Star Trek: Season 10

[Jen]

Joint post by Jen and Just X

Ryla passed through the doors of sickbay, less than eager to begin her morning shift. A bit groggy and more than a little sore, the Trill shuffled onto the floor. The nurses acknowledged her as they busied themselves at their workstations. "Good morning, Doctor. I heard you saw some 'action' last night," Nurse Cane teased.

"Careful Susan...I haven't had my cup of Raktijino," grumbled the Trill. The young Terran chucked as Ryla's expression morphed from frown to smile.

"Are you okay?" asked the nurse.

"A little bruised, but I'm fine."

"Will you report her? She should be kept on a very short leash," added Nurse Galloway.

"No... " Ryla sighed, "I'm just going to give her a wide berth."

"You might not be so lucky next time. She really hates you...why?"

"I don't know. Maybe she's offended by my spots," the Trill replied sarcastically then quickly changed the subject. "How're the squabbling Romulan Senators? Did they behave themselves last night?"

"They're still sleeping. Renna said they barely stirred last night," said Susan.

Ryla took up a tricorder and walked to the ICU to scan the two Romulans—their vitals were normal. "They should be awake by now," said the Trill.

At the sound of the doctor's voice, Nevash's red-rimmed eyes fluttered open, "I am now," she slurred. "What did you give me? My head is spinning..."

Ryla looked up from her medical instrument as Ketleck stirred two biobeds away from them. "It was a sleep aid," she said, "a mild one at that. Give her something to counter the effect, Susan. And see if Cyra will prepare a light Romulan breakfast for them. That's probably why your head is spinning... you haven't eaten in at least two days."

If the scans had indicated a complication, Drett would have been more concerned. She dismissed the possibility of an allergic reaction and decided Nevash's dizziness was simply a result of physical fatigue and hunger. After all, the senator had survived a doomed transport, a stab wound and a three-hour surgery. The other patient had suffered a serious head injury; suffice it to say, their long rest was well earned. She would check on them again after they had eaten.

The Trill headed for her office and activated the computer fixed to the surface of her desk. Hoping the stout Klingon brew would restore her pep, she moved to the replicator and ordered a Raktijino before taking a seat. According to the first communique she received, a briefing had been scheduled for noon the same day. There was much to do between now and then and she hoped the caf in the Raktijino would sustain her well beyond the meeting. The second message she scanned was from Myella Peterson, she would be running late which meant Ryla would need to cover for the doctor until she arrived. The Trill accessed Myella's appointments and reviewed her schedule.





Dressed in a combination of olives and jades, Oryn entered the medical facilities and allowed his sharp blue eyes to flow over the room. His night had been long and quite interesting. If first impressions were true, there was much excitement to be had on Arabella.

"Excuse me," he said at a volume intended to traverse the room, "I'm here for an appointment."

Susan made her way across the floor to meet him, "Good morning," she said as she handed him a PADD.

"Hello," he smiled to the woman as he glanced at the display device "... I'm afraid that I'm still trying to learn the names of everyone on the ship."

"I'm Nurse Caine," said the dark-haired Terran. "If you'll just fill out a few details, I'll go inform Doctor Drett you're here.... Oh, she must have heard you enter," she added as the Trill approached them.

"So your punctual as well as frank," said Ryla. "Promptness is a trait my staff and I sometimes lack." She gestured to a biobed and removed a tricorder from her lab coat.

Oryn smiled, "You're looking well this morning. I'm glad that you weren't hurt last night. Sometimes my people forget their own strength, but you don't even look sore."

"Trills are resilient."

He chucked as he took a seat on the biobed, "For the record, I really don't like physicals. I prefer to keep my insides on the inside."

"No worries—your internal organs will not see the light of Sickbay," said the doctor.

He nodded slowly, "It's not that. I just have a certain health issue that I don't like being brought up."

Ryla glanced up from her tricorder, "anything I discover will be kept purely confidential, I assure you." A moment later, the Trill's brows pushed her spots into her hairline, "Forgive me," she whispered, "I have to ask...are you Vulcan?"

