Prologue

Riding Herd: Prologue'''Earth '''

San Francisco

Starfleet Headquarters

“If we can get the production at the Beta Antares Shipyard back up to ninety percent, I’m sure we can get the fleet back to full strength within the quarter, but we need to get the duranium shipments to the processing station on time. They have been getting progressively lax in their arrival schedule.” Admiral Kyla Farraday, the Chief of Starfleet Operations, sat forward in her chair during the staff briefing for the CnC of Starfleet. Her padd, laid on the table in front of her, showed all of the pertinent information.

Fleet Admiral V’Tas sat at the head of the table, his face a picture of Vulcan calm. Everyone had known to bring little more than facts for the CnC since he had taken the position. In that manner, the weekly briefings had been some of the shortest in the history of Starfleet. This would be no exception. “I will have the Chief of Staff present your information to the President tomorrow. Dismissed.”

The collection of Starfleet present brass gathered their notes, while those attending via holopresence flickered from sight. Farraday exchanged a few pleasantries with her colleagues before excusing herself from the room and heading down the corridor towards her office. Leaving the central administration building at Starfleet headquarters, she crossed through the 12th level air bridge that connected to the Fleet Operations building just off the grounds of the ancient Presidio. She could see her aide, Commander Royce Hollingsworth, walking towards her at a frantic pace.

“Admiral! I need to speak with you, now. In private.” Hollingsworth’s eyes looked like saucers, and there was a notceable amount of fear etched on his face.

“Of course,...here.” As teh entered the building, Farraday opened the door to the nearest conference room. Once it closed, she addressed him firmly. “What the hell is it, Royce? Couldn’t it wait until I had at least gotten a cup of coffee?” She ran her fingers through her auburn hair in frustration. The grey at the temples was the only real signal that the passage of time had begun to etch its mark on her.

“I’m afraid not, Admiral. I’ve just received word through or private channels in the Gamma Quadrant. It seems First Minister Tolain may have found a way to access the equipment on his planet. He’s already announced that he is claiming sovereignty over the Togarus system.” Hollingsworth handed his boss an encrypted padd with the details. “The system is part of Sar’goth space. The cartel is dispatching a task force to Kodana in days.”

Farraday skimmed the information on the padd before looking back up at her aide skeptically. “Just because Tolain is delusional enough to think his small military can grab a planet from the Sar’goth does not necessarily mean he’s brought those weapons online. Nothing here says that.”

“You’re right, Admiral, but the Sar’goth are not interested in negotiating. If they take the planet by force, they will find that we violated the treaty. If Tolain has gained access to the facilities we placed there, he can use them to wipe out the Sar’goth. Questions as to how a world as insulated as Kodana got such technology will eventually uncover what’s happened. Either way, there is the possibility for a mess unless we act now.” Hollingsworth’s expression shifted to one of pleading. He had come with the Admiral from Sky Harbor when the Xul moved into the system. When Farraday had been reassigned to Earth, he had gladly stayed with her.

Farrady, for her part, was no fool. She looked up, and there was fire in her eyes. “Get me Admirals Frost and Maddigan at Caloris Station. Make it a Priority One, Eyes Only channel. I need to speak to both of them within the hour.”

06-01-2012, 18:39 Christopher Vaughn ''':::XO’s Office::: '''



Chris rubbed his temple and let out a long sigh of annoyance. He had put off dealing with the Miller mercenary crisis until the war-games were done – and now they were. Hitting the inter-ship comm on his desk, Chris Vaughn’s voice thundered across the entire Atlas,

=/\= Lt. Cmdr Rahner, Lt. Adams and Ensign Miller – report to the XO’s office immediately. =/\=

Sitting back in his chair he waited. He had a feeling he wouldn’t be waiting long.

-Engineering-

Jacey lifted her eyes slowly from the PADD in her hands. It’s time. She’d been waiting for the call and despite the urge to jump when her name was called loudly over the ships comm, she didn’t.

Just like the Chief said, She put the PADD down and headed out of Engineering.



Having every intention of going directly to the Captain or XO with news of the program tampering apparently couldn’t overshadow the meeting Gerhardt knew would be called soon. When the call finally came through, he hadn’t even bothered to take a second drink of his lager. He’d just sat there mostly, listening to the ship, watching the stars out the window. He loved ships, especially his ship. The Atlas was more than a home; it was friend, a lover, a large organism in which he lived, crawled around, and poked stuff.

He thought about stopping by his quarters to change into dress uniform, but decided if he was about to lose his commission, he’d do it in his duty uniform. Gerhardt rose from his seat, took a second sip of his beer, and steeled himself for the upcoming ass-chewing before leaving for the XO’s office.



Two security officers flanked the door to Commander Vaughn’s office. They had been ordered to attend the meeting, the running joke between them was the XO planned on a summary execution. Surprisingly Ensign Miller was the first to arrive with Adams shortly in tow and the Chief Engineer seconds later. They had been instructed by the XO to wait until all three had arrived before notifying him.

“Sir,” the ranking security office spoke into the door comm. “All three have arrived.”

=/\= Escort them in. =/\=

“Aye, aye sir.” The guards looked at the three and the door slid open. “Step front and center and go to attention until the XO says otherwise.”

Chris stared at the two men and one woman standing at a rigid and uncomfortable ‘attention’ in front of his desk. Behind them at the door the two security guards looked past Chris to some spot on the wall, desperately attempting to not be noticed. Looking toward Miller Chris decided to start at the lowest ranking member and move up from there.

“Miller.” He almost spat the name. “I should drop kick you out an airlock!”

Miller flinched.

“This is the third time your name has come across my desk in a displeasing light. And it will be the last.” Wasting no time he looked toward the security guards. “Miller, I am having you placed under arrest until we reach Caloris Station. There you will be given over to the station security detachment and held in confinement until your court-martial. You are off this ship and will soon be out of Starfleet.”

Miller started to open his mouth in protest but Chris cut him off by sharply raising a finger. “One word of complaint – just one single word – and in addition to a dishonorable discharge I’ll push for a year in prison as well.” Miller remained in stunned silence, his mouth ajar. “You’re an idiot, a shitty engineer and much too stupid to be allowed to continue in Starfleet. Security, take him away.”

Without a moment's hesitation they clamped restraints on Ensign Miller and hauled him to the brig. Chris turned his gaze to Jacey Adams.

''Come on Adams, don’t turn into a blithering idiot. Articulate. Calm.'' Jacey did her best not to shrink under his gaze, nor to envision herself being towed away like Miller, “Sir.” She said quietly, awaiting the oncoming verbal assault.

Chris considered her for a long moment. He liked her, hell he had sex with her before. But he was the XO now and things needed to be done. He could have easily court marshaled all three of them but Miller was the only one who Chris felt was the ‘real’ problem.

“Lt. Adams, pursuant to Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Starfleet Justice I am awarding you Non-Judicial Punishment. Three days confinement to quarters and the next seven days following that of 12 hour duty days.” He raised his finger again, “and I better not even hear a rumor that you set foot out of your quarters for a second unless it’s a medical emergency. You will have work and food brought to your quarters for those three days. And I trust the Chief here will find suitable work for your days after that on twelve hour shifts.”

Thank GOD Jacey nodded, “Sir, can I ask a small...question?”

“You are on a very short leash.” Chris growled. “So you better make it short and sharp I’d advise.”

The instant quip about leashes was held back and she nodded instead, “When you say confined to quarters I’m sure that means avoiding all counseling appointments and such? Just checking, he’s a little persistent.”

Chris smiled a narrow cold smile. “In that case I’ll have the counselor make arrangements to see you in your quarters once each day. Anything else Miss Adams?”

Damn you …old manHer shoulders slumped slightly, “I don’t dare say anything else in fear of what you may think of. I’ll stop there, Sir”

“Good.” Chris said considering dealing with the sarcastic tone in sir. “I’m sure you don’t want me to get creative. Dismissed.”

Again she held her tongue on that comment. Whether or not she wanted him to get creative with her was not the point, “Uh..” She lifted her finger momentarily before leaving, “Does that confinement begin immediately?”

“Yes. This very second.” Chris answered. “And security will be posted at your quarters. You will go directly there and not leave until the next phase of your punishment begins. Are we clear?”

“Do I count the three days? Or will I be notified-” She stopped and cut the smirk forming on her lips, “Clear as you can possibly be.” Jacey nodded her head, “Thank you.”

“Security will notify you when your confinement is over and you are to begin your 12 hour duty days.” Chris checked his watch. “Off you go.” He turned toward Gerhardt and waited for Adams to leave before he started on his next snack.

Leaving the office Jacey couldn’t help but grin widely, even with the thought of Security guards outside her quarters for three days, Bring on the mini-vacation.

So far, so good, Gerhardt thought. Now what does he have for me? He re-straightened his attention stance. When Jacey left, Gerhardt snapped off in perfect cadence, “Sir, Lieutenant Commander Rahner, reporting for discipline.”

With arms crossed Christopher leaned on the front of his desk and looked at his Chief Engineer. “Let’s see....Ensign Wolfe punched a superior officer and also has an unauthorized hologram running around the ship with seemingly unrestricted access to main engineering – which is a sensitive area mind you. Ensign Miller hired unauthorized personnel to fix our ship in violation of every Starfleet security protocol that I am aware of, Lt. Adams doesn’t seem to be able to exercise any level of authority with people like Miller and you shot one of our own crewmen. Do you notice a trend here?”

As Gerhardt started to speak Chris cut him off, “The trend, my Teutonic Tool, is that all these events are taking place in the Engineering Department which you are supposedly in command of. If you can’t keep your jackass department in control when it’s only a skeleton crew how the hell am I supposed to trust you to do it when it is fully staffed in a few weeks?!” his voice raised to a shout.

“Oh, and let’s not forget that goddamn hammock you STILL have set up in a place that isn’t inside your quarters. Did you really think I wouldn’t find out about that?!”

Gerhardt’s jaw hung still, his words stuck in his throat. How the hell... He pulled himself together, steeled himself for what was about to happen, and prepared for the bullshit.

“Sir, I am fully prepared to accept whatever punishment is awaiting me, but I do have one question.” He looked Commander Vaughn square in the face and asked in all honesty, “What would you have done in my situation?”

Chris took a deep breath in annoyance. “Gerhardt you’re an excellent engineer. But you need to understand you are the Chief Engineer now. Your job mostly isn’t to fix things; it is to manage the engineering department. Think of it this way, 30% engineer and 70% manager and you need to get your house in order. And it doesn’t matter what I would do in this situation because I am not the one in it.” He replied, evading the last part of the question.

“Now, what has happened under your watch would entitle you to a court martial right alongside Miller.” He let the threat hang there for a moment. “But...seeing as the person you shot was Miller...I’m inclined to turn a blind eye to the severity of it. So here is what we are going to do. I’m giving you a Letter of Reprimand in your record for the next twelve months. If you’re a good boy it goes away at the end of the year. Now, I can’t very well give you extra duty like Adams because you’re a workaholic and would consider it a reward. So – you are confined to quarters for the next 7 days with no work at all. You are also forbidden to contact anyone from engineering or have anything to do that department until your confinement it up.”

Being trapped in his room with no work was just about the worst thing Chris could think of for the engineer, but it wasn’t going to show up on his record and wouldn’t affect his career. “And if you slip out of your quarter before time is up....”

“Security – brig – court martial.” Gerhardt answered automatically.

