192-USS ANUBIS: Dalziel: Day 4 - 1845 ("Freshman Mistake")
Posted by Susan on Monday, July 19, 2010
==========
"Freshman Mistake"
(Previous Post: "Side Tracked" by Francois)
==========
For the life of me I cannot remember
What made us think that we were wise and
We'd never compromise
For the life of me I cannot believe
We'd ever die for these sins
We were merely freshmen
-Verve Pipe, "Freshmen"
==========
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Dalziel's Quarters
Stardate: 63073.1845
Eve let out a deep sigh of relief upon returning to her quarters. Even though it felt as though it had been days since she had last set her sights on the sparsely decorated rooms, in reality only a few hours had passed. And, with a mission briefing only a half hour away, she didn't have much time to linger. Captain Rikar seemed to understand everyone's need to prepare, and didn't hesitate to allow those who needed to, to leave the Bridge.
There were only two things that significantly differentiated the quarters from when she had first arrived on the ANUBIS: the civilian attire laid out on her bed, and the small altar occupying a corner of the room.
The raven haired woman approached the altar and sank to the floor, legs crossed, taking a few minutes to pray silently for a successful outcome to the tasks ahead. But, try as she might to clear her mind, the image of the troubled Engineer crept into the Counsellor's thoughts.
[[First, do no harm,]] Eve thought with embarrassment at the medical professionals' mantra. As much as she tried to help the gentle giant, prod him softly in Lea's direction, and determine what made the Oltharian tick, it only ended up throwing him into a workaholic funk. And that saddened her deeply. In her short time aboard ship, she hoped beyond hope that her presence had made a positive difference to those around her. It was one of her prime motivational factors. To know that there had been an obvious misstep, and the consequences could clearly be attributed to her, it was hard to forgive... to gather one's professional laurels and move forward.
It was a reminder at how far she still had to come. And, it was also a reminder of how well one could function despite lasting emotional trauma. Elan Fairborn was a paragon, an example of the best of what Starfleet had to offer. But he was obviously stuck in the throes of unfinished business, with one Amber Satori.
Eve mentally vowed to do whatever she had to do to help the Chief. It wouldn't be easy with his inability to venture into the heartache without closing himself off from the others. But if there was anything she liked, anything to break the feeling of being inadequate, it was a challenge.
Ensign Dalziel allowed some of the disappointment of the day to fall aside, a core of excitement for the mission ahead causing a smile to form on her face as she rose from the floor to examine the trappings of 'Natalie Portree', the persona she had chosen to adopt.
Natalie was a skilled pilot and a woman for hire, who would do practically anything for a price. Due to Eve's previous use of the character, the persona's rap sheet was readily available to most people that would be looking for it. Instant street cred was a priceless commodity.
The garments were deceptively simple, but effective. The Counsellor's hands traced over a black eyepatch, possibly the most menacing part of the ensemble. Not only did it cause others to get a certain perception of her as someone not to be messed with, it held a special array that allowed her to trace energy signatures...
==========
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 12, Astrophysics Lab
Stardate: 63073.1345
(Flashback time)
"Thank you for completing this on such short notice," Eve said, truly impressed with Maya's interest in the side project. The eyepatch had always been a part of her persona's disguise, but never had its function been so elevated.
(This portion has been written by Jessica)
"Actually it is a limited range scanning device based on the eye-piece used by the Vortas during the Dominion War combined with some of the technologies that are currently in used to allow the blind to see. Microscopic optical fibres and sensor elements have been woven into the material to relay the information gathered to a miniature screen located in the inside. Normally such information would be transmitted directly to the optic nerve or to the brain itself, but since removing one of your eyes was not an option this will have to do. Because the device had to remain small and light, the range and capabilities of the scanners had to be sacrificed but I am certain that it will prove to be useful during our travel through the trade center. I made sure to add a quantum field variance scanner so that you can see actual temporal anomalies. That scanner should in theory also allow you to *see* if something or even someone does not belong to *our* time or dimension. The infrared scanner is as basic as can be but should be sufficient for you to see if something is out of place and added to the bio-scanner you might even be able to identify if someone is lying to you. I would suggest that you wear this for an hour before we head down to the trade center so that you can become more accustomed to the device and the way it displays information."
