Created by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson on Sun Mar 3rd, 2019 @ 8:02pm

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 as she distracted herself with getting her littles off to sleep.. {I need you!!!!!} She hoped she didn't hurt him, she cast harder than she wanted to...

Episode: 4 Do the Dead Frighten you? - Away Team Prep

A Mission Post by Commander Phoenix Lalor & Avalon & Lieutenant Commander Matias Grronkil & Lieutenant Commander Tate Sullivan Ph.D. & Lieutenant Arrianna Salannis an Vantar & Ensign Gareb Endilev & Lieutenant Alfonse Stiegalle & Lieutenant Dante Xithia & Ensign River Waters & Sergeant James Raynar

Mission: Episode: 4 Do the Dead Frighten you?

Location: Science labs - Shuttle Bay

Timeline: MD5 11h Aprox

The people Avalon had summoned were of different departments and different experiences.

The room they were summoned too was a normal looking science lab. Phoenix stood silently in the centre of it looking at the holographic representation of the Ship and what they had scanned of the nebular so far. It floated in the middle of the room, growing slightly with each bit of additional data that was added.

Jim entered and saluted Phoenix. "Commander" he said, noticing the hologram and not wanting to bother the CO any further.

Alphonse wandered in and stopped quickly, "Oh, Captain!" He made his way to a corner, then noticed Jim. "Hi Jim, you been roped in on this thing as well I see". He crossed to where Jim stood and waited for something to be said.

Arrianna entered wearing an environmental suit placed her helmet on the console. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I suggest you change at the earliest opportunity." She manipulated the hologram of the ship. "The ship's life support systems are indeed at minimal capacity, and the environmental control systems are malfunctioning. I'm picking up temperatures ranging from negative thirteen to forty degrees Celsius."

Matias was next. He saw the environmental suit and perked up his ears. He heard Arianna just as he came in. He nodded and would change at the first opportunity.

Phoenix nodded at them all "Environmental suits will be a must. Raynar, We will need a small squad of your marines as well about 6 or so.. I want security to be mainly here, ship side, Mr Stiegalle, but we will take you and another of your team to assist."

Alphonse dipped his head, "I'm sure Commander Holmes will keep Security in check, even though she's in the big chair. If you don't mind Captain, I'll attach myself to the Marines. And leave all the Security team here, doubling up seems a bit overcomplicating things. With respect Captain". He then went and picked up an environmental suit.

Phoenix nodded. "That is fine." She took a breath. "I will be leading this mission. I want everyone to have a phaser and a bladed weapon. Just in case."

Gareb nodded. He finally had a huse for a birthday gift he had received a while back and for that he smiled

Jim smiled. "I'll have a squad report to you, Alfonse. Geared up and ready " he clapped Stiegalle on the shoulder.

Arri spoke. "If you use a bladed weapon, use a short blade. We will be in a confined area, and watch for exposed conduits and junctions. Commander Grronkil, we will need to assess this ship's damage quickly. Including possible radiation and overload hazards."

Turning to face Jim, Alphonse held his hands up. "You know what Jim, it might be better if I just tag along with a squad. But do you have a spare knife? I don't have one personally".

Arri pulled out what appeared to be a hilt. Activating a switch on it, a retractable blade emerged, pieced together as it extended. She then flipped the switch again and it adjusted its length so she could use it on the ship. Another switch was activated and the blade disassembled and the pieces were stored in the hilt. She then moved and picked up a phaser carbine rifle.

Dante walked in calmly, mission's with this kind of mystery weren't strangers to him. He had on his eva suit, a black intel variant. A black scabbard was strapped containing a tactical long knife plush with the leg of his suit.

"Commander Lalor" he greeted the CO with the ghost of a smirk, his helmet tucked under his arm, "thank your for the invitation," the truth was that he was excited, this would be the first field mission he'd done in 5 years.

Ensign River Waters on the other hand felt his stomach churn. He was a full Ensign now, and he knew he wouldn't be able to hide behind the perceived inexperience a Cadet's rank brought. Not like before. He couldn't stop himself from thumbing the hilt of his blade. If it were possible, he very well may have rubbed the grip clean off of it.

Sullivan remained quiet when the discussion about weapons came up. She had learned to defend herself like all Starfleet Academy graduates, but that didn't mean she was comfortable using a bladed weapon or even a phaser most of the time. Most people assumed counselors felt this way because they were some how fearful of weaponry. Tate wasn't fearful, she just preferred other alternatives most of the time, and unlike others, she didn't spend her free time getting comfortable with weapons. She would, however, do whatever was necessary to save her life or that of others. Apparently, that also would include wearing an environmental suit

Phoenix did a headcount.

"Good. We are all here. This is going to be simple. Pair off. No one is going on this mission without a buddy." She said calmly. "Then everyone put on your environmental suits. Triple check the seals. I want no accidents."

Matias picked out a Klingon dk'tagh. He liked the feel of it. Looking to Alphonse, he said "I'll be your buddy if you don't mind," he said. He went and put on his suit, checking each seal.

Alphonse nodded to Matais, "Oh thank you Commander, I don't mind at all. I'll just go find a knife and a suit". He found a suit and after double checking it, put it on. He then found a replicator and requested a Fairbairn and Sykes Commando knife, he'd read how the world war two special forces had used them in confined spaces. That seemed to be where they were all going, so that appeared to be a good choice.

Noticing everyone had paired up whilst he finished up securing his EVA suit, Dante made his way to the Commander's side; "Looks like I'm with you, Commander".

Once everyone was buddied up, and in their suits, Phoenix said "Ensign Waters, you and your partner will go with four marines to locate our missing shuttle. The hanger is here" The image highlighted the location. "If our runabout is there, it will be in that location."

Arrianna responded. "I will go with Ensign Waters. There are questions we need answers to."

River found himself wearing a dumb smile in relief. He hadn't been eager to volunteer himself to anyone's side, given how newly promoted he was. Somehow, incredibly, he managed to stop himself from saying thank you to her. Instead he gave Arrianna a professional nod. "I won't let you down, sir."

He turned back to Phoenix as she continued.

"The rest of us will move out from the beam in point and begin a compartment by compartment search. I Want no unnecessary chances taken. Comms are to be on at all times. And we will be checking in every 2 minutes in rotation."

Arri spoke again. "One more thing." She noted. "I have been feeling something strange since we have found this ship." She noted. "It's like looking in a mirror, but something else stares back, not your reflection."

Phoenix nodded. "Thank you commander."

Jim triple checked his suit, his phaser and his stilettos. He had 2 pair; one in each boot and one on each thigh. He handed 1 to Alphonse. "Try and get it back to me" he smiled then went to Lalor. "Mind buddying with a marine, Captain? " he asked.

Taking the stiletto from Jim he smiled, "Thanks Jim, I'll try not to loose it".

Once everyone was suited up, Phoenix led the way to the Transporter room. The transporter chief looked at the group. "Commander we have a suitable place for you to beam in. But we may have trouble keeping track due to radiation from the nebular."

Phoenix nodded. "Everyone into position."

Jim checked over the group. Everything looked alright. Cpl Dulaney and LCpl Dawson were in position. "Everything looks good, Captain " he said to Phoenix.

"Energize" Phoenix ordered

Episode: 4 Do the Dead Frighten you? - Keep Climbin

A Mission Post by Commander Liselle Qwyyn & Avalon

Mission: Episode: 4 Do the Dead Frighten you?

Location: Starbase Gama - Holodeck

Timeline: MD 1 - 12h00

Liselle Qwyyn pulled herself up another foot of the mountain, her arms shaking with the effort. She breathed a sigh -- equal parts exhilarated and terrified. Yes, she was on the holodeck and so she couldn't be hurt, but even simulated altitudes could be enough to get the blood pumping if you were willing to let yourself believe.

The desire to do this sort of thing, to conquer the mountain didn't come from Liselle. This kind of behavior came from a previous host, Juliard. He had always loved finding adventure, the riskier the better.

Liselle tucked her knees into a crevice of rock and used them as an anchor, allowing herself to lean back. She dipped her hands into the pouch of chalk at her waist. Smacking her palms together, she looked up at the climber above her. Qwyyn tugged the rope at her waist that connect the two of them. "Need a break!" Liselle called up to Dyhei. She wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of a hand. "Just a minute or two!"

Dyhei herself had just resecured herself to the wall when she felt the tug on the rope, looking over she shoulder and down as a matter of course. "Works for me!" She called down in responce, shifting her hands to move herself side on to the wall and lower down to a ledge barely big enough to sit on, shaking out one hand then the other.

From the position she looked out, it may only be a simulated environment but it was already spectacular, and seemed to flush a bit more adrenaline into her system. "Time to drink in the view, existence at its most exquisite." She commented, half to Liselle, but almost to the view itself in a way as she sat admiring her surroundings. "Bet your former hosts memories are buzzing right now, rediscovering a old thrill. "

"Juliard would have loved this," Qwyyn agreed with a self-satisfied smile. "I'm glad you asked me out here, Dyhei. It's nice to reconnect with my past like this. Honestly, it's something that I tend to go out of my way to avoid."

Dyhei smiled broadly at the comment, setting gentle swing on her lower legs as they dangled over the small ledge, then frowned a little as the statement puzzled her a little. "Is that a rules thing for joined Trill's, or is it a personal separate experiences thing?" She asked carefully.

"A joined Trill is never supposed to go back and re-established old romances. That sort of thing is strictly forbidden. And we are encouraged to seize the unique qualities of our new hosts so that we might help evolve the symbiont to a further level of enlightenment and understanding," she explained. She continued to brush chalk between her palms, watching them as she talked. "But I think it's more than that with Qwyyn. It's been a tough road with a lot of mistakes, and Liselle is supposed to be the one to get me back on the right track. I suppose I've tried to distance myself from my former hosts as much as possible." She hesitated a moment, deciding if she should explain further. She nodded quietly to herself. She liked Dyhei, and felt a kinship for her. And trust. "Liselle is my first female host. It's important to me that I embrace that unique perspective. Even if that means exploring new romances..."

She laughed at Dyhei's teasing expression.

Qwyyn held up her hands in defense. "Okay. Okay. Let's grab lunch and I'll tell you all about it." She pointed to the top of the mountain. "Break's over! Let's keep climbing."

Episode: 4 Do the Dead Frighten you? - Arrianna's Kitchen Nightmares

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Arrianna Salannis an Vantar & Commander Phoenix Lalor

Mission: Episode: 4 Do the Dead Frighten you?

Location: Dreamscape

Timeline: MD-4 : 0430 Hours

Arrianna suddenly found herself again chopping meat in the galley. This was horrific, she was being consumed by base survival instincts, and she didn't know that her dreams were spilling over to other members of the crew.

Phoenix was puzzled as she looked around. Yeah she was definitely dreaming.

Arri turned around with a clever. "Mmm... you look tasty, Phoenix.. Dinner time..." Arrianna looked like she lost her mind, the madness could be seen on her face. She advanced slowly with a clever. "I'm putting you in the oven with potatoes and gravy!!!!"

"Uh yeah no Lieutenant" Phoenix said softly. "Lle sinta sina naa thar na- dan" then she realized she was speaking in her native tongue and repeated herself "You know this is against regulations. Cooking humans is not sanitary." But she did begin to back away. Of all the dreams to wake up in.

"Yes, but I am SO hungry... So hungry. I gotta eat.... and since you're the only meat around here. I'm gonna eat YOU!!!! Think about it, You don't have to deal with Commanding a starship or being a Princess when you've been grilled with pineapple. With a salad on the side!!!!!!!" Arrianna began laughing maniacally.

Phoenix didn't hang around, she took off out the doors, no way was she going to die again in a dream. And if this was Arrianna's personality... may the 6 help the bridge crew!

'No!! Not that way.' Phoenix was warned before 'Please! Phoenix!! Not that WAY' She heard a voice that sounded tortured, like Arri was being forced to live the things she dreaded. Phoenix finally saw it, a borg drone turned an intersection of the corridor to face her, one with Arri's face.

"FUCK!" Phoenix swore, froze. Oh for a sword, a grenade, something. Phoenix hated borg! "ARI if this is your idea of a sick joke, it needs to end now!" Backing away from the Borged officer, put her closer to the canabal. but really... what was worse?

"Ow this dose not end." The cannibal suddenly spoke. "We're here, every night.. every time she closes her eyes, I'm her hunger. Her wild, all the wild uncontrolled anger and unrestrained passion she denies herself. All the gluttony she cannot indulge in."

"Arrianna is now Borg, she will be borg... every night. Time for her to see you being assimilated. Her soul will belong to the Borg. She'll watch all her race become Borg. You do not need to worry about your father when you're one of us, Phoenix. Soon, All will be borg."

There was another version of Arrianna in the room, hiding behind a doorway. 'Please don't find me... please don't find me.' she whispered.

Phoenix reached out, grabbed the cowering version of her ops chief. "RUN" she snapped "And for the 6's sake WAKE UP!" She began to push the woman to the door.