“It sounds like we have an understanding then.” Chris smiled. “Well, report to your quarters and let’s get this over with. And for the love of God, keep your engineers in line.”

With a prompt salute Gerhardt turned and left. Once the doors closed Chris let out a long, loud exhale. “I wonder if I will be so lucky with Captain Robinson when we get to Caloris?” he asked the empty room.

'''a JP with Jacey, Gerhardt and the justice dispensing XO. '''
 * 06-03-2012, 04:17

Zara Cooper '''Former Quarters of Zara Cooper '''

'''Marine Country '''

Caloris Station

Zara walked out from her bathroom and took a last, long look around the quarters that had been her home. The bed was pristine; the sheets folded so tightly you could bounce a coin off them, the surfaces of her drawers, desk and tables were bare and devoid of possessions; making the room look almost clinical in its nakedness. As she moved past the partition wall, she could still see the pale stain from where she had launched a glass of blood wine against it during the bender she had gone on when finding out about the death of her friend Tyrel. She recalled the sorrow and loneliness that had threatened to drown her and it occurred to her that though this had been her home, it hadn’t been one filled with happy memories. She shook her head and continued to the door where she stood and looked at the place she had called home for so long, before she pressed the panel to open the door. The slender fingers of her right hand moved unconsciously to the neck of the unfamiliar Starfleet medical uniform that she now wore. She pulled the fabric away from her skin a little, more because of apprehension than because it was uncomfortable and her fingertips brushed against the pips that now signified her rank as that of Commander, rather than Colonel. “One door closes.” She whispered, as she stepped out into the corridor; the door to her life as a Marine closing with a soft swoosh behind her. Her arms swung by her sides as she walked through the halls of Marine Country, the straight backed, erect posture and stride of a marine dressed in the attire of a Starfleet Officer. Zara stopped every now and again to exchange a few words with acquaintances, or to smile at the confused looks of people who weren’t aware that their CO had ‘jumped ship’ and gone over to the ‘fleet. She didn’t even have a duffle to carry, because her belongings had already been taken to her new quarters onboard the USS Atlas and that alone, made her feel nervous. She took the time to visit with her former staff and after many hugs and promises of keeping in touch she bade an almost tearful farewell to the people she had grown closest to and made her way to the transporter pad; favouring a swift transference from her old life to her new one, rather than the literal walk through memory lane through the corridors of Caloris Station. On entering the transporter room, Zara was greeted by a confused looking Corporal who nevertheless gave her a formal salute and said, “Good morning Colonel.” She gave him an almost wistful smile, pointed to her collar and replied that she was now a Commander and could he transport her to the Atlas. She stepped onto the pad and turned around to face him. He nodded and told her they were already expecting her but before he activated the beam he snapped to attention and told her it had been an honour serving with her. Zara’s usually composed features softened and her eyes glistened with the tears she had tried so hard to hold back. The transporter pad lit up and Zara returned the Corporal’s salute. Just before she was enveloped in the bright beam of light she gave him a smile as a tear spilled over the edge of her eyelashes. “Semper Fi.” Ana stood in the dark. She had no idea how she had gotten here but she knew where she was. The markers were unmistakable. The cloying smell of rotting flesh that even survived in spite of her EV suits filters. The sound of hundreds of previously sentient beings in search of living flesh. This was Hell or more accurately the U.S.S Gryffon. She looked around and found she was outside Engineering, the place where she and Relika Jelora had made their stand, but this time she was alone and there was no one thinning the herd by beaming them to a Cargo Bay. Then she heard a change in the creatures' movements. They had caught the scent of their prey. Her. Checking the charge on her phaser rifle, Ana braced herself for the onslaught. The noise reached a crescendo as the zombies rushed into the corridor like a wave flooding over a stop bank. As they came closer, Ana fired and they began to hit the deck. One, two, three. Every time one fell, the others would just trample over it. She shoot down several, even clubbing them when they got too close, but eventually she was overcome. They clawed at her suit and bashed at her face plate until it cracked. A claw-like hand was about to rip at her face when she woke up screaming. Then she was no longer on the Gryffon. A face came into view. "It's alright, Cadet, you're safe now." She said in a gentle tone. "Where am I?" She asked, her eyes still adjusting to the light. "You're in the Sickbay on Caloris Station. I'm Nurse Warren." "How did I get here." Ana inquired, her mind still a little cloudy. "You collapsed after disembarking from ship and a Crewman Barnaby called for a Medical team who did a preliminary scan and brought you here for observation." 'Good old Marie.' She thought. Then to Warren she said. "Okay, give it to me straight, what's the diagnosis?" "Dr. Gar'Zel, wanted to know when you were awake, I'll let him explain." And the nurse said and left. Moments later she returned with a Saurian in a lab coat. "Hello, Cadet, how are you feeling?" The Saurian asked. "I'm a little bewildered, to tell the truth, Doc." "Understandable, under the circumstances." He paused before continuing. " Well, your collapse was due to exhaustion, so we've given you something to help replenish your energy levels, but when you report to your new assignment, I'd like you to take things easy for a few days." "Does that mean your discharging me?" Ana asked eager to leave. "Yes, but I'm also requesting that the Counselor on the Atlas give you a psych eval, as I believe your exhaustion is due to trauma. Well, If that scream you woke up with is anything to go by, anyway." Ana sighed as she sat up, that last person she wanted to see was the Counselor. Climbing off the bed Ana felt like she'd just gone 10 rounds with a Nausicaan and that nightmare had upset her more than she'd like to admit. Thanking the doctor and his staff for their time, the former mercenary left the Sickbay and headed out into the corridor. "Computer where is the Atlas docked?" =^="The U.S.S. Atlas is docked in berth 14."=^= Said the familiar feminine voice. Accessing a wall terminal, she called up a map of her route. 'Damn.' She thought. 'If I had my commission, I could just beam aboard.' As she noticed a transporter room considerably closer to her current location than her destination. "Well, I best get started." She said and headed in the direction of the next part of her life. '''The Dark and Light, Past and Future. A post featuring Cadet Anahera Chernova''' Edward grunted as he lifted his last rep of weights he had been doing. It had been along while since he had taken the time to actually workout, but he figured if he was gonna be keeping law and order on the Atlas he at least needed that chiseled look. He walked over to the elliptical and with his own brand of cigar in his mouth he began to do cardio. It didn’t take him but fifteen minutes to just stop and head for the showers.“Well it’s a start”, he chuckled to himself as he grabbed his towel. He wasn’t sure what to do with himself since the last mission finished. No more working in two department just security and his interrogations for petty things. Even though he would never wish for trouble, he missed the excitement. He quickly got dressed quickly and walked down to the mess decks to meet his friend and mentor, Senior Chief William R Sunday. He walked in and the chief was sitting at a table drinking what looked like coffee. One could never tell. It could be coffee or rum or rum and coffee. Edward walked over to the replicator and requested coffee. He grabbed the hot mug and went and sat down. “Well well if it isn’t our fine young cadet. Do any work today?” Edward sat down, “Hell no Senior. That’s why I came to this side. Work don’t agree with me. Say are we drinking coffee or a mix?”The Man stroked his mustache, “A mix, I thought I’d try some Kahlua today.” Edward took the flask the chief handed him and poured some in his mug. “Senior this reminds me of that graveyard shift we worked in the transporter room. The one right after my Brother started peddling tobacco and scotch across the galaxy.” The Chief perked up a bit, “Speaking of which and more shipment in?” Edward laughed and reached in his pocket and pulled out a cylinder like tube. He handed it to him and said, “Its got a cognac flavor.” Edward handed it to him then excused himself and headed to the brig. If nothing else he could put a dent in some paper work. '''Kodana City of Holon Capital Building''' The should of feet rushing through the halls drew much attention. Aides and councilmembers having meetings parted to let the small figure pass. His normally red face was almost purple from the flush of his abnormal exertion, but he was not going to be denied. His focus was only on reaching his final destination, the news he carried too great to be hampered by small things such as normal civil protocol. He rounded corners with impunity, and more than once collided with other aides carrying important documents. But he didn’t stop to help them pick up the mess. As he burst through the doors of the councilman’s office, the secretary behind the desk pressed the security button, unlocking the doors to the inner office. The aide didn’t even acknowledge the effort as he threw open the double doors. Inside, the meeting had already started. “It was your government that caused this mess,” Councilmember Gayth said to the odd looking man on the screen. The forehead ridges that forked from his skull and raised up like a branching antler. Their anterior flesh pulsed in concert with the anger in his voice. “Tolain was never supposed to be able to access those systems. We carry no responsibility in this.”“Sir,” interrupted the aide who had entered the meeting. “Word has reached us that the Sar’goth have dispatched a fleet. It will be here in a week.”“See!” Gayth screamed. “When they get here I will make sure they know who supplied Tolain with these weapons. Your people have left us with no choice but to surrender, Commander!”“You will do no such thing!” snapped Hollingsworth. Taking a moment to collect himself, the Human continued. “We are sending a ship to act as a mediator for negotiations. You will do nothing to divulge this information, and when the whole thing is settled, we will do everything in our power to make sure that you are the next First Councilman.”Gayth’s head sagged as he relented. “I hope you are right.” '''USS Atlas Captain’s Quarters''' It had been busy since the ship had returned to Caloris. New crew were coming aboard, and the final dressings were going on the ship. Things were beginning to feel like they were meeting the regs, but that made Tom feel more exhausted than excited. It had been a long day of meetings with different departments, followed by inspections, more meetings with Megiddo Fleet personnel aboard Caloris, and still more meetings with the Sector Quartermaster Office. So, when the doors to his quarters opened, he was ready for some relief. Lisbet was sitting on the couch, leaning over the low coffee table with her hands in her lap when he walked in, but she didn’t get up. The emotions rolling off of Tom’s Imzadi were dark and heavy, and his face instantly creased into a frown. “What’s the matter?”“Tom we need to talk,” Lisbet said as she looked down at the dark surface of the table. He sat next to her, his body turned so he could look at her face, though she didn’t return his eye contact at first. When she did speak, she raised her head as if summoning her courage. “You’ve not been going to your counseling sessions. I spoke with the Lieutenant so do not try to mislead me.”Tom’s face dropped at the accusation. “On many levels, you know I can’t lie to you. It has been a busy few months.”“That is not the reason, Tom.” Lisbet stood and walked away from the couch, her arms crossed in front of her. “You don’t want to go and in that time, your nightmares have gotten worse, or you haven’t been sleeping at all. You’ve been trying to shut me out, but I can still feel the pain.”“We’ve got one of them on your ship, Bet,” Tom hissed. He had said it much harsher than he had meant to, though e hadn’t looked up at her. “Everytime I see his name on a report, or pass him in the corridors, it takes all that is in me not to throw him from the ship.”“All the more reason for you to see the counselor.” Now she was pleading with him, though she hadn’t come any closer to sitting down beside him again. “I’m sorry.” He looked down at his hands not knowing what to say. “I just...I don’t...I can handle this.”“So, you are refusing to see any counselor?” Lisbet looked almost defeated. “I can control all of this. It’s not a problem.” He looked up at her with steel in his eyes. “I knew you were going to say that.” She shook her head as she tried to fight the tears from filling her eyes. She knew he could feel all of sadness she felt. “I can’t keep doing this. I feel more and more isolated from you everyday. I won’t remain a stranger in my own quarters.” Lisbet looked down while her mind formed the words that would come from her mouth. “I’ve already put the paperwork for a transfer on Chris’s desk. I will have him sign it as soon as he gets back.”“No.” The words were barely more than a whisper as he rose, stunned, from his seat. “Don’t go. I can handle this, I promise.”Now it was Lisbet’s turn to look upset. “I’ve heard you say that before, and I’m not going to wait on that promise!”Silence filled the room. For a long breath the room was frozen with her glaring at him, and Tom wide-eyed in response. It was Tom’s voice that finally broke the silence. “Where will you go?”“Back to the Alpha Quadrant. From there,...you will be able to find me.” They continued to look at each other until tears started to brim in her eyes, and finally Lisbet walked out with no more words. When the doors closed, Tom was still standing looking out the large viewports on the opposite side of his quarters. They now felt three times larger than they had before. The walls of the interior shipyard of Caloris Station were a blur to Tom’s vision. His hand went to his cheek and when he looked down, it was wet. A post of the departure of Lisbet Ulrika...come back soon!!! '''USS Atlas Deck 10 Main Engineering''' The door of the upper Engineering opened with a hiss and Gronthor ducked through it. The door slid shut behind him as he glanced around the immediate area, watching the various engineers as they went about their duties. He ignored the curious glances he was getting, though whether they were for his blue sciences uniform in the center of engineering territory or the fact that his species being on board was still very new he could not tell. It mattered little. After a few moments of studying the movements of the engineers present he thought he found what he had been searching for: a place near the railing, looking down on the warp core, that was out of the way. He moved towards it slowly but with purpose, careful to remain out of the path of those working in the area. The last thing he wanted was to be a distraction. He placed his hands on the railing and breathed deeply as he looked across at the heart of the ship. He watched the lights of the core pulse in rhythm and pushed all the errant thoughts out of his mind, clearing it of clutter. He closed his eyes and listened for the deep hum of the engines of the ship. Slowly he identified every other sound as they came to him and shut them out of his perception. The footsteps of those around him. The quiet beeps of the consoles. Laughter of co-workers conversing. He tuned them out one by one until the only sound that remained was that single ever present pitch broken only by the pulse of the warp core beating in time. Finally, he quietly began to hum. His deep bass voice found the note of the ship and soon his voice and the ship’s hum were entwined. The two sounds became one and Gronthor was filled with the music. His entire body resonated with it like a tuning fork. His heart beat in concert with the warp core. He could feel the ship around him, felt the energy pouring from the core as it sped along conduits to the other parts of the ship. The barrier between himself and the ship fell away and there was no point where one began and the other ended. He reveled in the exhilaration that leapt up inside his chest even as a feeling of utter calm descended over him. And then there was no more air in his lungs and he let his voice die away. The hum of the ship continued on without him and the two were separate once again. Gronthor breathed deeply once again and held fast to the memory of the feeling he had experienced, locking it away inside himself as if putting it into a box that could be opened time and again in the future when he had need of it. A small smile crossed his lips as he slowly opened his eyes, careful not to shatter the quiet of the moment. He turned, wishing to look around the room. He froze, blinking in surprise as he noticed two engineers standing stock still and staring at him as if he’d gone utterly mad. “Ah…” Gronthor cleared his throat as a blush rose into his cheeks. “Excuse me.” He nodded to them and moved towards the door in what he hoped seemed a calm and relaxed pace and not at all an embarrassed retreat. As he ducked through the doorway and the door slid shut behind him the engineers each looked to one another, still confused as to what just happened. “Was he just humming to himself?” a cadet finally asked what both of them were thinking. The second of them shook her head incredulously and muttered before they each went back to their duties. “Nut job.” Ana finally reached the Atlas. She showed her orders to the guards at the airlock. The lead guard looked at her. “Welcome aboard, Cadet Chernova. Pardon my asking, but aren’t you a little old to be a cadet?” “You have no idea, Crewman.” She replied, as they let her pass. ‘That went well, now all I have to do is find my quarters.’ She thought. Choosing a direction apparently at random she went off in search of help. Philip was just on his way to one of his team when he noticed the young cadet wandering around the hallways. “Cadet, can I help you?” She looked at tall man who had addressed her, he was rather handsome. She could think of several ways he could ‘help’ her, but to him she said. “Yes, sir, I’m looking for my quarters.” He smiled at her. “That can be tricky on this ship. Have you checked with the computer interface yet?” he asked as he walked to the interface on the wall. “No.” She said. “It completely slipped my mind.” Then she smiled. “But I have a doctor’s note to explain my current lack of commonsense, sir.” “Don’t worry about that” he laughed “You’ll fit in perfectly on the Atlas, you’re not the only one with that problem. Computer, display cadet .. “ he looked at her. “I’m sorry, I forgot to ask your name” “Chernova, Anahera Chernova, sir.” She said offering her hand. “Nice to meet you, Anahera.” He accepted her offered hand. “I’m Philip Joel. Computer, display Cadet Chernova’s quarters.” <> The computer replied in response to the question. Ana studied the directions and then turned to Joel. “Thank you, Sir. Now would you mind leading the way to the Lounge, I’d like to buy you a drink, for helping this damsel in distress.” “Of course, madam” he said. As they started walking he asked her “What department will you be serving?” “Security. I like to shoot things.“ She joked. His smile just got wider. “That’s good news. I’ll guess we’ll be seeing each other a lot then, as I’m one of the Security Officers. I run the Patrol division.” “Then it’s fortunate you found me.” She said with a smile. “So how long have you been in Security?” “I’ve been on the Atlas for a year and a half now, from the beginning. And before that, about 2 years. And you?” “Well, I’ve only been in Starfleet a few years, but I’ve done civilian security on and off for twenty years. Then there was the smuggling and mercenary work.” “Wow, a smuggler and a Mercenary? That’s interesting. Why change to Starfleet?” he asked with surprise sounding in his voice. “Simple, I got caught. Starfleet Security nabbed me in a sting. I was brought before a judge and he gave me a choice thirty years in prison or enlist in Starfleet. I’d been to prison before and didn’t much like it, so I chose to enlist. My last CO saw something in me and supported my transfer to Officer training. My previous ship was decommissioned and I was reassigned here.” “That’s one hell of a story.” He didn’t know what to say. She didn’t just look amazing, she also had a amazing background. “I guess you’re lucky to get out of that life, or do you wish you hadn't got caught?” “I miss ‘the life’ sometimes, but I got out of ‘the life’ before, I met a man, we fell in love and had a family, I even have a granddaughter, somewhere. But that ‘normal’ life ended when I lost my husband, son and daughter-in-law all in the same tragic accident.” A tear formed in her eye as she remembered the day she lost Robert, Conni and T'Vara. A Granddaughter? She looked as if she were in her early twenties. “How can you be a grandmother at your age?” “I’m quite a bit older than I look. Two centuries, to be precise, but thanks so much for the compliment.” She said with a sweet smile.
 * 06-04-2012, 17:30Anahera Chernova
 * 06-04-2012, 17:41Edward Pellew
 * 06-05-2012, 22:25Tom O'Flagherty
 * 06-07-2012, 07:58Gronthor na'Yot
 * 06-07-2012, 17:54Anahera Chernova

