Episode: 4 Do the Dead Frighten you? - part 2

Episode: 4 Do the Dead Frighten you? - Ah Well Well Well

A Mission Post by Darkness

Mission: Episode: 4 Do the Dead Frighten you?

Location: Unknown

Timeline: MD 5 11h00

The derelict ship had been the perfect ruse. It allowed them to watch people from their safe haven. It had drawn their last guests quite easily. And now it had brought an even bigger gift.

The vessel they could see it. It was massive. Surely it would house enough food and entertainment for them to last years.

There was whispered discussion and conferences as the ill wind watched their newest prey approach them cautiously.

It launched fighters, the better to scan them with most likely. They would find nothing on the empty husk that floated like an open wound in space. Their true selves were well hidden. Hidden from the eyes.

The use of the ship, which they had taken forcibly from its previous tenants, was something they had perfected.

A voice purred. "Prepare to journey there. If they board, bring them alive. Lets draw the rest in."

Another voice commented. "Let me go. I can bring us back a few.. snacks...." laughter followed that comment.

"We should approach with caution. Their ship is bigger than ours, better armed as well from our own scans. And I looked them up on that other crafts database. The ship holds up to 3200 plus crew. More than enough to last us decades" A pause "If we play this right."

The first voice spoke again. "Then lets do this right. They will not know what hit them. More so if we can get one of us onto that ship."

More conversation followed and they watched. And Waited.

==

The Politics of the Serene and the Stalwart

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Arrianna Salannis an Vantar

Mission: Episode 0: History Speaks

Location: Empress' Chambers, S'aa Alindar, Typhon Expanse

Timeline: Concurrent

Empress Alathena Althir continued to observe a map of refugee movements in the Chambers. With her was the Chancellor, the Dean of the Scholars College, and the First Knight of the Defense College, and the Ambassador to the Federation. They were sitting in what appeared to be an conference room with a large desk for the Empress. Around them was the beautiful, renaissance-like, decor of many Alindari artisans.

"Chancellor, what do you believe should be done with the Romulan Refugees?" Empress Althir noted.

"They should be sent on their way." Chancellor Nalthius noted. "If they stay here, they will delay our entry into the Federation, worse; they would want us to rejoin the Star Empire. Then we will be slaves to the Romulans and their egos."

The Ambassador spoke. "And if we turn the Romulans away, we look belligerent and childish in the eyes of the Federation. The Romulans will not trust Federaiton rule. They've heard the propoganda of the Star Empire too long."

The Dean of the Scholars College responded. "And many have heard it yes, but they've still wondered and strayed. We would not trust Romulan rule, and yet more refugees come from the Star Empire since Hobus, M'Lady Empress... They have nowhere to go." Dean Lirthara stood up and addressed the Empress. "These are not mainstream Romulans. They are mainly dissidents, who had their first chance in generations of escape from the Star Empire, who saw their loved ones constantly being dragged away by the Tal'Shiar. Some have stories of executions of family members at the hands of the Reunificationist crack-downs. Many were members of the reunification movement. If we can convince them to support our entry into the Federation...

The Chancellor spoke again. "...we can be the catalyst, in these uncertain times, that makes Spock's Reunification a true reality. A community of Romulans, as members of the Federation. The Federation may approve of this light for our application for membership."

The Empress spoke in a low voice. "We need to negotiate, and discuss this carefully with their Federation's president... There will be many in the Federation and the Star Empire who will oppose this, even on Vulcan. Some will say 'this is not the time' and others will say 'we're being careless.' And many will say 'they do not deserve pity.' Many Vulcans will find this illogical." The empress noted.

"I do oppose this, M'lady. We've spent ten, long, hard years colonizing this world from two hundred years of being refugees. We cannot have our new home handed over to the Star Empire for a small or large gesture of peace." The First Knight spoke eloquently. "Remember that the Federation did the same for peace with the Cardassians. What is that charming human expression? 'If wishes were horses, beggars would ride?' We need to be certain these Refugees would be content as Federation Citizens."

"We have not even granted them Citizenship in our Empire, as they are still refugees, they do not want to go back to a Romulan Firing Squad, M'lady." Lirthara responded. "But they do not want to leave, they enjoy the quality of life we offer them. Life in the Star Empire was barely above poverty for many. Some refugees said it was quite; 'gray and dismal.'" The Chancellor responded. "The Senate will be both optimistic and divided over this."

"But beware the cycle of betrayal." The First Knight noted. "Once, two millennia ago, we were barely better than the Romulans. Alindari warlords wielded treachery like a dagger in the backs of our First Empress. True, we can show them a better way, but will they follow the path, and this may take years. Our people, our alliance against the Borg, should take priority. What happens when we're busy making peace with ourself, and the enemy discovers we survived."

"We have much to ponder." The Empress rose and the other advisors did the same. "And this decision cannot be made in haste, however it is vital, and we must act soon to build our future in this part of the galaxy."

LT Arrianna Salannis an Vantar's Personal Log - Something there...

The following is a personal log from LT Arrianna Salannis an Vantar.

Personal Log, 305152.60

I have been assaulted by my demons for the last five nights, and it is getting worse. I am now seeing nightmares that are not my own, and having my own senses assaulted by the sheer amount of terror the crew is experiencing at night.

Almost every hour I am feeling the treachery of Commander Holmes' father. I should not pry, but I am loosing control of my mental conditioning if I cannot rest.

I'm attempting meditation to keep my emotional and mental balance, but I am being tempted with base desires I thought I freed myself from when I was young. It's infuriating that I am a subject to the things of the flesh.

I will not give into base and corrupted emotions, passions and gluttony. I will not loose my soul to the Borg.

Emotion and fear can be overcome with reason. But what if reason dose not work?

And yet..

I feel something... out there at the edge of my perceptions. When I focus on it. It disappears. I wonder... if I should bring this to Phoenix's attention.

End Log.

The First Session

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Commander Tate Sullivan Ph.D. & Commander Liselle Qwyyn

Mission: Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be

Location: Counselor Tate's Office

Timeline: MD8

Tate finished reading the latest crew file as the computer beeped to remind her she had an upcoming appointment. Her reading only underscored what she already knew: the crew had been through hell and back, and it was clear so many of them were traumatized and at a professional crossroads. Sullivan was equipped to help people deal with trauma, but she was only reminded that she had no control over what happened beyond that. What's more, she couldn't entirely get the pleading behind the new commander's eyes out of her mind.

The only thing she could do now was to keep moving forward.

Outside her office, Liselle Qwyyn stepped into the adjoining waiting room. The Trill had nearly given up on these kinds of appointments in the last few months -- for the little good that they seemed to be doing her. But now that there was a possibility that she would resign her commission and leave Starfleet...

