MWR

Posted on Sat Apr 8th, 2023 @ 10:10am by Lieutenant Colonel Azhul Naxea & Captain Addison 'Rico' Leyton & Lieutenant JG T'Kek [Naxea] & Chief Warrant Officer Man'darr [Naxea] & Gunnery Sergeant Luxa Gami [Naxea] & Captain Gary Taylor & Lieutenant Commander Aurelia Taylor & Commander Sthilg & Commander Arrianna Salannis an Vantar & Lieutenant Commander S'hib & Lieutenant Commander Alicia Kelea-Salik & Lieutenant Thor Magnus & Lieutenant Tate Sullivan Ph.D. & Lieutenant Commander Rin & Consul Andrinn Orin & Captain Samuel Woolheater & Captain David Tonelly [Reece] & Lieutenant Kurt "Berlin" Vogel & Lieutenant JG Damien Blackford & Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Lieutenant Commander Malakai Starr [Taylor] & Lieutenant Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen [Taylor] & Lieutenant Commander Kara Starr {Kelea-Salik} & Legate Imik S'Niohun [Lia Taylor] & Lieutenant Victor Barclay de Tolly & Senior Chief Petty Officer Emily Charles {Kelea-Salik} & Crewman Adelaide Kirkby & Skylah McBride [Lalor] & Lieutenant Athena Magnus

Mission: Season 6: Episode 2: Survival
Location: Common Area Building
Timeline: MD3 20h00
6937 words - 13.9 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

The Common Area Shelter had been set up with simple snacks and drinks that had been made from ration packs. Extra portable heaters had been brought down from the Elysium to make it more comfortable for everyone. The counseling department had done the best with what they had as people that weren't on duty began to gather inside the building.

In a corner, Lieutenant Addison Leyton sat on a stool as she adjusted the strings on her acoustic guitar. Normally she wouldn't be caught dead playing in front of a crowd but the situation was different and quite dire.

Captain Woolheater, his fingertips and the tip of his nose covered in a sticky, healing gel and his fingertips donned with bandages from frostbite, came into the MWR large tent area. He took a look around, not too many people here yet, and he went to the food table. He decided on hot tea. Thumbing through the packets was like rummaging through someone's office desk drawer and finding the odd, very odd, tea bags. One was green tea and it read, "Irish Danny's Gooey Green Tea". ~Pass~, Sam thought. He thumbed through some more. There about fifteen bags of diet tea. A dozen or so of something called, "The Fisherman's Friend" tea half-a-dozen bags of Tudd Buddley's "Olde Tyme Straight Tea". Sam smiled and took one for Andrinn for laughs later. He settled on a bluey-yellow tea bag, "Auntie Emm's Brambleberry Tea" with a picture of a kindly old woman on the front wrapped in a shawl tending to a room full of people that were fast asleep. Sam's twisted mind thought she had probably just slipped all of them "a mickey". He took it anyway. There were no mugs. Instead, they were using those cups you pee in when going for a checkup. Sam smelled the cup just to be sure it was...new and...unused. Hey, these were tough times and sacrifices had to be made. Filling the cup with hot water - well - hot is relative when it's eleven freakin' degrees outside. Filling the cup with hot water and finding an empty card table, he sat down and opened up a deck of cards on the table. The deck of cards weren't from the Elysium either. They were from someplace called, "Luckee's Offramp - conveniently located just this side of the Crab Nebula". ~Where in the hell...???~ Sam thought as he shuffled the deck.

A mug of steamy liquid thudded across from the Captain. An older man of thinning black hair, a lined face, and blue eyes sat down across the table. He unzipped his leather flying jacket and withdrew an electrolyte packet, which he promptly dropped into the mug.

The raven-haired man pointed to the cards. “What were you thinking of setting up, Greenhorn?” He used the playfully pejorative term for Marine.

Sam was shuffling the cards just like a card shark when the Lieutenant Wing Commander pulled up. Sam had seen him only rarely. He was known for his flying abilities, his leather flying jacket and his accent. Leather flying jacket seemed like a really nice thing to have on a planet like this. Sam looked up and continued shuffling the cards and answered, "Welcome, welcome, El Tee. How dee!" Sam said playfully back. "How's 'bout some 'Mississippi'?" (*)

Sam had four chocolate bars and four protein bars for 'currency'. Sam still shuffled the cards some more. He appeared to find it relaxing and he could do it without even looking. "Finally let you stick jockey's have a break huh?" he said to 'Berlin'.

