times when they would have preferred that I was. Let's face it, raising a child on a starship is no easy task. I guess that explains why I am an only child."
"If you say so," Sofia dismissed. Doctor Andersson was firmly holding on to her dislike of the woman despite her efforts. "Now, lay down, there are still several more tests that I need to run."
The woman smiled at Satella who in turn returned the gesture. Many would have been upset about these tests. Some might even have become oppositional. Not her, she accepted things without any issue as if understanding why these were considered necessary. The 'twin' reached around her neck to pull her long blond hair forward before laying down on her back.
Without any fanfare Andersson and Bruxa continued with the medical examination. As they did, the woman turned her head and glanced in the direction of the First Officer and Chief of Security. The escort had been joined by two other women, both appearing very different as could be from each other. Yet, the redhead and black-haired women sharing a strange aura that identified them as being more similar than either would care to admit.
=-=
Rachel Jackie Johnson
[Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint. - Mark Twain]
-=-=-
"Emotional Overflow"
[Previous post: (ANU) "Helping Hand" & (BAS) "Wary Welcome"]
-=-=-
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Maintenance Corridor
Stardate: 35012.1645
The Counsellor was huddled in a corner holding on to D'Artagnan who appeared just as confused and lost as she did. Something happened but Adriana was not quite sure what, all she knew was that the four of them had suddenly left their room and snuck around the station using the maintenance corridors to get wherever they were going with the least amount of interference. Judging by the expressions of the others, that was when she was able to see their faces, there was a sense of extreme urgency which was why the Counselor followed without asking any questions.
It was her fault that they were all here on this space station and Lopez did not want to add any more hardships to the lives of her friends and fellow shipmates by making a pest of herself. Keeping D'Artagnan quick and out from underfoot was just about as much as Adriana believed herself capable of doing right now.
"Are you sure that it's supposed to be here?" the Counselor heard the Chief Engineer ask. The other three women were a little further down the corridor looking through what appeared to be partially opened door.
"That is what I overheard," the Chief of Security said sounding a little annoyed. "Listen, I'm not Shar'El. I am not an ILO nor do have have the ability to look into someone's memories. The best I can do is to pretend to be someone else and keep my ears opened while not getting dragged into some conflict or getting killed, and that is what I did."
"We are all doing the best we can," Xana said making Adriana smile. If there was one person who could talk people down it was the Ambassador. The woman had a gift with such things, a gift that made things a lot easier at times while performing her duties as a Federation representative. "If the information is accurate, we will have only a short window of opportunity to make use of it. If the information is, for one reason or another, inaccurate, then we just head back to our quarters and go to plan B."
"Plan B?" Sonja laughed. "We are way past 'B' by now. In fact, I think we managed to make our way through the whole alphabet more than once, and that includes some letters that I had never heard of before we arrived to this reject from an old low-budget wannabe horror flick."
"Being here has not been easy," Ya'Han said. "We all had to deal with things that we could never have expected. Coming face to face with people who are *us* was rather unsettling."
"Us only in appearance," Xana said making a point to point out that Xena and her were by no means the same person.
"Whatever," Sonja dismissed with a wave of her hand. "We are here and that rusted bucket of bolts is nowhere to be seen. How are we supposed to get home without it?"
Adriana closed her eyes and held onto the small puppy with all of her might. As a Ship's Counselor she was used to dealing with people disagreeing with one another, she also knew how to deal with irate individuals. Right now, though, all of her training counted for nothing, the sounds of the nearby arguments making her wish that she was back in their quarters or worse back in her cell. The trauma Lopez had been forced to endure during her captivity had taken a heavy toll on her.
"Are you okay?" Xana asked, the Bolian/Human woman having noticed the psychological withdraw of the Junior Ambassador.
"Of course I am," Adriana replied, the smile she did her best to put on stretching from ear-to-ear. "What makes you think that there is something wrong with me?"
"For starter; he way you are nearly chocking the poor thing in your arms," the Ambassador said glancing down at D'Artagnan, the puppy barely able to breathe due to the death grip Lopez had on it. "If that was not enough, the look on your face was one of fear, and trust me, I have seen that look more times that I care to remember."
"I'm... I'm... I'm sorry," that was all Adriana could manage to say before the storm of emotions raging within her became too much to hold back leaving her with no other option but to bury her face into Xana's chest before she started crying. There was little else Xana could do but to hold the broken woman tightly against her, trying her best to comfort Adriana.
"Sorry to interrupt," Ya'Han politely said in a rushed whisper. "We found it. The darn thing was hiding behind a cargo ship that just left. If we are to get onboard, we need to move, now!"
"Adriana?" Xana asked, leaving the rest of her question as to her current state unspoken.
"I'll be alright," the Counselor said trying her hardest to regain what composure she could stil claim as her own. "Where are we going?" Lopez asked, figuring that it might not be a bad idea for her to know why they were here and apparently in such a rush.
"We learned that Krokus was leaving the station," the Ambassador explained as she helped the Junior Ambassador to her feet. "Since he was the one to bring us here, and since we managed to learn how to move about the station without being seen, it was decided that we would try and get on his ship and find a way to get back home."
"You think it will be that simple?" Adriana asked sounding overly hopeful.
"You know as well as I do that nothing is ever that easy," Xana replied adding a wink and a smile for good measure. "We have to try though. We cannot just sit here and wait to see what is going to happen next."
Adriana nodded her head to show her agreement and support. "Let's go D'Artagnan, it's time for us to go home."
-=-=-
Marissa Montonera-Lombardi
Lieutenant JG Adriana Lopez [Access Character BIO for Adriana Lopez]
Ship's Counselor & Junior Ambassador
USS ANUBIS
=-=
"Assessment"
[the previous post was (ANU) "Emotional Overflow" by Jayson/ (BAS) "Wary Welcome" by David]
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Sickbay
Stardate: 35012.1645
Sofia had to admit that whoever this lady was, she was one of the best patients the CMO had ever had. The woman was very accommodating and understanding, not offering the slightest objection to any of the test she was being subjected to no matter how mundane or troublesome they might be. She was the perfect patient, and that alone would have made Andersson be skeptical but the fact that all of the test results were a perfect match to those of Captain Iverson only made the Doctor trust the woman on the examination table even less than she already did.
With a PADD containing the results of the most recent tests, Sofia made her way to the two ILOs while Satella kept the woman's attention diverted onto something else.
"Well Doctor?" Shar'El asked, keeping a trained eye on the mysterious woman they were all here for.
"She is a perfect match to Captain Iverson," Sofia said, directing her words to Gemma as she was the ILO for the BASTET. "Genetically she is nearly identical. There is a very faint dimensional discrepancy in the atomic vibration of her cells though, but we are likely the only ones who would have thought to look for something like that. As far as any other medical department would be concerned, that woman is a perfect twin to Selene, except of course for the one obvious visible difference."
"I never imagined the Captain as a blonde," the redhead ILO mused letting her thoughts drift for a moment to the idea of completely different people appearing nearly identical to one another, a personal reality that she was very slowly starting to understand about herself.
"You need to push her, cause her to feel some sort of extreme physical discomfort in order to mentally throw her off-balance," the ANUBIS' ILO said. "It is obvious that her mind is very well trained. She is not allowing her thoughts, or memories, to drift to anything that might be used to identify who she is, where is came from, and most important why she so willingly came here to subject to all of your tests."
"Push her? Cause her to feel physical discomfort?" Sofia demanded, glaring at Shar'El in a way that indicated without any misunderstandings that she did not recognize the Commander's authority nor was it part of the Doctor's duties to "push" anyone in anyway, especially not in the areas of inflicting any sort of physical discomfort. "Now, I would appreciate you leaving my Sickbay. Clearly you have nothing positive to offer, and I suspect that my patient will feel a lot better not having both of you staring at her like she was some kind of weird creature to be studies." Turning to Gemma, the blonde-haired CMO added. "You can stay."
Just as Doctor Andersson was about to leave and return to her patient, Gemma reached out and took hold of Sofia's arm. The gesture was gentle enough not to cause any harm, but it was strong and forceful enough to stop the CMO in her tracks. It was easy to see that the red-haired ILO wanted to say something but was finding it difficult to do so. "Doctor, as much as you might not like it, it would be best if Commander Shar'El remains here. She does possess certain unique skills that will help us figure out who that woman is and what she truly wants."
Sofia glared at Shar'El once more but reluctantly gave in to Gemma's recommendations. "Fine, but I am not *pushing* her in any way. You do whatever it is that you do from here, and let me do what I do, the way that I do it without any comments.
Shar'El smiled as she watched the short blonde-haired woman walk away. "She is very different from the woman who was sent to PARIS to help clean things up following the Neo-Essentialist attack. It is also interesting to see how much she respects you," the ILO said to her counterpart from the BASTET. "She has very strong memories of you fighting a Lokustaar on a crippled Romulan ship. It would seem that you have quite a fan."
It was Gemma's turn to glare at the raven-haired woman. "I have actual friends on this ship."
"Friends?" Shar'El said laughing. "Do you truly believe that anyone would actually consider to be a friend to Anya Petrov or even Jinx? They might appreciate what some of your other personalities can offer, but I assure you that the are all very much afraid of you and what some of your less *accommodating* personalities can and would do to them if given even half a chance."
The BASTET's ILO remained quiet, her mind racing from one personality to the next, but yet none of them seemed willing or even able to surface as they usually did during such moments of heightened emotional turmoil.
The ExO / ILO shifted her attention back onto the pair of Doctors and more specifically their patient, hoping that something would trigger a memory from the blonde-hair copy of the ship's CO.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Commander Shar'El [Access Character BIO for Shar'El]
Executive Officer / Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
"Confirming The Mystery"
Previous posts: (ANU) "Emotional Overflow" & (BAS) "Assessment"
///^\\\
Setting: USS BASTET, Shuttle Bay
Stardate: 35012.1645
The half dozen guards stationed all around the runabout only added to the sensation of mystery that equally surrounded the craft and its sole occupant. The small ship was clearly of Federation design, but Aki could not just accept this as fact, not with all of the modifications and added hardware that covered the greater majority of the outer hull.
The craft was a mystery wrapped in an enigma, everything covered by a veil of mystery. Some of the tricorder readings made perfect sense while directed the Asian scientist to consider things that, under normal circumstance, should never have been remotely considered. Aki had been on the BASTET long enough to know that there was absolutely nothing *impossible* in this universe, especially when taking into account that the dimension they called home was one of countless others that made the multi-verse.
Continuing with her thorough scan of the outer hull, Aki found herself especially perplexed by a module firmly attached to what should have been the ship's lateral sensor array. The device was clearly not of Federation origin, in fact, it seemed to be more Borg than anything else, but the information gathered by the tricoder was painting an entirely different story. Studying the mechanical wonder as closely as she dared to come to it, the CSciO muttered to herself. "What exactly are you?"
"My guess is that it is just another piece of alien technology that was added to the frame of this would-be runabout," Maya said startling Misaki to such an extreme that the Asian lost her balance to land on her seat with a muffled thud. "My apologies, I did not mean to startle you. I was just answering your question which I no suspect was not intended for me. In any case, my statement holds true. The inside of the craft is filled with pieces of equipment that I suspect Lt. Cmdr. Paquette would shutter at the thought of using with one another. I am unable to even begin to make sense of how all of these parts do not end up shorting themselves out and causing the ship to explode."
"It explains why the cloaking device was not operating at full efficiency," Aki said. "Everything does seem to work but I suspect that it is because of the core technological differences that nothing does so as well as it was meant to do on their own." Mitshiba looked up at the standing scientist who obviously was took enthralled by this mystery to consider offering the downed woman help to get back to her feet.
"The bigger mystery is how could anyone construct such a craft?" Maya offered as Aki pulled herself back up. "Even with the resources of NEW ALEXANDRIA at our disposal, getting half of the specialized equipment on this craft would be nearly impossible. What is even stranger is that if someone did have the ability to obtain all of these technological bits and pieces, they should have the engineering knowledge to put them together in a way that would perform better than this craft does. The more we learn about this ship, the more questions we end up with."
What made Aki smile after all this was seeing Maya smiling as she gazed at the ship's outer hull. The woman was visibly taken by this mystery, a sentiment that the Asian had to admit she shared. "Getting all of this equipment together might be impossible in this dimension, but it might be a great deal easier to accomplish in another."
"Agreed," Maya said. "The cloaking device was only one of several other interesting pieces of equipment I discovered inside. One such piece of technology was a pin-point gravitational field generator powerful enough to breach the fabric of spacetime. The process is rather crude and limited as to its capabilities, but it would most certainly allow a ship to open a rift between two very specific dimensions."
"A poor man's D-Drive," Misaki noted. "Fits perfectly with the rest of this ship. Everything appears to have a very specific function, a function that is unfortunately made more limited due to the interaction of the various technologies that were never meant to operate together. At least it does confirm that we are dealing with someone from another dimension, a simple fact that I am sure Captain Iverson will very much appreciate."
"Finding out that you are not *alone* is not such a bad thing," the Shillian mused to herself, realizing too late that she had done so louder than she had intended to. Seeing the puzzled expression on Aki's face, Maya quickly added, "I believe we have gathered enough data to report to Captain Iverson." It was easy to see that the ANUBIS' CSciO was desperately wanting to change the subject and the Asian woman saw no reason to deny this.
"I agree, we do have a great deal of data, but that's about it," Mitsiba said. "Captain Iverson will be quick to point out that that we have more questions than answers."
Maya smiled. "Isn't that always the case?"
The two CSciO looked at one another for a few seconds before nodding their heads, picking up their equipment before leaving the shuttle bay.
///^\\\
Dawn Bohr
Lieutenant Misaki 'Aki' Mitshiba [Access Character BIO for Misaki Mitshiba]
Chief Science Officer
USS BASTET - NCC 74977
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
"Let's Move"
[previous post were (ANU) "Emotional Overflow" / (BAS) "Confirming The Mystery"]
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Landing Bay
Stardate: 35012.1710
As the Sec/Tac, it was her job to take the lead and make sure that nothing got in their way as they tried to reach the 'Winnebago with Wings'. Ya'Han was not expecting there to be any trouble as everyone in the busy bay was preoccupied with their own affairs, moving cargo on or off whatever relic of a ship had survived the journey to this forsaken place. As they moved into the crowd though, the Nylaan noticed that they were drawing a little more attention than expected. The more she met their curious gazes, the more she realized that it was not them but rather her who was the focus of this undesired scrutiny.
"Ya'Han!" Xana whispered with force. "Your hair."
As the Nylaan turned her head to look at the Bolian/Human woman, Ya'Han noticed a several strands of brightly colored red hair float into her field of vision indicating the one thing that had caught the people's attention. After closing her eyes for a second in order to better concentrate on what she needed to do, the red-haired Sec/Tac of the ANUBIS transformed into the black-haired Agent of the station, someone that no one wanted to have to deal with.
Once the transformation of her hair was complete, Ya'Han looked at Xana. "I'm sorry, I was distracted."
"There is more than enough around here to distract anyone," the Ambassador said. "Let's move! We are not far from the ship and finding our way home back to the ANUBIS."
"That is part of the problem," Ya'Han muttered under her breath, the expression on her face summoning her friend Sonja to her side almost instantly.
"What is going on 'rainbow-girl'? I would have thought that us finally going home would be something good. Let's face it, we are well overdue for something good to finally come our way."
"Going home is not the problem," the Sec/Tac said. "I am just worried about Jayson and what he is going to feel when he sees me. Things have not been the smoothest between us lately."
"No! Really? I hadn't noticed," Sonja teased. "Listen, the man is nauseatingly in love with you. He's nothing more than a love-struck puppy who wags his tail the moment he catches a hint of your scent or hears you coming around the corner. I am sure that you have realized that he is desperately wants you to show him some love back. I understand that spending time with that clone of his made things difficult, maybe more so than it should have, but the reality of the situation is that Jayson, the real one, truly loves you and has been doing his best to give you the room he thought you needed. When we do get back, he will be thrilled to see you, and I am sure that he would be beside himself if you were happy to see him too."
"When did you become a Ship's Counselor?" The now black-haired Nylaan asked while glancing over her shoulder at the woman currently holding that title.
"Adriana is busy puppy sitting," the CEO said looking at the small canine firmly held in the woman's arms. "Looks like she has her hands full at the moment," Sonja added with a chuckle.
Ya'Han smiled. "Let's keep moving, we are almost there."
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Observation Platform
Stardate: 35012.1715
The black-haired Agent stood next to her employer, an expression of disapproval engraved on her face. "Are you sure that this is a wise course of action?"
Hel slowly turned her head to look at the woman standing next to her. "I am far more certain that this is a *wiser* course of action when compared to you questioning my orders. If you have issues with this, maybe you should go and see Stella. I am sure that she will have something to cure all of your uncertainties, permanently."
The mentioned of "The Executioner" was more than enough to silence Han, no matter what her thoughts were on this or any other matter.
"With all due respect," Krokus said as he walked up to the two ladies who were watching the scene unfold in the bay below. "I hope that your plan works. I would truly hate to lose my ship. It may not be much, but it's mine and in the end that's what counts the most in this crappy universe we live in."
"Relax," Hel sighed. "Both your ship and your girlfriends will be coming back," the woman paused and as a smile slowly formed on her lips. "In fact, they may be coming back sooner than you might have hoped for."
"How can you be so sure?" Krokus asked trying not to sound overly confused.
"I have not made it this far by not planning ahead and preparing for all possible contingencies. Things are already happening to ensure they will be coming back and bring with them the one thing I need to see my plan be successful. Now, go down there and make sure they make it back to their dimension safe and sound. We would not want anything to happen to our beloved Warrior, Crown and Agent."
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Hanali Han
Lieutenant Ya'Han [Access Character BIO for Ya'Han]
Chief of Security / Chief Tactical Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
=-=
"Intel War"
[the previous post was (ANU) "Let's Move" / (BAS) "Confirming The Mystery"]
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Sickbay
Stardate: 35012.1730
The slightest noise from the medical examination could be heard throughout the medical facility. Everyone was as quiet as could be, but not for the same reasons. Doctor Andersson and Bruxa were focused on identifying every physical characteristics of their patient, no matter how small. Cmdr. Valentine was observing the entire process with great intensity. The expression on her face indicated wonder and curiosity at the unknown woman's uncanny resemblance to their Captain. Ensign Enel stood at the ready should their *guest* decide to become something more problematic. It was his duty to expect her to no longer play the role of the willing and accommodating subject. There had been more than enough tests imposed on the patient to justify such a possibility. This left Cmdr. Shar'El who was staring at the woman through narrowed eyes. The Ullian was trying to telepathically pick up anything that might prove useful. All of this took place under the watchful gaze of the BASTET's ILO. In this near complete silence, she was trying to make sense of not just the current mystery but also some of the things her counterpart from the ANUBIS had said.
It was only recently that Gemma had learned to see herself in a more accurate manner. The realization of her possessing a multitude of personalities had been quite a shock. That they all constantly fought for control in her mind had also not been something easily accepted. Thanks to Zub and their little adventure in the holodeck the first steps in understand all of this had been taken. The ILO had been allowed to see something about who she really was. This was a revelation that she was still having a great deal of trouble coming to terms with. Those troubles were compounded by the fact that Shar'El knew a great deal about these personalities and their individual tendencies. What truly bothered Anya was that during their earlier conversation, the Russian Huntress had found it impossible to assert her presence. The goal then had been to properly challenge the raven-haired ILO of the ANUBIS. Maybe she might have taught her a lesson or two in the process. A possibility that seemed to please several of those previously mentioned personalities.
Being unable to do this, Gemma was forced to simply consider the ramifications of all this. What sort of power did Shar'El hold over her? More importantly, what purpose would be served by having the ILO of another ship possess such control over another ILO? Had this been something unforeseen or had Admiral Koniki planned this from the very start?
All those questions were put on hold when Doctor Bruxa made an announcement. "Looks like we are all done here. We have gone through every possible test we could come up with. And before you ask, yes, we ran all of those tests twice, just to make sure the readings were accurate."
Doctor Andersson added. "There is nothing more for us to learn here.”
"There is always *more* that can be learned. I am sure that there are other tests you can perform." Shar'El was not happy. Her inability to pierce the woman's mental defenses and discipline proved to be quite frustrating. The statement made Cmdr. Valentine glare sternly in the direction of the other ExO. The ILO had been permitted to be here as a curtesy, nothing more. No matter her rank, she raven-haired woman held no authority on the BASTET or on any member of its crew. With a nod of her head, Gemma understood what she wanted to happen next.
The ILO walked towards the patient now sitting on the examination bed. "Thank you for your patience and compliance. If you would come with us, we will take you to see Cpt. Iverson." While saying this, Gemma had motioned for their CoS to join her. Ens. Enel did not hesitate to proceed as instructed, his imposing 7 foot, 250lbs frame stopping right next to the much small 5'6" and 155lbs auburn-haired woman.
The Captain's doppelganger slid off the examination bed and smiled. At 5'7", the blonde-haired woman stood unconcerned by her would-be escorts. "I can see why Selene likes to have the two of you here. I suspect that things get done rather quickly when you two are around."
Neither Zub nor Gemma fell for this obvious verbal trap meant to have them say something revealing about the BASTET or their Captain. Instead, the Voth only ruffled some of his scales while thoughts of Shinral washed through the mind of the ILO. In a situation like this, having the Reman bodyguard might have been an interesting development but it was not to be. Following a very quick glance in Shar'El's direction, the security duo invited the woman to follow them.
[/\] Bridge to Sickbay. [/\] It was the Captain. [/\] Progress report. [/\]
"All tests have been completed," Cmdr. Valentine replied. "We are heading to the bridge now. Our guest is being exceptionally accommodating."
[/\] Bring her to the Observation Lounge. Lt. Mitshiba and Lt, Cmdr. Maya have also completed their survey of the ship. I want everyone together for the next part. [/\]
"Understood," Valentine acknowledged. With another nod of her head, Enel and Gemma resumed their walk and made their way out into the corridor, the unknown woman walking only a few steps in front of them.
=-=
Rachel Jackie Johnson
[The fun is getting to wear multiple disguises and getting to explore multiple personalities and bring them to life. - Jenna Fischer]
=-=
“Testing The Wind”
Previous posts: (ANU) “Let’s Move” by Hanali / (BAS) “Intel War” by Rachel
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 5 Corridor
Stardate: 35012.1735
As they followed the mysterious blond copy of Captain Selene Iverson out of Sickbay, the Sec/Tac Ensign Zub Enel reached out a scaly hand to block Lt. Gemma’s exit. Her copper-colored ringlets fell across her shoulders when she frowned up at the 7-foot high Security Chief for an explanation. The male and female security detail was also halted behind his long arm.
Gemma whispered upward, “It is not good precedent to let her lead us like that. This is our ship. She is not our captain.”
Zub nodded. He brought up his other hand and pointed two fingers first at his golden eyes and then down the corridor at the woman striding away from them, a silent signal to watch their guest. Gemma’s frown smoothed out. She guessed what Zub was up to.
He watched the flaxen stranger stride a few more steps before he dropped his arm and signaled for the ILO and Security detail to follow.
The alien woman strode passed the lift that had taken them from the Shuttle Bay to the Sickbay deck.
“Interesting,” Zub Enel said softly.
Fair-haired with Capt. Iverson’s face, the interloper headed confidently along the curving corridor passed the door to the gymnasium. Grunting and slapping on mats came through the open doorway, sounds of hand-to-hand practice. She smiled into the room and gave her long golden tresses a little toss that sent them into a silky cascade over her red uniform shoulder.
A few steps passed the gym she turned at her waist while she pointed a perfectly manicured finger ahead. “There’s a lift that goes directly to the Bridge.”
Zub Enel smiled. His resonant voice boomed in the corridor. “Correct.” After the woman turned her head forward and continued toward the turbolift at the far end of the curving corridor, Zub hurried to catch up.
Gemma jogged to catch up to him, but glanced into the gym. Men and women in white martial arts gis with colored belts were frozen in various fight poses. They stared puzzled out the door. She caught up with Zub who was now a few steps behind the visitor. The two guards trailed close behind them.
Gemma said to the woman in a conversational tone, “It’s interesting you know your way around our ship.”
The faux Selene looked back smiling. “Of course,” she said with great confidence. "I am not just another pretty face," she added with a playful wink that took both the ILO and Sec/Tac by surprise. The blond hair framing the familiar visage of their captain was already hard enough to get used to, but to see the woman so willing to display emotions was true shocking.
Gemma said more pointedly, “It’s a shame we don’t know more about *you*.”
Her grey eyes locked onto Gemma’s steady blue-eyed stare. “I know you have a million questions, but since we’re having a meeting with your Captain, why don’t we wait until then. Trust me. All will be revealed.”
The Security Chief felt the fine down between his scales stir. He didn’t like the ambiguity of whether her answers would be to the BASTET’s benefit or peril. He masked his concern behind a solicitous, “Please allow my guards to escort you in proper fashion for a dignitary.”
The security pair stepped passed the ILO and Sec/Tac and took up position on either side of the striding visitor. While the three lead the way toward the Bridge turbolift, Zub and Gemma trailed them a few paces.
The entourage passed Transporter Room 3. Zub Enel said to softly to Gemma, “You seem — unhappy — around the ANUBIS ExO / ILO. Is she bothering you?”
Gemma gave a quiet scoff and tossed her coppery ringlets. “Am I ever happy?”
Zub remembered being part of her dream where she could not solve a jigsaw puzzle made of pictures of herself. She still seemed a shattered puzzle of a person. “Your scent is always the same no matter where you are, who you are, or what you are doing, except around her and no one else.” He looked down at her as they walked passed the many doors of the Junior Officers quarters. His golden gaze was not accusing or critical, just filled with concern.
The ANUBIS ExO / ILO Shar’El had matter-of-factly stated that Gemma had no friends and never would. While the towering Voth at her side was not a friend per se, he clearly worked to keep her welfare in mind. Shar’El would laugh in his face if she learned that.
Gemma said a little more sharply than she intended, her voice jogging because her heels suddenly clicked harder on the floor, “Okay, Ensign Super Nose, at first chance I want you to sniff this alien hard enough to make her epilets flap. Tell me anything different.”
“Yes, sir,” he said, putting his three-fingered hands in the small of his back. They caught up to the woman and guards at the turbolift.
The Bridge turbolift was roomier for five people than the Shuttle Bay’s had been. It sang a single soaring note while taking them quickly to the Bridge. Inertial dampers kept them from flying into the ceiling when the lift halted and opened.
Setting: USS BASTET, Bridge
Stardate: 35012.1740
“Ah,” the Faux Selene exclaimed as she stepped out. She started toward the center of the Bridge, her eyes wide open. Her gaze swept the whole room. The main viewer showed a static sprinkling of stars that indicated the BASTET was either out of warp or someone had put up a random star field to obscure their position. Forward of the empty Captain’s chair, Lt. Jayson Stark was half turned at the Ops station, obviously thinking he had heard the captain’s voice. The hulking, catlike Lt. A’Janni at Helm looked their way too. Both men’s curious gazes were changing over to stares at the stunning blond.
“This way,” said the female guard who had interposed herself between the woman and further access to the Bridge.
“Of course,” the woman said with a smile and followed the guard’s direction toward the Observation Lounge.
Gemma’s hand, warm and dry, had closed firmly on Zub’s scaly wrist after they exited the turbolift. He watched the dazzling alien enter the Observation Lounge. Without prompting he said, “Truly like the Captain. Except no tea recently enough for me to detect.”
“Hair?”
“No peroxides, bleach, Tellurian Color Assassins or anything like that, if that is what you mean. Seems to be natural.”
“You found absolutely nothing whatsoever unusual about her scent?”
He gave a slight shrug. “She is not the least bit tense. Which is odd, considering we caught her shadowing us, poked and prodded her, put guards on her, and otherwise showed we do not trust her. She is absolutely calm.” He was looking down at Gemma by then.
Gemma returned his gaze, her blue eyes thoughtful. “Calm, like everything is going to plan.” She huffed out a small sigh. “Shar’El was right. We gotta find a way rattle her cage.” She turned and headed into the Observation Lounge. Zub stooped and followed her in.
=-=
David Michael Inverso
Ensign Zub Enel [Access Character BIO for Zub Enel]
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS BASTET, NCC 74977
“There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it.”
- Alfred Hitchcock
-=-=-
"Easier Said Than Done"
[Previous post: (ANU) "Let's Move" & (BAS) "Testing The Wind"]
-=-=-
Setting: EAGLE-5 (AKA "The Winnebago With Wings")
Stardate: 35012.1745
Making it onto the odd-looking ship proved to be much easier than the Counselor could have expected or even hoped for. Even D'Artagnan seemed pleased, his tail wagging like mad as he remained in Adriana's tight embrace. All that was left was for the team to leave this station and find their way back to their home dimension. Judging by the frantic gestures and repeated huffing of their Chief Engineer though, it was clear that this would prove easier said than done.
Adriana held onto D'Artagnan just a little tighter as Xana and Sonja went into a screaming match, each one pointing out as to what the other could or should have done. Normally, as the Ship's Counselor, Lopez would have jumped right into the middle of such chaos in an attempt to get those involved to resolve the issue without resorting to raising their voices and name calling. This alo proved to be easier said than done as the woman sitting in a corner of the odd ship found herself unable to get. Actually, it would be more accurate to state that she was unwilling to do so, her body and muscles more than able to perform the simple task.
The CNS closed her eyes as Ya'Han joined the verbal confrontation. The hardships they all had endured during their stay on this forsaken station had taken its toll causing the patience of the Ambassador, Chief of Security and Chief Engineer to be all but gone. Adriana eventually opened her eyes and looked down upon the puppy cradled in her arms to see him with his ears down. Whatever was going on, he did not like it, and to be perfectly honest neither did she, but that feeling was not the only thing they shared at that specific moment. Neither was able to do anything about the situation other than try to stay out of the way and make themselves as small as possible.
Their efforts to stay out of everyone's way did little to soften the impact of the words and accusations that were being fired at a rapidly growing rate and intensity. Everyone was pointing at the others with whatever fault they could find, be them real or not, and despite none of these being directly targeting the Counselor, Adriana felt more and more responsible for the whole mess.
"ENOUGH!" Lopez screamed at the top of her lungs, barely edging out the loudness of the exchange between the other three women. Xana, Sonja and Ya'Han stopped in mid-sentence to look with stunned surprise and at the sitting woman who was now in tears.
"I'm sorry..." Xana began as she lowered herself onto one knee. "We allowed the frustration of the situation to get the better of us. We are just too close to let anything get in the way of our escape."
"This place has managed to get under our skins," Sonja added. "This station is like a bad dream, and after dealing with the Lokustaar I think we all have had our fill of reali-life nightmares."
"Add to that the fact that we are in another dimension where we have come across people who are *us*, and there is no real surprise that we lost our cool," Ya'Han said before the verbal storm that had been raging inside of the EAGLE-5 was replaced by a calmness that everyone took a brief moment to enjoy.
"We are all going to be fine," the Ambassador said taking hold of the Junior Ambassador's hand and giving it a light reassuring squeeze. "Thank you for bringing us back."
"What do we do next?" Paquette asked. "This ship, and I use the term loosely, is not going anywhere. The power converter is not responding to any signal, and that's just one of several dozen problems that would require a few hours to figure out."
"We do not have a few hours," the Chief of Security said, her hair once again as red as fire. "The fact that we have not been discovered is still something that I consider to be an impossibility onto itself. We need to get out of here, now. If we cannot use this ship to accomplish that, then we need to find another way."
"Ladies, ladies," Krokus said as he walked in. "You should not be talking about her like that, she does have feelings you know," the man said as he lovingly caressed the nearest part of the ship he could reach.
In the blink of an eye, Ya'Han had jumped onto the man and brought him crashing down onto the floor, his arms pulled behind his back to ensure that he would not present any danger to anyone or try to run away.
"What are you doing here?" Bonviva asked, finding the scene rather amusing.
"OUCH! Is that a way to treat someone who is here to help you get back home?"
"You brought us here in the first place," the redhead Engineer hissed. "Why would you want to bring us back now?"
"I'm just a misunderstood nice kind of guy," Krokus said causing Ya'Han to tighten her hold on him. "OUCH! Alright, alright. I have been asked to bring you back. Having two Warriors, two Agents and two Crowns on this station is creating a lot of issues that many would rather not have to deal with."
Xana considered the man's answer for a few seconds before she nodded to Ya'Han. "Let him go."
"How are you planning tp accomplish that?" Sonja asked as she carefully watched the man return to his feet. "This pile of junk is not going anywhere. Nothing is working."
Krokus just smiled. "You need to know how to treat this lady," he said heading to the front of the ship. "She is like any other woman in the multiverse, there are certain things that she does not like, and some that make her as willing and ready to please as could be. You just need to know which is which." The man sat at the flight station, spent a few minutes fiddling with the controls before the ship suddenly came to life. "See, it's all about the touch!" He added putting his hands up and wiggling his fingers.
"Well, you better take us home, or I am going to instruct my friend here to show you what her touch can do," Sonja said pointing to Ya'Han.
Xana smiled and sat next to Adriana. "I think I will join you in watching this little show unfold. I think they have things well under control."
Adriana nodded and returned the Ambassador's smile, both women petting D'Artagnan as they watched Sonja and Ya'Han keep a very close watch on their would-be savior.
-=-=-
Marissa Montonera-Lombardi
Lieutenant JG Adriana Lopez [Access Character BIO for Adriana Lopez]
Ship's Counselor & Junior Ambassador
USS ANUBIS
---
"Two-Way Mirror"
(Previous Post: (ANU) "Easier Said Than Done" / (BAS) "Testing The Wind")
---
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 1, Observation Lounge
Stardate: 35012.1745
Selene Iverson, Commanding Officer of the USS BASTET stood at the far end of the conference room, her attention cast far beyond the large windows that lined the exterior wall. Normally, the Captain would be sitting in the chair located at the near end of the table, closest to the main door, allowing her to greet people as they walked in, but this time there was someone else sitting there.
"Are you certain you want me here?" Captain Morningstar asked. The man did not sound concerned or even troubled, he simply wanted to make sure that Captain Iverson had thought this through.
"This mission, that of rescuing the missing members of your crew, is yours far more than it is mine," Iverson stated, her gaze locked on a specific distant constellation. "My crew and I are simply providing the means to make it possible."
"I meant my sitting here, in *your* chair," Erik clarified suspecting that Selene knew this already but had decided to play coy with him for reasons that were now and likely remain her own.
"I am sure," Selene confirmed with certainty, her voice as calm and unemotional as ever. Although her personnel file clearly showed her as being of mixed Terran/Dinaali descent, it was moments like this that made many who dealt with her on a regular basis wonder if there was not some Vulcan hiding somewhere in her distant family history.
Selene kept her eyes focused on the distant set of stars when she heard the door to the Observation Lounge hiss open. To say that she was curious about the woman who could have been her twin was a massive understatement. Since the moment the blonde-haired woman appeared on the main view screen, countless questions and theories had made their home in her mind. This situation demanded to be investigated to the fullest possible extent, the problem so far though was that this alter ego had been the one controlling things and Iverson would make sure that this ended here and now.
"Captain Iver..." The woman with the flowing blonde hair stopped mid word as she saw someone other than the person she was expecting to see upon her entrance. "Captain Morningstar?" There was a momentary pause. "That is quite an unexpected surprise. When did you become the Commanding Officer of the BASTET?"
"He is not," Selene stated, again keeping her attention on the starscape beyond the large windows.
There was a moment of fleeting hesitation from the latest arrival which was quickly followed by a smile, further indicating that the differences between the two women extended far beyond the length and colour of their hair. "Of course, Ambassador Bonviva, Lieutenant Commander Paquette and Lieutenant Ya'Han are officers aboard the ANUBIS, so it makes sense that he would be here. Having him sit in your chair though was a very well calculated move, one that I suspect was meant to throw me off-guard for the interrogation that is about to take place. Well played Selene. Well played indeed."
Erik remained seated as the mysterious woman fully stepped into the room followed by Ensign Enel, Lieutenant Gemma, Lieutenant Commander Shar'El and Commander Valentine. The Captain and First Officer of the ANUBIS shared a quick silent glance, a wordless exchange that made it clear that they were both here as observers and nothing more, at least for the time being.
"I am not here to conduct an interrogation," Iverson clarified finally turning to look at the woman, "but I do have a few questions that I would appreciate you answering. Let us start with something simple. What should we call you or are you happy with us referring to you as 'that strange blonde-haired woman' or as 'the wannabe Captain Iverson'?"
"'Fake' and 'imposter' have also been terms used by some members of the crew to describe you," Commander Valentine added as she walked by the woman to join the Captain at the other end of the room, glaring at their guest they enter time.
The woman playfully smiled. As unsettling as this situation was meant to be for her, the blonde-haired Iverson appeared unphased. Looking at the expression on her face, some might even believe that she found the whole affair amusing. "Just call me Fiona," she replied drawing a look of indignation from Sarena who did not like the fact that out of all the possible names she could have selected, their 'guest' had chosen the middle name of their captain.
"I only have one other question for you *Fiona*, why are you here?" Selene politely asked, the tone of her question firm and direct without the slightest hint of emotion.
"I am here to help you," Fiona said nonchalantly as she finally took a seat and directed her gaze onto Erik. "Your missing officers is just the tip of the iceberg. Your problems run a lot deeper."
"Explain!" Gemma demanded with insistence. Although Captain Iverson had said that she was not performing an interrogation, the ILO saw no reason why she could not perform such a task, especially given that such duties clearly fell within her jurisdiction.
"Have you ever heard of 'The Confederacy'?" Fiona asked, meeting the quizzical gazes of each and every officer in the room before continuing. "The Confederacy is an organization loosely resembling your Federation, but this one does everything it can to extend its influence to other worlds, regardless of what dimension they may be located in. Now, the Confederacy possesses limited trans-dimensional capabilities, but it has still managed to get its people onto several other EARTH-like worlds."
"We just finished beating the Lokustaar," Shar'El sighed. "Somehow I doubt that whatever this Confederacy can throw our way is going to match what those nightmares had at their disposal."
"You are quite correct, Commander," Fiona grinned. "I was most fortunate, or should I saw unfortunate, to see what the Lokustaar are capable of, and compared to that, the Confederacy is nothing. That said, you must keep one specific thing in mind; the Lokustaar were ambitious and deadly. Their goal was to subjugate the entire galaxy, pitting worlds against worlds and killing whoever or whatever got in their way. The Confederacy, luckily for us all, is much less aggressive. Their goal is to infiltrate the population of a few planets usually using some sort of made up threat to make things chaotic enough so that no one will notice a few extra hundred people suddenly appearing out of nowhere."
"Made up threat?" Gemma asked continuing with the unofficial interrogation.
"I believe that some of your people have already discovered that part of their plan," Fiona said, a playful smile still dancing on her lips. "A robot army?"
"If this Confederacy plans on using a robot army to create chaos to hide the arrival of several hundred of their people into our dimension, why capture some of our officers?" Commander Valentine asked drawing a subtle nod of agreement from Captain Morningstar who was thinking the exact same thing.
"You of all people should understand that each dimension is unique. People may physically look alike but their biology can be completely different. There is also the possibility that there is some unseen biological component that could derail their plans," the blonde-haired woman explained.
"So, they take people from their target dimension and bring them back in order to study them," Enel theorized aloud, not seeing any harm in joining in on the interrogation of the woman they had escorted to this location.
"Biological, psychological and social differences are all carefully observed in order to see if an infiltration is possible and what is required to make their people not be easily detected because of something stupid," Fiona continued. "You have to realize that this is not the first time they have done this. Also, bringing people over gives them the ability to gather Intel."
"We understand perfectly," Selene acknowledged.
"So what is your angel in this?" The ILO of the BASTET pressed, Gemma performing her role as an interrogator to the best of her abilities given the limited range of what she could and could not do at this time. "Clearly you are not from *this* dimension, so why help us?"
"Call it misplaced loyalty," the woman said, her smile gradually fading. "I was sent ahead as a scout, as I usually am. There is something about the way I am, the way I think that makes me a perfect candidate for traveling between dimensions. I guess it is out lot throughout the multiverse," she said looking at Selene. "I have done so many times and encountered myself more times than I care to remember, and each time I find myself struggling. There are times when my other self is a loner whom I could care less about, then there are the others," Fiona said as she continued to look directly at Captain Iverson. "The more I learned about *you* and your crew, the more I found myself becoming envious. Of all the women called Selene Fiona Iverson out there, you are the one with the best life."
"There is nothing easy or simple about my life," Selene pointed out with a Vulcan-like coldness.
A bright smile formed on the lips of the blonde woman, larger than anything that had been there before. "I never said that your life was easy or simple, I said that your life was the best I had ever seen. You are the Commanding Officer of a remarkable ship and have the respect and admiration of not only your crew but of other high-ranking officers," she turned to look at Erik as she said this. "I just thought that the Confederacy could handle not getting their people into this dimension. There would be disappointments, but they would sooner rather than later turn their eyes to another dimension and resume their work. That is why I was following you, trying to find a way to explain this to you in a way that you would accept."
"Let us say that we believe you," Captain Iverson said. "What would you have do about it?"
"The Confederacy needs to be shown that this dimension is more than capable of defending itself. My report on how the Federation handled the Lokustaar will go a long way, but they also need to see your resolve first-hand. That is why your ship needs to go to my dimension and make it clear to everyone that you are not the type to allow this kind of underhanded business to happen unchallenged."
"That gives us a lot to think about," Commander Valentine said. "Captain?" Selene simply nodded her head and turned her attention back to the distant stars visible through the large window. "Ensign Enel, please escort *Fiona* to some *guest* quarters. she is to remain there under guard until further notice.
"Aye, aye, Commander," The Voth acknowledged before inviting the woman to step back out of the Conference Lounge.
---
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 7, Quarters
Stardate: 35012.1810
"Thank you gorgeous," Fiona said to the Voth chief of Security who provided the escort. Enel just fluffed his scales and closed the door between them leaving their guest alone in the room meant for a single crewmember.
After having given the rather spartan accommodations a thorough once over, Fiona exposed her left arm and forcefully tapped it causing a strange biochemical reaction to create what appeared to be some sort of control console on her arm. As she studied the readouts, another smile formed on her lips as she confirmed that her ship was still fully operational and that no one had picked up the ability of her ship to create a dimensional bubble that could, in theory, bring the USS BASTET to her dimension should Captain Iverson decide on a course of action other than what the blonde-haired woman had recommended.
---
Jessica Solarik
Captain Selene Fiona Iverson [Access Character BIO for Selene Iverson]
Commanding Officer
USS BASTET
&
Lieutenant Commander Maya [Access Character BIO for 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)
"Waiting and Talking"
[previous (ANU) "Easier Said Than Done" / (BAS) "Two-Way Mirror"]
[/\]
Setting: USS BASTET, Bridge
Stardate: 35012.1815
The meeting was over, and he was at the Operations station wondering what could have been said to leave so many people with such long faces. Back on the ANUBIS Stark would not have hesitated to asked Captain Morningstar as to what had happened. As the Chief of Operations, it was part of his responsibilities to prepare the ship for what might come to pass. As much as his role on the BASTET was the same, Jayson did not feel comfortable enough to approach Captain Iverson or even Commander Valentine and ask. If either one of them deemed it necessary for him to know, he was sure that they would pass on whatever information was required, in the meantime all he needed to do was to ensure that the ship operated at the highest possible level.
"What do you think happened in there?" The Caitian asked from the Flight Control station. "The Captain is back in her Ready Room along with your Captain while our First Officer left the bridge looking like she had somewhere important to be at followed by your ExO/ILO. I would guess that something bad was said in there but we have not been given any directives. I just don't like us sitting like this, doing nothing other than waiting for who-knows-what."
"My guess is that although the meeting with Miss 'someone-else-than" Iverson ended, the story is far from over. She might have said something that requires them to look into it more closely or she slipped and proved herself to be someone who could not be trusted. That would account for why Enel escorted her out looking like he was ready to rip someone's head clear off."
"I doubt that," A'Janni said. "First, Zub is not the type to take people's heads off without a very valid reason, and even then. Second, did you notice the way she smiled when she first stepped onto the bridge? Let's forget for a moment that I have never seen the Captain smile that way and just focus on anyone walking about the way she did. That woman displayed a sense of assurance and certainty that is not common. She knows something, something important, something very significant. The question is did she tell the others about it?"
"Well, by the time we know what she knows, it might be too late," Stark said. "Neither Captain Morningstar nor Commander Shar'El said anything when they came back onto the bridge before vanishing into the Ready Room."
"The Captain knows what she is doing," Mitshiba said from the science station. "She has a lot of data to analyse in order to create a more complete picture of what it is we are dealing with. The ANUBIS, thanks to its Ablative Armor and other defensive capabilities can afford to rush into the unknown, the BASTET is not able to do the same. Experience has taught us repeatedly that it is best to get all of the data we can before we even think of making any sort of move. The arrival of the Captain's doppelganger changed everything and now we have to re-evaluate all possible course of actions, old and new alike."
"Kind of hard to argue with that," Jayson shrugged.
"I was not expecting you to argue with simple facts," Misaki said. "Do you usually argue with your CSciO?"
"Maya?!?" Jayson laughed. "I would never dare argue with her."
"Because she is always right?" The BASTET's CSciO asked with a chuckle.
"No," Stark quickly corrected. "Because any argument would end several hours later following a very lengthy explanation as to why a specific point of view is wrong when compared to another, and neither one of those points of view would have anything to do with what started the argument." Jayson looked at Misaki and smiled. "Don't you dare tell me that it would not happen that way. You have spent enough time with her to know that I am right. She is an amazing woman and a brilliant scientist, but when it comes to giving any sort of verbal explanation, she operates on a completely different level."
"She just thinks of a lot of things all at the same time," Mitshiba said in defense of a fellow scientist whom she clearly respected before the two officers in the middle of this conversation ended by them sharing a smile.
Seeing Misaki smile that way caused Jayson to remember how Ya'Han used to smile at him, a smile that made him feel indestructible and weak at the knees all at the same time. He had felt as if his world had come to a complete standstill following the fallout between the two of them, but thanks to Satella and now Misaki, he understood that life and the rest of the universe had not stopped.
It was a flashing indicator on his console that drew his attention back onto his duties. "Long-range sensors are picking up some sort of localized disruption in the fabric of space-time," Jayson reported.
"It's a dimensional rift," Misaki stated. "It is located very near the surface of ORION." The CSciO analyzed the data a little further before completing her report. "It is located exactly where you reported those strange buildings and the underground base. Looks like a ship came through. The dimensional distortion would shield it from the planetary sensor net but using that kind of camouflage is not going to do anything to hide them from our sensors. The advantage of being on board a vessel equipped for dimensional travel."
"Bridge to Captain Iverson," Jayson began. "Long range sensors have picked up a small dimensional disturbance at a location matching that of the underground base discovered on ORION. It would seem that a ship has just crossed over into our dimension."
=/\= Lieutenant A'Janni, set an intercept course for that ship, =/\= the Captain ordered, the rest of her commands would be given directly as she rushed back onto the bridge. "Lieutenant Stark, bring the ship to yellow alert and have all senior officers report back to their stations immediately."
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Lieutenant Jayson Stark [Access Character BIO for Jayson Stark]
Chief of Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
"Moving and Talking"
[previous post were (ANU) "Waiting and Talking" / (BAS) "Two-Way Mirror"]
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Setting: EAGLE-5, Passenger area
Stardate: 35012.1825
For a ship as decrepit looking as the "Winnebago with Wings" gave the impression to be, it could certainly fly when the situation called for it. The Sec/Tac was not really impressed, their situation making impossible for her to focus on the performance of the small craft they were on. Judging by the expression on Sonja's face, the Chief Engineer was even less impressed, although the Nylaan was relatively certain that the reason for this was much more based in Engineering as the ship performed well above what any mechanically minded person would even come close to expecting.
"Welcome back to your home dimension," Krokas said, trying his best to sound as friendly and cordial as he could. "Now, are you certain that you do not want me to drop you off on ORION?"
"Quite certain," the Ambassador said as she gave her shipmates a thorough visual examination to make sure that everyone was alright. "I believe I speak for us all when I say that we have had our fill of that place. Just take us to the nearest Federation starbase, we can find our way back to a more hospitable place from there."
"Are you sure?" The pilot asked. "ORION is a lot closer. You would be on solid ground in a matter of minutes."
"We are sure," Ya'Han confirmed with a snap, her hair back to the bright red color she was sporting before. "Why are you pushing so hard for us to go to ORION? You have someone there waiting to take care of us so that we leave no traces behind?"
"I would never do something like that to you ladies," Krokas said, sounding as charming as always which of course did not help in any way sell his honesty, quite to the contrary. By now everyone on board knew better than to take their eyes off of him or to trust anything he said. "I just wanted to make sure that you were all perfectly certain. The trek to the nearest Federation starbase may take a while."
"Trapped in a small room on that station or trapped in a small room on this ship, not much of a difference," Sonja said sighing. "At least here we are closer to home than we had been before, and that is more than enough for me at this time."
"I wonder how Han is doing back on the station?" Ya'Han said as she eased herself down for what would likely be a long and uncomfortable trek.
"Really?" Sonja huffed. "You worry about your 'sister from another dimension' all you want, I for one am glad that the distance between 'The Jester' and I is quickly increasing."
"Sonju was referred to as 'The Crown'," Xana said wondering how the CEO could have forgotten such a fact.
"You call her what you want and I will call her what I saw her be," the redhead laughed. "A fool by any other name is just as stupid. If I don't hear about her ever again it will be too soon."
"I for one am looking forward to returning to Federation territory," Xana said. "There is a lot we have to report on, and the sooner the better."
"Don't say that too loudly," Adriana whispered. "Our benevolent pilot might take that as an indication to turn the ship around and bring us back to ORION. As I recall, the Federation does have an Ambassadorial office on the planet."
The Bolian/Human woman rolled her violet eyes. "Don't remind me," Xana lamented. "The only thing that is *Federation* there is communicator-sized logo affixed to the wall above the entrance. The ORION government was never overly fond of having a Federation office on their world and did so just to keep the politicians quiet."
Sonja laughed. "I suspect that it would take a lot more than a simple communicator-sized logo to keep you quiet," the Chief Engineer said in good humor.
"Ladies," Krokas said, his voice cracking with nervousness. "We may have a problem."
"What did you do?" The Sec/Tac demanded as she rushed to the man's side.
"Nothing!" He claimed in his defense. "All I'm doing is flying my ship. The problem is *that*," he said pointing to a minuscule dot blinking on a small screen that Ya'Han could only guess was some sort of tactical display.
"If I am reading this right, there is a ship heading our way on a rapid intercept course," the Nylaan said, her hair as red as could be.
"What kind of ship?" Ambassador Bonviva asked. It was always a good idea to know what you were dealing with before jumping to any sort of conclusions.
"The sensors on this ship are as close to useless as they get," the Sec/Tac said. "Based on what I am seeing, it is a pure miracle that the sensors are picking anything up. I could not tell you if the ship was an Orion freighter or a Ferengi Cruiser."
"Wait!" Sonja jumped in. "You mean there is a difference between an Orion freighter and a Ferengi Cruiser? I thought both did nothing more than carry junk and trash from one planet to another." Ya'Han actually smiled, even if only for a few seconds. "What if we tried to contact them? We would be able to identify them once they answered."
"Good idea except for one small detail," Xana said. "If that ship is an ORION freighter or a Ferengi Cruiser, the result will be the same. They will more than likely blow us into subatomic particles the moment they see this ship and don't expect that my claiming to be on board is going to make a difference in that outcome. Actually, it might make it worse as there are several people and factions, some that are even found inside the Federation, that would be more than happy to claim that they were able to ride the galaxy of Ambassador Xana Bonviva. I am afraid that radio silence is our best course of action for the time being."
"Nice to be so widely loved and adored," Sonja sighed as she rolled her eyes at Xana. "Let me see what I can do to increase the resolution of these sensors. Maybe I could link D'Artagnan's sense of smell to them, might more than triple their range and efficiency."
"Do your best," the Ambassador said clearly ignoring the woman's last statement. "Ya'Han, see if you can improve this ship’s defensive capabilities."
"Hey!" Krokas objected. "That's my ship you are talking about. No one does anything to it except me."
"We could always use him as a decoy by strapping a high-powered energy generator and tossing him out the nearest airlock," the Sec/Tac suggested.
"Alright, alright," he said throwing his arms up in the air. "This is what I get for being a nice guy and helping you ladies to get back home."
"Get us out of this mess and we will be more than appreciative," the brightly red-haired Nylaan said. With that said, everyone went to work and did what little they could to prepare for the encounter to come.
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Hanali Han
Lieutenant Ya'Han [Access Character BIO for Ya'Han]
Chief of Security / Chief Tactical Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
=-=
"Preparations"
[the previous post was (ANU) "Moving and Talking" by Hanali/ (BAS) "Two-Way Mirror" by Jessica]
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Sickbay
Stardate: 35012.1825
When the BASTET, or any ship in the Federation for that matter, was put into combat readiness status, better known as 'red alert', everyone prepared for the worse. The Engineering staff readied key systems to be used and pushed beyond the limits of their designed functions. The Operations staff on their side readied the crew by placing key personnel where they would likely be need should the situation deteriorate while also checking to make sure that all systems responded as they should. The Security and Tactical staff quickly established security zones and made certain that all weapons and defensive systems were at the ready to be used at a moment's notice. The Medical staff was no different, the personnel quickly setting up to deal with the widest possible range of injuries and casualties, adapting as best they could if they knew what sort of situation they were heading into.
The flashing yellow indicators announced to the crew that the situation was not as dire but that did not stop Doctor Andersson and the rest of her medical staff from rushing about making sure that everything was as ready as could be expected. Being properly prepared could mean the difference between reporting injuries instead of casualties to the Captain and First Officer once the situation came to an end. So, it was to everyone's advantage for the medical teams to be ready for every possibility.
"Are you certain that there is nothing that I can do to help?" Satella asked, the CMO of the ANUBIS finding herself without a specific task to complete while everyone else clearly had a long list of things to do.
"I appreciate the offer," Sofia said as she checked the results of the diagnostic sequence on the biobeds' medical scanners. "I am sure that I would feel the same way if we were on the ANUBIS and in your sickbay. You have your staff assigned to very specific tasks in situations like this, do you not?"
"I do," Doctor Bruxa reluctantly admitted before taking several steps back in order to make sure that she would not be in anyone's way.
"Don't worry," Nic gently whispered as she slides up to the visibly saddened Satella. "She gets that way all the time. That is part of being a Doctor in charge of not just a department but also of an entire crew."
Satella gently nodded her head to show that she was understanding what the Counselor was trying to explain. "She cares for them and wants to make sure that they are all as safe as possible."
"Being the Chief Medical Officer of a starship is not an easy task," the Trill woman said, "but you already knew that. Both of you have experienced loses that have helped shape your professional perspective and your need to save lives."
"Sofia was involved in the destruction and cleanup of Paris," Bruxa said, her sadness quickly shifting from being directed inward to instead being directed outward, more specifically toward Doctor Andersson. "I cannot even begin to imagine what that felt like."
"Sofia is a strong woman," Nic said allowing a hint of admiration to be heard in her words. "Paris was only one of many things that have helped to shape her into the person that she is today." Dima's thoughts drifted to other places and times, moments that the CMO and CNS had shared to help shape the relationship they enjoyed today. "JDO-SHEN and ELYSIA were others such instances."
Satella looked at the taller Trill by her side. At five feet tall everyone was taller than she was but that was not the issue here. What Bruxa noticed was that Nicole seemed to be on the verge of tears, not an emotional breakdown, far from it, but a simple lapse brought upon by one or more powerful and emotionally charged memories.
"Nicole! Satella! Come here," Sofia called out. "I have something that the two of you can help me with." That was all that needed to be said to have the two women move back into the center of the bustling Sickbay. The joined Trill was delighted to be able to help the woman she cared about while the Mikulak woman was just happy to be able to do something instead of just standing there. "I was able to get some information as to the situation from the Bridge. Lt. Stark said that our sensors picked up a small ship crossing into our dimension. It did so near the surface of ORION. We are moving to intercept. If the need should arise for a medical team to beam over, I would like you to lead it."
"Me?" Satella gasped, the woman clearly shocked by the suggestion. "But you are the CMO of this ship, so should it not be you that the Captain will want to send over?"
Nicole smiled quickly understanding Sofia's train of thoughts. "If the ship we are about to intercept has any one from the ANUBIS on board, it would make more sense for you to be there to address whatever medical needs they might have. I am sure that both Captain Iverson and Captain Morningstar would agree with this idea. Let's be honest, you know the missing members of your crew better than anyone else here."
"True," Bruxa agreed. "I was not thinking of it that way.
"You can even do a quick psychological evaluation of anyone that is there from your crew," Nicole proposed. "Using your personal and professional knowledge of them, you are the best person to see if there is something wrong with them, something that we would be able to address the moment they come aboard."
"I guess you are right," Satella said enthusiastically. "Can I borrow a field medical kit?"
"Nicole will show you where they are," Sofia said knowing that this would not only keep the two women occupied but it would also give the CNS the chance to evaluate the ANUBIS' CMO and create a psychological base of reference to be used when she would return, that was of course if there would actually be a need to send a member of the medical team on an away mission.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Commander Shar'El [Access Character BIO for Shar'El]
Executive Officer / Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
##########
"Keeping Busy"
Previous posts (ANU) "Moving and Talking" / (BAS) "Preparations"
##########
"There can be only one Captain to a ship."
- Thomas John Barnardo
=====
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 12, Main Engineering
Stardate: 35012.1830
The Native American man walked into the BASTET's Main Engineering and paused at the sight of the pulsating warp core. This was not his ship, but as a former engineer, Erik felt an inner warmth as he gazed upon the tower. Chief Engineers were an odd bunch and Morningstar had only to look to his own Lt. Cmdr. Paquette to see just how true that statement was. The woman was as weird as could be at times, and yet he found himself envying her more than once. There was nothing like being the one in charge of taking care of a ship.
"Captain Morningstar," the BASTET's ILO said as she walked past the Native American. "What brings you down here at this time? I hope that it is not for a tour because, as you can see," Gemma said pointing to the nearest flashing yellow status light, "we are in the middle of something."
"It is because of that," Erik replied pointing to the same light, "I am here. When dealing with any situation, a ship needs its Captain on the bridge where they can take charge without having to deal with distractions or worst, interferences."
A smile flashed on Gemma's lips, disappearing just as quickly as it had appeared. "Your first reaction was to head to the bridge but since this is not your ship, you decided instead to come down here and stay out of Captain Iverson's way."
"Yes and no," Morningstar said. "Was my first reaction to head to the bridge? Yes. Did I figure it would be best if I did not stand over your Captain's shoulder as she took decisions that might put my own crew at risk? Maybe. Did I come down here to be as far away from her as I could? Absolutely not."
The ILO looked back at the Native American Captain with a hint of puzzlement before a second smile swept over her face, vanishing just as quickly as the first had done. "Of course. You were reassigned from the PROPHECY to the GATEWAY station, taking on the role of Chief Engineering Officer. That was a relatively simple move given that you help the position of Chief of Operations before that. A little over a year later you were again reassigned this time to the PROPHECY as its CEO. That is where you became acquainted with the Federation's technology involved in moving a ship from one dimension to another. By the time you made your way to the PARADOX and its untested temporal drive, you were no longer an Engineer but rather a First Officer."
Erik wanted to be surprised or maybe even shocked at the way his career had been so easily broken down and revealed by the woman, but the Native American simply shook his head. "It is said that Chief Engineers are a special kind of officers, I believe that the same could be said about the Intel Officers. You and Shar'El have a lot in common."
Gemma appeared offended by that statement and quickly turned her back to the Native American. "If you will excuse me, Captain, I have things to do."
"Lieutenant!" Erik snapped. The last thing he wanted was to upset anyone, especially someone under the command of another Captain, one who had been kind enough to offer her ship and crew to help him. As soon as Gemma turned to look at him once again, the Native American approached and soften his tone. "I am sorry if I have offended you, it was not my intent. My comment was only meant to show how I see the two of you, as highly dedicated and resourceful officers who seem to have an uncanny ability to manage information better than most computers. I am sorry if I was clumsy in expressing this to you, please understand that I hold you in the highest possible regards." The two gazed at one another for a few seconds. "Please, accept my apologies. I should have known better than to compare the two of you. I know Shar'El enough to know that she would not have appreciated the comparison, just like you did."
Gemma nodded her head, silently accepting the Native American's apology. "Why are you here?" The ILO asked reverting to a much more professional tone and stance.
"As you pointed out, my previous expertise was engineering. I am here to offer my help. I know that the BASTET is lacking the services of a Chief Engineer, so I thought that maybe I could be of some use."
"Very well," Gemma said. "You can monitor the primary systems and power distribution relays. If we end up going to red alert, you can also take care of the power distribution to the phasers."
"Thank you, Lieutenant," Erik said before heading to a station from where he could be able to take care of the responsibilities he had been given. Gemma just watched the man as he walked away, considering his words very carefully and wondering if maybe she would be able to use their earlier conversation to get him to talk to her a little more about the ANUBIS' ILO. Shar'El held a distinct advantage over her and that was something the BASTET's ILO wanted and needed to address.
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar [Access Character BIO for Erik Morningstar]
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn [Access Character BIO for Elan Fairborn]
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
=-=
“Battle For Eagle-5”
Previous posts: (ANU) “Keeping Busy" by Francois / (BAS) "Preparations" by Tiffany
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Bridge
Stardate: 35012.1835
The Bridge was abuzz as Chief of Security Zub Enel passed the occupied Captain’s command chair and settled in at Tactical. On the main viewer above bright white brushstroke clouds hung a small boxy ship. Zub’s heart pulsed faster with anticipation.
Lt. Mitshiba reported from the Science station, “Long range scans indicate a hodgepodge of technology like our guest’s runabout in the shuttle bay.”
Captain Iverson sat calmly upright in the command chair, elbows on the arms, fingers interlaced over her lap. “It’s another runabout?”
“No, sir,” Aki said with a turn toward the Captain. She scrunched her face while she thought. “It is different but in the same — crazy architecture — for lack of a better phrase.”
Commander Valentine arrived by then, standing by the Captain’s chair. “That confirms it’s from the same dimension as our ‘guest’.”
Zub Enel added from Tactical, “It has no weapons or shields. It might be a short-haul freighter or shuttle.”
Lt. Jayson Stark offered from the Operations station, “A transponder just switched on designating it as Eagle-5.”
Captain Iverson nodded, keeping her expression cool. “Helm, ETA?”
FCO A’Janni turned his catlike face, his single white eye dilated. “Six minutes to transporter range.”
Misaki spoke from Science again. “Close enough to bioscan any passengers.” She smiled at the Captain, her fingers poised.
The Captain regarded the boxy craft, now clearer. Like the alien runabout, all manner of extraneous boxes and cabling festooned the hull. “Proceed.”
The CSciO worked her controls. “Scans indicate … the crew includes a Bolian/Human, a Nylaan and two Humans, all females.” Recognition made her smile.
Jayson said, “I’ll bet latinum that that Nylaan is Ya’Han!” His heart leap before slamming into a ceiling. He remembered he was no longer foremost in her affection.
Lt. A’Janni, the large one-eyed tiger at Flight Control rumbled, “I’ll bet Jayson’s latinum that the scan shows that the rest of the missing ANUBIS crew is onboard too.”
Mitshiba said, “It’s tricky at this range, and there is a lot of interference from the wacky avionics of that craft, but additional bio-signs indicate an Orionid male and ….” She shrugged. “Maybe a small animal?”
Commander Valentine smiled. “All this is certainly hopeful news.” Jayson and Aki started smiling too.
“Continue scanning,” the Captain said, her tone cool, “We need to verify that’s the ANUBIS crew.”
“Four minutes to transporter range,” A’Janni added.
Zub Enel leaned his big frame away his Tactical display. “Captain, another starship coming in. Closing on Eagle-5.”
Smiles disappeared.
“On screen,” the Captain said, voice steady.
The large ship resembled a Klingon bird of prey from a century ago, but the bulbous bow had been encrusted with ungainly blocks of superstructure like the original ship had rammed another ship but never cleared the wreckage. Aft, two wide-set nacelles glowed strangely; flickering, brightening, fading almost to black before brightening again.
Commander Valentine marveled from beside the Captain’s chair. “How do they get their junk to work?”
“Tactical, analysis,” Captain Iverson said with slight interest from her command chair.
Zub tapped his controls. “Warp driven. Unknown starship class. It is hard to classify, like Klingon and other ship parts cobbled together.” He paused. “Intercept course to Eagle-5. It has started targeting scans. Weapons are powering up. Disrupters.”
“Red Alert,” Selene said calmly. A siren sounded once. Status indicators flashed red. “Helm, put us between them and Eagle-5. Tactical, ready phasers.” Her gray eyes took in her crew instantly complying. She hid her growing pride beneath icy calm.
A’Janni banked the spearhead shaped BASTET and brought it midway between the belligerent ship and the Eagle-5.
On the cusp of his first space battle on the BASTET, Zub Enel took care to target only the nacelles. “Phasers ready.”
“Shields up,” Iverson said. “Hail that ship.”
Jayson activated powerful force fields around the BASTET. He opened hailing frequencies. “Inbound warp driven vessel, this is the Federation Starship USS BASTET. Stand down at once. Please respond immediately.”
Only silence returned.
Aki reported, “Bioscans indicate a blended crew; mostly Orionid males, with Byzatiums, Dopterians and Markalians.”
“Gypsies, tramps and thieves,” Commander Valentine murmured from beside Iverson’s chair.
“All known Ferengi associates,” Iverson said, her face thoughtful. “Maybe they’re raiders and Eagle-5 is just convenient prey.”
Jayson said, “Ya’Han has a checkered history with the Ferengis. They might be after her.”
“Either way, not today,” Iverson said calmly. “Tactical, report.”
Zub carefully matched his captain’s calm, “We have interdicted them. Their vessel has slowed. Their shields are up. Their targeting scans just swept us and now have locked on.”
Selene felt the eyes of the bridge crew on her. She said softly, “So, clearly hostile. And not ones to talk first.”
Zub Enel’s down prickled along his scaly arms. He kept his voice calm. “Disrupters powering up. They are firing.”
A gossamer light flickered over the main viewer. The BASTET registered a stout thump. Alarms tweeted on the Ops station.
Jayson voice was casual. “Hit on forward starboard shield. Shield holding. Hard enough to slop your tea, but no structural damage.”
The Captain leaned forward. Her arms rested comfortable on her thighs. “Ensign Enel, I want you to target only their shields. Let’s not atomize their ship and 16 cubic parsecs of space. Understood?”
“Understood, sir. Tit for Tat.” Zub hoped his nervousness about performing well had not prompted such careful instruction. He told himself she was simply being clear about what she wanted. His neck down jigged as he backed off the phaser power.
The enemy ship began a maneuver around the BASTET. Its bulbous nose rose, exposing more of its aft underside. Ignoring that juicy target, he aimed at empty space just below the nacelles. “Phasers ready.”
“Fire.”
A fan of plasma-white beams converged into one bright point. A brilliant ball flared around the enemy ship before quickly fading.
Jayson reported from Ops, “Hit! That knocked their shield strength down to 60 percent.”
Iverson’s cool gray gaze stayed on the ship on the main viewer. “Let’s punch them a bit harder, Ensign.”
Zub’s stomach felt suddenly at sea. He had no idea what ‘a bit harder’ would entail. He did not want to pierce the shields and vaporize the enemy. He did a calculation based on Jayson’s damage report and made an adjustment. “Ready phasers, sir.”
“Fire.”
The interloper’s shields flared blindingly bright like the ship had blown up into a brilliant blue supernova. Zub blinked at a purple afterimage.
Jayson stated matter-of-factly, “Their shields are down.”
As his vision cleared Zub was happy the interloper remained intact. After a scan he stated, “They have changed course perpendicular to our heading. They appear to be fleeing.”
A’Janni at the flight controls gave a derisive little chuckle.
Iverson knew that chasing a supposedly wounded quarry could end in an ambush. “Helm, do not chase. Close on Eagle-5. Tactical, scan for other armed vessels.”
A’Janni banked the BASTET gracefully from the aft end of the fleeing ship onto a heading toward the Eagle-5 above ORION.
Zub Enel studied a 360 tactical scan. “Unfortunately, the norm appears to be that a great many vessels around this planet are armed. However, none are powering their weapons.”
“Secure from Red Alert.” Captain Iverson resigned herself that the battle, however brief, had alerted the entire ORION system to their presence. “Ops, hail the Eagle-5.”
“Open, sir.”
“Eagle-5. This is Captain Selene Iverson of the Federation Starship USS BASTET. Please respond.”
=-=
David Michael Inverso
Ensign Zub Enel [Access Character BIO for Zub Enel]
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS BASTET, NCC 74977
“True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.”
- Arthur Ashe
“Etcetera, Etcetera, Etcetera”
Previous posts: (ANU) “Keeping Busy" by Francois / (BAS) "Battle For EAGLE-5" by David
=/\=
Nobody learns without getting it wrong
I won't give up, no, I won't give in
Till I reach the end and then I'll start again
--Shakira, "Try Everything"
=/\=
Setting: EAGLE-5 (aka Winnebago with Wings)
Stardate: 35012.1840
[/\]EAGLE-5. This is Captain Selene Iverson of the Federation Starship USS BASTET. Please respond[/\]
There was an astounding amount of silence. “ANSWER IT,” Sonja demanded as she went leaping across the way to take charge of the comm.
Krokus threw himself over the comm panel as an automated message was heard to be blaring, [/\] Thank you for contacting the EAGLE-5, sorry I can’t come to the comm now but if you leave a message and how much you’re willing to pay, I’ll be sure to get back to you. [/\] As he looked over to the women in his ship he explained, “Really ORION is very nice this time of year--”
“Answer the comm,” Ya-Han warned, her eyes narrowing in on the sketchy man who was piloting.
Krokus held up one hand in a bid for patience, while covering the comm with another. “You see... I’m not very popular within the Federation.”
Sonja blinked at that. “And yet you decided to kidnap--”
“I prefer to think of myself as a one-way tour guide,” Krokus interjected.
The CEO slammed a fist on the console. “--before you *kidnapped* members of Starfleet! And Xana.”
The Bolian/Human rolled her eyes at that. “Standing right here,” she quipped dryly.
“You know your title,” Sonja announced. Looking over at Krokus she said, “That is where we are going, now let us speak to them.”
Krokus hemmed and hawed while Sonja argued and Ya’Han glared. Finally Adriana tapped on Xana’s shoulder and the azure woman leaned back to hear what the other woman said. “Why don’t you do something?”
Xana threw up her hands. “What do you expect me to do?”
“Something, wave around your credentials,” Adriana pointed out.
Xana sighed. Folding her arms she said, “What do you think I am? A magician? Besides I promised Morningstar I wouldn’t do that, just keep announcing who I am to get us out of jams.”
Adriana frowned at that. “You promised Captain Morningstar that in the event we’re being held on a ship against our will with a Federation starship within range you wouldn’t do everything you could to get us out of it.”
The azure woman rolled her eyes at that. “You frighten me at times.” Sighing, she conceded, “In a good way.” Waving her hand she said, “Oh no, grasshopper, you’re in this with me too.”
Walking back over to where Sonja and Ya’Han were arguing with Krokus. “My baby will never go near a Federation ship!” he declared.
“That’s fine,” Xana decided. Looking down at her fingernails as if she was debating getting a manicure she said, “In accordance with Regulation 06-8342-9322--”
“I’m not listening to your made up regulations,” Krokus said.
“It’s not made up,” Ya-Han confirmed, although she was confused what good Starfleet regulations regarding the Diplomatic Corp was going to do here.
“By the power vested in me as Ambassador -- etcetera, etcetera, etcetera -- I am commandeering this vessel to take us to where we want to go,” Xana said. Glaring at Krokus she said, “And we have one of two destinations, either that ship whose call you will answer or the nearest starbase. Either one will be as soon as possible.”
As Krokus puffed himself up, Ya-Han warned, “It’s either take us where we are going or see the inside of a brig now.”
Krokus pouted at that as he tapped the console. “But we were having fun.”
=/\=
Setting: USS BASTET, Shuttle Bay
Stardate: 35012.1850
The rag tag crew of the came out of the EAGLE-5, and the combined crews of the ANUBIS and BASTET came out to see the returning women... with some new additions.
“So no brig time, we are agreed on that?” Krokus asked as he came out. “And you all liked my flying.”
“You’re pushing it,” Ya-Han warned him.
Captain Morningstar was one of the people in the Shuttle Bay and looked around. “Who is this?” he asked his crew.
“A spoil of war, as it were,” Sonja replied.
Krokus gave an exaggerated bow, “I am Krokus, at your service.”
Whatever Morningstar was going to say was tempered by the eyerolls and glares from the women who had disembarked from the shuttle. Clearing his throat he said, “Yes... well... thank you for bringing them here.”
Krokus, as he straightened himself, clearly never having heard the motto “Less is more”, continued talking. “Well it was a near thing but after the Ambassador commandeered my ship using her fancy rules and title I had no choice but to agree.” Seeing Morningstar’s raised eyebrow he clarified, “Cheerfully. I cheerfully agreed.”
As the Ambassador groaned and began rubbing her temple, Morningstar asked. “Anything else?” Oddly enough he felt something on his foot and looked down to see a reddish-brown dog happily wagging his tail with his pink tongue lolly-gagging out.
“So we got a puppy,” Xana explained, with her best “I’m trying to make the best of this situation” face as she went to grab the puppy from Morningstar’s foot. “That’s D'Artagnan.”
“I see,” the Captain of the ANUBIS replied. “Is there more?”
The four women looked at each other and nodded. “Yes,” they all announced seriously.
=/\=
Sarah Albertini-Bond
USS ANUBIS
=-=
"Questions"
[the previous posts were (ANU) "Etcetera, Etcetera, Etcetera" by Sarah / (BAS) "Battle For EAGLE-5" by David]
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Shuttle Bay
Stardate: 35012.1855
Shar'El stood in the back, out of the way. As the ExO she should have been right there with Captain Morningstar to greet their missing officers back. It was also proper protocol for both the CO and ExO to be present when welcoming a high-ranking dignitary such as an Ambassador. Since her arrival onto the BASTET though, the raven-haired Ullian had fallen back on her ILO ways. This was not her ship, so her title of First Officer held no real significance, so it made sense for the woman to stay back and observe the scene unfold.
She did not need to be a Betazoid to know that there was a great deal of joy and relief in the room. Everyone was happy to see Adriana, Xana, Sonja and Ya'Han back safe and sound. The ladies appeared a little rough around the edges but that was more than understandable based on what bits and pieces of memories the Ullian caught. The only one who was clearly less than thrilled by his being here was Krokus, the expression on his face speaking volume about him wanting to be anywhere else but here. What the ExO / ILO found strange though was the complete lack of memories coming from him. Either his mind was expertly trained or there was something blocking her ability from reaching his mind. Given the man's general appearance, the latter seemed much more likely.
The ExO / ILO smiled as her friends and fellow shipmates walked past her as they exited the shuttle bay. The Ambassador was speaking with the Captain, recalling some of the more colorful situations they were forced to deal with while on the strange space station they had been brought to. Sonja and Ya'Han both seemed to be more than happy to be anywhere else then where they had been which included the station and the ship that had brought them there and back.
Adriana on the other hand was not so easily distracted by the joy and relief that flooded the room. Cradling the puppy in her arms, the memories of the Counselor / Junior Ambassador were locked onto her time as a prisoner.
As she took in the memories being freely broadcasted, Shar'El became aware of something unexpected. While on the alien space station the group encountered copies of themselves, both similar and different in many ways reminding the ExO / ILO of the comparison between Fiona and Selene. Although this did not prove that the faux-Selene came from that specific dimension, the possibility could not be easily dismissed and would require more investigation.
"Commander Valentine to Ensign Enel," the BASTET's First Officer said after tapping her comm badge.
[/\] Chief of Security Enel here, go ahead Commander. [/\]
"Please double the security detail near our guest's quarters. I am escorting a new guest whom will be set in the quarters next to hers," Valentine said.
[/\] Will do Commander. Do you require extra security personnel for the escort? [/\]
"She will not be alone, Ensign," Shar'El chimed in offering her services for this simplistic task. "Your current ILO is busy in Main Engineering, so I thoughts I would offer my services. So please, Commander, do not look upon me as another ExO trying to challenge your authority as this is not my intention. I simply offer my skills and knowledge as an ILO curious to uncover what your latest guest might be trying to hide from us all."
The BASTET's ExO considered the offer very carefully and eventually agreed although with some clear reservations. "No need for any extra security for the escort Ensign Enel. Just have the security detail ready at our destination."
[/\] Understood Commander. Bridge out. [/\]
"I am glad to see that you are trusting me," Shar'El said trying to be as polite and friendly as she could be.
"I don't," Sarena said in an icy tone. "If something should happen, at least it will not be *my* ILO who will be on the receiving end." With her sentiments made perfectly clear, the two Commanders motioned for the man to join them. "If you would be so kind as to follow us, we will escort you to your quarters. I am sure that Captain Iverson and Captain Morningstar will want to speak with you soon."
"I was promised that I would not be going to the brig!" Krokus said, his wide-opened eyes filled with horror.
"We are not escorting you to the brig Mr. Krokus," Valentine reassured. "You are our guest and we have quarters ready for you. Granted you will not be permitted to leave or wander the ship at this time, but I assure you that you are not being detained as a criminal. I am sure that you will understand that for the time being we also cannot permit you to return to your... craft," Sarena had to carefully chose her word not ready to refer to the odd-looking piece of equipment resting in the shuttle bay as a 'ship'.
Seeing that he had few options, the man sighed and lowered his head. "Lead the way. My guess is that if I refuse you will either quote some unknown regulation that will force me to comply or worse you will call in the brute squad to have them drag me feet-first to wherever it is you want to lock me away in."
"Trust me when I saw this," Shar'El whispered to the man. "You would not like dealing with the brute squad. He is quite the man and would not even break a sweat in dealing with the likes of you."
"HE?!? The squad is only one man?"
Seeing what she was doing, Sarena decided to play along. "Ensign Enel is more than enough to be a one-man squad and Commander Shar'El is right when she states that he would not break a sweat while dealing with you, even at your worst."
Realizing that his options had gone from few to truly none, Krokus sheepishly complied without saying anything more. Once the man was far enough ahead a few steps behind the one security officer in the lead, Shar'El leaned over to Sarena. "Well, we did not lie. As I recall, Voths being reptilian do not sweat, this no matter how demanding a physical task may be." Commander Valentine just relied with a fleeting smile as they followed the to make certain that there would not be any problems.
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 7, Guest Quarters
Stardate: 35012.1910
Krokus surveyed the quarters that he was assigned with a sense of sadness. Yes, these were much nicer accommodations than he was used to, but it was still a prison based on the fact that he could not leave and that there were guards posted outside his door.
"Relax," Fiona said as she stepped out from the shadows. "When was the last time you had an actual bed that you could enjoy?"
"How am I supposed to enjoy a bed while you and I are sharing a place like this?"
"There are not my quarters. I am in the ones next door," Fiona explained. "Relax, how I managed to be here is well above your pay-grade. All you need to know is that I am here, and things are unfolding according to plan. Hel will be most pleased, that is of course as long as you do as you are told."
"Don't worry, I know what I have to do," Krokus said sighing heavily.
"You better. I would hate to have to force someone to clean these quarters from your splattered blood and guts on every wall." The though made Krokus nervous causing him to look around while he unwillingly imaged what the scene might look like. When he returned his eyes to the woman, she was gone as if she had never been there at all. He knew her well enough to know that this was not his mind playing tricks on him and that it was best for him to obey her and continue with the plan as laid out by Hel.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Commander Shar'El [Access Character BIO for Shar'El]
Executive Officer / Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
Ensign Sofia Andersson [Access Character BIO for Sofia Andersson]
Chief Medical Officer
USS BASTET
---
"Counseling Session"
(Previous Post: (ANU) "Questions" / (BAS) "Battle For EAGLE-5")
---
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 1, Observation Lounge
Stardate: 35012.1915
Selene sat in her seat at the end of the conference table, yet that was the only familiar aspect of this meeting as she was the only officer from the BASTET in attendance. Captain Morningstar sat on the right along with Ambassador Bonviva and Junior Ambassador Lopez while Lieutenant Commander Paquette and Lieutenant Ya'Han sat on the left.
Iverson listened as the group went through a hurried various of what they had encountered while in the other dimension. A dark space station located in the middle of nowhere, doppelgangers of themselves and more importantly was a plot from 'The Confederacy', the twisted mirror reflection of the Federation from this other dimension, to send an invasion force into this dimension.
As soon as the physical mistreatment of Adriana Lopez was mentioned, the meeting was brought to an end, Captain Iverson ordering everyone to report to Sickbay for a complete physical examination. It made sense for Erik to follow them, after all they were *his* officers, leading to Selene to find herself alone in the room.
After a few minutes of quiet reflection, the Captain of the USS BASTET reached for her communicator. "Counselor Dima, if you have a moment could you please report to the Observation Lounge?"
=/\= On my way. =/\=
Selene Iverson cupped her face in her hands. She could feel a tension headache forming, which wasn’t a normal occurrence for her. Then again, these were not normal times. The ship was crowded with extra crew but having multiple educated opinions in key positions wasn’t making things any easier. She raised her head to witness Nicole’s arrival.
The joined Trill looked concerned and curious. She hadn’t been expecting the Captain’s invite. “What can I help you with?”
"Counselor Dima, be honest with me... have I lost it?"
"That's an interesting way to open a conversation," The diminutive brunette replied.
"And you're evading the question," Selene pointed out.
“If I answered ‘yes’, would that make you feel better?”
Selene paused. “The fact that I’m even thinking about this before responding is not doing my confidence any favors.”
Nic sat across from her Commanding Officer. "Relax. First, that was clearly a rhetorical question. Second, a person without solid possession of their mental faculties wouldn't question their sanity."
“I haven’t lost it then,” the ebony-haired woman said with uncertainty.
“Not yet,” Nicole quipped, almost smiling. “But why am I here?”
“Our mission is likely not finished, even though we have found the ANUBIS’ missing crew,” Selene began. "There is a threat on the other side, one that we have been asked to involve ourselves in and put a stop to."
"The Confederacy." Nicole confirmed, looking troubled. “Haven’t any of these other beings ever heard the saying ‘the grass is always greener on the other side’?”
“Yes, but they are choosing it as fact, rather than an idiom.”
“It’s not just a simple search-and-rescue anymore,” Nic prodded. “We have Eric’s people back.”
“Anything that requires dimensional travel, or a mirror universe probably shouldn’t be called simple, but complications are now on a much greater order of magnitude than I signed up for.” Selene cast her grey eyes on the CNS. “What are your thoughts on this?”
“While a daunting prospect, we’ve handled worse threats before.” Neither of them had to utter the name Lokustaar to know what they’d managed to overcome. “Once again, the safety of the entire Federation would be at stake if these Confederates were to infiltrate our universe. We will only get one chance to make a first impression. Striking early and quickly will give us the upper hand. It’s logical. You know this already.”
“I can’t argue with you,” Iverson agreed. “Those reasons alone would tip the balance in favor of us going.”
“But you still look upset. Something- or someone- is stopping you from following through,” Nicole said astutely. “And it’s not Captain Morningstar.”
“Fiona,” Selene said, the woman who both was and was not a copy of her weighing heavily on her mind. “Her very presence is disturbing to me.”
“You share almost identical DNA with that cross-dimensional embodiment of you. Of course that’s a little creepy.”
Selene almost rolled her eyes. “Thanks for noticing.”
“What was it like speaking with her?”
“It was haunting and uncomfortable.”
“Which part?”
“All of it. Especially the part where she was seemingly friendly but also evasive. I learned a lot about the Confederacy and why she felt we were the right choice to take action against them, but I wanted to know more about her, and she wouldn’t give up a shred of that.”
Nicole folded her arms thoughtfully. “There’s a reason Starfleet has a temporal investigation unit. Even she must understand you can’t interfere with history, even though this isn’t her home universe.”
“Then why divulge anything at all?”
Nic shrugged. “Maybe she’s known about the Confederacy and its motives for a long time, but didn’t have anyone to confide in. Maybe she was telling the truth that we have a unique and positive position with which to help. Maybe the only person she trusts is one of her doppelgangers.”
“But I don’t trust *her*,” Selene sighed, letting her concern out. “Wouldn’t she know that about me if she was such an expert?”
“Not necessarily. It’s nature versus nurture. Genetics versus environment. IDIC. It’s obvious her upbringing was vastly different than your own. So, despite the fact that you are twins of a sort, she can’t read your mind. She can only make educated guesses.”
Iverson pushed herself up from the table, walking around a little, attempting to free herself from her thoughts. “I’m trying to put myself in her position, but without any reference I can’t see what her motivations are.”
“I get why you don’t trust her. But she’s not the only person with an opinion here. The Ambassador, Counselor Lopez, Ya’Han, and Sonja just came back from there. This Krokus guy that came with them must know *something*. Just look at his ship. If you can piece together their experiences with what Fiona is telling us, wouldn’t that be enough to ease some of your worries?”
Selene nodded her head. There was a reason why Counselors were assigned to ship and why it was a prudent choice for a Commanding Officer to make use of such a valuable resource. "Thank you, Counselor. It might not have resolved my headache but at least I have a clearer picture of what it is I need to do."
"Always a pleasure to help, Captain" Dima said, a feeling of accomplishment filling her being.
---
Susan Ledbetter
Writing for
and
Jessica Solarik
Captain Selene Fiona Iverson [Access Character BIO for Selene Iverson]
Commanding Officer
USS BASTET
&
Lieutenant Commander Maya [Access Character BIO for 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)
-=-=-
"Counselling The Counsellor"
[Previous post: (ANU) "Questions" & (BAS) "Counseling Session"]
-=-=-
Setting: USS BASTET, Sickbay
Stardate: 35012.1930
Adriana sat cross-legged on the corner-most bed of the room with D’Artangnan safely cradled in the created divot of her legs. The puppy had surrendered himself to being there and petted, all of his earlier efforts to go and investigate this new world having been denied by the woman currently scratching behind his right ear. As absentmindedly as the gesture was, the canine appeared more than happy to be the target of such lasting attention.
“We are ready for you now,” Satella said, referring to the medical team. The smile on the CMO’s face made it abundantly clear that she was more than happy to see her friend safe and sound while at the same time letting some hints of concerns make their way onto her facial expression.
“I’m fine,” Adriana said, trying to be as assertive as she could be but realizing that she was failing miserably. “Take care of the others, they went through more than I did.”
“Not according to what *they* told me,” the Doctor and friend said without trying to hide her disappointment, the emphasis on the word ‘they’ clarifying that it was the same people they were speaking about. “You were captured and showed distinct physical evidence of having been beaten during your incarceration. I can only guess to the hell you went through while you were being tortured but I do not need to guess at anything to know that you are not *fine*.” Despite her frustration, Satella managed to keep her tone of voice soft and friendly. The troubled woman sitting in front of her was much more than a patient, she was a dear friend who needed immediate care that could not be forced upon her. She needed to want to be helped.
“I *am* fine,” Adriana said in a way meant to convince both her friend and herself. “I just need to be alone for a little while longer.”
“Alone?” Satella said before looking over her shoulders to make sure that no one else would hear what she would say next. “Do you need time to speak with Amanda? Is that what this is about? I get it, speaking to Amanda might make more sense right now since she was there with you during all of this, but she is not the answer to what is troubling you right now.” The CMO knew of Adriana’s hallucinations of her missing twin sister, the haunting image of her sibling always making an appearance when things became too difficult for the hispanic woman to handle on her own.
“Amanda?” She repeated her twin sister’s name as if it had been the first time she had ever heard it. “No, I just want to be alone, just as I was before and during. She abandoned me when I needed her the most and I certainly do not need her now.” The gentle scratching behind D’Artagnan’s ear had turned into a forceful petting of the puppy’s head pulling his fur back to such a point that it made him look Asian.
Satella was at a loss as to what to say or do next. Doctor Andersson had been more than happy to allow the ANUBIS’ Doctor to take care of the Junior Ambassador, the woman being a close friend of the CMO, but that had not taken into account the kind of resistance she was dealing with at this time.
A gentle hand landed on Bruxa’s shoulder making the Doctor turn to see the BASTET’s diminutive CNS standing there. “I think Doctor Andersson might be in need of your assistance in dealing with Ambassador Bonviva.”
Satella looked at Xana who was sitting on a biobed a few stations down before looking at Nicole and Adriana before returning her attention onto the Counselor. “Thank you,” she said without speaking aloud, the CMO understanding exactly what was happening.
“It’s nice to have a Doctor looking out for you, isn’t it?” Nic asked in an attempt to break the ice, trying to take in all the body language displayed by the ANUBIS’s Counselor. She was hunched over a little, avoiding eye contact for the most part. Those were signs that she was trying to deflect attention from herself. Thankfully the sweet puppy was soothing her, but eventually he would sleep, and it was certain that Adriana would need to rest, too. And as much as she professed to wanting to be alone, The joined Trill’s instincts went in the opposite direction. A cluttered mind wasn’t the best companion.
In an ideal situation, Nicole would have spoken with the Ambassador, Sonja, and Ya’Han about Adriana’s state of mind after her rescue. She would have consulted with Captain Morningstar about her service record since she arrived. But with the missing crew nearly hand-delivered to them, all thoughts about an organized effort had fallen by the wayside. She would need to work on the fly. “Doctor Bruxa has been a huge help to us since she arrived.” It was clear that the Mikulak woman cared about the Junior Ambassador, but Adriana did not respond in the way that was expected of her.
“She gets antsy unless she has something constructive to do,” Adrianna finally answered, a flicker of recognition present in her brown eyes. “When you put her to work, you played right into her hands.”
“I’m relieved that your physical injuries weren’t serious,” Dima continued, trying to stress the positive.
“You know any psychological effects will linger,” the Hispanic woman replied distantly, like she was speaking in abstracts or talking about someone else.
The impish brunette sighed softly. Even though Adriana had been through severe trauma, her education and knowledge were as sharp as anyone’s in her field. It was the first time that Nic wondered how Sofia was handling another Doctor aboard and how Gemma was handling Shar’El’s presence. It didn’t exactly bode well. “I’m not here to analyze you,” Nicole replied, ruffling her short hair with her hand nervously.
“And I’m not here to be someone’s project,” Adriana fired back.
“If you feel I am treating you that way, I apologize. You are a human being, not a project.” Nicole felt a little flustered that her four lifetimes of experience were coming up short against a Junior Ambassador with simply more life experience. It wasn’t the first time since her arrival in Starfleet that she felt growing pains.
Adriana’s expression softened. “Glad we agree.”
Nic hoped that was some kind of acceptance, and continued. “There’s a room full of people, a ship full of people- who wanted nothing but to have you back. You do realize that, don’t you?”
D’Artagnan whined, looking up at his mistress as she continued to pet him more gently now. “Is that supposed to make it all better?”
“No, it’s supposed to make you recognize *why* you want to get better.”
Neither of them noticed the lithe form of the Human/Bolian woman approaching them. “You can’t claim diplomatic immunity to get out of counseling.”
“Excuse me?” Adriana sounded puzzled.
Xana looked at both women as she spoke but was clearly directing her comments to Adriana. “There’s no regulation that says you can use your credentials to stop the Ensign from doing her job.”
“I have seen you throw your rank and position around more times than I can count, so much so that Captain Morningstar had to make you promise to stop doing it,” Adriana said as her calm demeanor rapidly flowed away from the woman. “You have always enjoyed, or at least that is the impression I got, when I would do something, not as a Ship’s Counselor but as your Junior Ambassador. You always said that an Ambassador needs to be the one in charge, that it is part of the job, that we like it or not.”
“This is different,” Xana huffed. “We are not talking about negotiating a planetary treaty or trying to find common ground between two warring adversaries. This is about people having put their lives on the line to find and rescue you. I am sorry that we were not able to stop them from kidnapping you. I am sorry that we did not find you before you were beaten and tortured the way you were. We did the best we could to bring you back, and now it is your turn to do *your* best by letting those who care so much about you to actually help you mend both the physical and psychological scars that were so brutally inflicted upon you.”
Nicole hadn’t realized that the room had grown much more silent during the Ambassador’s plea, or that she had been holding her breath, looking to Adriana for a response. Xana’s words were heartfelt and to the point. Nic wanted Adriana’s trust that she could help her get better. But she also understood why that might be too much to ask at the present time.
Anger bordering on rage flashed over the Junior Ambassador’s face. Seconds later it was a sadness growing into what could only be described as overwhelming anguish that could be seen on the woman’s features. The inner battle of emotions raged on for several more seconds before the one side finally won over the other. “Why?” Adriana broke down sobbing, letting go of D’Artagnan who, instead of jumping off the bed, turned to look at his troubled mistress. As little as the animal understood of what was happening, it knew that something was not right.
Nicole followed her impulses and hugged the emotionally broken woman, full of gratitude that Adriana was able to release some of her pent up agony. “It’s okay,” she almost whispered. “Let it out.” The other woman’s body convulsed with sobs as Nic tried to give her the illusion of safety. “She will be alright,” the joint Trill added as she looked back to the Bolian/Human woman standing close by.
“No she won’t, not for a long while,” Xana very quietly whispered back. “That is part of the price we pay for being members of the Ambassadorial corp. Sooner or later, the emotions we have kept bottled up inside come pouring out, and usually not in a good way.”
-=-=-
Susan Ledbetter
And
Marissa Montonera-Lombardi
Lieutenant JG Adriana Lopez [Access Character BIO for Adriana Lopez]
Ship's Counselor & Junior Ambassador
USS ANUBIS
=-=
"Time To Rest"
[the previous posts were (ANU) "Counselling The Counsellor" / (BAS) "Counseling Session"]
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Sickbay
Stardate: 35012.1635
Sickbay was once again empty and quiet. Everyone had been examined and given a clean bill of health. That did not mean there had not been any bumps or bruises along the way. There were more than enough of those on everyone. Allowing people to rest in quarters only meant that no one had suffered anything major or permanent. At least physically speaking.
"We did well," Doctor Andersson said. "I always was told that two CMOs could not work together. That each would try to force the other to work their way."
"This is your ship, your sickbay, your domain. I am but a humble guest trying to help as much as she can." Satella smiled until her gaze drifted onto the corner-most bed.
"You are worried about your friend." The words were not a question but a statement. Sofia was acknowledging what had transpired and how it made them all feel. It had been impossible to miss the exchange between the Ambassador and Junior Ambassador. It had also been impossible to deny the effect it had on everyone.
Satella sighed. "Physical scars are far easier to treat than emotional ones. I cannot even begin to imagine what she went through out there. The scars of being kidnapped are not something easily dealt with. The sense of vulnerability stays with you, usually for the rest of your life."
"Emotional scars never fully heal," Sofia agreed. Her own personal experience with the destruction of PARIS was proof enough of that.
"The problem is that the kidnapping was not the only thing she had to endure." Saying this Satella was on the verge of tears. "She was beaten and tortured with horrifying force and precision. The fact that she still appeared as strong as she did is a miracle on its own."
"I assure you, your friend is in very good hands," Sofia said. "Nicole is a remarkable woman and an even better CNS. With four lifetimes of experiences and knowledge, she will find a way to make it all better. You just have to give her time. Trust me, she is the best."
"You really admire the Counselor," Bruxa pointed out. As much as she did not really want to, the CMO welcomed the opportunity to change the focus of their conversation. Continuing to talk about Adriana would only result in Satella emotionally breaking down.
"Am I not supposed to?" The grin on her lips as Andersson asked this was beyond evident. "Is it not required for a CMO to admire what a CNS does? We are a team, working on two sides of the same problems. Doctors fix the body while Counselors fix the mind. So, of course I admire Nicole, I could not do what I do without her."
"I saw the way you two looked at one another. There is more between the two of you than a professional relationship." Satella paused, considering how her words might be interpreted. "Please understand that I have nothing against such a relationship. Being able to have someone special in your life is truly a gift. Especially when that someone feels the same way as you do."
"Why do I have the feeling that we are no longer talking about Nic and I?" Sofia tilted her head to one side, trying to show annoyance that was not truly there. "You are not the only one that is able to see how people look at one another. I saw the way your entire demeanor changes when his name is mentioned."
Bruxa's posture quickly straightened up. "His name? I have no idea what it is that you are referring to."
Andersson took hold of the other CMO's shoulders and sat her on the main examination bed. "Jayson Stark!" Satella eyes opened wide but the woman remained quiet. "Elevated heartrate, increasing in cardiovascular pressure, dilation of the pupils and capillaries in your cheeks."
