[USS Charon] SD241003.31 | JL Between LtCmdr Calhoun and Lt Katryis (NPC by D’Vana) | CEO and AEO | Part 2 of 2

<<Takes place directly after the Wedding Ceremony/Party - WARNING CONTAINS MILD SEXUAL REFERENCES - READ AT OWN DISCRETION)>>

The next morning...

 

Quentin groaned as he woke with the worst headache known to mankind and a shooting pain down his left leg. Groaning again he realised he couldn't remember much from the wedding... he couldn't remember getting home and as he reached for his pills and some water he noticed two sets of uniforms on the floor.

 

His stomach lurched and wincing he turned to the other side of his bed where he saw Robin sleeping soundly. She looked beautiful. He sighed in relief thankful it had been her and not someone else. He shook his head and finished taking his pills before turning to her and kissing her lightly.

 

Robin purred softly as he kissed her lightly. She blinked as she started to wake up snuggling into the pillow. It didn't smell like her. She turned her head and blinked when she saw the CEO then blinked again ok how did she get here? She smiled at him though "Good morning." She said despite not remembering what happened. "Um do you remember anything?" She asked though knew she felt really, really good

 

Quentin groaned his head pounding, was certainly a sign he was getting old. "I remember us dancing..." he said softly closing his eyes and trying to remember more. We walked back here... and I guess ended up here" he said smiling down at her. "What about you?" he asked feeling the desire to kiss her again.

 

Robin had to think for a moment closing her eyes in a headache of her own, "I remember dancing blood wine, kissing, growling, and scooting onto the bed." She giggled smiling back at him. She could see in his eyes he wanted to kiss her. She scooted a tad closer arched off the bed with her hands under her and touched her lips to his slightly waiting to see if he'd respond...

 

Pulling her close he kissed her passionately. He could feel her flesh against his under the sheets. She was warm, soft, loving. "I hope you don't think I took advantage" he said slowly breaking away from the kiss.

"I don't, anything I did I did quite willing." She grinned at him and kissed him again enjoying the taste of him.

 

"mmm" he said kissing her again not wanting the moment to end or to get up out of the bed. His head was killing him, yet he was happy with the situation. "I guess we have to get to our shift soon" he groaned.

 

Robin was slightly disappointed, "do we have to, and we could be a little late." She growled and kissed him again starting to pet him hoping he'd take her up on the offer. It might be her last chance once that headache was gone he'd be back to his old self all business...

 

He toyed with the idea and checked the chronometer next to the bed "I think we can spare a little time" he said looking back to her and grinning moving closer and kissing her again. "I don't know what you've done to me Robin... but I feel alive again" he whispered in-between kisses.

 

Robin grinned and kissed him again letting him taste her desire. "I'm glad; you smile more when you feel alive again. I want to make you happy as often as I can Quentin." Robin said softly and pressed closer kissing and nibbling along his neck...

 

"My condition doesn't always allow for feeling alive, but when I'm with you I can't help it. We've been dancing around each other for so long... I've wanted this for so long" he admitted as he leaned in and kissed her again.

 

So did Robin, so did Robin. "Condition?" She asked though it was muffled against his lips as she kissed him again her hands moving down his strong back nails digging in slightly as she found she didn't want to talk anymore, but to feel, she wanted to feel his strength...

 

"Not many people outside of command and medical know this... the reason I take those pills all the time. When we moved the planet through time, due to my frozen wasteland location to secure the array tower it meant I wasn't inoculated for the temporal shift like everyone else. I was poisoned essentially and although some of the inoculation prevented instant death it means that I will suffer pain for the remainder of my years... I have around ten to fifteen left before I am completely useless, in twenty I'll be dead" he said solemnly wanting her to know everything. "I'll understand if you want to get out now" he whispered.

 

She looked into his eyes, what he said she wouldn't wish on her most hated enemy, Robin touched his cheek gently, "I've wanted you too long to want to get out of it now. I have no intention of leaving you to just suffer, if you only had two years I'd still want nothing more than to be with you for as long as I can and if I can make however many years you have worth them." She said softly, however with more meaning than she's ever felt before. If she could she'd stay with him as long as the gods permitted...

 

Quentin smiled at her and kissed her again "you know Robin, you have to be the sweetest, most caring Klingon I've ever encountered" he said.

 

"Really? Because my older brother Gu'lin would disagree with you." She grinned and kissed him again wrapping her arms around his shoulders and pulled him close.

 

Ending up on top of her he looked down into her eyes and smiled "I don't think he sees this side of you though" he chuckled and looked over at the chronometer. "Ugh, we better get a move on otherwise we'll miss the meeting" he groaned kissing her again not wanting it to end.

 

"Meeting? Mmm it can't start without you can it?" She grinned wickedly. "Live each moment love they are so short." She said near breathlessly and kissed him arching her body like a feline to rub against him so enticingly slow that it would send the average man to panting and grinned again wickedly...

 

He groaned as all he wanted to do was spend the day in bed with Robin "Come on... we can continue this discussion in the shower and on the way to the meeting... and in my office after" he said with a wink as he got up from the bed letting the sheets drop to the floor as he made his way to the door of the bathroom. "Coming?" he said winking.

 

She growled but smiled and was off the bed and following him before he made it to the bathroom. "A shared shower sounds wonderful." She grinned...

 

He kissed her as they stumbled into the shower and he hit the switch turning the hot water on. The whole time embracing Robin.

 

Robin grinned and reached for the soap and started to lather it up between her hands. She licked his lips before reaching for him with her hands starting to wash that wonderfully not overly muscular body, oh there were rippling muscles, but just the right amount he wasn't bulging but you could tell he had strength in him. A warrior's body and one Robin admired openly...

 

Sometime later…

 

Quentin had been holding Robin's hand and stopping every few moments to kiss her for the entire walk from his room to the main blast doors that led into main engineering where he was certain the senior staff were waiting. He cleared his throat just outside and took a few more painkillers before kissing Robin for the final time. "Wish we were still in bed" he said smiling.

 

"well the meeting wont be that long and we'll be playing in the covers again before you know it." She grinned she couldn't stop smiling. She wondered if she was glowing like her girlfriends use to talk about when they met that one guy they couldn't stop thinking about. Yeah girlfriends, she was raised on earth after all.

 

He leaned against the bulkhead and sighed his head still pounding. "Yeah but are really going to get through this meeting knowing what can happen at the end of it..." he said suggestively kissing her.

 

She looked at him and narrowed her eyes playfully. "You Commander Quentin Calhoun are the CEO, just because you know something is waiting for you at the end of the meeting doesn't mean you won't be as professional as always and get through that meeting as you've done before." She grinned encouragingly and kissed him again...

 

Pulling her close he didn't want to let her go, let the moment end. "Perhaps, but im more worried about how well you'll be able to contain yourself" he said with a cheeky grin and wink.

 

She giggled sweetly, "I think I can handle the temptation, the wait only makes it that much more enjoyable." She growled and nipped his jaw line hoping no one would notice the bite mark on his cheek still...