Before she would say goodbye to her home, Liselle would give one last good faith effort to overcome her growing feelings that leaving was the best possible decision. More than that, this was a new counselor, one that had quite a reputation for providing real help for her patients. Qwyyn didn't doubt it was for this very reason that Phoenix had requested Counselor Tate to be posted here in the first place.

All of this was on her mind as she sat down on a nearby couch and looked to Tate's office doors. Any minute now, they would open and the Chief Counselor would invite her in. Liselle couldn't help but dread that moment.

Exhaling slowly before she walked into the department's lobby, Tate had never felt the weight of her appointment to the ship more than she did now. She knew Phoenix was counting on her to bring some sense of solace to Liselle, and after all the woman had endured, that was a tall order.

Nevertheless, when the doors parted, Tate offered a smile and projected what she hoped would be a calming presence. She offered her hand as she stepped forward. "Hello, I'm Tate Sullivan."

Liselle broke into a wide smile. She leapt to her feet and rushed to hug her. "Of course I remember you!" the Trill said. Remembering herself, Qwyyn released the poor woman. "Sorry," she apologized with a flush of self realized embarrassment. "I know we didn't know each other much more than a few passes in the halls, but it's just such a nice surprise to see a member of the old senior staff back on board again! How have you been? Where have you been? You heard about the Admiral, I take it? I'm talking too much. I do that."

Tate accepted the hug warmly, tightening her own embrace to match the other woman's. She should have realized Liselle would remember her, but she didn't want to assume anything. That had been so long ago and they had been through so much as a crew, she didn't want to assume anything. "I didn't want to assume what you remember, but I am thrilled to see you again. I've been well, working all over the place, and just glad to be here. Please don't apologize for hugging me or talking too much. It's good to be held and it's good to see a familiar face. Talking is what I think will help a lot of people."

Liselle couldn't help but blurt out a laugh. "I don't suppose you could write me a note or something that I could show people," she joked. "It be nice, the next time I catch myself rambling on and on, to just hold up a note from the ship's counselor that says: Liselle is being very helpful right now."

Tate chuckled. "I could write you that note, but I can't guarantee everyone would agree with me." Sullivan gestured for the other woman to follow her. "Shall we catch up in my office?"

Liselle nodded. "I would love that."

The Chief of Flight Control followed the doctor into her office. She stepped beyond the threshold of the doorway and immediately Liselle felt a profound sense of relaxing calm come crashing over her, washing her worries and her hesitation away. The color of the walls, the furniture, the lighting; every inch of the space had been expertly crafted to lull the observer into a deep sense of reflection and of peace. It was almost an effort at that moment for the Trill to pull her body over to the couch. When she had finally crossed the distance of the room, she nearly collapsed into the soft cushions. "Doctor, I have to say: you have a real gift for creating a safe space."

"Thank you, though in truth, I just added a few touches. Starfleet counseling has done a good deal of research on what sorts of color schemes can be emotionally calming," Sullivan replied. "I'm glad to do whatever it takes to make people feel safe here, especially after all everyone has been through."

"It doesn't go unnoticed. It's these little touches that make it easier to talk," Liselle said warmly. "Speaking of which..." The Trill cleared her throat. "I've been thinking about leaving the Elysium. Actually, leaving Starfleet altogether." Tate knew as much from her conversation with Phoenix, but she kept her face inscrutable. "Wow. That's a big step," she offered simply. "Given recent events, the desire to explore other options is perfectly understandable."

Liselle sighed. Her face worked through all of the emotions that the lingering decision weighed down upon on her. "To be honest, I don't really have any other options right now. But I'm starting to believe that this isn't the answer either," she said. She sighed again. "You know, before joining with my current host the Qwyyn symbiont had a pretty troubled history. Liselle was supposed to be my chance to turn things around. A last chance. I joined Starfleet because I knew that it was my best hope to save our lives. But, I'm not sure I'm seeing the results I wanted. My professional career is moving along fine, but my personal life..."

"Will you tell me more about your personal life?" Tate encouraged gently. It seemed Liselle had given the matter a great deal of thought, at least in the sense that she knew what was not the problem. Sometimes knowing that much was a great way to start.

"Well, I don't think it's a secret to anyone that I've struggled with fitting in around here. I get along with people well enough, I suppose, but I can tell that most of the crew is going out of their way for me. They try their best to accommodate my quirks, but I can tell that it's trying for them," Qwyyn said. "I wish I knew how to stop. I don't know what's wrong with me. I get so tangled up in my own doubts and social fears so quickly, and the next thing I know I'm stammering and yammering and making a general fool of myself, and once it starts I can't stop, which feeds back into me freaking out even more, which means it gets even worse." She paused. Took a steadying breath. "Kind of like that, I suppose." She sighed. "You know, a little while ago, I felt pretty embarrassed -- ashamed really -- about one of my officers pulling a prank on Commander Lalor. I shut down for a long time after that. Only now have I finally trusted myself to start socializing again. I think I'm doing better this time. But there is this constant crippling fear that I am going to screw it all up again. Gods, I'm talking like a crazy person. Is this making any sense at all?"

"It makes perfect sense," Tate reassured. "You're getting caught up in an anxiety spiral of thoughts and feelings. I promise you're not alone in that and the good news is, it's something we can work on in a fairly short period of time with some relaxation and thinking strategies. It's going to take practice, but I don't think it's insurmountable at all," she added with a grin.

Qwyyn breathed a sigh of relief. She knew Tate would have the answers, but it was near-euphoric to actually hear that was really true, that she had a plan. "There's something else I should probably mention," Liselle added. "I think I might be, um, seeking a romantic relationship. Aggressively, I mean. I sort of find myself flirting with people. A lot. And that's a new one on me."

The admission surprised Tate. It didn't seem to jive with the girl, who, just a minute ago was saying she had trouble connecting with people socially without getting caught up in an anxiety spiral. "Is that your intention? I mean, are you trying to flirt with people aggressively?"

Liselle nearly laughed then. "Doctor, I think that is entirely my problem. Half the time I feel like I don't know what I'm doing." She sighed. "I ended up having a bit of a wild night with another officer. This was a while ago, he's not aboard the Elysium anymore. It was wild, and reckless, and impulsive. And probably a little stupid. But it was nice, it really was. It felt good to just...let go. I think I might be chasing that feeling again."

Even more curious, Tate asked, "So what do you think kept you from falling into an anxiety spiral that time? What do you think it was that allowed you to let go?"

Qwyyn leaned forward, her voice a whisper to the counselor, her expression entirely uncertain and questioning. "Alcohol?"