(Back to mine)
Eve immediately put on the device over her right eye, realizing that time was growing short and she might not have the opportunity at the time Maya was suggesting she wear it. "Thanks again, Commander Maya."
"Glad to be but a small part of the advancement of science and research," The Shillian replied with obvious pride.
The Counsellor ventured into the corridor, hoping to 'see' something. About ten yards away, she caught a glimpse of the ILO, Enaii, with a young blonde girl trailing closely behind. She knew from the personnel files this had to be her daughter Talia. But the image resonance she was receiving just didn't add up. Dalziel turned around and went back into the lab.
(Back to Jessica)
There was a trace of panic in the normally calm Cardassian woman's voice. "It's not working. Talia is registering as if she does not belong to our time."
"Technically speaking, Talia has not been born yet," Maya replied.
"What?"
"The device is working according to designed specs, and in this case Talia was actually born several hundred years from this time and somehow brought back. This information is of course classified and should you wish to learn more would need to speak to Commander Enaii, not because she is her mother but rather because as the Intel Operative she is aware of the specifics surrounding the temporal origins of the young girl."
(Back to mine)
Eve took this information and filed it away for mental safekeeping. Somehow she thought it would be quite some time before this was the topic of any conversation whatsoever with the ILO.
==========
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Sickbay
Stardate: 63073.1925
Doctor Summers and her eager assistant, Adriana Lopez, were having a rather animated conversation about Adriana's choice of undercover attire and the perils of Intel work. Given the unusual, secret existence of the ANUBIS and its mission, it probably wouldn't be the last time such topics were discussed.
(From Tiffany's post "Something Borrowed")
"You'll do just fine," Lea reassured. "If there had been any doubts about your skills, Enaii would have already said something. Her continued silence is the best endorsement you'll ever get."
"It's too bad that she will not be there with us," the aCMO admitted. "I guess I would feel better knowing that she had been out there dealing with the difficult issues."
Lea chuckled. "Personally I am happy that Enaii will not be with us. That way I know that we have the best out there ready to swoop down to our rescue if things get really difficult."
"I hadn't thought of that either," Adriana said, feeling a little better than she had. "Now I just have to figure out what I'll wear."
"Come with me," the CMO said. "I may have something that you can borrow for this mission, something that you might find rather interesting."
(Back to mine)
"Good luck," Eve said genuinely. The other two women turned, both a little startled, not having any idea how long the Counsellor had been standing there.
Ensign Dalziel cut an imposing figure. She was wearing a stretchy black jumpsuit, and even though very little skin was showing, the form fitting silhouette left little to the imagination. The temporal belt, not yet activated, was barely visible against the black material. In addition, knee-high weathered-looking black boots with a thick but stable heel for walking or running made her look even taller than she already was, and a rather malevolent black eyepatch covered her right eye. Her long dark tresses had been pulled back in a ponytail, with pieces of hair left loose at the crown and falling over her face as she turned her head.
"It's a little... severe," Lea offered after taking a moment to examine Eve's getup.
"I *like* severe," Eve said with a grim, throaty tone, one gray eye piercing right through the ship's Doctor like a knife. For a split second, Lieutenant Summers didn't know if the Cardassian-born woman was going to steal the crown jewels or try to suck her blood. Logic indicated neither was an option, but there was something unknown and wild in the Counsellor's gaze.
"Relax," Dalziel added, lightening her tone almost imperceptively, but still keeping an emotional distance from her friends. She draped a crimson pashmina around her neck and then donned a short gray belted trenchcoat that just skimmed the bottom of her hips. Unbeknownst to the others, here were hidden pockets throughout, to allow for some tools of the trade to be carried inconspicuously. "I'm heading to the staging area."
==========
Setting: YUDARA Asteroid Field, Planetoid, Trade Center, Market Place
Stardate: 63073.2010
The Romulan-looking woman and her tall freespacer escort moved throughout the plaza with relative obscurity. There was a cornucopia of races and peoples present, each with their own private motives.
