The Grand Opening: The Blue Light Special


 * Christopher VaughnThe Grand Opening: The Blue Light Special''':::Gym, Deck 5:::
 * USS Atlas:::'''

Jackson Lebowski threw a few weak, but witheringly fast jabs at his XO. The younger man had been rusty at first but was quickly getting his boxing legs back. The jabs either harmlessly tapped off a minor deflection from Vaughn’s glove or missed as he backed up.

“When was the last time you did this?” Lebowski asked sidestepping a cross.

“Jesus, not since the War.” Chris carefully bounced out of reach of a much heavier haymaker thrown from the Security Chief. “You trying to kill me, chief?”

Jackson chuckled slightly, his steps slow and deliberate. “You like all that fancy footwork.” Chris moved in again, a few feints before his speed got back Jackson’s defenses and sent a uppercut into his gut. The security chief let out a slight cough, the blow would have knocked the wind out of a lesser man. The former marine had taken worse. Chris wasn’t bad, but he could only beat Lebowski, on average, one out of three bouts.

“No wonder the skipped out on Infantry in the Corp,” Chris chided. “You’ve gotten all fat and soft.” Moving in closer Chris ducked a wide hook before making another gut shot. The security chief doubled over. He allowed his arm to drop slightly seeing the chief totter, seemingly unsteady. No.

The counter blow came up and sent Chris backward, his mouth guard flung away and the executive officer slammed into the deck on his back. He tried to swear but it came out in a grunt. Shaking his head he let out a laugh, “You evil bastard, Jackson.” With his teeth Chris undid the string on his gloves.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Cry me a river.” The Chief shook his head as he pulled his gloves off. “I’ve still got a cracked rib from when you clipped me yesterday and that gut shot just now is gonna leave a super-bitch of a bruise so I don’t want to hear it.”

“How many awards did you have?” the XO inquired as he got to his feet.

Jackson gave him an incredulous look. “Three Golden Gloves and one gold at the Inter-Service Championship. Not counting the bar fights, but I think those only qualify as training.”

Chris nodded taking a swig of water from his canteen. “Well if I’m kicking your former marine ass you must be getting soft.”

“Pfft.” Lebowski snorted. “Not my head that just put a dent in the deck plating.”

“Well I’m the XO, so you must have cheated. Ergo…it doesn’t count.”

“Like hell.” Jackson replied, wiping the sweat off his shaved head. “But in all seriousness you’re getting back into your groove pretty well. Just take it easy on the ‘dance like a butterfly’ crap. And I’m a little surprised you fell for that at the end, you didn’t when I tried it a few days ago.”

“Just missed it I guess, can win them all.” Chris checked is watch as he slid it onto his wrist and snapped the metal links into place. “Ok, well, another successful Security Department ‘briefing’ completed. Same time tomorrow?”

“Yes, sir.” Lebowski replied. Stepping into the corridor he dropped the casual demeanor and donned his ‘game face.’

'''a character building post with Lt. Jackson Lebowski. '''
 * 03-02-2012, 01:23Wade ColganTime OutWade had just returned to his Quarters from the Security Station. He came off of his Security Patrol of the ship, got changed out of his tactical gear and took some time for a shower. It was during his steaming hot shower that Wade took some time to think about his interactions with those he had met today. As usual, they hadn't been good ones. He continued to play them all over and over again in his mind, thinking if he could have handled them differently. The truth was, he could have; but that just wasn't who Wade. He was brutally honest and his sarcastic wit wasn't that appealing to most. But this was only who Wade was on the surface. It was rare to find anyone that actually took the time to see past this part of Wade. Only she had even wanted to...

Walking into his Quarters, he smiled at the fact that it was only him in the quarters at the moment. As the ship was still operating on a skeleton crew, it was easy to find some quiet time for ones self. And, right now, Wade needed it for himself. The shower wasn't long enough for him to be able to think over all that he had done and said today. The fact of the matter was, he had handled everything badly. As usual, his temper had easily and quickly gotten the better of him; though, he had been able to control himself from letting his temper manifest itself physically - except for the altercation with Crewman Tall.  That damn fool, Wade thought to himself, what the hell did he think was going to happen, sticking his finger in a grown man's face. He shook his head in anger and disappointment. The kid was just trying to defend his manhood. I could have just swallowed hard and told him to get his damned finger out of my face and not to do it again, Wade tried to tell himself. After a few moments without another thought, he smacked the top of the bunk bed he was in. ''No, I couldn't have done that. It is not who I am, not how I react to that stuff. ''Wade knew that he would have to speak with Tall the next time they had a shift together. If he didn't apologize, Wade thought that he had better try to reason with the Crewman. Tell him what not to do to and around Wade. As much as he disliked the idea of having to deal with a reconciling of that nature, Wade knew that it had to be done.

When it came to Ensign Banninga, Wade felt that he had made the worst mistake today. That was going to be his commanding officer and he had already gotten off on the wrong footing. How many times do you have to remind yourself, Wade thought, ''this is your last damn shot, you fool. It is going to be this or the gallows. ''The next time he had to check in for his shift, he would be sure to speak with her. It seemed as though she was a competent, if not a good leader. He had not seen enough of her leadership capabilities yet to determine for himself whether he thought of her as a good Security Commander. She seemed cordial enough, but that just wasn't what Wade was about.

When it came to his work, he was all business and focused. While aboard ship, Wade was almost always all business. This tended to outcast himself from others. They tended to move away from him because his demeanor was as if he was keeping to himself. It wasn't that Wade liked or did not like people. After all, he was a person himself. But he just didn't understand why one had to be so damn personable when it came to providing the Security and well-being of those aboard the ship. Deep down, Wade felt that it was his responsibility to protect every single person aboard the ship - whether that was the Captain or a Crewman Recruit, each life mattered to him. Never again would he let someone come to harm as long as it was possible for him to help in any way...Never again...

Then, there was the Engineering Ensign, Jacey Adams. Wade stopped in mid thought to make sure that the image of her didn't come into his mind. That was the real reason for his temper being lost so quickly and so easily with Adams. He couldn't possibly blame the poor Engineer for his own personal reasons behind why he was who he was. He had actually liked the way she carried herself and the way she was. She seemed to have a personality that was likable, even to Wade. But dammit, he wouldn't let that get to him. He would not...no, he could not let that happen to him again. Wade had learned the hard way that making friends made it that much harder to deal with when you lost them. The closer you got, the harder it was. That was why he just didn't understand everyone that was tending to be so buddy-buddy.

In the end, Wade knew he would have to go to the Engineer Ensign and apologize. WAde winced at the word. Apologize. It was an action that Wade very rarely felt that he had to take. But, realizing that he now had already dirtied his shortly cleaned slate, he knew that the metaphoric apologetic eraser would need to serve him. It was only his first day aboard ship and he already had to start to try to mend things with others. It was the fastest it had ever happened to him. What a great start to what could be his last chance at life.

Tomorrow was a new day and he had to try to make the best out of what he could. All he needed to do was try to get to some sort of nuetral footing or at least make the effort. He wouldn't blame people if they had no more interest in dealing with him. All he needed to do was protect those around him, at all costs - no matter what they thought of him.

Wade quickly went through his nightly regimen and then laid down in his bunk. Staring at the bed above him, he tried his best to try and feel tired. But he knew that it would not come. If he fell asleep, his dreams would be tormented, and his sleep would be lackluster at best. The memories would come flooding back..and in his sleep, he was the one thing that he hated to be more than anything else...Defenseless....
 * 03-02-2012, 17:10Adina Wolfe'''::USS Atlas::
 * Deck Five::'''

“Adina, do you realise what you just did?” Rube hissed into the Cadet’s ear. “You just smacked a superior officer in the chops! A bloody Lieutenant no less! Do you realise how much trouble this’ll land you in?”

Adina, as expected, didn’t answer, she just carried on working away on the EPS relay control, tools switching from toolbox to hand and back as quickly as would expect from an engineer, through the casual passer-by’s eyes there was nothing amiss, but Rube knew better, and it was starting to worry the Hologram more and more...

Katie had just stepped out of the mess hall when she had received a call from the Chief. Apparently a Cadet had just smacked a ranking officer and he'd demanded that she be brought in. Katie's first port of call was where the incident had happened, even though the chance would be very slim that the Cadet would still be there.

As she approached the place in question she saw two officers. One working on a technical station and the other, an Ensign by her single pip, was standing to the side. Katie looked around to see if there were some other people around. The women were both wearing a yellow uniform, just like the person that had hit the lieutenant, but they didn’t look like the fighting kind. “Hello, I’m looking for cadet Wolfe?”

Rube flinched slightly as the question was posed, she was hoping for a little more time to try and get Adina to either leave or come to her senses. With a resigned sigh she took a step towards Katie. “If I said that was me...would you believe me?”

Katie chuckled “No, sorry. The pip on your collar gave you away.” Katie looked at the other women, who was still working on the station. She hadn’t turned around when Katie had addressed the women. She didn’t know what was going on, but by the nervous reaction of her companion Katie got the feeling that the other women was the cadet she was looking for. “Cadet, can you please stand up”

Rube sighed as she willed away her rank pip with a small holographic fizz, “I’ve been trying to get her to react to...well, anything all day Ensign.” The flame haired hologram looked back, “At this point I’d class her as the most efficient form of catatonic you’re likely to ever find...”

Katie looked at the Cadet. “How you mean catatonic? What happened to her?”

“Nothing to her exactly,” Rube explained, “But she got a message telling her an old friend had died...It’s more then messed her up...”

“So except for beating the lieutenant she doesn’t do anything but work.” Katie sighed. Great, they should have called for a shrink, not a security officer. “What exactly happened. Why did she hit him?”

“Well when she didn’t budge when Lieutenant ‘Brickhouse’ barked at her he tried moving her himself, she dropped her friends earring, it turned up in the post same time as the message and, well, Adina snatched for it. Fastest I’ve seen her move all day, anyways, ‘Brickhouse’ didn’t give it up so...”Rube paused, somewhat hesitant to land her friend and maker in trouble...

“She hit him.” Katie finished the women's sentence. “And after she hit him, did she just go back to her work?” Katie decided to confine Adina to her quarters, for the time being, and get her checked out by medical, before dealing with the attacking part of the problem.

Rube nodded, “Yup, as best guess she’s about five minutes from finishing up here then she’ll just pack up and wander off to the next job... Like the last three times.”

It was time to act before she wondered off. “Ok, here we go. Come up Cadet, need to get you to your quarters.” Katie said as she put her hand on Adina's shoulders, attempting to guide the Cadet to stand.

Rube shuffled over to her friends side and whispered gently to her. “Adina, honey, come on. Shift’s over, time to go relax in bed.”

Whichever part of the Cadet’s psyche that was running the auto-pilot seemed to pick up on Rube’s last words and, calm as you like, Adina packed up her tools and started to head towards the turbolift...

Dammit “Where’s she going now” Katie thought out loud while she followed the cadet.

“At a guess,” Rube offered, “I think she’s going where we want her too...”

“Let’s hope so” Katie noted as she followed the pair into the turbolift. “I can’t wait to file this report. How do I always get the weird cases? First a mini Ferengi and now the ghost walking Cadet. Whatever next?”

A JP by Katie Banninga and Adina Wolfe! Deck 2
 * 03-02-2012, 21:25Jacey AdamsUSS Atlas

Once again Jacey found herself in an uncomfortable situation and once again she was standing outside Christopher Vaughn's office., Sighing, she pressed the chimes and waited for the response.

As she waited, in those brief moments she tried to figure out exact what she was there to ask of him. Was she asking permission to hire some hands? Asking if they were allowed? Asking for his cheque book? Each seemed worse than the other.

“Enter.” Chris said. Continuing to look over the repair authorizations being displayed by Petty Officer Decon. The forms where for more intensive requests that needed an approve by a member of the command staff. As Jacey stepped in Chris gestured for her to wait a moment and take a seat. He gave the PADD in hand a final glance before placing his thumb in the ‘authorized’ box. “Next.” The petty officer handed him another PADD taking the approved.

