Created by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson on Sun Apr 28th, 2019 @ 4:38pm

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - Staff briefing

A Mission Post by Captain Phoenix Lalor & Commander Liselle Qwyyn & 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 Wynter & Lieutenant Ian Murphy

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: Deck 18 - Observation Lounge

Timeline: MD1: 0930

Phoenix entered the observation lounge in silence and looked around. She sighed. A simple mission. That is what they had. Sounded good on paper... Hitting the comm. "All Senior Staff, and Commander Parish to the Briefing room"

Gary had been in his quarters when Phoenix's announcement came through his com. He sighed and headed toward the Briefing Room. Perhaps whatever Phoenix had to say would take his mind off the topics that had been keeping it occupied lately. He could only hope that would be the case.

Slowly standing up Lia thought that this didn't sound good, she was dressed in full traditional Japanese Kimono complete with jewelry and hair style. There wasn't time to change, =^="Holmes to the Captain, I'm not exactly dressed for the briefing room. And it would take me at least twenty minuets to change, do you wish to relay the meeting to my cabin or want me to attend as I am?"=^= She had only just returned from the holodeck and hadn't had time to change, hell her milkshake was still being created by the replicator. oO Just my bloody luck Oo, she thought.

["As long as you are dressed Commandrr you should be fine."] Came the response.

Liselle Qwyyn stretched her fingertips toward the ceiling as she stepped into the briefing room. "Gods! I had nearly forgotten how much I love sleep," she said, dropping herself into an open chair. "Please tell me we haven't come upon anymore nightmare inducing monsters. I don't think I have it in me."

"You and Me both" Phoenix said.

Gary entered the room. seeing only Phoenix and Liselle already there he greeted them. "Hello Captain, Hiya Liselle." He said warmly as he made his way to his chair and sat down. He had over heard Phoenix's comment and it piqued his interest. "You and Me both what?" He asked curiosity in his voice.

Right behind Gary, still adjusting his hastily-donned uniform, walked Murphy, nodding to the people in the room as he took a seat and setting his PADD on the table in front of himself. He'd been just about to fire up the forge when the call came in, and despite being a little antsy about having been interrupted, at least the captain had caught him before he'd gotten to work. "Hello." He offered everyone in greeting. Unbeknownst to him, he still had a set of work goggles perched atop his head, but at least they weren't terribly out of place -- they could probably pass as an affectation in some circumstances.

An exhausted Ephraim shuffled in moments later, his hand covering his mouth in a vain attempt to muffle a yawn. Even after their situation with the nightmares had been concluded the engineer found that his persisted. As such, the night before had led to a night of self-medicating with alcohol until he'd dozed off on his couch.

All of the above added to the confusion he was experiencing now. Receiving the invitation from Phoenix had caused a frown, he'd assumed she wanted him for some part of the briefing given that he was no longer a member of the senior staff.

"Ma'am," he greeting the Captain with a wry smile before taking the seat closest to the door, hoping that hadn't been claimed by someone else.

"Eph" Phoenix said with a warm smile. Gods, her friend looked worn out.

"That," Qwyyn said to Taylor, pointing to Parish with a smile. "Now that the demons have been laid to rest, it's been nice to finally enjoy my bed again. Err...for sleep."

Gary chuckled at Liselle's explanation but he could fully relate to it. It was nice to be able to sleep unencumbered by nightmares. To Liselle he simply smiled and replied with a knowing "Ahhhhhhh."

She narrowed her eyes at him. But she immediately broke into a coy smile. "I don't know how, but I'm going to get one over on you some day, Commander. Mark my words."

Gary flashed a good natured smile back at her and pretended to pull a PaDD out and write in it mumbling "Commander Qwyyn, says shes going to get one over on me some day to mark her words." He finished and smiled again.

Arrianna entered with a full tray of cups, fresh brewed coffee, and scones. "Good morning, everyone. I can assure you, I felt no presence of the entity in any of the crew during the night." She was quite happy this morning, and well rested. The chief of operations was also feeling quite generous.

Murphy cleared his throat and murmured, "Funny that. I scanned the ship for resonance traces matching the transporter trace obtained from 'the entity' and also found nothing. But I've got some holy water from a Buddhist priest and white sage in my shuttle if anyone would like me to do a purification on the ship." He added lightly. "You know, just to be sure."

Wynter slid into the room silently during the exchange. Once seated he nodded to the captain before he returned to his review of the latest intelligence analysis of the quadrant.

Arri looked at Ian. "That will not be necessary, Lieutenant. The priest probably wanted to get rid of you, so he handed you a bottle of cyanide and said it was holy water. You may inadvertently poison the entire ship with your ritual." She was once again toying with Ian.

The door slid open again as the gorn stepped into the room. He nodded to the captain before he took his seat at the table only stopping to grab a drink from the replicator.

Murphy smirked at Arri and nodded slightly in her direction. "Such a terrible thought. But you're right, one should never trust gifts from people with black hearts." He said, before pulling his tricorder from his waist and making a show of scanning the coffee and scones she'd brought. Then he simply favored her with a falsely-innocent smile and fluttering eyelashes.

The briefing room doors slide open and Lia walked in, "Sorry for my state of dress". She still wore the full Kimono and all of the jewelry, "I only got through the door when I got the call, so go ahead guy's and girl's. Get the comments out of the way, so we can get on with this meeting". Her head remained upright, there was no way she was embarrassed. She loved wearing the Kimono, and now people knew about it they could just get used to it.

“Lia!” Qwyyn gasped. “That dress is absolutely beautiful. I want it!”

Gary's eyes were on Lia as she came into the room. She was gorgeous! "Exquisite." He stated simply. He had an inkling that Lia liked the Japanese style of dress as she had worn Kimono tops before however seeing her in the full traditional dress just enhanced her beauty even more. He stood an held a chair out for her. "Breath taking." He added as his eyes never left her.

Arrianna kept her composure while admiring Lia's dress. It definitely sparked her sense of aesthetics and she typed out a message to Lia on her PADD.

To: Lt. Commander Aurelia Holmes

From: Lt. Arrianna Salannis an Vantar

Subj: Dress and Gun

Where do you get your Kimonos? And I may have a lead on that projectile weapon later.

Regards, Arri

Matias came in late. He had been trying to re-establish communications, but had been unsuccessful so far. He had eyes only for Liselle and didn't notice the dress.

The comments she got surprised her, "Um, if you would like a Kimono or a Yukata. I will assist you in picking the right one for you, Liselle". She turned to Gary, "Please keep breathing, first aid can be difficult when dressed like this". She then blew him a kiss, "Arigato Commander san". Moving to her seat she looked at Arrianna, "I purchase them from a small shop in Akihabara, if you like I can give you the address. Or you could try and replicate one, if you know your size. We'll talk about the Winchester after the meeting, if you're free". She sat down and spoke to the Captain, "Sorry I'm late and for my attire, I hadn't long returned from the holodeck Captain".

"It's an interesting ensemble. Just watch your wardrobe, Our Trill has a penchant for dresses." then she straightened up. "Once everyone is here, we can get started."

Smiling Lia responded, "Thank you for the warning, I'll secure my quarters against invaders of the Trill kind".

Tate entered the room feeling reasonably rested and relaxed. Some people were still speaking to her to sort through the trauma of recent events, but all in all, people were starting to get back to their regular routines.

The beautiful kimono instantly caught her eye and she smiled and Lea direction. "You look lovely. You definitely get the award for most creative we dressed for a staff meeting," She added with a grin.

Blushing slightly Lia answered Tate, "Thank you Commander, just lucky I guess". She giggled as she replied.

Once everyone was seated, Phoenix smiled faintly. She had not mentioned the additional pip on her lapel and was not about to. She instead pressed a button. The Holomap appeared, "Our destination." she began, "Deep into the Gamma quadrant we will go, past Dominion space. We are basically going to head as deep as we can. We do have a rendezvous with the Starling, here" a spot illuminated on the map. "Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, we have been given a mapping mission. That and first contact. We will need to continue dropping sensor buoys and communication satellites as we go as well. They are being loaded as we speak."

Her interest suddenly shot up, "First contact Captain? Who are we contacting?" Lia was concerned about security, but she also had never been on a first contact mission before.

"Who ever we can find." Phoenix smiled. "There are a number of races past Dominion space who never fell into line with them during the war, or who have even been spoken with. We are going to follow all the rules, people, no screwing with the Prime Directive, we are not the crews of old. But consider the importance of our meeting new races it will strengthen the federation."

"We may be walking into a diplomatic and political situation that we cannot guess or prepare for. Some of these races may be allied with the Dominion or under Dominion Occupation. They may be unwilling to engage in contact or diplomacy with us, citing fears that they may anger the Dominion." Arri pointed out. "We may not be welcome here."

Gary nodded at Lia's good nature ribbing, "Oh but it would be so worth it to stop and have you administer first aid dressed as you are." He quipped before his eyes went to Phoenix and he noticed the extra pip. "Excuse me." He began, "But before we go any farther, I hope you will all join me in congratulating the Captain in attaining the rank of Captain. Congratulations Captain, it is a promotion long overdue and richly deserved."

Murphy, who had pretty much been observing the people in the room and the interpersonal dynamics between them, simply cocked an eyebrow at Lalor. He had never really known her as anything but a captain. He considered firing up the forge later on to make her a sword, but he didn't know her preferences, nor her fighting style, and those sorts of things mattered when making a blade. "Well done, Captain Lalor."

"Indeed..." Arri smiled. "Well done."

Lia turned and bowing to Phoenix said, "Omedetoh, Sencho. Which if my memory serves means congratulations Captain, still learning the language way. But well deserved". She sat down and waited for Phoenix to continue.

"It's about time," Ephraim piped in, "congratulations, Ma'am"; his smile was broad.

Phoenix ducked her head. "Thank you." She said softly. She glanced at Ephraim.."which reminds me. Lt commander Parish."

The engineers smile faded, making way for a look of curiosity. His brow knitted at the mention of his name.

"I am afrais that our academy commandant resigned a few days ago." Phoenix began almost conversationally. "As the next in rank you are now the Acadeny commandant."

Ephraim looked around the room, shock evident, it only felt lile yesterday when he was recieving his results for the instructor course, "As in the big wig running the show?" He asked lamely, a senior staff position hadnt been his goal.

"Yes. Sorry Eph, you are back with us." She had to smile. "Besides admit it, you missed the senior briefings."

Eph just rolled his eyes in response.

"So, will there be a more formal commemoration of these promotions?" Ian asked with a hint of mirth in his voice.

"Now that. Sounds more exciting than a senior briefing" Ephraim joked, smirking at Phoenix, "what a brilliant idea"

"I can't deny it would be good for morale," Tate pointed out. "Promotions are definitely something to celebrate. Congratulations to all. I must admit, the prospect of multiple first contact is very exciting. Do we know anything about the peoples we are supposed to be meeting, or is it truly just about making contact with whomever we find?"

"Its about what we can find. And We can organize a party when we leave dock ok?" Phoenix replied with a smile.

Arrianna nodded. "The sooner we get the Senior Staff meeting over with, the sooner we'll be able to organize our promotion party where we can put Phoenix on center stage and she can revel in our admiration of her." She grinned widely.

"Lieutenant are you volunteering to organize that party? After all the senior staff will be very busy, doing senior staff things". Lia laughed as she spoke, knowing how these things seemed to get passed around.

"When I say 'formal,' I kinda meant something a little less formal." Murphy said with a chuckle. "You know, a couple of drinks, maybe have the senior staff walk up, take off one of the Captain's insignia and replace it with one of their own... That's sort of a ritual I picked up on my first assignment, ages ago. Says that the Captain is 'of the crew' and that the crew offer her their loyalty. But I've never said no to a good party."

Arri spoke. "Are you volunteering, Ian? And organizing the party will not be a burden for me, as I am the Chief Operations Officer. I will have both the preparations and my duties completed before eighteen hundred hours." She gave a light smile.

Phoenix suddenly smiled. "Both of you can organize it." She said suddenly. "If there is nothing else, we will be departing in 3 hours."

Arri smiled at Ian, knowing full well she roped him into something fun.

Murphy gave a weak smile and picked up his PADD with both hands, intoning a chant in Latin. "Pies Iesus domine, dona eis requiem." And then he smacked himself in the forehead with the PADD. He should have kept his gob shut.

Qwyyn raised a brow at the foreign words. The universal translator was often intelligent enough to read the context of language so as to not translate phrases meant to be preserved in their original state, lest they lose their intended impact otherwise. "What a beautiful language," the Trill commented. "What does it mean?"

Visibly taken aback by Qwyyn's question, Murphy blinked a few times before answering, "If I remember correctly, it translates to, 'Pious lord Jesus, let them rest.' It's a quote from an ancient Terran comedy motion picture." Although Murphy came from Catholic Irish roots, he hadn't adopted the faith like his relations back on Earth.

Arri simply chuckled as she looked at Ian with a grin. She wanted to say. 'Thank you Phoenix for letting me torment Ian.'

Lia looked between Arri and Ian, "Hey you two, am I missing something? Are you pair a PAIR?" She giggled and pointed to Gary, "Perhaps we should take notes, we might learn a thing or two". She now felt confident the Gary would accept the joke in the spirit it was given, and she loved him for it.

Gary nodded, "Perhaps we can." He agreed as he pulled out his imaginary PaDD and wrote in it. "Watch Arri and Murphy for any tips on being a couple. Lia thinks it's a good idea." He finished a grin on his face.

Murphy turned to smirk at Lia and Gary with a raised brow. "A pair? I've been on this ship for a day, and the first time I met the young Lieutenant, I made her wipe out on an ice skating rink." he paused, and then the smirk became a little more wicked. "Hmmm. I guess maybe you could say that she fell for me. But, like all good ailments, she'll get over it in time."

Arri walked over to Ian and grabbed him by the ear. "C'mon dear. we have a party to plan." She grinned. "And you get to plan it with me. This way, precious."

"Ah, now we see the violence inherent in the system." Ian quipped, rising to relieve the pressure on his ear.

Phoenix rolled her eyes and walked out "Dismissed, not that anyone cares" she added with a mutter and the door slid shut behind her.

Gary heard Phoenix's disgruntled mutter as she dismissed them and then exited the room. He looked at Lia, made a silent promise to talk to her later and then he stood and followed his friend and Captain out of the room.

"Ok, hands off the merchandise." Ian said, reaching up to gently remove Arri's hand from his ear. Something about the captain's tone when she left said that the game had worn thin with her. "I'll drop by your office around 17:00 hours and we can hammer things out then." That said, Ian grabbed his PADD and exited the observation lounge -- There were about a thousand little details that needed to be settled in Sciences before they got underway. "See everyone around."

Lia stood up and raised her hand, "Lieutenant Vantar!! Could I have a word with you please, if your free that is?" she nodded towards Murphy and smiled.

-=/\=-

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - Departure from Gamma

A Mission Post by Captain Phoenix Lalor & Avalon

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: Bridge

Timeline: MD 1 13h00

The crew knew what they were doing so Phoenix left them to it, and retreated to her ready room as the Elysium slipped from her moorings and pulled out into space.

Her mind was elsewhere and she had to get herself back into the game. They were due to rendezvous with the Starling in 4 days, and she had 4 days to perfect her 'aloof captain' personae. She needed to pull what her sister termed her 'royal back off cloak' on and show that she was not hurt, that the tumult in her personal life had not happened and was nothing.

She sagged into her comfortable chair behind her desk and closed her eyes. Who did she think she was kidding? Her heart ached. It was painful. But she would not die from it, no one ever died of a broken heart.

Behind the closed doors of her office, her cabin, she could allow herself to drop the charade and not hold onto the ice queen image she was putting forth.

["Captain, we are clear of the Starbase and going to warp."] Avalon's voice came over the comm.

"Thank you Avalon. Set condition green." Phoenix said softly.

[[Condition Green Set]]

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - Padawan issues

A Mission Post by Ensign Gareb Endilev & Cadet Junior Grade Rick Prymm

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: USS Elysium, Academy

Timeline: MD1

Gareb was seated behind his desk in the Academy deck of the Elysium putting the finishing touches on a lesson plan regarding bedside manner and it's importance. And admittedly he was getting rather bored. To him, it was essential work, but it could be more exciting. Then in a flash of memory he remembered his first CMO and the lesson began to write himself. He even was blessed with a snappy title. "Leave you're baggage at the door." He was just about to contact ops to reserve a holodeck when he heard a knock at his door.

"Why not the chime?" he asked, shrugging his shoulders. "It's open!" he yelled. Which was basically true. After all he had an open door policy with his cadets. Any cadet really. "Come on in!"

Rick entered, uniform in pristine order, reporting in by the book an all that. "Cadet Rick Prymm." he said

"So I see." Gareb smiled, slightly amused at all of the formality. "At ease, Cadet. Take a seat."

Rick did so.

"Can I get you anything? I've got coffee. And the Andorian version." he offered. "The real stuff."

Rick flashed a puzzled look. "I've never had Andorian coffee." he said.

"Home brew it is then." Gareb smiled. "Oh and Cadet. This is a formality free zone. Unless brass is in here with us, dispense with the protocol to a degree, huh?

"In that case, sir. call me Rick"

"I think I can handle that, Rick. Call me Gar then. Nickname I picked up when I was your age.' he said, handing over the drink. He sipped his own.

Rick took a sip and grimaced. Took a second. "It's...interesting.

"Glad you like it! So...What brings you to my humble office?" he asked, thankful for the company

"First off, I missed reporting in. Second I had a question."

"It's what I'm here for!" Gar said.

"Well, us Cadets had that bit on the bridge.." he began

Gar nodded.

"Made me realize that I'm better off in sickbay, butt want to be ready if bridge happens."

"Enough to sound like you're supposed to be there, but no slouch in the medicine department either? Am I on the right track?"

Rick gave the "that's it!" gesture.

Beverly Crusher Gar reminded him. "We'll get that sorted out." he smiled. "I was on my way to ops to reserve a holodeck. Come with?"

Rick nodded. And with that the pair left, the molding of a future doctor underway.

LTCMDR Tate Sullivan Ph.D.'s Personal Log - Chief Counselor's Duty Log #2 - "Mixed Emotions"

The following is a personal log from LTCMDR Tate Sullivan Ph.D..

After a long period of downtime, I must say I have mixed feelings about returning to duty. It's going to sound like a bit of a counselor cliché, but I'm not used to having downtime on my own, and just about the time I finally get used to the idea, it seems it's always time to go back to work. Truthfully, I only attempt to take down time because I know if I don't, I would be a hypocrite. How can I advocate for rest and relaxation for the rest of the crew if I'm not willing to do so myself? Still, I'm not used to sitting even semi-idle and it takes time to get comfortable with it without climbing the walls. Success is when I can lose myself in a novel of the print or holo- variety, where I can lose myself in even fictional psyches or when I decided to leave my quarters or my comfortably adorned hotel room to get to know other people and imagine for just a moment when it would be like to have their lives instead of my own.

A lot of people think counselors have a good deal of free time, especially during scheduled R&R. The truth is, counselors have the potential to be busy every waking moment depending on the circumstances, especially during R&R. That's the time when people have time to reflect on past events and potentially absorb emotions they've been compartmentalizing until they have any opportunity for a break in the chaos. For some, going back to duty is a welcome relief because it gives them something else to focus on beyond their own thoughts.

I find myself in a state somewhere in between, slow to rev up, but also eager and excited for a break in routine. In the meantime, I will offer a silent prayer that I will have the words and the fortitude to guide the crew through whatever is to come.

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - The New kid

A Mission Post by Miran Lalor Ms & Triston Montgomery

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: Elysium School

Timeline: MD2 13h00

Triston Montgomery had been on board a mere 24 hours when he made friends with a group of guys his own age. He was always good at making friends. His easy going nature had always brought him luck in that area, and also in the area with the ladies but then a gentleman, as his father would say sternly ‘Never kissed and told’. He and his new group were sitting in the school’s ‘outside’ area. Which was to say, a rather nice area with green grass and plants with benches and for the younger children, a play fort and sand pit area. Sprawled under what he had first thought as a fake tree, but had discovered that the majority of the plants were real, tended by the gardeners who kept the ships’ arboretum in top condition, he watched other students wander about the grass or chat with friends under a tree.

One, he noticed stood with a small group of students, but stood a bit apart from them. The student was female, slender, with long brown hair that even though was pulled into a pony tail, looked like it was past her lower back, and possibly longer. The group she was with, stood so she was included but it was clear from where he sat, leaning back on his elbows, that this young girl was not fully included.

He nudged one of his new friends with his foot. “Hey Mitch. Who is that over there?”

“Huh?” Mitch asked looking up from his turkey and Swiss sandwich. He looked over where Triston indicated. “Uh...oh that’s Miran. She and her group always wander around at lunch. She is in the year group below us.” He waggled his eyebrows “And off limits my friend, so off limits, you do not want to even think about her.”

Triston looked at him. “Why is she off limits?” He wasn’t thinking THAT way about her, he was just curious.

“Cause her sister is the Captain, that’s why. And Captain Lalor, well, let’s just say that she is very protective of her sister.”

“Her sister is the Captain?” Triston frowned as he thought back over the information his father and mother had given him as they had boarded. “Gee, that’s a big age gap.”

Mitch shrugged and went back to his food. “Dunno, don’t really care. Miran is nice enough. Doesn’t get too close to people. Keeps to herself, with that group being the exception. They were all on the Elysium when it went missing over a year ago or so. And they seem to like their group as it is. There were twins as well, but their mother transferred off a few rotations ago, they and Miran were like glue.”

Triston watched for a moment longer, and noticed that Miran edged out of the group slowly as they continued to talk. Then with what he would call expert action, gave them a bright smile, and with a nod of her head, picked up her book bag and headed off in the direction of… well the restrooms.

Triston took a bite of his apple and considered the dynamics around the group as Miran left it. They seemed to drift off into groups of two and three, like she had been the loadstone holding them into a group. Like she was the reason they were there. Captain’s sister, a seat close to power as you got on a ship this big… He recalled the bright smile, the subtle edging out of the group, it seemed that Miran knew what she was dealing with as well. Curious. He was jerked from his thoughts as the bell chimed. Physics. Well it was something to do with his time until he could get into the academy.

Standing he dusted his pants and shirt off and hauled Mitch to his feet, while the rest grumbled and got up.

Mitch struck a fake hero pose “Off we go!” He cried and laughing the rest fell in behind Mitch and headed for class. As they walked, Triston noted that Miran was standing outside her class’s room and almost like a magnet, the group she had been with migrated to her, one of the boys casually putting his arm over her shoulders.

Miran’s face changed briefly as she gave a short, what Triston’s grandmother would have termed a “Public” laugh and slipped from under the embrace and into the room.

He figured there was something else there, other than being the Captain’s sister. Curiosity, he knew killed the cat. But hey, it kept the mind busy. But the minute his class started, his mind did not go back to the puzzle until he was back at his cabin, scowling over his homework. He shoved it to the back of his mind, but something grated on the way the others had treated her, like she was a pretty doll to belong to someone. No it didn’t sit well. He would watch and see.

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - Well THAT was awkward

A Mission Post by Senior Chief Petty Officer Ken Waters & Chief Petty Officer Feyth Railli & Captain Phoenix Lalor

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: Flight Control Offices

Timeline: MD 1 15h00

"Commander Qwyyn, do you have a moment?" Feyth asked as she rounded the corner into Liselle's office.

From where he sat at the Chief Flight Control Officer's desk, Ken Waters mocked his best (worst) impression of Qwyyn's voice. "So sorry, but the incredibly attractive and incredibly muscular Ken Waters agreed to watch Flight today so that I could spend some time in Engineering doing whatever that hell I'm doing. How can he help you instead?"

Feyth crossed her arms and leveled a look at him. "The sad thing is that you think you're funny."

"Hilarious, my dear," he said. He leaned forward in his chair, tossing a conspiratorial look to either side. "Fancy a drink?" he asked, and he reached under the desk to reveal a thermos he had kept hidden at his feet.

"Ummmm...no?"

"Right. On duty. Good girl. I'll drink for two."

Feyth gestured to her pregnant belly, heavily swollen with a looming due date on the horizon.

Ken nodded, wide-eyed in his realization. "Right. Drinking for three, then!" he proclaimed. He burst into laughter at her exasperated reaction, raising his hands in defense. "I'm kidding. It's coffee. I promise," he said. "It's not like we're getting a lot of walk-ins lately. Need something to help keep me awake." He held the thermos out to her, giving it a little shake. "It's the blend most highly recommended by the Prophets, you know."