“Aha, so you’re El-Aurian, or something” he said, El-Aurian being the only long living species he could remember, besides the Vulcans, but she definitely wasn’t Vulcan. “Exactly, but only on my mother’s side. My father was as human as you are, God rest his soul.” They had reached the lounge. “Where do you want to sit?” he said as he looked around the room. There weren’t many people around, which wasn’t so strange. Most were on duty, just like him. “How about in that corner.” She said pointing to a table for two by the far wall. “Should be cozy.” “Sure.” Philip replied. They walked to the bar, ordered their drinks and went to the booth. As they sat down, Ana asked. “So, Philip, if I may call you ‘Philip’? Have you ever seen a zombie?” This woman kept surprising him, even though he only knew her for 30 minutes. “Yes, you can” he took a sip from his drink. “No, I haven’t seen any zombie’s lately.” He said with a curious glance in his eyes. “Well, my dear, Philip, I have and let me tell you, they are nothing like the holo-vids.” She paused for effect. “They are much more frightening. I’ve fought Klingons, Nausicaans, there was even that incident with a Jem’Hadar, but I’ve never known true fear until I faced their dead eyes and hungry mouths.” She sighed. “Sorry, not exactly the best conversation topic for to have over a getting-to-know drink.” “It’s ok, I prefer unusual topics rather than the usual, keeps you surprised.” Philip said. She laughed. “I like you.” She said. Then touch her glass to his, before saying. “Budmo!” and drained the contents of her glass. “Cheers” He said and followed her example. “New round.” Ana said, standing and collecting the glasses. “So, do you want the same again, or do you want to try Vodka, a real man’s drink?” “I would love to, but I can’t right now. I’m still on duty.” He said. “Maybe some other time?” “It’s a date.” And said with a teasing smile. ''' ' ' When Ana met Philip. A JP featuring Anahera Chernova and the amazing Kate Banninga as  Philip Joel and brought to you be the letters ' '''Я' and 'ӱ' and by the number '3692'. '''Caloris Station Megiddo Fleet Headquarters''' Tom had been sitting in his Ready Room waiting on the next candidate for the vacant Chief Medical Officer position when his yeoman told him that Admiral Maddigan wanted to see him. Their deep space assignment to the end of the gateway, and the former Paladin Base, was the only thing he really looked forward too. Most of the crew seemed to be gearing up for first contact, and Tom was glad to see that. In truth, he hadn’t participated in a First Contact scenario himself. But now he was sitting in the outer office of the Megiddo Fleet Commander wondering what next bit of news was coming. When the doors finally opened, he jumped from his chair and moved toward the door. Inside, the Admiral was waiting behind his desk, padds spread out in front of him. He stood as soon as he saw Tom coming and offered his hand. “Captain O’Flagherty, it’s good to see you.” The two men shook hands and then Andy motioned for the younger man to sit. “I hear Captain Robinson was none too pleased to be the one putting the fourth pip on your uniform.”As Tom sat he gave a short huff of laughter. “He seemed to manage just fine. It’s a good thing there wasn’t a sharp object that fixed the pip to the uniform.”“Very true.” Maddigan shuffled the padds on his desk before finding the one he wanted before looking up to Tom with a very serious expression. “Captain, you are here for a change in assignment. This is eyes only. On this padd you will find your mission parameters and immediate orders. The long and short is that you are to intercept a Sar’goth fleet headed for an independent planet called Kodana and act as the mediator for negotiations over a planet the Kodana have laid claim too, but sits in Sar’goth space.”“Sir, the Atlas is supposed to be going on a deep space mission into former Xul territory before coming back to Megiddo.”“That was before now. The other ships will not arrive at Caloris for another three weeks. We need a ship with Quantum Slipstream drive, and you are the only ship in port. I’m sorry, but your mission will be delayed until you return.” The Admiral looked up and saw the disappointment on Tom’s face. “Captain, I know the Atlas was built for deep space exploration, and you will have that mission. I promise.”Tom tried to hide the conflicting emotions he felt, but with all of the changes that seemed to be coming so quickly, he didn’t feel like he was doing a good job. “Sir, I’m not very experienced in these kinds of missions. Is speed the only reason the Atlas was chosen?”“In truth, I was asked by the Admiralty on Earth for a list of my fastest ships in port. You were at the top of the list, and therefore you were chosen.” Andy stood but motioned for Tom to remain seated as he rounded the desk and leaned back against its surface. “Your presence as a representative of the Federation is what we are really after. You’re goal is to keep this disagreement from escalating into a war.”“I appreciate the opportunity, Admiral,” Tom began, “but I’ve been a Security officer, and was looking forward to being an explorer. I’ve never been a negotiator or diplomat.”Andy gave a huff of disappointment. “Captain, this is your assigned mission. You are the only ship fast enough to intercept the Sar’goth.” He drew his body up to its full height. “I have complete confidence in you and your crew’s ability.”Tom stood from the chair and squared his shoulders to the commanding officer. “Sir, we won’t let you down.”[B]A post featuring Rear Admiral Andy Maddigan. I appreciate all your help.[/I] ''':::Habitation Section, Guest Quarters::: :::Caloris Station:::''' Captain Gene Robinson’s eye cracked open slightly, the dim light from the bathroom caused them to slam shut instantly. The light felt like someone stuck an icepick through his eye into his brain stem. Rolling to his side he was forced to clutch the bed frame as his brain felt as if it slammed against the inside of his skull. My God...how much did I drink last night? Looking back to the bathroom he saw three women just finishing getting dressed. THREE women?!! Suddenly hazy snippets of the previous night started to drift to the surface of his liquefied mind. It started when one of the three approached him, she was friendly...he recalled buying having a few drinks with her before her two friends had shown up. They had seemed to really like him. "My wife!” he staggered out of bed grabbing his head.How did I let this happen? Oh my God... They had claimed to be ‘Starfleet Groupies’ and that they found him very exciting....he felt his stomach lurch as he watched the three women depart. Staggering to the bathroom he splashed water on his face and wish he would flush the events of the previous night away. Brushing his teeth and bathing his head and stomach was only just starting to settle down when his door chimed. “Go away!” he called. His disciplinary hearing with Vaughn was scheduled to start in under an hour. The door rang again. “I said go away!” Again it chimed. He staggered to the door and opened it. “WHAT?!”“Morning Gene.” Commander Christopher Vaughn smiled as he walked past him and surveyed the room. “Looks like you had an exciting night.”“Commander Vaughn, I am ordering you out of my room at once and its none of your business what I do in my room. Your continuous harassment of me will be noted at your disciplinary hearing. Now get out!”Chris pursed his lips as if in deep consideration. “Mmmmmm. No.” Robinson gaped but before he could speak Chris flipped on his PADD and held it up to show Robinson a collection of photos of him with the women who just left. “Mmmm, torrid.” Chris said turning one of the photos sideways. “You didn’t seriously think foursomes just spontaneously happen like that did you? Those kinds of things take engineering and preparation.” Chris looked at another picture. “Hmm, you really had a hard time juggling those three didn’t you? A bit a friendly advice – take your B-vitamins beforehand next time. Orgies can be exhausting, believe me.”“What the.....but.....my....” Robinson’s face was turning deep crimson. “Oh, calm down Gene.” Chris waved his hand. “I’ll break it down for you. Those lovely ladies were escorts I hired to ‘entertain’ you. They also happen to have special recording equipment sewn into their lingerie. They are a fairly specialized group of escorts as you can see.”“I’m going to have you court-martialed for this!”“No, I doubt that.” Chris replied looking at the rest of the pictures before tossing Robinson the PADD, “You can have those. I have plenty of copies of course.” The PADD dropped to the floor as Gene made no effort to catch it. “Here is the deal: You will drop all charges of misconduct by me during the wargame because we won fair and square and because you were cheating. And let me be clear – I don’t mind the cheating so much but what annoys me is you cheated and now are trying to grill me and Tom because you got caught and still lost. Secondly...”“There is more?”Chris smiled, “Oh yes. Secondly: You will write a letter of recommendation for me and Tom and submit it to the Admiralty Board. It had better make us look like heroes.”“Anything else?” Captain Robinson demanded. “Lastly, I have taken the liberty of preparing you a statement to read at my disciplinary hearing after you drop my charges.” Chris handed him a second PADD with his prewritten speech. Robinson glanced over it quickly, “Absolutely not.”“Ok. I’ll just send a copy of these to the admiral and too you wife as well. Isn’t one of your kids in college? I bet they would love a copy to see what their old man is up to.” Chris turned to leave. “No..No....wait.” Robinson blocked the door. Chris shook his finger, “No...I must report this now. A scandal like this will end up on Admiral Frost’s desk. Heads will roll.”“This is EXTORTION!” Robinson screamed. “I know.” Chris agreed. “And shameful on my part – I agree. But.....enough about me. Will you give in to extortion and keep your career and marriage or will you go down in flames trying to fight me?”Robinson tried to speak but words wouldn’t come. His mind reeled, his hangover forgotten. “Well, I hate to extort and run but I have a disciplinary hearing to get to.” Chris gave Gene a firm slap on the shoulder as he brushed past him toward the door. “I hope you do the right thing – I certainly will.”
 * 06-07-2012, 21:38Tom O'Flagherty
 * 06-08-2012, 18:41Christopher Vaughn