 

Lieutenant Commander Quentin Calhoun
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Charon

and

Lieutenant Robin Katryis (NPC by D'Vana)
Assistant Engineering Officer
USS Charon

 

[USS Charon] SD241003.31 | JL Between LtCmdr Calhoun and Lt Katryis (NPC by D’Vana) | CEO and AEO | Part 1 of 2

<<Takes place directly after the Wedding Ceremony/Party - WARNING CONTAINS MILD SEXUAL REFERENCES - READ AT OWN DISCRETION)>>

Quentin, rather drunkenly stumbled down the corridor with Robin in tow. The two had been laughing, drinking and dancing all night and if he thought really hard about it he didn't even remember the newlyweds leaving or the fact he had arranged a meeting for the next morning. But right now it didn't matter. For the first time in a long time he was relaxing. "Did you... have a good night?" he slurred.

 

Robin giggled colliding with him and putting her hands against his chest as she looked into his eyes and smiled. "Mmm Oh yes, though probably more then the newlyweds until they ducked out on us." She giggled and tried to straighten herself but stumbled again... "Did you?" She growled softly...

 

Quentin caught her as he too stumbled backwards into the bulkhead. "I..." he paused searching for the words in his spinning head "did" he finished matter-of-factly before laughing at nothing in particular and pulling Robin close for a kiss before continuing to try and walk with his arm around her. "Out of... out of interest... where *are* we?" he asked.

 

Robin's eyes widened as he kissed her. She smiled softly to herself. "We're..." She looked around not really sure. "Oh deck 2 section 13 alpha it seems." She giggled for no reason drinking more of the blood wine in her hand.

 

Quentin kissed her again having no inhibitions anymore "hmmmm" he mused as he finished the bottle of champagne he had left with. "I... how... why are we here?" he slurred.

 

"mmm I'm not really sure. you just took my hand and muttered something about quarters then started to lead me around the ship." She giggled at him taking another sip of her blood wine. it was actually the forth bottle she'd had. After the first one she'd mixed it with something else and just kept topping it up. She had two more bottles on her personage actually including one or two of the champagne that Quentin was drinking...

 

Quentin leaned on the wall and now the bottle was finished he let it drop to the floor and watched as it bounced and rolled into the bulkhead. "I don't live here... do you?" he asked drunkenly.

 

Robin watched it roll as well and reached for one of the fresh ones to see if he wanted it. "Nope, where do you live?" She asked with a grin as she stumbled again to lean into him. however his kisses made her feel bold and she started to nibble on his neck before biting his chin as a female Klingon would on the home world, but then she was raised on earth...

 

He let out a groan as she playfully bit him and reached for the bottle on offer popping the cork and pouring some in her mouth before kissing her and taking a swig himself. "I think... I might be wrong..." he paused. "Comptuter... no... compater... comp.. u... computer!" he said triumphantly. He looked around as the computer chirped. "Where do i... live?" he asked.

 

"Commander Calhoun's quarters are located on deck 8 room 801" the computer replied. "Thank you computer... have a good day" he said slurring as he patted the bulkhead. "We're in the wrong place" he laughed

 

"Mmm I'd say now where's the lift?" She asked continuing to nibble on his neck and jawline she'd already started unzipping his uniform jacket to bite him on the shoulder and run her hands inside to tease him mercilessly.

 

Quentin grabbed her and pushed her against the wall in what was supposed to be a swift and suave movement but was rather awkward as they were both intoxicated. He kissed her lips and neck and then looked her in the eyes. "I think it's this way" he said winking moving off her towards where he thought the lift was. He stopped dead in his tracks and then turned around and headed in the opposite direction. "This way" he corrected.

 

Robin followed him quite willingly. Wow even intoxicated he could find a lift. She stumbled into it with him and turned her back hitting the wall of the lift. She didn't let go of him but instead pulled him towards her with a naughty grin. She took a nice swig of blood wine before kissing him...

 

Quentin wasn't used to the taste of blood wine but with the level of alcohol in his system he didn't really notice the strong flavour as he kissed her pushing her against the wall. All of a sudden the lift stopped and a crewman from engineering stepped in. Immediately Quentin broke this kiss and tried to whistle innocently letting his out of sight hand stroke Robin's lower back.

 

She grinned but not so innocently then growled at the crewman as the doors opened again and he rushed out the doors closing behind him as the lift started to move again. "Comter...comp...uter... deck 8 and don't pen for anyone" She growled...

 

Quentin chuckled "shh shh shh shh" he said louder than anticipated and put his finger to her lips. He then ran his fingers through her hair and looked deep in her eyes before kissing her once again in what seemed like an eternal embrace until the lift finally came to a halt at deck 8. "After you malady" he said in a faux posh accent.

 

Robin giggled again another attempt at the blood wine told her that she was out. She dropped it on the deck as they stepped off the lift and motioned for him to lead the way with a seductive growl... Ok so she'd wanted this since she met him and he was only into it because they were drunk. She didn't mind that right now she still wanted him...

 

Quentin groaned again as the two stumbled into his quarters kissing each other. Not realising it Quentin fell over the back of his sofa and onto the cushion base pulling robin on top of him. "How... did we get here?" he laughed kissing her and running his hands down her back.

 

Robin started to laugh as she landed on top of him. She sat up slightly straddling his hips and looked around. She giggled again and reached down to nibble his lower lip. "We stumbled my dear chief, stumbled along." she giggled and kissed him softly almost feather soft...

He looked up at her and stroked her back as he smiled. "Youre... shunning... stunning" he slurred as he winked at her "do you want to move into the bedroom?" he asked suggestively

 

Robin grinned down at him. She leaned closer and bit him on the cheek. That was his answer. Yes she did want to move to the bedroom she got off of him and helped him off the couch nearly stumbling off her feet as she did so and started to laugh "Which ways the bedroom?" She hiccup and set the bottles down on the coffee table though not yet letting go of the one she was drinking from...

 

Grabbing her hand he led her through the doors into the bedroom where he proceeded to unzip her jacket kissing the flesh he revealed.

 

Robin moaned letting her head fall back as he kissed each inch of flesh he revealed. As she felt the back of her knees hit the bed she pulled away stripped the jacket off and moved to scoot onto his bed with a grin, motioning for him to follow...

Lieutenant Commander Quentin Calhoun
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Charon

and

Lieutenant Robin Katryis (NPC by D'Vana)
Assistant Engineering Officer
USS Charon

[USS Charon] USS Charon || SIM Report #63 || 241003.07 - 241003.13

|                        ...Incoming Transmission...                    |
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 /(          )\      ___________________________________
/  \        /  \
\/  \_ /\ _/  \/              U S S  C H A R O N
 \/ / \  / \ \/               "Ferrymen of Hell"
   \(  \/  )/        ___________________________________
      //\\

                     Report #63  -  241003.07 – SD241003.13
                                 "Lux et Veritas"

 _______________________________________________________________________
/        O U T   O F   C H A R A C T E R   I N F O R M A T I O N        |
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1) COMMANDING OFFICER'S ADDRESS

Active Crew: 10
Excused Crew: 10
Unexcused Crew: 01
Crew on Leave: 05

Charon Logs: 29
Guest/NPC Logs: 13
TOTAL LOGS: 42

All right guys.  So everyone knows- in two weeks I am going in for outpatient surgery to have a lymphnode remove to be biopsied.  It's probably nothing- likely a reactive node (according to the doctor) but still, it worries me.  In fact it has worried me so much that the doctor believes I may have an ulcer now.  I have had a lot of issues going on and the timing of this particular problem is awful- moving away from home has been stressful- prepping for school this upcoming fall has been hectic- dealing with my grandmother and her house's repairs has been extremely tiring.  Now I have this problem.