Feyth scoffed. She waved the offering away. "The Prophets can kiss my ass."

From the main office a voice said "yes Sir, Feyth is in the bosses office."

"Thank you ensign" Captain Lalor's voice came back. Then moments later Phoenix stepped into the room. And froze. In her hands was a large box, neatly wrapped in silver paper with a large bow. Her gaze froze on Ken's face and then she turned to Feyth and held out the box. "Ah Feyth. This is for you. For the baby as well. Erisian tradition." And she shifted from foot to foot hoping Feyth took the box and fast.

"Oh, Captain, you shouldn't have!" Feyth said, her surprised delight clearly showing. The Bajoran and the Erisian had shared a rather bumpy relationship in their time together on the Elysium. Feyth was quite touched to see how sincere the Captain had been when she had offered a fresh start several months ago. It was almost enough to make her want to cry. The hormones weren't helping, either. "Can you excuse me for a moment?" she asked, already wiping the tears from her eyes. Without waiting for an answer, she stepped outside the office and into the corridor, leaving Phoenix holding the gift in the center of the room.

Ken Waters meanwhile looked from one side of the office to the other, keenly interested in the architecture of the walls. Finally, his attention settled on his coffee cop. He didn't look directly at Phoenix as he took a drink. "So...what'd you get her?" he asked.

Phoenix kept her gaze on where Feyth had been."Uh... baby blanket, a crystal dream catcher and a voucher for one of the baby shops on DS9" she felt foolish as she held the box.

"That's really great," he said. "Very thoughtful." He set his cup back on the desk and was surprised to see that he had emptied it already. He picked up his thermos and began to pour again. The silence between them was choking him. He coughed. "It's funny," he heard himself saying. "You never gave me any gifts the whole time we were together."

She spun and stared before raising her chin. "My apologies for the lack of thought" her tone was glacial. She placed the box on the desk. "I will leave this here for Feyth." Then she turned to the door. "I don't give my body and my time just to anyone just so you know. Good day." So saying she went through the door.

"Ah, shhhhit," Ken swore. He leapt up from his chair and chased after her. "Wait! Wait! Hold on!" he called to her.

Phoenix refused to jave a fight in public but found herself standing in the middle of flight control with Ken calling out behind her. "I have nothing to say to you Mr Waters. Now if you are quite finished with your barbs, I have work to do."

"I didn't -- It wasn't a -- I just meant -- " He hung his head and sighed. Somewhere in his brain he had thought there was some kind of brilliant humor in how Phoenix was giving Feyth a present, of all people. Why couldn't he have just kept the 'hilarious' observation to himself?

"You meant to be what humans call an Asshole? Congratulations, you succeeded. Now if the public humiliation portion of this program is over, I will leave you to your work" Phoenix headed for the main exit of the room. Her upbringing swirled around her and her head was high. She had been through humiliation before. But she would be damned if she would have it happen on her ship.

Feyth stepped into Phoenix's path then, her swollen belly coming around the corner moments before she did. Wincing with pain, she pressed her palm into her back. The Bajoran froze as she regarded Phoenix, and then Ken. "What. What's going on?"

Phoenix gave a too bright smile. "Nothing. I have a parent teacher conference so I'll see you later Feyth. The box is on Liselle's desk."

So saying she gave the Bajoran's hand a squeeze and slipped out into the hall.

Feyth's eyes fell immediately on Ken. "What did you do?"

Waters was taken aback, positively astounded by the accusation. "What? Me. I didn't do anything!"

"Ken....."

"Feyth. I didn't do anything. I'm telling you."

She narrowed her eyes at him.

With a heavy sigh his head fell. "I may have made a joke about how it was funny that she got you a present but she never got me one before?"

She widened her eyes at him.

"I....should apologize?"

She narrowed her eyes at him.

"Right." With a curt nod he ran past her, heading into the hallway.

Phoenix had made it to the lift doors and summoned it. She heard running steps, glanced over her shoulder at him and then turned back to the lift.

He caught a glimpse of her and held up a hand as he ran down the corridor. "Phoenix! I mean, Captain Phoenix! Er, Lalor! Wait! Please wait!"

The look she gave him could have frozen water. "Was there something else Mr Waters?" "Phoenix," he huffed, his breath labored from the frantic run for the turbolift doors. "I didn't mean it the way it sounded. I promise. I just couldn't stand the silence. And so I spat out the first thing that came into my head. It was supposed to be funny. I was dumb. Again. Okay?"

"Ok." She replied her tone still icy. "That all?"

He sighed, slapping his hands against his thighs. He returned her venom with a little of his own, his eyes narrowing angrily. Why did he even try? "Yup. That's it, Captain."

"Thank you then. Have a nice day Senior Chief. I am sure you want to get back to your quiet life." The doors opened and she stepped in.

And as the doors closed on his face he cheerfully tossed his head at them. "Please die," he said sweetly.

"Hey!" Feyth snapped from behind him. "Not funny."

He turned about, surprised to see her there. "Relax, it's a joke. I don't doubt she'll be around to torture me until the end of time."

"All the same, how about we don't wish death on the women in our lives?"

"Prophets, Feyth! Fine. Live *forever* Phoenix Lalor." He hesitated, a dark smile crossing his face. "Maybe just die in a parallel universe or two?"

She nodded. "It's a start. I'll take it."

OFF

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - Nice to Meet you

A Mission Post by Miran Lalor & Triston Montgomery

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location:

Timeline: MD 3 13h00

Miran was bored. The same conversations day in and day out. Her group of 'friends' were not truly friends she knew. When the twins had left the group had changed, like without their buffer the true sides were coming out.

Eric was getting grabby with her and she had tried the polite way to get him to stop and he had ignored it. Damn it she was not a peice of meat and just because her people treated females like such didn't mean she wanted to be treated that way.

Watching closely she gauged her timing and then slipped silently from the group. Once clear she headed for the benches under the trees.

Taking a seat on an empty one she pulled an old fashioned paperback from her book bag. Sighing she opened it to the book mark and began to read.

Triston spotted her as he walked around with his group. Considering his options, he broke away and moved over towards her.

Miran looked up at the sound of footsteps. A slight frown crossed her face.

"Hi" Triston said with a smile. "I am Triston Montgomery." He held out his hand to her.

After a moment, Miran shook his hand. "Miran Lalor"

"Pleased to meet you miss Lalor"

She smiled at that. "You are new here right?"

"Yes. Only been here a few days." He smiled back "May i join you?" Triston indicated the space beside her.

Miran closed the book and placed it in her lap. "If you want" she replied curiously.

Sitting down Triston glanced at the book. "PD James huh. She has a good collection."

Tilting her head Miran studied him "You know PD James?"

Nodding triston replied "Yeah my mother has a few of the titles."

Miran nodded. "I also enjoy Glade Hollidae's books. I hear she is a starfleet officer so thats why her books are few and far between.."

"Yeah my aunt laments that." He grinned.

"So..." she didn't know how to phrase her words. "Is this part of some weird bet?"

He frowned. Obviously she had been burned by people before. "No. No bet. I saw you yesterday and thought I would introduce myself!"

Miran opened her mouth to reply when a voice cut across their conversation.

"Miran!" Suddenly the grabby guy from yesterday was there putting his hand on her shoulder. He glared at Triston. "There you are. Why did you wander off?'

Miran looked at him irritation clear on her face. "Eric." She said coolly. "I didn't wander off. I came to sit down."

"Without telling me?"

She stood suddenly. "Did I miss the memo where you are my keeper?!?" She asked coldly.

Eric rolled his eyes at her. "Miran" he said sounding superior. "You need to be honest. You and I are together.."

"Since when? Not in my memory have I even been asked by you, let alone agreed to date you. I'd rather date a Targ!" Miran's temper was not as well formed as her sister's but when she let it go she definately made a sight.

Eric sneered "You don't understand what ypu are saying. Typical of your race's females. Need guidance and direction." He spouted off.

Whatever else he was going to say was lost when a fiat connected with his mouth.

Miran stared as Triston looked down at the now sprawled boy on the ground. "Keep it up Eric, is it? I have a major problem with people who think they can boss others around because they think they are better than others. Here's the deal. Stay away from her. Or you are going to have issues."

Then leaving Eric on the ground he turned ro Miran. "Sorry about that." He apologised. "Can I walk you to class?"

Taking a breath Miran smiled and nodded. "Of course. Thank you."

He held out his arm to her.

Laughing Miran linked her arm through his and they walked away leaving her former "friend' on the ground.

CMDR Aurelia Holmes's Personal Log - Questions without answers

The following is a personal log from CMDR Aurelia Holmes.

"Computer start recording. Well the staff meeting ended up being a party invitation, seems this crew love a good party. My state of dress caused a bit of a surprise, note to self don't wear a Kimono to official meetings. Gary seemed not to take his eye's off me, every time I looked up he was just staring. The Captain say's Liselle may make a raid on my wardrobe, if she really wants a Kimono then I'll get her one for Christmas. My time on the Elysium has flown past quite quickly, but do I fit in here? My dress sense doesn't exactly match anyone else's, and as for my holodeck activities? Well if I were a cowboy no problem, but swords and fantasy isn't floating anybody else's boat. Speaking of Gary, we seem to have cleared a hump in our relationship. But where is it going? Do I allow him to go all the way? Can I let him even touch me intimately? Yet he seems willing to wait, for now that is. I feel confused and lost at times, and being somebody's partner is a new experience for me. Just how do you love someone? Computer, stop recording and save to my personal file".

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - The Mystery Gun

A Mission Post by Commander Aurelia Holmes & Commander Gary Taylor & Lieutenant Arrianna Salannis an Vantar

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: Science Lab

Timeline: Current

Arrianna was expecting Commander Holmes as she continued analysis of the mystery fire-arm they found in the armory.

Lia entered the science lab and looked around, "Hello Lieutenant, I believe you have had some success in locating the owner of our Winchester?" She walked over to Arri, "I am correct am I not?"

"Indeed. I have determined the weapon's owner." She handed her a PADD with the owner's profile; Commander Gary Taylor.

"Oh!" Exclaimed Lia, "I knew he was into his western holoprograms, but surly he would notice if he'd lost a weapon?" Thinking for a moment Lia pressed her com badge, "Commander Taylor, please report to the science lab". She turned to Arri, "That should sort things out".

In his quarters, Gary was relaxing by reading Murder on the Orient Express when Lia's call came in. "Taylor here. The Science Lab?" He questioned but followed up. "I'm on my way."

A few minutes later he enter and saw Lia and Arri . "Ladies." He greeted them, "What's up?"

Moving towards Gary, Lia answered. "Have you ever owned a Winchester? And if you have where is it?" She stopped and waited for the reply.

Gary looked at Lia and then at Arri who stood silently as Lia questioned him. "A Winchester? He repeated, "I have an 1873 Winchester rifle. It's in the armory the last time I checked." He replied, "Now just what the hell is going on Lia? What's with the questions?" He demanded, asking one of his own.

"What the hell is going on is we're attempting to locate the owner of a weapon we discovered while doing a weapons check, now stop being so defensive and relax". Lia moved towards Arri, "Gary do you know the number etched on your Winchester? You see neither of us knew who's rifle we had found, the Lieutenant here has had to do some digging. Your name is just one of many, we just wish to be able to put rifle and owner together". She faced Gary and smiled, "Like I once said to you, your more Roy Rogers. I just never imagined you owning something like a Winchester".

Lia's explanation didn't sit well with him and it showed on his face. "Oh you have others you want to check out? Funny, I don't see them here. I'm sure the good Lieutenant has told you it's mine from doing some sort of DNA sample on the rifle. so why all the dancing around? As for knowing the serial number, not off the top of my head but I have it on the owner's papers in my quarters. But why go through that? I just admitted it's mine. Further I don't see why your looking into it. The weapon was stored in the armory in it's box. Not bothering anyone."

He shook his head, "As for me owning it and you not knowing, it was given to me as a gift." That's all you need to know."

Gary's attitude began to rile Lia, but the last thing she needed was an argument in front of another person. "Hey, I'm not psychic. The Lieutenant did the checking not me, now lets just ease back on the snappy responses". She took a deep breath, "And I always thought I was the argumentative one in this relationship, talk about grouchy".

Lia's reply didn't help Gary's attitude. "Grouchy? I'm not grouchy, I'm mad. There is a difference." He fired back. "I thought my rifle was fine where it was until the Snoop Sisters started digging around." He retorted "Not to mention my position as XO on this ship should have afforded me the luxury of being questioned in private once you had been informed of who the gun's owner was. I see I was wrong. You knew I was the owner and you still called me down here. If it had been the Captain's rifle you wouldn't have pulled this grandstand play. I'll take my rifle and store it in my quarters..... where it will be safe."

Gary's statement stung Lia into action, "Oh your mad are you? And as I have stated before, I didn't know it was your rifle". She suddenly slammed her hand down on the counter, "Your the First Officer, not the Captain. Or do you think you are the Captain? This is private, who else is here? And grandstanding?? Commander Taylor, I have to inform you that this weapon is NOT registered aboard this vessel. It is not registered to any armoury, and YOUR name is not linked to it in any data base!! Now are you going to stop with the hissyfit dramatics? Or do I make this official?" She knew she had lost her temper, but Gary's attitude had finally got to her. "We are not the bloody snoop sisters, and I resent the implication. Now before we end up in an all out argument, can you please act your age. Not your bloody shoe size". She felt sorry for Arri being caught in the middle of a domestic, but Gary's reaction to their inquiry had her puzzled.

Gary's reaction Lia's outburst was a simple raising of his eyebrow. "You did know." He countered. "I'm sure the Lieutenant told you who the owner was before I walked in here or do you want me to believe she kept the fact hidden from you? As for the rifle not be registered that is incorrect when I came aboard which was before you, I logged the rifle into the armory under my name. Why it isn't there I don't know. Perhaps you can and should investigate that as well." He shook his head "Act my age? This coming from the woman who just slammed her hand down on the counter. Good job keeping of being professional." He countered sarcastically.

"Are you trying to as argumentative as you can? Are you goading me into an all out argument? Because Commander that's how its starting to look, and if that's what your after then keep going buster". Lia's temper was starting to show, "I have tried to keep this low key, stay calm and try and figure out why your being a prize prat about this. But let me tell you sonny Jim, your one step away from me loosing it all together. Is that what you want?" She paced along the back wall of the lab, "I was confirming YOUR ownership of this weapon, and for your information Commander. THIS WEAPON IS NOT REGISTERED WHAT SO EVER!!" She stopped and took a deep breath, "I know it's not registered because while waiting for you to arrive I checked it against your name, that's why I asked you if it was indeed your rifle". She faced Gary straight on, "Five other Winchesters have been brought aboard, of those five three are not registered. THIS rifle has a number which is not registered, now stop winding me up and check the damn thing and tell me if it yours". Lia was starting to wish she had destroyed the Winchester when she found it, but her love of weapons had prevented that. And Gary's awkward streak wasn't helping her one damn bit, why did he do this to her?

"So you doubt my word? Is that it? I told you I'd never lie to you and I'm not lying now and I deeply resent your implication that I am. I registered my rifle when I came aboard. Why you don't have a record I don't know. Perhaps it was erased." His voice icy cold a direct opposite to Lia's fiery tone. He started to move past her then stopped. "I can tell if it's mind easily enough. My Winchester, which by the way you just said this rifle was my Winchester has a small heart with the initials CT + GT inside it. It's located on the base of the stock. Look and see if it's there and you'll have your answer."

Arrianna held her composure as her eyes darted to both as they argued and counter-argued. 'Fascinating, this is how human couples interact with each other.' She thought to herself.

Lia walked to the door of the lab, she then picked up two more rifle cases. Placing them on the desk she opened both and turned towards Gary, "All three weapons have your DNA on them, but only one is registered to you". She picked up one of the new weapons, "This Winchester has the little heart you speak of, and the number matches". She then picked up the other, "This does not have the heart, nor does the number match. BUT it has your DNA on it, plus a small cleaning kit with your name etched on the top". She replaced both back in their cases, she then picked up the mystery weapon. "This weapon also has your DNA on it, but unlike the other two this weapon is different". She placed the Winchester on the table it's barrel resting next to Gary's weapon, "Your rifle has a round barrel, as does the other with the cleaning case. But this weapon if you look, has a octagonal barrel etched with designs on it". She placed her hands on the desk and looked at all three weapons, "I have to destroy any weapon I can't link to member of this vessel's crew, so you see my problem. Only one of these weapons is registered to you, but all three have your DNA and have some kind of link to you". She lowered her head, "I need you to tell me if you may have brought these other two weapons on board? Perhaps with a mixture of grief and forgetfulness, you spread them throughout the ship as a memorial to your late wife". She knew she may hit a nerve, but she didn't want to destroy historical weapons that may hold personal memories for someone close to her.

Gary looked at her and at the three rifles in question. "Lia, only one of those rifles is mine. The one with the heart on it. I can't and I won't try to explain the other two and I'm certainly not going to lie about them. Why the hell would I need three Winchester rifles?" He shook his head, " See your problem?" He repeated, "Frankly no.Do what you have to do with the other two but I'll take mine and put it in my quarters. So if you need to destroy them then do so. The same with the cleaning kit. The cleaning kit I did leave here with my rifle. It's possible whomever owns these other rifles used my kit. Have you checked to see if either is Captain Andrews weapon?"

A shake of the head answered Gary's question, "Ok I'll take the other two and hold them for now, I'll get the Captain to check the numbers against Andrews. I wasn't aware he was into these kind of weapons, you two ever had a shoot out?"

A smile tugged at his mouth, "You do that Lia. As for having a shootout,no but being a Marine I would think he'd like all kinds of weapons especially some as old as these."

"Lieutenant, take these other two rifles to the main armoury, I'm sorry that two senior Officers have ignored you. We're not normally like that". She smiled as she spoke.

Gary turned as well to face Arri, "I apologize as well Lieutenant for my poor manners and conduct. As Lia says, we're usually better behaved than that." He turned back to face Lia, "I apologize to you as well Lia. I hope you can forgive me."

She moved forward and disregarding protocol kissed Gary's cheek, "I'm getting used to you, there's nothing to forgive. I think I gave as good as I got". Lia smiled once again.

"Use to me?" He bantered, "Well that'd better than saying growing on you like.....moss. "He smiled again, "Trust me you did." As he took her hand in his and squeezed it affectionately.

Arrianna responded. "No apology necessary. Observing your interactions has given me some insight into how humans bond. Which I intend to apply with Ian." She noted with a smirk. "I must admit, both of you are quite vivacious."

Gary gave a short nod of his head in acknowledgement of Arrianna's observation. "Most generous Lieutenant. Thank you."

Casting a sideways glance Lia responded, "Oh please don't use us as a normal couple, you could say we're more out there". She gave Gary a quick smile, "We sort of arrived here by accident, I don't think we planned anything".

Gary nodded in agreement. "It's been a hell of a journey so far and the best part is the journey isn't over yet."

Arri chuckled. "If my parents and family saw the way I carry on with Ian, they'd think I would have completely lost my mind. Alindari relationships, or courting as we call it, is as rational and affectionate as anything involving my people. We share our feelings and emotions at a telepathic level. In essence, both partners understand each other completely as we know both of our thoughts. We do everything the rational way, and after a great deal of thought."

"Sounds very intimate. " Gary offered.

"It's utterly boring. Not knowing what's going on in Ian's head is more interesting." Arri chuckled. "That way I can torture him better."

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - Arrival at the Rendezvous point

A Mission Post by Captain Phoenix Lalor & Lieutenant Arrianna Salannis an Vantar & Lieutenant Alfonse Stiegalle & Senior Chief Petty Officer Ken Waters

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: Bridge, Deck 18

Timeline: MD 3: Gamma Shift

IC

It was early in the GAMMA Shift when Phoenix, alerted by Avalon, entered the Bridge, where Arrianna was taking her turn at being in command of the Gamma Shift. She smiled and walked to the center well. "Lieutenant. I see we are arriving at the Rendezvous."

Arri spoke. "USS Starling in hailing range."

"Take us out of Warp Senior Chief" Phoenix's tone was neutral as she spoke.

Ken Waters barely stifled a sigh. Even though he had been put on the bridge shift he dared hoped would keep him as far away as possible from the ship's CO, he realized that they would still cross paths from time to time. He just hadn't prepared himself for it to be so soon. "Yes, sir. Dropping out of wrap."

Phoenix nodded "Ensign T'Saralonde, Scanners up please. Lieutenant Stiegalle, Are there any other ships in the vicinity?"

Alfonse did another scan before replying, "Apart from Federation vessels, no Captain. Board is showing green, we're alone so to speak".

"Thank you Lieutenant." Phoenix shot him a grateful smile. She knew that the Starling would be on time.

"Sir, the Starling is dropping from warp," The ensign at Ops called out. "Hailing us"

"On screen" Phoenix said with a smile. Her gaze was focused on the screen before her. The image cleared and a tall man appeared. He had thick brown hair and brown eyes and a grin spread when he saw Phoenix.

"Well, well, Pene!" He greeted her warmly. "A captain now! That's great."

"Aaron" Her tone was just as warm. "You are look well"

"As well as can be expected out here in this dismal quadrant." Captain Aaron Bren replied with a smile. "So they have the Elysium dropping off supplies now? Such a shame."

Phoenix rolled her eyes. "Oh Aaron," she laughed. "You are just a pit stop on our way further into the quadrant."

He frowned then. "Why on Earth are they sending you that deep? The Elysium is not for that!"

"Speak with the Admirals about that." She smiled. "We would appreciate any information you have deeper in the quadrant."

Aaron nodded "Sure anything for you Pene." He flashed a grin. "Still single?"

"Ah too many fish" she drawled. "How is Clara?"

"Started school last month." He replied. "We are beginning the information transfer now." he nodded off screen.

"My people will commence the Supply transfer as well" Phoenix looked towards Arri and nodded.

Aaron smiled and nodded. "How long do you think?"

"Won't take long. We have some personnel to swap over as well."

Nodding the other captain checked his chrono. "Then once we have that we will leave you to your 'exploration'" he drawled.

"And we will leave you to your babysitting of the Dominion." Phoenix replied with a smirk.

He winked at her "Maybe one day we can catch up for longer than five minutes."

"Love to Clara and Mari!" She said as the connection was severed. Then she turned to the bridge crew. "Once the supplies and crew are transferred, resume previous course."

Arri spoke. "it seems everyone wants your number, Captain." She grinned for a moment. "Supplies are transferring now."

Phoenix flashed a grin at Arri. "Seems so." She said impishly.

"Helm we seem to be drifting slightly, you might want to correct it". Alphonse noted.

Ken did not answer, his hands clenched into white-knuckled fists above his board. Don't make a scene. Do not make a scene. She will throw you off the ship. She will throw you right off the ship. Do *not* make a scene.

Phoenix studied the viewer of the Galaxy class they were now pretty much alongside. "We so do not want to hit that ship. Aaron will send me the bill for repairs if we did."

Ken's console flashed a proximity warning. Aaron is going to end up with a repair bill for his face if he doesn't back the fuck off, Ken thought. How quickly we move on, 'Pene'.

The audible alarm from his station was finally enough to snap him back to reality. Ken entered a course correction, but quickly realized that the ship's AI had already done the work for him, not trusting him to respond in time. Ken sucked in a slow breathe, the air doing nothing to cool the boiling hot rage burning in the pit of his stomach. Okay. Get off the bridge now, Phoenix. Go screw your brains out.

Phoenix moved towards the turbolift. "Lieutenant Salannis an Vantar, you have the bridge. I will be in my quarters should you need me."

Alfonse watched as the Captain departed, "Somehow this mission just seems to be a none event, anyone want to bet we're going to regret this somehow?" His comment wasn't aimed at anyone, but he was never one to keep quiet.

Arri spoke as she took the Con. "Lieutenant Stiegalle. That is not an appropriate conversation to make on the Bridge. If you want to make a comment, please do so in private." The Alindari woman noted. She felt the surface emotions coming from Chief Waters.

Turning towards Arri, Alfonse responded. "Not appropriate? We're playing delivery boy, and my comment is deemed inappropriate. Lieutenant with respect, we're sat in a star ship that can blow seven kinds of crap out of most planets. And yet here we are, doing an impression of a Pizza delivery man". Alfonse's Germanic nature found this kind of milk run a waste of time, supply ship's were built for this. Not vessels like the Elysium.

"Lieutenant, being in starfleet is not always glamourous. Sometimes we have to rendezvous with another ship, and deliver supplies. Helm, when the transfer is complete, resume our course." Arri stated.