The older man stuck off his hand. “Kurt Vogel.” Once a hand was clasped in it in return, he continued. “Yea, finally. Not a lot of flying to be done out here in snub fighters.”

Kurt thought for a moment on the game. “That’ll be fine.”

Sam nodded to him and after a few more fancy shuffles, he dealt the first hand.

Vogel nodded towards the food and chocolate. “Those your ‘chips’ greenhorn?” After a nod, Kurt produced a few bars of his own, a coffee packet, some tea, and some ration crackers, by far the favorite of many a marine from Starfleet ration packs.

“Will that do?” The German asked.

Sam looked at the coffee packet and crackers and agreed, "Yut! Barter with what you got." He smiled back as he started dealing the cards out.

Suddenly, another chair was pulled out and the hulking frame of the Academy Commendant, Captain Kyle Reece, sat down. "Can anyone get in on this action, or is it only for Devil Dogs?"

“I resent that.” Kurt replied to the newcomer, his tone of mock severity.

Sam said as he motioned for the chair to be pulled in, "C'mon...c'mon...it's all good! We get us a good game goin' an forget our troubles." Sam now looked over at who had joined them and thought both the voice and the man looked familiar. "You look familiar to me." Sam looked for insignia or rank but he didn't see any. But the guy looked familiar.

Kyle looked over at the first man who spoke. "My mistake, Captain Kyle Reece, Academy Commendant on the Ely." He extended his right hand to the man. "And you are?"

“Leftenant Kurt Vogel, latest Wing Commander added to the collection.” the German said as he extended his own hand in turn. “I’m a stick jockey, but my money is good enough to play with you bunch of Greenhorns.”

Kyle gave Kurt a friendly grin and nod. "Pleasure to meet ya, Lieutenant." He didn't reply to the greenhorn comment, except to add a bit more steel to his grin. They would find out who the greenhorn was soon enough.

Turning his attention back to the man in Marine green and continued. "Well, it could be from my baby brother, Staff Sergeant Liam Reece, who is one of your Sappers. Or," he chuckled a little here. "More than likely, it's because of our grandfather, retired Command Sergeant Major of the Corps William "Wild Bill" Reece. Back during the Dominion War, he brought all kinds of hell to the enemy grounders. I actually think they still teach some of his tactics in the Senior NONCOM Battle School."

Sam made the connection and was going to snap his fingers, but the frostbite bandages prevented him. "Hooooly shit! You're related to that Reece?!"

Kurt started a bit at the name. The German prided himself as a student of history, even Marine history.

"The Bulwark of Baltia Prime? The only living recipient of FOUR Distinguished Star Crosses? THAT Bill Reece?" he said with incredulity.

Sam only added to that litany of accolades, "The Warhammer of the Watch? The Quisling of Qo'Nos? Doctor Death Face? The Extreme Debt Settler? Wild Bill Reece? THE...Wild Bill Reece. Ohhhhh.....man. Are you serious? His.....I can't even say it....his grampy....is marine royalty. Really true? You're shitting me? Right? The Texas Squeezeum....God's Accountant. Sheeeeeeeeet!"

Kyle simply grinned softly, thinking of one of the most important people in his life. "I just call him Grampy," he said simply to both star-struck men.

Sam was really happy. Grinning from ear to ear. "Yeah. See? I knew I recognized that name!"

Arriving at the MWR area, Alicia hoped that what was set up inside was enough to help amuse the crew. Supplies were low, the weather was freezing, and she shivered as she walked in, making a bee line for the nearest heater to warm up.

Savar entered right behind Alicia. He saw her shiver at the cold. "Alicia, would like a cup of hot chocolate to help warm you?"

Alicia smiled and nodded. “Yes, please Savar!” She moved to a seat near the heater. She was hating the cold, keeping their children warm was her priority. Right now, they were both keeping warm with the other children who were doing their usual routine as they would have aboard ship.

"Certainly Alicia. I shall be but a moment." Savar answered and went to find Alicia some hot chocolate and perhaps get one for himself as well.

Vogel looked up from the shuffling cards and the steaming mug. He looked around to see who else had arrived. He saw the Trill Light Commander shivering and got up from his seat. He hesitated briefly, wondering about the optics of the scene: she was a beautiful woman, and a superior officer. Would gossip mongers think him trying to become ‘friendly’ with the lady? Would she be put off, thinking the same thing? The German kept going, deciding chivalry and basic decency had to trump whatever scuttlebutt* arose from the act.