“...and further more Commander Christopher Vaughn’s actions were completely...justified. He is an excellent tactical officer, creative and makes..” Captain Robinson’s throat caught as he forced the words out. Chris was silently mouthing the words as the Admiral watched Robinson. “...he makes the uniform look...good.” Gene cleared his through sharply. “Upon reconsideration of the wargames and their impressive results I have dropped all disciplinary charges and further more place a letter of commendation in his file for....creative...thinking.” Robinson forced back a grimace. “And would...unabashedly...recommend him for a starship command.”Admiral Mallister looked over to Chris who gave a smile and place his hand over his heart, “Captain Robinson....I don’t know what to say – thank you so much.”Mallister nodded, “Well I guess that settles it. Captain, I’ll place your recommendation in Vaughn’s file. If there is nothing else, you are both dismissed. Chris offered a sharp salute; Robinson’s was lackluster and perfunctory. As they filed out of the office Chris allowed himself a small breath of relief. He honestly didn’t know if Robinson was going to buckle under or not, he had been secretly terrified. Never let them see you sweat. “Well, Gene. I hope you’ll visit us again on the Atlas real soon.”“Mark my words Vaughn,” Captain Robinson spat. “I’ll destroy you for this.” He leaned in close. “I will wreck you.”Chris gave him a lopsided smile. “The rematch is never as good as the original fight, Gene. Leave the Atlas alone. If you think me blackmailing you and threatening to destroy your marriage and career is bad just try and gun for the Atlas again, because this,” he waved the PADD containing the photos. "This is only a mid morning snack for me. You fuck with me or my crew again and I'll start by ruining you, then your wife, your parents and then I'll destroy your children's pathetic goddamn lives." Giving the other man an cold smile he strolled down the corridor back to the Atlas. “And remember, whatever you try to do to me...you will find I am willing to meet you - and go much farther."  ::Security Office::  Edward walked into the security office, he could see some of the team members huddling around the table in the center of the room. Edward walked up and commented. “What shaking fellas?” One of them handed him a padd. “Assignments are whats shaking”, One commented to him. Edward scanned the list and found his name. “Shit!” he thought to himself. More grunt work. They had assigned him to do a cell cleaning party and to command a guard detail in front of one of the engineer’s quarters who pissed the XO off. He grabbed his coffee cup and headed off to deal with the engineer.  ::Jacey Adams Quarters::  Kate approached Jacey’s quarters when the two sentry’s that were posted next to the door stood to attention. “Lieutenant,” the right greeted. “Gentlemen, you stand relieved. I’ll take over from you.” She replied while pressing the door chime. Both the security guards didn’t hesitate for a while and walked away. “Come in?” Jacey called out. Now what "Hi, I brought work for you" Kate said with a develish grin as she looked over her shoulder to see if the man were gone. "Pfff.." she sighed. She opened her uniform jacket, removed the bottle of wine from under it gave it to her. "Interested?" Jacey perked up, “Definitely!” Kate put the bottle down at the desk and hang her uniform jacket over a chair. “How your holding up, being locked up in your room?” “Meh,” Jacey shrugged, “It’s only the first day. So far I’ve read three holo-novels, completed a six hundred word puzzle and I’ve only got ten more hours left before I go to sleep.” “Only ten” Kate said with a chuckle. “Sound great, have any glasses?” she asked after opening the bottle of wine. “I think I do,” She stood up and walked into her room, retrieving the glasses before coming back out, “A random present from my mom.” “Great, believe me when I say wine tastes much better I a glass, even though it’s already in glass. I tryed...” She stopped speaking and grabbed the chair. Everything was spinning. She rubbed her head in the hope the headache would diminish by that. “Are you okay?” Jacey moved to Kate’s side, “You look pale.” “I’m ok.” She said and after the world stopped spinning. “Just a little headache” She grabbed the glasses Jacey was holding and put them on the table to pour the wine. “You want to go see a medic? Headaches are never a good thing,” Jacey picked up her glass and smelled the liquid inside. Lifting it to her lips she took a sip, “Mmm...not bad.” “That’s not necessary, I already saw a medic and I don’t see what they can do to help it.” she said while taking a sip from her glass. “I really love this wine, it’s the best season they ever had.” she changed the subject. Jacey let it go, “Alright,” Sitting down she put her feet up, “I’m glad I moved quarters. At least if I have to be locked up in here for three days I don’t have an annoying roomate.” Kate followed Jacey’s example and put her feet against the table “Ah, that’s it. I wondered why it was so quiet here.” Kate said with a chuckle.  ::Outside Jacey’s Quarters::  Edward was coming around the corner nearing Jacey’s quarters when he ran into two security crewman walking away. Edward went off, “Where the hell are you two headed? You”, he pointed to the one on the rightside of the P-way, “Whats your fifth general order?” The two shot to attention and the one began, “Sir, to quit my post only when relieved.” Edward nodded, “so then tell me who replaced you?” The two shouted off in unison, “LT Bannninga.” Edward paused, “Very well, Stand by. I’ll only be a moment.” Edward walked away with the two standing stunned. Edward was supposed to be checking on them but whatever the Lt’s reason was he was sure it was well necessary. He walked up to the room and pushed the chime button and waited. “Enter!” Emily called out. Kate turned around to face the door. “Are you expecting someone?” “My counselor but I’m hoping he doesn’t show up for awhile,” Jacey shrugged, “I’m not surprised if the XO has cooked up some evil other things to torture me during my lock down.” Edward entered upon the call. He saw the bottle on the table then turned to Lt Banninga. “Ma’am Im supposed to be checking on the sentries but you sent them on may I ask why?” Katie said up straight. “I decided to take over from them.” she said looking at him. “Is there a problem, cadet?” “No problem, just making sure all is squared away. Would you like me to dismiss them for good or tell them to take a walk around the flat?” Katie chuckled. “That depends on how big the flat will be.” What did she just say? “Uhm.. Let them return in one hour” “Or don’t.” Jacey cut in, “I don’t need a babysitter.” Edward chuckled, “Yeah Im sure this is probably to be more annoying than anything else.” Edward reached into his pocket and pulled out a flask whiskey and set it on the table.. “Here ladies have one on me. And Lt is there anything i can pick you up cause I’ll have to be back here shortly for rounds?” Kate laughed for his gesture. “No, I’m fine” turning to Jacey she asked. “You need anything?” “More company!” Jacey said with a smile. Edward gestured with with his index finger in the air as if to say “wait one.” He poked his head out and yelled at the two sentries waiting in the hall. “Alright boys, take a walk I’ll take over for now.” Edward walked back in and gestured at the couch. “Mind if take a seat. Besides your supposed to have two sentries.” “I like this idea, “She nodded, “Now we just need some food.” Kate refilled her glass and put her feet back on the table. “I always knew we were a good team.”
 * 06-12-2012, 09:26Kate Banninga