“Deuterium usage levels on Condition Five.” The petty officer explained.

Chris frowned slightly and handed it back without approving it. “I already signed one of these.”

“Oh,” the petty officer quickly sifted through his stack of PADD before agreeing. “Yes sir, sorry sir. That was it then.”

“Thank you.” The XO replied and nodded toward the door. The petty officer quickly departed the office leaving the ensign and Chris alone.

=/\=Bridge to Commander Vaughn. =/\=

He tapped the comm control on his desk. “What?”

=/\= The other ship captains have just arrived on Caloris. =/\=

“Tell them I will be a few minutes late and send a message to the bartender in the Officers Club to put whatever they want on my tab.” He disconnected the line without waiting for a reply and turned to Jacey.

“Busy?” An obvious query but one that might assess if she was invading at a good or a bad time.

“Very.” Chris responded as he checked his watch. “I apologize for my lack of typical banter but I’m short on time so if there is something on your mind spit it out.”

“Okay then,” Jacey nodded, “If there was an option to fix this ship in the short amount of time we’ve been given, would we be allowed to do so? Even if it was outside the box per-say?”

“Depends on how far outside the box we are talking.”

“Bringing in some extra hands type of out of the box.” She shrugged, “Not completely unheard of and it would give us the ability to fix up what we need.I’d be talking to my chief but he’s been a little all over the place with the repairs.”

Chris nodded, “No, not completely unheard of. So why way are you in my office for such a seemingly mundane request? Clocks ticking.”

A shrug followed the words, “Just double checking.Never can be too cautious.” Jacey paused, “But if you say we can do whatever it takes then - I’d best get on that.” She backed towards the door, “Thank you for your time - “

=/\=Hey Adams, we figured out a way to - =/\= Jacey tapped the combadge and cut off Miller’s voice, “Looks like I’m needed.”

“Stop right there.” Chris said standing up. “Clearly there are details you’re not telling me so, I’ll give you a choice. You and Millar can do whatever it is your planning and if it blows up you will be personally responsible. Or is there anything additional you wanted to mention before you committee yourself to this?”

Jacey paused momentarily, “Additional...” she tapped her lip, “ I was wondering if you were free for dinner later on the week. Once we win the war games of course.”

Her smile faded before he could answer, “Miller’s contracted some people to help us repair the ship for a price. The kind of people I’m not sure Starfleet would necessarily want around their starship.”

“Absolutely not.” Chris said tossing his uniform jacket on and stepping into the corridor with Jacey in tow. “Especially after out warp core was almost stolen. Who did Miller screw to get a commission?” the question held a sarcastic bite. “And how exactly did he plan on paying for a mercenary work force of high skilled engineers? You ensigns don’t make that much.”

=/\=Lt. Lebowski to Commander Vaughn.=/\=

Jesus, what else.”Yes.” he tapped the combadge, not slowing down as he navigated the corridor with Jacey hot on his heels.

=/\=You got a sec?=/\=

“No. Whatever you have to say make it short and sharp.” he barked back.

=/\=Aye sir, Cadet Wolfe got into some kind of altercation with Lt.Shephard. Evidently it came to blows. Wolfe stuck Shephard.=/\=

Cadet...Wolfe? Chris glanced over to Jacey rolling his eyes. “Ok, have Wolfe detained and put in the brig. Notify Lt. Shepard he is confined to work, quarters and the mess hall until this gets sorted out. Forward a memo to the captain. This will have to wait until either I’m done with my meeting or if the captain wants to tackle it.”

=/\=Roger that sir. I’ll have Wolfe transferred to the brig.=/\= the comm chirped and closed.

“See the circus command really is?” he said giving Jacey a sidelong glance.

“Hey!” Jacey dug her heels in, “Sir...where are we going?”

“The transporter room, I have a meeting. This is called a walk’n talk.” Chris quipped.

“If you’re busy we can always continue this later,” Jacey eyed the other direction contemplating running from the mess she’d just thrown herself into. Miller was not going to be pleased with the way she handled this - not that she cared. What the hell was she doing trusting him anyways.

“Seriously,” Chris continued, crew jumped out of his path as he glided through the halls - how they get out of my way he smiled. “I want to know how you and Miller planned to pay for your workers.”

“Can you stop saying me and Miller. It just sounds ridiculous. They asked for my help since they figured you’d take me a little better than them.” She followed. Why was she following? Jacey knew the next part was going to be something he took even worse. Maybe she could find a way around it, “And they hadn’t actually planned to pay them...”

“Well, that’s bullshit.” Chris raised an eye brow turning a corner. The doors to the transporter room door slid open.

“Sir, the Station is expecting your arrival.” the chief said snapping to attention.

“Note in the ships log the time and XO’s departure.” Chris nodded to the transport chief, stepping onto the pad he clasped his hands behind his back and turned back to Jacey. “You tell Mr. Miller I already pay people to fix my ship - its called the Engineering Department. If he disagrees he can meet with me about it next time. Energise.” he tossed a wink at Jacey as he dematerialized.

Jacey sighed, =/\=Miller...it’s a dud. The Xo exploded to say the least.=/\=

=/\=Oh...Couldn’t you have ..persuaded him.=/\=

=/\=Persu- oh my god. You seriously are a pig you know that! Call it off.=/\=

=/\=Uh...=/\=

=/\=Uh what?=/\= Jacey suddenly became very nervous at that sound.

=/\=I can’t. They’re already underway. Adams, they can’t be stopped now. I already told them you’d take care of it.=/\=

Jacey sighed, leaving the transporter room and heading back to Engineering, =/\=Stop them or else we’re going to..well you are going to be dead meat with the Xo.=/\=

=/\=I can’t.=/\=

=/\=Or else what? I mean...you said I’d take care of it. It failed. Obviously logic says there is no deal.=/\= She paused, the distinct feeling she was missing out on something became clear =/\=Are you not telling me something.=/\=

=/\=...well...I told them you’d take care of it. However...=/\=

=/\=However...=/\=Jacey growled.

=/\=If you couldn’t then...you’d take care of them...you are awful pretty.=/\=

A Jp with the ever moving Christopher Vaughn!
 * 03-04-2012, 16:27Kate Banninga Katie walked through the door of her room and tossed her jacket on the chair. She had managed to end her shift without running in to the Chief. She had a feeling that he wasn’t really going to be happy that she confined the cadet to her quarters, instead of taking her to the brig, but she still stood by her decision. The last thing Adina needed was being locked up in the brig.

She took a shower and put on some clothes. She didn’t got a change to meet Peter, so she agreed to meet him after their shift. As she was about to leave her quarters the doorchim sounded. She opened the door to see Peter standing on the other side. “Hé, I thought we were suppose to meet in the mess hall?”

“Yes, we were, but I hadn’t expected you to be on time, so I decided to pick you up.” Peter said as he put a string of hair behind her ears. “You should wear your hair loose more often, it looks cute on you.”

Katie smiled as she quickly grabbed her combadge and put it in her pocket. “Wanna take a walk?” she said, and she started walking.

Peter followed her down the corridor. When she didn’t speak for a few minutes he grabbed her shoulders so she would stop walking. “Are you going to tell me what’s going on, or do I have to guess?”

She leaned against the wall and sighed. “David is about to go on a outing on the colony to a region we hardly know anything about.”

“Yes, and” Peter said. “what’s the problem? He knows what he is doing. I went with him on those trips a dozen of times.”

“Those were on earth and you were together. That’s completely different. He has no idea what he’s getting himself in to.” she said.

Peter smiled. “You two are very funny, you know that. You’re both worried about each other.” He paused for a moment. “What do you want to do about it. You know you can’t talk it out of him. You want to join him? Keep him save?”

She had thought about that for a short while, but she couldn’t leave the ship. For the first time in her lift she felt as she belonged somewhere. And she wasn’t about to give that up, even if it mend letting her brother go on a dangerous mission by himself. “I thought about it” she whispered.

“I know you did, but even if you wanted to join him, he would never let you.” Peter replied.

Katie knocked her hand to the wall. “I can’t just let him do that. What if something happens to him, he’s all I have. I can’t loose him.” Peter took her chin and made sure she looked at him. “He’ll be fine. He’s to stubborn to get himself killed. And beside, you still have me.”

Katie rested her head to Peter’s chest and for a moment they just stood there. Peter broke the silence. “I know for sure that he’ll be fine, please trust me on that.” Katie looked up to him. He stepped away. If he would look in those beautiful brown eyes a second longer, he would drown in them. “Lets get you something to eat.” He grabbed her hand and started walking to the turbolift.

Katie was a bit surprised. Normally she was the one to back off. “Uhm. Jah, sure.” She knew Peter for a long time now, ever since David and he got friends and they were flirting for almost just as long, but she always backed off when he got to close. But somehow he was getting to her heart, and it was terrifying. She wasn’t ready to open up herself to anyone.
 * 03-05-2012, 20:20AelanAlthough there was lots of hustle and bustle on board the Atlas to prepare for the war games, Aelan found himself with very little to do. There had been a few minor cuts and scrapes to deal with, but nothing of note. He had managed to have some time in one of the holosuites on the Station to fly around the forests of Delta Theta III and also spent some time painting. Kynnovan kept inviting Aelan to the lounge for drinks, and he finally ran out of excuses not to go. He hated social gatherings, and he knew Ky would have invited every one of his friends- and given the Trill’s exuberant nature, it would no doubt be half the crew. All the thoughts about the different embarrassing situations the Skorr could find himself in left as they entered the lounge to find it blissfully empty.

“Where is everyone?” Aelan asked, slightly confused.

“Everyone’s busy, big A. We have a ship to repair and a war to prepare for!” the trill stated, hopping onto a seat at the bar.

“I wish you wouldn’t call me that,” Aelan replied softly, hating the various nicknames Kynnovan had made up for him.

“Hey, don’t be so high strung. Bartender, two pints of your finest synthehol for myself and my large avian friend here!” Ky said with a flourish of his hand. The bartender shook his head, laughing, and poured the drinks. “Thank you, my good man. Here ya go, Aelan. Enjoy!” Kynnovan passed the glass of amber liquid to Aelan and then took a big sip of his own.

The Skorr took a timid sip, followed by a look of disgust. “How can you drink that?!” he asked, putting the glass back down.

“Aw it’s not that bad, Aelan. So anyway, tell me about your homeworld! It must be awesome!"

“Uhh yeah, it’s pretty cool, I guess..” Aelan said. He didn’t like talking about home. It always made him sad. But Kynnovan was not at all satisfied with that answer.

“But what’s it 'like'. I mean come on, any place that has a species of bipedal avians living on it must be fantastic.” He stared at the Skorr, his eyes wide.

“Okay okay. Well, the entire planet is one huge forest. The trees are huge- like the size of skyscrapers on Earth. We have lots of lakes and rivers as well. It’s always the perfect temperature. Long warm days with a cool breeze at night,” Aelan’s thoughts drifted back to that place. He hadn’t been home since after his first year at the Academy- almost six years ago. The visit had been brief. His first year at the Academy had been difficult. He hadn’t found many friends, and he actually missed the monotony of Starbase 97. Despite this, he knew he couldn’t return after one year. He wouldn’t have been able to stand the looks from everyone there- inevitably feeling sorry for the poor Skorr, like he was a child lost in the wilderness that would never amount to anything. But perhaps he could go home?

He had arrived at the spaceport early in the morning and expected to be greeted by his father, or perhaps some of his friends. Yet no one was there. It seemed like so much had changed in the two years he had been gone. He spent most of his time at his grandfather’s house- his mother’s father- the man who had practically raised him after his mother’s disappearance. The couple encounters he had with his father were sufficiently unpleasant that Aelan knew he couldn’t stay on the home world. His grandfather assured Aelan that his father was just busy- he had his agricultural collective to be concerned about. “He loves you, Aelan,” his grandfather would say, “he just doesn’t know how to express it.” However, he left after the school break and returned to the Academy- and with a new determination. He thought that maybe if he could do this, his father would finally show he cared.