He shook his head and softly replied, "No. I'm fully Romulan. I was told that I was a throwback to earlier generations. It happens occasionally, some people are born with secondary eye lids. I was born with a little more as you can see."

"I take it this is the 'medical condition' you did not want revealed." She glanced to the Senators across the room, who were up on their elbows watching them.

"Yes. My ... condition... is unusual and quite prized by some of the high houses," he replied. "I have other perks that doctors discovered early on that could be of an interest to additional parties."

"You look highborn, but I do not recall seeing you aboard the transport," Nevash uttered in a hoarse voice that she tried to project across the room.

Oryn's eyes turned towards the woman, "I'm Commander Oryn of Imperial State Security. I guess you can say that I'm the man in charge of the Romulan side of this adventure. I only recently arrived through alternate means of travel."

The senator sniffed loudly, "...in charge? The Romulan Star Empire does not answer to the Imperial State. It answers to the senate...it answers to us." She said as she gestured to Ketleck, who had tried to kill her a day before.

"You mean the Star Empire that burned to ashes? Subjugated worlds were consumed because of the actions of the senate," Oryn stated flatly. He had no love for those that failed in their duties, yet still insisted on keeping their positions of power. "Were you a person of honor, you would have fallen on your sword for your incompetence. And, were it up to me, the senate would have been escorted to the nearest airlock to clean the slate."

"Are you threatening us?!" Ketleck hissed.

"He is," added Nevash.

"Quiet!"  The diminutive Trill had a dangerous gleam in her eye, but she drew a breath in an attempt to dull the hard edge her voice held. In the past, only one individual had pushed her far enough to achieve a rise in her volume... the senators had successfully challenged K'Tan's record. "I haven't had enough caf to put up with anymore from you two." She continued in a more even tone, "Save your arguments for some place other than my Sickbay."

Remembering the drug the doctor gave them the night before, the senators fell silent.

Oryn's stare intensified on the Romulans then turned to the Trill with a softened expression, "You recovered quickly."

The scowl that hovered on the senators moved to Oryn before slipping away. Suddenly Ryla wanted to laugh at herself for the absurdity of her words, but she wasn't quite finished being frustrated. "Again...we're resilient," she said as she tucked the tricorder into her lab coat.

"Well, your exam is complete... and 'everything on the inside stayed on the inside'." The doctor reached for a jar resting on a table near by, and removed the lid to reveal a variety of multicolored hard candies. "I usually reserve these for the children I see, but you were a good today... relatively speaking." She flicked her eyes toward the senators—she wouldn't be offering them any that was for sure.

Oryn grinned and took one of the candies. "I try to be ... 'relatively speaking'. "

Feeling the anger slip away, Ryla laughed at what had to be a joke.

"I hope that we can work a lot closer in the future. You'd be amazed at what I can bring to the table."

"Again, I haven't finished my Raktijino... are you delivering another innuendo or are you actually referring to your work?"

"Work of course, darling," he replied sarcastically. "When I make a suggestion, there won't be any mistaking it."

Ryla smirked as she put the lid back on the jar and placed on the station next to the biobed.

"You can help prevent the universe from spiraling into entropy..." He paused a moment as he watched her, "would you believe that there are people out there who believe we're supposed to be extinct? First Vulcan then Romulus and Remus. Some have said their destruction was a sign that the universe is finished with the Vulcanoid experiment."

The Trill turned a pensive frown toward him as she slid her hands in the pockets of her blue lab coat, "the Federation doesn't share that belief. That's why we're here."

Oryn smiled, "I wouldn't be aboard this vessel if I thought otherwise."

"The Captain has called a briefing later today. I'm assuming the liaison of the fleet will be in attendance."

"Yes, there are new details pertaining to our joint mission that will be revealed. I will be assisting your Captain in outlining them."

"Well, I won't keep you. Thank you for stopping by."

"Thank you," Oryn said and rose from the biobed. As she started back to her office he called after her, "What time would you like to meet for dinner?"

