Season 1: Episode 2: Hell is empty, all the devils are here! -Part 1

Episode 2: Hell is empty, all the devils are here! - "Departure"

A Mission Post by Fleet Admiral Paul Carter & Commander Phoenix Lalor & Avalon & Lieutenant Commander Liselle Qwyyn & Lieutenant Commander Gary Taylor & Lieutenant Commander Aurelia Holmes & Lieutenant Commander Tate Sullivan Ph.D. & Lieutenant Matias Grronkil & Lieutenant Dyhei Liducca

Mission: Episode 2: Hell is empty, all the devils are here!

Location: Bridge/Other Locations

Timeline: MD 1, 09h00

The day was here. The Elysium was off on her hunt for those who had caused so much death and destruction of her crew, her family.

Phoenix had finished moving her sister's and her belongings into the double level Commanding Officer's quarters. It was too big. She had tried to get a normal family cabin but Ops had over ridden her. Now, she stepped on the bridge, neatly attired in her uniform. She paused and took a breath. "Avalon."

The AI appeared. "Commander Lalor" The light british accent of the ship's AI was a nice change from ALICE's harsher tones.

"Summon the senior staff to the bridge." She ordered.

"Yes Commander"

[[Attention All Senior Staff to the Bridge. All Senior Staff to the Bridge!]]

Gary was in his quarters when the summons from the ship's AI came through asking him to report to the bridge. Moments later he was on the bridge. He saw Lalor already there and wasn't surprised that she was already there.Since it was probably on her order that the AI had issued the summons.

He moved without hesitation to the XO's chair, nodding to Phoenix and greeting her with a quiet "Captain."

"Commander" She replied with a small smile.

Phoenix moved down to the Centre chair and stood in front of it.

"Commander. Admiral Carter is awaiting you on the Comm." Avalon announced.

"On Screen."

The admiral appeared. "Commander."

"Admiral"

"Are you ready?"

She hated that question. "The ship and Crew are ready for departure."

"Good." Paul let his gaze sweep the bridge as the crew flowed onto it.

Gary listened in silence to the conversation between Phoenix and the Admiral. Unless he missed his bet, they were getting ready for departure but the Admiral wanted to see for himself how Phoenix and the rest of the crew were doing.

"On my way, my alpha," said Matias. He left Engineering and made his way to the bridge. As the turbolift doors opened, he made his way to the Engineering section and logged in. Turning around, he said "Reporting for duty, Commander."

Phoenix nodded at the Engineer with a smile. "At ease lieutenant."

Dyhei exited the turbo lifts cautiously, a little concerned that she might be the last arrival, but thankfully science was a side station on most ship bridges, as it was here thankfully. She slid into the chair and started setting the station up for space activity. Glancing up and over to the command area, with a little uncertainty stated "Science present." Then returned her attention to the console and the protocol list on the padd place to her left.

Liselle stepped onto the bridge, not fully aware of how much attention she drew to herself as her hands preened about her uniform for any imperfections. Lint, creases, wrinkles -- all things she could not tolerate. She felt her skin flush cold with dread at the though of facing Phoenix and Taylor eye to eye. Yes, Phoenix and Lieutenant Taylor would have been informed about her decision to spend her time in quarters aboard the Starbase instead of the Elysium. And yes, that probably had raised some flags with them. She didn't know for certain. But when it was time for the Elysium to depart, Liselle promptly returned aboard. Still, she wasn't sure if she was making the right decision in coming back. Admiral Carter had suggested reassignment. The notion was stuck in her brain like a splinter. Leaving Starfleet was also an option....

Liselle's lips were tucked firmly between her teeth as she crossed in front of Phoenix and Taylor. She looked up at the pair, gave them a firm nod, a firm smile. Without another word the Trill made her way to the CONN. Maybe when they were at warp, once Phoenix had some time to get her feet under her, then Qwyyn would talk to her about these thoughts she couldn't shake.

Tate emerged from the lift, and before she sat in the once familiar chair, she took a moment to look around the bridge. Like everywhere else on the ship, this space felt altogether different but also the same in many ways. Of course, Sullivan knew there was a world of difference between the crew now and the crew she had once known. Given what they had all just been through, it was understandable none of them would feel the same.

Lia emerged onto the bridge, her first task was to report to the Captain. Her second task was to find her allocated cabin and stow her gear, she somehow got the impression the transporter Chief wasn't a happy bunny with all her gear spread out in his domain. Lia noticed she couldn't see the Captain, but a Commander sat in his chair. oO Could that be the C.O. of this merry band of nut jobs? Oo, she wondered. Walking over to the Commander her soft Dorset accent seemed to silence the whole bridge, "Lieutenant Commander Holmes reporting, permission to come aboard?" The Englishness of her statement for once sounded out of place, even to her ears. Mind you that dishy male Commander in the XO's seat, could make this little jaunt around the universe quite worthwhile.

"Welcome aboard commander. We are about to get underway, if you would please take the security console, we can meet afterwards" Phoenix said softly.

As she turned to leave she stopped and said, "I know this sounds stupid, but two questions. First, can you please inform me of the location of my accommodation. Second, you are the C.O. of this vessel right?"

Phoenix bit back a very nasty swear word in her own language and said almost coldly. "Lieutenant Commander Holmes. I am commanding officer of this vessel and not your lackey. Find your accommodations after our departure. Now take your Station. If I have to ask again, I will be very displeased." She then stood and marched past her towards the centre of the Command well.

"Ouch" muttered an ensign from the communications console. What an impression to make on your new CO.

Phoenix calmly assessed the assembled crew and then turned to the viewscreen. "Admiral we are ready for departure. With your permission?"

["Permission granted commander. Good hunting"]

Matias' ears perked up at the words Good Hunting. That was a Grral greeting when they also left on a mission.

Phoenix turned to Liselle. "Commander Qwyyn, if you could please take us out. Lieutenant t'Valk" she addressed her former assistant chief. "Clear us from the starbase."

"Aye sir" T'Valk replied

"Aye, sir," Qwyyn nearly wheezed next. She took a breath. Those stars out there in the great beyond felt different now. Cold. Dangerous. Qwyyn cleared her throat and spoke more clearly this time. "Aye, sir. Moorings confirmed clear, all clamps have disengaged. Taking us out to sea."

"Avalon, ship wide communication please"

"Of course Commander Lalor."

She looked at the Comm. "We shall be in touch Admiral" And the Main screen shut off and changed to an image of the Elysium leaving dock.