“Yeah, okay, nice weather, what else?” Kynnovan’s prompting brought Aelan back the present, back to his life on board the Atlas.

“Eh, it’s not that interesting. Tell me about your brothers again,” Aelan said, confident that the question would earn him at least twenty minutes of Ky talking. Sure enough, it did. And by the end of it, Kynnovan had completely forgotten that they had even been talking about Aelan’s past. Exactly how the Skorr wanted it. Brig'''
 * 03-06-2012, 10:29Tom O'Flagherty'''Deck 8

No matter what class of ship, the brig always looked the same. This thought ran through Tom’s head as the doors to the Atlas’s brig opened to his approach. Two sentries stood inside and snapped to attention at his arrival. “At ease,” was his short reply while moving towards the forcefield. Inside, a rather small young woman was crouched on the utilitarian bunk, not looking at anyone. Tom turned to the sentry closest to him, “Have Lieutenant Shepard report here immediately. Captain’s orders.”

“Aye, sir.” The guard immediately turned away and commed the officer who had filed the report.

While Tom waited he turned back to the cell to see what information he could get. The report from Lebowski, who said he would come to the interview if Tom wanted, had been rather sparse. It seemed to Tom that there was little Lebowski could do he couldn’t handle himself. Stepping up the former Security officer lowered the field and entered the cell, but got no response from its single occupant. “Cadet...Cadet Wolfe, I need you to respond,” Tom said softly.

“Sorry Captain,” Rube offered as she fizzled into being behind Tom, “I seriously doubt even you’ll get anything out of her.”

Tom almost jumped out of his skin. "Who the hell are you?? And what are you doing on my ship?"

“My name is Rube, I’m a hologram Adina was working on in her spare time. Though-” The hologram paused as she glanced at Adina, “-I guess at the moment you could probably count me as her carer instead.”

Tom turned back to face the cadet as he spoke to Rube, "Listen, that Lieutenant is on his way down here. We need to get her talking.".

Tom slowly knelt down in front of the catatonic looking young woman and gently addressed her again. "Cadet? Cadet Wolfe, I need you to talk to me. I'm Commander O'Flagherty, and I need you to respond to me or there will be nothing I can do."

“The only thing she’s responded to all day was when Shepard picked up Rial’s earring...” Rube noted out loud.

“Rial’s earring?” Tom looked back over his shoulder at the hologram, confusion etched on his face. “I need you to explain this to me.”

“The reason Adina’s like this is because of a message she got yesterday, friend of hers, Rial Lucin, was diagnosed with Darnay’s disease, we got the death certificate alongside it in the last mailbag, Rial had sent Adina her earring, to keep safe.” Rube sighed slightly as she looked at the still unmoving Cadet. “Rial and Adina have been as close as friends as you can get for years, they signed up to the Academy together, same classes, teachers, almost the same grades for goodness sake, you couldn’t get more inseparable outside twins...”

Tom was silent. Loss had been a part of his life, but for the first time he realized that everyone dealt with it differently. The pain deeply etched in the Cadet’s eyes was fresh, and Tom was sure that with everything that had been going on, there hadn’t been time for her to adequately deal with Rial’s death. “Does Adina wish to honor her friend, or follow the Prophets?”

“Well, Rial was always trying to get Adina to share her beliefs, reckon she made some good headway too, but Adina spent most of her free time...well, tinkering with me.” The hologram shrugged, somewhat embarrassed, “Still know what she saw in the old Mk II EMH I used to be...”

“How long has she been working on your program?” Tom asked.

“On and off? Well she picked me up when the Kentucky came in for re-fits...Just before she finished her first year at the Academy, I guess about three years.”

“Then, I guess you know her better than anyone else on the ship. That being the case, I remember you saying Rial made some headway. I’d say she converted.” Tom gently took Adina’s hands in his and looked her in the eye. “I need you to let me have the earring for a second.”

The cadet looked up without saying anything as Tom took the earring from her hand. Slowly and carefully, he raised it up to her right ear and attached it gently to her lobe. “I’m sure there is a blessing that is supposed to go with this, but I’m not a priest.”

“The Lieutenant will be here in a second. You ready to back me up on how this young Cadet is a human convert to the Bajoran religion?” Tom directed this question to the Holoprogram who called herself Rube.

“Ready and willing.” Rube smiled, “Though whether it’ll stop him from knocking her flat I dunno.” With a shrug she added, “Not many folks his size like to admit to being knocked down by a girl who probably weighs less then one of his arms...”

Tom smiled. “I just need a witness. I’ll take care of the Lieutenant.”

Right about that time, Lt. Shepard entered the brig in a huff. “Sir, I respectfully request that this cadet be given a Captain’s Mast under Article 90 of the Starfleet UCMJ. Also, I would like to file a complaint against Commander Vaughn for confining me to quarters. I did nothing wrong.”

“Stand down, Lieutenant.” Tom gave him a moment to cool off before continuing. “I believe an apology is in order. If you would like to give it now, I would prefer that over making a written notice.”

“Excuse me, sir?” Shepard’s jaw almost fell off in shock. “The Cadet struck me..”

“For taking something that doesn’t belong to you.” Tom raised his hand before the Lieutenant could protest. “Cadet Wolfe is a convert to the religion of Bajor. The earring you took from her is part of her cultic practice, and was approved for her uniform by me. As such, your actions violate Articles 122, 128, and 134 of the UCMJ. Would you still like that Captain’s Mast? I’m afraid we may have to push for a full court martial...”

“That’s absurd. I told her to move on, and she failed to comply.” Shepard was fuming. His blood pressure must have been high.

“Well, that was in your report. However, I do have a witness.” Tom turned back and motioned towards Rube, who was now sporting a single pip on her right shoulder. “Ensign Rubinowitz was present during the entire incident.”

“Hello handsome.” Rube smiled, flicking a strand of flame red hair clear of her eyes. “Remember me.”

“Ensign, would you say Cadet Wolfe was treated in a way that bordered on assault, and therefore had to defend herself from the Lieutenant by striking him?”

“The way he hoiked her up from the console? Certainly.”

Shepard tried to say something, but Tom cut him off quickly. “As you can see, this is a complicated issue where you are telling one story, and a member of my crew is telling another. You did manhandle her earring, that is in both reports, but as it is approved for her uniform by her CO, you didn’t have a right to do that. How about we just all walk away from this and forget it ever happened?”

“If you think that is best, sir.” It was obvious Shepard wanted to fight back, but he was smart enough to realize that the issue was growing faster than he could control it. “I will return to duty, with your permission, sir.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant. You’re dismissed.” Shepard snapped to his attention, turned on his heel and then departed the brig. Tom watched the door close behind him before turning back to Rube. “Good work, Rube.”

“Cheers Captain.” The hologram chuckled, willing the pip away with a small fizzle. “Reckon he’ll try and come for Adina again later?”

“That’s a good question,” Tom said as he took a breath. “I don’t know the man, but if he does, I’m sure Mr. Vaughn could help me come up with a way to legally vent him out an airlock.” Tom gave her a reassuring wink as he stepped back into the cell.

Rube couldn’t help but chuckle, “I like your style Captain.” The hologram followed Tom into the cell, coming to a kneel beside Adina. “Looks like you got the grand prize assignment after all sweety.” She whispered soothingly.

Concern etched Tom’s face as he looked down at the Cadet and Rube. “She needs to go to sickbay. I’ll have someone come and help you take her there, and then a psych consult will visit her. Can you handle that?”

“Sure, I’m sticking with her one way or the other.” Rube smiled.

“Good. I’m going to have to leave. There’s just too much to do, and very little time to do it. Someone will be here shortly.” Tom stood to leave and tapped his commbadge. =/\=O’Flagherty to Sickbay. I need someone to come to the brig and take Cadet Wolfe for an examination. You might want to call in a psych consult.=/\=

On the other end, Lisbet’s voice came back to him. =/\=Someone will be there shortly.=/\=

He smiled down at Rube, and then turned for the door. The Guards each had a small smirk on their faces as he passed. “As you were, fellas.”

Rube smiled as the Captain left, before turning her gaze back on Adina. “See? Someone’ll be down soon to help you out Sweety, we’ll have you back up and running before you know it...”

A JP with Adina Wolfe :: Outside Ensign Jacey Adams' Quarters :: ''':: Deck ??? ::'''
 * 03-07-2012, 09:15Jacey Adams :: USS Atlas ::'''

Wade Colgan was still standing outside of the entrance to Ensign Adams' Quarters. He knew what it was that he had to do, or, at least, what he had been planning on doing. But he just couldn't find it in him to suck it up and walk inside. It was so very frustrating to Wade. He could face down Xul, Klingon, Romulan and many more races of warriors, but he couldn't find it in himself to walk into a room to apologize for his conduct.

But perhaps it was more than just the apology that was eating at Wade. It was her... Dammit, Wade thought to himself, Can't I just get through one day without having to be reminded of... But he stopped himself mid-thought. It was irrelevant. Wade mentally slapped himself back onto track. He prided himself on his almost zen-like focus; but, since her...he just could not seem to be able to focus as much or as long as he would have liked to.

And now, there was this Ensign. This Officer whose resemblance to her was so stark that they could have been twins. He could barely live with his memories. Or perhaps they were more aptly described as his hauntings. Now he would have to serve aboard this ship, his last chance, and forever be haunted with a life-like apparition.

A pair of Officers rounded a bend in the corridor, and Wade stood at attention against the bulkhead. The pair passed him, nodding their assent at his military courtesy. After thay had passed him, Wade scoffed and could feel his temper already rising a bit. [i]No, ' Wade thought, keep it under control you damned fool.''

Wade clenched his fist and once again about faced at the door. This time, there was no more second guessing. Wade chimed his permission to enter and hoped that he would make it through the next few minutes.

“Aren’t you delicious?” Apryl said as the doors opened and she stood waiting to greet the guest, “Are you my early birthday present?”

Wade's eyebrow cocked up on one side. He looked passed the Officer in an attempt to find Enaign Adams, but to no avail. His eyes returned to the Officer who had an expectant and impatient look on her face. "No," Wade said flatly. "I am looking for Ensign Adams. His matter of fact tone he hoped would get the point across that Adams was the only reason he was there.

“Oh..” Apryl turned about, “Jacey....there’s someone here for you.”

“Me? Oh brother if its that damn counselor I told him I wasn’t due until-” Jacey stopped, “wOh it’s you.”

Apryl looked from him to her and then wisely squeaked herself out the door, “I’m off to the mess..”

Jacey waited till she was gone before she spoke again, “Are you going to come in or just stand there?”

Wade was already annoyed by her tone even though she was justified in taking it with him. He looked at her and tried not to have his usual stony, all-business look on his face. It was a challenge that took a lot to overcome for him. "If you will allow me to enter your quarters, Ensign Adams," Wade said.

“I thought I told you to call me Jacey.” She sighed and nodded, “And yes, you can enter.”

As Wade entered the quarters of the officer, he said, "Ensign, I'm sorry, but I can't do that for both professional..." Wade involuntarily paused, but quickly recovered from it. "...and personal reasons." He quickly continued to his next sentence. "I am treading on thin enough ice as it is," Wade said as he stroked the back of his neck briefly, "which is what brings me here right now."

"I wanted to come and apologize personally for my conduct toward you yesterday. It was disrespectful not only towards you as an Officer of Starfleet Command, but also disrespectful to you as a person. In the future, I will try to remember my place as an Enlisted personnel in Starfleet and conduct myself in a manner more becoming of my rank. I hope that you can accept my apology, but I understand if you would rather not. I won't hold it against you."

Wade held out his hand to the Ensign in the hopes that she would take it as a gesture of apology. He was completely unsure of what her reaction would be.