During all of this Charon has been one of the things that has helped me to relax- it's one of the things I enjoy.  There are a lot of things in UCIP I do not enjoy but Charon is one thing that I do enjoy.  However, there is one thing I cannot do, and that is let the Charon worry me.  These past two months have been hard and Chaya has for all intense and purposes stepped in for me and cat with our full plates.

I am honestly disappointed in some of you.  When you joined Charon you agreed to participate.  I know people have busy lives- look above; do you think I'm not busy?  That I have an infinite amount of time to donate to UCIP and to Charon?  Sometimes it may seem like it but that's not the case.  Chaya is also a busy woman; she is contracted by the army to be a translator and spends a lot of time on the field, aside from that she has also has a family.

I'm not asking that all of you give up for RL and devote all your time to Charon- but I would appreciate a little more consistency.  A bit more consideration, at least make an effort.  Something some of you haven't been doing for awhile.  I'm not sure of the reasons- lack of motivation or lack of leadership on my part.  The next plot will require everyone's involvement to make it work. 

Department Heads- you required to log twice a week on average.  The rule is listed on every report.  I have been extremely lax with the logging requirements since January, but no more.  Starting April it will be strictly enforced.  Unless you send in an excuse or go on leave I expect two logs.  I also expect you to log with your department members.  If this is impossible then step down to an assistant position- there is a great deal of interest in simming on Charon, if you have lost interest then open up your position for someone who might be a little more motivated.


Full Report Here:
http://www.ucip.org/charon/reports/CR63.pdf

 _______________________________________________________________________
/                          T H E   C R E D I T S                        |
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=/\= Commodore Shiarrael Rehu
     Commanding Officer
     USS Charon

     "Mnahe afw'ein qiuu;
            rh'e hweithnaef
                   mrht Heis'he ehl'ein qiuu."

     (Hate has a reason for everything.  But love is unreasonable.)

     -V. Raiuhes Ahaefvthe [of Romulus II]

[USS Charon] USS Charon || SIM Report #62 || 241002.28 - 241003.06

|                        ...Incoming Transmission...                    |
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 /(          )\      ___________________________________
/  \        /  \
\/  \_ /\ _/  \/              U S S  C H A R O N
 \/ / \  / \ \/               "Ferrymen of Hell"
   \(  \/  )/        ___________________________________
      //\\

                     Report #62  -  241002.28 – SD241003.06
                                 "Lux et Veritas"

 _______________________________________________________________________
/        O U T   O F   C H A R A C T E R   I N F O R M A T I O N        |
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1) COMMANDING OFFICER'S ADDRESS

Active Crew: 04
Excused Crew: 10
Unexcused Crew: 04
Crew on Leave: 05

Charon Logs: 12
Guest/NPC Logs: 08
TOTAL LOGS: 20

Late Report!

Full Report Here:
http://www.ucip.org/charon/reports/CR62.pdf

 _______________________________________________________________________
/                          T H E   C R E D I T S                        |
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=/\= Commodore Shiarrael Rehu
     Commanding Officer
     USS Charon

     "Mnahe afw'ein qiuu;
            rh'e hweithnaef
                   mrht Heis'he ehl'ein qiuu."

     (Hate has a reason for everything.  But love is unreasonable.)

     -V. Raiuhes Ahaefvthe [of Romulus II]

[USS Charon] USS Charon || SIM Report #61 || 241002.21 - 241002.27

|                        ...Incoming Transmission...                    |
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 /(          )\      ___________________________________
/  \        /  \
\/  \_ /\ _/  \/              U S S  C H A R O N
 \/ / \  / \ \/               "Ferrymen of Hell"
   \(  \/  )/        ___________________________________
      //\\

                     Report #61  -  241002.21 – SD241002.27
                                 "Lux et Veritas"

 _______________________________________________________________________
/        O U T   O F   C H A R A C T E R   I N F O R M A T I O N        |
/¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

1) COMMANDING OFFICER'S ADDRESS

Active Crew: 10
Excused Crew: 06
Unexcused Crew: 02
Crew on Leave: 05

Charon Logs: 19
Guest/NPC Logs: 01
TOTAL LOGS: 20

Late Report!

Full Report Here:
http://www.ucip.org/charon/reports/CR61.pdf

 _______________________________________________________________________
/                          T H E   C R E D I T S                        |
/¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

=/\= Commodore Shiarrael Rehu
     Commanding Officer
     USS Charon

     "Mnahe afw'ein qiuu;
            rh'e hweithnaef
                   mrht Heis'he ehl'ein qiuu."

     (Hate has a reason for everything.  But love is unreasonable.)

     -V. Raiuhes Ahaefvthe [of Romulus II]

[USS Charon] [USS Corsair] - SD241003.30 || "Progeny of the Progenitors" - Part XII - Cpt Taverain Ramius

U.S.S. Corsair - NX-011979
Nebula II Prototype
 “Sic Parvis Magna”
(Greatness From Small Beginnings)

“Progeny of the Progenitors – Part 12”
________________________________

## Bridge – USS Corsair ##

 

Captain Taverain C. Ramius stood at the center of his command center as dozens of technicians and repair crews scurried about like ants busy with repairs and other such duties.  The bridge was alive with activity spurred on by the insistence of its lord and master who was becoming less impatient with each passing hour. 

 

The viewscreen, constantly obscured by passing crewmen, was filled with the image of the station’s chief dock officer who was protesting the schedule being forced upon him by an unflinching and determined captain.

 

“Repairs to the Corsair must be completed in 48 hours”, Ramius shouted over the repair activities that surrounded him.

 

“Captain, I have limited staff and your damage is extensive.  What you are asking for is impossible.”

 

“Commander, I have orders to depart at once and am expected, given the nature and sensitivity of our missions and assignments, to be punctual.  I cannot tell my superiors I will be delayed.”

 

“Captain, surely they must realize the damage that occurred to your ship and the time it takes to repair such things.  A few additional days of repair time should be easy to obtain given the circumstances.”

 

“The security of the Federation waits for no one.  Intelligence matters often make the difference between peace and war and they very often hang on a few precious moments.  However if you cannot motivate your crews then I will submit my reports indicating my ship is unable to leave due to repairs and I am sure that someone will indeed want to talk with you further regarding the matter.  I am simply attempting to spare you such a conversation with Fleet command.”

 

The commander swallowed.  “Fleet command?  But…  Ok, I’ll see what I can do.  Please.  Don’t file that report captain.  We’ll do what we can to patch things up as quickly as possible and get you on your way.  I’ll personally keep you informed on our progress.”

 

Ramius nodded and motioned for the channel to be cut.  “Have the chief engineer report to my ready room”, Ramius ordered with a subtle grin.  Finally, things appeared to be looking up.  With any luck the Corsair would be operational again in 48 hours well ahead of the plodding schedule that had been proposed.  It was amazing how quickly all manner of tasks could be completed whenever ‘fleet command’ became involved whether directly or in Ramius’s particular cases…decidedly indirectly.