“Pardon me, ma’am.” Vogel said. He removed his jacket. When the Trill had her eyes on him, he saw the deep, dark pupils of Betazoid heritage. He hesitated again. My God…she is pretty he thought. He mentally shrugged the thought aside. “Here, ma’am. Trills don’t do well in the cold I hear. I think you might use this better than I while we are down here.” He extended his hand, which held the coat of leather and tholian silk lining to the lady.

Alicia hadn’t seen this crew member before, but his generosity was more than appreciated. “That’s very kind of you Lieutenant, but surely you’re going to need it?”

Savar had returned with the hot chocolate for Alicia to see an unknown officer holding a jacket out to her. "Here is your hot chocolate Alicia." He then turned to Vogel. "Is something wrong with your arm?"

“Actually Imzadi... the Lieutenant is kindly offering me his jacket.” Alicia reached out her hand and accepted the gift, she putt Vogel’s jacket on and offered a warmer smile. “Thank you, I’m Alicia Kelea-Salik, and this is my husband Commander Savar.”

Savar looked at Vogel before replying. "Your gesture and thoughtfulness is appreciated Lieutenant."

Kurt gulped and came to attention. “Leftenant Kurt Vogel, ma’am. Sir.” He nodded to the lady first. “Sir, forgive me. I saw the lady shivering and noticed her trill spots. I had heard the Trilks do not deal with cold as well as some others. I meant nothing uh…”

“It’s fine Lieutenant, I appreciate your gesture” Alicia smiled. “Your jacket is lovely and warm, I’ll take care of it.”

Savar looked at Kurt again. "Your thoughtfulness is commendable Lieutenant. Thank you."

“You’re welcome sir.” The German replied simply.

Sam said, mostly to himself in a muttering voice, "What the hell is he doing? Fuckin' pilots....every time man!" Sam called in a louder voice now from the card table over to Vogel, "Ay! El Tee? We got a game goin' on ovaa here!" Indicating to the card game in play.

“Ja ja!" Kurt called back. He was thankful for an excuse to leave. “If you will forgive me ma’am, sir.” He said to each of them before retreating to the card table.

Naxea entered the Common Area Building, shaking off the cold at the warmer air that was within, at least compared to outside. She made a beeline for the refreshment table. She looked over the choices and decided on coffee that was luckily already brewing. She picked up a cup and poured the steamy liquid into the cup then adding some sugar, stirring it together. She raised the cup to her lips to take a ginger sip of the hot liquid. "I needed that," she murmured softly.

Arrianna entered the room, this was a waste of her time, and she was not in the mood for it. She was in the mood to fix their ship and get back to their galaxy. The only thing was, the Common Area just got a little bit colder.

Happy with the setup, Addison strummed a few strings on her guitar and cleared her throat as she turned the microphone on. "Alright, I'm only doing a few songs. Hope I don't kill anyone's hearing and have some fun!"

She began to strum a few more notes as she began to sing the opening verse to 'Hold my Hand'. "Tell me you need me. Hold my hand, everything will be okay. I heard from the heavens that clouds have been grey. Pull me close, wrap me in your aching arms. I see that you're hurtin', why'd you take so long..."

The music was just what the place needed too. As Samuel listened, he kept an eye out for Andrinn. He softly hummed along and took a drink of tea. It tasted awful. He made a face. The "mickey" would have been better.

Damien quickly entered the newly set up common area, clutching a small violin case to his chest, shivering all over. "Good lord it's cold." He muttered to himself. "Lord I hate the cold." Sighing, he moved over to an unoccupied table, near the microphone, setting the case down, looking over at the fighter pilot. Looks like he hadn't been the only one with the idea of playing some music.

The door slid open as the ship's MD stepped in. Covered in snow and shivering the old doctor carefully shut the door before removing the cloth tied around his boots.

"I don't mind the cold, it's the waiting....." Arrianna noted.

Addison finished the song as she noted the instrument case sitting by a security lieutenant at a table near her. She smiled at him and motioned for him to approach. "Hey, whatcha got there?" she asked.

Damien looked up, smiling as the woman beckoned him over. Picking up the case, he walked over to her. "I enjoyed the set." He said, nodding to the guitar, before raising his own case in response to her question. "It's a violin. Been playing since I was about 13. Thought maybe people might enjoy hearing some music. Evidently, great minds think alike." He said, chuckling softly.