Taking a breath Phoenix began to speak. "Ladies and Gentlemen, We have been given the green light from Starfleet Command. Our destination is Risa. This is, however no pleasure cruise. We are to find out what has happened to commodore Heling. He is the former commanding officer of the USS Skylark a decommissioned Galaxy class ship and the man who signed off on our last mission which ended as it did." she said. "Just over a week ago, he vanished from his home in Texas. Intelligence tracked him to Risa." She paused. "We are to find him, secure him and return him to earth. I fully expect this to be rather straight forward.. just like all of our other missions. Our ETA to Risa is 3 days." She nodded and Avalon cancelled the ship wide comm.

Lt. Liducca had just about finished all of the configurations and setting needed for her station for a launch as the departure instructions were given. She sat back and breathed a sigh of relief and told herself to enjoy the moment. Although the final line from the ship's CO caused her to raise an look of puzzelment and irony, passing comments from the existing person's in her department both the last and previous missions were interesting to say the least. This new chapter had potential to be very interesting, as she redirected her attention back to the view screen and the departure of the ship.

Lt. Grronkil was pleased. All in Engneering was ready. 3 days to Risa. They could possibly make it earlier. He spoke up. "Commander, Engineering is ready, and I could make our ETA two days instead of three if you like."

From his XO's chair, Gary watched as the senior staff entered the bridge and moved to their assigned stations.His gaze lingering slightly as the female manning tactical. Was that a wolf manning the Engineering station? He'd have to read that file. To the other's he nodded politely, with the silent promise of meeting them all at a later date.

Phoenix turned to Helm and said "Once we are clear Commander, take us to warp 5."

Liselle punched in their course, forgoing the military routes reserved by Starfleet. Certainly those routes included Risa in their path, but like all experienced pilots in Starfleet, Qwyyn knew to mingle amongst the charter ships that ferried vacationers from Starbases and science stations to shore leave. Although the Starfleet reserved routes had originally been carved out to avoid the civilian traffic for the purpose of saving time, the charter ship companies had since made clockwork perfection of charting the perfect course for getting their clients to their vacation destination as quickly as possible. They didn't exclusively own these better routes, and in fact, were quite happy to see the powerful and intimidating Federation starships pass through the lines from time to time, sending a clear message to anyone that might think to run a raid on the civilian ferries.

Qwyyn paused. This was the start of the Elysium's first official mission under Lalor. Some Captains liked to give the word: "Engage" or "Punch It" or "Step on it" or "Proceed". Liselle announced, "Course laid in, sir."

Lia walked slowly to her console, the C.O's words ringing in her ears. oO Bit of a touchy one it seems, may take some getting used to Oo she thought. She flicked through the menu, "Here we are, Tactical display and long range sensor sweep" she said to herself. Lia glanced up to see an Ensign looking at her, "Do you have a problem Ensign? If not then concentrate on your own duties, not on what I'm doing. Got it!" The Ensign on comms quickly looked away, oO Grotty little 'oik Oo she decided. She then moved onto the Security file, not much leapt out at her. Not a good sign for a security department, so she formulated a department plan. She decided to recruit only those she thought worthy of being in security, when she was finished with this ship. It's security department would be the best she could make it, with or without the C.O's permission.

Phoenix nodded at Liselle. "Engage."

Liselle let two fingers drop to the blinking command control on her board. The console chirped acknowledgement as the stars beyond stretched out into long rainbows stripes of light through the effect of the warp field. With that done, Liselle turned about in her seat to face her commanding officer. It was time to talk to Phoenix about the dilema she was facing over her future in Starfleet.

And then Phoenix turned to the security Chief. "Lieutenant Commander Holmes, In the ready room please. Commander Taylor, if you would join us please," Phoenix said as the ship went to warp. She would deal with this here and now.

And she turned on her heel and headed to the Ready room.

Lia stood up and followed her C.O. to the ready room, oO Oh this ones got a bee up her posterior Oo she thought. As she entered she side stepped to allow the X.O. to follow on behind the C.O. She knew what was about to go down, her ex Director used to have that same piggy face when he was about to let rip. oO Seems to be a trait of certain command types Oo she considered.

Watching the exchange, Liselle spun back to her board. Another opportunity to speak to Lalor would come later, she figured. Though the Trill couldn't help feeling a slight sting of resentment at how much the job demanded of her old friend. She worried now that commanding a starship was going to make what time they spent together off duty all but impossible. She sighed quietly.

Matias was monitoring the energy flow to make sure all was going right. He didn't want any accidents to happen, even though the last accident brought him here.

LT Dyhei Liducca's Personal Log - Pre launch details (Concurrent with 'departure')

The following is a personal log from LT Dyhei Liducca.

"........and the last group of techs arrived this morning, so we are fully staffed." Stated the Scientist Mate as Dyhei nodder and then added "and fully supplied?" Which drew a nod from the Human male, "Final thing the experiment project continuation approvals four of them, two of which are going to need command approval. "

This drew a slightly sigh from Dyhei, still getting used to having regular contact with senior and command officers, "In that case I'll set up a meeting with him hopfuly today and who is that?" She asked asking part of her responce clashed with the speaker announcement. "That's the ships a AI." The mate responded patiently

"We have an AI?"

"Yes"

"Do I get an AI"

"No, It's a Command aid, so it would be an idea to pay attention to what she says. Particularly phrases such as 'senior officers' and 'bridge'

Her eyes widened at this, "Damm your right, this is still feels unrealike. "

"Well at least we've got a little longer before you start being pedantic and impossible to deal with." The mate staxed with a smirk, already worked out he could push a little more with this chief, something he liked. "Chief get going."

"Yeah.....I'm going......in going. Give me the approvals, might be able to get these done whileostomy I'm there there's rest......" Dyhei said with a wave as she turned to go checked herself and held out her ands for the padds.

"I'll sort and I'll catch you when you back down here." He offered with a grin.

"Thanks, catch up soon." The Lieutenant said as she turned and hurried out of the lab towards the nearest set of turbo lifts

Joint Post: Cheng and CO

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Matias Grronkil & Commander Phoenix Lalor

Mission: Episode 0: History Speaks

Location: Main Engineering

Timeline: Current

Phoenix made her way down to engineering to make sure everything was square down there. She hated fanfare and chose to avoid the security officers who had chosen to follow her around, by arriving by the Tube entrance. Climbing out of the hatch she looked around at the Engineers who were scurrying past working hard in preparation for their departure.

Matias was at a console, looking over the different tasks that remained before they were ready when his ears perked up and his commander's scent met his nose. Turning, he snapped to attention. "My alpha! We are very close to being ready for departure. Only a few items rrremain."

Phoenix smiled at the officer. "That's good. Let operations know what is needed and they will get it for you if you have trouble with the requisition team.." She paused. "I take it you have settled in well?"