It took a few seconds for Doctor Bruxa to understand where the other CMO was getting all of this information. Looking over her shoulder to the diagnostic display, Satella confirmed her suspicions. Her head had not fully returned to its starting position before the Mikulak woman had jumped off the examination bed. "That was not fair, you cheated!"
"I am not judging you or anyone else. I just wanted to even the score. Now back to Adriana and Nicole," Sofia offered to Satella's great relief. "Dealing with emotional pain may be very different than addressing physical injuries. There is one thing they do share in the process of healing -- time. Everyone needs to rest and allow thing things to settle down."
"That is easier said than done. After hearing what Ambassador Bonviva said about this Confederacy, I doubt that we will be resting for long." Satella was visibly troubled.
"Life on the ANUBIS cannot be that much different than that on the BASTET. Things are always shifting, changing, moving. We go from fighting for our lives one minute to saving the way of life of an entire world the next." Sofia stopped and sat on the bed where Satella had been only moments ago. "The one constant is for us to make the best of whatever time we are giving in between. Life is too short, too uncertain and unpredictable. We never know what will happen tomorrow. Heck, we are lucky if we know what will happen within the nest 30 seconds."
"True," Bruxa agreed. "You cannot go and see Nicole for the same reason I cannot go to see Adriana. So, what do we do in the meantime?"
"It may not be much, but I am sure that we can find something in the Mess Hall." With a wave of her hand, Dr. Anderson invited to other Doctor to head towards the door. "I am sure that we can have the food replicator create something cold and tasty."
"Nothing like a late night icescream snack to get you to relax. Count me in," and with that the two CMOs exited Sickbay.
=-=
Rachel Jackie Johnson
[Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint. - Mark Twain]
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
"Tactical Meeting"
[previous post were (ANU) "Time To Rest" / (BAS) "Counseling Session"]
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Setting: BASTET, Deck 3, Crew Quarters
Stardate: 35012.2000
It was nice to see Doctor Bruxa and the others. To be back in a familiar setting had done wonders to ease the Nylaan's stress, so much so that her hair had reverted back to solid back. At least that was the reasoning she accepted to account for this odd change in her appearance. Yes, Han gladly embraced that very same color while Ya'Han despised it and all that it represented, but for the time being the Sec/Tac did not want to think about anything that dealt with that dark and gloomy space station.
Following a long overdue shower and slipping into a fresh uniform, Ya'Han set out to find Jayson. She had been assigned to the same quarters as he but the man had failed to join her, something that she was finding increasingly worrisome. When the sound of the door chime rang, the Nylaan leaped to the door ready to greet the man she had been expecting. The thought of why he had used the door chime was easily dismissed by her as his desire not to find her in a less than presentable manner.
With her hair now back to the usual mixture of red and black, the Nylaan opened the door with a smile, a smile that immediately vanished when instead of the Human man she had expected to see standing there Ya'Han saw an imposing bipedal lizard whom she recognized as being Ensign Zub Enel, the BASTET's Chief of Security.
Zub Enel watched the woman take a disappointed step back, her hair gradually losing the red streaks that had been there only seconds ago. "I hope I am not interrupting anything,” he said ever so politely.
"You are not," Ya'Han said before forcing herself to be a more gracious host. "Please, come in. To what do I owe this visit?"
"I wanted to make sure that the accomodations were to your liking. With so many *guests* onboard, we had to double assign some of the quarters. Captain Morningstar informed Commander Valentine that you and Lieutenant Stark were a couple, so it was deemed safe to have you share these quarters."
Not wanting to linger on the 'couple' aspect of their personal situation, Ya'Han quickly moved on to a related subject. "Speaking of Jayson, where is he? I was expecting to find him here or at the very least to show up after a little while."
"Lieutenant Stark is currently on the bridge manning the Operations station," the scaly giant replied. "He was kind enough to offer his expertise to help us find you and the other missing members of the ANUBIS' crew. He is still there making sure that the ship that tried to attack the EAGLE-5, or anything that comes close to it, are not still out there waiting for an opportunity to strike again."
"Thank you for letting me know," Ya'Han said before looking up at the tower of a being standing there, motionless. "Is there something else?"
"Actually, there is," he admitted. "Captain Iverson has tasked me with gathering all of the available tactical information about this Confederacy. Since you were there, in that other dimension, I thought I would begin by asking you a few questions."
Ya'Han was not in the mood for this, but duty came before any personal feelings. Over the years since her escape from her homeworld and Ferengi controlled space, this way of thinking proved to be her saving grace more than once. Unfortunately it had also been the main reason for the rift between Jayson and her. Chosing to go on an undercover mission by claiming to have fallen under the charms of Jayson's Lokustaar-created clone had not been easy. Actually developing feelings for that man had made matters even worse.
"Ask away," the Sec/Tac said as she made her way to the couch. There was no reason why she would have to stay standing for this. As she flicked her pitch-black hair over her shoulder she detected a distinct air of hesitation coming from the Voth. It did not take a lot of effort for Ya'Han to guess as to what was troubling the wall-of-scales that had walked into the room. "Yes, I am Nylaan and we are capable of changing the color of our hair. Usually this is meant as a way to identify which cast or group we have earned the right to be a part of. In my case, it was a skill forced upon me from a very young age, a skill that has become over time an unconscious way to reflect my mood and emotions. As Chief of Security, you might find my displaying the colors of the Warrior sect more acceptable." As she said this, Ya'Han's hair changed from solid black to bright red.
“Very Impressive,” the BASTET Sec/Tac said with what seemed true sincerity. “You may have met our changeable ILO, Lt. Gemma? I have been learning that she, too, has had her changeability forced upon her.”
Ya’Han shook her head. “We have not met."
Zub softened his voice like he thought it might otherwise carry through the door. “Just remember, if her hair becomes as red as yours and her voice changes, that is ‘Anya’, a highly dangerous personality. You and anyone around her is not safe. I believe the common expression is ‘tread carefully.’”
“Thank you for that,” the Nylaan said, puzzled. Was this Gemma a Nylaan like her? If so, why take on a new name with the simple change of her hair color. If the ANUBIS' Sec/Tac did this, she would never be certain as to what name to use. After a few seconds of silence, Ya'Han nestled her head with red and black streaked hair against the couch back so she could comfortably look up at the lofty golden-eyed lizard man. “Now. Questions?”
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Hanali Han
Lieutenant Ya'Han [Access Character BIO for Ya'Han]
Chief of Security / Chief Tactical Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
=-=
"Character Assessment"
[the previous post was (ANU) "Tactical Meeting" / (BAS) "Counselling Session"]
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Bridge
Stardate: 35012.2030
It might have been strange to say this, but the bridge was the quietest park of the BASTET. Thanks to the presence of the senior staff of the ANUBIS, the ship was abuzz with activity. More so than most were accustomed to, especially the ILO. People were talking, recalling what had transpired or debating on what would happen next. Past experiences were shared. Theory about the current situation were explored. Plans for dealing with the Confederacy were being made. Everyone was busy with someone else, Gemma being the one glaring exception to this.
She had grown accustomed to be a member of a crew. Being a team member had never been her strong point. Mission after mission though she found this concept to be increasingly easier. After all, she had never been part of a team like this before joining the BASTET. Or had she?
Gemma could clearly remember many times when others had come to help her. Times when their unique and individual skills arrived just in time to save the day. How many times had Anya's ruthlessness saved her from certain doom? How many times had Wimda's technical expertise found an unlikely solution to a trap? How many times had Dalra's talents as a pilot saved her from being captured? Those were not the only ones to come to her help when she needed it. There was Neri and Lantra, Gabrielle and Jinx, and many more who always seemed to be there when their particular skills were needed.
Following the discovery made in the holodeck thank to Enel, the ILO had to put the idea of 'never having been part of a team' back in question. Gemma always considered herself to be a loner, but the more she thoughts about it, the less the descriptive seemed to apply.
"Are e done with this self-analysis?" It was the El'Aurian Counselor who spoke. "This is the first time you have tried to understand who it is you are. This is not the first time you have put yourself under scrutiny. Each time you do, you end up more broken and shattered than you were before. Maybe one day you will be able to answer the question of who you really are. Right now, though, is neither the time or place. Your ship, your crew, and that of the ANUBIS need you to be clear-headed and on task. That is unless you are willing to let Shar'El take your place as this ship's ILO? Jayson Stark is already officially assigned as the OPS officer, Lt. Cmdr. Paquette seems to be more than happy down in engineering. I do not see why Captain Iverson would refuse to allow Shar'El to take over your post should you be unable to accomplish your duties."
The woman stopped and looked at her reflection coming from one of the inactive screens. The blonde-hair of the El'Aurian quickly gave way to the wavy brown locks of the ILO. It was not the color of the hair that Gemma noticed though. It was the expression of absolute determination on the face of the woman looking back at her that hit home.
The unpalatable thought of Shar'El taking over the position of the BASTET's ILO pushed Gemma. There was no way she would allow this to happen. That meant she needed to keep her wits and focus where they needed to be. Rescuing the missing officers of the ANUBIS was no longer her mission. Figuring out what the Confederacy was planning was the one and only thing that the ILO needed to focus on.
With that in mind, Gemma called up the security feeds from the guest quarters. The faux-Selene was sitting comfortably on the couch, waiting for something. The expression on her face showed no concerns, not worries, not even a hint of impatience. By the looks of things, the woman was as content as could be being where she was.
In the quarters next door, the same could not be said about Krokus. The man was a nervous wreck, pacing the length of the quarters back and forth. It was easy to see that unlike Fiona, he did not want to be here. He was not in the least bit comfortable with the situation as it stood and appeared ready to jump out of his skin.
Experience had taught Gemma that dealing with someone as calm as Fiona would not be easy. The woman held one or more secrets, and did not fear being asked questions. Krokus on the other hand was so nervous that anything he would say might not even make any sense. The ILO needed to find a way to get the answers her Captain needed. In order to accomplish this, Gemma would need to come up with a plan. Breaking through the calm and secured defenses of the faux-Selene would take time. Making Krokus become more at ease with his situation would also take time. There was not enough time for her do both. There was no way to know how close the Confederacy was to seeing their plan ready to execute. Therefore, she needed to pick one out of the two.
"You are making this harder than it needs to be." It was the Kotakian Yshuni Talz who spoke. Her blue hair impossible to miss in the reflection coming from the inactive screen. "Why do you have to always be 'all or nothing'? You don't want to let Shar'El take over as ILO. That makes perfect sense but listen to yourself. You are so bent on proving your worth in that role that you are ignoring everything else. You are not alone on the BASTET. No one here will think any less of you if you ask for help. Cmdr. Valentine has been on your side, so ask her for her opinion. You could even ask Misaki for help with this. You might end up with Lt. Cmdr. Maya helping as well. What about Enel? I am sure he would be thrilled to help you in whatever way he can. You have to ask yourself this. Does proving yourself mean showing everyone that you are a loner or that you are a member of this team?"
Looking at the reflection, Gemma saw her brown wavy hair once again return, a faint smile framed by her locks. She now knew what needed to be done.
=-=
Rachel Jackie Johnson
[The fun is getting to wear multiple disguises and getting to explore multiple personalities and bring them to life. - Jenna Fischer]
“Negotiations”
[Previous Posts: (ANU) "Tactical Meeting" (BAS) "Counseling Session"]
=/\=
Setting: USS BASTET, Near Guest Quarters
Stardate: 35012.2230
Nicole Dima quietly stepped out of Adriana's accommodations, her eyes drooping closed against her will. She looked drained, about to fall asleep herself. But she was satisfied that she had done her best.
The CO of the ANUBIS had been standing sentinel outside, waiting. "How is she?" Erik asked, and startled the young Trill. "I'm sorry," he added as she breathed a sigh of relief, leaning against the edge of the door for support.
"I never appreciated your stealth before," Nic quipped, rubbing the back of her neck and standing upright, "and I'm not sure I do now."
“Professional hazard,” he responded, trying to keep the mood light. However, neither of them seemed to be up for taking the bait.
Nicole paused, trying to find the best words to answer Morningstar's question. "She's resting. She's stopped crying, for now. I’ve made sure she knows she can reach out to us for anything at any time."
"I can tell there's a 'but' coming," the Native American man conceded.
"I wish I could tell you that you were wrong, but she's got a long way to go. When the mind and body undergo such extremely violent treatment, providing a safe space to explore and release those emotions is not a one-shot deal. There are elements of post-traumatic stress. She will need to relive this more than once to completely rid herself of it.”
“You know from experience,” Eric replied. The Reman prison on JDO-SHEN had held both Dima and Doctor Andersson captive before their assignment to the BASTET.
Nicole’s blue eyes looked somber. “Yes. And I had Sofia’s help, among others. And Adriana has a healthy support system as well. I can tell how much she is cared for by the Ambassador and Satella and the others. Even if she is not yet willing to admit it.”
“Why wouldn’t she want to accept their help?”
“A number of reasons. Adriana may be concerned about burdening the others by subjecting them to her experience and her recovery. She might feel guilt as it was her decisions that led her to be imprisoned, and for us to go after her. She simply may not be completely ready to begin the healing process. After all, our business isn’t finished here.”
“What do you mean?” Erik asked.
“The Confederacy is launching an initiative to invade our universe. Captain Iverson’s counterpart has asked for our help in putting a stop to their plans.”
“And she trusts her!?” He interjected.
“No, but-” Erik wasn’t sticking around to hear Nicole’s response. He was already making a beeline to the turbolift. The petite brunette had no choice but to follow him. “Hey, wait!”
=/\=
Setting: Captain's Ready Room
Selene brought the cup of perfectly warmed green tea to her lips. A single lemon slice floated on top of the beverage she replicated in an attempt to bring her a shred of peace as they lingered just inside the ORION system, still working on their next steps. But before she could place the cup down, someone indicated they were determined to enter. She set the cup down with a clatter as the door chime sounded, accompanied by the noise of someone speaking forcefully and what could possibly be described as a scuffle.
“Enter!” Selene said and braced herself. She wouldn’t have to wait long.
Erik Morningstar barged in, with Ensign Dima only a couple of steps behind. “I will not let you do this!” he shouted. “My people have already endured more than enough.”
“You do not have the authority to ‘let’ me do anything,” Selene reminded him, trying to remain calm. “That was the deal.”
“And I have respectfully kept my distance,” Eric growled. “But when the continued safety of my crew is at stake, I *can* and I *will* voice my concerns.”
“And just what is it that you intend to stop me from doing?” Selene shot back with icy calmness.
“Going after the Confederacy.”
“Who-” the CO of the BASTET began, when she saw the conflict in the Counselor’s face.
“I didn’t mean to cause trouble,” Nicole urged. “I was only trying to update Eric on Adriana’s condition.”
Captain Morningstar continued. “...Which is precarious, as you might imagine. I need to bring everyone home so they can recuperate, especially Adriana."
“Bringing her back to the scene of her abduction might cause a ripple effect and delay her recovery,” the Counselor admitted.
“Are you saying you agree with him?” Selene glared.
“I’m saying things have gotten a lot more complicated since we spoke earlier. There are more working parts to this than meets the eye.” All Nicole could do was watch the two Commanding Officers as their tempers flared.
Eric sat across from Selene, trying to adopt a more measured stance. "It is not an overstepping of boundaries to offer my opinion on this matter. Surely you can agree with that.”
"Opinion, yes. But the decision is mine."
Eric placed his hand on Iverson’s desk. “I urge you to take caution here. Sometimes the best offense is a strong defense. We need to bide our time-”
The ebony-haired woman had had enough. "You drag us to ORION to save your people, now you want to leave despite there being a greater need to attend to, one that affects the entire Federation? Fine, take your crew off my ship. We are going to deal with this ourselves!" Selene paused as she looked at Erik, realizing too late that she had lost control of her emotions. Since her presumed death at the hand of the Lokustaar, it had not been the first time she'd allowed her emotions to emerge, and this troubled her. Right now though was not the time to try and understand what had happened to her. A much more pressing issue was at hand, and the expression of disbelief imprinted on the face of the Native American was more than enough to bring her back on task. Iverson closed her eyes and collected her thoughts before speaking, her voice and tone now back to what her crew as well as herself expected it to be. "I understand what you are saying, and if the situation was different I would agree and order the BASTET back to NEW ALEXANDRIA right away. We both know that it is not that easy though. We have been made aware of a threat against the Federation and it is our duty to protect the Federation from this threat. I would prefer if you and your people came along as it would greatly increase our odds of success, but if we have to go at it alone, we will."
The Captain of the BASTET paused once again and looked directly into the eyes of her counterpart from the ANUBIS. "As Commanding Officer, we have a responsability to our crew, I will not try to argue this as I entirely agree with you. As a Captain though we also have a responsability to the Federation, to protect and defend the billions upon bilions of individuals to the best of our abilities, even if it means putting our ships and everyone on board at risk. What we do today could save countless lives tomorrow."
In the blink of an eye, Erik thought of his senior staff. In as much as he knew that Adriana needed support and an environment in which she could heal, he could imagine most of the rest of them wishing to go back to the Confederacy's universe. With the BASTET currently being without a CEO or an OPS officer, Jayson and Sonja would likely offer their services to stay and help. Ambassador Bonviva might try to negotiate, to find a diplomatic solution to the situation. Maya would stay just to experience the dimensional jump, and the data she could collect. Ya'Han would probably choose to stay because Jayson was staying. He wasn't sure what Shar'El and Satella would do if given the options, but he knew enough to know the answer didn't change his response now. "I agree," Erik reluctantly confirmed. "You are right."
Nicole had been so quiet during the last exchange that the two Captains had forgotten she was there. She certainly hadn't. "Perhaps this would be a good time to leave, Sir?" she piped up. It was good to quit while they were ahead, or in this case, to at least quit while they were even.
Morningstar stood and adjusted his tunic. "I'm sorry to have intruded upon your time, and your office. It was unprofessional."
"Only if you will consider my suggestion to throw you off the ship equally so," Selene offered quietly.
=/\=
Susan Ledbetter
Writing for
and
Jessica Solarik
Captain Selene Fiona Iverson [Access Character BIO for Selene Iverson]
Commanding Officer
USS BASTET
&
Lieutenant Commander Maya [Access Character BIO for Maya]
Chief Science Officer
USS ANUBIS
and
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar [Access Character BIO for Erik Morningstar]
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn [Access Character BIO for Elan Fairborn]
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
=-=
"One Team"
[the previous posts were (ANU) "Tactical Meeting" by Hanali / (BAS) "Negotiations" by 'The Three Muskateers']
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Guest Quarters
Stardate: 35012.2300
Captain Morningstar stepped into the living area, the Native American appearing physically exhausted. He made his way to the replictor and asked for a hot cup of Risean tea before making his way to the nearest cushioned living room chair.
"Hi honey," Shar'El said in a singsong voice. "You look like you had a rough day at work."
The Captain rose his eyes to see the ExO / ILO sitting directly in front of him. How could he have not seen her sitting there before now? A flood of memories came rushing into his mind. The BASTET was much smaller than the ANUBIS and the number of available quarters could not accommodate everyone in single-occupancy. Erik was informed of the arrangements that needed to be implemented and even gave his okay to them. One of the concessions he had agreed to was simply that Shar'El and he would share quarters. "I have had better days," he said the initial surprise of seeing the Commander sitting there in front of him having dissipated.
"Wow," the Ullian softly gasped. "Selene didn't hold back any punches. Telling you to leave her ship the way she did shows just how close to the edge this whole situation has brought each and every one of us."
Morningstar glared for a brief moment at Shar'El, not appreciating that her looking into his most recent memories, but the Native American quickly revised his feelings realizing that she had not *looked* into his mind but that it was he who had broadcasted those memories to her following her commenting about his day. "It is difficult being a Captain while not on your ship," Erik admitted.
"You are not used to not being the one in charge," the ExO / ILO said as she gentle nodded her head in agreement. "Command is not meant for everyone, but those who end up in such a position find it exceptionally difficult to stop. That is why most Captains move to the next level in the chain of command when given the choice between stepping down and taking a well-earned break or taking on even more responsibilities."
"I do not see myself ever being an Admiral," Morningstar said after taking a sip of his tea.
"I do not see you as an Admiral either," Shar'El agreed. "You, like Selene, are the type of Captains who know where they are the most effective, where they can make the biggest impact to safeguard the Federation and its ideals. This is the role where you have the greatest influence and ability to affect, in a positive way, the lives of countless others. That is why you are both finding this situation difficult. I am sure that Captain Iverson wants to call upon you and your experience, but she is worried that you would see that as her being willing to share command of the BASTET, which she is not, just as much as you would not be willing to share command of the ANUBIS."
"Well, in any case, the decision has been made," Erik said before emptying the cup from its content. "We will be heading back to this other dimension and deal with the Confederacy threat. All in all, it might end up being better this way for no other reason that a runabout journey back to NEW ALEXANDRIA might have pushed the limits of our ability to work together."
Shar'El snickered before shaking her head. "Actually, I would not have gone back with you. I would have stayed here on the BASTET to help. There is something very odd about the faux-Iverson," the ExO / ILO stated. "I can understand her going by the name of Fiona. I can even accept the differences between her and Selene since she came from an entirely different dimension. What truly bothers me though is that she has an exceptionally well-trained mind making it impossible for me to get any useable memories from her. The medical report from Doctor Bruxa and Andersson show her to be biologically nearly identical to Selene, so it leaves me to wonder where she learned to control her thoughts to such an extent?"
"You would have stayed?!?" Erik was shocked. The Captain had apparently ignored everything else Shar'El had said, focusing instead on the fact that she would not have joined him had he left the BASTET as Captain Iverson had told him to.
"Hmm," the ExO / ILO grimaced. "Guess that means I'll be sleeping on the couch tonight."
"We all have to make sacrifices for the sake of this mission," Morningstar said as he stood and began making his way to the bedroom. "Good night, *dear*," he added before vanishing into the adjacent room.
Shar'El smiled, glad to see that Erik was taking all of this in strides. Rescuing their missing officers had been much easier than they could have ever expected, but the discovery of the Confederacy and their plan to send an infiltration force had changed everything. There were no doubts that the next part of this mission would not be as easy as the first. The one advantage they possessed was that although only a single ship would be traveling to this other dimension, the knowledge, experiences and resourcefulness of two distinct crews would be at hand to go up against this latest threat.
The fact that the ExO / ILO would be able to observe the BASTET's ILO at work was just a major added bonus, one that the Commander was very much looking forward to indulge to its fullest potential.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Commander Shar'El [Access Character BIO for Shar'El]
Executive Officer / Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
Ensign Sofia Andersson [Access Character BIO for Sofia Andersson]
Chief Medical Officer
USS BASTET
"Night Watch"
[previous (ANU) "OneTeam" / (BAS) "Negotiations"]
[/\]
Setting: USS BASTET. Bridge
Stardate: 35012.2315
There was no days or nights in space. No matter what window you looked out of all you saw were distant stars set against the black infinity of space. If you were lucky and the ship you were on was in orbit of a planet, you might be able to catch an enchanting view of a world that was usually to busy or ignorant to care about someone looking down on them from so far away that they could not see them with the naked eye.
A'Janni performed another system's check, making sure that everything was working as it should. The BASTET had come to a complete stop just inside of the ORION System, and thanks to the cloaking provided by the Dimensional and Temporal drives, no one could even guess that a ship was there, waiting, preparing.
"What are you still doing on the bridge?" It was the reptilian Chief of Security who asked the question, surprised to see the one-eyes Caitian still manning the Flight Control Station. "I do not believe that you need to impress the Captain. It is obvious that she likes you."
"Likes?" A'Janni questioned to which Enel simply smiled and tapped the tip of his nose with the middle of the three-clawed fingers from his right hand. "You would be amazed as to how much I can pickup by the scents coming off certain people. It does not work for everyone as there are certain races that do not possess any sort of odor-generating glands, but for most Humanoids, I can tell you things about them that they might not even realize themselves."
"Guess I should consider myself lucky to not be Human," the Caitian sighed with a hint of relief.
"I said Humanoids, not just Humans," Zub corrected. "Unfortunately for the both of us, Caitians are one of those races that I can easily identify as I walk into a room, even if I cannot see them. Like right now, I can detect the distinct odor that indicates a high level of fatigue emanating from you."
"Alright," A'Janni sighed in exasperation. "Obviously there is no point in my arguing that point with you. I do feel physically tired, but I know that there is no way I would be able to rest even if I tried. My head is literally spinning from all of the things that I am thinking about right now. The best thing for me to do at the moment is to keep busy."
"You could always seek Doctor Andersson and see if she could not give you something that would allow you to relax," Enel suggested. "I would recommend you not trying to speak to Counselor Dima as she has been rather busy causing her to be a little more stressed than usual."
The Caitian narrowed his one good eye as he looked at the Voth. "Let me guess, you walked by her at some point and were able to get all that by her scent."
"As I said," Zub grinned. "You would be surprised as to just how much information I am able to obtain from a person's odor. I was able to detect that she was tired and stressed in the same fashion as I am able to say the same about you. So, again, allow me to suggest that you could seek out Doctor Andersson and ask her for something to help you relax or you could just return to your quarters and indulged in a nice warm shower. There are many benefits to slipping into a shower and letting the water wash all of your troubles away."
Both ears on the Caitian's head twitch for a moment before A'Janni's gaze of Zub visibly intensified. "You and your people might have a highly sensitive sense of smell, but you should be aware that Caitians have a keen sense of hearing. There was an unmistakable emphasis in your voice, more specifically on one of the words you just said." The towering reptilian actually appeared a little nervous as the FCO spoke. "Would you like me to tell you which word you emphasized over all of the others?"
"I am sorry," Enel offered. "I was trying to say it as politely as I could, but I failed to take into account the higher sensitivity of your ears. This, unfortunately, does not change the fact that the odor emanating from you clearly indicates more than simple fatigue on your part."
As much as A'Janni might have wanted to argue this odiferous point, his own sense of smell could confirm that there was something not quite right. Being his own scent, the Caitian could easily enough dismiss it, at least that was until it was pointed out to him by someone else. "Fine," the one-eyed felinoid said with a heavy sigh, "you win. The bridge is yours."
"Enjoy your relaxing shower," Enel said to A'Janni as the Caitian walked passed him to board the turbolift and vanish behind the closing doors.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
-=-=-
"Starry Night"
[Previous post: (ANU) "One Team" & (BAS) "Night Watch"]
-=-=-
Setting: USS BASTET, Guest Quarters
Stardate: 35013.0045
She was tired, nay exhausted, both physically and mentally. At first, she feared laying down as it might cause her to recall those countless nights spent in that cold damp cell, but Nicole had reassured her that all would be fine, that she was safe here. The welcoming softness of the mattress helped Adriana to accept the Counselor's words and the gentle warm of the blanket as is was placed over her further sealed this as being the reality she preferred over the one engraved in her memories.
Sleep soon found the traumatized woman, her body finally abandoning itself to the world around it without care. This was not the room she was accustomed to, nor was it on a ship that she called home, but its softness and warmth were attributes that she was not about to ignore. Alas, as safe as the ship was, as comforting as the sheets around her were, as protective as the mattress beneath her was, they could not shield the Hispanic woman from the nightmares that hid in her memories waiting to make their presence felt in the worst possible way they could.
In the still darkness of the bedroom, interrupted only by the soft glow of distant stars, the sound of her gentle tossing accompanied by her hushed mumbling could be barely heard at first. It did not take long before these muted sounds increased in volume and intensity making it clear that her nightmares had emerged from their hiding places in the shadowed recesses of her memories.
Her breathing became labored as she begged for the pain to stop. Although no one was there to strike her in any way, Adriana’s body responded to the repeated torturous strike against her form, her mind forcing the poor woman to relive the atrocities of her captivity with vivid accuracy.
She could feel that her eyes were not swollen as they had been, and yet she could not bring herself to open them. Not only had her body been held captive by whatever unbreakable bond had been used, but her mind had been made just as much a prisoner through depriving her of the ability of sight. Every sound Adriana heard made her fear the unthinkable, and it was only thanks to a kind and gentle soul that she had started to no longer wait in terror for the door to open.
When a troubled mind is haunted by horrific memories, any hope that might have existed in the real world rarely finds it way into the recollection of those events. Adriana could effortlessly recall the pain, the fear and the despair, but there was no sign of hope anywhere in her memories. Had their been even a single sliver of light to pierce the darkness she was lost into, Adriana might not have awakened with such fright that she leaped off the bed seeking refuge in the nearest corner she could reach.
With her eyes filled with tears and her heart threatening to beat out of her chest, Adriana scanned her surrounding with a panic-filled gaze as she wondered where she was. This was not the cell she had been held in for what had felt like an eternity. As she gazed out the window located above the bed to see the distant specs of light, she began to remember.
As soft and gentle as the light of those distant stars was, it proved to be more than enough to force her dark memories to retreat back to the shadows of her mind. Adriana stared at the stars, unable to move, unsure if it was her body that was unable to move or her mind that had lost all ability to command her muscles. Whatever the case was, she continued to look through the window, hearing the pounding of her heart. Her throat was as dry as a desert making it impossible for her to call out for help. Even the softest of whispers should trigger the computer’s voice recognition system, but she could not manage the simplest of words. All she could do was to sit there, her eyes fixated by a fear she could not control on those distant stars.
It would have been easier for Adriana to reach out and touch one of those specs of light instead of conquering the paralyzing fear she had succumbed to. She knew that this room was a place where she was safe, but her body refused to accept this logic, opting instead to give in to the terror of her mind and forcing her physical form to remain frozen in space and time.
As a Counselor she knew exactly what was happening to her, the trauma of her time in captivity making itself known in full force, but there was nothing the terrified woman could do to break free from this new prison she found herself in. This jail without walls held her more captive than any other could have done, including the one her friends had saved her from. All she could do was to sty sitting in the corner of the room, holding onto her knees as tightly as she could to provide warmth and safety while she hoped that someone would come to rescue her from this new prison cell she had fallen into.
Her only companions during this eternal wait would be the stars beyond the window of her room, a gentle scene that only served to make Adriana realize that the endless night she was staring into, her pain and suffering, felt equally without end.
-=-=-
Marissa Montonera-Lombardi
Lieutenant JG Adriana Lopez [Access Character BIO for Adriana Lopez]
Ship's Counselor & Junior Ambassador
USS ANUBIS
=-=
“Rattled”
Previous posts: (ANU) “Starry Night” by Marissa / (BAS) “Night Watch” by Jayson
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 7, Guest Quarters
Stardate: 35013.0115
After Erik retired to his bedroom, Shar’El read reports until giving into a luxurious stretch. She yawned. She smiled and wondered impishly what Erik dreamed about. Her mind relaxed. A familiar buzz of reptilian memories intruded. Scowling, she opened the front door before it chimed.
“I know it is late,” the scaly, 7-foot tall Voth whispered from the corridor.
“Thanks for the report.” She triggered the door to shut.
Zub Enel waved a three fingered hand between the moving door and the jamb. The door halted and reopened.
“Ensign?”
His golden eyes dilated. “Awakening someone is a perfect time for cage rattling. I understand you have a certain ‘sensitivity’ to people’s thoughts.”
“Too bad you don’t have sensitivity to mine right now.”
=-=
Krokax’s expression was dour. “I am certain I have no choice but to let the Chief of Security in no matter the hour.”
Zub, careful not to leave the Orion male nearest an open doorway, ignored his gesture to enter. “After you.”
Krokax’s gaze narrowed before he backed into his room. “If you insist. Come in.”
The Orion wore a tailored suit that shimmered a deep shade of blue expensive fabric. He settled on a small couch, his expression hard. He gestured irritably to a smallish armchair across a low coffee table. “Sit, if you’ll fit.”
The armchair put Zub’s knees up to his chin. “One question.”
He grimaced. “A mandisa? Orion ale?”
“Nothing.”
“Can I?”
“Be my guest.”
“I am,” the Orion said sourly.
The man returned with something green and sudsy. He sipped, licked his lips, considered the taste and tilted his head before a nod. “A cut above.”
“A cut above what?”
Krokax scowled.
Zub interlaced clawed fingers. “Perhaps you feel you are being treated unfairly?”
Krokax’s voice grated. “I returned those women.”
Zub pointed at him. “You kidnapped them.”
“They wanted an adventure. I delivered. They should be grateful.”
“One was beaten. Who did you kidnap them for?”
The Orion shouted, “Beaten? Only one? Everybody there gets beaten or tortured. More than once! Your rich little lives. You’ve no idea what suffering is.”
Zub persisted. “Did you kidnap them for Fiona?”
The man’s pupil expanded. “Beautiful, isn’t she?”
“And what else?”
The Orionid’s gaze shot passed the Voth toward Fiona’s quarters next door. “It wasn’t for her. She’s running an entirely different nightmare than the one who wanted your women.”
“Who was that?”
Krokax went completely pale. His voice quivered. “If I tell you, the one who wanted them will torture me to death, bring me back, torture me to death, and bring me back over and over until she gets bored with it. Then,” He pointed passed Zub toward Fiona’s room. “She’ll take over and I assure you, Fiona does not tire easily. I will kill myself before answering you.” He lifted his glass, but it shook so violently that the drink foamed up.
Zub stood. “I will ask Fiona.”
=-=
Fiona, in a white sleeveless blouse and tailored green pants, smiled as her door slid aside. “An unannounced visit by a tall, dark and handsome …,” Her gray eyes glinted. “Whatever you are. Come in.”
She stepped back to let him enter a room the opposite layout of Krokax’s. She swayed her hips as she walked to her couch. She sat and indicated an identical armchair for Zub. She smiled up at him coyly. “What is this? A bed check?”
Zub avoided the chair. He knelt and sat on his heels so his crested head was eye level with her. “Neither you or Krokax are wearing bed clothes.”
She gave him a pout. “Disappointed?”
“Suspicious,” he said. “I remind you that Security is in the corridor.”
She gave her long blond hair a shake that sent it over a shoulder and down her front. “Lest I flee my captivity?” She locked him with her gray-eyed gaze.
He said, “Just one question.”
“That’s kept you awake while everyone else sleeps. Drink? How about a mandisa?
“No. Thanks.”
“Sure?” Her eyes sparkled. “They’re quite stimulating.”
“No.”
She pouted again, her lipstick juicy red. “So,” she stretched dramatically so as to display all her curves. She crossed a bare arm over her trim waist and laid the other along one thigh. Her eyebrows arched expectantly.
“About Krokax … “
She huffed derisively. “He’s the least of your worries.”
“Then who is?”
She left the couch and knelt before him. Her eyes explored his crest. “I see why your captain wanted you assigned. You are so interesting.” She put a warm palm on his crest. “These different little bumps. What are they for? I mean evolutionarily. Armor?”
Her hands moved gently over his crest. Zub’s fine down between his scales stood up and danced.
“Oh. Feathers, too! And you’re turning pink!” As she stroked, she looked at him, her pupils wide.
Zub felt swamped by a tidal wave of distraction from the woman with his captain’s face and body. He reproached himself for not anticipating this from Fiona. He forcefully took her arms and separated her from his head. Her left forearm felt oddly solid. He looked at it.
She yanked her arms away and covered them with her hands. “Scar tissue,” she said, her seriousness indistinguishable Captain Iverson’s. “Your Selene hasn’t suffered.”
“I would not know.” Zub felt overheated.
“Oh, you want to,” Fiona said, her smile returned. “I felt it. Admit it to yourself. You want to know Selene a lot better. Like this.” She smiled mischievously as she reached toward his head again.
He grabbed her wrists hard. “Stop it!”
Her pupils dilated. Her face flushed. Her voice wobbled. “Are you going to hurt me?”
A silent klaxon blared in his head. He let her go. “This interview is over.” He stood and headed to her door.
“We’ll take it slower next time,” she called after him.
=-=
Zub froze in the corridor as he worked to cool his physical reactions. Shar’El stood with her feet apart, arm akimbo. Her face radiated disgust. The security detail kept their distance.
“With me,” she said to him. The turbolift opened.
Inside, she let the turbolift close but didn’t request a floor. She glared upward. “Never send a man to do a woman’s job.”
His scales flushed. “I exited immediately.”
“You fled.”
“Did you pick up anything?”
Her angry expression cooled. “That Orion is unreadable. Something physiological. That — woman — didn’t drop her guard. You ….”
Zub hid his embarrassment. “Two unreadable individuals, dressed, not sleeping. Feels off.”
“Something’s brewing. I *suggest* you keep alert.”
“Yes, sir.”
She exited the turbolift.
“Bridge,” he said, his scales blazing red again.
=-=
David Michael Inverso
Ensign Zub Enel [Access Character BIO for Zub Enel]
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS BASTET, NCC 74977
“My brother is undoubtedly arrogant," Tyrion Lannister replied. "My father is the soul of avarice, and my sweet sister Cersei lusts for power with every waking breath. I, however, am innocent as a little lamb. Shall I bleat for you?”
- George R. R. Martin
=-=
"Do All That you Can"
[the previous posts were (ANU) "Starry Night" / (BAS) "Rattled"]
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Sickbay
Stardate: 35013.0130
With so few extra quarters available some difficult decisions had to be made. Ya'Han and Jayson were assigned to the same room. It made sense if you considered that they were an item. It made less sense when taking into account the rift that now stood between them. Relationships are never easy, vulnerable to a million and one thing on the best of days. When living and working on a spaceship, those pitfalls were even more numerous.
Satella would have been more than happy to share quarters with Jayson. She was not truly expecting anything to come out of it. All that the Mikulak woman wanted was to give the Human man the chance to rest. Thinking of him spending any time alone with the Nylaan, Bruxa could only imagine it turning into a nightmare. From what she had heard, the two of them could barely stand being one net to the other now. Too many things had changed since the arrival and later death of Jayson's Lokustaar clone.
So, instead of spending a quiet night with Jayson, Satella volunteered to stay in Sickbay. There more than enough beds for her to lay down on and rest. Plus, if there were any medical emergencies, she could react within seconds. Sofia had been kind enough to agree to this, reminding the fellow CMO to rest. Andersson figured that Bruxa would likely feel more at ease in Sickbay than in some strange and crowded quarters.
Satella never made it to any of the beds. The comfort of Sofia's office chair proved to be more than enough for the tired Doctor. There, she could keep an eye on Adriana as well. At least for as long as the CMO managed to keep her eyes open. When she heard someone talking to her, Bruxa first believed that it was a dream. What was being said made no sense though. "Should you not be watching her?" and "If you could not stay awake, why stay in this office?"
Bruxa almost fell out of the chair when she opened her eyes. There, sitting in front of her was the BASTET's ILO. The woman with the auburn locks seemed puzzled than amused. Apparently scaring someone awake the way she did was a source of great delight. "Can I help you?" Satella managed to ask, forcing her eyes as wide open as they could go.
"You are the medical officer on duty, are you not?" Gemma's tone was much less a question than a statement. The ILO was trying to make a point, but Satella could not figure it out. Maybe if she had been woken up less abruptly things might have been different. Right now, Dr. Bruxa needed to still figure out which way was up.
The CMO finally confirmed the quizzical statement. "Yes, I am. Would it make it better if I said that I *was* until I fell asleep?"
"Doctor," Gemma said sounding almost annoyed. "I care nothing about what you are or should have been doing. I am simply here to make sure that you do what you are sworn to do."
Bruxa was more confused than ever before. What was Gemma talking about? "I'm a Doctor, and I have always conducted myself accordingly. So, I have no idea what you are talking about." Satella's thought came to a sudden and complete stop. Was the ILO referring to her the kiss she and Jayson shared in the craft as they escaped from ORION? The Mikulak woman was not sure if she should feel upset or scared. Why would this be of any importance to Gemma or anyone else on the BASTET? Was this a way for the ILO to blackmail her in some way?
"You conduct yourself accordingly?" This time the words were nothing more and nothing less than a question. A very sharply voiced question, but a question nonetheless.
"Yes." Bruxa was nervously waiting for what would come next.
"Then, it may be wise for you to 'act accordingly' now." The statement made no sense until Satella followed Gemma's stare. On one of the monitors behind her was a security feed from Adriana's quarters. The fact that the bed was now empty instantly caught Satella's attention.
"Where is she?" The CMO turned to face the ILO only to discover that she was no longer there. Had Gemma even been there in the first place or had this just been a very strange dream? Whatever had happened, the fact remained that Adriana was no longer sleep in her bed. A quick bio-scan of the room revealed that someone was there though. Shallow respiration, elevated heart rate. The odds were that it was Lopez, and she was in distress.
A glance at the time display hinted that no one else would be readily available. This meant that was only one thing to do. Grabbing a medical kit as she rushed out of the office, Satella ran to Adriana's side.
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Guest Quarters (Adriana's)
Stardate: 35013.0115
"ADRIANA!?!" Satella plea triggered noreply. "Adriana, where are you?" A quick scan of her medical tricorder directed the CMO to the Counselor's bedroom. It only took a few seconds for Bruxa to make it there. In the near complete darkness of the room, Lopez was tucking in the corner, her gaze locked on the window above her bed. "What happened? Are you hurt?" Still no replies. The facial expression making it perfectly clear that the woman was frozen with fear. "ADRIANA! Talk to me!"
Nothing could break Adriana's catatonic state. Easily feeling the woman's heart racing, the CMO opted on the only course of action that she could consider at the moment. Quickly reaching for a hypospray, Bruxa pressed it against her neck and injected the tranquilizing agent. Seconds later, Adriana's body went limp and collapsed onto the floor like an old rag doll.
In a panic, Bruxa reached for her comm badge and called out the only way she could think of doing. "HELP!"
=-=
Rachel Jackie Johnson
[Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint. - Mark Twain]
"Tea and Hope and Memories"
[the previous posts were (ANU) "Do All That you Can" / (BAS) "Rattled"]
=/\=
“Where there is tea, there is hope.”
-from Arthur Wing Pinero’s “Sweet Lavender”
=/\=
Setting: USS BASTET, Mess Hall
Stardate: 35013.0135
There was stillness in the early morning hours, many of the crews of the ANUBIS and BASTET were resting or taking the overnight shift; so that the lounge was quiet. Dr. Sofia Andersson came in from her shift in Sickbay; knowing she should try to get a few hours of rest but was way too awake for that. She reasoned to herself that a small warm cup of tea was just the thing to get her settled.
Walking into the Mess Hall, she saw in the dimmed room there was one bright spot indicating someone else was here; at least someone else had the same idea she did. As she made her way to the replicator, she heard a voice which confirmed her suspicion as to who the other person was. “Couldn’t sleep either?”
Recognizing the familiar voice of the Ambassador, Sofia grabbed her mug of tea and walked over to the Bolian/Human woman. “Hello Ambassador,” she said. Looking at the azure woman who was sitting down with her own mug of steaming tea and a pile of PADDs, what stood out the most was the small puppy who sat on his own stool next to the Ambassador and had a small bowl of water.
Xana smiled as she indicated the chair across from her. “Please join…us,” she said looking at the puppy who was sitting up with his tongue hanging out, as if to smile. There was a slight “thump-thump” sound that Sofia heard she realized was his tail hitting the back of his chair.
“I’m honored, Ambassador,” Sofia smiled as she sat down.
The Bolian/Human woman shook her head and said, “I thought we were past the title phase.”
Sofia tilted her head to the side as she considered the comment. “I was taking my lead from you,” she admitted. Sipping her tea she said, “Last time we were on the same ship, you were certainly keen not to use your title. But this time you have no problem with it.”
Xana’s violet eyes nearly twinkled at that for a moment. Years before, the blonde haired doctor and the white haired Ambassador were briefly together on the USS PHOENIX. Sofia’s Sickbay had been a respite to the turmoil on the ship for Xana, despite the personal heartache and upheaval she was going through on the ship. It was in that respite found in Sickbay that Sofia discovered in the truth hidden in Xana’s DNA; that mysterious symptoms were really pointing to a larger degenerative disease and she was dying. If not for Andersson’s calm, dogged, demeanor, and her willingness to stand up to her own Command, Xana would never have been diagnosed with her illness; something the Bolian/Human woman was very aware of and appreciative of. “Can I tell you a secret?”
“Of course,” Sofia answered.
“I prefer going without the title,” the azure woman admitted, sotto voce.
The doctor leaned in and matched her voice to that of the other woman. “It’s not a secret if I already knew it,” she smiled.
The two women drank their tea, nibbled on the biscotti that was on the table, while catching each other up on the last few years.
=/\=
Setting: USS BASTET, Corridor
Stardate: 35013.0145
Shar'El was wandering the corridors as she thought back to what had taken place. Had she and the rest of the ANUBIS's senior staff been on their ship, the ExO / ILO would have simply made her way to the IGC where she could have quietly contemplated what had transpired. Having access to her surveillance systems would not have been a bad thing either, but instead all she could rely on was her memories and what little she was able to get from the two guests from another dimension.
Despite years of training, Shar'El telepathic ability was still very much limited to her being able to see memories of someone who stood directly in her line-of-sight. Telepaths from countless races had been recruited by Admiral Koniki in order to try and expand the operative's range of perception, but to no avail. At least none that she could consciously control. There were times when she would get some sort of 'feeling' as she experienced just before Ensign Enel came to her quarters.
The sensation felt more like the echo of a feeling, but there was no denying the fact that she was able to telepathically sense the occasional thing without actually directly looking at the source. That the person was experiencing strong emotions helped a great deal, an important note that the ExO / ILO had been quick to identify. Still, this ability was unreliable and could certainly not be counted upon to give her any notable advantage in their current situation.
As well aware of her telepathic limitations as she was, Shar'El knew better than to advertise said limitations to others. The ILO grinned as she thought of Gemma and how she would most certainly agree to that fact. No operative would ever allow anyone, be them friend of foe, to know the constraints of their abilities, be them physical or telepathic.
That is why the ExO / ILO did not try to dissuade the Sec/Tac from his plan. At best she would try to get something from the two guests by locking eyes on them as they greeted the imposing lizard at their door. Shar'El hoped that the sight of him might be enough to cause them to let a fleeting and potentially useful memory slip out, but alas that did not happen. All that she managed to see was how Zub Enel made a fool of himself by trying to draw information out of two individuals who knew how to pay the game far better than he did.
Shar'El was sure that in time, and with some tutelage from the BASTET's resident ILO, Zub Enel would learn how to deal with individuals the likes of Krokus and Fiona. The thoughts of the ExO / ILO were abruptly interrupted when a frantic call came from Doctor Satella Bruxa. It was only one word, but that word was more than enough to indicate the seriousness of the emergency.
Asking for details might make the situation worse, so the ExO / ILO decided that immedaite actions were better. "Computer, locate Doctor Satella Bruxa!"
=/\=
Setting: USS BASTET, Mess Hall
Stardate: 35013.0150
The general tranquility of the moment was interrupted by an unexpected call sent through the ship's communicaton web.
=/\= HELP! =/\ came the plea from the CMO of the ANUBIS.
Sofia tapped her communication and leapt up, followed quickly by Xana. “Where are you? What’s going on?” Sofia asked.
=/\= Hurry! It's Adriana. =/\=
Sofia and Xana looked at one another for a single second as they analysed the significance of the reply. "She needs help," Andersson said already heading for the room's closest exit.
"Sounds like they both do," Xana added, less than a stride behind the rushing blonde-haired CMO.
=/\=
Setting: USS BASTET, Guest Quarters (Adriana's)
Stardate: 35013.0152
Shar'El was the third to respond to the call, Doctor Andersson and Ambassador Bonviva already by the Counselor/Junior Ambassador's side.
"What happened?" The ExO / ILO demanded.
"I don't know," Satella said crying as she watched Sofia and Xana try to make sense of what they were seeing. "She just wouldn't respond to anything. Her heart rate was so fast that I had no other choice but to sedate her, but now she feels so... lifeless."
"She is in a catatonic state," the BASTET's CMO stated. "Even under sedation her heart is pounding more than it should. Give me a minute to see what I can do here. As soon as she is stable enough, I will have her transported to Sickbay.
Satella Bruxa’s plea of “HELP” caused quite the commotion amongst the Staff. Those who had come to answer the call were now milling about in the living area of the quarters waiting for some news about Adriana’s condition.
“Go back to your quarters or go back on duty,” Shar-El said quietly to the ANUBIS crew as Sarena Valentine did the same with the BASTET crew.
Once the Ullian ExO had spoken with her crew she made her way back to the Ambassador, who was now standing off to the side with the newly acquired puppy curled up at her feet. During times of negotiation, the azure woman did an admirable job of “putting on a show” for whomever they were talking to. But the thought pass-through her mind that there was no show to put on now; and the emotions were clear on the Bolian/Human’s face.
“We’ll keep you updated on Adriana’s condition,” Shar’El said quietly. “You can go back to your quarters.” The would-be discussion unexpectedly ended when Sofia let out a sigh of frustration.
"What's going on?" Xana inquired.
"I don't think there is anything that I can do for her. The problem is not biological but rather psychological. There is something happening in that head of hers that I just can't stop and I am afraid that it might end up killing her. I could always put he in statis but it would only serve to delay what is likely to happen."
"NO! You can't let her die like that," Satella pleaded.
It was not like Doctor Bruxa to be like this, the woman was a talented physician but that did not shield her from the raw emotional impact of seeing her dearest friend in such a condition. The expression of powerlessness on Sofia's face only made matters worse, so Shar'El decided to act in the only way she could.
The ExO / ILO gently took hold of the Counselor's head. "Keep monitoring her vitals," Shar'El said before narrow her eyes and focusing her thoughts and telepathic skills onto the unresponsive woman in front of her
=-=
Setting: Mindscape
It was general knowledge within the Federation that Ullians could scan someone's mind to see their memories, but it was not as well know that some members of that race could also enter a person's mind and implant memories. Shar'El belonged to that elite few. Scanning through the Counselor's memories, the ExO / ILO quickly identify one that she would be able to use. The memory was of her learning that her missing sister might be found on ORION. It was a happy memory, one that unfortunately was surrounded by several more much less pleasant recollections. Her time in captivity, the repeated beatings and torture. Using that one single happier memory would not be easy but Shar'El had no other option if she wanted to resolve this matter quickly.
Using elements from other memories, Shar'El began constructing a memory, one that saw Amanda and Adriana together, on the ANUBIS, talking and laughing. The Ullian found it strange that so many memories of her missing sister were present in the woman's mind, but this was certainly not the time to start looking for answers to this mystery. Once the memory was given enough substance to be accepted by the Junior Ambassador's mind the Commander slowly withdrew, watching with relief as the image expended.
=/\=
Setting: USS BASTET, Guest Quarters (Adriana's)
Stardate: 35013.0155
Shar'El gazed into Adriana's eyes and smiled when the Counselor blinked.
"Where is Amanda?" She asked as she looked around, realizing after a few seconds where she was. "What happened?"
"It was a dream, nothing more," The ExO / ILO said dismissing all that had taken place as if it had been nothing more than what she had said. "Let's get you to Sickbay, just to make sure that everything is alright with you."
Xana moved in and offered Adriana a hand to get her back onto her feet while the puppy wagged its tail as fast as he could echoing the happiness everyone was experiencing at the moment. As the Ambassador exited the room with her Junior aide firmly in her arm, Satella took hold of Shar'El's arm to make sure she would look in her direction as she said 'thank you' without making a sound.
=/\=
Setting: USS BASTET, Corridor outside Sickbay
Stardate: 35013.0230
With Adriana comfortably resting on one of Sickbay's medical beds, Doctor Bruxa exited the main treatment area and made her way to Shar'El and Xana who, along with everyone else, had been told to stay out to avoid people crowding the medical team. "She is fine and will recuperate. Now, she needs to rest as you all do. Don;t worry, Sofia and I have her and we will make sure that she comes out of this okay. We’ll keep you updated on her condition,” the CMO added before making her way back into the BASTET's Sickbay. “You can go back to your quarters and rest.”
Xana had been nibbling her lip, her eyes never straying from the Sickbay doors, although after a moment she finally did answer Shar-El. “When do you think Adriana will be able to see people?” the azure woman asked.
The Executive Officer had the same thought; they had been standing outside for some time. It was clear that the medical professionals needed time and space to treat Adriana. “You and I are not doctors,” Shar’El said softly but firmly. “We’ll have to rely on Doctors Bruxa and Andersson to let us know when Adriana is awake and able to see people.”
The azure woman nodded at that; understanding that was the only thing Shar’El could say. “You know how rooms are scarce... and we have to bunk together like at the Academy?” When Shar-El didn’t say anything, Xana continued on, “I was supposed to room with Adriana. But I didn’t go into our room because I was too wide awake and I didn’t want to keep her up, so I went to the Mess Hall first.”
It did not take a telepath, or one with Counselor training, to guess that the Bolian/Human woman was blaming herself. The recrimination in her voice, the unshed tears in her violet eyes, were indication enough of that. But Shar’El was a telepath, and even though she had promised to never scan the memories of her crew, Xana’s emotional turmoil was radiating off of her. There were layers of guilt, and pressure, beyond this moment that the telepath could sense.
“You’re not a doctor or a medical professional,” Shar’El pointed out calmly.
The Ambassador’s eyes never left the Sickbay doors, but it was clear her mind was somewhere else. “No, I’m not. But I pu--” she began to say before she cut herself off. Shaking herself she said, “Sorry, you didn’t want a confession from me.”
“It’s ok,” Shar’El said. “Why not try to get some sleep?”
“Sure, I can try that,” Xana agreed as she turned to walk away.
Shar’El, perhaps knowing the Ambassador after all this time, realized she had to pin down something. “You’re not going to the quarters that you were assigned...are you?”
The Bolian/Human stopped a few feet away, turned and gave a sad smile. “See you do know me.” Another time, Xana would have made a quip; but at that moment she didn’t have it in her. Exhaling she said, “The EAGLE-5 has a couple of barcaloungers.” When the Executive Officer of the ANUBIS clearly did not seem to comprehend what that was, the Ambassador explained. “Overstuffed recliners.” Waving as she walked away with D'Artagnan, “Night, Shar’El.”
=/\=
Sarah Albertini-Bond
USS ANUBIS
With a little help from:
Tiffany Reeve
Commander Shar'El [Access Character BIO for Shar'El]
Executive Officer / Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
Ensign Sofia Andersson [Access Character BIO for Sofia Andersson]
Chief Medical Officer
USS BASTET
---
"Pre-Mission Briefing"
(Previous Post: (ANU) "Tea and Hope and Memories" / (BAS) "Rattled")
---
"Why do you always complicate things that are really quite simple? Give me your hand please, Michael. Don't slouch. One... two..."
- Mary Poppins, jumping into the sidewalk chalk drawing
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 1, Observation Lounge
Stardate: 35013.0745
Selene sat at the end of the table with Sarena to her right, the two women wanted to discuss a few things before the 0800 mission briefing started.
"I had Gemma check the Jump and Dimensional drives first thing this morning, we are ready to go," Commander Valentine reported with glee.
"You sound anxious to get this mission started," Iverson pointed out, the Captain as calm and collect as always.
"I am more eager to end this mission and see Captain Morningstar along with his officers off the BASTET," Sarena bluntly explained, the Commander never having had an issue with being perfectly honest with her Commanding Officer. "It will be nice to have things go back to normal, well as normal as things ever get for us. Let us be honest, getting woken up in the middle of the night by a frantic call for help stands well beyond what either one of us would qualify as *normal*."
"Call for help in the middle of the night?" Selene said almost grinning. "The distress signal from the Masters while in orbit of PA-HA-SA? The Code-Black emergency from Lieutenant A'Janni while he was protecting Grand Duke Krayss? I also believe that the 'call for help' from CAIT warning us of a potential attack, was received rather early in the morning."
"You have made your point," Sarena sighed. "Getting woken up in the middle of the night because of a call for help is more normal than I wanted to admit it but having the senior officers of the ANUBIS here is still not what we are used to dealing with."
As much as Iverson admired Captain Morningstar, the Commanding Officer of the USS BASTET had to agree that her First Officer was correct. Things had certainly not been 'normal' as of late.
=====
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 1, Bridge
Stardate: 35013.0745
The Native American stood a meter of so from the door leading to the Observation Lounge, not wanting to trigger its opening before it was time. Erik could easily imagine that Selene, like himself, made the most of the time before such mission briefings to make sure that everything would be covered.
"What are you doing out here?"Shar'El asked as she walked up to her Captain. "Should you not be in there," she added pointing with her head to the Observation Lounge's door.
"Not my ship, therefore not my meeting," the Native American stated with a hint of displeasure in his voice. Thinking it best to change the subject, Erik moved onto something else. "How is Adriana?"
"She is doing as well as can be expected," the Commander replied. "That poor girl went through hell in more ways than one. All she wanted to do was to find her missing sister, and instead of getting her closer to that goal, the lead she followed brought her into an entire dimension of trouble. I know that it does little to make any of this better or easier, but Lopez is a remarkably strong woman, that is why she survived the countless beatings she was on the receiving end of. There are many others out there who would not have lasted half as long."
Erik raised a single eyebrow as he looked straight at his First Officer. Shar'El promised not to scan the memories of any member of the ANUBIS' crew without their permission, so how could she have obtained such precise knowledge about what Adriana had endured? Taken into account everything else he had heard about what happened, Morningstar dismissed his misgivings knowing that Shar'El would not have done anything unless it was absolutely necessary.
---
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 4, Astrometrics Lab
Stardate: 35013.0745
The two Chief Science Officer were going about their respective tasks as if they had been there for quite some time, which was the case. As different as Maya and Misaki were, one being a shapeshifting Shillian while the other was a Human of Asian descent, the two women shared an unparallel love for science and everything that dealt with it.
The upcoming mission to another dimension provided a golden opportunity for them to explore a strange new world, to seek out new civilizations, to boldly go where only their imaginations could have taken them before. Maya had spent the greater portion of last night working on understanding as much as possible about the dimension they were going to be entering, trying to identify any specific differences that might cause problem or give the crew of the BASTET an advantage should trouble arise. Misaki on her side had scanned each of the alien crafts resting in the shuttle bay, paying extra attention to the odds layout of the additional equipment on their hulls. From a distance, the ships appeared almost normal, but the closer one got to them the stranger they became.
The craft owned and piloted by Krokus as nothing special to look at, an elongated cube-shaped main hull with wings sticking out. The additional cables and conduits make it evident that a great deal of personal modifications had been brought to the craft.
The same could be said about the ship Fiona had used to come aboard. The main design was easily recognizable but there were a lot of strange and mysterious additions and modifications that left the Chief Science Officer of the BASTET perplexed.
Misaki caught a glimpse of the time display and quickly searched the Astrometrics lab for Maya. "We are going to be late," the Asian woman said. "We have a mission briefing at 0800. We better get going now. I would hate for either one of us to try and explain to our respective Captain why we were not there on time."
"Captain Morningstar knows me well enough to understand that when there is a scientific mystery at hand, I tend to lose all notion of time. This would not be the first time it happened, and I am sure that he accepts the fact that it will not be the last. I mean, he has the choice between having me there unable to answer his questions or give me a few extra minutes so that I can be of use during such meetings. I do try my best to be there on time, but unfortunately scientific research follows a schedule all of its own."
Misaki could not help but smile as the explanation given, an explanation that she could easily hear herself give. Still, it would not be a bad thing if the two of them made it to the meeting on time, this despite her wanting to stay and uncover the secrets of the ship the doppelganger of Captain Iverson had used to come aboard the BASTET.
=====
Setting: USS BASTET, Corridor
Stardate: 35013.0745
The redhead Engineer stretched her arms as far as wide as she could, trying her best to work out the kinks out of her muscles. Just as she did this, her closed fist came in contact with someone's face. Sonja was horrified until she noticed who the person was. "Oh, it's only you."
"Good morning to you too," Jayson growled as he quickly stepped out into the corridor allowing the door to close behind him as he glanced back as if to make sure no one was following.
"Where are you going in such a hurry?" Sonja asked, carefully studying the man's face to see if she was going to believe his answer or not.
"We have a mission briefing at 0800," Stark replied. "I just do not want to be late."
"There is more," the redhead mused waving a single finger over the man's face. "I may not be a telepath like Shar'El, but I can tell when someone is not telling me the whole truth. Trust me, after spending so much time with ANI, I have become quite the expert at seeing micro-expressions on people. Well, most people, Captain Morningstar tends to go all 'channeling the spirits of his ancestors' when he starts talking about something serious.
"I just do not want to be late," Jayson reaffirmed before pushing his way past Sonja who would have followed him had the door to the quarters from which he had just emerged had not opened once again.
"Where is Jayson?" Ya'Han asked, visibly concerned.
"He's heading that way," Sonja said gesturing in the general direction the man had taken. "Things are still not back to normal with you two? Don’t get me wrong, I strongly believe that you can do a lot better than *him*, but if he makes you happy, that's what counts."
"Since my undercover mission with his clone, nothing has been normal between us," Ya'Han sadly admitted. "I am not even sure if it will ever be normal again. I know that I was not ready to talk about it and unconsciously pushed him away, but I thought he understood and would give me the time I needed. Now, he seems to be doing everything he can to keep his distances."
"He's a man," Sonja said with conviction. "They are not that difficult to figure out. Just pin him to a floor mat as you have done so many times before and ask him what his problem is. I am sure that Adriana would agree but right now she has other things on her mind."
"It would be nice to see how she is doing," Ya'Han said, forcing a smile on her lips as she tried her best to no longer think about Jayson.
"I am sure that we will have a few minutes once this mission briefing is done and over with," the engineer said. "Tell you want, we will go and pay her a visit."
"That would be nice," the Nylaan with the black and red hair said before the two women made their way to the nearest turbolift.
---
Setting: USS BASTET, Office of the CMO
Stardate: 35013.0745
Doctor Bruxa walked into the office joining Doctor Andersson and Counselor Dima, the two of them sharing a quick 'on-the-go' breakfast.
"Here," Sofia said offering a small plate of freshly replicated croissants. "I know that my telling you to sit down and rest is a waste of time, so at the very least have something to eat."
Satella accepted one of the offered pastries with a shy smile. "Thank you."
"How are you doing?" Nicole inquired.
"Adriana is doing all right," the physician answered, not realizing that the answer had nothing to do with the question. "She is resting and is with Ambassador Bonviva at the moment. I think both of them needed to see the other."
"That is nice to hear," the joint Trill said, "but that was not the question. How are *you* doing?" Nicole repeated.
"You better answer her," Sofia teased. "When she gets like that, there is no denying her what she wants.
Nicole fired a quick sideways glare at the woman sitting on the other side of the desk. "It is not as bad as she makes it to be," Dima stated in her defense.
"I never said that it was a bad thing," the Doctor added, making sure that both Nicole and Satella saw the playfully teasing wink that followed.
"I am all right," Bruxa reassured. "A little tired, but ready for go to the mission briefing set for 0800. Plus, I am sure that both Captain Morningstar and Captain Iverson will want an update as to the state of our patient."
"Good," Sofia said offering another croissant to Satella. "We can finish breakfast on the way there."
=====
Setting: USS BASTET, Sickbay
Stardate: 35013.0745
The Bolian/Human woman sat on the edge of the bed, her azure hand caringly holding onto the pale white hand of the Hispanic Junior Ambassador.
"You gave us all quite a fright last night," Xana whispered to the woman resting on the medical care bed.
"I'm sorry," Adriana said, her voice filled with remorse.
"I did not say that to you to make you feel guilty," the Ambassador said sternly while keeping her voice to nothing more than a gentle whisper. "None of this was your fault. I just wanted to let you know that there are a lot of people who care about you, and that is something you should be happy about. It means that you have made a good impression of all of them."
"If you say so," the Junior Ambassador said, not sounding overly convinced.
"Fine," Xana chuckled. "Don't accept that you have been a positive influence for a lot of people, just accept that you have been so for one person."
"You?" Adriana questioned tilting her head to one side as much as she could.
"Maybe, maybe not," the azure woman teased. "You will just have to get better and figure it out on your own. In the meantime, just rest. There is a mission briefing at 0800 and Ishould be there."
Adriana acknowledged with a soft nod of her head, holding on to the Ambassador's hand a little tighter as she went to get up.
---
Setting: USS BASTET, Turbolift heading to the Bridge
Stardate: 35013.0745
"I heard that you had some trouble last night," A'Janni said breaking the silence that had walked in with the trio.
"Trouble? It was Counsellor Lopez who required medical attention, not I." The Ensign quickly said.
"He means with our *other* guests," Gemma said in a way that strongly hinted to her rolling her eyes even though no one saw her do it.
"My questioning them did not... quite go as planned," Enel admitted, the Voth now appearing visibly shorter than he had been mere seconds ago.
"That is what you get for teaming with her," the ILO said, not trying to hide her frustration and general dislike of the person in question.
Zub was about to say something when A'Janni stopped him by tapping his short stubby nose, the Caitian hinting that the Voth should make use of his heightened sense of smell to pick up the obvious loathing their ILO fostered for her counterpart from the ANUBIS. Not wanting to risk summoning her more dangerous personality, Enel opted to remain quiet until the turbolift reached its destination -- Deck 1."
---
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 1, Observation Lounge
Stardate: 35013.0750
"Almost time," Sarena stated after looking at the time display located above the screen behind the Captain. "Shall we let them in?"
"We better," Selene said looking at the relatively small conference room trying to figure out how they would all fit in for the meeting.
=====
Setting: USS BASTET, Guest Quarters (Fiona's)
Stardate: 35013.0755
The woman with the flowing blonde hair gave the distinct impression that she was tired of waiting. She understood and accepted that upon her arrival things would not move forward as Selene and the others all tried to understand what was happening. By now though things should have been settled and the BASTET well on its way to the other dimension and the space station.
Hel had made her plans clear and there was little room for delays, so if Selene was not going to take the decision and bring the BASTET to where it needed to be, Fiona would have to do it herself.
---
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar [Access Character BIO for Erik Morningstar]
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn [Access Character BIO for Elan Fairborn]
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
Also
Jessica Solarik
Captain Selene Fiona Iverson [Access Character BIO for Selene Iverson]
Commanding Officer
USS BASTET
&
Lieutenant Commander Maya [Access Character BIO for 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)
"Alone"
[previous (ANU) "Pre-Mission Briefing" / (BAS) "Pre-Mission Briefing"]
[/\]
Setting: USS BASTET, Bridge
Stardate: 35013.0755
He was standing there, alone, a blank expression about his face as the two Doctors and one Counselor walked out of the turbolift. Jayson greeted them with a silent nod of his head before returning his gaze onto the stars being displayed on the forward view screen.
"I'll catch up with you two later," Satella said as she left the Doctor and Counselor couple in order to head toward Jayson. "Are you okay? You seem troubled. Did something happen between you and Ya'Han?"
The first question had been innocent enough, her asking if he was okay, but her second question betrayed her motives, but right now he didn't care. It was not like denying how he felt would change things. "I'm fine, and no, nothing happened between us, and by nothing I do mean nothing, so you have no reasons to be jealous."
The Doctor was surprised by the rudeness of his reply, but she did not let it get to her. Satella understood that he was in pain and his lashing out was not directed at her. She wished that she could reach out and take away his pain, or at the very least show him that he did not need to be alone in dealing with this. In matters of the heart, things were never that simple though, and the CMO knew this. Jayson was this way because he still had feelings for Ya'Han, this despite the way she had treated him. So, this meant that there was no room in his heart for someone like her, the best she could do at the moment was to be there for him as a friend, understanding and supportive as best she could.
She could not think of anything to say, so instead Satella just reached out and took Jayson's hand into hers. The gesture was a simple one, but it conveyed what she needed to -- that he was not alone, no matter how he might have felt.
They gazed into each other's eyes for a few seconds, long enough for them to stop feeling the universe around them, at least until the hissing sound of the turbolift doors was heard indicating that someone else was arriving. Jayson quickly identified the two women thanks to their red and mixture of black and red hair. The reflexe to let go of Satella's hand was instant but not fast enough to avoid them from seeing the interlaced hands.
"Shall we go in?" Satella said moving toward Sonja and Ya'Han as if to intercept them, or at the very least give Jayson time to collect his thoughts so that he would not be caught like a 'dear in headlights', as the Terran expression went.
Ya'Han easily made her way around the approaching Doctor, keeping her eyes solely focused on Jayson. It was not like Ya'Han to be jealous as it was not an emotion she believed herself to have the right to experience. Everyone had the right to be the person they wanted to be, the person they needed to be. After all, that belief was what had allowed her to escape the tyranny of her father. What she did feel thought was an urgent need to understand what was happening in order to protect herself as best she could. The Nylaan was no stranger to being hurt, physically as well as emotionally, but those experiences made her that much more wary about putting herself in a situation where she might suffer pain that way again.
"Jayson?" She softly asked, trying to look into his eyes.
He turned to look back at her, her face framed by the now black-colored hair she so hated. As strong willed as Ya'Han was, her hair had always been her greatest weakness, allowing anyone to easily gage her mood and emotions. Seeing all of the color drained from her hair was all he needed to know how much the simple gesture had affected her. Part of him felt sorry that she witnessed this, but he found that another part of him found comfort and even a dash of delight in seeing her like this.
"It's nothing," he assured her. "She a friend who cares about me, a friend who acknowledges that I am in pain. A friend that simply wants to help."
"Jayson, I want to help you too," she said to him, taking hold of his hand in the same manner that Satella had.
"When you went on your covert mission, did you want to help him as well?" He asked, allowing a fraction of his pain to surface. "Did you want to 'help me' after you came back and pushed me away?"
"Jayson, please, give me a chance to explain and to make it up to you."
There was a hint of green starting to appear in the Nylaan's hair, but the Terran jumped in before the change could truly be noticeable by anyone else. "Not right now. We have a mission briefing to go to. Maybe after," he said pulling his hand from hers before making his way to the Observation Lounge.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Lieutenant Jayson Stark [Access Character BIO for Jayson Stark]
Chief of Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
"Together"
Previous posts: (ANU) "Alone" & (BAS) "Pre-Mission Briefing"
///^\\\
Setting: USS BASTET, Turbolift
Stardate: 35013.0755
It was rare to see the two CSciO outside of the Astrometrics lab, even more so together. To see them like this was a rare oddity, and that was even before considering that they were both completely silent. If it was not Maya explaining some scientific oddity to its smallest possible detail, it was Aki doing the same thing, although maybe not quite as in a detailed fashion as the Lieutenant Commander clearly enjoyed doing. Whatever people thought about the pair, it was undeniable that the Shillian and Human shared a tremendous love for all things pertaining to the field of science.
Such an admiration for the field and the mysteries that it held was not uncommon for anyone who decided to join Starfleet and follow a course of studies in Science. Some might argue that it was even required as the demands of the curriculum were very rigorous and time consuming. Those who only had a passing interest in science rapidly discovered that pursuing that particular course load was not for them, leaving only those truly dedicated to the advancement of science to move ahead.
Still, it was nice to find someone equally devoted to solving the mysteries of the cosmos, whatever they may be. Most members of the scientific community tended to be on a very specific quest, trying to find the elusive answer to a single and all-consuming mystery. Maya on the other hand displayed an unparallel awe for the universe that some who did know truly know the woman would described as unfocused and distraction. As far as the Asian woman was concerned though, this was what made the Shillian to be such a delight to be around.
They could be researching the inner workings of the crafts currently in the BASTET's shuttle bay and still find time to discuss gravitational constants across multi-dimensional landscapes. Whatever the subject turned out to be, the ANUBIS’ CSciO was thrilled to talk about it, and Aki was enjoying the detailed explanations provided by the more experienced science team leader. This was not to say that occasionally it was nice to have a bit of silence between them, but the Asian woman soon found herself missing hearing about the Shillian's insight into whatever the hot topic of the moment had turned out to be.
"Will you be presenting your findings concerning the dimensional properties that we will be expecting to encounter to Captain Iverson or would you rather I did?" Aki asked, breaking the silence that ruled within the rapidly moving pod. "I know that she is not your Commanding Officer and that you might not feel quite at ease explaining something like that to a relative stranger, but I would hate for you not to receive the credit that you have worked so hard to earn."
"I do not do what I do to receive any sort of credit or praises," Maya said. "You and I are not that type of scientist. We are driven by the pure and honest quest for answers, the hope of discovering something new, something interesting, and better still something that will be of use to those we work with. If we were interested in making a name for ourselves, we would not have joined Starfleet and accepted a position on board a starship. We could have worked our way to one of the countless planet-side research facilities and spent our days trying to identify some never before discovered substance that would be named after us. The life of a scientist on board a ship like the ANUBIS or the BASTET is one of long and countless hours of research and work meant only to assist others in whatever way we can."
Aki figured that the only reason why Maya had ended her explanation when she had was because the doors to the turbolift had hissed opened allowing them to set foot onto the bridge. "I simply did not want you to believe that if I made the presentation it would be so that I could claim your work as mine."
Maya stepped out of the pod and turned to look at Aki who was still inside. "We have not been working together for that long, but I can tell that you are not the type to do as you have just described. As much as the information provided following a thorough scientific evaluation proves useful, it would not bother me who claimed ownership for my work. What is important to me, as I believe it is just as important to you, is being a useful and contributing part of a team, a team that we both consider to be much more than just that. I truly believe that you feel the same way I do. The members of our respective crews are more than friends, they are our family. We just continue to refer to them as a team so that they do not consider us overly sentimental which might lead to them not looking upon us in the way they should."
Aki smiled. "Whatever we do, we do it together as a team for the team."
"Exactly," Maya said returning the Asian woman's smile. "Let us go to this briefing together and give everyone all of the information we have collected thus helping to ensure that the mission is as successful as possible."
///^\\\
Dawn Bohr
Lieutenant Misaki 'Aki' Mitshiba [Access Character BIO for Misaki Mitshiba]
Chief Science Officer
USS BASTET - NCC 74977
-=-=-
"Not Alone"
[Previous post: (ANU) "Alone" & (BAS) "Together"]
-=-=-
Setting: USS BASTET, Sickbay -> Corridor -> Turbolift
Stardate: 35013.0755
Xana had to leave, not because she wanted to but because she suspected that her presence and input might be required during the mission briefing. The problem was that Adriana's hold on her hand was solid enough to make it clear that the Junior Ambassador did not want to see her mentor go, and after what happened the night before, the azure woman could not bring herself to pull her hand free from the hold of near despair.
"Tell you what," the Ambassador said. "I will come back as soon as the briefing is over. Heck, I might even ask to be excused early so that I can be back that much faster. Deal?" Xana was no stranger to negotiations, but this did not feel like that. Yes, she was trying to barter for her personal release, but the sensation that stirred within the Bolian/Human almost made it feel like she wanted to not be successful.
Adriana smiled, weakly but a smile nonetheless. "I have a counter proposition for you."
"Who do you think you are trying to alter the terms of an agreement offered to you by a Federation Ambassador!" It was clear that the Xana was teasing, laughter clearly audible in her voice as she tried to sound offended by what had been said to her.
"Throwing your position around? I thought you had decided not to do that any more?"
Bonviva chuckled for a few seconds before forcing an expression of utter seriousness on her face. "I only throw my position around when it is absolutely necessary. As my Junior Ambassador you should already know that." Saying this Xana gently pulled Adriana's hand from hers using her free hand. "You need to rest and I need to get to that mission briefing before it starts. It would not look good for an Ambassador to arrive late."
"Did you not once tell me that it was never a good plan for an Ambassador to appear too eager and that the best way to avoid this was to arrive fashionably late to any and all meetings, no matter the reason for it or who might be there in attendance?"
"I knew that making you my Junior Ambassador would come back to haunt me one day," Xana said with a playful sigh. "Having my own words used against me has to be the worst thing any member of the diplomatic corps can experience. Fine, what is our counter proposal?"
"That we both go to the meeting together," Adriana said without missing a beat. "It would give me the chance to be there instead of here alone, and it would give everyone the opportunity to see that I am doing much better."
"Is that all?" Xana teased. "Not much of an argument to sway me from my initial offering."
"It would also give me the chance to apologize to everyone for the chaos I was responsible for last night. My being there, at the briefing, would make an apology official and far more meaningful, plus I owe it to everyone. Satella explained to me the state in which she found me in and the and how it created quite a bit of commissions throughout the ship."
"Well, her calling for help the way she did kind of rapidly escalated the situation, but I understand what it is you are trying to say." Xana smiled, “Do you need some help getting up?”
Xana waited patiently as Adriana slid off the biobed. The Junior Ambassador/Counselor took several deep breaths before seemingly settling herself and nodding that she was ready. It was one thing to say she was ready and another to actually be ready.
“Good, we can go,” Xana announced.
Adriana walked slowly out of the door with Xana. As they moved down the hallway, she felt the guilt rise up in her. Ever since her recovery, it was as if the Bolian/Human woman had been a flurry of activity. Adriana, today, did not feel like being a flurry of activity. “I’m sorry, I’m slowing you down.”
Xana rolled her eyes. “Yes, it’s a race. We get prizes if we show up early. If we show up late we need to scrub out the plasma manifolds with a toothbrush.”
Adriana frowned at that. “Is that a thing? Scrubbing plasma manifolds with toothbrushes?”
“Do you want to make it a thing? I’m sure Sonja would be agreeable to that or some kind of other manual labor assistance if it would help,” Xana pointed out.
“What if it’s not a thing?” Adriana asked.
“Then Sonja might agree just for kicks and giggles, but not if it caused her more work,” the Ambassador said. As Adriana seemingly slowed down, the Ambassador said, “Come on, we’re moving.”
“You don’t need to mother me,” the Junior Ambassador replied.
That got Xana to purse her lips in consideration. “That’s a really interesting comment,” she admitted. “Do I mother you?”
Adriana just glared at her. “I didn’t mean--”
“No, no, now I’m going to consider this,” Xana said, holding up a hand.
“You’re doing this to be--”
“Wonderful?”
“Not what I was going to say.”
“Well that definitely sounds like something one of my children would say,” Xana sighed. She started humming as she appeared to be in thought. “Interesting, you’ve talked to 3 out of my 4 children, and you’re about the age of my eldest child, so it’s possible that somewhere along the way that I’ve conflated friendship with maternal instinct.” Thinking some more on the topic she waved her hand and said, “No. I reject that thesis. Nice try though. Now let’s get going. You decided you wanted to get to the Bridge and here we are at the turbolift.”
The two women waited for the lift and got in when it finally got to them. “Is this another one of those ‘I’m the Ambassador and so what I say goes’ moments?” Adriana asked.
Xana smiled at that. “You tell me,” she answered. “Were you acting as a Junior Ambassador when you declared you were going to the Bridge?”
Adriana frowned at that. “I wanted to make amends--”
“Over the objections of those who wanted you to rest and get better,” Xana pointed out softly. Glancing softly she said, “You knew your presence now was required to help move things along. That while resting might do you some personal good, the greater good would be better served by you coming. Am I partially right?”
“Yes,” Adriana nodded.
Xana nodded. “So… did you abuse your power to leave Sickbay? Or was it out personal conviction and you used the tools at your disposal,” When Adriana did not answer the Ambassador continued on, “I believe that all we can do is decide, with what little time we have in this universe, what is right and use what we have to move forward in that, using whatever we can to see that through.”
-=-=-
Marissa Montonera-Lombardi
Lieutenant JG Adriana Lopez [Access Character BIO for Adriana Lopez]
Ship's Counselor & Junior Ambassador
USS ANUBIS
Sarah Albertini-Bond
USS ANUBIS
=-=
“Roses”
Previous posts: (ANU) “Not Alone” by Marissa / (BAS) “Together” by Dawn
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Bridge
Stardate: 35013.0756
They reeked; all the other senior officers crowded together waiting for the Observation Lounge to open. Zub’s nose, a good half a meter above their hushed conversations, was assailed with body heat and scents, made all the more pungent by the frisson of anticipation spiking each scent more toward acidic or base depending on race. He didn’t want to be rude and grab his nose. Well, he did want to grab his nose, smash it shut. He didn’t. He inhaled through barely parted lips. The maisma was strong enough to taste. He put his three-fingered hands in a fig leaf and held his breath.
A furry fist-paw smacked him on the Voth equivalent of a bicep. “What’s that?” asked A’Janni, the felinoid Flight Control Officer over the hushed conversations.
Zub Enel looked down puzzled into a single amused white eye.
A’Janni said up to him. “You need to let other people get a word in. Stop dominating the conversation.”
“But I haven’t spoken.” The keyed-up crowd smell got on his tongue. He pressed his lips shut.
“Precisely,” said the FCO. “You have been so serious, even for you. Is the replicator out of gagh?”
Zub gave a little snort. He shook his head.
“Use your words, Zub. Is something bothering you?”
Zub’s scales tinted pink. His down fluttered. “No. All is well.” He forced himself to meet the warrior-helmsman’s single eye.
“You are a lying sack of ….” The hulking cat-man halted and looked around at the other officers. He realized that whatever was troubling the Voth was probably best not aired out with some many ears present. He chose to take the Chief of Security off the spit. “You know, the best time to kill us all is just before a a senior level briefing.”
The scales on Zub’s neck stood. He’d been so embarrassed by his utter failure at interrogating the two inter-dimensional interlopers that he had redoubled his efforts to think of and prepare for every possible circumstance. Wholesale assassination of everyone on the bridge had occurred to hm, but he had ranked it unlikely. Still, if A’Janni had thought of it, even as a joke, why couldn’t the guests?
“See?” the furry Caitian rumbled. “You’re doing it again.”
Zub took a short breath of stinking air. He narrowed his golden eyes. “Seating is going to be tight in there. Not a lot of room to move, unless you and I opt to stand by the door. More control of egress and ingress.”
A’Janni’s wet cat scent upped a notch or two. His eye dilated. “You kill me when you use those big words.”
Zub smiled.
A’Janni faced the Observation Lounge door more squarely. “If they kill you first, I will avenge you. If they kill me first?” He looked up at the Sec/Tac for an answer.
“I will laugh and laugh,” Zub said.
The usually sour looking cat man smiled. “There you are!”
=-=
David Michael Inverso
Ensign Zub Enel [Access Character BIO for Zub Enel]
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS BASTET, NCC 74977
“As you walk down the fairway of life you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round.”
- Ben Hogan
"Not Happy One Bit"
previous posts were (ANU) "Not Alone" / (BAS) "Roses"
=====
Setting: USS BASTET, Bridge
Stardate: 35013.0800
Sonja was not happy, not happy at all. During the exchange between Ya'Han and Jayson, the redhead engineer had kept a hold on the silver-haired Doctor to make sure she was not going anywhere. Whatever role Satella had played in this, she would be here to see the results first-hand.
The quarrelling couple was not that far, but they kept their voices down making it impossible for anyone else to hear what was being said. All that Sonja could do was to gage the situation according to the colour of Ya'Han's hair, and that was enough for the engineer to know that things were not going well, not well at all.
The fact that her hair had turned pitch black the moment she went to speak to him indicated that Ya'Han was on the defensive, downplaying her personal worth and opinions. If Sonja had not been holding Satella to make sure she did not interfere, it would have been the redhead herself who would have rushed in. At least that way one of them would be displaying the fiery red locks of barely-contained rage.
When Sonja noticed a few streaks of green appearing in Ya'Han's hair, the engineer's anger immediately went into overdrive. Whatever dislike the CEO held for the OPS officer converted into full hatred for what he had done to the Chief of Security. The Nylaan was a fearless warrior, a trait that she had displayed more than once during their stay on that dark and gloomy space station from another dimension. So to see her willingly become so desperately submissive just made Sonja see red.
It took all of her will power for Sonja not to strike out at Jayson as he walked by heading to the conference room. The CEO wanted to follow him, force him in a corner and make him became one with the nearest bulkhead, but there was something more urgent to take care of -- Ya'Han. Letting go of the silver-haired Doctor, the redhead Engineer rushed to her friend's side.
"Stop that!" Sonja said, taking her friend somewhat by surprise as that was not what Ya'Han had expected to hear.
"Stop what?" Ya'Han sheepishly asked.
"That!" The redhead said flicking one of the green strands of hair to make it fall in view of the woman to which it was attached to.
A heartbeat or so later, all of Ya'Han's hair was back to being a single colour. Sonja would have preferred that it was something other than black, but it would have to do for now. "I just wanted him to know..."
"Know what?" Sonja interrupted. "That you are a weak and submissive woman? That you would sacrifice all that you are, all that you have become because of him? If so, why did you even bother to run away from your home? If that is the way you truly feel about yourself, you should have stayed and mary that Ferengi troll 'worthlax'."
"Ardax," Ya'Han corrected. "His name was Ardrax... Daimon Ardax, but you have made your point."
"Have I? Really? Somehow I don't think so," the engineer snarled as she shot a glare at her friend's dark, uni-coloured hair.
Again it only took a fraction of a second, but the moment Ya'Han started concentrating on the colour of her hair, it changed into the black and red mix that had become her usual. Sonja would have preferred to see her friend go full combat red, but this was certainly better than the 'I could not care less' black she had on before.
"See, we are not the only ones who are going to be late," Adriana said as she and Xana stepped out of the turbolift.
"ADRIANA!" Ya'Han and Sonja exclaimed as one, forgetting the unpleasantness of the recent events. "What are you doing out of Sickbay?" The two women took a moment to look at each other out of sheer amusement at the fact that they were speaking in perfect unison.
"She wanted to be part of the briefing," Xana sighed.
"Well, isn't that great," Sonja continued suddenly realizing that Ya'Han was no longer saying things at the same time, in fact, she was not saying anything anymore. Looking at her friend with a hint of disappointment, the redhead engineer continued. "We better get in there. We can take care of the rest after."
"The rest?" Adriana asked.
"Might need your help with that," the redhead engineer said.
"My help? As a Junior Ambassador or a Ship's Counsellor?"
"Counsellor I'm afraid."
"My office might have changed, but at least my hours are still the same. Come and see me in Sickbay whenever you are up for it."
Xana fired a glare at Adriana. Here she was making appointments when she was supposed to be resting.
=====
Lorraine Paquette
Lt Commander Sonja Paquette [Access Character BIO for Sonja Paquette]
Chief Engineering Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
##########
"Hop, Skip and a Jump"
Previous posts (ANU) "Not Happy One Bit" / (BAS) "Roses"
##########
"Choice is an illusion, created between those with power, and those without."
- The Merovingian
=====
Setting: USS BASTET, Guest Quarters (Fiona's)
Stardate: 35013.0805
She had been patient but no more. With her left hand, the flowing blonde-hair woman made a tight fist before slapping her forearm several times. After a few seconds of this, a small control panel-like layout formed on her skin as if being pushed from beneath. The expression on the woman's face indicated that whatever this was, it was painful, but clearly, she had no other choice. Why else submit herself to such pain?
"Time to get things moving," the woman mumbled as she typed something on her arm before the whole structure vanished, sinking back into her body.
=====
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 12, Main Engineering
Stardate: 35013.0810
Everyone was finally in. To see Ambassador Boniva come in a few minutes late was not that much of a surprise as the Bolian/Human seemed to rarely be on time for any meeting. What did surprise the Native American, along with most of the ANUBIS' senior officers, was that Xana had not been alone, Adriana had walked in with her. The unexpected presence of the Counselor/Junior Ambassador triggered a wave of queries about how she was doing which ended with an apology from the woman herself. With that out of the way, the mission briefing could begin.
There were just too many people for everyone to sit, so those who felt most at ease standing did so. It was not surprising to find the Voth Chief of Security and Caitian Flight Control Officer both electing to stand at the back of the room. Likewise, finding Commander Shar'El and Lieutenant Gemma keeping an eye on the gathered group from different sides of the room was standard behaviour for an Intel Operative.
As for the Native American, he stood in the far corner behind the BASTET's Captain. As a guest of Captain Iverson, Morningstar understood and accepted that this was not his meeting to give, and truth be told he preferred it that way. If he was to speak to the large gathering of officers, it was very likely that more than one of them would pick up on his apprehension for what needed to be done. Selene had presented a powerful argument that left Erik with little choice, but that did not mean he liked it. To see Adriana sitting at the table with the others though did help alleviate some of his earlier concerns.
"By now I am sure you all know about the Confederacy," Captain Iverson started with, opting to dive right into the heart of the matter. "According to the Intel we have been given, they are planning on sending an infiltration team from their dimension to ours."
"Couldn't we just redirect them to the Lokustaar home dimension?" Sonja suggested, the Chief Engineering Officer sounding a great deal more irritated than might have been considered normal for her. "That would not only solve our Confederacy problem but it would keep those walking nightmares busy for a little while longer, that way they can't plan on getting back at us."
"Unfortunately, it is not that easy," Lieutenant Mitshiba offered.
"Nothing is ever that easy," Satella said while shooting a covert glance at Jayson who was sitting on the opposite side of the table.
"Are you not going to ask if we have considered the possibility of a diplomatic resolution to this matter?" Commander Valentine asked of the azure woman, the First Officer of the BASTET certain that the Ambassador would opt for a less militaristic approach to this or any other situation.
The Bolian/Human Ambassador grinned ever so slightly as she met the gaze of the ANUBIS' Captain before turning her full attention to the Commander. "I am sure that Captain Morningstar would be happy to say that diplomacy is what I do, most of the time, but this time is not one of those times. Remember, I was there on that station and experienced their way of acting. Even if we did manage to get them to sit and listen, I strongly believe that they would continue to move forward with their plan, using our meeting as a distraction. I, therefore, support a more direct approach. If the Confederacy does decide they want to talk, it will be after we have shown them that this dimension will not just stand by and let itself invaded."
Adriana said nothing. The Junior Ambassador simply looked at the woman sitting next to her, surprised and grateful. There was no way to be certain as to why Xana so adamantly supported a course of action that went against her deepest beliefs, but the Counselor silently suspected that what had happened to her back on the space station, as well as on the BASTET, had played a major role in her decision.
"I agree," Ya'Han offered. "A direct approach is the only thing those people will understand." Although the ANUBIS' Chief of Security had voiced her support for the stated course of action, she had done so with a great deal less conviction that the Native American had grown to expect from the woman. Obviously, something was bothering her, but now was not the time to investigate the matter.
"Lieutenant Commander Maya, Lieutenant Mitshiba, does our resident science team have anything to add?" Captain Iverson asked. "I know that the two of you have been working long and hard to try and figure out as much as possible about this new dimension. Any ideas of what we might expect to run into?"
Misaki looked at Maya who simply nodded her head as she quietly said: "go ahead".
Mitshiba wanted to make sure that it was okay for her to give the report. The Shillian had made this quite clear during their journey to the bridge that this would not be a problem but still, the Asian scientist wanted to be beyond certain. "We were unable to identify anything odd or particular from the ships currently in our shuttle bay. Both vessels show components that originated from various and distant worlds only to be thrown together, the most puzzling part is that the whole mess appears to be functioning through sheer will power, most of the systems being incompatible. We did detect a slight dimensional vibration in the molecular structure of the two ships, the same vibration found by Doctor Andersson and Bruxa in the cellular makeup of the woman resembling you Captain, but that was pretty much it. Based on the gathered data, we believe that the dimension will not have any negative impact on our technology."
"That's good news," the Caitian FCO noted, recalling the transporter issues they had to deal with during their mission to the dimension of the PA-HA-SA.
"All we have to do is to get there, stop the Confederacy and come back," Doctor Andersson said giving Nicole's hand which she was holding a gentle squeeze.
"Should not be a problem," the joint Trill added. "I do not believe we have never had so much talent, varied skills, and expertise on a single mission before today. As long as we keep an eye out for one another, we should all come back safe and sound." Dima gave Adriana a quick look, hoping that they would all return as she had said without anyone else having to endure what the Counselor/Junior Ambassador had lived through.
"Speaking of keeping an eye on others," Ensign Enel chimed in. "What about our two guests? I would feel a lot better if we had them in the brig instead of in quarters. As tight as security might be around them, they have access to a great deal more than they would have if they were behind a force field."
"Both were welcomed on the BASTET as 'guests'," Stark voiced. "We may not trust them, but we have to consider that they might be able to help us in some way."
Selene glanced over her shoulder to Erik who nodded his head in agreement. Both Captains had learned through experience that the old axiom was true -- keep your enemies close and your friends even closer. "We will see how to best handle our guests once we have arrived at our destination. Man your stations, we will engage the D-Drive as soon as we are ready.
=====
Setting: USS BASTET, Bridge
Stardate: 35013.0835
Once everyone was out of the Observation Lounge, the crew began to ready the ship for its journey through the fabric of space itself. Everything seemed to be going according to plan until a strange shimmering effect was seen on the main view screen.
"Have we engaged the D-Drive?" Commander Valentine inquired, the view appearing oddly familiar.
"Negative Commander," Gemma reported from the back of the bridge. "Engineering is still on stand-by to engage the dimensional jump drive. Whatever is happening out there is not of our making."
=====
Setting: SPACE
Stardate: 35013.0836
Under the protection, its dimensional and temporal drives the USS BASTET could not be seen or detected by conventional means, unfortunately, this did little protect it from whatever energy field had suddenly surrounded it.
If anyone had been looking in that exact location where the invisible vessel stood, they would have seen nothing more than what appeared to be a strange spatial anomaly appear out of nowhere only to disappear just as mysteriously leaving no traces that it or anything else had been there.
=====
Setting: USS BASTET, Bridge
Stardate: 35013.0840
The bridge was bathed in the red hue of the alert condition lights until finally, the emergency illumination came online.
=/\= Whatever you people did up there blew out half the frelling relays down here. There is no way we can make a dimensional jump now, =/\= Sonja reported from the BASTET's Main Engineering.
"All stations report, we need to figure out what happened. Ensign Enel, were we attacked? Lieutenant Mitshiba, was this some sort of spatial anomaly that our sensors failed to detect? Lieutenant Stark, make sure that life support systems are working on all decks, and can someone get the main view screen operational again."
It did not take long for all eyes to turn to the forward screen once it turned back on causing a hush to spread through the command deck. A large almost solid black structure hung in the emptiness of space in front of them, something that was not there before.
"Where did that thing come from?" A'Janni gasped as he looked at the imposing structure. "That thing is *huge*."
Scanning the people who had remained on the bridge, Erik noticed that both the Ambassador and Junior Ambassador appeared uncharacteristically shocked. "Captain Morningstar," the Nylaan Chief of Security said as she stood next to her Voth counterpart from the BASTET. "It didn't come here, we went to it. That thing is known as SPACE STATION NOWHERE."
"How did we get here if the BASTET did not engage its jump drive?" Shar'El demanded as she tried to make sense of what was happening.
"Who cares." The statement originated from the back of the bridge and instantly drew the attention of those present to it. Where Lieutenant Gemma had been mere seconds ago, another woman stood in her place. The way her silver-white hair went in all direction reflected an attitude that the woman quickly confirmed with her next words. "Yo, you, the furball sitting at the front, take us in!"
"Excuse me?" A'Janni gasped.
"I believe it would be best if you came with me," Enel said trying to take hold of the woman's arm. Even though he had never seen this woman before he knew that this was another of Gemma's personality and since he knew nothing of her, he thought it best to avoid any sort of conflict by removing her from the bridge.
"Take your stinking paws off me you damn dirty reptile!" The woman snapped as she pulled her arm away. "Listen to me you over-grown walking scale factory. You would make a pretty nice pair of boots and matching purse," she turned back to look at the Caitian before adding, "You, I will turn into a fur coat that will go well with those boots and purse, so unless you want to end up that way, I suggest you do as I say. Take us there!"
"Why?" Shar'El questioned, the First Officer of the ANUBIS appearing more confused than anyone else on the bridge.
"Because my dear," she said in a condescending tone as she rose a single finger to point with commanding authority to the image of the space station displayed on the large forward screen, "that's my home!"
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar [Access Character BIO for Erik Morningstar]
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn [Access Character BIO for Elan Fairborn]
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
Also
Jessica Solarik
Captain Selene Fiona Iverson [Access Character BIO for Selene Iverson]
Commanding Officer
USS BASTET
&
Lieutenant Commander Maya [Access Character BIO for 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)
“Space Full of Memories”
[Previous Posts: (ANU) "Hop, Skip and a Jump" (BAS) "Roses"]
=/\=
"The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself."
-Carl Sagan
=/\=
Setting: USS BASTET, approaching EAGLE-5 (Winnebago with Wings)
Stardate: 35013.0900
"If I had wanted a job putting out little fires everywhere, I would have become an Engineer," Nicole Dima said under her breath, but still with a pleasant conviction, as she walked toward the location of the odd vessel that had dubiously ‘rescued’ Eric’s missing crew. She was absolutely certain she did not envy Sonja in the slightest as she dealt with the fried circuitry as a result of their instant ‘jump’ to the NOWHERE station. But, as the brunette was now juggling the mental health concerns of two senior staffs at the same time, she was definitely edging closer to that frantic feeling.
It had come to her attention that Ambassador Bonviva was not staying in her temporary quarters with Adriana. She had chosen instead to camp out in the less than stellar accommodations aboard Krokax’s ship. At first, Nic thought this might have to do with the modest nature of the guest quarters, but since Maya and Aki had both confirmed the EAGLE-5 was far less comfortable than their inviting but somewhat spartan option. Another assumption was that the Ambassador might not get along with the other Counselor, or have some sort of beef with her. But that theory had been quickly dispelled during Ms. Bonviva's speech to Adriana in the Infirmary, as well as the azure woman's obvious support of her Junior Ambassador at the mission briefing.