"Well, come on up then," Addison replied, her southern Northa American accent coming through slightly. "Feel free to take the lead on a song that you want to perform."

Kurt Vogel saw the lady with the guitar speak to a fellow who produced a violin. The violin produced an idea in his head. He excused himself from the table briefly. He tapped his combadge. =^=“Lobster, it’s Berlin, before you head down here to MWR, could you grab something for me?”=^=.

Sam had a look on his face and muttered, "un-fuckin-believable. Is there something wrong with his chair? THIS is why we can't have nice things."

Over in the section set up for the children (sadly, ten were lost when their classroom had been opened to space from a hull breach), Hendor and Skylah were sitting together, with a few other young children, watching some cartoons. Occasionally, Hendor would reach out and hold Skylah's hand, as if continuously making sure that she was really there with him.

Skylah was not moving and she had barely been speaking since their arrival planetside, she spoke only to Hendor and her Aunt and Liam. She sat now with her knees to her chest. And when Hendor took her hand she let him without a word.

Feeling the unease from his best friend, Hendor scooted a little closer to Skylah, holding her hand in his protectively. While neither had said much since reaching the planet, they had been nearly inseparable.

Orin made his way inside the common area set up by the crew to have a place to warm up and get a bite to eat, even if it was the rations that tasted so bland sometimes. As he walked inside, Orin looked around to see if he noticed anyone. He noticed that Sam was over in a part of the tent playing some game with a few of his fellow officers. Orin walked over to Sam and sat next to him and watched them play the game in amazement.

Sam was delighted to see Andrinn, "Been saving this for you stud" he said as he lifted the tea/pee cup off the chair and smiled as Andrinn sat down. He winked at Andy playfully, squeezed his hand and said, "I'm glad you're here. You want in this round?" he asked indicating to the game. He was very happy to see him.

Rin got herself a coffee, wrapping her hands around it to keep them warm. She looked around for someone to join. These sorts of things were supposed to help people feel more connected, but they frequently had kind of the opposite effect on her. Among other things, she sucked at small talk.

She spied Woolheater and the poker game. "Have room for one more?"

Sam looked up from the table and said, "Lieutenant Rin, you bet. There's a chair right there." Sam dealt Rin in with, "Seven card stud, 'Missisippi'...you got anything to anty up with Lieutenant?" Sam asked easily, playfully...it would be clear that even if somebody didn't have chocolate, coffee packets, or crackers that he'd still let them play for free. "If not...here...play these?" He pushed a dozen or so pretzel sticks her way.

Rin pulled out an unused hand warmer from her pocket and tossed it on the table.

Sam said, "Lieutent Rin, meet Lieutenant Vogel. And I believe you already know the good Captain Reece here being that he's in your department and all." Sam grinned and then put his arm around Andrinn, "And everybody knows Andrinn..." he said as he used his fingertip that had a little dab of healing medical goo on it and touched it to Andy's nosetip. Leaving just a little of the stuff on the end of Andrinn's nose. He said, "BOOP!"

Vogel nodded to the newcomer. “Kurt, if you like.” He tapped his chest with his thumb, Indicating his first name.

A bit of a smile crept across Rin's mouth. "It would be quite a mess if a captain was in my department. Captain Reece heads the Academy here. Lt. Reece is in my department."

Kyle smirked and was about to reply the same, when another crewmember stepped up to the table.

"Is there room for another?" The Kelpien officer's cool, smooth voice cut through the chilly night air. Dunamis was dressed in Starfleet issue thermal wear, at least three layers by the looks of it, and cradled a steaming cup in his slender hands. The cold, hard as it was on everyone else with normal mammalian bodies, must have been especially chilling for him with his body composition and scrawny frame. "I'm afraid I don't play poker, but I am most certainly willing to offer another at the table."

Sam nodded in welcome, "Pull up a seat. This hand we're full up. Next round though. What we need is another deck of cards...and maybe even something not from a by-the-hour motel."

Lia entered and took a good look at the assembled people, *Typical sky jockeys and GI-reans, get a card game going.* She thought, =/\="Taylor to S'hib, could you report to the MWR? We need to talk, Taylor out."=/\=

=/\="I'll... be right there."=/\= S'hib replied with an audible yawn.

Arrianna sighed and rolled her eyes. "This is stupid." She stood up and moved to go back to her tent.

"Hey," Naxea grabbed Arriana's arm gently. "Commander, what's wrong?"