Eve scanned the crowd, both literally and figuratively. She noticed that the few people who caught the solemn gaze of Natalie Portree turned away quickly with a mixture of fear and disgust. That was the exact effect she had been looking for.
"Anything unusual?" Aki said quietly, so that only Eve could hear.
Eve glared at her companion. If she hadn't been in character, she would have laughed at the question. There was very little in the trade center that *wasn't* unusual. "Nothing indicating anyone out of place," she quipped, "or time."
"Understood," Mitshiba replied, trying to look as dangerous as a Tal Shiar was supposed to.
"There are two things I want you to remember," Eve continued, not pausing in her search.
"What are they?"
"First, silence can be your friend. If you aren't sure how to respond, silence can be very effective. It makes the opponent wonder what you're thinking. Look at how few words Enaii uses in her communication with others."
Aki fought the urge to grin and sort of halfway succeeded, making a face that looked more like a smirk than an outright smile. "I hope that Maya is able to follow that advice."
Eve glared again, so convincingly that it made Aki cringe. "Perhaps you should have picked a more humorous identity."
"What's the second thing?" The assistant Science Officer asked, trying to scowl.
Eve took a ragged breath. "If anything happens to me, your only obligation is to save yourself and complete the mission. Don't try to be a hero. The needs of the many far outweigh the needs of the one."
"Nothing's going to happen to you," Aki said as convincingly as she could, even though she knew Eve's words were heartfelt.
"Of course not, but if it does, those are your directives." They approached a large bar with a gaudy but filthy lighted sign in a language that neither of them knew. "Follow my lead," Dalziel grunted as she led Aki inside the bar.
The smell of synthale, grime, and smoke hit Aki in the face like a wet, gritty blanket. She stifled a cough as her eyes focused to dim light.
The bartender was a deep blue, almost a turquoise color, his oddly shaped head featuring two large eyes, one on each side, with a sort of humanoid looking nose and mouth in the center. He was on the short side, wearing a brown vest and pants, his large feet without shoes. "Can I help yoo, Ladieesh?" he drawled with a thick accent.
Eve recognized him as a Hypello, an ancient race from the planet SPIRA. It was the first time she had seen one in the flesh. "We're looking for transport off this planetoid. Preferrably a starship or other large vessel where we can barter our services for safe travel."
"And what shervices would theesh bee?"
Natalie Portree leaned over him, turning on her special brand of charm. "Practically anything... as long as it's illegal."
The Hypello seemed pretty laissez-faire with this information. It was obviously not his first rodeo. "I shee. Would yoo care for shomething to drink? Twoo drink minimum for all our reshepected guests," he offered in a congenial tone.
Mitshiba surveyed the shopworn room while Eve chatted up the strange bartender. The back of the room had a thin stage apparently designed for dancing. There were several whoops and catcalls at the woman currently whirling and gyrating for the crowd. She was an Orion slave girl, her green skin glowing with beauty and exertion. Long voluminous dark hair swirled with each suggestive movement, and her skimpy outfit shimmered in the stage lights. A small placard next to the stage indicated the dancer's name was Jade. "Not very original," Aki noted under her breath, but she could see the skill with which the woman was undulating and making use of the entire stage.
"Two synthales to start with," Portree growled at the barkeep, laying a substantial amount of credit chits on the bar, more than enough to pay for the drinks many times over. "And remember, we mean business."
The Hypello was overjoyed at the riches bestowed upon him. "I will shee too it yoo twoo are treated like royalty while I researsch your requesht."
"I would appreciate not wasting our time if you cannot find what we seek. I will give you one hour to locate transport. *Understood*?" Portree finished a little harsher than she meant to, but it had the right result.
"Yesh, ma'am," he said meekly. "M'oshi ish at your servish."
==========
Susan M Ledbetter (susanmled@earthlink.net)
=/\=
Ensign Eve Dalziel
Counsellor
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
"I savored those stories; I read them slowly, one each day. And when I was done, I wished I hadn't read them at all. So I could read them again... like it was the first time."