Given the barely audible answer, it wasn't difficult to say she wasn't comfortable with the truth. Tate nodded. "I can see how alcohol would make things easier, at least in terms of managing your anxiety, and I appreciate your honesty about this. I am wondering how you feel about the use of alcohol as a coping mechanism for your anxiety?"

The Trill afforded a look to either side, as though the two of them might have an audience. "I know it's not really the best idea, Doctor. I really do. But it seems to be...helping at the moment."

Tate nodded. " 'At the moment being the operative words'?"

Even as she opened her mouth to answer, her communicator chirped at her.

=^= Commander Qwyyn, please report to the bridge =^=

"On my way," Liselle answered, rising up from her seat. She walked over to Tate and put a hand on her shoulder. "A bad place to leave it," she admitted to the Doctor. "I promise to book a follow-up as soon as I deal with whatever this is."

Tate responded to the gesture by placing her hand on top of the other woman's and smiling. "I'm going to hold you to it."

continuing a good trend

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

Mission: Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be

Location:

Timeline:

Pacing through the ships medical level, Dyhei took the turn that led her towards the counselling services. It was a booked appointment and something she did almost out of habit now, but also respect for the help they had provided her. She tapped the door chime, and stepped through as it slid open. Looking over to see who would be dealing with her over the coming months, and then introduced herself. "Lieutenant Liducca, I'm here for my transfer appointment, you're expecting me?"

Tate looked up from her desk upon hearing the chime. She smiled when she saw the expected face. "Absolutely, Lieutenant. Please, come in and make yourself comfortable," she added, gesturing to anyone of the nearby chairs in her reception area. In the meantime, Sullivan stood from her desk and offered, "May I get you something from the replicator?"

Walking carefully over Dyhei took a seat, one of the standard chairs this time around and took the offer of a refreshment. "I'll have a fruit juice please, how about mango and orange from earth?" Leaning back slightly with both hands on her knees, although she was used to these appointments by now, these was still a reticence to speak first.

"That sounds delicious," Tate said with a grin as she walked over to the replicator. "I think I'll have one too. It will certainly beat the raktajinos I have been downing," she added with a chuckle. In short order, Sullivan had two glasses of delicious smelling fruit juice, one of which she passed to Dyhei, taking a moment to sip the other one herself. "That is very good. I love the combination of the tartness and sweetness."

"Glad you like the contrast, but I have heard and Sean that senior staff tend to treat high caffeine drinks as a staple food group, so I guess I'll be downing my fair share in the coming weeks." Dyhei commented as she paused to take a mouthful of drink and then added "I'll be steering clear of klingon coffee though, I stomach it about as well as blood pie or Ga'ck, so not very well."

The counselor laughed. "I like my food to stay still, so I don't blame you. As for Klingon coffee, if it's not something you like, there is no pressure. We each like what we like, and I think that will make us a good team."

"I hope so, it seems to be going well so far, the crew I've encountered have been welcoming, not what I was expecting." Dyhei answered honestly, a slight nervous look crossed her face along with nervous smile. "I don't really know what I was expecting if I'm honest."

"You weren't expecting to be treated kindly?" Tate ventured, wanting to draw the other woman out.

"I suppose, I was expecting coldness," Dyhei started after a long pause, then went on to start to elaborate starting with the newest facotr." given the crews recent history, which I did read up on for the first time in a long time, having new people forced into your life after something quite major can jar, I know that much. Also." Knowing she was starting down a well worn path with the next fact. "Well my own record, Ito in the past yeah but I figured it would bar me from any senior role."

"Sometimes new faces are welcome, especially when people are trying to put the past behind them. How do you think your past has affected you emotionally?"

"Now that is a question, to be honest it depends on which day you catch me. Days like today it made me want to live for the now, but not in a self gratifying, self destructive way, done that, didn't work so well. But more in a contented way." She admitted after quite a lengthy pause, her features glazed with a hint of a worried frown, still unsure of how accurate the way she described her thoughts and feelings actually was. "Finding something to live for in the now, I like where I am am, what I'm doing right now, I embrace it , cos' it might be gone tommorow." She added with a sigh.

"That's true," the counselor offered softly with a nod. "I'm sorry that's a lesson you had to learn through such a horrible experience, but I do know finding meaning in trauma is an important step for moving forward. It sounds as though you learned an important lesson, even through the most horrific of circumstances. Still," she added, "we are all vulnerable to falling back into self-destructive patterns if the triggers are intense enough. I know this may not be pleasant to think about, but I think it might be helpful to talk about those self-destructive days just so we can identify potential vulnerabilities and explore how you cope."

"Well I've got enough material to go at in that regard." Dyhei commented with a sigh and a slump back in her chair, she knew at so me point the discussion would turn to this area of her life, it always did and probably always would do in this setting, and even though she mostly understood it was necessary, it was still uncomfortable at times. "Where do you want to start? And how much detail do you want?"

"Whatever level of detail you feel comfortable with is fine," Tate reassured. "My goal is not to make you relive painful things to remind you of your mistakes, it's to give both of us the chance to explore what's working for you coping wise and what's not. I really don't want to be a judge so much as a support for you over time."

"That's nice, I don't mean that as a get out comment, I get I need support." Dyhei remarked, crook ingredients an elbow at the side of the chair and resting the side of her face into an open palm, now she knew both what was expected of her and the aim Tate had in mind she braced herself to open up. "I suppose the point I switched from synth to the real booze is kinda key. I was on a starbase, trying to hide away and failing spectacularly, cos I land myself with a four day brig spell, soon as I was out straight into a club until, who knowas what time knocking back drinks like each one was my last, but they were all synth and nothing was working, until I got hold of a proper bottle. Cradled it while staggering back to my dings, knocked back two or three glasses and passed out on the couch."

"You mentioned the synthetic alcohol wasn't working once you were released from the brig," Tate asked. "What was it that you needed it to do? What was its job?"

"To help me forget,"She answered quickly and directly, then paused, there was something more to it than that though something she would try to explain, "or maybe that's not quite right, for example I kept track of how many drinks of a certain type i put away on any given evening and tried to beat that on the following nights, or some other mental game I could come up wits that would keep me from thinking about what had happened, what I'd lost, or what I was going to do next."

Sullivan found the answer interesting. Most people who tended to drown themselves in alcohol weren't so interested in an activity that required such control and focus at the same time. Then, something occurred to her. "Were you actually experiencing flashbacks? What I mean is, besides not wanting to think about what happened generally, were you actually reliving it at times and feeling like it was happening all over again?"