“Cup of coffee?” Jacey asked.

Wade once again cocked his eyebrow and stood with his hand still held out. "I actually don't drink coffee." He was slightly confused by the Officer's reply.

“Water then?” She looked him over, not sure if she could understand someone who didn’t drink coffee. What kind of an alien was he?

"I suppose if you are offering," Wade replied. He could feel himself growing more and more uncomfortable by the second. He never liked becoming familiar with people anymore, and it was out of the ordinary for him to rub shoulders with Officers. But if a cup of water would smooth things over with the Officer, then so be it.

Jacey laughed, “You look as if you’re afraid I’m going to eat you or something.” She sat down on a chair, “Relax. My roommates the only one around here who devours men.” It was obvious she wasn’t getting him anything to drink, nor herself. It had been a polite response to a guest however, given how he stiffened up she back off, “It’s all good.”

"I just came to apologize, Ensign. I hadn't planned on doing anything else." He tried to relax a bit, but he just felt too uncomfortable. His frustration began to give way to his mounting temper.

“Is everything so planned out for you?” She tilted her head, “Once again I’d hate to be you. I know asking for an honest apology for being an ass would be a bit too much so I can accept this one even if you have motive behind it. “She picked up a PADD, “If that’s all you came for then you can go. I don’t want to waste your time.”

Wade could feel his temper already reaching his breaking point. No, you damned fool, Wade thought to himself. "This was my attempt at an honest apology, Ensign," Wade said trying to keep control of his anger. "I am not under orders or have been asked to come here. I thought it was the right thing to do to come and apologize for treating you the way I did. I did not have any alterior motives, I assure you."

“So the fact you said you were treading on thin ice has nothing to do with it?” She shot back, reflecting the words he’d said earlier to her.

"Look, I am trying to do the right thing, despite what you may think of my motives." Wade could feel his anger slipping more and more from his grasp. "I am apologizing for both personal and professional reasons. No one knows that I am here."

Jacey looked him over, “Apology accepted. You can breathe a sigh of relief and know that you’ve done your duty. Anything else?” Her brow raised.

Wade was about ready to lose it. He was baffled that he was able to keep himself under control for this long. "Listen," Wade began, "I don't need you to accept it when you actually dob't even care or actually accept it. I don't need to be patronized. I felt bad for how I treated you and was trying to smooth things over. I prefer to keep things a bit more professional in my interactions with officers. Granted this was more of a personal nature, but I hoped that it would be the limit of overstepping my personal boundaries. This was from one human being to another."

“Wow, I just learned two new things about you. One, you can feel and two - you’re human.” The look she received told her she’d crossed a line. Maybe, just maybe, Jacey was being a little to hard on the guy. After all, given his attitude, coming to her door was a sign he wasn’t completely horrible. She stood up, putting the PADD down on the chair, “Alright. Fine...” she paused a moment and exhaled a long tense breath, “I’m sorry for being this cynical towards your apology.” Her hand extended and she shrugged, “Truce?”

Wade clasped her hand in his, and shook it once and let go. "Thank you," he said before about facing. As he reached the door, he turned to look at the Ensign again. "I'll see you on shift..." he paused briefly before finishing, "Jacey." He quickly walked out before the Ensign could reply.

“Atta boy,” She picked up the PADD and sat back down, “Lookey lookey who can learn...”

A Jp with the handsome moody man Wade Colgan [/B]
 * 03-08-2012, 14:37Gerhardt RahnerMain Engineering

Eugene Robinson breezed through the doors of Engineering without breaking stride. The sentries, who seemed to be doing their job well, gave the captain a sideways look, but the doors opened so they kept their mouths shut. The environment inside told him that maybe they were looking at him because they thought he was crazy. It seemed he had found the loony-bin. People were crawling over the top of each other it seemed, and in the middle of the room, two officers stood toe-to-toe, the larger of the two had salt-and-pepper hair. He seemed to be defending himself to the shorter, fairer-haired individual. That gave Robinson the clue that this was Lt. Commander Rahner, the eccentric Chief Engineer that had run amok during the ship’s initial cruise.

"Now that you mention it, nien I do not feel the need to apologize for rerouting the MSD back-up through auxiliary power," the older man was saying as Robinson approached. "And when you have as many flight-decades as I do, young man, perhaps you will understand the importance of knowing exactly where the problem is when life support is about to fail and you have multiple hull breaches."

"Excuse me," Robinson said when there was a break in the conversation. "What seems to be the problem?"

Gerhardt spotted the pips and jumped to a quick conclusion. "Captain, I hope this ignorant kid will listen to you, at least. He has been cataloging my entire Engineering division and completely misunderstanding perfectly reasonable field adjustments."

"Mr. Rahner, I presume." Robinson situated himself to the side of the argument and looked at the German engineer. "Are any of the adjustments you made part of the original design of this vessel?"

A bolt of recognition crossed Rahner's face. "In so much as 'field adjustments' are recognized by the Corps of Engineers guidebook as a legitimate addition to a ship's design between refits if performed by a qualified CoE representative and/or the ship’s Chief Engineer, both of which I am, these adjustments fall within a technical spec of the design.”

At least, I think that is not bullshit, he added internally.

The captain looked over at the McKinley representative, whose name he never bothered to learn, before looking back at the German. "Be that as it may, this is the ship's refit, of sorts. Therefore, this vessel is to be put to its specifications, understood?"

Gerhardt twitched uncomfortably. He had a sudden mental image of a mouse caught between a cat and a snap trap. How to proceed diplomatically without giving up the advantages he'd installed. "I, uh, trust the CoE has taken my notes into account for this refit. I have been a little busy keeping my ship in repair from all the pirate attacks, space ghouls, and general nastiness we have been facing and may be bit behind on my reading."

Lt. Commander Helmsley, who had been pretty much forgotten since the Captain walked up, decided he still had some spine left and opened his mouth. "Sir, the notes Commander Rahner made in his log are extensive, but most of them are about the removal of technology that was installed as part of the ship's design, and was subsequently removed by the Commander before the ship left Earth. To be frank, I don't understand half the work he did, or how the ship is able to function without some of this equipment."

Gerhardt shot the man a witheringly condescending look. "I do not find that terribly surprising, considering the extra deck McKinley Station somehow forgot to mention before we left dry dock. To be frank, as you say, I am surprised you understood the basic concept of my notes. What was originally meant to be a boost to our systems proved vital to our survival when an unknown deck was draining life support resources."

"Hey! That's not fair!" Helmsley shot back. "My crew was a part of this build, and that's why we are here. This ship was rushed from the very beginning."

"You mean you were faced with unfair odds and had to make do with what you had?" Gerhardt asked scathingly. "My that sounds familiar. But if you will take a glance at my running catalogue and the workshop's store, you will notice that when faced with impossible odds, my engineers do not forget how to count."

Helmsley was beginning to fume, and Robinson could see it. Inserting himself before the younger engineer could retort, the captain got down to business. "Lieutenant Commander Rahner, are you saying that you can't work with the McKinley crew?"

There are moments in a man’s life when the desire to maintain and the desire to run headlong into the gaping maw of an obvious trap just to be a badass come dangerously close to each other. “I suppose it would be ungracious of me to insist on final say on any changes that the McKinley crew makes?” Somewhere in the back of his mind, he could here the far-off snap of a trap closing on empty air. “As long as my crew is provided a thorough list of all changes, so they can be prepared to work with them, I imagine we can work together nicely. Do you concur, Lieutenant Commander Helmsley?”

"I believe we can work with those parameters," Helmsley responded through tight lips, while never taking his eyes off of Rahner.

"Then, I would suggest you two get to work. There is not much time before the ship is set to leave for the war games." Robinson then looked down at the PADD in his hand before continuing. "You might want to start with the hull breach. The patch will not be enough."

“Adams has not...” Gerhardt trailed off, his eyes wandering towards aft before snapping back around to Captain Robinson. “Of course, sir, the patch is just a temporary fix. We will be prepared for the war games.”

"I should hope so. There is a lot riding on this simulation."

With Cap'n Tom as our dear friends Gene and Helmsley
 * 03-09-2012, 14:26Jacey Adams“Peters..” Jacey held back the urge to throw a PADD at his head, “Do you have any idea how much trouble I am in thanks to you and your little friend Miller.”

“Hey hey, now don’t loop me in with him. I just offered to help approach you. It was his idea,” Peters backed off slightly, seeing the discontent nestled on Jacey’s face, “You can’t really blame him for trying to -”

“To what? To get me demoted or kicked off this ship?”

“I don’t see that.....”

“Have you seen what they have done to our ship? That patch is - “

Peters paused her with a wave of his hand, “It’s not done yet. They have the hole covered, they’ve got some really cool tech to harden the patch and to also make it even stronger than half this ship...”

“And you believe that? Damn it man I thought you were an engineer.” Jacey moved through engineering, Peters followed.

It was an insane situation, one that made her angrier by the second. Angry and scared. She feared what the XO would do when he found out that plans went ahead without her. Scared what her Chief would say as she was technically in charge of the department.

“So where are they?” She stopped and turned, “If that’s only half their job - where are they?”

“Well...I think Miller gave them a tour of - “

“They’re on this ship?!” She squeaked out....

“Who is on this ship?” demanded Gerhardt. He had just stepped out of the door of the workshop and almost walked over the two engineers, interrupting their conversation. “Jacey, just the person I need to talk to. I just had an interesting conversation involving some patch work on my ship. Care to explain?”

Jacey turned white. Like a kid caught with their hand in the proverbial candy jar. Well - more slammed..

“Hey I think..” Peters said backing off, “I forgot to check a sensor on the missing - yeah going.”

“Hold it,” Jacey barely got out before he was gone, “Traitor....” Her eyes turned back to her Chief, “Well really I …” She paused, “I mean it’s a funny story...” That stopped as well, “On a scale of one to really in trouble - how am I doing?”

Gerhardt looked from her worried face to the space Peters had so recently vacated and back. “If I had to guess, we may need to have a long talk, but that can wait for after we sort out whatever happened. How about you start from the beginning, but walk while you talk and follow me.” They set out towards the main corridor as Jacey began her tale of woe.

“Walk and talk …”Jacey nodded, “I’m beginning to see more and more of these.” She waited till they were out of Main Engineering to begin her story, “Okay...well really I guess I could sum it up in one small sentence to embrace the entire situations.” she paused, “Miller and...hired...hands...”

“Uh-huh, I had a feeling he was involved,” Gerhardt said as they reached their first stop. The door swept open under his authorization to reveal the Deck 11 small arms arsenal. He reached out for a Mk. 23 phaser pistol, which he strapped to his hip, and a Scorpion Carbine, which he shouldered, before handing another Carbine to Jacey. “I trust you are up to date on your small arms training?”

“Uh...” Her eyes were wide as saucers “Why ..”

“Because I just handed you a firearm, and we are currently docked at Caloris Station, and there is a Captain on board who looks down on any action that is not by-the-book,” he answered with barely a pause. Motioning for her to follow, he headed for the closest turbolift. “And this will certainly not be by-the-book, but if you are up to date on your small arms training, then at least if I have to write a report about this, I will have something to hang my hat on. So, where might I find Miller’s ‘hired hands,’ hmm?”

“For the record then let’s just say I am, “ Jacey looked from the firearm in her hand back to her Chief. A small smile touched her lip, “I can find out...”

Tapping her commbadge she opened a channel to Miller, “Where are you?” She asked, “Do you have any idea how much trouble you are going to be in? What if the Captain or the XO find out that you have allowed a group of....”

“Oh relax Adams.The XO is probably off with a group of ladies on the Station and the Captain has no idea what’s really going on around here.” Miller’s voice was slightly masked as a loud group of men singing broke through from the background.

“And my Chief? I’m sure he’d notice - “

“That hulk...seriously. I doubt it.” Jacey’s brow rose at the label he used. Not entirely insulting as it was partially true. The background noise picked up again.