"As well as can be expected, Commander," said Matias. "I have been told to remember my Engineering crew are not Grral, and not expect them to do their assignments yesterday. The Counselor has been working with me on that. Although they are in need of the discipline I can provide to be the best Engineering crew that they can."

Phoenix hid a smile at that. The Engineers were in for a big shock. "I am glad to see that you have everything under control." She replied though. "As long as your discipline remains within Federation standards I foresee no issues"

"Thank you, my alpha." he said. "All that is left is some fine tuning, and we will be ready."

"Good." She smiled. "We are looking to depart within the next 48 hours."

"I will be ready, Commander." he said.

"I have every confidence in you Lieutenant. I will leave you to your work" She gave him a nod.

"Thank you, my alpha." said the Grral Engineer. He returned to his work.

Episode 2: Hell is empty, all the devils are here! - Proper Meeting of the Security Chief

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Commander Aurelia Holmes & Commander Phoenix Lalor & Lieutenant Commander Gary Taylor

Mission: Episode 2: Hell is empty, all the devils are here!

Location: Commander Lalor's ready room, Deck 18

Timeline: Current

=/\= Previously =/\=

And then Phoenix turned to the security Chief. "Lieutenant Commander Holmes, In the ready room please. Commander Taylor, if you would join us please," Phoenix said as the ship went to warp. She would deal with this here and now.

And she turned on her heel and headed to the Ready room.

"Of course Captain." Gary answered as he rose from his chair to follow Phoenix into her ready room.

=/\= Now =/\=

Phoenix led the way into the ready room. It had been completely redone and now reflected the personality of its newest occupant. The Desk was neat and tidy. There were several low couches and a couple of paintings around the room.

In front of the desk was three chairs. Phoenix moved to stand behind the desk.

Lia watch as the XO passed by her, oO Shame he's married Oo she thought. oO This is going to be nasty, I just know it Oo, She decided. Lia then chose to put her point first, "Captain, it would appear we have got off to a rather shaky start. It's just unusual to have a Commander in charge of so large a vessel, I didn't want to offend anyone. As for my accommodation, despite my best efforts I still can not locate it. And the Transporter Chief wants my luggage out of his location stat". She stood ready for the storm which was about to break over her, after a year at the Department with her new head honcho she was used to it.

Gary passed in front of Lia and took a seat in one of the chairs. As he did his head turned back to Lia and his arm moved in the gesture to join him in sitting in one of the chairs. That done, his head swiveled back to look at Phoenix to see her reaction to Lia's statement.

Phoenix sat in silence and studied the woman before her desk. She didn't glance at Gary, figuring she should speak and see how things went from there. "While it is strange for a commander to be in charge of such a vessel, I find it more strange that you did not familiarise yourself with the crew prior to your arrival. I guess I expected that our new security chief would have made some effort to find out who the commanding officer and executive officers were on this ship." She held up a hand to forestall more comments. "As for your room assignment, you should have told the transporter chief to beam it to the Security Chief's quarters, which are on the same deck as the rest of the senior staffs, deck 17. One deck above this one." She looked at the woman. "I believe you were being played by that transporter chief Commander. Be seated."

Lia sat down and with great difficulty explained her mistake, "I apologise for my obvious error, but for the past seven years I've been attached to Star Fleet Intelligence. The only ship board experience I have is while investigating cases, which means the department sorts out the accommodation. The last time I actually served on a ship was when I left the academy, and those skills are somewhat rusty. Rest assured I will be having words with said Transporter Chief, as I did mention I was the Security Chief". She moved in the chair as the C.O. and X.O. watched her, had her old Director put his oar in and sabotaged this deployment already? She then continued, "As for checking out who and what this deployment held, I did ask my old Director to give me all the information we had. I received very little in the way of data, I wasn't told who was the C.O. nor any other crew details. What I was told was deemed classified, and was vague in the extreme". She sat waiting for the howls of disbelief, her reply sounded weak even to her.

Gary listened as Lia gave Phoenix an explanation of why she couldn't find her quarters as well as not knowing who was in command of the ship. If what she said was true and he had no reason not to believe it wasn't then the Transporter Chief and he were going to have a loooong and not very nice conversation.

Classified. Phoenix stopped herself from rolling her eyes. Nothing about the command of the ship was classified since their return without the admiral. She looked at her desk and picked up a PADD. She held it out to Holmes. "The most current and up to date listing of the crew and senior staff." she said calmly. "It includes family of said crew who are on board as well. As for the transporter chief, I will look into that"

Lia stood up and looked straight at the Captain, "Thank you Captain, I will read and digest the required information". She then went a little bit further than she intended, "Did you know that there is a S.F.I. Agent on board this vessel? And I don't mean me, I'm ex S.F.I. And just for your peace of mind Captain, I'd check that classification. Your Admiral that disappeared happen to cross my desk before I left the agency, an agent was assigned. Seems he has certain information Star Fleet doesn't want spread around, so a sleeper agent was placed aboard. Now I've given you data that you shouldn't be in receipt of, what you choose to do with it is your concern. But Captain, this vessel seems to have some sort of black op's classification attached to it, I'd be inclined to find out why". Lia now sat back down, she felt no loyalty to her old agency. Her loyalty was now to this ship and its Captain, however that person chose to command.

"Commander Holmes, I suggest you stand easy." Gary warned the Security/Tactical Chief. His voice was measured, controlled and deceptively calm. They were the only words he had spoken to this point.

"I am going to clarify something for you lt. Commander." Phoenix said calmly. "Admiral Myrkul Sharr gave up his life and freedom so this crew could return to the Alpha quadrant. He made a deal to secure our future. He didn't disappear. He remained behind in the Andromeda Galaxy as a prisoner." She calmly sat back in her chair. "He left this ship in my hands. And any intelligence officer on this vessel had best get comfortable for a boring assignment. THere is nothing classified left on this ship. They went over it with a fine tooth comb."

She looked at Holmes. "The admiral gave up much for the crew of this vessel. I will get you access to my debriefing with Admirals so you are across the situation."

*Oh Boy!* Gary thought silently, *Nothing like poking at grizzly bear with a stick* As he listen to Phoenix and Lia exchange words. Wondering if Holmes realized the hole she was digging for herself.

Lia glanced between the C.O. and the X.O. Things were getting frosty, "Captain, I don't need access to your debrief. As for why the S.F.I. Have an agent on this ship, I guess that's their business. If I've offended in my haste to defend myself, I'm sorry that wasn't what I was trying to do". Lia cast her eyes down to the floor, "If you wish Captain, I will request another deployment on another ship. It would appear as if I have made myself unpopular with the two most senior staff available, not bad for me. I normally take at least a whole day before I ruffle someone's feathers, S.O.P. yet again". (S.O.P.= Standard Operational Procedures).