-Melanie to Old Jake, DS9, "The Visitor"
"Freshman Mistake"
(Previous Post: "Side Tracked" by Francois)
==========
For the life of me I cannot remember
What made us think that we were wise and
We'd never compromise
For the life of me I cannot believe
We'd ever die for these sins
We were merely freshmen
-Verve Pipe, "Freshmen"
==========
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Dalziel's Quarters
Stardate: 63073.1845
Eve let out a deep sigh of relief upon returning to her quarters. Even though it felt as though it had been days since she had last set her sights on the sparsely decorated rooms, in reality only a few hours had passed. And, with a mission briefing only a half hour away, she didn't have much time to linger. Captain Rikar seemed to understand everyone's need to prepare, and didn't hesitate to allow those who needed to, to leave the Bridge.
There were only two things that significantly differentiated the quarters from when she had first arrived on the ANUBIS: the civilian attire laid out on her bed, and the small altar occupying a corner of the room.
The raven haired woman approached the altar and sank to the floor, legs crossed, taking a few minutes to pray silently for a successful outcome to the tasks ahead. But, try as she might to clear her mind, the image of the troubled Engineer crept into the Counsellor's thoughts.
[[First, do no harm,]] Eve thought with embarrassment at the medical professionals' mantra. As much as she tried to help the gentle giant, prod him softly in Lea's direction, and determine what made the Oltharian tick, it only ended up throwing him into a workaholic funk. And that saddened her deeply. In her short time aboard ship, she hoped beyond hope that her presence had made a positive difference to those around her. It was one of her prime motivational factors. To know that there had been an obvious misstep, and the consequences could clearly be attributed to her, it was hard to forgive... to gather one's professional laurels and move forward.
It was a reminder at how far she still had to come. And, it was also a reminder of how well one could function despite lasting emotional trauma. Elan Fairborn was a paragon, an example of the best of what Starfleet had to offer. But he was obviously stuck in the throes of unfinished business, with one Amber Satori.
Eve mentally vowed to do whatever she had to do to help the Chief. It wouldn't be easy with his inability to venture into the heartache without closing himself off from the others. But if there was anything she liked, anything to break the feeling of being inadequate, it was a challenge.
Ensign Dalziel allowed some of the disappointment of the day to fall aside, a core of excitement for the mission ahead causing a smile to form on her face as she rose from the floor to examine the trappings of 'Natalie Portree', the persona she had chosen to adopt.
Natalie was a skilled pilot and a woman for hire, who would do practically anything for a price. Due to Eve's previous use of the character, the persona's rap sheet was readily available to most people that would be looking for it. Instant street cred was a priceless commodity.
The garments were deceptively simple, but effective. The Counsellor's hands traced over a black eyepatch, possibly the most menacing part of the ensemble. Not only did it cause others to get a certain perception of her as someone not to be messed with, it held a special array that allowed her to trace energy signatures...
==========
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 12, Astrophysics Lab
Stardate: 63073.1345
(Flashback time)
"Thank you for completing this on such short notice," Eve said, truly impressed with Maya's interest in the side project. The eyepatch had always been a part of her persona's disguise, but never had its function been so elevated.
(This portion has been written by Jessica)
"Actually it is a limited range scanning device based on the eye-piece used by the Vortas during the Dominion War combined with some of the technologies that are currently in used to allow the blind to see. Microscopic optical fibres and sensor elements have been woven into the material to relay the information gathered to a miniature screen located in the inside. Normally such information would be transmitted directly to the optic nerve or to the brain itself, but since removing one of your eyes was not an option this will have to do. Because the device had to remain small and light, the range and capabilities of the scanners had to be sacrificed but I am certain that it will prove to be useful during our travel through the trade center. I made sure to add a quantum field variance scanner so that you can see actual temporal anomalies. That scanner should in theory also allow you to *see* if something or even someone does not belong to *our* time or dimension. The infrared scanner is as basic as can be but should be sufficient for you to see if something is out of place and added to the bio-scanner you might even be able to identify if someone is lying to you. I would suggest that you wear this for an hour before we head down to the trade center so that you can become more accustomed to the device and the way it displays information."