[Meds]

The hot water lashed over his head as his hands glided over his black hair. Joseph lifted his head and let the water bounce of his face. It was one of his many enjoyments of the day, a good long sonic shower. Of course a a nice relaxing bath would be better but those were for more poignant times. Walking out out of his shower he dried himself with one of his specially made towels, a present from Susan for when he obtained his promotion. Looking around his quarters he looked at his desk, on it were several photographs, the first, his mother and father, the second a picture his father had given him. It was his parents wedding picture. Standing proud was his father and mother, smiles glowing with such love, behind his parents were Sevryll and Aeric. The third picture was a smaller family shot, Joseph's father standing in the back a smile just as proud on his face, his hands on his son's shoulders. Joseph sat to the left and Theran to the right, they both look happy. In between them sat a young woman, an adopted sister, she smiled even more so than the two grown men that she sat between and she hugged the leg of Joseph. Recently graduated as a a nurse, Susan had become the latest D'Callan family member to join Starfleet.

Combing his hair he smiled at the photographs of his family, he drifted across the desk to see a picture of himself, on his own. It was nothing strange but that picture hurt him. His brother Theran had settled down back on Earth. His father was content with the memories of his mother and his adopted sister Susan who was quickly growing up and would no doubt be settled down. But the photo of himself ,on his own, smiling but lost, made him think. Shaking his head to the side his hair fell into place. He looked at himself in the mirror and she came to mind. She was there in the reflection. She was there in the photograph...she was there in his heart.

Joseph sighed, clipping his combadge to his chest and pulling his uniform into place, he sat on his sofa...alone, waiting for the alarm to tell him to start his shift. Placing his hands on his lap, he leaned back and smiled as he closed his eyes deep in thought.

[X]

Joint post by Jen and Just X

Sevryll laid the hairbrush on the table and reached for her combadge resting beside it. As she fixed the badge to her crimson tunic, her eldest child appeared at her side.

"Will you braid my hair?" Aria asked, as she stared up at her mother in the mirror.

"Of course." Sevryll motioned for the girl to sit in a chair positioned before the sweeping viewport then retrieved the ornate brush and began her task. Her gentle hands moved effortlessly as she gathered raven locks to create the traditional Vulcan braids. After a moment of silence, Sevryll's attention moved to the mirror and met Aria's eye in the reflection. "Are you troubled?" She asked.

The girl's up-swept brows dipped ever so slightly, as she considered her answer.

"No."

"Are you certain? You are uncommonly quiet...what is on your mind?"

"Nothing."

Slowly, Sevryll returned her attention to the braid and resumed her nimble work. She knew Aria was with holding something, but this was to be expected of a girl her age. "You would tell me if it were important, would you not?"

"Yes."

"Then it is unimportant?"

"Yes....No...I don't know."  If she had been human Sevryll would have smiled at the response.


Aeric entered the living area from the twins's room. They were still cleaning, though he had helped them with the majority of their chore. He adjusted the tunic of his uniform and glanced to them with a  smile for both. After a moment, he entered the kitchen area to replicate a drink before they started their duty shift. "Iced white chocolate with caramel and extra whipped cream."

"Doctor Drett has warned you about drinking those," said his wife as she entered the room. She knelt before Murynn and Nevaul to embrace them. "I love you," she said as they kissed her. "Behave yourselves."

"We will," they said in unison, though she knew they would not. The five-year-olds were mischievous and trouble had always come easily to them.

Aeric took a small sip of the cool drink before looking at his daughter. "Make sure that the twins stay out of trouble. With everything going on, they might be more curious than normal."

"Of course," Aria nodded to her father. "We have holodeck time scheduled later this morning."

The XO smiled at her, the fact that she did not point out his stating of the obvious had humored him. As the oldest child, it was her responsibility to look after the twins while her parents were on duty. It was the same yesterday and there was no reason that it would change today.

"Are you ready?" the commander called out to the captain. Scuttlebutt on the ship had more than few of the command staff wondering about the recent arrival of the Romulan commander. Aeric himself only had a few details as to the purpose of the visitor, but he trusted Sevryll. It didn't take a leap of faith or inscrutable logic to know that she would not sign off on anything that would bring her ship or the fleet into harm's way.