Arri suddenly woke up. "Ascendants!.." She breathed heavily.

1LT Michael Andrews 's Personal Log - Reliving History

The following is a personal log from 1LT Michael Andrews .

Michael tried to sleep. The nightmare he'd been having was the same one as before. It was the night of the 3rd 'date' with Jessinia. He'd reserved the table, ordered the wine, everything. Then he waited. ... For 6 hours. .. No messages, no note. She'd just up and left.

He relived that night over and over for nearly 8 years. Sometimes, the nightmare went darker, with people hunting him down on orders from her. He shrugged it off. Since being reunited with her, he knew she'd never do anything like that.

CMDR Aurelia Holmes's Personal Log - Captains Log

The following is a personal log from CMDR Aurelia Holmes.

"Captains Log, Commander Lia Holmes Second Officer in command. We have a bridge full of Cadets and an away team on a derelict Starship, a vessel which has been identified as a lost Star Fleet ship. This bomb shell was relayed to us from our fighters, our very own First Officer is in command of these fighters. Our Commanding Officer is in fact leading the away team, I can only hope we can pull all this together and find some resolution. Computer save and place this in the official recordings, Finish Log".

Parboiled Monkey Meatloaf

A Mission Post by Cadet Senior Grade Makepeace -

Mission: Episode 0: History Speaks

Location: Starfleet Academy at Beta Ursae Minor II

Timeline: Two months before relaunch of Elysium

Cloth squeaked across the surface of the flight control console as Makepeace wiped away the fingerprints left behind by the previous student to have sat for the midterm flight test. It always bothered him to touch a console with oily fingerprints on consoles, and having such a thought niggling at the back of his brain during an exam could throw him off his game just enough to affect his rather impressive G.P.A. for the semester.

"Cadet... Makepeace." Spoke a voice from the hatch of the 'Flyer, startling him a little. Makepeace knew before swiveling his chair and rising to stand at attention that the man speaking was Professor Ronek, the Traffic Control Instructor; a severe-featured Vulcan with a bald pate and thin lips, whose dark eyes were usually cast in a disapproving glare upon his students. Or was that simply projection? It was hard to say. "Finish up what you're doing and conduct preflight; I want it completed within five minutes.

"Aye, sir." Makepeace replied in the sort of snappy, attendant tone that usually seemed to mollify the Vulcan, and sat back down, turning to the console and doing as ordered. His fingers shook a little as he conducted the preflight -- Usually Professor Patel oversaw these sorts of exams, and while no slouch when it came to demanding excellence from her students, she used a very carrot-and-stick approach to instruction. Ronek, meanwhile, was all stick, and the location of that stick was rumored to be somewhere very uncomfortable.

Despite the tightness in his gut and the nervous tremors in his fingers, Makepeace had the preflight tests completed in short order, just in time to spot Ronek placing pylons around the runabout, and white cylinders atop those. No, not cylinders -- candles, which the instructor lit before returning. "At ease, cadet." He said, mostly to forestall his student from rising again. "Have you completed the checklist?" He asked as he walked back in.

"Yes, sir." Makepeace replied. "All systems are functioning nominally, sir."

"Very well. Then set a course for the BUM V flight range." BUM was the shorthand for Beta Ursae Minor, and the flight range around the fifth planet was usually reserved for senior-grade cadets. "Also, be aware that there are six candles surrounding this craft. For each candle that is extinguished, I will deduct five percent from your final score. If you score less than seventy percent on this test, you will fail, and your flight clearance will be revoked." Makepeace had barely enough time to make a choked noise of protest before the professor cut him off. "There will be no need for discussion. Proceed as instructed, Cadet."

Makepeace's mouth hung open, his heart pounding like it was a woodpecker and his sternum was an oak tree. Losing flight clearance while majoring in Flight was like having one's legs cut off and then being told to run the berm. He wanted to protest, but speaking when expressly forbidden would probably lose him points. He looked at his console helplessly for a few long moments, his stomach churning the morning's oatmeal and toast into something acidic and vile, and Makepeace could already taste what he might soon be spewing all over the freshly-cleaned console. And then, out of nowhere, the answer hit him. Calling up a window to the runabout's tactical controls, he punched in a series of clumsy commands before kicking in the maneuvering thrusters. The craft lifted up off the launch-pad gracefully, and then proceeded towards the hangar doors, the candles giving nary a flicker as it moved away.

He could almost hear the professor's left eyebrow creak upward. "You extended the 'Flyer's shields to contain its flight wake. A most... creative solution Cadet." Makepeace had barely a moment to inhale pre-sigh before the man put his heel back down on his hopes and began to grind them underfoot. "You will not be permitted to repeat it when you bring us in for a landing."

Stress unabated, Makepeace set course for the test range, and in absence of directions, brought the little ship up to full impulse as soon as they were clear of the planet's hard-deck. He was being Kobayashi Maru'd. None of the cadets who had already taken the exam had mentioned anything even vaguely this difficult. Their bodies didn't show residual stress or even great relief -- they'd come out looking like they'd completed a routine test.

As the little runabout streaked towards the flight range, Makepeace began to feel more and more ill. Dizzy and nauseous. His vision contracted to a tunnel surrounded in a grey haze. "We are here, Cadet." Ronek announced. "On my mark, execute an Immelmann turn. Mark."

"Aye, sir." Makepeace replied weakly. He could turn Immelmanns with both hands tied behind his back, using his nose and tongue to operate the controls. In fact, most of the maneuvers and combinations thereof and evasive patterns were fairly simple, and Makepeace was able to pull them off gracefully, the ease of flying allowing him to regain some semblance of composure. He had been flying shuttles since he was eleven.

"Your performance has thus far proven adequate, Cadet." stated Ronek as he entered commands into the ops console. "We will now be testing your ability to evade assault in a mock combat exercise."

Makepeace frowned, but his hands remained steady on the console. "Sir, my class hasn't even begun mock-combat trials. We've barely even begun the theoretical module on combat maneuvering in the holo-simulators."

"I am aware of your present level of academic progress, Cadet." Came the Vulcan's curt reply. "Three combat drones are en route. You will need to improvise a strategy to deal with them. If they manage to 'destroy' the 'Flyer or if you fly out of bounds, that will constitute a failure of the exam."

Makepeace scowled. "That being the case, sir... Permission to fly her like she's a rental?"

"I'm sorry?" He'd managed to take the professor aback.

"Hang on, sir."

Makepeace spun up the Delta Flyer's drives to full impulse and, instead of evading, dove straight for the trio of drones, opening a panel on his console for the tactical controls. His class hadn't reached combat training yet, but Makepeace had been in a few scrapes since he blasted free of the Syndicate slave operation in the Borderlands.

"Your approach is ill-advised, cadet!" Ronek said, raising his voice.

Makepeace smiled almost serenely, jinking and twisting the 'Flyer through the hail of phaser fire that the drones directed his way, the shields flaring into incandescence from a few hits they received. At one percent power, the phasers did little more than light up the shields, but the runabout's computer was tallying up simulated damage. Makepeace didn't relent, however, and dove through the tight formation formed by the three probes. There was a violent impact as his shields brushed against those of the probes, and sparks flew from various consoles, but there was a method to Makepeace's madness, and he flipped his little ship 180 degrees while allowing inertia to continue to carry them along, opening fire with his own phasers and photonic missiles. The resulting explosions amounted to little more than summer fireworks, but they had done the trick.

"Explain yourself, Cadet!" snarled Ronek. If Makepeace didn't know any better, he'd swear that the professor was pissed off.

"Sir!" Makepeace responded snappily. "I drove at the dones... Sorry, I dove at the drones because running away would allow them to use their superior numbers and mobbing tactics to wear me down. Attrition. By extending the shields and passing through their formation, I blew out the EPS conduits of their shield emitters, and the top, port and starboard shields of the 'flyer, when our shields collided. Because I knew their shield emitters would be blown out, I knew where they would be vulnerable to attack. Pirates and smugglers have been using the tactic for ages."

"It was reckless and unwise, Cadet. I should pull your flight clearance right here and now." Ronek scolded.

"Fine, sir." Makepeace responded, turning to face the man. "This whole exam has been rigged against me from the start." He should have been angry, but instead, Makepeace was coolly in command of his faculties, and resigned to failure. "Revoking my flight status at this point in the semester would force me to fail half of my courses and drive my G.P.A. down. So if you're bound and determined to tank my career, sir, then please just go ahead and do it."

"I am not trying to 'tank your career,' Cadet." Ronek responded, meeting Makepeace's gaze evenly. "I am trying to determine if it is worth saving. Aren't you in the least bit curious why I am administering this exam instead of Professor Patel?" When Makepeace shrugged, the man continued. "Eight days ago, the administration became aware of rumors circulating around campus that you and Professor Patel have been spotted off-campus, engaged in a romantic relationship. I was tasked by the superintendent to ascertain whether or not your present G.P.A. might be the result of bias on Professor Patel's part." He held up a hand to forestall any verbal reaction from Makepeace, but the only reaction the young Cadet showed was a furrowed brow and a dour look. "I believe you both may be reasonably acquitted of such accusations at this juncture."

"And Professor Patel?" Makepeace asked wistfully.

"She will likely face some form of administrative discipline. Possibly lose her career if the school's gossips continue to call her integrity into question."

Makepeace grit his teeth and clenched his fists. "She's already going through a bad divorce, Sir. Isn't there something that can be done to protect her career?"

Ronek cocked his head to the side, regarding Makepeace with skepticism. "Whatever your emotional attachment to her, her actions were her choice to make. Her responsibility. I count Asha as a friend, but she must have known she was making a mistake."

"But, sir... What if I was the one to blame?" It was a sudden thought, whispered from the aether in his mind and blathered out of his mouth. "If it came to light that I manipulated her in an attempt to improve my scores? Seduced her, knowing her vulnerability? I'm sure you could find ex-lovers of mine to come forward and say that I'm just that sort of scumbag. And then... I dunno, I could transfer to another academy. Ooh! Like the, ummm..." He turned back to his console and conducted a search of the Academy newspaper. "Elysium! I disappear, and people assume I'm in the wrong. It helps the academy save face, maybe puts less pressure on the administration to punish her."

"Cadet, surely you realize that it would be unethical for either one of us to lie on Asha's behalf, all feelings for her aside." Ronek advised. At least he wasn't going with the old line about Vulcans not lying.

"Aye, sir. But I wouldn't be lying." Makepeace responded, cockily batting his eyes at the man. "Professor Patel might not have been tweaking my scores, but she has influence. She could get me on the best cadet squadrons. If I get on a good squad, I get to compete. The Fomalhaut Circumstellar Regatta, the Rigel Cup... If I could score a win in something like that, I could pretty much write my own ticket, get a prime assignment and make Captain before I'm thirty-five. Now that the 'jig is up,' there's no point in leaving Asha out to dry."

Makepeace could tell that he had left the Vulcan befuddled. "Plot a course back to the Academy, Cadet. Provided that you manage to pass the candle test upon our return, you will have passed this exam 'with flying colors.'" Makepeace wasn't quite sure, but he thought he heard a distinct undercurrent of harsh sarcasm in the man's voice.

"Yes, sir." Makepeace said, turning his seat back to the console, now covered in his own guilty fingerprints. There was a temptation to brood over the lies he'd just told, but his time was better put to use configuring the 'Flyer's transporters to deal with those goddamn candles.

Episode: 4 Do the Dead Frighten you? - LAUNCH!

A Mission Post by Avalon & Commander Gary Taylor & Commander Aurelia Holmes & Captain Michael Andrews

Mission: Episode: 4 Do the Dead Frighten you?

Location: Elysium Fighters

Timeline: MD 5 11h aprox

Avalon's voice came over the cockpit speakers in the fighters about to launch.

[[Commander Taylor, you and your squad are cleared for launch.]]

Michael double checked his Valkyrie before responding. "Roger Avalon. Valkyrie Two, Launching " he said.

"Thank you Avalon. Valkyrie One launching. Switching frequencies." Gary replied crisply, hiding the fatigue he felt as he contacted Andrews, "Nothing fancy Mr.Andrews, we do this by the numbers. A visual pass first to check for damage to the hull."

Having said that, Gary gave his crew chief a thumbs up and roared out of the bay and into space. Once out he circled the Elysium while waiting for Andrews to join up on him. He toggled his com that put him in contact with the ship. "Big Bad Wolf to Mother Hen,how you reading me?"

Lia pressed a button on her console, "Mother to Wolf, receiving 10 by 10. Just to give you some news, our glorious leader is AWOL. Believed to be on away mission, so I'm in the big chair". She waited for Gary's reaction.

Michael chuckled to himself at the callsigns. "Little Boy Blue. .. Comm check " he said as he took Gary's wing. It helped take the edge off.