"We should be fixing our ship, so we can get back to our galaxy. Not singing La Cumbya over a heater, on a Class P ice-box." Arrianna noted. "I'll feel better once progress has been made." She noted. Arrianna was colder than usuall, much colder, and it wasn't the cold's effect on her. But for those who knew her, she was never this frigid. Until now.

"Well, there is still a rotation of engineers aboard the ship, working on that," Naxea stated. "But this is good for morale. It gives people a chance to spend time together, warm up a bit, and try to have fun."

"I am angry... Naxea.. The woman I love won't speak to me.. She calls me 'Commander an Vantar' Like we never met, And it has broken my heart into a thousand grain-sized pieces. I don't want to see her again until she can look at me without being afraid. We are stuck Ascendants knows how far from home, ascendants knows where, ascendants knows when." She noted. "Fighting the Terrans I can do. Fighting myself to save myself from being a slave is something I can recover from. But this.. I may not see my mother or father again." Arrianna noted. "Neither will I see another Alindari other than my niece or my cousin Vanessa. I feel cold and alone, this last year, trying to take back everything that should belong to me.. And now and now I am stuck in this cold hell, and I may never succeed." Arrianna noted. "Does anyone know how that feels, Dammit!! In fact I deserve my solitude in a tent."

Sthilg artificial arm reached out to block Arrianna's path. Something about it was wrong as it moved clunky and even stoped and started a few times. " You are staying her young lady doctorsss ordersss. You getting angrey isssn't going to help anyone or help usss get home any faster."

"I'm getting sick of this Sthilg.. When I was ninteen. All I wanted was to be out there." Arri noted. "Now... All I want is to go home... And somehow fix how hollow I am." She shed a tear. "But I've grown so close to all of you, I would be hollow there too." Arrianna noted. "Phoenix would hate it. She'd tell me the same thing she told me after I was enslaved. 'Buck up and deal with it, and go to a counselor.'" She noted. "And now I'm beginning to wonder if life is pain, and time is a predator that stalks us all our lives."

Sthilg did his best to hug her though his artificial arm was clacking like a broken steam engine. " There there my girl. We aren't going anywhere." He said wrapping his one good arm round her.

Naxea wasn't really sure how to react as she watched Sthilg hug Arri. "Come on, let's find a place to sit. Did you get something to drink yet?" she asked Arri.

Arrianna spoke to Naxea.. "No... I try to do things to take my mind off things, But the only thing I have to do down here is to wait for my shift to begin on the Elysium." She noted. "If we ever get back to Federation space, I'm transferring back to Starfleet Academy to take command courses. It's time for me to move on. And if Josephine ever looks me in the eye again and tells me her feelings without being afraid. I'll come back. But for now. I'm here, and I might as well make the best of things. If we get back, I'm going into command." She hugged Sthilg. She didn't want to leave the Elysium. It was her home. But she felt like she couldn't stay. She was stretched thin, and hollow.

"Sounds like to me, you need to get away and take a vacation somewhere. Hell, many of us do," Naxea said, her mind still stressed from S'hib. She still felt betrayed by what he had done.

Adelaide Kirkby arrived, she was very busy these days helping with the marine detachment and liaison between many departments. Anything to get her mind on everyday things. She slipped into the tent, finding it warm. In temperature and tone. She waved hello to a few people. She wanted a cup of hot chocolate, but she decided not to do that and left more for others. She walked closer to the kids area and the settled in to hear the music.


T'Kek was the next to enter as he looked over the crowd of gathering people, he moved to take a seat at a empty table. He wanted to try and relax as he hadn't been able to sleep much despite his meditations. His mind was still focused on the man he had lost aboard the ship--it had been the first patient that he had lost. At the Academy, the medical instructors would stress that at some point in their careers they would eventually lose a patient. However, it didn't make it any less troubling.

The door opened again to reveal the arrival of a very pregnant Kara, not long out of medical, and husband Malakai. “Looks like this is the place to be” Kara offered a smile even though she was confined to a wheelchair thanks to the injuries to her legs. “Thank you for bringing me Imzadi, it was getting pretty boring.”

"Your welcome Kara." Malakai replied leaning over the wheelchair's back to kiss Kara. "Going to be good to get out of the tent and mingle. How are you feeling love? You aren't too cold are you?" Ever since Kara's accident, Malakai had become even more attentive to her and her needs.