(Back to mine)
Eve immediately put on the device over her right eye, realizing that time was growing short and she might not have the opportunity at the time Maya was suggesting she wear it. "Thanks again, Commander Maya."
"Glad to be but a small part of the advancement of science and research," The Shillian replied with obvious pride.
The Counsellor ventured into the corridor, hoping to 'see' something. About ten yards away, she caught a glimpse of the ILO, Enaii, with a young blonde girl trailing closely behind. She knew from the personnel files this had to be her daughter Talia. But the image resonance she was receiving just didn't add up. Dalziel turned around and went back into the lab.
(Back to Jessica)
There was a trace of panic in the normally calm Cardassian woman's voice. "It's not working. Talia is registering as if she does not belong to our time."
"Technically speaking, Talia has not been born yet," Maya replied.
"What?"
"The device is working according to designed specs, and in this case Talia was actually born several hundred years from this time and somehow brought back. This information is of course classified and should you wish to learn more would need to speak to Commander Enaii, not because she is her mother but rather because as the Intel Operative she is aware of the specifics surrounding the temporal origins of the young girl."
(Back to mine)
Eve took this information and filed it away for mental safekeeping. Somehow she thought it would be quite some time before this was the topic of any conversation whatsoever with the ILO.
==========
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Sickbay
Stardate: 63073.1925
Doctor Summers and her eager assistant, Adriana Lopez, were having a rather animated conversation about Adriana's choice of undercover attire and the perils of Intel work. Given the unusual, secret existence of the ANUBIS and its mission, it probably wouldn't be the last time such topics were discussed.
(From Tiffany's post "Something Borrowed")
"You'll do just fine," Lea reassured. "If there had been any doubts about your skills, Enaii would have already said something. Her continued silence is the best endorsement you'll ever get."
"It's too bad that she will not be there with us," the aCMO admitted. "I guess I would feel better knowing that she had been out there dealing with the difficult issues."
Lea chuckled. "Personally I am happy that Enaii will not be with us. That way I know that we have the best out there ready to swoop down to our rescue if things get really difficult."
"I hadn't thought of that either," Adriana said, feeling a little better than she had. "Now I just have to figure out what I'll wear."
"Come with me," the CMO said. "I may have something that you can borrow for this mission, something that you might find rather interesting."
(Back to mine)
"Good luck," Eve said genuinely. The other two women turned, both a little startled, not having any idea how long the Counsellor had been standing there.
Ensign Dalziel cut an imposing figure. She was wearing a stretchy black jumpsuit, and even though very little skin was showing, the form fitting silhouette left little to the imagination. The temporal belt, not yet activated, was barely visible against the black material. In addition, knee-high weathered-looking black boots with a thick but stable heel for walking or running made her look even taller than she already was, and a rather malevolent black eyepatch covered her right eye. Her long dark tresses had been pulled back in a ponytail, with pieces of hair left loose at the crown and falling over her face as she turned her head.
"It's a little... severe," Lea offered after taking a moment to examine Eve's getup.
"I *like* severe," Eve said with a grim, throaty tone, one gray eye piercing right through the ship's Doctor like a knife. For a split second, Lieutenant Summers didn't know if the Cardassian-born woman was going to steal the crown jewels or try to suck her blood. Logic indicated neither was an option, but there was something unknown and wild in the Counsellor's gaze.
"Relax," Dalziel added, lightening her tone almost imperceptively, but still keeping an emotional distance from her friends. She draped a crimson pashmina around her neck and then donned a short gray belted trenchcoat that just skimmed the bottom of her hips. Unbeknownst to the others, here were hidden pockets throughout, to allow for some tools of the trade to be carried inconspicuously. "I'm heading to the staging area."
==========
Setting: YUDARA Asteroid Field, Planetoid, Trade Center, Market Place
Stardate: 63073.2010
The Romulan-looking woman and her tall freespacer escort moved throughout the plaza with relative obscurity. There was a cornucopia of races and peoples present, each with their own private motives.