Inside his fighter, Gary nodded in approval as Andrews took up his position on Gary's wing. Toggling his mic switch Gary,even as tired as he was smiled at Lia's comment of being in the big chair. "Well now that is news indeed. However I know you can handle it.........just don't get too comfortable in the chair Lia. I plan on coming back." He bantered easily.

"Little Boy Blue, you're loud and proud. Keep your eye's on Wolf, he may stray". Lia then switched to Gary's channel, "Wolf, I was wondering why this chair has a saggy bottom". The sound of stifled laughter then echoed through, "Just get back in one bit Wolf, I'm feeling lonely".

Inside his cockpit Gary smiled at Lia's banter. It helped to relieve the tired feeling that coursed through him."Oh the scathing wit of Aurelia Holmes. I've been wounded." He countered playfully though he was touched by her display of concern. "Message received and understood Mother. Keep a light on and we'll be back in a flash."

Listening to Gary made Lia feel even more lonely, "The lights will burn bright until you all get back, Mother out". She watched as the fighters took station to start their mission.

Michael kept on Gary's wing as they started their mission. Things could get sideways really quick. He was glad to have Taylor as lead.

Switching frequencies , Gary contacted Andrews. "Alright Mr.Andrews, we'll do a visual flyby first from above the derelict, then from either side and finally from underneath it. Any questions?" Hr asked his wing man as they drew closer to the ship.

The Derelict floated. No engines were active. It just sat there. Whatever inertia it had had, was no longer there. Behind it, ominous, the Nebular reared up, like the villain from an old disney film poster, looming over and around it.

Michael popped on his scanners. "Looks derelict, Wolf. Nothing going on but the nebula " he said over comms.

They were almost atop the derelict as it floated serenely when Andrews made his observation. "Agreed Blue but don't assume." Gary replied as he checked his own scanners and they confirmed what Andrews reported. "Let's get a closer look and see if we can get some answers to this mystery."

"Roger that Wolf. Checking starboard side now" Michael answered. He brought his Valkyrie to the starboard side of the derelict. "Wolf. I'm seeing several hull breaches here. They were hit by something or somethings" he said.

Gary was silent as Andrews made his report. He was busy slowly moving his fighter down the hull of the ship looking for any damage. " roger that Blue. I've got damage here near the portside airlock but it looks like it was blown outward. Maybe someone got in a hurry and caused explosive decompression."

There was no biological debris on his scanners. But they pinged as the away team beamed in. Avalon announced in his ear "Away team away. Commander Holmes is asking for a sitrep."

Thank you Avalon." Gary replied to the AI while contacting the Elysium. "Wolf to Mother Hen, understand you wish sitrep. It's as follows Starboard side has several hull breaches. Looks like they were hit by something. Port side has damage near the airlock. Could have been caused by explosive decompression."

"Mother to Wolf, roger that. Any idea what might have hit them? It's just I wouldn't want an action replay with the Elysium, might upset a few people". Lia smiled as she spoke to Gary, "Keep your eye's peeled Wolf, your our advance guard".

"Wolf to Mother. Not sure. Doesn't look like weapons fire. There aren't any scorch marks on the hull. Could be micro meteorites. They could cause this type of damage. Roger on eyes peeled Mother. Don't fret I won't let anything hurt you." he said knowing the message was more personal than ordinary. He hoped Lia caught the significance.

Michael finished his scan. "Blue to Mother. Scan reveals this was the USS Starfire, a Norway class vessel. Last reported in this sector. .. Oh my god. .... 30 years ago" he said

Hearing Michael's report made Lia sit up, "Mother to Blue, are you sure of that? What the hell would it doing here?"

Gary cut in, "Wolf to Mother, suggest you research records involving lost, missing ships.They may contain some information." At least Gary hoped there was some information that led to answers and not more questions.

"Mother to Wolf, at this time I'm kinda busy. But if you really want the information, then return to base and start digging. Plus I could use a hand over here, your wing man can handle the recon". She felt bad in saying what she said, but maybe Gary would be a better stand-in Captain than she could. Somehow the weight of Command wasn't sitting easy on her shoulders, in fact she felt like expelling most of the damned crew. She needed to sleep, and not have those bloody nightmares.

Gary heard the mixture of irritation,annoyance and tiredness in Lia's voice and as much as he wanted to help her and get some of the stress off her shoulders, he and Andrews had a duty to see through and that was filling the role of advance scout until told otherwise. " Message received and understood Mother. Hang in there." he added in a show of support for her efforts.

Episode: 4 Do the Dead Frighten you? - "Haunted Hallways" A Mission Post by Commander Phoenix Lalor & Avalon & Commander Gary Taylor & Commander Aurelia Holmes & Lieutenant Commander Matias Grronkil & Lieutenant Arrianna Salannis an Vantar & Ensign Gareb Endilev & Lieutenant Alfonse Stiegalle & Lieutenant Dante Xithia & Ensign River Waters & Sergeant James Raynar

Mission: Episode: 4 Do the Dead Frighten you?

Location: The Derelict

Timeline: MD5 12h

IC

The beam in point was dark, and Phoenix was glad she had turned on her suits' lights. Without waiting for the others to move, she turned and headed down a dark corridor saying "You have your orders. Split up."

Dante nodded and followed his Commanding Officer. Something about the ship, now he was here, frightened him on an instinctive level. His focus sharp, he walked almost soundlessly, but for the trill of his tricorder.

Arri flipped open her tricorder instinctively as the matter stream dispersed. She began to study the initial scans. "As I expected. Negative forty-five degrees Celsius. Main power is offline, and the ship is running off whats left in the emergency batteries." She focused on the here and now and not the darkness surrounding them.

Phoenix nodded. "Well... lets see what we can find. Comms open. Report anything." With Dante behind her she moved deeper into the ship.

Matias checked his tricorder. "I'm going to engineering to see if I can get the main power back online," he said.

Alphonse glanced round then like a puppy followed Matias, "Commander, I'll stick with you ok?"

Arri began to move through the ship with Ensign Watters and the Marines, following the locator signal for the shuttlecraft through the ship's dark corridors. She was feeling fear, and anxiety, in this place. She closed her eyes for a moment to control her emotions, but fatigue was making it difficult.

Jim had fallen in with Lalor, having Cpl Dulaney and LCpl Dawson in the rear.

=Lalor's group=

Phoenix was silent as she and her group moved towards the derelict's bridge. The hairs on the back of her neck were raising every few steps. The feeling of being watched itched between her shoulder blades.

Pausing by the hatch that lead to the bridge, Phoenix frowned. "This is too easy."she muttered

"I agree," Dante muttered as he caught up to Lalor, falling into a comfortable pace at her side, "There's a darkness here not too dissimilar to one that has been feeding my dreams, we need to remain vigilant"

Phoenix hit her comm. "Lalor to Taylor. Tell me you have my teams on scans ... "

Gary's reply was instantaneous in coming back, "Taylor to Lalor, I have you on my scans Captain. Nothing else is registering. It looks like you have a clear path to the bridge."

Phoenix frowned "Thank you Commander."

Glancing at her team she hit the hatch button opening it up. Her spine tingled and she looked into pitch darkness. Yeah.. no not good at all.

Before Phoenix could speak, a thin white hand, reached out, and grabbed Dante from the Shadows. And with a yank he was GONE!

--Hall way to the shuttle bay--

They were being watched. From the dark. Too many really for one of them to take alone. But one... One would be easy... which one.... the female? The smaller male? a slim tongue flicked across ruby red lips. Either....

Arri suddenly looked down a hallway she could not see who was down the hall, but she could sense... a presence. The female was telepathic, and she began to sense a feeling that something was hidden on this ship. She flipped off the safety on her rifle to give it warning, but she was still unsure what exactly it was. If this creature thought an Alindari would be easy prey because of their peaceful, calm, and rational disposition, it was going to be sorely mistaken.

River swallowed a lump in his throat. He adjusted his grip on his own weapon as his eyes darted down either side of the corridor ahead and behind them. "Do you see something, sir?" he whispered to her.

"Stay on guard, Ensign. I feel we are being watched. We must accomplish our task." She lead the way to the shuttlebay. A few moments later, they found themselves outside the shuttlebay's door.

Jim followed up. "Let me, Captain. If there's hostiles behind the door, better they aim at me" he said.

Arri opened the door and pointed her rifle into it. They had little time. She began to shine her helmet lights on a Type 8 Shuttlecraft. She approached the shuttlecraft slowly and carefully, but she still started to sense.. a presence... insidious and out there.

Arri checked her tricorder, "I am not picking up lifesigns on the shuttle."

Dust motes floated in the air. The hatch was opened.

Arri raised her rifle, somehow the shuttle's hatch opened without anyone actually opening it. She began to point out places for her team to take cover. Something was emerging from the shuttle, and they were going to surprise it from all angles.

Jim raised his rifle, aiming at the starboard side; as Arri had the port. He motioned for Dulaney and Dawson to move and cover fore and aft.

As the group moved towards the shuttle, a limp form toppled out of it. Black hair was messily falling across a pale ashen face. And peaking from the mess of hair was a pointed ear.

--- WATCHER---

The different races that now roamed their trap were interesting. The Watcher moved from place to place, making careful note of the groups.

=Matias's group =

This group was the smaller of the three but very interesting. One's suit was very different from the others. The watcher studied the group carefully. Very interesting. They were heading deep into the ship, heading for the Engineering section it was clear. They would find nothing but bones there the Watcher smirked.

It was time to select one for the rest....

Cpl Gibbs and LCpl Caine had fallen in with Mathias' group. Each had their rifles at the ready.

Alphonse glanced around at the ship, he felt out of place here. What the hell did he know about engineering? His hand hovered over the hand phaser he brought with him, the fighting knife placed just behind it. Why did he feel watched? Must be nerves, he thought.

Ensign Endilev was with this group. He was silent in the middle of the group. A thin white hand reached out and grabbed him from behind, and just like that he was GONE!

Episode: 4 Do the Dead Frighten you? - Ship Side Group

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Commander Shrytaat Zh'echilnoth & Lieutenant Jaeih t’Noramei-McKinley & Avalon & Commander Liselle Qwyyn & Commander Aurelia Holmes & Lieutenant Commander Ephraim Parish & Lieutenant Commander Sthilg & Lieutenant Jessinia Kopl-Johnson & Cadet Senior Grade Michiko Maruyama & Cadet Senior Grade Toumun & Lieutenant Jonathan Graystroke & Lieutenant Savar & Senior Chief Petty Officer Ken Waters & Chief Petty Officer Feyth Railli & Cadet Junior Grade Rick Prymm

Mission: Episode: 4 Do the Dead Frighten you?

Location: Bridge

Timeline: MD 5 11-13h

Avalon had sent the word out. While the Ely was just sitting there running scans, Phoenix had snuck away to prep an away team, Taylor was in a fighter and the senior staff were scattering around the ship. So Cadets were summoned to the bridge to assist while the main crew caught some shut eye for an hour or so.

Lia sat in the big chair, having been discharged from sickbay only to find the Captain had gone AWOL. Now she found out that the Cadets would run the bridge, someone somewhere just didn't like her.

Avalon appeared beside Lia. "Commander" She greeted her. "Commander Lalor, wanted me to let you know, she is down in science with the away team. She insisted I tell you to" the head tilted "Ah yes. Sit down. Relax, and let the crew work with the Cadets. Some may surprise you."

Jaeih entered silently, leading a group of cadets and trainers.

She calmly nodded at Lia. "Commander. I have here our top Cadets for Bridge Duty. Would you like me to assign them to their crew mentors?"

Nodding slowly Lia agreed, "Carry on Lieutenant, and tell them I don't bite". She smiled as she spoke, "Also please inform them to perform to their best, as I'm sure they will". She then glanced around at the Cadets, oO Oh how quickly life bites you in the rear Oo she thought.

Rick looked out at the Elysium class bridge and was flabbergasted

Cadet Senior Grade Michiko Maruyama stepped around the bigger cadet in front of her to get a better view of the bridge. She had seen schematics of it, of course, had memorised the layout and duty stations, but seeing the vast space now was a whole different matter. She was impressed as she looked around, but her gaze was inevitably drawn to the centre chair. To sit there one day, command a vessel such as the Elysium... Then she frowned. She was tired, had not slept all that well the last few nights, but Michiko was reasonably certain that the Elysium's commanding officer had black hair, not blond. She had looked at a picture when she received her assignment. Also, given that the commanding officer wore red and not gold, the officer in command was not the captain. Michiko was a little disappointed. She had hoped to at least be able to see Commander Lalor. Oh well.

Eph arrived quietly, he'd not seen the Elysium's main bridge for the better part of a year. Nothing had changed, though he could see that the lower level CIC was lit up, someone is finally using it, he mused as he closed in on Lia, "Commander Holmes, Lieutenant Commander Parish, Engineering Instructor" he introduced with a smile."

She glanced up at Parish, "Lieutenant Commander, how are things? Come to aide a damsal in distress?" Lia hoped that this officer could at least be useful.