“It’s a little chilly” Kara offered a smile. “But we have just come in from outside. It’s warmer in here.”

"You sure sweetie? I don't want you getting sick. You've already been through so much." Malakai replied his concern evident.

“Alright, I’m cold” Kara offered a smile. “Let’s sit closer to a heater where we can warm up faster.”

"You got it Kara." Malakai answered as he began to push the wheelchair forward. "Beep, beep, coming through." He announced as he maneuvered Kara closer to the heater.

Kara couldn’t help but grin at Malakai’s way of getting people out of the way. “If I’m in this thing for long, we’ll have to get a horn.” Her smile faded a little. “I hope I’m not in this chair for long.”

"Get a horn and one of those red flashing strobe lights Kara. But don't worry, you won't need those, you are going to be out walking on your own in no time." Malakai assured her.

“I hope so Mal, I really do.” She warmed her hands near the heater. “Can we get a snack? I’m starving!”

"Sure thing, I don't know what they have, I can get you some hot chocolate, I see people drinking that and I'll see what they have in the way of snacks. How does that sound Kara?"

Kara nodded. “That sounds wonderful to me.” She felt awful just asking knowing that they were more or less on rations for the time being.

"Be right back Kara." Mal answered and moved off to find Kara a cup of hot chocolate and a snack. He was gone for several minutes before returning with two cups of hot chocolate and a grin on his face. "Here is your cup of hot chocolate Kara. Be careful it is hot." He said handing the cup to her a grin still on his face.

Kara gently took the cup, blowing it she carefully sipped a little. “Wow...that’s really hot!” She put the cup down to cool before giving Malakai a curious look. “Why are you grinning like a Cheshire Cat?”

Malakai didn't answer Kara's question directly rather he asked a question of his own. "How much do you love me Kara Starr?"

Kara grinned. “To the ends of the universe and beyond Imzadi, but you already know that. Now what tasty morsel are you hiding?”

"You're right I do, I just like hearing you say it." Malakai grinned at Kara as his hand went into his Jacket pocket and withdrew not one but two packets of salted peanuts. he handed the packs to Kara. "Here you go darling. Eat one now and have the other for later."

Kara grinned. “Now that is a wonderful sight! Thank you Mal” She opened one of the packets, and tucked in. “It worries me you know, being pregnant I am practically eating for two, and while we’re short on supplies...” she paused. “I worry what’ll happen if we run out of food.”

Mal grinned at kara's excitement. "You are welcome, Kara." Then grew serious, "Kara, we are not going to run out of food. Don't you worry about that. Worry about you getting better and the baby. Focus on that. Those are your priorities right now."

“I’m sorry, you’re right” Kara nodded and smiled as she enjoyed her pack of peanuts.

Mal looked at Kara, God, how he loved her. Her upbeat personality had taken a ding and he needed to change that. "Kara, don't be sorry. You are concerned for the baby, I understand that. I want you and the baby healthy, you both are my world." Then he leaned over and slipped a protein bar into her hand. it was his but she needed it more. "Ssshh, for you darling." He whispered as he bent over and kissed her cheek.

Kara smiled as she held onto the bar, she would have argued that it was Malakai’s but she knew what he’d say, so she accepted it gratefully and tucked it away safe until they were back in their temporary home.

Imik had finally landed on the planet, as she looked around at the Humans she noted how the cold affected them. She'd heard of something called the MWR, so Imik headed there. Entering the small area she could see how even in this place, the Humans separated in to groups equalling their departments. Pilots appeared to be engaged in some sort of competition with the Marines, Imik decided to start there and find out what they were up to. Walking over to the card table, she stood and watched the game start.

Tate entered the common area, trying to fight off a shiver. She had spent the last few hours planning ways to keep the children entertained and feeling safe, and while she wasn't alone then, seeing the gathering crew in this place was enough to lift Tate's spirits. They were not of the woods, certainly, and nothing was guaranteed, but they were together, and for a few minutes, Tate allowed herself to think about something more than work. She allowed herself to just be, taking in the scene before her.

Sullivan found herself wanting to connect with the various groups around her, not out of professional obligation, but because right now, she wanted nothing more than to just connect with people.

Although the card game looked interesting, she decided to let the players be for now, not wanting to interrupt their fun and not knowing much about the game itself. Her eyes spotted Alicia and Savar, her brain automatically locking onto familiar faces, and also the heavily pregnant. The maternal Sullivan would definitely make her way over to them before the day was done, but perhaps not surprisingly, she found herself pulled to check on Hendor and Skylah. Cartoons would be a nice distraction, but a little extra TLC couldn't hurt.