The children followed them to the door as their parents headed down the corridor. "Goodbye," they called. "We'll be good...we promise," said Nevaul.

The couple, with PADDs in hand, entered the turbolift en route to the bridge. They had a few items to address before the mid-day staff meeting. Though it did not cross her face, the Vulcan Captain was concerned about the cloaked ship Oryn had mentioned the night before. Despite their attempts, her crew had been unable to substantiated his claims. She had no reason to doubt the liaison, and would set Zremm and K'Tan on the task of discovering their invisible pursuer.

The other matter that concerned her was the disturbance in the Afterburner. Maintaining peace, it seemed, would be more of a challenge to her Security Chief. Sevryll had yet to receive a report from his department, and did not know the extent with which her crew had been involved or whether the situation could have been avoided. Stress was high amongst the evacuees, and understandably so... her crew, however, had little excuse for fighting with the people they had come to aid.

[Meds]

The line up of security officers stood to attention as Joseph walked down the line doing inspection. "ladies and gentlemen, i look upon you all with an essence of pride. None of you were involved in last nights incident in the Afterburner. Security is important on this ship, our reputation is important, our Captain expects the best and the best is what we shall give her. Alas last night will raise questions on our ability to keep order. So we will have to be extra vigilant. Darius, Stass do you have your reports." the two officers stood forward with their PADD's, Joseph walked to then and took them off them. "You both did well last night. Fall in." D'Callan made his way to the centre of the room, "extra care people. To your posts" the line up turned to their left and walked out calmly and in order, Joseph went to his office and sat down to read the reports, he would as usual make a detailed report to his Captain as soon as he had all the facts correct and checked. He looked at the reports, "tea i think".

[Feathers]

As the turbolift doors opened, Galdar walked onto the bridge, straightening his tunic as he did so. Nodding at the Lieutenant in the Tactical booth, he stepped down to the main floor of the bridge and crossed to the helm console. The handover was brief but efficient. Nothing much to report. The Arabella still on course to rejoin the Seventh Fleet.

As he settled into the his chair, his mind turned back to the events of the previous night. After Ryla had left the Afterburner, he'd chatted for a while with Lieutenant Olson, a broad ranging conversation covering flight profiles and performance parameters of numerous craft. Very quickly, however, it had become clear that the one thing he needed to do was ensure that the Lieutenant was in no way amused by the conversation - Galdar's sensitive Ferengi ears just couldn't take the assault of Olson's laughter.

Excusing himself as quickly as had seemed polite, he'd taken the holodeck booking that he'd planned to share with Shelby and run a couple of bridge simulations for his own amusement, returning to the Afterburner pretty late in the evening for a final drink before bed. Fortunately, Olson had left so Galdar had been able to take a table on his own without the encumbrance of the snorting laugh. There was one contact he wasn't going to hurry to maintain!

When Ryla had also returned, he'd been surprised. It wasn't her normal habit to drink late and whether she admitted it or not, the Trill was a creature of at least some habit. More surprising than the time, though, had been her company.

On one level Galdar had been pleased for his friend. Having two different men take an interest in her in so short a time must have been a nice change for her. On another level, however, he wasn't at all sure about the drive and motivation of this Oryn character.

They hadn't spent long in conversation, but what little had passed between them appeared to be as much a testing of boundaries as the casual introduction it had appeared to be. Regardless of what had been said, Galdar was left with the distinct feeling that there was more to the character of this particular Romulan than outward appearances revealed.

The brawl had ended his evening somewhat precipitately as order had instantly descended into chaos. From his vantage point, sitting on the floor beneath his table where he'd scooted at the first sign of the disturbance, a lot of what had taken place was muddled and confusing. Nursing the remains of his drink, the diminutive officer had watched in amazement first at the ballet of legs playing out before him and then, as it started raining, at the rush for the door to avoid a drenching.

As he'd downed the last of his drink, protected from the fire retardant pouring from the ceiling, he'd smiled at the irony of the deluge. As someone who'd frequently complained about the lack of humidity in starship recycled air, the rainstorm had done a lot to restore his confidence in (and amusement at) some aspects of Starfleet.