A JP with Jacey and Edward. '''USS Atlas Captain’s Ready Room''' Five...I’ve spoken with five ''different doctors and still not one of them feels right. Can it be that difficult to find a good doc to be the Chief Medical Officer?'' Tom had been talking to different doctors all day. Since the day after Lisbet had left there was a line of prospective replacements coming and going through the ship since then. All of them had impeccable resumes, but he had found one reason or another to reject them during the interview. One was too personable, the other not personable enough. One was too stuffy and professional, the other seemed more willing to ignore regulations. The last Tom had dismissed because he was more of a researcher than a physician. He would have done well seeing new species and diagnosing new diseases, but he would most likely have complained of boredom at having to deal with the crew. Lisbet had done an enormous favor to Tom and the Atlas by encouraging the rest of her department to stay aboard. Some had agreed willingly, but others were voicing their disappointment, though quietly. In either event, the young, broken-hearted Captain was sure that he would not be a welcome patient to some of the personnel in sickbay. He was just going to have to make sure that he didn’t get sick at any point in the future. The stroll through the corridors and the sights and smells of the Atlas reminded Zara of her posting on the Integrity and she became both nostalgic and excited at the prospect of getting her hands dirty again. “A desk job on a Space Station...” She muttered to herself as she stepped onto the turbolift and waited for the door to close. “What was I thinking? Why did I ever take up that position on Caloris?”Please restate your destination The voice of the computer brought Zara out of her reverie. “Deck Six.” She replied. “Captain’s Ready Room.”The turbolift took only moments and she exited and walked past a couple of Ensigns who gave her a nod and a smile and called her Commander. She almost turned around to see who they were addressing, but caught herself just in time to avoid any embarrassment. She returned their smiles and continued walking, very soon finding herself outside the Ready Room door. She stood up a little straighter, gave a slight tug at the hem of her uniform tunic and then, after pressing the panel to sound the door chime, Zara waited to be acknowledged. Tom responded immediately once the chime sounded. “Come in.”His Ready Room door opened and a confident brunette walked directly to his desk. Tom stood as she snapped herself to attention. “Captain O’Flagherty.” Zara began; giving him a smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Sir.” She remained at attention, her back ramrod straight. “I’m Colonel...Sorry...Commander Zara Cooper.”Realising her faux pas, she gave him an apologetic look. “Please forgive me Captain.” She added, “I’m still getting used to the change in rank. I was a Marine until only last week and it’s still a bit of a culture shock.”"Well, Commander, I will address you by whatever rank you like." Tom smiled reassuringly as he offered her the chair across from his desk. "Please have a seat. Would you like anything to drink?" “That’s very kind of you Sir,” She replied as she took the proffered seat and sank into its comfortable upholstery. “but I already had two mugs of raktajino this morning and if I have any more I’ll be bouncing off the bulkheads.” She smiled again and tugged gently at the collar of her tunic. “I could go for a whiskey, but I’ll save that for when I get off duty and free myself from this uniform. Don’t get me wrong, I like the look and there’s no doubting its practicality, but these collars...” She raised her eyebrows and shook her head a little. “Nightmare.” She added with a grin. "Definitely," Tom remarked. He picked up the PADD with his notes from the desk. Most were doodles, as he hadn't found the previous candidates all the remarkable. "So, why are you seeking a shipboard posting now? Why leave the Marines." Zara's usual carefree expression darkened and she sat forward in her seat, looking the Captain of the Atlas straight in the eyes. "I'm a doctor and I spent a long time serving as CMO under Admiral Maddigan on the USS Integrity." She replied solemnly. "I was happy there but the Xul war changed everything..." She paused and her brow creased as she frowned. "The Xul took a very good friend from me and I was powerless to prevent it. I thought taking command of the H&S Battalion would make my life mean something again, but it only served to demonstrate how empty my life had become." Her gaze fell for a moment before she looked up again. "Every day I wore the uniform and I loved the Corps...really I did, but I merely went through the motions. I want a new start Captain. I want to live again and that means going back to what I know best...medicine." Tom considered her response for a moment in silence. He had conflicting emotions about how she responded and best proceed from here, but there was one question he knew had to be addressed. "You and my XO made quite a scene in the Megiddo papers. It makes me wonder if you really want to pursue medicine, or just pursue Chris Vaughn." Zara was actually glad of the change of subject, even though Captain O'Flagherty had now strayed into the topic of her personal life. It was much easier to discuss the press coverage about her and Chris at the Harvest Ball and their ‘relationship’, than it was to dwell upon the Xul and the unrepairable damage they had wrought. Her lip curled into a smile. "Well Captain, I'm sure you can see for yourself that I am most definitely not pregnant..." She offered; leaning back in her chair slightly to pat her flat stomach. "and I’m sure you don't need me to tell you how much Chris likes to court publicity." She added sagely. "You've no doubt known him for a long time and know the man he is. I haven't known Chris for very long and yes...I admit, we were intimate on the rare occasions we have seen each other, but he is not the reason I left the Marines. As a matter of fact, he is completely unaware of my transfer to Starfleet, let alone applying for a position onboard the Atlas." She looked intently at the Captain. "I have no illusions Captain O’Flagherty, Sir. I know my connection with Chris could harm my chances of serving on this ship and if you don't want to accept me because of my relations with your XO then so be it. That is entirely your right as Captain." She paused to catch her breath after her speech before forging on again. “I can only ask you to take my application on merit and know that no matter who I choose to spend my off hours with, and no matter what BS might have been written in the press about Chris and I at the Harvest Ball; I put my job and the lives of my comrades before anything else.”“I see,” Tom said while looking down at the padd in his hand. When he raised his eyes to look at the doctor, his expression was cold. “If that is the case, why leave the Integrity in the first place?”"Orders." She replied. "The base at Paladin was being set up and all the Marines in the quadrant were reassigned at literally a moment's notice. We weren't informed where we were going...That isn't how the Marines work. You're told to pack your things and leave, so you go...no questions asked." She hadn't liked the almost accusatory tone to his question but he was a superior Officer so she sucked it up. "They sent us to Paladin to be the front line against the Xul...The first line of defense to protect the quadrant. In reality though, we ended up almost getting wiped out. Only a handful of Marines survived that debacle..." Her own expression had hardened as she recalled the events at Paladin. "I don't fully know how it is in Starfleet Sir, but a Marine follows orders whether they agree with them or not and they do it without question. End of story. I was ordered to pack up my stuff and leave the Integrity and I did just that." “That’s just it, Commander,” Tom spat. “I don’t know why it is that Marines don’t realize it is called the Starfleet Marine Corps. Everyone draws a difference as if we serve a different government or a different branch. One group gets called ‘Fleeters’ and the other ‘Marines,’ but we are all Starfleet. If you are going to carry that attitude here, then I can find someone else.”Zara bristled at his angry words, but remained composed, albeit only on the outside. “Pardon my frankness and I hope you don’t mind my speaking freely Captain.” She answered; placing emphasis on his rank and moving to the very edge of her seat. “But there is a difference. We serve the Federation yes, but Marines and ‘Fleeters are, in my opinion, two sides of the same coin. This doesn’t make one better than the other...it merely makes them different. Having served under both a Starfleet Admiral and a Marine Colonel I can assure you there are differences, just as two Starfleet Captains may differ in their command style and attitude towards their crew. You asked me questions and I answered them honestly and if that isn’t what you wanted to hear then perhaps you should have mentioned that when I walked in here. If you don’t like that I was a marine, then so be it; if my relations with Christopher Vaughn upset you, then that’s just too bad. My off duty private life is just that...private.” She took a deep breath before forging ahead again. My only attitude as you put it, is that of a highly qualified Starfleet Officer wanting to join one of the best...if not the finest ship in the fleet. I call them as I see them, Captain O’Flagherty and some may find my candour isn’t to their taste; but no-one has ever had reason to doubt either my medical abilities...or my allegiance to Starfleet or the Federation.” Zara got to her feet and stood back at attention, though instead of addressing the wall that was in her direct eyeline she looked the Captain of the USS Atlas straight in the eye. “I don’t know why your last Chief Medical Officer decided to leave this ship...” She added in a dark tone. “but if you displayed as much disdain for them as you have for me during this interview then unfortunately I’m not surprised you find yourself in need of a replacement...Sir.”Her words stung, and for an instant he was reminded of pushing Lisbet away. His focus drifted, and for a moment, he was lost in remembering the face of his Imzadi who had left. Without shifting the focus of his eyes, Tom realized the doctor was still standing at attention, looking down at him with deadly focus that began to shift toward puzzlement. Finally, he spoke. “You’re dismissed, Commander.”He could hear her sharp intake of breath and knew she was about to speak, so he cut her off. “I said you are dismissed.”Zara snapped off a sharp salute and spun on her heels; only exhaling as she began to make for the door. Way to go Zee. She chided herself. You let him get under your skin and now you’ve blown it. The doors slid smoothly apart and Zara; breathing a sigh of relief, walked over the threshold and once the door closed fast behind her she relaxed her posture and let her shoulders fall. She walked for a while, before stopping close to the turbolift, where she leaned up against the bulkhead and mulled over what had just transpired. Once the door closed, Tom spun his chair toward the far wall of his Ready Room. Since he was buried deep within the ship, there was no window to look out of. Instead, thoughts of Lisbet, and their last conversation danced through his mind. He could see the tears on her cheeks again, and hear the slight tremble in her voice though she was projecting anger in her voice. Worst of all, he could feel the pain in her emotions as the emanated off of her in waves. The words about how he had pushed her away rang in his ears, and then the words of the former Marine followed them. All of it rang through his mind in a symphony of sound that worked together to make a chord. When he finally opened his eyes again, he looked at the padd in his right hand. In it was Dr. Cooper’s transfer request along with her personnel file. He thought about Lisbet again, and then pressed the padd. “Confirmed.” A JP with the wonderful Captain O'Flagherty :) 06-13-2012, 22:25Anahera Chernova U.S.S. Atlas 
 * 06-13-2012, 03:05Zara Cooper

'''Deck 3 '''

Corridor

Having met Philip, Ana felt a little better about her new assignment, but she still felt tired and sore, so for once he her life she was going to follow a doctor's orders. As soon as she reached her quarters she was going to take a shower and hop into bed and hopefully the nightmares would stay away, but she doubted it.

She found her quarters with little trouble, having followed the directions on the map. Typed in the security code to open the doors, entered and without looking around she began to undress.

She was dressed in only her underwear when she entered her bedroom to find a young woman sitting on the bed, reading a PADD.

They looked at each other and after almost in unison they asked. "What are you doing in my bedroom?"

"Your bedroom? I'm Anahera Chernova and these are my quarters." Ana said. The girl was pretty but, she was in no mood for games.

"Well, Anahera, I'm Virginia Ward, your roommate, and your bedroom is on the other side of the living area."

Ana blushed slightly in embarrassment and said. "Nice to meet you, Virginia, I bet that's a hard name to live up to."

"It can be." Virginia replied. "I was named for my great grandmother, and by accounts she was a beautiful and generous person." Then she noticed Ana's expression. "But that's not what you meant was it?"

"No, but I was just making a crude remark, so ignore it. I'd like to hear about your grandmother, sometime, when I'm fully clothed. I apologise for the intrusion and my state of undress . I hope you won't let this incident adversely influence your opinion of me."