Alfonse took a deep breath, "Point taken, but as we're supposed to be investigating the Gamma quadrant. How does this assist us in doing that? I fail to see any corolation". He knew he was on a loosing argument, but he just couldn't help himself.

Waters drummed his fingers on the side of his console as he waited for the all clear before moving on again. The moment the acknowledgment came through on his board, he set them back on course. Not losing a second. "Transfer complete. Taking us out."

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - Friendly chat

A Mission Post by Commander Liselle Qwyyn & Senior Chief Petty Officer Ken Waters & Miran Lalor

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: Flight Control Offices

Timeline: Current

IC

Miran didn't go home after school. Instead she walked into Liselle's office and seeing her friend alone closed the door and flung herself into a chair across from the trill. "Boys suck" she stated dropping her head back to stare at the ceiling.

Liselle turned off her monitor and pushed her screen away, gliding it off into a corner of her desk. Miran had been her very first friend aboard the Elysium, even before Phoenix, and the little girl -- the young woman -- held a very special in her heart. Qwyyn knew there would never come a time when she wouldn't drop everything for her. "Oh honey, you don't even know. Speaking as a boy, four times over, I absolutely agree with you. What happened?"

The teenager sighed. "A guy at school. He acts like I should be grateful for his attention and just date him because he says so. And he even thought it nice to throw in my race and gender! Another guy, new to school puched him out." She flashed a smile " But the teacher gave him detention! And the first guy came back to me and gloated!"

Qwyyn had to swallow her smile down to a wide grin. When she had first met Miran, boys had been the farthest thing from the young Erisian's mind. She leaned back in her chair, folding her arms over her waist. "So...which one are you interested in?"

Miran looked at Liselle in surprise. "Neither!" She protested. "Eric is slimy and I dont know the other boy, Triston "

"I see. Neither. Understood." Qwyyn rose up from her chair and walked to the screen that splayed out against the length of the rear wall. Tapping the tiny control panel at its side she pulled up crew manifest records for Triston and Eric, students enrolled alongside Miran Lalor. "Oh dear," Qwyyn said as she regarded their side-by-side photos. "This one is cute. Wow."

"Liselle!" Miran moaned and closed her eyes "Really?!?! They are too young for you!"

"Everyone's too young for me," she said with a smart smile. Flicking off the screen, the Trill went back to her desk, perching herself on one corner of its neatly polished surface. "Miran, you're a very pretty girl. Unfortunately that means you're going to have a lot of Erics in your future. A lot. Believe me. But calling out your race and gender, though?" Liselle whistled her surprise. "I'm surprised you didn't punch him out yourself."

"I didn't get a chance to," Miran replied. "According to the slime ball, it is typical of my race's females to need guidance and direction. I had a few words to say as well as a punch or two to throw at the idiot but Triston beat me to it." She scowled at the floor. "Why are males such idiots Liselle. Women in the federation do not need knights in white armor to to be told to stay at home where its safe." That last was said with a glare towards the door beyond which Miran was a certain Male senior chief was working.

Liselle followed the young woman's gaze. It wasn't hard to guess who she was eyeballing through the door. Qwyyn folded her hands into her lap. "It seems like there are still a lot of cultures out there in the galaxy that can't help but separate people into simple groups. On my world, we still have our fair share of outdated thinking. What's important is that you never let anyone tell you who you are." She blew out a sigh. "This may not make a lot of sense, but I think you have two boys who may end up killing each other over you. At this point, I think we can rule out Eric as a boy you like. But what about this other one? He sounds pretty great so far."

Miran sighed. "Triston Montgomery. He is new as I said. The word around the school is that his parents are fleeters and he was born and raised on starships. Made friends in his year group pretty quick. Hangs out with a group of 3-4 other guys his age. Nice guy. Doesn't seem to be a jerk. And was not talking to me because of any 'bet'." Miran had been burned by that one before.

"Excellent. I like him already," she said. "I know you don't need rescuing, Miran, you've proven that more times than I can remember." A smile crawled its away across Liselle's face. "But still, it must have been pretty exciting when he punched out that jerk."

Miran flushed slightly "It was nice to watch Eric fall flat on his back. Not so nice to hear him gloating how he got the new kid into detention for having the .. gall.. i think the word was.. to hit him. Eric thinks cause his father is in security, he rules the world. Hate to tell him, I know bigger fish."

"The biggest fish there is," Qwyyn agreed. "You've got a lot of people in your corner on this ship. I know you've got this under control, but always remember that you don't ever have to be afraid to rely on any one of us. For example: how great would it be if one of Eric's parents happened to work in Flight Control?" Despite the joke, she made a mental note to formally follow-up on that possibility. "Now, to the much more important question." Her smile belied the excitement she was projecting on Miran in her situation. "Do you think you might like Triston? Does he make you feel good? Any butterflies in your stomach?"

Miran shrugged but her cheeks were pink. "He made me smile. And he offered to walk me to class."

Liselle quietly applauded her own excitement but tapping her hands together. "Sorry, I'm just so -- ugh -- jealous! Believe me, this boy likes you. And he sounds like a keeper. I should be coming to YOU for advice. What's your secret?" she teased.

Miran was now bright red in the face. "Liselle!!!" She wailed. "I am 14...not looking for a guy...not a permanent one anyway..."

Qwyyn held up her hands, professing her apparent innocence. "You're right. 14 is much too early to get crazy ideas in your head. I know my host never pictured what her wedding would be like until she was...15? 16?"

"You need a life" Miran grinned at Liselle. "Pene said you and the chief engineer are close.. care to share???"

"If there's one thing we can always agree on it is that I need a life," she said, chuckling to herself. From the mouths of babes. Gods, she adored this kid. "Alright, enough teasing. The Chief Engineer..." She sighed. "I don't know, Miran. He seems pretty great. He puts up with my crazy little brain, he is unbelievably patient and understanding, and --" she almost told the young Erisian about how Matias had not pressured her as she dealt with her feelings for the XO. She wisely decided it was probably a bit too adult of a topic for her. "--and that's pretty much it. The only problem is that he kind of worships the ground I walk on. I mean...that's nice, I guess. But, at the same time, being on a pedestal all the time is...tiring. It can be just as hard as being picked on, believe it or not."

Miran nodded. "So...you are not together then? Is everyone breaking up?"

"Miran," Liselle said with a slow shake of her head. "I don't know what we are. We've been taking it a day at a time. Sometimes, that's the best thing you can do." She hesitated, realizing the full impact of Miran’s words. “You’re talking about your sister and Ken, aren’t you?”

Miran shrugged "I thought everything was going great between them and next thing I know, she is in her room crying and telling me to lock him out of the cabin access."

Qwyyn sighed. More overtime for Ken. Definitely. "I'm sorry you're getting caught up in all this. How are you doing with it?"

"I am ok with it." Miran shrugged. "Not such a big deal. Phoenix has always said she is better off alone. That way no one will get hurt if our father kills her."

"The two of you have had a really tough life." Qwyyn held up a hand. "That's not pity. It's just a fact," she explained. "But you'll have to keep an eye on that. Unusual backgrounds can make relationships difficult. For her and for you. Trust me, I'm a bit of an expert on this," she teased.

Miran nodded. "Phoenix seems to have blocked Ken from her mind. She put the earrings he gave her in a box and shoved it to the back of the closet. I don't see how that is coping."

The Trill's eyes fell. "No, I don't suppose that is," she admitted. A thought occurred to her then, and she rushed forward with her question before she had the opportunity to second guess herself. "Miran, you know your sister better than anyone in this universe. Do you -- do you think Ken was -- is -- was -- the right person for her? Is this breakup a mistake?"

"Maybe." Miran was honest. "I know she let him into the cabin and thats not normal. She never brought them home before."

Liselle was half wondering if she should butt her nose into this breakup, see if she couldn't fix this. She knew Phoenix would murder her if she tried. Still... "He made your sister happy, didn't he?"

"She did. I think she made him happy too. I lost count how many times I walked into the cabin to find them kissing and just hugging." the teen narrowed her gaze at Liselle. "She has banned me from talking about him in the cabin as well.. well kind of. Told me that she does not want to speak about it."

"Miran, I have a very strange idea. Do you think maybe you could talk to Ken? If I try to tell him what a mistake he's made, he'll think I'm just taking Phoenix's side. Which I am." Qwyyn regarded the young girl. "But I think he'll listen, really listen, if it comes from you."

Miran studied Liselle. "She told you why they broke up? All she told me was that he was being an Erisian Male about things and that was it. What did he do?"

"In a way it's not all that different than your boy trouble. He's got it in his head that Phoenix's job is 'too dangerous' and that he can't stand not being able to protect her. It's such an archaic attitude. Frankly, I think there are quite a few men on this ship that need to smarten the hell up."

"So basically he was being an Erisian male and wanting her to be a good little girl and stay home and raise babies. Oh I'll talk to him alright." the Teenager stood up.

"Wait," Qwyyn said, quickly standing up with her. "Don't murder him, okay?" she half-joked. "I think his heart, misguided as it was, was probably in the right place. He just doesn't realize how stupid he's being. I don't doubt that you'll be able to get through to him -- one way or another. You've got a gift for that."

The young Erisian female nodded. "Do you mind if I do it in public?"

Qwyyn's smile nearly reached her ears. "In fact, I insist."

An evil smile crossed Miran's lips. "Very well" And with that she turned on her heel and marched out into the Flight Control office proper. Spotting her target her smile grew even more evil and her eyes narrowed. Then tossing her head just like her sister she stalked over to Ken Waters where he sat at a console and whacked the back of his head with her hand.

With a howl of surprised pain, he reached behind him to cradle the back of his skull. "Prophets! What the hell -- Miran!?"

"Just seeing if anything gets through that thick skull of yours!" Miran snarled. "Because from where I am standing, I find it hard to believe you even passed your flight control exams let alone are able to figure out how to get dressed! And here I thought you were intelligent! I can see now I was wrong. Must be a gender thing.. or a race thing... Not really sure." She narrowed her gaze at him.

Ken jumped up from his seat, with hands raised he slowly backed away from her. "You've been talking to your sister, I see. Great. Commander Qwyyn! A moment please!"

The Trill did not emerge from her office.

"Qwyyn! Commander Qwyyn! Liselle!!" He turned his attention back to Miran, cracking an overly nervous smile at her. "Look. This whole thing with me and your sister is complicated, okay?"

"No Its not that complicated and Liselle is not going to save your sorry arse in this." The 14 year old had learned some very nice words since her arrival on the Elysium. "Its very simple. You think she needs to be protected? You are insane! You are crazy to think she would bow to your edicts. You obviously didn't love her because you obviously do not respect her and her abilities!" She began poking him in the chest with a well-manicured nail. "WOMEN in the federation are not fragile flowers! They can do anything they want! And they want men who respect their abilities and love all of them not just an image of them!"

Her words rang violently in his ears. His eyes softened. His voice quieted. "I do love your sister, Miran. Giving her up was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. It's killing me not to be with her. I miss both of you guys. A lot. But I don't know what else I'm supposed to do here. I can't just stand by and watch her nearly get herself killed, over and over again. I can't. I won't."

"And do you think it is easy for her to watch others do dangerous things? To be the one who orders those things? Hell Ken you know she didn't expect or want the center chair!"

He shook his head. "No, of course not. None of this is easy, Miran. But I can't change how I feel. I want to, but I can't snap my fingers and make it happen. Believe me, I've tried." He sighed. "She deserves better than what I am capable of giving her."

Miran glowered at him. "Then you are just another dumb male who does not get it. She loves you dumbarse! She brought you into our home! She trusted you with things that she has NEVER told anyone else! You are not worth my time you cannot get your head out of your arse!" So saying Miran turned and stalked for the door, calling out "Liselle! This moron is beyond help! Suggest you get a new pilot!"

Ken narrowed his eyes at the Erisian. "Yeah," he muttered to himself. "Clearly in love with me, but ready to flirt with the first starship captain that pops up on our viewscreen. She's better off. We both are."

And with that Ken walked off in the opposite direction.

=/\=

LTCMDR Sthilg 's Personal Log - Cheif medical officers personal log. After the party.

The following is a personal log from LTCMDR Sthilg .

Cheif medical officers personal log.

Well, another party over and done with. I musst have attended millionsss during my time in this galaxy from every culture, race and ssspecies that inhabit are sssmall corner of ssspace yet each one alwaysss dos feel ssspecial in it’s own sssmall way. I've returned to the medical bay to check on the current patientsss and preparationsss for the new arrival. I think the ssshift leader appreciates knowing i'm here in case of an emergency. Reading through the reports i am always fascinated how some of the crew on the ssship get into the situations we have to deal with every day. Cuts, fractures, burns and all the usual injures we see down here. You'd think they'd learn after the first time. Ssstill if they did we wouldn’t have much work down here.

Alssso according to one of the nursssesss sssomeone in engineering is ssspreading rumours that one of the sssurgical bays is haunted. This is hardly the first time I have heard such rumours.Why the ensignsss make up their rumoursss is a question I need to look into. Most likely it’s nothing more than sssomeone overhearing sssomething and is taking it way to far.

I'll have to sssqedual sssome time off in the future. I've been losing the feeling in my artificial arm again and i need sssomeone to take a look at it. I hope it’s nothing serious I can’t really afford to lose my one of my arms whilst it gets fixed. Everything is prepared for the new arrival now all we have to do is wait until they decide to join us. It’s been far to long since I helped a new lifeform enter the world. I hope this one goes sssmoothly and as easssily as othersss I have done.

The gorn paused from typing out his log as he opened a container with spare blood and blood plasma. Hopefully, it would be more than enough for the birth. Over his years in the galaxy he’d seen how messy and terrifying they could turn into. Maybe he should make sure one of the medical replicators was clear of any orders in case they needed any more. Closing the lid and replacing the container on the shelf he left the bay before closing the door. The faint light of the main medical bay meet his eyes as the five staff on night shift went about there tasks. He nodded to one as he headed back to his office. His old hands picked up the jar of freshly ground coffee as he started making himself a pot along with enough for the rest of the staff.

Only then did he realise his padd was still recording.

Well other than that nothing else to jot down. End long till the next time. He said in his fatherly voice just as the kettle he kept in his office reached the boil. Time to serve up a nice cup of coffee for everyone.

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - An interesting end to the Evening

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Jaeih t’Noramei-McKinley & Lieutenant Wynter

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: Various- Wynter's quarters

Timeline: MD2 23h00

Captain Lalor’s promotion party had been in full swing for several hours now with senior staff and academy instructors amongst others attending. When he had slipped into the party and taken a seat it took him nearly half an hour to get the woman whom was sitting at the table to speak, and she only had once he had gotten them both a bit of Saurian brandy. Now here he was slightly drunk leaning with the woman up against an out of the way bulkhead kissing her.

Jaeih wasn’t sure she cared if anyone really saw them. The alcohol was definitely doing its job. She had her arms around the man’s neck and their mouths were well melded together.

As the pair continued to kiss Wynter’s hand slid down her back slowly. After a few moments of making out he pulled back slowly. The alcohol was still affecting him as he took her hand and led her to a more secluded area.

She followed without a comment or complaint. She was aware that this was going to end up in a very interesting evening.

Once they reached the secluded area he was kissing her again, as his hands roamed her back.

Jaeih shifted against him. Her own hands were roaming his back tugging at his clothes..

Wynter hands slowly slid down to Jaeih’s rear, and although secluded it wasn’t like it would go further here. “my quarter's are down the hall.”

“Sounds like a very good plan” She whispered back, breathlessly. “Mine are about 3 decks away. Lead on.”

He grabbed her hand and half pulled half led her to his quarters. Once they had slipped into his quarter's his lips were once again on hers.

Jaeih moaned softly and shifted against him. The alcohol, the sensations, were firing her romulan side, a side she often kept hidden as she preferred her human side to be dominant.

Wynter growled and tugged her shirt up her back letting his hands roam her back as he went. His mouth moved to her neck where he nipped repeatedly.

Her knees buckled and she grasped at his shoulders to keep herself upright. Jaeih gasped as she was swamped with sensations... they seemed heightened.

----

The next morning Wynter awoke with a slight headache, and the subtle feeling of another person half laying across him. He remembered the events of the night before, but he was getting glimpses from a different perspective it was almost out of body. He sighed and pulled the woman closer as he closed his eyes.

Jaeih’s head hurt and when she was shifted she whimpered and clenched her eyes shut at the sensations.

Wynter hand moved on their own as they slid up Jaeih’s back slowly before coming to rest on the small of her back.

Her eyes fluttered open and her cheeks flushed green. “Uh.. hi” She had no idea what to do now.

His eyes opened as he looked into hers. “Good morning.” He said as his right hand slid further down her body. “Sleep well?”

“Yes.” she said softly “But feeling a bit hungover this morning. “

Wynter sighed. “I know the feeling.” Or did he as last night it appeared that something else had occurred thanks to the alcohol, could it be that this was the cause of the hangover and not the alcohol. He shifted slightly to look at the chrono beside his bed, before he flopped back down.

She followed his gaze and muttered a curse. “Ok... and I am going to be late for class.”

He wrapped an arm around her lazily and nipped her neck. “So why not skip it entirely?”

She moaned softly. “Are you going to miss your duty shift?” she asked as she slid her hands down his form.

He nipped her neck again a small smirk crossing his lips, as he let his hands wander. “One good thing about being the chief, is I can work from my quarter's, but I should probably stop in later, so we have plenty of time if you want.”

Jaeih considered it, oh she honestly did. To stay warm and wrapped up in this man.

He smiled and nipped her neck once more before he squeezed her rear playfully. “You sure you need to go?”

“Hmm my boss isn’t as nice as yours is.” she leaned over and kissed him gently. “It was a wonderful night, but I have to go ride herd on a few Operations Cadets in the Shuttle bay.” Slipping free of his grip, she sat on the edge of the bed and stretched. “And I need to get an aspirin or two before I start.” She added with a mutter.

He watched her slip from the bed with a groan. “I understand.” He sighed sitting up.

An hour later Wynter dat in his office just off the Intelligence blister as vivid images of the previous night flashed before him.

-shuttle bay 2- Operations class

Jaeih watched as her cadets went through their paces in the Shuttle bay. Their tasks were simple. Coordinate and categorize the items in order of importance to ship function and utility. Some had complained that it was for enlisted but Jaeih was of the opinion that you had to know where everything went and what it was used for to be a proper Ops officer.

And her mind wandered back to the night before. Where she had, she admitted, had wonderful, almost liberating sex.

At that moment the most vivid images of what had transpired the night before crossed Wynter’s mind and were transmitted across the link that unbeknownst to the two had been established the night before.

Jaeih went green and had to walk away as an image went through her mind. She stood by the doors and took a breath. She had to stop remembering the night before.

Wynter shook his head to clear it and got back to work. The previous night had been great, but he needed to focus.

OFF

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - New Arrival

A Mission Post by Captain Collin Styles & Captain Phoenix Lalor & Avalon

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: Elysium transporter room 1 and Captains ready room

Timeline: Just after the Starling leaves

The person awaiting Marine Captain Styles was not human. She was dressed in a uniform without rank. "Welcome to the Elysium Captain Styles. I am Avalon the Ships AI. Captain Lalor asked me to meet you and escort you to her ready room"

Captain Styles followed the AI out of the transporter room and towards the Turbolift. "You know, I've never served on board a ship with an actual AI, what exactly is your function."

"My function is to assist the captain and executive officer with the day to day functions on the vessel. I channel reports and can assist during combat by giving to the minute updates on my systems." Avalon replied. "The captain limits my functions of course but she has her reasons."

"That she does," he replied. There was what Styles felt to be an awkward silence the rest of the way to the bridge but then they arrived and was escorted to the Ready room. "Thank you, Avalon."

"You are welcome, Captain. And welcome to our ship" with that the AI vanished.

The ready room door opened and a voice said. "Captain Styles to see you, Captain"

"Thank you, Avalon. Please come in Captain" another voice called out.

Captain Lalor was sitting behind her desk when the Marine entered. But she stood up as he approached. And held out a hand to him. "Captain Styles, welcome to the Elysium."

Styles shook the captain's hand. "Thank you, captain," he said, "Captain Dodge wasn't too keen on letting me go."

Lalor smiled, "We are glad he let you go. We need a firm hand in our Marines, which has been missing since our last one had to leave before Christmas. Please have a seat." She waved him to a chair.

Styles sat down. "I would imagine so, It's been a while since I was in charge of just Marines. What exactly can I expect?"

"Well, they are pretty quiet... I think they may need a morale boost." she shifted through PADDS. "Ah, here it is. Your crew listing and cabin assignments." She held out the PADD she found.

He took the PADD, looked, and then nodded. "Thanks again, captain, permission to get settled in?" he asked

"Of course Captain. And if you have any issues, my door is always open." She smiled.

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - Older than the rest

A Mission Post by 1st Lieutenant Arcadia Eruption

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: USS Starling & USS Elysium

Timeline: MD2 - MD3 0700AM

It had taken less than a minute for the cadets boarding the USS Starling to realise the blonde haired woman in black was coming with them to the USS Elysium. For those sharing quarters with her,, they weren't quite sure whether to introduce themselves and try to make verbal contact, or to wait for the blonde in black, older than they were to say something. That was until a case was opened and a variety of crossbows and dart like objects and arrow shafts were visible. Then they decided not to say anything.

“If you're going to say something it might as well be now.” 1st LT Arcadia Eruption stated breaking the silence.

“We were going to introduce ourselves and hope you'd do the same.” One of them bravely answered.

“What you mean is you're curious.” Arcadia stated, as she closed the case and opened a crate, revealing a collection of neatly packed bladed weapons some they recognised some they didn't.

“Yes.” Another answered.

“Questions can get you killed. Are you sure you want to ask them.” It wasn't a question, and it hadn't been the answer they had expected. And it had silenced them for most of the journey, but now they were preparing to disembark the Starling and move to the Elysium they were trying again. And one of the things she hated the most was nosey parkers. “Do cadets wear non uniforms?” Arcadia asked.

“No.”

“How many cadets of my age do you know?”

“None.”

“How many cadets do you know cart around the variety of weaponry I have?”

“None that I know.”

“Then it's safe to say I'm not a cadet.” Arcadia stated swinging one duffle bag onto a grav lifter and adding the rest. While they'd spent the time on board the Starling relaxing and getting to know each other, she'd spent it going over her new assignment, the history of her new ship, the marine unit, her new boss, the ship's Captain, the ship itself, it's population, decks and there layouts, JT layouts, TL locations, not that she usually used them. Where her quarters, her office, the armory, marine holodecks and other marine areas were located. The location of the Ship's security centre, the quarters of the Command Staff. The quickest non TL routes to the Command Deck, Command Staff's quarters, engineering, security, medical, science, every transporter centre, along with escape pods, shuttle bays, ship's defenses and the list went on.

= = = USS ELYSIUM = = =

Letting the grav lifter follow behind her, she made her way to the nearest cargo TL and to the marine levels and her office. Seeing no sight of her boss Styles, she began to unload what would stay in her office, leaving what would go to her quarters on the grav lifter, and began to put up her shelves and load her weaponry and it's security measures, before sliding off her t-shirt and swapping the jade coloured protective vest for the more secure black one, followed by slipping into her torso harness and sliding one of her larger multi crossbows, armed with a assemblage of darts into the holster on her back, lock another holster onto each thigh, into the right one went a smaller folded multi crossbow with a collection of darts, some in the crossbow ready to be fired, others in the holster itself, into left holster went several blades. A holster on her left lower arm went another collection of darts and into the right arm holster went a combination of oval discs. Several blades went into the back of her trousers, and into her boots and two additional holsters filled with a combination of darts and oval discs filled both locked in place above her boots. Slipping more oval discs and darts into the two holsters which were part of the back harness, but these located under her breasts, on her stomach where the back harness clipped into place. All of her weaponry coloured black, fitting closely out of sight against her black clothing, except the more powerful crossbow on her back.

Still no sign of Styles, so she headed towards the Cdeck and the ship's Captain.

GYSGT John Stryker II's Personal Log - Headed Out

The following is a personal log from GYSGT John Stryker II.

Mission:

Location: Puller Complex, Alpha Centauri

Timeline: Final Day of Class 6703, 1540

The classroom was empty now, Class 6703 had departed, orders in hand. John Stryker busied himself cleaning up the classroom. He had enjoyed his time here instructing Marines. Yes, it was a desk type job, but so much different than that of the desk jockeys that shuffled PADDs for a living.