Approaching the two children, she offered softly, "Hi Hendor, Hi Skylah. Whatcha up to?"

Skylah looked up at the woman almost blankly and gave a slight shrug.

It wasn't difficult to see the trauma on the girl's face, and for a moment, Tate was tempted to suggest she meet with the little girl alone, but seeing she and Hendor holding hands, she decided against it for now. If Skylah felt safe, the last thing she wanted to do was take that away from her.

Instead, she replied, "That's okay. There are times I don't feel like talking much either. Are the two of you hungry or thirsty? Perhaps I can get you some paper and crayons?"

Hendor looked up at Tate as well, then looked at Skylah, leaned in and whispered, asking if she wanted to color with him, or keep watching the cartoons.

She whispered back that coloring would be fine. And then she lapsed back into silence.

Nodding his small head, Hendor turned back to Tate and replied. "We'd like to color please, Ma'am."

"I'll be right back," Sullivan replied with a nod. Tate knew the two children were close, but she hadn't realized quite how shy Skylah was. She wondered if Hendor always spoke on her behalf, or if this was a trauma reaction. Either way, she decided not to push for now. The most important thing was that the two of them and all the other children felt safe.

It didn't take her long to produce the simple paper and crayons. They didn't have much, but they tried to salvage whatever they could, and keeping the children entertained was a key priority for her. Passing the two their supplies, she asked, "mind if I sit with you both for a while?"

"Thank you, Ma'am," Hendor replied quietly as he took the paper and crayons. Then at her question, he looked over at Skylah first. He was feeling very protective of his best friend and didn't want to do anything that she was uncomfortable with.

Skylah nodded at Hendor and picked up a crayon, not even noticing the color was a dark blue.

Hendor looked back at Tate and nodded. "Yes, Ma'am." He then picked up a crayon of his own and started to draw various pictures.


Back at the poker game things were getting interesting. The pot on the table had handwarmers, a chocolate ration bar, a protein ration bar, six pretzel sticks, a packet of coffee and a ration pack of crackers. Sam added a second protein bar and said, "Anty up...peanut butter protein bar and I'm in."

Kyle nodded. "I'll see your protein bar, and raise you two wet wipes." He tossed his bet into the center of the table. As there was no real monetary value placed on anything, this was more a game of fun and distraction than anything else. Kyle had already decided to split any winnings he may recieve along the junior ranked crew members at the table. One thing that he had learned, and taken to heart, from both Grampy and his Uncle K'Tox...never take from those lower in rank to you.

Kurt looked at his cards, unblinking. He then looked at Kyle, as if to see into his heart to ascertain the truth: bluff or no bluff? The other man's eyes told him little.

"I see you a chocolate bar, peanut butter, AND one electrolyte pack." the German stated, throwing into the pot the mentioned items.

Sam looked at his hand and he looked at his chocolate and protein bar. "Awww..hell....too rich for me. I'm out." He folded his cards but since he was the dealer this round, he still had a duty to perform.

Kyle turned his level gaze to the remaining players, his steely expression giving nothing away. "I call. Whatcha got?"

"I'll see you and raise you... " Rin knew her pockets were empty. "Half of tomorrow's ration pack."

“Fair game, but no more advances.” Vogel replied. He turned over his cards. “Three fives.”

Sam watched the game play. Wondering what Rin had that could beat that hand.

"4s over 3s," Rin said, revealing the full house.

“Scheisse” The German muttered, crossing his arms in front of his chest, both as a show of irritation as much as for added warmth.

Kyle said, "Hell," he swore, tossing his cards down. "I just had a pair of ladies." He nodded to Rin. "Good win, Rin."

"OOooooooooooo!!!" Sam said enjoying the game. He smiled over at Andrinn, "That's how she does that!" referring to the win for the LT. "Oh yeah. Toss back the cards everybody. Who's up for another hand? Who wants to win the whole pot and have braggin' rights yup?" Sam said as he collected the playing cards and started shuffling them in his hands.

"I'm certainly up for another hand, now that I have some proper things to wager," Rin commented as she tossed over her cards and collected her winnings into a neat little pile in front of her. She hadn't played much of late: the crew of the Mississippi had quickly figured out that her knack with numbers was a decided advantage.