Closing the channel she spoke, “Holodeck...I’m pretty sure.”

The turbolift door opened in front of them to reveal an ops crewman Gerhardt hadn’t seen before. “You are getting off now,” he commanded, sending the poor crewman running down the deck, clearing the way for Gerhardt and Jacey. “Deck five, holodecks, engineering emergency, authorization Rahner alpha-alpha-four-niner.”

The turbolift shot away slightly faster than its inertia dampeners could react, throwing the two engineers into the wall. They pulled themselves together just in time for the lift to come to a halt. When the doors opened, they rushed out into the holodeck corridor. Holodecks 1-3 were empty, but 4 was active and full of people.

“Phasers set to stun,” Gerhardt ordered, “mean faces set to full. Ready?”

Jacey nodded, “So..” She paused, “Does this mean I’m less trouble or do we still need to have that long chat?”

“If I get shot, we will have a talk after I recover,” Gerhardt answered. “If not, we will see. Computer, kill the power to holodeck 4 and open this door, Chief Engineer’s emergency override.”

The doors whooshed open and the two Engineers moved swiftly into the non-responsive holodeck. There was already chaos and conversation as the confused users stared at the bright grid lines instead of their happy fantasy that was enthralling them moments early.

To be honest, Jacey felt pretty amazing as she entered. Gun raised, eyes angry and the room stopped moving. There was silence,even more when the Chief took aim and brought down one of the closest smugglers. As he fell to the ground stunned, the others seemed to realize this wasn’t a part of their tour. Their hands went up.

“Adams what the hell..” Miller barked but stopped short as he came into view of the Chief, “Ah...hello sir.”

“Miller, report to the brig immediately,” Gerhardt said calmly. “The rest of you, get the hell off my ship. NOW!”

Jacey jumped at the tone in his voice. She couldn’t help it, he was her boss and his bark made her want to haul it out of there. There was a pause before anyone actually moved, they seemed to be weighing their options.

Sighing Jacey fired her weapon off in a random direction above their heads. It singed the holowall, “I’m not as good a shot as he is....I suggest you move. I might miss if I try to do another warning one..”

They moved. Although Miller stood still.

“Sir...they were useful. We won’t be able to fix the ship on our own.” He said quietly.

Gerhardt drew the pistol from his hip, set it to the lowest possible setting, and shot Miller in the leg. Miller crumpled to the deck, screaming that his leg was gone. “Oh, shut up,” Gerhardt said, “It is just a little numb. We are Starfleet engineers, damn it. Not only will we fix the ship on our own, we will do it on time and we will do a damn sight better job than the patch work these bastards tried. Adams, maybe you should help Miller to the brig. When you are done with that, get a couple of teams together and go fix that breach.”

“Adams..” Miller pushed her off when she offered a hand to help him up, “You mean that bitch is getting off free. I’m taking this to the Captain.”

Gerhardt’s face contorted in confusion. “Really? You want to go to the Captain? You? The one who brought those... whoever on board?” He aimed the pistol at the man’s head, but paused as he considered his actions. “Jacey, do you think you could carry this man if he were unconscious?”

“Only if I got to knock his head on a few door frames without being in trouble,” She looked him over, “I’m pretty sure I could. He’s a lightweight.”

“That is good,” he said, and promptly stunned the shocked man. “Hmm... I might be in trouble for that one. Shooting a civilian... well, he is not a civilian yet.”

A Jp with our rather badass Chief of Engineering Gerhardt Rahner!
 * 03-15-2012, 00:05Christopher Vaughn''':::Officer’s Club:::
 * Caloris Station:::'''

Chris breezed into the O-Club and made his way to the private room he had reserved for his meeting with the ship captains from the war game. As he entered all three set their drinks down and stood. While they may have been captains of their own ships, Caloris Station was effectively neutral ground. Here they had to defer to normal rank, and Chris had them by a pip.

“Please.” He said graciously with a wave of his hand. “You all get drinks?” he had instructed the bartender to keep them loaded and on his tab.

Two of the Lt. Commanders nodded the Vulcan and the Arkenite male. The human female, Lt. Cmdr Clayton Bishop simply sipped her drink and eyed Chris cautiously.

“If I may Commander – what is the purpose of this social?” Commander Sonek inquired.

“Honestly?” Chris asked, preparing to lie. “I wanted to see if you all were interested in a wager over the outcome of the war games.”

“Statistically the odds are not in your favor Commander.” Sonek replied.

Trendana snorted, “With all due respect, sir. I doubt I can afford the kind of stakes you have in mind.”

“Ditto.” The human female captain replied.

Chris nodded somnley for a moment. “Statistics be damned. I’m feeling lucky. What if we make the stakes something we all have. Non monetary.”

“Such as?” Clayton Bishop adjusted in her seat.

“Your Captain’s Chairs.” Chris smiled and sipped his scotch.

“You must be joking.” Sonek looked, almost, surprised.

“No.” Chris drank deeply again. “If you win – which you and Captain Robinson seem convinced it’s a forgone conclusion, then you three will get Tom’s Captain’s Chair right off the bridge of the Atlas herself. But if I win…I collect each of your ships captains chairs. They will look lovely in my officers mess.”

“That’s madness.” Sonek said dryly.

“Atlas has a nice ‘center seat.’”

“I’m in.” Trenkana said finally.

“Me too.” Came from Bishop.

“Very well.” Sonek gave in finally. “If only because I look forward to seeing Tom’s face when my engineer’s come to claim it.”

“See….progress.” Chris said with a grin.

“The free drinks are probably the most productive thing to come out of this.” The Arkenite – Lt. Cmdr Trendana – said with a chuckle.

Sonek, the Vulcan, gave a stiff clearing of his throat. Clearly not approving of the negative attitude being displayed before a higher ranking officer.

Chris smiled and waved his hand again. “Please, speak freely. We are already gambling buddies now. I mean, didn’t they drag you all the way from the Alpha Quadrant for this?” he asked.

“If you can believe it.” Trendana replied taking another pull from the crystal glass.

“I can actually.” Chris smiled. “I’ve had the pleasure of meeting our dear Captain ‘Gene.’” He gestured for the bartender to send a round of shots. Time to kick this thing up a notch.

His comment elicited a snort from Bishop. “Academy grads seem to think they run Starfleet no matter what rank they are.” Sonek shot her a look. She threw back the shot, “What? We are speaking freely aren’t we?”

“Absolutely.” Chris replied motioning for another round. “Besides, anyone else get the impression this whole thing seems a little personal for our boy Gene?”

“He has a stick up his ass.” Trendana barked, taking custody of the newly refilled shot glass. “But tomorrow we can get these games started and get this bullshit assignment behind us. No disrespect, sir.” He added, his face flush with drink.

Sonek’s eyebrow rose slightly, “I will admit there is a degree of personal history between Commander O’Flagherty and Captain Robinson, however I would certainly hope a commissioned Starfleet officer of his rank would not make a personal squabble affect their duty.”

Trendana laugh out loud with a snort. Bishop rolled her eyes, “No, I’m sure that kind of thing would never happen in Starfleet.”

Chris ordered another round of shots. He was starting to feel it, these three had to be past the red line.

Seeing the barkeep pouring Sonek stood and eyed Chris suspiciously. “I consider Tom a friend. I will perform my duty during these war games but I will not allow my ship to be part of a vendetta….if such a vendetta were to exist. I shall retire for the night – I would advise you all to do the same.”

Chris flashed Bishop and Trendana a smile as the Vulcan left, “Well another round or two can’t hurt…can it?”

“Not if you’re buying.” Trendana blurted.

Chris slapped him on the back and ordered three more shots for the Arkenite and one more each for Bishop and himself.

Clayton eyed her shot then glanced over at Trendana who was wolfing his line up down while struggling to remain upright in his seat. “I’ve heard about you Commander Vaughn.” She threw her shot back reluctantly. “Everyone says you like the Devil.”

Chris offered her smile, “Well, there is always some truth in advertising isn’t there.”

'''
 * TDY Quarters – Caloris Station, three hours later:::'''

Clayton giggled softly causing her whole body to tremble across Chris’s bare chest. “Do you have any idea how pissed Captain Robinson would be if he found out about this?” She adjusted the covers of the bed and wrapped her arm around him. “Do you even know what happened to Commander Trendana?”

Chris giggled this time. “He was passed out in the O-Club. So I gave the bartender 200 credits to make sure he was carried back to his quarters….down in Marine Country.”

“What?!” Clayton bolted up.

“Well……” Chris smiled. One captain down. “I couldn’t remember what ship he was assigned to. I figure the marines will take good care of him.”

“Robinson will lose his shit.”

“I certainly hope so.” Chris let out a self satisfied sigh.

“Jesus. You are the goddamn Devil.” She said half laughing, half dumbfounded.

“Well, if we really want to make sure Robinson loses it, just imagine what he will do if he loses the wargames.” Chris gave a slight pout.

“So that’s what the sex was all about. And the drinks.”

“I didn’t notice any complaints. Services rendered…”

“If Robinson wasn’t such a strutting peacock jackass I’d report you!” Clayton shook her head.

“We officers that didn’t get an Academy education have to play bay a different set of rules to get ahead don’t we.” Chris stretched slightly and folded his arms behind his head. “Tell me what you know about battleplan and…”

“I already got the only thing you have that I want, not much to try and bribe with at this point.” She cocked her head to the side with a tight smile.

“You give me a copy of the battle plans and in return I will owe you a favor…and before you just dismiss that consider this: you will be getting to stick it to Robinson and I’m worth nearly ten billion latinum. Just imagine what kind strings I can pull with a call.”

There was a long moment of silence while Clayton studied him. Robinson had drilled her ship hard during the trip to the Megiddo sector, and the pompous prick had never even held a command. “Screw it. You’ve got yourself a deal Commander Vaughn, grab a PADD and start typing.”

''' Chris Vaughn - in Action. '''
 * 03-19-2012, 14:27Selina VimesSelina’s bounce was slightly less enthusiastic than her norm, she was excited to have a new assignment, learn a new ship, meet new people...but she missed her old people. She had no idea where or when Admiral Pev and Camenze were and she found out that Iolan had been killed in the last mission. She didn’t even have any details, just that he was killed in action. It amazed her that no one bothered to write down or tell her any more than that, it seemed almost to have negated his existence. Well, not for her. She stopped where she was and jumped up and down a couple of times to shake off the sad, and instead of missing that he wasn’t there, she concentrated on his wide smile and willingness to cause trouble with her...and the chair of awesomeness.

Whether it was the jumping or the laughter that rang out following it, Selina wasn’t sure but she waved at the crew members who stopped to stare. “HI! My name is Selina and I will be a new pilot!” Chuckling as they nodded vaguely at her and shuffled away, she wrinkled her nose and looked around.

“Chief Flight Officer P’Rim...where arreee youuuuuuu?”

“Chief Flight Officer P’Rim is on Deck 2 in the Personnel and Ship Administrations office.”

“”Thanks computer!” Selina sang out...after she had finished jumping a mile in the air. “You sure are attentive.” Smiling, she found herself humming happily as she looked for the office taking the immediate reply as a good sign.

“AHA!” Raising her arms over her head, Selina ran a little victory lap then high fived the chime. The door slid open and she was faced with more doors. “I am in the Starfleet version of a Matryoshka...or a farce!” Slightly disappointed when doors did not begin to open and close to aid a chase scene, Selina hunted until she found the correct one. Barely waiting for it to open, slid in, arms wide. “Taa DAAAAA!”

“Yes?” The dry tone should have at least softened her smile...but it didn’t. Neither did the upraised eyebrow or the look of vague distaste.

“HI!” She tried to snap off a salute, it was just fun to do...though it rather ended up looking like she was waving at the ceiling. “Lt. Jg. Selina Vimes reporting for DUTY!”

“Oh..joy.” Was the only response.