That led the joined Trill to a question. If Adriana wasn’t the problem, what was? Nicole reasoned that there was only one way to find out. She gingerly tested the door to find it locked tight. Fine. She could do this the hard way.
=/\= Ambassador, are you alright? =/\=
Xana wiped her mouth and looked down at the puppy who was wagging his tail. “You ratted me out, didn’t you?” When D’Artagnan did not answer (obviously), the Bolian/Human woman sighed and looked around for something to rinse out her mouth. Finding some stale rations and a bottle of water, she popped that into her mouth and yelled back. “I’m just peachy.”
=/\= I’d feel better if I could see you,=/\= came back the voice.
“No one ever feels better after having seen me,” Xana reassured the voice. Sighing the Bolian/Human woman looked back down at the dog. “She’s probably an eager officer. I have to remember I used to be that once. Ugh.” Walking over, Xana popped open the EAGLE-5’s door and saw the BASTET’s Counselor. “I am well, Ensign Dima.”
“You don’t seem well,” Nicole Dima replied, curiously trying to look inside.
“Alright fine,” Xana replied back, “I am not well but clearly there are people here on this ship who need your help more than I do.”
The Trill seemed bemused at that. “I can decide that.” Leaning against the door she said, “I realize you want your space--”
Nicole Dima did not mean it, and under other circumstances her words would just be just that, harmless words floating into the ether. But when she said “I realize you want your space” what the azure woman heard was another person, in another time saying “I asked for some space...Stop trying to order the universe, and everyone in it, around…”
Xana swayed and sat down on a nearby chair. Swallowing the uncomfortable lump in her throat she was so lost in her own thoughts that she was unaware of her surroundings until she felt Nicole’s hand on her knee and D’Artagnan licking her hand. “Are you sure you’re okay?” Nicole asked quietly.
“I’m not,” the Bolian/Human woman admitted. Looking up she said, “We’re in a mirror universe, and I’ve met my mirror.” Closing her eyes she took a deep breath before saying, “On the surface she and I are so different. She’s a Warrior. Clearly I am not. She has…the support structure I long ago lost.”
“You envy her,” Nicole said softly. It wasn’t a question, but a statement. The longing was clear in the Italian-accented voice flowing from the Ambassador.
Xana opened up her violet eyes and looked up to the ceiling of the EAGLE-5, tears pooling in her eyes but never leaking out. “I would except...she’s dying. And she doesn’t have the one person she wants with her. And I….I know what that’s like. So no, Ensign Dima, I don’t envy my mirror. My heart aches for her, even though I know she hates me with every ounce of her being.”
Nicole marveled that in the midst of this trying experience, and the obvious pain she was in, that the Ambassador could still present herself so diplomatically. “I guess in any universe, in any lifetime, there appear to be two certainties.”
“Death and taxes?”
Dima smiled a little. “I was thinking of mistakes and fate. They are always unwelcome guests, but we have yet to find a universe that doesn’t have both.”
Xana raised an eyebrow. “And exactly *how* many universes have you been to?”
“No, don’t misunderstand, I’m no expert. Only a few. I’m still hoping we stumble on the one where everyone lives in peace and harmony and isn’t out to bring chaos and destruction to our little piece of the galaxy.”
“Come on. Where would be the adventure in that?”
The Counselor thought of ELYSIA. The planet had been a natural paradise, taking care of the BASTET crew’s every need, but it had only taken a couple of months of tranquility for them to grow restless and seeking the lives they once led. “You’re right,” Nicole admitted.
"That's the thing about fate- none of us have a choice with that. But I owned up to my mistakes a long time ago. I'd rather have mine than someone else's. Even if that someone else is another version of myself." Xana was still on the verge of tears, but something underneath the surface had shifted back in the direction of control. “So, you understand this isn’t something I want to burden Adriana with right now. I think it’s best that I remain here for now.”
“But everyone should have a place to be safe, even Ambassadors. And this-” Nic replied as she gestured to the dim interior of the small vessel, “is not something I would expect anyone to feel secure in. I’ve seen better suites in the VALLA ROYALE’s red light district.”
Xana crossed her arms, her maternal instincts still in full force. She thought about asking which one of Dima’s former hosts had been to VALLA ROYALE, but decided that was a question for another time. “Don’t forget Junior Ambassadors.” D’Artagnan wagged his tail in agreement.
“Okay, no Ambassador left behind- I get it,” Nicole said as she thought. After a pause, she nodded to herself. “There’s only one way to fix this.”
Xana cupped the puppy’s adorable face in her hands. “And that would be?”
“It’s simple- You can stay in my quarters.”
“I wouldn’t want to impose.”
“Nonsense. You’re a guest. It’s impossible for a guest to impose.”
“Obviously you’ve never been to ANDOR during the Spring Water Festival,” Xana replied, nonplussed.
Nicole continued to state her case. “Besides, I spend a great deal of time in Sickbay, as well as Sofia’s quarters some nights. You probably won’t notice when I’m there,” she said before she realized what she was admitting and blushed.
Xana recognized the look of someone in love. Just because it had been a while didn’t mean she was immune to it. In fact, it brought back pleasant memories which were definitely needed at the moment. “Have you ever been married, Counselor?”
“Me? No. But Dima has been…” the young woman thought, “Six times altogether. And please, call me Nicole, or Nic.”
"And how many hosts has Dima had?"
"Four before me."
The Bolian/Human woman began to do the math. “That sounds like the potential for a whole lot o’drama.”
“Thankfully, they weren’t simultaneous. You?”
Xana brushed the puppy hair off of her knees and stood up. “Three. And two of them *were* simultaneous, so there’s that.”
“Don’t you mean three... so far?” Nicole teased.
“No,” Xana answered without hesitation. “I know a good negotiator never eliminates an option in haste, but I think it’s pretty safe to say I’ve sworn off marriage.” The Ambassador looked to the open door of the Winnebago-with-wings. “Shall we go?”
Nic smiled, much bigger this time. “You’re coming? Was it my powers of persuasion that helped you decide?” They made their way into the more brightly lit cargo bay.
“Not exactly. Let’s just say you remind me of someone,” the taller woman mused.
=/\=
A Joint Post by
Sarah Albertini-Bond
USS ANUBIS
And
Dr. Tulla Keiku, Lieutenant
aCMO
USS PHOENIX
And
=-=
"Intel Operative's Log"
[the previous posts were (ANU) "Hop, Skip and a Jump" by Francois & Jessica / (BAS) "Space Full of Memories" by Susan & Sarah]
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Observation lounge
Stardate: 35013.0900
"Computer, stand-by to start recording a personal log using Omega-9 Black Intel clearance," The ILO instructed after walking into the Observation Lounge in order to be alone. With everyone else on the bridge busy dealing with the latest arrival, this was the best opportunity to do so, even if Shar'El would have preferred to stay and observe.
=/\= Standing by, =/\= the computer replied in its usual unemotional and neutral tone.
"Begin recording," the ExO / ILO said, waiting to the audio indicator to be herd before she began her log. "The BASTET has arrived at its intended destination, although not the way that Captain Iverson would have preferred I am sure. Somehow, someone brought the ship to the target location, but that is not the worst of it. It is evident that something is interfering with the nanite inhibitor which has led to Miss Abrasivnyy to make a less than welcomed entrance. I fear that there will be no other choice but to delay the next phase of Project GAMMA. It is my hope to regain control of the situation as quickly as possible. Failure to do so will leave me with no choice but to terminate the experiment. End of log."
Shar'El let out a long deep breath as she looked out the nearest window to study the stars of this other dimension. This would be the first time she would see them with her own eyes, but their familiarity did nothing to diminish the exhilaration she felt in looking at them. Stopping the Confederacy would be a challenge, followed closely by them returning home without any major incident. Of course, the odds of this happening had greatly been reduced thank to the arrival of Miss Abrasivnyy.
"Computer, use the BASTET's trans-dimensional communication array and transmit my recording log to NEW ALEXANDRIA, care of Admiral Koniki. Make sure that the transmission is identified as being an Omega-9 Black Intel priority. We would not want anyone else but the Admiral to see this."
=/\= Accessing dimensional communications array, =/\= the computer reported. =/\= Log has been transmitted. =/\=
"Good," Shar'El sighed. "One last thing. Computer delete all primary and back-up records of the log that was just recorded and its transmission, also, delete all internal senor records of my having been in this room since my last walk-in. There are to be no records of this having ever happened."
=/\= Unable to comply, =/\= the computer coldly stated. =/\= The authorizations of the Captain as well as that of the First Officer are... =/\=
The ExO / ILO interrupted knowing very well what would be said and what she needed to do in response. "Computer... this is an Intel Operative override clearance Omega-9. Recognize Shar'El, Lieutenant Commander, USS ANUBIS."
The computer took a couple of seconds to process the last given command. =/\= Voice identification confirmed. Lieutenant Commander Shar'El, please provide authorization code. =/\=
The raven-haired woman took a moment to once again look out the window and at the starts beyond as she took in a slow, controlled breath. "Authorization code: Sierra-Hotel-Alpha-Romeo-Echo-Lima-zero-zero-one-black."
An unusual sequence of chimes and beeps followed indicating that the computer was indeed process the request, something that was evidently not part of the normal proceedings of the ship. =/\= Requested action has been completed. =/\=
She truly hated to do this. Shar'El would have much preferred to tell the truth to Erik and even inform Captain Iverson and Commander Valentine of what the Admiral had planned, but she could not. Koniki was a master at creating plans within plans, each level having security protocols in place to ensure that everything went according to what he wanted to happen. For the time being, the ExO / ILO had to act the way she did for everyone's sake. The advantage of working on an Intel ship such as the ANUBIS or the BASTET, operating under the banner of NEW ALEXANDRIA was that they worked well outside of the normal rules set by Starfleet. The disadvantage of operating under that same banner was that Admiral Koniki had all of the freedom he needed and therefore did not have to abide by any of the code of conduct that ensured some level of accountability in the absence of rules.
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Bridge
Stardate: 35013.0910
Shar'El walked back onto the bridge, relieved to see that the commotion created by Gemma's latest personality had been more than sufficient to hide the fact that the ExO / ILO had not been around for the last few minutes.
"She is quite a piece of work that one," the FCO commented.
"I would like for someone to explain what just happened," Stark demanded, the temporary OPS Officer of the BASTET not having had any prior knowledge as to Lieutenant Gemma's rather unorthodox ability to turn into someone else.
No one seemed ready or willing to explain what had happened, and when Jayson looked in Shar'El's direction, the raven hared woman simply shrugged in a display of ignorance. Of course, the gesture was nothing more than an act as the ExO / ILO knew a great deal about the woman and her multiple personalities. In fact, the raven-haired woman suspected that she knew more about the BASTET's ILO than anyone else, including Admiral Koniki himself.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Commander Shar'El [Access Character BIO for Shar'El]
Executive Officer / Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
Ensign Sofia Andersson [Access Character BIO for Sofia Andersson]
Chief Medical Officer
USS BASTET
"Miss Congeniality... NOT"
Previous posts: (ANU) "Intel Operative's Log" & (BAS) "Intel Operative's Log"
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Setting: USS BASTET, Sickbay
Stardate: 35013.0925
In the absence of a Brig on the BASTET, bringing the red-faced raging woman to Sickbay and locking her behind a level 10 medical force field was the only way to protect everyone. Judging by the state of the area on the other side of the energy barrier, the decision to do this had not been one second too early. Anything that could be picked up and thrown had been sent against the force field creating a rather unsightly mess.
"Listen you little squinty-eyed excused for a lackey," the woman said at the Asian woman standing on the other side of the force field. Nothing that had been said or done had diverted her away from her seemingly endless rage-fueled tirade. "Do not think for a second that because you have one and a half of those shinny little pips on that tight collar of yours that it makes you someone. You are nothing, and you will be made to feel like less if you do not let me go and take me home!"
"Is there anything we can do for her?" Aki asked, the CSciO was visibly upset by the way this new personality of the ILO was acting. "Can you change her back to Gemma, Wimda or any of the others whom we have been able to work with in the past?"
Doctor Andersson shrugged her shoulder. "I would love to, but we have no idea how her transformations truly happen. You and I both know that it is the nanites in her body that allow her to change appearance, but that's about it. Nicole's theory is that the nanites in her brain respond to the same stimuli as the rest in her body, but instead of changing her physical appearance, they access different personalities and trigger a different set of memories. If it was just for what our instruments have told us about her thus far, we would not even know that much. Gemma is a mystery on her own, and that's before you start taking into account any of her other personalities."
"This Miss Abrasivnyy is charming enough to almost make us want to deal with Anya instead," Commander Valentine said while shaking her head. "I am still curious as to why she keeps referring to that space station as her 'home'."
"The answer to that particular question is relatively easily to extrapolate," Lieutenant Commander Maya said as she walked closer to the force field. The Shillian Scientist had followed the others here if for no other reason that there was a new mystery to solve in the form of Miss Abrasivnyy. "I took the liberty of accessing the Lieutenant's service record, at least what little is available given her position as the ILO for this vessel. Lt. Gemma was a solo operative before joining the crew of the BASTET, it is therefore a logical assumption that this personality of hers somehow came to this dimension and lived on this station long enough to make it feel like home for her. Most Humanoids link the term 'home' to a familiar location which possesses some sort of emotional link, be it positive or negative. The alternative is that the memories of someone else have been implanted into her mind, thus making her believe that the space station we are near to is 'her' home. There is obviously no way for us to know the details of what happened, but based on what we have observed, we cannot deny the emotional link this woman has with that particular location."
Aki smiled as she looked at the Shillian who did not appear in the least by phased by what had happened to the ILO of the BASTET. The CSciO of the ANUBIS was a true scientist, not wasting any time questioning the reasons why Gemma had transformed but instead focusing on the more urgent needs of understanding the reasoning behind the argumentative raging beast behind the force field. Mitshiba would have to provide some sort of explanation, but is was clear to see that it would not be required at this moment.
"Wow," the wild white-haired Abrasivnyy gasped in horrified shock. "How do you or anyone else near you get *anything* done with you babbling like a elderly mad woman? I know a couple of statues that would have long ago shattered themselves into a million pieces to avoid listening to your pointless ramblings for one extra second."
Ignoring the latest rant of the captive woman, Aki turned to the other officers gathered in Sickbay. "What do we do?"
"*We*," Commander Valentine began, "need to work out a plan of action against the Confederacy. We are where we needed to be even if how we ended up here is still a mystery. As far as Miss Abrasivnyy is concerned," the First Officer said pointing to the not-so-improved ILO, "it will be up to the Captain to decide. Let's go."
"DON'T YOU DARE LEAVE ME ALONE LIKE THIS YOU BRAINLESS PUPPETS. GET BACK HERE THIS INSTANT!"
It pained Aki to see and hear Gemma like this but there was nothing any of them could do for the time being. Maybe once Abrasivnyy calmed down, if that ever happen, they might be able to talk to her and get some sort of clue as to what they would be able to do to help.
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Dawn Bohr
Lieutenant Misaki 'Aki' Mitshiba [Access Character BIO for Misaki Mitshiba]
Chief Science Officer
USS BASTET - NCC 74977
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"Medical Debate"
[the previous post was (ANU) "Intel Operative's Log" by Tiffany / (BAS) "Miss Congeniality... NOT" by Dawn]
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Setting: USS BASTET, Sickbay
Stardate: 35013.0935
As long as no one was in her field of vision, Abrasivnyy seemed content to mumble to herself as she kicked or smashed anything that she walked in range of. Every now and then she would unleash a long string of insults directed at people that were no longer there, but those never seemed to last very long. Not having an audience to witness her quick wit clearly had taken the wind out of her sails.
"So," Satella whispered, risking a look around the medical blind the two CMOs were hiding behind. "This is *normal* for your ILO?"
"Normal... well, yes and no, sort of," Sofia ventured hesitantly. "Gemma is able to change her appearance, this depending on her mood and state of mind."
"Like Ya'Han and her hair," Dr. Bruxa noted with disdain. Right now, Satella did not particularly enjoy thinking about the Nylaan. There was no way she could ever challenge her physically, but there were times when the CMO wished she could. If only to make her realize how much she had hurt the man she claimed to love.
"Not really," Dr. Andersson said. "Not unless your Chief of Security gets a brand-new personality to go along with each different color she displays. As I understand it, the color of Ya'Han's hair changes according to the cast she is performing the duties of. Even if you knew nothing of her, as long as you knew what color identifies what cast, you would know what she is up to. Gemma's appearance, on the other hand, changes according to *who she is*, usually this depends on the situation, but it does not have to. If we need an engineer, Gabrielle shows up. If you need a scientist, Wimda appears. We are not entirely certain that Gemma is fully able to control those changes. Like when Ema pays us a visit, which leaves us to guess who we are dealing with and why. Since I have witnessed your Chief of Security just close her eyes and change her hair, it appears that she controls this ability far more than Gemma controls hers."
"So those physical changes and the new personalities that are associated to them are a physical representation of a psychological break?" Satella theorized. "She suffers from multiple personality disorder? An *extreme* case where each personality has its own appearance?"
"That's pretty much it in a nutshell," Sofia admitted. "Nic has been trying to help Gemma. Well, actually, I think it would be more accurate for me to say that she has been trying to understand. We know that there are numerous nanites running throughout her body and that they are likely responsible for the physical changes we see. The problem is that those same nanites make it impossible for our scanners to get any sort of actual reading from her. Our instruments pick up what she wants us to see, which is always a perfectly healthy woman from whatever race her current personal belongs to."
"Wait, what?" Dr. Bruxa looked like she was about to fall backwards. "She can alter her appearance to that extent?"
"Let me see if I can remember them all without looking at her file," Andersson said challenging herself to the task. "Wimda is an Uxali; Ema is an Oltharian; Gwenvel is an El'Aurian. She can also be of different nationality within a single species, Anya Petrov is Russian, accent and all while Gabrielle Wolf is as German as it gets. I know I am missing a lot of the personalities, but you get the picture, each is unique. There are just too many for anyone to keep track of them all. Well, that not true, I am sure that Nicole has managed to keep all of the personalities straight in her mind. Let's face it, dealing with multiple people in a single head is kind of her thing being a joint Trill and all."
"So, each personality possesses its own set of likes and dislikes?" Satella asked, still trying to make sense of the whole mess of a thing.
"Likes, dislikes, tastes, skills, even memories," Sofia clarified. "Discovering a new personality of Gemma's is like meeting someone completely new. Yes, they all share several physical similarities, but as individuals, they are all as different from each other as can be."
"That is... wow," Dr. Bruxa said, unable to properly voice how she felt. "I will say this, I will never complain about Lt. Cmdr. Shar'El. I always thought that as an ILO she was a little weird. Now I see that on a scale of weird, she barely registers, not when compared to Gemma."
"She does keep things interesting," Sofia said while grinning. "I can certainly see how that particular ability was useful in her days as a deep undercover operative."
"She told you about that?"Satella gasped. "Shar'El never says anything about anything she has ever done as an ILO before joining the ANUBIS."
"Gemma has not said anything, but you have to admit that the ability to become someone completely different would have its advantages," Andersson offered. After saying this, the two Doctors became silent as they overheard what sounded like two people talking. Satella and Sofia dared to sneak a peek around the medical blind once again. Both were stunned to see that Abrasivnyy was actually speaking to someone and that this someone was none other than the BASTET's imposing reptilian Chief of Security.
The two CMOs looked at one another questioning in silence how he had managed to walk in without either one of them noticing or how he had managed to remain out of sight until now. Either way, the next question was how the conversation would unfold and if the medical force field would actually hold should things turn ugly.
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Tiffany Reeve
Commander Shar'El [Access Character BIO for Shar'El]
Executive Officer / Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
Rachel Jackie Johnson
[Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint. - Mark Twain]
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“Do I Bug You?”
[the previous post was (ANU) "Intel Operative's Log" by Tiffany / (BAS) “Medical Debate” by Rachel]
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Setting: USS BASTET, Sickbay
Stardate: 35013.0939
Zub had followed Commander Valentine out of Sickbay while the white-haired version of Gemma shrieked after them, “GET BACK HERE THIS INSTANT!”
The only reply had been the sound of the Sickbay door closing.
He decided to see if he could get Gemma to reassert herself. He reentered Sickbay. He stepped up close enough to the force field to feel the jazz of a pulsating electric field.
Abrasivnyy stood in the center of her containment area with clenched fists and her purple lips pulled back to show perfectly aligned teeth. She glared into his face. Though highly distorted by anger, hers had Gemma’s high symmetry, albeit suffused with utter malice. "Listen tall, dark and scaly, I never forget a face, but in your case, I am more than willing to make an exception."
He asked, “Gemma? Are you alright?”
"Let me guess, you hatched out of an egg and the moment your mother saw you she wanted to glue the pieces back together.” The woman's anger was tangible and exerted so much force on her that it pushed Abrasivnyy to have what seemed to be a completely different conversation to what the Voth on the other side of the force field was trying to have with her.
Zub felt dismayed about making any inroads back to Gemma. “None of us have done anything to you to warrant such rudeness. We are more apt to listen if you calm yourself.”
A purple lip curled into a high sneer. “Wow, you must be one of the really bright ones on this ship. Bright enough that I suspect that if your brain exploded with a thousand times you IQ, it would still not be enough to ruffle my hair." She was now standing as close to the force field as she dared to, not at all intimidated by the creature standing on the other easily towering well over her.
Zub felt his scales flush in spite of his desire to remain cool to the woman’s verbal abuse. It seemed everything he said just triggered more, like she was making them up while he was thinking what to say next.
She went slightly hipshot. "If those beady eyes of yours are actually able to see anything, then you should have noticed that I'm a woman, and as such I am a hundred times better than you or any other man in this dimension or any other. Get used to it." The unexpected display of arrogance bordering on narcissism of the woman now walking away from the force field left Enel to wonder what the woman was trying so hard to hide under all that bravado.
He went back to trying to disrupt this personality. “Do you know anyone named Gemma? Have you met her?”
“Look, you walking couch cover, I’ve already told you my name and what I want. Are you truly that stupid?” She raised a hand. “No, wait, you *are* that stupid. When I get home you are going to wish to whatever god you worship — or *should* have worshiped — that you had obeyed me. I will have you cut into 10 thousand headbands! Alive!”
He tried a different tact. “You want to go home. How is it that you are here instead of there?”
For a moment the white-haired, purple-lipped woman’s face went slack. The anger returned doubled. “YOU KIDNAPPED ME!”
Zub shook his head in disbelief. It occurred to him that this version of Gemma was as ignorant of Gemma’s existence as Gemma likely was of this personality. He hid his frustration behind a calm tone, “You have not been kidnapped.”
“HOW WOULD *YOU* KNOW?! MORON!”
She rushed up to the force field with a fist drawn back, teeth bared, eyes black. As her chest made contact, the field boomed a single note. She staggered back, her face shifting quickly through surprise, agony, tears, and then full on rage. “Oh, you! *You* made me do that! Oh, you are going to become — strip by painful strip — the longest braided rope in the universe! I’ll use your reeking, scaly hide to hang each and every one of your mouth-breathing, dimwitted crew mates.”
She bent to retrieve a metal tray meant to hold instruments. She hucked it like a spinning bath’let at him. It boomed off the force field at Zub’s throat level and clattered back across the debris-strewn Sickbay floor. She stood still, fist clenched, scowling murderously, huffing in trembling breath after breath.
Zub felt he had no idea short of a hypospray to calm this woman enough to find out more about her.
He turned his head to see the two CMO’s regarding him from the edge of a privacy screen.
=/\= Ensign Enel? =/\= Sarena's voice came across loud and clear, so it was impossible to miss the hint of displeasure in the only two words she spoke.
Zub jolted, eyes wide. In his zeal to reestablish Gemma, he had forgotten Commander Valentine’s strategy meeting. “Yes Commander, sorry Commander, I will be right there Commander,"
He rushed out of Sickbay and began to disappear down the corridor as only a giant running lizard on his long hind legs could do.
Abrasivnyy called after him before the door cut her off, her voice rough from yelling, “Some people bring happiness wherever they go, others simply when they just go. You are the latter group, so THANK YOU for making me happy!”
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David Michael Inverso
Ensign Zub Enel [Access Character BIO for Zub Enel]
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS BASTET, NCC 74977
“He is a first-rate collector who can, upon all occasions, collect his wits.”
— George D. Prentice
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"Decisions and Actions"
(Previous Post: (ANU) "Intel Operative's Log" / (BAS) "Do I Bug You?")
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Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 1, Observation Lounge
Stardate: 35013.1000
The senior staff of the USS BASTET gathered once again, this time though without their counterparts from the ANUBIS present which made the Observation Lounge feel a great deal larger than it was.
"How is Gemma?" Selene inquired, despite what Erik might believe, the well being of her crew was of the utmost importance to her.
"Physically, Miss Abrasivnyy is exactly as expected," Sofia reported. "Her bio-signs are perfect which means that her nanites are working as they were designed to. I am not sure what race she is supposed to be though, there is no match on record. All of her other personalities have presented themselves as someone we could identify..."
"One more than others," A'Janni mumbled under his breath, the one-eyed Caitian recalling, despite himself, the time when Gemma had taken on the likeness and mannerism of the Kzinti Queen Sheetora.
"Psychologically?" Captain Iverson asked turning her attention to the Joint Trill sitting right next to the Doctor.
"I am sorry Captain, I did not have time to perform any sort of psychological assessment, not that I believe it would have made a difference," Nicole apologized.
"Sweet Miss Abrasivnyy is the epitome of what we can expect from someone possessing her, shall we saw, slightly eclipsed sunny disposition," the Chief of Security added easily recalling the recent exchange the two of them shared in Sickbay. Noticing a few enquiring expressions directed in his direction, the Ensign figured that a quick explanation was in order to justify his statement. "I went back into Sickbay to see if I could reach Gemma."
"He failed," Sofia chuckled, letting everyone imagine that she had just figured the outcome by the way Zub has spoken and not that she had been there to witness the end-part of their 'discussion'.
Selene sighed. "Unfortunately, this leaves us short of a key position for this mission. Without an ILO, it will be a lot more difficult to find the best possible way to deal with the Confederacy."
"Excuse me, Captain," the Asian Chief Science Officer began. "Are the officers from the ANUBIS not going to help in this part of the mission?"
"I would much rather we did work together on this," the Captain confirmed without any hesitation. "The problem is that Captain Morningstar has made his stance very clear. I forced him to stay onboard the BASTET so that we could proceed with the new mission objective, but he and his officers are under no obligations to help."
"I am sure that Captain Morningstar, Commander Shar'El and the others will not leave us to face this crisis by ourselves," the Trill Counsellor said with conviction.
"I am not saying that you are wrong, Counsellor," Selene noted with a faint nod of her head. "I simply do not want to count of people that might or might not be there. I would much rather have more available resources than we had planned for instead of the opposite."
"Still looking on the brighter side of things I see," Sarena teased knowing very well that Selene had never been, nor would likely never be, the kind of person to look upon things with any level of unwarranted hope.
"Captain," the Caitian Flight Control Officer began drawing the attention of everyone onto him. "If the BASTET is going to remain here under the protection of the Dimensional and Temporal Drives, I volunteer to head over to the station and see what I can find out about this Confederacy."
"With Lieutenant Stark at Operations, the bridge will be well manned," Commander Valentine pointed out.
"I would like to volunteer as well, Captain," the Voth Chief of Security said. "It would be imprudent to send someone alone, and I suspect that given what we have heard about that station, an extra pair of muscles would not go amiss."
Selene glanced over to Sarena to see if she would object but when the First Officer said nothing, the Captain saw that as an endorsement. "All right. Let us go with that plan for the time being. Ensign Enel, Lieutenant A'Janni, you will go over to the station only as a recon team. You are not to engage or get yourselves drawn into anything that might hinder your ability to return to the BASTET. In order for you not to draw any unwanted attention, you will take the ship referred to as EAGLE-5."
"It might take some convincing to get Krokus to agree to that," the joint Trill said as she playfully glanced in the direction of the Flight Control Officer and Chief of Security. Individually it was hard to imagine either one of them having any sort of trouble to convince anyone into doing anything, but together it was beyond expectations that they would be able to accomplish such an easy task.
"Lieutenant Mitshiba," Selene said bringing the meeting back on track. "I would like for you to go over every piece of data we have in regards to our latest dimensional jump. I would very much like to know what happened."
"Of course, I will get on it right away. Maybe if I present this to Lieutenant Commander Maya she will not be able to resist wanting to help," Misaki chuckled.
"Knowing Maya, I would not be surprised if she was already on that mystery, leaving you to help *her* instead of the other way around," Selene said before shifting her attention onto the Doctor and Counsellor. "I would like the two of you to try and get Gemma back. I know that it is very likely that Commander Shar'El will offer to help us, but I would still prefer to have our own Intel Liaison Operative working on this mission."
"Of course, Captain," the two ladies said in unison before the meeting was adjourned.
---
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 5, Sickbay
Stardate: 35013.1015
The woman with the long flowing blonde hair stood with her shoulder against the wall and her arms crossed while looking at across the force field at the still fuming woman. "Are you done yet."
"YOU! What are you doing here?" Abrasivnyy demanded as if she was in any position to demand anything from anyone.
"I am here to break you out of this place," Fiona said as she reached for a control panel and placed her flat hand against it. A few seconds later the force field simply vanished.
"You better not be expecting me to thank you for that," the wild-haired woman raged on. "I know you and I know what you are capable of. You could have come and got me out of there a long time ago. So, you better have a bloody good reason for making me wait as long as you did, you sorry excuse for a wannabe somebody."
"I had a few things to take care of first," Fiona said not in the least bit bothered by the other woman's attempt to goat her. "I came as soon as I heard that you were here, although I will say that I am surprised."
"You being able to set one foot in front of the other should surprise you more than you can handle," Abrasivnyy unleashed. "I'm here and I do not want to be, so move and get me off this 'clean' ship," she said as if the fact that the BASTET was 'clean' as she described it was the most repulsive trait it or anything else could have.
As they made their way the to door, it slid open and revealed the Chief Medical Officer and Counsellor just about to walk in. With the reflexes of a trained fighter, Fiona reached out for the two ladies and pulled them inside, knocking them unconscious long before they realized what was happening.
Fiona and Abrasivnyy made their exit leaving Doctor Andersson and Counsellor Dima lying on the floor of Sickbay knowing that by the time they woke up it would already be too late to stop them from leaving the BASTET.
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Setting: USS BASTET, Bridge
Stardate: 35013.1025
"Captain, someone is over-writing the controls of the shuttle bay doors," Lieutenant Stark reported. Tractor beam and all other control systems have been taken off-line. It would appear that the ship your doppelganger came onboard with is leaving the shuttle bay."
"If we try to stop it, or even just follow it, we will leave ourselves open to be detected," Commander Valentine quickly pointed out. "We have no idea what kind of trouble that could lead to."
Selene snarled as she watched the ship on their main view screen pull out of the shuttle bay and then set course for the space station. "Get Captain Morningstar and Commander Shar'El up here, now! Our plans have changed."
---
Jessica Solarik
Captain Selene Fiona Iverson [Access Character BIO for Selene Iverson]
Commanding Officer
USS BASTET
&
Lieutenant Commander Maya [Access Character BIO for 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)
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"Time For Red"
[previous post were (ANU) "Intel Operative's Log" / (BAS) "Decisions and Actions"]
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Setting: BASTET, Deck 5, Sickbay
Stardate: 35013.1035
The Nylaan, with her fiery red hair, arrived in Sickbay after having run through the corridors making a lot of people question what was going on. The BASTET was not her ship, nor was it her responsibility to protect those abroad, yet Ya'Han felt a very distinct sting when she saw Counselor Dima and Doctor Andersson laying on the floor, unconscious. It did not take a top-notch investigator to understand what happened, but again it was not part of her duties to go after whoever had done this. The safest course of action was to stay where she was and offer whatever assistance was required of her. In the meantime, she would fall back on her medical training and make sure that the two victims were not suffering from any severe injuries.
"WOAH," Doctor Bruxa said as she joined the Sec/Tac in the room, instantly noticing the Nylaan's white hair. Hoping to avoid any sort of unwanted exchange between the two of them, Satella immediately went into medical response mode. "How are they?"
"Unconscious," Ya'Han replied. "Vitals appear to be strong and I am not seeing any marks or blood loss indicative of an external injury."
"Look at the markings on their necks," the ANUBIS' CMO said. "Whoever did this used what I can only guess was something resembling a Vulcan neck pinch. If enough pressure is applied to the nerves, it can easily cause a surge in nerve input leading to a loss of consciousness. Who could have done this to them, and why?"
"It was the Captain's double from this dimension," Sofia said as she slowly came back to consciousness. "It happened so fast. One second she was standing in Sickbay in front of us, the next we were being dragged inside by the neck. The last thing I remember is a wave of unimaginable pain rushing through my brain. I never saw anyone move that fast," the Doctor added before continuing a few seconds later. "That's not true, she could move that fast. Speaking of which, where is Gemma?"
"My theory, which might not make a lot of sense at this time thanks to the headache I am experiencing, is that Fiona came here to free her from the force field she was stuck behind," Counselor Dima answered, the Trill doing her best to brush off the stun-induced grogginess of her mind. "Abrasivnyy claimed right from the starts that this dimension and the nearby space station was home, so it is highly probable that the two of them knew each other before today."
"Just once I would like for us to go on a mission and not have any unexpected surprises be thrown our way," Sofia said as he reached out and took hold of Nicole's hand.
"We did that once," the joint Trill said as she smiled back and squeezed the other woman's hand. "Everyone got bored on ELYSIA because nothing unexpected ever happened. It is those unexpected moments that make us cherish what is important."
"I will take care of them," Satella said to the white-haired Nylaan. "I think there is a more urgent need for additional forces on the Security team than on the Medical team."
Ya'Han narrowed her eyes as she looked at the ANUBIS's CMO. It was more likely that the excuse given had been meant to get the Sec/Tac to leave before one of them said something unprofessional, but the more she thought about it, the more the white-haired woman realized that Bruxa was right. "I'll be on the bridge," she informed has she left Sickbay with her once again bright fiery red hair swaying on her back.
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Setting: BASTET, Bridge
Stardate: 35013.1045
The moment Jayson saw Ya'Han stepped onto the bridge, he thought to himself that he was in trouble. The solid red hair was already enough to be concerned about, but the way she had walked in made it evident that she was on a mission.
"Lt. Ya'Han, is there a problem?" Captain Iverson asked having also noticed the determination in the woman's step.
"I am just here to offer my assistance," the Sec/Tac said. "I am aware of what happened in Sickbay and that you have two people missing. I thought that maybe you could use an extra pair of hands."
Captain Iverson turned to look at Captain Morningstar who, as per her request, had come to the bridge along with Commander Shar'El. The two senior-most officers of the ANUBIS quietly shook their heads and shrugged their shoulders. If Ya'Han wanted to offer her skills and expertise, neither one of them had any reason to object.
"We were making plans to go after them using the EAGLE-5," Ensign Enel said once he saw that both sets of command-level officers appeared to agree. "Since you have already been to that space station, your presence could prove to be of help in our search for them."
Ya'Han considered the offer as she looked in Jayson's direction. They needed to sit and talk things out but it was not something that either one of them would likely be willing or ready to do at this time, in the unfamiliarity of the BASTET. So, after a few seconds of deliberation, the Sec/Tac agreed.
"I would like to go as well," Shar'El said. "Whoever Gemma believes herself to be now, she is still an ILO and as such, I need to make sure that she is returned to the BASTET safe and sound."
The two Captains looked at each other in silence, neither one of them willing to go against an ILO, especially since her argument made sense.
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Hanali Han
Lieutenant Ya'Han [Access Character BIO for Ya'Han]
Chief of Security / Chief Tactical Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
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"Diplomatic Force"
[Previous post: (ANU) "Time For Red" & (BAS) "Decisions and Actions"]
-=-=-
Setting: USS BASTET, Sickbay
Stardate: 35013.1045
No matter the ship, no matter the crew, there was one unchangable constant that could be obsrved by those serving aboard a vessel travelling amongst the stars. When something happened within the confines of the hull, everyone would come to know about it. The more significant that event was, the quicker the news spread through the decks and sections. So it was no surprise that the entire crew knew of the escape of the Captian's dimensional twin along with the missing BASTET's ILO, Lt. Gemma.
Easily imagining that the command staff were doing what they did best, meaning arguing as to the best course of action to take, the Bolian/Human Ambassador decided to head to Sickbay to check in with the medical staff. Upon her arrival, Xana locked in on the ship's CMO and CNS who were beinggiven a thorough once-over by the ANUBIS' own Doctor Bruxa.
"Things are never boring," Bonviva said as she approached.
"That's what I said," Sofia exclaimed quickly turning to look at the Trill Counselor sitting on the bed next to her who acknowledged the whole thing with a soft smile and shake of her head.
"Could you please stop moving," Doctor Bruxa requested. "It will only take me a few more monutes to finish these medical scans."
"You always say that when you know that it will take a lot longer," Adriana said as she walked in.
"You should be here," Xana snapped the moment she recognized the voice of her Junior Ambassador. "You shouldbe resting," she added turning to face the Hyspanic woman.
"Somehow, I do not believe that Sickbay is the proper location to find an Ambassador," Adriana fired back in good humor. "I am fine," the CNS added. "Like you, I wanted to see what happened and if I could help in any way."
"Nothing to see and nothing much more that can be done," Satella said. "Doctor Andersson and Counselor Dima were knocked out using something that resembles a Vulcan neck pinch."
"In other words Miss Fiona was more than she appeared or led on," Lopez sighed. "Why come here to free the ILO though?"
"Gemma was a solo Intel Operative before she joined the BASTET," Nicole said feeling at ease speaking to a fellow Counselor. "Our theory is that the two of them met in this dimension during one of her earlier missions.
"Rude, abnoxious, full of herself," Adriana said listing the woman's best known attributes. "She would have fit in perfectly with the station's crowd."
"I am sure that Captain Iverson is working on a plan to go after them," Sofia offered.
"It is going to take more than a single team to find anyone in that place," Bonviva said, tapping into her personal experience. "That thing is bigger on the inside, at least it sure felt that way. There are a thousand places someone could go and never be found."
"There are a thounsand places where someone couldalso be held against their will and tortured for days and weeks without anyone else knowing or even caring about it," Adriana added. That statement made it clear that as well as she claimed to be physically, her mental state was still very fragile.
"I think it is time for you to get back to our room," Xana calmly said as she moved closer ready to take Adriana' arm into hers to ensure that the CNS would not argue too much.
"Dont!" Lopez snapped pulling her arm away. "Don't treat me like I'm broken. I am here and I am fine, but we both know how that place can affect people, how it can change them. I understand the need for Captain Iverson and the others from her crew to want to find their missing officer back. We both know that I understand that need better than most. What we also understand better than they do is the station and its people. Sending anyone in there without the proper tools is only going to led to more problems. You and I both need to go up to the bridge and offer Captain Iverson our assistance. They are going to need us out there, to show them who and what to watch out for."
"I do not believe that it would be a good idea for you to return there," Xana said trying as best as she could to politely convince her Junior Ambassador to chose a different path. That she wanted to help was admirable, but there were other waysfor her to do that other than joining an away team. "I want you to be safe."
"This is not about what you *want*," Adriana said with an amount of force and conviction that took Xana aback. "This is about what they need, what we need. We need to go there and find their missing officer. We need to go there and stop the Confederacy. We need to go there and make sure that no one goes through what I did, not today, not ever. If you are not going to support me on this, then I will go there on my own.
The azure woman blinked her violet eyes several times as she strared straight at the shorter woman standing in front of her. The reasoning for Adriana's outburst could be put in question, but Xana instead recognized the drive she had always admired in the woman.
"Fine, let us go see Captain Iverson."
-=-=-
Marissa Montonera-Lombardi
Lieutenant JG Adriana Lopez [Access Character BIO for Adriana Lopez]
Ship's Counselor & Junior Ambassador
USS ANUBIS
=-=
"Who Helps the Helpers"
[the previous post was (ANU) "Diplomatic Force" by Marissa / (BAS) "Decisions and Actions" by Jessica]
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Sickbay
Stardate: 35013.1050
Sofia and Nic remained perfectly still and quiet as they watched with interest the Ambassador and Junior Ambassador exit Sickbay. As soon as the door slid shut behind the diplomatic duo, the CMO and CNS turned to look at one another.
"She should not be heading anywhere other than her quarters to rest," Dr Andersson said.
"Easier said than done," Dima countered. "Her mind is desperately searching for closure, for a way to put what happened behind her and as far away as possible. I knew that it would be difficult for her with the BASTET so close to where she was imprisoned and tortured, but I had hoped that I might be able to use the opportunity to help her come to terms with everything that happened. The first step in such recovery is for the victim to accept what took place and that she is now safe. I never anticipated that she would want to blindly rush in seeking justice like that."
Sofia chuckled dryly. "First, you needed to look at her as a member of the Ambassadorial corps instead of a Counselor, it is evident that they do not look at situations in the same manner. Second, justice is not what Adriana is after, she wants blood-spilling revenge. Did you see the look in her eyes and the way she gave Xana absolutely no room to say anything other than what her Junior Ambassador wanted to hear? That woman is out for some major payback."
"I'm a Counselor with four lifetimes of experience," Dima smirked. "I can tell the difference between someone wanting justice and someone after revenge. I was just trying to be polite, but to be completely honest, Adriana's case is not that clear cut. There is something in the tone of her voice that did point to her wanting justice and to make sure no one else suffers as she did. In some ways, that mindset is helping to temper her more vengeful words and actions. I am just undecided as to whether this is a good thing or not. It might indicate a split in her thinking and processing of the facts and details, and that is rarely a good thing."
"Then maybe her going after Gemma is the best course of action she could be considering," Sofia sighed summoning upon her an instant glare from Nicole. "What?" the CMO said defensively. "Are you going to tell me that there is a better person out there than our ILO to talk about what it means to have multiple ways of thinking about anything all crammed into a single head? Like it or not, she is the resident expert in that field."
"Enough to make you hope that she is the only one," Nic added dropping her head in a hint of despair.
"You know," Satella frustratingly chimed in. "You two make it very difficult to perform any basic medical examination. Now your base bio-signs are all over the map and I will have to start over just to make sure that the results were not made invalid by whatever it was that you two just did."
"Doctors do make the worst patients," Nicole huffed coming across as serious as possible as she verbally laid blame on Sofia.
"Wait a minute! You are not going to put that on *my* shoulders. Are you actually trying to tell us that Counselors are easy to deal with?" Sofia growled back in such a manner that Doctor Bruxa took a step back worried that she had caused the two women to genuinely be angry at one another. The Doctor and Counselor stared at one another through narrowed eyes which only served to further concern Satella who was now expecting this to turn physical.
"Fine!" Nicole said jumping off the medical bed. "You want to play it that way, I'm leaving. You can prove that you are just a perfect patient in times like this, well, you can try.."
"Do not think that you are just going to walk away from me like that," Sofia said jumping off her bed and quickly going after the Trill who was speed-walking to the door all under the bemused and wide-open eyes of the ANUBIS' CMO. "Are you going to tell me that throwing a tantrum like this makes you a better patient?"
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Corridor outside Sickbay
Stardate: 35013.1055
Once outside Nic and Sofia stopped and looked back at the now-closed door to Sickbay, both apparently waiting to see if someone would be coming after them. When no one came, the two lovers looked at each other once more before smiling.
"Are you sure that was the right way to handle the situation?" Dima asked.
"I was not the one who stormed out of Sickbay," Sofia chuckled, "but that was a nice touch. I could not have done it better myself. We both realized that Satella was not about to let us leave any time soon," Andersson pointed out. "She's a good Doctor, but I think she feels a little intimidated by the fact that she is not on her ship dealing with people who are not her crew."
"She is simply trying to prove her worth to Captain Iverson and the rest of the BASTET's crew," the Trill CNS said. "You cannot blame her for that."
"No, but it would have been nice if she realized that there are more important things for us all to be focussed on," the CMO said.
"So you figured that causing her possible long-lasting psychological scars was a good way to go about showing her that?" Nicole said in a slightly teasing manner.
"Of course," Sofia grinned. "You are the Ship's Counselor, so I won't be the one who will have to deal with her when she loses it and cracks." The Doctor laughed for a few seconds before regaining her composure. "Right now we have other things to worry about, namely our heading to the bridge and get ourselves assigned to whatever team is heading to that station in search of Gemma."
"You mean Abrasivnyy?"
"Gemma, Abrasivnyy, Anya, Gabrielle, Ema, and countless more. They are all different names for the same person, a person who I would like to mention is a friend and has helped us many times before and who now needs our help."
"What about your department?" Nic asked.
"I am not worried, Satella will take care of everything while we are gone."
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Bridge
Stardate: 35013.1110
By the time Nic and Sofia arrived, Captain Iverson and Captain Morningstar were already dealing with two sets of officers, each wanting to go after the faux-Iverson and latest alter-ego of their ILO.
The security team comprised of Lt. Ya'Han, Lt. JG A'Janni and Ens. Enel stood on one side while the Ambassadorial duo of Xana and Adriana stood on the other with the two Captain's stuck in the middle.
Commander Shar'El, who should have been standing by her Captain's side instead stood opposite to her superior clearly supporting the other side of whatever debate Nic and Sofia had just walked in on.
Seeing a lull in the discussion, Doctor Andersson made her move. "Captain, Nic and I would like to volunteer to join whatever team is going after Gemma. She is a member of the crew and we both agreed that we need to help her as she has done for us so many times before.
Sarena could not help but laugh as she stood near the edge of the bridge, far enough not to be dragged into the debate but close enough to have front-row seats to the whole affair. "You can say what you want about Gemma, but she knows how to make an impression on people," Valentine said.
"Alright," Selene reluctantly agreed. "Let's figure out the best way to go about it and use all of our volunteering resources in the best possible manner."
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Commander Shar'El [Access Character BIO for Shar'El]
Executive Officer / Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
##########
"From One surprise to the Next"
Previous posts (ANU) "Diplomatic Force" / (BAS) "Who Helps the Helpers"
##########
"Would you like to know your future? If your answer is yes, think again. Not knowing is the greatest life motivator. So enjoy, endure, survive each moment as it comes to you in its proper sequence, a surprise."
- Vera Nazarian
=====
Setting: USS BASTET, Bridge
Stardate: 35013.1115
The Native American had to admit that he was surprised. To see Ya'Han volunteering to go after Gemma made sense as the Nylaan was not the type to just stay put when there were things to do, especially the physical combat sort of things. To have his First Officer step forward and offer her help as an ILO to go search for the missing ILO was also not entirely unexpected, although Erik had thought that things were not as amicable between Gemma and Shar'El. Obviously, personal feelings took a back seat when it came to the professional collaboration between Intel Operatives within the fleet.
Now, to have Ambassador Bonviva also offer her knowledge and skills was unexpected as it meant that she would be returning to the exact same location she and the others had just managed to escape from. As surprising as Xana's announcement was, it paled in comparison to Adriana also stating her desire to return to the alien space station. Of all the people the Native American could have expected to come forward to help in this situation, Counsellor Lopez had been the absolute last one on his list, if she was on it at all.
"Are you sure about this?" Erik inquired of Adriana. Maybe she had not thought this through. Maybe she was being pressured into acting against what he believed should be her overwhelming need to protect herself from anything and everything about that place? Maybe he misheard what she had said? Granted all of those possibilities were highly unlikely, but as her Captain, Morningstar needed to be absolutely certain that her volunteering to return to the space station was true her decision.
The Junior Ambassador did not have the time to answer before the doors to the turbolift opened once more allowing another pair to step onto the bridge and join the rapidly growing gathering of officers.
"Let me guess," Commander Valentine chuckled from the other side of the bridge. "You two are here to volunteer." The two ladies nodded their heads and smiled as if all of this was perfectly normal.
"You have a good crew," Morningstar noted as she leaned in closer to Iverson.
"Let's just say that we have gone through quite a bit together," Selene offered as an explanation. "All right, we will take down the names of those who wish to be part of this and get back to you once Captain Morningstar and I have figured out the make-up of the away teams."
"Ambassador Bonviva, would you mind coming with us?" The ANUBIS' CO asked. "You were on that station and your input would be most valuable."
Xana hesitated, looking at Adriana who seemed as determined as ever. The last thing the Ambassador wanted was to leave her assistant alone while they discussed who would team up with whom, but Bonviva understood the need for better preparations. Picking up on the not-so-subtle hints coming from both women, Ya'Han stepped forward. "I will keep her company," the Nylaan offered.
=====
Setting: USS BASTET, Captain's Ready Room
Stardate: 35013.1120
Selene sat at her desk while Erik and Xana sat opposite her, all three having a PADD in their hands. "All right," Iverson said. "Where should we start?" The question was directed at the Ambassador who effortlessly picked up on the fact that she had been forced into the proverbial spotlight.
"The station is huge, but from what we experienced, I can tell you that there are at least four main areas that we should start with. These are the Landing Bay, the Battle Arena, the Zocalo, and the lower levels where Adriana was being kept. We never got the chance to fully explore any of them so it might be a good idea to get a better feel for the layout of the inner station."
"Already sounds like a place I would not want to visit," Iverson noted. "Since we have no way to gain access to the station other than using the EAGLE-5, my guess is that everyone will be going through the Landing Bay."
"Yes," Xana confirmed." There is a security check at the entrance meaning that everyone will need to be accompanied by someone who can vouch for the others."
"Sounds like you already have a plan," Erik noted.
"I do," the Bolian/Human confirmed. "Ya'Han can pass as 'The Agent' Han. No one will question her or whoever she is coming back with. Maybe we could have her take Enel and A'Janni to the Arena. I am sure that the three of them will have no problems fitting right in with the combatants thus avoid them drawing attention if they were anywhere else on the station."
"I do not like the idea of having all of our 'strongest' people in one place, but if you believe that it is best," Selene noted sounding less than thrilled by the idea.
"Sonja was mistaken for Sonju, who is also known as 'The Crown', while we were there, and again she would not be given any trouble at any of the security checkpoints. She could go pretty much anywhere she wants and might be the best choice for a recon team deeper into the station."
"Sonja and Shar'El would make a good team," Erik proposed.
"I would suggest having Lopez and, say maybe Lieutenant Mitshiba go with them," Xana offered. "Not having to deal with people and places that she has seen before may make it easier on Adriana, and I am sure that your CSciO will relish the opportunity to explore something new."
"Who do you suggest would take on investigating the lower levels?" Morningstar inquired, taking notes on his PADD as he did so.
"The lower levels are a maze-like collection of corridors and rooms," the Ambassador said, realizing for the first time that she was performing the role of a military tactical, something that she had never expected to do during her career. "I think Maya would be great there, not only because of her ability to scientifically look at the area but also because I suspect that her unique skills as a shapeshifter might come in handy if things go south."
"Who do you see as being the one to lead that team?" Morningstar asked.
"I thought it would be you," Xana replied. "You are a natural in tracking and exploring. I would also need to be there because I can easily pass as Xena, who no one would question if she was taking anyone down there." Mentioning the name of her dying counterpart made the Bolian/Human pause for a brief moment, forcing her to collect her thoughts and emotions.
"All right, what about the Zocalo team?" Captain Iverson inquired realizing that they were quickly running out of senior officers.
"That would have to be you, Captain Iverson," Bonviva said without holding back. "I am sure that Doctor Andersson would be able to give you a similar head of hair as your counterpart allowing you to wander the shops without too many issues as it is evident that Fiona has been here before."
"Alone?"
"Of course not," Xana reassured. "Lieutenant Stark and Doctor Bruxa would be able to accompany you and provide whatever technical or medical assistance that might surface."
Both Erik and Xana could see Selene thinking about what had been proposed, and each expected her to offer some kind of objection but after a few seconds, the BASTET's CO simply nodded her head.
"Let's go," she said getting up from behind her desk. "We have already wasted too much time planning all of this. We need to get over there, find Gemma. nd find a way to stop the Confederacy from sending an infiltration team to our home."
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar [Access Character BIO for Erik Morningstar]
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn [Access Character BIO for Elan Fairborn]
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
=-=
"Scout's Honor"
Previous posts: (ANU) “From One surprise to the Next” by Francois / (BAS) “Who Helps the Helpers” by Tiffany
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Shuttle Bay
Stardate: 35013.1120
The Nylaan, the black and red streaks in her waist-length hair beginning to shade toward fiery red, stepped up to the furry, one-eyed Caitian and the scaly 7-foot tall Voth who waited while others boarded the boxy EAGLE-5. Lt. Ya'Han narrowed her eyes as she looked up at them. "I do not want this decision to appear to rest solely on my being the ranking member of the three of us. I have been to that space station and fought in that arena as well as helped affect an escape. I have been an ANUBIS Sec/Tac for many, many missions. Given this experience, I believe it is my job to take the lead and make sure that nothing gets in our way on this mission."
Lt. JG A’Janni kept his furry tiger face neutral, but he nodded. By all accounts, Ya’Han was highly capable, especially at fighting.
Ensign Enel gave the ANUBIS Sec/Tac a brief smile. “Agreed. I have been impressed with your analysis of your last time aboard that space station.”
She scowled up at the BASTET’s Sec/Tac ensign. “Along the lines making sure that nothing gets in our way, SPACE STATION NOWHERE is not a place where law and order is held in any sort of regard.”
Zub Enel replied more as a joke, “No hero’s welcome?”
She scowled more darkly. “That place is a criminal enterprise. It is criminal enterprises within criminal enterprises with a million side hustles. What I mean is, you cannot go there projecting that perfect image of a law-abiding Federation security officer. Not only will you get absolutely nowhere, you will endanger everyone on the away team.”
Indignation lit a coal in Zub’s boiler. He had the trace of a growl as he answered her. “I was not planning to act as a security officer.”
Her hair had gone full battle red. “How can you not?! I have interacted with you enough to see you are all ‘By The Book’ and want to be everybody’s hero! You are a ‘top of his class at the academy’ Do Gooder. You want to do everything *right*. You want to bring Truth, Justice and the Federation Way to all people, especially the downtrodden.”
The Security Chief dropped his three-fingered hands into a fig leaf and scowled down at her. “I consider that a good thing.”
She jutted a finger up at his face. “That might be true for a starship or a Federation base or even on most planets in the Federation, but I am telling you as forcefully as I know how, on SPACE STATION NOWHERE doing the ‘right thing’ is the absolute *wrong* thing to do! Got that?”
“Not really.” He kept his tone cold even though he felt like his body was filling with searing steam.
Ya’Han took in a breath. She forced herself to look at The Voth and his reaction. He clearly was feeling defensive, but she knew she was right. “That arena is a gladiatorial grudge match with no rules. You have to prepare for fight a complete brute or even one of us. You will die unless you forget everything you’re ‘supposed to do’ and instead use intuition and improvisation. Do whatever will work for that situation, whether it is immoral or illegal, to survive. If you need to lie? Lie. Cheat? Cheat. Hit? Hit. Kill? Kill. Am I being clear?”
A’Janni felt himself go over on the defensive for Zub Enel. The big cat man was impressed with the ANUBIS Sec/Tac’s fierceness. She did make a valid point. Still, he raised his paw hands palm out toward her. “He is no noob. I have been in the field with him. He is good in a scrap. Keeps his wits. He helped me and Commander Valentine hold off a platoon of Masters, barehanded!”
He felt a chill as her angry face turned toward him. Her finger jabbed toward his face. “You and him both need to follow my lead over there or we could all die.”
She did rank him and Zub Enel. “Yes, sir.”
She glared up at the towering BASTET Sec/Tac for his answer. His down fluttered as if buffeted by steam jetting from between his flaming red scales. After a pause he said in a labored voice, “Yes, sir.”
Her face softened. “I do respect you, Ensign Enel. It is just your natural way of being that will put you in danger and everybody else.”
“Understood, sir. I will endeavor to not be myself.”
A’Janni asked, “Permission to smack him around if he forgets.” He looked up at the big lizard man. Zub’s angry glare cooled when he recognized A’Janni was joking.
Ya’Han broke her combative stance. She looked up at the two men. “Very well. Carry on.”
After Ya’Han moved off toward the increasingly packed EAGLE-5, A’Janni lightly smacked Zub’s upper arm with a fist. “Come on. I will show you which end of a phaser to avoid.”
Zub rubbed the spot on his upper arm. “We do not need no stinking phasers.”
“You did not quote that right.”
Zub huffed out a sigh. “I am practicing me not being me.”
“She *is* right, you know. You are like a big boy scout.”
“What is a boy scout?”
A’Janni’s face went slack. “I am not 100% sure. But I am sure she wants you to be a big ‘man’ scout.”
“You make no sense.”
“Neither do I.”
Zub Enel felt his fire of indignation cool a bit. “I will think about what she has said.”
A companionable distance apart, the stocky tiger and tall lizard ambled toward the rickety shuttle.
=-=
David Michael Inverso
Ensign Zub Enel [Access Character BIO for Zub Enel]
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS BASTET, NCC 74977
“All fixed set patterns are incapable of adaptability or pliability. The truth is outside of all fixed patterns.”
- Bruce Lee
"Orders"
[previous (ANU) "From One Surprise to the Next" / (BAS) "Scout's Honor"]
[/\]
Setting: USS BASTET, Shuttle Bay
Stardate: 35013.1155
The plan was set. The teams were made. The next step was to board the EAGLE-5 and get to SPACE STATION NOWHERE to retrieve Lt. Gemma and put a cork in the Confederacy's plans. Before boarding though, each team gathered to talk about how they would proceed in their specified areas. Everyone accepted with little effort that such discussions would be very difficult to carry out while crammed in whatever that ship was supposed to be. Just looking at it, Stark could barely imagine that they would all be able to fit in there.
Jayson stood by himself, watching the others as talked about the mission while he waited for the other members of his team to arrive. As he scanned the various groups, his eyes stopped on one particular team, the one with the fiery red-haired Nylaan. The OPS Officer could not help but smile as he watched Ya'Han explain to the Caitian and Voth how things were going to unfold. It made sense in more ways than one for her to do so and he understood it.
She outranked them both, so protocol dictated that she would be the one in charge. She also possessed firsthand experience in dealing with whatever they would encounter on that station. That she was a natural leader also made it that much easier for her to step into that role. If those were not enough to make her the best candidate for the position, there was something else that distinguished her from anyone else... her personal background.
It was true that she despised talking about her past. Ya'Han rarely spoke of her days as the youngest daughter of an overbearing world leader, or the abuses she endured on a nearly daily basis during her escape from Ferengi controlled space. From what little she had allowed him to know, Jayson could only imagine the hell she had endured creating countless nightmares that she was still fighting against. He had given her everything he could to help and support her, but obviously, it was not enough.
Standing where he was, looking at only her, Jayson almost forgot how much she had hurt him by the way she handled the whole affair with his Lokustaar clone. He had waited, given her the breathing room she asked for upon her return, but each time he tried to get close she pushed him further away. Her pain was so great that she failed to see how much his own feelings were crushed by her keeping him away. He admired her, he loved her, but there was just so much he could take before it became too much. Unfortunately, he was a mere human with feelings and needs of his own. Those aspects of his life were made that much clearer when Doctor Bruxa and landed on top of one another as they escaped ORION.
"There you are," Satella said as she crossed the shuttle bay closely followed by a woman sporting an elegant hairdo.
"Woah," Jayson exclaimed having thought for a split second that it was Fiona following the ANUBIS' CMO and not Selene Iverson. "My apologies Captain, I was just not expecting to see you like..."
"A blonde?!" Iverson said sounding on the verge of disgust. "Have you obtained the specifications of the Zocalo from Ambassador Bonviva?"
"Sorry," Jayson said apologizing once more. "I was thinking of other aspects of our collective mission to that station," he added glancing quickly at the fiery red-haired Nylaan, a gesture that Satella noticed.
"You two stay here," Captain Iverson said as she searched the room. "I will get the details we need from the Ambassador and I will be right back."
Seeing Jayson's attention returning onto the Arena team leader, Satella reached out and gently took hold of his hand. "She will be fine," the Doctor said trying her best to reassure the man. "We both know that she can take care of herself, and I am sure that her furry and scaly bodyguards are going to make sure she comes back without a single hair out of place."
"You sound like you actually care about what might happen to her," Jayson said with a hint of surprise. "With her out of the way, there would be no reason for me to oppose you... to oppose us."
"We both know that it is never that easy," Satella said. "Maybe I have been handing around Adriana too long, but I am starting to understand people much better than I used to. You still love her, and there is nothing I can do to change that. If something were to happen to her, you would feel more pain than you do now and that, in turn, would hurt me to see you that way. So, for your sake, I truly hope that nothing happens to you. That is what having feelings for someone means, you think of them before yourself."
Jayson turned to look at Satella, her words washing over him in a way that he could never have expected. As he was about to speak, Captain Iverson returned. "Alright you two, let's get going. Everyone has their orders and it's time to get this show on the road."
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Lieutenant Jayson Stark [Access Character BIO for Jayson Stark]
Chief of Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
"Fitting In"
Previous posts: (ANU) "Orders" & (BAS) "Scout's Honor"
///^\\\
Setting: USS BASTET, Shuttle Bay
Stardate: 35013.1156
There she was, standing alongside the ANUBIS's First Officer, Chief Engineer and Counselor who also doubled at the Junior Ambassador. All three were experts in their respective fields, possessing abilities and knowledge that were sure to be more than helpful during the course of their search for Gemma. True, their objective also included finding out about the Confederacy's plans and ways of stopping them, but for obvious reasons, Aki's primary goal was to find the BASTET's ILO.
Gemma could easily be described as strange and weird, but she was a member of their crew, an officer they all had come to know and accept as an integral part of their professional family. Aki hoped that the other three women of her team could keep this in mind as they investigated the unexplored areas of the alien space station. Mitshina could not have been happier to be in the company of such strong women, all three of them coming across as ready to face whatever unknows they would come up against. That aspect of their part of the mission was more than enough to excite the Asian scientist, yet she still found herself glancing over to the other teams and the members of her crew within each.
With their strength and size, Enel and A'Janni would provide more protection than the red-haired Chief of Security of the ANUBIS likely would require, so Aki thought that it would have been nice if even only one of them had been on her team instead. Looking at Counselor Dima, the CSciO felt a sort of kinship with the joint Trill as both of them were the only members of the BASTET's crew in their respective teams. The same could have been said about the Zocalo team comprised of Jayson, Satella and a now long blonde-hair Captain Iverson but Mitshiba doubted that Selene would have any issues with her team being the one in charge.
As she scanned the smaller teams getting ready to board the odd-looking EAGLE-5, Aki noticed something odd, or more accurately something missing. Doctor Andersson was nowhere to be seen? Had something happened to Sofia? Were the rumors of a fight between Nicole and her been true, and if so was the disagreement that bad that the CMO had decided to withdraw from their quest to find and bring back Gemma? The Asian scientist was puzzled and concerned, worrying about the state of the Doctor and how her absence might affect their mission.
As Aki was trying to find a logical reason to explain the Doctor's absence, a familiar figure came running into the shuttle bay, her long medical robes having been replaced by a strange-looking outfit that the Asian CSciO could only venture a guess at its ultimate function. "I was afraid that you would not be coming," Mitshiba said as Sofia came within earshot.
"Giving Captain Iverson her new hair was not as easy as you might think," the CMO said. "After I was done, I figured that it would be better if I changed into something more appropriate for our mission?"
"More appropriate?" Aki questioned while looking at the selection made by Sofia. "Are you expecting to run into some sort of color-blind, sand-dwelling, subterranean, jungle vegetation loving creature while we are on the station?"
"Captain Iverson asked me to join her team," Andersson said. "Since we will be visiting the Zocalo, which I was told is a very large and very colorful marketplace, I thought that this would make me a little less visible."
"A little *less* visible?!?" Aki was trying her best not to laugh. "I have the feeling that there will be people from our dimension who will be able to see you from where they are."
"Do you honestly think that I have gone too far?" Sofia asked with honesty as she looked at her clothing selection.
"I think you went too far when you *thought* of those clothes," the Asian woman said. "You getting dressed in any of that was beyond going *too far* and landed you squarely into the realm of *should never have happened in the first place*."
"Do you think I have time to change?"
"Doctor Andersson!" The Captain loudly said having noticed the CMO, an impossible task not to do given the way the woman had chosen to dress for the journey to SPACE STATION NOWHERE.
///^\\\
Dawn Bohr
Lieutenant Misaki 'Aki' Mitshiba [Access Character BIO for Misaki Mitshiba]
Chief Science Officer
USS BASTET - NCC 74977
=/\=
Acts of Optimism
Previous posts: (ANU) "Orders" & (BAS) "Fitting In"
=/\=
“Motherhood is the biggest gamble in the world. It is the glorious life force. It’s huge and scary – it’s an act of infinite optimism.”
—Gilda Radner
=/\=
Setting: EAGLE-5
Stardate: 35013.1230
“I can’t believe you actually slept in this thing,” Sonja said to Xana. “What were you thinking?”
The ANUBIS CEO and Ambassador were up in the “cockpit” of EAGLE-5 getting set up for departure. “I was thinking that I was trying to be not an imposition,” Xana said. When Sonja just gave her “the look”, the Bolian/Human woman admitted as she sipped her thermos of iced espresso, “Well there’s a first time for everything.”
Sonja snorted, “I’ll say.” Sliding down off her chair, the CEO said as she peered up under the console, “I know I repaired the optical data conduit, and I’ve rebuilt the temporal databanks nutation but ambient flux pattern is still not giving the readings that I want.”
As Ya’Han wandered over during Sonja’s concerns, Xana sought to reassure the Sec/Tac. “It’s fine,” the Ambassador said. “I think she just made up some of those words.”
Sonja pulled her head out and stuck her tongue out at Xana while Ya’Han shook her head. “I know you didn’t,” the Nylaan said. Looking back over her shoulder she continued on, “But we have everyone here so we’re ready when you are.”
The Engineer and Ambassador got up and looked at the EAGLE-5; a dozen people sitting down and ready to go on this adventure; with the 3 women in the front that meant 15 people were off and ready. Based on the feedback from the ANUBIS team who had gone ahead, everyone had already changed out of their uniforms so they could blend in with the inhabitants of the station.
“I’ll go to tell the Captain duo we’re off,” Xana said. Making her way through the sea of people she found Morningstar and Iverson. “Captains,” she said cordially, “our Winnebago with wings is about to take off.”
“Very well,” Morningstar said.
Xana leaned against a chair as she watched the EAGLE-5 gracefully exit the BASTET and enter space. Morningstar and Iverson talked to the crew, dispersing inspirational words of wisdom while getting updates on the mission. For her part, the Bolian/Human watched the sublime darkness wrap around the absurd craft they were in and allowed her mind to wander.
“Ambassador,” she heard from her left. Turning she saw the BASTET’s CO coming back to where she was, taking a seat across to speak to her.
Blinking her eyes, to bring herself to the present, Xana looked at Captain Iverson. “My apologies, I was distracted. How can I assist you?”
As Morningstar also made his way back, the BASTET CO leaned in. Command made Iverson reluctant to trust someone new; yet she had to now because Gemma and the Federation was at stake. Still she had to know who this was who helped them develop the tactics. “Do you think our plan has a chance of working?” she asked softly.
Bonviva considered that. “I was thinking just now about why I became an Ambassador,” she said softly. “It was 14 years ago now and it was because I was pregnant with my daughter, Dahlia.”
Morningstar said nothing but leaned against a bulkhead; he knew now that the azure woman’s rambling way of talking eventually got her to a point. He wasn’t sure if he warned Iverson of that.
“Ambassador?” Iverson asked.
Xana smiled at that. “I was in Starfleet, once,” she explained. Shrugging she explained waving her hands around, “Better people than me can be ‘Fleet as everyone here demonstrates.” Pausing she carefully picked her next words, “But I knew my job wasn’t finished. I wanted to leave a better Federation for my children.” Thinking she said, “Being a parent and being part of the Federation are both acts of optimism. I just chose the most optimistic avenue I thought of: being the first one to advocate for relationships and peace, while still serving the Federation.” Shrugging she finished off, “So the long and the short of my answer, Captain Iverson, is that I always find a way.”
“Your daughter must be proud of you,” Captain Morningstar said.
Xana surprised herself by letting out a delighted genuine laugh at that. “Dahlia is now a teenager, my very breathing embarrasses her,” she admitted with a wide smile.
As the looming SPACE STATION NOWHERE came into view, the Ambassador grew somber as did everyone else. “Although I admit there are times I have to remind myself to be optimistic.”
=/\=
Sarah Albertini-Bond
USS ANUBIS
And
Dr. Tulla Keiku, Lieutenant
USS PHOENIX
=-=
"Obsrvations"
[the previous posts were (ANU) "Acts of Optimism" by Sarah / (BAS) "Fitting In" by Dawn]
=-=
Setting: EAGLE-5, Aft-Section
Stardate: 35013.1230
It was one of the many unwritten rules of an Intel Operative, no matter where they were, to observe those around them, to study their actions, to analyse their interactions and decipher their body language. Even if one could not hear what was being said, or understand the language they spoke, the way they moved alone and behaved with others could tell a lot about what was going on in their head. Being a Ullian, Shar'El usually pushed this one step further by scanning the memories of those of interest to her, but here she was surrounded by fellow officers, shipmates and even friends, so the ExO / ILO simply observed, silently, quietly.
With her back against one of the furthest corners of the ship, the raven-haired Commander could see everyone as they tried to make themselves as comfortable as possible in the limited space available. It did not take a telepath to see that there was a lot of nervousness and anxiety floating about, everyone questioning some or all of the details of the upcoming mission. Shar'El could not help but also notice that many semed to have agendas and motivations all of their own, and this included the ExO / ILO who had not been entirely honest with everyone as to her reasons for embarking onto this quest. For the majority of the crew of the BASTET, finding the missing ILO was the primary objective of this venture. Dealing with the Confederacy's threat was likely a close second, but it was easy to see that most wanted to see Gemma found and returned to her ship safe and sound. Those sentiments were shared by the raven-haired ILO as she considered her counterpart from their sister ship a very valuable assest, more so than most could possibly realize.
With that in mind, Shar'El made herself as comfortable as possible while continuing to scan the people who were doing their best to weather the 'less-than-first-class' accomodations. The ExO / ILO locked in on the team leaders as they relayed last minut instructions. Most were as attentive as could be but a select few appeared quite distracted.
Doctor Sofia Andersson, who joined the away teams at the last minute was clearly more preoccupied by the BASTET's Trill Counselor than whatever her Captain was saying. Shar'El questioned the reasoning behind having both CMO on the same team but eventually decided that it might prove to be the best for everyone. While on the Zocalo which according to Ambassador Bonviva was a central hub of activity, the Doctors would be able to quickly respond to any emergencies while remaining in the relative safety of a more public area. Venturing into the corridors lining the Arena, or the dark and mysterious passageways of the levels below might have created problems of their own.
Looking at the Zocalo team more closely, the ExO / ILO focused on the other highly distracted officer she had noticed. It seemed that Captain Iverson, despite her new longblonde hair could not maintain Stark's attention on her, the human man instead at the fiery haired leader of the Arena team. There was something odd about the way Jayson was looking at Ya'Han, his posture and expression indicating both dislike and admiration. What Shar'El found even more interesting was the way Doctor Bruxa was looking at the man. As she focused on Satella, the Ullian caught glimpses of a kiss the two had shared making the Commander almost feel glad that he was on the team with two Doctors although she was concerned as to how this might affect their mission.
Shifting back and forth between Sofia Andersson and Jayson Stark, Shar'El found it rather entertaining to see how each was looking at someone else but in clearly different ways and with very distinct mindsets. Equally entertaining was the fact that Captain Iverson seemed oblivious to this, the now blonde-haired woman clearly concerned by other matters, namely the whereabouts of her ILO and the threat to the Federation by the plans of the Confederacy.
Shar'El grinned ever so faintly as she wondered if Captain Iverson would still feel this way if she knew even only half of what the ExO / ILO knew about Lt. Gemma.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Commander Shar'El [Access Character BIO for Shar'El]
Executive Officer / Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
Ensign Sofia Andersson [Access Character BIO for Sofia Andersson]
Chief Medical Officer
USS BASTET
"Huddle"
[previous (ANU) "Observations" / (BAS) "Fitting In"]
[/\]
Setting: EAGLE-5, Aft Section
Stardate: 35012.1245
A'Janni sat cross-legged with Zub next to him sitting on his scaly rear-end allowing the towering reptilian to use his knees as a kind of shelf to rest his arms upon. In front of them was Ya'Han who was on her knees in an effort to match the height of her fellow teammates. At 5'6" the Nylaan could not hope to compete against the Caitian's 6'4" nor the Voth's 7'0" even when they were sitting down as far as they could. Still, the woman with the fiery hair did not appear intimidated by the size difference, a simple fact that pleased the FCO.
The Caitian did not know a lot about the Nylaan but there was a regal strength about her, something that he could not help compare to another, smaller female who commanded respect wherever she went. Sheetora and Ya'Han looked nothing alike, but once he saw beyond the lack of surface resemblance, A'Janni could see an increasing number of matching characteristics. Both possessed an impressive inner strength which they used to command others, not in the way a military general would order troops, but more as a caring sovereign would their subjects.
As rough as Ya'Han might have come across back in the shuttle bay, A'Janni understood what she was trying to do. Her teammates were not some simple muscle-bound assets to be used and discarded, they were members of *her* team and she would make sure that they returned from this mission safe and sound. Thanks to his dealing with the Kzinti, the Caitain had experienced some of the uncaring methods used by those from KZINTI BETA, and he was pleasantly surprised to see that this was not the way of the inhabitants of KZINTI ALPHA.
The three members of the Arena team shared an extended moment of silence which they used as a means of self-reflection. Their mission to SPACE STATION NOWHERE would most certainly not be an easy one, that much they all agreed on. There were just too many unknowns, too many variables to be certain of anything, but that could not stop them from going after Gemma. Both Zub and A'Janni considered the ILO as someone special, granted for completely different reasons, but that was enough to have them sitting there ready to do whatever it took to see the mission completed successfully.
Looking at Ya'Han, A'Janni noticed a gradual change in the color of the woman's hair. From the near solid bright red the Nylaan's hair had grown darker. This piqued the Caitian's curiosity and since there was little else to do at the moment, he decided to inquire. "Excuse me, Lieutenant. Is the changing of your hair color natural?"
Ya'Han sighed as she smiled. "Natural and unfortunately unconscious more often than I would like it to be."
"Very interesting," the Caitian said. "I guess it is very similar to what he does, but with his scales," A'Janni said nudging the Voth sitting next to him.
"The color of a Nylaan's hair represents their position they have earned in our society," Ya'Han explained. Although she suspected that they might already know this, she found herself in the mood to share, something that was rather uncommon for her about this particular subject matter. "Black is the color of the commoners, those who are nothing as compared to the others. Red represents those who have earned the right to be part of the military, having shown their skills in combat."
"That explains the military command impression I was getting from you," the Caitain said.
"Actually, I never served in the military of my world," Ya'Han admitted. "It would have been improper for someone like me to serve."
"Someone like you?"
Ya'Han closed her eyes for a brief moment when she reopened them her hair was the color that only those of her bloodline could summon and display. It was the color of royalty, the color that the daughter of the High Sovereign, the color that she had decided to separate herself from. The purple meant nothing to her now as it was only a reminder of a life that she had long left behind, a life that she wanted to forget.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
"Huddle, Part 2"
[previous (ANU) "Observation" / (BAS) "Huddle"]
[/\]
Setting: EAGLE-5 Aft, Section
Stardate: 35013.1250
He was too far to hear what was being said, but Jayson could most certainly see the change in her hair color. That by itself was not all that surprising as Ya'Han had a bad habit of letting her emotions dictate what color her hair would be, but to see her openly show the color of her family's position was more than unexpected. Actually, it was downright shocking. What could she had been thinking or feeling while chatting with the overgrown cat and lizard to make her hair turn purple? What could either one of them have said to her to make the Nylaan go against her near absolute loathing of what that specific hair color represented?
Jayson wanted to get up and go over to Ya'Han. He wasn't sure what he would say, but it would likely come out as a demand for an explanation. The OPS Officer quickly considered the possible outcomes of this course of action and decided to remain seated. She might have known A'Janni and Enel less than he did, but she had a way with people and it was evident that she had already earned the respect of the BASTET's FCO and Sec/Tac. Knowing the Caitian and Voth as he did, how little it might have been, Jayson knew that if things turned ugly, they would likely not hesitate to defend her, not that she needed it.
However hurt he might have been, there is no way he would want to put Ya'Han in a situation where she would need to defend herself, verbally or physically. It was a foregone conclusion that he would lose any physical confrontation and Jayson was relatively sure that the outcome of a verbal altercation would be identical.
"Purple?" Satella whispered ever so softly to no one in particular, the CMO noticing the same thing the OPS Officer had.
"That's a long story," Jayson dismissed forcing himself to look away from the Nylaan.
"Everything about her is a long story," Bruxa said in such a way that Stark was unsure if the Doctor had tried to be funny or if she had been completely serious. "Whatever the story is though, I can tell that it has upset you. Even here, she manages to do things to hurt you." That last statement made Jayson understand that Satella was being as serious as she could be.
"It's not worth the time or effort," Jayson said turning to look at the CMO and catching a glimpse of Captain Iverson who appeared fixated on something.
"If it concerns you, be it good or bad, it is well worth whatever time I have," the CMO said before noticing that the OPS Officer's attention was not on her but on the now blonde-haired Captain instead.
Jayson and Satella followed Selene's fixated gaze across the inside of the EAGLE-5 and through the forward windows which displayed the space station in all of its immensely dark majestic horror. "That thing looks like something the Borg would have come up while stuck in the middle of a collective nightmare," the OPS Officer noted.
"Just wait until you get inside," Ya'Han added as everyone's attention turned onto the station they were approaching.
"Steady as she goes," Captain Iverson ordered. "We do not want to appear overly anxious in wanting to get on board that monstrous thing."
"Looking the way it does, I am surprised that anyone actually wants to go there," Stark said.
"And yet that is where Gemma is, and where we need to go to get her back," Selene said. "Alright everyone, whatever final preparations you want to do with your teams needs to happen now. Once we are there, I doubt we will have time or opportunities to figure out what our plan of action needs to be."
Jayson glanced at Ya'Han who wasted no time to follow Captain Iverson's recommendation. "Alright you two," Doctor Andersson said as she put her hands on the shoulders of the other CMO and OPS Officer. "We need to review what we are going to do once we get to that Zocalo. We need to be smart about how we proceed but above that, we have to make sure that we do not get separated. Staying together may be our one and only saving grace."
After hearing this, Satella reached for Jayson's arm and pulled it into a tight embrace, offering the man a caring smile as she looked up at him.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Lieutenant Jayson Stark [Access Character BIO for Jayson Stark]
Chief of Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
---
"The Arrival"
(Previous Post: (ANU) "Observation" / (BAS) "Huddle, Part 2")
---
Setting: EAGLE-5, Forward Section
Stardate: 35013.1320
Everyone held their collective breaths as the EAGLE-5 entered and eventually made contact with the floor of the landing bay. Everything seemed to have gone according to plan, the odd-looking craft not raising any alarms by its return to the space station. In fact, Selene was more than a little suspicious by just how easy the whole thing had been.
"This is *not* a Federation starbase," Captain Morningstar said as if trying to reassure Iverson. "We both know how loose the docking protocols can be in places like this, and that is if there are any at all. This space station seems to be nothing more than a watering hole for the shadiest characters in the region."
"Some of the more remote outposts do operate with a more 'relaxed' approach, but I also know how some of the busier dark locations function," Selene countered. "This place is too big, too important to just be the type to let anyone walk in whenever they want. Plus, why would Fiona not warn the local authorities of our possible arrival? She knew that the EAGLE-5 was on board the BASTET, so she could have easily ensured that the ship was blackballed, or even worse, targeted to be destroyed on sight. I doubt she did not expect us not to come after Gemma."
"And you decided to share this only *now*?" Morningstar was visibly upset by the revelation. In hindsight, the Native American Captain should have known that this was a likely scenario, and it bothered him that he had not thought of it. The only explanation he could give himself for this lapse was that he had not been the one in charge and therefore had not given the situation all of the careful consideration and meticulous analysis that he now believed he should have.
"Relax," Selene said flicking her long blonde hair over her shoulder. "Commander Valentine and the rest of the BASTET's crew were ready to intervene should the need arise. We were never in any real danger, but I am still not liking the fact that we made it here without even a single raised eyebrow or question being asked." After meeting the gaze of Captain Morningstar for a few seconds, Captain Iverson addressed the gathering on board the EAGLE-5. "We have arrived. Let me remind you that we have two mission objectives. The first is to find and retrieve Lt. Gemma. Keep in mind that although she left the BASTET under the identity of Abrasivnyy, she is a highly trained Intel Operative who could change her looks and personality at any moment depending on the situation. The officer who know her understand what I am saying, so keep a sharp eye open. Our secondary objective is to find as much information on this Confederacy and figure out a way to undermine their plans. As of right now, there are no indications that these two objectives overlap in any way meaning that we will all be pulling double duty. Team leaders; get your groups ready. We will be exiting the ship one group at a time with another group following only after the first has made it through the security checkpoint. Any questions?"
"What are we supposed to do if we find Miss Abrasivnyy?" The Shillian scientist inquired.
"The crew members of the BASTET were injected earlier with a sub-dermal communicator that transmits on an encoded frequency that only we can pick up," Doctor Andersson explained. "Just relay your location to the others and if you need any assistance."
"How we proceed will depend heavily on which personality Gemma is found using at that time," Captain Iverson added. "Since we have no idea of what kind of influence or even control my dimensional twin has on her, so it will be prudent to exercise extreme caution as we move in."
"If I may?" The First Officer and Intel Operative of the USS ANUBIS interjected. "I would like to offer myself as the one to make contact when she is found. I might be able to get through to her as I understand her way of thinking better than most, at least as a fellow operative. Also, my being able to scan her immediate memories would give me an edge in figuring out what happened and if someone is truly controlling her."
"Thank you for your offer Commander," Selene acknowledged. "If everyone is ready, I think Captain Morningstar should take his team out first. I believe that Lieutenant Ya'Han in her role as 'The Agent' Han is best suited to test the waters as they say."
"Having the two of us next to her is not going to hurt either," A'Janni grinned as he nudged his friend the Voth Chief of Security. The Nylaan took a moment to make sure that her hair was the appropriate colour for her to be accepted as her dimensional counterpart before making her way out of the craft.
Everyone watched with trepidation as the trio exited the EAGLE-5 and made their way to the nearest security checkpoint as nonchalantly as possible given their surrounding and their own slightly out-of-place appearance. Judging by the expressions of surprise from those looking at them, it was a safe conclusion that none of them had ever seen the solid black-haired Agent accompanied by such a strange and impressive duo.
A silent sigh of relief was shared by all when the first team eventually made their way through the security checkpoint without any incident leaving the others to hope in the safe for them.
"All right, who is next?"
---
Jessica Solarik
Captain Selene Fiona Iverson [Access Character BIO for Selene Iverson]
Commanding Officer
USS BASTET
&
Lieutenant Commander Maya [Access Character BIO for 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)
-=-=-
"Weak Knees"
[Previous post: (ANU) "Huddle, Part 2" & (BAS) "The Arrival"]
-=-=-
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Arrival Security Checkpoint
Stardate: 35013.1345
Sonja was in the lead, closely followed by Adriana who was keeping her head down. The CEO needed to be recognized and accepted as Sonju, the station's 'Crown'. As long as everyone else accepted her as such, there would be no trouble and no questions would be asked of those accompanying her. The CSciO of the BASTET was close behind the Junior Ambassador while Commander Shar'El brought up the rear, keeping a vigilant eye on everything.
Adriana could easily imagine that the ExO was using her telepathic skills to get a truthful gage as to the reaction of others. That did not bother the Hispanic woman, what did concern her was that the Commander might pick up on the memories Lopez was trying her best to keep out of her mind. The distinct sounds of the people going about their routine on this station were more than enough to bring back haunting memories. The various stenches that assaulted her sense of smell only made things worse making it increasingly difficult for the Counselor/Junior Ambassador to put one foot in front of the other.
When the group came to a stop while Sonju dealt with the man guarding the security checkpoint, Adriana felt the supporting hands of Misaki on her right arm. "We are almost through," the Asian said. Although there was no way for the CSciO to know what was happening with Lopez, Mitshiba's keen sense of observation made her realise that things were not as well as they should be with the woman who had been walking and stumbling before her.
"My sincerest apologies."
Whatever Sonja had said worked, granting the team unhindered access to the station. Adriana, with help from Misaki, followed but as soon as they walked right next to the security guard, the odor of the lower levels that clung to his clothes hit the veiled woman like a thousand photon torpedoes.
Within seconds Adriana felt two sets of hands take a hold of her before she could collapse onto the hard and cold plates of the station's deck. As much as she tried, Lopez could not control her body nor her mind, leading her to try and break free from the helping embraces that she was the target of. The memories of her incarceration and torture were just too strong causing her to consider only one course of action -- run!
"Is she alright?"
"MIND YOUR BUSINESS!"
"She will be fine, it is just her weak knees acting up again."
Adriana heard the voices, and she knew that the people to whom they belonged to were familiar but at this exact moment, the Counselor/Junior Ambassador could not put a name to them. Lopez knew that they were trying to help but that did little to stop her from wanting to run as fast and far as she could without ever looking back.
Just as she was about to push everyone away, or at the very least try, another tidal wave of memories came crashing down upon her, but for some reason, these did not make Adriana was to run, in fact, it was quite the contrary. The Counselor/Junior Ambassador found herself smiling, albeit very little, as she relived happier moments of her life, each happening in the frame of a single heartbeat. Her posting as CNS for the BASTET, her becoming good friends with Satella, Her becoming the Ambassador's protege and later receiving the appointment as Junior Ambassador. All of those happy memories were scattered islands set on a sea of trouble, hardships and pain, but for some reason, the Hispanic woman could only recall the best moments of her life.
"See, she is doing better. Come, we have to get going. We are keeping this poor man from doing his job." This time Adriana clearly heard and identified the voice as being that of Misaki Mitshiba.
"You heard the lady, GET BACK TO WORK!" Those words belonged to Sonja, or as far as everyone else on the station was concerned, the order had been spoken by The Crown, so none dared to oppose or even question.
As soon as the team managed to reach a more secluded area, Adriana was allowed to sit while surrounded by the others who wanted to make sure that she was alright. Lopez looked up and smiled, the joy of the last set of memories she had relived still filling her with a sense of joy that she had almost forgotten she could experience.
"I am sorry, but I had no choice," Shar'El said in a whispered voice while looking straight at the sitting CNS. "We can talk later, but for now, you need to rest so that we can proceed with our mission."
Adriana understood what had taken place. In order to avoid Lopez from 'losing it' and exposing the team and possibly the whole undercover mission, Shar'El had invaded her mind and forced the happiest memories she could find to the surface thus changing her focus onto something more pleasant. The Ullian had not had the opportunity to ask for permission to do this, not that there had been any chance to do so. The Commander had to act quickly and she did, saving the team from possibly being exposed. The price of that though was that the Ullian had likely come across several memories that the Hispanic woman would have preferred remained unknown.
Faced with this realization, Adriana let the full weight of her body press against the wall that she had been made to sit against. Even if she had wanted to get up allowing the team to resume their travels, the CNS/Junior Ambassador would have been unable to do so, her knees, as Misaki had claimed not so long ago, being far too weak to support her at this time.
-=-=-
Marissa Montonera-Lombardi
Lieutenant JG Adriana Lopez [Access Character BIO for Adriana Lopez]
Ship's Counselor & Junior Ambassador
USS ANUBIS
##########
"Promises Made, Promises Kept"
Previous posts (ANU) "Weak Knees" / (BAS) "The Arrival"
##########
"Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength."
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
-==/\==--
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Landing Bay
Stardate: 35013.1350
The Native American thought it unwise for everyone to come out from the EAGLE-5 and head to the security checkpoint following the same path. Maybe it was the tracker in him or just paranoia, but Erik wanted to avoid making things more dangerous than they needed to be. So, as soon as Sonja and her team had gone, Morningstar took his team out and directed them to one side, allowing them to make a quiet detour around a few of the crafts that were on the large and yet very crowded landing bay.
As they made their way through the seemingly endless sets of small crafts and various cargo crates being loaded and unloaded, Erik noticed that Xana's attention was kept on the preceding team. It was easy to see and understand that the Ambassador was concerned for the wellbeing of the Junior Ambassador. Of all those who had come to this place before, Adriana was by far the one who had endured the most, and it was perfectly understandable that this caused those who cared about her to be that much more concerned.
When the team led by Lt. Cmdr. Paquette reached the security checkpoint, Morningstar and his team came to a stop and watched from the relative security of the far side of a set of crates. There were easily 30 or so meters separating the two teams, not to mention a varying number of travellers passing between them, but even with all that both Erik and Xana could see that Adriana was not doing well.
"I knew that this would happen," the Bolian/Human woman said with a heavy sigh. "I should have opposed her more than I did when she said she wanted to be here."
"She wanted to help, just like we all do," the Native American countered with. "Plus, she is not alone. Shar'El, Sonja and Misaki will make sure that nothing happens to her."
"I am not worried what might happen *to* her," the azure woman corrected. "I am concerned about what she might *do*. Look, you can see the fear in her eyes."
"Xana? Unless you have some sort of x-ray vision I am unaware of, you cannot see her eyes from here."
"Fine," the Ambassador snapped. "Look at the way she is struggling to walk. Look at the way she is holding herself, the clearly hunched over posture indicates a massive lack of confidence. She is scared... no terrified, and I don't need to *see* her eyes to know that I am right."
The two of them glared at each other before turning their eyes back to Adriana. “What then would you have proposed?” Erik asked.
Xana swallowed the lump in her throat; that was the million credit question. She hadn’t been able to convince Adriana not to come. Morningstar trusted his crew, saving his use of orders for when it mattered. Truthfully the more people they had on this station who had knowledge of the station and its people; the better their chances. Both of them knew this.
“You know as well as I do what we need to do,” Morningstar said.
“Gemma and the Confederacy,” Xana nodded weakly. Tilting her head to the side she said, “And they will not bargain. There is no negotiation, at least not at the outset. I’m not sure what we’d have to do to bring them to the table.”
Adriana in the distance stumbled but shook off the assistance of those around her, much like a drunk who refuses to admit they had too much. Her hair flew around as she whipped around to stare at those around her; the color high on her cheeks. It was clear that the Counselor and Junior Ambassador, who was gesturing at something, was not happy about something.
The Ambassador opened her mouth and closed several times, as if a miasma was enveloping her. No noise came out, but the words were choking her all the same.
“All she wanted was to find her sister,” Xana murmured finally.
Morningstar looked at the Ambassador. “We are *not* losing Adriana.”
“You can’t make that promise,” Xana said, turning her head towards him. Her voice, while soft, cracked with emotion. “I can’t make that promise.”
Morningstar looked over at Lopez who was finally moving on with the rest of her team. “No, we can’t make that promise.” With that said and seeing that it was his team's turn to make it to the security checkpoint, the Native American motioned for the others to start moving. Xana would have a few minutes to get into the mindset of her counterpart from this dimension, and Erik did not doubt for an instant that she would be able to do so long before then.
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar [Access Character BIO for Erik Morningstar]
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn [Access Character BIO for Elan Fairborn]
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
With the generous and delightful assistance of
Sarah Albertini-Bond
USS ANUBIS
=-=
“Tea For Two”
Previous posts: (ANU) "Promises Made, Promises Kept" by Francois / (BAS) "The Arrival” by Jessica
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Near the Battle Dome
Stardate: 35013.1325
For a short female, trailed ever so slightly by two males well over 2 meters tall, Ya’Han set a blistering pace down the crowded corridors leading to the Dome. Over the heads of station denizens, A’Janni heard muffled shouts, cheers and thundering feet on metal bleachers. Zub Enel held his breath against sections that stank of mold, sewage or garbage.
A’Janni noticed the Nylaan had transformed the color of her swaying, waist-length hair to coal black. She had said this color mimicked someone important named Han; someone important enough to open doors and loosen tongues.
The corridor widened so people rushing forward could spread out. A soaring metallic ceiling met in pointed arches like above a cathedral nave. The steely girders and sheathing reflected the excited chatter of the throng beneath.
Zub Enel, his scaly, crested head a good half meter above everyone else, could hear chanting up ahead from the Dome. This roar was not the rhythmic chant of religion. It was the guttural chant of rising impatience. Sharp cries and querulous shouts accompanied the chant.
Big display panels hung angled from the girders. Scores and names ticked by in every imaginable language and script. Rhythmic clapping had joined the chant. Both picked up speed. People around the three undercover Federation officers began to run forward.
Ya’Han made a sudden turn off of the main corridor. She adroitly dodged a collision with someone rushing toward the Dome. A’Janni, his fur on end and single white eye opened wide, simply stuck out his clawed hand in a stop signal. The crowd flowed around him and Zub.
Ya’Han strode to a closed door that had in several languages in red lettering:
PROCUREMENT
KEEP OUT OR DIE
She slapped the door trigger and stepped through the moment it slid wide enough for her slender, athletic frame. A’Janni and Zub had to wait to follow.
A cramped office festooned with displays on the desk, the rusted walls, and corroded ceiling. A Ferengi female in a thin, floral robe and dangling pearl and gold earrings rapidly tapped at the screens with knobby fingers. Her whisky baritone signaled impatience. “Not now!” From under a fleshy brow ridge she focused smallish blue eyes on Ya’Han. Her scowl became a wide shark-toothed smile. “Ah! It’s you, dear.”
Ya’Han startled to be so unexpectedly close to a Ferengi. Betrothed as an underaged teen to Daimon Ardax, a wealthy Ferengi merchant, she was so repulsed that she escaped her royal palace and never returned.
The Ferengi’s scowl returned. Her gaze drifted to Ya’Han’s hair. Ya’Han realized her surprise had changed it to flaming red. She willed it black.
The Ferengi grumped, “Do you have *any* idea how sucking BUSY I am?”
Ya’Han made sure her voice was dead calm. “I am looking for Abrasivnyy.”
The Ferengi female’s gaze assessed A’Janni and Zub. “Exotic muscle you have there, sweetie.” She addressed them directly, “Whatever she is paying you, I will triple.”
A male spoke from the display on her desk. =/\= T, they’re gnawing through the girders. Let me start! =/\=
T sighed so dryly it sounded like her death rattle. She addressed Ya’Han. “The worst supply ever, pet! I don’t have enough animals or debt dodgers or fighters for one show!”
The office walls pulsed as the crowd chanted a deep “Hoo Hoo Ha!” The desk display spoke again. =/\= T? =/\=
“Do Save The Virgin. Only one virgin, one beast and one fighter.”
T’s gaze sized up the Caitian and Voth. “You two want in? We desperately need fighters.”
Ya’Han slapped hard on the desk. “Abrasivnyy!”
T squinted. Her grin skewed a bit. “Pretty? White hair? Honey drips from her bee-stung lips?”
“That’s her.”
The resonant voice from the desk display penetrated indistinctly through the walls. The room shook from thunderous cheers.
T’s gaze returned to the BASTET’s Flight Control Officer and Security Chief. “Ten times what she’s paying.”
A’Janni shook his one-eyed tiger-y head. The scaly Voth said haltingly, “I fight. Only for. Han.”
T’s face colored like she’d been pummeled with over-ripe plums. She asked Ya’Han, “Why should I help find this Abrasivnyy?”
“Do you enjoy your work here?”
The Ferengi sobered. “Try the pens and the lockers. She prowls there sometimes. Who knows why.” T gave the two males a sly smile. “Last chance on that offer.” When they didn’t respond, she said. “Get out. I have a show to save.”
The trio returned to an almost deserted corridor. The whole structure trembled with pounding fists and feet. There was a powerful roar from the throat of something gigantic and angry.
“One of your relatives?” A’Janni asked Zub before being drowned out by cheers.
Six massively built males in gladiatorial body armor ambled away from the Dome with large rifles over their shoulders. Their gaze was centered on the three undercover officers. Ya’Han said, “This does not look good.”
Zub made fists. “We are an odd sight, even here. Besides, they may know Abrasivnyy.”
A’Janni flexed his claws. “Ever hopeful, eh Zub?”
Ya’Han angled across the wide cathedral-vaulted corridor away from the armed males. Zub and A’Janni moved in between to screen her. She said, “If they try two-on-one, we will prevail.”
The reptilian roar became cries of pain. The roaring crowd’s stomping feet set the corridor clattering. The big display screens swayed. The gang of six changed their angle to intercept the trio. The rifles they leaned back ever so causally against their broad shoulders were encrusted with electronics.