The Ferengi hadn't got away completely unscathed, having been forced to assist at least one Romulan into unconsciousness, accelerating his head into the floor as he'd sprawled beside Galdar's table while holding the legs of a female crewman he'd brought down in his turn just moments before. It may not have been 'conduct becoming an officer' but as Rule of Acquisition 58 so eloquently stated, "There is no substitute for success."

As the room had cleared, Galdar had emerged from his sheltered hiding place and stood under the falling liquid, the feel of it on his scalp bringing a small lump to his throat with memories of his childhood on Ferenginar. He'd watched as the Doctor left with Oryn and Cyra, waiting until the downpour finally ceased before leaving the lounge himself and returning to his quarters to dry out and then sleep.

Eyes focussing on his panel once again, the Lieutenant completed his sign in before sitting back and assessing the state of the remainder of the Alpha shift bridge crew. There would no doubt be more than a few bruises on duty this morning!

[X]

Joint Post by Jen, Just X and Iceman


Sevryll headed to her Ready Room to review her communiques as Commander James strode onto the bridge. Their arrival was early, as always, during the transition of Alpha and Gamma shifts. He gave a nod to Peterson, who currently occupied the captain's chair. "Casey, hopefully your shift was more uneventful than those of Alpha and Beta. Is there anything to report?"

Casey rose, "Nothing conclusive Commander. Our sensor scans have failed to locate any cloaked vessels. If there's anything out there, I suspect it will remain hidden until they are ready to make their move. The Science Department is still working on a means to locate the ship. All systems are fully operational and within the expected ranges."

Aeric took a sip of the frothy beverage and nodded to the Gamma Shift Commander, "It sounds like you had the most relaxing shift of the day. Sometimes I envy the quiet."

Casey replied, " I guess that's not a bad way to start and end a shift, although I was hoping for a little more excitement... I am sure that will come soon enough as this mission has turned out to be anything but routine."
   
The XO briefly glanced to his PADD to see which departments had already delivered their nightly reports before returning his attention back to Casey. "When you finally get you own command, you're going to quickly realize that excitement is the last thing you want during your shift. Unless it's a scheduled activity, excitement on a starship usually goes hand in hand with danger. I welcome the calm. It means we're doing our jobs the right way."

Casey turned to the first officer, "Sir, how do you deal with the long periods of routine and non excitement? Don't you worry that you will become complacent and make an error in judgement or mistake?"

"Space is never routine, Casey. Every kilometer we travel, we are literally seeing the universe in a new light. On Gamma shift, there is a transfer of required power from systems no longer in to enhance the sensors. Even while we are warping through space, we are discovering things that we didn't see only moments ago. I haven't served on a single shift where we didn't learn something about the galaxy around us, but we aren't talking about me. I can only imagine how difficult it must be going from the center of a frantic trauma room to the quiet of the Gamma shift bridge. Maybe, we should look into something different for you. It might be too calm too soon compared to the role you are coming from."

Casey responded to Aeric, "Yes this is much different then what I am use too, but at the same time I find it exciting in a way. I will admit it will take some getting use too, but with anything we do, there is a learning curve and any insights you have of how you dealt with command for the first time would be most helpful, Sir. Perhaps we can continue this conversation when we are both off duty as I would welcome your insights into Command as you have wisdom I am sure I could use."

Aeric took his seat and nodded. "That sounds like a good idea commander.

"Thank you sir, I look forward to it."

Aeric nodded and entered the commands into his console that transfered operation control to his shift. "Computer, note time of transition and transfer all department head shift reports to my console."

"Working," responded the computer without only a momentary delay to signal the completion of the transfer. He often began his work on the bridge rather than in his office. This gave the captain uninterrupted time to familiarize herself with the events of the night before and to field any early communications in an already discrete environment. After an hour or so on the bridge, he would usually surrender it to the captain or another officer and begin his own day in earnest. While meetings and paperwork composed much of his duties, it was a position that allowed him to really get to know the people aboard the ship.


Casey turned away from the Commander and headed toward the turbo lift. He looked forward to his upcoming talk with the Commander as he knew the Commander would be a valuable resource for him and would greatly help him make his transition from Medical to Command much more easier to complete.