“I am your new pilot...assistant helm I think, I like to fly shuttles though,” She took a quick breath, she figured it was only fair to warn him. “I lost half my brain in a shuttle accident and I have an experimental part positronic brain, sometime it is GREAT, if I have to make really fast calculations and sometimes it is...well I guess it is always great because I don’t so much notice it most of the time, but if you knock on the left side of my head it makes a funny sound...” she leaned over to offer but he sat stock still, possibly in shock. “no? That’s okay too, so I see you have five shuttles, have you named them all? I like to name shuttles...”

As she chattered away she barely noticed as the Vulcan’s eyes began to glaze over until he raised his hand with a PADD in it. “Here. Your room assignment, I suggest you get settled in, then I can deal with...assign you to shifts.”

Taking the PADD happily, Selina bounced toward the door. “Thanks! I am sure we will spend lots of time together!” She caroled out as she left.

Breathing in the sudden silence P’Rim thought to himself, not if I have anything to do with it. Ready Room'''
 * 03-19-2012, 20:45Tom O'Flagherty'''0800 The Next Day

"The plan seems...illogical," Lt. P'Rim, the Vulcan chief of Flight Operations sat across the desk from Tom looking at plans for the future simulated battle. "The superior maneuverability of the Sabre-class should be negated by the superior firepower of the Atlas. Your maneuvers you've created, while inventive, will be unnecessary."

“Well...” Tom started as he considered his words. “We are supposed to be fighting the Xul, and I’ve found that it’s best to attempt to meet any contingency when dealing with them.”

He cycled through the maneuvers on his padd. Since the war had ended, Tom had been tinkering with these ideas. This was the first opportunity that he had to implement them, but he figured that this would be the best time to see if they worked. “While Starfleet is going to use Sabre-class ships for the exercise, they are supposed to mimic the maneuvers of a Xul Destroyer, as well as the firepower. The Xul have extremely resilient shields. It won’t be like fighting the Sabres.”

P’Rim’s left eyebrow hiked skyward, in that most typical Vulcan reaction. “That would most assuredly change the way the simulation should be approached. It would seem that these new maneuvers would be ideal. I'll make sure to get the rest of the department up to speed on the new maneuvers as well as their responsibilities.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant.” Tom stood from his desk and straightened his jacket as the chime to the ready room door sounded. "Enter!"

When the door opened, Cap. Robinson was standing on the other side padd in hand. "I need to have a word, now.". Without a reply, he stormed past Tom, all the while ignoring the fact that P'Rim was in the room. "You have lost complete control of this ship, Mr. O'Flagherty. What do you have to say for yourself?"

Tom was taken aback by the comment. Giving Robinson an even stare, he formed his response, "The discipline and actions of the personnel aboard this ship is none of your concern. I appreciate you coming to see me, but I am briefing my Chief Flight Controller on the upcoming exercise."

For the first time, Robinson seemed go notice P'Rim. "You're dismissed, Lieutenant."

The Vulcan looked at his CO, and Tom sighed before nodding his approval. As he door closed behind the departing flight controller, Robinson took the initiative. "What the hell kind of ship are you running, Commander? I thought you were supposed to be ready for this job?"

"Sir, why don't you get to the point of what brought you to my Ready Room?"

Robinson's head shot up, his face flushing with anger as the glared at the younger officer. "Since I've come aboard, I've experienced the questionable actions of your crew. Your first officer shouldn't even be allowed to wear the uniform, he's a walking violation of everything Starfleet stands for. Your chief engineer completed the armed removal of questionable people from one of your holodecks, one of his cadets is nearly catatonic, and meanwhile you're sitting in your ready room having sit down meetings with each of your department heads. How are you ever going to get this ship ready to deploy?"

Tom sat behind his desk, a sense of murderous rage threatening to break out if he were not careful. "Captain, my senior staff is very capable of taking care of situations within their own departments, and so I give them the latitude to make decisions themselves. I conduct private briefings because ai wanted to get in-depth with my discussions, and as for my XO..." Now Tom store to face this accuser. "He is MY choice, MY responsibility, and he has MY confidence to handle affairs as he sees fit. I you don't like that, you can go get your own ship, but seeing as how you've never actually served on one, you should leave these decisions to me. I'm sure my father would agree if he were here."

"That's enough, Commander!" Robinson was practically spitting when he shouted. It took him a second to regain his composure. "I was chosen for this mission because I am Starfleet's expert on Xul tactics. My history with your father has no bearing here. You should consider that when you are addressing me."

"Please forgive me...sir." Tom stood from his desk and walked right up to Robinson. "I'd forgotten that you are such an objective officer. I remember how much the relationship with my father didn't effect the way you treated me at the Academy. You, of course, would have no ill-feelings after coming in second to my father in every flight competition. You're not the kind to hold grudges."

Robinson was stunned. He stared, wide-eyed, at Tom before efinally turning and heading for the door. As he stepped into the corridor, he turned back and looked at Tom. "Just remember, Commander. My findings will decide whether or not you are seen fit to keep this command after the exercise. You should consider that carefully."

Tom turned back to his desk, anger seething just under the surface of his expression. Dealing with Robinson was seeming too bring out the worse in him. Maybe, I shouldn't have taken all that advice from Chris. To change his thought process, he slapped the commbadge on his chest.

=/\=O'Flagherty to Bridge.=/\=

=/\=Bridge. Mari here, sir.=/\=

=/\=Lieutenant, are we ready to depart.=/\=

=/\=Yes, sir. The last repairs have been completed.=/\=

=/\=Good. Get us underway. You have the coordinates. Standard cruising speed.=/\=

=/\=Standard cruise, aye, sir.=/\= USS Atlas
 * 03-28-2012, 11:54Jacey Adams'''

“Bravo...” Jacey mumbled quietly to her small team as they surveyed the newly patched over patch on the hull of their ship. Their suits kept them anchored to the hull, which now glimmered against the station lights and deck lights.

“How did we manage that?” Rebecca asked as she lightly rubbed a smudge on one of the replacement windows.

“Mmmm fear,” Jacey said as she motioned for them to head back in, “Lots of it. “ She knew everyone was terrified of getting on the XO's bad side. Mostly due to the threat of an airlock. Plus there was also the newly added fear of the Chief's wrath as well as a gun in the face.

Once safely back in the ship they removed their suits and Jacey rattled off a new list of jobs to be completed within the next few hours. Where there would have been murmurs or complaints, there was simply head nods and agreement. They left quielty and Jacey couldn’t help but scratch her head.

“Fear,” Rebecca added in, “Lots of it.”

Jacey laughed, “Of me?"

“I’m pretty sure the sight of you dragging his unconscious tail down to the brig will last for awhile.” The young girl laughed, “Did you really let a turbolift close on his head?”

“Don’t be silly! It wouldn’t shut if there was something in the way, you know that.” Jacey shrugged, “Although I may have tried.”

The two girls laughed their way back down to Engineering. However before they could enter, a face that Jacey didn’t enjoy seeing stood waiting by the main door.

“Oh ...great,” She mumbled quietly as her feet slowed.

“Relax,” Rebecca said, pulling on the elbow of Jacey’s uniform, “He’s here for me.”

“You?” Her brow perched, "You're still seeing him?"

“Not like that,” Rebecca flushed, “I’m late for my appointment.”

“Yes you are,” He cut in, “I don’t really enjoy waiting but thanks to your friend, Miss Adams here, I’ve grown rather used to it.”

“Lay off her, I had her working. If you want to chastise someone, you can do so to me during our next torture session.” Jacey looked to Rebecca, “Go make sure you’re not signed in for anything important and clear it with the duty Chief to extend your time off for your counselling.”

A small nod came from her and she disappeared.

“Well - dont you look responsible.” Michael said with a smirk, “I’m surprised. I thought you normally excelled at sarcasm and all other attempted forms of a cynical nature.”

“Well you know me, always keeping people on their toes.” Jacey’s arms crossed, “Is she okay?”

“Who?” Michael asked with a tilt of his head, “There’s a lot of she’s.”

“Smart ass.” “Well I remember those words coming out of your mouth not long ago.”

“I was being witty.” “And I’m not?”

“No you’re being annoying.” Jacey grinned, “Find your own original lines and answer my question.”

“She’s fine.”

“Fine?” She observed him with a curious eye.

“Fine.” Michael grinned, “Doing well, emotionally stable - mentally fit. Summed up completely - fine. Now you on the other hand ….”

“No shrinking till our session.” Jacey moved her pointer finger in a chastising way, “You know that.”

“Fine.”

“Fine!”

“Is everything okay out here?” Rebecca asked as she came through the doors, her gaze passing between Michael and Jacey. “Fine,” The two said in unison.

“Okay - that’s....creepy.” She looked to him, “I’m free to go, however Jacey you’re wanted in there.”

“Yay...” She lifted her eyes heavenward and mouthed, “Why me.” before patting Rebecca’s shoulder, ignoring her counselor’s annoyingly smug face, and heading into Engineering.

A post including our Counselor as well as my right hand girl Rebecca '''
 * 04-02-2012, 09:54Gronthor na'YotGronthor moved through the corridors of Caloris Station, his pace steady and deliberate. He had changed into a blue Starfleet uniform, his armor now residing in a duffel bag that he carried at his side. The Daugoff Rho couldn’t help but feel exposed and vulnerable in the thin fabric that stretched across his massive frame. It was something he would have to become accustomed to and he made a mental note to replicate his next uniform slightly larger.

As he came to an airlock Gronthor glanced down at a PADD that contained his orders, confirming the airlock number was correct before ducking through the doorway as the door opened with a mechanical whirr. He strode through the umbilical between the station and the ship and ducked through the doorway and onto the Atlas.

He stopped just on the other side of the threshold and looked around expectantly. It was an extraordinary moment, one of great importance. It felt as if there should have been a fanfare or a burst of song to note its passing but there was nothing but the ever present hum of a Starship’s engine.

Katie received orders to accompany a new special member of the Atlas. It didn’t said what kind of special. When she turned around the corner she stopped moving. “What the...” she said in shock, but lifted her hand to her mouth to away the end of that sentence. In front of the airlock she had to pick up the new crewmember was standing a big, more a huge creature. Katie had now idea what kind of species he was but she did know that her padd didn’t have an error. Apparently she didn’t know all species that could serve on a starship. She took the last couple steps towards him.

“Hi... You must be Gronthor, I’m Banninga from Security. I’ll show you to your quarters.”

Gronthor looked down to the woman standing before him and bowed his head slightly to her. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Banninga.” His voice rumbled as he spoke and he extended a hand towards her to shake. It was a strange gesture to him but he was certain that was proper human etiquette.

Katie accepted his offered hand and chuckled a bit. Last time she met a new crewman he wasn’t fond of shaking hand, and he was human. “Sorry, for asking this, but what kind of species are you?” She retrieved the padd from her pocket. “I’ve never heard of..” She looked at the padd and tried to pronounce it correctly. “The Daugoff Rho.”

Gronthor paused, his red eyes blinking for a moment as pondered how to answer her question. When she had rounded the corner and been afraid he only assumed it was because she knew of his race’s involvement in the Xul war. He breathed deep. “The Daugoff Rho are an arboreal species. We are not among those counted in your Federation though there is hope of an alliance. And perhaps a joining in the far future but that is to be seen.”

“Aha, so you're one of the people that got to the Academy on the new dual citizen rule. To join the Academy without being a federation member.” Katie asked curiously. A classmate from her was able to join the Academy by that rule.

The Daugoff Rho shook his head. “I believe your Admiral Frost called it an ‘Officer Exchange.’ I am here as an act of goodwill between our people. To work towards an alliance.”

Katie stopped walking. “A act of goodwill?? Am I missing something?“

Gronthor regarded her curiously for a moment before he spoke, his voice calm. “You are familiar with what I have heard referred to as the Xul War? My people were enslaved by the Xul. We were used as weapons in their conquests for generations. At the end of the conflicts a Starfleet Admiral named Pev offered himself as an exchange for the Daugoff Rho’s aid in fighting against the Xul. I am here to complete that exchange.”