Ya’Han and her junior officers halted. The six men formed half an arc well out of arms reach. They aimed rifles, two per officer. Ya’Han snorted derisively.
A bald man with a scarred cheek said in an accent, “We separate brain from brawn.”
The three Federation officers took up fighting stances.
Scarface kept his gaze on Ya’Han. “Want men. You go away.”
Ya’Han asked, “Do you know who I am?”
“First to die. We take men. You go. Or die now.” None of the men leaned in so Ya’Han, A’Janni or Zub could grab a rifle.
Ya’Han glowered at Scarface. “Listen… “
“Count to three. Then boom! One. Two….”
Ya’Han raised her hands palms out. “Take the men!”
Scarface grinned. “T happy, we happy.”
“T is behind this?”
“You ask her. Go.”
The announcer’s voice echoed down the corridor. “Are you ready to THU-U-U-U-U-U-U-U-U-U-UNDER?!” Like a thousand impact hammers triggered simultaneously, the station’s aging metal plates thumped so loudly they threatened to collapse.
As Ya’Han stepped away, three rifles each pointed at Zub and A’Janni. Scarface said to them, “Hurry. Fight wild animals! Fun!”
Ya’Han, momentarily thwarted, watched her team being led away at gunpoint toward the Dome.
=-=
David Michael Inverso
Ensign Zub Enel [Access Character BIO for Zub Enel]
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS BASTET, NCC 74977
“There are those who love to get dirty and fix things. They drink coffee at dawn, beer after work. And those who stay clean, just appreciate things. At breakfast they have milk and juice at night. There are those who do both, they drink tea.”
– Gary Snyder
=-=
"Personal Space"
[the previous post was (ANU) "Promises Made, Promises Kept" by Francois & Sarah/ (BAS) "Tea For Two" by David]
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Corridor
Stardate: 35013.1425
All the teams were in. No major problems were encountered as they crossed the security checkpoint. Now they could spread out and head for their respective search areas. The first obstacle to being able to accomplish this though was the crowd. If the general darkness of the corridors was not bad enough, the density of people made things even more uncomfortable.
It was a struggle for the team to remain together. No one seemed to care about anyone else. All they wanted was to get from where they had been to where they were going. Doctor Bruxa did not have a problem with this. As much as she enjoyed the limits of her personal space, she could accept what was happening. After all, it was a required necessity for them to find Gemma.
Without warning or apology, Stark was shoved to one side by a rushing individual. "Maybe we should get off this level?" Jayson suggested rubbing his bruised shoulder.
Captain Iverson scanned their surroundings. "I think I see some lifts over there." The now blonde-hair woman was not used to being in such a crowded setting. Everyone could see that she was just as anxious to get out of this crowd. It took some effort but the team finally made it to the area pointed out by Selene. The destination proving to be much further than initially anticipated.
The lift moving people from one level to another were far and few in between. This forced those wanting to use them to wait and risk to be crushed by the crowd. Once the doors opened, the pods would quickly fill beyond what logic dictated should be a safe maximum. So, to avoid any problems, Captain Iverson opted to lead her team through a more scenic route of maze-like corridors. Their only clues that they were heading in the right direction were arrows with what appeared to be shops drawn on them.
"Are we there yet?" Sofia asked, instantly drawing glares from the others. To say that this space station was huge would be a drastic understatement. NEW ALEXANDRIA had nothing on this place. Thanks to its dark exterior color, it had been nearly impossible to properly gauge the structure's size. Once inside, one could only guess as to how immense it truly was. The number of people encountered at every corner did not make things any easier.
Satella suddenly jumped and screamed as she felt a hand inappropriately touching her. For a split second, the CMO almost hoped that the responsible party was Jayson. The look of shock and surprise on his face indicated otherwise though. Stark quickly scanned their surroundings. It only took a second for him to identify the culprit. A shady looking man whose appearance could melt Ablative Armor.
When she met the man's unevenly levelled eyes, Bruxa knew exactly what he was thinking. The unsavory way he was disrobing her with his eyes was sickening. Now she had to quickly figure out what kind of place this was. Would he stand down if she made it clear that she was not interested? Would he apologise, claiming that this was all a misunderstanding? The more Satella thought about it, the more she figured that this was not that kind of place. The station's culture seemed to balance on the delicate edge of anarchy. People here likely responded only to one thing -- strength.
Satella felt guilt and concern the moment her hand struct the man's cheek. She questioned if her oath to do no harm applied in this situation. The Doctor had not injured him, but she did inflict a visible level of discomfort. What worried the CMO, even more, was how quickly the man's expression turned into boiling rage.
The man's closed fist was already well over his shoulder by the time Satella realized what was happening. There was no room for her to move out of the way. There were just too many people around. The best she could hope for was to deflect the punch. Like a knight rushing in to the rescue, Jayson stepped between them. His repeated training with the Chief of Security had paid off. He easily blocked the punch and countered with one of his own. The sound of what appeared to be a breaking jaw bone filled the area.
The man with his uneven eyes glared from the ground. "You are going to pay for that," he slurred. A quick taste of the black liquid spilling from the corner of her jaw made him realise that he was hurt. The fact that he could barely talk confirmed the extent of his injury. Understanding that he did not have the advantage, the assailant withdrew, quickly vanishing into the crowd.
Jayson turned to check on Satella who promptly thanked him with a smile. "Are you alright?" He asked.
"I am, thanks to you," Satella said.
"That was very brave of you," Sofia added.
"We better keep on moving," the Captain said bringing everyone back on track. "Luckily, it would seem that this little altercation was not noticed by anyone. Still, it would be best if we put as much space between us and this location."
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Corridor
Stardate: 35013.1435
Trying to protect his jaw and keep from bleeding everywhere, the man forged his way through the crowd. Blinded by the pain he was experiencing, he failed to see someone standing directly in front of him as he turned a corner. Terror filled his eyes as he looked at who he had just run into.
"I'm sorry," he barely managed to say at the petite 5'0" woman who scowled at him.
"Give me one reason why I should not kill you?"
"I didn't mean it. It was an accident." Despite the discomfort, he spoke as fast as he could. The pain would be a small price to pay for his life.
"What are you mumbling about you sorry excuse for a life form?"
"Please forgive me. Your man hurt me. Is that not punishment enough?"
"Either you start making sense or you will find yourself cleaning the outside of the station. Without a suit!" The hold she took on his throat made one thing clear. Either he talked or he died.
With black blood dripping on her arm, he tried his best to explain himself. "Your silver hair. Your petite figure. I only wanted to show my admiration."
"You wanted to show *me* your admiration?" Something didn't make sense. "When was this?"
"Just now. Please. Forgive me. I never do that again. Promise."
She released her hold on his throat. Even before he could fill his lungs with air, the man was running away. She could have easily killed him, but now she had something more interesting to deal with. She made her way into the main corridor and found something to stand on. Now she could see the majority of the crowd. More importantly, she could see *her*.
Stepping down from the display, she cleaned the dark blood from her arm. She then reached for what appeared to be some sort of communication device. "Stella to Hel."
=/\= What? =/\=
"They are here," the Executioner announced.
=/\= Are you sure? =/\=
"Do you have anyone way to explain why there is another me here?"
=/\= How many and where are they heading? =/\=
"Looked like a group of four. Heading for the Zocalo."
=/\= Keep an eye on them. I should have known that Fiona was not going to be my only problem today. =/\=
=-=
Rachel Jackie Johnson
[Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint. - Mark Twain]
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
"Battle For Life and Death"
[previous post were (ANU) "Personal Space" / (BAS) "Tea For Two"]
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Near the Battle Dome
Stardate: 35013.1445
The last time she was here on this station, it was her who found herself fighting for her life in the arena. As unpleasant as the experience was, it showed her that someone with the proper combat training could survive the experience. Ya'Han was still as concerned as could be for the wellbeing of the other members of her team, but she felt a slight bit of relief in the knowledge that not only were they both highly trained warriors but that they also had each other to rely on. The black-haired Nylaan carefully weighed the various points of this situation and concluded that this might play in their favor. With Zub and A'Janni keeping the crowd busy by offering them something that they had never seen before, she would have some time to push toward their mission objective. All she needed to do was to keep her mind and emotions on point. The Sec/Tac could not risk someone discovering that she was not who she claimed to be, through her suddenly becoming a redhead for example, as it could jeopardize their mission as well as the lives of everyone else who had come to this place from the BASTET.
Ya'Han did her best to ignore the cheering and sounds of battle coming through the walls from the Arena. As disturbing as these could be, they were also strangely reassuring. As long as the crowd was cheering, it meant that the entertainment was proceeding as planned, which meant that both the Voth and Caitian were still alive and fighting. At least that was the reasoning the Nylaan was using to convince herself that all was well with her fellow teammates.
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Battle Dome, Spectator area
Stardate: 35013.1500
The black-haired Nylaan eventually found her way to the spectator area which surrounded the arena. The step-like seats surrounded the dome cage under with all sorts of beings fought for the entertainment and delight of the crowd. Standing as close to the metal web that formed the dome of the arena, with her back to the action, Ya'Han could easily scan the cheering crowd in search of Fiona and Abrasivnyy.
It would have been nice if the house lights had been on, but that might have played against her as she scrutinized the crowd. So she needed to make the best use of whatever slight illumination made its way out of the arena from the targeted spotlights aimed at the combatant. At least this way, the crowd was much less likely to be aware of someone searching through them as they cheered and screamed at those fighting for their lives.
Ya'Han's attention was suddenly diverted away from her search when she heard the heart-stopping sound of bones being crushed. The shiver-inducing eerie sound was unmistakable and caused the greater majority of the crowd to instantly go silent. A sense of horror filled the Nylaan as she took in the scene near the center of the arena has it stood; frozen in time and dread. The only element able to transcend this image locked between heartbeats was the slowly growing pool of blood coming from the creature's fang-filled jaw.
The hulkish lizard-man stood over the lifeless body of the furry beast, looking down at it as if expecting it to jump back onto its four short, stubby legs, each nearly the size of his own body. The Sec/Tac quickly scanned the rest of the arena with the hopes of finding the other half of the fighting duo, but to no avail. That was when she carefully focused her gaze onto the creature's head to take note of a set of furry arms wrapped around the beast's neck. "A'Janni!" Ya'Han gasped in horror, unable to imagine how the BASTET's FCO could be both in such a position and alive all at the same time.
=/\= Now that is what I call a fight! =/\= The arena announcer said, causing the crowd to resume its cheering. With the battle over, and her concerns clearly on something other than finding Abrasivnyy or Fiona, Ya'Han rushed back to the preparation area, each running step she took echoing her hope that the Caitian had not met his end.
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Care Ward
Stardate: 35013.1520
The Nylaan came to a complete stop as she crossed the opened doorway. The shock of what she saw made her take a step back and confirm that this is where she wanted to be. Yes, this was the Care Ward, the place where injured combatants came to have their injuries looked at, but such a claim was beyond exaggerated.
The room was filthy and smelled like a slaughterhouse. The floor was covered with various blood stains, some old and dried while others were visible fresh judging by the way the ceiling lights reflected off them. There were dozens of combatants scattered about, some standing, barely, others lying on whatever flat surface they could find. All of them appeared as if they had been on the wrong side of a war with odds of a thousand to one against. It took Ya'Han several scans of the room before she finally found what she had been looking for, or more accurately who."
As she made her way to the Voth who was leaning over the Caitian, the Nylaan noticed that Enel was not paying attention to anything or anyone else but A'Janni. That proved to be more than enough to cause a lump to form in Ya'Han's throat making it nearly impossible for her to swallow or even breathe.
When she finally came to stand next to the other two members of her team, Zub glanced up at Ya'Han. "Your hair," he whispered making the Nylaan realize that once again she had failed to control her emotions and allowed her hair color to reflect the needs of the moment. It took only a few seconds for the solid black hair to replace the pure snow-white color of her medical training.
"Is he dead?" She asked, inwardly wishing that they were on the ANUBIS or BASTET were an emergency medical team could be summoned.
"I guess it is true," Enel whispered. "Cats to have seven lives."
"*Nine* lives," A'Janni corrected with a moan of pain. "The Terran expression is that cats have *nine* lives."
"After what you just went through, I would not be surprised if you had lost two of them in a single shot," the reptilian said, trying as best he could to make light of the dire situation.
Ya'Han was about to say something when a voice very similar to her own was heard coming from the entrance to the Care Ward. "I can't believe you came back. Hel said that you would, but to be perfectly honest, I didn't believe you were that stupid. When I got the call that someone 'weird' was here, I thought that it might have been that loudmouthed Abrasivnyy, but instead of her I find you here with, well with whatever those two pets of yours are."
"They are under my protection," Ya'Han said, this time purposely changing her hair color to reflect her full readiness to fight.
"Spare me the 'you will have to get through me first'," Han sighed with discontent. "You may be better trained than I am, but I am the Agent here on this station, and that means that I am *never* alone." With a motion of her head, the black-haired Nylaan under the employ of Hel ordered two of the combatants in the room to attack.
Zub Enel quickly intercepted one of the attackers while the other managed to take a solid hold of Ya'Han. His strength was much greater than the Nylaan could have expected it to be making it much more difficult for her to position herself to escape his death grip.
"I'm sorry Ya'Han," Han said in a sing-song voice. "There is only room enough for one Nylaan on this station."
The Sec/Tac felt her strength and consciousness slipping as the fighter's hold on her neck grew increasingly tight. Just as she was about to faint, the hold was suddenly released. Ya'Han turned to see A'Janni pulling his claws out from the man's back.
"Thank you," she said looking straight at the Caitian's one eye. "You saved my life."
"Don't thank me yet," A'Janni said, clearly struggling as he walked. "We still need to help..."
"Help who?" The Voth asked while standing over the body of the fighter sent against him which was now face-first on the floor.
"Never mind," the Caitain grinned as he turned to look at Ya'Han once again, the Nylaan having turned her attention to the room's entrance where she expected to see Han standing there, but to her surprise, no one was there. "So, when is the fun starting?" A'Janni asked, trying his best to stand fully upright.
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Hanali Han
Lieutenant Ya'Han [Access Character BIO for Ya'Han]
Chief of Security / Chief Tactical Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
"Something Different"
Previous posts: (ANU) "Battle For Life and Death" & (BAS) "Tea For Two"
///^\\\
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Corridor -> The Oasis
Stardate: 35013.1500
Led by Lt. Cmdr. Paquette who had taken on the identity of her dimensional alter-ego, the team tasked with venturing deeper into the space station did just that. The journey proved to be far easier than anyone could have expected it to be as no one dared to stand in the way of Sonju, a noticeably feared woman who was better known by her title of 'The Crown'.
Aki noted that, on repeated occasions, someone had wanted to intercept the group and investigate as to the reason why they were in this part of the station. Upon identifying the woman in the lead though, every single one of them quickly turned on their heels and made a hasty exit, finding shelter behind the first thing they could reach.
"This Sonju person must be quite the individual for enlisting such fear in others," the Asian CSciO whispered to the rest of her team.
Adriana did not look in Aki's direction as she offered her thoughts. "Fear is the instrument of the weak. It is used by those who cannot deal with someone offering an intelligent argument. Take away their ability to instil this fear in others, and they end up being nothing more than cowards."
"With all due respect," Sonja said. "I doubt that she is a coward. If she and I share anything more than our appearance, I can pretty much guarantee that she is not the type to rely on fear to control those around her. I would be more inclined to believe that fear is a by-product of how she likes to stay in control."
Aki instantly regretted saying what she did. The last thing she wanted to do was to start an argument between the members of her team. All Mitshiba wanted to do was to try and start up a conversation, to make herself feel like a little more a part of the group which was all members of the ANUBIS' crew except for her.
"Don't mind them," Cmdr. Shar'El said from the back of the group. "This is not an argument, just a friendly exchange of opinion. Speaking of opinion, I would like to know what you make of that?"
It took a few seconds for Misaki to pinpoint what Shar'El was talking about. Down the corridor, at least another 50 or so meters ahead of them, was a large set of open doors that appeared to give onto a grass-covered setting. The bright light which almost seemed natural that escaped through the opening was a huge contrast to the darker colors of the walls leading there. Seeing as little as she did of what was beyond the open doorway, partially thanks to the brightness, the Asian CSciO could only offer a guess. Her guess would be an educated one but it would remain a guess nonetheless. "An arboretum? Maybe it is the oxygen reclamation section of this station. Given the gigantic size of this station, there would be a drastic need for several of those scattered all over to supplement whatever central system they have if they have one at all."
Not having anywhere better to go at this time, the group decided to investigate the unexpected discovery. The closer they got to the opened doorway, the more they were forced to squint because their eyes had adapted to the lower ambient lighting found everywhere else throughout the station. As they stepped through the doorway, the team found w natural landscape that could only be described as heavenly. Lush vegetation extended for as far as the eyes could see.
"No," Aki said. "This is definitively not an oxygen reclamation space. The vegetation is too far apart from the rest to be effective. This place would have to be some sort of recreational area, a park maybe?"
"Who would want to build a park in a hell like this?" Adriana hissed. Her earlier experiences while aboard this station had, for obvious reasons, tainted her perception of what should be part of this huge habitat floating in the dark emptiness of space.
"There are several reasons as to why such a setting would be constructed," Aki replied, the Asian being forever the scientist. "The plants selected could yield clues as to what this area was many for, but I believe that those structures over there might provide us with even more information." The CSciO pointed to what appeared to be strange crystalline shapes scattered about. As first Mitshiba believed them to be statues, but as they approached one, she quickly realized that the large crystals were nothing more than oddly shaped forms.
"Whatever those things are, they generate energy," the CEO said having extended her hand towards the structure without actually making contact. "The tinkling sensation is reminiscent of a high phased polarised field, although I have no idea what such a field would be used for in a place like this."
"There are several more such crystals over there," Aki pointed out, the similar structures standing between 100 and 150 meters away from their current location. Looking up at the ceiling, the SCiO added. "Did you notice that the sun-like light of this room originates from other crystals, those one fixed to the ceiling of this place. By the looks of things, I would be almost willing to venture that the whole of the BASTET would fit in here."
"I am not sure about that," Sonja said. "I do agree that this place is huge, but all of this could be nothing more than an illusion, a visual trick of some sort. it could even be a simple holodeck program meant to recreate whatever this place is meant to be. It would explain the different style of architecture between what is out there and what is in here.
"I assure you," a voice coming from being them said. "All of this is as real as you and me." The group turned and did their best to deal with their surprise when their eyes fell onto the form of Doctor Andersson, or more accurately her gender opposite alter-ego from this dimension. "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Safio, 'The Guardian'."
///^\\\
Dawn Bohr
Lieutenant Misaki 'Aki' Mitshiba [Access Character BIO for Misaki Mitshiba]
Chief Science Officer
USS BASTET - NCC 74977
---
"A Stab in the Dark"
(Previous Posts: (ANU) "Battle For Life And Death" / (BAS) "Something Different")
---
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Levels
Stardate: 35013.1510
The main public areas and corridors of SPACE STATION NOWHERE were packed with people, so much so that it was sometimes impossible for someone to make it from point A to point B without having to fight their way through. The lower levels of the same space station were a drastic contrast to this as the barely lit corridors were as empty as could be.
"Someone could get lost in this maze," the Joint Trill said, unable to recall anything remotely similar to this despite her having access to four lifetimes of memories. "I feel like I am stuck in one of the games my son Nate used to play on his PADD. I never saw the appeal of the game then, and I certainly do not see it now."
"Unfortunately," Xana offered. "This is not a game, but as far as getting lost, I am relatively certain that we will find our way out. All we have to do is follow Captain Morningstar."
Erik paused for a moment and looked back over his shoulder at the two talking ladies. "Are you making a slight at the fact that I am Native American?"
"I was merely pointing out that, historically speaking, your people have a strong reputation of being expert trackers. I was simply bestowing that envious skill onto you as a show of respect and admiration."
"Ambassador Bonviva, are you trying to seduce me?" Morningstar said in jest, the expression on his face leaving no doubts that he was entirely focused on completing their mission.
"Rule of Acquisition Number 33," the Bolian/Terran hybrid began with a grin. "It never hurts to suck up to the team leader," she said paraphrasing the well known and often used rule of the Ferengi.
"Captain, I think I might have found something," Maya said calling the attention of everyone onto her. Evidently, the Shillian scientist had not been paying attention to the conversation happening between Captain and Ambassador, but since both knew the kind of person she was, neither was surprised by this revelation. The team followed Maya to what appeared to be a large lump set in the corner of the floor and wall. As they approached they encountered an overpowering stench, one that everyone easily recognized but for different reasons.
"How long have they been dead?" Dima asked turning her head away in an effort to reduce how much of the unsavoury odour she was being exposed to.
"It is very difficult to say," Maya replied as she knelt next to the oddly shaped lump in order to turn it onto its back. "The state of the body would indicate that she, and before you ask I know that these are the remains of a humanoid female due to the slender shape of the fingers, face and general bone structure, has been dead for about two to four days. This is without my taking into account that she bears an uncanny resemblance to the typical Orion slave girls from our own dimension. On another but related matter, the odour of decomposition would indicate a much more distant time of death, likely in the range of several months, but I am unable to explain the discrepancy at this time. Maybe there is something about this dimension that causes decomposing matter to emit a more repugnant smell, or maybe the odour we are now forced to deal with is caused by something else. Given our current surroundings, it would be unlikely that she is the only thing to have died down here."
"It is too bad we could not have brought a tricorder," the Trill Counsellor noted.
"It was too risky to bring such equipment with us as the technology, which is alien to this world, might have been used to give away our presence and location," the Native American explained. "Is there anything else you can tell us about her?" Erik pressed on as she looked down at the innocent-looking victim.
"I see no signs of external trauma which would indicate a struggle," the Shillian scientist added. "That said, I am relatively certain that I can identify the cause of death. The elongated tear in the front of her shirt would indicate that she was stabbed. Although I cannot confirm anything beyond my observations or an autopsy, it would appear that the single strike was swift and precise, likely aimed straight to her heart. Since the expression on her face appears to be one of surprise, I can only guess that her death was quick."
"I am liking this place less and less," Xana mumbled.
"It is too bad that Doctor Andersson is not part of this team," Nicole said with longing. "She could have performed a more complete medical examination, even without the use of a tricorder." The Trill glanced at the Bolian/Human and noticed a distinct expression of concern. "Is everything alright?"
"I cannot be certain," Xanamused, "but since we came to this specific area, I felt as if things were somehow familiar. I believe that we are close to where Ya'Han, Sonja and I were informed of Adriana's location. If these remains are of the woman who helped us..."
"She paid the ultimate price for helping her," the Counsellor of the BASTET said finishing the sentence started by the Ambassador.
"Can you take us there?" Morningstar asked. "It might help both our mission and to better understand what Adriana endured if we could study where she was being held captive."
Reluctantly, Xana nodded her head and took point followed by the others who, with the exception of Captain Morningstar, appeared less than thrilled by the sequence of events they were in the middle of dealing with.
---
Jessica Solarik
Captain Selene Fiona Iverson [Access Character BIO for Selene Iverson]
Commanding Officer
USS BASTET
&
Lieutenant Commander Maya [Access Character BIO for 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)
=-=
"Echoes of Memories"
[the previous posts were (ANU) "A Stab in the Dark" by Jessica / (BAS) "Something Different" by Dawn]
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, The Oasis
Stardate: 35013.1515
The resemblance was uncanny despite the Guardian being the opposite gender to his dimensional counterpart. In another place and time, the two could have been thought of as fraternal twins but this was neither and the ExO / ILO knew, at least in the general sense, that there was no possible biological relationship between the two. "Guardian?" Shar'El inquired. "Of this?" She added gesturing to the grandiose park they were in.
"Obviously, you are new here," Safio said, beaming a bright smile at his guests. "Although I could be considered the keeper of the Oasis, my title refers to my role towards these," he said pointing to the nearest crystal.
"You are the crystal guardian?" Sonja huffed trying her best not to laugh at the announcement. "What, you check for cracks?"
"The Crystals of Souls do not crack," the well kept blonde-haired man firmly stated in a voice that echoed a level of patience and calmness that was unexpected when taking into account that they were on a space station filled with the lowest of the low. "I am here to protect those who have come to reside here after their passing. Not all souls are deemed worthy, but those who do come here become my responsibility."
"Wait, what?" Mitshiba said, her curiosity piqued to the greatest possible level. "Are you trying to tell us that these crystals contain the life force of people who have died?"
"Please tell me that you do not believe in that kind of mumbo-jumbo?" Sonja sighed showing her disappointment.
"*You* believe in it," Shar'El immediately countered. "You keep referring to a specific ship that we both know as 'her' and I have seen you attribute feelings to it if not a soul. If that does not make my point, then what about Ani? Is she not more than the sum of her parts?" The Commander had selected her words carefully to achieve what she wanted without revealing anything that Safio might grow suspicious of. "There is one more thing to keep in mind, we are as far away from where we started as we could be, so there are bound to be certain differences that we simply have to accept."
The redhead engineer wanted to argue with the raven-haired Commander, even if only for the fun of it, but this was not the place or time for that. They were on a mission and accomplishing the objectives of said mission needed to be their only priority. "Carry on," Sonja said as she motioned the BASTET's CSciO to continue with the discussion. The quicker it would end, the quicker they would be able to resume their search for clues as to the whereabouts of Fiona, Abrasivnyy and those in charge of carrying out the Confederacy's plan on this station.
Misaki did not need to be asked twice. "Tell me more about how the *souls* are selected? How are they brought into the crystals? Is the transfer permanent or is there a process by which the energy, I mean these *souls* are released into the universe?"
Shar'El took a more relaxed posture suspecting that this might take a few minutes. Diverting her attention away from 'the Guardian' and his new and overly eager student, the Commander noticed that Adriana had moved closer to the nearest crystal, something had caught her interest. The ExO / ILO was going to enquire as to what had happened but she decided to let the Counselor / Junior Ambassador go ahead without interference. Lopez had endured more than most could imagine during her earlier visit to this station, so it was nice for her to explore and find something that did not instantly remind her of the hell she had gone through. After all, that was part of the reasoning of why she had been assigned to this team.
The ExO / ILO kept her ears on the explanation given as to the functioning of the crystals while she kept her eyes on the quiet investigation of the same crystalline structure being performed by Counselor Lopez. The verbal lesson clearly interested the CSciO far more than anyone else who was left to half-listening to what was being said, but Adriana appeared to be in a world of her own. Her attention was entirely focussed on the crystal, the expression on her face was one of puzzled curiosity until it suddenly changed to one of horrified realization.
"No!" Adriana lamented. "That cannot be... NO!" said cried out before falling onto her knees sobbing. Of course, this ended the explanation being given by Safio and brought everyone to the Junior Ambassador's side.
"What's wrong?" Sonja asked, taking a hold of the Counselor's shoulders to offer some kind of emotional support for whatever she was experiencing at that moment.
"She's dead," Adriana managed to say through her crying. Shar'El could tell that the others wanted to know who the person she was so emotionally mourning was, but Shar'El extended her arm out to one side stopping anyone from asking the question that was on everyone's mind.
The Ullian focused her mind on the woman's memories, images of the past that she was reliving because of whatever she had seen inside that crystal. The Commander was able to put the pieces of this puzzle together, much faster than the emotional woman could have ever been able to do and explain to the rest in her current state.
"Her name was Mandy," Shar'El said. "She was an Orion slave who brought food and water to Adriana while she was held captive. She also helped her escape."
"The girl who guided us to her cell was Orion," Sonja noted aloud.
"Her and Mandy are one and the same. I could see, or more accurately hear Adriana's memories of the times when Mandy was there in her cell, and I could also see what Adriana saw in the crystal -- Mandy's memories of those events including her murder at the hands of Satella."
"Doctor Bruxa killed someone?" Misaki gasped in horror.
"Not her, but her counterpart from here," Shar'El clarified before turning her attention back to the Guardian. "Safio, we all need to understand how these crystals work."
Although shocked by what had just taken place, the Guardian appeared more than willing to help in whatever way he could, especially if it dealt with his primary responsibilities surrounding the crystals.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Commander Shar'El [Access Character BIO for Shar'El]
Executive Officer / Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
Ensign Sofia Andersson [Access Character BIO for Sofia Andersson]
Chief Medical Officer
USS BASTET
"Injured Kitty"
[previous (ANU) "Echoes of Memories" / (BAS) "Something Different"]
[/\]
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Near the Battle Dome
Stardate: 35013.1530
If it was not for Enel's quick thinking and strength back in the arena, A'Janni was certain that he would be dead now. Whatever that creature was they fought against, it had proven to be quite a challenge as it possessed enough speed and agility to pin the swift Caitian down beneath one of his immensely heavy foot, paw, or whatever that part of its anatomy was called. All that the one-eyed FCO knew was that he was hurt and that there was no time to indulge in what his condition required.
After the recent attack against them, it was evident that the trio needed to make a quick exit and find somewhere to hide. The problem was that 'the Agent' had been at the door blocking their way, or at least that is where she was last seen.
"Where is 'you'?" Zub asked of Ya'Han referring to the woman who appeared just like her.
"I don't know," Ya'Han replied. "My guess is that she saw the way the battle was going and left to get reinforcements. That means we have to get out of here, now." The woman wasted no time leaving the other two members of her team a few steps behind.
"Can you keep up?" Enel asked, knowing very well the extent of his friend's injuries.
"Do I have a choice," A'Janni winced as he went after Ya'Han, closely followed by Zub who did everything he could to help without making it too obvious that the Caitian was in pain.
[/\]
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Levels
Stardate: 35012.1545
Being anywhere where anyone could see them was not an option, so the trio found their way through a partially blocked access port and made their way to a set of low-ceiling corridors located directly beneath the arena's floor. The team knew this for a fact simply by the sounds they could hear coming through the ceiling right over their heads.
"Not the quietest spot but that should mean we will not have to be overly concerned with too much traffic," Ya'Han said indicating a set of broken-down crates for them to use as shelter.
"With all that noise, I am sure that even the rats will not be coming around," the Voth said. With Enel's help, A'Janni lowered himself next to one of the creates and let out a groan of pain as he made contact against the hard surface of the wall, floor and crate. "Rest and relax," the Voth said towering even more over the Caitian as the Chief of Security stood next to the now sitting FCO.
"Either one of you wouldn't happen to have some painkiller on you?" The Caitian asked, hinting as to the extent of the discomfort he was experiencing.
"You should have told me how badly hurt you were before now," Ya'Han said, the Nylaan visibly appearing upset as she kneeled next to the Caitian, her hair now as white as snow. "We could have gone to the Zocalo and tried to locate Captain Iverson as both Doctors are with her."
"We both know that was not an option," A'Janni winced. "We needed to find a place to hide in case your counterpart decided to send the troops after us. Coming here was the only possible course of action we had available to us."
"I can go to the Zocalo and find the Captain," the giant reptilian offered already walking away from A'Janni, almost hitting his head on the ceiling as he stood to his almost his full standing height.
"Enel, wait," The Caitian called out. "As much as I appreciate what you are ready to do for me, take a moment to think things through. You have to be the single most recognizable person on this station. Forget the fact that your cheering fans from the arena would instantly rush you to get your autograph, but the people that were sent after us would be able to pick you out of any crowd without any effort."
"A'Janni is right," Ya'Han confirmed. "You are not the one who needs to go. I will head to the Zocalo, find Captain Iverson and return with whatever medication I can get from the Doctors. It will be safer for everyone if only one person makes the journey. Calling them to our location would be too risky for everyone involved."
Without any other option available to them, Zub and A'Janni made themselves as comfortable as possible while they waited for Ya'Han to go and return.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
"The Performer"
[previous (ANU) "Echoes of Memories" / (BAS) "Injured Kitty"]
=/\=
Walls have ears. Doors have eyes.
Trees have voices. Beasts tell lies.
Beware the rain. Beware the snow.
Beware the man you think you know.
--Catherine Fisher’s “The Song of Sapphique”
=/\=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Levels
Stardate: 35013.1545
The Lower Levels of SPACE STATION NOWHERE was nothing like the other areas of the station. The lighting was low so that the walls and corridor took on a greyish-green hue; wiring hung exposed. Monitors that lined the wall blinked on and off; if they even worked. And the scent was as if--
“This is reminiscent of being at the 3 Day Antican Water Festival...on the 5th day,” Nicole mused quietly as she stepped over some debris.
Although she was in the rear, her words were clearly heard by Morningstar who was in the front of the group, who was subtle enough to not say anything obvious. But also was keeping his breaths shallow so as to not deeply breathe in the pungent air.
A voice called out to them from the darkness. “I am but a poor, exhausted Arena competitor. Do you have any merits or monies to help us so I might compete for the glory of the Confederacy?”
There was a pause, and a series of looks before Xana said. “The Arena does not require merits or monies--”
The voice replied, “Don’t continue.” There was a pause. “You did a good job looking like her, but you’re no Xena. Definitely one of the better knock-offs, even the voice is close. But you’re not quite there.” A few “mmms” and “hmm-hmms” before the voice in the darkness said, “You carry yourself differently.”
A small tablet went flying through the air which Morningstar caught easily. As it flickered on and off several times before it finally stayed on, the voice in the darkness said, “So is this you then and your people?”
The team crowded around Morningstar to watch what was snippets of various security cam feeds: the Arena battle between Ya’Han and Xena; Adriana alone in a cell, huddled and crying; Xana and Xena fighting in the station; Sonja wandering the Zocalo; the original team leaving in the EAGLE-5.
While they watched the images quietly, the voice continued on. “I always get confused between Shillian and Trill, so similar and yet so different.” There was almost an audible shrug as the voice continued on, “Eh, someday I’ll ask somewhere here about that. We have a whole communities down here of runaways; one of them will tell me.”
Maya appeared to have a million questions, holding her breath about to let loose with a flood of them. Finally she asked, “Communities? Shillian? Communities of Shillians? Here?”
The team could almost imagine a smile in the darkness. “I do believe I said that.”
Nicole pursed her lips in that. “There are joined Trills here?”
For the first time the voice was seemingly confused. “Joined Trills...interesting concept…” There was a pause as the voice said, “Much as I appreciate all these interesting, tasty morsels, I go back to my original inquiry. Do you have any merits or monies? I am but a poor Performer in the Arena just looking to make my way back.”
The group all exchanged glances; there was something familiar about the rich voice that came out from the darkness. Not just the timbre but also the way he spoke, giving out just enough information to keep them engaged.
Morningstar tossed the tablet back into the darkness and judging from the lack of sound, he surmised that their voice caught it. “No credits,” he said shortly. “We’ll be on our way.”
There was a rustle as a large, bald man stepped out of the darkness and stepped in front of the group; he appeared to be Terran or what passed for it in this universe. His chocolate eyes swept over the group as he folded his muscular arms over his wide chest.
“Koniki,” Morningstar exhaled; the ANUBIS CO who was calm was even surprised to see the mirror of the Vice-Admiral in tight fighting pants and a black muscle tank top with various tattoos showing all over his body.
While his familiar face took away their collective breaths, the wide smile he gave them just about knocked them all on their butts. “Glad you heard of me,” he grinned. “The way I see it, we need each other,” he said. “See I haven’t been able to return to the Arena because of your twinsie,” he said pointing to Xana. “And you all won’t survive down here without a guide. You all barely survived last time.”
“We can’t afford your help,” Xana said, determination and wariness threading in her voice.
“Charlie Koniki has always been a reasonable fellow, for the right price. It’s why I’m such a good Performer. I’m sure we’ll come to a….we’ll call it an equitable arrangement,” he grinned.
=/\=
Sarah Albertini-Bond
USS ANUBIS
And
Dr. Tulla Keiku, Lieutenant
USS PHOENIX
=-=
“Tiger Butter”
Previous posts: (ANU) “The Performer” by Sarah / (BAS) “Injured Kitty” by Jayson
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Levels
Stardate: 35013.1600
Muffled cheering and animal roars came through the ARENA metal floor in spite of a thick cover of sand above. In the gloom below sat the USS BASTET’s injured felinoid Flight Control Officer and crouched beside him, the reptilian Chief of Security. They waited among dimly lit piles of crates and other discards for the USS ANUBIS’ Security Chief’s return with medical help.
A’Janni’s voice rasped, “Ahhh! This hurts even worse. That thing must have had venom in its bite. Vicious thing! What was that?”
Zub Enel crouched in the gloom lit only by a slightly ajar access hatch. As his eyes grew dark-adapted, he surveyed the silhouettes of broken crates, bent rods, battered canisters and lumps of rotting cloth. He had no idea what the creature was that had gotten through A’Janni’s formidable defenses. “It was a giant, vicious, rat-boar….”
As a way to ignore his rising pain, A’Janni added, “A giant, vicious, rat-boar-ouranosaurus….”
Zub stood as much as he could. He had to bend his head down to keep from scraping his high bony crest against the rusted ceiling. “A giant, vicious, rat-boar-ouranosauro-opteryx….”
“A female one!” A’Janni chuckled at himself in the gloom, “Ah ha ha, oh oh oh. Oh, that hurts.” He cast his one-eyed gaze on the tall Voth moving away in the dark, “Ya’Han ordered you not to go for help.”
Zub picked his way forward toward the ajar hatchway through dimly lit debris to a pile of bent and sheared off rods leaned against bashed in cargo carriers. He picked one up and hefted it. “It occurred to me that she might not come back. Through no fault of her own, of course. This space station is fraught with waylaid plans.”
“‘Fraught,’” A’Janni repeated. “Your special gift is understatement. What is that smell?”
Zub recited absently as he selected another broken rod in the semidarkness. “Urine. Sand. Blood, various. Mold, various. Droppings….”
“Various,” A’Janni finished. He winced and held his aching side. Worried about what his open wound might attract, he looked around for any signs of living rodents.
Zub gave a thick rod a test swing. “And lavender.”
“Lavender? The Terran plant? An odd thing to turn up here in another dimension.”
Zub picked up and tested the weight of another thick metal rod. “Perhaps not Terran lavender, but a similar plant. In some fighting cultures its strong astringent aroma was used to mask the stench of gore. There would be boiling vats of the plants placed around the amphitheater.”
A’Janni snorted in disdain followed by grimaces. “They come eager to watch the slaughter but are upset by the actual smell of carnage. I suppose their masking with lavender is considered most civilized.” He snorted derisively again.
Zub Enel returned stooped in the darkness with two stout rods. “Most likely based solely on the strength of its smell, lavender was reputed to have many medicinal properties.”
“Like what?”
“Relief of menstrual cramps.” Zub handed the cat-warrior FCO a heavy rod.
Accepting it, A’Janni chuckled in the gloom. “Your attempt at humor. Does that mean it relieves pain?”
The thought of pain relief made Zub straighten so much he bashed his crested head on the metal ceiling. Bright white slouchy stars bloomed in front of his eyes. He said through his pain, “Perhaps I can find some lavender oil. I do smell it. It must be here somewhere.” He moved off.
A’Janni tested the heft of his metal club. It wasn’t balanced very well, but it would certainly deliver a sharp blow. Over the din of the crowd above, he could hear Zub moving cans and canisters around.
The shadowy figure of the reptilian Security Chief said, “Yuck! A dead rodent. Hungry?”
A’Janni curled his furry lip in disgust, but he asked, “Depends. How big?”
The silhouette of Zub held up by a long tail something large, flattened and stiff.
“Too small,” the felinoid said calmly. He hugged his wound. The agony had brought him to the edge of screaming.
There was the clatter of cans. “Utica!” The Voth cried. “I found it!”
“You mean Eureka?” A’Janni finished his question with a grunt of pain.
“I mean I have a little lavender oil here. Let me apply it around your wound. Might deaden some of the pain.”
A’Janni’s pain grew sharp enough that he couldn’t keep his face from twisting. He asked in a pant, “Will it make me smell bad?”
A strange gurgling cough came from the approaching shape of the Voth.
A’Janni forgot his agony for a moment. “Was that your laugh? I have never heard it.”
Gripping in one three-fingered hand a battered can with an open, cone-shaped top, Zub crouched next to the Caitian’s injured side. “You are dirty, bleeding, and thoroughly smeared with other creatures’ blood and guts and yet you worry about smelling worse than you already do.” The gurgling cough came again from the hulking lizard man.
A’Janni smiled in the dark. “I am the first to hear you laugh.”
“Now,” the Voth said, his voice utterly serious, as he tilted the can reeking of lavender toward his three-fingered palm. “Prepare yourself.”
As Zub smeared the oil, the muscular, catlike warrior suddenly felt no need to appear stoic in front of the Security officer. He howled in pain as the oily substance was firmly worked around the edges of his wound. He took in a shuddering breath and howled into the gloom even louder like a woefully wronged and lethally angry prehistoric cat. His agonized cries blended with the general bedlam of the ARENA above.
For his part, Zub Enel did not stop smearing in spite of being deafened by the howling felinoid. He persisted applying the oil until the whole area was covered. A’Janni got ahold of himself, stopped howling and gingerly held closed the wound with his hand.
The Voth set the can down in the debris. “Stings a bit?”
“Gah,” was all A’Janni could manage.
The big lizard nodded his big head in agreement. “Gagh.”
Both males, one seated, the other crouched, gripped their metallic clubs and looked warily around the gloomy room in case the commotion brought undue attention. Above, the cheering and clanging weapons and bellows of pain continued unabated. No shadow fell across the slightly open hatch into the room.
“I think it might possibly be feeling a little better,” A’Janni said weakly.
The lizard man replied, “You smell better, too. Much to my relief.”
“You do not smell like a female magnet yourself. Have mercy. Smear that on yourself. A lot if it.”
Zub smiled in the dark but decided to reserve the oil for A’Janni.
=-=
David Michael Inverso
Ensign Zub Enel [Access Character BIO for Zub Enel]
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS BASTET, NCC 74977
“Can I see another's woe, and not be in sorrow too? Can I see another's grief, and not seek for kind relief?”
- William Blake
=-=
"Unfriendly Alliance"
[the previous post was (ANU) "The Performer" / (BAS) "Tiger Butter"]
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Observation Overpass
Stardate: 35013.1600
The small metallic span was meant to allow people to travel without having to cross through the Zocalo’s main floor. This was a useful path used by hustlers, entrepreneurs, and wanderers. Stretching over the market area, some dared not to look down for fear of falling. This despite there being guards on either side. Others enjoyed the occasional casual glance at the bustling commerces below, sampling their good from afar. Then there were the others, the one no one paid attention to but kept an eye on everyone else. For the time being, Abrasivnyy was one of them – a watcher. She could quietly, effortlessly, observe the actions and movements of the unaware crowd below.
To the untrained eye, the ocean of bodies below was nothing more than chaos given form. People forcing their way between others in a desperate race to reach their destination. To Abrasivnyy, this was the perfect opportunity to observe and learn as much as possible. From where she stood, she could see hope and despair. She could study criminals in their elements, as well as their unsuspecting victims. From above the crowd, the usually unpleasant woman could take a break and just be herself. Unfortunately, this would not last.
Fiona cautiously walked up to Abrasivnyy. The woman with the flowing long golden hair trying her best to be inconspicuous. "You are taking a big chance just standing here like this. Someone might see and recognize you."
"No one ever looks up," she replied with harshness. "Doing so would be an invitation to everyone else around them to strike. No one down there is aware that we are up here. I am sure that most are not even aware of this catwalk." Abrasvisnyy's eyes narrowed as she turned to look at Fiona. "Siding with the Alliance has made you paranoid and weak."
The golden-hair woman was taken aback by the unexpected statement. "There is nothing weak about the Alliance." Her forceful whispered words indicated that neither one of them should be discussing this here and now. "We should not even mention them. There are some who would love nothing more than to torture anyone with information."
As she often did, Abrasivnyy rolled her eyes and shook her head. Maybe the warning was justified. Maybe it was a risk to say that one particular word aloud. Maybe the reason given would have been enough to keep most quiet. Too bad for Fiona, the woman she was speaking to was not like most.
"I did not say that the Alliance was weak. I said that *you* were," Abrasivnyy hissed. Clearly she did not have any reservations at using the term 'Alliance'. In fact, she almost appeared as if she wanted to trigger what might come to pass. Returning her narrowed eyes to the crowd below, she continued. "Speaking of which, where is that Lieutenant Colonel of yours? Did he realize that he could do this job without you? It would be the first smart thing he ever did."
"He was promoted to full Colonel while you were gone."
She held back her laughter. "Of course he was," Abrasivnyy sarcastically said while still trying not to laugh. "Promoting incompetence is what the Alliance does."
The mention of the word made the woman with the golden hair wince. "If you hate them so much, why did you agree to come with me?" Fiona was a little miffed by the last comment.
"I am not here to help the Alliance," the annoyed woman spat. "I am not even here to help you. I am here because I have a score to settle with Hel. That is it, nothing more, nothing less. If you have a problem with that, well that's your problem. Now, why don't you go and play with your toy soldier boy? I am sure he needs someone to show him which end of a phaser rifle needs to be pointed at the enemy."
It was apparent that Abrasivnyy was not in the mood to talk. At least not sensibly. As much as she did not want to leave her alone, Fiona knew that it was best if she did. The more they fought, the more attention they risked drawing onto them. It also was wise to take away the opportunity for her to mention the term 'Alliance' again.
So, with no other choice at her disposal, the golden-haired woman made a cautious retreat, making sure that no one was following her as she made her way off the hanging metal span. Happily alone once again, Abrasivnyy could return to what she had been doing. She grinned as she observed and studied the crowd below. From the higher ground, she could notice what many could not. Merchants looking for their next unsuspecting target. Criminals trying to use the crowd to remain unseen. Wanderers just moving about aimlessly as if waiting for the universe to give them a sign.
Her eyes locked onto someone who appeared to fit the last group. The woman seemed to be searching for something or someone but had no idea where to start. The Zocalo was a large collection of shops, and the gathered crowd made looking for anyone a difficult challenge. The more she studied the woman, the stronger the sensation of recollection grew. After a minute or so, the woman's identity was figured out.
"Han?" She whispered smiling. "What are you up to? Why is the Agent in such a desperate search? Of course, there is also the question of who. Who is it that you are in such a need to find?" Abrasivnyy studied the woman with the dark solid hair. There was something strange about the way she moved through the crowd. It lacked the confidence that the Agent had always displayed. Something might have happened since the last time she was here. Somehow though, the observer doubted that this was the case. There was just something that did not sit right with the way Han was behaving. The focus on the oddity of the Nylaan's walk was suddenly replaced by something else. Without any warning, the woman had changed course and rushed towards a petite figure with silver hair.
"Interesting," Abrasivnyy whispered to no one in particular. "Very interesting."
=-=
Rachel Jackie Johnson
[The fun is getting to wear multiple disguises and getting to explore multiple personalities and bring them to life. - Jenna Fischer]
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
"A Simple Mistake"
[previous post were (ANU) "The Performer" / (BAS) "Unfriendly Alliance"]
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Zocalo
Stardate: 35013.1615
The plan was for the Zocalo team to search and wander through the oversized market, allowing the members to keep their eyes open for Fiona and Abrassivnyy while remaining available to the other teams should something happen. Something did happen which left A'Janni severely injured, so Ya'Han rushed to the market area but finding either of the CMOs in this mess of bodies was not as simple as people might have expected it to be.
Not even close.
Ya'Han did have one slight advantage to make the search a little easier. As long as she kept her hair black, the population of the space station would believe that she was Han; the Agent. Although this did not secure her immediate access to those she was looking for, it did help to reduce the number of people she needed to navigate through. In the majority of cases, the moment someone laid eyes on her, they would move out of her way. The Sec/Tac was cautious though realizing that this advantage could easily and quickly turn against her as it made it impossible for her to simply hide amongst the crowd.
The moment the Nylaan noticed a familiar set of hair, Ya'Han spun on her heels and quickly rushed in that direction, not hesitating to push a few slow wanderers out of her way. "Satella, am I glad I found you in this mess," the Sec/Tac said to a shocked silver-haired woman. "I need you to come with me right away. A'Janni is hurt, badly."
The Mikulak was not given the opportunity to say a single word before the Nylaan took hold of her arm and pulled the silver-haired woman out of the Zocalo and back to the corridors located beneath the arena.
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Another section of the Zocalo
Stardate: 35013.1625
"Was that Ya'Han over there?" Captain Iverson asked of the Chief of Operations.
Jayson quickly scanned the crowd searching for someone with either bright red hair or a mixture of black and red. When he failed to see anyone that matched this, he turned back to look at the BASTET's CO. "I must have missed her. Why would she be here instead of the arena?"
"Not sure," Selene said with a sigh. "That is part of what is troubling me. Why would she leave Zub and A'Janni behind?"
"If she did, I am sure that there was a good reason for her to have done that," Jayson said defending Ya'Han. "We also have to keep in mind that it might not have been her," he added."
"Yes," Captain Iverson agreed. "Of course, Ambassador Bonviva did mention that they had come across the station's Agent who is this dimension's version of the ANUBIS' Chief of Security. It does fit as the woman I saw had solid black hair."
Jayson scowled himself for not remembering that particular detail when he was scanning for Ya'Han. Of course, he did not find her as he had been searching for a Nylaan with red hair, either in whole or in part. Now, the OPS Officer found himself scanning the crowd once more, this time searching for someone with hair as dark as space, but to no avail.
Having joined Jayson's search efforts, Captain Iverson noticed that someone else was missing "Where are Sofia and Satella?"
"Over there," Stark replied pointing to one of the shops displaying some strange looking jewellery, at least strange as far as he was concerned but the two ladies did appear to find the selection more than interesting.
"Let's stay close to them," Selene suggested. "In this crowd, it would be too easy to lose someone."
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Levels beneath the Arena
Stardate: 35013.1640
"Hurry Satella. A'Janni needs you."
The fact that the silver-haired woman had not spoken a single word since their departure from the Zocalo did not bother the Sec/Tac who simply accredited the silence to maintaining her focus on keeping pace with the rushing Nylaan. The moment they arrived where the two officers had been left to wait, a strange and poignant odor of lavender was encountered.
"What happened here?" Ya'Han demanded.
"Sorry Lieutenant," Zub offered as he stood as tall as he dared to in order not to hit his head against the ceiling. "It was kind of a necessity. I am glad you were able to locate Doctor Bruxa."
"Doctor?" The silver-haired woman questioned causing everyone else to look at her with puzzlement. That was when the Sec/Tac noted that the woman's clothing had not been the same as when they all were in the EAGLE-5. That, plus her silence during the journey back made Ya'Han realize that she had made a mistake. This was not Satella but rather her counterpart from this dimension.
The woman just stood there, studying the three stunned officers in a way that Ya'Han unfortunately recognized. Whatever the woman's role was in this world, it most certainly did not deal with attending to anyone's injuries, if fact, the Nylaan strongly suspected that the Mikulak would prove to be an adversary for more dangerous than Satella could have even been.
With a speed that even surprised Ya'Han, the silver-haired woman leapt through the air knocking the Nylaan off-balance with her arms before both her feet impacted against the Voth's broad chest. After this display of expert acrobatics, the woman landed right next to the Caitian, a blade firmly in hand.
There was nothing Ya'Han or Zub could do, both having been pushed far enough out of the way to avoid them being able to stop the woman, and both feared that her displayed speed and skills would be more than A'Janni could deal with. Just as she was about to thrust the blade into the Caitian's remaining eye, an energy beam pierced the surrounding darkness, hitting the woman and sending her crashing to the floor.
Enel quickly removed the blade from her hand and confirmed that she had not been killed before looking at Ya'Han who turned towards the point of origin of the phaser shot.
"Captain Morningstar!" Ya'Han exclaimed.
"Captain?!?" The figure said as he stepped out of the shadows, histone of voice hinting that the man had somehow been insulted. "I will let you know that I am a Colonel," he added as he lifted a small flap on his uniform to reveal a small military rank insignia. "Colonel Morningstar, at your service."
If that was not shocking enough, A'Janni, Zub and Ya'Han were treated to something even more unexpected, the outline of Fiona standing right behind the high-ranking military officer.
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Hanali Han
Lieutenant Ya'Han [Access Character BIO for Ya'Han]
Chief of Security / Chief Tactical Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
---
"The Cost"
(Previous Posts: (ANU) "A Simple Mistake" / (BAS) "Unfriendly Alliance")
---
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Levels
Stardate: 35013.1620
It was with a certain sense of excitement that Maya followed this version of Admiral Koniki as he made his way deeper into the lower levels of the space station. His earlier claim of there being *communities* of Shillian abroad this station was unexpected and had occupied the thoughts and imagination of the Chief Science Officer of the USS ANUBIS completely. Could it be possible? Could the Shillians of this dimension have survived the destruction of their home planet unlike those of her dimension? That thought alone made Maya wish that 'Charlie' would walk faster to wherever he was going but due to his uncanny resemblance to the Admiral, she could not bring herself to ask him to pick up the pace.
"The universe is truly an amazing thing, is it not?" Nicole asked of Maya following the joint Trill catching up to the Shillian. "Nothing is impossible."
The Chief Science Officer smiled cautiously as she recalled some of the findings and insight of the multiverse Lieutenant Mitshiba had shared with her. The statement made by the Counselor was most certainly accurate, but there was a cost that came with endless possibilities. The odds were equal that something amazing and something horrendous could be discovered, so it was prudent to not expect that everything would be on a single side of this inter-dimensional equation.
Of course, all of that logic and reasoning wet out the nearest airlock the moment Charlie lead the team into an open space where several dozen people were sitting in small groups. Their clothes were ragged and dirty, and the stench in the air was less than pleasant, but there was no denying that the marking on the side of their faces and necks was reminiscent of those found on both Trills and Shillians.
"You were not lying when you said that there was a community of them on this station," Captain Morningstar said sounding rather impressed.
"I never lie," Charlie said, placing one hand on his chest and extending the other outward as if playing some Shakespearean role. "And by the way, I did say that there were *communities*, this gathering is only one of about a dozen."
Xana chuckled. "Well, he may be very different from our Koniki in that he, and I quote, 'never lie', but the two of them were most certainly cut from the same cloth when it comes to pointing our specifics." The Native American Captain smiled and nodded in agreement as he watched his Chief Science Officer approach the closes group of refugees.
"Were you rescued as well?" One of the people sitting asked, his aged appearance hinting that he likely was the one who had taken on the role of leader for the group.
"Sort of," Maya replied not ready to give out any details as to her personal experiences as it might alter, consciously or unconsciously, the accounts of how they had made their way here to this station.
"It has been so long ago," the elder continued. "I can barely remember the details."
"It is alright father," a younger woman said to the man before turning her attention onto the standing woman. "Please forgive him. His memory is not what it used to be and the loss of our home planet is something that he still has problems accepting, even after all these years of serving the Alliance."
**Serving the Alliance,** Maya repeated in her mind, shock and disbelief quickly swelling inside. She wanted to ask a thousand questions followed by a million more but the Schief Science Officer held back and instead looked at the Trill counsellor standing right next to her. Maybe Dime would be able to offer some guidance as to how to deal with this discovery. To the surprise of the Shillian though, the attention of Nicole was not on the group of refugees but rather on another, smaller gathering several dozen meters to their right.
"Those people look like military personnel," Dima noted with puzzlement.
"It is possible that this place holds refugees from different locations," the Shillian offered as a possible theory hoping to redirect attention back onto the nearer group. "It is also possible that they are responsible for rescuing these people."
"Maybe..." Nicole said letting her word drift indicating that she was unconvinced. With the hope of seeing something that would help clarify what was happening, the joint Trill kept a very diligent watch on the other group. "Wait," she suddenly said as something familiar caught her eyes. "Zub?"
"Zub?" Maya repeated aloud. "You mean the Voth?"
"He is a hard fellow to miss due to his size and appearance, but he was kneeling and crouching. Not that he is standing a little more upright, there is no mistaking him for anyone else. It is him."
"If he is here, were are Ya'Han and A'Janni?" Xana enquired prompting the whole team to head to the other group forcing Maya to reluctantly follow. Her learning as to the identity and background of the people from the first group would have to wait. Were they *her* people from this Dimension, andif so how did they *serve* the Alliance, whatever that organization was as compared to the Confederacy.
---
Jessica Solarik
&
"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)
=-=
"Feeling As If You Were Being Watched"
[the previous post was (ANU) "The Cost" by Jessica / (BAS) "Unfriendly Alliance" by Rachel]
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Zocalo
Stardate: 35013.1625
The team was still here, wandering the maze of shops and booths that created the impressive market known as the Zocalo. Each member of the team was doing his or her best to find two people in the midst of the constantly shifting crowd that surrounded them. At some point, Sofia found herself almost hoping that something would happen to one of the other teams forcing them to seek the intervention of one or maybe even both CMOs. Of course, that thought was not considered for more than a fraction of a split second as it would mean that someone had gotten hurt, and Doctor Andersson could not wish that on anyone no matter how much she wanted to be somewhere else doing something other than what she was doing.
"Are you alright?" Satella asked. "You have been looking at that shirt, which by the way is up-side-down, for several minutes now. Even the proprietor is starting to look at you with a questioning expression."
Sofia gave the garment in her hand a quick and honest look before realizing that Doctor Bruxa was right. With a sheepish grin now dancing on her lips, Doctor Andersson put the shirt back onto the display stand and briskly walked away, but not before taking a solid hold of her shopping partner's arm.
"Anything new?" Andersson inquired of Captain Iverson and Lt. Stark.
"There was a man struggling to hold on to a box," Jayson said. "It looked like there was something inside desperately trying to get out." The Chief of Operations paused for a few seconds before continuing. "I think it was his lunch."
"Nothing new worth mentioning," Captain Iverson clarified.
"Well I did think that I saw Ya'Han at one point, but it could have been anyone else. There are just too many people for us to be able to see anyone, let alone find *someone*," Jayson added.
"Maybe so," Sofia agreed with a tone of uncertainty. "That does not change the fact that it feels like someone has been watching us. I just can't help shake the feeling."
"I cannot speak about anyone watching us, but I am sure that there were a few people looking at you specifically," Satella said grinning. "You were holding that shirt up-side-down for quite a while. That was bound to draw some inquiring eyes your way."
Doctor Andersson waved the woman away or more accurately waved her spoken words as if they had been annoying gnats. "I was feeling like that before I picked up that shirt, which by the way is oddly shaped for such a piece of clothing. Who the heck would need so many sets of sleeves?" Selene, Satella and Jayson took it upon themselves to point out people in the crowd whose physical shape, namely the presence of an extra set of arms, would require a piece of clothing like the one she had been holding not that long ago. "Alright, I get it. It's the 'pick on Sofia' hour. Make all of the jokes you want, I still feel like someone is watching us, and I don't mean the way they were looking at me holding that shirt. I mean someone is studying our movements, our actions and they have been doing so for some time."
"We are not dismissing your feelings Doctor," Jayson said. "It's just that the crowd is just too thick for anyone to be able to keep any kind of constant watch on anyone. If someone did have a higher vantage point, we would have noticed them by now, especially if they were looking in our direction for more than a simple passing glance."
Feeling visibly annoyed, Doctor Andersson folded her arms in front of her and pressed her lips together as she scanned the crowd around them. As much as she did not want to admit it, Jayson was right. There were just too many people in the Zocalo to allow anyone to watch someone else for any amount of time. That was when Sofia's eyes drifted upward to notice something that the team had not taken note of before. A small metallic catwalk stretching over the market place. What surprised the CMO even more was that she caught the eyes of someone who appeared quite familiar. It took no time for the woman to believe she had seen Abrasivnyy standing there, near one of the support wires, her fullest attention squarely on the team.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Commander Shar'El [Access Character BIO for Shar'El]
Executive Officer / Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
=-=
"Small Hands"
[the previous post was (ANU) "The Cost" by Jessica / (BAS) "Feeling As If You Were Being Watched" by Tiffany]
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Zocalo
Stardate: 35013.1645
"What are you looking at?" Satella asked of Sofia. The overhanging span was an interesting discovery, but it could not account for the way Andersson was so intensely studying it.
"I... I thought I saw someone."
Dr Bruxa giggled. "Someone? You will need to be a little more specific. There are a lot of 'someones' in this place. Let's start with the basics... friend or foe?" Satella thought she was being funny, but the other CMO did not appear amused in the least.
"Both... neither," Sofia replied. "It was Gemma. Well, the person I saw was Abrasivnyy. At least that is who I thought I saw."
"What was she doing up there?" Bruxa asked, joining the other Doctor in her study of the overhanging span.
"Watching us." The reply was meant to be both informative as well as a justification of how she had felt.
"What is going on?" Cpt Iverson asked having noticed that the two CMOs were now studying the catwalk.
"Sofia believes that she saw Gemma up there. She was watching us," Satella explained.
"Leave it to an ILO to keep an eye on those trying to find her." It was easy to hear that Stark was speaking from experience.
"We should consider ourselves lucky if that is all that she was doing. Gemma should never be underestimated, no matter what personality she embraces at that time." Selene words echoed respect and concern. The CO of the BASTET knew not to give the ILO any sort of slack. The ILO was just that good, in countless different ways.
"Should we go after her?" Jayson asked. As much of a fool's errand as it might be, it would get them to be elsewhere.
"Even if we do not find her," Bruxa offered. "it would give us a better vantage point to the rest of the Zocalo.
"High ground..." Selene said as she carefully considered the option. "Alright, let's go."
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Catwalk over the Zocalo
Stardate: 35013.1650
"Maybe this was not such a good idea." Sofia was hanging onto the guardrail with all of her petite might. The metallic bridge was not that small. Two people could easily walk past one another without forcing someone over the edge. Still, the grid flooring and the small wire supports did make the structure appear somewhat unsafe. That was all Dr Andersson needed to make her reconsider stepping further onto the structure.
Jayson tried his best not to laugh but failed. "Fine, stay here. The rest of us will have a look from further out."
"Do you want me to stay with you?" Satella offered, managing a little better to hide her amusement.
"I will be fine." Sofia could not even bring herself to look at the other Doctor. She feared that not using all of her concentration to hold the structure might cause her to fall.
"We will not take long," the Captain said in a reassuring voice. "We will just have a look and see if we can spot either of the ladies we are here for."
Dr Andersson nodded her head, still not daring to look at anyone. For the time being, the bridge's support would be her one and only friend. At least for as long as they remained at this location. Sofia waited, s patiently as she could, for the others to return. However long they were taking, it would be too long. Even holding on the way she was, the CMO desperately wanted to be anywhere else.
Sofia was forced to break her concentration when she felt someone brushing against her. "I'm sorry," she said actually looking at the person. It was a child of about 10 years old. She could see that he possessed some Bolian heritage.
"Hope you won't be needing this." The boy was smiling as he said this while showing the small medical kit he had just stolen.
"THIEF!" Sofia screamed calling the others back.
"What happened?" Selene inquired.
"He stole my med kit," Sofia admitted.
"Benito William Bonviva-Crichton!" Dr Bruxa yelled causing the boy to stop momentarily before resuming his escape.
"You know him?" Stark asked.
"Not *him* but is counterpart fro our dimension. As the CMO of the ANUBIS, I have seen Ambassador Bonviva's dossier. It included pictures of all her children. That boy strongly resembled her youngest."
"We cannot let him have one of our medical kits," Cpt Iverson said. "Let's go. We cannot let him take too much of a lead on us."
With that said, the Zocalo team ran after the thief. This was a welcomed change of pace for most, especially Sofia who was just happy to no longer be on the bridge.
=-=
Rachel Jackie Johnson
[Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint. - Mark Twain]
"Mad Dash"
[previous (ANU) "Small Hands" / (BAS) "Feeling As If You Were Being Watched"]
[/\]
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Corridor
Stardate: 35013.1655
There was no way he could have ever imagined that their search for Abrasivnyy and Fiona would turn into a marathon through the station. Every section the team had passed through had been filled to capacity making it hard to even walk, so the idea of running had been out of the question. At least that was until now.
Whoever that kid was he was fast and knew his way around the station. More than once the thief had literally run up a wall in order to round a corner as quickly as possible leaving those pursuing him to crash into the wall and lose precious time. Oddly enough, despite this happening more than once, the team still managed to keep up, almost as if the boy wanted them to.
Through various corridors and down dark staircases, the thief ran with the greatest of ease, even going as far as to stop and look back from time to time. This only served to confirm that he wanted for his pursuers to keep up.
"Would be nice if we could get in front of him," Jayson said as he ran next to Selene, the OPS Officer thinking that unless something happened this race would only end once the team would be unable to take another step. "Would be nice to wipe that smirk off his face."
"We do not know enough about this station's layout to even try anything of the sort," the Captain said. "Plus it is evident that he wants us to follow him. He could have lost us countless times, but instead, he continues to make sure that we can track and follow him. He's taking us somewhere, and I am curious to know where and why."
"What?" Doctor Andersson gasped, her breathing showing that she was having a hard time with the race they were involved in. "Are you saying that we are being led on a wild goose chase?"
"Maybe it would be nice if he allowed us to continue at a slower pace," Doctor Bruxa added, she too finding the pace they had been keeping very difficult to maintain.
"What happened to Starfleet training being the best in the galaxy?" Jayson teased Satella.
"As a physician once said... I'm a Doctor, not a marathon runner."
"I don't recall any Doctors even being credited with such a quote," Captain Iverson said without breaking a smile and continue to run.
"I will happily take credit for that quote," Satella said. "Might end up as my epitaph as I fear I might not be able to keep going for much longer.
"We might not have to," Jayson announced. "Look, he just threw the medkit in that lift." After pointing to the lift to make sure everyone knew where to go, the OPS Officer continued the chase alone.
Glad but out of breath, the two Doctors went into the lift to retrieve the stolen medkit that was resting against the far wall of what appeared to be some sort of cargo lift. No longer needing to run, Sofia and Satella took a moment to catch their breath, glad that the equipment was back in their possession.
"We should not stay here for too long," Selene said as she stood directly in the lift's entrance waiting for Jayson and making sure that the doors would not close separating them. It only took a few minutes before the OPS Officer returned, the man appeared very disappointed. "Am I to gather that you were not able to apprehend the boy."
"As soon as he let go of the medkit, the kid transformed into the bloody Flash. It only took a couple of corners before he was able to lose me," Jayson reported. "The worse part is I suspect that he was not even running at full speed."
"Well, at least we have the medkit back," Captain Iverson said looking back at the two Doctors in a way that indicated that it was time for them to get up so that they could return to the Zocalo. Sofia and Satella stood but quickly realized that something was wrong. The medkit had somehow become too heavy to lift or move.
"Is there a problem?" Jayson said laughing. "First you can't keep up and now are too weak to lift a simple medkit." The OPS Officer stepped inside the lift and quickly took hold of the small case only to realise that he too could not move it. Curious as to what was happening, Captain Iverson stepped inside, and soon as she did the doors slid closed behind her and the lift began to move, taking the whole team down to an undisclosed destination.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Lieutenant Jayson Stark [Access Character BIO for Jayson Stark]
Chief of Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
-=-=-
"Change of Plan"
[Previous post: (ANU) "Mad Dash" & (BAS) "Feeling As If You Were Being Watched"]
-=-=-
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, The Oasis
Stardate: 35013.1655
For the last hour and a half, Safio, the Guardian of the Oasis had explained in great detail how the Crystals of Souls worked, this to the great delight of the BASTET's CSciO Lieutenant Mitshiba. Lt. Cmdr. Paquette had not been as enthralled by the explanation, the Engineering instead focussing her interest on the mechanical aspects of how this particular section of the station managed to appear so completely different than the rest.
This left Cmdr. Shar'El to help the distraught Counselor/Junior Ambassador following her discovery of the unsavory fate of the only person who had been there for her during the hell of her incarceration. What made the situation even more complicated was the fact that Mandy's life, according to her own memories, had been terminated by someone appearing very much like Doctor Satella Bruxa, the ANUBIS' CMO and Adriana's best friend.
"Thank you, Safio," Misaki said as they returned to the spot where the tour of the Oasis had begun. "That was most enlightening. Those crystals are truly a wonder." Mitshiba's smile quickly vanished when she saw the expression on Lopez' face, a reflection of deeply felt sadness and pain. "I'm sorry..." Aki's offering was interrupted by Shar'El who simply shook her head no. The emotional wound was just too deep to even begin to be mended by simple words.
"So, what's next?" Sonja asked. As interesting as this place was, the Chief Engineer was more than ready to move on. The Oasis was just a little too 'bright and tranquil' for her liking.
"We continue our search," Shar'El replied, thinking it best to keep things simple for everyone's sake.
"We need to go to the Lower Levels," Adriana said with conviction and authority.
"That is not our mission objective," the CEO pointed out. "Captain Morningstar and his team are the ones investigating the Lower Levels. Our job is to explore the station and see what information we can uncover about the Confederacy."
"Adriana might be correct in wanting us to head down to the lower levels," Shar'El said surprising everyone. Seeing the confusion in Sonja's and Misaki's eyes, the Commander decided to explain her words. "While Safio was explaining the crystals, and following Adriana finding out that the 'soul' of someone she knew was in them, I decided to scan the crystals as if they were an individual."
Adriana's pain instantly transformed into eager curiosity. "What did you find?"
The Confederacy may not be our greatest problem," Shar'El said. "They are not the only 'players' in this story. It would appear that there also an Alliance involved in whatever is happening here, and their actions are heavily influencing the Confederacy."
"Collaborators?" Misaki asked.
"I am more inclined to say 'opponents', as in two organizations with very distinct and separate ways of operating within the confine of this dimension," Shar'El clarified. "It is hard to get an accurate picture of what is happening from what I was able to get from the crystals, but one set of memories kept resurfacing. It is clear that omething is happening in the lower levels and the Alliance is right in the middle of it."
"Aren't the memories in those crystals from people who have died?" Aki fearfully asked.
"That is another reason I agree with Adriana that it might be best if we go there and regroup with Captain Morningstar and his team," the Commander said. "Whatever is happening down there is bound to give us a better idea of what this is all about. What better way to learn about one side than to see what the other side thinks of them."
"It is settled then," the Junior Ambassador said, already heading towards the nearest access out of the Oasis. "We are going down to the lower levels and find out what this Alliance is all about. Hopefully, in the process, we will get a better idea of what the Confederacy wants."
"Is it me or does she sound upset?" Misaki asked of Sonja who was standing right next to the Asian scientist.
"Upset?" The CEO sighed. "I think she is out for blood and I would hate to be the one who ends up being on the receiving end of her rage."
-=-=-
Marissa Montonera-Lombardi
Lieutenant JG Adriana Lopez [Access Character BIO for Adriana Lopez]
Ship's Counselor & Junior Ambassador
USS ANUBIS
=-=
“Reunion”
Previous posts: (ANU) “Change of Plan” by Marissa / (BAS) “Mad Dash” by Jayson
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Levels, Alliance Refugee Area
Stardate: 35013.1700
The BASTET’s Chief of Security rose to his full 7-foot to let circulation once more reach down passed his aching knees to his feet. While his toes tingled from new oxygen, he anxiously wiped on the rump of his civilian garb his scaly hands, caked with lavender oil and the injured Flight Security Officer A’Janni’s congealed blood. His three-fingered hands remained sticky. They stank like he had been holding something dead.
He squinted golden eyes at an approaching group, some with familiar gaits. His eyes widened. In this group which included another male walking with authority, a tall, bluish woman with impressive white hair and a distracted looking woman with the filigree markings of a Trill, he recognized Captain Morningstar and the BASTET’s Chief Counselor Nicole.
“That *is* Zub Enel,” Nicole said with conviction to the much taller white-haired Xana. “He looks stressed. Come on!” She sped up her pace and arrived at the cluster of military-looking personnel where the towering Voth stood. Zub gave her a baleful look and pointed one clawed finger near his feet behind several people in uniform who were providing nothing more than sympathetic looks.
At Zub Enel’s boot tips Nicole saw the big, muscular felinoid A’Janni laying stiffly on his back on the metal decking, his broad, tiger-esque face contorted in pain. With the fingers of one furry, blood-soaked hand, he held shut a large, curved wound under his rib cage. He gripped a skinny dagger in his other. He locked Nicole with his one white eye and rasped, voice halting and weak, “Tell me you brought a doctor.”
Looking at his grievous state, Nicole felt her stomach flutter as if it had gone into zero-G. She slammed her fists on her hips and glared up at the lizard man Voth. “*You* were supposed to protect him.”
“Zub?” A’Janni replied incredulously from the floor. He croaked what he had hoped would be a sardonic laugh before he had to give it up and wince deeply in pain.
Looking into her accusing blue eyes, Zub told her, “We had to fight for show in the ARENA. He was attacked by something so fast he was hurt before I could kill it.”
When Nicole broke her gaze, Zub surveyed the tall, blue woman, the woman with Trill markings, Captain Morningstar and a humanoid male in uniform who held a spread legged stance. “None of you have a medical kit?”
The man with the commanding presence said, “The Alliance does have medical facilities. We ration it. We do not provide medical service to ARENA fighters.”
Erik Morningstar said to the man, “I assure you they are certainly not ARENA fighters.”
The uniformed man considered this. He said to Zub, “You need to transport him there.”
Zub’s scales turned scorched red. “He is unlikely to survive being moved again.”
“He must,” the commanding man said, “I suggest fashioning a litter.” The man turned toward another cluster of officers and stepped away. Erik raised his eyebrows at Zub before he followed the man.
“That helpful stack of overstuffed protoplasm is Charlie Koniki, an exact simulacrum to our Admiral Koniki,” said the blue woman in a rich, musical voice. “I am Bonviva, Federation Ambassador. You must be the Voth they call Zub.”
Zub showed clenched teeth while he snorted like a jet of steam had shot from his nostrils. “I need to meet a doctor!”
Xana set her tone to tundra. “How rude.”
The woman with the Trill markings was gazing at another group of people, all with the same markings as her. Her voice was distant, “He clearly is worried about his friend.”
Bonviva turned her polar blast onto the ANUBIS CSciO, “Thank you, Maya.”
The Shillian woman with Trill markings continued gazing toward the people who looked like her. “If this Alliance has recruited so many Shillians and they too have lost their planet, there is a probability that we have our own Shillian counterparts….” She stopped herself before she gave away the team was from another dimension.
Nicole had crouched beside the wounded Caitian. She told him gently, “Both CMOs are around somewhere. Why do you smell so strongly of lavender?”
The massive cat man’s single, white eye focused on her with an alarmingly tiny pupil. He waved the point of the wickedly long dagger toward the Voth. “He smeared me with a special oil rub to tenderize me for eating after I die.”
Xana offered without being asked, her voice once again musical, “Plant oils like lavender have been known to have most salutary effects. At the very least, applying it to a wound can cause a placebo effect.”
A’Janni rapped the pommel of the dagger on the metal floor. “Hear that, Zub? Your cure is a placebo effect.”
Zub said, “Better than a dagger.”
Nicole said as she squatted by the injured man, “Isn’t that Fiona standing by Captain Morningstar? Wait. He’s in uniform. Another Erik Morningstar?”
Zub clasped his three-fingered hands before his hips and looked at the man standing next to the blond version of Captain Iverson. “That Morningstar has been recently promoted to full colonel and seems proud of it. To his credit, he did save A’Janni’s life from a woman named Stella that Ya’Han mistook for a doctor she knew. When she arrived, this Stella turned out to be a lightening quick assassin.”
A’Janni gave a grunt of pain and then rasped, “This is her dagger. The colonel stunned her with a phaser I would like to get a closer look at.”
Zub heard a loud but brief exhale of compressed air. He turned his crested head toward the sound. A good dozen meters beyond the group of Shillians, an elevator door circled open and out stepped the BASTET’s blond Captain Iverson, the Chief of Operations Jayson Stark, the CMO Sofia Andersson and a silver-haired woman who looked exactly like Stella the Assassin. He boomed in a deafening voice that would have carried across a parade ground, “Doctor Andersson!” He waved frantically for her to approach.
The four looked startled for a moment but recovered and hurried toward him.
Nicole stood and smiled at Sofia. “Oh, A’Janni. Lucky you. Two cute doctors to tend your every need. Look! They have a med kit.”
As Captain Iverson’s group approached where A’Janni lay, a boy about 10 years old angled in from the side. He caught up to Jayson and as he kept pace with him grinned up at him like they shared a secret.
Xana stared at the boy. Her voice was breathless like she’d just run a marathon. “He cannot be.”
=-=
David Michael Inverso
Ensign Zub Enel [Access Character BIO for Zub Enel]
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS BASTET, NCC 74977
“Make this the best of the rest of your days. Start your revolution and I'll see you at the reunion.”
— Bon Jovi
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"Be True to Thy Self"
[previous post were (ANU) "Change of Plan" / (BAS) "Reunion"]
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Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Alliance Refugee Area
Stardate: 35013.1710
With the arrival of Doctor Bruxa and Andersson, the Sec/Tac could finally breathe easier comforted by the reassurance that the injured member of her team was now in good hands. Allowing herself to act as a member of the security forces instead of a concerned shipmate, Ya'Han took in the details of their surroundings and quickly noticed the complete lack of protection this area provided.
With the exception of strategically placed support columns meant to carry the weight of the upper levels, this section of the lower levels as nothing more than a wide-open deck. Ya'Han could imagine that the initial purpose of this area had been for large-scale cargo storage, providing ample room to keep pretty much anything and still have room to manoeuvre around. The walls that stretched around the distant parameter could barely be seen due to just how far they were. The refugees, along with the contingent of military personnel had set up camp as close to the middle as possible, a tactic that the Sec/Tac did not agree with at all. It was true that she knew nothing of the situation but there was something that did not sit right with the Nylaan. It was because of this that Ya'Han began to thoroughly scrutinize her surroundings searching for anything that might help should the situation suddenly change.
The first thing Ya'Han noticed was Captain Morningstar speaking to Colonel Morningstar. Although she could not hear what the two men were saying, the Sec/Tac could easily imagine how surreal the experience was for the two of them. The first time the Nylaan had come face-to-face with her dimensional reflection, things had most certainly not gone as smoothly as they could have. As short as their meeting was, it proved enough for them to immediately identify the differences in their lives, differences that clearly made them two completely unique individuals.
What caught Ya'Han attention next was the focused curiosity Maya had for the refugees who oddly enough she shared a great deal of physical attributes with. If these people were proven to be Trills, the Shillian would be beyond disappointed, but if by some twist of this universe, they ended being members of her lost race, the Sec/Tac could barely imagine how the CSciO would feel.
The Sec/Tac found herself wishing that this would be the case for the CSciO's sake. Maya, like Ya'Han in some strange way, had lost everything they had come to know through their upbringing. For the Shillian, the loss had not been of her own choosing making things a little easier to accept, but for the Nylaan this same loss had come following a single heartwrenching decision she felt she was forced to make. Being able to reclaim even a single small piece of their ancestry would cause them to feel things that neither were likely ready to face at this time.
Turning her eyes away from the CSciO, the next thing the Sec/Tac noticed was the way the Bolian/Human Ambassador had suddenly frozen in place. From where she stood Ya'Han could not see her facial expression but the Nylaan could see that the woman's attention was solely directed at the much smaller figure of a young boy who visibly shared some common ancestry with her. Thinking back to the Captain and Colonel, not to mention her own twin from this dimension, it was not a huge stretch to imagine that the boy was a copy of someone very close to her.
"Looks like A'Janni will be alright," Jayson said as she came to stand right next to Ya'Han. "Spoke with Satella and she is confident that they made it here in time to save him. The worse part is that I suspect we have him to thank for that," Stark added pointing with a nod of his head to the boy who had captured the Ambassador's attention.
Ya'Han could tell that this was his way to try and break the ice, to start a conversation between them, but as much as she might have wanted to, the Sec/Tac could not bring herself to step down from her high-alert mindset. Allowing herself to let her personal feelings dictate her actions would not help any of them. "I am glad that they are here. I do not care how it came to be. As long as A'Janni is able to recover, I will be happy."
"You have to stop doing that," Jayson sighed.
"Doing what?"
"Trying to be the 'ice queen', or thinking that you are the only one hurting in this or any other dimension. I get it, you had a hard life and likely believe that you are not allowed to be happy, but the more you think that way, the more you will unconsciously make it be." Jayson stopped knowing that if he continued he might say something that would end whatever chances the two still had to reconcile. "The only thing you accomplish by pushing people away is you end up alone. You are not the only one who lost someone dear to them. I did too, twice." After saying this Jayson walked away leaving Ya'Han to process what he had just said.
As she watched him make his way back to where the two Doctors and BASTET's Ship's Counselor were attending to A'Janni under the watchful eyes of Zub and Selene, Ya'Han felt a tightness growing inside making her hair change from the black she needed to display in order to pass for Han to the solid bright red that reflected her role as the ANUBIS' Sec/Tac. The change was short-lived though as her hair gradually returned to the dark color that represented the lowest level of society she had run away from.
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Hanali Han
Lieutenant Ya'Han [Access Character BIO for Ya'Han]
Chief of Security / Chief Tactical Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
“How Ben Discovered The Multiverse”
[previous post were (ANU) "Be True to Thy Self" / (BAS) "Reunion"/ (PHX) "Compartments"]
=/\=
"There has never been, nor will there ever be, anything quite so special as the love between the mother and a son."
-Unknown
=/\=
Location: USS PHOENIX, Counseling Center
Stardate: 35013.1600/[2.20]0531.0013
If they were on Earth it would have been a Wednesday. Emergencies did not happen on Wednesdays. Nothing happened on Wednesday except the brief sigh of relief that you were past Monday and Tuesday and the inhalation that you were almost into that slide into Thursday and Friday.
In other words, it was another day at the grind.
Pugs had no sense of a grind. So Captain Smooshy, the therapy pug assigned to the USS PHOENIX, sat in the Counseling Center waiting for his next appointment. Usually Owen was with him but Owen didn’t do well with children so Xander took this appointment. Xander looked at his nails and picked at the tiniest piece of dirt under his fingernail, waiting for the 10 year old boy to come to his Counseling Session. Leaning back in his chair, Xander kept an eye on the chrono as the seconds crept by while waiting.
Minutes ticked by and Captain Smooshy whined as his latest session wasn’t here. The PHOENIX was a big ship, and to a 10 year old boy going to a Counseling Session, it was easy to find other things to do. Tapping his commbadge, Xander called out, “Computer, find Benito Bonviva-Crichton.”
[[Bonviva-Crichton, Benito is not on the USS PHOENIX]]
Xander wondered if Ben and his teenage sister went to Starbase 56, where they were docked. That had to be it, he thought to himself.
The alternative was….unthinkable.
Reminding himself to be calm, he tapped his commbadge again he said, “Elgin to Dalziel.”
[[Dalziel here. What’s up? I thought you were in sessions this afternoon.]]
“I’m supposed to be,” Xander admitted, “but Ben didn’t show up.”
[[Sometimes Jake lets them go to the Starbase,]] Eve said, referring to their father who was also the ExO. [[I’d start there, they may have lost track of time.]]
Drumming his fingers on the desk he said, “Makes sense. Elgin out.” Tapping his badge again he said, “Elgin from USS PHOENIX to Starbase 56 Security.”
It took a moment but he got through. [[Starbase 56 Security here.]]
“I’m looking for a minor from the PHOENIX, he’s not on our ship. A Bolian/Human male, age 10. Full name of Benito William Bonviva-Crichton, goes by Ben,” Xander said. While talking to the Starbase, he noticed Captain Smooshy appeared to be in full out panic pug mode, walking in circles and whinging.
There was another pause before the same voice came back. [[Sir. There is no one on the Starbase matching that description. Do we need to lockdown the Starbase?]]
Wednesdays at 1300 were not supposed to be a problem, Xander thought to himself. It was supposed to be a counseling session with a 10 year old. “Yes,” he said. Tapping his badge again he said, “Elgin to Dalziel. Ben is missing and the Starbase is now on lockdown. I think we have to go on lockdown too.”
Suddenly the ship went into Red Alert as Lt. Jasmine Yu’s voice came over the speakers. [[Per Starbase 56, all ships docked in the Starbase must go into lockdown due to a missing minor.]]
Eve’s voice came back, [[We just did. And now I have to tell Jake the lockdown is for his son.]]
=/\=
Location: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, The Crown’s Office
Stardate: 35013.1700
The Crown was not pleased. Sitting back in her seat she looked across at her best. “How did we lose track of them?” she asked.
The Agent stood there, arms folded, back straight and firm. She would not stand against the cool walls in The Crown’s office; that would have been weak. She was strong; no matter how many hours she had worked, she would not let her weariness be evident. She also knew she couldn’t say the obvious: that it was a large station; that there were more of them; that they had allied themselves with The Performer. None of this would matter to The Crown. She did not want problems; she wanted opportunities and solutions. Crowns did not get their hands dirty; that is why she had The Agent.
Or The Warrior; but she wasn’t here now.
Instead The Agent stood there, considered her options before settling on the simplest one that would get her out of this. “There have been other priorities.”
“Hmm,” the Crown murmured as she considered this. It wasn’t something she could dismiss out of hand. It was true; there were always competing priorities. Still she didn’t want anyone to become stagnant. They were on the cusp of--
The doors opened up and The Executioner stood there. “It’s time,” she announced without any preamble. “Your presence has been requested.”
The Crown nodded and got up to follow The Executioner while dismissing The Agent with a wave of her hand. There were very few things that were outside of her jurisdiction; but The Executioner was one of the ones who could dictate The Crown’s schedule.
Standing at The Crown’s door was Fiona with an azure boy with white hair. “Who is this?” the Crown asked. “Is this one of The Warrior’s--”
“No,” Fiona interrupted as the boy looked back and forth with wide violet eyes. “It’s one of her mirror’s.” Clearing her throat she said, “I brought the other one back to where he came from.”
The Crown stood there and contemplated the situation. “We’ll deal with this later. For now we have a more pressing matter. You’re all coming with me.”
As The Crown fell in line behind The Executioner, Fiona fell in line behind The Crown, and Ben was dragged along. “But my mom,” he hissed.
“When The Crown says we do something, we do it,” Fiona said.
Ben sighed as he was dragged along. It was not the first time he had been dragged somewhere because of his mother, but even for being an Ambassador’s son, this was weird. “Who was that other kid I saw?” When Fiona looked at him he clarified, “The one who looked like me?”
Fiona ignored Ben and pulled him along even tighter.
=/\=
Location: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Sickbay
Stardate: 35013.1715
The normal hubbub of Sickbay was removed. If someone had an emergency, they were sent to a satellite location. Non-emergencies were turned away.
There was a matter of utmost importance to The Executioner to attend to; she had to live up to her title. And unlike others; she did so with little crowds and fanfare. She was not a complete barbarian; she allowed the victim to decide who would watch. The victim picked 3 people, as per the Confederacy’s customs: 2 of her spouses and her boss, The Crown.
The Warrior, her body ravaged by a disease that had no name here, had weaned herself from all medications. She had decided prior to this moment that she would face her death as she had her life: just herself with her weapon in her hand.
The Executioner faced her with her own weapon in hand: a small instrument of choice. “Before I begin, have you made your final decisions?”
The Warrior nodded. Pulling out 2 slim PADDs from her long, slim leggings she handed one to The Executioner. “This is my last will and testament.” The Executioner took that and slipped that into her own pocket. The 2nd PADD the Warrior offered to The Crown. “This goes to the one who slipped into the other dimension. See that it goes there.” The Crown nodded and took the cool PADD from The Warrior’s hands.
Once that was complete, The Executioner announced, “Any last words?”
The Warrior thought about that and then shook her head. “I just want to be free from all of this,” she said softly.
“That will do,” The Executioner decided. Nodding as she picked her weapon, The Executioner indicated The Warrior should go first. The Warrior tried to throw her trishula, but her strength was so diminished that she was barely able to lift her right arm up to complete the throw. The weapon went in the air and then clanged on the floor next to her. The Executioner waited until the trishula stopped clattering on the floor before holding up her small conical device. Everyone in the Sickbay put on their face shields, except for The Warrior. Within moments, a violet mist was sprayed at The Warrior. In the space of seconds, she inhaled the mist and slipped down on her weapon.
The Executioner walked over and examined The Warrior. “The Warrior has been executed by botulus major.”
The Crown nodded at that, before tapping on a small device on her person. “Ring the bells.”
There had been 2 more guests, but they slipped into the viewing gallery above the Sickbay. The smaller of the guests struggled against his captor but she wrapped her stronger hand and arm around his mouth.
But he saw everything; he saw The Warrior stand there, weary from life. He saw The Warrior give one life one more attempt at life before succumbing to poison. He didn’t hear her say she was done with life. He did watch her crumble to the floor.
When Fiona finally released Ben’s mouth he banged his fists against the clear barrier as tears streamed down his face. “Mama…” he sobbed.
Fiona said nothing but watched The Crown leave. Finally she said, “Come on, it’s time to go.”
“I don’t want to go anywhere with you,” Ben said stubbornly as he continued to look at the fallen woman on the floor as if he could will himself down there with her.
“You don’t have a choice,” Fiona declared as she pulled him along. “Besides, it’s to see your mother.”
=/\=
Location: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Levels
Stardate: 35013.1715 (the beginning is concurrent with above and then overlaps)
“How is this helpful, Ambassador?” Captain Morningstar asked.
Xana did her best not to glare at the Captain. “I can’t fully explain it,” she admitted in a hushed tone.
The Native American CO of the ANUBIS did not look pleased with that answer. “Yet, you want to stop for a field trip.”
“First of all a field trip would be me stopping to buy shoes, chocolates, or liquor which we’re not,” Xana admonished the Captain. Turning to Charlie Koniki she asked hopefully, “Unless there is some of that down here?”
“No,” the Captain said at the same time as Charlie Koniki who said, “Yes.”
Waggling her finger at the two men, the Ambassador side-stepped them both and said, “Now you’re both just confusing me.” Looking around she said, “So I will sit on this chair...I think it’s a chair….anyway I will sit until I’m sure what I’m doing next.”
And so she made herself comfortable and looked up with expectant eyes as if everyone else would sit or wander away and leave her to think, which is exactly what happened.
First Nicole Dima wandered over to the Ambassador after some time. “This is an interesting resting spot.” Leaning against a wobbly tower she said, “Not the worst spot but not the best.” Thinking she said, “I’d rate it a solid middle.”
Xana looked up at the CNS from the BASTET. “Solid middle?”
“Solid maybe stretching it,” Dima admitted with a smile. Looking around she said, “Still it’s an interesting stopping place.”
The Ambassador raised her eyebrow. “Oh?”
Nicole looked over and gestured with her hands. “They’re content. They’re willing to share what they have,” she explained, referring to the communities down here. As they heard the music of what sounded like an instrument between a piccolo and a harmonica she said, “From a cultural standpoint, they’ve done a remarkable job of integrating their various societies.”
“That’s what we’d want to see,” Xana said softly.
The Counselor nodded. “Indeed.” Seeing Captain Morningstar walk over, Dima smiled and nodded as she left.
The Captain nodded as he sat down across from the Ambassador. “Tell me it was worth it,” he said softly, parroting back words the Ambassador had said to him months ago during a difficult mission.
Xana was nibbling on her nail as she looked at the Captain. “I don’t know yet,” she said softly. “But why are there groups of Shillians here?”
Morningstar nodded. “That has not gone unnoticed,” he said.
“No one here seems to be upset at being here,” she pointed out. Waving her hands towards the settlements she said, “Do I want to live here? No. But honestly, this is no worse than some of the places I have lived in after various wars.”
“You haven’t seen any more signs of war here,” he said quietly. “This is not a peaceful society but that’s different than a vengeful one.”
Xana leaned forward and rested her elbows on her knees. “The beginning of the Federation was fraught with war and strife because….well for lots of reasons. It has not gone unnoticed that the leadership at first, well….”
“They had arrogance,” Morningstar said finally. “They were explorers, and like all explorers off on a new adventurer, they didn’t think about the others’ story.” There was a moment before he asked, “The question is, have we?”
As Captain Iverson’s group approached where A’Janni lay, a boy about 10 years old angled in from the side. He caught up to Jayson and as he kept pace with him grinned up at him like they shared a secret.
Xana stared at the boy. Her voice was breathless like she’d just run a marathon. “He cannot be.”
It did not take a huge leap to realize that the Ambassador thought this boy was her son, Captain Morningstar thought. And whatever else her quirks, the woman loved her family. He knew she was in frequent communication with all of her children. It was what had driven her to the ANUBIS in the first place, a chance to get well for her children.
Sometimes a Captain had to do the painful thing to do the right thing.
Captain Morningstar grabbed the Ambassador’s arm to restrain her from going forward. “He may not be yours,” he whispered.
Xana Bonviva looked at Erik Morningstar and as the axiom went, if looks could kill he would have been with the ashes on the floor. She was, however, a member of the Federation and understood.
She also was a pain in the ass.
“Ben,” she smiled at the boy. Waving to the Captain she said, “This is Captain Morningstar.” Inhaling she said, “And he and I are here to help people.” Pausing she said, “And I think you should introduce yourself and after that I’m sure he’d love to hear about STTS.”
Ben, whose violet eyes were slightly swollen, looked at his mother askance and then looked at the Captain. “Okay,” he nodded. “Cap’n Morningstar, I’m Ben Bonviva-Crichton, the founder and President of the Save the Tribble Society or STTS. People think tribbles do nothing but eat and have babies, but that’s not true. They give comfort and even in some situations can be taught some simple tricks. And tribbles are hunted by large reptiles. But you can have the tribbles spayed or neutered, which means no more babies in case you didn’t know, and then they’re just fluffy and they can live--”
Erik Morningstar didn’t know what good this did but realized he was going to have to be the biggest heel for having to cut off a young boy in the middle of an impassioned plea about tribbles, of all things. Looking over at the Ambassador he was going to ask her if this was her son, he saw that she stood as still as any statue but there were streams of tears going down her face while there was a look of unspeakable joy on her face.
It was her son; this was the proof she was looking for.
“And we adopted 6 tribbles because the President of the society had to have some,” Xana said quietly giving the young boy the proof he was looking for but didn’t have the words to voice. “Sir Giggles, Sassy, Ashix-the-Avenger, Kahless, Fluffy, and Cocoa.”
Ben nodded at that and went running into his mother’s arms as she opened them up. “I saw you die,” he said into her neck.
“No, bambino, I’m here,” she whispered, rocking him back and forth as she had done so when he was a baby over many nights. Looking at her son she whispered, “How did you get here? Where’s your sister? Is she here? Where’s your father?”
“Not here,” Ben said as he explained his day with the kidnapping and Fiona.
Xana’s face paled at that. They might be divorced, but she knew Jake would be inconsolable if something happened to Ben, as would Dahlia.
Morningstar went to move back to give Xana some room when he heard something. Turning around he saw Charlie Koniki loudly sobbing. “I promised myself I wouldn’t cry,” Charlie said as he grabbed a worn out handkerchief from his pocket.
Suddenly bells rang out.
For the Italian born and bred azure woman, the closest thing she could think of was that it sounded like church bells. It was a loud, ceremonial, chiming call to action. Looking up from where she was, Xana was amazed to see the locals were suddenly stopping what they had been doing and kneeling on the ground with their heads bent low.
“Kneel,” Charlie Koniki whispered.
The ANUBIS and BASTET teams looked around. “Why?” Xana asked.
Charlie looked as if they were crazy. “The bells ring out when our best die.”
Suddenly Xana looked around and saw people sobbing, leaning on each other for moral support. At the same time, from the same way she came in she saw Adriana with Sonja, Mitshiba, and Shar’El who appeared to be just as confused by the crowds kneeling and the bells ringing.
“Who died?” the Ambassador asked.
“You,” a voice said from behind them.
“I told you so,” Ben said from the protective space of her arms.
Turning around they saw two familiar figures. Audible gasps and a hush came over the Lower Level.
A hologram of The Crown, flanked by The Agent, stood there. “Well not you obviously,” The Crown said, “but our Warrior.” Looking out at the ANUBIS and BASTET who were gathered she continued on, “Now please prepare yourselves, I think I’ve been a hospitable host but I think it’s time we’ve talked.”
=/\=
Sarah Albertini-Bond
USS ANUBIS
##########
"Understanding"
Previous posts (ANU) "How Ben Discovered The Multiverse" / (BAS) "Reunion"
##########
"Don't try to understand everything. Sometimes it is not meant to be understood, just accepted."
-==/\==--
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level
Stardate: 35013.1740
The earlier ringing of the bells followed by the unexpected display of the holographic image of The Crown and The Agent triggered the Native American's counterpart from this dimension to go quickly gather his men as well as the Shillian refugees.
"What is going on?" Erik asked of the man who could have very well been him had only a few decisions in his life had been made differently.
"The Confederacy knows that you are here and by association, they know that we are here as well. We have to relocate before it is too late," the Colonel said while ordering his troops through various hand gestures.
"I do not understand," the CO of the ANUBIS admitted. As similar as the two of them were in many ways, there was an entire universe of differences that made it impossible for Erik to know exactly what the other was thinking.
"I am sure that there is a lot you do not understand, Captain," the military man sighed back. "As long as the Confederacy is focussed on you and your people, we have the advantage," the Colonel said gesturing to his men and the refugees
"Why would the Confederacy be interested in you or the refugees?" Captain Morningstar asked of the Colonel.