[wraith1701]

K'Tan awoke with a yawn, and stretched languidly.  Eyes still closed against the new day, he relished the warm embrace of his bed.   Much better than the cold steel of a Klingon bunk, he thought.  Starfleet is making me soft.

One more yawn, and he forced his eyes opened...

And nearly jumped out of his bed in shock.  Staring down at him was the quizzical face of his Romulan charge. 

"Gahhh!!" K'Tan erupted.  "How long have you been sitting there watching me?"

True to form, the child only stared on in silence.  A brief smile lit the boy's face, before he ran off to stand expectantly before the replicator.

"Hungry, eh?" K'Tan asked.  "Give me a moment to bathe and dress, and I'll replicate you breakfast." 

On his way to the shower, he paused at his comm panel.  "K'Tan to ensign Daelen.  I have a favor to ask of you; one that requires your cultural insight.  Would you mind paying me a brief visit after Alpha shift ends?"

"I can't make any promises, but I'll try to stop by, Commander," came her reply.

"Thank you, ensign.  I owe you one."

K'Tan keyed off the comm, and readied himself to face the day.  Perhaps she can help bring the boy out of his shell, he thought.

[Shelby D]

Walking into D'Callan's office, Shelby found herself needing to marginally to keep her thoughts in order as she moved before his desk. A part of her wanted to smile at him, sit down and lean forward and just talk to him but she wasn't here for that. News of the brawl had spread and she was here to find out what he knew about the situation.

"Sir." she said while remaining on her feet.

Without looking up at the woman, Joseph said with a distant demeanor, "Ahhh, good to see you..I presume that you've seen the report of last night's incident?"

"Yes, I have" Tilting her head slightly upwards, Shelby continued to gaze at the man impassively.

"I was pleased not to see your name on this list"

The barest hint of a furrow formed along her brow as she responded calmly. "Really, did you expect to?"

"It wouldn't have been surprised" He shifted her eyes up to hers and started to speak; while a slip of a devilish grin edged along the corners of his mouth.

Lifting her chin slightly she narrowed her eyes, "I do not believe that we are here to debate the finer points of my personal life..." she faded off. "Will there be any additional follow up interviews regarding the matter that I need to take action on?" She returned the subject back to the brawl from the night before.

"No I've talked to those involved and looked over the reports which were submitted to the Captain. It's up to her if she wants to discipline anyone." finally he sat back and let himself relax a bit more. "Sit down Shelby" he offered his hand which aimed towards the empty chair.

Nodding her head she watched him for a moment then she sat down in front of him.

"I've got a meeting later with the Captain. I know she is going to want us to make sure no more disruptions occur and the last thing I want or need is for this department to end up looking like a bunch of inept security guards." Leaning back Joseph directed his hawk-like gaze towards the woman. "Opinions?"

Considering D'Callan's request for a time finally Daelen spoke her mind. "With the amount of 'business' occurring on the ship we are stretched thin as it is. Which puts us at a disadvantage. Despite that, the crew needs to understand their part in keeping the peace. We were lucky that the fight at the bar didn't expand further than it did; if it had we would have really had an issue."

"Agreed and I think a curfew will only fire up the situation. I'll see what the Captain says later on but in the meantime have a memo issued to all department seconds. I want it to state that any further trouble from crew personal will result in an immediate visit to the brig and a recommendation to the XO to have the incidents placed on their permanent record"

Making notes on a padd, Shelby stood and she nodded as she started walking to the door.

"Daelen,"  Turning slightly she looked back at Joseph. "Thank you." Then he turned his eyes back to his work and it was almost as if she wasn't there.

As Shelby walked down the corridor her com went off. "K'Tan to Ensign Daelen.  I have a favor to ask of you; one that requires your cultural insight.  Would you mind paying me a brief visit after Alpha shift ends?"

Pausing the young woman tapped her badge and responded. "I can't make any promises, but I'll try to stop by, Commander," came her reply.

"Thank you, ensign.  I owe you one."