"There is no need for that, lieutenant commander." Phoenix replied. She was not Sharr, she had to remind herself. Sharr who would have left this woman in tears and kicked her off for her audacity. "What I expect from you, moving forward is a more informed approach to your job."

Gary sat and listened as Phoenix spoke to Lia and what she expected from her. When she had finished, he spoke, " For what it is worth, you haven't offended me. If you offend me, I'll let you know. I would only hasten to say don't be so hard on yourself. Relax and do your job."

Nodding Lia stayed silent, she had made herself look stupid. And in her own eyes that was a inadequacy, one she couldn't except. She stood up and looked at the Captain, "Permission to leave, I feel there is little more to be gained by my remaining here. I will return to the bridge and continue my duties, if it pleases you Captain?" She was going to speak to the XO, but thought better of it. Perhaps later when things were more settled, if she stayed that long.

Phoenix glanced at Gary for a moment then said "I suggest Commander you find your quarters and get to know the ship. We are currently at Warp and will be for the next few days. Take that time to organize your department, put what changes you need to in place. I am sure you will feel better once you have done that. Dismissed."

Turning to leave Lia spoke, "Thank you for your understanding Captain, I will improve my performance. And thank you Commander". She then left to locate her cabin, on deck 17 she found what she was looking for and set about making a space for her self. On a table in the middle of the floor sat a PaDD, on that was Lia's plans for her department. She gave it a glance, oO Well that was a waste of time working that all out Oo she thought. Her suggestion about leaving the ship hadn't been an idle threat, it still played on her mind and maybe she wasn't ready to return to ship board duty yet. Seven years was a long time to be out of the loop, things had changed but Lia hadn't kept up with those changes. She was no better than a first year Cadet in many ways, that would have to be amended.

=/\=

Episode 2: Hell is empty, all the devils are here! - A gorn doctor

A Mission Post by Commander Phoenix Lalor & Lieutenant Sthilg

Mission: Episode 2: Hell is empty, all the devils are here!

Location: Commander Lalor's ready room, Deck 18

Timeline: MD1 13h

Sthilg grumbled slightly as he banged his head on the turbolift as he stepped out of it. Federation turbo lifts were not built for a creature of his size and despite his years of working on them he still regular bashed his head on the top. Seeing the bridge crew we're looking at him he politely grinned as he stood up to his whole height.

It was still highly unlikely to see one of him in the fleet and even more unlikely to see one in medical colours. " Helloo everyone." He said politely as he walked over to the ready room door. Waving his hand over the alert he waited patiently for it to open. Doing one last look over his uniform he put on the best look he could as the door opened. Ducking down and stepping in he smiled as he stood to attention.

" Lieutenant Sssthilg reporting for duty."

Commander Phoenix Lalor looked up, and up. Her eyes widened slightly but she stood up as he stood at attention. "Welcome to the Elysium Lieutenant." She said casting her mind back to the new crew listing. "You are our new chief Medical officer is that correct?" She asked. "Please be seated."

" Yesss I am the new medical officer." The gron said pausing to look at the chair. The habit of chairs breaking had been a problem and even with his underweight frame he still wondered if it could hold him. Carefully sitting down he did his best to have a warm friendly smile on his mouth. " I am happy to be here. Ssshe sssemsss like a good ship."

Phoenix nodded. "The ship and crew are both good." She paused. "I do believe however you will have a lot to do. Our previous CMO while a wonderful doctor and diligent in his work, left us shortly after our return from our last mission and we have a number of new crew who will need their physicals."

" It will be my first priority to make sssure everyone has a clean bill of health before we get under way. Including all members of the sssenior ssstaff. " replied the lizard. He'd already set the computer to began organising the needed appointments.

At that hint, Phoenix gave a small smile. "If you arrange mine for as soon as possible, I will be there Lieutenant."

" I'll try and make you one of my first patientsss." The gorn said with a reassuring yet toothy grin. " Is there anything else I ssshould know or may i get on with my dutysss."

Phoenix considered. "I would suggest you speak with the counselor she may have patients who you might work together with."

" One of my first priorities." The gorn replied.

"Then I will let you get to work Lieutenant. Let me know if you have any issues" Phoenix said with a smile.

" That i will commander. I'll see later in the sssickbay. " The gorn said as he stood up and turned to leave. He had a lot of work in front of him.

"Of course Lieutenant." Phoenix watched him go with a small smile. This was going to be very interesting.

Episode 2: Hell is empty, all the devils are here! - "Sometimes You Can Go Home Again"

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Commander Tate Sullivan Ph.D. & Commander Phoenix Lalor

Mission: Episode 0: History Speaks

Location: Captain's Ready Room, USS Elysium

Timeline:

So much had changed and yet so much hadn't. So much felt different and yet, so much felt exactly the same.

As Doctor Tate Sullivan moved through the corridors of the USS Elysium, she knew this was not the same place or the same crew she had left so many years earlier. How could it be? After all they had been through, and all they had lost, it didn't take a therapist to understand they would be forever changed by their experiences in Andromeda.

Yet, as soon as Sullivan boarded, she felt a sense of déjà vu, an echo of familiarity, almost like she was actually reexperiencing something she had only ever perceived in a dream state. Because she'd been here many years earlier, it might as well have been. That was, after all, why she had been chosen to conduct these psychological debriefings of the Elysium crew. She was somewhat familiar, at least with the ship, but she was also far enough removed from the crew as to being more objective. It was a strange sort of existence, but Tate could appreciate the brass has logic in assigning her here, whether temporarily or permanently. That, she'd been told, remained to be seen.

For now, however, she had only one priority. She rang the chime and waited.

The door opened and a slim male with yeoman rank slid out. He nodded to the counselor and waved her in.

The room was a mess to put it mildly. Packing boxes were everywhere and the new CO, the former chief of Operations was loading things into them, it was obvious the items were not hers. Phoenix looked up and nodded at Tate. "Commander Sullivan?" she asked cautiously.

The reference to her most recent rank still sounded foreign to Tate's ears, having only recently acquired it just before this assignment. "Yes, ma'am. I'm sorry to disturb you. I only hoped to report in, but I can come back if you need me to."

"No no now is fine" Phoenix said with a smile. "I am just finishing clearing out the admiral's things. They are going to ... well I am not sure where."

Tate nodded, the mention of the Admiral bringing up mixed feelings. Truthfully, she didn't know the man very well even though she had been his Chief Counselor back when she initially served aboard the Elysium as well. It wasn't unusual for command officers to stay as far away from counselors as they could, but Sullivan always got the sense there was more to the Admiral's avoidance than even the cliché or his own trauma history. She had gained the impression he felt a closer kinship to members of the command, tactical, and even engineering departments. "I'm afraid I can't be much help there. I worked with the man before, but as you might know, he wasn't terribly forthcoming about himself."