"There is not enough time for me to give you a history lesson," the high-ranking military man said rather bluntly. "All you need to know is that the Confederacy cannot be trusted. However bad you think they may be, trust me when I say that they are a thousand times worse."
"All right," the Native American said realizing that arguing at this stage would be nothing more than a waste of time. "Then stay, we can face the Confederacy together. Surely you have to see that we would be stronger together."
"As much as I would love to stick around and see what The Crown has in store for you and your people, my primary responsibility is to my men. I have already lost too many and I cannot allow anyone else to die. So, good luck, maybe we will run into each other again." The Colonel quickly turned and motioned for the troops to move out. As Erik scanned the open space where the refugees had been, he saw a group of small animals rushing away, confirming that they were indeed Shillian.
Like the well trained and organized group Captain Morningstar expected his counterpart to be in charge of, the troops rushed in behind the running animal having picked up whatever piece of clothing had been left behind following the mass metamorphosis.
"Where are they going?" The Shillian CSciO of the ANUBIS demanded in near panic as she saw her people running away.
"Colonel Morningstar is taking them to a safer location," Erik replied wondering if Maya would transform and follow suit. To his relief she remained in her humanoid form, watching with visible sadness as the refugees vanished into the distant darkness of the massive room.
"Don't worry about them," Charlie said as he walked up to join the CO and CSciO of the ANUBIS. "Colonel Morningstar might be a real pain in the aft but he gets the job done. Still not sure if I should admire or despise him for that, but I do understand where he's coming from."
"Well," Erik sighed, "that makes at least one of us." Looking around at the much emptier space, the Native American pointed to where the two Doctors were taking care of the injured Caitian. "Maybe it would be best for us to stick together for the time being. I have this strange feeling that we should not be taking the warning we received lightly."
Charlie chuckled. "When dealing with The Crown you should never take anything lightly."
There was a lot the Native American did not understand but exercising the highest level of caution while dealing with this dimension's version of Lieutenant Commander Paquette and Lieutenant Ya'Han seemed to be the wisest course of action for everyone. "I just hope that Shar'El is managing better than we are at staying out of trouble."
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar [Access Character BIO for Erik Morningstar]
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn [Access Character BIO for Elan Fairborn]
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
“Floating Pain”
[Previous Posts: (ANU) "Understanding", (BAS) "Reunion"]
=/\=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level
Stardate: 35013.1745
Sofia stood up and stretched her arms over her head. Working on getting the Caitian back to his feet had proven to be a much more time-consuming task than either one of the CMOs could have expected. Having access to only the resources of the medical kit they had brought with them had also not helped, the BASTET's FCO requiring more than what they could provide at this time.
Andersson was startled when she felt a pair of hands land on her shoulders. The surprise quickly gave way to delight as the owner of those hands began to massage the Doctor's shoulder and neck muscles. "You better stop doing that Nic," Sofia said with a smile. "I might try to find a way to keep you going."
"How did you know it was me?" The Trill CNS said teasingly. "It could have been Maya, Ya'Han or maybe even Zub."
Sofia was too tired to laugh. "I can see Ya'Han chatting with Jayson. Maya is with this universe’s version of Koniki, so again it could not be her, and let's face it, Zub would not be able to make me feel the way you do when you touch me." The CMO took a moment to scan their surroundings. "Who's the child with Xana?"
"Her son," Nic replied. "Don't ask how he came to be here with us. We are all still wondering about that."
"I noticed that the military troops left with the refugees," Andersson continued, shifting the subject matter onto something other than the Ambassador and her offspring. "Shouldn't you be offering Maya a caring ear and shoulder?"
"She's talking with Charlie Koniki, and right now I don’t want to interrupt any discourse they may be having. Taking her mind off the exodus of the other Shillians might be a better option in helping her than I could ever be. Now, if you don't want me here taking care of you, you just have to say so," Nic said as she began to pull her hands away only to have Sofia reach back and bring those same hands back to where they had been mere seconds ago. "I would never say that I want you to stop. Ever."
Even though Sofia had taken a much-needed break, Satella continued to finalize her work on the wounded Caitian a few feet away. “How are you feeling?”
“Ugh... better.” While rough might have still been the best word to describe his condition, he could tell there was an improvement from the time Enel had dressed his wound with lavender oil. The felinoid man tried to bring himself up to a sitting position and it looked more like a failure than a success. However, he did get enough of a vantage point to notice how much emptier the area was than when he first arrived. “Do we need to retreat?”
“I hope not,” the Mikulak woman admitted. She wasn’t sure if the big cat could move under his own power yet, and it would slow them all down if they had to rig up some kind of stretcher or pram. While she hadn’t had an opportunity to see if Captain Iverson was feeling the need to stay or leave, as she had just arrived with the rest of her group, Captain Morningstar had quickly pulled Shar’El aside and appeared to be having an important discussion. Xana was holding on to her son tightly. It was, at best, controlled chaos. “You would do better with some rest.”
A’Janni bared his teeth a little. The ANUBIS’ CMO couldn’t tell if that was pain or acknowledgement. “Thank you,” he said quietly.
Satella, in the midst of executing the work of her chosen profession, had somehow stopped noticing the larger-than-life Sec/Tac officer. It was when she finally allowed herself to take a breath that she ‘saw’ him again. Zub had been quietly watching the two CMOs as they worked on A’Janni. “Is something wrong, Mister Enel?” the silver-haired woman asked the towering Saurian.
His scales ruffled an almost imperceptible amount. Zub kept seeing the image of the Doctor’s double in his mind. “No,” he answered, but it was with hesitation.
“I’ll be the judge of that,” Satella said, looking deep into his golden eyes. He was seated on the floor but still made an imposing presence. After a few seconds, she leaned in. She grabbed a small diagnostic light and shone it at him. “Don’t move,” she said firmly. Then, Bruxa stood fully upright and motioned to her medical counterpart. “Sofia, I think we have a possible concussion here. His pupils are slightly uneven.
“Coming,” the blonde immediately replied and snapped back into action, coming over to assess Zub’s condition. “Did someone hit you in the head during the arena battle?” she asked.
“After the battle, I may have bumped my head into the ceiling looking for supplies to assist A’Janni.”
Sofia glanced at A'Janni then Zub followed by a quick non-verbal exchange with the ANUBIS' CMO before finishing by looking straight as Nicole. The Trill CNS had experienced enough of the Doctor's medical activities to know what it all meant before she even said a single word. "I will inform Captain Iverson and Captain Morningstar that we are not going anywhere for the time being.
=-=
Susan Ledbetter
With some help from
Tiffany Reeve
Commander Shar'El [Access Character BIO for Shar'El]
Executive Officer / Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
---
"The Goal"
(Previous Post: (ANU) "Understanding" / (BAS) "Floating Pain")
---
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level
Stardate: 35013.1755
Selene sighed heavily. The report she had just received from Counsellor Dima only made a bad situation worse. If the combined crews needed to move, the muscular Chief of Security of the USS BASTET could have easily helped with making sure that A'Janni slowed them down as little as possible, but now that he too was out of commission, the regrouped teams would have to stay put. Of course, there was always the option of leaving the Caitian and Voth behind, but that was not something Captain Iverson would ever be willing to accept.
"Captain Iverson," Morningstar said as he walked closer while followed by his First Officer, Commander Shar'El. The tone of his voice came across as far more serious and official than the CO of the BASTET would have expected it to be, even given their current situation, which indicated that what was to follow would not likely be good news.
"Let me guess... When it rains, it pours," Selene said with a sigh.
"You know the expression," Shar'El said in return. "There is always one step further down you can go."
"One step further down than where we are might land us right in the centre of hell," Captain Iverson half growled, a reaction that was not standard for her as Selene held firmly to her reputation of being a sort of 'ice queen' when it came to displaying any sort of emotion.
"Actually, what I need to talk to you about concerns Hel, the person, not the location," Erik explained. "In their exploration of the station, the team led by Sonja discovered a place referred to as the Oasis, there, they found several large crystals that are claimed to hold the souls of people who have died."
"I cannot speak as to there having truly been souls contained within those crystals, but somehow there were memories of people in them," Shar'El clarified. "Thanks to those stored memories, Adriana discovered that the person known here as Stella, who is the double from this dimension of Doctor Bruxa, is a skilled assassin who murdered the one who was helping Miss Lopez during her incarceration by bringing her water, food and offering emotional support."
"That explains why your Counsellor/Junior Ambassador has been looking at the Doctor the way she has since her return," Iverson noted as she glanced in the direction of the woman in question. "What does that have to do with whoever this Hel person is though?"
"It would seem that Hel is the one in charge on this station," Morningstar explained. "At least according to what Shar'El reported to me based on what she was able to piece together from the memories found in those crystals."
"The discovery of those memories made me wonder what other information the crystals held," Shar'El said taking one step forward. "So, I started looking deeper, searching for anything that might prove useful. What I came across indicates that the Alliance and the Confederacy have been fighting for several decades, if not more. The confrontations have remained relatively small in scale but recently things have escalated. The reason for this appears to be Hel who took on a more important role in the conflict, siding with the Confederacy. I cannot provide a lot of details as the memories I was able to access were heavily fragmented, but I was able to get a few key points that might help us in understanding what is happening and what role we are being made to play in this."
"I can already tell that I am not going to like what you are going to say," Captain Iverson said to the ILO, mentally preparing herself for what was to come next. "Go ahead. How much of a pawn have we all been made to be in this conflict of theirs?"
"More than we might have even wanted to believe," Erik added.
"Again, there is no way for me to provide you with a complete picture as the memories I was able to access were far from giving me the full picture, but one thing was more than evident. Hel is after the BASTET, and has been for quite some time."
"WHAT?" Of all the possibilities this was not one of any of those Captain Iverson had expected. "How is she planning to accomplish this goal? Surely she must realise that we will fight her at every step?"
"I wish I could provide you with more information," Shar'El said, the First Officer visibly upset that she could not give more details as to the plan to accomplish the goal set by Hel. "At the very least, this knowledge will give us an advantage when dealing with her."
"Knowledge is the primary weapon in this kind of game," Captain Morningstar said with confidence. "Knowledge is power, now all we need to figure out is how to use that power."
"There is one other thing," Shar'El continued. "Hel knows better than to deal directly with anyone she does not fully trust. That is why 'The Crown' and those working under her are the ones what we keep hearing about or having to face. We have to find a way to reach Hel directly if we are to succeed in stopping her."
"Should the simple fact that we will keep the BASTET out of her reach be enough to stop her?" Captain Iverson inquired.
"It is never that simple," Shar'El offered. "I can only guess as to the full extent of her power, so I am afraid that simply denying her the BASTET might not be sufficient. We need to stop her and the Confederacy once and for all. We also need to locate and retrieve Gemma in al of this. My suspicions are that she is here looking for Hel. I am just not sure if it is as an ally or opponent."
"Am I to gather that you have a plan that will allow us to accomplish that goal?" Selene asked of Shar'El.
"I would be a poor ILO if I did not."
---
Jessica Solarik
Captain Selene Fiona Iverson [Access Character BIO for Selene Iverson]
Commanding Officer
USS BASTET
&
Lieutenant Commander Maya [Access Character BIO for 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)
"Volunteer"
[previous (ANU) "Understanding" / (BAS) "The Goal"]
[/\]
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level
Stardate: 35013.1810
He just stood there like a living statue, watching as things unfold around him. Doctor Andersson and Bruxa were attending to A'Janni and Zub, two officers that in his role of acting OPS Officer of the BASTET, Jayson had learned to admire them both.
"You should talk to Ya'Han," the CEO of the ANUBIS said surprising Stark nearly out of his skin. "Listen, it'sno secret that I don't like you, but she is a friend of mine and as such I will put my personal feelings aside if it will help her. She loves you, I have absolutely no ideas why, but she does. So, you need to talk to her and resolve whatever issue came to stand between the two of you."
"It's not that simple," Jayson said in a whispered voice.
"Don't use that BS excuse that she went off with your clone," Sonja was not happy and it was clear that she would not be holding any punches back, not that she ever did. "She volunteered for that undercover mission, a mission that none of us could know about if there was the slightest chance for it to be successful."
"She could have said something," he argued finally turning to look at Sonja only to see that Ya'Han was now also in his field of vision.
"Boo hoo hoo, she hurt my feelings," the redhead said roughly mimicking the OPS Officer. "Get over it Tinkerbell. She hurt all of our feelings, that was part of the plan. Mordana would have seen right through any deception she tried to pull. Even with everything she did, Ya'Han mentioned how that nightmare of a Lokustaar operative never fully trusted her. As much as her actions may have hurt us, it hurt her even more, that is why she ended up falling for your clone and why she felt so bad when he died. She used him as a surrogate for you, and when she lost him, it was as if she had lost you. When she finally started to get over that, she needed you to help her but instead of being there for her you pushed her away."
"She pushed me away first," Jayson snapped before forcing himself back to a calmer posture after turning to look at the two Doctors.
Noticing that his gaze was directed onto the silver-haired CMO, Sonja rolled her eyes and growled softly. "It's your funeral. You turn your back on Ya'Han, she will never forgive you. You have no idea how hard it is for her to trust a man. Think about that very carefully before you make a decision that you will regret. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of your miserable pathetic life."
He found himself just standing there like a living statue, again. His heart was racing but Jayson could not bring himself to move. As hard as it may be for Ya'Han to trust someone else with her heart, it was just as difficult for him, the memories of his fiancee Leena still haunted him. As he continued to look at Doctor Bruxa, Stark knew that he needed to make a decision, however difficult it may be. He could either try to salvage and rebuilt what Ya'Han and he had once shared or he could accept what Satella had offered him. It was that simple, or at least it should have been.
Following several seconds, each feeling like an eternity of their own, Jayson turned and headed toward Ya'Han. All he needed to do was to tell her about his decision, it was that simple, or at least it should have been.
By the time the OPS Officer reached the Chief of Security, Commander Shar'El had joined Ya'Han. The two of them were discussing some plan for a covert mission. Jayson had not heard all of the details but he had heard enough to understand what the general idea was.
"Commander," he said forcing himself into the conversation. "Ya'Han cannot go on this mission."
"Why?" Ya'Han asked. At first, she wondered if it was because he believed her unfit to perform the tasks required, but soon she allowed herself to think that his objection might have been because of something else, something with far more personal and emotional reasoning.
"You need a team of officers who will not draw attention, either as themselves or as the person that shares their likeness in this dimension." Jayson stopped and looked at Ya'Han, offering a gentle smile before continuing. "In this dimension, Han is The Agent, the righthand of the Crown. Even if she does her best to remain hidden, someone is bound to see and recognize her, and that would end your little mission right there and then. From what I was told, my doppelganger is a coward, a nobody. I could easily make my way pretty much anywhere in this station without raising the slightest suspicion."
Shar'El seemed to consider Jayson's words very carefully, allowing her gaze to shift from the OPS Officer to the Chief of Security and back several times. "Are you volunteering?"
Jayson took a moment before answering, looking back over his shoulder at Satella before looking at Ya'Han for a few seconds to finish with staring at the Commander straight on. "Yes, I am volunteering for the mission."
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Lieutenant Jayson Stark [Access Character BIO for Jayson Stark]
Chief of Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
"Lacking The Skills"
Previous posts: (ANU) "Volunteer" & (BAS) "The Goal"
///^\\\
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Levels
Stardate: 35013.1810
Since the team's return from the Oasis, Aki had not stopped thinking about the crystals that they found there and the memories therein. Since the invention of crystalline memory storage components, the idea that such a structure could hold a tremendous amount of data had not been new. Thanks to the dense nanostructure of such crystals, entire libraries of knowledge could be easily stored and kept safe for hundreds if not thousands of years. As much as the Asian scientist understood this concept though, the idea of storing actual living memories had been quite an unexpected surprise.
If it had not been for Adriana's stumbling onto the memories of someone she had known, they might never have made this amazing discovery, something that as a scientist Aki could not help but be most grateful for. As a human being though, Mitshiba understood that Lopez had paid quite a heavy price in making that particular discovery, a price that evidently she was still paying for judging by the somber expression on the face of the Hispanic woman.
Aki wanted to reach out and offer some help, maybe a few comforting words, but the Asian scientist quickly dismissed this course of action accepting the highly likely possibility that she might make matters worse. Like it or not Misaki was a scientist, not a counselor, so her approach to any problem relied solely on using the scientific approach, a method that would most certainly prove ineffective when dealing with what the Cousnelor/Junior Ambassador of the ANUBIS was now faced with.
Noticing that Commander Maya was not too far away, Aki decided to approach the other scientist instead. Maybe if they worked together they would be able to find a solution to this problem. Misaki was about to speak when she noticed that the Shillian's attention was fixated onto the specific area where the refugees and their military escort had earlier vanished from sight. Glancing back at Adriana, Misaki sighed in defeat. What was she to do?
In her effort to deal with one situation triggered by emotions, she found herself faced with another making the Asian woman realize once again as to just ill-prepared she was to offer any kind of meaningful help. It was too late to back up now, so she decided to try her best. "I am sure that they will be alright," Aki said thinking to herself that dealing with the mysteries of the universe was a lot easier than trying to deal with the troubling emotions and feelings of others.
"I am not so certain about that," Maya said in return, a deeply felt sadness lacing her words. "The way they left was like a pack of animals being herded away. None of them showed any feelings or emotions as they left, they simply obeyed the command to move out and this without the slightest hesitation."
"Such a reaction could have evolved over time as a means to ensure their safety and survival," Mitshiba said trying her best to channel the BASTET's Counselor. "Quick reaction time may have saved their lives before, so they are simply acting and reacting in a way they have learned to be most effective. This is not an unprecedented means of survival and it often finds itself weaved into the normal way of life of those people."
Maya shook her head displaying her disagreement, "That is no way to live." All sorts of alarms rang in Aki's head. This was so far out of her normal field of expertise that she feared to make things worse if she continued. A quick scan of the others revealed that everyone was busy with their own affairs, so it was up to the Asian woman to deal with this on her own and as best she could.
Not wanting to say something that would only add to the burden already on the Shillian's shoulders, Aki carefully and quietly withdrew leaving Maya with her thoughts and feelings. The best she could do was to report back to Captain Iverson and Morningstar to inform them of the state of the Shillian scientist. Their experiences and training would allow them to address this matter with far more success than Mitshiba could ever hope to achieve. Of course, she would need to wait until the two COs were not busy which was not currently the case. The two Captains appeared to be very interested in a conversation involving the ANUBIS' First Officer, Chief of Operations and Chief of Security.
Finding herself at a fair distance from everyone else, Aki came to the realization that as much as she might have wanted to help, she was not in a position to do so, either directly or indirectly. For the time being, it was best for her to limit her interactions with everyone else and wait for an opportunity to inform those who could actually do something about any of this in a way that would not add to anyone's problems, problems that right now seemed to be more than plentiful.
///^\\\
Dawn Bohr
Lieutenant Misaki 'Aki' Mitshiba [Access Character BIO for Misaki Mitshiba]
Chief Science Officer
USS BASTET - NCC 74977
-=-=-
"Ambassadorial Counseling"
[Previous post: (ANU) "Volunteer" & (BAS) "Lacking The Skills"]
-=-=-
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level
Stardate: 35013.1810
The ANUBIS' CNS/Junior Ambassador sat with her back against one of the supporting columns with her attention directed solely onto the medical team and their patients. This was not the first time Adriana was watching Satella perform her medical know-how but the Hispanic woman had to admit that it was the first time she ever felt so troubled watcher her.
The final memories of Mandy kept replaying in her mind, so much so that she could almost feel the sharp blade piercing her heart. To experience such an end would be troubling enough but for Adriana, it was doubly so thanks to the weapon having been held by someone who bore an uncanny resemblance to her best friend. How could she ever look at Satella the same way ever again? As much as the CNS tried to offset her feelings with reason, Lopez could not help herself feel a sense of deep concern hovering on the edge of fear as she observed the CMO walking around and behind her patients.
The most benign tools became instruments of death while in the hands of the CMO as Adriana imagined a thousand and one ways that the silver-haired Doctor could use it to permanently end the pain and sufferings of those she was sworn to heal. As a Counselor, Lopez recognized her inner conflict and thanks to the training and tutelage of Xana, her abilities to negotiate the rift between the conflicting sides allowed her to not fall for the unreasonable terrors that were threatening to overtake her mind. Despite all of that though, the CNS could not look upon the CMO in the same manner that she had once done.
"There you are," Xana said as she and her youngest offspring appeared into view. "Ben, this is Adriana Lopez, my Junior Ambassador."
Months upon months of training suddenly came rushing back to Adriana who instantly recalled all of the rules of diplomacy Xana had drilled into her following the appointment of the Ship's COunselor to the position of Junior Ambassador. 'Never let your emotions show. Keep your personal feelings out of any and all diplomatic dealings. Never let them see fear or concern."
Lopez quickly welcomed the young man with a perfect smile that even a computer would not have been able to calculate the delay it took to have it appear upon her lips. Unfortunately for Adriana, Xana was not a computer but rather a skilled and experienced Ambassador who instantly recognized that something was not quite right with her underling.
“I remember you!” Ben said. Looking at his mother he said, “She was with you when you called us a coupla times.”
Adriana kept her smile on her face. “Yes, I was.” Looking at the mother-son duo she said, “Where are you two off to?”
“Fooooood,” Ben said dramatically. Clutching one hand to his stomach and the other to his brow he continued on while pretending to sway, “I need food.”
Xana rolled her eyes at that. “My son might be hungry, I’m not sure.”
Adriana looked around. “Usually the Away Teams do bring some rations. I’m sure for a junior member of the team they could be persuaded to share some with you.”
The 10 year old stopped swaying and stood still. It did not take much training to see this was a sore spot with the young boy. “I’m not a member of the Away Team. My dad told me I’m that, as a kid, I’m a civilian.”
“His father is an Executive Officer of another ship,” Xana explained quietly.
Adriana nodded, “Well Ambassadors do things differently.” As Ben looked at her with his jaw dropped and wide-eyed she raised a hand and said, “Repeat after me--”
“Oh no,” Xana muttered, knowing where this was going.
“Repeat after me,” Adriana said and for the briefest of moments there was a spark in her chocolate eyes. “I, Ben Bonviva-Crichton, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the Federation--”
Ben repeated word for word what Adriana told him to say in the Lower Levels of SPACE STATION NOWHERE, until finally Adriana said, “There, by the powers vested in me, you Ben Bonviva-Crichton are a Junior Ambassador.”
The 10 year old boy looked happy for a moment, then looked sad. “But *you* are the Junior Ambassador.” Thinking for a moment he said, “I’ll be the Junior Junior Ambassador!”
“Oh dear gods,” Xana muttered, burying her head in hands.
Adriana just rolled with it. “Love it,” she smiled. “Now as Junior Junior Ambassador, if your mom is ok with it you have every right to go ask Counselor Dima over there for some rations.” Pausing for a moment she said while pointing out the CEO, “Also Lt. Cmdr Paquette sometimes carries something too.”
“Now I get a say?” Xana asked rhetorically.
“Got it!” Ben said running off to where Adriana pointed to. Looking at his mom he said referring to his older sister, “Dahlia is going to be so mad I outrank her!”
“Stay within eyesight, Ben!” Xana yelled as her son scampered off. “I don’t care if you are the Junior Junior Ambassador.” Looking at Adriana she sighed, “Really?”
“You did that to me,” the younger woman pointed out.
“Totally different,” Xana sniffed. Looking over at Adriana she said quietly, “So how are you really doing?”
“I’m fine,” Adriana said, a sharp coldness about her tone and words.
Xana thought about that for a moment before saying. “You know the word “fine” is an acronym.” When Adriana looked at her, Xana ticked off, “Fracked up, Insecure, Neurotic, and Emotional.”
Adriana stood there and said in a voice no higher than a whisper but still with a smile, “Can I be all four?”
Xana looked at Adriana and nodded. “Yes,” she nodded. “Why though are you all 4?”
Adriana was quiet for the span of several moments, and both women stared off into the distance but saw different things. Xana watched her son go from officer to officer, sometimes bringing tools from person to person or exchanging messages, or getting rations. Adriana was reliving her torments and doubts.
Finally the Junior Ambassador felt a cool hand on her arm and saw her friend’s hand on the crook of her elbow. There were no words, no pithy statements, just a hand on an arm. After feeling the pressure to root her to the here and now, Adriana said, “I want to go back.”
“To our ship?” Xana asked.
Adriana sighed. “To our ship, to when I didn’t know so much, to when I had --” her voice broke then.
Xana looked at Adriana and saw the tightness around her eyes, the pulling around her edges of her mouth. “To when you had hope,” she guessed. When Adriana shrugged Xana put her arm around Adriana and thought about it for a moment.
“I don’t want to talk about it,” Adriana said, shaking her head. When the CNS just shrugged again, the Ambassador just left her arm there and squeezed a little bit and stood there with her friend. After some time, Adriana asked, “Why are you doing this?”
“You used to sit with me when I was in the pretzel chamber, keeping me company when I couldn’t feel anything,” Xana said. Thinking she said, “My son doesn’t want to tell me how he got here, which tells me something is wrong because Ben never shuts up, so you made him, I can’t believe I’m saying this, a Junior Junior Ambassador.” Pausing she said, “Hope is a gift given. You know how to give it. I’m hoping I can give it just as well, my friend, and that someday you’ll be ready to talk.”
-=-=-
Marissa Montonera-Lombardi
Lieutenant JG Adriana Lopez [Access Character BIO for Adriana Lopez]
Ship's Counselor & Junior Ambassador
USS ANUBIS
&
Sarah Albertini-Bond
USS ANUBIS
=-=
“Eclipse”
Previous posts: (ANU) “Ambassadorial Counseling” by Marissa / (BAS) “Lacking The Skills” by Dawn
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level
Stardate: 35013.1815
The BASTET Chief of Security Zub Enel sat stolidly on his boot heels. His long legs were folded under him on the metal decking of the cavernous and echoing cargo bay. He felt like a minor planet with two small doctor moons orbiting him as they examined him for a concussion.
The grievously injured Flight Control Officer A’Janni was nearby. Clearly feeling better from the BASTET and ANUBIS CMOs’ care, he had propped himself up on his good elbow to watch the astrological display that was Zub. A wickedly sharp dagger lay near the elbow of this large cat man with a bemused look in his single white eye.
Zub put a three-fingered hand up to rub a spot on his head crest over his left eye. The BASTET CMO Sofia Andersson slapped his hand down firmly, but gently. She fussed with the controls of a L-shaped scanner she had been pointing toward his head. “This thing has about one tenth of the functionality of a sickbay hand-held scanner. The complex structure of your crest is already confusing it. Adding a bony hand doesn’t help.”
The Chief of Security let out a long sigh before saying, “It is only a headache. A’Janni needs the medical attention, not me.”
A derisive snort came from behind him. A breathy voice he recognized as belonging to the ANUBIS CMO Satella Bruxa said, “Testosterone in all its forms has the exact same effect on all male of all races.” She came around front to lock him with one gray eye, the other hidden beneath silky silver hair. She put on an accent unfamiliar to him. “I ain’t hurt! Sure, I gotta spear through my heart, but I ain't hurt.” She gave him a gentle laugh. Her gray eye sparkled.
He was struck how much this Dr. Bruxa looked exactly like the silver-haired assassin who had so quickly knocked him too far away to protect A’Janni from her dagger. The memory of Bruxa standing behind his unprotected back moments before made the down between his scales bristle. Unbidden, a tremor started between his shoulder blades and grew to make his shoulders shimmy. The shaking stopped almost as soon as it had begun, but Satella had watched it all. The smile from her laugh changed to utter coldness that made her resemble even more her assassin doppelganger.
“A shudder. Interesting,” Sofia Andersson said from where she scanned the side of his head crest. She looked at the scanner readout. “Might indicate motor cortex injury.”
Dr Bruxa crossed her arms over her chest. She felt a spike of hurt, then rage, rage like rejection and this from a man she didn’t know. She narrowed her gaze at the big lizard man. “That’s a misdiagnosis, Sofia. I gave him the heebie-jeebies.”
Sofia looked at the diminutive silver-haired doctor. “The what?”
Satella kept her eyes on the tall Voth who even seated was eye level with her. “You think I’m that killer, don’t you? You and I have only just met. You’re supposedly an intelligent security chief. Here I am doing my best to help you and you can’t keep your people straight.”
Zub felt a surge of embarrassment turn his scales pink. “I am sorry. I had not intended to react so. I know you are not Stella.”
“Yet I make you shudder. Look at me! Am a dressed like her? Am I waving a weapon around?”
Zub had shaded to deep purple. He gasped in a breath trying to calm himself. His first impression with the ANUBIS CMO had already gone terribly awry. He put his hands out toward her in a stop motion. “I cannot explain my reaction to you. I know you are not her.”
Satella leaned in, her comely face rigid and cool. She clearly expected more of an explanation.
The big one-eyed Caitian repositioned himself as best he could given the soreness of his body. "Doctor Bruxa, if I may, you did not experience what he did, what we both did. We are both very conscious that you are not *her*, but you have to accept that our 'animal instincts' if I can call it that, will override our reactions most of the time. You are kind and gentle, making you a perfect Doctor, but unfortunately the person possessing your appearance in this dimension is the complete opposite. In a matter of seconds she displayed skills and speed that would have meant our deaths had it not been for the timely intervention of Colonel Morningstar."
A'Janni paused and waited to see if his explanation was helping any. He understood how the woman felt, no one liked being reacted to in the way that Enel had, but that reaction had been beyond his control and the Caitian hoped that the Mikulak Doctor would come to understand what he had tried to explain.
"I understand," the petite woman said, but her stance did not match her words, this especially after the woman's gaze fell onto the ANUBIS' Operations Officer Jayson Stark who hadn’t yet chosen her over Ya’Han.
"Doctor," Zub continued recalling the woman's attention back onto the situation at hand. "It was not my intent to make you feel this way."
"She knows," the injured felinoid said in an uncharacteristic calmness for someone of his size. "Like us, her survival instincts are dictating reactions that are beyond all of our control. We all have to be aware that the situation we are in the middle of is nothing like we have ever had to deal with, at least I would hope that it is as I would hate to think that I will have to deal with duplicates of people on a regular basis."
Everyone became silent, thinking, processing and hopefully accepting what had been explained. No one had done anything wrong; it was just a case of people reacting to specific input in a way that they could not control, a reality that proved to be a lot more on point for the Voth Chief of Security and the Caitian Flight Control Officer.
=-=
David Michael Inverso
Ensign Zub Enel [Access Character BIO for Zub Enel]
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS BASTET, NCC 74977
and
Jayson Sousa
“Sometimes I feel my whole life has been one big rejection.”
-Marilyn Monroe
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"Lover's Quarrel"
[previous post were (ANU) "Ambassadorial Counseling" / (BAS) "Eclipse"]
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Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level
Stardate: 35013.1815
"You can't volunteer for that mission," Ya'Han was arguing with more passion than she had displayed in a very long time. "Commander," she continued after quickly turning to face Shar'El. "You can't let him."
Shar'El shrugged. "He did make a good point. If the mission to find and reach Hel is to have any chance of success, we will need to have a team that will not raise any alarms or even suspicions as we search for her. With so many members of both crews having twisted copies from this dimension present on the station, it is far too easy for some of us to be instantly noticed despite our best efforts. We need to be able to move about without being seen, let alone recognized as being someone that we are not."
"If you are going to go up against Hel, a woman we honestly know nothing about other than her being the one calling the shots behind the scene, you will need someone who can fight at a moment's notice." The Nylaan who was now sporting bright red hair was not at all happy, in fact, some might even say that she was furious. How else could anyone explain the outburst directed straight at a superior officer?
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Jayson painfully sighed causing the angered Nylaan to turn her head in his direction. He would never argue that she was the better fighter, he had spent enough time with his back against the floormats in the gymnasium or training facility to prove it. Even at his best, the Sec/Tac could take him down in a matter of seconds, a fact that he had long ago learned to accept and maybe even find amusing. That said, he was not a useless lump on a log either. He was a trained Starfleet officer with years of field experience which meant that he could take care of himself, which he had done multiple times before. It would just have been nice to have Ya'Han acknowledge this, even if only a little, instead of making him sound like he would be nothing more than a hinderance to the mission's success.
Turning her head back to look at Shar’El, the Sec/Tac took a deep breath. "Commander, could we have a moment to talk in private?" Ya'Han spoke in such a way that the two officers present half expected to see the Nylaan's hair turn purple, as her question bordered heavily on the edge of an order instead of a simple request.
Shar'El knew better than to stay in the middle of what was clearly now a lover's quarrel, especially one that involved a specific fiery redhead Nylaan. Jayson had made his intentions clear by volunteering for the mission and Ya'Han had made her position equally as clear by opposing him. All that was left was for them to reach some sort of compromise that they would be unable to do if the First Officer of the ANUBIS stuck around.
"Why are you acting like this?" Jayson calmly asked, firing the first shot in what had become a one-on-one battle without any immediate spectators.
"Like what?" Ya'Han challengingly replied, her words still very much laced with anger. "Like me not wanting you to risk your life. This entire station is a war waiting to happen. Xana, Sonja and I felt it the moment we set foot in this hell and now that we know about the Alliance’s conflict with the Confederacy, our suspicions have become confirmed. Things could turn ugly at any moment and we all need to be ready to act quickly if we are to keep whatever advantage we might have."
"Act quickly," Stark calmly repeated while nodding his head, hinting to a brewing rage of his own. After looking into her large black eyes for a few seconds, Jayson continued. "Act quickly, like when we were on the ANUBIS and you suddenly decided to leave with *him*?" The emphasis on the last word spoken left no doubts as to who he was referring to, and Ya'Han knew it.
"This is not about him," Ya'Han quickly fired back, not tempering her own anger in any way. "This is about you. About you risking your life. It is about me not being able to be there to protect you." Her emotions were on the verge of overwhelming her, a fact that was abundantly visible on her face.
"I can take care of myself," he stated loudly enough to cause some of the others present in the large room to turn their heads towards the couple in order to see what was happening.
"I know that." Unlike his voice which was filled with anger, hers had broken and was now filled with pain and sadness, emotions that she could no longer keep hidden. "I can't lose you, not again. I just can’t."
Jayson just stood there, motionless, speechless as he stared back at Ya'Han who appeared more vulnerable than he had ever seen her be since the first day they met. Unable to reconcile the conflicting emotions he felt from her admitting how important he was to her while at the same time being compared to the vanquished clone whom he utterly despised, Stark simply decided to turn around and walk away leaving the solid black haired Nylaan behind to wonder as to what would happen next.
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Hanali Han
Lieutenant Ya'Han [Access Character BIO for Ya'Han]
Chief of Security / Chief Tactical Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
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"Hurt"
[the previous post was (ANU) "Lover's Quarrel" by Hanali / (BAS) "Eclipse" by David & Jayson]
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Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level
Stardate: 35013.1820
A'Janni had done his best to explain the situation. Looking at both the feline and reptilian featured officers made it evident that this had all been a mistake. Understanding where Enel's reaction came from did not change one simple fact though. Doctor Satella Bruxa, twice decorated for her involvement in Federation defining moments, was hurt. Deeply hurt.
Never before had she dealt with anything like this. Then again, never before had there been an assassin out there with her face. This also was not the first time a patient had pulled away from her. Some were afraid that the procedure might hurt. Others just did not like having someone that close to them. In all of the previous cases, Satella had just shrugged it off. For some reason though, she could not get over how Enel's reaction had made her feel.
As subdued as his response to her proximity was, the CMO had taken the whole thing personally. Very personally, a fact that Satella was sure Adriana would point out had she been close. With the ANUBIS' CNS dealing with her own issues, Bruxa was left to look elsewhere for emotional support. When she saw Jayson walking off, she understood that he too was otherwise occupied. The vehement discussion he had just had with Ya'Han made it very unlikely that he would be in the mood to talk. Without anyone else she could easily approach with her feelings, Bruxa accepted that she would have to deal with her issues on her own.
"Sofia?" Satella said gently tapping on the BASTET's CMO's arm. "Can you handle things from here?"
"Of course. What's wrong?" The Doctor asked. The expression on Andersson's face indicated that she was worried. Although the sentiment was purely professional, Stalle still found it endearing.
Bruxa forced a smile on her lips. "Nothing. I just need to stretch my legs. Guess I am not used to doing fieldwork anymore. Being on the ANUBIS might have spoiled me a little."
Andersson chuckled. "It is way too easy for us to get used to the comforts of a sickbay. Go. A'Janni is doing a lot better and now only needs to rest. Zub is tougher than he looks, and he looks tough enough to start with. I can handle things from here."
"Doctor," the BASTET's Chief of Security chimed in. "Please do not venture too far. I could not bear if anything happened to you."
Satella forced another smile to appear on her lips. It was nice for him to say what he did. The CMO could not tell if he was genuinely concerned or was just trying to undo what he had previously done. Either way, she did appreciate his effort. "I will be careful."
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Corridor
Stardate: 35013.1840
It was only when she almost ran into a wall that Satella realized that she had travelled much further than intended. Evidently, she had found her way into a corridor and wandered away from the storage room and those she left there. "Should have brought some sea crystals," the CMO grumbled to herself. The story of Hansel and Gretel was not known to the Mikulak people. They did have a similar folkloric tale though. A young girl had to venture into a dark cave and had brought with her some sea crystals. Thanks to their highly reflective properties, they would help her find her way back.
With determination, Satella did a 180. The idea was simple, all she needed to do was to backtrack her steps. Hopefully, she would be back with the others in no time. At least that was the idea.
"Hello." A figure said as she stepped out of the shadows scaring Satella nearly out of her shoes.
"Sofia?" The question was a pure guess. The woman did sound familiar but not enough for Satella to identify her right off the bat.
"Not even close."
At first, the Doctor thought that this might have been a joke. An effort by someone to make her smile after what had taken place. The way the shadowy figure spoke though made that possibility increasingly less likely. "Who are you?"
"The last person you will ever see." If those words were not enough to freeze the blood in her veins, the face she gazed upon was sure to do the trick. As the form stepped out of the shadows, Bruxa's eyes opened at their widest as she gazed upon herself. Now she could see why Zub had reacted the way he had. The woman was a perfect match, even in the way she had her hair fall over a portion of her face.
"Why kill me? I haven't done anything to you or anyone else." Satella was panicking. There was nowhere for her to run and based on the injuries she saw on Zub and A'Janni, the woman was as deadly as could be.
"Sonju sent me to see if I could take care of some of her problems without anyone noticing. When I saw you wandering off, I knew that this would be my chance. I get rid of you and go back to the others. No one will be the wiser." With each sentence she spoke, Stella took a step forward forcing Satella to step back.
"I... I don't want to die."
"They never do," the assassin said as a smile crept onto her lips. "Don't worry, I won't make you suffer... much. I could make it quick and painless, but let's be honest, how often do you get to truly torture yourself?"
A lump formed in Satella's throat making it impossible for her to speak let alone scream. Before she could even start to think about trying to run away, the assassin had bridged the gap between them. Her hand took a firm hold of her throat stopping the Doctor from taking in any air. The two women might have looked nearly identical, but it was evident that their skills fell in completely different fields. Bruxa fought as hard as she could but to no avail. Her double was just too strong and knowledgable in the ways of combat. In a last show of desperation, the CMO kicked as hard as she could. Somehow her foot made contact hard enough to cause Stella to let go.
"That's the spirit. Glad to see that you are not as pathetic as I first thought you to be. Come on, fight. Show me that you actually want to live. It won't change anything, but at least you will know that you went out fighting."
Satella was a Doctor, not a fighter. She did follow some basic self-defence classes back at the Academy. As good as those classes were though, they meant nothing when against an opponent as skilled as Stella. The woman was visibly playing the game, barely making an effort. Each strike though found its mark against the faulting target.
"How can you be me?" Bruxa demanded following a powerful strike against her jaw. The blood was trickling down as she stared back at the other her. The expression of glee and delight sending a chill down the Doctor's spine. "I could never be so cruel."
"I am not you," the deadly woman grinned. "That is why you are going to die." As she said this, the assassin pulled out a long sharp knife from a holster strapped to her leg. However little light there was in this corridor, it was more than sufficient to see how deadly the thin metal blade was. As Stella lunged just as Satella tripped over her own feet, knocking the blade clean out of her copy's hand. The sound of the knife scraping against the floor as it spun away filled the corridor. "That was a big error on your part. Now I am going to have to kill you using my hands. I assure you that this will be far more uncomfortable, at least for you."
Stella leapt through the air, both of her hands landing squarely on her target's throat. It only took a few seconds before Satella began to feel lightheaded due to the lack of oxygen to her brain. Her struggling grew increasingly weaker as her life gradually drained from her body. There was absolutely nothing she could do, other than let herself slip into an eternal slumber. Satella gazed into her killer's eyes... into her own eyes.. trying her best to accept what was happening.
The smile that she could see hovering before her suddenly changed. Stella's expression went from deviously happy to surprised. Satella found herself sharing in that sentiment when the hold on her throat was released. The two women looked at each other for a few seconds before they both looked down. Sticking out of the assassin's chest was the tip of the blade she had lost not that long ago. As she slowly turned to see who had done this, Stella's gaze fell upon the giant lizard-man. An expression of fear and concern was visible on Zub's face. He had killed one of the 'Doctor/Assassin look likes,' but which one?
Stella collapsed onto the floor, the blade clean through her. Satella soon followed suit, her body still trying to recuperate from the lack of oxygen she had been forced to endure.
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Rachel Jackie Johnson
[Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint. - Mark Twain]
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“Unnerved”
[Previous posts: (ANU) “Hurt” by Rachel / (BAS) “Eclipse” by David & Jayson]
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Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Corridor
Stardate: 35013.1830
Zub Enel stood his full 7-foot height in the silent, dimly lit corridor. In the swirl of his thoughts an alarm was ringing and ringing and ringing that no one else could hear. His stomach fluttered as if frantic to find a way out of his body. His heart raced. His head throbbed. His mind spun. He looked from one supine form to the other of the same woman. He’d just stabbed one to death. While he was stabbing, he was sure he had stopped Stella from throttling Satella to death. But had he stopped Stella?
A silver-haired beauty lay on her side, in loose fitting clothes, knees slightly bent, a stiletto blade sticking point-first from the center of her chest. A pool of dark blood grew from near her ribs. It edged toward another silver-haired beauty in loose fitting clothes, lying senseless on her back with arms and legs splayed, utterly vulnerable, drawing in ragged breath after breath.
In his relatively brief Starfleet career, he had occasion to beat unconscious or phaser stun many a miscreant. He had never killed anyone. Especially not a woman. Especially not a woman he might know. Especially, by accident.
His confusion made him put both hands over his mouth. They were slick with blood. He dropped them to his side. He took in a shaky breath. He deliberately willed his intellect to kick in. Who had he killed? Guilt rose in his chest. The down between his scales stirred as he realized he’d taken away the rest of someone’s life. He clenched his three-fingered hands into fists and forced himself to think. How to confirm who was dead?
It occurred to him that if the unconscious woman was Stella, she could awaken any moment and tear into him like a full-gale ion storm. He needed to immobilize her.
He looked around the corridor. There was the outline of a rectangular access panel on the metal wall closest to the dead woman. He gingerly — apologetically — stepped over the corpse and tried to open the panel. It had a flimsy lock. He turned at his waist and looked at the stiletto sticking out of the woman’s back. The body often sucked around a blade - or so he had been told. It might be too much work to get it free. Instead, he gave the panel door a good solid punch. It bent and rattled open to reveal vertical skeins of translucent cables pulsing with light. He ripped out a handful.
Getting down on one knee, he bound the unconscious woman, tying her ankles together and then her hands in front of her hips.
He stood and regarded the dead woman. More guilt surged up. He forced himself to approach her, kneel and visually examine her clothing. Seeing no clues, he hesitated because if this was Satella the doctor and not Stella, he didn’t want to seem too familiar. He relied on his law enforcement training to start patting her down. He felt a lump on the outside of her thigh under a clingy skirt. He raised the skirt to find an empty sheath the exact configuration as the blade in the woman’s back. He seriously doubted Satella Bruxa, ANUBIS CMO, would arm herself this way.
He sighed heavily. Relief that this was indeed Stella flooded him so strongly he wobbled on his knees with light headedness. A moment later he realized he’d killed this woman, nonetheless. He sobered.
A breathy voice came from behind. “Ow?”
He turned at his waist to look into the confused face of Satella. Elation opened his eyes wide. She had bruises on her lips and cheeks. There was a purple butterfly shape around her throat. She struggled to sit up. Perplexed, she looked down at her bound wrists and ankles. “What the hell?”
“Sorry about that Dr. Bruxa. I took precautions in case you were Stella.”
She sat upright and proffered her wrists toward him. “I think, Zub, we’ve been through enough to call each other by our first names.”
He turned on his knees so he could undo the knots he made. Her gaze moved to the dead exact image of herself. Her voice shook a little. “That *is* Stella, isn’t it?”
“Yes,” he said matter-of-factly. “And you are Satella, unless you wear a blade on your thigh.”
Her eyes narrowed up at him while he undid her ankle binding. “You looked under her skirt at her thigh?”
Zub felt his face scales flush pink. “I….”
Her gaze didn’t flinch. “Did you look under my skirt first?”
He went cold with the horror of taking such a liberty. “Certainly not!”
She evaluated his face as she tilted her head to let her silky hair slide over one eye. “I guess if you’ve seen one….” She rubbed her head and then gave it a shake that sent her hair flying.
He said, “I was so afraid I killed you by mistake. You were fighting her. Even kicked her knife away. You could have been her. I needed proof she was her.”
Satella swayed where she sat and put a hand on the deck to steady herself. “Ow.”
Her gaze swept the dead woman. “She’d have killed me in another second if you hadn’t intervened.”
Kneeling in front of her, he felt his heart sink in his chest. “I wish I had found another way to stop her.”
“She would have killed you, now or later.”
He held her gaze for a few moments before he nodded. “Probably.”
“So,” she said with finality. She stuck out her hands toward him. “Help me up. We’ve got get back before some new hell breaks loose.”
He took hold and pulled her upright as he stood. He looked down at the dead version of her. “It seems wrong to simply leave her lying here.”
“Zub, I mean this respectfully, but she truly is no longer our problem.”
Satella had to pause. The corridor blurred and spun around her. “Oxygen deprivation,” she said more to herself than him. As he stepped closer and offered a hand, she righted herself and waved him off. “Let’s go.”
Zub Enel let her lead back down the corridor. She seemed a little out of it, but clear on direction. He was definitely getting the Don’t Touch Me message from her, so he stayed close enough to grab her if she fell but didn’t hover over her.
As they progressed, no matter how much distance he put between Stella’s body and his own, she seemed to float right behind him. He was strangely glad Satella had not thanked him.
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David Michael Inverso
Ensign Zub Enel [Access Character BIO for Zub Enel]
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS BASTET, NCC 74977
“In the end, the hard decisions inescapably involve imponderables of intuition, prudence, and judgment.”
- John F. Kennedy
“Take A Number”
[Previous Posts: (ANU) "Hurt", (BAS) "Unnerved"]
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Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level
Stardate: 35013.1830
Nicole was observing the gathering of the two crews. Both A’Janni and Zub seemed to be out of harm’s way, so much so that the giant bipedal reptilian has gone off for a walk of his own taking his lead from Satella. Everyone had broken off into smaller groups as they worked to solidify the next steps while aboard the foreign station. While she remained standing, she closed her eyes for a few moments of peace and quiet.
It didn’t last long. She felt a gentle tug on the sleeve of the faded olive civilian jacket she was wearing. “Excuse me, do you have any food?”
“Hi,” the Cns said as she squatted down to meet the boy’s eye level. “I’m Nicole.”
“I’m Ben Bonviva-Crichton.”
Nicole looked up to see Xana in the distance. She was watching the kid like a hawk, but also seemed to realize he needed a little space of his own in an unfamiliar place. “Nice to meet you, Ben,” she said, digging in the small pack that had been slung over her shoulder. She pulled out two ration bars. “Peanut butter or chocolate?”
The ten year old weighed his options and picked the chocolate with little hesitation. Nicole motioned for him to sit with her as they slid to the floor.
He unwrapped the stark nourishment and took a bite. She did the same with the peanut butter one, not noticing until he had asked how hungry she actually was.
“Do you have a worm in your belly?” He looked at her (and her spots) with interest.
Nic smiled. “It’s called a symbiont, but yes.”
Ben mouthed the word ‘symbiont’ silently. “How many lives do you have?”
She laughed. “I’m not a cat. I only have one life. But Dima has had four previous hosts.”
His eyes widened, looking at her stomach. “It must get crowded in there. Do you ever have a problem knowing which one to listen to?”
Nicole thought about this. “Not usually. It’s like having advisors who come forward when something is in their area of expertise.”
“Like having a Junior Junior Ambassador?” he said with pride.
“Oh, are congratulations in order?” she asked with a glint in her eye.
“Yes, they are.” He turned his attention back to his food. “Just to let you know, Tribbles are *my* specialty.”
“Breeding them?”
“No, saving them, you see-” before Ben had a chance to review the finer points of STTS, the group’s surrounding noise was interrupted by a disagreement between Lieutenants Stark and Ya’Han.
"I can take care of myself," Jayson said, fuming.
"I know that," Ya'Han answered with heightened emotions of pain and sadness. "I can't lose you, not again. I just can’t."
Nicole did a quick scan of her surroundings. As a Ship’s Counselor this sort of outburst was a call to action but since both officers involved did not belong to the crew of the BASTET, the joint Trill thought it best to seek out the assistance of the person who would have a better understanding of the dynamic currently at play. It had been a long time since they were her responsibility. It only took a few seconds for Dima to locate Lopez.
“Ben, could you excuse me? There is something I need to take care of.”
Although disappointed that he had not been able to talk about the STTS, the ten year old found comfort in an extra large bit of his ration bar. This was Nicole’s cue to move onto another matter, namely to speak to Adriana and see why she appeared to be ignoring the members of her crew who were very clearly in need.
The joint Trill quickly made her way to the ANUBIS’ CNS while keeping an eye on the couple who had started this latest chapter of drama. “Adriana? Are you okay?”
“Why would I not be?” The Hispanic woman replied coldly.
“No reason,” Nicole said, dismissing her own last question. “Is it normal for them to act this way?” The innocent query was meant to draw the CNS’ attention to the situation. The Trill had expected some sort of glance followed by the woman offering some sort of explanation as to why she had failed to notice the outburst. Instead, Dima efforts were met with a cold, emotionless glare.
“I’m not playing Counselor right now,” Adriana said with the warmth of an icy moon lost in the emptiness of space. “The advantage of being a Junior Ambassador, I can ignore things like that.”
Nicole sighed gently. Even though Ya’Han and Jayson were the ‘squeaky wheels’ so to speak, Adriana’s mental state still eclipsed their spat. And she knew that telling her to ‘calm down’ or ‘feel better’ was useless. You can only change something if you can first acknowledge it. Adriana was fully in touch with her anger and rage now; the Trill Counselor wasn’t certain if she had visited her pain enough to be free of it.
“What happened while we were separated?” Nic asked, trying a different approach.
“We visited a part of the station called The Oasis,” Adriana said in a detached voice. “We met Doctor Andersson’s double, a man named Safio. He is the keeper of the crystals.”
Nicole found herself trying to picture a male counterpart of Sofia, but without actually meeting the man in the flesh, but anything she could come up with was lacking. “Do the crystals power the station?”
“The crystals contain energy, but they are not utilitarian.” Her voice cracked as she answered Nic’s question.
“I don’t mean to upset you,” Dima pressed forward, sensing a ripple in the already wobbly fragility of the ANUBIS’ Junior Ambassador.
“I am *not* upset,” the Hispanic woman responded curtly, the wall going right back up.
“If the crystals weren’t providing electricity or energy, what was their purpose? Art, or decoration?”
“No.”
Nicole kept probing. Whatever their use, it was obvious that Adriana was disturbed or triggered by it. “Are the crystals related to the Arena?”
“No…” she said a little more emphatically this time. “The Oasis is a cemetery for the souls of the dead. Each soul is housed in a crystal. Safio was only too happy to explain.”
“That’s horrible,” the joined Trill found herself saying softly as she edged closer to Counselor Lopez.
“They can talk to you, you know,” Adriana said in almost a low growl.
“What do you mean?”
“They don’t speak, but I could hear. I could hear her. Mandy.”
“Mandy?”
“Mandy. If it wasn’t for her kindness, I probably wouldn’t have survived until the others found me. I owe my life to her. And the Executioner struck her down like a dog. She told me.” Her voice was stone cold.
“I’m sorry,” Dima said, and truly meant it.
“There’s no need for apologies.” Adriana clenched her fists. “I’m going to see to it that Stella pays for what she did to Mandy. And neither you nor anyone else can stop me.”
=/\=
A Joint post by
Marissa Montonera-Lombardi
Lieutenant JG Adriana Lopez [Access Character BIO for Adriana Lopez]
Ship's Counselor & Junior Ambassador
USS ANUBIS
and
Susan Ledbetter
"Heightened Senses"
[previous (ANU) "Hurt" / (BAS) "Take a Number"]
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Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level
Stardate: 35013.1840
The Caitian just laid there quietly, peacefully, his back against the cold metallic floor of the storage area while his thoughts were focused on nothing more than his breathing. Thanks to the expertise and remarkable work of the two Doctors, A'Janni could actually breathe without feeling as if his chest was going to cave in. There was still quite a bit of pain though, but he was more than happy to accept the discomfort if it meant that he would get to see another day.
Being in such a state did not mean that A'Janni was not aware of what was happening around him. His senses of hearing and sharp eyesight allowed him to keep abreast of what was transpiring in the general vicinity, even if no one knew that he was doing so. The two Captains had been chatting, the ANUBIS' ExO was now planning something and the two Counselors had exchanged some sort of opposing opinions judging by their respective stances following the verbal outburst shred between Lt. Ya'Han and Lt. Stark. Nothing major had taken place but things were certainly far from being quiet or uneventful.
"Trying to keep tabs on what is happening I see." It was Doctor Andersson, the BASTET's CMO who said this as she walked up behind her patient while looking straight at the one-eyed felinoid man.
"What do you mean Doctor?" A'Janni asked, genuinely confused by the CMO's words. As far as he was concerned, he was doing nothing that could have been interpreted as him actively trying to 'keep tabs' on what was happening.
"I may not have a lot of experience dealing with Caitians, but I did have several cats as I grew up in Stockholm. Based on my observations of you since your arrival on the BASTET, I have reached the conclusion that you share a lot of common mannerism with the felium domesticarum, also known as the Terran domestic cat. Once such similarity is the twitching of your ears which is a dead giveaway that you are paying attention to something, even if you are not entirely aware of it. The way you kept moving your head was also a very strong indication that you were not just resting."
"I am sorry... I did not mean to..." The Caitian was in a panic which the Doctor quickly moved in to counter.
"Relax A'Janni," Sofia said as she smiled down at the Caitian, almost tempted to start petting him like one of the cats she had just spoken of. "There is nothing wrong with you keeping your ears open, in fact, I am sure that Gemma would agree that it is part of our chosen line of work. Meaning us working in Intel that is, not Starfleet."
The two shared a short moment of silence as their thoughts drifted onto the person whose name had just been mentioned. "I hope that Gemma is doing alright," the FCO said, his thoughts now squarely on the missing ILO.
"This is Gemma we are talking about," Anderson half chuckled. "In a competition of those claiming to be the better one at taking care of themselves, she would be the one who has already crossed the finish line and is now looking back wondering why everyone is taking so long to catch up." The two officers shared some quiet laughter for a few seconds until the Caitian's expression suddenly changed. "What's wrong? Something I said?" Sofia asked.
"No,"he quickly confirmed. Like miniature radars, A'Janni's ears were moving wildly, trying to pinpoint whatever it was that had caught his attention. "I'm hearing something. Slow, heavy footsteps drawing closer. There is another set, that one softer, lighter, almost labored."
"No doubts about it, your sense of hearing is well above anyone else's here," Doctor Andersson said as she tried but failed to hear anything of what A'Janni had just mentioned. "Guess I need to add that to the list of similarities you and my cats share."
"I can also see better than most, especially in areas of low lighting like this place," the Caitian added. He was not trying to boast, far from it. All that he wanted to do was to give a preliminary explanation as to how he was able to see what he would be reporting on next. "It's Doctor Bruxa and Enel," he said before his ears dropped flat against the side of his head. "The way they are moving... one or both of them might be hurt. Their steps are too slow, too cautious. Something is not right."
That was all Doctor Andersson needed to hear. In a single swift motion, she grabbed the med kit and started running in the general direction indicated by A'Janni. As soon as she called out the name of the ANUBIS' CMO, all heads turned to see what was the matter. Seeing the BASTET's CMO running the way she was inevitably caused everyone else to fear the worst, especially Jayson Stark who was the next one to bolt as fast as he could towards the two returning officers.
It took quite a bit of effort for A'Janni to get to his feet but he managed permitting him to join the rush of officers. Most focused on Doctor Bruxa letting the reptilian make his way toward the felinoid while keeping a hand on the nearby wall as if to help support him.
"Are you alright?" The Caitian demanded with concern. "Are you hurt?"
"I am not," Enel clarified.
"What about all that blood?"
"It's not mine," he said looking straight as his fellow shipmate. "I just killed someone."
That was when the Trill Counselor arrived, hearing just enough to know that this would not be a simple matter. "You killed someone? Who?"
Enel hesitated as he glanced over back to Satella who was being taken care of by the others. "The other," he replied without providing any more details.
"The other who?" A'Janni demanded.
"The other Satella. The one from this place. The Assassin. She was killing her so I had to act before it was too late."
Nicole and A'Janni looked at one another for an extended period of time. The Caitian worried about the mental state of his friend while the Trill wondered how the news of the death of the Assassin, the one responsible for Mandy's death, would affect the ANUBIS' CNS/Junior Ambassador.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
---
"The New Team"
(Previous Post: (ANU) "Hurt" / (BAS) "Heightened Senses")
---
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level
Stardate: 35013.1900
Selene and Erik stayed back but watched with invested interest as to what was taking place. The return of Zub Enel and Satella Bruxa had caused quite a stir and for good reason. The CMO of the USS ANUBIS appeared to have gone through hell and back, and it did not take a psychic to know that her being here was thanks to the intervention of the reptilian Chief of Security who now stood to the side along with the Caitian Flight Control Officer.
"Who is this Stella I keep hearing about?" Lieutenant Commander Paquette asked, the Chief Engineer of the USS ANUBIS having opted to also stay out of the way of the others deciding instead to join the Commanding Officers in their observation of the situation.
"Stella is the one Sonju refers to as 'The Executioner'," Shar'El stated as she joined the group. "She is the assassin, the one sent to remove unwanted or troublesome elements. She is also the one tasked with cleaning things up. She is, or more accurately, was the double of Doctor Bruxa and the one responsible for the murder of Mandy, the one friend Counsellor/Junior Ambassador Lopez had while she was held captive on this station."
No one questioned the source of the information provided by Shar'El as everyone in her vicinity knew about the unique ability the Ullian possessed. The exact *where* this knowledge had come from was not important, what mattered was that they knew who was at the core of this latest unexpected turn of events.
"Ouch," Sonja quietly voiced. "That is not going to make things any easier for us is it?"
"It might not be as bad as we think," the Executive Officer said as she turned to look at the two Captains. "We may have been given a golden opportunity to get close to 'The Crown' and through her Hel quicker and with a lot less hassle."
"How so?" Captain Iverson inquired. Captain Morningstar softly sighed as he shook his head knowing that whatever plan his First Officer had come up with it would not be as simple as she might have claimed it to be. In the world of Intel, nothing was ever *simple*, a reality that both Commanding Officers knew all too well.
"First we need to dispose of the evidence of the demise of Stella," the Commander stated.
"Lieutenant A'Janni!" Selene called out summoning the Caitian over which he promptly did.
"Yes, Captain?"
"How is Zub doing?" Captain Iverson inquired. The Voth Chief of Security was an essential part of what Commander Shar'El had requested be done, but Selene wanted to make sure that the Ensign was in good enough condition to even consider doing what would be asked of him.
"A little shaken. Not easy dealing with killing someone, even if it was unavoidable. I am sure that a quick chat with Counselor Dima will get him back to his usual smiling self."
"We cannot wait that long," Commander Shar'El interjected. "We need to go back and dispose of the body. We have to make sure that it cannot be found. Right now, there are only two people who know where Stella is, and by the looks of things Satella is in no condition to take care of this."
"Can you accompany Enel back and take care of this matter?" Selene asked.
"Yes, sir," A'Janni acknowledged right away. "May Counsellor Dima accompany us, just in case?"
A nod of the head was all the Caitian received and all he needed to send him on his way. Once A'Janni was on his way,Selene turned her attention back onto Shar'El. "Now, can we get a little more details about this plan of yours?"
"According to what Satella saw, her double from this dimension is a perfect match and even went to the trouble of getting dressed like her. She admitted that her plan was to replace the Doctor in order to infiltrate our ranks allowing her to strike from within when the time was right," Shar'El explained as quickly and precisely as she could. "My plan is to use that tactic back against them. Have Satella take on the identity of 'the Executioner'."
"You want Satella to take on the role of an assassin?" Morningstar was beside himself with surprise. "Doctor Bruxa is one of the kindest, most gentle souls I have even encountered. There is no way she would be able to pass for someone like Stella."
"It would not be easy, that I am very well aware of, but it is an opportunity that we cannot just let slip between our fingers," the Commander affirmed. "Plus, she would not be alone. Lieutenant Stark and I would be with her every step of the way."
"It would be dangerous," Erik admitted. "That said, she is right, this is the kind of opportunity that only presents itself once. We have to take full advantage of it."
"All of the officers mentioned are part of your crew," Selene noted. "The decision is yours."
---
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, near the wall
Stardate: 35013.1910
"What did the Captain want?" Ensign Enel asked immediately following the return of A'Janni by his side.
"We have a task to accomplish," the Caitian explained. "We need to go back and dispose of the body, thus making sure that no one can find it."
"Why?"
"That part is above our pay grade, but Captain Iverson and Commander Shar'El made it clear that this is very important," the felinoid Flight Control Officer explained. "You, me and Nicole are to get going right away."
"Counsellor Dima? Why?"
A'Janni grinned as a twinkle appeared in his one good eye. "Your job is to take us where the body is. My job will be to make sure that you make it there without tripping over your scales and Counsellor Dima will be there to make sure you do not go completely off-your-rocker along the way."
Ensign Enel was not happy. As funny as A'Janni had tried to make it sound, the Chief of Security understood that the presence of the Counsellor was for his benefit and his alone in case the guilt of having killed someone became too much for him to handle. Not having any say in the matter, the towering reptilian abandoned himself to the reality of his situation and with a nod of his head gave his fellow shipmate the okay to call the joint Trill over to join in their quest.
---
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, near the corridor
Stardate: 35013.1910
"Satella! Will you just stand still for a moment," Doctor Andersson instructed her rather defiant patient.
"I am fine," Doctor Bruxa argued.
"I can see the bruising on your neck from here," Misaki pointed out in a way that made it clear the injuries were much more severe than the Chief Medical Officer of the USS ANUBIS was making them to be.
"I am FINE!" Satella was not liking the fuss that she was the focus of. At least that was until Jayson stepped up.
"Satella," he said after having knelt right in front of her. "You are hurt. Let Doctor Andersson take care of you."
Whatever fight had been in the woman, whatever reason she was holding onto to justify her arguments vanished instantly the moment her eyes met those of the Chief of Operations.
Sofia mouthed a 'thank you' to Jayson who stood back up only to find himself face-to-face with the black and red-haired Nylaan.
"Jayson, please, we need to talk." It was unlike Ya'Han to display any sort of emotion in such a public setting. The Chief of Security of the ANUBIS had always managed to maintain a figure of strength and composure when on duty, so it was a surprise to many to see her be so... human.
"I cannot, not now," Stark stated. "I need to speak with Commander Shar'El about the specifics of what she has planned."
"Jayson," Ya'Han said as she took a solid hold of his arm. "It might be too late then."
"I promise to say goodbye before I leave," the Chief of Operations said, displaying far more control over his emotions than the Chief of Security was. "At least it will be more than you gave me when you left with that Lokustaar clone."
---
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, near a column
Stardate: 35013.1910
"Mommy," the ten-year-old boy said while pressing himself against his mother. "Will she be all right?"
"She will be," Xana reassured. "There are a lot of very skilled and talented people who are there to take care of her. Everything will be fine.
"You have to admit that this is all quite amazing, at least from a scientific point of view," Maya admitted as she walked over to the Ambassador and son duo. "To have to fight for your life against someone who appears exactly the way you do would be quite interesting. You would get to see if the resemblance extends beyond the mere physical characteristics and goes deeper, like the selection of weapons and the fighting style used."
"I am pretty certain that Adriana was not thinking anything like that when Stella was trying to plunge a dagger into her," the Bolian/Human woman sighed.
"It is true that, at the time, Doctor Bruxa would have been more preoccupied with her own survival, but what about just before? What did Satella think when she saw someone looking exactly like her standing right there in front of her? Did she realize right away that her life was in danger or did she believe that this might be some sort of dimensional anomaly? What about right after? Did the Doctor accept that this had actually happened, or did she think that it was all a dream, well I guess it would have been more of a living nightmare, but the question still stands, did she accept what had just happened?"
"Let me guess," the azure woman said, shaking her head in disbelief. "Someone over there told you to go for a walk."
"No," the Shillian replied with a hint of surprise. "I was merely informed that it might be better for Doctor Bruxa if I did not theorize about the events that led her to be here in her current condition. I believe the exact words used by Doctor Andersson was to 'give her some air to breathe'."
"Yup," Xana muttered under her breath. "That would be about right."
Seeing that someone was about to join them, the Shillian scientist shifted her attention onto the new arrival. "Counsellor Lopez, what do you think? Do you believe that Doctor Bruxa would have contemplated the milti-facetted aspects of her encounter with someone who, for all intent and purposes, was her?"
Counsellor Lopez did not offer any answer, instead she just turned her head and narrowed her eyes as she studied the imposing reptilian who was standing with the Caitian on one side and the joint Trill on the other.
"Counsellor?" Maya said wondering if maybe the woman had not heard her question.
"With all due respect, I have no interest whatsoever as to what Doctor Bruxa was thinking at the time. The fact of the matter is that she is alive, which I am thankful for. The only part of this story that weighs on my mind is that the Executioner Stella is dead due to the actions of that overgrown lizard." There was a short pause before the Counsellor/Junior Ambassador started walking towards Zub, A'Janni and Nicole. "If you will excuse me, I believe I should offer my assistance to Mr. Enel and his team."
---
Jessica Solarik
Captain Selene Fiona Iverson [Access Character BIO for Selene Iverson]
Commanding Officer
USS BASTET
&
Lieutenant Commander Maya [Access Character BIO for 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)
=-=
"Show of Force"
[the previous posts were (ANU) "Hurt" by Rachel / (BAS) "The New Plan" by Jessica]
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Levels, near the corridor
Stardate: 35013.1915
The easy part was done, namely to have the plan endorsed by Captain Morningstar. Now came the hard part; convincing Doctor Satella Bruxa to take on the identity of her counterpart from this dimension, a person known as 'the Executioner', a person who not so long ago had tried and almost succeeded in killing her.
"Doctor Andersson, how is your patient doing?" The question was meant as a professional courtesy to acknowledge the CMO's work and not make her feel like the Commander was simply barging in. The raven-haired Commander knew exactly how Satella was doing thanks to the Mikulak woman broadcasting the memories of what had transpired over and over again. The physical damage was minimal, but the psychological impact was quite evident, and Shar'El hoped that she would be able to use that to convince Bruxa to play along.
"You know what they say," Sofia chuckled briefly. "Doctors make the worst patients. She will be fine, the bruising on her neck and arms will subside quickly enough, but I would recommend that she speak to a Counselor about what happened."
Without looking away, the Commander explained the situation as she saw it to be. "I believe that both Counselor Dima and Counselor Lopez are currently occupied with important and time sensitive matters. In order to not interrupt them I believe that it would be best if I was the one to speak to her. My own experiences as an Intel Operative have placed me in similar situations more times than I care to remember, so I am sure that I will be able to find some common ground for us to talk."
The BASTET's Doctor seemed more than happy to agree with the ANUBIS' ExO/ILO, especially after having been informed that Counselor Dima was 'currently occupied with important and time sensitive matters'. Without knowing what these matters were, Sofia felt an urgent need to check up on Nicole to make sure that everything was alright leaving Satella in Shar'El's tender care.
"How are you doing?" Again, the question from the raven-haired Commander was nothing more than courtesy to help put the Doctor more at ease for what was to follow. The Ullian could easily gage the woman's mental state thanks to the memories she was unwillingly reliving.
"I will be alright," Satella said, the woman sounding more as if trying to convince herself and anyone else.
"You were lucky," Shar'El started with. Intel Operatives were no Counsellor, they did not try to make people feel better or resolve whatever emotional conflict might have been present. Their expertise stood on the far opposite end of the psychological spectrum, allowing them to manipulate feelings and emotions like fresh clay. Now, those skills were normally meant to be used on an Intel asset or an adversary, not on an ally and certainly not on a friend, but her understanding of the situation on this space station had left the ExO/ILO with no other option.
"Yes," Satella agreed. "I was lucky that Ensign Enel showed up when he did. That woman would have killed me the moment she saw me if she had not taken so much pleasure in torturing someone who looked just like her."
"She likely saw you as everything she was not, hence her desire to prove herself to be the superior one out of the two of you." Like a carefully planned game of three-dimensional chess, the first few moves would set the pace and tone. Having Doctor Bruxa immediately on the defensive would help the raven-haired Operative achieve her objective that much faster.
"She explained, while choking the life out of me, that she was going to take my place," the CMO said, trying to put all of the pieces of this puzzle together.
"Of course, it makes perfect sense," Shar'El continued. "She needed to test the extent and limits of your character; physically, emotionally and psychologically. There is no greater test of someone's character than to see them just as they are about to die. People no longer think, they simply react displaying their true self. Are they the type to fight to the very end or just give up? Are they the kind of person who will face their demise face-on or tearfully plead like a frightened child? I am not saying that she did not enjoy putting you through that hell, but I do fully understand why she did it if her end game was to take your place here amongst us."
"She was a horrible person... and she was me!"
The Intel Operative could see the Doctor breaking under the weight of her own emotions. Shar'El could either let her collapse or start to rebuild her to be the person they needed her to be for what needed to happen next. "She was not you, she simply wanted to prove that she could *become* you. There is no greater display of psychological strength than to convincingly present yourself as someone else. You show the universe that not only are you good enough to be you, but that you can be someone else in every aspect of their lives and interactions. This goes a lot further than putting on a mask and pretending to be someone else, this is showing that you, as a person, possess enough strength and power over yourself and others to *become* that other person."
"I'm a Doctor, not an assassin," Satella exclaimed. "I could never hurt someone the way she was hurting me, or the way she wanted to end me."
"And that made her the stronger one out of the two of you. She could become you if she needed, lowering herself to being the kind and gentle Doctor knowing that you could never hope to come anywhere close to being who she was, a merciless killer who did not hesitate to do what needed to be done in order to achieve her goals." Thanks to the expert manipulation of the Intel Operative, whatever pain Doctor Bruxa had been experiencing was gradually transforming into anger. Shar'El would be able to shape such anger into what the ExO/ILO as well as the rest of the group needed the woman to become in order to achieve *their* goal, that of finding Hel and putting an end to the threat the Confederacy was.
"No, I will not let her leave me feeling like this." The Doctor's announcement was what the ExO/ILO wanted to hear.
"Then you need to prove to her and the universe that she was not the stronger one. You need to show that, like her, you can take on the traits and personality of the other. I have an idea but it would require you becoming Stella for it to work. That is, of course, if you are strong enough to do so."
"I would become her as she wanted to become me?"
"You make it sound simple," Shar'El smiled. "See,I knew you had it in you."
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Commander Shar'El [Access Character BIO for Shar'El]
Executive Officer / Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
Ensign Sofia Andersson [Access Character BIO for Sofia Andersson]
Chief Medical Officer
USS BASTET
-=-=-
"Hidden Rage"
[Previous post: (ANU) "Show of Force" & (BAS) "The New Plan"]
-=-=-
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, near the wall
Stardate: 35013.1915
Like a photon torpedo just fired from a ship, the Counselor/Junior Ambassador was following a straight and direct line to her target, a small gathering of officers of which Ensign Zub Enel was a part of. With each step she took the memories discovered in the Crystals of Soul found at the Oasis became more vivid on the woman's mind.
-=-=-
Flashback (From Mandy's PoV)
-=-=-
"Here, drink," Many said, startling the prisoner, the extent of her injuries more than visible. Her eyes were swollen shut and her jaw bruised to such a point that the Orion slave doubted she would be able to talk. The woman's surprise was compounded when she felt a small glass brought to her swollen lips. "Don't worry, it's only water. There is no fun in killing someone with poison."
The battered woman reluctantly accepted the offering and swallowed the liquid as best she could before speaking. "Why?" Why am I..."
"Don't talk," the slave interrupted looking over her shoulder as if fearing someone might have been there listening in the conversation. "You admitting being Starfleet may have saved your life, but you might come to regret that sooner rather than later. It might have been better for you to let big, tall and stupid kill you when he had the chance. Now, you are here and you will be treated with even less care than the countless slaves that come through here. Rest, if you can, try to sleep. Hel has you and you are not going anywhere anytime soon."
-=-=-
End of Flashback
-=-=-
Adriana took another step as she recalled the way the word *Hel* had sounded. It came across as being more the name of a person rather than the location. In time, Lopez would discover that her suspicions were correct although the two would eventually represent the same general thing.
Whoever Hel was, the Counselor knew her to be a monster. Why else would she sent someone Mandy had described as 'big, tall and stupid' to beat her within seconds of her death. As she looked upon the giant standing lizard, an unpleasant and disturbing thought formed in Lopez' mind. She had never seen the beast who had taken so much pleasure in beating her. Strangely, she could imagine that he might look very much like the Voth.
-=-=-
Flashback (From Mandy's PoV)
-=-=-
Mandy carefully entered the cell, trying her best to make as little noise as possible. "How are you feeling?"
"Tired, scared, and thirsty," the prisoner replied, trying to swallow but finding out that she could not.
"Tired? I can't help you with that one. The best I can offer you is to direct you to the far-right corner of your room. It appears to be the one with the least amount of stones sticking out from either the floor or wall. Scared? Again, there is little I can do to help. As I said before, you announcing that you are Starfleet may have saved your life but it put you in what I believe to be a worse position. They are not going to be kind to you." Mandy wanted to help, but there was little she could do, at least if she wanted to live for another day. Hel was not the type to forgive and forget.
"Who are they?" The battered woman asked.
"As for you being thirsty," Mandy continued, ignoring the prisoner's question. "Here, it may not be much, but at least it is something. It was the best I could sneak in."
-=-=-
End of Flashback
-=-=-
The Counselor/Junior Ambassador took another step. Mandy had been the only one to show her any sort of kindness. For that, she had been killed... assassinated by Stella. The Orion slave had done nothing but be concerned for someone else, and her heart being pierced by a blade would be her only reward.
-=-=-
Flashback (From Mandy's PoV)
-=-=-
"Thank you," the battered woman said as she offered the empty glass back while fighting back the urge to cry.
"Don't thank me. There may come a time when you will curse me for the help I gave you because it allowed you to live long enough to see just how cruel Hel can be. Her getting big, tall and stupid to beat you senseless is nothing compared to what she can do. Maybe, in the end, we will both regret what I did. I just felt sorry for you." Mandy said, forcing a smile that could not be seen by the other.
"Why? Why feel sorry for me?"
"I lost a sister too," the Orion slave admitted as her vision began to blur due to tears forming. "It was a long, long time ago."
-=-=-
End of Flashback
-=-=-
Another step, this one taken with a mixture of pain and anger. Adriana wanted to scream, she wanted to cry, she wanted to make those responsible pay for what they had done. A life for a life would be too good for them. Mandy deserved more, much more.
-=-=-
Flashback (From Mandy's PoV)
-=-=-
"Don't go! Please," the battered prisoner said as tears flowed from her swollen shut eyes and onto her bruised cheeks.
=/\= MANDY! Where are you? Do I have to put you back in chains to make sure that you are where you are supposed to be? You know how much I despise searching for you. Do not make me regret not ripping that soft innocent skin off your bones when I had the chance. =/\=
"I have to go," Mandy said in a panic as she exited the room and locked the latch behind her.
-=-=-
End of Flashback
-=-=-
With another step came a single, all-consuming fact. There would be hell to pay, and Adriana would make sure of that.
-=-=-
Marissa Montonera-Lombardi
Lieutenant JG Adriana Lopez [Access Character BIO for Adriana Lopez]
Ship's Counselor & Junior Ambassador
USS ANUBIS
=-=
“Presence”
Previous posts: (ANU) “Hidden Rage” by Marissa / (BAS) “The New Plan” by Jessica
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Near a corridor
Stardate: 35013.1920
USS BASTET Counselor Nicole Dima stood near the brawny, catlike A’Janni and tall, scaly Zub Enel, but her attention was on the ANUBIS CNS/Junior Ambassador Adriana Lopez. The way Lopez was approaching the group looked too purposeful. Her fists were clenched. Her face was hard. She was staring past Nicole, at a level high enough to be looking at the lizardly Chief of Security. Counselor Dima decided to intercept her.
Lopez’s lower lip dropped to show clenched teeth when Nicole tried to deliberately interrupt the Junior Ambassador’s stride. Adriana tilted her head toward where she was going to pass around Nicole. Dima stepped that direction to block her. Instead, the Hispanic woman immediately changed direction and went around the counselor's opposite side.
Nicole spun around aware she’d just been head faked. Lopez was already several steps closer to Zub Enel. She was raising a finger at the tall Voth’s blood smeared face. Both Zub’s and A’Janni’s attention had locked on the Hispanic woman. Their expressions were utterly serious.
Adriana stopped a foot or two away. Her was voice ragged as she pointed accusingly at the Chief of Security. “Only an ANIMAL would beat me senseless over and over! You hit me so hard that I couldn’t even see your blows coming. Coward! I can see you now, you bastard!”
Zub Enel’s golden eyes began to show a lot of white. He put his blood caked three-fingered hands palm out toward her in a calming pose. A’Janni’s single remaining eye narrowed as he stepped forward to slide a furry leg and arm between Zub and Adriana. He said, “It was not him. He was not in this dimension when you were beaten.”
Nicole had caught up by then. She gripped Adriana by the upper arm that she was pointing with. The Junior Ambassador stayed focused on the Voth but tried to jerk her arm free. Dima had been ready for that and hung on. “Listen to me. He is not the man who beat you.”
As Adriana struggled against the counselor’s grip, A’Janni stepped sideways to fully interpose himself between her and the scaly lizard man. He too raised his paw-hands palm out at her. “Listen to me, too. Zub was not there.”
Zub Enel weighed whether he should speak. If he set her off, she just might claw her way over A’Janni to attack him. He took a chance and said, “I am not your tormentor.”
“LIAR!”
Nicole still had a tight grip on Adriana’s arm. “Is that what the brute sounded like? Did he sound like Zub Enel?”
Lopez glared up at the scaly man but didn’t speak. Her fury wavered.
A’Janni, sandwiched between the Chief of Security and the accusing tip of the Junior Ambassador’s finger, said loudly in crisp military tones directly into her face, “Lt. JG Adriana Lopez, control yourself! What are you saying?”
The Hispanic woman stiffened for a moment and then relaxed her arm to her side. She took in a shuddering breath. Her gaze shifted to the FCO’s single white eye. She exhaled. Her rigid expression of rage began to soften. Her lips opened to show she was no longer clenching her teeth. Her voice was rough from shouting. “Okay.”
A’Janni, who topped her out by nearly a foot held his stern expression.
Lopez took a step backward. Nicole matched her step back and held onto her arm but not as tightly as before.
A’Janni said more quietly, “The three of us have orders to dispose of a body. Ensign Zub Enel-.”
"Not so fast- I'm going with you," Adriana interjected.
"What?" Zub asked quietly, his face deathly pale, his upright form siding sideways between the catlike Caitian and the wall. He stared down the nearby corridor, wanting nothing more than to begin their assignment, but now they had been delayed by the Junior Ambassador's demand. The Voth was grateful for A'Janni's presence of mind, but unsure if that skill could convince Adriana not to accompany them.
=-=
A Joint Post by
David Michael Inverso
Ensign Zub Enel [Access Character BIO for Zub Enel]
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS BASTET, NCC 74977
and
Susan Ledbetter
“It is often necessary to know how to obey a woman in order sometimes to have the right to command her.”
- Victor Hugo
=-=
"Different Self"
[the previous post was (ANU) "Hidden Rage" by Marissa / (BAS) "Presence" by David]
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level
Stardate: 35013.1920
Doctor Satella Bruxa stood still. Her body doing its best to remain anchored while her mind raced. Everything Cmdr. Shar'El said was true. The woman had given her a great deal to think about, and maybe that was the problem. There was too much to consider.
Stella had made her intentions clear. She was going to kill the Doctor, take her place and strike at the others from within. The Executioner had planned to kill her fellow officers, her shipmates, her friends. While thinking about this Satella gently caressed her neck and throat. How could the two of them be so similar and yet so different? She had dedicated her life to healing while her double lived to kill.
Shar'El was right. Stella had wanted to test her, to see how she would respond to facing death. The problem was whether or not the CMO could actually play the part of the assassin? The Executioner would have had to hold back her natural instincts and skills. She would have presented herself to be gentler and more caring than she really was. The CMO, though, needed to do the opposite. She would have to be cold and cruel, to embrace the ideas of inflicting pain instead of soothing it.
Even if the CMO managed to never have to display those traits, she would need to portray them well enough to convince others. The Doctor needed to have everyone believe that she was the Executioner. She needed to make those who looked upon her fear for their lives. Satella needed to be someone that she had never dreamt she could be, not even in her worst nightmares.
"Are you alright?" The question surprised Satella. She had been so lost in her thoughts that she had not noticed Jayson standing next to her. As she met his gaze, the Mikulak woman smiled. Not much, but more than enough to betray her true feelings, and certainly more than the Executioner would have. Or would she?
Satella recalled with some anxiety the same Stella had smiled at her as she squeezed the life from her body. The assassin could show signs of joy, it was just the reason for it that was different. The Doctor smiled as she looked at Jayson because of how she felt for him. How she could imagine 'what could be' with him. The Executioner would have smiled because she would have imagined the most horrific way to kill him. The exact same scene would have played out with completely different motivations, and conclusions. Satella would have kissed him, thankful to be alive. Stella would have killed him, thanking him for giving her his life.
A look of growing concern formed on Bruxa's features prompting Stark to ask. "Satella, are you okay?"
"Don't call me that."
"Call you what? Satella? It's your name, is it not?"
The CMO hesitated. She knew what she needed to say. She knew why she needed to say it. If she could not say it to him, then she would not be able to say it to anyone. He knew how she felt. He knew what needed to be done. She also knew that of everyone here, he would be the one to understand. "I..." the words stayed in her throat as she desperately tried to speak. She could feel the assassin's hold on her. She could feel her life draining with each passing second. This was the moment of truth. Could she be who Shar'El needed her to be for their mission? "Satella is dead," the CMO forced herself to say. "I am Stella... the Executioner."
Jayson gazed back in shocked for a few seconds letting the CMO think that she had pulled it off. When the surprise was replaced with a smile though, Satella understood that she had failed. "We need to work on that. You had me almost convinced for a split second."
Bruxa sighed. "Almost convinced for a split second is going to get us all killed."
"Then use that as your motivation," he offered. "Don't play the role to fool others. Play that role to save others from being hurt, or worse, killed."
As discouraged as she might have been, Jayson's words found their way to make her smile. Maybe, just maybe, as long as he was there by her side, she would be able to pull this off.
"Alright you two," Shar'El stepped in. "We need to get moving. We cannot be here when Sonju decides to act. We can work out the specifics of what needs to be done on the way."
Jayson's smile made Satella believe that this would all work out. The man could instill confidence with his mere presence. Maybe, just maybe, her showing that she could be more than a weak Doctor might convince him that they had a future together.
=-=
Rachel Jackie Johnson
[Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint. - Mark Twain]
"Consequences"
[the previous post was (ANU) "Different Self" by Rache / (BAS) "Presence" by David]
=/\=
How much more grievous are the consequences of anger than the causes of it.
-Marcus Auerlis
=/\=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level
Stardate: 35013.1930
Xana stood to the side, contemplating what the visit to The Crown would entail. The last time she had been here, The Crown had been a head of state but not the true power. That was true of many places in the universe. Figure head and then there was the power behind that. Still one had to make the proper overtures to the figure head, otherwise there were consequences.
Problem was, the Ambassador hadn’t figured out enough of this land to figure out the power structures. She knew enough to be dangerous, but that was the problem. Being dangerous here got you killed.
Or it got you something else, she mused to herself, as she watched her son dart around. While she was thrilled to see her youngest again, she couldn’t quite fit in how Ben got here or why he was here.
She kept an eye on him, and made sure he saw that she was walking across the way towards the CEO of the ANUBIS. “Lt. Commander Paquette,” she said warmly.
The CEO shook her head at her. “Usually when you have that tone, you at least have the smarts to bring a plate of cookies with you,” she warned. “Nevermind that you always forget the milk with the cookies!”
Xana chuckled at that. “I owe you the cookies then.” Leaning in, she asked, “What are you upto?”
“Cinderelly is savin’ the universe with just her hyperspanner,” Sonja drawled. Giving the other woman a long look. “What are you cooking up?”
“There are only 3 people who have met The Crown, at least that I am aware of,” Xana pointed out.
Sonja glared at Xana. “You want me to go with you to go see me?”
“Well it’s not you.”
“You’re right. I’m better looking.”
Xana smiled at that. “Obviously. What else was I going to say?”
Before either woman could say something else, Maya was running over with Ben who had paled considerably. “I’m telling you she’s over here. Look, your mother is here. She didn’t leave this level.” The Shillian looked over at the Ambassador. “Your son was quite despondent at not finding you.”
The Ambassador looked at her son who had paled and his eyes had gone wide. Placing her hands on his thin shoulders she asked softly, “Benito, I’m right here. What’s going on?”
Ben started breathing deeply, far more deeply than for just running. “I couldn’t find you. Mama, I couldn’t find you.”
Xana brushed back some errant hair that fell into Ben’s eyes, and continued to brush back his hair. “Bambino, you saw me come over here.” Pausing she asked, “What is going on?”
Ben didn’t answer and began bouncing on the balls of his feet. Looking down at his feet he muttered, “I’m fine.” Kicking away some dirt he added, “And I’m 10 years old, I’m not a baby.”
“Fine, you’re not a baby,” the mother agreed. “But you’re not acting like yourself.” Tilting up his chin she said, “What is going--”
Tears pooled in the corners of the boy’s eyes cutting off his mother’s question as he began to shake. “Mama,” he whispered as he threw himself into her arms. As she wrapped her arms around his body, he sobbed into her chest. While she rocked him he said, “I don’t want to see you die again.”
This was heartbreaking. Ben, being the youngest, took the news the hardest of her terminal illness and the divorce with his father. The Counselors had said Ben’s desire to “save” Tribbles stemmed out of his desire to control and save something since he couldn’t save his mother or his parents' marriage. So Xana had done her best to explain in simple terms that nothing was his fault, while simultaneously allowing him to have his Tribbles as companions (because as Ben told her one did not have Tribbles as pets). Still never once did Ben claim to see Xana die. “Ben, I didn’t die,” Xana reminded him, thoroughly confused.
“That lady took me somewhere and I saw you die!” Ben yelled. Turning around he pointed a shaking hand towards Captain Iverson. “I don’t know how but she changed her hair but she took me and I saw you die. I’m not going with her again. Mama, I’m *not* staying with *her*.”
Maya frowned at that. “Captain Iverson does not have a way to change her appearance, similar to Gemma or even as I do as a Shillian. Furthermore, once we are back on the ship I’m sure the ship's tracking will account for here--Ambassador where are you going?”
Did kids exaggerate? Yes, and certainly Ben wasn’t above that. But looking at her son’s wide eyes and shaking body, she trusted her son. This wasn’t an exaggeration; her son was telling the truth. “I’m going to talk to her,” Xana announced. Looking at Ben she said, “Stay here with Sonja and Maya. Sonja has food.”
“I know,” Ben sniffed.
Sonja cursed under her breath. “Does “talk” have another meaning for a Bolian?” she asked.
Ben looked up. Sniffling back snot he said, “There are 10 different ways to say “talk” in Bolian.”
“Great,” Sonja muttered. “We need to stop your mother before she uses all 10 on Captain Iverson.”
=/\=
Sarah Albertini-Bond
USS ANUBIS
and
Dr. Tulla Keiku, LT
USS PHOENIX
"Under Duress"
[Previous Posts: (ANU) "Consequences", (BAS) "Presence"]
=/\=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Near a corridor
Stardate: 35013.1925
Nicole had let go of her grip on Adriana’s arm, a little shocked at the declaration that she was coming with them. The joined Trill felt like she had taken a hit to the stomach. "Are you sure that's wise?"
The Hispanic woman did not respond right away. Despite Zub’s disengagement from her accusation, she did not immediately move her attention from the large Saurian. Finally, she broke her gaze and turned to look at Nic. “I’m only interested in Justice.”
“Stella is dead,” Zub insisted.
Adriana shook her head, still emotionally distant. “I wish to see that with my own eyes.”
None of the officers were willing to let the ANUBIS’ Counselor off the hook. A’Janni continued where Zub had left off, still maintaining an ‘on guard’ stance. “You accused Zub of beating you while you were confined. That’s a serious charge to level against the big guy. How can you even say you will be satisfied when you get your pound of flesh?”
“I am asking you to trust me,” Adriana replied, irritation present in her voice.
“Like you trusted us?” Zub protested, the hurt still evident in his posture and expression.
Dima frowned. She knew the trauma that the Junior Ambassador had suffered at the hands of Hel’s minion was not to be taken lightly. She had been rescued, liberated, only to be asked to go back to the place that was the home of her worst nightmares. Mandy, the woman who had helped her before Xana, Sonja, and Ya’Han came along, had been killed for her kindness. Her killer was a dimensional double of Doctor Satella Bruxa, who was not only a crewmate, but a close friend. The reasons were there, in spades. But she could not be allowed to use those reasons to put their mission objectives and their goals in peril. “Adriana, you have every right to your feelings. But that does not give you the right to treat us unfairly.”
Adriana did not budge. “This place isn’t fair.”
The petite Trill crossed her arms. Handling her with kid gloves was becoming more challenging by the moment. “Trust goes both ways. Explain to me how we *can* trust you after that outburst.”
Adriana felt her adrenaline rise, her hands clenching again, involuntarily. Three pairs of eyes stared at her, waiting for her response. “I shouldn’t have to lobby or provide a reason to come with you, after all I am a Junior Ambassador, and as such-”
“I call foul,” Nicole interrupted the other woman’s poor deflection. “Your credentials are not an excuse to treat people like they don’t matter. If you insist on using the title, you should do a better job of acting the part and assuming the responsibility that goes with it.”
Adriana’s indifferent stare faded as her brown eyes registered the other Counselor’s opinion. “I thought you were on my side.”
“I *am* on your side, but have you noticed you are not alone? We are a team. My concern for you extends to the entire group. I will not have your behavior pose a risk to us or what we’re trying to do. I’m sure the Lieutenant can back me up on this.”
The husky Caitian nodded. “The risks associated with being here are dangerous enough without you being unpredictable.”
Adriana’s need for vengeance wavered with her need to accept her feelings of vulnerability. “I’m afraid,” she admitted.
“Fear is one of the most powerful motivators we have, whether we like it or not,” Nicole said, trying to comfort the distraught woman. “It’s how we use that fear that counts.”
“I would like to use it by confronting the body of the woman who killed Mandy,” Lopez said with conviction. “Will you allow me to go?”
The other three officers looked to each other, not sure of their decision.
Finally, Zub stepped forward. While he couldn’t erase the confrontation that had him verbally fighting for his defense, he could see that she needed to come along. “I was able to protect Doctor Bruxa, even though it was not without challenges. I can protect you as well, if you will let me.”
Adriana was still angry. But she could see the direction of that anger should be more carefully considered. The others weren’t the enemy. “Yes, I will.”
A’Janni nodded his approval. He looked to Nicole, and she seemed relieved. Perhaps the crisis was over, for now. He then gave a quiet command. “Now that that’s settled, our orders are still clear. The four of us have to dispose of a body. Ensign Zub Enel.”
The Ensign’s voice was military crisp. “Sir!”
“Lead us to Stella’s body. Let’s move out.”
=/\=
"Expectations"
Previous posts: (ANU) "Consequences" & (BAS) "Under Duress"
///^\\\
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Levels
Stardate: 35013.1940
The CSciO of the BASTET had made her way to Captain Iverson because Mitshiba needed to discuss some aspects of what had happened as well as what might happen. With the reported death of the woman known as the Executioner and the unexpected arrival of Ambassador Bonviva's son, just to name a few, there were a lot of things that Misaki needed some sort of clarification on. On the ship, the Asian scientist would have access to laboratories and various research facilities, but here on this dark and gloomy station, there was no real way for her to explore what she believed was required.
Standing next to the Captain and looking straight at her, Aki had to admit that it was strange seeing the veteran officer with long blonde hair. People grew accustomed to seeing familiar things a certain way. Rooms were expected to be laid out and decorated in the same manner that they were seen the last time. A painting or centerpiece was equally anticipated to be where they were the last time they were seen. The expectations of finding someone appearing the same as before was no different. Maybe for some, such unexpected surprises was something to be welcomed and enjoyed, but to Mitshiba looking at her commanding officer without her shorter black hair just felt wrong in countless ways.
"I can tell that something is bothering you," the Captain said while looking at the Asian woman in a Vulcanesque manner. At least if her appearance was not what she had become accustomed to, her mannerism was still right on target.
"My apologies Captain, I just have a lot to think about and process and seeing you with your long golden hair is proving to be something that I am having some difficulties accepting," Aki explained.
"I can assure you that this is not easy for me either," Captain Iverson said. "Trying to pass for someone that I know next to nothing about is not something that I am used to. As a former Intel Operative, I had to frequently adopt new identities, but in each case I had weeks to review and research that person's background. I may look like Fiona, but I could not even begin to tell you who she is or what drives her to do what she does, and that bothers me."
"Captain Iverson!" The bellowed call from Ambassador Bonviva made Selene and Aki quickly turn to look in the rapidly approaching azure-skinned Bolian/Human woman.
"She doesn't seem to be overly pleased," Mitshiba said, not realizing at the time that she was being more than obvious with her statement. The Ambassador gave visible clues that she was not in the best of moods and that anyone found to be in her way would be at best ignored and at worst pushed out of the way.
"Lt. Mitshiba," Captain Iverson said in a hurry. "It might be best if you left, while you can. I have no idea what this is about but I am relatively certain that you do not want to be caught in the crossfire of whatever is about to take place."
Aki did not have to be told twice, so the Asian woman quickly stepped back almost thankful that she had been excused by her Captain as she had. Trusting that Captain Iverson would be able to take care of herself, Mitshiba set her sights on the group led by Commander Shar'El. If the CSciO could not get the answers and explanations that she desired, the next best thing for her to do was to get involved in something else. According to everything she had overheard, the covert search for the woman known as Hel would most certainly be enough to keep Misaki busy. The scientist expected that such a mission, or adventure as she might call it, would prove more than enough to keep her both physically and mentally engaged.
"Commander Shar'El," Aki called out, doing her best to put as much distance between Captain Iverson and herself. "May I have a moment of your time? I have a proposition for you to consider. I would like to join your search for Hel... the woman, not the location. I expect that she would be more of a challenge to find than any underground brimstone infested lava field."
///^\\\
Dawn Bohr
Previous posts: (ANU) "Consequences" & (BAS) "Under Duress"
///^\\\
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Levels
Stardate: 35013.1940
The CSciO of the BASTET had made her way to Captain Iverson because Mitshiba needed to discuss some aspects of what had happened as well as what might happen. With the reported death of the woman known as the Executioner and the unexpected arrival of Ambassador Bonviva's son, just to name a few, there were a lot of things that Misaki needed some sort of clarification on. On the ship, the Asian scientist would have access to laboratories and various research facilities, but here on this dark and gloomy station, there was no real way for her to explore what she believed was required.
Standing next to the Captain and looking straight at her, Aki had to admit that it was strange seeing the veteran officer with long blonde hair. People grew accustomed to seeing familiar things a certain way. Rooms were expected to be laid out and decorated in the same manner that they were seen the last time. A painting or centerpiece was equally anticipated to be where they were the last time they were seen. The expectations of finding someone appearing the same as before was no different. Maybe for some, such unexpected surprises was something to be welcomed and enjoyed, but to Mitshiba looking at her commanding officer without her shorter black hair just felt wrong in countless ways.