[Bryancd]

Nalah pace restlessly in her cabin. She couldn't sleep although her body was fatigued from the time spent with Shelby in the holodeck exercising. The had showered and changed into the nondescript standard issue Starfleet jumpsuit she had been provided, her own clothing being much the worse for wear.
A friend...
It wasn't an unknown concept to Nalah but there had only been one person in her life she considered a friend...and a father. Pardek. Once he left the High Command, he became a strong voice for the Empire in the Romulan Senate. he was a true patriot, unlike her traitorous father. He had uncovered a plot by the Federation and the hated Vulcan's to attempt to sow the seeds of dissention under the foolish guise of Vulcan and Romulan reunification. Despite her grudging respect for the Arabella's Captain, Vulcan's were the lap dogs of the Federation. Weak. She recalled hearing the tales of how Pardek and infiltrated the dissident group lead by a Vulcan named Spock. How Pardek thwarted their attempt to destroy the Empire from within. He was her friend and a hero.
She sat back down on the bed and her thoughts drifted again to Shelby. Why does she care about me? Why should I care about her? The answer was not forthcoming as sleep find reached out and claimed her.

[Feathers]

Tolok sat at his desk and looked over the antimatter flow regulation figures. Yesterday evening had been quiet and uneventful and his meditation in his quarters had been most effective. From what he had read in the morning logs, however, it appeared that this had not been the case throughout the Arabella.

The Engineer wasn't surprised but there was still a tinge of disappointment in his thoughts as he acknowledged the truth of what he'd always believed about the emotional self-discipline of the Romulan people that they'd come here to aid. Their plight was deserving of sympathy from those of an emotional disposition and aid from those driven by logic alone but to those who believed that the peoples of Romulus and Vulcan could ever become one, Tolok could only offer bemused incomprehension.

For years, distinguished Vulcans had taught and believed, that the two disparate peoples could be reunited into a common race. If anything, the movement had gained ground since the destruction of Romulus, being hailed as 'vital for the future of vulcanoid people'. What the crew had experienced last night, however, held up the...misconception for what it was.

Lieutenant Garriss appeared at Tolok's door, disrupting his thoughts.

"Sir. If you have a moment?"

[Jen]

JOINT POST BY JEN, JUSTX, WRAITH1701, MED & FEATHERS


Staff Briefing

The senior officers mingled about the conference table as Captain Sevryll entered the room with Aeric and Oryn. With cool self-possession the tall Vulcan woman took the high-backed chair at the head of the long, curved table and nodded to Aeric. Only the night before, the lounge had been the place where she officially met the Romulan Liaison. He was early and unannounced, but his unscheduled boarding had been necessary in order to warn Arabella of the cloaked vessel riding their wake.

"Have a seat everyone." Commander James said from his chair as the senior staff and their newest guest entered the conference room. "We have a lot to cover, so let's get to work as soon as possible.

Joseph took a chair next to Doctor Drett and smiled to those gathered as he sat down. Pulling his chair in, he placed his PADD and cup of tea on the table.

The Doctor's attention was on the man who claimed to be the liaison. It seemed the doubts she and Galdar had about him, would soon be cleared. She returned Oryn's slight nod and moved her eyes to her PADD.

K'Tan settled into his seat and nodded a brief greeting to his comrades, ending with their Romulan guest.  As was his wont, he tried to categorize the man as either inconsequential, ally, or threat.  The fact that he was even on the ship ruled out the first option.  For now, the ops officer decided to place the Romulan firmly on the fence between the later two.

Returning K'Tan's greeting with a nod of his own, Tolok seated himself with a minimum of ceremony and settled his hands, fingers interlaced, on the table before him. As ever, his impassive features imparted little of his feelings to his colleagues but they also masked his complete inability to read the mood of most of the rest of the room. The only character who was clearly radiating an emotion that even the Vulcan could interpret was the Ferengi Lieutenant who was hovering at the back of the room, waiting for everyone else to take a seat before deciding where to sit himself. Clearly, this was his first time at a meeting of the senior staff.