"Not exactly, I wasn't anywhere near what happened part of the reason I'm still here. It was more of the fact, i got used to finishing my daily duties and then having the comfort, and the belonging of returning to partner and child." She responded with a degree of effort, both putting her emotions into words and that doing so brought back that feeling of loss, she looked past Tate out of the window literally staring into space as tears sprang into her eyes. "Then d they were just gone, and I dint know how or what to put in that..........void if you will, so I went to a bar........"

"I'm certainly not going to judge you for that," Tate offered gently. "After such a loss, it's common for people to search for something to fill the void. I am wondering if that desire to outdo yourself as a distraction from your feelings leaves you vulnerable to other potentially harmful activities."

"I suppose it could...........it has on occasion." She admitted sheepishly with quite a long pause, she dabbed at the wetness around her eyes with the back of a hand. "I recently went back to chess, played against the computer, that's quite mind focuesd, do you think that could be good?"

Sullivan was touched by the vulnerability in the other woman and the vulnerability of her question. It was obvious to Tate how strong Liducca was even as she discussed her troubles, and Tate found herself wanting to support that strength. "I think chess can be an excellent way to focus your mind, and I really admire all the efforts you're making to support your recovery. I suppose you're the best person to answer your own question, however. How do you feel when you play against the computer? Are you able to recognize when your competitiveness might not be so healthy for you? I ask because at the root of trauma and addiction is often a lot of shame, and I wouldn't want you to exchange one shame reinforcing activity for another, if that makes sense?"

"Yeah it does make sense, I guess reaining in those tendencies is what I'm trying to get too" She pondered, having picked up the glass and was now rolling it between her hands. "Isolating myself is.....not the best thing in that regard, somthing more public or at least that has a social aspect might be better." She passed again and then shrugged and smiled and half jokingly said. "Maybe I should start a club or something."

Sullivan smiled. "You could try that, or perhaps you could start smaller. Have you made friends since you've been here, or perhaps an acquaintance or two that you would like to get to know better?"

"Well there's Lieutenant Sthilg, the Gorn CMO he seems quite interesting and I do have to update my medic certification." She offered quickly, then taking a moment considered any other encounters, "I guess Lieutenant Commander Qwyyn, we talked and I want to talk with her more, and that's it really. But it's a start I guess. "

"It's an excellent start," the counselor agreed. "So, given those choices, what do you think your next step should be?"

"Reach out to one of them, maybe have lunch or something. Qwyyn would be a good choice I think." She suggested with a sense of certainly. "And then I guess try to get to know the rest of the senior staff on some level, I'm probably going to need them at some point."

"I think arranging a lunch makes a lot of sense," Tate offered with a nod. "Maybe try to arrange a get together at least once a week or every few days? Even if all you do is send out an invite periodically, you are at least working toward your goal."

"Seems positive to me, doing somthing, taking a bit of control. Gives me something to work on before our next meeting as well." Dyhei responded considerably Brighter this time, sounding like she had at least a direction to head in if she was still a little unsure of her destination.

Sweet Surrender

A Mission Post by Avalon & Commander Liselle Qwyyn

Mission: Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be

Location:

Timeline:

Ja'Marcus had already checked in with both his new CO, and his new direct supervisor, with both meetings having gone quite well. He'd been approved to take the rest of the R&R period off to spend some time with his wife, who was also going to be aboard the station at this time. He'd contacted the appropriate people to find out where she'd been assigned quarters and was on his way to surprise her.

He'd stopped off at his own quarters and changed into civilian clothes, some new white high-top sneakers, a pair of nice jeans, and a new, loose fitting tank top, in her favorite colors, a vibrant sea-foam green with lavender stripes. It was a little casual, but after all she'd known him long enough to know he didn't do the whole dressing up thing. He'd also grabbed her a bouquet of stargazer lilies, and a bottle of sparkling pink moscato, chilled, and in a bucket of ice. Walking up to the quarters he'd been told to go to he pressed the button to ring the chime, and then stood there waiting.

When the door finally slid open, she didn't see him, her eyes buried in the PADD she was holding. "Thank you for coming on such short notice," Teegan said absentmindedly, not paying particular notice to her visitor. The Denobulan woman's eyes was absolutely rapt on her work. "Our replicator has been rather unreliable since our arrival. While I would normally make my way to some sort of common area to eat and engage with the various people here, I'm afraid I hardly have the time today." She stepped to one side to let him through. "I believe you will find the problematic equipment you are looking for without any further direction needed from me. You are, after all, the professional in these matters."

It took everything in him to keep the laugh from erupting as he tucked the gifts he'd brought behind his back and strolled past her as she kept all of her focus on the PADD. She had no clue he was coming, and this was just perfect. He walked in and sat the gifts on the table, walked back over to her, gently took the PADD out of her hands, and pulled her into a tight embrace, pressing her lips to his, even though he was still struggling not to crack up. Her obvious surprise, and annoyance at having a random "engineer" accost her in her own quarters was very nearly too much for him to take without laughing out loud.

Her first instinct was to raise a knee into this man's groin. Not all species were so vulnerable to such an attack, but it was a good gamble to make in fighting off most bipeds. But then she realized she had the taste of Ja'Marcus's lips, and she found herself melting into him. She allowed herself to indulge in their kiss for a second. And then for a few seconds more. And a few more. And then her fingers found their way into his biceps, and she pushed him gently away from her. "You scared me half to death!" she chided him. But she couldn't hide her smile -- a feat impossible for her kind. She was always self conscious with how grossly wide and exaggerated the expression was for her people, more so than any other race she had ever encountered. But with Ja'Marcus she didn't worry so much. He always had a way of making her feel safe, beautiful. "Husband," she said warmly, gathering herself. "It is good to see you. I did not expect to see you here. Certainly not so soon. Is everything all right?"

Ja'Marcus gave her his best smile, "I'm here with you, how could everything be anything other than all right?" he asked teasingly. "But yes, to answer your question everything is perfectly fine. I was able to wrangle the day off, possibly tomorrow as well, so we can spend some time together. I didn't tell you because I wanted to surprise you. The flowers and wine were just insurance in case you didn't like the surprise." he said, chuckling.

"That sounds absolutely lovely," she said. But there was hesitation in her voice. She hefted the PADD in her hands. "I have a great deal of case work to review. I never would have agreed to take it on if I had known you were coming. Perhaps I can contact medical and have the work diverted to someone else?"

Ja'Marcus felt his heart drop a little, but he put on his brightest smile to hide it. "If you have work to do, and it's important to you, I'm not going to interrupt that." he said, moving closer and pulling her to him again, nuzzling her neck a bit, taking in the sweet scent of her perfume. "Just let me know when you are free and we can have dinner, or even go dancing." he said, his head swimming a bit from the intoxication he felt when he was around her.