Eve scanned the crowd, both literally and figuratively. She noticed that the few people who caught the solemn gaze of Natalie Portree turned away quickly with a mixture of fear and disgust. That was the exact effect she had been looking for.
"Anything unusual?" Aki said quietly, so that only Eve could hear.
Eve glared at her companion. If she hadn't been in character, she would have laughed at the question. There was very little in the trade center that *wasn't* unusual. "Nothing indicating anyone out of place," she quipped, "or time."
"Understood," Mitshiba replied, trying to look as dangerous as a Tal Shiar was supposed to.
"There are two things I want you to remember," Eve continued, not pausing in her search.
"What are they?"
"First, silence can be your friend. If you aren't sure how to respond, silence can be very effective. It makes the opponent wonder what you're thinking. Look at how few words Enaii uses in her communication with others."
Aki fought the urge to grin and sort of halfway succeeded, making a face that looked more like a smirk than an outright smile. "I hope that Maya is able to follow that advice."
Eve glared again, so convincingly that it made Aki cringe. "Perhaps you should have picked a more humorous identity."
"What's the second thing?" The assistant Science Officer asked, trying to scowl.
Eve took a ragged breath. "If anything happens to me, your only obligation is to save yourself and complete the mission. Don't try to be a hero. The needs of the many far outweigh the needs of the one."
"Nothing's going to happen to you," Aki said as convincingly as she could, even though she knew Eve's words were heartfelt.
"Of course not, but if it does, those are your directives." They approached a large bar with a gaudy but filthy lighted sign in a language that neither of them knew. "Follow my lead," Dalziel grunted as she led Aki inside the bar.
The smell of synthale, grime, and smoke hit Aki in the face like a wet, gritty blanket. She stifled a cough as her eyes focused to dim light.
The bartender was a deep blue, almost a turquoise color, his oddly shaped head featuring two large eyes, one on each side, with a sort of humanoid looking nose and mouth in the center. He was on the short side, wearing a brown vest and pants, his large feet without shoes. "Can I help yoo, Ladieesh?" he drawled with a thick accent.
Eve recognized him as a Hypello, an ancient race from the planet SPIRA. It was the first time she had seen one in the flesh. "We're looking for transport off this planetoid. Preferrably a starship or other large vessel where we can barter our services for safe travel."
"And what shervices would theesh bee?"
Natalie Portree leaned over him, turning on her special brand of charm. "Practically anything... as long as it's illegal."
The Hypello seemed pretty laissez-faire with this information. It was obviously not his first rodeo. "I shee. Would yoo care for shomething to drink? Twoo drink minimum for all our reshepected guests," he offered in a congenial tone.
Mitshiba surveyed the shopworn room while Eve chatted up the strange bartender. The back of the room had a thin stage apparently designed for dancing. There were several whoops and catcalls at the woman currently whirling and gyrating for the crowd. She was an Orion slave girl, her green skin glowing with beauty and exertion. Long voluminous dark hair swirled with each suggestive movement, and her skimpy outfit shimmered in the stage lights. A small placard next to the stage indicated the dancer's name was Jade. "Not very original," Aki noted under her breath, but she could see the skill with which the woman was undulating and making use of the entire stage.
"Two synthales to start with," Portree growled at the barkeep, laying a substantial amount of credit chits on the bar, more than enough to pay for the drinks many times over. "And remember, we mean business."
The Hypello was overjoyed at the riches bestowed upon him. "I will shee too it yoo twoo are treated like royalty while I researsch your requesht."
"I would appreciate not wasting our time if you cannot find what we seek. I will give you one hour to locate transport. *Understood*?" Portree finished a little harsher than she meant to, but it had the right result.
"Yesh, ma'am," he said meekly. "M'oshi ish at your servish."
==========
Susan M Ledbetter (susanmled@earthlink.net)
=/\=
Ensign Eve Dalziel
Counsellor
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
"I savored those stories; I read them slowly, one each day. And when I was done, I wished I hadn't read them at all. So I could read them again... like it was the first time."
-Melanie to Old Jake, DS9, "The Visitor"
Tags: dalziel