"I can tell that something is bothering you," the Captain said while looking at the Asian woman in a Vulcanesque manner. At least if her appearance was not what she had become accustomed to, her mannerism was still right on target.
"My apologies Captain, I just have a lot to think about and process and seeing you with your long golden hair is proving to be something that I am having some difficulties accepting," Aki explained.
"I can assure you that this is not easy for me either," Captain Iverson said. "Trying to pass for someone that I know next to nothing about is not something that I am used to. As a former Intel Operative, I had to frequently adopt new identities, but in each case I had weeks to review and research that person's background. I may look like Fiona, but I could not even begin to tell you who she is or what drives her to do what she does, and that bothers me."
"Captain Iverson!" The bellowed call from Ambassador Bonviva made Selene and Aki quickly turn to look in the rapidly approaching azure-skinned Bolian/Human woman.
"She doesn't seem to be overly pleased," Mitshiba said, not realizing at the time that she was being more than obvious with her statement. The Ambassador gave visible clues that she was not in the best of moods and that anyone found to be in her way would be at best ignored and at worst pushed out of the way.
"Lt. Mitshiba," Captain Iverson said in a hurry. "It might be best if you left, while you can. I have no idea what this is about but I am relatively certain that you do not want to be caught in the crossfire of whatever is about to take place."
Aki did not have to be told twice, so the Asian woman quickly stepped back almost thankful that she had been excused by her Captain as she had. Trusting that Captain Iverson would be able to take care of herself, Mitshiba set her sights on the group led by Commander Shar'El. If the CSciO could not get the answers and explanations that she desired, the next best thing for her to do was to get involved in something else. According to everything she had overheard, the covert search for the woman known as Hel would most certainly be enough to keep Misaki busy. The scientist expected that such a mission, or adventure as she might call it, would prove more than enough to keep her both physically and mentally engaged.
"Commander Shar'El," Aki called out, doing her best to put as much distance between Captain Iverson and herself. "May I have a moment of your time? I have a proposition for you to consider. I would like to join your search for Hel... the woman, not the location. I expect that she would be more of a challenge to find than any underground brimstone infested lava field."
///^\\\
Dawn Bohr
Lieutenant Misaki 'Aki' Mitshiba [Access Character BIO for Misaki Mitshiba]
Chief Science Officer
USS BASTET - NCC 74977
"Twitching Ears"
[previous (ANU) "Consequences" / (BAS) "Expectations"]
[/\]
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level. Corridor
Stardate: 35013.1940
Zub was in the lead closely followed by A'Janni. All of their combined senses were focused ahead of them as they made their way through the corridors leading to where the confrontation pitting the Doctor, the Chief of Security and the assassin took place. Well, maybe not *all* of their senses as the Caitian's ears kept turning back to make sure that everything was alright with the two Counselors. After what had happened, the Caitian half expected the ANUBIS' CNS to suddenly rush forward and jump on the back of the Chief of Security.
As much as it was unlikely that Miss Lopez would do this, and how even more unlikely that she would be able to injure Zub in any way if she did, A'Janni could officially claim that he had his friend's 'back' in this current scenario.
As the team of four pressed on, the two ladies at the back were as quiet as mice, following the towering reptilian's lead without any fuss. There were a few exchanges along the way that momentarily interrupted this blissful silence but they kept their voices to nothing more than a gentle whisper ensuring that whatever the furball ahead of them did hear was intelligible.
"We are almost there," Enel announced. "I can smell the blood."
"There are times when I will say that I am not sure that I like the idea that your sense of smell is actually better than mine," A'Janni said. "Clearly though, this is not one of those times. Let's just say that I have had my fair share of smelling blood to last me several lifetimes."
"If you want to talk about *several lifetimes*," the Trill grinned. "I have a few stories to tell you, and quite a few of them deal with blood as well as other bodily fluids." Nicole's effort to lighten the mood was only partially successful based on the physical reaction of the others. A'Janni chuckled while Zub and Adriana remained as stoic as they had been since the start of their venture.
"Stop!" The Caitian suddenly said in a forceful whispered tone. "I'm hearing something," he added as his ears frantically moved. "I think it might be someone else. The sound of the steps are slow and soft."
"Are those steps heading towards us or away from us?" Nicole asked while looking at the ANUBIS' Counselor/Junior Ambassador to see if she would react in a way that might not be the safest way for her or anyone else on the team. Luckily, it appeared that Lopez was content to stay put for the time being.
"Can't tell," A'Janni begrudgingly admitted. "The sound is too faint to be able to clearly tell which direction the cause of it is heading. The team waited for a few seconds, giving the Caitian the opportunity to try and answer the question thus giving them a better idea as to how they would proceed.
"Well?" Adriana snapped, the woman's patience having run dry in the course of only a few seconds.
"It's gone."
"What do you mean it's gone?" The saurian Chief of Security demanded.
"I mean I am not hearing anything. Whatever was causing that noise just stopped."
"Well, at least my sense of smell does not just *stop*," Zub huffed, his scales fluttering ever so lightly to maybe show pride in his superior sense.
"My hearing is working just fine," the Caitian said in his defense. "My not hearing anything at the moment has nothing to do with me. As I said, whatever was causing those sounds has stopped making them. So either they have just stopped moving or they found a way to mask their footsteps, either by making them even lighter or they moved onto an area where the sound cannot reach us."
"Can you still smell the blood?" Adriana demanded in a tone that edged on anger.
Enel simply nodded his head yes while opting to keep as much distance between the woman and him.
"And you," Lopez continued shifting her gaze onto A'Janni. "You can no longer hear anything?"
The Caitian replied in the same manner as his fellow shipmate had a few seconds before.
"Good, so if there is no reason for us to wait, let's keep moving. If whatever was making that noise is gone, then there is no problem and we are just delaying the completion of our mission. If the cause of the noise is there waiting for us somewhere, it would be best for us to find it, engage them and carry on with our mission. Either way, we need to get going and stop wasting time. So scale-face, lead on."
Although not overly polite, the words spoken by Counselor/Junior Ambassador Lopez were true, so without any further delay Zub turned around and resumed leading the team to Stella's last stand.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
"Unseen"
[previous (ANU) "Consequences" / (BAS) "Twitching Ears"]
[/\]
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Zocalo
Stardate: 35013.1945
With the 'covert assault team' confirmed and ready, the group of four headed back to the upper level where the grand market, or the Zocalo as those who lived on the station called it, was located. The place was huge by most standards making it nearly impossible to find someone, but it was the perfect place to move about without being noticed. With so many people wandering about, it was easy for someone to just be another face in the crowd.
As 'the coward', Jayson could weave his way through the thick crowd without anyone paying any great deal of attention to him, that was as long as he stayed close to the walls. Even if someone recognized him to be the lowlife he was portraying to be, no one would likely give his presence there a second thought. Shar'El and the others opted for the same tactic, closely following the path laid out by Jayson who was ahead of them. All they needed now was a specific direction or destination for them to aim for.
"I still do not like this place," Satella said after moving as close to Jayson as she could. "How do people live and work in a place like this?"
"I find this place to be amazing," Misaki cooed.
"Spoken like a true scientist," Jayson said with a smile. As different as Maya and Aki appeared to be, one being a Shillian and the other Asian, the two women behaved very much alike when it came to looking at the universe around them. Stark had not had the chance to work with Lt. Mitshiba a lot, but he did see the similarities between the two CSciO.
"Why do we have to sneak around like this?" Doctor Bruxa asked. Everyone could see that she was getting fidgety. "Would we not have a better chance of finding what we are looking for out there or maybe even on one of those overhanging bridges? We would get to see a lot more, not to mention not having to hide like thieves.
"The Jayson who calls this place his home is known to be a coward. So, he would never be out there," the OPS officer said pointing to the bustling crowd not too far from them. "Shar'El needs to keep a line-of-sight with whoever she is trying to read the memories of. Being here, out of sight, makes it easier as no one will think twice about someone staring at them if they don't notice it. Lastly, how do you think the crowd would react if the one they know as 'the Executioner' was up there, looking down at them as if searching for someone? It would only take one person to recognize you as Stella to have a lot of people in a panic."
"I am here as Stella... " Bruxa's voice trailed off as if she had just remembered something forgotten. Everyone could see that it was not easy for the CMO to take on the role of her lookalike. It would have been a lot easier for the Executioner to take on the identity of the Doctor, a fact that Satella was quickly reminded of when Shar'El shot a quick glare in her direction. "Where do we go?" She said, trying to sound more certain about herself and who she needed to be.
Jayson looked back at the Commander to see if she had any suggestion. The group could easily continue the way they had been going but having a specific destination would make things a lot easier, and it was Shar'El's task to find where that location was. "There are just too many people here. I can see a lot of fragmented memories but none that are remotely helpful in finding Hel. While at the Oasis, I did learn of another location on this station. I was hoping that we might find some clues here while in the security of the crowd, but it is now evident that it will take too long. We need to narrow our search parameters.
"What is that location?" Jayson asked, curious and a little concerned that the Commander had not mentioned this until now.
"I do not know the name, only its function," Shar'El said. "It is where research is conducted on this station."
"Sounds like my kind of place," Aki quietly cheered.
"It is not," the Commander said. "The kind of research I saw happening there is the type that leaves people dead... if they are lucky."
"That's horrible," Satella said, her eyes as wide opened as physically possible.
"Sounds like the perfect place for someone like Hel to have a few henchmen present," Jayson said with a sigh of dread. "We might as well start making our way there." With varying levels of reluctance, the rest of the team followed, Jayson still in the lead but this time following Shar'El directions as she tried to figure out how to reach what she had seen in the crystals of the Oasis.
[/\]
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Zocalo
Stardate: 35013.1955
A figure hidden in the shadows stepped out from behind one of the supporting beams found throughout the Zocalo. The woman's cold gaze and smile could have frozen someone's soul but, yet she appeared pleased by what she had just witnessed and overheard.
"A group of fools trying to go against something they do not understand. Hel is going to have their skins stretched onto her wall by the end of the day." Her smile grew as she watched them sneak away, unaware that they were being watched and followed. "It might almost be fun to watch." As she stepped a little further out of the shadows, the woman's untamed white hair could not be seen along with her light-colored eyes which were fixated on the foursome heading away from her. "Amateur fools on a fool's quest" Abrasivnyy said with amused disbelief. "This is not your place, it is mine... this is *my home* and you will soon be made to understand just how much that means."
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Lieutenant Jayson Stark [Access Character BIO for Jayson Stark]
Chief of Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
=-=
“Decamped”
Previous posts: (ANU) “Unseen” by Jayson / (BAS) “Twitching Ears” by Jayson
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Levels, Corridor
Stardate: 35013.1945
After the whispered and brittle exchange about hearing something, Ensign Zub Enel, the towering reptilian Chief of Security, stepped forward more cautiously, followed a few steps behind by the three others in the dim corridor.
The corridor was curved and narrow compared to most of the passageways he’d encountered in the space station. The flat metal ceiling was less than an arm length over his crested head. A wan phosphorescence flickered from continuous strips along either side of the ceiling.
The rusty scent of blood mixed with the foul stench of other bodily fluids grew unmistakably stronger to his sensitive nose. His feathery down began to flutter in anticipation of finding Stella “The Executioner” who had almost throttled the life out of her exact double, the ANUBIS CMO Satella Bruxa. Zub shuddered as he remembered sweeping up a stiletto that Bruxa had somehow knocked away and using it to stab Stella to death.
In the dimness ahead, a battered and bent access door hung open in the wall. He stopped. A’Janni stepped up beside him and froze.
Adriana asked from behind, “Is this the place?” Without waiting for a reply, she shouldered between the scaly Voth and furry Caitian.
Thick, damaged light guides hung flickering out of the wall box. They pointed like so many accusing tentacles at a pool of blood that had coagulated into a kind of rumpled purplish throw rug.
Noting his sudden stiffness, Nicole had put a comforting hand on the Security Chief’s lower back as she stepped between him and the hulking catlike A’Janni. She had misunderstood. Her eyes popped wide open. She gaped for a moment. “Where’s the body?”
Adriana had gone arms akimbo as she surveyed the pool of blood. She pivoted slowly toward Zub Enel, her attractiveness eclipsed by a deep scowling, teeth bared, lip twitching fury. Something about the way she turned reminded Zub of a gun turret coming to bear on him.
A’Janni saw it too. He immediately stepped sideways past Counselor Dima to place himself between the Security Chief and Junior Ambassador. The Caitian brought up both hands and said to Adriana gently, “Give us a moment to assess this situation.”
Lopez didn’t look in the cooperative mood. She said up to Zub, “She’s *gone*? You said you killed her.”
The Caitian rumbled, “I believe him. That much blood means she did not just hop up and walk away. I thought I heard something or someone moving around.”
Nicole stepped up beside Lopez who had begun to tremble with rage. She put her hand on the Hispanic woman’s arm. For her part, Lopez didn’t shrug it away. Instead she said in a husky whisper that seemed to rattle out of her soul, “Gone?” Adriana wanted to scream, to yell, to thrash at anything or anyone. She wanted someone's blood on her hands, preferably the same blood that was on the metal decking near her. Instead, the Counselor managed to keep herself under control realizing that nothing she had thought of doing would help them. It might make her feel better for a few seconds, but in the end, the body of the Executioner would still be missing and their mission a failure. Worse then the team's mission being unsuccessful was the fact that her own personal mission, that of simple revenge, would remain incomplete.
Seeing that the situation concerning Miss Lopez was relatively under control, A'Janni softened his stance. For the time being, it appeared that the Counselor/Junior Ambassador was not about to go nuclear, at least that was what the felinoid FCO hoped. Able to take his one good eye off the woman, the Caitian scanned their immediate surroundings. Zub might have the advantage when it came to smells, but in such low lighting it was A'Janni that possessed the edge. Being careful not to trigger a sudden reaction from Adriana, he pointed out, "There is a trail of blood going around the corner."
Counselor Dima quickly came to stand a little in front of the other woman, trying without making it obvious to offer an obstacle for her to have to deal with should she decide to pursue the mentioned trail.
"Was she dragged, or did she slither away like the snake that she is?" Adriana asked, glancing quickly at Nicole to let her know that she knew what she was doing but would not challenge her, at least not at this particular time.
"It is hard to say," A'Janni said, carefully studying the smear marks on both the floor and wall. "There is so much blood that it would be almost unthinkable that someone so severely injured could have done anything on their own. The handprint on the wall there," he continued pointing with a single claw at the exact location, "seems to hint that someone was looking for a way to steady themselves. The imprint left is too smudged to get an accurate idea of the size of the person who did it."
"Why would someone want to drag a dead body away?" Dima asked, trying to find cause to support the theory that it was someone else who was responsible for the missing body of the dead assassin.
"The same could have been asked about us being here looking for it," A'Janni offered as a rebuttal. "There are a lot of people on this station, and I would not be surprised if every one of them had a different reason for wanting to grab a dead body, whether they know who it is or not."
"If whoever did this wanted to fetch themselves a trophy or a snack, in either case, it solves our problem. There is no dead body for us to dispose of," the reptilian Chief of Security said, half hoping that this would be the end of their mission.
"It is not that simple," Nicole offered, the woman clearly calling upon her many years and lifetimes of experience. "We have to confirm who took that body. If they are associated with the Crown or Hel, we can be sure that they will learn of the death of one of their top operatives and enact retaliations without the slightest bit of hesitation. If the body was taken by someone else, they might leave clues that will lead to the same outcome. If she did manage to get up and leave on her own, we have to locate her before she can inform anyone of what happened. Above and beyond all of that, there is one more reason why we need to find her," the Counselor said as she turned to look at Adriana "Some of us need closure, in one way or another."
"Alright," the Caitian said in an agreeing tone. "Stay close, I will follow the trail." Pausing for an instant, A'Janni looked at his friend before shooting a rapid glance in the direction of the Counselor/Junior Ambassador. "Keep an eye on her. I had your back, now it's your turn."
Enel grinned before whispering. "At least I am able to have one eye on each... unlike you."
A'Janni softly growled. As tense as the situation was, it was nice to be able to share those fleeting seconds of levity, especially given that there was no knowing what they would find at the end of the trail of blood they were now following.
=-=
David Michael Inverso
Ensign Zub Enel [Access Character BIO for Zub Enel]
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS BASTET, NCC 74977
and
Marissa Montonera-Lombardi
Lieutenant JG Adriana Lopez [Access Character BIO for Adriana Lopez]
Ship's Counselor & Junior Ambassador
USS ANUBIS
and
Jayson Sousa
and
Susan Ledbetter
=-=
“I think modern societies have to ask a very basic question: What strategies buy the most health for people? Doctors can do so many marvelous things now. They can keep a corpse alive, almost.”
- Richard Lamm
"Field Work"
Previous posts: (ANU) "Unseen" & (BAS) "Decamped"
///^\\\
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Zocalo
Stardate: 35013.2010
This is what she lived for, to be out there dealing with the mysteries and unknown of the multiverse hands-on. It was nice to read about all of the different types of races and the range in social behavior, but there was nothing that could compare to experiencing those aspects live. Aki was as happy as could be, well she would have been if she could have enjoyed the wide range of species and cultures the Zocalo offered instead of working on the small device Commander Shar'El had handed over to the CSciO.
///^\\\
FLASHBACK
///^\\\
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Levels
Stardate: 35013.1945
The moment Aki offered to join the covert assault team, a glimmer appeared in the eyes of the ANUBIS' ExO/ILO. The Asian woman had expected there to be some debate or maybe a thorough questioning as to her motives or even skills she would be bringing along, but instead, Shar'El welcomed the CSciO with open arms, at least figuratively if not literally.
"Glad to have you with us," the Commander said. "If you have a moment during our travels, I would like for you to have a look at this." A small solid black colored cylindrical object was handed over. It was just a little larger than an isolinear rod but a great deal heavier.
Puzzled by the device now in her hand, she forwarded a possible theory. "Some sort of transmitter? Wouldn't that risk giving away our position?"
"It is a transmitter, in that it can broadcast a specific modulated signal in a narrow beam, but it is not meant to relay our position to anyone. I would like you to have a look at it. Since our arrival to this dimension, it has not been functioning," Shar'El explained.
"All dimensions have a unique quantum vibration," the CSciO said as she studied the small device now in her hand. "So far in our travels to other dimensions we have discovered that this vibration is very similar to that of our own dimension, but there have been exceptions creating some unexpected issues with our technology. It is very likely that this dimension possesses a quantum vibration that interferes with this device."
"Can you fix it?" The ANUBIS' Commander asked.
"It would help if I knew what the device's purpose was," Aki replied as she began to think back to her Academy days and before that to the time she spent on ANDOR where she truly discovered her love for the mysteries of the universe and the challenges they offered her as a scientist.
"It would take a while to explain," the Commander dismissed. "I just thought that you might enjoy a little challenge while we go out looking for clues as to where to find this Hel person."
Had Aki possessed long, rabbit-like ears, they would have shot straight up at the sound of the word 'challenge'. Shar'El could have said a million things that might or might not have convinced the Asian scientist, but that word was a sure win every time. "I will see what I can do," Mitshiba said as she slid the cover to expose the inner components. If the idea of this being a challenge had been enough to get her to look inside, the hyper sophisticated microcircuits she found there further pushed the mysterious nature of the device. "This is not going to be easy," she said while lightly grinning.
"Too difficult for you?" It was as if Shar'El was baiting her, playing with her emotions and desire to tackle whatever mystery she was presented with.
"Nothing is too difficult," Misaki said. "I love a challenge and this is just that, a delicious challenge."
///^\\\
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Zocalo
Stardate: 35013.2020
There was no denying it, Aki loved challenges, but this one was becoming a sore spot as it forced her to divide her attention. Right now, all the Asian scientist needed to do was to follow the others and make sure that she would not become separated, but it would have been much more enjoyable for her if she could have studied the people and lifestyles on display around her instead of focusing on the small black cylinder in her hands.
With her attention focused on this challenge, Aki did not notice that the group had come to a sudden stop. When she looked up, she saw what appeared to be a less than happy looking cross between a Klingon and Jem-Hadar.
"Where do you think you are going?" The beast growled making Aki instantly wished that Zub Enel had been here instead of wherever he was at the moment. At least with his size and strength, he would have been a match for whatever creature was now in front of them.
"We are not looking for trouble," Commander Shar'El politely said, hoping to defuse the situation before it turned ugly.
"Too bad," the beast snarled, showing a set of teeth that even a Ferengi would step back away from. "I'd say that you found it."
Aki watched as Jayson gently nudged Satella, prompting her to step forward. After all, she was supposed to be the Executioner. It was easy to see that the CMO was not at all comfortable with what was being asked of her, but she also knew that there were no other options. She needed to *be* Stella in more than just appearance.
"Get out of our way," the silver-haired petite woman said in as threatening a manner as she could muster.
"Or what?" The beast said, clearly calling the woman's bluff. Aki was about to point out that it was a likely possibility that not everyone knew the identity of the woman known as the Executioner as such knowledge might prove counterproductive. That said, it could have been the opposite as her simple presence could be used to instil fear in anyone who might decide to challenge the authority behind the woman. Unfortunately, her explanation never made it out before the creature pushed Satella back causing her to collide against Aki knocking the Asian back with enough force to see her fall.
While the other three officers were busy dealing with the unpleasant obstacle, Aki was trying to get back to her feet, a task made a little easier thanks to the help of a hooded figure. "Her, let me help you."
The Asian woman was about to extend her gratitude when she heard the sounds of a disturbance coming from where the others were. Aki quickly turned to see what was happening and discovered that the beast had taken hold of Jayson who had stepped forward to protect Satella.
"I said put him DOWN!" The CMO commanded, her voice had become much more decisive than it had been only a few seconds ago. The muscular giant stared down at the small woman and Aki noted that he glanced up in her general decision before doing as instructed. As soon as Jayson was back on his feet, the beast turned and walked away leaving everyone to wonder as to what had just happened.
"Well, looks like you did it," Shar'El said to Satella. Aki was not ready to accept that as the reason for the giant's sudden change of heart, so the CSciO looked back to see if the person who had helped her back on her feet might have had something to do with this. To Mitshiba's surprise, she found no one standing there, only the small black cylinder that had fallen out of her hands earlier. Relieved that the device had not been lost or worst broken by being stepped on, the Asian woman quickly fetched the item before quickly regrouping with the others.
///^\\\
Dawn Bohr
Lieutenant Misaki 'Aki' Mitshiba [Access Character BIO for Misaki Mitshiba]
Chief Science Officer
USS BASTET - NCC 74977
=-=
“Moppet”
Previous posts: (ANU) “Unseen” by Jayson / (BAS) “Field Work” by Dawn
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Levels
Stardate: 35013.2015
The BASTET’s Flight Control Officer A’Janni led the three other Federation officers slowly along a dimly lit side corridor from the one where Stella The Executioner’s body had been taken. In the gloom, in spite of having only one eye, his acute vision helped track spots of blood. The trail of drops ended at a hatch with a multitude of black cargo boxes stacked along either side of the corridor leading to it.
“Could she have been stashed in one of these,” asked Nicole Dima, the BASTET CNS.
“Only if they cut her up,” the felinoid FCO said as he experimentally pulled and pushed at the stacks. “They do not feel heavy enough to have body parts in them.”
After sniffing at the seam of the hatch, Zub Enel, the tall, reptilian BASTET Chief of Security said, “Vegetables. Cooking.”
ANUBIS Junior Ambassador Adriana Lopez asked, “A kitchen?”
A’Janni gave a snort. “Stella stew?”
Zub grasped a handle and first pushed it and then pulled it to open the hatch. “We need to follow the trail.”
Bright light and steamy aromas poured into the corridor as the hatch swung outward on old fashioned hinges. The team of four, females first, stepped into a bustling kitchen with a long, double row of counters down the center shoved together back to back. Stoves with steaming pots and pans lined either long wall. Cooks in whites and sweat stained red fezzes faced each other hunched over along the counters under hanging pots, rapidly chopping, scraping, mixing and stirring colorful vegetables and small cubes of light-colored meat.
A large Cardassian female with sweat dampened black hair and a ruddy inverted teardrop crest above her nose swayed toward the open hatch as she avoided the backsides of bent-over prep cooks on one side and hot stoves on the other. Her light gray face had bony ridges around her eyes. She looked none too pleased.
She wiped her hands with a soiled white towel she carried and then dabbed it at her sweaty face before tossing it across her broad shoulders. All the while her gaze assessed the four standing just inside her kitchen. Her dark eyes fixed on Adriana who stood slightly to the front of the away team. The big cook pointed at the Junior Ambassador with a chubby finger that had a dark green bit of a leaf stuck under her thick nail. “What is this? First, goons with a body and a rock and now, two floozies and two absolutely *filthy* — whatsits? I agreed you people could *occasionally* sneak through to use my lift. *Occasionally* doesn’t mean twice in one day.”
Lopez had initially stiffened when called a floozie. She decided to keep her back straight like it was her natural posture, but she warmed her face with a smile. “The word ‘occasionally’ has shades of meaning.”
The Cardassian woman’s thin, umber lips twisted. She bent forward to put her face close to Adriana’s. “These ‘heath permits’ are already eating me alive. I don’t need bodies triggering another inspection.” She straightened, scowled and waved a hand up toward Zub’s and A’Janni’s faces, “Or any more animals.”
Zub took in a breath to speak, but A’Janni swung his closest arm sideways to smack the 7-foot tall lizard in his thigh, out of sight of the angry cook. Zub held his breath. He and A’Janni stood silently behind the women. A scent of hot oil and aromatic spice tickled his nose.
Adriana said with a broad smile, “We’ll be gone before you know it.”
The hefty cook gave the slightest bow and swept her hand out to her side as if respectfully presenting the way for a royal entourage to go. A small green woman in white slipped up beside the big cook. “The fendarolia is boiling.” The Orion female goggled up at the towering males.
The cook turned toward the little green woman and said. “Whisk in a pinch of sweet gara.” The Orion woman left immediately. The Cardassian female waved her hand dismissively at Adriana, “Go! I have patrons waiting. Do *not* spoil through here again today!”
In the direction the big cook had swept her hand was a passage between high, white cabinets with many drawers and doors facing each other. What looked like a turbo-lift hatch was set into the wall past the cabinets. A trail of blood drops led to that hatch.
As the team started toward the cabinets, the big cook called after Adriana with warning in her tone. “I’m talking with The Agent about this.” Adriana didn’t turn back but raised her hand in a wave of acknowledgment.
Last to move, Zub passed the cook. She slapped the back of her hand on his chest. She spoke a little louder up to him. “You. Take this.” She thrust out a long stick with wet fibers dangling from one end.
Zub closed a three-fingered hand on it, confusion on his scaly face.
“Mop. Mop.” She waved a hand like she was dusting him toward the turbo-lift. “You and that dirty — cat thing — are dropping all kinds of rancid bits on this floor. Clean it up. Go.”
Holding the stick vertically with the fibers hanging, he started to follow the team through a steamy cloud that smelled of pan-fried fish and breadcrumbs.
“No!” the Cardassian cook yelled after him. “Face me. Look at me. Look.”
He turned around. She was holding her arms out low as she pantomimed with her hands holding a stick and making a wavy sweeping motion. “Mop the floor. Mop.”
He bent and complied, sweeping the stick and fibers back and forth on the floor. Tiles gleamed where he had cleaned. The cook gave him one last assessment. “All the way to the lift. Leave the mop.” She turned and hurried out of sight into the kitchen.
As they grouped at the turbo-lift door, Nicole said to Lopez. “She talked only to you. I couldn’t tell if she knew you or not, but she mentioned Ya’Han’s double and seemed convinced you were part of the group that runs this station. Does that mean you have a double here?”
Adriana looked lost in thought, “Goons, a body, and a rock.”
“And disgusting animals,” A’Janni added as Zub arrived and mopped up the last bit of blood spots. The brawny tiger-esque Caitian looked at the closed hatch with his single, white-eye. “They could have gone anywhere with that body. We will have to stop on each deck to check for drops of blood. Unless Zub beats us to it with that mop.”
A’Janni faced the scaly Voth. “You can put that thing down now.” He swept both furry hands downward and said up to the big lizard man loudly like the cook had done. “Down. Down.”
The Junior Ambassador’s head snapped up as she suddenly focused on A’Janni, “The rock is a soul crystal! I know where to go!” She slapped a control strip beside the lift door. It squealed piteously for lubrication as it circled open.
=-=
David Michael Inverso
Ensign Zub Enel [Access Character BIO for Zub Enel]
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS BASTET, NCC 74977
“A cat in a kitchen... not good. A hungry cat in a kitchen... even worse.
A hungry Caitian in a kitchen... something is going to be missing by the time they walk through.”
- Jayson Sousa
=-=
"Her Home"
[the previous post was (ANU) "Unseen" / (BAS) "Moppet"]
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Zocalo
Stardate: 35013.2025
She watched as they left, quietly grinning to herself. They were visibly stunned by what had transpired. The Jem'Hadar from this dimension could have easily ripped them all limb from limb. He would have done so without breaking a sweat too. These genetically created monsters were not known for their compassion. They were feared warriors who never hesitated to fight or kill. They also delighted in bathing in the blood spatter of their victims. In this dimension, these beasts were as bad as it got. Well, at least as far as this station's inhabitants were concerned. There were things far worse out there. The reason why she knew this was because she was one of those worse things.
Remit'iklan was not pleased as he made his way back to the hooded figure. For a Jem'Hadar to withdraw from a fight the way he did was unheard of. He would have preferred to fight and die instead of acting as if nothing happened. His bruised feelings though came in a distant second to his honor., He was bound to obey the cloaked figure he was now approaching. Her will was not to be questioned, only obeyed. "I have done as you requested, Mistress."
"Well done," the woman said as she tightly clenched something in her hand. "You still have much to do. Now, go. I will keep an eye on them."
"By your command," the Jem'Hadar said bowing. To see such a beast bow to someone much smaller was enough to raise more than a few eyebrows. Whoever she was, it was best not to get anywhere close to her.
=-=
FLASHBACK
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Research Laboratories
Stardate: Many years ago
Gemma laid on an examination table. The coldness of the metal pressed against her back. She could hear those around her planning how they would dissect her. The dimensional rift through which her craft had appeared was alien to them. Therefore, it made sense that anyone inside would be equally alien. The small pod was brought into the landing bay to be investigated. Those brave enough to approach and open it found a single occupant.
Her skin was as cold as ice, and the lack of a heartbeat led them to a simple conclusion. The woman, whoever she might have been, was dead. Gemma would prove them wrong soon enough. Right now, though, she just waited and listened. As long as they believed her dead, they did not fear speaking aloud. No one else was in the lab except for another half dozen corpses.
"Those Alliance fools. Did they truly think that we would not be ready for them?"
"You have to agree that using those shapeshifting slaves was still a good idea. Our troops had a hard time dealing with them after they turned into those massive creatures."
"Good idea or not, they were no match for our Jem'Hadar. The cleanup crew is going to be scraping guts off the walls for weeks."
The two men laughed. Obviously, they enjoyed the idea of gore. Maybe she would be able to indulge their fetish.
"What about this one? She does not have any spots on her neck."
"Maybe she is hiding them further down her body. Let's have a look."
The time for listening was over. It was time for Gemma to act if she did not want this room to become her final resting place.
"Wait," one of the two men said as he came closer. "She looks different then when she was brought..." The sentence was cut short as the scalpel Anya had in her hand found its mark. The sharp blade easily cut through the man's jaw to embed itself in his head. His body had not hit the floor before the redhead was on her feet. The second man had barely managed to look into the eyes when a second blade cut his throat.
Standing at the ready for more action, the ILO scanned the room. Everyone was dead with one exception, her. After confirming with a second sweep that all was clear, she softened her stand. "Alright, I have 16 hours before the rift reopens. More than enough time for me to find the one in charge."
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Arena prep area
Stardate: Many years ago, rift reopens in 13 hours
This was where people came to fight. This was where people came to die. Fear was not an option, and most cared nothing about that others thought. In other words, this was the perfect place to get some information.
Jinx had been the one to walk in. As fierce as she appeared though, her looks proved to be too distracting. Gabrielle offered to take her place, but a saboteur could do little in a place like this. Anyone displaying any sort of physical strength would be looked upon as a challenger. Appearing soft or weak would instantly invite the desires of those who hoped for one last taste of pleasure. A quick study of her surroundings made several things clear to the ILO. A clean appearance would only cause trouble. A clean attitude would only label you as an easy prey. Quickly ducking behind some crates, someone new stepped out.
"Hey there baby, how about you and me have a little bit of fun before I go into the arena?"
The woman glared at the man standing in front of her. If calling that thing a man was even appropriate. "I am not interested," Abrasivnyy hissed. "I did see a couple of rats slithering being those crates. I think the three of you would make a perfect couple. Let's face it, your smell alone should win them over. You already smell like a week-old corpse.
"Why you..." He was not going to take what had been said. Coming here to fight was one thing. Coming here to be insulted had not been part of the plan.
"YO! You! The Jem-Hadar. Are you going to let that walking pile of pestilence insult you like that?" The plan worked. Not only had the first guy halted his attack, but the second one was now coming closer.
"What did you say?" The Jem'Hadar had at least a full meter over the other guy.
"Nothing."
"That is not what I heard," Abrasivnyy smirked. "Let me see if I can recall the exact words he used. As stupid and brainless as he is tall. Could not land a punch against a wall. Wait, there was more. Something about you never making it into the arena. You would be too stupid to duck and hit your head on the way in. I think he also said something about the rats..." she never finished. Next thing she saw was the first man lifted off the ground and his arms torn from his body. "Impressive," she said. "Looking forward to seeing you in the area. What name should I be cheering for?"
"Remit'iklan," he answered before walking away.
"Alright Remi. You show them what you can do. Be sure to stay away from the walls. I heard that some of the bookies like to play dirty. Would hate for you to end up dead because of a small poisoned needle."
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Zocalo
Stardate: 35013.2045
Some things had changed. Some things had been exactly as she encountered them her first time here. In the course of 16 hours, she had discovered what this place was all about. The conflict between the Alliance and Confederacy. How each side was using others to do the dirty work.
A lot of people died the first time she had come to this place. Directly or indirectly because of her. It was unlikely that her being back would end in any other way. This was her home, the place she saw for the first time. A place that felt as natural to her as was the blood stains she left as a show of her having been there.
Abrasivnyy opened her hand and looked at the small black cylinder. "Sorry Shar'El, but here *I* call the shots, not you."
=-=
Rachel Jackie Johnson
[The fun is getting to wear multiple disguises and getting to explore multiple personalities and bring them to life. - Jenna Fischer]
-=-=-
"Between A Rock and a Hard Place"
[Previous post: (ANU) "Unseen" & (BAS) "Her Home"]
-=-=-
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Cargo Lift
Stardate: 35013.2030
The claim that Adriana knew where the body of the Executioner had been taken was a slight exaggeration. There was no empirical proof, no undeniable clues, all that the Counselor/Junior Ambassador had to go on was a gut feeling brought upon by a thought that barely made sense. She offered the claim thinking that it was better to have a specific target in mind rather than having the team aimlessly wander the numerous decks of this hellish structure the inhabitants referred to as a space station.
As they made their way to the upper levels where the Oasis could be found, Adriana found that her mood had failed to follow the upper trajectory of the lift. Her mind and emotions were still reeling from the thought that the woman responsible for the death of her one and only friend on this station had been killed by someone other than her. What made matters worse was the fact that there was no way to confirm the woman's demise.
There was no denying that the towering reptilian standing as far away from her as the limited space of the lift permitted had done the right thing. His quick actions had saved the life of Doctor Satella Bruxa, a valued member of the ANUBIS' crew not to mention a good friend. That alone should have placed the Junior Ambassador in a position of gratefulness towards the Ensign, but her feelings of resentment were running too deep to even consider trying to go against them at this moment. Adriana was angry, more so than she could have ever imagined possible for one person to be. She felt betrayed by Zub, by the crew of the BASTET and more importantly by the universe as a whole. Finding the body of the Executioner might have allowed her to begin the process of closure in regards to Mandy's death, but that had been denied to her, just as making the woman pay for a life taken with her own had also been denied.
Here she was, standing with her fellow shipmates, stuck between two wishes that completely conflicted with one another. She wanted for them to find the lifeless body of the murderous woman thus allowing Adriana to claim that justice, in some fashion, had been served and that the Executioner would never again be able to hurt someone else the way she had so many before. Then, there was Lopez' driving desire to find the woman alive, even if only partially, allowing the Junior Ambassador to act in a way that no one holding her position should even consider. It would be a foregone conclusion that Xana would never forgive her for taking a life out of cold-blooded revenge. The best the underling could hope for was for her mentor to understand why she had to act the way she did. That is if the universe ever gave her the opportunity to do so.
"Is this the right level?" The Trill's quietly, politely asked, the question drawing the Hispanic woman out of her self-imposed mental exile, forcing the Counselor/Junior Ambassador back to the here and now.
Adriana performed a quick scan of the corridor extending before them wanting to make sure as she had not paid any attention to the indicators within the lift. The markings, which the initial exploration team had believed to represent the level indicators did match those they had seen just before discovering the Oasis. "Yes, I believe we are on the right level."
"Enel, A'Janni," Nicole said, inviting the two much larger men to step out of the lift ahead of the women. "Care to see if you can pick up the trail?"
The Voth and Caitian nodded their readiness to comply in unison, both stepping out at the same time as they used their respective senses to see if this was indeed the right place, and if so which way they needed to go.
Taking advantage of this fleeting moment, the joint Trill turned to face the Hispanic woman, looking straight into her eyes. "You may think that I am only saying this as a Counselor, but I am not. Please believe me when I say that I understand the anger and pain you are experiencing. Being able to live through multiple lifetimes and remember every single moment of joy is that I also can recall every moment of pain. For each smile that graced my lips because someone entered my life, I have shed countless tears for those who were taken from me before their time. Through the horrendous hardships you were forced to endured, you managed to find that one beam of light that allowed you to make it through. I did not know Mandy, but I do know how much she meant to you. We will find Stella, one way or another, but what you need to remind yourself of is this -- you are not alone. You were not alone then, and you are certainly not alone now. We are here for you... and for her."
-=-=-
Marissa Montonera-Lombardi
Lieutenant JG Adriana Lopez [Access Character BIO for Adriana Lopez]
Ship's Counselor & Junior Ambassador
USS ANUBIS
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
"Agent of Destruction"
[previous post were (ANU) "Between a Rock and a Hard Place" / (BAS) "Her Home"]
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Open Storage Area
Stardate: 35013.2030
Jayson left with Commander Shar'El's team tasked with finding the one believed to be responsible for the Confederacy on this station. The woman known as Hel was elusive and clearly preferred to have her subordinates be out there. Some might see this as a show of weakness, the woman displaying insecurity in making herself known to those she oppressed, directly or indirectly.
Although very different in many ways, the Sec/Tac could not help but see the similarities between the woman and a man the Nylaan had come to know far too well. Both Hel and her father ruled with an iron fist, displaying the extent of their power every chance that presented itself. The main difference between the two of them as far as Ya'Han could tell was that her father did not hesitate to witness the hardship he was responsible for while the mysterious woman was satisfied by the reports of those she sent to do the deeds. Or did she?
"Are you alright Ya'Han," the other redhead of the ANUBIS asked, the CEO noticed a perplexed expression on the features of the Sec/Tac. "Please don't tell me that you are concerned about that sorry excuse for a man that is Jayson."
"Yes... no..." The seesaw answer was not like Ya'Han, a woman that Sonja had grown to know as someone who was, in the greater majority of times, certain about herself and her actions.
"Alright rainbow girl, what is bothering you? Let me remind you that you are dealing with a redhead here, so don't try to tell me something that I know will not be the truth."
As an engineer, Sonja was one of the most gifted person Ya'Han had ever known. The CEO of the ANUBIS was as talented as could be, able to keep everything working at the highest possible levels of efficiency while still managing to find time to create amazing machines. The woman also possessed a way of dealing with her friends that left those few who could call themselves such to feel privileged while at the same time understanding that with such honor came the price of having a dedicated person on your side at all times.
"Yes," Ya'Han admitted. "I am concerned for Jayson, just as much as I am for the rest of the team he is a part of. Trying to locate Hel is likely not going to be easy and I am worried as to how things might turn out should they find her. The 'no' was because I am also concerned about the members of the other team, especially Adriana. She did not seemed herself when she left with them."
"You of all people should understand the impact having been abused can have on someone," Sonja pointed out. "At least, Adriana has not gone as far as needing to change her hair color to warn others that she is on the edge of going thermo-nuclear."
Smiling, if only for a split second, Ya'Han continued. "I am also concerned about what your doppelganger has in store for us. The holographic message was very specific, which means that Sonju knows exactly where we are."
"So you are concerned that she might know even more," the redhead CEO said nodding her head while exhaling slowly. "That would not be good for either of the other teams. Speaking of which, how long *does* it take to hide a dead body? You would figure that with all those muscles, that team would have been back long ago. I hope that Adriana is not giving them too much of a hard time."
"Mama?" It was Ben calling for his mother's attention. The boy's voice was filled with equal parts puzzlement, concern and fear. It only took a second for everyone to identify the cause of the boy's call as all eyes fell onto the dimensional twin of Sonja, the woman known as 'The Crown'.
"Love what you did with the place," Sonju hissed sarcastically as she stood there, her arms crossed, and an expression of pure loathing engraved upon her face. "You seem to be missing some people. Where is Miss Lopez?" She asked as 'The Agent' stepped into view.
"You did not come here to ask about her," Sonja countered, matching the other woman's tone perfectly, something that was relatively easy for her to do since it was someone exactly like her who had spoken. The scene became even more surreal as the ANUBIS' Sec/Tac adopted the exact same mirror position and posture as her dimensional counterpart.
"I was merely being polite," The Crown fired back without missing a beat. "Look at us, it is like looking into a mirror. A very distorted and dirty mirror that shows you what might have been if everything in your life went wrong."
"I was about to say the exact same thing," the redhead engineer said in return. "Now, are you going to continue to waste our time or tell us why you are here? That is if that is within your abilities to do so, as you said, looking at you feels like staring into a mirror at a broken and defective reflection. Maybe wasting everyone's time is the best you can do."
Ya'Han shot a quick look at her friend, wondering if maybe Sonja was pushing things a little too much.
"You should not have come back," Han said shaking her head, directing her words to the Nylaan lookalike.
"You and your Confederacy gave us little choice in the matter," the Sec/Tac softly growled causing her friend the CEO to look her way in the same general manner that the Nylaan had done seconds before.
"We just came to extend our apologize to your friend Adriana," the Agent said while the Crown simply stood there watching as the other members of the group of interdimensional travelers slowly approached.
"I doubt that very much," Ya'Han challenged.
"Fine, maybe I am here to execute 'Plan B'."
The Sec/Tac rolled her eyes. "Killing each other? Really! That's the best you can come up with?"
"Remember what I said to you the first time our paths crossed?" Han asked. Ya'Han clearly recalled the words spoken to her that day. It would have been difficult for anyone not to remember words spoken by someone who appeared and sounded exactly like yourself. The Sec/Tac just nodded her head, not wanting to say out loud what her counterpart had said. 'This place is more dangerous than you can imagine, and no one is as they appear. If you are truly just another version of me, then trust your instincts. They might save your life as well as that of your companions.' "Unfortunately, you and your friends came back," the Agent added.
Trusting her instincts, Ya'Han knew that something was wrong. Why would Han say what she did? Was she trying to warn her twin sister from another dimension about something? The Sec/Tac would only have a few seconds to figure it all out, if she did so at all before all hell broke loose upon them.
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Hanali Han
Lieutenant Ya'Han [Access Character BIO for Ya'Han]
Chief of Security / Chief Tactical Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
"Getting Closer"
Previous posts: (ANU) "Agent of Destruction" & (BAS) "Her Home"
///^\\\
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Zocalo
Stardate: 35013.2030
It was quiet... too quiet. The run-in with the Jem'Hadar had put everyone on edge than they had been beforehand. The scary-looking warrior served as a reminder that anything could happen while on this station, further pointing to the need for the team to be exceptionally vigilant. Surprises of all sorts waited around every corner, behind every pillar and also from places that the members of the team did not even know were there.
Under normal circumstances, Aki would have been thrilled to be in a situation like this as she loved the air of mystery that surrounded them, but the yet-to-be-discovered unknowns here were far from the type she enjoyed dealing with. Here, on SPACE STATION NOWHERE, any one of these unknowns could easily prove to be their ultimate downfall. This simple reality was more than enough to dampen the Asian woman's usual scientific enthusiasm.
With the small device handed over by Commander Shar'El firmly in her grasp, the CSciO took a moment to analyze her immediate surroundings. The First Officer of the ANUBIS was in the lead closely followed by Doctor Bruxa who, thanks to their earlier dealings with the Jem'Hadar appeared to be feeling a little more at ease with her new role and identity. Lieutenant Stark was walking right next to Mitshiba, their respective attention bouncing from one thing to the next.
"This is a huge station," Jayson remarked quietly. "It will be difficult for us to get any sort of hint as to Hel's whereabouts. The best we can hope for is for Shar'El to pick up something using her telepathic abilities."
"We could try to find some sort of computer access station," Aki proposed. "I doubt that we would be able to just do a search for someone named 'Hel' and get their location, but I am sure that we could narrow down our search parameters quite a bit if we followed a specific inquiry process."
"Process of elimination," the Chief of Operations said nodding his head in agreement. "Even if it does not work, we would not be any further off than we are at the moment. Commander," Jayson continued summoning the ExO's attention onto him. "I suggest we find some sort of computer access station. Lt. Mitshiba believes that we might be able to uncover some clues to help us find who it is we are looking for."
It was easy to see that the Commander was not overly thrilled with the proposed idea but thanks to her inability to find anything useful through her telepathic search, she reluctantly agreed to the proposed plan. "We will have to make our way to one of the resting areas," Shar'El instructed. "Be careful, we are going to be far more visible there then we are now, and that could lead to trouble."
"The way *Stella* handled our last bit of trouble, I am sure that we will be able to manage whatever comes our way," Jayson said, trying to further reassure the CMO that she was doing fine in her role as the Executioner. The Doctor offered a meek grin in response, choosing not to say anything that might shatter the perception that she had completely slid into the new persona.
///^\\\
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Rest Area
Stardate: 35013.2045
Small tables with three or four chairs each were scattered throughout the area. This was meant to be a place where people could meet and talk and judging by the type of individuals who were there, the discussions unfolding touched on a very wide range of possible subjects.
"There is a computer access terminal available over there," Jayson pointed out as they walked into the area. He and Aki took point followed by Doctor Bruxa and Commander Shar'El who was bringing up the rear keeping a close watch on everyone and everything around them. She did not like being in such an open setting, but it was clear that they needed to try something different if they were to accomplish their mission.
"Alright you two, make it quick," the First Officer said, turning her back to the two officers in order to see if any uninvited guests might want to see what they were up to. Shar'El hoped that having Satella standing next to her in as much a threatening posture as the woman could manage would help dissuade any curiosity aimed at them.
"This looks like a standard data access system," Jayson said as he navigated the multiple menus displayed on the screen. "All of the major areas are listed such as the Arena, the Oasis, the landing bays and some of the general quarters. Did you know that there is a hotel on this station?"
"Given all that we have seen, I would not trust that place to be clean," the CMO said.
"I would suspect that you are correct," Aki noted. "Did you see the business that is attached to that hotel?"
Jayson quickly read the displayed information before quickly closing the small window. "I am pretty such that none of us would be willing to go there and play *that* role. Let me see if I can find something a little more helpful."
"The data and locations available for searches is rather limited," Aki said. "These access stations are meant for the basic visitors who have no idea as to what is available to them. We need to find a way to bypass the security measures and gain access to the more restricted information."
"Lieutenant Stark, do you think you can do this?" Shar'El inquired.
"Already working on it," the Chief of Operations replied. "Misaki, see if you can access the wiring below this console. Might need to physically bypass some of the security circuits for us to gain access to the secured information."
"I will see what I can do," Aki said as she lowered herself onto the floor and removed the front panel giving her access to the mess of circuits and parts that were hiding behind. "This might take a while. It looks like whoever put this thing together was blind and possibly missing a few fingers. There does not appear to be any rhyme or reason for the way any of this is set up."
"We do not have that much time," Shar'El quietly snapped. We are wide open and it will not take long before someone notices that we are doing something we are not supposed to. You both need to work fast. If you are unable to get to the restricted information in the next 5 minutes, we will simply leave and try something else."
Faced with this absolute deadline, Aki reached in and tried to make some sense as to what she was looking at. Wires of various colors were connecting sections of the main board to other sections, some of the main control chips appeared to be of Federation construction while others were completely alien to her. How any of this managed to function together was beyond the understanding of the CSciO but the Asian woman knew that she had to try something.
"Whatever you did, it worked," Jayson announced. "I have access to the restricted information. Correction, I have access to *all* of the available information. I can see the complete layout of the station as well as every section, even those identified as being 'top-level-restricted'."
Aki was more than pleased to hear this, but she was at a complete loss to explain how this had come to be. As far as she was concerned, the CSciO had not done anything other than move some of the wires in order to get a better view of the primary board."
"Close it up," Stark said. "I have what we need."
"You know how we can find Hel?" Doctor Bruxa asked.
"Better. I know exactly where she is."
"Then, let's go!" Shar'El ordered, wanting to get out of this open area as quickly as possible.
///^\\\
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Rest Area, upper level
Stardate: 35013.2055
A smile of joy appeared on the woman's lips as she watched the group of four leave the rest area. From where she sat, she could keep a close watch on them without them knowing that they were being closely observed. What pleased the woman even more was the fact that none of them realized that it was thanks to her tampering with the station's computer access stations that they were able to obtain the information they so desperately needed.
They were heading exactly where she wanted them to, so all that Abrasivnyy needed to do now was to follow them as she had been doing from pretty much the start.
///^\\\
Dawn Bohr
Lieutenant Misaki 'Aki' Mitshiba [Access Character BIO for Misaki Mitshiba]
Chief Science Officer
USS BASTET - NCC 74977
=-=
“It’s Alive”
Previous posts: (ANU) “Between A Rock and a Hard Place” by Marissa / (BAS) “Getting Closer” by Dawn
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, OASIS, a lab
Stardate: 35013.2100
Behind a hatch that was screened by floral plantings, Safio entered a brightly lit laboratory that had a corpse covered on a central table. The lab was kept cold to slow any degradation. Safio felt a chill through his robe even though he’d been hot from carrying the statue-like Crystal of Souls. The sudden coolness made him shiver enough to need both hands to place the crystal upright into a metal receptacle. Once in place, a faint scintillation beneath the dark facets of the crystal grew more vigorous. Safio smiled and gave the crystal a comforting pat.
He rubbed his hands to heat them as he turned toward the covered body. A tall woman had just entered from another door. Wrapped in a light blue-gray smock denoting medical practitioners, she didn’t return his smile.
“What do you think,” Safio asked, glancing at the corpse and back up at the woman.
“Do you want an honest answer, Guardian?” The woman crossed long arms over her chest. Her mouth made a line.
“Of course!”
“You will not yell?”
Safio hesitated. The woman had sagged momentarily at his question before she straightened to stand like a rock spire. He switched on his brightest smile. He willed his brown eyes to twinkle. “I will not ‘yell.’”
Her skin hardened against her cheekbones, “You promise not to yell, shout, howl, bellow or squall.”
He drew himself up fully, though his head was still less lofty than hers. He gave his blond hair an indignant toss. “I have never ‘squalled.’”
“Nevertheless.”
“I shall remain calm.”
He realized at this point he already knew her answer. He looked at the body covered with a blue-grey sheet. A ventilator quietly chuffed as the ample female chest rose and fell. Part of a lower arm lay exposed. Two tubes were inserted below the elbow; one pulsed in clear fluid while the other withdrew clotted red liquid. Near the limp hand, on a slivery tray, lay neat rows of various electronics and bloodied surgical instruments.
Her gaze had followed his. “A stab wound directly through the heart. She was left unaided until completely bled out. All that time the body had a contaminated object,” she pointed a long finger at a thin blade on the instrument table. “That knife – penetrating the pericardium and left vent….”
His voice was sharp. “I do not want an injury list! A simple ‘not viable’ is acceptable.” Safio scowled up at her.
The corners of her lips drooped a moment. “That has *never* been true with you. You always attempt to revive every body you bring me.”
Feeling unfairly admonished, Safio felt a fire ignite deep in his gut. He drew himself up again. Her eyes narrowed. Her lips pursed to a point. Being taller, her guarded observations of him made it seem like she was gazing down reproachfully from the highest moral ground.
Aware he was angry, he knew he had to sound reasonable before she stopped listening. “I do reject ‘not viable’, especially from you. Time and again, when pressed by me, you been truly a marvel at restoring the potential for life to the inanimate.”
She batted his compliment aside. Her eyes remained narrowed. “I must assure you in the strongest medical terms that revival for this body in impossible due to grievous injuries, exsanguination, and time passed. She may seem in better condition, relatively speaking, than those hacked up ARENA fighters you procure, but even so, Guardian, this one is truly and most unassailably dead.”
“NO!” Safio bellowed at a ceiling fixture with lights, bio-scanners and articulated surgical instruments that hung flexed like the legs of dead insects.
Her eyes narrowed to crescent slits. Her elbows hugged her sides. Her hands made loose fists; arms bent; defensiveness that he knew well.
He knew he needed her surgical gifts if there was any hope of revival. He became contrite. “Not directed at you. We are so close to success. You are certain you have left no medical stone unturned?”
She sighed. She wrapped her forehead with one hand. “I have repaired her heart muscles. I am irrigating her circulatory system with antibiotics as well as oxygenating her organs in spite of my strong suspicion that they have permanently shut down. She has been dead a frightfully long time.”
He mimicked her forehead rub. “I understand. Time is critical for revival attempts.” He studied the covered corpse. “The heart is strong enough to be restarted?”
The tall female shook her head. “It will take hours before that can be tried; assuming she still has enough viable cardiac tissues to affect healing.”
“Would this,” he waved at the tubing, “support consciousness if I were to revive her?”
Doubt puckered her features. “Useless. Consciousness restarts the heart. That will tear open the repair. Immediate hemorrhaging. I could cut her open and try to intervene, but her heart is already weakened. She will die even more fatally compromised than before. You will have wasted a soul.”
In thought, he squinted at the ventilating, irrigating corpse. “Forgive my lack of the correct vocabulary, but can you not suppress heart function at the cerebellum?”
Her wide-eyed surprise set him ablaze with indignation. He choked off an angry retort when he saw her face light with interest. She squeezed her chin, her gaze through and behind him. “I *may* be able to isolate those cardiac pathways and inhibit them with focused sonics.”
“Worth trying.” He smiled his winning smile at her.
His charm froze solid in her icy stare as she inspected him minutely, their height difference making her seem larger than she was. She advised, “Prepare yourself for making a dead corpse deader.”
He intoned, “Souls are powerful enough to overcome all obstacles.”
“Not yet, Guardian. If this body was fresher….”
He raised a finger and pronounced, “One must do what one can with what one has. Imagine if our soul transfer succeeds, Tzu! Life eternal! Death becomes a mere inconvenience!”
That thought made Tzu’s face contemplative. “We would also prove unequivocally the existence of souls.”
He said with fervor, “Souls exist! Trust me. Today is the day. Prepare her for a transfer.”
She put on a smile. “Immediately, Guardian.”
While she attached a spidery wed of sonic emitters over the cerebellum, he stooped and carefully wheeled over the base with the twinkling crystal. By then, she had lifted a bulky helmet sprouting all manner of wires and light guides.
Tzu grimaced with effort as she enclosed the dead woman’s head and ash-green face in the helmet. He linked in the crystal. “Today is the day,” Safio whispered.
=-=
David Michael Inverso
Ensign Zub Enel [Access Character BIO for Zub Enel]
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS BASTET, NCC 74977
“Thus strangely are our souls constructed, and by slight ligaments are we bound to prosperity and ruin.”
― Mary Shelley, Frankenstein
=-=
"Her Way"
[the previous post was (ANU) "Agent of Destruction" / (BAS) "It's Alive"]
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Corridor
Stardate: 35013.2100
She stealthily followed as the group of four made their way deeper into the station. Her silent grin hinted as to how pleased she was with herself. Since their run-in with Remit'iklan, the group's level of uneasiness had reached new heights. This was not unusual for the Jem'Hadar as his way with people was, shall we say, special. The effect he had on others was what she enjoyed the most about him. A sentiment that she felt just as strongly today as she did the first time around.
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Zocalo
Stardate: Many years ago, rift reopens in 11 hours
It was easy for Abrasivnyy to hide in plain sight. The thick crowd of the main market allowed for her to wander about unnoticed by others. It felt nice to be in such a setting, no one paying any special attention to anyone else. Everyone was minding their own business. Well, almost everyone. The Jem'Hadar she had baited into helping her earlier was drawing quite a bit of attention. Clearly, crowds such as this were not something he enjoyed, and in turn they did not like him. Each step was clumsy, forcing someone out of his way or causing some merchant's display to be bumped into.
It was actually quite comical to watch him force his way through the crowd. For some reason he needed to go somewhere beyond the mess of people. He did his best to not make a nuisance of himself, but that was easier said than done. At his size, a lot of people just found themselves freezing where they stood out of sheer fright.
Those who could were happy to get out of the way and avoid any sort of confrontation. The Jem'Hadar were not known for being kind or understanding. What they were known for was being quick to dispose of whatever dared to stay in their way. This usually happened in a storm of screams followed by a shower of blood. As much as she was rushed for time, Abrasivnyy decided to take a few minutes to enjoy the scene. Maybe she would get to see something worth her time.
"What is a beast like you doing here?" She asked of the universe in a quiet, amused tone. "You belong on some distant battlefield, not in a marketplace like this. Muscle-bound brutes like you are meant to rip people's heads off. So why are you being so polite in your efforts to get past them? You do not belong here. At best, you should be in that bloody arena doing what it is you were designed to do. Kill anything that gets close to you." The woman's commentary ended when a reflection of light caught her attention. Someone had pulled out some sort of shiny piece of metal. Even though she could not see the whole blade, the woman could tell that it was deadly. By itself the act would not have concerned her all that much, but there was something different. The way the woman holding the blade glared at her victim was beyond intense. He had done something to her and she would get her revenge. When the visitor to this station realized that the weapon was aimed at Remi, Abrasivnyy decided to act.
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Corridor
Stardate: 35013.2105
She had made a friend on that day, a realization that still shocked her many years later. Remi had been quick to understand that she had saved his life. Being alone in this strange place, the Jem'Hadar had been more than happy to give his thanks and vow his loyalty. It was not a bad idea to have at least one person on this station that did not want to see him dead.
As she continued to follow the quartet, Abrasivnyy grinned once more. This time it was the small object held firmly in her grasp that was the cause of her delight. On her first journey to this place, she had learned the hard way that this happened a specific way. There were only a few people who controlled everything else. It might not have been all that different from other governments, but here, this *way* was pushed to an extreme. At least that was the way of things before she unleashed hell upon this place.
The countless bodies left in her wake had long been dealt with. The fires that could be found around every corner had been put out years ago. As bad as she had made things to be though, the shadows of the past were still very much present. The Crown had come to replace those who had failed before her. The woman quickly enlisted those she could trust and disposed of everyone else. As much as things had changed though, one thing remained exactly as it was then. Hel was the one calling the shots, but this time their little game would unfold differently. Abrasivnyy was not alone. The Starfleet officers would help, even if they did not know it.
This time the game would be played her way, by her rules. The outcome would be what it should have been many years ago, and this time nothing would stop her. It was time to set things right and end this game once and for all.
=-=
Rachel Jackie Johnson
[The fun is getting to wear multiple disguises and getting to explore multiple personalities and bring them to life. - Jenna Fischer]
"A Lizard and a Cat Walk Into a Lab"
[previous (ANU) "Agent of Destruction" / (BAS) "Her Way"]
[/\]
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, The Oasis
Stardate: 35013.2100
There was something primal about tracking someone the way they were. A'Janni knew that such a sensation was part of his heritage, embedded into his very life's blood, but as a Starfleet officer he had not had that many opportunities to call upon his hunting instincts to the level he had done so as of late.
Back on KZINTI ALPHA, the Caitian was driven by overwhelming emotions following the death of the royal family and the unexpected revelation that Lt. Gemma could take on the Queen's appearance. This caused A'Janni to tap into the darkest recesses of his being in a desperate attempt to make things right. Here, on this space station lost in the void of another dimension, the felinoid found himself relying on instincts instead of emotions. The battle in the Arena, his own struggle for survival and now the hunt for the body of the dead Executioner had made him feel like never before.
Glancing over his shoulder at the two Counselors and seeing the expressions on their faces, A'Janni theorized that it was this station that was the cause of this. On a starship, daily survival was almost granted thanks to the advanced technology that surrounded them on all sides. The ship protected them from outside hazards and threats while the people inside worked together to make sure life was as good as could be. Here, in this forsaken structure, danger awaited around every corner while the stench of death hung with a hint of permanency in the air. To some, this would have been enough to make them run for the nearest airlock in search of an escape, but the Caitian found this sense of lurking danger exhilarating.
It was because of all those sensations and feelings that the Disposal Team was so shocked when they found themselves in such a beautiful and tranquil location. "The Oasis is a park... a place of tranquility... a place for souls to rest, so why bring her body here?" Adriana questioned with puzzlement.
"The trail clearly leads here," Enel asserted, "Thanks to the grass, we can follow it with even greater ease now," the reptilian added pointing to the tracks in question.
"Maybe whoever brought the body here was to give her a proper 'end'," Nicole proposed. "Are these not the crystals you mentioned earlier?" Dima inquired of Lopez. "The ones able to possess a person's soul?"
"They are," Adriana grumbled reluctantly. "We have to find her body and stop whoever has it from doing anything."
"Are you suggesting that whoever brought the body here wants to put her soul into one of these crystals?" A'Janni asked, the Caitian clearly not understanding the process mentioned or the reason why anyone would want to accomplish this.
"Maybe I am," the Counsellor challenged angrily. "Maybe they brought the body here for a completely different reason, but I cannot allow the soul of that murderous beast to be placed in one of those crystals."
Noticing that Adriana was getting agitated, Nicole reached out and gently took hold of the woman's arm, trying to comfort her as best she could. "We will stop whatever is happening, that is why we are here."
"The trail seems to lead to that door over there," Zub said pointing to a rather unassuming entrance.
"Let's go!" A'Janni said, sounding almost excited with the prospect of resuming their hunt.
[/\]
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, OASIS, the Morgue
Stardate: 35013.2115
It was Enel who stepped into the room first closely followed by A'Janni. Once they confirmed that there was no immediate danger, the two Counselors followed suit.
"This place smells like a morgue," the Trill said as her nose scrunched onto itself.
A'Janni was about to make some comment about him not having noticed, which was a complete lie, but the Caitian decided to forgo the attempt at humor especially given the expression on his friend's face. The Voth visibly appeared to utterly loathe the stench of the place, his more sensitive sense of smell making the experience that much worse for him.
Focusing back on the task at hand, A'Janni pointed to the dozen columns of some small square metal doors stacked three high found on two opposite walls of the room. "Maybe the body was brought here to be stored, like in one of those." Although the idea might have bothered some, their need to locate the body of the Executioner forced them to act, so without the need for any more directives, the team scattered and began to open the latched doors. Behind some, only an empty metal slab was discovered prompting the officer to quickly move to another door. As more of those doors were opened, the bodies of various deceased people were discovered but alas none were that of the woman they had been so desperately searching for. With each body found that was not that of Stella, the group's frustration mounted until that was the only thing left as none of the corpses were that of the Executioner.
"Now what?" Zub inquired.
""There is always that door," the Trill said pointing to a full-size door located at the end of the rectangular room.
"If it means leaving this stench behind, I am more than happy to go through it," the BASTET's Chief of Security admitted. Just as they were about to open the door though, a strange sensation swept through the group.
"What is going on?" A'Janni demanded as he felt his fur stand on end.
"The air," Nicole said, calling upon knowledge from her previous hosts. "It's being ionized. Something is generating a massive electrical field." The feeling was quite eerie but before anyone could even begin to offer a possible explanation the screams of a woman were heard coming from the other side of the door. Not wasting a single second, Zub opened the door and rushed in, acting on pure instinct and training.
[/\]
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, OASIS, the Lab
Stardate: 35013.2120
The scene seemed to have been directly taken from someone's nightmare. A man stood on one side of the room, holding what appeared to be a small crystal, while a tall reptilian woman stood at the far end, her hand firmly holding onto the handle of a double-bladed switch that had recently been triggered. Both of them were looking with shock and horror at the burning body of a woman laying on the table set in the middle of the room.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
---
"The Showdown"
(Previous Post: (ANU) "Agent of Destruction" / (BAS) "A Lizard and a Cat Walk Into a Lab")
---
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Storage Area
Stardate: 35013.2130
Captain Iverson remained quiet, her eyes cast down to avoid meeting the enraged gaze of 'the Crown' who was pacing back and forth. Selene cautiously glanced to her right to see Captain Morningstar on his knees with his hands tied behind his back. The proud man did not indicate that he was in pain but after the beating he had been subjected to, she knew that any sort of medical attention would not go amiss.
Alas, or maybe luckily, Doctor Bruxa was not here, not that her presence would have changed things much based on the simple fact that Doctor Andersson was also on her knees with her hands tied in the same fashion as the Captain of the ANUBIS. A situation that Captain Iverson reluctantly also shared as well as every other Starfleet officer present in the room when Sonju and Han had presented themselves in the flesh.
"Why are you making this so difficult?" The anger in her voice was as clear as could be. The demands made by the Crown had been relatively simple, at least as far as she was concerned but the refusal of Captain Iverson to acquiesce had not gone over well. This caused the woman to unleash her wrath on her prisoners, especially the Commanding Officer of the ANUBIS knowing that inflicting pain on the Commanding Officer of the BASTET would be a waste of time. "All I want is for you to give me access to your ship."
Channelling her inner-most Vulcan, Selene shook her head without any outward display of any emotions. "No."
The answer caused the frustration being experienced by the Crown to overflow and with a single gesture from her hand, the robot army that was lining the outer walls of the storage area began to move forward. The loud and perfectly synchronous sound of their metallic footsteps instantly made everyone brace for what they suspected would be the end. Everyone understood that Captain Iverson could not give in to the demand, and it was equally evident that Sonju was not in the mood to be denied.
"SONJU!" Sonja yelled hoping to draw the attention of the woman with enough force that she would stop the advancing mechanoid troops. To the great delight and relief of the Chief Engineer of the ANUBIS, both of her objectives were achieved. Now, all they needed to do was to take advantage of this reprise.
"Yes, Sonja," the Crown said in a venomous hiss. "Are you offering yourself to die first so that you will be spared being witness to the demise of your fellow shipmates?"
"Nothing so grandiose," the redhead fired back. "I just wanted to point out the stupidity of your plan. It is clear that you desperately want the BASTET, that is why events were so carefully coordinated to bring the ship here, to this dimension. What you failed to take into account was that the ship would not be physically docked at the station or cloaked from whatever sensor technology you have access to."
"Do not believe for a moment that because you and I look alike that you have any sort of understanding as to my motives and reasoning for doing what I must," the Crown snarled as she began to walk towards the kneeling engineering.
"Trust me, " the Chief Engineer said almost grinning. "I am just as troubled by our similar appearance as you are. As physically similar as we might be, I am at least glad that what the universe gave you in political power in this dimension it gave me an equal amount in the form of brainpower in mine."
The words had barely escaped her lips when the backhand of the Crown forcefully connected with the cheek of the bond engineer causing her to fall over. "I will enjoy killing you with my own hands. Now I understand why Stella wanted so badly to be the one to dispose of your Doctor Bruxa. There is a certain dark appeal at being the one to kill yourself."
"You are truly the most stupid version of me that could have even existed," Sonja challenged, glaring up at the woman now standing directly over her. "Do you really believe that killing me is going to change anything? I have no idea how things are done in this Confederacy of yours, but in the Federation, and more specifically Starfleet, we work as one for the greater good and we are all more than ready to die to make sure that you and that tin-can army of yours will never set foot off this station."
"She is correct," Aki said, hoping to give Sonju something, or someone, else to direct her anger onto. "I can only guess that you are after the BASTET because of its ability to generate an opening between dimensions large enough to move this entire station. An ability that you do not possess or are even close to being able to replicate. Based on the reports I read, I can see that the robots discovered on ORION are of the same general make as those you have here. So, I guess that those robots were brought over a few at a time, a process that has proven to be much more time and resource-consuming that you might have all expected it to be. The BASTET is an easy way to resolve this problem allowing you to gain a solid foothold in our dimension."
"Even if you did find a way to get on board the BASTET, there would not be any guarantees that you would be able to operate its systems, especially not the Dimensional Drive," Lieutenant Commander Maya said joining in on the scientific dissection of the situation. "You might be able to figure out the basic concepts, but it would be far more likely that you would end up destroying yourself in the attempt. Taking into account all of the engineering and scientific modifications that a dimensional portal of that size would require there is also the likely possibility that even if you did manage to figure out how the BASTET can travel from one dimension to another, you would destroy both the ship and the station in the following effort to achieve your goal."
"Even if you did manage it all," Ya'Han continued seeing what was being done. "And by that I mean you gaining full access to the BASTET, making all of the required modifications to generate a portal large enough for the station and bring it to our dimension, do you truly believe that anyone would just sit there and let you claim any region of space as your own. The Federation would quickly dispatch a task force to destroy this place, and if not the Federation, the Romulans, the Cardassian or even the Ferengi would quickly enough see you as a threat and deal with you without thinking twice. Our dimension just came out of a conflict with the Lokustaar, a race that made it perfectly clear to all of the main forces of our galaxy that vigilance is essential."
"Kill us and you lose the BASTET," it was the Bolian/Human Ambassador who decided to jump into this little exercise next. "Kill us and you lose your one and only chance to get everyone out of this life that you have forged for yourselves. You will all be stuck here, except for those few who have already been brought over, to this hell." Xana glanced over at Ben who was doing quite well at holding back his tears and fears."
Frustration and rage mounted within the Crown, even more, as the detailed analysis provided did not have the intended effect on the woman or her plans to see them all be crushed beneath the metallic heels of her robots. "Then so be it," Sonju snapped. "At least I will have the pleasure of seeing all of you die."
Just as she was about to order the mechanoid army to resume its forward advance, a voice echoed through the storage area. =/\= WAIT! =/\=
Everyone, including the prisoners, all raised their heads surprised by the unexpected announcement, especially Xana who was certain that the voice belonged to someone she had come to know increasingly well over recent times.
=/\= Keep them contained for the time being. I need to think this through. =/\=
The order did nothing to ease the frustration and anger Sonju was experiencing but it did prove to be sufficient to order the robots to remain as they were, closer than the prisoners would have liked them to be, but far enough to understand that they had been given a stay of execution, at least for the time being.
---
Jessica Solarik
Captain Selene Fiona Iverson [Access Character BIO for Selene Iverson]
Commanding Officer
USS BASTET
&
Lieutenant Commander Maya [Access Character BIO for 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)
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
"Han to Han Discussion"
[previous post were (ANU) "Agent of Destruction" / (BAS) "The Showdown"]
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Storage Area
Stardate: 35013.2145
The situation had not improved, but at least the Sec/Tac could find some comfort inthe fact thatit had not gone worse. The robot troops created a parameter that felt claustrophobic in many ways.
No one dared to move knowing that Sonju had been denied her heart's desire by the booming voice that had filled the storage area,a voice that Ya'Han believed she knew, a sentiment that was clearly echoed in the features of the Bolian/Human Ambassador.
"Was that Adriana we heard calling Sonju's attack off?" The Nylaan asked in a quiet whispered voice.
"It wasn't her," Xana said with confidence, although her certainty visibly wavered after a few seconds. "At least not the Adriana we both know. The only thing we know, more accurately suspect with a certain amount of credibility, is that the voice belonged to Hel. I suspect that no one else would have been able to order 'the Crown' the way we saw happen." The Ambassador paused for an instant, scanning their surroundings to make sure that their captors couldnot hear what was being shared. "The question we need to ask ourselves, which is just one more that was added to the already lengthy list, is what would it mean to us all if Hel was indeed this dimension's version of Adriana?"
That simple though silenced both women as they contemplated the remifications of what had been suggested. When Ya'Han glanced again in Xana's direction, the Bolian/Human woman was trying her best to comfort her son. Watching the mother be as supportive and loving as she could be despite her hands being tied behind her back reminded the Nylaan of a similar woman.
"What are you daydreaming about?" the Agent inquired of her dimensional twin. "If you are trying to figure out a way to escape, don;t waste your time. Even if you did get out of your bonds, the troopers would shoot you down before you make it to your feet."
"I was not hinking of escaping," Ya'Han said suspecting that Han would likely not believe her. "I was thinking of Na'Rin."
"Mother?!?" The Agent gasped but upon seeing the Ambassador and her efforts to comfort her son, Han understood where those thoughts had originated from. "How was she? I mean in your dimension. We have already established that your life as a child was much better than mine could have ever been, so I wonder, how was she to you?"
"Caring, understanding, loving, at least as much as the wife of the High Sovereign of Nyla IV could be without summoning his wrath on her or her daughters," Ya'Han replied. This was not a subject matter that she usually felt comfortable talking about, but speaking to the black-haired version of herself made the discussion a lot eaiser than she could have imagined it to be. "She did everything she could to protect us, butit was not easy."
"No, it is clear to me that in whatever dimension he might be in, our father was not the kind and caring man he wanted his subjects to beieve him to be. The man was a heartless brute who did what he thoughts was necessary to keep his control over *his* world and *his* people."
"I realize that there is a lot of information and deatils that I am missing, but to me it sounds like you went from one tyrant to another," Ya'Han said allowing her hair to ever so slightly shift more towards the purple of her royal lineage. "Just by what I have seen and heard, which granted may not be all that much, Hel sounds to be just as bad as father was."
"Maybe as bad as *your* father," Han scowled. "She has nothing on what the man who controled every aspects of my life was. So much so that I refuse to acknowledge him with that title. He was cruel beast filled with hatred andloathing which he enjoyed for too much displaying for everyone to see."
"I am sorry," Ya'Han said shifting her hair back to the red and black mix that had become her standard. "Your life was much worse than mine, I see that, but even is Hel so much better than he could have ever been, maybe a distant match to the man I had as a father, it means that there are better people out there. I found a new family in these people, and I cannot see why you cannot do the same. Surely, there has to be someone out there that would be able to offer you the protection you need without making you feel like you are less than you are, or lessthat you could become."
"Not in this dimension," Han dismissed with a snarl. "That is part of the reason why I want to see this work. Once we have the BASTET, I will be able to see what a better life wouldbe like."
"Han," the Sec/Tac said to stop the woman as she walked away. "Maybe you are right. Maybe there is a better life waiting for you in another dimension, but at what cost? How many people would be willing to sacrifice for you to achieve your dream? How many mothers would you be willing to hurt for you to claim what you believe to be the life you deserve? How many children would have to grow up without a caring loving mother so that you can feel less alone?"
Han glared at Ya'Han before looking over at Xana and Ben for a few moments. The Sec/Tac feared that the Agent might lash out at them but instead the black-haired Nylaan just walked away. Would she consired what had been said or would she ignore it as if it had never happened? Only time would tell.
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Hanali Han
Lieutenant Ya'Han [Access Character BIO for Ya'Han]
Chief of Security / Chief Tactical Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
“Heart to Heart”
[previous post were (ANU) "Han to Han Discussion" / (BAS) "The Showdown"]
=/\=
And now here is my secret, a very simple secret:
It is only with the heart that one can see rightly;
what is essential is invisible to the eye
-Antoine de Saint Exupery’s “The Little Prince”
=/\=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Storage Area
Stardate: 35013.2150
“Benito,” his mother said.
The ten year old boy froze at that. That was technically his name; Benito William Bonviva-Crichton, that entire mouthful was his name. His sister said that their mother liked giving them long names so she could bellow them at inopportune times. Looking around the place where they were stuck, Ben wondered if this counted as an “inopportune time”.
“We need to talk,” she said softly and firmly.
Ben paused with one foot in the air. He had just gotten to this dimension not that long ago, and it wasn’t like he had *tried* to get here. Not intentionally anyway. And he had done everything his mother said (mostly). So why was he in trouble. “I didn’t do it,” he automatically replied.
“Duly noted,” he mother replied wryly. Looking around for somewhere to sit, she found a patch of dirt she smoothed out her pants and patted the ground next to her to indicate he should sit too. Looking over at her son she asked quietly, “I need you to tell me about how you got here.”
Ben frowned at that. “I thought that’s why you went to talk to--”
“I talked to Captain Iverson,” his mother finished off. As her son dropped down next to her she continued on, “And I can fill in some pieces. But only you can tell me what happened when you were kidnapped.”
The 10 year old boy rubbed his face, and then dropped it down between his knobby knees. “Oh,” he said quietly. “Do I have to?”
“Well that’s a strong phrase ‘have to’,” his mother mused. She let a beat pass before saying, “But I need to understand what happened so I can figure out not only how you got here but if there’s anyone else who may have been taken or if they’re hurt.”
“Oh,” Ben said again. He paused for a moment before saying, “There was another boy. He looked just like me. It was kinda weird how much he looked like me.”
Xana nodded as she brushed some stray hair out of her son’s eyes. “That part I can tell you and I will in a little bit.” Looking over she asked, “How did the woman who looks like Captain Iverson get onto your father’s ship?”
“She didn’t,” Ben said. When his mother did the thing with her eyebrows that always weirded him out he admitted, “Okay don’t get mad--”
“I love these conversations,” his mother admitted under her breath.
“But Dahlia figured out--” he began, referring to his older sister.
“Oh gods no,” Xana said now as she mimicked her son’s earlier position and dropped her head between her knees as she heard an excuse that began with her teenage daughter. “Wait you said she didn’t sneak someone in so what happened?”
“That’s just it. She didn’t sneak someone in this time! Dahlia figured out that there was a slight delay between the shift changes with the HCARS installations so we’ve been using that to sneak out onto the Starbase,” Ben finished off. Still seeing his mother’s head dropped in between her knees he patted her back and said, “Sneaking out is better than sneaking people in right? I mean for Dahlia. I mean it’s not like last time when she was sneaking boys into her room.”
“Not really, Ben, there’s not like one or the other I’d prefer or if I had to guess your father would prefer,” Xana muttered. Lifting up her head the Bolian/Human rubbed her head. “I should have figured your sister would graduate to sneaking out.”
Ever the optimist, the youngest of the family still was trying to cheer up his mother. “It’s okay, Mom, I’m sure Dad knows…”
Ben trailed off as he watched his mother get up at that. He saw walk over to where some of the supplies had been stored; she bent over and went digging until she took out a small silver bottle, opened it, put it to her lips, and as far as Ben could tell drank it all, and then carefully screwed the bottle cap back on and put the bottle back in the crate. Then she walked back to where Ben was and sat back down. “Fine, I am now ready to resume,” she said.
“Uh, what was that?” Ben asked.
Xana rolled a tongue around her mouth before answering. “I promised to always be honest,” she sighed. “So I’ll have to tell you that it was Yridian whiskey, and not really good Yridian whiskey at that.”
“You had a drink?”
“There is no way I’m about to have a conversation about your sister, who as brilliant as she is now on the path to Gods knows what and clearly is trying to drag you down with her and still be 100% sober,” Xana said. Rubbing her brow she said, “Even I need a drink from time to time, Ben.” Pausing the Bolian/Human woman did not meet her son’s eyes. “Also, I don’t think your father knows.” Waving her hands when her son stared at her, Xana expanded on that, “About your sister and her...we’ll say desire to have company and her attempts to either bring people to her or now go to them.”
It took the 10 year old boy a minute or two to put that all together. “DAD DOESN’T KNOW?” he yelled. “Mom, you’re going to be in so much trouble!”
“Keep your voice down,” his mother hissed. Sighing Xana rested her head against the crate. “I’ve been a bit busy, Ben. No, I didn’t tell your father.” Shrugging she admitted, “Should I have? Yes. Then again, your father, Gods love him, still thinks Dahlia is 4.”
“Dahlia is 14,” Ben pointed out.
“Going on 30,” Xana finished off. “Look, I should have told him but I didn’t. I had reasons but now...yeah they weren’t very good ones.”
There was a silence as Ben looked at his mom. “Well at least Dad can’t divorce you again,” he joked. As his mom smiled at the weak joke he asked, “Can I ask you something?”
“You just did,” she pointed out. Smiling at him she brushed a kiss on his head. “Go ahead.”
“I don’t remember why you got divorced. I just know it was a thing,” Ben admitted.
The 10 year old wasn’t sure what he was expecting for an answer but it wasn’t a sigh. “You said almost the same thing 5 years ago when we told you we were getting divorced. You didn’t know why this was a thing,” Xana said quietly. “I’ll try to explain it better than dad and I did on that day. People stay married for all kinds of reasons. You do it for love, for family, you do it so you can keep your word. Your dad and I made a promise to each other when we got married. Your dad has been such a good man, for such a long time. He’s the best person I know, that’s why he’s your dad and Dahlia’s dad. And he deserves to be happy. Being with you and your sister makes your dad happy. Serving in Starfleet makes your dad happy. Tinkering with his projects makes your dad happy.”
Ben sat there for a minute as an awful thought bubbled up in him. “You don’t make him happy?”
“Not like I should, Ben. And it’s the same for me,” she said quietly. Opening up her arms she let her son cry softly as she gently rocked him.
“It’s my fault I’m here,” he said as he cried to her.
“What? No,” Xana said.
Ben struggled to get out of his mother’s arms as he looked at her. “No, look. Everyone knows that even though they’re arguing ALL THE TIME Dahlia and Dad are BFFs. That’s why you need me.”
Xana bit her lip and watched Ben as he began to wave his arms.
“I mean Dahlia even likes living on a ship,” Ben yelled. “Who likes that?”
The Ambassador did not have the heart to point out all the people around them liked living on a ship; that even she liked it and let her son continue on.
“But you and I, we like our pets, and we like people and...red alert just gives me a headache,” Ben admitted.
“I know,” Xana admitted.
“So I wanted to see you again. I love Dad but it’s too scary sometimes on the PHOENIX,” he admitted. “There aren’t all these emergencies on a planet or when we go visiting dignitaries. The worst thing I’ve done when with you is use the wrong fork or insulted a diplomat.” Sighing he said, “And Dad will never really live on a planet….will he?”
“No, he won’t,” Xana sighed. Looking at her son she confided, “But I’ve been on a ship since you’ve last seen me” As Ben’s eyes, so like her own, got wide, she explained in a very sparse detail some of her life since she last saw her son.
“Oh,” Ben muttered. Frowning he said, “I was hoping….see when Dahlia took me out so she could go on her date that she won’t call a date, I went roaming around the Starbase and I looked out the window at the stars and I thought I saw some moons and planets. It got me thinking….maybe we could find one that’s near the Starbase to live on. So Dahlia and Dad could visit. Anyway I was thinking about that, when the blonde lady that looks like that Captain came and took me.” Looking up at his mother he said, “That’s why it’s all my fault.”
Xana looked down at her son. She loved his big heart, and his imagination; but she didn’t have the heart to tell him that his dreams wouldn’t come true. For now she had to reassure him that his worries weren’t a reality. “I don’t know where you will live after this. I don’t know where I will live after this. What I do know is, this is *not* your fault.”
=/\=
Sarah Albertini-Bond
USS ANUBIS
=-=
"Change of Plan"
[the previous post was (ANU) "Heart to Heart" by Sarah / (BAS) "The Showdown" by Jessica]
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Storage Area
Stardate: 35013.2150
"Why did they free us?" Sofia asked Captain Iverson while the BASTET's CMO did what she could to help the severely bruised and battered Captain of the ANUBIS.
"Are you complaining?" Selene asked in return, the woman keeping a vigilant watch to ensure that the robots which surrounded them did not move any closer than they already had.
"Not at all," the Doctor quickly replied. "I am just puzzled. The initial attack had us completely taken by surprise. I am sure that I saw a hint of pleasure in their eyes as they tied our hands and forced us to our knees. They had us exactly where they wanted us to be, at their mercy. So why suddenly set us free?"
"We are not free, Doctor," Selene pointed out. "Far from it."
"Fine, then why release us from our bonds?" Andersson corrected glancing over to Xana and Ben. "Somehow I doubt that they took pity on us."
"They did not," the Captain confirmed. "This is all part of their plan, at least part of their *new* plan."
"What plan would that be?" Sofia innocently asked. "To scare us half to death? I think they have already achieved that much with room to spare."
"Doctor, there are times when I do envy you having managed to maintain your innocence through all of the darkness that we have been forced to deal with," Selene said, lowering herself to one keen in order to be closer to the CMO and her patient. "Their initial plan was to scare and bully us into giving them access to the BASTET. Once they realized that they would not be able to get what they wanted that way, that we were all willing to die before giving in, they had no other choice but to change their tactics."
"Well," Andersson huffed. "If they are now trying to win us over with kindness, they have a lot to learn about how to do that. They could start by allowing me access to my medical kit." Sofia paused as she looked up at Selene, an expression of great concern having engraved itself on her face. "I wonder how Nicole and the others are doing?"
"Nicole is with Zub and A'Janni," the Captain pointed out. "I am sure that they can handle whatever is thrown their way. I would suggest that you continue focusing your efforts on Captain Morningstar." Noticing that Maya and Ya'Han were walking back, Selene returned to a fully upright posture. "Report," Iverson casually requested of the two officers.
"There is no getting through those robots," the ANUBIS' Chief of Security said. "They allowed us to get within a meter or so of them before powering up their weapons and aiming them straight at us. They may not possess the ability to speak, but they have a way of making their intentions very clear and very fast. Unfortunately, thanks to them being nothing more than machines, we cannot use any tactics that would involve distraction or misdirection to gain any sort of advantage. I also suspect that they may not be entirely autonomous judging by the fashion they instantly act and react as one."
"That is one of the reasons why I am relatively certain that even if I were to take on the form of a much smaller animal, I would not be able to get past them," the Shillian admitted. " The robots on one side are keeping watch on those on the opposite side giving us absolutely no room to manoeuvre. That said, even if I or someone else did manage to find a way out of this prison, I am not sure what it would achieve. Finding the other two teams and bringing them back to this location would not change anything as neither groups possess the physical or technological means to fight against those machines which, by their appearance, were specifically designed for heavy warfare."
"Excuse me," Sofia interrupted finding the subject matter being discussed rather depressing. "Lieutenant Ya'Han, as I recall, your personnel file stated that you possess some medical training, correct?"
"Yes, sort of," the Nylaan hesitated. "It was from long before the Academy though. The most I did during my stay on EARTH was the general first-aid training that all Cadets are required to follow."
"Was your earlier training based on humanoid physiology?" The CMO asked. Clearly the Doctor had needs for help and was not going to be overly picking as to who would be able to fill it.
"Yes, it was," the Chief of Security said realizing that the Doctor needed help, and if that was not enough, the fact that this assistance was to be directed toward her Commanding Officer was all the incentive the now white-haired woman needed to forgo her role as a Security officer and embrace that of a low-ranking Medical officer.
Normally, Captain Iverson should have been asked for her permission, but given the situation and the fact that Erik was Ya'Han's Commanding Officer, Selene figured that it was just best to ignore this transgression in protocol.
"I am sorry to do this to you," Sofia quietly offered to the now kneeling Nylaan. "If we were on the BASTET, I would be able to take care of this in no time, but right now I have no access to any medical equipment and need someone who understands more than the simplest basics of medical procedures."
"No need to apologise, Doctor," Ya'Han said thinking back to her earlier conversation with Han. "We are all here for one another. Just tell me what you need me to do."
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Commander Shar'El [Access Character BIO for Shar'El]
Executive Officer / Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
-=-=-
"Post Mortem"
[the previous post was (ANU) "Heart to Heart" by Sarah / (BAS) "Change of Plan" by Tiffany]
-=-=-
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, The Oasis, Lab
Stardate: 35013.2130
Shock, surprise, along with the stench of burnt flesh, hung in the air. The team had rushed in following the screams and no one could have expected what was found. It was not the medical laboratory that took them by surprise, in fact, it was not even the discovery of the Oasis' Guardian or of a tall reptilian woman dressed in medical garbs that stunned the team. What caused the group to come to a sudden and immediate halt was the discovery of a truly macabre scene.
It only took the group a few seconds to recuperate from the initial shock thanks to their training and the fact that each had already dealt with worse than this. A'Janni was the first to jump into action, quickly corralling the Oasis' Guardian against the nearest wall, making sure that he could not escape, not that the man appeared to be in a state to do so. The expression of Safio's face indicated that he was as shocked and disturbed as the rest of them. Zub, on his side, took on the responsibility of making sure that the female reptilian did nothing more than what she had already done. Her hand had remained on the handle of the double-bladed switch even after the sight of the burning body had caused her to disengage the courant. This left the two Counselors to take care of the flaming corpse which they did by draping a nearby thermal blanket over it.
"What were you doing?" Dima demanded as she glared at the Guardian and reptilian Doctor. The Trill had never seen anything like this despite her having lived multiple lifetimes, and now that she had, she wished that she could have been spared the whole experience.
"We were simply trying to resurrect this person?" Tzu said, making the task sound almost natural if not technically difficult, but the tone in her voice hinted that things were not as easy as she might have made them seem to be. A fact supported by the smoldering form beneath the blanket.
"You were trying to do *what*?" Adriana was furious. If this was indeed the body of the woman they were looking for, the idea of them trying to bring her back to life was more than she cared to imagine.
"Resurrection is the process by which we bring back to life someone who has recently died," the Guardian explained. "The process is very delicate and time sensitive."
"And apparently flammable," A'Janni quietly added as he snarled, the latest stench causing his one good eye to tear up. He worried the burnt odor would settle permanently into his fur.
"This has never happened before," the tall reptilian woman added, not daring to challenge the Voth Chief of Security whom she could look straight in the eyes. Although the two were roughly of the same height, it was clear to see that he possessed far greater strength than she did, a simple detail that she found strangely alluring.
"So what went wrong?" Nicole asked, trying her best to get as much information as possible on this matter before allowing her Counterpart from the ANUBIS to start ripping heads off for daring to attempt this gruesome task.
"I have no idea," Safio said. "We knew that it would be a challenge due to the physical condition of the body, but still we had hoped that we would be able to do it."
"Where did you find this body?" A'Janni asked, anticipating the Counselor's next question which would have been meant to possibly confirm that the body beneath the blanket was indeed that of the murderous Stella, the station's Executioner.
"She was found in one of the corridors of the lower levels," the Guardian quickly admitted, not having any reason to lie or even hold back this information. The woman in quest was, after all, dead, even more so than she had been when brought here.
"Female... found in the lower levels..." Counselor Dima said looking at Adriana.
"What had she died of?" Lopez demanded.
"There was no time to perform a complete medical examination, but by the looks of things the stab wound in her back was the cause of her death," Dr. Tzu explained as Safio kept trying to stay as far away from the Caitian as the wall pressing against his back allowed him to.
"Female... killed in the lower levels after having been stabbed in the back," Nicole listed, trying to make her point as clear as possible. All of the clues pointed to the body being that of the woman they had been searching for.
"Everything does fit," Enel added, the imposing reptilian being the best person to confirm all of these details as he had been the one responsible for Stella's demise.
"There is one way to make sure," Nicole suggested as she took hold of one of the corners of the thermal blanket. Following a hesitant nod from Adriana, the blanket was peeled back revealing the scorched body beneath. The tall, scaly doctor stepped forward and removed the large helmet that covered the face and head. Smoke poured out of the helmet that made the counselors wince and hold their breath. The woman’s face was burned unrecognizable, crispy, and blackened.
"We do not have access to anything that would allow us to confirm her identity," Lopez argued. As much as she wanted that burnt and twisted form to be that of Stella, she needed more than simple conjecture and coincidences to convince her that this was indeed the woman in question.
"True," the CNS of the BASTET agreed. "We do not have access to a DNA sample or even dental records. In fact, we do not even have a Doctor with us here, but both you and I have enough expertise to find something that would dismiss her as being the woman we were after." Again, Adriana hesitantly nodded her head, agreeing for the blanket to be completely removed from over the charred and still smoldering humanoid form.
"The height does appear to be a match," Lopez reluctantly admitted. "Her hair, or at least what is left of it does also appear to be of the same color as that of the good Doctor."
"Zub reported that she intended on killing the Doctor in order to take her place, that was the reason why she had dressed herself in the same manner," Dima added. "Look there and there, the pieces of unburnt clothing does appear to match what Satella was wearing."
"This still does not prove anything," Adriana said, trying to hold on to whatever she could in order for them to continue with their search.
"This may not be the way you wanted this to end, but all of the evidence points to her being Stella. I think that maybe you had actually begun to hope that she would be found alive so that you could seek the revenge that you so desperately wanted to have. Instead, you will just have to accept that she is dead and will no longer be able to hurt anyone the way she did Mandy and you. I understand that this is not the closure you wanted, but it is what you need to accept in order for us all to move forward. With Stella and her body gone, we can move on without having to constantly look over our shoulders. This is a good thing."
Adriana was uncertain, she knew that Nicole was right, as were most counselors in such times, but still there was something about the entire affair that Lopez could not bring herself to accept. Mandy, she kept telling herself, deserved better.
"Time to go boys," the Trill woman announced, recalling the Caitian and Voth.
"Go back to the Oasis and tend to those souls that are there," Adriana suggested to the Guardian with far more authority that anyone might have expected from the woman. "There are souls there that need you so that they can continue to enjoy the peace they could not have in life." With that said Lopez walked out of the laboratory closely followed by Nicole, A'Janni and Zub.
"I guess I should go unless you would like me to stay and help clean this mess up?" Safio asked Tzu.
"Go," she said motioning the guardian away. " I will take care of this, plus I have other matters to attend to, so do not be concerned about me." The reptilian woman waited for the Guardian to leave before she turned and walked into another room through a hidden door nicely concealed by the square tiles found throughout the room.
The room was dark and cold and in its center a shadowy form waited.
"Are they gone?"
"Yes."
"Did it work?"
"Yes."
"Good, then I am free to go back."
"You are still severely injured. Give me a chance to properly address your wound. It will do no good if you start bleeding again."
"Fine but be quick about it. I have a lot of things to take care of, as well as a few people to dispose of before they can act." The woman took a single step forward taking her out of the shadows so that her features could be seen. It appeared that the Executioner had not only cheated death but also managed to trick those who were after her to confirm her downfall.
-=-=-
FLASHBACK
Stella had been mortally wounded and she knew that death would come to claim her soul soon, but that did not mean she would just lay there and accept this fate. Giving up had never been her way, and today would be no different.
As she forced herself to her feet, one of Hel's lackeys came into view and quickly rushed to the Executioner's side when she saw how badly injured she was. The woman did what she could to help, using various hyposprays that she had in her possession to easy Stella's pain and help her get to the nearest medical facility.
"That will do," was the thanks the Executioner gave to her help. Although each breath caused a wave of pain to course through her body, this same pain confirmed that she was still alive, a state that Stella would do everything in her power to hold on to. "I need you to do one more thing for me."
"Of course," the woman said with eager innocence. "What do you need me to do?"
The executioner took hold of the woman's arm, spun her around so that she would be looking away before thrusting the dagger that had been in her own back into that of the woman now standing in front of her. "I need you to be me and die."
Using every ounce of strength available to her, Stella traded their clothes and using a small device in her possession also changed the woman's hair color to match her own. When she was finished, the body lying on the floor could have easily been mistaken for that of the Executioner. Now, all she needed to do was to get a message to Safio so that he would come and collect the body. The rest would unfold easily enough as she knew of the Guardian's twisted dreams and hopes all thanks to a shared acquaintance... Doctor Tzu.
-=-=-
Marissa Montonera-Lombardi
Lieutenant JG Adriana Lopez [Access Character BIO for Adriana Lopez]
Ship's Counselor & Junior Ambassador
USS ANUBIS
=-=
"Hide and Seek"
[the previous posts were (ANU) "Post Mortem" by Marissa / (BAS) "Change of Plans" by Moi]
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Habitat Section
Stardate: 35013.2130
Thanks in no small part to the information retrieved from the data access console near the Zocalo, the team was finally feeling like they were achieving something. With a specific destination in hand, all they needed to do was to get there and confront the woman they were all certain had orchestrated this entire affair.
"If Hel is the one 'in charge' and who set all of this in motion, she will see right through my acting," Doctor Bruxa said, voicing her concerns once again about her passing herself as the Executioner.