Again she felt herself swooning. There was just something about this man that drove her absolutely wild. She loved her family, of course she did, but Ja'Marcus was the one husband that could always make her instantly forget about the troubles of her day -- that could always find that special spot on her neck that made her knees go weak, and would cause her heart to pound against her ribs. Though she would never say so out loud, she sometimes wondered if perhaps she favored him. Her PADD fell from her hands and clattered to the floor. She reached up to lace her fingers together up behind his neck. "I'm free," she breathed.

Still holding her close Ja'Marcus leaned back so he could look in her eyes. "Are you sure?" he asked. He hadn't intended to try to dissuade her from seeing to her duties, but if she really wanted to do so he certainly wasn't going to argue. "If so I can make us a dinner date, and then take you dancing at the new bar that just opened up on the Elysium..." he offered.

Teegan nodded, her forehead still pressed up against his. "Dinner. Dancing," she repeated slowly. Her finger drew its way down the center of his shirt and lower still. Her eyebrows arched in surprise at the same moment his did. "And then?"

Ja'Marcus laughed, deep and throatily, "I figure that can be a surprise for the both of us." he said, smiling as he gazed into her eyes. "Sound good to you?" he asked.

She remembered the last words of the vows she had shared with her husbands, and she said them to Ja'Marcus now. "Wherever you are, forever we'll be."

Andrews and Solani

A Mission Post by Avalon & 1st Lieutenant Michael Andrews

Mission: Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be

Location: Marine CO Office, Deck 43

Timeline: MD3, 1700

IC:

Solani straightened up his uniform after he pressed the door chime. There was something about Marines that made him conscious of how he presented himself. In his, admittedly limited, experience Tas had found Marines to be more disciplined even than the most hardnosed naval officer. In response, Tas felt compelled by the desperate need to impress.

He straightened up and waited to be called in.

Colin Fry was there on duty, monitoring things. He saw the Ensign and motioned him in. "Hello.Ensign. I'm Cpl Fry. What can I do for you?" He asked.

"Yes, I remember you Corporal." Tas replied. "I'm looking to speak to Lieutenant Andrews, is he around?"

"He's at his desk in the back. I'll lead you" Fry said, motioning Solani back. "Lieutenant. Ensign Solani to see you, Sir " Fry called back as they approached.

Michael stood and put down his PADD. "Welcome to the Barracks, Ensign. What can the detachment do for you?" He asked, extending his hand to greet the new crew.

As he shook the man's hand, Tas took mental note of how physically impressive he was. Having lived among scientists for so long, Tas had nearly forgotten how muscular a man could look. Men on Risa took good care of their physique and appearance and so Tasinder had always done the same. He had found, however, that Starfleet Officers, especially scientists tended to be more relaxed in this regard. Unlike, the marines, he considered.

"Actually, I'm here to hopefully commandeer one of your corpsmen." Tas admitted, glancing around for a place to sit.

Michael raised an eyebrow, speculatively at Solani. "Commandeer? Are you inciting a riot, Ensign?" Michael asked jokingly.

Tas smiled, his experience of marines was somewhat limited and so perhaps he had prejudged. This one seemed to have a sense of humour. "More like borrowing, really," he replied. "I'm setting up a xenogeology lab. It will combine functions of topographic mapping, marine sciences and geospatial engineering to help us map alien worlds more accurately." he explained.

Michael paused a moment. Upgraded topography would increase their capabilities not just on the ground but from the sky as well. "Alright. Corporal Fry, I'm temporarily reassigning you to assist Ensign Solani. You'll report to him until his calculations are complete" Michael said.

"Aye aye, Sir" Colin saluted, then turned to Solani. "Lead on Ensign " he said.

Episode: 4 Do the Dead Frighten you? - Trick or Treat

A Mission Post by Commander Phoenix Lalor & Commander Gary Taylor & Commander Aurelia Holmes & Lieutenant Commander Matias Grronkil & Lieutenant Commander Ephraim Parish & Lieutenant Commander Tate Sullivan Ph.D. & Lieutenant Commander Sthilg & Lieutenant Arrianna Salannis an Vantar & Lieutenant JG Jessinia Kopl-Johnson & 1st Lieutenant Michael Andrews & Ensign Gareb Endilev

Mission: Episode: 4 Do the Dead Frighten you?

Location: Holodeck 2

Timeline: MD4 2000 hours

Around 1800 hours, a note appears on the nightstand by your bed. The message reads ' Holodeck 2 at 2000 hours. Trick or Treat'

Entering his quarters after his shift had ended, Gary made a beeline to his bedroom to change clothes.Entering he saw a note on his bedside table. Reading it he frowned. Who could have sent the note? Only way to find out was to go to the Holodeck. Shaking his head, he put off changing clothes and settled for lying on his bed for a quick rest.

Phoenix found the note and frowned. She dressed with care, prepared for anything, in human style jeans, a white shirt and a gray long sleeved knitted jacket. On her feet were her favorite pair of boots in Erisian brown leather. She was not as per her habit, visibly armed. She twisted her hair into a messy twist. Then she left her cabin wondering what the hell was going on.

Arrianna entered her quarters and entered the living area. She replicated a cup of green tea and began to relax for an hour. She sipped on it for a while and then began to read a book until she noticed something odd when she sipped her tea. Standing, she approached the nightstand and picked up the note. She certainly did not compose this note, and it was a source of great curiousity.

"Computer, has anyone been in my quarters?" Arri asked to which she got an answer. "Negative." She raised her eyebrows. "Computer, access cultural database. Search query; 'trick or treat' and give me the holodeck schedule for Holodeck 2?" The Alindari woman noted. "Display results upon my terminal." She placed the note on her desk and opened a tricorder, scanning the paper, the ink, even the writing pattern. She then tapped her combadge. "Salannis to Security. I believe an intruder has entered my quarters and left a small note on my nightstand."

Lia noticed a note stuck in the door of her quarters, she looked around for the culprit. As she removed it she thought it maybe from Gary, she opened it and quickly realised it wasn't. `Trick or Treat', Holodeck 2. oO Oh great first I have a lousy night now some joker wants to play silly buggers Oo she thought. Entering her cabin, she quickly got changed and headed for the holodeck.

Upon entering, the scene is a cemetery late at night. There is a dense forest adjacent to the cemetery and an ancient castle off in the distance. The moon is high in the sky, surrounded by clouds. An eerie fog lingers around the gravestones; which are moss covered and the inscriptions are illegible.