"Oh believe me I know." Phoenix said with a wry smile. "Well, welcome back to the Elysium Commander Sullivan, I do hope you find your time here well worth it." She deftly cleared off a chair and waved Tate to it.

"Thank you, ma'am," Tate replied, both in response to what she'd said and the effort she made to clear her place to sit. Thinking on what Phoenix offered, Sullivan said, "I don't wish to suddenly open wounds when you're not expecting it, especially in an initial discussion, but I did want to say I'm aware much of the crew has suffered significant trauma. While I don't know all of the details, Starfleet Medical has asked me to conduct the required debriefing evaluations and any follow-up therapy required. I assumed you are probably aware of my assignment as Chief Counselor, but perhaps not my initial assignment from Starfleet Medical. I know sometimes the brass aren't always as forthcoming as they intend to be."

Phoenix nodded. She gave a small shrug. "We went through a tough time. The counselors we had, struggled with their own grief as well as the crew's. We lost a lot of good people and." She paused and then hunted on the desk. "Here. My debrief to the admiralty." She said as she handed it to Tate. "Commander, I am going to be honest, this crew needs a stable counseling crew. We have rarely had one. I will be insisting all involved go through counseling, myself included. Commander Taylor the new XO will liaise with you so you get all that you need to get this done. He was not on the ship at the time of the... event."

Tate couldn't be sure, as she was just getting to know the other woman, but it seemed to Sullivan that Phoenix was trying to keep her emotions in check as best she could while she talked about what they'd all been through openly. Still, when she talked about needing a consistent counseling staff to tend to the crew, Tate thought she detected some degree of vulnerability. It made the counselor that much more eager to provide whatever help she could. "I appreciate that you have already thought all of this through. It will certainly make things easier moving forward. I will meet with commander Taylor immediately, but in the meantime, is there anyone that you want me to meet with right away because you're concerned about his or her physical safety as a result of what they've been through? Is there anyone you know of whose health is immediately being compromised because of their psychological state? Constant nightmares or suicidal thoughts, perhaps? Naturally, I don't want to leave anyone in jeopardy any longer than they have to be. While it is true I will need time to get up to speed, I want to allow my lack of knowledge to keep people from having someone to talk to immediately if anyone needs it."

Of course, Tate already knew the ship had had its problems in terms of keeping a consistent counseling staff. She briefly wondered why that might've been and if the attitudes of the command staff toward counselors have anything to do with it.

Phoenix knew she had to be honest. "Our flight controller Liselle." She said. "I tried to get her to a counselor while we were undergoing the event. She went but I believe she will still need a bit of assistance."

Sullivan nodded. "I'll read her file as well as the mission logs, but is there anything in particular I need to know about her situation right away? I don't expect you to betray any confidences, ma'am, I just want to make sure I have all of the information I need to as soon as I need to have it."

"She was severely injured in the explosion. She almost died. Took weeks for her to get back on her feet. She had some issues within her department. A practical joke went wrong... It caused some stress and embarrassment." Phoenix said.

News of a practical joke gone awry was a surprise. "I can imagine the Admiral was too thrilled by that. Thank you for the overview. I'll be sure to meet with her as soon as possible. Is there anyone else you can think of, ma'am?"

Phoenix shook her head. "No not currently." She considered informing the counselor that the Admiral had not known about it to her knowledge but chose not to. "Counselor, I know you will do the best by this crew. I am glad the fleet assigned you back here. They need someone who knows the ship, and who has a history here. If they had sent some stranger, I think we would have an issue."

"I appreciate you saying so, ma'am. I wasn't with the ship long and obviously, much has happened that I don't know about and wasn't present for, but hopefully, some people will remember me, and at the very least, those who don't will be willing to get to know me. I know opening up after dealing with so much and not having consistent therapy will be challenging, but I'll go slow and demonstrate with time that I'm not going anywhere."

"That's all we can ask" Phoenix replied with a smile.

Episode 2: Hell is empty, all the devils are here! – WIP

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Matias Grronkil & Lieutenant Dyhei Liducca

Mission: Episode 2: Hell is empty, all the devils are here!

Location:

Timeline:

Now thankfully a ships main engineering was a recognised turbolift stop and was generally with in a few dozon meters of its location, Dyhei fell in step with a pair of gold collored person's, hopeing they were heading towards and not away from main engineering. Where she would find the Chief , again from her brief experience on the bridge earlier she knew who she was looking for and that also he was a species she hadon't encountered yet.

A quick word with an engineer monitoring some display that was likely quite important, she made her way over to the area pointed out. "Lieutenant Grronkil. I was hoping to discuss a few things if your not to busy?"

Matias' ears perked up and he turned. "What can I do for you?" he said. He was learning the ways of these humanoids, and hoped he got it right.

“Im Lieutenant Liducca, chief of science. I'd like to discuss a small amount of modification work to one of the multi-purpose labs.” She stated clearly, in response to the direct request, but curiosity bit her a little and she had to ask, “I've not encountered your species before, are you related to the Cataian at all?”

"I'm afraid not, Lieutenant." said Matias. "I'm not even from this galaxy. There is a similar species to the Cataian in my galaxy called the Katharis, but we're not related. But now to business. What is the modification that you require?"

"Interesting." She responded, ever curiose she made a mental note to catch up with the lieutenant off duty and find out a bit more about his species and him. "Of course, the Bio-Chemistry section are running an experiment, they have some existing apparatus, but it needs additions and a degree of fine tuning off some of the existing components." She passed the PaDD with the specs over, showed a diagram of the set up already in place, with the additions overlayed. "Can you spare any engineers?"

"All is in working order here. I can go myself to do what is required," said Matias, looking at the PADD. "It should be no problem implementing these changes."

"Really! That's.......that's reallyour helpful, Thank you." Dyhei responded trying to take the supprise out of voice but failing, years of hearing officers grumble about engineers had her going into this expecting to have to work to convince. She was pleasantly surprised it seemed, may be this chief business wasn't all that hard she started to think. "Can you get to it today or will it be tommorow? either way I'll tell the officers and technicians to expect you."

"Everything is in order here, so I would say today." said Matias. "I'll get my things and be over as soon as possible."

"Great. Well I've got a few other departmental things to see too, I'll leave you to it, any issues let me know" Dyhei nodded and turned to go. "If you see me in the lounge, I owe you a drink." She added before making her way out of engineering.

"Very good." said Matias. "I'll take you up on that."

Episode 2: Hell is empty, all the devils are here!- Gary meets the gorn.