Each class would see him in the field, albeit simulated, against a virtual reality enemy which displayed all of that species wartime prowess. No two simulations had been the same, and although there was no real danger, there was real pain involved from being hit by an energy bolt. That cost points, not lives, allowing his students to enhance their previous training. Class 6703 had done extremely well over the course of the six weeks that he had them.

However, looking at it realistically these students had come from units that they would be returning to. Still, others would be headed to more training either there or another facility. Few would be going to new duty stations.

“Stryker.” The booming voice of Command Sergeant Major McKecney brought John back from his thoughts.

“Sergeant Major?” Came the immediate response.

“You got orders. Can’t say it’s a hot spot, or that you’ll be headed to one.” McKecney handed the PADD to John. “Been good to have you on board..” He stated, offering his hand. “USS Elysium has a need, you get to fill it . . . Gunny.”

"Gunny? Promoted and booted all on the same day?" Stryker mused. "Gunnery Sergeant. Well, took long enough. Stryker responded to the news.

“Hell John, you know the Corps. Time in grade could be next to forever.” McKeckney stated with a smirk.

“Thanks Mac. Who knows, maybe I’ll get back this way.” Came the reply as the two shook hands.

“As long as I’m here, you’ve got a place. Best get your gear, the shuttle leaves in an hour. Fair winds and following seas, Stryker. ” The Sergeant Major advised as he turned and headed out.

1635 Shuttle Pad

Intrepid Aeroshuttle “

The hatch opened and Stryker, gear in hand, mounted the ramp and stepped inside. The pilot stood, leaning against the hatch frame. “Had to see if it was you. The same John Stryker. Shuttled you before, ‘89 it was. The Romy-Klingon fiasco. Yah, remember it well. You had to catch up with the 45th. Yep, what a disaster that was. Gregson, Art Gregson.” The pilot explained and at the same time, introduced himself. “Well, next stop, the Elysium. Oh, from what I heard, good berth. So strap ‘er in, here we go.” He entered the flight control area and dropped into the pilots seat then ignited the shuttles engines.

John took a seat, being the only one on board, he had his choice. Eighty-nine, seemed like a life time away, as he slumped in the seat. Almost had a shooting war on that trip, almost. The craft lifted off and John Stryker leaned back determined to catch a nap.

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - Surprise Find

A Mission Post by Captain Phoenix Lalor & Avalon & Commander Liselle Qwyyn & Commander Gary Taylor & Commander Aurelia Holmes & Lieutenant Commander Matias Grronkil & Lieutenant Arrianna Salannis an Vantar & Lieutenant Wynter & Lieutenant Ian Murphy & Lieutenant Alfonse Stiegalle

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: Elysium Bridge, Various

Timeline: MD5: 09:30

IC

2 days past their Rendezvous with the Starling, Phoenix sat on the bridge as the Elysium dropped out of warp to commence Scans of the area.

Phoenix sighed as her crew seemed to relax in their seats. "Mr Murphy, Commence your scans please."

Murphy punched through the command sequence to initiate the sensor sweep. "Aye, Captain, Scans underway." He said, columns of data beginning to crawl up several of the panels of his console and resolving into images as the computer digested what it was reading. "Um... Captain, I'm picking up signs of debris a few light years away. Metallurgical composition is consistent with hull materials from a Starfleet vessel... Hold on, gonna tight-beam it. Confirmed. No way to identify what it's from at this distance, but it is Starfleet or Federation-origin."

From the XO's chair, Gary looked at Phoenix, "There aren't any records of any Starfleet vessel being this far out." He said bluntly. "Investigate?" he suggested/questioned.

"Fascinating," Arri exclaimed. When she said that, any CO or XO would perk up.

Lia listened with half an ear as she carried out long range scans, so far her board was clear.

"Please elaborate Lieutenant." Gary prodded.

Phoenix nodded looked towards Arri.

"I'm picking up localized temporal distortions, as well as trace metaphasic radiation. Whatever has crashed here, or will crash here, was temporally displaced."

"Can you identify any of the metals or compounds in the composition of ships construction Mr. Murphy. That might help narrow the search of at least what era the ship is." Gary suggested.

"Yeah... Yes, sir." Murphy replied. "Duranium and tritanium, small amounts of tetraburnium... Ok, this is weird. There are weird... Anomalous resonance signatures. Most of them are standard alpha quadrant trace resonance signatures, but... Hold on. Is engineering doing anything with the main deflector dish right now?"

Matias looked up and shook his head.

Gary exchanged another look with Phoenix, "No. They are not. There aren't any tests or repairs scheduled for it."

"I'm reading trace resonance signatures from outside our own galaxy." Murphy said "Different radiation levels, stratified in ways that don't correspond to this galaxy's scalar field. Minute signatures, but they're there. Recommend we examine the debris field."

"Commander Qwyyn take us into the debris field. Slowly. Scanners at full. Commander Taylor, get our Fighters prepped just in case." She had a bad feeling about this.

"Slow as she goes," Liselle confirmed.

From outside the galaxy? Just where was this ship? Matias' ears perked up.

"HELM ALL STOP!!! NOW!!!" Arri stated, in one of the few times she ever raised her voice.

Gary was already in the process of contacting shuttle bay and getting the fighters prepped for a possible recon patrol but stopped as Arri shouted for the helm to come to an all stop.

Ordinally, Liselle would need to hear the order repeated by either Gary or Phoenix before she would comply, but the sheer ferocity of Arri's warning had the Trill's fingers moving before she could think to stop them from dancing across her board.

"I've picked up a temporal causality loop." Arri mentioned.

Gary turned and fixed her with a stare, "A temporal causality loop?" He repeated, "Are you sure Arri?"

On hearing the phrase "Temporal causality loop", Lia now changed her scanning frequency. "I'm picking up some chronoton radiation, but it's only background. Nothing to suggest major time distortions, do you think it's worth recovering a piece of debris for a closer examination?" She had heard of these things but had never come in contact with them, "I've located some debris with markings on it, shall I beam to a cargo bay?"

"Not quite a loop." Murphy spoke up. "The dispersal and "spin"of the chroniton particles indicates that something large was displaced in time, and the way they're arranging themselves suggests that they're reacting to a loop that is preparing to close itself. Suggest we back way off and send a probe to read those markings."

"Do it. Mr. Murphy. Lets find out for sure what we're dealing with. After all, fools rush in where angels fear to tread." Gary ordered.

Murphy entered a quick set of directives into the computer, and then initiated the launch of the probe with a soft trilling noise. "Probe away, sir."

"Commander Taylor, do I transport this debris into a cargo bay? Or do I just forget the whole thing?" Lia was getting frustrated at being ignored, nobody seemed to be listening to her.

Phoenix was. "Commander Holmes, beam two or three of the largest pieces into Cargo bay 2. Have security and science set up a secure area around it."

Setting the transporter co-ords, Lia got three large pieces with markings on them and placed them into cargo bay 2. She them contacted Stiegalle , =^="Lieutenant, get three squads to cargo bay 2. No one gets in without permission, I'll give more details as I get them".=^=

Alfonse heard Lia's message,=^= "Got that Commander, I'll take charge of the area myself"=^=. He then gave out the orders to the squads concerned, he then left for cargo bay 2.

Then Phoenix turned to the front of the bridge. "Full stop Liselle. Mr Murphy, i want all data from our scanners and that probe analyzed asap. Set up a lab near cargo bay 2. No one in or out without my or the XO's permission."

Not wanting to point out how deftly Arri had screwed her into action, Liselle merely reported. "She's at full stop, sir."

"Aye, Captain. Already prepped a level 10 containment field in the cargo bay. Getting my department on the move."

"Commander Taylor, get our birds in the air. Lieutenant an Vantar assist science with boosting the scanners. Commander Grronkil you too. I want medical to get us as many decontamination suits as they can. No one goes in there without them. Lieutenant Wynter, dig up records of missing starfleet vessels. Go back to the beginning of the fleet if you have to. We may have stellar drift from battles that sort of thing."

"Aye Captain." Gary replied as he moved to his station and made the necessary call to the fighter pilots to launch and set up for now a defensive perimeter around the Elysium.

=^="Holmes to Stiegalle, no one without clearance from either the Captain or the XO is allowed inside that cargo bay. Respond please".=^=

Entering the turbo lift Alfonse replied, =^="Roger that Commander, no one in or out without Captains or XO's permission. This should be fun, Stiegalle out"=^=.

The intelligence blister had already been busy working on the task in that way that makes one think , that absolutely nothing is happening. While the team worked Wynter was patched into the security feeds of the cargo bay. "Captain two things one I have the list you requested, transmitting that now. Secondly I think you're going to want to take a look at the debris that we beamed aboard. It will most probably answer some of your questions."

Phoenix looked at her screen. "Thank you lieutenant."

Arri nodded and began to work on the scanning.

Her orders given Phoenix stared at the viewer. "Avalon. Holographic form. Show me how big is the debris field."

In the center of the bridge between the command well and the two forward stations appeared a holographic image. It was vast but Phoenix assumed it was due to stellar drift. A voice came from around them " it is fairly big as you can see Captain."

Lia was surprised by the size, "Captain, could this be a Star Fleet black op's?" She couldn't see how it could be anything but a back op gone wrong.

"Its possible. One never knows what black ops does." Phoenix replied.

Gary was silent, prefering to keep his own counsel on the subject as Lia and Phoenix wondered if this was a black ops operation gone wrong.

She turned to science. "Get your team to extend the scans out to 50 light years. I want to know if there is anything else out there."

"Aye, Captain." Murphy said, extending the scans as requested.

"Commander Holmes, Commander Taylor, Lieutenant Murphy, Lieutenant Wynter and Lt. Commander Grronkil you are with me. We have a date in cargo bay 2. Commander Qwyyn, the chair is yours." She flashed a grin at the trill as she turned for the turbolift.

Gary slid fluidily out of his chair and headed for the nearest lift, reaching it, he turned and waited for the others to join him. "No joyriding, no scratching of the paint Liselle." He bantered.

Murphy, who was already furiously pounding his fingers into his console, responded, "Aye, Captain." He pulled a PADD out from a niche under the Science console, using it to echo the feed from his station before rising to join the Phoenix and Gary in the turbolift.

Matias got up from his station and followed the Captain and XO. He was curious as to what this was.

Moving up to the door, Lia waited as the Captain passed her by. She then tagged herself on to the end of the little train of people heading for cargo bay 2, "Gary stop annoying the staff". She said in answer to his comment to Liselle, she then looked and smiled at the Trill.

Gary looked between Lia and Liselle, smirking at the comment. "I'm not annoying, I'm advising them." He countered.

"Says you" Muttered the CO as she entered the lift with the rest. Once all were inside, she ordered it to the requisite deck.

Gary sighed, shook his head and muttered half seriously, "No respect. Can't get any respect."

"We respect you Gary, honest we do", replied Lia as giggled.

"And if they don't, you can always call for a surprise mandatory physical fitness evaluation." Ian added, studying the ceiling of the turbolift innocently.

=/\=

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - Baby Shower

A Mission Post by Captain Phoenix Lalor & Lieutenant Jaeih t’Noramei-McKinley & Miran Lalor & Commander Liselle Qwyyn & Commander Aurelia Holmes & Lieutenant Commander Tate Sullivan Ph.D. & Lieutenant Arrianna Salannis an Vantar & Ensign River Waters & Chief Petty Officer Feyth Railli

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: Ballroom, deck 16

Timeline: MD2 1500

[ Ballroom ]

It had not taken long. Phoenix had a very able lieutenant in her younger sister, who was more than willing to run around the ship, handing out the hand written invitations to certain crew, inviting them along to celebrate the pending birth of Chief Petty Officer Feyth's baby. Gender Non specific.

And despite Phoenix having already given the gift to Feyth, she wanted to do more.

Now baby Showers were not the Erisian way. In fact, the Erisians, were more apt to celebrate the Birthday of a child/adult then the pending birth. Gifts were given, often useful and sometimes frivolous gifts but never a party. But during her time among humans, Phoenix had been to several over the years, so knew the basic run down on them.

She had booked out the ballroom, had a ton of comfortable furniture brought in. A long table for the buffet meal, Miran had picked out (no bad foods for baby or mama allowed) and the couches and chairs were all arranged in small groups around the room. The lighting was on half strength to lend to the relaxing environment, and after a long search, Phoenix had found some relaxing music to have playing in the background.

She was also relying on Liselle to bring Feyth in after she had everyone else here and ready to go. The stage was set. Time to get this afternoon party on the road.

A com panel beeped, Arrianna waited outside with a hover carrier containing a what appeared to be a wrapped painting.

Miran opened the door."Hi come on in!" She said brightly to Arri.

"Greetings." Arri mentioned. She directed the hovercarrier inside. "While I do not understand this 'baby-shower.' other than the fact this is a human gift-giving custom. I did select an appropriate gift for the occasion."

[ Flight Control ]

"Just what do you think you're doing?" Liselle asked pointedly, her fists planted dramatically on her hips.

Feyth Railli looked up from her PaDD, her expression plainly confused. "Watching the desk," she said. "You...did tell me to watch the desk, didn't you?"

Qwyyn sighed. "Feyth, I know you're going through a lot right now, but I'm counting on you to stay focused. We were going to start allocating shuttle duties to the cadets? Deck 16. Remember?"

Feyth blinked. "N-no...I don't remember you mentioning that..."

"Of course you don't. Don't worry about it. It's fine. We'll just be a little late. Come on."

"C-Commander Qwyyn, I'm so sorry, I honestly don't remember --"

"Feyth. It's fine. I'm not mad. We'll fix it. Somehow. For now, let's just go. Hurry. Please. While we can still manage to maintain some level of professional decorum with the cadets."

[ Deck 16 ]

As the turbolift doors hissed opened Qwyyn's voice projected into the ballroom, "Feyth, I'm positive that this is briefing room A."

"Commander!" the pregnant Bajoran protested, her voice growing angry, "It says Ballroom on the door!"

Phoenix laughed softly. She opened the doors on the arguing pair. "Hello you two. Come in."

Immediately upon seeing the ship's Captain, Feyth began looking about the room in quick starts. "What? What is this?"

Liselle touched the Bajoran's arm affectionately, all pretense of a late meeting gone now. "It was all Phoenix's idea. Surprise!"

Phoenix waved them inside. "Baby Shower. Human tradition. But some traditions are great to have."

Feyth immediately burst into tears. She waved her fingers over her face, fanning her eyes in vain attempt to dry them away from any further crying. "I'm sorry," she said, embarrassed. "Hormones. This is all so -- so touching. I can't believe you did this." She turned about on the spot, seemingly only now noticing all of the people that had gathered for her. "All of you!"

Sticking her head through the door, Lia glanced round. "Ah chief, may I join you?"

The Bajoran woman reached out her arms to her. "Of course! Come in! Come in!"

Liselle took a step back, careful to retreat away from any more hugs. She enjoyed them as much as the next person, but Feyth had given her her fill these last couple of weeks.

The overpowering welcome took Lia by surprise, "Um, I didn't know the sex of your little bundle. So I've played safe and brought some booties and lemon yellow blanket. Is that ok?" She looked towards Liselle, and smiled.

"Oh! You didn't have to -- " Feyth went in for another hug. "Thank you, sir! Thank you!"

Liselle returned Lia's smile over the Bajoran's shoulder. Truth be told, the smile she wore made her feel rather ashamed of herself. Though nothing had ever happened with her and Gary, the XO himself making it quite clear that nothing ever would, she felt as though she had been going behind Lia's back. How had Qwyyn allowed herself to become that kind of woman? She vowed that she would apologize to her at the next opportunity. This wasn't the time or place, but she knew she didn't need to rush it. She had plenty of time to set things right with her.

Phoenix made sure everyone had a drink and access to the food as the party began.

As she moved away from the Bajoran's hug-a-thon, Lia made a bee line for Liselle. "Liselle, are we ok?" Somehow Lia felt she had to talk about Gary to Liselle, but how do you open that kind of private talk?

Qwyyn's initial reaction was shock, though only because she herself had just been wondering how to broach the subject. Her eyes fell to the floor, like a child scolded. She couldn't help it. This whole situation -- it had gotten out of control. "We're okay," she said, nodding. Looking up at Lia, she nodded again. "We're definitely okay. But we should talk later, okay?"

Liselle's reaction made Lia stop and wonder, "Yeah, fine. Later, you just let me know when. Mistletoe can cause all kinds of problems you know, it's the berries". She hoped Liselle would understand the cryptic message, and that she knew and understood.

Qwyyn swallowed. Her eyes darted to either side, nervous for who had overheard her. "Right. The berries..." she said, feeling her skin grow cold. "I -- I should -- I should -- go help...with...look, nothing happened okay? It was just an innocent kiss. And only once. That was it. It's tradition. It didn't mean anything. You don't have to worry so much."

Smiling Lia shook her head, "Liselle, I'm not worried. I just want us to be friends, Gary already told me what happened. Chill girl, we'll talk later ok?"

"Okay. Right. Later."

The Trill wasted no time in leaving Lia and mixing herself into the crowd. Her cheeks felt like they were positively burning red hot with embarrassment.

Lia stood watching Liselle disappear, her actions made Lia think hard. Was Gary hiding something? Or was Liselle not being open and honest with both of them?

Arri presented the wrapped painting. "This is something I got out of storage. I purchased this on earth from an artist who painted large ocean-going mammals and their offspring." The painting was of a killer whale and it's young in the sea. "I thought it appropriate for your 'baby-room.'"

While Arri held the painting, Feyth pulled the wrapping free. As soon as she saw the face of the painting she began to tear up once again. She threw her arms around her, the Alindari woman forced into an awkward posture to maintain her grip on the painting. "I love it. I absolutely love it!"

"Careful, Feyth. It's an original as well. One of a kind, and it cannot be replaced." Arri noted as she steadied the painting. It's workmanship was exquisite. "The Alindari have very specific gift customs, and It had to meet my standards of quality." She smiled lightly. "Congratulations, Chief."

The Bajoran kept her arms at her side now, desperately resisting the urge to hug Arri once more. "It's perfect. Thank you so much."

Now it was Tate Sullivan's turn to offer her gift, this time in a simple blue and pink gift bag. Inside, was a stuffed teddy bear with a button that when pressed, offered the sound of a mother's heart beat as heard inside her womb. "I know it's not the flashiest of gifts especially in this day and age of holograms and other advanced technology, but I've read that with all of that these days, babies can get overstimulated and sometimes it's best to give them something familiar for comfort. That's what I've read, anyway," she added with a smile. Sullivan was quite happy to be part of this moment as Feyth deserved it after all she had been through. Things were still complicated, of course, and the counselor still had a lot of talking to do to all parties involved, but for right now, it was most important to celebrate and to help the mother to be feel a little less alone.

Feyth took the bear into her hands and she stared at it, clutching it tightly and saying nothing for the longest time. Finally, her lower lip began to tremble.

"Uh oh!" someone said from behind her. "Here she goes again!"

And in that very moment Feyth threw herself into Tate's arms. Officially her one-millionth hug that evening by most attendee's count.

The doors to the ballroom opened again and closed as a new figure slipped his way into the celebration. Coming to stand behind Feyth, River Waters looked at Counselor Sullivan over the Bajoran's shoulder. The uncertain look in his eyes asked the Counselor if his being here was a bad idea. But he closed his eyes suddenly, deciding now that he didn't want Tate to give him the excuse to chicken out.

Turning about, he held out a small wrapped box in offering to Feyth. "It's nothing," he assured her in a small voice. "Open it later, okay? I -- I'm --" he breathed a heavy sigh. "I shouldn't be here. I'm sorry."

And with that he spun on his heel and walked back out from the hall, leaving Feyth holding his gift.

The Bajoran didn't watch him go, instead she handed River's gift to Tate. "I don't want this," she said flatly. "Do whatever you want with it. I'm not in the mood to deal with this right now. I'm going to enjoy myself tonight. Besides, who knows when I'll get another chance like this to be the center of attention."

Left holding River's gift, Tate suddenly didn't know whom she felt saddest for, and for a long moment, she stood there, awash in her own mixed emotions.

OFF

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - "Well lookie Lookie... what do we have here"

A Mission Post by Captain Phoenix Lalor & Commander Gary Taylor & Commander Aurelia Holmes & Lieutenant Commander Matias Grronkil & Lieutenant Wynter & Lieutenant Ian Murphy & Lieutenant Alfonse Stiegalle

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: Cargo Bay 2

Timeline: MD5: 10h00

Phoenix moved with the group of senior officers down the hallway to the doors of Cargo Bay 2, where the reliable Lieutenant Stiegalle stood with a contingent of Ship Security.

"Lieutenant" Phoenix greeted him.

Alfonse saw the group arrive, "Captain, good day Ma'am".

Glancing at her team. "Let us in Lieutenant, and please accompany us"

Turning to one of his men Alfonse spoke, "Cooper, take charge out here. No one gets in, got it?" Cooper nodded as an answer. He then opened the doors to cargo bay 2, "Please enter Captain".

Murphy conferred briefly with one of the science officers who were setting up the lab next to the cargo bay, and was handed a tricorder, which he stuffed into one of his pockets for the time being. His station back on the bridge was analyzing the movements of the debris in the debris field, using speed of motion, trajectory and the like to determine where the "incident" took place and calculating the force necessary to spread the debris so far and wide, and his PADD was showing simulations that the computer was generating, but without more concrete information on the ship involved, it was merely computerized speculation at this point. "Ready when you are, Captain."

Lia watch as her 2i/c did his job, she also noted how tight Stiegalle had secured the cargo bay. She was impressed, oO That boy is bucking for promotion Oo she thought.

Phoenix led the way into the cargo bay. She waved her team ahead of her. "Lets get started." She said pulling her own tricorder from her belt.

Walking over to the largest bit of debris, Lia just stood looking at it. One word came to mind, BIG. What ever happened to this ship wasn't pretty, glancing at the other almost equally large pieces she wondered if there had been survivors. "Captain, what about survivors? I mean could there be any?" She ran her tricorder over the metal, it came up Federation. That took her aback, the markings on the piece were indistinct. Burning had made it impossible to read, but if this was a black op's ship there might not be any mention in the data base.

"There weren't any detectable." Ian answered. "Judging by the projected size of the ship based on hull thickness, I'd say the debris field was less than fifteen percent of the ship give or take five percent." He said, looking at his PADD. "We'd have a better chance of finding survivors with the rest of the ship." If anyone survived the tremendous impact the ship sustained. "There are traces of remains among the debris." he added apologetically. "Should we beam some aboard and run a scan against the fleet's DNA database?" It was a morbid question to ask, but a necessary one.

Looking at Murphy, Lia shook her head. "That sounds disgusting, but unfortunately it's about all we can do". She shivered at the thought, disturbing the dead wasn't her idea of fun and memories of the past came flooding back.

Gary kept silent as the others talked he was busy looking at the debris, running his tricorder over it. Finally after several moments he spoke. "Whatever happened, they weren't attacked. There aren't any signs of weapon fire."

Matias looked over the debris and ran his tricorder over it, then sniffed the debris. Something wasn't right, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

Phoenix moved further into the bay towards the largest piece of wreckage. She studied it. "Standard Hull color" she said calmly even as her stomach twisted like she had eaten something horrible.

Wynter scanned the hull as he wandered about the debris tricorder in hand. He continued on muttering to himself something about explosive decompression, when he stopped. "Captain, you're going to want to see this." He called out as he stood at the far end of the hangar bay.

With a look over her shoulder at the others, Phoenix walked over to the chief of Intelligence and stared at what he was looking at. There in big bold black lettering was

NCC 89000

Phoenix's hands clenched. Only one ship, had that registry. And they were standing in its second cargo bay.

Murphy picked his way over to where Wynter and Phoenix were, and followed their eyes to the markings they'd discovered. His own eyes widened a little, and he shoved his PADD under his arm so he could scan the debris.

Lia had followed the Captain over to Wynter's position, when she saw the number on the debris her world suddenly went very cold. "How the hell can our ships number be on that thing?", she spoke to no one person but to all in the cargo bay.

Matias came over to where the others were and stopped short when he saw the number on the debris. His eyes got wide and he felt like he was walking on his own grave. "How can this be?" he said.

Phoenix didn't know but she couldn't stop herself from closing her eyes in remembered pain. "It... could be debris ... from when we were transported to the Andromeda galaxy but highly doubtful." She said before opening her eyes. "We lost a fair amount of hull platting that time..' people as well but she didn't say that. " we were in the Beta quad when it happened..." her voice shook and then she strode away from the wreckage.