A few minutes before the designated hour, the holodeck doors hiss open and Gary walked in, taking in both the location and the overall setting, Gary shook his head as he walked farther into the cemetery until he finally stopped and leaned against a headstone while he waited to see if anyone else was going to show up or this was all for his benefit.

Gareb had just got off duty and was ready just to get into some casual wear and just chill. He entered his quarters and found a note by his bead. Confused, he picked it up and read it. "Huh?" he said. His curiosity was telling him to just go see. To tired to fight it, he just went along. He entered to find an eerie cemetery. Cautiously, he inched forward. "Hello?" he said.

Hearing the holodeck doors hiss open followed by a tentative 'Hello?' Gary turned to see an ensign in medical teal, slowly inching his way in his direction. "Hello Ensign, it's alright nothing here but you, me and these headstones."

As the doors opened, Lia stood non-plused. "Oh really? I don't need this Halloween crap". She entered the holodeck and called out, "Any other nutcase here?" She didn't expect an answer.

Through the fog, Gary saw Lia and heard her voice. "Come on in Lia." He called out, Though inwardly he was thinking she had her holidays crossed. She was acting more like the Grinch than a witch.

When she heard his voice Lia thought this was his doing, "Gary? Is this your dumb idea of a joke? I mean talk about tacky? And very cliché, I would have thought you better than this". She moved deeper into the holodeck, "Christ! Can we have some bloody lights on in here? I'm gonna break my neck in a minuet". Her choice of a lilac knee length skirt and white top, with white bobby socks and dolly shoes. Now felt just a little bit out of place, she wished she'd worn trousers instead.

"Not my doing." Gary replied as he pushed off the headstone and moved to her. "If you have more light it ruins the effect of being spooky and scary. Just go with it."

Matias was the next to enter. His ears perked up. "Is this some kind of human ritual?" he asked. He then heard the distant howl. He responded with a howl of his own.

Michael checked the program before going on. He was dressed all in black with a black case in his arm. As th door closed, he heard voices and approached cautiously. Seeing the 3 through the gloom, he sat on a gravestone behind them.

Just then, a pack of wolves descended upon them with howls of hunger. Taking 4 phasers out of the case, he approached the group. "You might need these " he said softly.

Grabbing a phaser Lia looked at Michael, "Oh so this is your doing, just what are we going for here? Slasher or mutilation program?" She glanced at Gary, "Sorry guess I just thought of you, but maybe you do have more class that this jerk". She threw Gary the phaser and grabbed another, "Safeties are still on are they?" She said sarcastically.

Gary caught the phaser easily.As Lia unloaded on Andrews which was followed by her explanation of sorts and his having or lack thereof of class. He looked at her and tilted his head, "Maybe?"

"Oh really? You think this is clever? I'm not in the mood to play stupid games, I had a lousy night". Stated Lia to Gary.

Gary clipped the phaser to his waistband. "Lia." He said softly, "Relax. Just go with it.I'll fix you some tea or hot chocolate later. I'll even put some of those little marshmallows in it." He offered he hoped helpfully.

Matias took a phaser and holstered it. He was going to try another approach. He went forward and stared down the wolves, growling as he stood. He was going to show them who was the alpha.

Arri entered the holodeck, with an open tricorder and a phaser, and noticed the program in progress. Logically there was no danger, as this was the holodeck and the holosafeties would prevent the wolves from any form of violence. She moved towards an access conduit, she was going to find out who's program this was. She removed what appeared to be a panel on a wall on a mausoleum and began to scan it, regardless of the wolves in the room. They were of no consequence to her.

It was Jessinia's Favorite time of year. The Earth holiday Halloween. Late night frolicking in costume!? Hell yeah!! She got one of the other mothers to get her littles off to bed. She hoped her warrior fuck monster would be there. dressed in everything tight with flesh aplenty she slunk down to the hollow deck...

After receiving the message, Tate was initially concerned. Who had managed to enter her quarters undetected? As a member of Starfleet, she knew she couldn't afford to let her guard down and assume all mysteries were harmless. Nevertheless, she was curious, and had to wonder what dangerous villain might lure her to the holodeck of all places. She headed as directed, not at all sure what she was in for.

Gareb had experienced Halloween back in his Academy days, and loved it! He eagerly grabbed a phaser, the kid in him still very much alive

Phoenix entered in silence, and the sounds of fighting drew her to the group. But she didn't say a word, instead backed herself against a tree in the gloom and waited. She was interested in what was going on.

The doctor was next to enter. His own people had a festival around this time though it involved more drinking and praising the newborn sun. Still, he had arrived at the holodeck and walked over to the rest of the group. " Well anyone has any idea what'sss going on here?" He asked politely.

Arrianna responded, and in her usual calmness. "We are currently experiencing a simulation of a strange human autumn festival known as All Hallows Eve, also known as "Halloween." Apparently it involves frightening people with this bizarre program no doubt created by the person who left the notes. I can assure you I am neither frightened nor intimidated by this strange and irrational program, I am neither amused by it." Arri returned to attempting to examine this program.

"We'll this is spooky" Ephraim commented in confusion as he observed the environment whilst making his way too Phoenix, "I see you're not the only Ops chief to grace this ships halls" he commented jokingly as he observed Arri playing with the console.

Her excitement was only Magnified. A number of the crew were already there. It was positively Ghoulish!! She swept out for Michael and was rewarded, quivering with need. Jessinia didn't say a word to anyone and stayed in the middle, a Ghost in her own right...

Once everyone is assembled, an owl hoots from a tree nearby and a lone wolf howls mournfully in the distance, breaking the silence.

Sullivan had to admit the environment was a bit unsettling, made all the more so by the fact Phoenix didn't seem to know what was going on. "Did we all just walk into a trap meant to appear harmless?"

"I am attempting to ascertain what security vulnerability allowed the architect of this infantile program to enter our quarters and deliver those notes." Arrianna mentioned. "No doubt it was for malicious purposes."

Michael finally chimed again. "Evidently not everyone enjoyed little idea. This was suppose to be a weapons certification. So I do apologize " he said, looking at Holmes. Then he noticed Jessinia and winked.

"I have no issue with it" The voice of their CO came from the shadows as she stepped into view. Phoenix nodded at the marine. "Proceed Lieutenant." She flashed a grin. "Next time though, warn Holmes will you?"

The sheer Brilliance of it! It only made her Want him MORE! Reigning herself in was a task. "You used intraship beaming, the mass of your delivery Barely even traced.." Jessinia tried to not sound like hero worship.