Virginia smiled. "It's okay, we all make mistakes, at least you were partially covered, it could have been a lot more embarrassing, if you'd been naked."

"Thanks for being so understanding. Good night, Virginia. I'm going to have a shower and then turn in, as soon as I've picked up all clothes of course."

"Of course." Virginia repeated. "Good night, Anahera, sleep well."

Finally in her own room, Ana had a chance to think about things. Was she getting to old for this? She may appear to be in her 20s, but she was actually at least a century and a half older than most of the people she was likely to meet on this ship. ''Was it time for her to settle down again? What would happen to her if she chose to leave Starfleet? Would they send he back to prison?''

She knew that it was just her stress and physical exhaustion that was making her feel so melancholy, what she really wanted was someone to hold her and tell her everything was going to be alright. The problem was that she had no one. Her and Josh had broken up, Marie had been assigned to the Manitoba, her mother was probably seducing some rich banker somewhere, her granddaughter she was still unable to be found and her old friends were either dead, or out of contact.

She felt very alone as she stepped into the shower and let the sonic pulses remove her physical aches and pains, but the mental and emotional anguish remained.

After the shower she ordered a pair of cotton pjamas from the clothes replicator put them on and walked back in to her bedroom and climbed into bed.

She was asleep soon after her head hit the pillow, but it wasn't a restful sleep. The nightmares soon came.

''Anahera found herself on a desert plain. She was not alone. On the other side of the plain was an army of Klingons while surrounding her were a mixture of species, some were mercenaries like herself while others were civilians and there even a few Starfleet officers. ''

''This was Jatar VI a marginally M-class planet where elements in the natural rock formations worked as a kind of energy damping field. No technology requiring an energy source either didn't work or only worked intermittently, as the field strength differed from one location to another. ''

''Ana recognised this location, nothing worked here, thing were going to get bloody. ''

 

''The Kingons had bat'leth and other bladed weapons, while the army around her had mostly improvised brandished weapons, some even brandished phaser rifles as clubs. ''

''Ana herself carried a bat'leth that she had managed to appropriate in an earlier skirmish. ''

 

''The commander of the Klingon forces shouted something, that Ana couldn't quite make out and the Klingon warriors started running towards them. ''

''Many of the civilians fled in fear, but Ana stood her ground. ''

''A warrior, who dwarfed her by nearly half a foot, came charging towards her, bat'leth swinging. ''

''As he got close, she ducked under swing and buried her own bat'leth deep into his chest. There was a look of surprise on his face as he feel backwards at her feet. ''

''Working quickly, Ana pried the bat'leth from his finger and took his d'k tahg from his belt. She then used the later to end his suffering, by cutting his throat. ''

''Ana had little time to recover before another warrior was on her. ''

''This one swung his bat'leth low, hoping to take out her legs. ''

''She dropped 'her' bat'leth, jumped over his blade, and drove the d'k tahg into his throat. ''

''The metal scent of blood filled her nostrils. ''

''The screams of the dying and the war cries of the Klingons merged together and became an overpowering din. ''

''Anahera fell to her knees and clamped he hands over her ears in an attempt to block out the noise but to no avail. ''

''She looked up and saw a Klingon standing her, his bat'leth raised above his head. ''

As he brought it down for a killing blow Ana could do nothing but scream.

Then she woke up in her bed aboard the Atlas.

"Are you alright, Anahera?" Virginia asked, knowing it was a stupid question, but unsure what else to say.

"No, Virginia, I don't believe I am." Anahera answered truthfully.

"Well, if you want to talk about it, I've been told I'm a good listener." Virginia said with a reassuring smile.

"Thank you, Virginia, if you get me a glass of water, I'll tell you all about it." Ana said.

"Okay, I'll be right back."

New Room mates a post featuring Cadets Anahera Chernova and Virginia Ward.

Part 1 of 2

06-14-2012, 12:33 Jacey Adams A corridor on the USS Atlas

Zara didn’t know how she’d managed to get turned around, but she presumed it had something to do with the fact she was replaying the interview with Captain O’Flagherty over and over again; chastising herself for being so blunt.

I’ve obviously been away from starships for far too long... She mused. ''How did I manage to get myself lost? I knew I should have paid more attention in the turbolift and not just followed the crowd when they got off...''

--Jacey’s Quarters-- 

Pellew and Banninga had decided to leave after another bottle of wine and a large cheesy plate of nachos. It had been fun, especially watching Pellew as he always seemed to know everything about everything, but in the back of her mind, Jacey knew that it probably wasn’t the safest use of her grounding. The Captain and XO could only be so forgiving.

''Okay, I’m going to stay put. I’m going to behave.''

She stood up and moved to the door, “I’ll just lock you to make sure.” Are there guards outside? That thought halted her current train of thought. If there were and she locked her quarters ...would they get suspicious? Maybe they’d assume she was sneaking out a hatch or carving a random tunnel into the next person’s quaters.

I’ll just double check...

Poking her head out the door, she expected to see someone but not the person walking her way, “Zara???”

At the sound of someone calling her name, Zara turned around, wondering who would be shouting to her when she didn’t know anyone other than Chris and the voice certainly didn’t belong to him. She saw a young woman standing in a doorway and though she looked somewhat familiar, Zara couldn’t place the face.

“Yes...” She answered; stopping in her tracks and walking back towards the woman. “I’m sorry...have we met?”

Jacey looked at the doorway and contemplated her next move. Slowly she stepped out the doorway into the corridor, “Uh...yeah we have. Although they were brief conversations as you left my house. My brother is Jason...Jason Adams.”

“Jason Adams...” Zara repeated; the name ringing a bell and then the penny dropped. “Oh Gods...Jacey Adams! What are you doing here? I had no idea you were going to join Starfleet. It must be what....ten years since I saw you last. How are you? How is Jason?”

“I’m alright.” Jacey smiled. She had fond memories of the woman before her. When she was just a young teen, Zara had started seeing her brother. It hadn’t lasted, but then again none of Jason’s relationships did. However Jacey had never forgotten this one, unlike the others. Zara was feisty, sure footed and not afraid to get in anyone’s face - even Jacey’s father, “ Grounded to my quarters but that’s better than the alternative. Not the finest moment in my career but,” she shrugged, “As for my brother - he’s in Starfleet. Not like me though, he’s one of those special people who works for Internal Affairs. Loves keeping his eye on people as well as being that one step ahead. Still as much an ass as ever.”

“Infernal affairs eh?” Zara answered with a grin. “That sounds about right. He never could keep his nose out of other people’s business. That’s one of the reasons we never really saw eye to eye. He thought I should....well, let’s just say that he wanted one thing, while I wanted another.” Zara leaned up against the bulkhead next to Jacey’s door and crossed her arms. “You don’t need me to tell you what we were like. We probably kept you up at night when we argued.”

“Naaa, my mom and dad used to fight a lot when I was younger. I’m immune to hearing almost anything when I sleep. I admit, my maid would tell me in the morning but I rarely believed half the things she’d said.” Jacey paused, “Last I heard you were a marine...what are you doing here? “

“You heard right.” Zara replied with a nod. “Up until about two weeks ago...I was. I got promoted, but that meant a desk job and I realised that just didn’t work for me.” She gave the younger woman a smile; still seeing the innocent face of a teenager in the face of the woman before her. “I just interviewed with the Captain to see if I can snag the CMO position here.” She paused for a moment. “Not that it went that well...”

“Where’d the CMO go?” Jacey’s interest peaked, “Is she taking leave to prepare for the wedding?”

Zara shrugged. “No idea. I just found out about the position and requested I be put forward for the post. Captain O’Flagherty never mentioned the previous CMO. I didn’t even know it was a woman. Maybe she’s eloped or something...”

“She’s engaged to him...”Her words wandered off, “Ah, I don’t think I’ll want to touch that one.”

“Engaged?” Zara repeated softly. “To the Captain?” She let out a small groan. “Oh shit! I think I really put my foot in it!” She ran her fingers through her hair and sighed. “Well...some things never change Jacey. I still engage my mouth before my brain. Is there any wonder the Captain couldn’t wait to get me out of his office?”

“Don’t fret too much over it,” Jacey waved the comment away with her hand, “The Captain can keep his emotions in their proper places. He’s the Captain in one instance and then Tom in the other. Do you think if he was that thin skinned he’d keep his XO’s ass on this ship?” A small blush touched her cheeks, “I’ve heard you’re rather well acquainted with him. Whatever you do - put your quarters far from mine.”

Zara couldn’t help herself and she burst out laughing. “I’ll try and keep the noise level to a minimum.” She assured with a grin, “You never know though, Chris might be even less happy that I applied for a position here than the Captain was.” She pushed her hair behind an ear. “There’s no guarantee I’ll even get the job, so I suppose I’ll have to cross that bridge when I come to it.”

She turned her head to peer inside Jacey’s quarters for a second or two. “So...if you don’t mind my being nosy. How come you’re on lockdown? Don’t tell me you’re turning into a rebel like your big bro?”

“Not exactly,” Jacey stepped back into her doorway, “Vaughn’s going to kill me if he knew I stepped foot out of my room. I’m pretty sure he specifically said not to. Then again I was involved in a holodeck shootout so - maybe I’m a bit more rebellious than I was when you last saw me. The pretty pink ribbon is out of my hair and I’m not as sugary sweet, that’s for sure.”

“Ah, being sweet ain’t all it’s cracked up to be.” Zara replied, giving Jacey a gentle nudge. “At least you won’t get walked all over by assholes. I made that mistake years ago and trust me, it’s not something I miss.”

“Yeah,” Jacey sighed, “Learned that one - still getting over it.”

“Ouch.” Zara said. “I feel your pain, but it’s gets better over time. I always found a bottle of scotch and a good session in the firing range let me release tension.” She gave Jacey a wide smile. “Though not at the same time...”

“Oh god...” She couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought, “Are we talking from experience?”

“I should hope not,”

Jacey tilted her head to the side, “Oh great...it’s you.”

“Not excited to see me, I thought the fact we weren’t in my office would be refreshing,” He smiled, “And this is?”

“Zara, meet the Chief Counselor. Counselor...meet the new CMO,” Jacey’s arms crossed and she leaned on the wall next to her door, “He’s annoying and british.”

“Nice to meet you,” His hand extended, “Welcome to the Atlas.”

Zara took the proffered hand and gave it a firm shake. “Jacey might be getting slightly ahead of herself.” She said apologetically. “I only interviewed with the Captain, I haven’t actually got the job yet, but I’m happy to meet you. You never know, we might be serving together if I managed to charm the Captain.” She looked from the counsellor to Jacey and then back again. “So...are you annoying because you’re British...or is it just the counsellor thing that annoys Ms Adams here?”

“Oh I’m sure she would say a little bit of both,” He grinned slightly, “Although, when she’s not fawning over the XO or destroying in Engineering - I’d say she’s fairly annoying herself.”

“I do not fawn!” Jacey scowled, “My father assigned him to me. Somehow he managed to get on the Atlas with a skeleton crew although he’s completely - “

“Don’t say the word useless my dear, I am quite the opposite,” Wilson paused, “Do you two know each other?”

“Oh...Jacey and I go way back.” Zara answered conspiratorially. “Though she neglected to mention she fawns over the XO!” She gave Jacey a wink. “Not that I necessarily think fawning is a bad thing...personally I prefer to give a slap on the ass...gives a better first impression...don’t you think?”

“I did not neglect anything,” Jacey mumbled with a small grin, “I said I was getting over something.”