"No." Murphy replied. "That section of hull-plating is... Its quantum signature is identical to a section of the hull currently on this ship. It is wreckage from this ship." He said, feeling like he was standing on his own grave as he said it. "Some of the wreckage in here have scalar resonance traces from the Andromeda galaxy, which would indicate they were made from materials mined or otherwise sourced in that galaxy. And if we didn't have a containment field up, I'm sure we'd have some sort of temporal paradox rip its way through the ship." And, quite perversely, Murphy was tempted to misappropriate some of the metal and forge it into a sword.

Gary walked over and looked down at the debris then at the others. "So this debris is from our ship. So in one possible timeline this ship suffers a major disaster but that doesn't have to be." He looked at Murphy, "Can you run an analysis of this wreckage and determine what happened?"

"Based on the deformation of the metal, I'd say it's most likely a high speed impact with something massive." Murphy responded, tapping buttons on his tricorder. "Something big enough and fast enough to tear through the ship like a wet paper bag. But, even if something like that was bearing down on us we'd get warnings about it in time to avoid it... Unless sensors don't automatically register it. Like a dark matter asteroid or something."

"Well instead of remaining here and getting hit by whatever it was, how about we move the bloody ship out of the way!! I mean 20,000 metres to the rear should do it, right?" To Lia it was a practical solution, stay here and possibly get hit, move back and whatever it is should miss you. Also it would give the sensors a fighting chance of recording the thing, "A dark matter asteroid wouldn't be attracted to us would it?" Lia thought she'd better ask, depending on the answer a larger move might be in the pipeline.

Gary smiled at her, "While I appreciate your idea Lia, I have to point out, we don't know for certain what happened, or what direction, angle the impact came from. Moving to the rear could put us in the path of whatever we encountered and thereby we hasten the destruction of the ship." He pointed out. "I feel a more practical solution is to reroute main power to the sensors for optimum range and see if they reveal anything." he looked over to Phoenix, "I would also keep the fighters on standby until we learn more of what we're dealing with."

Taking a deep breath Lia shook her head, "Anybody got a bloody hard hat? Because if we stay here, I got a feeling I'm gonna need one". Smiling she looked over at Gary, "Hey flyboy, instead of looking at our possible last remains. Why don't you get your behind into a fighter, and go look for whatever clobbered us. Who knows, you might even find it". She blew him a kiss, "We respect you Gary, really we do".

"A good idea. With your permission captain, I can launch a recon fighter and see if I can spot anything before it clobbers us." The last said with a smile at Lia. He gave her a wink, "Sure you do." he teased, "Send me out to get clobbered first."

"Permission granted commander." Phoenix replied as her gaze focused elsewhere.

With mock girlish coyness Lia looked at Gary, "My knight in shining armour, be still my fluttering heart". She started to giggle, "You'll just scare it away you hero you". Walking over to Gary she gave him a hug, "What ever happens, don't you dare do anything stupid. Or you'll catch it when you get back". A quick kiss to the cheek and Lia let Gary go.

Gary smiled warmly at Lia, "That's me and don't you forget it." As he hugged her back. "Sage advice Lia, don't do anything stupid. That's my new motto." He bantered as Lia kissed him.

Rolling her eyes Phoenix turned to the rest. "Once the cAP is out I am going to order the Elysium to go ahead at 1/4 impulse. Your teams will have full permission to beam more debris in and examine it. But caution is key gentlemen. Commander Holmes' team will be in charge of security and NOTHING is to leave this cargo bay."

"I strongly suggest we raise the shields once the fighter is away, and proceed with shields up until we've figured out why that debris is out there and where the rest of the other Elysium is." Murphy said. Temporal Paradoxes were always a game of Russian roulette. You always ended up second-guessing yourself and everything you did. "I also suggest we adjust frequency to counter the chroniton particles we scanned and protect us from any paradoxes that might arise."

"Make it so." Phoneix said softly.

Alfonse just stood looking on as everything happened, oO This lot are in charge? Alfie old son, what have we gotten into Oo he thought. On hearing that Lia was in charge of security he moved forwards, "Commander, I'll remain here with my three squads. Nothing will leave or get in without the Captains permission, unless you have another plan?"

Lia simply nodded in reply, "Carry on Lieutenant, this graveyard is now under your authority". She looked at Phoenix, "Does that meet with your approval? or do you want extra security added Captain?"

Phoenix looked at Lia. "I trust your judgement Commander. Extra is always best."

Smiling Lia turned to Alfonse, "Lieutenant, get another squad down here on the double. I want this bay water tight, ok?"

Alfonse looked around and then replied, "Roger that Commander, by the time I'm finished not even an atom will get in or out".

=/\=

Flying Lessons

A Mission Post by Commander Gary Taylor & Lieutenant Arrianna Salannis an Vantar

Mission: Episode 0: History Speaks

Location: Holodeck 1

Timeline:

Arrianna continued to fly the fighter on training mode, listening intently to the instruction program. The holodeck was running a Starfleet Academy Combat Pilot instruction program. 'Pilot Trainee. In fifty seconds, roll fourty-five degrees and bank right.'

Arri executed the turn.

"Lieutenant. You need to make your turns tighter, crisper. That was lazy." Gary's voice sounded over the com. "If you were in combat you'd be dead." He observed.

"Noted." Arri began the same turn again. This time with some improvement. She heard the computer grade her this time. "Twenty-five percent improvement in reaction time than previous training session. Situational awareness needs to be improved in Pilot Candidate."

Gary watched Arri pilot her fighter. She had all the makings to be an excellent pilot except she was stiff in flying. Mechanical might be a better word. "Lieutenant" He spoke again, "That was better put if I may offer a word of advice. You need to 'loosen' up. Relax, your flying a fighter, thinking what you want it to do is almost enough for it to do it."

Arri responded. "I'm trying to get use to the inertia this fighter is putting on me. It's difficult to focus with so much g-force."

"Noted." Gary replied. "However as I mentioned before it's a fighter and not a shuttle a completely different breed of animal."

"I'll need to improve my physical regiment so I can handle the g-force." She began to try again, but this time it was different. She began to compensate the turns smoothly as not to put too much pressure on her body.

"We'll work out a training program later." Gary replied, "However for now I want you to get used to the subtleties of the fighter. Just a nudge is enough to get it to turn. This isn't a shuttle your wrestling with."

"Like painting.. Let me try this again with a more artistic stance." She started the manuvering program again. This time her movements were graceful and calculated. No hard, blunt manuvers that would put too much force on her body, but she compensated for the laws of physics more. It was in some way, beautiful.

"Excellent analogy." Gary replied. "Let everything flow from one motion into another, make your movements continuous. Not a bunch of separate chopped up ones. You'll find doing that take less effort on your part as well."

Arri took more manuvers now. She was becoming an artist at flight. skilled, with her people's ability to learn quickly. And also her elegance.

Gary smiled with approval as Arri became more and more at ease and confident in her abilities to pilot the fighter. She had all the makings of becoming an excellent pilot. All she needed was time and experience.

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - The time has come

A Mission Post by Commander Liselle Qwyyn & Commander Aurelia Holmes

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: Lia's cabin

Timeline: MD4

As she busied herself in her quarters, Lia was suddenly struck by an idea. =^="Holmes to Qwyyn, if your not busy could you please come to my quarters? We have to discuss our mutual difficulties, thank you. Holmes out"=^=.

Qwyyn nearly stumbled as she came to a stop in the middle of the corridor, en-route to Flight Control. Her hand unconsciously reached up to cup her comm badge, as though sealing Lia's words away safely in her palm.

Mutual difficulties.

Liselle found that the effort of breathing had suddenly grown much more difficult. Gary. He had told her everything, hand't he? And now Lia was on the warpath. Swallowing the lump in her throat, the Trill responded. "Yes, of course. I'm -- I'm on my way."

A million thoughts tumbled through her mind as she turned about and made her way towards Lia's quarters. She fumbled for any insight, any reasonable conclusions or strategies as her feet dutifully brought her to Lia's deck. When she finally arrived outside the doors to the Second Officer's private quarters, Qwyyn simply stood there, perhaps for several minutes. Finally, she reached out with an uncertain finger to press against the door chime.

On hearing the chime Lia went and opened the door, "Hi Liselle, come on in. Do you want anything to drink?" She moved about the cabin almost on automatic. "There's some crackers on the table, have a seat and I'll bring your drink over", she spoke lightly and without malice for as yet she hadn't spoken to the ship's pilot and therefore was unaware of her side of the story.

"Uh, thank you," Qwyyn finally managed in a small voice. "Um. Just -- whatever you would recommend is -- that would be -- that's...fine." She stood frozen at the door, her hands held stiffly at her sides, her thumbs rubbing small circles against her fingertips.

Lia stopped and turned to face Liselle, "Hey I'm not gonna bit you know, I promise I'm house trained". She could see the other woman had doubts, "Liselle, we're only gonna talk. Me and you, and we can't really do that if your cuddling the door". She walked towards the pilot and extended her hands, "Do I scare you that much? What have I done to make you think like that?" Lia smiled and attempted to make Liselle feel more comfortable, "If you feel you want to go somewhere else fine, tell me and we'll go".

Qwyyn shook her head. "No, I -- I don't want to go anywhere. I just --" she blew a sigh. "Maybe it would be best if you told me exactly what you meant by 'mutual difficulties.'" she suggested meekly. Albeit a small hope, the Trill still clung to the chance that perhaps this had nothing to do with Gary Taylor. In fact, she would adore being torn apart due to some violation of bridge protocol right now.

Taking Liselle by the hand she led her into the cabin, she sat her down and gave her a hot sweet tea. "It's very simple really, I can tell you in three words. Gary, kissing, public". She picked up her own chocolate milkshake and sat opposite Liselle, "Gary has told me his side of the story, I want to hear yours. Now please don't think I'm about to murder you, Gary has said it was all very innocent. I have no reason not to believe him, unless you tell me different". Lia placed her glass on the table, and standing up she went to her wardrobe. She opened it and took out a Blue Kimono with Cherry Blossoms around the bottom of the Kimono, "This is yours, if you want it. I have no malice towards you Liselle, so please relax".

Despite their situation, Liselle couldn't help but smile her delight. "Oh, Lia, it's so beautiful!" But then she quickly remembered herself, the things that she had kept from Lia. "Oh, I can't accept it. I -- I've been horrible to you. If you only knew..." Even the tea that Lia had prepared made her feel guilty. "That kiss at Christmas...Gary was a perfect gentleman. You have nothing to worry about from him. But me -- I -- wanted more from him for a long time now..."

Lia just stood with the Kimono and smiled, "So we like the same guy, so you made your play and he said no. What do you want me to do about it? Liselle would it surprise you to know I trust you? I'll be honest and say when I first heard about it, I wasn't best pleased. But I think you lost more than just a guy when you made that play, I think you may have lost a friend. Or your worried that you have, so me being a bitch about it isn't going to help either of us". She placed the Kimono next to Liselle, "This is yours, I had it made in your size. This is my way of saying I'm still your friend, I still want to be your friend. And should anything happen to me, then you go for it girl". She sat back down and took a drink, "I'll talk to Gary, tell him to forgive and forget. It'll be up to him if he does, but it won't stop us being best buds. Will it?" She took another sip of the milkshake, "You and I have had a few laughs since I arrived, and if I think about it isn't there a certain wolf you also have feelings for? Doesn't he deserve a fighting chance of winning the fair Liselle?" Lia stopped talking and waited for Liselle to reply to her little speech.

Liselle blushed. "Yes, of course he does. You're absolutely right. Matias has been nothing but absolutely sweet and understanding and...available." The Trill sighed. "I know this is going to sound like a convenient excuse at this point, but I think that might be a big part of the appeal of Gary. I've been able to safely pursue him, and I don't have to worry about him ever saying yes. I get the thrill of the chase without worrying about what to do once I've landed him." Qwyyn's hands nervously clutched the fabric of the kimono she had been gifted. "Lia he is head over heels in love with you, like I've never seen before. I don't doubt that if 'something happened to you' as you've suggested, that he wouldn't move on from you. Not in 5 years, not in 10. Trust me. I've seen a lot of people in love in my lifetimes. What you have is the real thing."

Liselle's comments made Lia think, "You do know that if Gary had chosen to let you catch him, there's not a lot we could have complained about? He's a guy after all, he could have told me it's over and gone after you. As for not moving on if anything happens to me, he has to for his own sanity. He can get fixated on things, and people. I don't think I'm worth getting fixated on, so if the worst were to happen make me a promise. Go to him, help him. Get him to move on, because I'd like to think he was happy after I was gone". Lia stood up and placed her now empty glass on the replicator, "Enough of this morbid talk, enough of men. Lets have some girl talk, I think we need to let off some steam. What holo-programs do you enjoy?" Lia had decided that Liselle needed to know that she(Lia) wouldn't allow her to wallow on her own anymore, she felt that perhaps all this was because of that Risa away mission. Matias liked Liselle, and Liselle needed Matias. Her mission now was to get these two together, "I think you and Matias need to have time alone to get to know each other, and I mean learn about each other. Not some sordid quickie in a closet, your a bit like me Liselle. You may have lived many life times, but I think that wolf can teach you some things you may not know about". She smiled as she spoke, Gary would have to teach her(Lia) how to love, perhaps Matias would do the same for Liselle.

The Trill couldn't help but laugh at that. "Well, he's definitely peaked my interest. That's for sure. As for...teaching me a few things, that's actually been something that has been on my mind quite a bit lately, to be honest." She reached up to awkwardly scratch at the back of her left ear. "For example, I'm not exactly sure how we would go about, um..." she let the question linger.

Liselle's forwardness caught Lia by surprise, "Not to seem crude, but wouldn't you do it like a wolf? If you get my drift, at least you don't have a tail". Unable to continue, Lia sat down trying hard not to laugh. "I'm sorry Liselle, I hadn't really thought of THAT".

Qwyyn found herself laughing as well, partly at the situation, mostly at her own embarrassment. "Oh, Lia. I am so sorry. I just -- it's been on my mind, and with Pheonix's recent breakup I really didn't want to prod her for relationship advice." She laughed again suddenly, putting her fingers to her lips. "Oh, this all so ridiculous. When did romance get so complicated?"

"What do you mean, when did it become complicated? It's always been complicated, it involves the opposite sex for a start. Just look at Gary and me, we still fight like cat and dog. But somehow we've gotten closer, not quite that close I'll grant you". Lia stopped and smiled, "Look I'm not going to tell you how to get jiggy with Matias, to be honest like you I wouldn't know where to start. But if you and he are attracted to each other, it'll work it's self out. You both like each other, in more than one way. Go with it, enjoy the experience". She placed her hand on her friends hand and gave a light squeeze, "I'm not Pheonix, but if you need me you know where to find me".

"Thank you, Lia," Qwyyn said genuinely, and she breathed a enormous sigh of relief. She laughed then. "I have to admit, when I first came here I was half afraid that you were going to run me through with one of our swords. But you've been...amazing. You're a very special woman." She nodded to herself, a notion coming into focus in her mind. Looking up at Lia, the Trill considered her with a serious look. Gratitude. Joy. Envy. "You deserve him. The two of you are meant for each other."

Lia smiled, "Hey, I'm not special. I'm just plain old Lia, and as for running you through. Not going to happen, I don't fancy cleaning up afterwards". She gave a quiet laugh, "As for deserving anyone, that will be his choice. I'm still learning, so you see your not the only one with doubts. We all have them, it's part of being us". She looked at her friend, "Tell you what, how do you feel about putting on that Kimono. I'll put on mine, and the pair of us go and visit a little Japanese tea house. I'm sure Matias will be impressed if you can act like a Geisha girl, what do you say?"

With an eager smile, Liselle picked up the garment. "Try this on?" she asked. "Absolutely."

Meeting the New Marine CO

A Mission Post by Commander Gary Taylor & Captain Collin Styles

Mission: Episode 0: History Speaks

Location: Taylor's Ready Room

Timeline: Before finding the M Class world.

Gary sat at his desk. He was finishing up some paperwork concerning supplies as well as the recent crew transfers. He noticed that a new Marine CO had transferred aboard. One Captain Collin Styles. "Well no time like the present to meet him" He mused to himself while tapping his combadge, " Taylor to Captain Styles, please report to my Ready Room." Finishing that he sat back and read Styles service history while he waited for him to arrive.

Styles then walked into the office. "You wanted to see me, sir?" he asked.

Gary stood as the marine entered his office, silently evaluating the man. he was of average height, brown close cropped hair with blue eyes. He had an air of confidence about him but Gary could see by the way he carried himself he wasn't someone to trifle with.

"Yes, I did. Have a seat. If you'd like something to drink, please help yourself to the replicator."

He stood by the replicator "Coffe, double strong, double sweet, anything for you, sir?"

"Thank you but no." Gary answered as he remained standing waiting for Styles to get his coffee and their meeting to start.

Styles grabbed his coffee and made his way to the front of Taylor's desk, and sat down. "What did you need, sir?"

"Nothing mysterious or earth shaking Captain. I just wanted to introduce myself. The previous Marine CO and I had a good relationship. I consider him a friend. I hope we can continue the good working relationship between our two groups."

"Of course, sir, I wouldn't have it any other way," he said

Gary leaned back in his chair at hearing the Marine CO's agreement. "Excellent." he answered before moving on. "Have you gotten yourself situated and been able to look over your contingent of Marines?"

"That I have, sir, They're a fine group. It's been a while since I was in the actual Marine Department, as my last posting was XO on the Explorer."

Gary nodded in approval. "Very good. I know sometimes there is a 'feeling out' where it takes all parties involved to get to know one another. I'm sure you will find your way quickly Captain. It's like riding a bike. Once you learn, you never forget."

"That it is indeed, sir," Then his combadge chirped.

"Capt. Styles, could you come down here? Palomo set one of the training Dummies on fire."

"I'm on my way, Seargent, if you'll excuse, me, commander."

"Not at all Captain. Seems you a situation to deal with. I'm sure we'll talk again later. Your dismissed." Gary answered easily.

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - Taking a Look

A Mission Post by Captain Phoenix Lalor & Commander Liselle Qwyyn & Commander Gary Taylor & Commander Aurelia Holmes & Lieutenant Commander Matias Grronkil & Lieutenant K'Trau & Lieutenant Arrianna Salannis an Vantar & Lieutenant Wynter & Captain Collin Styles & Lieutenant Ian Murphy & 1st Lieutenant Arcadia Eruption

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: USS Elysium

Timeline: Current

After leaving the cargo bay and still digesting what he had seen, Gary made his way to the bay and boarded his fighter. Perhaps being outside the Elysium, he could get a better idea of what they were trying to deal with.

Getting a thumbs up from the flight crew, he left the bay and took up a position on the starboard side of the Elysium. "Big Bad Wolf, to Mother Hen, have launched and am beginning search pattern to find what we're up against."

"Mother here Wolf, we have you on sensors. Keep your eye's peeled out there, and don't go talking to any strange dark matter meteors". Lia kept the conversation light, Gary had more than enough on his mind out there.

"Roger that Mother. Don't worry about me talking to any meteors. I know how pushy and forward they are. Beginning search pattern. Sensors on full." He announced as he moved ahead of the Elysium, his eyes on the scanners as they searched for any anomalies.

Lia checked her long range sensors, they showed nothing. But somehow that didn't fill her with confidence, "Long range sensors show nothing Captain, as far as I can see we are perfectly alone out here. Nothing from Commander Taylor yet, any further orders?"

Phoenix had with the others returned to the bridge. "Stay alert." She said softly. She stood restlessly in the command well.

"Shields have been adjusted." Murphy said, drilling through a few sequences on his console. "Temporal shielding is now in place."

The debris, that the CAP was flying through, seemed to be flowing like leaves in a river towards the stationary Elysium.

Inside his fighter, Gary had reduced his speed and altered his course slightly, signaling the other fighters to do the same as they encountered more debris. It was if it was being funneled out.

"Elysium here Commander" Phoenix said calmly. "Tell us what you have."

Hearing Phoenix's voice asking for an update he replied instantly. "Encountering more debris and what I'm seeing are larger pieces of the ship. It's have if it's being funneled. No big groups of debris just piece after piece heading on our course. An explanation might be that the ship was already in trouble and the debris we're encountering were the first to break off."

"Commander Qwyyn, follow the fighters, 1/4 impulse." Phoenix ordered. "Commander Holmes, set condition red. All hands to battle stations. Civilians to the bunkers."

"Roger that Captain". Lia hit the red alert and also made a verbal warning,=^=- "Red alert, this is not a drill. I repeat, red alert this is not a drill. Crew to action stations, civilians to the safety areas. I repeat, crew to action stations. Civilians to safety areas, lets move it people"=^=.

"And Lia, get the Marines to assist. I want everyone ready for whatever we come to"

That comment made Lia look towards the Captain, "Aye sir, contacting the Marine CO". She hadn't even seen the new Marine CO, but orders were orders. =^="Bridge to Captain Styles you are to assist where required. Can you send some people to help move the civilians to the safety areas, then join the Security squads patroling the ship. Bridge out"=^=.

=^="Acknowledged, dispatching teams now, Styles out."=^=

=/\= Everywhere else on the ELYSIUM =/\=

K'Trau's ears peeled back in annoyance as the red alert klaxon sounded, no matter what ship she served on that klaxon was always the same, too loud and in an irritating pitch. Nonetheless, she hurried to the Operations office. If anything happened to go badly, she would need to be ready to distribute resources and support personnel to critical locations.

=/\= Elysium Academy =/\=

"Tally-ho!" Makepeace said in an oddly dissonant tone to what was going on on the bridge. His bridge, at least. "Bogies read as three Tholian Thilkworm... Pardon, Silkworm class frigates traveling in tight triangular formation."

"Tholian weapons would be consistent with the damage inflicted on the listening post." Tom Evans called out from Tactical.

Readying the Saber-class ship he was piloting for evasive maneuvers, Makepeace called out, "Tholians are pack hunters. Every move they make will be highly coordinated." And then all of his instruments went blank as Commander Holmes' voice rang out, declaring the Red Alert. "They couldn't have given us five more minutes?" Makepeace asked, sounding disappointed.

Meanwhile, on the Marine deck, all the marines were distributing gear and weapon. "Come on, people, let's get moving, I want you assembled in the main training room in five minutes!" Styles called out.

=/\= BRIDGE=/\=

Phoenix watched the main viewer as the ship followed the fighters in. "Commander Taylor, Bring your CAP back to the ship, but remain outside, I want you close by."

"Understood Elysium. We're regrouping around the ship." Gary's voice came back through the com as the fighters turned and headed back to their home ship.

As the Elysium got closer, the space began to warp and change on the viewer."Almost funnel like" the captain mused softly. "Avalon, put that on the holographic viewer."

["Acknowledged"] The AI replied.

It appeared. Like a whirlpool in space. or a freaky assed black hole. "Lieutenant Murphy? Lieutenant Salannis an Vantar? Anyone? Grronkil? Sullivan? Thoughts? Suggestions?"

"Too stable to be a wormhole..." Murphy said, frowning at the data his console was feeding him. "But definitely some sort of aperture in the fabric of space-time. No sign that it's artificial like the Bajoran wormhole. Maybe it's a naturally-occurring opening to a pocket dimension or something like that?"

Watching the veiwscreen, Lia somehow felt things were going to get a whole lot worse. "Captain, my sensors are going nuts. I'm picking up all sorts of radiation in all sorts of values. It's like a hall of mirrors out there, our sweeps are being bounced around and sent in all directions. We're flying blind at this time, I don't think our sensors are going to be any help".

That didn't sound good at all. And Phoenix bit her lip.

Matias was watching the power fluctuations. "Something is happening to the warp drive," he said. "It is inadvisable to use it at this time. Impulse is fine, but is fluctuating."

"Probe?" Murphy asked, getting one ready to launch.

Phoenix nodded. "Let's see what happens with it."

Murphy keyed the launch sequence through. "Probe away, Captain."

As Liselle watched the probe fade off into the distance she found herself clutching her console, willfully forcing back a shudder. There were no words for the feeling of uneasiness that crawled along her skin, igniting her nerve endings with cold fear. Thankfully, the moment passed and she slowly relaxed back into her seat. She nearly made a smart comment, but wisely decided to swallow it. An announcement that something didn't feel right would hardly be helpful to the mood on the bridge right now.

Watching the probe disappear towards what ever that was made Lia think, just what did await them on the other side of that thing? "Sensors still down Captain, and the readings are getting crazier and crazier. I suggest we close the deflector down to protect it, this radiation might cause problems to it just when we need it". She knew Phoenix had probably thought about it already, but there was no harm in a gentle reminder.