Katie stared at him speechless for a while. “Oh” she looked at the padd, as if there was on what she could say. “That’s big,” Now I know what they meant with special she thought. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know that.” she started as she looked up to him. “By the time I arrived in the Gamma Quadrant the war was already over. I’ve read about it of course, but apparently not everything.”

“Aren’t you scared? Being here alone, in a place where people don’t really like you?”

Gronthor nodded slowly. “Yes.” He paused for a moment, as if that was sufficient answer enough but decided to offer more. “You are lucky, to have not been involved in the conflict. It was horrific. For both our people.” He spoke frankly, his voice not betraying the disgust he felt at the memories of that war. “It is my hope that people will look beyond the past and begin to see me and my people as friends...but I am afraid that it won’t be easy and that I will fail.”

“The advantage is that I don’t have a prejudice to your people.” She knew how it felt to be away from family, even with David being close by lately. “I think it’s very brave to throw yourself in the deep, without knowing how it will end. All that to try to accomplish a alliance between our people. Petje af!”

Gronthor let a small smile cross his face. “Thank you. It is nice to meet someone that does not fear the Daugoff Rho.” He pointedly did not mention her being startled when she rounded the corner. From what he had learned of humans that would have been rude.

“Your welcome. Why did you choose science as your field, you know you would be great in the security department.” Just showing up was enough to get unwanted ‘guest’ of the ship.

“There is a notion now becoming popular amongst my people that harm done to another being is also done to the one who inflicts it. I have taken a vow to do harm to no creature. I am afraid the duties of a security officer would likely put me at odds with that vow.” He shrugged slightly as they walked. “As for the science department, I did not choose it. The Daugoff Rho’s military structure is somewhat less...segregated than your own. There are warriors, doctors and the crew. I was neither a warrior nor a doctor and so was expected to fill many roles. The Starfleet officers that interviewed me to determine my skills thought that Sciences would be the best fit.”

When they arrived to Gronthor’s quarters Katie opened the door for him. “I hope the room fits you” she said, before she realized that that could be understood in two different ways. “If you need anything, just ask, ok!”

Gronthor peered into the room for a moment before returning his gaze to the security officer. “I am sure it will suffice. Thank you again for welcoming me. I look forward to getting to know you and the rest of the crew.”

“And again you’re welcome” Katie said before turning around. “Oh, and if anyone gives you a hard time, just let me know”

The Daugoff Rho grinned, showing gleaming teeth, before bowing to her. “A very generous offer.” He straightened, the grin already sliding from his features. “Good day, Ensign Banninga.” With that he ducked through the doorway of his quarters, letting the door slide shut behind him. He breathed the air of the room deeply and let his eyes wander around the room.

“Home.” The Daugoff Rho said the word as if tasting how it felt. After a moment he nodded to himself and set the duffel with his armor down on the bed almost reverently.

“It will do.”

A JP With Katie Banninga, fastest PM in the West! Sickbay'''
 * 04-03-2012, 15:25Adina Wolfe'''USS Atlas

''Ok, breach is almost patched, pirates or whatever are gone, and we are going into mock battle soon. Now I have to get my engineering staff back on their feet and ready to roll, and I have put this off for too long.''

Gerhardt took a deep breath and stepped in front of Sickbay’s door sensor, then through the open door. He looked around, side-stepping a couple of nurses moving a patient, and came to a stop beside the unmoving body of Cadet Adina Wolfe. Her eyes were open, but she didn’t seem to respond to anything. “Still not awake kiddo?” he whispered. “I could really use some inspiration right about now.”

Rube watched over Adina from the corner of the examination bay the young Cadet was situated in, her uniform collar its original medical blue, allowing the hologram a semi-inconspicuousness, surrounded by medical personnel as they were. “She’s getting there, slowly but surely.” The hologram noted. “Few times now I’ve seen a tiny smile or scowl when I annoy or tease her...”

Gerhardt looked up, finally noticing the medic standing by the bed. “Oh, you must be her doctor,” he assumed. “What is wrong with her?”

“Severe shock based reaction.” Rube offered simply. “Her mind wasn’t willing to acknowledge the death of her friend so she’s effectively shut down, running on auto-pilot until she’s ready to deal with it...”

“Hmph, I know something about the mind handling things in its own way,” Gerhardt muttered, thinking about a certain Officer Rand who didn’t really exist. He looked up at Rube, taking his first real look at her. His face contorted in confusion when he did. Something about her form didn’t quite make sense. “I am sorry to change the subject so randomly, but what species are you?”

Rube offered a knowing smile as she flicked a loose strand of red hair clear of her eyeline. “Why’d you ask?”

“I... I do not know,” Gerhardt stuttered. “It is just a familiar sense of instinct I have that you are not human, or even...” His thoughts trailed off slowly as he considered something. Before either of them knew what he was doing, he’d leaned over the biobed and sniffed hard from the air around Rube. Looks of shock matched across the table, hers with a tint of offense and his with a sense of wonder. “Mein Gott! You are not even biological! And I would be willing to bet you are not mechanical or positronic, which means you are either a hologram or an interdimensional something-or-other.”

“As neat as that would be to be a ‘something-or-other’ “Rube offered, “I’m just a hologram. I’ve been Adina’s pet project for a few years.”

“Interesting. What is your programming specification?”

“Officially I’m an EMH Mark II, unofficially...the name’s Rube.” The hologram smiled, offering a hand. “Nice to meet you Commander...?”

“Gerhardt Rahner,” he shook the proffered hand excitedly. “I wonder if you could help me with a little engineering problem, Rube? I need an Engineering Hologram Unit, and I am sure that if Adina here has been working with you, you have picked up some engineering, and whatever you lack in engineering experience can be made up with sheer personality.”

Rube chuckled at the compliment. “You’ll pardon me for asking but...don’t you already have a EHU installed?”

"The unit has been re-installed, yes, but the software was not ready at the time of launch," Gerhardt corrected. "There is now a Mk. I software waiting to be uploaded, but I have little faith in the bureaucrats who designed my ship to leave drydock with mandatory yet unfinished components to produce a satisfactory engineer out of lines of code. Cadet Wolfe, however, has my trust as an engineer and an officer, and if your program is the product of her passion and work, I have no doubt that you can fulfill the Starfleet's requirements for this ship's EHU."

“Well, when you put it like that...” Rube chuckled. “I’ll take the job. Though before I start-” She added with a smile. “-I’ll need a copy of the EEH code, someone to take off the restrictions in my code that control my interaction levels with the ship’s computer, oh...and someone to make Adina here the shining beacon of mental health...”

"The first two are easy enough," Gerhardt conceded. "The last... well, the sooner we can get her healthy again, the better everyone will be. Not that most people would call any of the engineers on this ship as a shining beacon of mental health."

“I’ll give you that one.” Rube agreed with a small chuckle. “You can count me amongst your staff Commander, but I’ll be staying here until our dear Cadet is back on her feet. And besides,” she added with a smile, “I’ve got an EEH to dismantle and reconstruct within myself, should make the time just fly by..."

A hologram and a Chief walk into a Sickbay... Brought to you by Gerhardt and Adina!
 * 04-04-2012, 07:29AelanWith the Atlas on her way again, Aelan found himself back in sickbay once more. Although it was just a simulation, he had been told to expect some patients. He hadn't been informed as to whether it would be part of the simulation or actual injuries. He desperately hoped it would be the former.

There was a murmur of activity in the room. Chief Petty Officer Adali Fuqua, the head nurse, was leading the shift. She was in the office with a few of the medical staff, giving a briefing about what to expect from the war games. Cadet Wolfe was in sickbay for observation, and was being tended to by an unfamiliar cadet. However, Aelan and Erim were, as usual, left to themselves.

"How are you feeling about all this?" Erim asked softly, knowing the Skorr would understand his meaning.

"Nervous. I hate not knowing what to expect," Aelan replied, trying to keep his attention on the blood sample in front of him from one of the new crew. Erim nodded in agreement, and went back to his PADD. The pair remained silent for a moment, listening to Adali's voice drift in from the next room and the cadet's from the biobed with Wolfe.

"I'll be triaging all new patients, as well as conducting ongoing assessment..." Aelan heard from the office, his thoughts drifting from the sample to the worst possible scenarios.

"You've been through this before, right?" Aelan asked Erim, suddenly panicking. The Lieutenant nodded. "Will there be any casualties?" the young cadet asked. By the look in his eyes, Erim could tell he was seeking reassurance.

"We'll have to wait and see. It depends on how it's been set up," he replied with his usual vagueness.

Aelan sighed, realising he would get no more information on the subject. He tried to focus back on his work, and desperately hoped it would be the most exciting part of his day.
 * 04-05-2012, 02:35Kate Banninga :: Security Office:: 

Katie grabbed her coffee from the replicator, walked to the desk Takong was sitting at and took a seat. She drank her coffee while waiting for him to finish the padd he was reading.

“What do you want Banninga” Takong grumbled.

Katie chuckled and put her coffee on the table. “I need your help.”

Takong burst into laughs. “Please, last time you needed my help you were lost on a holodeck.”

“Hey, those trees looked a lot like each other.” she took another sip of her coffee. “Will you help me or not.” She looked around to see if there was anyone listening before she continued. “You need to teach me hand to hand combat.”

The Klingon eyed her suspiciously from under his bushy eyebrows for what seemed like an eternity. His penetrating gaze was measuring her and weighing her strengths and weakness, and Katie could tell it was a tough test. "What do you wish to know? I suppose you wish to learn the mok'bara. Every Starfleet security member seems to wish for that instruction."

“If that can keep me alive during combat, than yes.” The only fighting she had ever done was during her childhood when she had a disagreement with her brother, and he always won. “I need to be able to defend myself during combat. If you think Mok’bara is the right kind defence program, than I would love to start with that.”

"It is not a question of what I think is best," Takong bellowed. "The Mok'bara is what I know." He fell silent as he considered the woman again. "The hole deck is capable of teaching you any number of martial arts. Why do you come to me?"

Katie chuckled. She had thought of this herself. “Simple, your Klingon. Your race is famous for its warrior culture. If I should ask someone, you’re the best option.” She didn’t mean it as a compliment, just explaining how she saw it. “Besides, I don’t like holograms, they’re annoying”

Takong let loose a howl of laughter. "No hologram can fight as a true warrior." The large Klingon settled himself before continuing. "The Mok'bara is not easy. It will require a lot from you, as it would any human. I have heard of classes being taught on starships before, but there are typically few students."

“Could you give me some private lessons first? I don’t want everyone to know I can’t fight hand to hand” she whispered.

Takong gave her sneer, which is the closest thing the Klingon ever came to a smile. "When will you be ready?"

Katie smiled “My shift ended 15 minutes a go”

 :: A little later in the gym:: 

Katie and Takong stood on the green exercise mat in front of each other. Katie copied Takong’s movements. She moved her hands from her side in front of her pushing the air down while inhaling deep. After a couple more moves Katie started to get bored. “I don’t see what this has new age stuff has to do with hand to hand combat?”

Without answering her questions he grabbed her arm and tossed her over his shoulder, right on the mat. “Aaaah... What the.. Why did you that?”

"If you had been paying attention, woman, you would have been able to defend that!!" Takong bellowed. "I just taught you the necessary technique to defend yourself!!"

The burly Klingon took a few seconds to glare at the woman on the mat before finally offering her a hand to help her up. "The Mok'bara is more than just fighting. It gives the warrior the very way to move. You must master all it's many facets...including the "new age stuff."

Katie looked at him with a look that was somewhere between angry and embarrassment. “Well, thanks for the wise lesson” she said as she tried to get the feeling back in her shoulder. “Is there not a faster way to learn this?”