"If that's what you need, ma'am" he joked, "I'd not thought I'd be up here again anytime soon, much less at my old station" he added fondly. "granted, this time I'll be coaching Cadets," he shrugged, "when they arrive, that is" he rolled his in amusement, casting a glance over his shoulder to see if they'd arrived yet.

Ephraim's infectious humour made Lia smile, "I certainly require aiding Commander, please take post and assist me". She hoped Ephraim could keep these brats under control, because her temper had become very short due to lack of sleep.

"yes, ma'am" he accepted before walking off towards his old console.

It took longer than it should have to get persons to watch her littles. So when Jessinia stormed onto the bridge she was All business. Dressed in an all-black version of the standard uniform she came out the aft lift and was only mildly impressed.

"Commander Holmes where do you need me?" "Do I have permission to scan or not??"

Having Been seemingly Ignored Jessinia slipped into the back of the bridge to the Ops table. She Immediately took over A large portion Of the data feed and channeled the Away team to Her. Something AWAYS went Wrong She was going to try and spot it First...

Lia looked over towards Kopl-Johnson, "Lieutenant, You know your job. Carry on and do it, but if I see a repetition of your actions that you displayed on your first duty. You will be removed from the bridge, do I make myself clear?"

"Understood.". Jessinia said simply. Being misunderstood was usual for her. Didn't bother her in the least. It gave her freedom of maneuver few enjoyed. She kept her focus on the away team, scanning casually around them for trouble... (ooc; shes scanning for negatives aimed at the away team..)

Jaeih moved to operations. "Cadet Michiko, if you would please." she waved a hand to the seat, which a slim vulcan male was leaving. "This is Lieutenant Sal'k. He is from Operations. Lieutenant, the Cadet is our most promising Operations Cadet."

The Vulcan nodded . "Have a seat Cadet. Get a feel of the Elysium"

"Lieutenant," the young cadet greeted the operations officer with a little smile that belied her sudden nervousness. She knew that she had excellent marks in most subjects, but manning the main operations console of a ship such as the Elysium was no small task. Still, after a draw of breath, she slid into the chair, glanced at the display in front of her and identified herself to the console. The display lighted up and showed reports and data from all over the ship. Michiko had to fight hard to suppress a grin as she suddenly felt strangely powerful. She looked up at Sal'k. "What is our current objective, sir?"

From the CONN, Liselle bit back a small smile as she watched the cadets find their place. These kids reminded her so much of herself. As old as she was being a joined Trill, this was the first of her hosts to serve in Starfleet. And she had been exactly this nervous, this unsure of herself when she had first stepped onto a bridge. She kept one eye on them as she double-checked the Elysium's flight readiness.

Sal'k leaned slightly "We are to monitor ships systems, and the scans coming in from the science station.And that there, monitors the away team life signs."

"Yes, I know the console layout," Michiko replied politely after a cursory glance at what the Lieutenant was showing her. "I meant what is the Elysium doing here and what is the away team's goal?"

Ephraim smiled at the Cadet's display of gumption as he made his way past the pair to the adjacent Engineering console, making short work of entering his credentials.

All the sensor readings of the ship were automatically being transformed into a semi-detailed specification of the ominous ship Phoenix was determined to gallivant on as leader of the away team. He glanced around the room before dragging Phoenix's vital's into the top corner of the display. He'd experienced the unknown on the Elysium before and it didn't turn out great the first time. He'd work easy knowing she was okay. Thank god's Liselle was on the bridge with him.

Sal'k spoke calmly "We are looking for a missing shuttle and its crew. The away team are..have" he corrected as the board lit. "Gone over to check on things. The Captain wants to find the missing and figure out what is going on."

Jaeih smiled faintly. "The captain will be interested in any data we can pull from our own scans and if we spot anything out of the ordinary."

"Comm's, contact the fighters and get a sitrep, and pass any relivent information to the away team". Lia was not enjoying this at all, for some reason it all seemed like a bloody kindergarden.

Jaeih glanced towards the acting CO. But then she turned back to the cadet and Sal'k. "See if you can boost our comms with the fighters as well. " She suggested softly. "I will be down in ops central" she said to Sal'k and headed to the turbolift.

Cadet Toumun stepped out of the turbolift and did a double-take at the enormity of the Elysium-class bridge. He stepped down into the Intelligence area and logged into the available holographic console to get a read on what the situation was.

Seeing what she believed to be her Star pupil Jessinia moved from the table and up to his left side. "We have an away team oon a derelict of some kind." "Where do you start??" So far her scans were empty If something or someone were out there whey were effectively masked...

Comms called out. "Sir, Commander Taylor on the horn."

Looking back at the Cadet Lia nodded, Put him on speaker please".

Gary's voice crackled over the com. It sounded far away and tinny."Wolf to Mother Hen, understand you wish sitrep. It's as follows Starboard side has several hull breaches. Looks like they were hit by something. Port side has damage near the airlock. Could have been caused by explosive decompression."

Qwyyn looked back over her shoulder at Lia. "I have Commander Taylor's flight data. That greatly reduces the risk of bringing us in closer. We'd be able to get some high resolution scans. And it might help clear up the comm channel. Both could be helpful if things start to go wrong."

"Mother to Wolf, roger that. Any idea what might have hit them? It's just I wouldn't want an action replay with the Elysium, might upset a few people". Lia smiled as she spoke to Gary, "Keep your eye's peeled Wolf, your our advance guard". She looked over at Liselle, "If you think you can keep station then carry on, but just don't scratch the paint work". She gave Liselle a grin, knowing that she could take the ship anywhere without so much as a dink on it.

"Wolf to Mother. Not sure. Doesn't look like weapons fire. There aren't any scorch marks on the hull. Could be micro meteorites. They could cause this type of damage. Roger on eyes peeled Mother. Don't fret I won't let anything hurt you." he said knowing the message was more personal than ordinary. He hoped Lia caught the significance.

As Gary spoke, Lia could tell he meant what he said. And that made her feel safe, which also would help her do her job on the Elysium.

Liselle buried a smile as she keyed in a new approach vector, using Commander Taylor's sensor data to guide them in. After a few heartbeats, Qwyyn cut the engines once again. She held her painted fingernails over her head and wiggled them playfully. "And everyone still has their paint jobs in tact," she announced. "With our closer range, we should now be able to --" her words were cut off as the ship lurched suddenly. The lights flickered briefly. Qwyyn gripped her console to keep from tumbling out of her seat. As the vibrations subsided, and the lights snapped back on, she frantically began working her board for an explanation. "That wasn't me! I swear that wasn't me!"

Sal'k glanced at the Trill. And then at the cadet. "Cadet, do you have anything?"

Having almost fallen from her chair Lia looked over to Liselle, "Ok it wasn't you, find out what the hell it was. Because I really don't want an action reply, will we need to back off again?" Liselle could do her job, Lia knew that. She just hoped that these Cadets could keep up, "Do we have any sensor readings on what just happened?"

A split second before they were hit Jessinia could have sworn she felt something??

Liselle blew out a sigh, heavy with her frustration. "I wouldn't recommend moving an inch until we know exactly what happened, sir," she said. Her fingernails clicked quickly against her console as she ran a preliminary analysis. "I'm not reading any structural damage. Proximity alarms weren't triggered. And I'm not seeing any debris from the Elysium. Either we experienced some sort of engine malfunction, or we passed through some form of subspace phenomena that navigational sensors can't detect."

Lia stood up and looked straight at Liselle, "Could it have been a dampening field? I mean it's possible right?" She thought that she might be grsaping at straws, but right now Lia just wanted answers.

"Internal sensors show power fluctuations all over the ship, lasting for 3.17 seconds," Cadet Maruyama chimed in. Maybe a bit later than she would have liked, but the lurching ship and the vibrations had distracted her for a moment. Not frightened, but she had to admit to herself that she was strangely impressed. This wasn't supposed to happen. Clearly, this bridge duty would be interesting. "Everything is back to normal now, according to the internal sensors. No indication what caused this."

Sal'k nodded approvingly at the cadet. She kept her cool which impressed the Vulcan. He looked at commander Holmes and waited for her response.

Avalon appeared. "Hatch 234C on deck 44 has been opened. No loss of pressure reported." She calmly stated.

Interest peaked Ephraim turned away from his console, "Ma'am, that wasn't authorised" he explained before crossing the room to Lia, "Which mean it probably isn't good knowing this ship, permission to take a party and assess?" he asked upon reaching her. Nothing about this was making sense to him and he was feeling useless standing by his console.

"Commander, find a security team of at least four. Then arm both them and you, after you compleat those requirements. You can then check on the bloody hatch, any complaints about my conditions?" Lia stared at Ephraim, she wanted him on the bridge but she really could stop him leaving. He was a good officer, and he could handle these damn Cadets.

Forging Ahead

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Ian Murphy

Mission: Episode 0: History Speaks

Location: Yali Station

Timeline: 10 days prior to Episode 4

Inside the cargo shuttle Murphy's Law, the sounds of a sanding wheel scraping against metal wailed angrily. Sparks flew from the sanding belt to the floor as the lone figure inside the shuttle, clad in protective gear, didn't hear the figure that crept into the shuttle until her yelling could be heard through the ear protection he was wearing, and he half-raised the gleaming weapon before realizing she was not a threat. Blue collar, commbadge, one and a half pips. Light brown hair with unnatural highlights, about her late-twenties... She was, well, cute, but a little too horse-faced for his tastes. He set down the bat'leth he'd been sharpening, and nodded to her, shutting down the sander and removing his face-shield and ear protection. "Hello. Can I... Help you?" He asked.

The woman smiled, and revealed a set of laugh-lines around her mouth and eyes, and a set of teeth that only added to his impression that she was horse-faced. He thought of offering her a carrot, but decided against it. "I'm sorry to disturb you, Ensign Murphy. My name is Availle Mata, and I'm a counselor attached to the Federation delegation on this station. Is... Is that a bat'leth?"

Murphy should have known the woman was a counselor and looked into her eyes. Yup, black as midnight. Fuck. "Yeah. It's a special commission." He confirmed with a nod. "You would never believe how expensive it is to book transport for a shuttle of this size."

The woman peered closer at the blade. "It's exquisite! In a... Brutal and dangerous sort of way. I read about your hobby in your personnel file, but there was no mention of just how skilled you are."

Ian shrugged. He might have been complimented if the words following the praise hadn't been so off-putting to him. "You've been reading my personnel file? I know 'Fleet likes to keep tabs, but I'm on a sabbatical."

"Well..." Mata equivocated, ducking her head away and sucking air between her teeth. She looked distinctly ill-at-ease inside the shuttle, which had been stripped to the bare walls and filled with all sorts of industrial fabrication machinery. Everything was hard-edged, covered in soot and smelled of slag, fire and oil. Murphy himself fit that bill, as well, his face and hands stained from his labor, and the sweat that rolled down his face looked like ink as it dripped down onto his apron. "We've heard that there have been a few incidents. A fist-fight with the second-in-command of a Klingon cruiser..."

"It was a friendly fight. He invited me to a bar for a few drinks afterwards." Murphy interrupted. The Nyberrites hadn't done anything about it -- Yali Station was like the wild, wild west. "He only cracked a couple of my ribs."

"...And getting in a bar brawl with Nausicaans..."

"Yeah, okay, that was partly my fault." Murphy admitted with a sheepish grin.

"You were hospitalized in another incident with several cuts and stab wounds and a concussion."

He laughed. "Talarians. Kids really. You know, I hesitate to hit kids, but after they started pulling knives..." He shook his head.

"Starfleet is worried about you, Ensign Murphy. May I call you Ian?" She said, leaning in as she asked it; her eyes softened, lips pursed.

Murphy shrugged again. "Knock yourself out." He said, crossing his arms. Universal sign for denying emotional intimacy.

"Ian, Starfleet is worried that you're in over your head out here. Getting into dangerous situations, acting out..."

"Acting out." Murphy interrupted with a frown "You know, I never liked that term." He said, picking up the bat'leth and a cloth, and brushing its surface. "I pulled the metal for this off of a wrecked Klingon ship left over from the Dominion war. I could have just pulled out one of the swords from the crew... There were still dead bodies aboard. Unless you're from a powerful family, you get one of the cheap piece-of-crap mass-produced swords. They extrude sheets of baakonite and machines cut out the shape and sharpen and polish them."

"Ian..."

"No, no... See, this beauty is custom forged for the son of the guy I got into a fist-fight with. Lieutenant Koath. Nice guy, but poor family. Worked his way up the ranks because the pecking order in a Klingon ship is a pure meritocracy." Murphy went on. "It's cable-welded. Which is basically just how it sounds. You take a length of interwoven baakonite wires, heat it up, pound it... That's how you get this wavy Damascus steel pattern -- the black waves are carbon. Now, if you've ever heard the legend of how Bat'leths were made, basically, Kahless cuts off a lock of his own hair, dips it into molten lava and makes it into a blade. Well, this bad boy has a lock of Koath's hair interwoven in the baakonite strands and forged into it."