Arrianna was slightly annoyed, though she kept her composure. Mostly it was because she had work to do in the morning to prevent Lieutenant Andrews from doing this again, but partly she had to restrain her self from sarcasm. She pulled out her phaser and started shooting things. The witch on her broom was first, followed by two zombies, three jack-o-lanterns, three of the wolves, and something called 'frankenstein.' The demonstration gave the term 'monster mash' a whole new meaning. The last target was a cat on a nearby fence, as she did not like those things. She then looked at Micheal. "Did I pass?"

Walking over to Michael Lia raised her phaser, "If you had the night I did, you wouldn't be all sunshine and flowers. Now activate your damn program and let me out of here, before I take aim at you!" She then turned and fired at some wolves, a weird looking couple of things called Zombies, and a vampire in the shape of a bat. "How did I do Lieutenant?" She asked. Lia then threw the phaser back at Michael, "Next time don't invite me, especially if your going to repeat this event". She then moved back to join the rest of the group.

Naturally, Jessinia Wanted to be the last one through this gauntlet. Being shadowed by Micheal was Fun In her book. Her reward would far outshine Anyone elses... But first, she had to ensure her personal side arm were excepted by the Captain. "Captain, I have to register a personal sidearm with the command..."

"Weapons are not registered with the Command team Lieutenant, you need to register them with Commander Holmes and her team." Phoenix replied.

Michael grimaced. "There's been no breach of security. Good shot by the way, Commander Holmes. This is a weapons certification " he said.

{Ships, Such an Interesting world..} "Understood Captain." "Commander Holmes a Moment please??" Jessinia turned to the Commander...

Lia halted and turned to face Jessinia, "Yes, is there a problem Lieutenant?" She hadn't had much interaction with this individual, so she was more than a bit reserved. Her only thought was the Lieutenants outburst on the bridge when she first came aboard.

"Not a problem Ma'am, I have a specialty sidearm, from my "former" line of work.. it's stored in my replicator file I want to register it for use..."

The question caught Lia unprepared, "To be honest Lieutenant, without seeing the weapon concerned. I'm not prepared to clear it, I hope this clarifies the situation". She knew that personal weapons weren't illegal, but she did feel uneasy when she had to deal with them.

Jessinia opened her left hand. "Computer Produce unit 5Alpha Kopl." In her left hand a gleaming yet clearly ancient style weapon appeared. She offered it to the Commander. "Questions Ma'am?"

Taking the weapon, Lia studied it closely. "From you former line of work? Dare I ask what that was Lieutenant?" She turned the weapon in her hands, felt the balance. "Not my kind of weapon, but since I won't be using it. I will clear this weapon for a limited time Lieutenant, you can have six months. After that I will revue it, if I get a clean bill of health it will be your standard side arm. Do you agree?" Lia didn't like to sound so aloof but she felt a slight unease over this weapon, so decided to give it time and then go back to it.

Jess took back the weapon pulling it open to show it's internals. "It's a pulse phaser in operation." She slapped it closed and set it to practice mode. Looking toward the Marine for instructions...

The gorn was next to go though unlike the others his skill was far lacking as he missed quite a few shots though he still downed all the targets. Grinning slightly he walked back to the rest. " Ssshootingsss not my ssstrong point. " He responded to the group.

Gary watched silently as first Lia and then others shot at the perceived targets. Something told him that they were wasting their time and he kept his phaser clipped to his waistband and waited to see if his instincts were correct.

Phoenix moved to take a phaser. "Is now the time to mention that I failed my last three tests in Phasers?" she quipped. "I am better with melee weapons." Phoenix had a well known taste for daggers and swords. In fact she had once kept a large blade in the side of the Operations console in case of incursions. Now, she kept it behind the command chair.

"You have to start somewhere, Captain. No where to go but up from here" Michael said, trying to sound encouraging.

Phoenix sighed. "I am better with blades" and she took aim, and fired. And missed. Badly. Tossing the phaser to the ground, she muttered and a sword appeared in her hand. She closed in on a wolf and swung the sword, cutting it in two. "Blades beat Phasers."

Arri was now getting visibly annoyed. She wondered if she'd be noticed if she simply walked out of the holodeck. That and she was not in the best of mood this evening, as she had another Borg dream. "I am going to my Quarters to rest, First Lieutenant. Please do not use the transporters for frivolous reasons, as I do not want to have to install more security overrides. Good evening." She said with actual disdain appearing in her calm voice. Usually she wasn't like this, but she was tired and was being a terrible grouch. She turned and began to leave.

Noticing the departing Officer, Lia spoke up. "Lieutenant, going somewhere?" She moved towards the retreating Officer, "If I can stay put after the night I've had, then I'm damn sure you can. When we have been properly dismissed, THEN you can leave. Clear Lieutenant?" She reached the exit before the Lieutenant and blocked the way, "Just like me, your stuck here for now!" She pointed back at the group, making it clear that the Lieutenant was to rejoin them.

"Commander." Arri showed the invitation. "Technically, I was 'invited' to this menagerie, not ordered. There is a difference. If I was ordered to this, I'd be shooting more of these... things." Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "Lots more...."

"As were we all, but as soon as we were told it was a weapons test. That invitation became invalid, believe me Lieutenant if there was a way out of here. I for one would be using it, now please rejoin the group". Lia was trying to be diplomatic, but she didn't think she was successful. Moving to one side she headed back to the rest, hopefully the Lieutenant would follow.

Arri was not completely annoyed. She went back to the others and folded her arms. But now it was rare for one of her people to be angry, and she was sleep deprived. "By all the ascendants, get this over with." She said in a low voice.

Gary from his vantage point watched the proceedings in silence. He was still of the opinion there was to this test and shooting random targets wasn't it. He watched as Lia handled the Operations Lieutenant. There was no reason for him to become involved as Lia had the matter under control. He turned his attention back to the group to see what came next.

Michael looked at the group assembled. "Leaving is not am option. This is a weapons certification. Failure to comply garners a failed certification. The wolves were a whim for the season, as is the graveyard" he stated.

She winced at the marine. There was now at least a woman who could not keep her hands off him, and now a woman who wanted to crucify Micheal in the audience.

Gary smiled to himself. It seemed his instincts were indeed correct, they wolves, bats and other 'decorations' were just window dressing the real test hadn't started yet.

Yawning, Phoenix retreated to the side.

Jessinia moved closer to the front. Half because she feared Nothing. Half because... Micheal... Yumm... "We ginna stand round? We gonna kill Zombies??" She enjoyed her Southern drawl...

Matias looked around. He wasn't sure what to do next after he took charge of the wolves.