"If you want to learn it faster, you should stop talking," Takong growled. His frustration was clearly visible on his features, but he restrained himself from harming the woman. "The body is like a Batleth. It must be sharpened and molded. For some it takes longer than others depending on how hard and rigid the material is."

“Great, than I think we’ll be here for a while” Katie mumbled out loud. She started to regret her choose of asking Takong for help. A hologram you could mute.

With Tom as Takong Bridge'''
 * 04-07-2012, 12:51Tom O'Flagherty'''USS Atlas

Tom stood off to the side with Lt. Eduardo Solari looking over some projections of the different anomalies the ship might experience on their trip. "I don't see why we can't handle a little ion storm, Lieutenant. I've weathered them in ships half this size, with half this amount of power. We don't have the time to be making trips around the phenomena."

"Sir," Solari started before resizing he has about to shout. He took a breath to collect himself before continuing. "I understand to the Atlas should be able to defend itself from the storms, in theory. Unfortunately, there are many systems on the ship that are untested. This could be more than they can handle."

"They have to be tested at some point, Lieutenant. Besides our mission has a set course that comes from over my head. I couldn't change the flight plan if I wanted too. Now..." As he was adout to continue, Johanna Mari interrupted from Operations.

"Sir, Admiral Maddigan is hailing the ship on an open channel."

"Bring it up, Lieutenant." Tom gave Solari an apologetic shrug as he moved to the center of the room. "I wonder what the admiral has for us..."

Andy looked on as Tom's imaged filled his view screen.

"Captain forgive the interruption but there is a matter that I need to discuss with you but first of all how is the Atlas and how are preparation going for the simulation?"

“It’s been a bit of a challenge, but the crew is getting itself squared away.” Tom took a couple of steps to position himself in the center of the viewscreen. Its large image seeming to tower over him. “What seems to be the issue, Admiral?”

Admiral Maddigan took a moment and then began.

"Tom as you may be aware a Xul Ship recently arrived here. The ship was crewed by the Dauguff Rho and one them has been staying on the station. He wants a greater understanding of Starfleet and the Federation. He feels that since Admiral Pev has chosen to live amongst his people that he should amongst us. Admiral Frost felt it would be best if he were assigned to a ship. The Atlas is due to receive new personnel and I want him to spend his assignment on your ship Captain."

Tom’s eyes went wide, and it was in that moment that he noticed all the other activity on the Bridge had ceased. His conversation with the admiral was now the center of attention. “Lieutenant, have this transferred to my Ready Room.” And before anyone could object he walked off the Bridge.

As soon as the link was reestablished, and Maddigan’s face was on his screen, he lost control of his emotions. “Sir, this is unacceptable. Why was I not conferred on any of this?”

“Because Captain it is a direct order from Admiral Frost to me and from me to you. I understand the position this assignment puts you in but nevertheless Cadet Gronthor Na’Yot is going to become a member of your crew. You will make this work Tom because this is an assignment that Admiral Frost is hoping will lead to better relations with the Dauguff Rho. Given what has happened and what may arise in the future we need to have allies and they could prove to be invaluable.”

Andy could see the frustration and anger in Captain O’Flagherty but there was nothing he could do. There was a new Cadet coming aboard whether O’Flagherty or anyone else liked it or not.

“Admiral...what makes anyone think we can trust the Daugoff Rho?” Tom slumped back in his chair as he made his point. “I’ve read the reports about Admiral Pev staying with them, but I just don’t see how they could become allies so quickly. It wasn’t even two years ago one of them was trying to rip my throat out.”

“We won’t know whether they can be trusted or not unless we try. Admiral Pev has made great strides in his efforts to build bridges with them. Pev believes the Daugoff Rho want to break free from the Xul completely. Admiral Frost trusts his judgement and so do I. As for what happened to you Tom, I know what happened and I understand that that this is difficult for you but you were not the only victim of that war. For all you know you could have killed a relative of Cadet na’Yot and he might find it difficult to serve under you but the point is we need to make peace at some stage and we need to start now.”

“So, you make my ship the guinea pig? We are supposed to go on deep space assignment after this last simulation, and you’ve just put someone on my crew who represents a security risk. We will be near Xul space and he can call down a strike on a Quantum Slipstream ship. This doesn’t seem like the right place for this, Admiral.” Tom was leaning on his desk, pleading with the computer terminal. Deep down he knew this was wrong, but it seemed like he was the only one making any sense.

As much as Andy could empathise with Tom O’Flagherty his patience was beginning to wear a little thin.

“We can go round and round in circles all day but the order stands Captain. Cadet Na’Yot will be part of your crew. You will accept him, you will aid him to get accustomed to life aboard a Starfleet vessel and he will be treated with the same respect as any other crew member. If there is the slightest deviation from my orders then I will not be happy and trust me an unhappy Admiral always makes for bad news. Am I making myself clear Captain.”

“Crystal...Admiral,” Tom said through gritted teeth. “We are in the midst of weighing anchor. I will hold station until he arrives.”

A JP with my boss...Admiral Maddigan
 * 04-07-2012, 20:32Gronthor na'YotReady Room

Tom clutched the padd in his hands with white-knuckled strength. He was not, in any way, pleased with the turn of events. Being told who was going to be on his crew without any consideration given to the needs of his crew was horrendous. It meant he was going to never to sit by and watch his crew deal with something he didn't agree with.

The door chimed and the doors opened with a swish. Gronthor ducked through the entryway and the doors slid shut behind him as he moved to the center of the room. He took in the man sitting opposite the desk in front of him with his red eyes before speaking, his voice a low rumble and his words clipped and precise.

“Greetings, Captain. Cadet Gronthor na’Yot reporting for duty, sir.” He paused briefly, his head inclining to the man. “And may I say that it is a great honor.”

Tom stared at the Cadet without rising from his seat. He remained silent a long time while the hulking figure in a Starfleet uniform waited in him. "What's your speciality, Cadet?"

“Physical Sciences, sir.” Gronthor said after a moment’s hesitation. Something in the Captain’s bearing told him that he should not explain the Daugoff Rho’s less specialized military structure. Besides, he was Starfleet now. He had to think in Starfleet terms. “Though I have had experience in other areas, including engineering.”

"I'll be honest with you Cadet," Tom said as he store and straightened his tunic. "I'm not thrilled with this assignment. I was given no choice, and no matter what the intelligence reports say, I do not agree that our peoples are ready for this. I remember many Daugoff Rho who enjoyed their work, and got a taste of their craft myself."

“May I speak freely, Captain?” Gronthor waited for Tom’s nod before he continued, his voice calm. “My people were conquered by the Xul, enslaved and made forced to join in the ranks of their Ali Mare and in exchange the Xul were convinced to not utterly destroy our homeworld and our species. Our spiritual leaders who spoke out against this were exiled and imprisoned by their own people. ‘For their own protection’. As generations passed without that spiritual guidance they forgot what it was to be Daugoff Rho. They were a body that had been separated from its soul.”

“It is in large part due to your Federation that we have regained that soul. It is a debt that we will honor.” Gronthor paused, regarding the Captain quietly. “If you wish to have me transferred to another vessel I will not object, but there is much work to be done in healing the damage between our two people and it must begin somewhere. Why not let it begin here?”

“Because your people have shown so little to communicate that you remember what it is to be Daughoff Rho. One officer has been left in your space, and you tell me your people now remember what it is to be the people you claim you were?” Tom leaned his hip onto the desk as he faced the tall arboreal. “This is a rash move.”

Gronthor shook his head slowly. “Pev joining the Daugoff Rho is not what has opened our eyes. He and his crew freed our shamans and the Svet Moz, our spiritual leader, from captivity. He convinced us that together with your Federation we could defeat the Xul and with your help we have liberated our people from their rule. The Svet Moz has taken control of the Daugoff Rho military and is even now deliberating with the brightest minds of our people to form a new system of government. We are changed, Captain, and it is part of my duty to show the Federation, to show you, this change.”

“That’s enough, cadet.” Tom snapped back to his feet. “I guess we will have to see. I don’t get a choice, and so you will serve on this ship against my better judgment, but I will be watching you. Is that understood?”

“Of course, sir.”

“Then report to Lieutenant Solari in Sciences.” Tom moved back around to sit behind his desk. “He will be your Department Chief. From there, he will assign you to a division. Dismissed.”

Gronthor nodded his understanding before leaving the room, ducking his head through the doorway on the way out. Once on the other side of the threshold with the door shut behind him the Daugoff Rho let out a sigh. There was a great deal of work ahead of him.

A JP With The Captain
 * 04-09-2012, 13:09Jacey Adams Selina had her nose buried in a PADD, but the rest of her was almost dancing. The information she had gotten from P’Rim was about as exciting as anything could be. “If only I can talk him into letting me take the helm.” She knew she was low helm on the totem pole but she knew she could handle think faster than anyone else on the crew. And it wasn’t an idle boast, her brain was amped up artificially and her reaction time was at least 10 times faster. But no one really believed it until they saw it....

“Excuse me...” Jacey said with a slight cough to announce her presence, “Do you have a moment?”

Mid-bop, Selina halted and flashed a smile. “Of course!” She shifted the PADD to one hand and stuck out the other. “Selina Vimes, helm. Brand new! Nice to meet you!”

Jacey was taken by surprise. The overly friendly greeting wasn’t what she was used to receiving when stopping people mid thought, “Jacey Adams, engineering.” She shook the hand, “Sorry to bother.”

“No bother, not at all.” Selina’s grin shifted. “Not sure I can help much, I don’t know much about the ship yet, but anything I can do I will.” She flexed her bicep. “I am a monster with manual labor if you are lookin for a grunt.”

Jacey once again was surprised by her response, “Well, I ...thank you for your offer but I don’t think I’ll be in need of your grunt work as of yet. I was actually about to ask if you’ve seen a man, about this tall, “She motioned with her hands, “dark hair, green eyes - looks a little fearful...may have been running.”

A laugh bubbled up and spilled out. “There was a guy that went past me,” she jerked her chin over her shoulder, “that way, but I wasn’t really looking at him. What did he do?” Her smile grew even wider. “Or what did you do to him?”

“It’s a mutual thing,” She mumbled, “He got me into a tricky situation and as a result my ass may possibly be on the line regarding how I got myself out of it. That being said, he needs to go own up to a few things. It seems he doesn’t want to be found.”

“Well, then let’s find him!” She grabbed, crap, what was her name....JACEY’s arm and jogged after the person who may or may not be who she was looking for. “Want me to tackle him?”

“No No,” Jacey pulled back, “That’s okay - I’ll catch him later. I don’t need any more attention brought to me. I was just asking...” She wasn’t sure what to make of this overeager helm officer. In fact she was beginning to regret asking her, “Dare I ask - are you always this ...way?”

“Cheerful?” Selina asked, not surprised by the unspoken judgement, it was nothing new, and it didn’t bother her. “Yup, I decided long ago...well, not so long ago, that the only way to meet life is with a smile.” She punctuated it with an even bigger one, and knocked on the side of her head. “I died in a shuttle accident, the only reason I am here is because of a doctor on DS9 who took a shot, after that...it is all gravy for me. We get to decide how we react to things, and since I know this is extra time I would rather have fun.” She waved the PADD at Jacey. “How bout you? Always chasin someone?”

“Well technically I’m following. He’s the one who’s running. And currently - I’m standing. “ She grinned lightly, “Fun on this ship is always welcome just - beware you don’t cross the Xo.” I’m pretty sure my name is on his not-so-happy list.”

“The XO?” Selina hadn’t met him or the Captain yet, so she was curious....though I doubt either of them will be blue or have four arms, mores the pity. “Well, I would hate to leave you if you need back up,” She flexed her puny muscles again. “unless you would rather be alone when you meet him.”

“I’d rather just avoid him if possible,” Jacey checked the coridoor, “Free time did you say? Want to go get a coffee? I’m due my refill.”

“Done!” Selina smiled and gestured for Jacey to lead the way.

A JP with the way too happy Selina!