"That's really... Thoughtful." Mata said, taken aback at the care he'd put into making the bat'leth special.

"Yeah, and let me tell you, it's a bloody pain in the ass. This has taken me weeks." Murphy complained. "Totally impractical design for a weapon, in my not-so-humble opinion. I make swords, but if you ask me, a good, old-fashioned mace is better." He said, nodding to one he had hanging on the wall. "Smashes armor, crushes skulls, breaks swords, the pointy flanges pierce the armor and the metal head dents the hell out of it. It's a better choice against an armored opponent than a blade."

"Ian, I don't really see where you're going with this." Mata said, laying a hand on his arm.

Murphy looked at her quizzically. Ok, so maybe she wasn't reading his mind, which meant that maybe not all Betazoids were prying busybodies, then. "You've probably read my file. I can guess what's in it. Generally unhappy, repressed anger issues, suffers from deep depression, highly resistant to receiving counseling. Desperately wants to be transferred to a starship or frontier starbase. His only passion is forging. Except, that's not it. When my wife died, the kind of healing, the kind of therapy I needed was to do something useful. I was broken, because you can't lose someone you've loved for most of your life and not be broken. And the one thing that could help me recover is one thing they wouldn't trust me to do. So I armored up; have been armored up ever since."

Murphy pulled his arm out of her grasp, and, to her credit Lieutenant Mata didn't flinch, just simply stood back as he resumed buffing the Bat'leth. "Which seems entirely reasonable, given the circumstances." She agreed.

"And now that armor's off. After I spent about a decade of my life working a job that they could program a decommissioned EMH Mark 1 to do, I finally got sick of wearing it, but I needed to have it broken off, if you catch my drift. I needed to bleed out the stuff that was killing me."

"I think so." Mata replied, nodding. But her voice took on a rising inflection at the end, which made Murphy suspect she wasn't certain of her own conclusions

"Do you believe in magic, counselor?" Murphy asked, out of the blue. "Because, I do. I'm a man of science, but I believe in magic. This blade, when it's finished, will become an heirloom. Machines can approximate it, but never truly duplicate it. Not yet, anyway. It's a weapon to be feared." He said, setting it down again. "It will be carried into battle again and again, and with each battle, its legend will grow. Earning the honor to carry it will be a rite of passage. It will spill rivers of blood and it will shatter lesser swords. As its legend grows, so will the family that carries it."

"That's... I don't know what that is. Simultaneously beautiful and terrible." She said, equal parts touched by the sentiment and repulsed by the fact that the Bat'leth would be put to murderous use.

"Yeah." Murphy agreed. "I came out to this part of space for a reason. Because I needed to rediscover something I lost a long time ago. When I was back on Jupiter Station, I thought of killing myself. A lot. I had plans for it. A phaser on my bedside table, subroutines I could slip into the transporters that would scatter my molecules into the storm in Jupiter's eye, a quick cycle of an airlock if I had to." Murphy intimated grimly. "Because my exile, my punishment was killing me." Murphy replied, wiping away the sweat from his face on of his sooty sleeve. "Did you know, while I was here, I met with some guys from the Nyberrite Alliance? They told me, point blank, with my qualifications, I'd have my choice of posts, and don't think I didn't put a whole lot of thought into it. Way I hear it, they don't have a whole lot of counselors on their cruisers." He smirked, a little maliciously. "Which is a plus." Mata was way too professional to show any rancor at his words, but seemed taken aback at how bold he was being. His files must have said he was a meek little bitch, too.

"You can't bait me, En... Ian." There was a faint "glow" of sweat on her face, and Murphy wondered briefly if he should turn on the air conditioning.

"Don't be too sure." He waggled a finger at her. "I'm a master of it."

"Har de har har." She retorted, a small frown creasing her lips. "So, why didn't you take the opportunity? The Nyberrites are an up-and-coming power in the quadrant. You could go far with them."

Murphy bit the corner of his mouth and shrugged, looking away from her. "Because the Federation meant something to Ella and my parents. They believed in it so much, they gave their lives in service to it. If it was just me, I'd never go back. The Admiralty would be getting a Dear John letter from me, and a holo of my arse. But it used to mean something to me. Still does, but not as much. It's a pale shadow of what it used to mean to me. I just need to be... Doing something. We've barely explored a fraction of the territory the Federation supposedly holds; send me out and let me help explore it. Or send me out on some thirty year long round trip to the backwaters that nobody controls. Hell, send me out to Borg or Dominion-controlled space. Anything's better than filing TPS reports for Stellar Cartography. If it kills me, then with my dying breath, I'll send that holo of my arse off to Admiral Kinky-Boots with a hot cup of coffee perched on each cheek."

Mata nodded, then took a step back from Murphy. "I see. Well, Ensign, I will speak to Starfleet on your behalf. Maybe it will do some good. In the mean time, I wish you well."

"Counselor." He said, dismissing her with a nod. Funny she had gotten more out of him in less than half an hour than other counselors had in years. He doubted anything would come of it, though, and mused how he would probably be resigning his commission when he got back to Fedspace.

Episode: 4 Do the Dead Frighten you? - Away Team - What now!?!?

A Mission Post by Commander Phoenix Lalor & Darkness & Commander Gary Taylor & Commander Aurelia Holmes & Lieutenant Arrianna Salannis an Vantar & Ensign Gareb Endilev & Lieutenant Alfonse Stiegalle & Lieutenant Dante Xithia & Sergeant James Raynar

Mission: Episode: 4 Do the Dead Frighten you?

Location: Derelict

Timeline: Current

Previously:

Team One (Commander Lalor's)

Before Phoenix could speak, a thin white hand, reached out, and grabbed Dante from the Shadows. And with a yank he was GONE!

Team 2 (Lieutenant an Vantar's)

As the group moved towards the shuttle, a limp form toppled out of it. Black hair was messily falling across a pale ashen face. And peaking from the mess of hair was a pointed ear.

Arrianna aimed her rifle at the form. It was quite dead. She flipped open a tricorder. "Male.. Vulcan... Something is wrong with him. It's like he's been... drained..."

Team 3 (Lt. Commander Grronkil's)

Ensign Endilev was with this group. He was silent in the middle of the group. A thin white hand reached out and grabbed him from behind, and just like that he was GONE!

And Now!

Team One (Commander Lalor's)

Phoenix's snapped up her rifle. "Dante!" She snapped out. She hit her comm. "Taylor, Dante just got snatched. Tell me you can see him on your scanners!

Gary's hands were moving as soon as Phoenix contacted him. He instantly recalibrated the scanners to probe the interior of the ship. After a few anxious moments he contacted her, "Taylor to Lalor, have located Dante and it looks like at least one other. They are in what appears to be a cabin. Location is 200 feet ahead. At the next junction take a right and proceed another 150 feet."

Phoenix looked at her team. "Lets go" she said raising her weapon and heading off towards their missing team member.

Raynar readied his rifle and signaled to Dulaney to follow. "Right behind you Captain " he said.

Cpl Dulaney covered their flank from any other incursions.

Team 2 (Lieutenant an Vantar's)

Arri tapped her combadge. "Salannis to Lalor. I am now definitely sensing a presence. I believe it to be quite hostile. We need to get off this ship immediately!!"

[["Negative"]] Came the brisk reply. [["We have missing crew. we need to find them now."]]

Team 3 (Lt. Commander Grronkil's)

LCpls Gibbs and Caine surveyed the area, waiting for Stiegalle and Grronkil.

Alphonse made a grab for his phaser, "Sound off people, and for Christ sake. Keep together!!" He noticed they seemed to be one missing, "Where's that bloody Wolf when you need him?" Alphonse didn't like where this was heading, "I said sound off!!! And stay alert, I want to get back in one bit"

Team 4(The Captured)

Those snatched were all but thrown into the small old style cabin. Still dressed in their protective suits, they were left there in silence.

It'd taken Dante a moment to realize what had happened to him. One minute he was tailing Commander Lalor, focusing a little too much on the tricorder readings, the next he was being dragged at preternatural speeds through the husk of a cruiser. It happened so fast he barely registered his kidnapper, only catching a flash of white as it fled after depositing him.

His hand instinctively made it's way to his shoulder. The suit was intact, but the phenomenal strength of whatever had taken him had left the area tender and sore.

He clocked the doctor once he stopped focussing on himself, "Did you manage to catch more than a glimpse?" he asked shakily, he couldn't stop thinking of the beast that had starred in his most recent nightmare.

"Barely more." Gareb said. "Huge and white. Can't find the words to describe it." He opened his tricorder and gave him the once over. "You're lucky." He commented.

=/\=

Phoenix led her team down the hall to the location specified by Taylor. Her rifle at the ready. She had not moved three meters down the hall, when something stepped into view.

A figure, medium height, pale skinned.

Phoenix stopped and waited. She was not sure she wanted to know what that thing was, but she knew she had to get her crew back.

The figure glided forward and as it came further into the beams of light from their suits, they got more details. It had short white hair, the pale skin was almost white, the mouth and face was human looking but for the skin colour. The mouth curved into a smile, which showed white teeth. The eyes, flashing above that mouth were red.

Arri arrived near Phoenix and pointed her phaser rifle towards the figure. "What are you!? And what did you do with our crew!?"

"Gods above. They're. .." Jim left it hanging there as he wasn't sure what they were. He left his rifle readied but didn't raise it.

"Behind you" Came another voice from behind the group. "A pity. We are told not to kill you." The voice came from another figure, this one, had long white hair and yellow eyes. And when they looked, was obviously female. "Mys, You should not scare our guests."

The figure at the front stepped into the light better. The small female figure studied the one behind them. "Fine Sarlis, I won't scare them. I will just kill them."

"You know our orders. Your deviation from them is not part of the Lord Athos' plan." The Female called Sarlis replied.

"That is what you and Tythe believe. Myrth and I have different plans."

While the two spoke, their attention seemingly on each other, Phoenix slowly took a step towards the room down the hall where the others were being held. She had no time for craziness. She wanted her people out of the situation. She took no more than 2 steps and the one known as Mys turned and suddenly the commander was slammed into the bulk head, her helmet shield cracking.

Phoenix shook her head, dazed. But before she could move, Mys' grip was gone as Sarlis moved and lightening fast took Mys off of the commander and down the hall into the darkness. Leaving Phoenix slumped against the wall.

Arri opened fire on Sarlis as he retreated, she wasn't sure if she hit anything. She then tapped her combadge. "an Vantar to Elysium, Lock on to all away teams and beam us back, on the double! We have encountered hostile aliens on this vessel, and the Commander has been injured."

Around them the transporter locked on and grabbed the away team members, even those separated from the group and beamed them back to the Elysium.

Phoenix yanked her helmet off, and gasped in a breath as they appeared in the transporter room on the Elysium. "Well that went... well." She got out looking around and doing a head count. Her throat was severely bruised and her words came out in a croak.

Arri tapped her combadge. "an Vantar to bridge. We've encountered a hostile species on that ship. I recommend we defend ourselves, they are exceptionally hostile." She moved to check Phoenix. "Commander, we need to get you checked by Medical. Ascendants, he was fast."

Episode: 4 Do the Dead Frighten you? - Meanwhile, on the Elysium..

A Mission Post by Commander Phoenix Lalor & Avalon & Darkness & Commander Gary Taylor & Commander Aurelia Holmes & Lieutenant Commander Ephraim Parish & Lieutenant Jessinia Kopl-Johnson & Captain Michael Andrews & Cadet Senior Grade Toumun & Cadet Junior Grade Makepeace

Mission: Episode: 4 Do the Dead Frighten you?

Location: USS Elysium

Timeline: Current

Eph nodded, a serious look on his face, "I'll take the baby spook too, if that's okay, ma'am?" he asked, pointing at Toumon, "I'll keep him safe and his skill set might prove more useful than my own, dependant on what I find down there"

Since she had yet to be given permission to communicate, Internally. Jessinia placed her words right at Toumun's ear. [Stay alert, Focus on the Being first, then the situation. Maneuver for a Capture if you can. We Need Direct Intel...]

"The baby spook?" Toumun echoed quietly to himself, eyes narrowing as his arms folded. He wasn't going to make a scene about that now, but there was no hiding that it bothered him. He nodded to Commander Parish and then to Lieutenant Johnson, at her words.

Eph just shrugged, "You're not a graduate yet but maybe we can re-evaluate once we've sorted the hatch," he smiled, "I was the "Engineer That Could" in my Academy days, be mindful that I also said I wanted you along for your skills" and it was true. Whilst he would likely take great pleasure out of irritating the cadet, as he did with his own, he know that Toumon would bring something to the table foreign to the man who lived to tinker.

"Commander, if you would be so kind as to not loose the baby spook. I think we may need him later, oh and don't take any unnecessary risks". Lia pointed at the ship on the view screen, "One bunch of mad adventurers is quite enough".