 

## Later – Captain’s Ready Room ##

 

“You rang”, chief engineer Sai Kusinagi stated stepping through the captain’s doorway.

 

“Indeed I did.  Come in Sai.  Please have a seat.”

 

“Forgive me captain.  I prefer to stand.  There’s a lot of work to be done around the ship.  If my crews cannot take a break then neither can I.”

 

“Your dedication is admirable and appreciated as always Sai.  Very well.  I will be brief.”

Ramius stood from his desk and moved to the rear of the room where he produced a large silver case secured by the best locking mechanisms currently employed.

 

“If that’s what I think it is Ramius you can forget it”, Sai quickly said before Ramius had finished dragging the case into view.  “I have an entire starship to put back together and I don’t have the time to play with a toy that could very well rip it apart or worse.  It’s a dangerous toy and one I’m not willing to play with.  Play with fire long enough and you eventually end up burned.”

 

Ramius appeared unphased by the engineer’s remarks and in fact expected them.  His engineer would be remiss in his duty if he did not object to using what was tightly locked in the case at his feet.

 

“Sai.”

 

“Forget it.  I am not touching it.  You can throw me in the brig for disobedience and insubordination but I am not risking my life or those aboard gambling with that infernal device again.  The risks are too high.”

 

“Yes they are.  Do you remember when you came aboard?”

 

Sai nodded.

 

“I handpicked you Sai from dozens of candidates for the chief engineering position.  There were many more that had better qualifications and experience, but you were young, daring, and out to prove you were one of the best and brightest.  And you have done just that.  However, do you also remember what I asked before you accepted the position?”

 

“Vividly”, the chief answered.  “You asked if I could accept working on a ship where danger would be a constant companion.  The stakes and risks would often be high and doing the impossible against all odds would be routine.  The pressure would be great yet the rewards would be equally grand.”

 

“Almost word for word”, Ramius answered.  “You accepted my proposal Sai and I need a favor.  I wouldn’t have asked you here otherwise if I didn’t think you could do it.”

 

“But captain!”

 

“I won’t make this an order Sai.  I cannot given the…circumstances.  However, here is what we are up against.  I will let you make the choice.

 

Captain Akina and I have been assisting local security aboard the station in a rash of murders they have been unable to solve.  Our investigations have led us to an unusual religious group with dark criminal ties.  Someone sinister is manipulating the group’s followers and using them to carry out murder and other crimes in addition to kidnapping innocent civilians and shipping them off to a planet for an as of yet undetermined reason.  This planet is located within Romulan space.  This raises two concerns.  One, if the Romulans are aware of this we have a serious diplomatic and political issue to address and two, if they are not then whoever is orchestrating and conducting this affair has found a safe haven outside of Federation jurisdiction and is using it to escape justice.  In either event we must determine who is behind this and what activities are being conducted on this planet.  Captain Akina was injured attempting to obtain information on these people and I have a gut feeling that whatever we have stumbled into is just the tip of a very, long and poisonous snake.

 

Those are the facts.  I would ask you to keep them to yourself for now.  As for my request, the risk is high, perhaps even extreme, but if we do nothing more innocent lives will be siphoned off of the station and I suspect these souls meet a poor fate.  These criminals must be stopped.”

 

Sai rubbed the bridge of his nose.  “Can we not forward our findings to fleet command and have them pursue this matter with the Romulans or at least file a complaint?  If we’re caught or that device malfunctions I can’t even begin to contemplate the hot water we will be in.  I for one like hot showers, but being boiled isn’t something I can say I am found of sir.”

 

“It could take months for a formal protest and complaint to be followed up on by both sides – if ever.  How many lives will be lost in that time”, Ramius asked.

 

“How can you be sure they are being lost now captain?  Kidnapping is a crime, I’ll stipulate that.  However, you cannot say they are being murdered.  Abused – perhaps.  Sold into slavery, likely.  The risk is too great to go chasing after a few individuals who have wandered into a spiders web no matter how dangerous the spider.”

 

“Suppose that web grows larger and entangles more people?  How dangerous does the spider have to become before you exterminate it?”

 

“What if this is just organized crime?  We cannot go trawling the quadrant looking for every pirate, cutthroat, and smuggler who has broken the law, smuggled a life, or worse taken it.  You’d need a fleet a million times the size of the Starfleet to police the entire Federation.  Without hard facts this mission is as dangerous as it is illegal.  Captain.  Taverain.  I know how you feel about bringing criminals to justice, but this is one time we shouldn’t get involved.”

 

Ramius sighed and took a seat at his desk.

 

“I’ve never been a cautious man Sai.  And your arguments are not with merit.  For the last two hours I’ve been sitting here telling myself the same thing yet I just have a feeling there is something more to all of this than everyday crime.  I can’t explain it.  Call it a gut feeling or a sixth sense, but I can just feel something sinister in the air.  Too many loose ends are lending themselves to something substantial, but you are correct.  I have no proof.  Just a few loose facts, an injured officer, suspicions, and unreliable testimony from one of the group’s alleged members who wants to help.”

 

“I don’t know.  Am I a fool for even considering this?”

 

“You are no fool sir.  Far from it.  The cause is noble and just, however there are certain realities involved that are larger than any of us.  Charging into the Neutral Zone is fraught with danger not only to us but could involve the entire Federation.  The needs of the many, sadly, outweigh the needs of a few.”

 

“Perhaps you are right”, Ramius replied drumming his fingers on his desk.  “Breaking in through the Romulan’s backdoor, while infinitely more exciting, is not without a heavy dose of danger and risk.”

 

“Have you reconsidered then sir?”

 

“Indeed.  Thank you Sai for your insight.”

 

The engineer smiled briefly catching the captain’s attention.

 

“Oh, sorry sir.  I just never thought you were one to alter your convictions so easily at least not without a fight.  In any event may I ask permission to give my staff some time off?  We have all been working overtime to glue the Corsair back together given your orders.”

 

“Negative”, Ramius answered.  “I may have changed my mind on method, but we are still going to help those people one way or another.  I want this ship warp capable in 48 hours as we have an appointment at the Romulan Neutral Zone.”

 

“But captain I…”

 

“I think we will try knocking on the front door.  Who knows?  Perhaps the Romulans might let us in to take a look.  It is worth a shot anyway before having to employ other methods.”

 

Sai wrinkled his nose as his hope for a breather from hours of endless work faded.  “Very well sir.  I won’t guarantee anything else aboard will work, but if you want warp drive in two days I’ll find someway of making that happen.  You know you are going to put me into an early grave.”

 

“You couldn’t be happier down there in Engineering and I suspect you’d trade a few years for this opportunity than to be bored to tears on some normal starship surveying comets or escorting diplomats and the like.”

 

“You’re probably right.  Well I should get back so I can jump back into the fire and inform everyone of your gracious orders.”

 

“Get me to the Neutral Zone in once piece and I’ll personally buy a bottle of Romulan ale for everyone on your staff including that ensign who has yet to fix the replicator in my quarters.”

 

Ramius laughed and put his hands up.  “I’ll live with the problem.  Just focus on getting those engines back together and Sai...keep your eyes open.  I also have reason to believe that members of the station are on this group’s payroll.  They might attempt to sabotage the Corsair to keep us quiet.”