Naxea saw several Marines that she knew playing a round of cards so she made her way over as she sipped on her coffee. What she wouldn't give for a large cup of warm Raktijino right now but normal coffee would do for now.

Samuel acknowledged the Colonel, "Colonel, nice to see you. Pull up a chair? I can deal you in if you like?"

Naxea forced a grin as she wasn't much in the mood for games. "No thanks. I'm just making sure you're taking some time to rest and relax some. I'll wipe the deck with you in cards another day, Mr. Woolheater."

"Yes ma'am" he replied. "But you'll have to get in line first. Lieutenant Rin here is already mopping the floor with us" he responded teasingly. Making a final flamboyant shuffle he fanned the cards out and then back again and in a neat stack set them on the table and tapped them. "Anyone want to deal this hand?" Sam had a protein bar and a bar of dark chocolate from Betazed.

"Lucky hand," Rin said with a shrug. She picked up the deck. "Sure, I'll deal."

Sam handed her the deck and sat back in his chair raching for Andrinn's hand.

Lt. Thor Magnus, the new Chief Engineer walked in with his wife Athena who for now will be the new Acting Assistant Chief Engineer walked in. The previous Chief left because the Department of Temporal Investigations needed his help due to his special circumstances.

“I sure do enjoy the synergy of fellow crewmates gathering around playing cards getting to know one another,” Thor said with a slight grin. “Greetings, I am new Chief Engineer Lt. Thor Magnus and this is my wife Lt. Athena Kazan Magnus.”

Athena rolled her eyes a bit. “Darling, there is no need to introduce me with my maiden name. Nice to meet you all.”

Sam looked up at the new arrivals and nodded in greeting as a few extra chairs were pulled to the table.

Kyle nodded to the new arrivals. "Nice to meet ya both. I'm Captain Kyke Reece, Academy Commendant."

Athena grinned. “Your reputation proceeds you Captain,” Athena said saluting him out of the respect he deserves. “You were the hero on the Nimitz on several occasions. Darling, I think we found you a wrestling sparring partner.”

“I think so too,” Thor said, “An engineer I served with on the Izar mentioned you during conversations over a good goblet of beer about what you did. Do you recall Petty Officer Patrick Donahue? His friends called him Paddy. He had red hair and sideburns.”

Kyle blushed slightly at the mention of the Nimitz, and the memories that came forward. "There were many heros from that ship. I'm just one of the lucky ones that made it back." He would not elaborate any further. He probably would have continued to darken, had Thor not mentioned Patrick.

Looking back up, a soft grin crossed his face. "I do. Paddy is a good man. How's he doing?"

“He and his wife Brigette now have twins,” Thor replied.

Athena sensing something decided to change the subject,” So Tonya said this was a fun group. Besides cards, what else do you all do?”

Rin recognized the attempt to change topic. "Well, I'm in the middle of a thrilling book on astrophysics. Pretty sure I can guess the ending, but I'll read it all the same," she deadpanned.

Thor chuckled. “Maybe your book has a sequel.”

The laughs continued briefly, pittering off as the door creaked open and the wind howled in, the same wind battering at its frame in an attempt to pry it free from S'hibs grip.

He ducked low, Sle'anna's long spindly legs hanging from his midriff as she lay wrapped up against him, tiny ears barely visible as they poked out the opening below his neck.

She murmured a snort as he stood up, turning around as he did so to close the door with a bit too much force, the sound of snow sliding off the roof evident of this.

"You wanted to see me, Commander?" S'hib called out as he unravelled the layers of cloth that had been wrapped and draped over his head.

Lia watched her second in command unwrap himself like a Christmas present, "Oh S'hib you've arrived, thank you. I've been thinking about our Security arrangements, and I think you'd be better off on the Elysium. You can take charge of Security on board and help out whenever you feel like it, what do you think."

"Well..." S'hib started as he moved further inside. "I'm gonna need your access codes if we do this, maintenance teams have been reporting issues with removing lockdown protocols and it's hampering rescue and repair efforts."

He sounded deflated, everything that had happened weighing down on him greatly. But then he smiled, his eyes catching sight of Nax staring at him, an amused look on her face as she looked at Sle'anna bundled up on his chest.

"Just send me the codes and I'll head up when I can," He added glancing back to Aurelia briefly before stopping near Naxea, nodding down at Sle'anna as he spoke. "Hey... whatcha think?"

"I think that I finally found a use for you, you ass," she teased with a slight grin as she sipped her coffee.