“You should try slapping his ass, it might work better,” Wilson cut in, “Although...admitting it happened is a big step considering you spent most of your time pretending otherwise.”

“Is this really something you should be discussing out here in the corridor?” Zara asked; feeling a little uncomfortable that the counsellor had begun to talk about Jacey in front of what was, to him, a total stranger. “Surely, you don’t expect Jacey to speak about her personal life in front of someone she hasn’t seen in years. Seems more than a little...unprofessional to me.” She cocked her head slightly on one side and eyeballed the counsellor.

“Well if you go way back I don’t think it’s that much of an impropriety,” He shrugged, “I’ll be in your quarters waiting. Where you should be as well.” Wilson left with a nod to Zara before disappearing.

“Do you see why I say he’s annoying!?” Jacey grumbled.

Zara made a noncommittal noise that sounded somewhat akin to a snort. “British men Jacey... They’re mostly so far up their own ass they can’t see daylight and he seems to fit in quite well with that description.” She reached out and gave Jacey’s arm a gentle squeeze. “If I get the CMO post here...I can see him and I getting along...famously.

“Mmmm...I’d like to see the marine side of you getting along with him famously.” Jacey sighed and slumped her shoulders, “I better get in there. If Vaughn gets a bad report from him, I’m screwed.”

Zara nodded in agreement, then moved forward to give Jacey a hug. “I hope I get this job.” She admitted with a smile. “It would be good to get to know you again.”

The hug felt wonderful and Jacey happily nodded. Given everything that had been going on, it felt heavenly to have some human contact that was honest, “You too.” She let go and smiled, “You are a ray of sunshine, thank you for wandering past my room. Do it again if you have time. “

“If I can’t find my way to the transporter room, you’ll probably see me wandering past again...and again...and again.” Zara joked. “Take care you and go give that guy Hell.”

Featuring a JP with our gorgeous new CMO Zara Cooper - and our annoying Counselor Mr.Wilson 06-17-2012, 23:28

Tom O'Flagherty '''Earth '''

'''San Francisco '''

Starfleet Headquarters

The peaceful view of the green waters of the bay bathed in sunlight was a normal occurence from the window of Kyla Farraday’s office. Since she had returned to Earth from the Gamma Quadrant, her affection for her home returned with each passing day. At first, she had been angry at the circumstances surrounding her new assignment. Though in the end she had been promoted, having to call in all of her favors just to get her out of the jam that had been her husband’s murder did not make the prospect of returning to a desk in headquarters a positive turn of events.

However, she had begun to realize the benefits of being close to the seat of power. The protection it had afforded her was obvious, but her ability to influence the investigation into her dark dealings had been an unforeseen stroke of luck. Unfortunately, if Tolain and his maniacal actions were allowed to proceed unchecked, nothing was going to save her.

The chirp of her commbadge broke her silent reverie. =/\=Farraday here.=/\=

=/\=Admiral, I have the First Minister of Kodana on subspace for you.=/\= The voice of Royce Hollingsworth, her most trusted aide sounded controlled, yet there was a tinge of anticipation she swore she could hear.

=/\=Patch it through, Commander. And thank you.=/\=

=/\=Yes Admiral.=/\=

As she swung her chair around, her hand activated the holographic communication device. Instantly, the image of Tolain coalesced in her office. The satanic look of her untrustworthy ally made her want to cross the room and wrap her hands around his throat. “First Minister, thank you for agreeing to speak with me. I know you are a busy man.”

“Admiral,” the red-skinned humanoid intoned. “Your aide said you needed to speak with me about important matters. May I assume it has to do with the Sar’goth?”

“You are as astute as ever, First Minister.” Farraday’s face was the picture of diplomatic calm, however her hands were ringing together just under the table.

“If we could dispense with the diplomatic pleasantries, Admiral. I find you to be somewhat sycophantic as well as power-hungry.” Tolain’s hologram took a seat in the chair across from the Admiral’s desk. “You’re ability to summon me here holographically is proof of that. You have never done this before.”

“Fine.” Farraday slouched back in her chair, her face instantly changed, displaying the disgust she really felt. “You will abandon this plan to annex Sar’goth space.”

“Why? Are you worried about a war, or the Sar’goth discovering your gifts to the Kodana government?” Tolain placed his elbows on the armrests of the chair and steepled his fingers together in front of his face. It created a symmetry between the cranial growths of his head and the position of his hands. “I think it is the latter, Admiral.”

Farraday’s color darkened immediately, but before she could respond, Tolain pressed on. “I think you are more worried that the Sar’goth will discover how you have aided us and then you will have to go to war with them. Your Federation is not ready for that. The Megiddo Fleet itself is still not fully up to strength.”

Farraday lept to her feet in a fit of rage. “You and your people are going to pay for this! You may be able to beat back the Sar’goth for a time, but the cartel will take its toll on you. Thousands, maybe millions will die, and it will all be your fault. Whatever happens to the Federation in the Gamma Quadrant will be a insignificant compared to the generations of suffering that will endure on your planet after the they are done with you.”

“We shall see, Admiral.” A smile creased the First Minister’s face, and Farraday almost flinched. The sinister nature of it made him seem even more like the Devil he was turning out to be. “Hopefully, the captain you are undoubtedly sending is a better diplomat than you.” And before she could respond, Tolain’s hologram disappeared. Farraday was left in her office with her mouth open.

She slammed her fist down on the table in frustration before activating her commbadge again. =/\=Commander Hollingsworth, get me the Atlas on subspace. I want to talk with Captain O’Flagherty now!=/\=

A post featuring First Minister of Kodana...Tolain

06-18-2012, 08:03

Zara Cooper '''Transporter Room '''

USS Atlas

She stepped onto the pad and turned around; giving the crewman a smile. “Transport when ready, please Crewman.”

“Yes Ma’am.” He replied; nodding and activating the beam which would take Zara back to Caloris and to her temporary quarters aboard the station.

“Thank you.” She said, just before she was enveloped in the bright light, disappeared and then re-emerged…back on the Atlas transporter pad.

“I don’t think you’ve got the hang of this.” She said; looking quizzically across at the young man who was now accompanied by a rather harried looking woman who held a PADD in her hands. “You were supposed to be sending me off the ship, not bringing me back again.”

“Commander Cooper, Ma’am,” She said breathlessly; extending her arm as she offered the PADD to Zara. “These are your transfer orders. Welcome to the Atlas.”

Zara’s expression altered swiftly, a smile creeping across her face. Maybe Jacey hadn’t spoken too soon after all… “Thank you Ensign.” She replied; taking the PADD and quickly glancing down at the confirmation. “In that case,” She added; stepping down from the pad, “Can you please arrange for my things to be brought aboard?”

“Already taken care of Commander.” The Ensign replied; giving Zara a returning smile. “Your quarters have already been assigned and your things will be there within the hour. All the information you need is contained on the PADD you have in your hands and your first duty shift is scheduled to begin at 0700 hours tomorrow.”

“Well, things certainly move fast around here, don’t they?” Zara observed. “I’m impressed.”

The Ensign gave the new CMO a nod and then made her way out of the transporter room to continue about her business. “You have no idea…” She added under her breath.

Zara began to read the instructions on the PADD and found that her new quarters were located on Deck 4, section 3. “That shouldn’t be too difficult to find.” She murmured softly. “I’m not going to embarrass myself a second time by getting lost.” She gave a nod, a smile and thanked the transporter operator before exiting and heading for the nearest turbolift. Knowing it would be a while until her things arrived, Zara decided to go in search of the Officer’s Lounge and grab herself a bite to eat while she familiarised herself with the Ship’s specs on her PADD.

When she entered the lift she already knew where she wanted to go and requested Deck 1 with no hesitation. Mere moments later, she left the confines of the lift and found herself at her destination.

The was no denying, the Lounge on the Atlas was far superior to that in Marine Country on Caloris and though the surroundings didn’t matter all that much to her; Zara was nevertheless, impressed again. A replicator on the far wall was her primary target, where she ordered a large scotch and a turkey sandwich.

The room was decorated with a tasteful, nautical theme and the wooden floor gleamed under its layers of polish. Zara took her food and drink and carried them over to a table by the viewport. She sank into the plush leather chair and stared out at the stars and the partial view of Caloris she could see from her vantage point. She took a sip of her drink, gave a satisfied sigh, and placed it down on the tabletop.

“I think I’m going to like it here.” 06-19-2012, 05:01

Anahera Chernova '''U.S.S. Atlas '''

'''Deck 3 '''

'''Chernova/Ward Quarters '''

While Virgina was away, Ana moved so that she could sit up. As she moved a bead of sweat dripped into her eye.

She was going to need another shower.

Virginia returned with the glass of water and handed it to Ana, who showed the water in almost a single gulp.

"Better?" Virginia asked a she took the glass back and sat down on a chair next to the bed.

"A little.' She said with a smile. "Okay, why don't you tell me a bit about yourself, before I begin my story. You know, to help put me at ease."

"Sure, what do you wanna know?"

"I don't know. Where are you from? What's your favourite colour? Do You have any tattoos? What's your most embarrassing moment?"

"Taranko colony, originally, we moved around a lot. Dark green, like your eyes. No, but I bet you do. Accidentally walking in on my brother and his girlfriend while they were making love." Virginia replied.

Was she flirting with me on questions two and three? Ana asked herself, but to her she asked. "Why did you move around so much, are you a Starfleet brat?"

"No, my parents are Federation scientists, an archaeologist and a anthropologist/sociologist, they'd drag me and my brother from dig to dig, but those are not places for children, so we spent most of the time in the ship with our nanny."

"So did you or your brother become scientists, like your parents?"

"No, my brother is a cop and I'm a nurse."

"Both caring professions, bet your parents are proud."

"They are and you're stalling, if you don't want to talk about what's troubling you, I'll go back to my room and leave you in peace." That said, she made to raise from her chair.

"Stop. Sit down, I'll tell you."

"Good." The medical cadet said returning to her seat.

"A bit of background first. I'm nearly 2 and a quarter centuries old and in that time I've experienced a lot of death and destruction, in fact I'm responsible for a lot of it myself. Before you get the wrong idea, I'm not a blood thirsty, crazed killer, but I have been a mercenary, a security consultant and smuggler. I didn't kill many people as a smuggler, though."

Virginia looked at her roommate in horror. "You killed people for money? That's immoral and unconscionable."

'She seems to have taken my age in her stride, that is usually what people fixate on, interesting.' She thought. "I didn't do it just for the money, for the most part I only took the job if I believed in the cause and if the cause was right I'd even work pro bono."

In spite of the horror she felt, she was curious. "So, what is your idea of the 'right' cause?" She asked.

"Aiding Bajoran Resistance during the Cardassian Occupation of Bajor. Though that one got a little personal." She remembered Tela's death and the vengeance that she and Tela's sister Reena wrought on her killers. She wondered how Jol Reena was up to, she'd be in her 30's by now, maybe with a family of her own.

"You fought with the Bajoran Resistance?" Virginia asked, she'd always been a history buff.

"Well, actually I smuggled in supplies for them and generally leant a hand when one was required."

"Wow, does this have anything to do with your nightmare, you mentioned it 'got personal'?"

"No, my nightmare was about something else entirely. It was about the Jatar VI massacre. A battalion of Klingon warriors killed nearly 3000 Federation citizens, mostly civilians, it could have been more if it wasn't for the mercenaries and security teams from the U.S.S. Sierra Madre."

"It must have been awful." Virginia said, her tone sympathetic.