 

“Now you tell me?  Could you spare a few extra security guards?  I don’t have time to check identities and fix the engines at the same time.”

 

“I’ll have security put a few menacing looking guards down there.  Hopefully that will deter any persons wishing us ill will.”

 

“Never a dull moment aboard this ship”, the engineer grumbled.  “At least the yard finished repairs to the spaceframe and outer hull.  Although I’m sure you’ll find a way to ruin the new paint job they just finished applying in short order.”

 

“Never can tell”, Ramius replied.

 

“Why do I bother.  Am I dismissed sir?”

 

Ramius nodded as the engineer turned and left the ready room.

Tapping his fingers against his desk Ramius wondered if indeed the Romulans would even be inclined to listen to his request.  He desperately wanted to keep this off the official radars and out of the purview of diplomats if possible.  Involving them and making the issue public would only tip their hand to the mysterious puppet master behind this affair and Ramius was sure the trail would go cold as a result.  He had few dealing with the Romulans.  In the war he had flown with some of them against Dominion forces and was impressed by their tenacity and skill.  However they were a cryptic race difficult to predict and not exactly worthy of blind trust.  If they could use the situation to their advantage Ramius could expect a knife in the back delivered with a smile.  He would have to be wary.

 

In many cases breaking in through the back door and making a run through Romulan space under cloak would be so much easier than dealing with them, however Sai was correct, the stakes were too high to risk such a course of action.  Perhaps he could convince them to permit a short visit provided the Corsair did not overstay its welcome.

 

Even if he managed by some miracle to convince them to allow an inspection he would still require a hidden ace to play just in case the Romulans attempted to play a trump card of their own.  He had a few outstanding favors owed by various individuals.  Perhaps now was a good time to call a few of them in.  He could think of few better causes than rescuing the lives of people forced against their will to a mysterious planet for some unknown purpose.

 

[ To Be Continued ]

 

________________________________

Captain Taverain Ramius

Commanding Officer, USS Corsair

 

Commander Sai Kusanagi

Chief Engineer, USS Corsair

 

[USS Charon] SD:241003.30 |Duty Log| mCapt. Nikolai Chernienko, Platoon Leader.

[Sickbay]
 
The massive Russian bear had been making a slow but steady recovery from the extensive tortures he had recived from Neodyne thanks to the Charon's medical team and the tender menistrations of of the beautiful Vulcan commander. Though he was not offically back on duty yet even if the vile Romulan would accept him back after the munity he had joined what seemed a life time ago, Nikolai still stood and prepared to defend the ship as the Red Alert Klaxons sounded.
 
Ignoreing the protests of the overprotective nurseing staff the Marine stepped out into the halls out side of sickbay and as quickly as his still damaged nerves would take him headed toward the Marine Barracks. It had been along time since that fateful day when Colonal Cole had asked his soldiers to follow him against the Romulan but he still remembered the layout of the Charon.
 
[A few Minutes later in the Marine Barracks]
 
Nikolai stepped out into the throng of bustleing Marines as they suited up to repell possiable invaders, whoever had taken command of the Company had turned it into a finely oiled machine ready to fight and die for their ship. He looked to a passing Corporal and stopped him. "Corporal I am Captain Nikolai Chernienko, I wish to assist my brethern in the defence of the Federations newest creation." he said in his deep rumbling slavic voice.
 
The Corporal looked up at the massive man and saluted out of habbit for a higher ranking officer but he couldn't help but notice the pained look in the Russian's eyes. "Sir, with all due respect it looks like you are barely able to stand. As a Marine yourself sir you should know that if you are wounded you would probley be more of a hinderance then a help." he said as politely as he could.
 
Nikolai was impressed at the man's frankness and candor in the matter but he wasn't so easily denyed. "Nonsense I am fit enough to return to duty on an emergecy and temporary basis. Besides, If we are boarded it won't matter if I am laying in sickbay on out fighting on the decks if the enemes get aboard. I would prefere to go down swinging as a true Marine." he said to the man back.
 
The Corporal thought about what he had said and finely nodded. "I see your point sir, very well welcome aboard sir. Get suited up and will put you in a roaving patrol with Squad three. Lieutenant Warren is currently on an away mission so that makes you ranking officer avaliable sir. However if I may suggest since your not on an offical capacity at the moment that you make some deference to the NCO in charge of Squad three." he advised him curiously, after all it wouldn't due to piss off an officer.
 
Nikolai nodded, "A wise suggestion and I will take it Corporal. Thank you for allowing me this chance to regain some of my lost honor." he said and stalked toward the Armory. Rehu if she survived the away mission would probley bawl the man out for allowing him to pick up a weapon but he would burn that bridge when they got to it. Right now he had finely gotten what he wanted a chance to fight for the Federation once more.
 
/\ End Log /\
 
mCapt. Nikolai Chernieko.
Platoon Leader,
Uss Charon.
 
<<I appoglize for the breifness of this log but it's my first one back from my ELOA and I am just getting into the swing of things again. Any follow up logs will be back to my normal quailty.>>

---

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[USS Charon] SD241003.27 || Joint BackLog || Cpt t'Rehu, Farien t'Jaihen

[USS Charon, Library]

It was quiet- late, but not too late.  The library was usually empty
during these hours.  Most of the off duty crew were either in their
quarters preparing to get rest or finishing up a social meal in the
mess hall.  She was looking for someone- a young woman, a Romulan
woman.  One of the Charon's many tactical officers and the prime
candidate to replace Ch'Tan.  It was uncomfortable for Starfleet to
have a Romulan in charge of weapons, but this was her ship, and she
would make the best decision for it.

Aerv walked around the 3D display on the table, grateful for the quiet
space of the library at this hour. She was barefoot in a simple green
silk tunic. She sipped two-handed at her cup of tea. In the
holographic display before her annotated and colour-coded icons
swirled in slow-motion: The Battle of Yadalla.
"Pause", she murmured. She walked around the display again.
"Sloppy formation, poor co-ordination. Under-estimation of the
 opponent," she muttered to herself.
" Hnafirh'au-d? Veruul!" [Can you see? Fool!]

"Farien Jaihen."  Shiarrael felt the words leave her tongue swiftly,
naturally, two years ago she would have uttered such things without
second thought- but here, they were considered foreign "we need to
speak for a moment."

Aerv responded to her native tongue by reflex and snapped erect. "Ie,
Rekkhai. Auethn qiuu mnek'nra ? [Yes Sir. Is all well?]

"mnekha llilla" [well enough]  Shiarrael answered in their native
tongue while studying the young woman "I trust you find this
 assignment interesting?"  She asked.

Aerv cast an eye at the frozen simulation. It was interesting enough,
but frustrating besides. Tomorrow night, it would be re-fought with
herself in overall Rihannsu command. But this exercise, of course, was
not what Captain t'Rehu meant.
"I am sure that there is no more 'interesting' assignment than the
Charon anywhere in Starfleet or the Galae Captain." She replied with
careful emphasis.

"Good.  You are aware that the former chief tactical officer,
Commander Foster has left the ship I presume?"  Instead of allowing
the young woman to answer however Shiarrael continued "in any case I
want to appoint you as his replacement.  There are certainly plenty of
veterans aboard this ship but they're soft skinned lloann'mhrahel
saehne-a [federation officers] who lack the tenacity I require."  Her
eyes narrowed slightly "but I must be sure where your loyalties sit.
If I tell you to destroy a Galae ship... will you fire?"