Michael looked at everyone.He noted their expressions. Then stopped. "Computer, initiate WCP M Alpha"

The scene changed to 21st century shooting range with multiple distance targets. "We have close, medium and long range targets. They won't be prone and some may shoot back" he said. "Lieutenant " looking at Arrianna, "would you care to go first?" he asked

Lia sighed audibly, "Oh give me a break, if this continues any longer I may be court martialed for murder".

Arri held her phaser up and started shooting at the marks as they appeared. She was surprisingly good, especially for a race that was so reasonable, and peaceful. She had been in combat before on Perditus. Nothing got the adrenaline going more than a group of Romulan Isolationists stealing a transphasic warhead and trying to set it off on a planet full of refugee. But mostly, she wanted a night of sleep where she didn't watch herself assimilate people, and if there were telepaths in the room, they'd be feeling a strange amount of frustration from her. Completely out of character as she grew more obsessive in shooting things.

Picking up a phaser Lia took aim, as the clay's appeared Lia fired. More from temper than skill she managed to hit each and everyone, somewhat surprised she stood back and checked her score. The result was better than she imagined, but the lack of sleep was now really starting to get to her. Just like the Lieutenant, her reserve was wearing thin. Time to leave, and quick.

Gary watched as Lia picked up her phaser and fired at the targets. She wasn't bad and her score reflected that but then again he expected her to be proficient in the use of the phaser. He could also tell she was mad at being here, so he wisely kept his mouth shut as he didn't want to incur her wrath and he didn't really trust himself to reply civilly if he did.

Resting against a wall, Phoenix yawned and chose to close her eyes. She could still hear people around her. And chose just rest her eyes..

Despite her want to impress the pants off of Micheal.(literally) Jessinia was noticing a trend among mostly females. This wasn't the place to talk about it. And despite her wants she believed she should open herself to more of the crews mental energy. Something was off. Since she was naturally more impulsive than most her emotions were in tune. She waited to see who would go next...

Ephraim considered joining, but truth be told he felt much more confident with an spanner than he did a phaser, "sleeping on the job, Commander?" He joked as he took up position besides Phoenix.

She opened sleepy eyes and smiled at her friend. And then dropped her head onto his shoulder. "Sounds like a plan. Your shoulder is comfy."

"I'm just a giant cushion" Ephraim shrugged nonchalantly, moving phoenix's head slightly.

By the six she had missed him. He was a good friend, one who had stood by her as she had abused an admiral, and gotten away with it, even promoted for it. He had been a rock for her and Liselle during their time in Andromeda, and she had to admit, she had felt lost without him and Ian on the ship. Ian was not coming back, but at least they had Ephraim. "Missed you" she mumbled and let herself drift off to almost full asleep.

Michael stepped up next. With a phaser in each hand, he began a barrage at the targets. Some sidestepped and returned fire. He moved, adjusted his aim bad returned fire. It wasn't his best performance but good enough to prove his skill. "Next " he left it hanging there.

Gary looked around and saw no one else eager to show off their marksman skill. So he supposed it was his turn. "I'll go next." He said quietly. As he took his phaser in hand and settled into a shooter's stance, his feet apart and shoulders squared. He was ready. When the targets appeared, he wasted no movement on locating and firing. He fired rapidly, so rapidly his shots sounded like one long one. Then in a matter of a few moments he was done. Even he was impressed with the results all thanks to the training he had received. He made no comment just clipped his phaser back on his waistband and waited for whoever wanted to go next.

Considering she was a trained killer. Jessinia adopted a VERY different persona. Her coolness became decidedly focused and her happy oversexed demeanor took on a darker forceful calm that some had called Eerie. Starting weak handed(Right) She stalked forward and blasted target after target, till she came up to a zombie Romulan. Her focus turned to UNQUESTIONABLE Anger. She'd been Raped by Romulan's and was still dealing with it. She switched to strong hand and stood her ground blasting multiple targets. Then she used her telepathic implant to produce blades from the replicator and proceeded to angrily gut the last of them. She finished on her knees. Ramming her blades through his chest multiple times.....

Arri had to admit. Watching a Romulan Zombie get mutilated sorta appealed to the side of her that despised that race. She cracked a slight smile as she watched Jessinia cut the Romulan to pieces, literally.

Gary watched as Jessinia fired at the targets. She displayed an icy demeanor that was startling contrast to her normally volatile nature. Even as she finished shooting and stabbing a target with unabashed ferocity.

Matias took out his phaser and guessed this was a test. He shot each target and when some got up again shot them again.

Sighing, Ephraim pushed himself off of the wall. He hated weapons test, he'd never make a marksman. He grabbed his phaser and tried to focus on everything he'd been taught at the academy. He held watched his breathing and made sure he had the correct posture, hoping the extent of his technical knowledge would be enough to scrape him a pass.

He didn't do too bad. He hit all of his targets, but almost none of them landed on the first shot.

Phoenix had woken when Ephraim had moved and she sighed. She watched him and gave him a smile when he had finished. "Better than me" she quipped.

Ephraim scoffed, "are you kidding? You unleashed the beast" he smirked, "I considered it too, but a coil spanned doesn't give of the right vibe" he chuckled.

It was a good thing she blended into the nothing. She was absolutely ravaged, On the Inside. Jessinia had to totally block herself off. Her hunger had been dangerously awakened...

Michael watched in silent admiration as his comrades did their best, under the circumstances. He took s step up as the program reset. With a phaser in each hand, he started a barrage at multiple targets; hitting them close to their kill zones. 2 returned fire and he rolled, took aim and fired again. Those 2 had no heads left. He nodded to the group. "Quite well, considering the circumstances. Quite well, indeed" he said.

"Eneh hwau' kllhwnia na imirrhlhhse" , stated Lia. She then looked around at some astonished reactions, she coughed. "Oh sorry, it's the only Romulan I ever learned. I'm not sure exactly what it means, but it's very very rude". She looked over at the Lieutenant, "Never took you for the boastful type, may need to revue that".

Michael looked at Lia. "I think you've misunderstood my comment, Commander. I wasn't boasting of my abilities. Rather admiring the others on theirs " he said.

Blushing slightly Lia glanced back at Michael, "Sorry Lieutenant, I'm just over tired. Guess I may be a bit touchy as well".

Jessinia knew she needed to get away from everyone before she bled out emotions, she was On fire!! She doubted anyone noticed when she slipped into the alcove and beamed away...

Gary smirked at Lia's repeating of a very coarse and crude Romulan phrase. He knew what it meant from his time in a Romulan POW camp. She was right it was very very rude.

Michael smiled at Lia. "We're all tired, Commander. Its understandable. No harm, no foul" he said then looked and noticed Jessinia missing. {Are you alright?} he questioned.

OOZing need a