Phoenix nodded. "Agreed. Do it. Shut down all non essentials. Let's not borrow trouble"

"Roger Captain, shutting down the deflector and all nonessential sensors. Now all I have to do, is work out when to switch the damn things back on". Lia grinned as she spoke, hoping to lighten the atmosphere.

Phoenix smiled over her shoulder at Aurelia. "I am sure you will be fine."

Avalon suddenly appeared. "Captain... communication inbound."

Meanwhile in the Intelligence blister the klaxon had little effect as the personnel were busy sifting through as much data as possible as it came in. Even as Wynter stepped into the blister not one head moved to acknowledge his presence they were so deep in their work.

He smiled at that as he took a seat and started reviewing the data flagged and sent to him.

At the science station, Murphy worked to make sense of the transmission they'd received. "It's on the Starfleet distress band... garbled all to hell, but it seems to be an automated distress call from the USS Elysium coming from the other side of the aperture."

Arcadia and Ilyce slipped onto the CDeck, just in time to hear the announcement from the science station. Arcadia moved to stand behind Lalor, Ilyce stayed near the door to the CDeck, both had their hands casually near their choice of main weapon, Arcadia's the mini crossbow on her right thigh, Ilyce's a Klingon Bat'leth, she'd removed from her back. Sending a slight hidden signal from her left hand to Ilyce, they uncipped their helmets from their waist and locked them into place.

Lia now contacted Gary, =^="Mother to Wolf, I think it's time you came home. Return to Elysium now, things are getting busy here. Mother out"=^=.

"There's a visual." Murphy added, digging through the noise to get it. "It's only a few seconds." The bridge of the displaced Elysium showed on the main screen, surrounded by static and fuzz. Dilapidated and dimly-lit, that bridge had clearly seen better days. A small cluster of teenagers occupied it, wearing clothes that looked like they were inspired by some post-apocalyptic young-adult holo-novel, and accentuated with weapons that were a mix of the ultra-modern to the ultra-primitive. "Running facial recognition... No matches with anyone in our crew manifest."

Matias turns to see the visual. He stops what he was doing and says "Lord of the Flies." His eyes are wide and his mouth hangs open.

Inside his fighter, still patrolling outside the Elysium. Gary heard Lia's message. "Roger Mother, the chicks are returning to the roost." He toggled his com for intership communication with other fighters. "You heard the lady. Something's going on. Time to get back on board. You first Chance then you Tinker."

Moments later after safely landing, Gary exited his fighter and made a beeline for the bridge. He arrived in time to see the image of teenagers roaming through what appeared to be the Elysium's bridge. Where he encountered the bridge staring in stunned silence at the images they were receiving. Glancing at the main viewscreen, he was surprised for a moment but quickly recovered as he continued to watch.

Suddenly the feed cut off. Phoenix turned to the communications station. "It was a one way communication. Tight beam. Aside from the image there was this message 'We are alive. Rescue wanted. We are here.' "

Phoenix turned to the bridge. "Take us in." She ordered. "We are going to see what this is all about"

The Elysium moved towards the spaital event. On the bridge the air was tense.

Off

Diplomatic affairs

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Arrianna Salannis an Vantar

Mission: Episode 0: History Speaks

Location: New Alindar, Imperial Palace

Timeline:

Empress Alena Althir IV looked at the Lord Venetorus. "What can you tell me of these Erisians?"

"Humanoid, but not members of the Federation. They do have an interest in art and culture that matches our own." Lord Venetorus mentioned.

"But they also have a backwards society based on sexism." The Chancellor noted. "And their Royalty still practices a stratified society that we've long abandoned."

Alena smiled. "Yet there are still elements of it in our society, even though we consider them honorary titles."

"The danger was quite real for me while I was amougst the Erisians." Lord Venetorus mentioned. "I was visited several times both openly, and in secret, by several individuals wanting to push their agendas forward."

"There is a very real chance these people may be at war with themselves. The current King's first-born was a woman, so their second-born is the heir of Hiran." Venetorus stated. "Now would not be a good time to normalize relations with them?"

"Why is that?"

"Because we would be seen endorsing their horrific inequality between their ruling classes and their peasantry" The Chancellor mentioned. "The Hiran nobles are sadly out of touch with their own people. While a society of art, culture, and learning has developed, their rulers have devolved into the sad game of thrones that our people once played two millennia ago. Their nobility cannot fathom that one day, when the house of cards comes tumbling down, that it will be their own people; not a foreign army, that will herald their empire's fall. Plus we have the Prime Directive to consider."

"The Prime Directive.... Contradictory rubbish." The Dean of the Philosophy College noted. "Leave it to the humans to conjure this back-and-forth philosophy, and then make it gosple in the Federation. And even when you suggest something more refined than the prime directive, the Humans shun you as some kind of heretic." Dean Alathea Koran an Vantar noted.

Empress Althir sighed. "I believe we should adjourn for now. This is not the place to debate the prime directive, as our deliberations on the Erisians require a calm mind." The Empress rose and proceeded into her chambers.

Off

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - Give Us the Parakeet and Nobody Gets Hurt

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Ian Murphy

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: Cargo Bay 2

Timeline: MD5: 10h15 - After Lookie lookie.

[ON]

Hanging back as the rest of the bridge crew prepared to depart, Murphy looked around the debris they'd beamed aboard and frowned. He was concerned about having it remain here, when it was, in essence, existing in two places at once.

He needed to run an experiment or two. He tapped his commbadge and spoke briefly with Engineering while interfacing his tricorder with the ship's computer. "Please have someone go to Jeffries tube junction 12-A and access the Auxiliary shuttlebay door controls panel. Have them swap out the 214 stroke 14A isolinear chip and bring me the old one. I'll send you the construction parameters of the box I want you to lock it in before you bring it here."

After some fiddling, Ian pulled the corresponding chip from the debris and locked it in a box of two-centimeter thick transparent aluminum that he'd replicated. When a Petty Officer from Engineering arrived with the chip he'd asked to be brought down, Murphy had it brought inside. Well, brought through the containment field.

Once it was, both chips began to oscillate, and their oscillations began to excite the air between them. Photons began to collide with leptons, forming chroniton particles and tachyons -- The fundamental particles of time. Murphy's tricorder began to chirp like a berserker chickadee eating seeds out of a fermented strawberry, and both chips began to move inside their boxes, gravitating towards one another.

It was like they wanted to crash into each other, to merge and become one, to occupy the same space at the same time, even though that was physically impossible.

"Ok, that's all I needed." Murphy said, nodding slightly to the Petty Officer. "Take it to recycling."

What would have happened if the two chips had been allowed to interact without some sort of barrier between them. But he was pretty sure he didn't want to see it without some sort of temporal shielding between himself and the chips. He set the tricorder to crunching the numbers on how to resequence the shields, and headed towards the exit.

Still, he mused while pausing to look back, even being within twenty feet of each other had triggered a high-energy reaction. Maybe someday, temporal paradox would be used to power timeships moving through the fourth dimension. Maybe it already was.

It would have made an awesome sword.

[OFF]

LTCMDR Sthilg 's Personal Log - Going on an away mission.

The following is a personal log from LTCMDR Sthilg .

Lieutenant Commander Sssthilg Chief Medical Officer log begin recording.

Well, this is certainly a turn up for the books. A whole village of what could be the descended of the ship. If things weren't so dangerousss this would be an interesssting thing to ssstudy if not rather creepy given it's my fellow ssship mates. I wonder how many ssstayed in couplingsss from the ssship and who ended up with other.

Given we seem to have sssurvived on the planet for so long I doubt we will need a quarantine chamber, but I've ssstill had the doctorsss prep one just in case. Hopefully, no one will come back with an alien parasssite in need of removal.

I wonder what my own fate on the planet was. No one hasss ssseen me or any Gorn hybridsss ssso most likely I haven't sssurvived. I wonder how i meet my end if......

The gorn pussshed as an idea drifted into his reptilian mind. It was an unlikely possssibility, but if it wasss. He better grab a pahser before heading down to the ssshuttle bay.

Grabbing a medical kit form the locker on his way out the gorn headed for the turbolift. He paused realising his log was still recording before quickly ending it. Time to go and get some answers.

Lieutenant Commander Sthilg Chief Medical Officer

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - A Hurried Goodbye

A Mission Post by Commander Aurelia Holmes & Lieutenant Alfonse Stiegalle

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: Various

Timeline: Current

ON:

Looking at Alfonse, Lia heaved a sigh. "I really don't want to go Alf, why didn't the Captain take the hint?"

Alfonse sat looking at his boss, "Who knows how a ship's Captain thinks, I gave up wondering at the Academy".

Lia smiled, Alf had always been there from the start. Somehow he kept his distance but allowed his friendly personality to spread, "I could always order you to go, you know".

Alfonse just shook his head, "Oh no way mon Chief, the big cheese said she wanted you to go. So you must go and I must stay, parting is such sweet sorrow".

Picking up a sheaf of paper, Lia threw it at him. "Alfonse Stiegalle, you are a pain in the arse. You could at least pretend to care about your leader, I'm a delicate flower".

Alfonse now began to laugh, "Delicate? Excuse me, did I miss something?" He stood up and returned the paper to Lia.

Taking the paper she looked nonplussed, "Ah! what am I to do with this?"

Alfonse smiled, "It'll save you throwing anything heavier in my direction Chief, saves me ducking all the time".

Lia returned the paper by aiming at Alf's head, "If I could put you on report for insubordination, I would".

"But my dear Chief, who else would put up with you?" He said with a grin. Gathering up the paper once again, he again returned them to Lia. "Try aiming higher, you just might reach me". He laughed as he sat down again.

Lia hung her head, "I give up with you, I'm a bloody Commander and get no rspect in this office". She raised her eye's and smiled, "I'll see you when I get back Alf, don't get up to anything while I'm away".

Alfonse just nodded, "Would you have it any other way boss? I'll keep the shop open, just come back eh!"

Lia picked up her things and headed for the shuttlebay, this recce mission was a bad idea. Her feelings towards the planet seemed to be growing stronger, she hated the place. Entering the turbolift she ordered her desination, it sped her on her way. Then just as quick it stopped and the doors opened, there before her stood the shuttle. "I wish you'd just dissapear", she said.

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - Reporting in

A Mission Post by Captain Phoenix Lalor & Commander Gary Taylor & 1st Lieutenant Arcadia Eruption

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: Command Deck Captain's Office

Timeline: current

Arcadia climbed up the JTube ladder, ignoring the TL and climbed out of an access point onto the level where the Command Deck and Command Offices were located. Dressed in the more secure black one protective vest under her black t-shirt, followed by the torso harness and one of her larger multi crossbows, armed with a assemblage of darts into the holster on her back, another holster onto each thigh, into the right one was a smaller folded multi crossbow with a collection of darts, some in the crossbow ready to be fired, others in the holster itself, into left holster was several blades. A holster on her left lower arm contained another collection of darts and into the right arm holster was a combination of oval discs. Several blades went into the back of her trousers, and into her boots and two additional holsters filled with a combination of darts and oval discs filled both locked in place above her boots. Slipping more oval discs and darts into the two holsters which were part of the back harness, but these located under her breasts, on her stomach where the back harness clipped into place. All of her weaponry coloured black, fitting closely out of sight against her black clothing, except the more powerful crossbow on her back. Catching sight of movement in the Ship's CO's office she headed in that direction, knocking on the open door frame, she waited for her to glance in her direction, having absolutely no idea if she'd been able to spend time going through her records, or if she knew who she was getting as Protective Chief Officer and what her background was.

"Protective Chief Officer 1st Lt Arcadia Eruption reporting in, ma'am."

Phoenix looked up from shuffling PADDS on her desk with some surprise. A puzzled look crossed her face but it cleared as she picked up a PADD and glanced at it. "Come in lieutenant" she said waving the woman into her office.

Entering the Ship's Ranking Officer's office, she stood before her desk.

"At ease Lieutenant." Phoenix said with a smile. "Welcome to the Elysium. How are you settling in?"

"Just starting to settle ma'am." Arcadia answered. "I feel I have to ask, are you fully aware of my background. I'm not looking for any trouble." Arcadia asked. "I'm always armed outside the general Starfleet terms and want to make sure you as RO don't have a problem with it."

Phoenix considered the other woman before her. "I have not fully been briefed Lieutenant." She admitted. "But" She said holding up a hand to forestall any comments "I am sure Starfleet command would not have assigned you to the 401st on the Elysium if you were not good at your job. As for your being armed, that is not unusual on this vessel. Just please think before you use those weapons."

"I'm not filling the position of Marine XO Captain, I've been reassigned to the position of Elysium's Protective Chief Officer. I received new orders while enroute. I come with two others. All three of us have histories within the mercenary world, and someone believes we'll be a better fit as Protective Officers, as for the weapons, they are used only in the line of duty to protect the assigned person, or threatened RO, you."

The Captain seemed to freeze. She was shocked. Then her brain caught up with her. Someone was gonna pay for this one. She straightened. "Lieutenant, Please take this the way it is meant, but I don't need a protection detail. I am a captain. Not an admiral or a commodore.." In her mind she was running through the people who could have set her up for this. Top of the list was her Executive Officer, followed swiftly by the chief of security and maybe her best friend the chief of flight. And if Gary thought he had trouble juggling the Security chief and the Flight control chief... Phoenix may just add to it if she found his fingers behind this. Sighing she sat down in her chair and waved Arcadia to the other. "Sit down Lieutenant." She said as she tilted her head back to study the ceiling.

Arcadia sat. Not everyone appreciated knowing they'd been assigned a protection detail, but she wasn't the only one. There were several other crew who had also been on the list she'd been given. Pulling out a slim PADD from a pocket on her arm sleeve she slid it across the table. "Before you attempt to argue your case for me to wipe your name from that list, you should review who else has been assigned overwatch. Since you are the RO, I'm being honest and truthful in giving you a look at the people like yourself who have been assigned overwatch it's up to you whether you tell them. I didn't see any reason to ask why, I've learnt that you get what the assignee wants you to know, normally leaving information out. So I take things as I see them. We're not here to wrap you in a personal shield, however I will intervene if I deem necessary, whether that be by verbal means, transporting you or anyone else on that list out of a situation, or should it be absolutely necessary terminate or sedate the threat. Before I let you protest, I should only add that the threat could be on this vessel as a crew member, civilian, teenager, or privateer you're going to encounter through sabotage or a member of a hostile species."

Phoenix listened to the lieutenant in silence. She hated bodyguards. Even though she was a female on her homeworld, her value as bridal material had caused her to have body guards. "Fine. But I want you to know that I am not likely to stay on the bridge. I am not that type of CO. I lead away teams often."

"I'm not asking you to change the way you command, we'll simply silently keep up operating in the background. However I do ask, if one of us calls down, you go down."

"Very well." Phoenix nodded. She paused "I have a 14 year old living with me. She won't like this."

"We'll tread carefully where she is concerned, like I previously said we operate in the background. Do you want to check the PADD and see who else of your crew are on the list?"

Phoenix took up the PADD and scanned it. "You get to tell the XO he is on the list." She smiled.

Arcadia gave a slight smile. "I'll insure he knows within the next 30 minutes."

Phoenix nodded. "Very well lieutenant. Before your team starts I suggest you get yourselves settled in to your quarters."

Off

A Mission Post by 1st Lieutenant Arcadia Eruption & Ensign Daytona Savage & Ensign Ilyce Millard

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: Protection Detail Office

Timeline: before the red alert

Arcadia walked back to her own office, after her meeting with Lalor. Dressed in the more secure black one protective vest under her black t-shirt, followed by the torso harness and one of her larger multi crossbows, armed with a assemblage of darts into the holster on her back, another holster onto each thigh, into the right one was a smaller folded multi crossbow with a collection of darts, some in the crossbow ready to be fired, others in the holster itself, into left holster was several blades. A holster on her left lower arm contained another collection of darts and into the right arm holster was a combination of oval discs. Several blades went into the back of her trousers, and into her boots and two additional holsters filled with a combination of darts and oval discs filled both locked in place above her boots. Slipping more oval discs and darts into the two holsters which were part of the back harness, but these located under her breasts, on her stomach where the back harness clipped into place. All of her weaponry coloured black, fitting closely out of sight against her black clothing, except the more powerful crossbow on her back.

Savage and Ilyce (Pronounced Ice) had been very busy, the additional weapons lockers were fitted, secured and loaded. A variety of transparent cases had been fitted to the walls with a collection of non energy weapons, from all four quadrants, and Arcadia knew there were more secured in the weapons locker.

"Should we ask how the RO took the fact she was on overwatch?" Ilyce pronounced Ice asked, appearing from one of the rooms which were part of the Diplomatic Protection Suite.

"I doubt she knew what overwatch was." The big man known as Daytona Savage appeared.

"She didn't take it well, but couldn't do anything about it." Arcadia answered. "The RO isn't the only CDeck person on the overwatch list. We have Commander Taylor also on the list." Arcadia answered "And the RO has a teenager attached."

"Can I shoot it?" Ilyce asked, she was less in love with kids, then Arcadia was.

"No, but I need to talk to Taylor. We have a third person on overwatch. And we have another six of the crew on protective watch, three on Diplomatic Warning, and seventeen cadets who have been listed as Protective Mischiefmakers." Arcadia asked. "First action, Taylor. "NAWUO. Savage give Diplomatic Areas & Fleet Command, a look over. Find our other seven members, they all should still be in stasis, get their chambers into our zone and check they are still alive. Don't thaw them out, we'll do it as we need them. Ilyce, CDeck, You've got the RO until I've dealt with the XO. Then one of you will have Taylor. I've got the RO, Savage once checked join us on the CDeck, I'll advise who gets Taylor at that time. Lock helmets to harnesess. And at the moment we need to locate the third on overwatch, so whoever doesn't get Taylor, gets the third." Arcadia didn't stop locking the NonAtmo, their version of Starfleet's space suit into place and fitting the weapons, all non energy into their respective pockets, holsters and harnesess, Savage and Ilyce keeping up. Sliding her choice of crossbow into it's harness on her leg, extra darts into their harness on her other leg and another larger crossbow onto her back over her slimmer airpack.

"I'll meet you on the CDeck." Savage waited till they were out of there area and secured it, before heading off to view the rest of the Diplomatic, then the Fleet Command Areas, As the other two headed towards the CDeck.

"If the RO addresses you hold your answers. Go to full lockdown if necessary. If the XO is on the CDeck don't mention he's on overwatch." Arcadia told Ilyce.

"It's a good thing we're on a segarated comm system." Ilyce answered.

OOC: NAWUO - NonAtmo Weapons Under & Over - It is normal for weapons to be fitted to clothes under the NonAtmo, and over the top of the NonAtmo

NonAtmo - Non Atmospheric Suit. A Mercenary version of the Starfleet space suit, it's equipped with harnesses, holsters, pockets, clips, belts for various weapons to be fitting. The suit is black in color, is equipped with it's own transporter control, and is created to have no damage to phaser fire and other weapons fire including explosives. It is equipped with shields, and view blocking systems, which when activated can make the suit and the wearer invisible. The color of the helmet including the visor is black metallic, blocking the individual inside. The helmet has nine visors pieces which can be dropped over the main helmet visor.

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - Protection Detail New Members

A Mission Post by 1st Lieutenant Arcadia Eruption & Ensign Daytona Savage & Ensign Ilyce Millard & Lieutenant JG Ryan Beyuikolpanj & Ensign Sietta Watagan & Ensign Snake & Ensign Spider & Ensign Storm & Stone (Identical twins) Barlow & Ensign Poison & Chief Warrant Officer (Mad) Maddi & Chief Warrant Officer Anaconda & Master Warrant Officer Flame Pyers & Staff Warrant Officer Lion Jaye & Senior Chief Petty Officer Jason Yinmoan & Senior Chief Petty Officer Andromeda & Petty Officer 1st Class Alison, Aileen, Abbey Campbell (Identical Triples)

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: Protection Detail Office

Timeline: While the meeting takes place between Commander Taylor & Arcadia.

Protection Vault within Protection Detail Office

Daytona Savage ran one hand across his chin, shook his head and cursed, making sure his comms were off. Locked into their life support systems, he gazed at the cryostasis chambers and walked along the chambers which were linked, checking the readings on each cryo. There was supposed to be ten, only there was sixteen.

"Eruption is not going to be happy." He stated. "Ryan, female, deputy Protection Officer, worked with Eruption for thirty years." He identified the first. Storm and Stone. Identical twins, assigned to Black Widow, now transferred to Eruption, worked with Eruption. Jason Yinmaan, BW, transferred to Eruption. You know, I wonder what the RO's going to do when it becomes clear that Starfleet Command had little choice about this. UFOP obvious made a deal with BW to have us assigned, but only three of us came on board breathing, the rest are in BW's cryo tubes." Daytona whistled, he couldn't pass the information to Eruption, so he kept going down the line."Poison, Poisons transferred from BW. Snake & Spider Protection Officers for hire transferred from Lyra's unit to Eruptions, had to have permission from BW, Eruption is going to love this. Sietta Watagan weaponsmith transferred to Eruption from Cainbil, wonder how Lalor's going to handle a merc from the largest black Market within the Delta Quadrant. Maddison Mad Maddi, hates to be called Maddison, refers to herself as Mad Maddi, sniper assassin, learnt under Eruption, then switched to BW, now back to Eruption. Anaconda and Andromeda, working for BW as independent relayers and assassins, getting rid of problems to BW. Flame Pyers, Protection Officer for hire, working for BW. Lion Jaye Crossbow creation expert, worked with Eruption before moving back to BW then back to us. And last are the identical Triplets, only worked for BW for eight months, trainees no designated specialties, Alison, Aileen and Abbey. Eruption's not going to be happy about this." Add the fact that Ilyce and himself were pure mercs, killers, assassins, experts in non energy weapons from all different species from all quadrants, only more qualified was Eruption. Someone definitely believed that something was going on. Question was, what was going down, that required so many mercenaries, and mercenaries working for Black Widow, one of the major players in the dark realm. A realm where Starfleet ships were targeted by Scavengers, Smugglers, Kidnappers, Species that weren't UFOP members, and Species who didn't play by UFOP rules and regulations. Dead planets which hide colonies unknown to both the UFOP and Starfleet.

Savage had already checked the Fleet Command area and the Diplomatic area, finding both vacant, the people moved to the bunkers and hopefully out of the way. Securing the vault, then locking the door, checking the Protection Detail Office area, moving their gear which had yet to be moved to their quarters, he had to wonder if Arcadia was going to make the call to go to their allocated quarters or to make modifications to keep everyone within this area.

About to leave when two cargo transporters appeared in the door, between them another cryo chamber. "Ah we think this belongs to Arcadia Eruption."

Daytona took one look at the large scaly beast inside with a large furry four legged companion and a small apricot poodle snuggled up to the black cat, Daytona nodded. "Thanks, I'll take from her from here."

"Do you mind telling us what they are?"

"Komodo Dragon, called Coffin and a large black feline called baby, and a tea cup poodle called Daisymae." Guiding the cryostasis to the vault, unlocking it and attaching it to a cryostasis life support link. "Great these I could have done without, live animals that Eruption normally didn't travel without. "Three live pain in the butts." Daytona did not like Coffin or Baby, but didn't mind Daisymae, but the last thing he was going to do was let them out of cryo. Having to jump up on a desk to avoid the teeth on Coffin was bad enough, having to slink past Baby who kept Daisymae who would want to be cuddled, wasn't his number one choice of activity, despite her little teeth she bit down hard, and those little teeth could draw their fair share of blood. Unless you were Arcadia Eruption, then they were harmless little buggers, until you crossed the line. "Which still doesn't answer why someone wants a group of killers on board when they have security and marines, and why we're guarding the two senior officers. If someone thinks this is a joke, they're not going to have to worry about the rest of us. The volcano's going to blow." He ran his hands over the weapons on the outside of his suit, about to head to the door when his comm sounded.

OOC: Black Widow - famous mercenary known to work through all quadrants. Eruption works for BW. Once you work for her, you stay working for her, but you are loyal to whomever you are assigned too, the protection detail is assigned and loyal to UFOP & Starfleet and the crew of the Elysium. BW's Ship is called Spider Web.

NAWUO - NonAtmo Weapons Under & Over - It is normal for weapons to be fitted to clothes under the NonAtmo, and over the top of the NonAtmo

NonAtmo - Non Atmospheric Suit. A Mercenary version of the Starfleet space suit, it's equipped with harnesses, holsters, pockets, clips, belts for various weapons to be fitting. The suit is black in color, is equipped with it's own transporter control, and is created to have no damage to phaser fire and other weapons fire including explosives. It is equipped with shields, and view blocking systems, which when activated can make the suit and the wearer invisible. The color of the helmet including the visor is black metallic, blocking the individual inside. The helmet has nine visors pieces which can be dropped over the main helmet visor.