Hiding her surprise, Aerv replied without hesitation: "You are my
Captain. I am yours to command Rekkhai."
For a Rihannsu officer, any other answer would have been unthinkable,
but even with a brief moment to think, Aerv did not believe she had
spoken falsely. She controlled her expression and looked Shiarrael in
the eyes. In spite of her outer calm she was astounded: To replace a
Starfleet Lt Commander - albeit a half-Klingon one - with a lower
ranking Galae officer! It seemed unlikely that the 'soft skinned
lloann'mhrahel saehne-a', would take that without a murmur. It seemed
unlikely that the Captain would have used that expression in front of
them either. Why had she used it now? Technically Shiarrael was
lloann'mhrahel saehne herself. Was she fishing for signs of the
xenophobia many Rihannsu indulged in? She would not find it in someone
trusted with the post of Chief Tactical Officer. Would not want to find
it, Aerv was sure.
"You do me great honour Rekkhai."

"Wear it well then."  Shiarrael said, turning away from the woman to gaze out the windows that lined the library's small reading lounge "I will see you on the bridge starting tomorrow.  If anyone complains about your assignment, direct them to me."  She turned and looked at Aerv, instead of speaking however she moved over to the table and slid her hand into the holographic projection of Yadalla "Keretat was a fool to put t'Loen in charge of the formation- quite sloppy."  Her hand traced the formations for a moment before she absently commented "the Saeihr'llaiir was already destroyed by then" her eyes flared and she looked at Aerv one last time "I expect much from you Farien."  With a slight smirk given towards the young woman Shiarrael left the library.

Aerv sat for a long moment before remebering her tea - now cold. 'No more "interesting" assignment to be sure.

Captain Shiarrael t`Rehu
Farien Aerv ir-Rhynne t'Jaihen

[USS Charon] SD:241003.28 || Joint Duty Log || CSEC, ASEC - Cmdr Marcus & Lt. Acel'a "So long and thanks for Being my friend."

=/\= Main Security =/\=

Dylan sat in his office and looked over a transfer request from Acel'a. It was understandable given her latest incident with the Romulans. Still it was difficult to arrange. He may be able to arrange a transfer to the Archer, he thought. His friend owed him a favor. But even that ship was still 6 sectors away at best. or at least the last subspace information indicated.

Lt Acel'a was nervous, yet she was also troubled, as she she felt she had to move on, in order to advance in her career. As a rule, Acel'a was a person who craved peace and tranquility and as much as she liked Commander Dylan, the constant turmoil that seemed to permeate the Charon and her crew, Acel'a simply was no longer happy, or even satisfied, hence the reason for the transfer request.

Straightening her tunic, Acel'a approached the security chief's office and rang the chime. She awaited his response.

"Come in" Dylan said. When he saw Acel'a, he waived her in. "Ah Acel'a what can I do for you?" he asked.

"I came in to see you about my transfer request," said Acel'a, visibly agitated. "I wanted to see how it is progressing and hope to allay any notion of this being a reflection on you, sir."

"On me?" he asked. "No I wouldn't think that. I would have thought it would be more in line with your latest run in with the Rommies. am I right?"

"That is part of it. The rest is the seemingly constant animosity among some of the crew, which makes me very uneasy. I am never sure if the Captain truly wants harmony among the crew," said Acel'a.

" I believe she wants the best for the crew. I do however understand what it's like to feel cut off though."

"You do? How so? I didn't think anyone understood what I go through, especially since I am one of only a handful of my kind, particularly ones with a pantograph," said Acel'a.

"Well true I don't know what that is like. But I can imagine what that, plus security can do especially so far from home."

"Not only that, but It seemed like there were certain types of people brought on board, deliberately, to create conflict, which is not healthy for both morale, or diplomatic relations," said Acel'a. "I am a peace-loving person and the constant undercurrent of strife is simply tearing me down."

Dylan could understand this. He was a soldier. He spent his career on the front lines, but he understood what peace was and wanted desperately to one day enjoy that peace with his new wife and perhaps children some day.

"So that is pretty much why I put in for the transfer," said Acel'a, shifting in her seat.

"That sounds like a well thought out reason to me." Dylan said. "I will talk to the Captain and see if we can arrange some type of transit for you."

"I appreciate this Commander. If you wish I can keep in touch, because not only are you a very good department head, but I consider you a friend, too," said Acel'a, smiling.

"That shouldn't be too much of a difficulty. Commander Korath and I are old academy buddies. "That is why Korath was willing to allow the transfer."

"Thank you very much. I appreciate this. I guess what I do now is wait, until the transport arrives," said Acel'a.

"That and you have to report to Holodeck 2 at 1800 hours Saturday." he said with a sly grin.

"What is going on then?" asked Acel'a, curious.

Dylan smiled.

"Just a little get together." he said. Nothing fancy, but I'm sure you will like it." He grinned. "I will keep you updated on the status of your transfer request, well as soon as I figure out how to arrange it." he smiled. "Is there anything else?" he asked.

"No, not at this time, I will endeavor to be there at 1800 hours, Saturday." said Acel'a, smiling.

"See you there." he said smiling as well. " Oh, until we arrange passage; I'm keeping you on active duty so you don't get bored." he smirked. "Dismissed Lieutenant."


=/\= End Log =/\=


Commander Dylan Marcus
Chief Security Officer
USS Charon

Lieutenant Acel'a
Asst Security Officer
USS Archer/ awaiting Transfer.

---

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[USS Charon] SD. 241003.23 || Duty Log || Changes || ASCI's Cadet Aayla Bre'accoria and Ensign(Dr.) Evangeline Chiran PhD

 

 

<<OOC: Hey, I've talked it over with Thomas and This log is the last appearance of Aayla Bre'accoria, the Charon's resident blind girl who spends her time looking at stars(Ah irony) and the intro of my new charrie Doctor(Ensign) Evangeline Chiran PhD(Admiral Chiran's daughter if you can remember him!)who will fill the Head Stellar Cartographer's position and resident El-Aurian(Well half anyway), Aayla will return in 9 to 14 months.....>>

 

==/\== Deck 8 Stellar Cartography ==/\==

 

Aayla Bre'accoria looked around in the zero G cartography "Pool" she had designed for her enjoyment, allowing her to surf through the 3-D holo displays of planets and stars with ease and made her feel as if she was part of the action. While 'swimming' through the stars she would often loose her self and drift away from the Charon, into the fast universe outside. This would be the last time she would do so, her transfer had been approved by Admiral Chiran and her replacement had gotten on with the Vulcans, but she couldn't leave her department and self proclaimed "Child" in just any Starfleet Officer's hands, no Aayla had specifically requested someone special. She was qualified, over qualified, and Aayla knew she would do well, she had picked Admiral Chiran's Daughter Doctor Evangeline Chiran for her replacement.