The door to the turbolift opened again as the ship's chief MD stepped out. He had several bandoliers slung around him with hyposprays in all of them. Feeling the power fluctuations he'd decided to head to the bridge. " Is'sss my assitantce required?" He inquired politely.

Lia smiled at the sight of the Gorn CMO, "Doc if you have a remedy for what ail's this crew, then your more than welcome. Please do what ever you can, and I know I need a pick-me-up".

" We're working on it. Nothing in my field is causssing it so I've been handing out emergency ssstimulants for everyone. " The doctor stated as he pulled a few hyposprays from his bandoliers.

Shaking her head, Lia looked around the bridge. "Carry on Doctor, just don't forget me on your rounds", she tried to sound upbeat but it didn't sound it.

Deck 44

A limp form was left slumped against the wall of the turbolift. Another was sprawled on the deck plating just outside the hatch that had been reported opened.

Eph nodded slowly to the two security officers that had taken to the fore, silently ordering them to secure the area. He couldn't help but let his hand drop to phaser he'd acquired on the bridge. "Avalon, are we alone?" he asked nervously before stepping out into the corridor. He wasn't expecting an immediate response, he new the AI was busy on the bridge.

"Baby spook, stay close" he ordered, looking over his shoulder to the Cadet behind him, before walking over to the first of the two bodies who lay before the door. An almost overwhelming stench of blood hit him like a wall as he knelt before the female Betazoid, "run some scans, I'll look into the finding out how the hatch was opened.

Whatever had happened here left him shaken, he was half tempted to call in Marine support, but he held off. Toumon did not need to see the Engineer unravel.

Cadet Toumun was pretty perceptive and there's a good chance he picked up on the Commander's shaken state, anyway, but if he did he certainly didn't bring attention to it. He pulled out the tricorder with his free hand, the one that wasn't holding a phaser, and scanned the immediate vicinity. "Nothing standing out yet, sir," he declared as he continued with the slow sweep.

=/\=

Jessinia continued to find puzzle pieces. Somewhere there was a thread of commonality. So far it was alluding her. A fleet ship built in the Dominion war era. Very capable, yet completely devoid of real clues as to her final mission or situation. Add in the oddities that were occurring aboard ship and her need to protect her littles and Jessinia was Rife with need to lash out at a target. "Commander we need to dig deeper. We need Command level access to that ship's systems." She was far from needing a stimulant but had one in her pocket anyway.

It had been a rough couple of days for Makepeace. Sleep was elusive and what little he'd gotten was fraught with nightmares. The sort that he couldn't just take the reins of, or wake up from, but persistent, terrifying dreams. The young Cadet had been been practicing lucid dreaming for years now, but even when he tried that, the nightmare reared up and wrested control from him. And now, even when he tried meditating, the shadowy elements manifested themselves.

He sensed the tension in the air, a tautness, like the ship had been strung with catgut and the superstructure was bending as its strings were plucked by an unseen hand. He stood bleary-eyed but attentive to the side of and behind the Flight Control console and Commander Qwyyn, trying to be as unobtrusive as possible as he watched what she was doing. He'd never flown a ship this large yet, and imagined it was rather like flying a brick through oatmeal compared to any flying he'd done in the past.

On hearing Jessinia's request, Lia turned to face her. "Lieutenant, if you can locate those Command codes then do so. And follow your hunch to it's end, I don't think you require my help in doing that?" She hoped the task would take Jessinia time, and engage that over active mind of hers.

"Do you need any help with that, Lieutenant?" Makepeace asked of Jessina, his eyes still on Liselle's console. With only two fighters out and the ship mostly stationary, there wasn't much for him to do. Might as well show some initiative and make himself useful.

=/\= DECK 44 =/\=

As the team investigating the disturbance and bodies moved further down the hall, they were being watched. And after a few moments of watching, it chose to show itself.

Stepping into the brightly lit corridor, the figure revealed itself. Tall, broad shouldered, with silver hair to his shoulders and red eyes, the figure smiled mockingly at the security officers and the small team. "Ah, what a disappointment, my dinner is interrupted."

Michael wasn't impressed with this specter. He straightened and stood his ground. "Your dinner? We are not your food " he told the specter bluntly.

"Yes you are. It falls to lesser beings to be the food of their superiors." The man moved forward with lion like grace. "And I know more lesser than those I see before me." he raised a white kerchief to his mouth and dabbed at the blood just there.

=/\= BRIDGE =/\=

Jessinia doubled over the console as sheer power on a wavelength Humans simply couldn't feel assaulted her. Whatever that thing was on deck 44 is was Dangerous!! "TELL THEM TO GET AWAY!!" She gasped before dropping like a sack, faceplanting, unconscious...

Well... Makepeace certainly hadn't expected that response to his query. His body tensed for action, but he turned to look at Holmes for whatever orders she might have.

"Cadet Makepeace, if you're looking for something to do. Kindly track our team that are investigating our visitors, I think they may need assistance. Can you do that?" She felt she was degrading the Cadet, but Jessinia's response had offended her because of its sharpness. Then again lack of sleep wasn't helping, just once she'd like to sleep without the bloody nightmares.

"Aye, Commander." Makepeace responded smoothly, moving to a free console and logging on, just glad to have something useful to do. It wasn't a huge task, or even difficult, but it was something, and after a few moments of tapping on the icons on the console, he had the ship's sensors locked in on Toumun, Ephraim and the security detail. "We are tracking them now, Commander." He confirmed when he was done.

Nodding Lia responded, "Keep your eye's on them Cadet, it's not hard but it should give you something to do. Sorry we can't give you anything more exciting, maybe next time eh?" She was trying not to sound uncaring, but even to her it sounded cheesy. Looking over at Jessinia Lia pointed, "Get the Lieutenant to sickbay, carefully."

Makepeace shrugged serenely. "I am monitoring their vital signs and establishing a transporter lock on them from an auxiliary transporter room, Commander. I am here to be of assistance." He concluded with just the sort of out-there, moon-gazing whacko tones that infuriated his instructors back at Beta Ursae Minor.

Holding back a laugh, Lia looked at Makepeace. "Cadet! Fun on your own time, engage brain now! I have no wish to loose people, am I clear?" She knew she sounded over the top, but she wasn't enjoying playing Captain.

Having landing his fighter in the landing bay, Gary hurriedly made his way up to the bridge. he had been eavesdropping on the away team and knew they had encountered trouble. Arriving on it, he found it populated by cadets, a few Academy instructors and Lia. "Beam the away team back .... now Cadet." He glanced at Lia, "they're in trouble, we need them back here now."

Standing up, Lia moved towards Gary. "Commander? Care to explain what the hell is going on?" She cast a glance around the bridge, nobody had reported anything to her. "Until I surrender this vessel to your authority, I am in command. Nothing has shown up, and all life signs appear normal". She waited for Gary to explain.

Gary stared at Lia, if not for seriousness of the situation he probably would have laughed. "Surrender the vessel? Lia I'm not the enemy. As for what is going on, the away team has encountered hostile forces and if you don't want be beaming back lifeless bodies, I suggest you beam them back while they have a pulse."

Makepeace's fingers flew over his already-crowded console, opening a dialogue panel to the transporter room that had beamed the away team over to the adrift vessel and accessing the controls with a flurry of beeps. "Establishing transporter lock now. On your orders, Commander Holmes." She was quite correct about who was in command of the ship, after all. He just hoped this whole scenario wasn't just part of some elaborate nightmare he was having. Or worse, maybe he was just a bit player in the Commander's nightmare? A Jungian archetype constructed in the image of himself, here to torment and bewilder her?

Lia thought, "Cadet, beam back the away teams. NOW! And also get our investigation team out of danger, then erect a level 10 force field on deck 44. Do you understand?" She then looked over at Gary, "As senior Officer on board, do you wish to take command?" She walked towards Gary, "I'm going to lock weapons on that ship out there and blow it to oblivion, now you can take over and stop me. Or back me up and agree with my choice of action, how do we proceed Commander?"

"Aye, Commander, understood!" Makepeace replied emphatically, carrying out the instructions as swiftly as his fingers could execute the commands.

Gary's voice was cool, unruffled. "No, you're doing fine as far as I can see. Besides the Captain left you in charge. She can retake command when she gets back. My taking command and then turning it back is an unnecessary step. As far as your possible action on that ship out there, it sounds like you have already made your choice. I'll back your decision Lia. Though when this is over we need to talk, I'm not a subordinate." He said simply not elaborating.

Gary's reaction made Lia stop, "Do you have another course of action Commander? If so then please enlighten me, my choice in dealing with this problem is based on what I know and what I've seen and experienced". She shook her head, "We can talk any time you wish, but for now I need your support. Is there another way?" Lia hated when Gary played the victim, this was neither the time nor place. All she wanted was his help, just for once without strings attached. Turning back to the view screen Lia looked again at the vessel as it hung in space, "Cadet, report! Are our people back and safe? And have we contained our problem on deck 44?" She took a deep breath and spoke to Gary again, "Last chance Commander."

Gary stared at Lia and the words coming out of her mouth. "There isn't another way. Destroy the ship." he said simply while quietly seething at Lia's words. This wasn't over not by a long shot.

"Transporter room reports all survivors are accounted for. Containment field is now in place, Commander." Makepeace interjected, trying to keep the words concise and neutral, like a Vulcan would.

"Thank you Cadet, now target that heap of junk and blow it to hell. Phasers and Torpedo's stand by". Lia looked at Gary, "As soon as possible Commander, I promise. We need to clear the air, ok?" She moved back to the Captains chair and sat down, "Cadet, FIRE!!"

Makepeace nodded, closing the transporter panels and opening up Tactical. It was certainly turning out to be an eventful shift, and with the adrenaline flowing, he wasn't even tired anymore. "Aye, Commander." He said, jamming his finger down on the phaser icons. Radiant beams of supercharged subatomic particles lanced out at the old Steamrunner, blasting through the tritanium hull like a needle through cloth and tearing it apart. The phasers were shortly followed by a volley of photon torpedoes fired directly into the rifts carved in the derelict, exploding like firecrackers in a tin can; blasting it apart so completely that no piece larger than a shuttlecraft remained. "Target destroyed."

Gary remained silent only nodding in response to Lia's comment.

Avalon appeared on the Bridge. "Commanders, Commander Lalor is in transporter room 1. And has sustained injuries. Medical is treating her now." The AI paused. "Our guest is contained."

Glancing at the A.I. Lia nodded, "Thank you Avalon, please inform the Captain of my actions. Also inform her that the XO isn't best pleased with those actions, I await her on the bridge". She hung her head as sleep began to overtake her, "As for our guest, I'll leave that with the Captain to deal with. I'm sure she has plans, and I would hate to interfere with them".

Gary remained silent as Lia spoke to Avalon and put her own spin on how he felt. That was the real issue. Lia made decisions, told you what it was and then wanted you to go along with it. There was no discussion, no room for input. He turned and walked to his chair and sat down. All without saying a word.

Makepeace turned to look at the A.I. hologram and the Commanders holding the center seats, then shrugged to himself, standing down the weapons systems and running scans of the wreckage and space around the Elysium. As they ran, he steepled his fingers and touched thumbs, forming a triangular shape with his hands and giving benediction to the souls of those who had died aboard the wreck.

Day of the Dolphin

A Mission Post by Ensign T'Saralonde

Mission: Episode 0: History Speaks

Location: Star Fleet Academy, San Francisco/Somewhere along the Ionian Coast, Greece

Timeline: Late Spring Term, 2393

"It doesn't have to be absolutely perfect," Hana said with an exaggerated sigh, before adding, "Sorry, I forgot who I was talking to."

T'Saralonde didn't even bother responding to her friend with an arched eyebrow. Instead, she checked both the spelling on her PADD, as well as her own translation, before she began meticulously painting the kanji characters that would provide a description of the geometry problem she had created.

Hana shook her head in mock despair at her suite mate, stating, "Sobo would give me up in a minute if she could have you as a granddaughter," before finishing an assignment on her own PADD.

TSaralonde and Hana Saito had been suite mates, along with two other female cadets, for almost three years now and, despite their disparate backgrounds, had become fast friends. At the end of their first year at the Academy, Hana had taken T'Saralonde to her home in Fujioka, Japan. T'Saralonde became enamored (or at least, as much as a Vulcan bound by logic could) with the Japanese culture. She was particularly fascinated with the art of Sangaku, learning its history (including the fact that Japanese geometricians had solved several theorems before their Western counterparts had). Hana's grandmother had taken an instant liking to the Vulcan cadet. T'Saralonde, in a show of Vulcan appreciation, created her own Sangaku art (when her studies allowed), then sent them to Hana's grandmother.

Hana broke the amiable silence, instructing T'Saralonde to "find a stopping point. We're going swimming. And don't worry about swimsuits. Me and Harriet have got that covered."

T'Saralonde continued her painting, not looking up. "I respectfully decline your invitation. I am aware of Cadet Granger's choice in swimwear, and 'covered' is hardly the terminology I would use to describe her preferences."