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - Oh, Hell NO!

A Mission Post by Commander Gary Taylor & 1st Lieutenant Arcadia Eruption

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: Gary's Office

Timeline: Current

Gary was going over some of the PaDDS he had on his desk. It seemed the more he got done the more they multiplied. He absently wondered if they were somehow related to Tribbles as they shared the same characteristic.

He leaned back in his chair and sighed. He didn't remember this class being taught at the Academy but then again the instructors probably didn't want to put their classes of wide eyed cadets to sleep. He rubbed his eyes, sat up straight and reached for the next PADD in the pile.

Arcadia knocked on the door to the XO's office, and had to wonder what reaction she was going to get

Dressed in the more secure black one protective vest under her black t-shirt, followed by the torso harness and one of her larger multi crossbows, armed with a assemblage of darts into the holster on her back, another holster onto each thigh, into the right one was a smaller folded multi crossbow with a collection of darts, some in the crossbow ready to be fired, others in the holster itself, into left holster was several blades. A holster on her left lower arm contained another collection of darts and into the right arm holster was a combination of oval discs. Several blades went into the back of her trousers, and into her boots and two additional holsters filled with a combination of darts and oval discs filled both locked in place above her boots. Slipping more oval discs and darts into the two holsters which were part of the back harness, but these located under her breasts, on her stomach where the back harness clipped into place. All of her weaponry coloured black, fitting closely out of sight against her black clothing. This of course was hidden as she wore the Mercenary version of the Starfleet Space Suit called a NonAtmo. Weapons were visible on the outside of the black suit, the weapons, all non energy were in their respective pockets, holsters and harnesses, multi crossbow into it's harness on her leg, extra darts into their harness on her other leg and another larger crossbow onto her back over her slimmer airpack. She ignored the looks she was getting from the others working within view of his office and waited for him to answer.

Hearing the knock at his door, Gary looked up secretly pleased for the interruption and whoever it was that wished to interupt. "Enter." He answered turning in chair to see who was going to come through the door. he managed to keep a neutral look on his face as he saw a trim female dressed in black and carrying was that a crossbow? Come into his office. *Just what have we got here?* He wondered silently to himself as he waited for an introduction and an explanation.

"Commander Taylor, I'm 1st Lt Arcadia Eruption, and I'm Senior Protection Officer, on the record the Protection Detail is listed as Diplomatic and under the Security Chief, in actual fact we are mercenaries assigned to the Elysium under the UFOP. I was to be the Marine XO, however that was changed enroute. According to the information received three of the crew are under overwatch protection which means they are assigned a permanent bodyguard. All three of us have histories within the mercenary world, and someone believes we'll be a better fit as Protective Officers, as for the weapons, they are used only in the line of duty to protect the assigned person, or threatened the XO, you. Before you attempt to argue your case for me to wipe your name from that list, you should review who else has been assigned overwatch. Since you are the XO, I'm being honest and truthful in giving you a look at the people like yourself who have been assigned overwatch it's up to you whether you tell them. I didn't see any reason to ask why, I've learnt that you get what the assignee wants you to know, normally leaving information out. So I take things as I see them. We're not here to wrap you in a personal shield, however I will intervene if I deem necessary, whether that be by verbal means, transporting you or anyone else on that list out of a situation, or should it be absolutely necessary terminate or sedate the threat. Before I let you protest, I should only add that the threat could be on this vessel as a crew member, civilian, teenager, or privateer you're going to encounter through sabotage or a member of a hostile species.I'm not asking you to change the way you command, we'll simply silently keep up operating in the background. However I do ask, if one of us calls down, you go down."

Gary sat in silence as Arcadia spoke of him being on some damn overwatch and needing a bodyguard. As Arcadia spoke, Gary's face was undergoing a transformation of it's own. It slowly morphed from stunned silence to disbelief to finally outright anger. Yet his words came out calm but with the undercurrent that there was a volcano waiting to erupt at any moment. "Lt. that's all well and good. Nice speech by the way but I do not need or require a babysitter. So take me off your overwatch list and tell whoever placed me on it, thanks but no thanks. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. If you had taken the time to read my file you would know that to be true. So while I appreciate the offer, not only no but hell no to a bodyguard! So find someone else to coddle." He paused his grey eyes sweeping over her, "By the way, I'm wondering, are we at war?" He gestured to her assortment of weapons, waiting for an answer.

"Actually I'm coddling the RO." Arcadia stated. "As much as I would like to take all three of you off overwatch and therefore the bodyguard, I don't have the authority and neither does the RO. Look maybe I started this the wrong way, diplomacy is not my first point of call. I was honest if not blunt with the RO and had hoped I could be the same with you. Having reached the rank you are, I assume you've dealt with issues you didn't like in the past. It will not be me acting as your bodyguard, nor will it be the true definition of bodyguard. We're not interfering with your duties, we've been given instructions to keep you three.." She handed him the PADD with the names of the three on overwatch and the six who were on Protective Watch, without permanent bodyguards unless a situation arose. "Alive at any cost, and to keep the Elysium in one piece and in working order without interfering with those running it. The NonAtmo is basically a mercenary version of a Starfleet Spacesuit. Because we don't know the ship, we've gone what is our standard operating procedure. I'm giving you your choice of Protector Daytona Savage, male, big, quiet and will check your file and work with you if you work with him. He won't wrap you in cotton wool, won't interfere with away missions and will give you space. Ilyce Millard, pronounced Ice, takes things as she sees them, she's hard to hide because she has bright pink hair. She's quiet won't argue in public is polite, but both are dangerous. Why are we here I haven't a clue, why are you on overwatch, I don't have a clue, why does someone think we need to be here when you have marines, I haven't a clue, toss in your security and adding us in my view is overkill, but I have my orders, and I'm trying to make as few a number of waves as possible. It's not my ship, and we're officially Diplomatic Protection and that is what we'll do. Should we be asked to assist with something we will. I'm asking that you give Protection a trial and if it interferes then we'll take a further step backward. I can't change my orders, I'm sure you've had some you'd've liked to have changed. I don't expect you or the RO to like us coddling you or even that you're the first ship to have mercenaries as Protectors why the change in procedures I don't know. And that is totally honest. All I can say is that any question I'm asked will be answered totally honestly. I would like to work with those on overwatch, not cause them problems."

Gary listened in silence as Arcadia made her little speech and it don't impress him one bit. "I appreciate the honesty Lieutenant so points for that but you don't why your here, you don't know why I'm on this overwatch nor do you know why someone wants you here when we have Marines and Federation Security. To my way of thinking your basically clueless. That about sums it up doesn't it?" He sighed. placed his hands on the desk and shook his head, "I don't want us to get off on the wrong foot. You have your orders, I won't interfere in you carrying them out. As to who I want as my protector, I haven't got the faintest idea. The names you mentioned, their just names. I don't know these people at all. I'm sure they are good but I don't know them."

He leaned back. "I can assure that neither the Captain or I want any problems. I want you to always be honest for I will be that way with you." He looked at her for several seconds before giving a nod, reluctant as it was of his head. "Fair enough, I'll give overwatch a fair chance and we'll go from there."

"To be totally honest all I know is someone further up the chain of command wants this to happen and I've been chosen to see that it does, and that's all I know. I wish I knew more, but basically I am totally clueless. I can offer you both, not at once, you can interview them and decide. I'm hoping in the collection of gear that appeared with us there is more information, and if there is both you and the RO and the Security Chief will be the first to hear about it. Total honesty, I'm not about to interfere with you or the RO's duties, the running of the ship, away missions, assignments, or start disputes. I would like an open honest playing field, and I appreciate you giving it a fair chance. Simply let me know or contact Daytona and Ilyce when your schedule allows."

"As I said earlier, I am honest and I expect the same from the officers on this ship, whether they be Starfleet, Marines or Diplomatic Protection Officers." Gary commented. Though still not pleased, he would keep his word and give this a fair shake. "You are welcome Lieutenant, I appreciate your honesty and candor as well." He sat back in his chair. "Send your Mr. Savage to see me. I'll interview him first."

Arcadia tapped an area on her left arm. "Savage."

Savage was relieved to have something else to deal with, copying Arcadia's actions. "Go."

"Commander Taylor's going to select his own protector, he wants to interview you first, then Ilyce. Are you clear?"

Savage ran one hand over his head, the delay answering told Arcadia there was something wrong. "I'm clear, but you're needed in the Vault. Delivery included extra's, including coffin, baby and daisymae."

Arcadia's face stayed blank. "Ilyce is on the CDeck with the RO. You lock down and head to Commander Taylor's office and I'll deal with the extras."

"Extra's being the word. Savage enroute to Mr Taylor, Locking on way out."

"Eruption out. Ilyce did you copy?"

Ilyce ran her tongue across her top teeth, tapping her control panel on her right arm. "Loud and clear boss."

Arcadia cut the link and looked back at the Commander. "Savage is on his way up. Ilyce is watching the RO on the bridge, and unless you have anything else, it appears our delivery got enlarged, and I'm at least going to have let my babies out of cryostasis. To continue our total honesty, Coffin is a very large Komodo Dragon, with slightly different colouring, Baby is a very large black feline, cross between jaguar, cougar, tiger and a few other species that are unknown, but she looks like a total black tiger only bigger, and Daisymae is a teacup poodle. They are real animals and share a unique relationship. I don't intend to allow them to wander the ship. Other extra's I'm about to find out about. Savage like myself and Ilyce tends to avoid the Turbolift unless necessary. Do you have anything else you'd like to discuss?" She asked the XO.

Gary nodded at the news this Savage person was coming up. His eyes grew wide as Arcadia told him about her 'babies'. "A Komodo Dragon, a black large feline and a teacup poodle." He shook his head, "Does the Captain know about this? Because, I'm guessing she's going to have a lot to say about this. Next just where are you planning to house this animals of yours? Assuming the Captain doesn't order them off the ship." He fixed her with a look, "Start using the turbolifts. You and your associates crawling around and popping out of Jeffries tubes is going to freak people out." He picked up the PaDD and glance at it again. I see the Security/Tactical Chief who is also the Elysium's Second Officer is on the list. Please inform her and be prepared for an argument. She's not going to be happy over this. Other than that, I believe we are done Lieutenant. I appreciate your honesty and candor. My door is always open if you ever want to talk, discuss or complain. In other words don't be afraid to make use of it if you should need it."

Arcadia nodded. "No, but she will be advised and introduced to them, as are you. They'll stay in the Protection Offices which will also include our quarters. Apparently Savage reported we received extra's but I don't know from what category the extras fall into. So Savage is coming up and I'm going to find out what extras we got."

"I wish you good luck when you tell her." Gary replied diplomatically. "I look forward to talking to him." He continued.

"He should appear shortly." Arcadia answered as a knock sounded on the door. "I'll leave you to your interview." She headed for the door.

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - A different Assignment

A Mission Post by 1st Lieutenant Arcadia Eruption & Ensign Daytona Savage & Ensign Ilyce Millard & Lieutenant JG Ryan Beyuikolpanj & Ensign Sietta Watagan & Ensign Snake & Ensign Spider & Ensign Storm & Stone (Identical twins) Barlow & Ensign Poison & Chief Warrant Officer (Mad) Maddi & Chief Warrant Officer Anaconda & Master Warrant Officer Flame Pyers & Staff Warrant Officer Lion Jaye & Senior Chief Petty Officer Jason Yinmoan & Senior Chief Petty Officer Andromeda & Petty Officer 1st Class Alison, Aileen, Abbey Campbell (Identical Triples)

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: Diplomatic Protection Office

Timeline: From the XO to a diplomatic mess

Inside the Protection Vault within Protection Detail Office

Arcadia had left the XO, passing Savage on the way, the salute he gave her, left her in no doubt that she wasn't going to like nor appreciate what she was going to find in the Protection Vault. Standing inside the vault, taking off her helmet and temporary silencing her comms, she let out a sharp scream, before slamming her left hand into the wall, then shaking it, the protective plating built into the glove only partially protected her knuckles. Reactivating her comms, and clipping her helmet to her belt, she counted the cryostasis tubes. There should have been seven, only there was seventeen. There was meant to be ten total, now it seemed she almost had twice that. At least in cryostasis tubes they couldn't cause problems. Walking along the row she took in who was in what tube.

Ryan, giving she was actually her deputy, she really should let her out. Standing at the foot of the tube, she placed her hand on the security padd and waited as the retina scanner came up from the top and scanned her face. Taking off her left glove she pricked her finger on the raised bit of the scanning padd and watched it disappear down as it checked her DNA. Finally the scanner slide down and the keypad underneath appeared, and Arcadia entered her code and selected open.

Taking one look at the next occupant, then glancing over at the following one, she closed her eyes as she listened to the slight noises coming from Ryan. Deciding now wasn't the time to bring identical twins Storm and Stone awake, she moved onward. Jason Yinmaan, Poison, Snake and Spider. Arcadia stared at them, she'd worked with everyone here so far. Listening to Ryan puke her guts out into the trough near her tube, she let her puke while she continued down the line. Sietta Watagan, Mad Maddi, Anaconda and Andromeda, Flame Pyers, Lion Jaye.

Ryan heard the curse and swept her plaited blonde hair out of her way and eased herself upright. Reaching for the water bottle, swirling and spitting she glanced one way and then the other. "Exactly how annoyed are you?"

Standing at the bottom of the three tubes containing the identical triplets who had only worked for BW for eight months, trainees no designated specialties, Alison, Aileen and Abbey.

"Let's see. We're on a Starfleet vessel, which already has a great security detail, along with Marines. The RO and XO who are both unimpressed with being on overwatch, and there is a third one on overwatch identified as the second officer and the security and tactical chief , who we haven't touched base with at the moment. There's a collection of debris outside which apparently is the same ship as this one, and a planet which could hold descendants of this crew from the second ship. All they received was a garbled message saying it's from this vessel. Two teams went down, crew are worried that they have mated and populated with each other. The fact three of us came onboard breathing and we were meant to get seven totaling ten and got sixteen...." Arcadia moved to the last tube and smiled. "Hello my babies."

Ryan climbed from her tube, and watched Arcadia open the last tube, the noises weren't human and the statement was enough for Ryan to know what occupied it. "Coffin, baby and Daisymae."

"Hello sweethearts." Eruption opened their shared cryostasis tube, and stroked all three as they began to wake up. "Yeah my babies. Get showered and NAWUO, then get your butt up to the CDeck. I want to see what I can dig up, Savage is being interviewed by Commander Taylor, then it will be Ilyce's turn. You are not open to interviewing or covering his or the RO's arse, you're my deputy, make sure your comms is via our system. If Lalor or Tayor asked about your presence feel feel to identify yourself. Keep your mouth shut." Eruption instructed. Cover the CDeck while the interviews take place.

"Got it." Ryan answered.

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew – Gone

A Mission Post by 1st Lieutenant Arcadia Eruption & Lieutenant JG Ryan Beyuikolpanj & Ensign Poison & Chief Warrant Officer (Mad) Maddi & Staff Warrant Officer Lion Jaye

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: Diplomatic Offices

Timeline: While the away mission takes place

Standing looking at the members of her team, she took a deep breath and bit down on the inside of her lip until she broke flesh and bled. "Something's wrong here, and waking everyone really isn't going to do anything or make anything clearer. If you had to choose one who would it be?" She asked herself.

"Poison."

She stood there and took a deep breath, "Jaye and Mad. Which brings the total to 6 and me makes 7. Everyone else stays in cryostasis." Moving towards the cryostasis tubes, she began the open process on the three. Entering a lock code on the rest. Leaning against the far wall as she watched them go through the awakening process, she unhooked her helmet and clipped it to her belt. She knew that the members breathing would get instant updates on the opening of the tubes and the locking of the rest of the tubes. "Grab a shower people and get some clean clothing and whatever to eat and drink and I'll then bring you up to date."

<>

Sitting around the table in the offices of the Protection Detail, Arcadia spoke while they ate and drank.

"As you know we beamed from BW's ship after I spoke to the UFOP Rep. Savage, Ilyce and myself found ourselves on the USS Starling and then onto the USS Elysium where we find ourselves now. However we are without any idea why we're here. The ship already has a detailed security division and a battalion of Marines, so why put us on board? That is the million credit question, one which has yet to be answered. Bottom line is that we have a contract with the UFOP and they've put us here, so we're loyal to not only the UFOP but the crew of the Elysium. The chain of command is you to me, me to the security chief, security chief who is also the second officer to the XO, XO to the RO. We do not report to the Marine RO, that being said we are not going to start a territorial war with them. You're cleared for normal black gear equipped with shielding and weapons. When wearing NonAtmo you are cleared for under and over. There is no change to your choice of weaponry. Besides myself, there's Ryan, Savage, Ilyce, and you three, Poison, Mad and Lion. Seven in total, if the RO wants more or a specialist in cryo she'll give instructions. Mad first task to set additional security to keep Coffin, Baby and Daisymae in the Protection Offices. And additional security on my office and where I've set my quarters please."

"Are we locking down here?" Lion asked his mouth full.

"I want two on duty here, and two on loose watch between the three senior officers. Marine CO is not to be included. Which leaves two here. Savage and Ilyce are up now. Ryan and Lion you'll cover next shift, leaving Poison and Mad to cover the remaining. While Savage and Ilyce are up Ryan and Lion are down. Poison and Mad here. When Ryan and Lion are up, Savage & Ilyce will be down. I'll cover here, leaving Poison and Mad to be down. When Poison and Mad are up, Ryan and myself will cover here. I'm aware we're one pair short for the current, but until we sort out why we're here, we'll cover."

"Or you could ask to thaw two more?" Lion suggested getting a thump from Mad.

"I am not flooding this ship with a full team unless the RO requests it." Arcadia answered. "Any questions?"

"Am I still fulfilling your crossbow requirements?" Poison asked. "I'm going to need somewhere to set up my babies."

"We'll drag the desks to here in the open leave one office for me and another for Ryan. Designate a third for Poison's collection and work space, a second for Lion's work space, Daytona's already labelled one as the armory but not set it up fully. Which leaves Mad using the armory. Ilyce having another office set up to deal with her explosives. Two have been labelled down. Ryan and myself in one and you'll share the other. Which still leaves several offices for interviews etc.

About to continue when the entire area was engulfed in the familiar metallic jade colour, indicating something or someone was being beamed in or out. Disappearing seconds later, Arcadia looked to where her animals were and found them missing. Rising to her feet she moved to where the rest of the team was and they were also gone. "And that leaves seven."

"Okay where were we, Mad forget the additional security for the animals..." She paused as Mad interrupted

"Someone's chewing on my boots." Mad scooped one hand beneath the table and lifted up one small teacup poodle. Scratching her under her ears as she did. "Looks like they left you one."

"Or wrongly decided she wasn't a threat." Poison accepted Daisymae off Mad.

"I'll change that instruction to extra security on the armory, Poison's collection, Lion's work space and mine. As well as making sure Daisymae is still chipped and linked to all of our bands." Mad stated.

"Done. At least that beam out tells us at the moment we still have BW near by." Arcadia stated.

"So you're going to call and see what you can get?" Lion asked.

"Nope. Lets concentrate on setting this area up, make sure what's not normally here is hidden and secured." Arcadia stated, taking Daisymae from Mad and letting her settle into her helmet clipped to her belt, as she headed for her office.

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - Making it like home

A Mission Post by 1st Lieutenant Arcadia Eruption & Ensign Poison & Chief Warrant Officer (Mad) Maddi & Staff Warrant Officer Lion Jaye

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: Diplomatic Protection Offices

Timeline: current

-----Poison------

Rainbow coloured hair tied back and secured, Poison fitted the shelves which would contain her beasties tanks, all transparent aquarium like, fitted out to meet each of their specific requirements, and all secured, locked and coded. Meaning there was no way they could escape. Once the tanks were on the shelves, she began moving her babies, all venomous animals, snakes, spiders, ants, scorpions, various plants, irukandji jellyfish and more. She had both toxins and venom's, along with drugs, all used to be made into liquids and then placed into the darts used in Arcadia's crossbow darts. Not all were for killing, most were used to be injected into the target and knock them out, some leaving them as lifeless as a corpse, but able to be revived. All UFOP certified.

There were animals and insects which came under both toxins and venom's. The fields of medicine (particularly veterinary) and zoology often distinguish a poison from a toxin, and from a venom. Toxins are poisons produced by organisms in nature, and venom's are toxins injected by a bite or sting (this is exclusive to animals). The difference between venom and other poisons is the delivery method. Moving the first of several tanks into its place before moving the next, until she had them all positioned where she wanted them, checking that they were secured, locked and coded.

She also had a variety of substances classified, which could shatter whatever it was injected into. Human, Borg, Other organic species, walls, locks, other items. Infectious Diseases, diseases from other species which could render individuals dead or very sick. Most of them no longer in the medical programs or taught at the academy, many thought to be extinct but still found to be alive and surviving, many mutating to fit their new homes. Samples of all already passed onto the UFOP and Starfleet along with the associated information.

Rolling the largest tank which contained the liquefied anesthetic into place, the last thing to fit was the collection of darts which filled their various crossbows darts. Wheeling the cabinet which contained the darts into place, she entered the code, unlocked the locks and unsecured the security opening each draw and checking that all darts were secured in there places before repeating the process util the cabinet was locked and in place, before moving her work desk into the middle of the room and checking that the stand alone computer was as it should be, before locking the work desk into the centre of the room, turning she altered her feet as she encountered Mad on the floor by the door.

------Mad------

"And no I'm not praying for my sins." Blonde haired Maddison who preferred Mad or Maddi answered. She hadn't taken long to set up her work space. They'd been given a vast variety of explosives, all packed and secured. It had taken Eruption's code to access the casings they were all stored in. Casing which would contain a blast from anything inside the cases, if for some reason the safety was off or the explosives got too hot. Checking each case she moved onto the next one as Arcadia recoded and secured each case. Passing the new code to Mad as she recoded them.

"That wasn't the response I was expecting." Poison answered. "None of us are God fairing, we wouldn't be in the careers we are, if we were."

"You wouldn't be saying that if you'd met Nabiac. Fully ordained minister, and fantastic explosives expert, demolition, charges, defanging, building you name it, and she prays over each piece, and every death." Mad rose to her feet and fitted the final first entry defenses, before patting Poison on the butt and entering her work space to fit the final entry defenses. "Mind stepping out so I can test the set up." Waiting until Poison was out of the room, she activated the defense system and then entered those who were allowed entry besides their number, including the Security Chief, the Executive Officer and the Captain, just as she had done with her own work space, Lion's work space and the armoury.

"You're pulling my leg." Poison stated. "We have a fully ordained minister, making explosives?"

"Not just making them, killing with them." Mad didn't bother saying they had a collection of Nabiac's blessed devices in her work space. "She blesses each kill. Gets a bit annoying when you're doing bulk blows, or covering her." Mad was primarily a sniper and assassin however that didn't mean she wasn't capable of doing other things. Arcadia liked her people to be multi skilled, and she'd added to her list of specialties since she'd been promoted to her team. Ahead of some of the others on the waiting list, not that she'd ever found out why.

----- Arcadia----

She was a diary keeper, or as some people called it a log keeper. The bright jade case filled with thousands of tiny discs, a history of the life of Arcadia Eruption. A way to keep tab of her life, and a history with thousands of interactions with unknown species, species that Starfleet didn't interact with, species they didn't even know existed. Encounters hostile and friendly, hostile who had become friends and friends that weren't UFOP members. A history of contracts, a documentary of kills. A journey to places the UFOP didn't even know existed, let alone Starfleet. Details of battles she'd been contracted into, along with details of her every day life. But at the moment it was a distraction, a distraction from the fact she didn't know why they were here.

Logic dictated it wasn't as a Diplomatic Protection Squad, Security and Marines could do the job they were tasked with. The UFOP had something planned and it irked her she didn't know. Not that knowing would change anything, they would carry out whatever tasks the Captain gave them too do.

Stroking Daisymae who grabbed one of her gloved fingers and began to chew on it, Arcadia lifted her out of the helmet with the chewed on finger and put her on her chest, the teacup poodle didn't like the NonAtmo and let go of the finger to move back into her helmet. She was calming down, and her frustration level was dropping. Leaning back in her chair her eyes began to close, her hand dropped to where Daisymae has settled, the poodle latching onto another finger, as Arcadia eased into sleep.