"Based on everything we have seen and experienced, we have to accept the possibility that whoever Hel is, she knows about our dimension and the existence of the dimensional duplicates," Mitshiba explained. "It is, therefore, a near impossibility that you, with all due respect to your acting skills, Doctor, that would be able to make her believe even for a second that you are Stella and not a mere imposter."
"Sure, thanks, no offence taken," the CMO half grumbled, those last words not having done anything to make her feel more confident as to the outcome of their encounter with Hel.
"Relax, Doctor," Shar'El reassured. "Your job is just to get us in close enough to get to Hel, once we are there it will not be your job to confront her, but mine."
"Oh," Satella let out, both relieved and a little disappointed in the realization that her role was not as grandiose as she might have believed it to be.
"Commander, please forgive my ignorance and impotence," the CSciO of the BASTET said with a hint of nervousness, "but how do you plan on accomplishing this? We have no weapons and we will be meeting Hel on her own terms, the advantage will clearly be hers."
"I am counting on her thinking that she has the advantage," Shar'El explained. "When experiencing a feeling of superiority, most people tend to unconsciously lower their mental defences, and that is where I will take advantage of the situation."
"Don't ask," Jayson chuckled. "Just accept that if there is someone who can do this, it's her."
"Commander Shar'El is a telepath?" Misaki asked Satella in a whispered voice.
"She's Ullian," the Doctor specified. "She cannot read or affect thoughts, but she can access and force certain memories to the surface, forcing them to deal with all of the emotions and trauma associated with that memory. In some ways, I believe that such an ability is more powerful than some regular telepath."
"Thank you, Doctor, but let us not celebrate victory before the battle is even started," the raven-haired woman warned. "This is just the best plan we have at the moment, and there are no guarantees that it will work. We have no idea who Hel is, and in such, have no understanding of her strengths and weaknesses, be them physical or mental. Our going after her is just the best way we currently have to end this situation and avoid the worst possible outcome."
"Commander," Stark cut in. "According to the information we were able to access, Hel's office of operation is down that corridor," the ANUBIS' Chief of Operations said pointing to a corridor to their left as they reached an intersection.
Shar'El looked down the corridor in the direction indicated by Jayson before she let out a soft 'Hmm'. "Let me guess, fourth, no fifth door on the right?"
"How?" Misaki queried wondering if the telepathic abilities of Ullians were much more than she had heard them be. When she looked down that same corridor and noticed what the Commander had seen; two rather muscular men standing on either side of a door, the Asiatic woman nodded her head in mild amusement.
"It's showtime Doctor," Shar'El said motioning for Satella to take the lead. It would have made little sense for the woman known as the Executioner to not be in the lead as they approached Hel's headquarters.
The two guards quickly took note of the approaching group, their demeanour changing from confrontational to submissive the moment they recognize the silver-haired woman for whom they believed her to be.
"Sorry," one of the men said as they both shifted their body to stand between the group and the closed doorway. "No one is to go in."
Satella's shoulders dropped, but just as she was about to turn to look at the Commander to get instructions, Shar'El gently poked her in the back, reminding her of who she was supposed to be.
"Somehow I doubt that I was meant to be included in that," the Executioner said as she stared the man who had spoken to her down. "I need to see Hel, and I need to see her now."
"We have our orders," the same man said, his nervousness growing increasingly visible with each passing second. One thing was for certain, it was clear to see that both guards knew of the woman's reputation and skills, which was the one thing the team had counted on to make this work.
"I have my orders too," Satella said as menacingly as she could. "What to know what they are? I am to bring these people to see her and I was told to not let anything or *anyone* stand in my way. Now, you have to ask yourself this; which set of orders are going to win between yours and mine?"
The two guards looked at one another quickly debating their predicament to reach the only possible solution available to them. If they did something that went against Hel's instructions, they *might* die, but if they went against Stella, their odds of survival were deemed to be less than nothing, so they both stepped out of the way and permitted the group to walk in unchallenged.
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Hel's Office
Stardate: 35013.2140
The group carefully, cautiously, and most of all nervously walked in expecting to immediately end up in some sort of confrontation that they would need to take control of right away before any sort of reinforcements could be summoned. To everyone's great surprise, they found the office empty.
"Great," Jayson exclaimed. "Now what do we do?"
"We could wait for her return," Satella suggested.
"There is no way to know how long that would take, plus the guards would likely inform her of our presence thus nullifying any advantage we would have gained through surprise," Shar'El stated. "We had one chance, now we have lost the element of surprise so it will be best if we fall back. Let's go back and regroup. We will have to come up with another plan."
As much as no one wanted to admit defeat, they reluctantly agreed to leave. Maybe luck would be on their side and they would be able to carry out their plan in another way.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Commander Shar'El [Access Character BIO for Shar'El]
Executive Officer / Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
Ensign Sofia Andersson [Access Character BIO for Sofia Andersson]
Chief Medical Officer
USS BASTET
=-=
"Peekaboo"
Previous posts: (ANU) “Hide and Seek” by Tiffany / (BAS) “Change of Plan” by Tiffany
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, The Oasis
Stardate: 35013.2155
The BASTET’s felinoid Flight Control Officer A’Janni lead the disposal team through the beautiful fields of the Oasis and back the way they’d come while tracking Stella’s corpse. The BASTET’s counselor Nicole Dima followed a step or so behind the furry one-eyed leader. The ANUBIS’ counselor / junior ambassador Adriana Lopez trailed Nicole but kept glancing back at the BASTET’s scaly Chief of Security Zub Enel who brought up the rear. The towering Voth would hold Lopez’s glance a moment before he’d check over his shoulder.
A’Janni halted at one of the space station’s turbo lifts. His white iris expanded and contracted as he took in the team. “Assuming that crystal keeper and doctor have spread the alert about us, to throw off any pursuit we should find a different way back down to that storage area than how we tracked the body to them.” He looked around for agreement.
Nicole said, “I suggest we find a corridor filled with citizens and walk with them awhile until we find another turbo lift or a set of stairs. We slip away and head below more privately. Anyone pursuing us might think we’re still with the crowd.”
The giant tiger of a man gave her a nod. His gaze fell on Adriana. She had turned to face the tall Security Chief. Her arms were straight down. She had made fists. A’Janni moved protectively nearer Zub.
Adriana’s tone was harsh toward Zub. “We wasted all this time tracking a body *you* shouldn’t have left in the first place.”
Nicole had caught up by then, moving to a spot between Lopez and Enel, but not directly between them. “We needed that time to confirm Stella is dead and died horribly.”
A’Janni moved opposite Nicole but not in front of Adriana. He kept his deep voice calm. “Zub followed protocol to protect and then return Doctor Bruxa safely to the away team.”
The Hispanic woman’s anger erased all beauty. Her forefinger jutted up at Enel’s scaly face. “*You* didn’t have to kill her!”
Zub didn’t hide his pain. He’d been trying to figure any other way he could have stopped Stella from killing the ANUBIS CMO. He raised his three-fingered hands, palms toward the furious ambassador. “I had a split-second to act.”
Nicole remembered how Adriana’s finger pointing had escalated violently the last time. She readied to grab the junior ambassador’s wrist if blows were coming next.
Despite appearances, the brutish, blood-smeared lizard-man spoke to Adriana softly. “I have denied you a chance to tell Stella she was a monster for killing someone special.”
Lopez’s nostrils flared as she drew in a breath. Her color flashed from pink to livid purple. Her fists clenched. Her body quaked. She loosed a deafening wail of pain, anger and grief.
A’Janni doubled in size as his fur stood on end. He looked in alarm at several startled citizens in the corridor. Zub involuntarily withdrew a step from Adriana. Nicole watched the junior ambassador’s face telegraph every emotion she must have experienced at the hands of her tormentors.
Adriana’s final expression, instead of tears, was dry-eyed determination. “Justice will be done for Mandy. As I live and breathe, the only person brave enough to be kind to me, beaten and blinded will have justice.”
“Agreed,” A’Janni said gruffly. “Now after all this *yelling* we disappear immediately.”
He stepped over and activated the turbo lift door. Adriana stood frozen in her closed fisted position facing Zub Enel. Zub seemed frozen facing her. His feathery down fluttered like he was in free fall. Nicole took Adriana gently by her shoulders and turned her toward the open lift. Adriana walked mechanically into it. Nicole followed. A’Janni stepped in to form a furry wall, shoulder-to-shoulder with Nicole in front of Adriana. The tall Voth surveyed the few staring citizens around him with his golden eyes and then joined the three.
The lift stopped twice before A’Janni found a crowded corridor. He stepped out and broke the strained silence with, “We are following Nicole’s plan like a couple of Arena fighters and two floozies.” He led the team along the perimeter of the gabbling, jostling station citizenry. Adriana and Nicole followed. Zub took the rear again.
It was Zub’s lofty perch at seven feet that spied a side corridor with a lift. “This way,” he called over the crowd hubbub. He led the way, no one else in that corridor. He triggered the door. As the lift opened, he let Adriana step in first. Nicole went next but not before she gave him a concerned glance. His waggle of his crested head left her completely flummoxed as to his meaning. He started to step in after her, but A’Janni gave him a backhanded slap on the chest and took his place beside Nicole and in front of Adriana. Zub stepped in. “Down please,” A’Janni said solicitously. Zub triggered the lift.
As it happened, the lift bottomed out in the kitchen ruled by the surly Cardassian cook. Heavenly smells and high humidity embraced them. “Let’s go,” A’Janni said. “Straight through and out the back. No chitchat.”
They had made it into the corridor behind the kitchen with its stacks of black crates before the cook noticed them.
Adriana stared ahead. Remembering where Stella had died, she gave a soft moan. A’Janni intervened. “We will march past where Stella died and out the corridor to join the away team.” He strode briskly away.
The party followed A’Janni, the women having to jog. Zub held his breath as he passed the purple pool of dried blood. Adriana jogged stiffly ahead and didn’t look at the gore.
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Storage Area
Stardate: 35013.2200
The disposal team stepped out of the corridor into the cool, echoing space of the cargo storage area. A’Janni stopped so abruptly that Adriana run into his back and Nicole hers. “Back up,” he whispered.
After they quickly retreated into the corridor, Nicole gasped, “That was a lot of robots!”
“The same robot army that disappeared from the underground base on ORION,” Adriana said.
“They had our team surrounded,” Zub said, looking down the corridor toward the opening to the cargo bay.
“They did not see us,” A’Janni said, his tone confident
“Except for the half of them facing us,” Zub added.
A’Janni swiveled his sensitive ears. “No. No movement. I am sure they would rattle and clank.”
Zub countered with, “Maybe they reported back to a controller.”
“Now what?” Adriana asked. “How do we fight robots?”
“Get that Cardassian cook to deal with them,” Zub offered.
The big cat-man smiled at the lizard-man’s banter before sobering. “What if we draw them off? Let the away team escape.” A’Janni’s face grew thoughtful.
His team began to contemplate their options.
=-=
David Michael Inverso
Ensign Zub Enel [Access Character BIO for Zub Enel]
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS BASTET, NCC 74977
“You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.”
- Karma Quotes via Gecko & Fly
##########
"Prelude to War"
Previous posts (ANU) "Hide and Seek" / (BAS) "Peekaboo"
##########
"Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.”
- Sun Tzu, The Art of War
-==/\==--
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Storage Area
Stardate: 35013.2210
The Captains stood together in the middle of the enclosure created by the column of metallic warriors that surrounded them like four impenetrable walls. All options had been considered, evaluated, revised and in the end, dismissed. Any attempt to escape would result in their death, any effort to reason with those in charge would only make matters worse. Patience was their only recourse.
"What are they waiting for?" Ambassador Bnviva inquired as she moved closer to the two commanding officers, her ward hanging on to her leg in a mixture of dread and uneasiness.
"A great many things I would guess," the Native American offered, never taking his eyes off the wall of robots that stood between them and the two women who brought this upon them. "They were expecting to intimidate us by a show of active strength, flexing whatever muscles they had. After that failed, they had no other choice but to reconsider their options. I guess that they are waiting to see what we will do next and use that as their platform for their next attempt to convince us to hand over the BASTET."
"That is not going to happen," Captain Iverson stated in an unemotionally clear and direct manner.
"They could be waiting for the return of the other two teams," Ya'Han added as the ANUBIS' Chief of Security joined the discussion. "They have shown their knowledge of us, therefore they are aware that there are members of this group missing. If they do not already know where they are, they are most certainly counting on the fact that they will return sooner or later."
"True," Xana agreed, "but that would not change anything in regards to our position. Control of the BASTET is not negotiable, this no matter how many of us they hold prisoner."
"This is the calm before the storm," Erik noted in an unenvying tone. "No one lashes out the way they did without having a back-up plan to fall back onto. The initial attempt to intimidate us was a calculated gamble, one that I am relatively certain they already knew would fail."
"Why else act the way they did," the Ambassador noted. "Tying us all up and forcing everyone down to their knees only to set us free the moment we failed to give in to their demands."
"But we are not free, mother," Ben chimed in as the boy looked up to see the azure woman's caring and loving smile beaming down upon him.
"Plans within plans within plans," Selene sighed doing her best imitation of Admiral Koniki who delighted in both observing and enacting such a way of thinking. The caricature was well enough performed that Erik even chuckled after hearing it.
"Are you trying to say that all of this was never about getting the BASTET?" Xana demanded with a hint of surprise.
"Not at all Counsellor," the Native American stated. "Captain Iverson is right, what we are seeing here is just one step in a very well-orchestrated performance. The BASTET may still be a very important piece in this puzzle, but I am growing increasingly certain that it is not the only reason we are here. I would venture so far as to claim that it is not the primary objective of whatever game we are in the middle of."
"Captain Iverson," Doctor Andersson forcefully whispered as she rushed to join the group without making it look like she was. "I saw something moving in the corridor access slightly to my right behind me. I believe that It was A'Janni and the others. They are back."
"Why have the robots not noticed this as well?" the BASTET's Commanding Officer wondered. Part of the strength of the containment system they were trapped in was that no section of the room, be it inside or outside of the confinement zone had been left unsupervised.
"That is part of the reason why I am concerned," Sofia said, the hesitation in her voice betraying that her fears were far more focussed on the BASTET Counsellor than the other members of the team she was a member of.
"Could the robots have a limited scanning range?" The ANUBIS' CEO chimed in although she strongly doubted her own hypothesis. For any mechanical device built for war, an elaborate sensor system would have to be essential, plus their current positioning made them not noticing what the Doctor had even more unlikely.
"Sonju and Han are waiting for something," Xana proposed, "but if it is not the return of our two teams, then what is it?"
"They could be waiting for both teams to come back," Ya'Han offered. "Tactically speaking it would make sense allowing them to trigger whatever response they have in mind only once to capture everyone."
"This is not an attempt to capture anyone," the Native American mused aloud. "This is starting the feel completely different. I am starting to seriously doubt that the earlier show of strength was not meant for our benefit."
"We are being used as bait?" Xana demanded appalled.
"I believe we are," Captain Iverson noted, "and I suspect that your Chief Science Officer is about to tell us why," Selene added directing her words to Erik as Maya came rushing in to join the group.
"They are back!" The Shillian announced sounding half thrilled and half horrified.
"Who?" The Native American inquired suspecting that the shapeshifting scientist was not referring to the team earlier noticed by Doctor Andersson.
"The Alliance," Maya noted."
"Where? I don't see the Colonel or any of his troops," Selene said as she scanned the room's perimeter.
"It's the Shillians," the scientist specified. "Look where the walls meet the floor. They are all shapeshifted into rodent-like creatures and are making their way into the room unnoticed."
"No..." Selene gasped.
"Agreed," Erik noted. "This is exactly what they have been waiting for."
"Waiting for?" Xana and Ya'Han asked in unison.
"Everything we have gone through here was to provoke the Alliance into revealing themselves and show the extent of their forces present on the station. They have come to confront the Confederacy, likely using us as the excuse to do so gladly accepting the terms presented by their adversary. I am not sure that they are fully aware that they are about to fall into the trap set for them, but I am certain that things are about to turn ugly with us caught right in the middle."
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar [Access Character BIO for Erik Morningstar]
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn [Access Character BIO for Elan Fairborn]
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
"Searching"
[previous post were (ANU) "Prelude to War" / (BAS) "Peekaboo"]
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Storage Area
Stardate: 35013.2215
Everything that the Captains had figured out and shared made perfect sense. The reason why they had all been lured to this specific location. Why they had been treated like the worst possible state criminals one minute and released the next. Someone wanted the upcoming confrontation to take place and they did not care if the visitors from another dimension got caught in the crossfire. The Sec/Tac even suspected that those who had created this plan might even prefer the collateral damage as this might make their quest to gain control of the BASTET that much easier.
Had they remained tied as they initially were, the group would have been an easier target for the Alliance to avoid, but now that they were free to join in the conflict, if they so wished it, the Confederacy could claim that any casualties were caused by the Alliance's ill-advised confrontation. The Sec/Tac could easily imagine the way Commander Valentine would react upon learning of the fate of her fellow Starfleet officers at the hand of the Alliance, prompting her to possibly lower her guard when dealing with the Confederacy.
The more the Nylaan thought about all of this, the more the fiery red-haired woman realized just how devious and well-planned the whole affair seemed to have been. It was so well thought out that Ya'Han even considered, for a brief moment, the unlikely possibility that the Lokustaar were somehow involved as this kind of dark manipulation and tactics was right up their normal way of operating.
Maybe more out of fear that this could be true, the bright red-haired Nylaan dismissed that possibility hoping that her considering this had been nothing more than a psychological remnant of her earlier and more personal dealings with the nightmarish race. Right now, it was better for all if they kept their thoughts and focus on what was about to happen and not try to imagine what dark forces had had their hands in its creation. What they needed to do was to focus on their own survival above all else.
The Sec/Tac, along with the rest of the officers corralled in the center of the room, could see the small creatures scuttering along the walls, getting into position for their assault against the walls of robots. The mechanoids did not move, remaining perfectly motionless and silent, very much like the two women who had brought the army here. At first glance, one might have believed that they were all completely oblivious as to what was happening, but knowing what she now did, the Nylaan understood that they were just letting the bait perform its task as intended. If the Confederacy reacted now, the Alliance would quickly become aware of the trap and possibly manage to retreat back from where they came. Once engaged though, the attacking force would be committed to the battle and would be unable to fall back without suffering devastating casualties.
If the prisoners called out to warn the Alliance, it was likely that everyone held in the containment zone would be immediately disposed of by one side of their robotic jail while the other three took care of the attacking Alliance forces. As bad as it sounded, the best plan was for the prisoners to remain quiet.
The plan was as perfect as could be and this scared Ya'Han. There was nothing any of them could do other than wait and see what would happen. Maybe the Alliance would reveal and use some unexpected weapon to take care of the robots, or maybe this was nothing more than a diversion to force the Confederacy to tip their hand. What worried the Sec/Tac the most though was not what or who she could see but rather who she had not seen yet. Were Jayson and the other members of his team safe? Would they return in time to join the fight or would they only arrive to witness the carnage that would undoubtedly have been left behind?
The Sec/Tac took a deep breath as she desperately scanned the access points to the room for any signs of Commander Shar'El and the other members of her team. Would Ya'Han get to see Jayson one last time before the battle? Even if she did, the odds that she would be able to tell him how she felt, how much she missed him, or even how much she loved him were extremely small if existing at all.
Their last exchange might very well become their final words to one another, leaving the truth of her feelings unspoken. Ya'Han understood that she had not treated him the way she should have upon her return from the undercover mission deep inside the Lokustaar forces. Her thought and emotions had been ripped from her following the sacrifice of Jayson's clone in order to save her life. She should have honored his memory by doing what he would have wanted, namely for her to be happy with the real Jayson. Instead, he had pushed him away, so much so that now he no longer wanted anything to do with her.
The universe, in whatever dimension it manifested itself, did seem to be a cruel and unforgiving being, one that seemed to delight in granting answers and understanding once such knowledge could no longer be used.
"Jayson," Ya'Han said aloud. "I love you."
"He knows," Sonja said as any great friend would. "Just make sure that we all get to be there when you tell him to his face."
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Hanali Han
Lieutenant Ya'Han [Access Character BIO for Ya'Han]
Chief of Security / Chief Tactical Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
---
"Pride"
(Previous Post: (ANU) "Searching" / (BAS) "Peekaboo")
---
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Storage Area
Stardate: 35013.2230
Maya watched with great trepidation as the rodents lined the walls preparing to attack as soon as they were all in place. It did not take a scientist to recognize that these small creatures were behaving in a less than natural manner. There was conscious thought and planning in their actions, patience and determination in their stances. If they were, as the other suspected, the Shillian refugees, she could not identify the animal form they were currently using. The rat-like creature was not something she remembered seeing as a child, then again, her childhood had been cut short and her training in metamorphosis had been rushed due to the impending destruction of her world. As the only surviving member of her race, opportunities to learn more about her world and people had been next to non-existent.
If those animals were the Shillians of this dimension, this would mean that their world and culture had not suffered the same fate as those from her dimension, and the Chief Science Officer found that possibility in equal parts thrilling and horrifying.
"Here it comes," Captain Morningstar announced as the rodents began their attack, moving as one, attacking from three fronts.
Whatever doubts Maya might have had about the rodents being the Shillian refugees instantly vanished when she saw the small creatures transform before her very eyes into huge cat-like beasts that would have even made the Flight Control Officer of the BASTET gasp. Looking upon the large and muscular felines as their long sharp claws left visible scratches into the metal deck plate made the scientist feel a sense of pride and envy. The scariest animal-form she had ever been able to shapeshift into had been a 'Gralo', a creature that the Terrans compared to a wolf. That form paled in comparison to the one she had just seen the refugees shapeshift into. The long and sharp-looking teeth that protruded from their jaws were enough to instil fear into whatever adversary would see them rushing in their direction.
At least that should have been the reaction had their targets been anything other than machines, automatons unable to experience any such emotions. Instead of being surprised by the unexpected transformation or intimidated by the change in appearance of those rushing them, the robots simply revealed their ability to adapt by turning their heads a full 180 degrees allowing them to instantly face the attacking forces.
It only took a few seconds for the giant felines to reach their targets thanks to their powerful strides, but by then the robots had already raised their weapons and opened fire. Maya felt her heart break each time one of the large beasts was shut down leaving behind a lifeless corpse riddled with holes that went clear through their bodies. The only reason why all of the Shillians had not perished in that initial assault was due to the fact that many of the robots had shifted position to protect Sonju and Han. That tactic resulted in many lives to be spared but it was easy to see that the automatons had an unquestionable advantage in this battle, so much so that the Shillian saw the battle more as a massacre than anything else.
Maya wanted to scream, to find a way to end this madness so that she would not have to bear witness to the death of so many she now considered to be *her* people. The Shillian scientist feared that she would be forced to experience the death of her race once again, and that thought kept her frozen in place in sheer and absolute terror.
The shifting of three of the four lines of robots created openings that the Starfleet officers and their ward could have easily used to escape the confinement area. The fact that the fourth line had not moved and remained fully focused on them kept everyone from moving, save one. As soon as she saw a way to reach one of the fallen Shillians, Maya rushed towards them ignoring any danger that she might be placing herself in.
The first couple of great cats she managed to reach were already dead, causing her to frantically move from one fallen Shillian to the next until she finally found one that had not been instantly killed by the hail of laser fire unleashed by the automatons.
"I will get a Doctor for you," Maya said but before she could rise to do as she had just said, the fallen Shillian transformed back into his humanoid form and took hold of her wrist, pulling her back to him.
"No, we were already dead," he barely managed to say as a trickle of blood escaped the corner of his mouth. "We welcome our end, dying with pride and knowing that we have done everything we could to help others."
"You do not have to die," the Shillian pleaded, tears escaping from her eyes in a quick and steady flow.
"So many died with our world. It is time for us to join them, with pride in our hearts. Live well... remember us."
---
Jessica Solarik
&
Captain Selene Fiona Iverson [Access Character BIO for Selene Iverson]
Commanding Officer
USS BASTET
"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)
---
"Check Mate"
(Previous Post: (ANU) "Pride" / (BAS) "Peekaboo")
---
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Storage Area
Stardate: 35013.2235
The past, present and future of the multiverse are filled with countless conflicts, some born out of natural necessity while others come to be because of more selfish personal needs. This was an inescapable truth that Starfleet Captains and officers were taught to understand, but that still did not make them any more able to accept this truth especially when they were directly faced with chaos and legacy of such oppositions. Being caught in the middle of such a battle made things even more troubling, especially when considering the likelihood that they had all been used as pawns in this particular instance, opposing the Confederacy and the Alliance.
By the looks of things, it was evident that the Confederacy possessed technological superiority, if not in the wider conflict at least in this battle. The Alliances using the shape-shifting Shillians as shock-troopers was a brilliant tactic, one that unfortunately was proving to be mostly ineffective against the mechanoid forces they had been unleashed against. Unless something drastic was to happen, the battle would quickly come to an end with the robot army victorious and their opponents annihilated.
---
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Corridor access
Stardate: 35013.2235
The Disposal team watched in horror as the battle raged, unable to find a way to safely join or even regroup with the others. Even in the middle of the battle, the robots maintained near-complete control of the situation leaving A'Janni, Zub, Nicole and Adriana with no safe course of action to pursue.
"We can't just sit here and let this happen," Nicole voiced her gaze locked on the terrified looking Doctor Andersson.
"We would not stand a chance against those robots," the BASTET reptilian Chief of Security said. As much as he might have wanted to do as the Counsellor suggested in order to help his Commanding Officer and the other members of his crew, Enel understood that anything they might try at this time would be pointless and futile.
"The best we can do is to stay here and be ready to help should they manage to find a way to get out of there without being shut down like everything else in that room," the Caitian said. A'Janni had already seen his fair share of death thanks to the uprising on KZINTI ALPHA and the death of the royal family, and the scene unfolding before him was not making him feel any better about any of this.
Adriana stood there in contemplative silence, growing to hate Hel more with each beat of her heart. As angry as the Junior Ambassador was at Stella for the pain and suffering she inflicted to others with such ease, Lopez knew that it was the woman in charge who was the one ultimately responsible for everything they had endured.
---
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Corridor access (the other side)
Stardate: 35013.2235
The sudden sounds of laser fire made the Assault team rush back as quickly as they could, stopping short of actually setting foot into the large storage area.
"What is happening?" The Asian scientist demanded, her word trembling with fear as she witnessed the ongoing carnage. The shock of witnessing such a brutal scene caused Mitshiba to drop the small device Commander Shar'El had given her to work on.
"We knew that the Alliance and Confederacy were far from friends," Jayson said as he took a deep swallow. "I never expected that it would come to a full-out battle inside the station." The man took a moment to scan the horrific scene unfolding before them, his heart-stopping for a few seconds as his gaze fell upon the Nylaan Chief of Security. "We need to get in there and help them."
"How do you propose we do that, Lieutenant?" Commander Shar'El demanded. As great as her knowledge might have been, as extensive as her experience might have been, there was no way the First Officer of the ANUBIS could see them entering the battlefield without suffering the same fate as those who had already fallen.
Doctor Bruxa watched in horror as the number of casualties rapidly increased but it was when she glanced at Jayson that she saw something that affected her even more. The expression of heart-felt concern for one particular member of the group caught in the middle of this warfare made her understand his true feelings. Whatever trouble had come to stand between Ya'Han and him, whatever pain had kept the couple apart, Satella could see that he cared for her in a way that was far much more than she could have ever hoped to have the Chief of Operations care for her.
Utilizing that realization, the Doctor decided to act as only she could, well, more accurately, as only the person whom she resembled so strongly would. Without saying anything, Satella picked up the small device Misaki had dropped before making her way into the storage area and the raging battle, keeping her eyes on her target. The Chief Medical Officer of the ANUBIS hoped that by doing her best to ignore the fighting happening all around her she would be able to reach her target without succumbing to the fears that were making each step that much more difficult to take.
---
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Storage Area
Stardate: 35013.2237
"What is she doing?" The Ambassador gasped the moment she saw Satella making her way through the battle. "She is going to get killed."
"I do not think so," Sonja said as she observed the way the robots had changed their firing pattern following the entrance into the warzone of the women their programming caused them to recognize as a familiar figure. "Those blasted machines think that our Doctor is the Executioner. Look, they have changed their positioning to allow her direct access to Sonju and Han."
"This distraction may be the only opportunity we get to get our people out of here safely," Captain Iverson stated in a calm and Vulcan-like tone.
"I am not leaving a member of my crew behind," Captain Morningstar quickly stated in response. Turning to look straight as Selene, Erik added, "and do not try to tell me that you would not say the exact same thing if it was one of your people there instead. I agree that this may be the perfect opportunity, but not for an escape. We need to use this to end this carnage."
"How do you propose we do this?" Iverson inquired.
"All right, I am still trying to figure that part out," Morningstar admitted, shifting his attention back onto Doctor Bruxa suspecting that the misdirection initiated by Satella would not last all that long.
---
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Storage Area (centre area)
Stardate: 35013.2237
The robots had created a path for Stella to use in order to safely join the Crown and the Agent in the protection of their small contained area.
"Only you would have the gall to walk into a warzone like this," Han noted as she watched the Executioner approach.
"What happened?" Sonju asked. "You were supposed to take the place of their Doctor. You coming here like this will make it clear to them that you are not her. Somehow I doubt that your counterpart from their dimension would have the kind of nonchalant attitude you have just displayed."
Satella smiled, at least as much as she could manage without losing control of her emotions which threatened to overwhelm her completely causing her to likely fall to her knees weeping. "You are right, she never would have done this before."
"Why are you sweating?" The Agent said having taken note of something particularly odd about the woman.
"End this battle, now!" Doctor Bruxa ordered as she showed the small cylindrical object to the other two women. "This small explosive device may not be all that powerful, but I am willing to bet that it packs enough of a punch to kill you both where you stand."
"You are Satella!" The Agent gasped with surprise.
"Doctor Bruxa?" Sonju grinned. "Now, that is quite a surprise. I applaud your courage, but we both know that you are bluffing. You have taken an oath to 'do no harm', therefore, you will not use that device as you have just threatened to do."
"Not to mention that it would kill you as well," Han added.
"No rule in this universe is absolute," Satella noted with more conviction than she ever imagined herself possessing in a situation such as this one. "Killing you and breaking my Hippocratic oath means that many more will survive, and I can live with that. The fact that I will be dead does make it easier for me since I will not have to face the ethical and moral impact of my decision. I have seen what you are capable of, and I will happily sacrifice myself if it means that others are spared that fate. Now, of course, I would rather not have to do this, but I will if you do not stop this massacre NOW."
Sonja glared at the woman who clearly was far more like Stella than anyone might have expected. After a few seconds, the Crown decided to comply. "Robots, STAND DOWN."
---
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Storage Area
Stardate: 35013.2238
With a mixture of surprise and relief, the robots stopped fighting and lowered their weapons. As soon as the firefight ended, the two Captains noticed a familiar face stepped out of the shadows followed by several others all dressed in military combat fatigues. With a motion of his hand, Colonel Morningstar ordered the rest of his troops to rush in and take charge of the Crown and Agent. After dispatching the others to help in whatever way they could, Erik and Selene made their way past the now immobile robots and joined the stunned Doctor of the ANUBIS.
"Congratulations Doctor, that was quite a trick you pulled," Captain Morningstar said to the Chief Medical Officer who clearly appeared ready to faint.
"I have to agree," Colonel Morningstar added. "Without your intervention, this battle would have resulted in a lot more casualties. You did a great job. Maybe you would be happier working as a Field Medic with us instead of as a pampered Doctor with him," the military officer said gesturing towards his counterpart.
"No thank you," Satella weakly offered, declining the offer before turning her attention onto her Commanding Officer. "Captain, permission to find a wall to lean against before I fall?"
Erik smiled and nodded his head, motioning for his First Officer to come closer and assist the Doctor.
---
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Storage Area, amidst the bodies of many dead Shillians
Stardate: 35013.2238
As soon as they had been given the order to spread out and help in whatever way they could, Doctor Andersson had rushed to the side of the one humanoid Shillian who had miraculously survived the onslaught.
"Are you injured?" Sofia asked, a quick visual scan of the woman revealing no visible marks of any kind.
"The robots were programmed to attack the Shillians while in their cat form," the Chief Science Officer said with great sadness having figured out why those had been the only targets the automatons targeted. "The worst part was that they knew this, and yet they transformed and rushed in, all to save us."
Nicole slid in next to Sofia, glad to see that both were unharmed. It only took a quick wordless exchange for the Counsellor of the BASTET to be made to understand that Maya was the one in greater need at the moment.
---
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Corridor access
Stardate: 35013.2239
A'Janni and Zub had not wasted any time, rushing in to help the moment the battle had ended. With the Trill Counsellor gone to check in on the blonde-haired Doctor, Adriana was left alone at the corridor access entrance. The Junior Ambassador was more than happy to see all of her shipmates relatively unscathed by the recent events, but yet she could not bring herself to smile.
Too many people had died, and she was not referring only to the Shillians who had perished during the battle. Adriana could not help but think back to all of the others who had lost their lives such as Mandy and even Stella. This space station was a place of darkness where death proved to be far more common than she could have cared for. It was at that moment that the Counsellor realized that her desire for revenge had been misplaced.
"Well," Adriana said, speaking to herself. "Looks like this whole mess might have finally come to an end. I am sorry that you had to die, Mandy, you were so kind to me, I wish that you could have been here so that I could properly thank you. As for you Stella... I should not have wished to enact my revenge on you. You were nothing more than a product of this place, of this dimension. I forgive you."
"You do?"
Lopez spun on her heels to face the person standing behind her who had just said those two words. When she saw who it was, the Counsellor quickly looked over her shoulder to confirm what she suspected. Since Satella was there with Commander Shar'El, it meant that the woman now in front of her could have only been one person. "You are alive."
"No thanks to your scaly reptilian friend," the Executioner snarled. "Kind of ironic though that it was that overgrown lizard that almost killed me and that it was another one of his kind that saved me. Still, it was worth it to hear your sappy forgiveness and see the look of surprise on your face when you turned and saw me. Now, it is time for me to get *my* revenge."
Adriana just stood there, paralyzed and shocked. Even when she saw the small sharp blade being drawn from the leg-holster the Counsellor could not move. Instead, she just braced herself for what to come. Lopez closed her eyes and drew a deep final breath then waited... and waited. When she heard the sound of the small blade hitting the ground, the Hispanic woman reopened her eyes to see the Executioner wrapped in the arms of a Jem'Hadar.
"You Counsellors always worry too much," Abrasivnyy said with a grin. "Not even the famed Stella can break free from the hold of my friend Remi. Trust me,many have tried and all have failed. They have broken bones to show for their failure. Now, how about you and I join the others, I believe that there is still one person on this station you people need my help dealing with."
---
Jessica Solarik
Captain Selene Fiona Iverson [Access Character BIO for Selene Iverson]
Commanding Officer
USS BASTET
&
Lieutenant Commander Maya [Access Character BIO for 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)
"A Few Questions Left to Answer"
Previous posts: (ANU) "Pride" & (BAS) "Check Mate"
///^\\\
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Storage Area
Stardate: 35013.2245
The Asian CSciO let out a sigh of relief without realizing it. This mission had covered pretty much every imaginable possibility for a journey into another dimension. The joint crews had been called in to deal with kidnapping; murder; a plot to take over the BASTET which led into a plan to take over another dimension; a struggle for their survival and even an all-out war between two opposing factions with them stuck in the middle. One thing was certain, things were never boring.
With everyone busy doing what they could to help, Mitshiba decided to give in to her curiosity and approached one of the powered-down robots. She had not had the chance to see one up close, and now that she could, the CSciO realized just how massive they were. If the Confederacy was able to send these over to other dimensions in larger numbers, they could do a lot of damage and kill a lot of people. The machine's effectiveness at the latter had unfortunately been witnessed to a gruesome extent. That is why Aki's initial interest for the automatons quickly shifted into a steadily mounting dislike of the mechanical menace.
Turning her attention away from the robots, Aki saw the ship's ILO walking towards her, Her mood performed a rapid about-face leaving the CSciO unable to contain her joy. "Gemma!" The Asian woman called out before realizing that she had used the wrong name. As much as it was Gemma beneath the external appearance, the woman that was approaching had identified herself as Abrasivnyy, a difference that the scientist was certain would be pointed out within the briefest possible delays.
"Hello Aki," the ILO said as she walked by the CSciO. If that was not enough of a surprise, seeing the Executioner Stella held captive in the arms of the Jem'Hadar that was following Gemma stunned the Asian woman into perfect silence as she just watched the trio make their way past her heading towards what appeared to be the ANUBIS' First Officer.
"Is everything alright Lieutenant?" Captain Iverson asked. Apparently, the expression on Aki's face warranted someone checking in on her, just to make sure that nothing was wrong.
Aki's eyes remained focused on the ILO, her bodyguard and the woman in his grasp. "In all of our dealings with any of Gemma's personalities, have we ever been able to address her by the name of another of her identities and receive a straight and even friendly acknowledgement?" Mitshiba asked.
"If by that you mean if she has ever answered to being called by another of her names, the answer would be no," Iverson answered. "There is still a lot we do not fully understand about our ILO, but we know that each personality is independent of the others. Gemma is aware of them, very much like you and I are aware of each other and the rest of the crew, but she would never acknowledge being someone other than who she appears to be at that time."
Aki considered the Captain's words very carefully. "There is something particularly strange about Abrasivnyy then. I mistakenly called her Gemma and she acknowledged me without the slightest hesitation as if it was perfectly normal for her to be called by someone else's name. Could something have happened while she was on her own?" The Asian woman finally turned to look at her Captain, eagerly waiting for a reply.
"The only way to know that for sure would be to ask her," Iverson said. "We know that Abrasivnyy's history goes back before Gemma came to us on the BASTET. That was made very clear when that woman demanded to be allowed to 'go home' to this place before trashing our sickbay. Beyond that, we know next to nothing as to what happened then, or what happened more recently. Maybe now that things have settled down a little, we might get some answers as to any of this."
Aki nodded before returning her attention onto the woman walking away from them. It was a little strange to see the Captain voice such an optimistic view, especially about Gemma. Since the day of her arrival on board the BASTET, the ILO had been an impossible riddle wrapped in an unsolvable mystery hidden deep inside an enigma that stood beyond the realm of time and space. According to what the Asian CSciO believed about the woman in question, it would be easier to understand the intricacies of the shared quantum harmonics between dimensions than to fully figure out a single of the ILO's multitude of personalities. Still, Mitshiba had to agree that the simple possibility of one day solving a small part of this riddle did keep things interesting, just in case the rest of their multi-dimensional adventures proved to not be enough to do so.
///^\\\
Dawn Bohr
Lieutenant Misaki 'Aki' Mitshiba [Access Character BIO for Misaki Mitshiba]
Chief Science Officer
USS BASTET - NCC 74977
=-=
"Something Changed"
[the previous posts were (ANU) "Pride" by Jessica / (BAS) "A Few Questions Left to Answer" by Dawn]
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Storage Area
Stardate: 35013.2245
Doctor Bruxa was in quite a state, standing with her back against the wall and her hands clenched as tight as humanly possible. Her earlier stunt had surprised everyone, most of all the Mikulak woman. It was because of their almost identical appearance that Satella had reluctantly accepted to take on the role of the Executioner. As much as she did not want to do so, the CMO understood the necessity of such deception if they were to get anywhere closer to the woman known only as Hel. Never had the physician expected to push her playing that part to the extent that she ended up doing.
"Would you like me to fetch you some water?" The ExO / ILO asked the pale looking woman, not all that certain that it would be safe to leave her unattended even if only for a few moments.
The CMO quickly shook her head as a reply, instantly regretting the action which almost caused her to topple over. "I don't think I would be able to keep it in. My stomach feels like it is trying to turn itself inside out. I also feel very light-headed, so right now I think it would be best if I just sat here and waited for my system to calm down."
Shar'El chuckled. "After that brilliant bit of improvisation, I think we can all agree that you have earned a little bit of quiet time."
"Thank you," Satella said in a weakened voice as she began to slide down using the wall to safely guide her to a sitting position on the floor. "I am not even sure why I thought I could convince anyone that this was some sort of explosive," the CMO added as she opened her hand and revealed the small cylinder she had picked up earlier. "I knew I had to do something, and at the time I had no idea what that something would be. I just saw this and thought that it might come in useful."
"You did this without any sort of planning?" the ExO / ILO asked, sounding both surprised and impressed.
"You all kept telling me to be more like her, to look more menacing and to think more like a ruthless killer instead of a meek physician," Satella said.
"I do not recall us using those words," Shar'El said, trying her best not to laugh as she did so.
Satella looked up at the standing woman. "You didn't have to. I could tell by your comments and sideways glances that I was not performing the way you had all hoped I would."
"So what changed?" The Commander inquired. Even if the woman did not voice out loud her answer, she would more than likely recall the memory of that exact moment allowing the Ullian to easily pick up on it without having to scan the Doctor's memories.
Doctor Bruxa hesitated before offering a reply. The truth was that she wanted to spare Jayson the hardship of losing the woman he loved. Of course, there was no way she would just say this for fear that he might one day learn of the real reason why she had acted the way she did. "I just wanted the killing to stop," Satella eventually offered as her official reason for her actions as she handed the small cylindrical object over to the woman standing next to her.
"We are all very grateful for what you did," Shar'El acknowledged as she accepted the offering, not letting the Doctor know that the real reason for her actions was now known by someone else. "Rest, you have earned it."
After the Commander had taken only a few steps, someone called out her name. "SHAR'EL!"
The annoyance and loathing that was contained in the word immediately identified who had spoken to the ExO / ILO who slowly turned to face the irritated woman as she continued her approach. "Hello, Gemma," Shar'El said, triggering the device now in her hand. The timing could not have been more perfect, and somehow the Commander would have to find a way to thank the Doctor without explaining what she had done.
"Looking for this?" Abrasivnyy said showing an identical device as the one Shar'El had just used and was trying her best to keep hidden from the other ILO.
"How?" The ExO / ILO was puzzled. How did Gemma manage to gain possession of the device? How had she managed to swap it with a fake? More troubling was the fact that she had acknowledged being called Gemma while the woman with the multi-personality had not been in the mindset of the identity used.
"You have always believed yourself to be so much better than anyone else," the BASTET's ILO hissed. "Since day one you thought that I was nothing more than an oddity to be controlled and played with. The nanites that course through my body controlled *who* I am and you made sure that you would be able to control them."
"You were unstable," Shar'El said having realized that any attempt to deny what had taken place or even avoid this discussion would be pointless. "You were going through so many different personalities in such rapid succession that we feared you would end up dying as your body and mind desperately tried to keep up. This was meant to help you."
"You are a lousy liar, Shar'El," Abrasivnyy sneered. "You and Koniki have never wanted to *help* me. You simply wanted to see just how well I would learn to manage the information that you forced into my head thanks to those nanites. When I became evident that your little experiment had failed, I was cast out and sent on missions that no one else could have ever come close to completing."
"You did though. Every mission. Every objective. You adapted better than anyone else, and with each completed mission we noticed that your abilities only grew stronger," the ExO / ILO said, trying to defuse the situation as best she could.
"I know," the ILO growled. "That is why I was dragged back and assigned to the BASTET so that Koniki could keep a closer eye on me and my *progress*. Well, I have progressed more than either one of you might have expected, and most certainly more than you would have hoped. I bet you would love to know what happened, but right now we have more important matters to deal with."
Shar'El tilted slightly to one side to be able to look upon the Jem'Hadar and the struggling Stella held in his arms. "Her?"
"She is nothing more than a means to our goal," Gemma spat. "A way of thinking that I know you are very familiar with. No, she is not the matter we need to address. We have to find Hel and deal with her before she finds a way to get even for what happened here."
"I'm listening..."
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Control Center
Stardate: 35013.2255
Over a dozen screens covered the far wall, and each displayed a different view of the same storage area, the one where the officers of the USS ANUBIS and USS BASTET were in together.
"You need to get out of here," Fiona said to the woman standing a few steps in front of her. "We never expected them to be this resourceful. The Alliance suffered heavy casualties but the war is not over. We have to make sure they do not get to you."
"They won't," Hel growled. "Trust me, this is far from over," the woman added as she focused her attention on one particular screen, the one displaying a single member of the two crews."
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Commander Shar'El [Access Character BIO for Shar'El]
Executive Officer / Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
Ensign Sofia Andersson [Access Character BIO for Sofia Andersson]
Chief Medical Officer
USS BASTET
##########
"Is It The End?"
Previous posts (ANU) "Something Changed" / (BAS) "A Few Questions Left to Answer"
##########
"A story has no beginning or end: arbitrarily one chooses that moment of experience from which to look back or from which to look ahead."
- Graham Greene, The End of the Affair
-==/\==--
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Storage Area
Stardate: 35013.2250
Like most Humans, the Native American was curious and inquisitive. These were traits that many other races associated with the people from EARTH, traits that were often described as 'not as common as one might expect' or to be 'a rare and precious gift'. Whatever definition Erik chose to accept mattered little, he had questions and would take advantage of the current situation to hopefully get some answers.
"Looks like your little war is over," the Starfleet Captain said as he approached the military Colonel bearing the same name he did.
"Wars are never over," the Colonel noted with a seriousness that the Captain found all-so familiar. "The fighting might have stopped, but there is always a sliver of that conflict that remains alive somewhere in someone's heart. Sooner or later it will grow strong enough to start all of this again. It might have changed its form, and maybe even its reasons for being, but it will be there and the fighting will start over, if not here on this station, then somewhere else. No matter the world, no matter the system or even dimension, the story is always the same... wars never truly end."
"So, you are saying that they died for nothing?" Captain Morningstar said referring to the Shillians who had given their lives in their valourous attempt to save him and the other Starfleet officer.
"No," the Colonel said as he turned to look at the numerous bodies being brought back by his men and the surviving Shillians. "Far from it. Those shapeshifting lunatics were the best we had, and those who have fallen will be sadly missed. It was their idea to come to your help and again their idea to confront the robots head-on the way they did. I do not think they fully realized what they were doing, but there was nothing I or anyone else could do or say to talk them out of it. Since the loss of their world, they have been searching for a reason to live... and die."
"They were spared disappearing with their world into the forgotten pages of history, so they do everything they can to make sure they are remembered," the Native American Captain said hinting to his understanding the reasons behind the Shillians' actions. Erik turned his head and gazed upon the Shillian scientist, realizing that although her methods might have been different, she likely hoped to achieve something very similar for herself. To be remembered and in so doing have her people remembered as well.
"For thinking they way they do and acting on those beliefs with such abandonment, I have nothing but respect for them," the Colonel stated. "The fallen will be properly honoured for their sacrifice and they will not be forgotten, not as long as I draw breath. Of course, that all depends on the Confederacy and how quickly they are going to be hunting us down for what happened here today. As I said, the war is never over. We might have won this fight, but that will only push them to be that much more ruthless the next time."
"What are you going to do before that happens?" The Captain inquired, trying to get a better sense of what this battle would mean in the larger scope of this conflict between the Alliance and Confederacy.
"We will study those death-machines to the best of our equipment and abilities and hopefully discover some sort of weakness can be exploited," the Colonel explained. "It might lead us to some great discovery or prove to be a colossal waste of time, but that is the best we can do at the moment. The Alliance is too small to go up against the Confederacy straight on as I am sure you have already noticed based on what happened today. If it was not for what she did, this fight would have most likely ended in a very different way. We could use people like you."
"We can't," the Native American Captain said sighing. "At least not in the manner you suggest. We came here to evaluate the threat the Confederacy might pose to the Federation and act accordingly. Stopping them from being able to travel to our dimension is, unfortunately, the same as helping you defeat them."
"I understand," the Colonel said trying his best to be as political as he could be, an effort that the Captain instantly recognized as he had done the same thing many times before, and failing most of them. "Whatever bloody nose you manage to give them, we will be happy to see it happen. If it ends up helping our cause, that much the better. Now, go back to your people and take care of them. I need to do the same with mine."
The two Erik Morningstars offered a respectful nod of their heads before letting the other carry on with his personal and professional duties
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Captain Erik Morningstar [Access Character BIO for Erik Morningstar]
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Lt. Commander Elan Fairborn [Access Character BIO for Elan Fairborn]
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
=-=
“Coping”
Previous posts: (ANU) "Is It The End?"” by Francois / (BAS) “A Few Questions Left to Answer” by Dawn
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Storage Area
Stardate: 35013.2255
Zub Enel helped live Shillian refugees carry dead Shillian refugees to a low-hovering, flat cargo cart. The Shillians were not sullen, but not talkative. Zub understood the grief of finding many of the casualties being persons known to them. Mixed in with grief was likely pride that the Shillians had willingly volunteered and died defending the Federation crew, a foreign presence at best. The stiffening bodies, holed and cauterized by the robot army’s ray weapons, smelled like over-charred steak, not a smell he could ever learn to enjoy. He silently helped until there were no more fallen heroes nearby.
He turned away. His hands were so dirty that rubbing them made them feel like he was wearing gloves fashioned from gore. His gaze fell on A’Janni who had also just finished helping move bodies. The two tall, bestial males angled toward each other in the massive storage area that echoed with activity and overlapping conversation.
As he approached Zub, the large tiger of a man pointed the claws of two fingers to his one white eye and then spread them as he pointed at Adriana. She stood alone watching Abrasivnyy talk with Shar’El while her Jem’Hadar enforcer hugged an alert, but slack muscled Stella to his barrel chest.
Zub nodded in understanding as he came up to the hulking cat man. “Adriana,” he said, letting his voice trail off. He and A’Janni half-turned toward her to keep a discrete eye on her.
"Is this," A'Janni said pointing to a raised, crescent moon-shaped scar on the upper chest of the Voth exposed by his soiled tunic hanging partially opened, "something common to your people?"
"My *people*?" Enel repeated, trying to understand the question as well as the seemingly specific words used to present it. "If you mean race, no. If you are referring to the brood I was hatched from, again no. If you meant me as an individual, then the answer would still be no." The reptilian Chief of Security said in a less than happy manner. "This marking was something I earned prior to my joining Starfleet. Why?"
A'Janni could tell that whatever the marking was it meant something specific to his friend, so he decided to forgo inquiring as to where and why and instead focusing on the initial reason for his query. "I noticed that the reptilian Doctor we encountered at the end of our search for Stella's body had the exact same marking in the exact same location."
"She did?" Zub sounded truly surprised. "How were you able to see that? She had on a head-to-toe smock.”
“A thin one. I may only have one eye, but it works just as well as your nose. My guess is that you were distracted by the stench of electro-fried flesh and failed to notice it, but I did. I also noted the way she was looking at you, taking in your scent as you kept her from going anywhere. I think Doctor Tzu fancied you, Zub.”
Enel thought back to the encounter and reluctantly admitted to what A'Janni was hinting at. "Yes, there was something very familiar about her, maybe a little too much so..."
A’Janni gave a little scoff. “You did not notice she looked exactly like you? Her features were a little softer around the edges, but she was you, even at the exact the same point on the ugly scale as you. So, it does make sense she was attracted to you.”
Zub put his filthy hand up to rub under his chin. “I was trying to ascertain if the body was that of Stella’s.”
A’Janni pointed, his eye wide. “She used that same gesture!”
Zub Enel felt his downy feather tingle along his long arms. The backs of his three-fingered hands had flushed pink. “I truly have not had time to process that the doctor was a female Voth.”
The giant tiger of a cat man chuckled. “Security training must not require much observational skill before they issue detective badges.”
Zub scowled confused. “Badges?!”
A’Janni chuckled again. “Forget it. If you want to date the Voth doctor, I can set something up.”
Zub grew thoughtful. “If she’s me, would I not be dating myself? What would I talk to her about?”
“Your children?”
Zub Enel’s golden eyes focused on A’Janni’s eye. He smiled. “Maybe she has a big, one-eyed, stinky, tiger-woman friend.”
A’Janni chuckled at that. They both stood in companionable silence keeping an eye on Adriana. As they did so, they also caught a glance of the latest load of bodies to be moved, a sight that instantly sobered the Caitian and Voth. Counselor Dima would have likely agreed that faced with such a heart-wrenching sight, holding on to whatever humor was available was, as misplaced as it might have seemed to be, a valid method to keep one from slipping into a depression that would be very difficult to climb out of. The two imposing figures returned their gazes to one another, sharing a telling moment of silence between them. This mission would leave everyone with their fair share of scars, but some would carry more than anyone should have ever had to deal with.
"Let's get back to work," A'Janni somberly said, doing his best to deal with his own emotional and psychological scars knowing very well that as painful as they were, his pain paled in comparison to that of some of the others. Maya had lost far too many members of her race even though up until very recently she had believed to have been the only Shillian alive. The Caitian understood her pain all too well, the assassination of the royal family on KZINTI ALPHA, especially Cheetora, making him experience a very similar lose although hers was far more painful than anything he could have felt. Then, there was Adriana who had lost just as much if not more in that during her time on this station she had not lost someone close to her but rather lost a part of herself.
"Relax my friend," Zub said having picked up on A'Janni sudden emotional shift. "We are going to be alright... we all will." Belying his appearances as a brutish, humanoid-eating lizard after a messy meal, he looked steadily at A’Janni until the big cat man nodded.
=-=
Jayson Sousa
AND
David Michael Inverso
Ensign Zub Enel [Access Character BIO for Zub Enel]
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS BASTET, NCC 74977
Rosebud: Hey, guys? I hear a low rumbling sound.
Budderball: Don't look at me!
- Space Buddies
=-=
"From A Distance"
[the previous post was (ANU) "Is It The End?" by Francois / (BAS) "Coping" by David]
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Storage Area
Stardate: 35013.2255
She sat with her back against the wall, her senses barely registering what was happening around her. The scene was surreal, a nightmarish canvas painted with blood seen through a hazy lens. The physician knew she needed to help, that was her duty, her responsibility. Her body though refused categorically to cooperate, remaining where it was, trembling. Her stomach still felt like it was ready to explode. If that was not enough, her head was spinning from what had taken place. Her thoughts were nothing short of a jumbled mess interlaced with uncontrollable emotions. Her heart had finally begun to slow down, barely, and she could feel her pulse echoing throughout her body.
The carnage could have been much worse. Then again, she could have easily become part of the body count. Actually, she was surprised that this had not happened. Even if the robots did acknowledge her as Stella, which thankfully they did, there were no guarantees. A single stray shot could have ended her journey, permanently. Even after reaching Sonju and Han, either could have killed her the moment they realized who she was. More accurately who Satella Bruxa, CMO of the USS ANUBIS was not.
Trying not to think about that particular moment in time, the physician raised her head. Satella's eyes slowly drifted over the storage area, painstakingly taking in the aftermath of the battle. As a Doctor, such a scene appalled her, only adding to the sensation that she would be sick. When she saw Stella firmly held in the arms of the Jem'Hadar, the CMO felt a surge of unbridled anger. She almost wished for the muscular brute to squeeze until the captive woman became just another casualty. Not liking the directions of her thoughts, Bruxa turned her gaze away only to have it fall on Jayson and Ya'Han. They were talking, more so than they had in ages. The Nylaan appeared relived as the Terran smiled at her. On his side, Jayson looked relaxed and thankful. From where she sat, it looked like he was happy, and because of that so was she.
No one would ever know the exact reason why Dr. Bruxa acted the way she did. Shar'El, thanks to her being Ullian, would likely be the sole expectation to this. Even if the Commander knew, the Doctor doubted that the true reason would ever be revealed to him. There was no need for Jayson to know, not now and certainly not later. All that Satella had ever wanted was for him to be happy, no matter with whom.
Desperately wanting to have her thoughts focus onto something else, Satella scanned the room once again. Captain Morningstar had just finished speaking with his military counterpart. The two men appeared so different and yet so very similar. Their posture radiated authority and demanded respect. Seeing her Captain like this, Doctor Bruxa thought as to how great it will be to return to the familiarity of the ANUBIS. That thought made her seek out Adriana, recalling chats in more friendly surroundings. As her eyes fell upon the Cns/Junior Ambassador though, the CMO immediately understood that things would be different. After everything she had endured, there would be no way for them to ever return to the way things were.
Each mission exposed them, as a group and as individuals, to unique hardships. Some of them would eventually fade into the realm of forgotten memories. Others would stand fast and haunt them for the rest of their lives. Their journey to this dimension most certainly fell into the latter description.
How each would overcome these hardships would depend on two variables. How much support their friends and fellow shipmates would offer, and how much work each would be willing to invest in their own recovery. As a physician, Satella was all too aware of this rule. No amount of work or effort could help someone who was not willing to help themselves first. A person could try to help by example, showing others through their own actions that things could and would get better. This process needed o start with one person getting back to their feet despite all adversity. So, after taking in a deep breath, Dr Bruxa pushed against the wall behind her and forced herself back to her feet. If she was to be there for others, she first needed to be there for herself.
=-=
Rachel Jackie Johnson
[Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint. - Mark Twain]
=-=
"Moving On"
[the previous post was (ANU) "From A Distance" / (BAS) "Coping"]
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Storage Area
Stardate: 35013.2300
There was a certain sense of delight in seeing Sonju, Han and Stella in restraints. To see them on their knees with their hands tied behind them backs was poetic. This was the exact same position the Crown and Agent had forced the others to be not that long ago. It was nice to see them be in such a subjugated position. Granted, Abrasivnyy would have preferred seeing them agonizing in pain, but this would do, for now. The arrogance in their eyes was gone, but the defiance remained intact. As far as the three women were concerned, the fight might have been lost, but the war was far from over.
Sonju's glare never deviated from the wild white-haired woman standing in front of her. "Hel will never let you get away with this," she said breaking the uneasy silence. The Crown's words were laced with venomous poison. It was evident that the two of them had a history, an unpleasant one at that. "You have a debt to pay, and she will make sure you do."
=-=
FLASHBACK
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Office of the Magistrate
Stardate: Many years ago, rift reopens in 8 hours
Sonju sat in a chair behind a small desk while Abrasivnyy stood in front of her. The two guards standing immediately to her sides made sure that the woman had nowhere to go.
"We have been keeping tabs on you since your arrival. I will say this, you have been busy." The expression on the sitting woman betrayed her lack of interest. It was evident that Sonju was doing this because someone had told her to, not because she wanted to.
"Is that so?" The prisoner with the wild white hair said, as defiant as could be. "Guess I was not doing enough to have someone as unimportant as you drag me in here like this. How about you go back to cleaning the waste-management units. I'll go back out there and find the person I am her to see."
Sonju was visibly pissed. "You are no going anywhere you arrogant piece of meat. Take her to the arena. Maybe her death will entertain some while sending the message that we do not tolerate her kind."
"My kind?" Abrasivnyy grinned. "What? The smart and gorgeous type? From what I have seen of this station, that would make me a rare oddity. Just look at you. You are as far away from those of those descriptions as can be. I will give you this though, you are efficient. To have your level of ugliness and stupidity all wrapped into a single package is quite amazing. Maybe they should make you the *Crown*. You would be able to lead the rest of the imbeciles on this station by example."
"You are going to pay for that," Sonju hissed.
The wild white-haired woman almost laughed. "Put it on my account. We can settle my debt after I am done dealing with those in charge of this soulless piece of floating junk."
"TAKE HER AWAY!"
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Storage Area
Stardate: 35013.2302
"Paying my debts is exactly why I am here," Abrasivnyy hissed. "Do not believe for a moment that I have forgotten. I may not be a Lannister, but I *always* pay my debts. Not wanting to let her anger take the best of her, Abrasivnyy took a few steps back. This gave Shar'El the opportunity that she needed to try to get some answers.
"Are we finally going to tell me what happened here?"
The BASTET's ILO turned to look straight at the ANUBIS' ILO. What surprised Shar'El the most was that the woman staring back at her was doing so using Gemma's eyes. "This hs nothing to do with you or Koniki. What happened here back then is between me and Hel. I failed in my mission the first time, I will not allow that to happen again." Gemma took a moment to gather her thoughts. To help her do this, she turned her attention onto Remi.
=-=
FLASHBACK
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Arena Prep Area
Stardate: Many years ago, rift reopens in 6 hours
Restrained by chains, the wild white-haired woman could do nothing but wait. She had been dragged and restrained by the two guards, left to contemplate her end.
A woman dressed in royalty apparel entered the room. Two of the four guards that accompanied her remained outside by the entrance. "So, you are the bitch they are all talking about." The woman looked highly offended by the stench she had just encountered. This was not the cleanest part of the station, not that any parts of it were truly clean. "Do do not seem so tough."
"Get me out of these chains and I will show you just how tough I can be you sorry excuse for a pompous tramp."
"The beast in the arena will take care of that attitude of yours," the Crown snarled. "I just down here because Hel wanted me to confirm something. Who sent you?"
Abrasivnyy smiled. "Your husband... or was it that Orion boyfriend of yours? No, wait, it was that Romulan slave trader. Actually, that can't be right, you had him killed. Come to think of it, you had them all killed. Must have been one of the three or four dozen other desperate souls you lured into your bed-chamber. Sorry, you have had so many people in there that no one could ever keep track of them all."
The words were well chosen and achieved their intended objective. The Crown was beyond upset, so much so that she stepped forward and spat in the prisoner's face. "I will enjoy watching you die, and just to make sure..." As she said this a small blade was pulled from beneath her robes and jabbed into Abrasivnyy's lower flank. After cleaning the blood from the blade using the prisoner's own clothing, the Crown turned to her guards. "Get that piece of trash in the arena.
Her shackles were removed letting the woman collapsed onto the dirty floor in agony. "One day, I am going to make you swallow that blade. After that, I will get Hel to sample your blood in the same fashion."
"Big words from a nobody who is about to die." As the Crown said this, the sound of a commotion was heard outside. Everyone turned to see what was happening, giving Abrasivnyy the opportunity she had been hoping for.
In a matter of only a few seconds, silence returned. The commotion outside and the fight inside had ended. The four guards who had accompanied the Crown were on the floor, dead. Abrasivnyy smiled as she saw her friend Remi walk in. "Thank you, that was very nice of you."
"I owed you," the Jem'Hadar said. Alone with only her small blade to defend herself, the Crown turned back to look at the freed prisoner. "Fine, I will kill you myself." The operative was more than ready to deal with the attack. Disarming the woman would not require any effort. Not fully realizing the white-haired woman's skills, the Jem'Hadar rushed in. He had come to save his one and only friend and that was what he would do. Abrasivnyy tried to call off his attack but it was already too late. Remi had taken the woman's head into his hands and snapped her neck as if it were a mere twig.
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Storage Area
Stardate: 35013.2304
"Hel will kill you all," Sonju snarled. "She will keep you for last so that you can see all of your friends die first. She will come for you... personally.
The BASTET's ILO drew in a slow, long breath. She locked eyes with the new Crown and smiled. A few seconds later, Abrasivnyy leaned in so that her lips almost touched the captive woman's left ear. "I'm counting on it," she whispered before slapping the woman with all of her might. The impact was strong enough to knock the Crown down.
"I'm guessing that you have a plan?" Shar'El asked. "Aside from beating three captive prisoners to a pulp that is."
"Trust me..." the BASTET's ILO mused now holding the infamous assassin's blade. "I have a plan."
=-=
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Control Center
Stardate: 35013.2305
Hel was enraged. So much so that Fiona took a couple of steps back, just to be at a safer distance. "I hated her the first time she came here, and now I hate her even more. I am going to make her pay for this... for everything."
The dimensional twin of Captain Iverson watched in horror as the enraged woman worked the consoles. Fiona knew enough to know what she was planning on doing, and that frightened her. "I do not believe that this is a good idea," she cautiously offered.
"I no longer care," Hel bellowed. "We can pick up the pieces after it is done."
"A lot of people are going to die," the blonde-haired woman pointed out.
"Again... I no longer care.
=-=
Rachel Jackie Johnson
[The fun is getting to wear multiple disguises and getting to explore multiple personalities and bring them to life. - Jenna Fischer]
"Hel's Fury"
Previous posts: (ANU) "From A Distance" & (BAS) "Moving On"
///^\\\
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Storage Area
Stardate: 35013.2310
All conversations came to an abrupt end when the station and everything within began to shake, including the storage area they were all in.
"What is going on?" Captain Iverson demanded, looking to her CSciO for answers as she usually did in such instances.
"Without access to any instruments, it is difficult to say," Aki informed, the Asian scientist trying her best to use the available details to at least try to form some sort of hypothesis.
"Is the station moving?" Sonja Paquette, the CEO of the ANUBIS asked. The way the floor plates were vibrating could have been caused by the station somehow shifting position using some sort of external force.
"Not in a uniform manner," Maya contributed. "It feels more like the station is someone being torn apart."
"Is the station under attack?" Captain Morningstar asked, coming quickly to a theory of his own.
"We experienced no impact," the Asian woman clarified taking that theory off the proverbial table. "Any sort of decompression would also not result in this kind of generalized vibration. Whatever is happening seems to be coming from inside the station.
Not certain as to what they needed to do during this hopefully temporary situation, the officers simply did their best to stay standing, a task that suddenly became a lot more difficult as the vibration went into overdrive causing some to lose their balance.
"She wouldn't dare..." Abrasivnyy said, looking all around the room as if trying to find something that would disprove whatever idea had just come into her mind. Instead of finding what she was searching for, the woman also known as Gemma saw something that prompted her to quickly move out of the way while warning everyone else. "WATCH OUT!"
The sever vibrations sweeping through the station had managed to set several massive support beams free, leaving them to fall on the unsuspecting people below. Instead of focusing on just trying o stand standing, the combined crews of the USS ANUBIS and BASTET were now in the middle of a deadly game of avoiding numerous structures that could easily crush them under their weight.
Using the commotion created by the falling support beams, The Crown, The Agent and the Assassin jumped to their feet and rushed to the nearest corridor access. Being the closest to them when this was noticed, Jayson and Ya'Han tried to intercept but their effort was blocked by once such beam that came crashing down between them and their targets. "We will go around and catch them," the ANUBIS' Chief of Security said, not wanting to let their prisoners escape so easily.
"NO!" Aki yelled before turning to Captain Iverson. "We have to stay together. If my suspicions are correct, we not only have to stay together but we have to get off this station as quickly as possible."
"Explain," Captain Iverson demanded, keeping her eyes focused not he beams overhead to make sure one of them would not be falling on them.
"I did not want to speculate, especially without being able to prove it, but these vibration felt oddly familiar when we first started to experience them. I believe that they may be some sort of dimensional resonance caused by this station being forced into another dimension."
"What? I thought all of this, meaning us being brought to this station in an effort to take over the BASTET was to allow the Confederacy to gain transdimensional technology." Ambassador said holding on tightly to her son.
"We know that the Confederacy already possesses such technology," Aki explained. "What they lack is the ability to send more than a single small ship from one dimension to the next."
"If your theory is accurate, they seem to have the technology to move this entire station," the Ambassador countered with.
"My guess is that this technology is either untested or unreliable, hence why the whole station is coming down around us," the Asian scientist further explained.
"We inadvertently put whoever decided to do this in a no-win situation," Shar'El offered. "They have decided that it was worth the risk of destroying themselves and taking us with them instead of gaining control of the BASTET."
"Speaking of which, should we not try to contact the BASTET and get Commander Valentine to beam us back?" Lieutenant Stark suggested. "
"That might be exactly what they want us to do," Ensign Enel added. "Replying to our signal and dropping the dimensional/temporal cloak would reveal their position and leave the BASTET vulnerable to whatever this station can throw at them."
"As much as I hate to admit it," A'Janni said joining in on the unsure-footed conversation, "the big lizard-man is right. All of this could still be nothing more than an effort to have us reveal the BASTET's location.
"Then we better get out of her and fin our way to the landing bay before one of those beams or even any of the panels fall on top of us and crushes someone into their next life," Cns Dima said making sure that Sofia was right there next to her, holding on to her hand to ensure that they would remain that way while they rushed through the collapsing station.
///^\\\
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Corridor
Stardate: 35013.2315
Thanks to several corridors having become unusable due to the amount of debris blocking their path, the group of Starfleet officers was forced to backtrack more than a few times. Luckily, Abrasivnyy and her bodyguard Remi had taken the lead, their knowledge of the station's layout proving to be essential to their progress.
The white-haired Gemma stopped to look back, making sure that everyone was still following. Just as she did this, the station was rocked violently causing her to lose her foot making it impossible for the woman to get out of the way of another support beam, this one landing on both her legs crushing them instantly. A scream of agony echoed through the corridor making I clear to everyone that someone happened.
Remi quickly took hold of the heavy metal form but discovered that despite his tremendous strength, he could not move it. Without being asked, both A'Janni and Zub rushed ahead to lend a hand. Confronted with the combined strength of a Jem'Hadar, Voth and Caitian, there was little chance the beam would remain in place. As soon as it was lifted enough to allow Gemma to be pulled from under, Doctor Bruxa and Doctor Andersson quickly moved in to ascertain the extent of the injuries.
"Both legs are crushed," Satella said, horrified by the state of the woman's legs. "There is no way to fix that kind of damage."
"Do not underestimate Gemma," Sofia said as Remi, after having allowed the beam to drop back down, had come closer to see the state of his friend. "She is a tough girl," Andersson added directing her words to the Jem'Hadar.
"I know," he acknowledged. "I will carry her."
"No," Gemma said doing her best to control the searing pain she was experiencing. "I need you to stay here. Sonju, Han and that bitch Stella escaped. To make it worse, we were never able to get to Hel. I am not sure when I will be able to come back, so I am trusting you to complete what we had set out to do."
Everyone could see that Remi was not pleased but he also knew better than to argue against Abrasivnyy. The Jem'Hadar rose to his feet and turned to face the one being he considered worthy of taking on the task he had initially taken on for himself. "You take care of her." Not giving Zub the chance to say anything, Remit'iklan left never looking back.
"You left quite an impression on him," Adriana pointed out.
"This station as a way of doing that," Abrasivnyy said as Zub carefully lifted the woman into his arms. "Most of the time that impression is not a good one, but every now and then, you get to see an exception happen."
"Let's go," Captain Morningstar said thinking it best for the group to resume moving before something else fell on them.
///^\\\
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Landing Bay
Stardate: 35013.2325
The landing bay was mostly empty, those few vessels that remained were either damaged or completely destroyed by whatever piece of the station had fallen on them. The gathered officers performed a quick scan of the large room, evaluating the state of the crafts that were still there.
"It does not appear that there are any ships left for us to use," Captain Iverson said. It was a little bit discouraging to have gone through so much only to be stopped like this.
"What about that ship?" Lieutenant Stark said pointing to one particular craft that seemed to have taken only minimal damage.
"Have you seen the engines?" Lt. Cmdr. Paquette sighed. "We might be able to all fit in it, but there is no way it can launch. The engines have been turned into minced metal."
"All we need to do is get the ship out," Aki said. "With a strong enough pouch, the momentum will take it away from the station and hopefully far enough for the BASTET to pick us up before the station vanishes or explodes."
"How are you planning on accomplishing that?" The Chief Engineer challenged. "Lizard-boy has his hands full and Mr Kitty Cat is certainly not strong enough to push that thing out."
"I am sure that Maya and I can do it," Mitshiba said looking straight at her Captain. "et everyone on board, we will take care of the rest." With more pieces of the station falling around them, Captain Iverson had little options available and eventually agreed before motioning for the others to head for the damaged craft.
"How do you propose we get that ship to leave the landing bay without engines?" Maya asked of her fellow scientist.
"A little bit of old-school know-how," the Asian woman replied. "Landing bays such as this use confinement beams to make sure the ships stay in their flight corridor. All we need to do is have one of the field generators push the ship out through the nearest open space door."
"Easier said than done," Maya said before looking around the debris-filled bay. "That said, I believe that your idea might just work. We will need to realign the targeting array of the generators as well as the programming to increase the force generated. This is no longer about keeping a small craft on an approach trajectory but rather to move an immobile object."
"Ask Zub and A'Janni to help with the physical realignment of the targeting array," Aki said taking control of the situation despite the simple fact that Maya outranked her. "I had some knowledge as to the control and computer systems on this station, hopefully, that will be enough to allow me to reprogram the system. We better hurry, I suspect that this station is going to either jump to another dimension or destroy itself very soon."
As soon as Maya left, Aki turned to the nearest control console and began frantically working on the required modifications. The Asian woman knew that time was against her, against them all, which did not make things any easier. If she could not complete the reprogramming, it would mean that her fellow shipmates would either die when the station fully broke apart or they would end up somewhere out of reach of the USS BASTET.
The CSciO worked as quickly as she could, doing her best to find the quickest way to get the field generators to create what they needed. Aki had to remind herself not to look at the time as it only served to make her more nervous, yet, in some strange way, it helped to motive her to work even faster which in the end paid off. Without any time to properly test the new programming, there was only one thing left to do.
///^\\\
Setting: Unknown Craft
Stardate: 35013.2335
It was a tight fit, people crammed one next to the other as they waited to see what would happen next. The sound of debris falling onto the upper section of the craft made everyone more nervous than they already were. It would only take a single impact to breach the hull and put an end to this plan.
Aki kept a mental count approximating the countdown she had set-up. It would not be long now, the field would activate and the small ship would either be pushed out of the landing bay or be crushed by a field that was set to be too strong. There was also the possibility that the ship would not even budge because the field was too weak, or because the realignment had not been properly performed. The Asian woman could think of a million reasons why this would not work but needed to hope for that one reason that would see them find their way off the station before it was too late.
///^\\\
Setting: USS BASTET, Bridge
Stardate: 35013.2336
"The integrity of the station has dropped below twenty percent."
"The dimensional shockwaves are making it increasingly difficult for us to maintain our cloak. We will not be able to stay hidden much longer."
Commander Valentine knew that they needed to leave, but she also knew that by doing so she would be leaving everyone behind, something that she could not allow herself to do. "What is that?" She asked after noticing a ship suddenly emerge from the station before it began tumbling through space.
"Sensors are not reading any power, but there are a lot of people on board. Life forms include a Caitian, Voth, Shillian, Bolian/Terran hybrid, a..."
"Drop shields and return us to normal space. Beam the entire ship into the shuttle bay. As soon as the transport is complete, get us out of here at maximum warp." Sarena watched as the small craft was engulfed in the shimmering lights of their transporter system just as the station began to phase out of sight. By the time the BASTET was leaving the station had almost entirely vanished."
///^\\\
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Control Center
Stardate: 35013.2338
Sparks flew through the air but yet the woman did not move, her gaze locked on one of the few monitors still functional. She saw the small craft leave the station and saw the BASTET appear just in time to retrieve the escaped officers. There was nothing she could do other than accept the inevitable truth... the battle had been lost. Not only had she failed to take control of the BASTET but she had also lost the one person she had wanted beyond anything else.
Accepting defeat, as least as much as she was willing to, Hel allowed her anger to flow free as she fell into the chair right behind her. "Well played... you won this round. Next time though, things will not be so easy and simple, not for you or your friends."
"Amanda! We need to get out of here before it is too late," Fiona pleaded of the woman now sitting in the chair.
"I TOLD YOU TO NEVER CALL ME BY TAT NAME," the woman with a visibly Hispanic heritage snapped as he pushed herself out of her chair. "Fine," she relinquished turning to look at the monitors one last time to see the BASTET jumping into warp speed. "Well played sis... well played."
///^\\\
Dawn Bohr
Lieutenant Misaki 'Aki' Mitshiba [Access Character BIO for Misaki Mitshiba]
Chief Science Officer
USS BASTET - NCC 74977
With help and guidance from
Jessica Solarik
Captain Selene Fiona Iverson [Access Character BIO for Selene Iverson]
Commanding Officer
USS BASTET
&
Lieutenant Commander Maya [Access Character BIO for 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 Eye Open"
[previous (ANU) "From a Distance" / (BAS) "Hel's Fury"]
[/\]
Setting: USS BASTET, Bridge
Stardate: 35014.0200
The Caitian sat quietly at the Flight Control station, relishing in the feeling of the smooth console beneath his fingers, of the gentle background sounds of the various systems and the undisturbed peacefulness of the command deck. Their last mission had been a journey into the heart of trouble in so many different ways, and it was a foregone conclusion to say that everyone was happy to be back onto more familiar territory.
As soon as the BASTET was far enough from where the station had been, the ship and all souls on board jumped back to their home dimension. Tactical sensors indicated that nothing was following them but yet A'Janni kept his only good eye on the small display at his console that showed the reverse angle of what was being displayed on the main view screen.
"You can relax, Lieutenant," Commander Valentine said as she came to stand behind the FCO, easily seeing the layout of the Flight Control station over the officer's shoulder. "Nothing Is following us."
"Sorry Commander, after dealing with everything that we did back on that station, you quickly get in the habit of watching over your shoulder," the Caitian said, glancing at the small display on his console as he did so without consciously doing so.
"That is why you should be with the others, resting," the First Officer said. "Captain Iverson gave me a quick overview of what happened. I know that it was not everything but it was enough for me to know that right now you all need to take it easy. I assure you that we will be able to find our way home without you at the helm. Go to your quarters, or go and spend some quiet time with Ensign Enel. From what the Captain mentioned, you two shared quite a lot during your time on the station."
"Zub is in Sickbay, watching over Gemma," A'Janni said, recalling the way the Voth was standing guard over the woman even after everyone else had received a clean bill of health from the medical staff. "Speaking of the Lieutenant, do you have any news as to how she is doing?"
"This is Gemma we are talking about," Valentine pointed out. "She will be back on her feet faster than anyone would expect. That girl has more tricks up her sleeves than we can ever imagine. It is nice to see that you are concerned about her, but you have nothing to worry about. She is in good hands and will make a full recovery, as you all will."
"If you say so Commander," A'Janni said, removing himself from the Flight Control station but not before glancing one last time at the small display that he had requested to appear on the console. Despite the reassurances of the First Officer, the FCO could not stop himself from checking just to be certain that nothing was indeed following them.
[/\]
Setting: USS BASTET, Sickbay
Stardate: 35014.0220
A'Janni stepped into Sickbay finding Zub exactly where he had seen him last. The imposing reptilian just stood by the bedside of the BASTET's resting ILO.
"She is sleeping," Enel quietly announced without ever looking back to know who he had made the report to. "Doctor Andersson did everything she could, her nanites are doing the rest. It is expected that she will be able to walk in a week or so."
"According to Commander Valentine, she will be back on her feet in a couple of days," the Caitian said as he moved closer to the convalescent patient.
"That would not surprise me," the Voth Chief of Security said, studying the woman with unparalleled interest. "I find it interesting that the Gemma personality reasserted itself over that of Abrasivnyy the moment we returned to our dimension."
"Maybe it is for the best," A'Janni said. "Would be nice if we could just go back to the people we were before we jumped into that other dimension."
"The hardships we face, the obstacles we overcome are what makes us stronger. If we only kept the lessons learned through the simplicity of our everyday lives, we would learn nothing and never be able to become more than what we were before."
"Ouch," the Caitian laughed. "I did not realise that our last mission turned you into a philosopher."
"Every experience changes us in one way or another," Zub said, looking at A'Janni for the first time. "We have no control over this, the best we can hope to do is to make the best of these changes and use them to become better than we were before."
The Caitian took some time to process the wise, if not unexpected, words of his friend. "Tell you what, you go back to your quarters and rest. I will keep an eye on her and inform you the moment there are any changes."
It was easy to see that the Ensign did not want to accept the offer, but he also knew that he and everyone else might benefit if he took some time to freshen up. "Thank you, I will be back soon," Zub said, glancing at the sleeping woman before making his way out of Sickbay.
"No rush," A'Janni said. "neither one of us will be going anywhere until you come back." With that said, the Voth offered a grateful nod of the head and walked away.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
"Ambassadorial Meeting"
[the previous post was (ANU) "From a Distance" by Rachel / (BAS) "One Eye Open" by Jayson]
-=-=-
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 9, Cetacean Ops
Stardate: 35014.0200
How anyone was expected to simply sit back, put up their feet and rest after everything they had gone through was kin to madness. The only way that could have ever happened was if Doctor Andersson or Bruxa had injected each and every single one of them with enough tranquilizer to take down a wild Klingon targ. As unable as she found herself to relax, the Counselor/Junior Ambassador did find herself feeling far less troubled than she had expected to be. The most likely reason for this, she believed, was the chat Xana and her shared before having to rush out of the station in order to save themselves from a possibly unimaginable fate.
-=-=-
Setting: SPACE STATION NOWHERE, Lower Level, Storage Area
Stardate: 35013.2255
Adriana moved through the wide-open space slowly, paying great attention as to where she was stepping. The robots had been vicious in their battle against the shape-shifted Shillians and the Hispanic woman doubted that the room would ever be fully cleaned of the horrific battle that had taken place. With the conflict over though, the survivors, Alliance forces and the joint crews of the ANUBIS and BASTET could work together and move forward.
As a Junior Ambassador, Lopez looked upon the bodies of those that had fallen with a sense of failure. What is not the role of an Ambassador to step in and help opposing sides reach an agreement or compromise that would avoid such a waste of life? As a Counselor, Adriana could see just how much this affair affected those that remained. The Shillians were in mourning as they took care of their fallen comrades. The Alliance was determined to see the sacrifices of today help them win in their battle against the Confederacy. Everyone else was keeping busy as best they could, focusing on whatever or whoever would help them make it through this ordeal. There was still one other way for the Hispanic woman to take in and analyse what she was looking at... as a physically abused, emotionally drained person.
Putting aside all of her Starfleet training, all of her experiences and most important all of the training Xana had given her, Adriana was left with nothing more than pure emotions. She wanted to cry out in pain, she wanted to hide in some corner and forget about the universe and everything in it, she wanted to walk over to the Jem'Hadar and release him of his burden by wrapping her hand around the Executioner's throat and drain the life out of her as she had certainly done to others more times than Lopez would care to be aware of.
Given so many options, the Counselor/Junior Ambassador eventually decided on one course of action. Once her target was located, she proceeded on a straight line to the mother and her child. "How are you two doing?" Adriana asked as gently as she could so as to not further trouble the visibly upset offspring.
Ben’s eyes widened as he began to gesticulate while jumping up and down. “Junior Ambassador Lopez! Didya see that? Over there with the thing and the woman who did the thing and O-M-G there was--”
Xana sighed as she looked at her youngest son. “Ben, breathe,” she ordered, with a slight smile. Pointing to the supplies she said, “What did I tell you before?”
The young boy groaned. “Go get a bedroll, come back, inflate it, and make myself comfortable.” Glaring at his mother he said while folding his arms over his chest, “I don’t need to go to bed.”
“Get 3 bedrolls. One for you, and one each for Junior Ambassador Lopez and myself,” Xana said. After a moment she said, “Please.”
Ben paused a moment before saying dramatically while holding up a hand in the air, “I will do it for my fellow Ambassadors.” Then he stomped off towards the supplies.
The CNS/Junior Ambassador realized that she didn’t need this, nor did the mother but it was the only way the child would go and do this; otherwise he’d fight being tired. Adriana called out, “Thank you, Junior Junior Ambassador” while Xana buried her head in her hand.
“Ben is the definition of “extra”,” his mother muttered.
“Wonder where he picked that up from,” Adriana mused. At Xana’s glare the CNS/Junior Ambassador smiled, “What? I’ve never met Ben’s father so maybe it’s from him.” The Bolian/Human smiled a little at that, appreciating the good natured dig. Adriana asked quietly, “How are you two?”
Xana shrugged. “I’m worried. My 10 year old son just shows up out of nowhere and tells me about how he was kidnapped and saw a mirror version of himself being swapped out? He saw my mirror die, and his fear the last 2 years was me dying. Ben is freaked out but trying not to be. There are moments he’ll be like this -- running and happy. And then he’ll be clinging to me, terrified.”
“I think that’s normal for the circumstances,” Adriana nodded. “And you?”
The mother paused as she looked at her son. “There’s a part of me that always wants my kids next to me, even as part of me is rooting for them to go off and explore. But never did I expect to have Ben with me like *this*.” Sighing she said, “And I know my ex-husband has to be tearing his hair out.” Looking over she asked softly, “How are you doing? I can’t imagine you’re doing well either.”
-=-=-
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 9, Cetacean Ops
Stardate: 35014.0210
Adriana smiled, softly, imagining that the three unused bedrolls were still somewhere in the station’s storage area, scattered throughout the chaos and debris they had barely managed to escape. Given what had happened, it was likely that at least one person was sound asleep at this moment, either that of the young 10-year-old boy was running the full length of the BASTET.
Set sequence of high-pitch squeals and chirps made the Counselor/Junior Ambassador look up at the large transparent panel standing between her and the aquarium-like structure beyond. Reading the translation that the computer provided, Adriana’s smile grew to full size. “Thank you, I am fine, I just could not sleep.”
The dolphin officer gave an equivalent of a head nod before another set of high-pitch sounds was heard followed by the computer’s translation. Reading the rather lengthy text, Adriana’s head involuntarily tilted to one side. While hiding near SPACE STATION NOWHERE, the BASTET had been carefully monitoring all of the signals to and from the station including internal encoded transmissions being made to specific locations inside. Once she had absorbed the content of the report, Lopez shifted her wide-opened eyes to stare directly at the Cetacean. “Are you certain? Could this be some sort of misinformation or an error in decoding the transmission?”
The creature’s head-shake which followed appeared almost violent, making it clear to the Counselor/Junior Ambassador that the content of the report was as genuine as possible. Now, all she needed to do was to figure out who she would inform first, that was as soon as she herself figured out how to accept the discovery that her sister had been right there, on the station that whole time.
-=-=-
Marissa Montonera-Lombardi
Lieutenant JG Adriana Lopez [Access Character BIO for Adriana Lopez]
Ship's Counselor & Junior Ambassador
USS ANUBIS
And
=-=
“Rainmaker”
Previous posts: (ANU) “"Ambassadorial Meeting" by Marissa & Sarah / (BAS) “One Eye Open” by Jayson
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Near Sickbay
Stardate: 35014.0225
Zub Enel, for A’Janni’s benefit, filled his role of Chief of Security as he left Sickbay: chest out, chin up, his characteristic long stride carrying him down the corridor. He slowed to a stop the moment the Sickbay doors closed. The warm air around him was brightly lit and carried a faint smell peculiar to the BASTET, a mélange of all shipboard personnel, electronics and materials. The corridor gleamed as if clean to the point of 100% sterility; this a marked change from the filthy and dim SPACE STATION NOWHERE. He felt dim, somehow. Dim and filthy.
At 7-feet, his high crested head nearly brushed the ceiling. Yet, he felt stooped. He examined his scaly, three-fingered hands. He’d had a quick sonic shower and changed to a fresh uniform before catching up with Gemma in Sickbay, guarding her at her own request. He rubbed his thumb across his fingers. His hands looked clean but didn’t feel clean.
After a quick check that no one was around, he flicked out his forked tongue. He caught a faint taste of the gore that had adhered to his body for hours: Blood splashed from being forced to kill in the Arena. Blood smeared from tending A’Janni’s grievous Arena wound. Blood sprayed as he stabbed Stella to protect her double, Satella Bruxa. He refolded his long tongue. He felt unclean.
He treaded softly down the corridor to the gymnasium. At this hour it would be deserted. He could use the locker room’s industrial strength sonic shower to blast away any residual bits of carnage between his scales and affixed to his downy feathers.
Instead of an unlubricated squeal like on SPACE STATION NOWHERE, the door whispered aside. He had expected the lights to rise, air exchangers to sigh as they pushed in warmer air and with the warmth a whiff of astringent meant to counter sweat.
The lights were already on, the air warm. It smelled like Nicole Dima. He blinked in surprise at the ship’s counselor. She returned his surprise. Tears had made bright streaks below each wide eye.
“Oh,” Enel said apologetically. He stepped a foot back to leave.
She raised a hand to halt him. “No. Finished.” She wiped her cheeks dry.
They regarded each other for a beat. She asked, “Now you know how I’m doing. How are you?”
“I’m,” Zub prepared to lie. After all, she was the BASTET’s Counselor and he should keep a professional distance. He didn’t want to appear in some personnel report she’d send to the NEW ALEXANDRIA to be read who knows whom.
She filled his silence with, “Are you coming in for a good cry?” She smiled wryly.
“Big boys don’t cry,” he said automatically.
Nicole grinned. “Your mother taught you that. You whined too much and one day, exasperated, she taught you that lesson.”
He knew she’d suffered her own way on that station. With genuine feeling he said, “Such an *awful* place.”
She nodded. Her delicate arched brows drew together, and her lips parted to show gritted teeth. Moments later, the hard angles of her face quickly softened into calmness that accented her striking symmetry. She clasped her palms together in front of her chest. “If you want to talk to me about anything, I promise to keep it strictly off the record.”
Zub hugged his chest and scowled. “But what about you? Do you need to talk about your own experiences?”
She crossed her arms over her chest and stood hipshot, mirroring his posture. “Thank you, but I have someone to talk to.”
“Yet I find you crying in the gym.”
Her smile cooled. “A sign I’m still troubled. What’s troubling you?”
He confessed, “I have showered, but I cannot seem to clean the smell of blood off my skin.”
A smile lit her face. “There are epic poems written about that. You’re in fine company. I know you fought to protect us all, but I hadn’t considered how getting showered with blood and guts was for you.”
His mind flashed through all the slicing and stabbing, the foul odors, the warmth as bodies opened, the slickness surging out. His feathery down whirled and tweaked from between his scales. “To me, killing is….” A shudder rattled him from head to toe.
“Is that disgust?” Her face was soft, but her gaze hard.
He examined his feelings. “Disgust.”
“A two-edged emotion,” she said, her voice clinical. “You are disgusted by getting all that gore on you?”
“It is absolute filth that cakes and coats and flakes off when it dries. A horrific second skin.”
She nodded. “That *is* disgusting. A perfectly normal feeling.” She sized him up a moment. “There is another kind of disgust.”
He sighed. “Disgusted with myself.” He felt his scales tingle. A glance at his hands told him he had gone deep red. “How could I have been so stupid to allow myself to be maneuvered into a situation where killing was the only solution?”
She gave the troubled Voth a big shrug. “You are being unfair to yourself. The entire crew was manipulated into that situation. An entire army, the Alliance, was manipulated into a deathtrap. The person doing all that manipulation then took her ball and went home whether the rest of that station wanted to go home or not. She’s left us to deal with the aftermath.”
The big lizard man in his crisp uniform and clean face gazed at her with intelligence lighting his eyes. “That helps.”
She smiled. “On the bright side, you didn’t kill Stella even though you thought you had.”
His eyes narrowed. “You mean I have killing someone to look forward to?”
Nicole lost her smile. “I suppose I did. Unintentionally. My apologies.”
The corners of his mouth dropped as he thought back to Stella. “She had almost choked Satella to death. I reacted. I’ve been telling myself since then that I had no other choice except to kill Stella. But did I? Could I have knocked her unconscious, say?” He put his hands on either side of his face. His scales had gone pale. His voice shook. “With no time to think, I simply kill.” He felt tears burning his eyes.
The ship’s counselor reached up and patted his chest. “Big boys do cry. I am willing to stay if you want.”
Zub shook his head. He covered his mouth with a hand. A tear plopped on his forefinger.
Nicole left him to the gym. She called back, “I’ll listen. Anytime.”
The door sighed behind her. Zub stood, hand over mouth, tears dropping like rain on his fingers.
=-=
David Michael Inverso
Ensign Zub Enel [Access Character BIO for Zub Enel]
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS BASTET, NCC 74977
“Boys don't cry, but real men do.”
— Malorie Blackman, Boys Don't Cry
“Untangling Webs”
Previous posts: (ANU) “"Ambassadorial Meeting" by Marissa & Sarah / (BAS) “Rainmaker” by David
=/\=
Courage isn’t having the strength to go on -
It is going on when you don’t have strength.
-Napolean
=/\=
Location: USS BASTET, Ten Forward
Stardate: 35014.0830
This was not a normal counseling session. Then again this was not a normal Counselor, nor was this a normal patient.
The Counselor was also a Junior Ambassador and the patient was a minor who had a strawberry milk mustache. It was taking place in a secluded portion of the Ten Forward; the Counselor didn’t have an office here. That was ok, the parent felt that the Counseling Session was needed more than the formality of an office.
“Are you sure you don’t want a strawberry milk, Junior Ambassador?” Ben asked.
Adriana smiled as she sipped her Risan honey tea. “I’m good, thanks.” She allowed the sweet tea swirl in her mouth as she thought about her next question. “How do you feel about being on a ship right now?”
Ben screwed up his face as he thought about that. “Well ships aren’t my favorite things. I’m more of a planet kinda guy,” he explained. “But this is not a bad ship.”
“Noted,” Adriana nodded as she smiled slightly. “Why don’t you like ships, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“Red alerts,” he confided. Looking down at the tabletop he admitted softly, “They scare me.”
Xana, who was a few tables away, was going through her reports and generally keeping the area clear. Most of her reports were pro forma, and she filed what she had to the Diplomatic Corp and with the Federation Government.
However there were 2 items in her inbox that were personal, and concerning.
The first was from Captain Michael Turlough Kane of the USS PHOENIX.
For years, Xana had dreaded ever seeing something coming through to her from Kane. She did not have a warm, pleasant, or what one could call civil relationship with the man, which was unfortunate considering her family including her (then) husband (now ex) and at times her children were on his ship. If Kane was sending her a message, it had to be dire. The very thought sent a shiver down her spine. Ben was here with her; but Dahlia, her brilliant, beautiful, hell-raising daughter was still on the PHOENIX. The daughter of her first husband, her best friend for so many years. Her first husband sacrificed his life so their daughter could live. Xana had tried her best to raise their daughter in the best way to honor his memory.
A mother wasn’t supposed to outlive her child.
But why was this message coming from Captain Kane if something happened to Dahlia? Why wouldn’t it come from Jake? Presumably if something happened to Dahlia, Jake would have written to her. Wouldn’t he? Unless something happened to him too…? For years she had feared this. That Jake’s blind devotion to being *that guy*; the hero would be his downfall and leave her behind. It did leave her behind; and she left him behind to be fair as she tried to find her own place to help the Federation. Except now it may have gotten him killed.
It was the message she had feared for over 10 years. The divorce, which she thought would inoculate her, did not. This message was still going to crush her.
Suddenly the lump in her throat was the size of the Delta Quadrant. Her violet eyes flitted over to Ben, as her mind raced. How would she explain to her son if something happened to his sister and father?
Swallowing down the bile that was beginning to choke her, the mother and survivor knew that she had to press “play” on the message. Slipping the earbud in her ear so as to not burden anyone else in Ten Forward, she leaned forward to watch the message, her eyes half-opened, afraid of what she’d see from Captain Kane and knowing she was helpless to do anything but watch and listen.
After a few seconds of the Federation logo, the apprehensive face of Michael Turlogh Kane appeared on a video feed. {{Ambassador Bonviva, I hope this communication finds you well.}} He fidgeted with his hands, finally settling on steepled fingers as his arms rested on the desk in his ready room.
Each micro pause was like an eternity. “Seven hells,” Xana muttered. This wasn’t helping her anxiety level.
{{There’s no easy way to say this.}} While Kane’s face had its usual placid expression, it was obvious he was struggling. {{Your son, Ben, disappeared for a short time. We are currently docked at Starbase 56, which is where he was found within a few hours’ time. However, since his rescue, some of his behavior has indicated he may have been exposed to some type of trauma. We are exhausting every resource in order to find out what happened, but at this time there are no leads. Ben, who now refers to himself as Billy, is undergoing a series of tests overseen by the Medical and Counseling departments, which we are awaiting the results of. If and when we hear anything further, I will advise you. Kane out.}}
Xana sighed. She had Ben. She even knew why he had been on the Starbase. Ben had mentioned a boy that looked like him; that would explain what the PHOENIX might be dealing with, possibly some sort of mirror child that could be confused or a also a pawn in this whole mess. But she could feel the irritation rise to take the place of the anxiety that was there moments ago. Why hadn’t Jake tried to notify her?
The next message was startling brief in its simplicity, but it was no more shocking.
~~~
FROM: USS PHOENIX, COUNSELING DEPARTMENT AND MEDICAL DEPARTMENT
CC: FEDERATION GOVERNMENT, ADMINISTRATION OFFICES
AMBASSADOR XANA BONVIVA, CO-PARENT FOR MINOR CHILDREN NAMED
RE: CUSTODIAL REVIEW FOR BENITO WILLIAM BONVIVA-CRICHTON (CHILD 1), DAHLIA ALIX BONVIVA-MCINNIS FOR CO-PARENT, JACOB CRICHTON
This is a review of custodial parent arrangements, specifically to determine the fitness of parent JACOB CRICHTON and the minor children, BENITO WILLIAM BONVIVA-CRICHTON and DAHLIA ALIX BONVIVA-MCINNIS.
The child presented was not BENITO WILLIAM BONVIVA-CRICHTON and was insistent he was WILLIAM BENITO BONVIVA-CRICHTON. Medical exams confirm that the child presented was not BENITO WILLIAM BONVIVA-CRICHTON (please see attachment 1).