A sly smile crossed Hana's face as she added, "Well, we didn't pick swimsuit to swim with Harriet's friends. We picked them to swim with Konstantina's."

Hana almost had to bite her lip to stop herself from laughing as T'Saralonde hurriedly cleaned her brushes and put her painting supplies away. Her friend wasn't rushing, per se. Rushing would almost imply an emotional motivation. But the Vulcan cadet certainly could move in an expedited manner when the situation warranted.

* * * * *

Hana and T'Saralonde walked to their resident wing's transporter room, joined by their other suite mates, Cadet Harriet Granger and Cadet Konstantina Floros. Where as Hana and T'Saralonde were petite woman (standing roughly one hundred and sixty centimeters each), their suite mates towered over them by a good eighteen centimeters. But other than their tall, lean athletic forms, Harriet and Konstantina were as different as night and day. Harriet was an archetypal ginger. She was gregarious, boisterous, and had learned the virtue of looking before leaping only after almost two years of continuous demerits. But no one, not even her detractors, doubted Harriet's drive and fearlessness.

Konstantina, by contrast, was quiet, thoughtful, and reserved to the point of being almost withdrawn. If there were more than a handful of people in the room, one could almost forget that the long haired Mediterranean beauty was even in the room. Unless she put herself forward. And when she did, even instructors would pause to hear what she had to ask or say.

"We got everything we need waiting for us," Harriet announced, turning around and trotting backwards. "Konstantina says Business and the Pod are already waiting for us. So let's get a move on."

Konstantina just gave the other two cadets a quiet smile as they followed their friend.

In a few moments, the four found themselves alone on a beach, empty but for a large gray container, looking out on a calm sea. The four cadets quickly opened the box, stripping off their clothes and changing into swimsuits modest enough to satisfy T'Saralonde's sense of decorum. Konstantina took out a pair of binoculars and began scanning the water, while the other cadets dragged a gray blob to the water, which began inflating and assembling itself into a swimming platform.

Konstantina's scan suddenly stopped as she focused on one part of the sea. She waved excitedly, and ran down to where the other cadets were dragging the platform into the water.

The cadets had dragged the platform out to where T'Saralonde could (barely) keep her head above water while standing on the bottom when several light gray forms swam under the floating platform and around the cadets. One form headed straight at Harriet Granger, causing her to squeal.

"Damn it, Business I told you that that's not funny!" the red headed cadet scream in mock irritation. The gray form surface, revealing a bottlenose dolphin, his squeaking and head rocking showing he found Harriet's ire funny. After a few seconds of glaring, Harriet relented, giving the dolphin a hug.

Other dolphins surfaced, with dolphins and humanoids exchanging greetings and gossiping. Neither Cadets nor dolphins were wearing translators, but Konstantina had grown up around dolphins, and her suite mates had by this time gone out with the dolphins often enough that they could get the gist of what the dolphins were trying to say. The dolphins themselves were part of a larger pod that not only interacted with humans on a common basis, but had members who were guidance and navigation specialists in Star Fleet.

Like Vulcans, dolphins had names unpronounceable by humans, so the age long practice of dolphins answering to names given to them by humans (and visa versa) continued. For example, the oldest dolphin in the group of adolescents and young adults was called Business because he found it humorous to greet female humans by swimming up and putting his nose in "their business," as Harriet would describe it.

As the various dolphins grouped up with their favorite cadets, the youngest adolescent in the group, who went by the moniker of Orphium, sought out T'Saralonde, greeting her excitedly. Even though Orphium was possibly the most emotionally exuberant in the pod of young dolphins (which, for dolphins, was saying quite a bit), her and T'Saralonde had bonded almost immediately upon their first meeting two years ago. THe young adventurous dolphin had even managed to convinced T'Saralonde to mind meld with her.

The last time that the pair had talked, Orphium had informed T'Saralonde that she was going to be a wandering minstrel (it was how the dolphin 'profession' translated into English). And T'Saralonde had nodded solemnly when Orphium had declared her life calling.

But now Orphium was informing T'Saralonde that her true calling was to be a Guidance and Navigation Specialist for Star Fleet. Apparently, an older relative of Orphium's had returned, after serving as a Guidance and Navigation Specialist on the USS Kymatolege. After hearing the relative's stories, Orphium had decided being a bard was just a passing fancy. Her real life calling was to serve in Star Fleet, as her relatives before her had done,

T'Saralonde nodded somberly as her friend told her all about how her life would unfold.

Cadets and dolphins spent half an hour getting reacquainted before Business announced that the dolphins had an adventure planned for the cadets, so it was time to get going. All four cadets obligingly climbed out top of the swimming platform. As soon as they were "on board," the dolphins began pushing/towing the platform out to sea.

Being pulled out to sea in water that was cooler that many of her species would find comfortable, and surrounded by nonhumanoids who embraced their emotional nature, might be considered "unVulcan" by some, but T'Saralonde considered the experience the very embodiment of Kol-Ut-Shan. It was just another reason she had been glad to be at the Academy.

At the moment, though, T'Saralonde didn't reflect on the philosophical implications of her situations. Rather, she pondered what experience her dolphin friends were going to introduce her to.

LT Arrianna Salannis an Vantar's Personal Log - An Unwaivering Terror

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

Personal Log,

I am afraid to rest, but I want to. I know what's waiting for me if I do. The crew is getting agitated, frustrated, and I believe that these dreams are more than they appear.

My awareness has been flooded with terror. Indescribable horror. I see the dreams of my fellow crew at night. A longtime veteran's horrors of war and imprisonment one moment, and another; a person covered by Arachnids.

I must find the answer to this, or we will all loose our minds. Phoenix believes these may be random, it is not, and we must find out why before our dreams, become reality.

It is possible for our minds to die, as well as our body, as it is possible for our minds to believe it is borg. If I let my mind submit to the lingering fear of assimilation, it would be the same as if I did loose my soul to the collective.

I cannot surrender.

Episode: 4 Do the Dead Frighten you? - JP - Title to come

A Mission Post by Commander Phoenix Lalor & Lieutenant Arrianna Salannis an Vantar

Mission: Episode: 4 Do the Dead Frighten you?

Location: Holodeck 3

Timeline: MD3 14h00

IC

Exhaustion was catching up with her. But Phoenix was determined to maintain her routine. So she had arrived at Holodeck 3, for a sparing session with her newest senior staff member. Yawning she set the program into play. A large field marked out with a sparing area. Then she entered the room and sat beside the fenced area.

Arrianna wasn't feeling any better herself as she opened a case with a practice saber. She also brought an older case with a very intricate and used sword inside. It was an Alindari lythan crystal brand, a sword her ancestor once used to fight for his life during the searing. It was damaged as well, due to battle against the borg, but it was strong.

Phoenix looked up and gave a small smile. "Hi." she said as she pushed herself to her feet and picked up her plain long sword. "You look like I feel."

"It's strange, this..." Arri mentioned. "The last few nights, I've been having a myriad of terror. I do not understand it. I'm being tormented by loosing control of my emotions, assimilated by the borg..." She noted. "It seems like when I try to sleep, horrors wait for me."

"Its going around." Phoenix said softly. "I have had the ship scanned, no anomalies at all. Might be stress." She stifled a yawn."I have spent nights running through stone hall ways and dodging sword swings, as well as reassuring others that its just dreams." She tried a smile. "I'll go easy on you."

Arrianna drew her practice saber and performed a challenge flourish. It was artistic and graceful, just like everything else that her people were. She held her blade ready and waved her fingers forward.

Phoenix smiled and raised her sword in a salute and then dropped into en-guard. "If you would like to take the first strike" she offered.

She began to dual with Phoenix, not as precise or graceful as she wanted, she was fighting fatigue. "You are young for the Commander of a Federation Starship. Very young. My teacher at the academy wouldn't have liked you. Doryan Kox was notoriously harsh on raw recruits. Impossible to please. I pleased him."

Conversation through a duel. "Why are you smiling?"

"You are not the first to say I am young. I never chose it. I thought I would be shipped off to another posting. I am 26, and have had very little in command experience." Phoenix parried an expert strike. It helped her to face new people, with different skills. She was in this, like her day job, self trained for the most part.

"Sometimes fate puts us in places, to prove ourselves, when we least expect it." She fought fluidly. It would have been more refined, more graceful, if she was not tired. "What leader are you? Phoenix Lalor? Why should I follow you?"

"That is not something I can answer for you." Phoenix replied. "I force no one to follow me. If you cannot, then I will assist you in getting a post you want." she shrugged and sidestepped a swipe. "My goals is do my job to the best i can. To make sure this crew, this ship remain hale and whole. And to protect the federation."

Arri locked her blade with Phoenix's. "Good answer, Commander. I don't think that will be necessary, and your heart is in the right place." She rested her blade. "I offer you my knowledge and experiences."

"I accept any and all knowledge." Phoenix smiled. "And it would be an honor to learn more from you." She yawned. "When I am more awake maybe."

"You are skilled Phoenix Lalor. When we are rested, I will teach you my people's swordplay. Don't think this will be easy, as I have learned much of Doryan Kox's diligence. I will never be easy on you, but I will be fair." She mentioned.

"I would be honored to learn your peoples techniques." She flashed a smile. "Might help me beat you."

Arri nodded. "Perhaps, Phoenix Lalor." Arri put her sword away. "So, why Starfleet?" She smiled

"Cause they gave me a chance to be more" Phoenix said with a smile. "More than a pretty dress up doll. You?"

"I was a young teenager when I first heard of Starfleet. A fleet that fought and halted the Borg; not once, but twice. I thought of them as immaculate, legendary. Paragons that would save my people. So I applied not an hour after I learned of them." Arri chuckled. "As it turns out. Starfleet isn't always the shining army of the first empress I envisioned them as, but young Alindari are naive and impressionable. I imagine you were when you ran away from home to join Starfleet." She smirked.

"I was 16 when I joined." Phoenix said with a smile. "Youngest in my class. I shamelessly used my exile status to get in early."

"You remind me of the stories of the first empress of the Alindari. She was born during a time my people were savage and violent. The Alindari cared only for the size of our empire and the wealth in our coffers, it was an unimaginable time of barbarism." Arri noted. "Tirielle Althir was once the eldest daughter of warlord Lirath Althir. Her younger brother betrayed her and left her for dead on the desert moon of Var'sana. She created the First Alindari Imperium, and unparalleled era of learning, philosophy, science and art that lasted until the searing."

"Thank you, but i am not that nice a person really." Phoenix smiled. "My family can rot as can the people who follow them blindly. The only sibling I care to claim is my sister who is on the Ely with me."

"Neither was Tirielle, Phoenix. Stories tend to be exaggerated with every telling." Arrianna placed the sword in a nearby case. "However be cautious. My people still remember our ancient, treacherous intrigues from the time of the warlords. They serve as a lesson to us not to engage in such barbarism. Some may see you as an outcast, but others from your homeland may see you as an opportunity if they can control you. Guard against them, my friend." She closed the sword case.

Phoenix nodded. "I will indeed. Thank you for your advice."

==

Episode: 4 Do the Dead Frighten you? - And now to the conclusion

A Mission Post by Commander Phoenix Lalor & Lieutenant Jaeih t’Noramei-McKinley & Avalon & Commander Liselle Qwyyn & Commander Gary Taylor & Commander Aurelia Holmes & Lieutenant Commander Matias Grronkil & Lieutenant Arrianna Salannis an Vantar & Captain Michael Andrews & Lieutenant Jonathan Graystroke & Lieutenant Alfonse Stiegalle & Ensign River Waters & Sergeant James Raynar & Cadet Junior Grade Makepeace

Mission: Episode: 4 Do the Dead Frighten you?

Location: Various

Timeline: Current

Previously on the Elysium

BRIDGE

Avalon appeared on the Bridge. "Commanders, Commander Lalor is in transporter room 1. And has sustained injuries. Medical is treating her now." The AI paused. "Our guest is contained."

Glancing at the A.I. Lia nodded, "Thank you Avalon, please inform the Captain of my actions. Also inform her that the XO isn't best pleased with those actions, I await her on the bridge". She hung her head as sleep began to overtake her, "As for our guest, I'll leave that with the Captain to deal with. I'm sure she has plans, and I would hate to interfere with them".

Gary remained silent as Lia spoke to Avalon and put her own spin on how he felt. That was the real issue. Lia made decisions, told you what it was and then wanted you to go along with it. There was no discussion, no room for input. He turned and walked to his chair and sat down. All without saying a word.

Makepeace turned to look at the A.I. hologram and the Commanders holding the center seats, then shrugged to himself, standing down the weapons systems and running scans of the wreckage and space around the Elysium. As they ran, he steepled his fingers and touched thumbs, forming a triangular shape with his hands and giving benediction to the souls of those who had died aboard the wreck.

TRANSPORTER ROOM 1

Phoenix yanked her helmet off, and gasped in a breath as they appeared in the transporter room on the Elysium. "Well that went... well." She got out looking around and doing a head count. Her throat was severely bruised and her words came out in a croak.