---- Jaye --------

Crossbows. Crossbows.Crossbows. Crossbows.Crossbows. Crossbows.Crossbows. Crossbows.Crossbows. Crossbows.Crossbows. Crossbows Crossbows.Crossbows. Crossbows.Crossbows. Crossbows.Crossbows. Crossbows.Crossbows. Crossbows.Crossbows. Crossbows. Crossbows. Crossbows.Crossbows. Crossbows.Crossbows. Crossbows.Crossbows. Crossbows.Crossbows. Crossbows.Crossbows. Crossbows. Crossbows. Crossbows. They lined every space on all walls, they lay in every cabinet, in every cabinet's drawer. Lion Jaye a native Indian with a long Indian heritage able to be traced all the way back to Earth's history, his tribe moving space ward to find an unpolluted planet, and they'd found it beyond the far boundary of the Alpha Quadrant. But he wasn't made for life just carrying out his tribes quiet life, so he'd put his abilities with the crossbow on the market, and he'd been picked up by Arcadia directly. To make it look more even he'd been assigned to BW, then to Arcadia, but he'd always been Arcadia's and she'd fought like the devil herself to keep him, and she had. Though it had taken awhile to adjust to his crossbows being used with Poison's darts. It had taken a totally new set up, a brand new crossbow creation to meet Arcadia's standards to fire Poison's darts, but he'd considered it a challenge, just as he continued to search for one missing crate, which contained his tools.

"Damn." He wasn't one for swearing. "I'm missing a crate with my tools." He moved to the open door and called out.

"I don't have any extra's." Mad answered. "Did you check the armoury there's a pile of crates in there and there's a pile of crates and bags in Ryan's office."

"And in the down area, but there mostly duffel bags, but there are a few crates." Poison added.

"Damn, I was hoping they were all tagged."

"Everything that wasn't labelled went into Ryan's office." Arcadia called from her office.

"Damn. Everyone knows my stuff is carved with my tribe's......"

"Search Ryan's office, if you can't find it locate it find out which storage locker our gear was in and go look there." Arcadia instructed.

"Damn. Search Ryan's office and then go dig through some storage locker. Damn. Damn. Damn."

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - The Interview, Part On

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: XO's Ready Room

Timeline: Current

Gary watched Arcadia leave. He wasn't happy about this overwatch business and from the sounds of it neither was the Captain. He couldn't wait to hear how Lia accepted the news. Oh, to be a fly on her office wall. However right now he had other business to deal with such as finding a 'babysitter' for him. He sighed and shook his head.

A few moments later he heard a rap on his door, "Enter." He answered, wondering if this was going to be the first of those he wanted to interview.

"Savage." He stopped outside the door.

"Savage go." He tapped his arm pad.

"Advise Taylor we're withdrawing overwatch on the three senior officers, in an attempt to find out why we're here. We will keep all three under a loose watch in case there is a real reason. But I'm skeptic that there is." Arcadia stated in his ear.

"You're the boss."

"With one hell of a headache."

"Savage out."

Entering the Commander's office Daytona was dressed the same as Arcadia without his helmet on, it was clipped to his waist. His choice of main non energy weapon was a large Klingon Bat'leth and it was on his back harnessed, various blades some from obvious species, some replicas from histories past and other ones were unknown but all was visible around his body.

"Commander Taylor, Daytona Savage reporting as requested."

"Gary looked at the man now standing in his office. He was imposing, not so much in stature but in attitude. he had a 'Don't screw with me ' look about him. "Mr. Savage, thank you for coming so quickly, please have a seat and we can begin."

Daytona slid the Bat'leth from it's harness and laid it on Taylor's desk before sitting. "Commander, before entering your office, Eruption commed me and asked me to tell you that she was pulling the plug on the overwatch. We will continue to secure the senior officers but at a distance. She hopes that by removing the overwatch she will be able to find out exactly why the UFOP put us here."

Gary was silent as Savage took his Bat'leth from it's harness and laid it on his desk. He remained silent as Savage told him about Eruption's latest actions. When Savage had finished he nodded his head and spoke, "I see. That is unexpected and frankly I'm surprised considering how adamant she was with me about it when we spoke. Nonetheless, her decision to have the senior officer under loose observation is I feel a better option than what was originally proposed. As to why you were put here, have you considered asking?"

"Before I answer that, I'll supply you with some background information you may or may not be aware of. Our contract is with the UFOP. When we were assigned to the UFOP a number of years ago, and later the Starfleet Academy we knew exactly why and what was required. However this time, we expected to arrive at a certain point be met by a UFOP rep, and find out why, what, who etc. Instead we arrived to find the USS Starling and while we were beamed across a whole lot of gear and personnel we weren't expecting including Arcadia's three babies, who normally only accompany us if it's a long term contract. A UFOP rep was already on BW's ship. Arcadia isn't the most diplomatic of people, give her a hostile situation and she's in her element. Our first contract with the UFOP was because a small group of their representatives believed given the Borg's ability to alter their defenses against energy weapons, they believed that they needed several units who used non energy weapons to respond, why they didn't use the marines was never mentioned. We found out later that we were also to be used as an information source, given we don't work with the rules and regulations or boundaries that Starfleet use, and we've encountered species and areas of space that Starfleet and the UFOP haven't. Our second contract saw us at the Starfleet Academy where we ran courses on different topics. Seven cryostasis tubes were meant to be transferred across, instead a full team of sixteen tubes came across. Arcadia has released three others and locked the rest of the tubes, to be opened if the Captain deems them necessary. Which is normal practice for Arcadia anyway. She also let out her three babies, a creature similar to a komodo dragon, a large black feline with a collection of DNA, looks like a tiger and a pure bred apricot toy poodle. Before you cringe, they were given to her as gifts as babies and have lived their life on board ships and Arcadia never lets them out of where we stay, and beams them to a holodeck for exercise. They are not dangerous unless you cross the line with Arcadia, which she never lets happen. Arcadia believes you were simply names to keep her active. She's made it clear we're not to interfere with any actions, away missions, etc, unless there is a direct threat against the senior officers, and there are no security or marines present. She has also made it clear that we follow the chain of command, with the Captain at the top. And we carry out the actions and duties she wishes us to carry out. If we can be of assistance with knowledge, information or anything else all you have to do is instruct. If you wish to remove us from Diplomatic Protection and label us something us, there will be no issue. That is the basic start that Arcadia's deputy Ryan is sharing with your RO. As for asking, there is no UFOP representative on board, and it is normal that she only deals with who the contract is with, she has asked the Security Chief for a meeting when her schedule allows, but that has yet to happen. However if you by chance are the missing link, I for one would love to know why someone thinks you need a mercenary unit, who is normally assigned to deal with situations that are above the hostile level." Daytona answered. "To be honest I'm sick of being beamed around with no accompanying information."

Gary listened in silence as Savage explained what he knew of the current situation. When he had finished, Gary leaned back in his chair then straightened up. "I appreciate you filling me in on your teams history Mr. Savage as well as some personal information trgarding Lieutenant Eruption.

"I think it's safe to say the Captain isn't going to allow a Komodo dragon and a large feline aboard this ship whether they stay in your teams quarters or not. Just isn't going to happen." He shook his head from side to side. "No, unfortunately I'm not your missing link and I can't provide you with the information you seek. Though I find it odd that there has been no attempt to contact you and explain your orders further. As for being sick of being beamed out like furniture and no information you have my sympathy."

"To be honest, I'd beam them out like said furniture. That being Arcadia's babies, but she's the boss and there's a waiting list to get into her team, because it's her 666 which gets the more interesting contracts." Daytona answered. "Do you have any further questions you wish answered? And do you still want to talk to Ilyce. Pronounced Ice by the way."

Gary chuckled lightly, "I commend you on your honesty Mr. Savage and no I have no other questions at this time. I thank you for stopping by to talk to me, Oh wait I do have one additional question, if you are assigned to me, if I gave an order to you that is opposite the order you have pertaining to my safety would you obey it?"

"Would I allow you to be killed?" Savage changed his question. "No, even if it upset the hell out of you. That being said, I would kill you if I could reverse it, however I'd need the right two darts, or Poison would do, since she loads Arcadia's darts. But I'd have to have a bloody good reason to do that without authorisation. But still if killing you was the only way to save you, yes I'd kill you. If you weren't being threatened with imminent death, and it didn't mean I had to lug your butt back, yes I'd obey it, if you want to beaten to a pulp, and you give me an order not to intervene, I'd stand and critique the beating, until they cross the line. Then I'd step in and either drag you out or kill you depending on the situation. And when you're revived you can explain the situation to the RO and Eruption. Who do you want next Ilyce, Poison, Mad, Lion, or Ryan. You'll end up with all of us at one stage."

Gary nodded as Savage gave his answer, "I see." he finally replied. "That's all then Mr. Savage, thank you again for coming in. Please send Ilyce in. I'll speak with her next."

"Your choice Commander." Daytona tapped his armband selecting Ilyce. "You're up Freeze."

Ilyce's response was a growl, and nothing else.

"She won't be long Commander." Picking up his Bat'leth, he slid it into his harness and headed for the door.

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - "...And if I Should Die"

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Commander Tate Sullivan Ph.D. & Chief Petty Officer Feyth Railli

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: Lamaze Room, OB/GYN Department, Infirmary, USS Elysium

Timeline:

****

Tate smiled as she heard the gentle exhale emerge from Feyth's lips, signaling the end of the exercise and the completion of another Lamaze class for the mother to be. From Sullivan's vantage point sitting behind her and supporting her partner's back, she could see as usual, the rest of the participants had already started gathering their mats and pillows and were heading out the door of the small room utilized as a sometimes classroom and sometimes conference room of the large obstetrical ward of the ship's medical facilities. Given the size of the ship, it wasn't surprising there were a fair number of expectant parents at any given point, but the counselor was especially grateful now that classes were still relatively small as to provide the opportunity for intimate conversation and interaction.

Up until now, Sullivan's only professional reason for interacting with pregnant mothers had been to offer emotional support and information about postpartum mood disorders and relaxation during pregnancy and delivery. It was a task she truly enjoyed and an offer that had surprised the medical staff likely most of all. It was not really a secret to anyone who knew her how much she wanted to be a mother herself in the future, and until she figured out exactly when and how she would do that, until recently, this was the only opportunity she had had to get close to the idea.

She gave a slight nod to the instructor who quietly left the room so the two women could have their space to talk. It was not an unusual occurrence, and although the two women had been talking regularly ever since the pregnancy had been discovered, the counselor had to admit she was no closer to predicting the mother to be's moods or thoughts anymore now than she had been when they first started speaking to one another. Still, however surprising their relationship had become, ultimately, Tate just wanted to do what she always tried to do for the crew: offer emotional support and space to just listen.

"You're doing really well, Feyth," Tate offered, patting her on the arm before helping to ease her in a more upright sitting position. "Penny for your thoughts?"

The Bajoran sighed heavily. Her fingers rested gently on her swollen belly, tentative in their touch, as though her body were so fragile as to crack under even the slightest pressure. "I can't believe this is going to happen," she said. She sighed again. "I spent so much time trying to decide whether I wanted this baby, that now I'm not even sure if I ever actually even made that choice in the end. It feels like all this time has slipped by so fast, and now I'm just kind of...here."

"Parenthood is a lot to take in for everyone," Tate acknowledged. "I think even when your head questioned whether you wanted this baby, your heart always knew on some level you did. You could have avoided receiving medical care a lot longer, and look at you now, you're at Lamaze, with a partner no less," she added with a smile. "Even when you were most confused, you chose to take care of this baby."

Feyth took one of Tate's hands in both of hers, placing it against her forehead in the Bajoran tradition of solemn thanks. "Tate, Prophets praise you. I don't know if I would have made it this far without you," she said. "I mean that. River has been, well, absolutely useless through of all this. Everyone else aboard says kind words to me in the corridors and then they go about with the rest of their day. But you've really stuck with me. You've been there for me. I guess this is the kind of thing they teach in counselor school?"

Tate smiled, truly touched by Feyth's words. "Something like that," she teased. "I can show you the textbook," she added with a grin. More seriously, she offered, "We all need people we can lean on, and I suppose I just didn't want you to feel alone in this. I know things are complicated right now, but I truly believe talking it out and offering a little love and care can go a long way." She didn't add that she would do the same for River, knowing Feyth had every right to her feelings, but also believing everyone deserved to be supported.

"Speaking of River," Feyth pressed on, "there's something that I've been wanting to talk to you about. I...I hope you won't take this the wrong way..."

Sullivan felt a mix of concern and intrigue, but kept her facial expression as neutral as she could. "I will listen to whatever you have to say, you know that. I'm not going anywhere, no matter what. What's on your mind?"

Feyth's voice fell to whisper. Her eyes became unfocused, as though the very idea of looking into Tate's own would shame her. "In my culture we have a concept, 'Danna vo shan tyll,'" she explained. "It's...ummm...like....well, if something were to ever happen to me. And...if...if my baby needed someone else to watch out for him or her...and I was thinking that of all the people I know..."

Now her mention of River made sense. "You want River to look after the baby if something happens to you?" It wasn't such an outrageous idea, all things considered. He was the baby's father, after all. "I wasn't aware the two of you had patched things up."

The Bajoran gave an embarrassed laugh. "No, no, no. You don't understand," she said. "I'm talking about you, Counsellor. If anything were to happen to me, I want you to be the one to stand in my place." Now that the hard part was spoken aloud, she found herself able to quickly press on before Tate could respond. "Now I'm not saying you have to answer now. I know this is a big deal. So think about it, okay? Of course you need to think about it. Just...please say 'yes.'"

At first, Tate wasn't sure she'd heard correctly. Then, when the words finally hit her, she fought hard not to look at Feyth as though she had grown a third eye. Normally, the counselor was well practiced at keeping her features neutral, but she realized belatedly that was because people didn't tell her things that related to Sullivan herself. In this case, she was caught completely off guard. She was used to being a listener, the supporter, not someone people considered to be potential guardians for their children.

Sullivan took a breath and several beats. When she considered more than her own feelings, she recognized how sweet, flattering, and ultimately, vulnerable Feyth was in that moment. "I...Feyth, I am flattered and shocked," she added with a nervous chuckle. "I have to admit, I'm also a little confused. When you mentioned River, I didn't think this was the direction things were going."

Feyth bit her lip, her eyes crinkled with uncertainty. "You're going to say no, aren't you?" she asked. "Some kind of boundary you're not allowed to cross?"

"Truthfully, I hadn't even considered that," Tate answered. "Honestly, I just need a little time to sort this through. I'm truly honored you would even think of me, but I still don't understand, you started off the conversation by saying, 'Speaking of River...'"

"Well, it's just that..." She sighed. "Ugh. This whole thing has just been such a colossal mistake -- the last thing in the world that I ever wanted to have happen. Believe me. He's kept his distance ever since he found out about the baby; I haven't been able to count on him for anything. And he's given no indication what's going to happen once this baby is actually born. I just...I know that I can't trust him to be there when I need him. It's the same old story. We've never been able to depend on him."

As much as Sullivan could understand the other woman's perspective, she was acutely aware as a counselor, it was important for her not to take sides. River was going to be a father, and no matter how much she agreed he needed to come to grips with that fact, it would be unfair of her to judge him too harshly for his own feelings. "Do you think it would help if I mediated a discussion between the two of you? Don't get me wrong, I understand where you're coming from and flattery doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about what you're asking. I just wouldn't be a very good counselor to either of you if I were to agree to take care of your child without first doing what I could to help this baby's other parent to step into that role first. If he still isn't interested after that, I promise to at the very least seriously consider doing what you ask. So, it is not a refusal, more like a 'wait and see'." The counselor truly hoped her words hadn't hurt any feelings, but she knew in her heart, she couldn't in good conscience take this child at least until all other options have been exhausted.

Feyth nodded, her eyes lost. "If you think that's a good idea, then I trust you. We can talk, all of us. As my counselor, you've done a lot for me -- you've somehow kept me together," she said. With an inhale her eyes found Tate's. "But I want you to promise me that you'll do this for me. If anything were to ever happen to me...I want you to be there for this baby in my place. Maybe we'll get everything sorted out with River. Maybe. But until then I need to know that my child will always have someone to watch out for her. I lost a daughter before. That can't ever happen again."

"I couldn't stop loving this baby even if I wanted to," Tate replied sincerely. "My intention was always to support you, and as I've watched you fall in love with your baby, somewhere along the way I fell in love with her too. I will always be in her life as much as you want me to be, and if that means putting that in writing, I'll do it. Whatever happens, though, I love her too much to not give her a chance at having an actively engaged father in her life."

Feyth threw herself into Tate, clutching her into her arms even as she vainly sniffled away sob. "Thank you, Tate," she said genuinely. "You have no idea how much this means to me. I finally feel like...like everything is actually going to be okay. I'll never forget you did this. Ever."

OFF

Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew - "Arrival at the village"

A Mission Post by Commander Aurelia Holmes & Captain Phoenix Lalor & Commander Liselle Qwyyn & Commander Gary Taylor & Lieutenant Commander Matias Grronkil & Lieutenant Commander Sthilg & Lieutenant Arrianna Salannis an Vantar & Lieutenant Ian Murphy & Lieutenant Jaeih t’Noramei-McKinley & Senior Chief Petty Officer Ken Waters & Chief Petty Officer Feyth Railli & Miran Lalor & Triston Montgomery

Mission: Episode 1: Face to Face A - Prime Crew

Location: Elysium Village

Timeline: Current

Lia looked towards Wynter, "Lieutenant, contrary to my wishes. The Captain wants us to land on this rock pile, please prepare to do so". She glanced down at the planet and shuddered.

The doctor smiled as the shuttle rocked slightly as it headed towards the ground. It had been years since he'd been on an away mission and now they were preparing to set foot on a planet possibly inhabited by the ancestors of the ship.

As the shuttle decended Lia watched the planet approach, this still didn't feel right. Why the hell the Captain wants away teams on this rock pile was beyond her, perhaps she'd let Wynter lead when they landed. In fact yeah Wynter and the Doctor can wander off exploring, she would stay with the shuttle. "Lieutenant, get as close to the village as you can. No use having to walk to far, never know what's about". Lia glanced at Wynter, as he concentrated on landing the shuttle.

Matias was hoping they wouldn't disturb them and not land, but orders were orders. Still, he thought the Prime Directive and the Temporal Directive were being disturbed by this landing.

As the shuttle touched down Lia shuddered, almost as if someone had walked over her grave. oO This feels all wrong Oo, she thought.

=/\= Village=/\=

Jaeih was not sleeping. The older kids had run off on a mission. She was very peeved at her husband for allowing it to go ahead but she chose not to argue about it. At 5 months pregnant, she was not sleeping well at all so she had taken to walking around the village. She paused at the far end of the village and frowned out into the gloom and darkness. She had heard something.... A glance around showed none of the security personnel were in this section. What the hell had been that noise. She had a feeling she should recognize it.

"Miss Jaeih." Said a figure walking out of the darkness, pushing a grav cart piled high with leather, furs and a burlap bag filled with silks. Makepeace usually came to the village under the cover of night, and tried to avoid most people when he delivered his goods. At least he'd resumed the practice of bathing regularly -- and why not? The fat rendered from the beasts he skinned made for excellent soap. "Have you been out here a while? I heard a noise... It kind of sounded like a shuttle breaking atmo, but the shuttlepod's still in its clearing."

Jaeih frowned. "Makepeace... go get the security officers and the president. Something is off.."

Makepeace studied Jaeih for a few moments, and then nodded. She appeared rather serious, and that combined with his own experience made for a convincing enough case for someone who took so much on instinct and faith. "Watch my cart." He said, jogging away. He stopped first at the watch station, rousing the security guy on duty and telling him to rouse the head of security and have them report to Jaeih in the clearing below, and then on up to President Taylor's house, knocking on the man's door.

Gary awoke with a start at the urgent knocking on his door. Reaching his door clad in a t-shirt and sleep pants, opening it he gazed at Makepeace in wide eyed wonder. "Mr. Makepeace, what brings you to my door at this hour?" He asked yet inwardly he knew it had to be serious for Makepeace to come to him. The man usually avoided contact with the rest of the village.

Makepeace took a few moments to catch his breath, unaccustomed to cardio. Why didn't they have a better way of ascending this tree besides ramps? "While I was bringing my wares into town, I believe I heard some sort of craft breaking atmo... About twenty minutes ago, Mr. President." He said, his combadge translating his mumbled speech to something people could understand. "I encountered Jaeih down below in the clearing and she instructed me to notify you and security, so I believe she might have heard it as well." People in the village might think Makepeace was a crank, but Jaeih? She was a pillar of the community. "I have already notified security to go meet with her."

Gary looked him over and judged he was being on the level. "Very good Mr. Makepeace, come in while I change into something more appropriate." As he headed back into the bedroom, pausing briefly to look over his shoulder, "You did good." He commented before disappearing into the bedroom. He emerged a few minutes later dressed in slacks and a pullover shirt. "Alright lets go see Jaeih and see if we can find out what's going on."

"Shall I go rouse any of the other... Uh... 'Village Elders?'" Makepeace asked. He meant the other senior staff, of course. Even though rank had been set aside and the crew democratized their own leadership, they still looked to the former senior staff for guidance and leadership.

He debated for a moment on whether to wake the others or not. He didn't want to wake them over nothing . However this could be what they had waited twenty years for. "Yes. Alert them to what we know and tell them we'll keep them informed as we know more." He looked back at the bedroom for a moment. "Excuse me Mr. Makepeace." As he reentered the bedroon and walked to side of the bed where Liselle was sleeping. "Liselle." He said softly. "I'm going with Mr. Makepeace. He and Jaeih heard something like a shuttle entering the atmosphere. I'm going with them to check it out." He finished, kissing her cheek.

She moaned, her eyes staying firmly closed. "Just promise you won't go tearing through the fabric of the universe. I'm finally okay with it as it is," she managed to joke through her grogginess. "And be back in time for supper. Otherwise I'm cooking."

He chuckled softly at the sight of Liselle lying in bed with her eyes firmly clamped closed and mumbling out her replies."I promise no tearing through the fabric of the universe and I'll be back in time for supper." He finished as he kissed her again.

As he left the room, she reached over to the other side of the bed, to his pillow, and she pressed it into her face. With a satisfied smile, the old woman lifted her head from her own pillow and tossed it to the floor, flopping back down to sleep on his instead.

Makepeace, who had heard Gary address Liselle, but not much else, jogged away from the President's house and off to wake and notify the remaining senior staff. That the two of them were cohabitating wasn't even mildly noteworthy to him. Not a scandal, not even lukewarm gossip material, he mused as he crossed over a creaky bridge. If he told anyone, he imagined they'd just say, 'Why don't they just fuck already?!'

The Matias of this world was fast asleep, but with disturbing dreams of a younger self. He awoke with a start. "I hope you had better luck, if you are alive." he said.

Arrianna began to walk toward what she deemed to be the Shuttle's landing site. "This is impossible?!?" She stated as she watched and flipped open a tricorder instinctively. "Either they are from an alternate space-time continuum... or we are? They should have been destroyed when they encountered the anomoly, thus restarting the loop. Unfortunately we're still here on this planet. There should be nothing here, if the Elysium did not complete the paradox."

Jaeih held out a hand. "Wait. lets wait and see if they come to us... if it is what we think it is." She ignored the others looks at her. Her stomach churned. "If it is ourselves up there and they have come down here, they will have orders not to make contact. Hunting them down may make it worse."

"Something has changed, Jaeih. I don't understand this. They are supposed to be in the past, surviving a terrible ordeal. If they do not go into the past. Either we will cease to exist, or they are from another space-time continuum." Arri mentioned. "We must hail them."

Gary made his way toward the projected shuttle landing site as questions flashed through his mind. Was it their other selves? Was it another Federation ship or one of it's allies having finally discovered them after all this time? Or some unknown alien race coming to survey or colonize the planet? he sighed as he walked on, the only way to know for sure was to go and see for himself.

Murphy just grumbled, trying to wake himself up with a cup of what sufficed for tea on this planet. They'd found plants that contained caffeine, but they tasted awful no matter how you prepared them in drink form, or so he maintained.

Makepeace took up a position near his grav cart as he returned, checking the phaser rifle that he kept slung to its steering bar, but not unlimbering it. He was... Unmoved by the thought of imminent rescue. Much of the damage done to his face and body by the crash was now irreparable, so why get excited by the idea of rescue?

Jaeih looked towards the noise. "Come and meet us" she whispered.

===/\===