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Sthilg & Lieutenant Commander Gary Taylor

Mission: Episode 0: History Speaks

Location: Med bay.

Timeline:

As another successful patient left the med bay the old gorn splashed what was left of cold water onto his face. Grinning to himself he walked over to his small office and checked the schedule of the crew who were due for their medical checkup. The next one due was the executive officer.

Tapping his comm badge the gorn spoke clearly and politely.

=^= Lieutenant Gary Taylor this is doctor Sthilg are you ssstill free for your medical checkup."

Gary was in his quarters, he was going over some personnel files where he could read them without fear of interruption or so he thought until his combadge chirped and he heard Sthilg's voice. *Well so much for no interruptions." He said to himself. Heaving a silent sigh, he answered =^= As a matter of fact, I am free Doctor and it's Lieutenant Commander or Commander. I take it you want me in Sickbay now?" The last said more as a question.

" If possible commander. I have a long list of people to examine." came the gorns reply.

"Very well Doctor. I'll be there within five minutes." Gary replied. Four minutes later Gary was standing in Sickbay's outer receiving area. "Alright Doctor, I'm here, might as well get this over with." He announced more brusquely then he intended. Gary had nothing against the Gorn, doctors in general were a necessary evil to tolerate and submitting to an annual physical was part of being tolerant.

Noting his tone the gorn guessed the commander wasn't a fan of check up's. " If you'll come with me will get this over as quickly as possssible commander. " He said walking over to one of the bio bed and pulling out a padd. " Any sssurgeries or injuriesss accured since your last medical checkup?" He said bringing up the checklist that was all to familiar.

Gary followed the CMO over to one of the bio beds and sat down on it as Sthilg asked his required questions. Shaking his head from side to side, he replied. "Nope. Fit as a fiddle doc. No complaints."

Ticking the box the gorn slid the padd back into his pocket before switching on the medical scanner. " Very well. This ssshouldn't take long. " He said politely as he looked at the data coming through. " Everything appears to be within acceptable parameters. The ssscars along your chest and back ae they giving you any pain?" He inquired.

Gary subconsciously fingered the scars on his chest. They were a reminder of what he had endured during his time as a prisoner in the Romulan prison camp. The scars showed what he had overcome and not broken. "No pain doc." He replied simply not wishing to elaborate on the statement.

Noting the human's body language the gorn didn't pray any further. He had his own experiences at lifeforms who specialise in getting information from other creatures. Thankfully the humans scan brought up other questions. " You train in unarmed combat commander?" He asked noting the strain on some of his muscles.

"Yes I do doctor." Gary acknowledged, "Several forms to be precise. I am a master in a variety of them." It was not said in an arrogant or boastful manner but rather in a simple straight forward way.

" It'sss ssshows on the inside. " Replied the doctor as the scan's finished. " Well commander other than a ssslightly low sssalt level you appear to be in perfectly acceptable health. " Sthilg announced as he saved the scan and sent the results of to the commanders medical profile.

Gary nodded at the doctor's prognosis, a slight smile coming to his face. "Perfectly, acceptable health huh? I think I can live with that." He replied wryly.

" Is sssomething wrong commander? " The gorn said nothing the tone in his voice.

Gary shook his head, the grin still plastered on his face, "Nothing at all doc. I'm glad to be in perfectly acceptable health. Of course tip top health would have been better." He jested lightly.

" Very well." The gorn said handing the commander a padd containing a copy of his medical scan. " If I may ask commander have you heard were the ssship going to be deployed? I haven't had a chance to asssk the captain while I've been down here."

Sliding off the bio bed, Gary accepted the PaDD. Standing he studied the CMO for several seconds before replying. "Yes. I've heard.'' was his short reply.

" Well, asss sssoon asss you and the captain deem it necessary can you sssend me any information you'll think I'll need. Always nice to have a sssurplus of necessary medical sssupliesss we'll need." The gorn said his mind as always on the job.

Heading for the exit out of Sickbay, Gary looked over his shoulder at the CMO, "No worries on that score Doc. I promise you'll know soon enough so you can have an adequate supply of medicine." He replied before exiting.

" Take care commander. " He said after the commander as he returned to his work around the sickbay.

Episode 2: Hell is empty, all the devils are here!-Inside a flight officer

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Sthilg & Lieutenant Commander Liselle Qwyyn

Mission: Episode 0: History Speaks

Location: medbay

Timeline:

Sthilg scowled as he bite down into the grey which he hastily swallowed. Having to eat a large amount of protein mix to help regain his weight he'd lost was very unpleasant. Pushing what was left of the bowl to one side he downed the water at his side in one gulp though it did nothing to hide the bitter taste in his mouth.

Thankfully the sound of the medical bay doors opening distracted him. Recognising the trill stepping through the door as the ships flight officer who was the next crew scheduled for their medical checkup.

" Lieutenant Commander Lissselle Qwyyn isn't it?" He said standing up and walked over to the trill hoping he didn't look to threatening.

Qwyyn's eyes grew to the size of moons. She raised both hands in front of her as she slowed to a stop. "I -- didn't -- you're a -- if --" her eyes continued to remain as they were, stretched wide open, unblinking.

Having received this treatment quite a few times before the gorn simply smiled back. Not many people did have a positive reaction to a gorn doctor. " Yesss i know not many of my ssspeciesss in the fleet."

She collapsed her hands over her left breast. "I'm sorry," she stammered. She flushed with embarrassment. "It's just that I wasn't expecting -- I mean, not that it should matter -- I've never seen -- what I'm trying to say --" she took a breath. "Yes, Lieutenant Commander Qwyyn reporting."

" Well commander if you'd like to follow me we can get the ssscan done." the gorn said reassuringly as he walked over to one fo the bio beds. " Any new injuries or allergiesss sssince your last ssscan?? He politely inquired as he switched on the computer.

Liselle breathed a sigh of relief as she followed him, greatful that he had let her off the hook. Still, she was embarrassed beyond belief. "My symbiont was badly hurt a few months ago. I was in a coma and then on bed rest for several months," she said as she hopped up onto the bed. She didn't know why she was telling him this, clearly he had already been through her file. But she was concerned. "My last doctor was closely monitoring me. He was a little concerned about turning my long term treatment over to someone else. I'd take it as high praise that he trusted you," she said, forcing a warm smile. In truth, even her own people back on Trill hadn't expected her to survive given her wounds. She could only hope this gorn was as good as Dr. Monz seemed to think he was.

" Doctor Monz is a dear friend and he will happily tell you i wasss fixing people before his grandmother walked the galaxy." The gorn replied with a friendly calming tone as he ticked off the padd before sliding it into his lab coat. Nothing new to report. Hopefully, he would be updating it wth good news. " It's been a while sssince I've worked with a joined trill. Don't sssuppose you know a zesh sssymbiote? " He said as he began starting a new medical scan.