Arri tapped her combadge. "an Vantar to bridge. We've encountered a hostile species on that ship. I recommend we defend ourselves, they are exceptionally hostile." She moved to check Phoenix. "Commander, we need to get you checked by Medical. Ascendants, he was fast."

And Now......

DECK 44

The being was trapped between two force fields, and now he paced back and forth like a caged tiger. His glowing eyes never leaving the group arrayed before him. "This will not hold me" He sneered.

BRIDGE

Avalon nodded at both Commanders and said "Commander Lalor is currently being urged to Medical Commanders, I will update her on the situation. I would however, suggest you both look at the main viewer.. This is our guest"

The viewer showed the being on Deck 44.

Makepeace, who was quietly fiddling around with his console, could come up with no explanation for what had happened aboard the derelict vessel, nor for the malevolent intrusions the crew had experienced in their dreams. But then, he wasn't a science guy. He archived the data for the science department to study, glancing up at the main viewer, and then quickly away. It gave him a serious case of the creeps.

Lia looked at the viewer, "How do we list it? In fact what would you call it?" She looked away and felt she wanted to kill what ever it was, maybe she could just eject it into space?

"There was a creature..." Makepeace began, frowning. "That visited my grandmother's homeworld of Aegelius II. An entity that possessed sentient beings and compelled them to commit murder. It traveled between the stars, visited Rigel, Deneb, even Earth. It was called Redjac." It was something his father had often wished upon the syndicate that had enslaved their family, and now he wished he'd never been told the full story about it.

Matias never could get to engineering due to the malicious entity who kidnapped one of his crew. He made his way to the bridge and took his place at the Engineering station.

Liselle shook her head, almost violent in the action, desperate to swirl her thoughts together and feel awake once more. She saw that the ship was moving, and she hadn't remembered setting a course on her own. Avalon must have. It was certainly for the best, she was beyond exhaustion now. They all were.

But it was the sight of Matias that helped her find her way back to reality again. She hurried back to his station, forcing herself to keep as calm of a pace as was possible. She dropped to her knees next to where he was seated and she lay her forehead against his. "Thank the Gods you're okay," she whispered to him.

Lia looked up and tried to get her thoughts together, "Cadet Makepeace, are you saying that that thing is Redjac? Or one of it's species?" She turned slowly to face the Cadet, "If my history serves me correct, didn't they kill said creature by beaming it into space?" Her mind was fuzzy and connecting her thoughts was becoming harder, "Commander Taylor, Gary......... I think you'd better take over, I don't think I can keep going any longer. Do I stand relieved?" She attempted to focus on Gary, but he seemed to be missing.

Gary turned at the sound of Lia's voice, his voice cool, unruffled. "That's correct Lia. Redjac was killed by being beamed into space. Of course that doesn't mean that there can't be another Redjac or a species similar to it." He looked her up and down before replying, "I relieve you Lia. Why don't you man the security console and see if there's anything else we need to be worried about."

Makepeace watched Lia ask her leave sympathetically, then looked at Gary and shrugged. "It was indeed beamed out into space at the widest possible dispersion level." He confirmed, because he'd looked into it. "And I could be wrong. In this close proximity to the Bajoran Wormhole, it could be a pah-wraith, for all I know. They were said to be able to animate the dead and control the living." Mostly, he was talking to keep his mind active. If he lacked anything to do, he'd begin to lose focus and probably drift off to sleep.

Manning Security, Lia felt her world slip away. Ever so slowly her eyes closed and she ceased to hear or care what happened on the bridge, far away she could hear a voice calling but she no longer bothered to respond.

"Aaand she's out." Makepeace observed. He shook his head, reached into his pocket and pulled out the hypospray that he'd been issued by the doctor, dialing up a low dose and pressing it to his neck with a hiss, then opened up Security on his workspace. There would be plenty of time to rest when he was dead. TRANSPORTER ROOM 1

Phoenix shook her head. "Avalon!" She got out and the Ai appeared. "Update Please"

Inclining her head the AI compiled. "There is a being on Deck 44, and a group being lead by Commander Parish has it in sight and trapped behind force fields. Captain Andrews is with him and several Marines and Cadet Toumun. Ah Lieutenant Klop-Johnson is in medical, she suffered an episode on the bridge.... Commander Holmes still has command of the ship and seems to be in conflict with Commander Taylor. The Bridge is secure. Away team members are accounted for."

Phoenix nodded and winced in pain. "I will head to deck 44 to assist Commander Parish. Commander Salannis an Vantar, you are with me. Marines as well. The rest of you get to your posts." Phoenix ordered. Medical could wait.

"Avalon." Arri spoke. "I need you to automate the Elysium's vital systems, and plot us a course away from that ship. There is also a possibility our crew is too fatigued and therefore not fit for duty." She reloaded her phaser rifle, and opened a medical cabinet. She pulled out a stimulant and held it for a bit. "I hate these things." She inserted a vial in the hypospray and injected it into herself. "Lets go Commander, It's time we ejected a malicious presence from our vessel."

"With exacting pleasure" Phoenix replied as she headed for the door shedding her space suit as she went. " Am done playing games."

Arri followed Phoenix to the deck and junction in question. She could feel the entity now, it's telepathic ability was exceptional. She looked at it through the forcefield. It looked at Arri. "Ugh... get out of my MIND!!" Arrianna pushed this entity out rather forcibly. This time she wasn't asleep and her mental defenses were focused now.

Michael's mind was suddenly and forcibly intruded upon by the Darkness. It assaulted his nervous system with a vengeance. "I will have you. NOW!" It said with relish.

He fought as the Darkness coalesced and began to feed from him. It grabbed him in a grip as cold as Death. He couldn't move and barely breathe. He felt his essence slipping away.

"GET YOUR FILTHY HANDS OFF HIM!" Raynar yelled. "Sgt Raynar to Commander Lalor. I found Captain Andrews. He's being fed on by the Darkness. Get him the hell out!" Jim said then raised and aimed his rifle.

Michael was slipping away but managed to raise his phaser and shot himself and the Darkness. It shrieked in agony then faded away as Michael crumpled to the ground.

Jim ran to Michael and checked his pulse. It was weak and he'd lost a lot of color. "Raynar to Sickbay. 2 to beam in"

Phoenix let off some curses in her native tongue and replied "Acknowledged. I am on my way to Deck 44."

Arri tapped her combadge when she felt it's attack on Micheal. "Salannis to all Elysium Personnel. We are being assaulted by an entity that feeds on our fears. You will see images of your deepest fears if it attacks you. They are an illusion. Remember Kiri-kin-tha's first rule of metaphysics; nothing unreal exists." Arri began to see borg drones walking towards her again. Moving towards her quickly. She closed her eyes and then turned to face the drone. "I do not fear the borg." The drone raised his arm and injected assimilation tubules into Arri. She fought to maintain discipline. Her skin wasn't turning pale, but it was difficult to hold those fears back. "You will not assimilate me. You are not real."

The Drone was gone. It looked for another crewmember with ripe fears to feed. Maybe Phoenix, Yes Phoenix. The crew would crumble without the captain.

Phoenix led her team to the turbolift and focused on her job, ignoring the images that jumped out at her as she walked.

Their group arrived as a medical team took Captain Andrews away. Another curse ripped from Phoenix at the sight of her Marine CO being stretchered out.

Phoenix looked at Ephraim, noting he and Toumun were in one piece. Thank the Gods, she didn't know if she could handle the calls she would have to make if it was otherwise. "Commander Parish, good to see you are in one piece. I want groups of 3, spread out, tag the bastard. And then." She hit her comm. "Lalor to the bridge. We are going to tag this being and once it is tagged beam it out into space wide dispersal pattern. And then focus all weapons on that nebula. I want to make sure we get them all. Those are my orders Commander Holmes, Commander Taylor. We will eliminate this threat with extreme prejudice:"

Before anyone could acknowledge her words, the world went black for her. In front of everyone else, the Captain collapsed to her knees. and her hands went over her ears.

For Phoenix she was swamped in darkness. Light, sound, all sensors were blocked out. And an insidious voice whispered in her native tongue a number of 'home' truths.

Behind her, on the deck stood the being. "Force fields, bah. You are going to surrender. Or watch your commander die insane."

"We will rather DIE, than surrender to you!!!." Arri responded as she approached the demon. "I am not afraid of the Borg, I am not afraid of my base self, and I am not afraid of you." She dropped the forcefield. She hoped Lia noticed the forcefield drop, so she'd know where this thing was.

Darkness walked forward. "You fool. Your race's ancient fear of the Borg, your ancient hubris, your savagery." It got in Arri's face, just inches from her. Arri held her demeanor.

BRIDGE

Matias was hard at work pinpointing the entity. It was attacking on several fronts, but was revealing itself. He forcefully thrust down his own fears. "I have a lock!" he said.

"Transporters ready, Commander!" Makepeace announced, punctuating the words with a tiny giggle, thanks to the effects of the stimulants. With the exception of caffeine, he'd never taken those kinds of drugs before.

Matias had investigated this entity. It fed on fear, leading to murder. It preyed mostly on females, but took any. "Energizing, widest possible dispersion." he said. He had found something like this had happened before on a ship called Enterprise, where a similar entity called Redjak tried to generate fear to feed on.

A flurry of beeps sounded from Makepeace's console as he again switched to tactical. "Arming phasers and quantum torpedos -- full spread, maximum yield. Targeting the nebula and transport coordinates." He said, jamming his fingers down on the triggers. "Firing!" It was a strange sensation -- enacting destruction and actually relishing it this much. The lights on the ship dimmed as he fired off volleys of white-hot death at the nebula. "Wait, the captain said, 'all weapons,' right? Shall I arm tricobalt devices?" Oh, he really wanted to fire one of those off at the thing that had haunted his dreams.

Arri suddenly woke up, next to Phoenix. This was different. It was like truly waking from a living dream, the presence she felt vanished. She moved to a very unconscious Phoenix. "Phoenix.... PHOENIX!!!"

It took a moment for the Commanding Officer to 'wake' "I am ok."

"It's gone. I do not feel it's presence anymore." Arri mentioned and then tapped her combadge. "an Vantar to Bridge. Status report?"

"Bridge here, Lieutenant." Makepeace replied with a grin plastered all over his face as he intercepted the call before anyone else. "The boojum has been beamed into the nebula at the widest possible dispersal level, and then then followed with phasers and quantum torpedoes. Tricobalt warheads and the kitchen sink on standby."

Gary quietly stewed in the XO's chair yet managed to hold his tongue as cadet Makepeace answered and spoke for the bridge. Giving a complete and vivid explanation of what had taken place with the entity. It seemed a lesson in bridge protocol would be required in the near future.

"Cadet, please step away from the the tactical console." Arri mentioned. "And you will submit a complete twenty page essay on tactical awareness to the commandant before the end of the week, your actions were heavy handed and reckless."

"Aye, standing down tactical, Lieutenant." Makepeace replied with appropriate emphasis and precision, feeling his left eyeball beginning to throb inside its socket. Normally he would meekly accept the punishment he was given, but he was not going to let Arri bust his chops for following orders, and would be appealing her assignment to her superiors and the commandant.

"Cadet." Gary spoke from his chair, his voice deceptively calm and controlled, like a cobra waiting to strike. "I think in addition to your essay on tactical awareness, you can also do a essay on bridge protocol and a cadet's role in such."

Makepeace straightened in his seat as Gary spoke, recognizing that tone. Ok, he had a leg to stand on to challenge Arri's punishment, and he would, without hesitation. But Commander Taylor had him dead to rights and he knew it. "Sir, Aye, sir. You will have it by the end of the week, Sir." Makepeace responded meekly, using parenthetical sirs to punctuate his contrition. "Sir, shall I finish out the duty shift, or does the commander want the cadet off his bridge, sir?"

Sitting there listening to the Makepeace's reply Gary was sorely tempted to have the cadet removed from the bridge. However that would have been excessive so he relented. Shaking his head, he replied, "That won't be necessary cadet. Finish out your duty shift.....then you can leave the bridge."

From the comm, came the shaky voice of the CO. "Bridge, confirm kill of the derelict and the dispersal of our guest. Also, Confirm weapons lock on Nebular. Once confirmed, you are ordered to fire."

Gary heard Phoenix's voice through the comm, she sounded as if she had been through the ringer. "Captain the derelict has been destroyed as has as 'our' guest." He reported. "The Nebular has also been closed." He added, realizing they were at last free of the entity that had plagued their dreams these last few weeks.

Arri spoke. "Phoenix. It is dead. I no longer sense its influence upon us, and you need to be relieved, as you are exhausted and you need rest. I will gather a skeleton crew to take the next shift, while you rest." She mentioned, speaking calmly to her. Arri kept her combadge open.

Phoenix nodded. "Lalor to Bridge. Take us back to Starbase Gamma. Lets get out of here."