 

Evangeline Chiran walked through the halls of the Charon, Luna class was a perfect class of vessel for her, spacious and yet confined, small yet durable. Being an aide for Admiral Banker for three years had really taken the real purpose of the reason she joined Starfleet away from her. She had earned her PhD in Astrophysics and Astrometrics and only a bachelor's in Accounting but the position of Admrial Banker's aide was exciting, she had become the Admiral's friend and confidant durring the last three years and was even her maide of honor at her wedding last year. The Admiral had also given her the position of part of the Federation Treasury Special Financial Task Force for unknown reasons, but it gave Evangeline some experience in the field away from Starfleet Command and her days as an Astrophysical Accountant.

 

She walked into Stellar Cartography as she prepared her self to meet her surrogate sister and friend whom she had been assigned to replace. She found her friend in the oddest position of a zero-g grav pool with 3-D stars around her. "Aayla?" She asked, looking warily at the Vree.

 

Aayla turned around slowly in the zero-G, taking about ten seconds just to turn around and another ten to get into a respectable conversation distance. "Hey Evee!" Aayla laughed.

 

Evangeline grimaced, she hated the nickname Evee and while her father had insisted on calling her that since the moment she was born, her mother and everyone else had stopped at fifteen, but Aayla never seemed to get the message. "Aayla, really?" She said, telling her off.

 

Aayla pressed a button on the console nearest her and the gravity returned to normal slowly, allowing Aayla to be lowered down.

 

Evangeline watched Aayla gracefully land on the cat walk of the pool and she gave a grin. "You always had style for a blind girl." She stated.

 

Aayla smiled, "Yeah well...." She said, walking towards Evangeline. "So where have you been? Haven't talked in a while!"

 

Evangeline nodded, it had been a while at that, but between numbers, admirals, wars and science she hardly had time for sleep, much less any sort of a life. "Well I've been here and there you know, I was an accountant at Starfleet Command for the Financial division, Astrophysical Accountant and Resource Strategist." She explained.

 

Aayla raised an eyebrow. "What the hell is an Astrophysical Accountant?" She asked.

 

Evangeline smiled, she had given this definition many times within the last two years. "That's where you manage math through theoretical science and judge the resouces and money of planets and potential contracts with interstellar corporations." She explained. "It's one of those hybrid positions that they make up just to fill the work quota." She explained.

 

Aayla laughed, "Well I'm sure a PhD would have been the best choice." She said humorously.

 

Evangeline nodded. "Not exactly what I went to Starfleet Science College for but now I'm going to make up for it here!" She grinned.

 

Aayla sobered a bit. "About that, I'm leaving Evee and I'm going home, they need me there, someone has to make the Vree republic sain again and I think my time beyond the mists will help." She said quickly.

 

Evangeline stared at her for a moment. "Aayla you cant go home, the Vree Cluster is a battle ground of epic proportions and you'll be jailed, shot, and executed for your beliefs, you know that." She said, trying to convince her to stay in Federation space.

 

Aayla nodded. "I know, but I need to do this Evee, someone needs to show them the path again, make them see the light."

 

Evee looked at Aayla for a long time, she was right, the Republic had gone mad in their Crusade against the Kree and some one needed to stop it, but was Aayla really up for it?

 

"Evee I've discovered things about my past that need to be answered and the only way I'm going to find those answers is on Vre'allia and if I can help the Republic in anyway it's not such a loss is it?" She asked.

 

Evee agreed with her, but she still didn't like it. "Fine Aayla, but I expect to see you on this ship again some day alright? Promise?" She asked.

 

Aayla could promise her that, but it was easier said then done. "Promise."

 

==/\== End ==/\==

 

Cadet Aayla Bre'accoria

Ex-Head Stellar Cartographer

USS Charon

 

&

 

Ensign Doctor Evangeline Chiran PhD

Head Stellar Cartographer/Astrophysicist

USS Charon

 

 

 

 

[USS Charon] SD241003.27 || Joint BackLog || Cpt t'Rehu, Farien t'Jaihen

athougho <athougho@googlemail.com> wrote to charon@ucip.org:

[USS Charon, Library]

It was quiet- late, but not too late. The library was usually empty
during these hours. Most of the off duty crew were either in their
quarters preparing to get rest or finishing up a social meal in the
mess hall. She was looking for someone- a young woman, a Romulan
woman. One of the Charon's many tactical officers and the prime
candidate to replace Ch'Tan. It was uncomfortable for Starfleet to
have a Romulan in charge of weapons, but this was her ship, and she
would make the best decision for it.

Aerv walked around the 3D display on the table, grateful for the quiet
space of the library at this hour. She was barefoot in a simple green
silk tunic. She sipped two-handed at her cup of tea. In the
holographic display before her annotated and colour-coded icons
swirled in slow-motion: The Battle of Yadalla.
"Pause", she murmured. She walked around the display again.
"Sloppy formation, poor co-ordination. Under-estimation of the
opponent," she muttered to herself.
" Hnafirh'au-d? Veruul!" [Can you see? Fool!]

"Farien Jaihen." Shiarrael felt the words leave her tongue swiftly,
naturally, two years ago she would have uttered such things without
second thought- but here, they were considered foreign "we need to
speak for a moment."

Aerv responded to her native tongue by reflex and snapped erect. "Ie,
Rekkhai. Auethn qiuu mnek'nra ? [Yes Sir. Is all well?]

"mnekha llilla" [well enough] Shiarrael answered in their native
tongue while studying the young woman "I trust you find this
assignment interesting?" She asked.

Aerv cast an eye at the frozen simulation. It was interesting enough,
but frustrating besides. Tomorrow night, it would be re-fought with
herself in overall Rihannsu command. But this exercise, of course, was
not what Captain t'Rehu meant.
"I am sure that there is no more 'interesting' assignment than the
Charon anywhere in Starfleet or the Galae Captain." She replied with
careful emphasis.

"Good. You are aware that the former chief tactical officer,
Commander Foster has left the ship I presume?" Instead of allowing
the young woman to answer however Shiarrael continued "in any case I
want to appoint you as his replacement. There are certainly plenty of
veterans aboard this ship but they're soft skinned lloann'mhrahel
saehne-a [federation officers] who lack the tenacity I require." Her
eyes narrowed slightly "but I must be sure where your loyalties sit.
If I tell you to destroy a Galae ship... will you fire?"

Hiding her surprise, Aerv replied without hesitation: "You are my
Captain. I am yours to command Rekkhai."
For a Rihannsu officer, any other answer would have been unthinkable,
but even with a brief moment to think, Aerv did not believe she had
spoken falsely. She controlled her expression and looked Shiarrael in
the eyes. In spite of her outer calm she was astounded: To replace a
Starfleet Lt Commander - albeit a half-Klingon one - with a lower
ranking Galae officer! It seemed unlikely that the 'soft skinned
lloann'mhrahel saehne-a', would take that without a murmur. It seemed
unlikely that the Captain would have used that expression in front of
them either. Why had she used it now? Technically Shiarrael was
lloann'mhrahel saehne herself. Was she fishing for signs of the
xenophobia many Rihannsu indulged in? She would not find it in someone
trusted with the post of Chief Tactical Officer. Would not want to find
it, Aerv was sure.
"You do me great honour Rekkhai."