Liselle grabbed the doctor's arm before she realized what she was doing. "Vaz tol pel ma vo'on!" she exclaimed in Trill. Only then did she notice she had grabbed the gorn's arm and she smartly took her fingers from his lab coat. "Sorry," she added, another degree added to the heat of her embarrassment. "My previous host, Melbin, he was a crotchety, stoic old man and a Trill Guardian. Long Story. Anyway, I watched over Arx, Valic, Nor, Tul, and Zesh!" She placed a hand on her forehead, her eyes lost. "Zesh! Gods! What a finite galaxy it truly is! Zesh's last joining must have been, vo' prel ta mass, how many years has it been?"

" Well i'm not to sssure of that, but lassst time i sssaw the current hossst was doing well after we fixed her and the sssymbote. It had a very nasty reaction to the drugs she was talking. We had to cut off the sssymbiotes ssssupply to her blood ssstream so we could inssstall an artafical blood supply. " The gorn said happily remembering happier times. Noting the slight look of confusion on the trills face he responded. " Ssshe was taking a combination of pheromonesss and other drugs to aid her pregnancy. Turnsss out the Zesh sssymbiote was very allergic to one."

Liselle's eyes went wide once again. Thankfully, this time it was in admiration and not in inappropriately displayed surprise. "You were able to sustain a symbiont with artificial blood? During a pregnancy?" she asked, incredulous. Qwyyn immediately began to feel the tension of having a new doctor watch over her begin to dissipate. Without further argument she resigned to give herself over to Sthilg and his judgement of her care. "Doctor, I'm sorry I ever doubted you. If Ian trusted you, then I trust you," she said with finality. A thought occurred to Qwyyn then, and she couldn't help but voice it on Melbin's behalf. "Do you know what happened to the symbiont? I never tended Zesh again after the last joining..."

" Lassst time I sssaw her ssshe and her hussband were taking seeome time of to take care of their daughter. " The Gorn said as he started the scan. " The painkillersss you were pressscribed are they ssstill working?" He said looking at the scan results as they began to come through.

Qwyyn couldn't help but continue to smile at the notion of Zesh back out there again in the galaxy with a new host. It seemed like only yesterday since the last time Melbin had communicated through the telepathic pooling channels in the caves beneath Elbadon on Trill...

She brought herself back to the present again, and to the Doctor's question. "The pain comes and goes. It's usually worse at night. I wake up a lot," she said, and she dragged a hand down her face to emphasize her fatigue. "I don't suppose you have anything that could really knock me out? For when I have a particularly bad stretch of nights?"

" I'm afraid you have sssome of the ssstrongessst ssstuff in the fleet. Anything else could caussse ssserious harm." The gorn replied with a serious look on his face.

Liselle bit her lip. Before her joining, Liselle Swii had been a surgeon. She remembered a very powerful narcotic, traxolprine, that could knock out even a rabid Klingon for hours. She nearly asked the Gorn about it, but quickly thought better of it. Not only would he likely deny her, it would likely trigger him to become suspicious about her current need for pain killers. "Well, if you do come across any other ideas that might help, please let me know," Qwyyn said.

" Off courssse. I will. " The gorn responded as he looked at the scans. " Well you're healing, but very ssslowly. I'll need to run a deeper ssscan to get a good look at the sssyombiote."

"Of course," she said, relieved that the talk of pain killers had passed. "What do you need me to do?"

" Roll over onto your ssside." Sthilg said as he picked up a more detailed scanning device and clipping on the holo projector onto his other arm.

She did as he instructed so that she was facing away from him now. "Can I ask you something?" And without waiting for a reply, she pressed on. "How did you end up being a doctor? I was a surgeon before my current host was joined. After the joining, I wanted nothing to do with it."

The gorn was silent for a while before smiling and replied. " My home was a sssmall barren rock in the middle of nowhere. Wasssn't much work to go round other than mining, hunting and ssstring the wrecksss of crassshed sstarships. All of which i failed missserably at. When i came of age the colony healer took me on as her apprentice. Nothing asss fancy asss this. Grinding herbs and brewing basic tonics to help. I wasss rather good at it. It all changed one day when a federation constitution classss ssship crasshed onto the planet. We rescued the surrviving crew and with the help of the ssshipsss sssurvivng we we're able to get everyone ssstablaised."

The gorn paushed in telling his tale though he still continued his work. Though his face didn't change the look of sadness in his white eyes was unmistakable.

" Then the sssicknesss came. The ssship had dug it up from it centuries of dormancy. It ssspread through the colony like wildfire and killed both gorn, human,vulcan and andorian. I'll ssspare you the detailsss, but within a week half of usss were dead. Me and the ssshipsss sssurvivng doctor tracked back to the ssship to ussse its facilitiesss to make a cure. Luckily we managed to make it and sssave who was left. Doctor T'Madh gave me her medical almanack for helping her. I treid to ssstay at the colony, but within a few mouths everyone decided to leave. With no other ssskillsss i left and ssstarted ssselling my ssservicesss in the badlands. Always people looking for doctors out there."

Although there was a chance that it would interfere with the testing, Qwyyn couldn't help herself from rolling back slightly so that she could look at Sthilg over her shoulder. She wanted a moment to connect with him, to see his eyes and share a moment of sympathy with him. She wasn't sure if this was appropriate behavior for his people, if in fact such a direct action might be considered insulting to him, but it was something she needed to do. "You've been through a lot," she said softly.

" You don't get to my age and not go through a lot. " The gorn replied as he returned to the scan. A holographic image of the symbiote appeared which the doctor froze to get a better look at it. It was obviously badly hurt, but it did slowly seem to be recovering even with the scar tissue on it's surface. " I'll have to sssend the ssscansss to trill to let them have a look, but it appearsss to be healing."

Qwyyn's hand went subconsciously to her abdomen. "I'm sure they'll be thrilled to see the trouble I've managed to get myself into with yet another host," she said sarcastically.

" They'll be happy you're ssstill alive and kicking." The gorn replied as he downloaded and stored the scan for further use. " Well your healing, but ssslowly I'd like you in here in the next few daysss ssso i can check on your progressss. " he said concern showing in his reptilian voice.

A request for immediate medical follow-ups would normally cause an involuntary groan from Qwyyn. She stayed silent. She liked this sapient. He intrigued her in all the ways that he taught her to reconsider her archaic stereotypes of what little she knew of the Gorn. She wanted to learn more about him, and she was more than happy for the excuse to speak with him again. She gave him a quick two finger salute from the top of her right eyebrow. "I'll be here," she promised. She extended her hand and gave the doctor a genuine smile. "And welcome aboard, Sthilg. If anyone had to replace Ian, I'm glad it's you."