At this time, it is our professional opinions that WILLIAM BENITO BONVIVA-CRICHTON be removed from JACOB CRICHTON’s custody. Alternate custody will be made for this minor until his parents can be found or he can be placed with a permanent home. DAHLIA ALIX BONVIVA-MCINNIS does not appear to be in any imminent danger and may remain in her current residence with the aforementioned co-parent or until other arrangements can be made. When BENITO WILLIAM BONVIVA-CRICHTON is recovered, this Counseling and Medical team, or another Federation team, may make a recommendation as to which parent should have custody.
~~~
Xana turned the PADD, folded her hands and looked out the stars. She had imagined this whole time the terror her ex-husband had gone when he realized Ben was missing. What she had not even dreamt of was the utter disregard for her that he would not even tell her himself that their son was missing.
That pained her; but it also acted as a clarifier. She knew exactly where she stood, what she had to do, and nothing was going to stand in her way.
Leaning forward, she pressed record on the PADD and said, “Computer, send a message to Captain Michael Turlogh Kane, USS PHOENIX”
She waited for the countdown beeps and then began her message. Calmly, with a measured tone she began to dictate her response, folding her hands in front of her. “Captain Kane, thank you for reaching out. Apologies for not responding sooner, I had been away on a mission. Ben is with me. His kidnapper brought him to me. It was not something I asked for, nor ever sought; however, I am grateful that Providence made it so. He is unhurt physically and is currently seeing a Counselor to assist him in processing what happened. I also know how he got to be on the Starbase in the first place, as Ben told me this. I would suggest that someone talk to my daughter, Dahlia. I believe she could shed some light on this, as she was the one who took Ben to the Starbase. I am going now to discuss with the Command Staff as to when it would be best for me to take a detour to the PHOENIX so I may pick her up, but at the very least you are aware of the facts of the situation. Please know I am in your debt, and my sincerest apologies for any disturbance my children have caused. Safe travels. Bonviva out.”
There was one more message she had to send out.
~~~
FROM: AMBASSADOR XANA BONVIVA, USS ANUBIS
TO: FEDERATION GOVERNMENT, ADMINISTRATION OFFICES
JACOB CRICHTON, CO-PARENT FOR MINOR CHILDREN NAMED
RE: CUSTODIAL REVIEW FOR BENITO WILLIAM BONVIVA-CRICHTON AND DAHLIA ALIX BONVIVA-MCINNIS FOR CO-PARENT
This is an application for solo custody, XANA BONVIVA, from co-parent with JACOB CRICHTON. The reason for this change of application is (select reason):
X co-parent is unfit parent
~~~
After that filing, Xana shut off the PADD, took out the earpiece and stuck it in the pockets of her slacks. Walking over to Adriana and Ben, she waited at a discrete distance while they talked. Finally, Adriana caught Xana’s nod and got up. “Ben seems ok, but you don’t,” she admitted. “What’s up?”
“We owe each other drinks,” Xana admitted. “But I wanted to check on Ben. He’s ok?”
“Yes,” Adriana nodded.
“Don’t feel like then you have to stay with him,” Xana said. “He knows the rule of a ship. His commbadge is keyed so it only lets him into public areas like here and he can only use the holodeck for a limited duration for programs I’ve chosen--”
“With my input!” Ben interjected.
Xana shared a wry glance with Adriana. “Adult drinks,” she promised. Walking over she gave a hug to Ben and he hugged her back. “I’ll be back,” she promised. “I need to take care of something first.”
=/\=
Scene: Corridor
Stardate: 35014.0910
The ExO of the ANUBIS was known (infamous almost) for many things. But even she had to admit this may have been a first.
“A custody dispute?” the small woman asked quietly after she listened to everything. “You know, even I didn’t see this coming.” Pausing she said, “It was my understanding you had an amicable understanding with your ex.”
“Had is the key word,” Xana said as she walked side-by-side with Shar’El.
The Ullian looked over at the azure woman. The Ambassador was a passionate woman who used that passion as a tool when necessary, or kept it under lock and key when necessary. But this incident struck at her; as a result, the Ambassador was angry and looking to strike out.
Shar’El paused, deciding her next words carefully. “Are you sure?”
“Unless Jacob Crichton was dead, or in a coma, once our son was missing or there was something wrong, he should have contacted me. And he wasn’t. He didn’t know I had Ben. Instead, he had his Captain, someone who doesn’t like me and was clearly uncomfortable contacting me, tell me that our son went missing and the boy who was there was acting out. Think about that: my ex-husband had so little respect for me, the mother of his children, that he couldn’t pause to tell me information about our son,” Xana said as she stopped in the corridor.
Shar’El had also stopped walking and considered the words. But it wasn’t just the words she considered. There were emotions flowing out of Xana, emotions she probably wasn’t even aware of -- anger, exhaustion, and...hurt. The Bolian/Human woman was so hurt by the lack of communication. It was clear that whatever kindness or fondness she had, was burned.
“Shar’El, I understand....if you and Captain Morningstar say that ANUBIS isn’t right for children...if I need to leave...I will understand. Trust me, I will always be grateful for what you all have done for me. I wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for all of you,” Xana whispered. “And I have no right to ask for another favor. But I have to get my daughter. I have to secure solo custody of my children. At any cost. And I will need every bit of help I can get. Please, I’m begging. And you are the only one I know of who knows how to get anything done.”
=/\=
Sarah Albertini-Bond
USS ANUBIS
=-=
"Business As Usual"
[the previous posts were (ANU) "Untangling Webs" by Sarah / (BAS) "Rainmaker" by David]
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Guest Quarters
Stardate: 35014.0930
The ANUBIS' ExO / ILO sat at the dining table looking at the five PADDs she had set up in front of her. This was far from the IGC but somehow Shar'El found a certain level of comfort in the odd familiarity of keeping an eye on everything and everyone. As a First Officer, it was her duty to ensure the well-being of those under her jurisdiction. As an Intel Operative, it was her obligation to remain as informed as possible on everything that could affect her ship and its crew. This might have led to the woman getting a less than stellar reputation, but in the end everyone accepted this an inevitable part of their life on board an Intel vessel.
Using her security clearance as a high-level Intel Operative, Shar'El easily gained access to the BASTET's internal sensors and whatever security and surveillance systems were available on this ship. The information gathered this way was being sorted and displayed as specified on the PADDs set up in an arc on the table where the ExO / ILO sat.
Her eyes glanced over the PADD to her far left which displayed four smaller images, each focussing on elements that the ExO / ILO considered of lesser immediate importance. The upper-left quarter of the screen showed the ANUBIS' Chief of Security and Chief of Operations enjoying a relaxed breakfast together in their quarters. The upper-right quadrant was focused on Sonja who was keeping herself busy while in the BASTET's Engineering section. The lower-left quadrant displayed the two CMOs having a discussion in Doctor Andersson's office while the lower-right quadrant showed the Shillian Scientist in Cetacean Ops apparently involved in a complex discussion with one of the aquatic officers. Shar'El could have easily focussed on any one of these, but there were more important matters for her to pay attention to at this moment.
The image on the inner-left PADD had been split in two on the horizontal axes, the upper section showing the vital signs of the person being displayed on the lower section. There was no arguing that the BASTET's ILO was a remarkable woman in countless different ways, one of which being her ability to heal at an accelerated speed. The way her legs had been crushed, it would have taken days of reconstructive surgery and months of rehabilitation for Gemma to be able to walk again. According to the latest medical scans, the woman would likely be back on her feet before the end of the day. It was a fair assumption that this was what the two CMOs were discussing at this very moment.
Shar'El's attention shifted to the PADD on the far-right, this one displaying a full-screen image of the ANUBIS' Counselor and Junior Ambassador. The woman herself had done nothing to warrant such a higher level of interest, but the information provided by Cetacean OPS upon their return from SPACE STATION NOWHERE had been more than note-worthy. It made sense for Adriana to want to keep the details of this discovery a secret for the time being, but the ExO / ILO had to keep a close watch to see how it would come to affect the Hispanic woman, both personally and professionally.
The PADD on the inner-right was split in half, this one though vertically. The left side showed the Bolian/Human woman and her child, the mother doing everything she could to make things as easy as possible for her offspring. The left side displayed a growing list of names. The ExO / ILO could only imagine how difficult it was for Xana to have made the decision she did and to ask for help. This situation was far from anything an Ambassador was expected to handle. One thing far for sure, the Intel Operative would do everything she could to help the Ambassador if for no other reason than to have someone like her owe a favor.
That was why the left side of that PADD displayed all available information on the individual known as Jacob Crichton as well as a detailed list of the man's affiliations, contacts, acquaintances, be them personal or professional. The names of everyone who had even the slightest passing contact with him were being listed for the ILO's later review. Once back on board the ANUBIS, Shar'El would be able to have her IGC team perform a more thorough investigation on each and every individual on that list. It would not be a question of *if* they would find something the Ambassador would be able to use but rather of *when*.
With her review of the displayed information on the other PADDs concluded, the ExO / ILO shifted her scrutiny to the central PADD, the one displaying her own mission report meant for Admiral Koniki. The primary objective, that of ascertaining the threat posed by the Confederacy and, if required, to deal with it had been successfully accomplished. The second objective, the one meant for her alone, had not been as successful. Shar'El had been tasked with evaluating Gemma as well as the personalities that would surface, namely Abrasivnyy who had been considered to be a near sure bet given the information they had on hand.
The inability to control the nanites once the BASTET had crossed into the other dimension had been unexpected and made things much more difficult, but the ExO / ILO was pleased to report that the inhibitor was back to functioning as intended now that they had returned to their home dimension. Shar'El's report listed, in as detailed a manner as possible, everything that happened while heading to and on the space station, but thanks to Abrasivnyy having gone on her own before their arrival, the final report would be incomplete and the analysis inconclusive. The only possible recommendation the ANUBIS' Intel Operative could offer was that the BASTET's ILO remained at her current station and that the covert surveillance of the woman continued for the time being.
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Commander Shar'El [Access Character BIO for Shar'El]
Executive Officer / Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
Ensign Sofia Andersson [Access Character BIO for Sofia Andersson]
Chief Medical Officer
USS BASTET
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
"Together And Apart"
[previous post were (ANU) "Business As Usual" / (BAS) "Rainmaker"]
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Setting: USS BASTET, Guest Quarters
Stardate: 35014.0935
Following her leaving the ANUBIS with Jayson's clone to infiltrate the Lokustaar forces, nothing about the universe felt right for the Nylaan woman. It was as if she had stepped into a different world, a different dimension, one in which her feelings, thoughts and even actions were somehow not her own. The defeat of the Lokustaar had helped in a small way to offset this, but the sacrifice of the clone to save her life had only led to Ya'Han feeling even more confused. For the first time since then, she felt right about who she was and how she felt. A sensation that she had almost forgotten.
Sitting at the table, she gazed at the man sitting in front of her. From the few strands of hair that had fallen into view, the Nylaan knew that she was still displaying the green color that she had brought forth the evening before. This was her way of showing Jayson that her feelings towards him were genuine. The color remained as it was then because it reflected rather well how she felt at the moment. These were not *her* quarters, but somehow they still felt like home to the Sec/Tac, and Ya'Han knew exactly why leading her to smile at the man sitting across the table. After everything they went through, after all of the hardships they endured and overcame, things were finally back to normal. Maybe not exactly as they had been as there were still lingering fragments of the emotional and physical chasm that they had created between them. Having breakfast together though was a step in the right direction.
"I hope Adriana will be alright," Ya'Han said. "Going back to that station after what she was forced to endure could not have been easy for her. What happened after just made things even more difficult, and not just for her." The Sec/Tac did not want there to be an extended silence between them. Any discussion, no matter how benign, was better than the alternative. mentioning the ship's Counselor was not entirely off-topic though, as the woman had been at one point the primary focus of their mission to that other dimension.
"I am sure that Ambassador Bonviva and Doctor Bruxa will be there to help her in whatever way she needs," Jayson said in return. The moment he saw Ya'Han's reaction to his mentioning the CMO, he instantly regretted his choice of words. Fearing that anything he might say next would only make a bad situation worse, Stark decided to remove himself from the conversation, even if only temporarily, so he opted on the easiest and quickest excuse he could think of. "I am going to take a shower," he announced, already standing from the table.
"You took one last night," Ya'Han said sighing. They needed to talk, to discuss, to explain to each other how they felt, not to hide as they had done for so long before. Them not talking was what started this whole mess, and she did not want the mistakes of the past to be repeated once again.
She could see that he did not want to start an argument and certainly did not want to undo whatever progress the two of them had managed to make since their return to the BASTET. Maybe taking a few minutes to consider their words and plan how they would discuss the issue at hand was not such a bad idea. Hopefully, after his shower, they would be able to talk without saying something that might trigger the other.
Ya'Han just watched him leave the main living area and vanish into the bathroom without her saying a single word. Moments later she heard the sonic shower activate letting her know that she could voice her feelings aloud without him hearing or seeing her displeasure and frustration. This had been the idea, after all, so she did not feel as bad about it as she could have. In the end, the Nylaan said nothing, only allowing the bright red color of her hair to demonstrate how her mood had changed. While pacing the length of the quarters waiting for Jayson's return, she noticed a PADD sitting on the edge of one of the side tables. Curious as to its content, and hoping that it would help her focus her thoughts onto something else, she picked it up and perused what was on it.
The Sec/Tac was surprised to find a very official-looking letter written by Jayson and addressed to the Commanding Officers of the USS BASTET, Captain Selene Iverson, and to their Captain, Erik Morningstar. Ya'Han carefully read the letter several times, making sure that she was not making a mistake and trying to understand the reason why it had been written. The truth was that she knew why, or at least strongly suspected the reason behind the letter. When Jayson finally emerged from the bathroom and saw the PADD in the hands of the back-haired woman, he knew exactly what had happened.
The two of them stared at each other for several eternal seconds before Ya'Han managed to find the emotional strength to speak. "When were you going to tell me?" She demanded, shock and disbelief reflecting in her words and face. "When were you going to tell about this?"
"It was just an idea that I was considering," he said in an effort to defend himself.
"This is not the kind of *idea* someone simply considers, especially in an official correspondence clearly addressed to both Captains. So I ask you again. When were you going to tell me that you were requesting a transfer off the ANUBIS and onto the BASTET?"
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Hanali Han
Lieutenant Ya'Han [Access Character BIO for Ya'Han]
Chief of Security / Chief Tactical Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
"Explanation"
[previous (ANU) "Together And Apart" / (BAS) "Rainmaker"]
[/\]
Setting: USS BASTET, Guest Quarters
Stardate: 35014.0950
He finally got her to calm down, to sit down and most importantly, to listen to what he was saying. She had every right to be upset after reading the letter, more so after the night they had spent together. It must have come as quite a shock, and even a sense of betrayal and the truth of the matter was it was her fault that he had written that letter, well, at least half her fault.
"Things were not well between us," Jayson started with trying desperately to find his next words. He was remembering the way he felt when she left the ANUBIS to go on a covert mission without telling anyone. It all made sense at the time as she needed to convince the clone that she was defecting, but back then her decision and actions injured a lot of people, him most of all. When she finally returned to the ANUBIS things changed between them because she could not bear being with him especially not while the thought of the clone sacrificing his life to save hers constantly haunted her.
It took time but eventually, she found the strength to overcome this, but by then Jayson's strength had wavered too much and his pain had grown beyond his ability to manage. If that was not enough, having Satella offer to fill the endless void he felt only made the situation between Ya'Han and him that much more complicated. Last night, she spoke about the members of her team while on the station; Zub Enel and A'Janni, how she respected them and even admired them, but what stung the most was when she explained how much she would miss working with them. He had not expected to react the way he did, but there was no doubt about it, he felt jealous.
Gathering his thoughts, Jayson continued with his explanation, or at the very least tried to. "I did not want to risk us running into each other while we were not on duty. Captain Iverson mentioned at one point that her crew was lacking the services of key senior officers, including a Chief of Operations. Since I was here and needed to keep busy, so I offered my help as an OPS Officer to her and she accepted."
"I know all of that, but it was meant to be for the duration of this mission," Ya'Han said, the Nylaan doing her best to remain calm and sitting on the couch as he had requested her to do. "That does not explain *this*," she added with a little more insistence waving the PADD containing the letter he wrote in the air.
"As I said, things were not well between us," he repeated, struggling more than ever to find the right words to describe his feelings, both then and now. "The more I tried to imagine how things would be on the ANUBIS once we got back, if we ever did, the more it felt like I would never be able to manage."
"By the looks of things between Satella and you, she would have made it her goal to make sure you would be able to manage the situation," Ya'Han said, her hair gradually drifting into the bright red end of the color spectrum.
"I know, that is why I ended up writing the letter. She was one of the reasons why I wanted to transfer to the BASTET, one of the reasons I *needed* to transfer," Jayson resentfully admitted, surprising Ya'Han. He could see the growing confusion in the eyes of the Chief of Security, prompting the OPS Officer to explain his last statement. "I found myself stuck in the middle, between your emotions for me and hers. The way I felt, it was nice to feel wanted, but that is not what I wanted, at least not from her. I thought that some time away from the ANUBIS and the two of you would allow me to figure out my feelings. I never expected that we would get back together like this. Trust me, given the choice between taking on the position of Chief of Operations on the BASTET or staying with you, no matter where I will always pick you."
Following this, He could see Ya'Han's anger melting away. It might not have been the most eloquent way to explain things, but it appeared that it was enough to make her understand. Jayson took a half step back when she pushed herself off the couch and approached him. There was a time when he could read her with relative ease, the color of her hair always providing a powerful hint as to the state of her mind, but right now he could not read her at all. Her hair had gone back to being a mixture of black and red and the expression on her face was as stoic as that of a statue.
His heart raced as she drew increasingly closer, his feet were frozen by fear while his mind rushed through countless possibilities covering the full range of emotions. What would she do? What would she say? All of his questions, concerns and fears were addressed with a single gesture from her. A passionate kiss.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Lieutenant Jayson Stark [Access Character BIO for Jayson Stark]
Chief of Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
=-=
"The Awakening"
[the previous post was (ANU) "Explanation" / (BAS) "Rainmaker"]
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Sickbay
Stardate: 35014.1000
The two CMO's hovered over the ILO's bed. With the BASTET on route back to NEW ALEXANDRIA, things were quiet. Maybe a little too much so when compared to the chaos they all left behind. No one was complaining though, not even Gemma.
Dr Bruxa looked at the medical readouts over the patient's head. She had done this regularly over the last hour or so. It had become an unspoken challenge to see if she could bear witness to any sort of changes in the readings. So far though, her efforts had proven to be in vain. "Everything shows to be perfectly normal. Nothing has changed. She is the textbook definition of being healthy, maybe even more so. Those readings are as steady as can be and do not give any indications that they might change."
"And they won't change," Dr Andersson stated. "The nanites in her body create a dampening field blocking all sensor readouts. We only see what she wants us to see, even if she is doing this unconsciously. The same nanites create false sensor readings. Those readouts always reflect the personality that she is displaying. Her thoughts and memories follow the same pattern. She *is* the person she appears to be. Right now, as Gemma, the medical readings are those of a perfectly healthy Human female. You will not find anything wrong with her, no matter how hard to try."
"How do you do it?" Satella asked as she shook her head. The vagueness of her question hinted to the complexity of the anticipated answer. "How do you know when she is alright and when she is not?"
"I don't. None of us does. The best anyone on the BASTET can do is have confidence that her nanites are taking care of things. The only true evidence we have is what we can see with our eyes." Sofia gently pulled the blanket off the ILO's legs, revealing them. "We have visual records of how badly injured her legs were. They were completely crushed. The Fibula and Tibia in both legs were completely shattered. The Patella in her right legs was also severely damaged. That is not taking into account the muscular damage she suffered when that beam came crashing down on her." Dr Andersson gently ran the tips of her fingers on her patient's legs. "Look at them now. Not a single scratch on either leg. Even if our instruments could get any sort of reading, I am sure they would show the same thing. We would be hard-pressed to find any signs of her legs ever having been injured. Certainly not to the extent we know they were not that long ago."
Satella smiled and blinked several times in quick succession. "She is a remarkable woman."
"I would be careful with I were you," Sofia warned. "She might think that you have feelings for her talking the way you just did."
"I heard her," Gemma said. The unexpected announcement made both CMOs jump back. "Her words would not lead me to believe your claim. The way you were touching my legs though..."
Dr Andersson quickly reached for the blanket and pulled it to cover the woman's legs. "How are you feeling?" Sofia asked.
"Physically," the ILO began as she looked up to the readouts over her head. "I appear to be doing fine. Emotionally, I might have to speak with Counselor Dima. The way you touched my legs might have awakened feelings in me that I never knew were there."
"What feelings is she referring to?" Nicole asked, her timing as to her entry into Sickbay being beyond perfect. The CMO quickly intercepted the CNS and pulled her into the nearby office. This left Satella and Gemma alone to continue the conversation.
"I am glad to see that you are feeling better," Satella said. "You had me worried at one time."
"Should your worries not be directed toward Lt. Stark?"
"Why?" Bruxa gasped. "He was not the one injured."
"Doctor," Gemma smiled. "I saw the way you looked at him while you were on the station. You might not have seen me, but I assure you that I kept a close eye on you and everyone else."
"But it was Abrasivnyy who was on the station. How do you remember what she saw?" Satella was puzzled. She did not have a great deal of experience dealing with the ILO. This meant that she could be forgiven for her lack of understanding. The problem was that Dr Bruxa was quite right. The memories of one personality were never directly accessible to another. The best they could do was to refer to them as something that had been mentioned. In this case, Gemma could clearly recall what Abrasivnyy had seen and what she had done. The more she thought about this, the more Gemma understood that something had changed. She was not the same person she had been when they had crossed over into that other dimension. Now the ILO needed to figure out what those changes were and what they would mean for her.
=-=
Rachel Jackie Johnson
[The fun is getting to wear multiple disguises and getting to explore multiple personalities and bring them to life. - Jenna Fischer]
---
"Recognition"
(Previous Post: (ANU) "Explanation" / (BAS) "The Awakening")
---
Setting: USS BASTET, Captain's Ready Room
Stardate: 35014.1100
The sound of the door chime announced the presence of someone at the door, and knowing who it was having asked them to come here, Iverson quickly acknowledged and opened the door using the controls on her desk. "Come in," the Captain beckoned in as a friendly welcoming tone as she could. "Have a seat."
"This sounds ominous," Morningstar said before making himself comfortable in the same chair he had been in when the two Captains worked together on their joint mission report.
"Our reports concerning the latest mission were transmitted to NEW ALEXANDRIA. Now, Admiral Koniki wants to talk with me," Selene explained.
"Then, with all due respect, why am I here?" Erik asked, a little puzzled by the situation as presented to him up until now.
"This is Admiral Koniki we are talking about," the Commanding Officer of the BASTET said matter-of-factly. "I want a witness."
The Native American smiled as he leaned back into his chair a wave of understanding washing over him. "Encoded transmission, no official record of whatever is going to be said, and a universe of possibilities each scarier than the previous. Been there, done that. All right, I will just sit here and be quiet."
"Thank you," Selene said almost smiling, a gesture that surprised Erik as he knew the woman sitting on the other side of the desk to be quite the emotionless type, even more so than he usually was. Without wasting any time, Captain Iverson opened a secured communication channel with the Admiral.
[/\] Thank you for getting back to me so quickly, Captain. [/\]
"No problem. What can we do for you, Admiral?"
[/\] Are you alone? [/\] The imposing bald man asked. As a veteran Intel Officer, Selene instantly recognized the trap. When asked this question, most tended to look towards the person or people who were not supposed to be there. This was a basic trick of the trade, one that she knew all too well, and something that the Admiral knew she knew.
"Why all the secrecy? We are on a secured narrow stream channel. No one is intercepting this communication, not unless they are standing directly between NEW ALEXANDRIA and the BASTET," Selene countered, making sure not to officially answer the earlier question from Koniki. This too was a common Intel trick, one that Iverson knew the Admiral knew all too well.
Not wishing to waste time discussing the reason for the secrecy, the Admiral jumped directly into the 'why' of this call. [/\] If you have been keeping up with the status of our little fleet, you are aware that the USS SATET was destroyed. This has forced us to speed up the timeline as to the activation of the next set of ships that will operate from NEW ALEXANDRIA. The first one of these new vessels is the USS ISHTAR, a Saber-Class Frigate. [/\]
"That is good news," Captain Iverson noted. "Following the war against the Shadows, there is a need to bolster the fleet, but that still does not explain why you felt it necessary to privately inform me of this. Are you asking me to command the ISHTAR?"
[/\] Not you, Captain, [/\] Koniki said, appearing more than a little disappointed in the woman on the other side of the communication. [/\] Clearly, you need some time to rest after your last mission. Command of the ISHTAR will be offered to Commander Valentine effective immediately upon your return to NEW ALEXANDRIA. I need someone with her drive and expertise to take care of certain matters that the ship has been specially equipped to handle. The vessel and crew are scheduled to depart the minute she sets foot on board. [/\]
"No time for pleasantries I see. I am sure that she will be more than happy to accept the promotion," Iverson said. "The BASTET will not be the same without her."
[/\] I am sure that you will find a suitable replacement to take over and take on the role of your new First Officer. In the meantime, tell Captain Morningstar the next time I want to have a private conversation with another Commanding Officer, he would do well to stay away. Koniki out. [/\]
"I am sorry," Selene sincerely offered. "If it had not been for me, you would not be in this situation with the Admiral."
"Trust me, whatever situation the Admiral and I are in has nothing to do with what happened today. This was just the latest drop in the bucket, one that he wanted to make sure I knew about. Do not worry about me, the friction between Koniki and I goes back quite a bit. What you should be focusing on right now is informing your First Officer of the good news. I am sure that the rest of your staff will also want to express their congratulations before we reach NEW ALEXANDRIA. By the sounds of things, I am surprised that the Admiral did not request you to increase to maximum warp speed to make sure the BASTET returned as quickly as possible.
=/\= Engineering to Captain Iverson, this is Lieutenant Commander Paquette. Are you aware that the engineering staff of the BASTET has just received a priority directive from Admiral Koniki ordering them to increase to maximum speed? What is going on? =/\=
"Sonja," Morningstar jumped in glad that the Chief Engineer could not see his eyes rolling. "Just do it, we will explain after."
=/\= This better not be his way to get me back to help finish fixing the ANUBIS, =/\= the redhead engineer mumbled before she closed the channel.
---
Jessica Solarik
Captain Selene Fiona Iverson [Access Character BIO for Selene Iverson]
Commanding Officer
USS BASTET
&
Lieutenant Commander Maya [Access Character BIO for 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)
=-=
"Counseling Session"
[the previous post was (ANU) "Explanation" / (BAS) "Recognition"]
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Personal Holodeck 2
Stardate: 35014.1110
With a clean bill of health on her record, Gemma headed for the nearest Holodeck. There, she would be able to test her body, as well as a few other things. The program called forth by the ILO was as simple as could be -- for her. It was something she found while doing research on extreme training. On EARTH, back in the twentieth century, one such activity was referred to as Ninja Warrior. Needless to say that the name alone proved sufficient to pique her interest. Now, she had the opportunity to see how *intense* this training was.
The computer, following her instructions, created the setting as described in the researched material. Obstacles of varying shape and size hung from a metal frame that stretched for several hundred meters. Swinging ropes, teetering platforms, and steep climbs were just a few of the challenges Gemma would need to overcome. Normally, there would be a pool of water beneath these. The ILO believed that this would take away from the experience and had the computer remove the 'safety net'. If the objective was to get to the end, then why soften the penalty for those who failed?
After taking a few moments to mentally prepare herself, the ILO leaped onto the first challenge. With a little bit of speed, the ILO easily made her way across the angled platforms. Evidently, the objective had been to jump from one side to the other and back. Momentum would ensure that she would not slip and fail to reach the second objective.
"Why don't you let me do this?" Sylthia asked in a way that sounded more like a plea. This sort of obstacle course was exactly what the Ardanan acrobat lived for. This was a fact that Gemma knew very well, which was another reason why this particular program had been selected.
"No!" The ILO snapped before leaping onto the next challenge. Four horizontal bars hung before her, each just slightly out of arm's reach. This meant that Gemma needed to build up momentum in order to swing to catch the next bar. Again, the obstacle proved to be more much easier than it appeared to be for the highly trained Intel Operative.
"This reminds me of the time I went after that Cardassian defector," Jinx said. "Poor guy never knew what hit him when I dropped on top of him. He never suspected that someone would be following him using the flag poles."
Gemma paused for a moment. The memory mentioned by Jinx came clearly into view in her mind. Wasn't the Bounty Hunter someone else? If so, how could the ILO remember this as if she had been there herself?
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Corridor, outside Personal Holodeck 2
Stardate: 35014.1120
The computer warned Zub Enel before he entered the holodeck, =/\= Lieutenant Gemma is engaged in a dangerous athletic simulation. She is operating with several safety protocols disabled. Enter and participate at your own risk. =/\=
“Being near Gemma is always entering at your own risk,” Nicole Dima said at his elbow, startling the big scaly Voth.
He looked down surprised into her smiling face before he said, “I was checking in with Gemma since she has her new legs.”
“So was I.” The ship’s counselor indicated the closed holodeck hatch. She smiled up at the 7-foot tall lizard man. “Great minds think alike.”
Zub had recovered enough to respond, “Fowls with identical plumage congregate in the same proximity.”
Nicole’s smile went askew. “You seriously need to work on your delivery of common idioms.”
Zub puzzled this for a moment and then said, “Computer, allow us to enter her simulation.”
There was a high-low two note beep followed by a clank like heavy metal plating being unlocked. The enormous holodeck hatch parted in the middle allowing the Chief of Security and the ship’s Counselor to enter.
“Holy cats!” Nicole exclaimed as she looked at the tall ladders, tilting platforms, rotating balancing beams suspended high in the air, steep soaring slanted walls, and dangling ropes. “I thought my Sherwood Forest simulation was elaborate.”
Zub pointed up and well back in the simulation. “There she is. Look at that grace!”
Nicole frowned. Gemma’s hair was constantly shifting length and color, like she was an athletic kaleidoscope. “This course may be challenging more than her muscles.”
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Personal Holodeck 2
Stardate: 35014.1122
Gemma had made a perfect parkour lunge, a foot plant and then a pirouette off a wall angled at nearly 90 degrees. Before the sole of her boot began to slip against the grade, she pushed off with a satisfyingly strong feel of her thigh muscles. Flying through the air, she reached for a rope that hung loosely like a thin vine. It’d sway away from her weight when she hit it so she prepared to lock it firmly in grasp on first contact.
Yshuni asked, “Do you not have new stories to tell?” Gemma blinked at the image of the blue haired, sweet, but ineffectual woman who listened to others to her own neglect. Wasn’t this one too someone else? Not her.
That moment of distraction made Gemma miss the thin rope. Her body angling down from gravity, she grabbed at the rope belatedly as it brushed her hips and managed to get a grip, but not before her body started a head-down, feet-first tumble. Reacting without thinking she twirled her leg to capture and wrap the rope around her thigh. The tightness brought her to a constricted, thigh burning halt. Hanging inverted, she could see Zub and Nicole rushing toward her on the floor far below.
"What are they doing here?" The black haired ILO sighed under her breath.
"Looks like they are watching you make a fool of yourself," Abrasivnyy said, vanishing just as quickly as she had appeared.
"Gemma?" Nic called out with hesitation. She'd seen enough of the Intel Operative's acrobatics to know her physical form was miraculously healed by the nanites that coursed through her veins. But, as usual, it was her emotional and mental state that had her the most concerned. As quickly as the woman had mastered the parkour, there was the same shift in personas throughout the course. "Are you alright?" The diminutive Trill asked.
It appeared as though Gemma's identity held firm, for the moment, as she gracefully brought herself to the ground.
"What now?" Zub said quietly, watching Gemma's descent.
Nicole shrugged. It wasn't an official session. "I was just going to wing it."
"What are you doing here?" the ILO asked.
"Checking up on you," the two officers answered at nearly the same time. They exchanged surprised looks at their synchronicity.
Gemma looked amused and conflicted at the same time. "And are you satisfied?"
Nic folded her arms, indicating on one level she was encouraged by what she saw. "While I certainly trust the discharge orders of Doctors Andersson and Bruxa, it feels a little more real to see it for myself. But I noticed you had some visitors while on the holodeck."
"You saw them?"
The Voth's downy scales rippled. "Not clearly," he admitted. "But yes."
"They are real." It was a questioning statement. The three officers stood there, one next to the other, waiting to see who would say what next. Moments passed in silence, the Trill Counselor recognizing the questioning expression on the ILO's face. It took some time but Gemma broke the quiet stillness that had taken over. Not with words but rather with actions as she began to walk away.
"Gemma?" Nicole called out. The concern in the Trill's voice was clearly audible.
The gradually ILO stopped walking before slowly turning her head to face the CNS. "Is that really my name? Is that really who I am?" The woman with the multiple personalities did not wait for an answer. Following the open questioning of her identity, she resumed her exit of the holodeck.
"Should we leave her alone like this?" Zub asked.
"I do not think she will ever truly be alone anymore," Nicole said. "As for us giving her time, I think it is what she needs right now. We can check in on her later. Right now, she needs space to sort out her thoughts and self identity."
=-=
Rachel Jackie Johnson
[The fun is getting to wear multiple disguises and getting to explore multiple personalities and bring them to life. - Jenna Fischer]
and
David Michael Inverso
Ensign Zub Enel [Access Character BIO for Zub Enel]
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS BASTET, NCC 74977
“An acquaintance merely enjoys your company, a fair-weather companion flatters when all is well, a true friend has your best interests at heart and the pluck to tell you what you need to hear.”
― E.A. Bucchianeri, Brushstrokes of a Gadfly,
and
Susan Ledbetter
---
"Scientific Support"
(Previous Post: (ANU) "Explanation" / (BAS) "Counseling Session")
---
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 4, Astrometrics Lab
Stardate: 35014.1120
The Astrometrics Lab of the USS BASTET was much smaller than the one she was used to, but it was more than enough for what the Shillian Scientist needed. No matter the ship, no matter the laboratory, no matter the instruments used, science remains a constant as is the quest for knowledge and understanding.
A solar system was displayed on the large primary screen while specific data was being listed on one particular planet. The side secondary monitors were also displaying information on that world making it evident that this was the focus on the research being conducted. It did not take a Betazoid or any other telepathic race to know what this was about, the recent events involving the Shillian scientist were all the clues the Asian woman needed to understand what was happening.
"Were you able to find what you were looking for in the data collected by Cetacean Ops while we were on that station?" Lieutenant Mitshiba asked as she walked up to the sitting Shillian, the question acting as both an announcement of her presence and a conversation starter.
"How did you know that this data came from them?" Maya asked.
"I will not claim to know or be able to recognize *all* of the star systems in our databanks, but I know that all of them have clearly marked indicators as to the time and place of the last scans. The current display does not have any of those markers which indicates that the information came from somewhere else. Since we were in another dimension, the logical assumption was that this data was gathered by the BASTET while they waited for our return."
Maya gave Misaki a quick smiling glance. It was nice dealing with someone with a sharp mind, an attention to details and a keen sense of logical deduction. Accepting what had been said to set the groundwork for what would come next, the Shillian returned to her research.
"It is truly amazing how a different dimension can have such different societies and yet not only have copies of certain people but also share specific historical events with us. Take the Shillian Prime of the dimension we were in, the demise of that planet is nearly identical to the fate my world experienced, and yet the survivors are said to be in the hundreds while I, to the best of my knowledge, remain the only one to have escaped the destruction of our home."
"Earlier, I was looking into the history of the Confederacy as compared to that of our Federation," Misaki stated. "I also found quite a few similarities with the governing style of an organization from another dimension that we are well versed with, the Terran Empire. In that universe too, there are a large number of similarities including individuals with counterparts in ours. Mathematically, the odds that the homeworld of the Shillians suffered the same fate are very high. Likewise, the odds that the final results of that historical event would be slightly different are equally as high. In dimensions such as the one of the Terran Empire or the Confederacy, the hard part is finding a historical event, be it small or large, that took place in the exact same manner as it did in ours. Actually, if you apply the full extent of dimensional probabilities to such an idea, you quickly realize that this happening is next to impossible. There are simply too many variables for any event to have unfolded in the exact same way in two different universes."
"It is the similarities that interest me the most at the moment," Maya revealed. "The starship that rescued me had very limited time to perform any sort of scan on the planet. They responded to the distress call sent by my father and after beaming me aboard left to avoid being destroyed by the gravitational eddies created by the collapsing planet. Unlike the Federation, the Confederacy was able to dispatch several ships to rescue as many Shillians as possible. With so many vessels present, the collected data is far more detailed than anything I ever had access to before. Added to this the personal accounts of the survivors, and I have a peek into my world in a way that I never had before."
"There are no guarantees that the Shillian society that was present on that world matched the one that was on yours," the Asian scientist cautiously warned.
"I am all too aware of that fact, but thank you nonetheless for making sure that I do not fall prey to the emotional pitfalls of appropriating their world as being mine," the Shillian clarified adding a faint smile as she did so. "I will admit that my interest is strictly personal, mainly for the simple reason that I do not have a detailed account of what my world was or the full extent of the civilization that was thriving on it. I have no history to look back onto in order to better understand who my people were and in doing so better understand myself."
"The quest for self-discovery and understanding is never-ending," the Asian woman said. "I will say this, in a way I am jealous of your situation. You get to explore something new, something unknown unlike myself or anyone else on the BASTET. We all have at the very least a general knowledge and understanding of where we came from, but for you, this quest is fresh and filled with potential surprises."
"Only a scientist would see my situation like that," Maya grinned, realizing now more than ever before as to just how much of a kindred spirit the Asian scientist was.
=/\= Attention all senior officers of the ANUBIS and BASTET,=/\= the voice of Captain Iverson came over the ship-wide announcement. "You are cordially invited to a get-together in Main Holodeck 2 on Deck 8 to be held at 1300 hours. We look forward to seeing you all there. =/\=
"A get-together?" Misaki asked aloud.
"A celebration of our return home?" Maya quizzically suggested as a potential explanation.
"Maybe, but that is not the way Captain Iverson does things. There has to be another reason."
"Well, I guess we will just have to make sure we are present to see what this is all about," the Shillian said, feeling a great deal better about herself and the search for information about her lost history, all thanks to the support of a fellow scientist.
---
Jessica Solarik
&
"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)
“Crazier Than Expected”
[Previous Posts: (ANU) "Scientific Support", (BAS) "Counseling Session"]
=/\=
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 7 (conference room near Counseling department)
Stardate: 35014.1140
The young joined Trill was surprised to see a small group had gathered as a result of her invite. She wasn’t sure that anyone would willingly want to spill their guts in a combined setting, but their journey to the NOWHERE Station had affected everyone in different ways, and it was her desire to normalize the effects, which in some cases might be lasting ones. She pulled up a seat and joined them, eager to get started so that none of them would be late for Captain Iverson’s ‘get-together’ later today.
"Welcome to the first meeting of the NACTE (NEW ALEXANDRIA Crazier Than Expected) group," Nicole said, looking at the officers sitting in the chairs set in a circle. "This a safe place, a place for you to share your troubles without being judged. Everyone here has something to say and can learn from hearing what others have to say. Adriana, would you care to start?"
The Counselor/Junior Ambassador hesitated but if she was not going to share, why had she come here in the first place? So she nodded her head, drew a long breath and began. "Hi, my name is Adriana."
"Hi Adriana," everyone else acknowledged with a united voice.
"I have been searching for my missing twin sister since as long as I can remember. Now, it seems that I might have found her, sort of. According to the information I was given, She was on that awful space station where I was held and tortured. If that is not bad enough, she might have been the one responsible for getting me there in the first place and the reason why I was so brutally beaten. Now I have to figure out what I need to do next. Do I believe that this is true or do I try to figure out the truth and risk exposing that I was wrong the entire time I was searching for her? Either way, it feels like I am going to end up with the same conclusion. My sister, my twin sister, the person who drove me to join Starfleet has become some sort of monster."
There was a reverent silence. The faces of the other attendees looked serious. This was a prime example of the type of trauma that their journey to the other dimension had caused. And, although it was a shocking account, Nic hoped it would encourage others to participate. "Thank you Adriana," she said sincerely. "Who is next?"
The Ambassador, who was sipping an iced cappuccino out of a tall portable tumbler, shrugged her shoulders while shifting in her chair. “I can go next.” Discreetly looking down at a PADD she noted that her son had not set off the EBH (Emergency Babysitting Hologram). Yet. That was a good sign. “Hello, I’m Xana.” Nodding to the PADD on her lap, and some of the curious glances she got she admitted, “Apologies for this, I know we weren’t supposed to bring in anything except our commbadges but I needed to check in on my son.”
As Nic nodded, and the group did a welcome, the Bolian/Human woman thought about how to thread the broken pieces of her story that were littered throughout the universe into a coherent, succinct story. “As most of you know, my youngest son joined me rather unexpectedly during our last mission. I have joint custody of him and my daughter from a previous marriage with my ex-husband. My ex adopted her when she was 4,” she began. Looking at all the faces who were trying to figure that out, she smiled for the first time. “Bolian marriages and co-marriages need flowcharts, sorry about that. Just know I loved my husband. And just the two of us were together in some fashion for such a long time.” She paused as a flood of memories came back, “I didn’t want to divorce, even when it was painfully obvious that he and I made time for the entire universe except for each other.”
There was an awkward pause as Xana sipped her cappuccino as she tried to find the pieces of herself that were still littered amongst the stars. “The divorce did happen. It was amicable. And as we signed the PADDs, he and I promised we were going to be still united for the kids.” Shrugging she said, “That was 2 years ago. Now, our son and daughter were with my ex-husband. Ben, our son, was kidnapped and swapped out with his mirror. I realize my ex-husband didn’t know that. All he knew was that Ben wasn’t the same; Ben disappeared and now was acting not himself. But it’s what has happened next. Instead of trying to contact me….to tell me that something happened to our son….”
Xana’s voice broke for a moment and she instinctively tightened her hands around the cappuccino tumbler as her eyes fluttered down to the PADD, as if to reassure herself that Ben was fine. Inhaling she steadied herself and looked up, “Instead, my ex-husband, had his CO, who doesn’t like me, contact me. And now my ex-husband is being evaluated for being a fit parent by his own Medical and Counseling staff. They’ve determined he cannot be with the mirror child, so something is wrong there, but he’s ok to be with our daughter. I’ve filed a petition to have sole custody of our kids.” The azure woman paused before continuing on, her voice breaking, “But I can’t keep but wondering...how did this happen? Why did he not reach out? And were our children ever in danger before with him? What have I missed before this?”
Nicole blinked. They had gone from the horrors of a strange place to the difficulties of real life. She was reminded that the hazards of duty were not always in the missions they undertook. “Thank you, Xana,” she offered gently. “Anyone who would like to go next?”
An Orion man on the left side of the circle spoke up. “My name is Laikuz.”
A subdued chorus of voices responded. “Hi, Laikuz.”
=/\=
Time Index: A short time later
“I need a professional opinion,” Nicole admitted to Adriana as the three women remained behind after the others left.
Adriana stacked two of the chairs together. “As a Counselor or as a Junior Ambassador?”
“While there may come a time when I am in need of the services of a Junior Ambassador, right now I’m thinking of the session. How do you think it went?”
Adriana hesitated. It was hard to separate her troubles from the clinical question. “I didn’t think anyone would show up, so on that note I’d consider it a success.”
“It’s a beginning,” Dima agreed.
“Have you ever considered having cocktails at a group session?” Xana quipped as she helped them tidy up.
“That’s not really appropriate,” Adriana said, almost smiling.
“While that might relax the participants, I’d be worried they’d forget too easily what they came here for,” Nicole added. “Especially if we are talking about Sonja-sized drinks.” The Chief Engineer of the ANUBIS’s reputation for bartending was well known to all of them.
“We all want to forget once in a while, don’t we?” Xana asked wanly.
After a few moments of silence as they finished putting the room back the way they found it, it was Adriana’s turn to ask a question of Nicole. “Do you have any idea what’s going to happen at this meeting at 1300?”
Nic shook her head as she dimmed the lights. “She may be my Commanding Officer, but that doesn’t mean I don’t necessarily have any additional insight.”
“I don’t know about you two, but I wouldn’t mind a party,” Xana admitted as the three of them walked out.
=/\=
A Joint Post By
Marissa Montonera-Lombardi
Lieutenant JG Adriana Lopez [Access Character BIO for Adriana Lopez]
Ship's Counselor & Junior Ambassador
USS ANUBIS
And
Sarah Albertini-Bond
USS ANUBIS
And
=-=
"Face-to-Face"
[the previous posts were (ANU) "Scientific Support" by Jessica / (BAS) "Crazier Than Expected" by Marissa, Sarah & Susan]
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Corridor
Stardate: 35014.1145
The announcement from Captain Iverson prompted the ExO /ILO into action. It would not take all that long to perform what needed to be done, but first, she needed to reach the target, and that could prove to be problematic. Shar'El had hoped to sneak into the holodeck and take care of things there but the presence of other officers made that impossible, so an alternate plan had to be implemented.
Shar'El stood at the entrance of the officer's quarters, still waiting for the person inside to acknowledge her presence through the repeated use of the door chime. Internal sensors confirmed that the target was behind those doors, but it was evident that the ExO / ILO would not be granted easy access. She was not surprised, in fact, she had expected this. After scanning both ends of the corridor to ensure that she was alone, the Commander of the ANUBIS reached for a black PADD on her belt and began tapping instructions on it.
Intel Operatives were a strange breed, working in the shadows, from the dark edges of room, unseen, unheard, and most importantly, always ready. It was an impossibility to know what would happen at any given time, so they needed to draw on their skills and experience to best predict what they would encounter in order to properly address the situation. In this case, Shar'El had linked the secured PADD to the BASTET's computer, bypassing all of the security protocols to gain access to the security overrides that would permit her to open the door that stood in her way. Again, the ILO / ExO glanced down the ends of the corridor before she pressed one last control causing the door to hiss open.
Quickly stepping in, Shar'El was greeted by unparalleled chaos. The entire living area of these quarters had been trashed as if a magnetic cosmic storm of unprecedented magnitude had swept through the area. A quick scan of the rest of the room revealed that the devastation had not been limited to a single section, but rather spread to every corner and adjacent rooms.
"What do you want?" The question was short, each word filled with venomous bile which fit the rage that had caused the destruction of the quarters. Shar'El knew that she was at a disadvantage, the ILO / ExO having hoped to see the target before she saw her making what needed to happen next that much easier.
"I am here to see you, Gemma," Shar'El replied, ever so slowly turning to face the woman who was clearly not having the best day of her life. Her tight training outfit was tattered, ripped in a way that hinted as to the internal struggle the woman had just emerged from. Looking into her eyes, it was easy to see that whatever had taken place was far from over which made the ExO / ILO even more cautious in proceeding with the task at hand.
"You are here to see me?" Gemma said, the forced sweetness in her voice coming across not only as sarcastic but also as a sharp contrast to the appearance of the woman as it changed. "I thought you would have preferred to speak to me?" Auburn hair had been replaced by the brown locks of the Uxali scientist. "Or me?" Now it was the blonde-haired Terran saboteur who confronted the intruder, the mockery in her voice amplified by the thick germanic accent.
"I am here to help," Shar'El said, triggering another change in the woman's appearance.
"Help!" It was the Russian redhead now standing next to the door. "Help who? Yourself? You are not here to help me, that is not what you do."
"I am not here to fight," the ExO / ILO calmly stated.
"You are right," the highly trained and skilled huntress hissed. "This would not be much of a fight, Anya could kill you even before you realized that I moved. Maybe I should make this a little more sporty. How about Jinx? She is not quite as skilled as Miss Petrov, but she will make the fight a great deal more interesting, at least for me." The emerald eyes of the Bounty Hunter were fixated on the raven-haired woman in a way that hinted as to the hell that would be soon unleashed.
Shar'El's eyes locked on the woman as they visibly opened wider, inadvertently displaying fear. This encounter was worse than the ExO / ILO had expected, much worse. To have Gemma remotely aware of her personalities was problematic, but for her to openly refer to them in the manner that she had just done, not to mention summoning the specific identities and their respective skills so easily and freely meant that the situation had gone well out of hand. She would get only one shot to make this better, and failure to do so might spell the end of not just herself but everyone else currently on the BASTET.
"Come on Shar'El. You have always wanted to know just how far I could go, how far I could push all of these identities you and Koniki shoved into my head. I know that there are dozens, maybe even hundreds more that I have not yet discovered. The best part is that I also know that I can adapt in ways that you and he never expected. You all believed that I was limited to the information contained in the nanites that are in me, well, I am not." As she said this, Gemma took on the appearance of someone the ExO / ILO of the ANUBIS could never have expected to see... herself.
"How?"
"It was Cheetora that broke the mould," Gemma explained, again referring to another one of her personality with an understanding that had never been meant to be. "I researched everything about her, so much so that I was able to take on her appearance, her voice, her mannerism and even her feelings. Poor A'Janni, I did not realise it at the time but my transforming into the dead Queen of KZINTI ALPHA put him through hell, a bottomless hell that you and Koniki cast me down into without the slightest concern for what I would become."
"Let me help you," the raven-haired woman offered, the ExO / ILO still trying to figure out the best way to act.
"No," Gemma, still appearing as Shar'El, said with authority and conviction. "Let *me* help *you*... into your next life as a shattered shell... just as you did for me."
The Shar'El by the door leapt at the other causing the two of them to fall to the debris-filled floor. The battle was intense and furious, the only saving grace for the ANUBIS' ExO / ILO was the fact that in this persona, Gemma did not process the deadly skills and combat knowledge that some of her other identities possessed.
The fight went on for several more minutes, causing even more damage to the already devastated room before it came to a sudden stop. One Shar'El appeared to have jagged something into the neck of the other causing her to stop as excruciating pain flashed on her face before she collapsed onto the floor. The winner of the fight stood over the loser, looking down while doing her best to catch her breath. A few seconds later, the unconscious woman on the ground regained her original appearance, that of the BASTET's ILO.
"Believe it or not," Shar'El said as she knelt next to the other woman, "I am here to help." The ExO / ILO retrieved a second small cylinder and injected its content into Gemma's neck, completing the task that she had come here for. "These new nanites are going to make things a lot easier for you and the other members of the BASTET."
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Sickbay
Stardate: 35014.1155
"Doctor!" One of the nurses called out. "We are receiving a request for medical assistance. It is being patched through the computer instead of verbally over a comm channel."
Doctor Sofia Andersson rushed into the main treatment area to see what was going on. "Who? Where?"
"The request is coming from a computer terminal... inside Lt. Gemma's quarters."
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Gemma's Quarters
Stardate: 35014.1156
Doctor Andersson rushed into the room and was horrified by the scene she and her medical team discovered. Focusing on the unconscious ILO, Sofia ignored the ruins that surrounded them.
"Doctor, is she alright?" Captain Iverson asked. The moment the news of a medical emergency in Gemma's quarters had reached the bridge, the CO of the BASTET decided to come and see for herself what had happened. "What happened?"
"I have no idea what happened," the CMO informed, "and I can't tell you how she is doing thanks to those blasted nanites of hers. She could be dying and there is no way for me to know or do anything about it."
"Doctor, may I recommend that you transport her to Sickbay," the ANUBIS' ExO / ILO suggested as she came to stand behind the BASTET's CO.
"Of course," Sofia acknowledged, warding off the shock of the scene she had discovered. "Bruxa to Transporter Chief, requesting emergency site-to=site transport from my current location to Sickbay for two."
Seconds later the Doctor and unconscious ILO vanished in the twinkling shimmering lights of the transporter system.
As Selene turned to leave and head for Sickbay, she noticed that Shar'El appeared to be limping. "Are you alright, Commander?"
"I think I might have sprained my ankle trying to get here as quickly as possible after hearing that something had happened to Gemma," the ExO / ILO replied.
"I am surprised," the Captain noted. "Based on previous dealings between the two of you, I was under the impression that neither one of you cared all that much of the other."
"We don't," Shar'El confirmed with a smile. "As individuals, we have clearly defined personalities that unfortunately do not go well with one another, but we are both Starfleet officers and more importantly, we are both Intel Operatives. This means that whatever dislike we might have toward each other, we will always be there to help whenever we can."
"I will be honest with you Commander," Iverson said. "I am not sure that Gemma sees being an ILO quite the same way as you do." With that, the Captain headed down the corridor en route for Sickbay leaving a bruised Shar'El behind.
"Not yet," the ExO / ILO whispered to herself. "Not yet, but soon."
=-=
Tiffany Reeve
Commander Shar'El [Access Character BIO for Shar'El]
Executive Officer / Intel Liaison Officer
USS ANUBIS
Ensign Sofia Andersson [Access Character BIO for Sofia Andersson]
Chief Medical Officer
USS BASTET
=-=
"The Awakening (Revisited)"
[the previous post was (ANU) "Face-to-Face" / (BAS) "Crazier Than Expected"]
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Sickbay
Stardate: 35014.1215
Her eyes were closed but she was awake and well aware of her surroundings. The medical scent that assaulted her sense of smell identified her general location as Sickbay. The padding beneath her body confirmed this and more accurately set her as being on the main examination bed. She could hear the footsteps of those around her. Two nurses were moving about, visually inspecting her body. Dr Andersson was near the diagnostic display board, unhappily muttering to herself.
"Is she alright, Doctor?" Hearing Captain Iverson inquire about her condition concerned her. What could have happened?
The CMO audibly huffed. "We can't find any injuries on her body. I can only guess that the nanites are taking care of everything."
"What happened?" The Captain asked. The question was valid and Gemma was curious to hear the answer. What could have happened to lead the ILO to be in Sickbay. She could not remember despite her greatest efforts to do so.
"I can't even offer you a guess," Dr Andersson sighed. "It is not like her vitals are giving me anything to work on. They show as being exactly as they have always been. She could be in a coma and I would not know it. I am starting to hate those nanites of hers."
Gemma took a moment to focus her thoughts inwardly. There were too many questions being asked and she needed to find answers. The best place to start was with the most basic of information about herself.
**Who am I? Lieutenant Gemma, assigned as Intelligence Liaison Officer to the USS BASTET under the command of Captain Selene Iverson.** The silent answer pleased the woman who knew this to be accurate. **What happened? The last thing I remember was the BASTET getting ready to jump into another dimension. Is that what happened? Was I involved in some sort of accident? Why can't I remember?**
The sound of new voices drew the ILO back into the physical world. "Is Gemma alright?" It was the BASTET's Chief of Security making the inquiry. "The last time I saw her she was leaving the Holodeck to head back to her quarters."
"According to Dr Andersson, she is fine, at least physically," Iverson informed. "As for her quarters, they have been completely wrecked."
"She did seem somewhat upset when she left," Enel added. "There were visible signs that she was dealing with several others. What we found strange was that she seemed to be fully aware of them, switching from one personality to the next at will."
**Who are they referring to? I don't even remember being in a holodeck. What happened?** This latest set of questions forced the woman to open her eyes. This was instantly noticed by one of the nurses examining her body.
"Doctor! She's awake."
Sofia rushed to her patient's side. "Gemma, are you alright?" There was a hint of fear in the CMO's voice, but why. Had her condition been so grave?
"I am fine, Doctor," the ILO stated, effortlessly sitting up on the examination bed.
"What is the last thing you remember?" the CMO inquired. Being unable to test for any head trauma meant that the physician needed to use more archaic methods.
"The BASTET was getting ready to jump into another dimension." The reply was offered without hesitation. The expression on those who heard it made it clear that the answer was not what any of them had expected.
"You do not remember being in the holodeck doing a parkour?" Zub asked.
Gemma smiled, which by itself was a little unnerving to see. "I don't do parkours. I do know someone who loves them though. Her name is Sylthia, she's an Ardanan. That woman can climb a wall as easily as you or I walk across a room."
The 7-foot tall Security Chief dropped his hands into a fig leaf. His scaly face tightened. This Gemma seated sideways on the exam bed smiling as she lightly swung her legs seemed a little off. The Gemma he knew behaved with a seriousness nearing Vulcan sobriety. He picked her white-haired, sharp-tongued persona from the last mission. “Do you know Abrasivnny?”
The ILO’s soft, coppery curls cascaded behind her shoulders as she tilted back her head to think. A palette of faces formed in her mind’s eye, but none held that particular name. She wondered if her not remembering was important. Why else would the hulking Voth have asked?
“No,” she said up to him. She studied Sofia and Selene. She gauged their reaction as confirmation that Abrasivnny was significant to them. “Looks like I should know her though. What has happened to me?”
Dr Andersson straightened her blonde hair with a dainty hand. Her frustrated expression was unusually candid in front of her patient. “Absolutely no idea. You were unconscious with the beginning of bruising like you’d been in a fight. But now, of course, you’re perfectly healthy.”
“Am I free to go?”
The doctor demurred. “I want to examine your legs.”
“Who doesn’t?” Gemma said coyly. She arched a brow at Zub. His scales colored pink.
He asked, “Remember losing your legs? They were crushed by support beam that fell down upon you.”
Gemma gaped in consternation. She looked down at her legs showing through her tattered training suit.
Zub Enel prompted, “Exercising your new legs on Holodeck 2?”
Gemma looked at Sofia. Sofia nodded. “I can show you before and after scans of your injuries and recovery.”
Gemma said, “Unnecessary. I’d remember something as horrible as losing my legs to a support beam. Logic therefore dictates that I’m not as well as I feel.”
Zub Enel glanced at Captain Iverson. Her expression was remote, except for her eyes. She had been closely watching the exchange between Gemma, medical staff and himself. Her gray eyes focused on him expectantly.
He asked, “Her quarters were wrecked like a fight occurred?”
Before she spoke Selene drew her lips back until the corners made tiny creases, a rarely expressed mannerism Zub recognized as one of irony. She said calmly, “It looked to me like a cathartic fit of pique.”
Enel nodded but didn’t fully understand. Nevertheless, he had experienced some people taking out their rage whole-heartedly on their furnishings and then claiming to feel deep relief. He tried, futilely, to imagine the stoic BASTET captain ever destroying her Ready Room.
He said, “When she was reported unconscious, I immediately sent a forensic team to her quarters. Permission to continue my investigation?”
“Proceed,” Iverson said.
As Zub turned to leave he glanced at Gemma seated on the bio-bed. “I will check in on you.”
“Unnecessary,” Gemma said. She smiled. “But please do.”
He departed conflicted. Pleased she invited him back. Disturbed that the Gemma he knew would not have invited him back.
=-=
Setting: USS BASTET, Gemma's Quarters
Stardate: 35014.1220
Zub entered Gemma’s quarters to find a Security team of a Vulcan male scanning near the door and an Andorian female scanning the carpet.
“I appreciate your speedy arrival,” he said. The front room had every piece of furniture at least overturned, some smashed. Art pieces lay shattered in crumbled bits. Paintings were torn down, ripped, frames bent askew. The tiny kitchen had all the drawers pulled out and emptied. Her bedroom had a single-wide mattress stripped of sheets and covers. Clothing lay scattered everywhere.
He said to the officers, “Report.”
The Vulcan male, Ensign Saatol, pointed a greenish finger at the door. “This opened twice without being recorded on the ship’s log.”
Zub frowned. “Odd. What are you comparing the log to?”
Saatol rapped the wall beside the door. “Inside is a maintenance logger that counts openings and closings to track wear and tear. At a certain count it signals Engineering to execute a more thorough scan for maintenance purposes.”
“Clever to check it against the ship’s log.”
Saatol’s dark eyes glinted a little. “Doors can be forced open. Given the state of this place, I thought I should verify comings and goings.”
Zub nodded. Since he was speaking to a Vulcan he chose his word carefully, “Your hypothesis is someone entered and exited without the main computer noting it. The door logger counted an open-close when this person arrived and another when leaving. When did this occur?”
The Vulcan ensign shook his head. “The ship’s logs show the last time Lieutenant Gemma entered her quarters and when the medical and command staff entered and left. One can assume someone came and left unrecorded before she was found unconscious, but there is no way to unequivocally verify that is when the unlogged entry and exit occurred.”
Zub put his three-fingered hands on his hips as he considered this.
The Andorian had a wispy voice. “There was a bout of wide-spread destruction like someone in a wrecking rage. Then a second burst in this room, much more contained.”
Zub frowned. “How can you tell there was a second burst?”
The Andorian pointed near Zub’s boots where a pile of chair legs lay mixed with granules of safety duraglass. “Debris in this area is lying approximately parallel to itself, the long pieces pointing roughly in the same direction. All this shattered duraglass lays in winnows. Maybe two people rolled around here fighting each other and that disturbed the debris’ original random orientation. “
The placement looked completely random to Zub. “I don’t see it, Ensign Ch'raalos.”
She stepped close, wafting a sweet floral scent. Her blue finger with a manicured white nail tapped the surface of her PADD. On the screen the strewn chair legs stood out starkly compared to everything else. They were indeed angled the same direction. She tapped the screen. Shattered glass stood out in long streams alongside the broken chair legs.
“Interesting,” he exclaimed. “Excellent detecting. Both of you.”
They both looked at him with a hint of pride.
He summarized. “Is it safe to say that after an unexplained bout of destruction, an intruder entered and fought the occupant, matched in strength enough to roll around on the floor?”
“A crude approximation,” Ensign Saatol said. Zub took his comment to mean this was a preliminary assumption based on early scans.
“I’d agree,” Ensign Ch'raalos said, her antennae flexed upward. “The damage needs more mapping to give a more precise timeline."
Zub nodded his understanding. “Hair, fiber, or DNA?”
“Some,” the Andorian wisped. “It needs thorough analysis to identify source or sources.”
“Proceed,” he said, his eyes taking in what now appeared to be a crime scene.
=-=
Rachel Jackie Johnson
[The fun is getting to wear multiple disguises and getting to explore multiple personalities and bring them to life. - Jenna Fischer]
and
David Michael Inverso
Ensign Zub Enel [Access Character BIO for Zub Enel]
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS BASTET, NCC 74977
“Any reviewer who expresses rage and loathing for a novel is preposterous. He or she is like a person who has put on full armor and attacked a hot fudge sundae.”
— Kurt Vonnegut
"A Place Like No Other"
Previous posts: (ANU) "Face-to-Face" & (BAS) "The Awakening (Revisited)"
///^\\\
Setting: USS BASTET, Deck 8, Main Holodeck 2
Stardate: 35013.1230
There were 30 minutes to go before the gathering was set to begin, this meant that Aki had 1800 seconds to put the finishing touches on the work requested by the Captain. The goal: to make this as pleasant and memorable for everyone. The latest obstacle: Gemma, or more precisely what had happened to her.
The news of Gemma being found unconscious in her wrecked quarters had made its way through the BASTET like wildfire, and as much as the Asian scientist was concerned for the ILO, she needed to take care of things here. Not only because Mitshiba did not want to disappoint Captain Iverson, but also because Aki needed to stay busy to avoid her mind scrambling to find a way to explain what had taken place.
Ensign Enel and his security team had taken on the investigation, this meant that it was best for Mitshiba to stay away and avoid making herself a nuisance by trying to help solve this mystery. The CSciO had the utmost confidence in the Chief of Security to get to the bottom of this, her problem was not being part of the investigation. If Zub needed any sort of help, Aki knew that he would come to her, therefore she needed to be patient and let him do his work as she needed to do hers.
The Asian woman took a moment to survey the holographic scene that surrounded her. Flowers of every kind broke the green grassy plains, adding a sense of surreal charm to the soft slopes of the terrain. As you walked in, a set of snow-covered peaks could be seen to the left, the base of these mountains hidden by a thick forest that extended straight ahead of the observer. A distant wavy horizon stretched to the right hinting to the proximity of a cliff of some sort in that direction. The world created in the holodeck was not real, but the elements used had come from worlds and places known to the crew of the BASTET. Captain Iverson had wished to have the gathering be in a welcoming and relaxing setting, one that felt alien while at the same time possessed a touch of familiarity.
The CSciO started with the computer records of ELYSIA to create the base of this scene. Aki then began more specific alterations, changing the snowy mountains to be more like those found on PACIFICA while the oceanic horizon was more like the one found on RISA. The stand and podium that the Captain requested were straight from the Academy's graduation ceremony, all of these meant to offer those here links to pleasant memories.
As nice as everything was, the CSciO was not entirely happy with the finished product causing her to cast her wandering gaze upward to the generic blue and white marbled sky. "Computer," Aki said looking at the sky through narrowed eyes. "Let's add something special overhead. Show me a clear summer night's starscape as seen from... let's make it Japan."
The blue with painted streaks of white was instantly replaced by a dark background filled with small twinkling lights representing distant stars as seen from EARTH's southern hemisphere. The scene made Aki smile as she remembered looking up at this exact same view as a child, this being one of the reasons why she wanted to one day join Starfleet. The other reasons, that her parents were both researchers in Astrophysics did ensure that her goals in life were set early on.
"I could look at this for hours," Aki noted aloud. "So peaceful, so enchanting, so relaxing, so... distracting. If I leave that there it might cause some to ignore the Captain and that would not be good at all. I need to think of something else. Over the next few minutes, various skies appeared and disappeared, each with their unique flares. The red with three moons of EXCALIBA seemed a little much and the green sky of JOREL was too close to the grassy hills below. At one point the CSciO debated on the blue skies of PANDORA with its floating islands, but that was a fantasy and not based in reality. In the end, she opted for something a little more understated, the soft light-blue skies of KTARIS with its silver clouds that seemed to dance when the light of the sun hit them just right.
With the final touches done, Aki took a moment to take in the scene as a whole instead of as a collection of separate pieces from different places. The world was beautiful, so much so that the scientist found herself almost wishing that they would find such a place in their travels.
///^\\\
Dawn Bohr
Lieutenant Misaki 'Aki' Mitshiba [Access Character BIO for Misaki Mitshiba]
Chief Science Officer
USS BASTET - NCC 74977
"Grateful"
Previous posts: (ANU) "Face-to-Face" & (BAS) "A Place Like No Other"
=/\=
Setting: USS BASTET, Dima’s Quarters
Stardate: 35014.1230
Nicole Dima had been gracious enough to invite the Ambassador to bunk with her when the Bolian/Human woman had nowhere else to stay. It made sense; as the BASTET’s Counselor when she saw someone in distress or abandoned she instinctively tried to make things better.
So when the Ambassador’s son joined them on this mission...well he joined them too.
*CRASH*
It was the fifth crash within the last hour; the Trill wasn’t even aware that there were that many things to crash in her quarters.
“Sorry!” came the apologetic cry from the young kid resonating across quarters.
The Ambassador, who was brushing her white hair, threw the Counselor an apologetic glance that matched the tone of her son. “I swear we should be out of here soon,” she said sotto voce. Leaning back so she was eye level with where her son was on the other side of the quarters, “Ben?”
“Nothing is broken, bleeding, or bent,” her son responded, clearly anticipating the question.
“Best I can hope for,” she admitted as she went back to getting ready.
Nicole watched as Xana tried to get ready. She didn’t know the Ambassador well, but it was clear that the azure woman was trying to balance hovering, knowing her son was still recovering, and giving her 10 year old son the space he needed to develop and grow. Her son was equally trying to carve out his own space, as was natural with his growing, and clinging to his mother after the trauma of his kidnapping.
“I miss my Tribbles,” Ben said as he came out of the bathroom that he had been using to wash up.
Nicole, who had been putting the finishing touches on getting ready, paused and mentally thought about her quarters being overrun by Tribbles. Finally she found her voice and asked. “Tribbles?”
As Xana began shaking her head above Ben’s head, the 10 year old began launching into a passionate defense of responsible Tribble caretaking. “I tried to warn you,” Xana whispered with a smirk as she walked by looking for her shoes.
Before Nicole could ask about Tribbles, or answer Ben’s question if she’d like to join STTS (Save The Tribble Society), the chime for the door rang. While both Xana and Nicole both called out “Enter”, their cries were for naught as Ben went leaping over an ottoman (causing the sixth *crash* of the night) to answer the door in person.
Dr. Sofia Andersson stood at the door, and looked down at the young boy who was staring up at her. “Hi, I’m Ben. I don’t know you.”
“Benito,” Xana sighed as she walked to the door.
Ben looked over at his mother. “I can’t let people in, I don’t know,” he pointed out rationally.
Placing a hand on her son’s shoulder she said. “Dr. Sofia Andersson, my son Ben Bonviva-Crichton.” Looking at Ben she said with a mixture of love and guidance, “Stand down, Ben.”
“First it was ‘Don’t let strangers in, Ben’ and now it’s ‘Let strangers in, Ben’,” the 10 year old sighed dramatically. Waving he said, “Nice to meet ya.” Turning around he went back to his game while muttering something confusing about confusing mothers.
“Sofia isn’t a stranger,” Nic chided as she entered the room. “She was with us on the station. She was just busy helping the injured,” the Cns explained. “While you were busy eating all my chocolate protein bars.”
Ben thought about that as he set up his video game. “Ohhh,” he said thoughtfully and for a moment Nicole was hopeful that he put it all together. “Those were good chocolate protein bars. Do you have anymore?”
“We’ll be out of here soon,” Xana promised. “In the meantime we should all get going.” After going over some instructions for Ben (and yes reassuring him that the ‘No letting in strangers’ rule was still in effect) the trio of women were off.
=/\=
Setting: USS BASTET, Main Holodeck 2
Stardate: 35014.1240
“I think we’re late,” Sofia noted.
Xana looked around and pointed out. “It’s called making an entrance,” she smiled.
“Relax- we still have twenty minutes,” Nicole reminded them, but also noticed the room seemed pretty full. “But I guess everyone’s interest was piqued at Captain Iverson’s announcement.” And while Selene was punctual, she wouldn’t have mentioned anything important before everyone’s arrival. Dima turned to Sofia with a grin. “Besides, we are supposed to be enjoying ourselves. How long has it been since we have been able to do that?”
“It has been a while,” the CMO admitted as the two of them held hands.
As Sofia and Nicole got reacquainted, It was obvious that the Ambassador knew how to work a room. She scanned her surroundings, finally setting her sights on a table that had refreshments. “Don’t tell Ben they have cookies- I’ll never hear the end of it.”
Nicole laughed. “I don’t think there’s a law that says you can’t take some for him.”
Sofia agreed. “He would probably enjoy that- he gets cookies without having to listen to adults talking about ‘work stuff’.I won’t tell, either,” she continued, winking at Nicole and Xana.
“You two are sworn to secrecy under the Ambassadorial code,” Xana added for good measure as they each poured some punch which was a soft pink color with strawberry slices floating in it.
“Swanky,” Xana remarked after tasting the bubbly aperitif. “Now If you will excuse me, I see some people over there I need to be schmoozing with.”
After Xana walked away, Dima took this opportunity to turn her attention fully to her beloved. “How are you, really?” Nic asked as Sofia sipped on her drink.
The blonde woman looked weary but pleased. “Grateful to be home. Grateful that Gemma is recovered from whatever happened to her on the station as well as whatever happened in her quarters, even though I can’t explain how. And you?”
Nicole looked down at her feet.
Sofia put down her cup and gently lifted Nicole’s chin. “It’s not like you to look away. What is it? Do you see Safio when you look at me?”
Nic shook her head no, her sleek cap of coffee-colored hair falling into place. “Safio was nothing like you. There was the resemblance, of course, but everything about the man was distasteful and evil.” She almost looked like she was shaking.
“You’re safe now. You know that, right?”
Nicole’s blue eyes darkened as she thought of her clandestine conversation with Zub in the gymnasium. “We’re safe from the threat- but I am not safe from the thoughts I have that I wish it had gone better. The loss of life of the Shillians, Adriana’s kidnapping that eventually brought us there. It’s as though the more we try to understand, the less we do.”
“It isn’t our job to understand- it’s to discover,” Sofia replied. “And to help.”
“Speaking of which, you are. Helping.”
Sofia smiled.
=/\=
Sarah Albertini-Bond
USS ANUBIS
And
-=-=-
"Journey"
[the previous post was (ANU) "Grateful" by Susan & Sarah / (BAS) "A Place Like No Other" by Dawn]
-=-=-
Setting: USS BASTET, Main Holodeck 2
Stardate: 35014.1245
Adriana smiled the smile of a Ship's Counselor forever ready and willing to listen to the trials and tribulations of others. A silent sign that she was here for anyone who might need a shoulder to lean on or someone seeking advice of a personal or professional nature. As she scanned the room, the Hispanic woman saw a lot of people who like her were smiling. Her personal experience made her look closer to see if these unconscious displays of carefree happiness were genuine or like hers a forced facade meant for the benefit of others.
Her wandering eyes fell upon the ANUBIS' couple. Things had been as difficult as could be for the Nylaan Chief of Security and the Terran Chief of Operations. There were times when Adriana wondered if the universe was not conspiring against them. Using that as a starting though, the Counselor often found herself wondering if the universe might also be conspiring against her finding Amanda. It now appeared that no conspiracy was at play, no unseen force was manipulating events to satiate some twisted evil agenda. Through the chaos and hardships of their last mission, Ya'Han and Jayson had found the one person they each had been searching for, just as the twin sister had.
Feeling her smile wavering, Adriana resumed her scan of the enchanting scenery, half focusing on the people and half focusing on the beautiful flowers, trees, mountains and clouds that were all around them. When her gaze fell upon another couple, Lopez felt a malaise as she saw Doctor Andersson and Counselor Dima together. The Counselor/Junior Ambassador had come to know the two women during their time on SPACE STATION NOWHERE and she found herself wishing them all the best while at the same time resenting them.
Sofia and Nicole were two women who shared something unique, something rare, something that Lopez wished she could have with her sister. Not the romantic aspect of their relationship, that would be too weird, but the closeness and understanding they possessed for the other. How would their lives have turned out had the twins been permitted to grow up together instead of being separated at such a young age?
When Adriana's eyes focused on someone closer, someone heading her way, the Hispanic woman smiled the smile of a Junior Ambassador forever keeping her personal feelings and emotions hidden from the public for fear that it might interfere with whatever business was at hand. "Hello Xana, how is Benito?"
The smile and question might have fooled anyone else, but Xana knew the game and all of its tricks having been the one who taught the Junior Ambassador standing uncomfortably in front of her.
Xana looked around and found a bench and patted the spot next to her for Adriana to sit next to her. “Come on,” she offered. “Save me from mingling.”
“You *enjoy* mingling,” Adriana pointed out.
The Bolian/Human thought about that before shrugging. “I do but even I need to recharge,” she said. Giving her a look she asked, “So are we going to do ‘20 questions’ or can we just skip ahead?”
Adriana sat there and passed over a cookie to Xana. “Here I got a cookie for Ben,” she said.
The Ambassador took the cookie, opened up the napkin she had been holding and put it with the pile of cookies she had stashed there. “Just about everyone has been handing me cookies for Ben. The child is not wanting for sweets,” she sighed. After folding back up the pile of cookies she said, “Ok, 20 questions it is. Do you want to talk about Amanda?”
“No,” Adriana said.
As she was getting up, Xana asked, “So what will you do with your life now?”
Adriana froze in a strange pose, half-standing and half-sitting. Finally, the Counselor/Junior Ambassador said, “I am going to continue with my life.”
“What life?” Xana asked. Crossing her legs she asked, “You only joined Starfleet to find your sister. You found her. You could retire and find a job in the private sector.”
The Hispanic woman stood up slowly and turned around but still didn’t say anything.
“You’ve been looking for your sister for so long. Everything you’ve done -- joining Starfleet, staying an Ambassador, saving me -- has all been to find Amanda. Who are you when that is not your goal? What is your life without that?” Xana asked quietly.
Adriana looked at Xana much like a gormangander looked at crews who captured it; with fear, wonder, and apprehension. “And what do you think I should do, Madame Ambassador?” she asked.
“For an existential crisis?” Xana asked. For a moment even the azure woman was stumped before shrugging. “Experiment. Figure out who *you* are without your sister as your only goal. Enjoy the process of seeing what will make you happy. Reflect, give yourself space.”
“Oh is that all,” Adriana replied flippantly.
Xana looked at her friend, tilting her head to the side. Holding out a hand with a cookie on it she said, “Make time for friends.” Pausing she winked, “And cookies.”
"Xana!" The Ambassador managed to take only a few steps before the Junior Ambassador called out to her, causing the azure woman to stop and her white hair to float through the air as she looked back. "I'm sorry, and you are right. My life has been all about my sister. How am I supposed to continue? I wanted to find her and finally get some sort of closure on what happened. Now, I find myself with more questions than I ever had before. How do I go on?"
"As Oliver Goldsmith once said, 'Life is a journey that must be travelled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations'," Xana said looking back over her shoulder at the still sitting Hispanic woman. "Along the way you forgot the one rule, that life is about the journey, not the destination."
"The *one* rule?" Adriana asked, her head tilted to one side. "You quote the *one* rule repeatedly, and it is different each time."
"That's because there is no official destination," the azure woman said, finally turning to fully face the person she was speaking to. "The journey is always changing. We never know where it will lead or what unexpected detour we might encounter along the way. Look at me, I should have died, but instead, I am here with my son. You need to accept that the destination you have in your sights is only one of the countless possibilities. Just look at everyone here, do you think any of them expected to deal with what we did on that station and to end up here, in a holodeck celebrating our good fortune?"
Adriana scanned the holodeck and those officers in it, easily imagining where each person likely envisioned themselves being at this time less than 24 hours ago, and this was not it. "You are right," the Cns/Junior Ambassador said.
"It comes with the title," Xana said smiling. "It is an unfortunate burden of being me, I have to be right or the whole universe risks falling into chaos and anarchy."
Lopez laughed and shook her head. "Thank you."
"For what?" the Bolian/Human woman asked. "For saving the universe?"
"No. Yes. Well, more for saving one single person. The rest of the universe will just have to wait its turn." Adriana said standing from the bench.
"Good," the Ambassador said, extending her hand toward her junior aide. "Come and join me. We can take the next steps of this journey together."
"Where are we going?"
"Not too far, it looks like Captain Iverson is about to announce the official reason as to why we are all here."
-=-=-
Marissa Montonera-Lombardi
Lieutenant JG Adriana Lopez [Access Character BIO for Adriana Lopez]
Ship's Counselor & Junior Ambassador
USS ANUBIS
and
Sarah Albertini-Bond
USS ANUBIS
"Perfection"
[previous (ANU) "Journey" / (BAS) "A Place Like No Other"]
[/\]
Setting: USS BASTET, Main Holodeck 2
Stardate: 35014.1255
After everything they had gone through, it was amazing that they were here as if life was somehow back to normal. The peace and tranquillity that he was feeling matched what he was seeing in grace and beauty, and Jayson was not referring to the top-notch holodeck program that had been created for this occasion. Right now, all he could see was her, and he could not have been happier.
The memories of his clone and how Ya'Han had left the ANUBIS to be with him were still very much present in his mind, a fact that Jayson was constantly reminded of as he caught repeated glances of Shar'El looking at him. Captain Morningstar had made her promise to never invade the memories of the members of the crew, but he also knew that there was no need for her to do anything to see what he saw in his mind. Controlling his thoughts was not something he was overly successful at, just as he was incapable of controlling his emotions as much as his position and rank demanded of him.
He looked at her and gently squeezed her hand. Ya'Han did the same to show that she shared in the unspoken feelings the simple gesture was meant to convey. This made them look into each other's eyes, losing themselves in a world of equal charm as the one currently around them with one single exception, they were alone. This time it was him who leaned in, anticipating the sweetness of her lips against his. Many scientists including Maya had officially stated at some point that perfection was not something possible in this universe. All Jayson could think as a counter-argument was that they had never felt the way he did as Ya'Han and he kissed. That, to him, was perfection.
"Alright you two, get a room," Sonja said, her timing impeccable to interrupt the kiss at the absolute last moment. "In case you have not noticed, this holodeck program was not created for the two of you to have a 'roll in the hay'."
Ya'Han's face contorted as she looped at Sonja with a deeply puzzled expression. "Roll in the hay?"
"I am going to need something a lot stronger than what Lieutenant Mitshiba programmed for this little shindig if I am going to have to explain that to you 'red'," the CEO said, raising the glass of punch she was holding.
"You do not need to explain anything to her," Jayson said, hoping that this would be enough to keep the woman from trying to embarrass the couple as she so often loved doing. Actually, Sonja seemed far happier at focussing her efforts on him, and as much as he hated it, Stark had grown to see her animosity towards him as a small price to pay to be with Ya'Han.
"He's right," the Nylaan woman said, beaming a smile at her friend. "I am sure that Jayson will be happy to explain that to me later."
Sonja immediately feigned being violently sick, going as far as to grab hold of Ya'Han's arm to keep her from falling forward.
"Is everything alright?" Doctor Bruxa asked, instinctively responding to what she suspected was some sort of medical issue.
"I'm going to be sick," Sonja said, keeping up the act. "I also will need to have my eyeballs taken out and thoroughly scrubbed clean. I might not have seen anything, but the image of them 'rolling in the hay' is now engraved in them."
"Rolling in the hay?" The Mikulak woman said as she too did not know the significance of the Terran expression.
"Nevermind," Sonja said, dismissing the Doctor's hands away as she returned to a fully upright posture as if nothing had happened. "Clearly, there is just too much that I would need to explain. You," the CEO continued targeting Ya'Han, "you better be careful. We are going to have to deal with one kid on the ANUBIS, the last thing we need is another."
"Another child?" Ya'Han asked. "Do you suspect that Xana will be bringing her daughter to the ANUBIS?"
"For crying out loud!" Sonja exclaimed in frustration before storming off to refill the glass she had just emptied in a single gulp.
With the realization of what the discussion was all about dawning on her, Satella quickly began to show signs of discomfort. "I better be going now. I am glad that the two of you are happy together."
Jayson would have followed her, tried to explain things but Ya'Han held him in place by squeezing his hand with hers. At first, he believed that this was a way for her to stop him from speaking with the CMO, but a quick nod of her head towards the podium showed the real reason. Captain Iverson was about to address the gathered officers.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
Lieutenant Jayson Stark [Access Character BIO for Jayson Stark]
Chief of Operations
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
"Friends"
[previous (ANU) "Perfection" / (BAS) "A Place Like No Other"]
[/\]
Setting: USS BASTET, Main Holodeck 2
Stardate: 35014.1255
[/\]
As much as they tried to blend in, it was difficult for a 7-foot tall Voth and a 6'4" Caitian to not stick out like two mismatched giant lawn ornaments in the setting they were in, still, the Chief of Security and Flight Control Officer did seem to be enjoying their time in the holodeck.
A'Janni scanned the gathering with his one good eye, finding it both nice and troubling to see everyone so happy. "It is like nothing happened," he said to his friend standing right next to him." He took in the green grassy plains draped over the soft slopes of the terrain backed by snow-covered peaks. “Relentlessly cheerful, I’d call this.”
"All of this is *because* so much happened," Zub corrected. "After everything we were forced to deal with, this is a way to remind ourselves that things could have been worse, much worse."
"If that is the case, Gemma should be here," A'Janni sighed. The BASTET's ILO was still in Sickbay, recuperating from whatever had taken place in her quarters. "Any leads on what happened to her?"
The big lizard man shrugged. He clasped his scaly, three-fingered hands in front of his hips. “A couple of Science personnel from Mitshiba’s team scanned the rubble. There are some inconsistencies. I have asked them to do their analysis and explain. They or Aki might weigh in later on results. I will tell you that Gemma’s quarters were thoroughly wrecked. The team thought maybe there were two episodes of destruction.”
The Flight Control Officer bobbed his massive tiger-like head. “Gemma can certainly be beside herself.” He smiled at his joke. “Might have been some kind of internal dispute with herself.” His white eye had a sparkle of humor as he glanced up at the Security Chief.
Zub said at a near whisper so his voice didn’t carry across the beautiful meadow scene they were standing in, “I am aware of the irony of this statement, but since the incident, Gemma has not been herself.”
A’Janni gave the Voth a furry nod. His single eye roved over Zub Enel’s face. His own expression grew thoughtful. He took a breath to speak.
The Voth and Caitian stopped as they noticed their Captain making her way to the podium set on a small platform. Judging by the expression on the woman's face, it was undeniable that whatever announcement she was about to make would be official, which only served to make some a little nervous, including A'Janni. Just as the crowd settled down, the doors to Holodeck 2 appeared as they opened to allow a late arrival to step in.
Being the closest to the door, Zub and A'Janni quickly turned and habitually stood with loose hand-to-hand footing, not sure what to expect. When they saw that it was softly smiling Gemma standing in the archway, the two of them relaxed their posture. Quickly noticing that the woman was not as steady on her feet as she should have been, Enel rushed to her side and offered his arm as a means for her to keep her balance.
The BASTET’s red-headed ILO smiled up at the preferred arm, amused by its height. She reached high and closed a hand around the CSO’s meaty forearm. She smiled her amusement at A’Janni as Zub led her past on the way to the rear of the thickest part of the assembled crew.
A’Janni watched her closely. The woman appeared to be Gemma, but there was something odd about her, something different. The Caitian could not quite put his finger on what exactly made him feel that way, but he knew that there was something that was not entirely right with the way she appeared. It took a couple more moments before the FCO finally honed in on what made him feel that way. The ILO was smiling.
This had not been the first time he saw her smile, but each time she had done so before today, the Caitian felt an odd chill crawl up his back that made his fur stand on end. When Gemma smiled, he genuinely felt fear not knowing what devious plot the woman was considering, but today her smile did not cause that kind of reaction in him. Her smile was gentle, grateful, something that was completely out of character for her.
The only way he could explain this to himself was to blame whatever happened in her quarters, making him even more curious. This was not the time to press Zub for details or to ask Gemma herself as to what had taken place. Like any good member of the feline family, A'Janni would just have to be patient and wait for the right time to see his curiosity quenched.
[/\]
Jayson Sousa
and
David Michael Inverso
Ensign Zub Enel [Access Character BIO for Zub Enel]
Chief Security and Tactical Officer
USS BASTET, NCC 74977
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
"A New Journey"
[previous post (ANU) "Perfection" / (BAS) "Friends")]
Setting: USS BASTET, Main Holodeck 2
Stardate: 35014.1300
"It is time," Sarena whispered, reminding the Captain of what needed to be done next.
"Before I start, tell me, are you certain?" Selene asked of the Executive Officer.
"The ship's chronometer does show 1300," Valentine replied as she looked straight into Iverson's eyes. Sarena knew what Selene meant, but this would be the only answer the CO would receive.
True to form, Selene nodded her head not displaying the slightest drop of emotion before moving away. Amongst countless other things, being a Captain meant being in control of your emotions during the hardest or bests of times. The Executive Officer was not certain which of those they were facing, all Sarena knew was that she needed to keep her emotions under control as well, a task that was proving to be much more difficult than she had expected it to be.
A hush washed over the gathering of people in the holodeck as Selene stepped onto the small platform and made her way to the podium. "Ladies and Gentlemen, fellow shipmates and dignitaries, esteemed friends, thank you for being here." To the officers of the USS ANUBIS, Iverson appeared as she always did, Vulcan-like in posture, mannerism and pattern of speech, but to the members of her crew, it was evident that something major was about to be revealed. "As Starfleet officers, we are required to deal with the unknown and unexpected on a regular basis. Sometimes these come from other worlds and even other dimensions, and at times they come from much closer than we would like them to. In both cases, though we have come to accept the good and the bad equally."
Silent speculations hung in the air as everyone tried to imagine what Captain Iverson would say next. What unknown or unexpected event would she be referring to, and how would it come to affect them as a group, as a crew and as individuals?
"She is stepping down," a whispered voice offered as one possible explanation for all this. That thought sent cold shivers down the spines of many officers of the BASTET, and even a few from the ANUBIS. After their latest shared adventure, the two crews had become close, leaving them open to share equally in their joys and pains.
"Following a quick discussion with Admiral Koniki," Selene continued. "I am here to make an official announcement."
"Yup, she is stepping down," another whispered voice was heard saying, momentarily shattering the silence created by the pause Captain Iverson decided to insert in her speech.
"Commander Sarena Valentine will be leaving us," Selene said, the woman as cold and stoic as could be. "Immediately upon our arrival to NEW ALEXANDRIA, she will be stepping on board the ISHTAR as its new Commanding Officer." An explosion of applauds filled the tranquillity of the holodeck program as mixed feelings made many smile and cry all at the same time. Captain Iverson would not be leaving the BASTET, but they would be losing an equally loved and respected officer. "This gathering," the Captain continued, "is to celebrate her promotion and to give us time to share our feelings with her. So, please allow me to be the first and say congratulations and we wish you all the best in your new role as Commanding Officer of the USS ISHTAR."
The gathered officers offered another round of applause along with some well-deserved cheers. There was no doubt about it, everyone would miss Sarena both in a professional capacity as well as in a more personal presence.
"Captain," Doctor Andersson said, drawing the attention of everyone onto the petite blonde-haired physician. "Do you know who will be taking over as Executive Officer for the BASTET?"
The question was a valid one for many for the simple fact that there was always a potential for trouble, such as character conflicts, when dealing with the arrival of a new senior officer, especially one taking on the role of First Officer.
"There were only a few candidates that we considered for my replacement," Sarena said as she joined Selene on the platform. "First though, there are a few other items that the Captain and I would like to take care of. I am still the Executive Officer and as such, I would like to call Lieutenant Mitshiba up to join us."
Stunned shock spread through the gathering as everyone was surprised by the unexpectedness of this announcement, none more so than the Asian CSciO herself. With a certain amount of hesitation, Misaki made her way onto the platform and cautiously approached the podium where Captain Iverson and Commander Valentine waited for her. The answer as to what this was all about came in the form of a small blue velvet box being retrieved from the podium.
"Lieutenant Misaki Mitshina," the Captain began inviting the scientist to come closer. "Your expertise in the field of science has proven indispensable to your fellow shipmates on many occasions and even led to saving us from dangerous and potentially fatal outcomes. The latest example of this being how you managed to get the craft we were all in out of the station before it vanished, saving all of our lives and permitting us to safely return to the BASTET. Given your exemplary service and continued proficiency, we are pleased to announce that as of Stardate 35014.1 you are promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander, with all of the rights and privileges associated with that rank." Selene took the hollowed pip out of the small box and affixed it to the officer's collar making the promotion official.
"Lieutenant Commander Mitshiba," Sarena joined in shaking the woman's hand. "Congratulations, the promotion is well deserved."
Another round of applause and cheers resonated to celebrate the good news, but before the newly promoted officer could step down, Captain Iverson addressed the gathering once again. "Would Counselor Dima and Doctor Andersson please join us at the podium."
All eyes followed the hands of the Commanding Officer, thus allowing a quick confirmation of what was going to happen next as two more small blue velvet boxes were retrieved from the podium. "Ensigns," Sarena said, inviting the two women to approach the Captain.
"Esign Nicole Dima, Ensign Sofia Andersson, given your exemplary service while aboard the USS BASTET, we are pleased to announce that as of Stardate 35014.1 you are promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade, with all of the rights and privileges associated with that rank, congratulations." Selene pulled out the hollow pips and placed them to the collars of the two women making the promotion official. As the three women turned to look at the rest of the gathering, a new explosion of applause and cheers filled the air.
"Only one last thing to announce," Captain Iverson said as she instructed the three women to remain in place. "To answer your earlier question, Doctor, Commander Valentine and I did decide as to who will be replacing her as Executive Officer."
Sarena took a single step forward and quickly added, "I ask that you join us in welcoming the new First Officer of the USS BASTET." All eyes turned toward the holodeck's archway and door, everyone expecting the new First Officer to make an entrance if they had not already done so while the attention of the gathering was on those being promoted. A mixture of joyous anticipation and fearful concern danced on the nerves of the officers as they waited for the officer in question to make their presence known. Valentine playfully cleared her throat summoning everyone's attention back onto her, the beaming smile on her lips was a clear indication that she had played a trick on them all. Without saying anything, Sarena reached out for Aki and made her take a step forward, causing her to join the former Executive Officer at the front of the small stage.
"Congratulations, Lieutenant Commander Mitshiba," Valentine said with a tearful smile. "I know that the crew is in good hands with you taking over my role as Executive for the BASTET."
[/\] [/\] [/\] [/\] [/\]
Karen Price
Captain Sarena Valentine
Commanding Officer
USS ISHTAR
and
Jessica Solarik
Captain Selene Fiona Iverson [Access Character BIO for Selene Iverson]
Commanding Officer
USS BASTET
&
Lieutenant Commander Maya [Access Character BIO for 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)
"Settling In"
Previous posts: (ANU) "Perfection" & (BAS) "A NewJourney"
///^\\\
Setting: USS BASTET, Bridge
Stardate: 35014.1530
A bewildered Aki stepped onto the bridge. Things on the command deck were the same as when she was here last, and yet everything was different. Commander Valentine had warned the newly appointed Lieutenant Commander that it might take some time to get used to her new role. Taking on the duties and responsibilities of a First Officer was not a simple task, and doing so for a vessel the likes of the BASTET, a ship able to travel through time and dimensions, only made things that much more complicated. Mitshiba felt a mixture of excitement and concern as she walked to the 'big chair'. It was still not *her* chair, but she would be expected to be there whenever Captain Iverson's duties called her elsewhere.
The Asian woman scanned the bridge, her gaze freezing onto the science station, her station. She was no longer in charge of a single department but of the entire crew. All personnel issues would come to her, all considerations for away teams would be hers to oversee, and Aki would still need to address all scientific matters since she would be performing double duties as CSciO and ExO. Starfleet history listed many great officers who held multiple positions, and Mitshiba could only hope to rise to the occasion half as much as they had.
"Is everything alright, Lt. Commander?" It was Captain Iverson. She had just stepped out of the turbolift and was checking up on things, as expected from someone in her position.
A quick scan of the nearby controls confirmed that Aki wanted to report. "All indicators show green. We are on course to reach NEW ALEXANDRIA as scheduled."
"Glad to hear it," the Captain said. "I was more interested in knowing if everything is alright with you? I know that we discussed your career path and that you indicated an interest in command, I also know that you were not expecting this to happen so quickly."
"I am ready, Sir. I will not disappoint you," Aki said, also standing at full attention as she did.
"Misaki, relax. I am not some new CO you need to impress." Although Iverson appeared as impassive as ever, there was a sense of friendliness about her, something that took Aki off-guard. "You were selected for the position because you have already done that. I know the kind of officer you are, that is not in question here, I just want to make sure that the person behind the rank and position is doing alright."
"I am, Sir," the Asian Lt. Commander formerly replied before realizing what she had done and offering a new, more personal answer. "Yes, thank you, I am fine. I guess I am just a little bit nervous. I did not expect to become an ExO for at least a few years."
"On this ship, things tend to happen faster than normal... or slower. Guess it all depends on the directional polarity of the Temporal Drive," Iverson said.
"Was that a joke?"
"A stretched fact," the Captain amended. "The missions we are asked to go on can and often force us to deal in a matter of days what other ships and crews face in months or even years. The BASTET is a very special ship, and she needs special officers to be here. The best advice I can give you at the moment is for you not to be afraid to rely on them. Yes, you are higher on the chain of command now, but this is still a unique group of people, each possessing special skills and personal insights that allow us to make it home time after time."
"I do not recall Commander Valentine ever seeking personal advice from others, certainly not from me," Mitshiba said.
"Are you certain about that?" Iverson looked at the Asian woman with a questioning expression. "Did she never ask you for your opinion on the Masters? What about when we were stuck on ELYSIA? I remember her asking for your expertise when we faced the Lokustaar."
"That was different, she was asking for my professional and scientific opinion," Aki said, sounding a little confused.
"She never liked the Masters and counted on your opinion to help her feel better about whatever situation we were in where they were concerned," the Captain explained. "On ELYSIA, you never noticed *how* she approached you to ask about something. A lot of the times she already knew the answer, but she needed to hear you confirm what she believed. As for dealing with the Lokustaar, we were all scared at one point or another, relying on others to help us through those darker times. Asking for someone's opinion does not mean that it is the only thing you are looking for."
"I understand, I think," Mitshiba said.
"Just remember that you are not alone. The crew will be counting on you for guidance and in return, you are expected to rely on them for support. So, do not be shy to ask them for their *opinions*."
"Thank you, Captain."
"Don't mention it," Iverson said, turning to head to her Ready Room. "You have the bridge Lt. Commander."
Aki just stood there as she watched the Captain disappear in her office. Once the door closed behind Iverson, Mitshiba turned and studied *the chair*. Following a few seconds of deliberation, the Asian woman carefully eased herself down into it, embracing her new role as the BASTET's First Officer.
///^\\\
Dawn Bohr
Lieutenant Commander Misaki 'Aki' Mitshiba [Access Character BIO for Misaki Mitshiba]
Executive Officer / Chief Science Officer
USS BASTET - NCC 74977