Captain Shiarrael t`Rehu
Farien Aerv ir-Rhynne t'Jaihen

[USS Charon] SD241003.27 || Joint Log "Stratagem" Part I || Cmdr Eithne Kathris, Capt Savant, Amb Ian Lamont, LtCmdr Sakarra Tyrax

[USS Charon, Bridge]

 

Had she been a human, the hair on the back of her neck might have stood up at this point. As it was, the young Vulcan simply became very still indeed, gazing at the dark red shape on the viewscreen through eyes that looked out and inward at the same time.

Instincts that had saved her ancestors – distant and less so – from becoming an impromptu Le-Matya snack were clamoring loud enough for all her senses trying to expand, but it was as illogical as it was pointless. They were not being stalked by a large hungry feline, but something far more menacing; and the fact they neither knew how large the force pursuing them was nor what precisely they had planned once their prize was within reach did not help matters much.

 

And yet, the tension on the bridge seemed almost tangible, like the scent of tin on the air or a grating sound just beyond the verge of hearing. Humanoids shifted near imperceptibly, breathing patterns appeared forced, voices giving status reports had an edge of trained and calculated nonchalance.

All but one.

Why Savant even bothered to summon her hologram, Sakarra did not know – the AI would be perfectly capable of operating the console without making her presence known. Logic suggested it was simply a visual confirmation and mayhap meant to make it easier for the other crew to interact. In either case, if the lifeform behind the dark haired figure seated at the console before the young Vulcan experienced any apprehension, it was beyond the humanoid senses to detect.

 

In the periphery of her vision, the avatar seemed to – not flicker, but shift in a manner one would be hard put to describe, just a split second before Charon's sensors alerted them to multiple new readings. Sakarra had seen shapes like this before, the unmistakable shimmer of cloaked Warbirds entering a nebula. But these were not cautiously feeling their way into the magnificent indigo swirls. They came striding, descending on their lethally wounded prey like the birds their shapes were meant to emulate.

So many. Someone had wanted to be certain indeed.

 

"Warbirds incoming," Savant intoned casually, lifting a hand to summon a holographic display of the event. Hydrogen rippled in the wake of the mighty vessels as they slid near-invisible through the clouds.
The avatar smiled at the sinuform coils of gas, blue-purple in the false colour display. "Twelve at best estimate, approaching at high relativistic. Their approach matches pattern Epsilon; Tactical, I recommend defensive pattern Zeta." The display beside her showed a rugby-play between Charon and the approaching ships, complete with directional arrows, predictive paths, and likely successful strategies.

"All systems are optimal; auxiliary power systems are online." she bared her teeth in a predatory grin, "I'm looking forward to a little Fox and Hound, I must say."

 

Eithne was watching the events on the view screen as they unfolded before her, her eyes widening at first before they narrowed. Holding her tongue for a moment before she looked over to Savant as the hologram spoke. "Our main focus is going to be protecting the away team... At all costs, as long as the Captain is on that ship we will protect it." She wanted to avoid a confrontation, but if it came down to it, they would have to beam the team off the ship and as soon as they could after, destroy the vessel in question.

Her gaze returned to the view screen again before she looked over to the helm officer, "Guide us so we are between those Warbirds and the Temep`Shar... We will not let them have that ship..." Her orders were then directed towards the Tactical Officer, "Have weapons ready and standing by should they be needed..." She did not have the option of being unprepared.

Finally, she looked to Sakarra beside her. "Commander. Please send the order down to Colonel Thorten to have the fighters ready to launch on command."

 

The Vulcan gave a silent nod of acknowledgement, placid and unreadable as a slate of marble. Not even when the turbolift doors opened- half expected as it was – did she more than look up briefly and offer a small tip of the head to greet the new arrival.

 

The turbolift hummed with a tone that seemed much louder than usual as it slid upwards toward its destination.  Perhaps its occupant merely had a somewhat finer appreciation for things about him after recent events had profoundly altered his perception.  Voices seemed clearer, smells were more poignant, and even touch seemed oddly more acute – yet he could spare no time dwelling on such matters.  The task that lay before him was formidable.  Some might call it impossible.  Yet despite the odds a spark of confidence burned within him holding back the darkness of fear and doubt.

 

He tugged on the collar of his uniform which was merely a prop for the act that was to follow should the captain's fears indeed come to pass.  His fingers grazed the three metal pips indicating his rank.  The days of his Naval service seemed like they had occurred in another life.  The memories were not unwelcome, in fact many made him quite proud, yet they no longer fit who he had become and what he was now.  He was a different person then.  Wearing this uniform brought forth many memories both pleasant and harsh – a reason he refrained from wearing them.  The past belonged in the past and not in the present.  Still – he hoped he could muster the determination of his youth and harness the potential of his experience.  A great challenge lay ahead and he would soon discover if he indeed had the character to meet it.  Never had the stakes been so high.  Swallowing he wondered if this was one of the reasons he had been assigned to this starship.  He would soon find out.

 

The lift slowed and stopped its doors hissing open revealing a bridge soaked in silent tension.  It hung in the air like an invisible fog.  Stepping from the lift, Commander Ian Lamont, adjusted his uniform and made his way to the center of the bridge.  Seated was Commander Eithne and at her side Commander Tyrax.

 

Ian cleared his throat slightly.  "Would I be correct in assuming that the captain has beamed over to the Vulcan ship with an away team and that we have uninvited Romulan guests in the neighborhood?" 

 

Savant turned her level gaze towards the new ships' commander, gesturing at one of the larger holograms that hung about her in great constellations of information. "You're quite correct, sir, "she intoned with a calmness that directly countered the tense mood on the bridge, "we have an away team currently engaged on board the unmoored vessel."
The hologram displayed life signs of the Marines and the other members of the team, along with a very quiet audio soundtrack of their conversations.

She gestured with her other hand, presenting a broader tactical display of the immediate few light years. "We currently have a dozen Romulan ships inbound. They are cloaked, but the poor Captains forgot that we are in a nebula. By analyses of the nebula perturbations, I conclude that we have one D'Dherex class cruiser, 3 frigates, and eight destroyers." She lingered a moment before adding, "I suspect that our flagship is the Endless Sky. She appears to be going directly for the Vulcan ship, while the others will likely intercept us at these co-ordinates." A final hologram indicated Savants' projections on the sub-fleet's movements.

 

"I see", Ian replied.  So the orchestra was engaged, the actors had arrived in were in position.  All that remained was for the curtain to be raised on this act that would carry with it repercussions which at this point were impossible to calculate.

 

"I assume you have read my briefing.  Engineering is standing by with its own brand of special effects.  I expect tactical can of course handle the fireworks when needed.  We will only have one shot at this so everything must go exactly to plan once the Romulans decide to show themselves having all but done so already.

 

As for the rest, I shall do my part to keep the Romulans talking for as long as possible.  I have no desire nor aptitude to command this ship, but I must convince our adversaries that I am in command for this ruse to be successful."

 

He glanced quickly at Commander Tyrax.  He could see her as well as sense a certain filament from her, yet now was neither the time nor place for such things.  With a confident smile he turned toward Commander Eithne.

 

"Commander, with all due respect, I require the use of that chair."

 

 

[To be continued …]

 

Cmdr Eithne Kathris

Executive Officer

 

Capt Savant

Chief Operations Officer

 

Ambassador Ian Lamont

Diplomatic Advisor

 

LtCmdr Sakarra Tyrax

Chief Helm Officer

 

USS Charon