The gorn nodded politely as he prepped the computer for another scan. " Happy to be here." he said as the door's closed and opened as another patient stepped through the door. The work never ended here in sickbay.

Episode 2: Hell is empty, all the devils are here! - A New Family

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Commander Liselle Qwyyn & Commander Phoenix Lalor

Mission: Episode 2: Hell is empty, all the devils are here!

Location: Commander Lalor's Quarters

Timeline: MD 1

Liselle stood outside the doors for a long time. Long enough that she had to nod with a pleasant smile to several officers that passed her by in the corridor. Long enough that she saw the same officer come back down the corridor again at one point, returning from whatever duty he had once left for in the first place.

Qwyyn gently clapped her hands in front of her nose several times and took a breath. "Like a band-aid, Qwyyn," she coached herself. "The longer you draw this out..."

She took the plunge. Leaning to one side, she reached out a hand and stabbed a finger at the door chime to Commander Phoenix Lalor's quarters.

The door opened and Phoenix stood there in casual jeans and a sweater but bare foot. "Hey!" She said brightly. "Come on in!" She stepped back and waved her friend into the quarters.

Liselle felt a wave of relief wash over her. She wasn't sure how Phoenix would react to her new role, whether the demands of command would require her to distance herself from her friends aboard the Elysium. Qwyyn decided to tread carefully until she was able to get a good read on the situation. "Thanks," Liselle said. Upon stepping through the doorway, her eyes went wide. "Gods. This place is enormous!"

Phoenix laughed. "I know. I think they never considered that some people do not need so much space." She led her into the lounge room. "Have a seat, do you want a drink?" Phoenix asked.

Liselle planted herself on the couch, placing her hands in her lap. She squeezed her eyes shut as she forced out her next words while she still had the courage to say them. "I'm thinking of leaving the Elysium," she blurted. She opened her eyes again slowly, unsure of how Phoenix would react.

Phoenix sat down opposite her friend. "I can understand that." she said softly to her. "Things have not been easy."

Qwyyn couldn't help but smile despite the tear she felt welling in the corner of her eye. And then she looked down at her hands and the smile faded. "We lost so many people, Phoenix. I - I can't believe -- I mean we've lost people before. But so many -- so many lives -- they're all just gone," she said. "I look at the news feeds and I -- those poor families. And we were all family. You, and me, and Miran, and Ephraim, Ian, and the Admiral, and...everyone...but they've left us behind. Or maybe we left them behind."

Phoenix reached out and touched Liselle's hands. "Ephriam and Ian, they had to go. They could not stay. Too many memories and they wanted a fresh start. I can understand that. I was expecting a transfer and the ship to be mothballed. Liselle, we are family. But you have to do what is right for you. If you want a transfer, a fresh start, I can speak with the admiral and get you a great posting somewhere." Phoenix did not bring up Sharr, it was a raw wound on her as well.

Liselle considered her friend's words. If Phoenix was willing to help her move forward with some kind of transfer...no. It wasn't possible. 'Liselle, we are family' she had said. And, frankly, she was the only family that Liselle had. Or, more accurately, she was the only family Liselle wanted. "Phoenix," Liselle said, "I honestly can't picture my life without you in it." She winced at the awkwardness of her own words. "Besides, what other captain would put up with my eccentric personality?" she joked.

Phoenix smiled at that. "I think you would be surprised Liselle, as to who could handle you. Though I will say, without you at Helm, I doubt this ship would get where it needs to go. And I personally think you leaving would be bad for all of us."

Liselle smiled as she closed her hand affectionately over Phoenix's own. She lifted her gaze, looked at her friend, directly in her silver-blue eyes. "I'm proud of you, you know. What you've accomplished is nothing short of incredible, how you've been able to press on and keep the Elyisum going is...well, we all appreciate it, even if we don't always remember to say so." Qwyyn then tilted her head to a nearby replicator. "I think I'm ready for that drink. And you're going to have one with me," she announced with a teasing smile.

She was not long in bringing back two drinks, deep V-shaped glasses that held purple-blue Trillian cocktails. Liselle bit her lip as she handed a glass to Phoenix. "Brace your taste buds. My people aren't exactly known for their cuisine," she apologized. The Trill's cheeks flushed red with self-aware embarrassment then. "You know, I've been dying to tell you this for a while, but there really hasn't been an opportunity..." Qwyyn began. She took a breath, stared down into her glass. "You remember Udal? Our Tactical officer? Well....he and I...well...we...we kind of slept together. It was actually...my first time...and he sort of transferred off of the Elysium at the very first opportunity." Liselle couldn't help but giggle as she heard her own words aloud. She brought her glass up to her mouth to cover her smiling lips with the hand that grasped her drink. "I knew I wasn't going to be exactly amazing my first time, but I didn't think I would be THAT bad," she said, again breaking into giggles at her own joke.

Phoenix smiled at that. "I had heard about you two from the bartender. Did you enjoy it?"

"Honestly? I really did. It felt good to let my hair down. To go a little crazy and stop worrying about everything. Be in the moment. Just have fun. You know? I've never had anyone lust after me like that before. Sure it was fueled by way too much alcohol, but in the moment it was...nice. As for the sex itself -- " she shrugged " -- meh. I think I could not ever do that again and be perfectly happy."

Phoenix sat back and grinned. "Oh then you didn't do it right." she said brightly. "Maybe he was not a good match in bed for you. Though being an Orion, I find that hard to believe. They are apparently brilliant at sexual pleasure."

Liselle tilted her head in thought. "Well, to be fair to him, we were ungodly drunk. It's a miracle we managed to find our way to a bed at all. It's a shame I won't get the opportunity for further research into the subject. Though, I've also heard it said that many joined Trill simply don't enjoy physical intimacy. I might be doomed!" She threw up her hands in mock exasperation while still wearing a smile.

A thought struck Qwyyn just then. She realized now that she felt like a whole different person than the woman who had stood nervously outside in the corridor just a few minutes ago. "Thanks for making me feel better, Phoenix," she said genuinely. She took another drink. "Okay! Enough about me! Any Orions in your life lately? Or is the ship's Commander sentenced to a lifetime of reports and books?"

"Uh..." Her cheeks went red. "I had a night with one of your team a few weeks ago... haven't seen him since. Been too busy."

The Trill lowered her glass. Slowly. The smile faded. "One of my team?"

Phoenix ducked her head. "Liselle, don't overreact please. It was something we have been dancing around for months. And it has not changed anything. He obviously has not been wanting more than that one night cause I have not seen him