"It was, and made it worse was that planetary conditions made energy weapons inoperable, so the Klingons were in their element with bat'leths and other vicious bladed weapons. The sun baked soil was soaked with blood and the screams of the dying were almost deafening."

"No wonder you're having nightmares, have you ever had this nightmare before?"

"Not since about a month after the massacre."

"Any reason why it would return now?"

"I've been through some traumatic events lately." Ana said and went on to tell her roommate about the zombies, fighting them on the Gryffon and theEmissary and about Vince's death.

Virginia listened in silence until Ana had finished her tale and then said. "My God, Ana, I'm not sure whether you're the luckiest or the most unlucky person I've ever met."

"Luck? Who needs luck? I'll settle for a good night's sleep." She said only half joking.

New Room mates a post featuring Cadets Anahera Chernova and Virginia Ward.

Part 2 of 2

06-20-2012, 08:46

Adina Wolfe '''USS Atlas '''

'''Drydocked '''

Chief Engineer’s Office

An hour into his confinement, Gerhardt had been grinning, sure he had the First Officer beat. He may not be able to work on the ship or go anywhere near Main Engineering, but he could still hear the hum of the ship, the resonance that almost thrummed like a pulse. He may not be able to work, but he could still be an active audience. Even if the ship was motionless, as long as the warp core was active, there was something to listen to. He could kick back, relax, and listen to the melody of his ship’s life. It was great.

Great that is until they got back to Caloris and the station teams got their sticky, meddlesome hands on his warp core. He could hear it, hear them, tampering here and messing up there. And all the time, he was powerless to stop them, short of destroying his career in Starfleet.

“He knew,” Gerhardt muttered at the wall across from his bunk where he sat, hunched over his knees. “That rat bastard knew I would know what they are doing to my ship. He knew I would hear it, he knew I would know.”

It didn’t take long before he started to feel the horror of their meddling creep into him. “What! The HELL! Are you doing! To my SHIP!” The wall didn’t seem terribly interested in answering his yells.

Gerhardt tried thinking about something else, but everything led right back to engineering. The last holosuite program he’d run? A visualization of slipstream drive from the nose of a ship. The last leave he’d taken? An engineering conference on the new standard of shielding technology. The last time he’d... danced? Pass. The last woman he’d slept with? A co-engineer on a less-than-legal “cargo” ship. They’d had a wonderful night together, then the next morning, the captain put an engineering challenge to them. Gerhardt won, the captain explained something about running costs getting too high, she got tossed out an airlock, and Gerhardt quietly disappeared the next time they made port. But that one night, oh what a sweet night it was. How long ago was that? ''Mein gott! That is a depressingly large number of years. I need a drink.''

A drink! That was the answer! “Leave it to an engineer,” he told the replicator in his room, “One... no, two lagers, please. And a shot of whisky. And keep the drinks menu opened; if I stay sloshed, I will not have to endure this hell.”

The three drinks appeared on the receiving tray and the first beer started to disappear almost as quickly into his mouth. His drinking came to a sudden and disgusted halt, followed by a horrified stare at the mug of golden liquid. He set it aside and reached for the second one, but set it aside almost as quickly and took the shot. He spewed it against the wall. “No!” his look of horror filled with hatred. “NO! Computer, pale ale, stout, bock, IPA, rum, cognac, vodka. One each. Now!”

He took each drink as it appeared, sipped, and tossed it aside. When he got down to the vodka, it was clear: synthehol. Someone had tampered with his replicator, someone with clearance above his, someone who wanted Gerhardt to experience every painful moment of the next seven days.

“Damn that man,” Gerhardt yelled at the synth-vodka in his hand. “Damn that man!”

The vodka glass smashed into the door, and Gerhardt smashed into his bed, leaving behind a pool of glass and fake liquor.

Adina paused for a second, her finger just short of the doorbell for the Chief’s room. It’d taken her a long, long period of thinking and worrying whilst the Med-techs had checked her over to get this far and now, a split moment away from making her choice permanent the sound of shouting and breaking glass wiped her previous certainly clean out of her mind.

“Y’know... I’m pretty sure he doesn’t bite.” Rube offered as she fizzed into being, her new grey and gold engineering uniform a stark contrast to the Hologram’s blazing red hair. “Well, unless you ask him to anyways...”

“What are you doing here Rube?” Adina whispered, “Aren’t you supposed to be working?”

Rube offered a simple smile. “And part of being an engineer includes delivering reports to the Chief of Engineering.”

“And you didn’t just fiz into being inside his quarters because...?” Adina offered.

Rube smiled again, “Because this week I’m trying out manners, see if they do anything for me. Besides,” the redhead shrugged, “I really don’t want to think about the kind of weird things that I could appear in the middle of in there.”

“Fair point.” Adina chuckled, idly tapping the doorbell, jumping as she heard the chime echo from the other side of the door. “Oh...balls.”

The door swooshed open to reveal a frazzled and furious Chief, but when he saw who it was, the fury left him immediately. “Adina! You have awakened! This is excellent news,” he sputtered. “And you brought your holographic friend. Wonderful!”

A realization hit him quickly and he started to grab for both of them, reconsidered, and opted instead to quickly shoo them into his room. “Go, go! Security will be back soon.”

When everyone was inside and the door was shut, Gerhardt looked over his guests with glee. “I am very pleased to see you up and about, Cadet Wolfe. Please, tell me everything. No, wait,” he interrupted. Thinking over the First Officer’s threat out loud, he tried looking at it from a defense lawyer’s perspective.”You came here, so I did not make contact. We have not spoken of engineering, and if we continue not talking about it, there should not be a problem. So that is it. We must not speak of engineering, but short of that, tell me everything.”

Adina blinked, not entirely sure what to say. “I haven’t really got much to tell you sir, catatonia and all.” She fiddled lightly with the Bajoran jewelry hanging from her right ear, slowly but surely the Chief’s words started to sink in... “Security? You in trouble with the CO Sir?”

“XO, much worse,” he answered quickly, the franticness of his surprise and the memory of his anger slammed together in his psyche. “Apparently, my department has been running too wild for Christopher Vaughn’s tastes.”

He thought about that sentence in conjunction with what he’d heard about Vaughn. “Perhaps I should be concerned. Anyway, I am confined to quarters for a week and not allowed to do any work. Instead, I have to listen as the Caloris team does... whatever it is they are doing. But you have not told me everything. You punched a superior officer, went catatonic, and now you have come back to us. Are you... uh, better, I guess?”

“I guess so too.” Adina smiled, still absently fiddling with her earring. “Doc’s cleared me for work at last, I was just heading down there when I figured I should report to you first, y’know, being the Chief and all.”

Rube chuckled quietly, wise enough to not elaborate on the fact that Adina had been hovering over the door chime for the better part of five minutes before she’d finally pushed it.

“But,” Adina continued, her brow furrowing. “If you’re in deep with the XO, I’m guessing he relieved you of duty too...Which means I’ve probably just landed you in trouble by coming here.”

“No, no, he cannot surely have a problem with you making a friendly social call,” Gerhardt reassured her. “So you are not reporting to me, you are here for drinks. Unfortunately, our devious bastard of an XO has me trapped here, not only physically, but mentally and chemically as well; my replicator will only produce synthohol. I do not suppose you know where we might procure some of the real stuff, do you?”

Adina shrugged lightly. “At a guess I’d say the ship’s lounge but I couldn’t say for sure, I don’t drink booze myself.”

“Me neither.” Rube piped up with a chuckle. “For obvious reasons.”

The young Ensign rolled her eyes and chuckled. “You’re a big enough pain sober, Prophets help us if you got drunk...”

“No beer? Mein Gott! You could never survive being German,” Gerhardt exploded. Suddenly, he sighed. “I fear your visit must come to a swift end. I do not want to incur the further wrath of the XO, and I especially do not wish to drag you into this. Thank you for coming to see me, though. I am very pleased to see you up and about.”

“You and me both sir.” Adina smiled as she non- too-subtley dragged Rube towards the door. “Hope to see you back in Engineering soon...” 06-25-2012, 03:25

Gerhardt Rahner '''USS Atlas '''

Turbolift

"Deck 15, Main Engineering." It had been a week since Gerhardt had uttered that command, or any to the turbolift, and he was itching to get a full picture on the noises he could hear from the warp core. He'd survived the incarceration with every scrap of sanity he'd had going in, for whatever that was worth, and more than that, he'd had time to think. His whole life, engineering had been like an all-consuming hobby and he sun-starved youth fiddling with dials and gadgets in a variety of mother's basements. Every crew he joined, every ship he fixed was just a new hobby kit, something to build and then discard when he was through. In Starfleet, he'd found a steady flow of hobbies in the three Engineering Departments he'd worked, but he was still just that nerdy little kid with a weird obsession only now he had been to grad school and so his obsession could be called a career. And it had almost gotten him thrown out on his ass with no where to go. This incarceration had been the jolt he needed, the shift from obsessive hobby to a real responsibility never mind he was nearly fifty-years-old, and he'd be damned before throwing away this second chance.

Still...

As the doors swooshed open, Gerhardt couldn't help but avert his eyes. Something deep in his soul told him that although he'd just stepped out of his imprisonment, he would soon be walking into a shiny, inviting slice of hell. The moment of introspection had passed and his trial was before him, just the other side of his eyelids. He slowly stepped off the turbolift, careful not to bump into anything. The sound of approaching footsteps brought him to a halt.

The feet stopped in front of him. "Sir, what the hell are you doing?" asked the stern voice of Ayla Cressida.

"I do not wish to see what those bastards have done to my Engineering Department," he answered without thinking, the old micro-managing coming to the fore immediately. Realizing his mistake, he slowly opened his eyes and looked around, examining with the trained eyes of an engineer. General lighting was up 25%, giving the area a more sterile and efficient feel, no wires or open panels hanging loose, the warp core housing had been polished and the few scratches had been repaired; it looked like a Federation starship's engine room, but it still felt right. And, to Gerhardt's delight, it still sounded right.

"I notice they have left the warp core running at my maximum efficiency settings, rather than the factory specs," he mentioned with pride, moving towards the pit to get a better view of the MSD.

"Yes, sir," Ayla answered bemused, keeping close behind him. "Something was mentioned about the march of progress and field tests showing improved data and proof being in pudding, but I'm sure that was all just a misunderstanding. Most of the changes made were purely cosmetic or... *cough* hygienic."

Gerhardt shot her an annoyed look, followed with a grumpy harrumph. "And how is the crew taking all these changes?"

"Engineering staff efficiency is up 12% overall, sir, and I'm happy to report that DC team drills have improved by an average 35 seconds," came the smug reply.

"Staff efficiency?" Gerhardt mused. "I do not recall you ever mentioning staff efficiency to me before."

It was Ayla's turn to gesticulate. "Well, you never asked."

Gerhardt glanced at her from the corner of his eye. "Yes, well, appearances will not be the only changes around here. Now then, what is on the docket? A deep-space exploration, correct?"

"Negative, sir," Ayla seamlessly slipped into assistant chief mode, "We've been ordered to Sar'goth space immediately, something important by the sound of it. We were singled out because of our Quantum Slipstream drive."

"And so we become the tools of our tools..." Gerhardt muttered. "Very well, then. Begin the pre-checks on the slipstream drive, and run a level 4 diagnostic on the whole system while you are at it. I would like to avoid any problems like the last time we entered a slipstream. Inform the captain and myself at once when it is ready. I will be in my office."