Another officer would probably have spared the pilot a sympathetic glance or a smile, indeed Tolok noticed a few who did just that, but to him it seemed almost inappropriate to be so familiar, not to mention unnecessary. Either the Ferengi had been invited to attend or he hadn't. No emotional display should be required either to announce or excuse his presence in the room. Unconsciously, the Chief Engineer shook his head slightly at the illogical nature of it all.

Oryn examined the room and smiled to the assembled officers. He had met some of the gathered earlier, but there were still a few faces that he had not conversed with as of yet.

Once everyone took their seats, Aeric rose and moved to the wall display. "While I haven't had a chance to look over everyone's duty reports, it wouldn't be a stretch to say that yesterday was far from typical. In the middle of beta shift, we gained a new travel companion in Commander Oryn, who was gracious enough to inform us that we are being stalked by a cloaked vessel. I'm sure most of you are wondering about Mr. Oryn and part of our meeting will be to address that and our destination."

The first officer nodded to Oryn, "Would you care to introduce yourself?"

[X]

JOINT POST BY JEN, JUSTX, WRAITH1701 & FEATHERS

Oryn rose and placed his hands casually behind his back, "For those of you that I haven't met, I'm commander Oryn of Imperial State Security. I will be your liaison throughout your mission here. I will also head the Romulan portion of this endeavor."

He moved to the display screen and brought up a system that straddled the boarder between State and Empire. "In accords to the agreements laid out for your role here, the Empress has seen fit to grant the fleet shared control over this ..."

With another movement of fingers, a massive Romulan starbase appeared on the monitor. Measurements on the screen clearly indicated that the base rivaled the Earth Stardock in size. There were also clear indications of universal docking ports for what could only be the arrival of non-Romulan vessels. "This is Quirinus station. This will be the new heart of the rebuilt empire. As the ancient humans once said ... All roads lead to Rome. This station is our Rome. The Seventh Fleet will be based here. This will also be the hub of trade for the empire. As part of the terms, I'll be in command of the station, but some of the fleet personnel will be incorporated into the command structure. This is a joint mission and part of the reason many of your fleet's ships have been almost over supplied with capable crew. Any questions?"

Doctor Drett spoke up as her eyes swung from the display to the Vulcan sitting quietly at the head of the table, "Am I to understand, Captain, that this station will be staffed with members of our fleet?"

"Yes. Starfleet personnel will work in concert with Romulan officals aboard the starbase. A good number of those individuals will come from each ship in our fleet."

The Trill clasped her hands before her on the table and leaned forward, "Are these postings voluntary?"

Oryn glanced to the captain for permission to answer the question. With her consent, Oryn turned his attention to the doctor. "We will be recruiting volunteers for the assignment and reviewing the records of those that volunteer before the selection process. While the posting will be voluntary for most, the necessity of maintaining staff levels might mean that some people will get stuck with the job." 

K'Tan gave a slight, skeptical head-shake, and threw the Captain a questioning glance. At her subtle nod of approval, he adressed Oryn. "You speak as though you represent a unified government. Are you telling us that you represent all of Romulus? What of the Remans, and the old Romulan Star Empire?  Are they behind you? And if not, can we expect any hostilities from either group?"

"Everyone with a marginal grip of power will be attempting to vie for control. As far as I'm concerned, Quirinus is where the Empire will be rebuilt. Those loyal to the empress are behind this effort. Many of the people from both empires know the weight that the Empress' word carries." Oryn pause. "It is not going to be an easy process, but our side holds the honor of the empire in a sacred trust. Where the Sword of S'task goes, the people ... the true people will follow."

"'Never allow family to stand in the way of opportunity'", Galdar quoted quietly. In the silence that followed, it became clear that his comment had travelled further than intended. Catching Oryn's eye, the Ferengi winced slightly before attempting to explain. "My pardon Captain, Commander. I meant nothing more than to agree that something needs to be done and quickly. Waiting to determine the best course of action could sacrifice any chance of stabilising the region while trying to obtain the agreement of all factions of the fractured Romulan state on a proposed course of action would probably be...a challenge." The Lieutenant shrugged. "Sometimes a monopoly succeeds where a free market would fail."

Oryn allowed his eyes to meet K'Tan's. "The old empires are dead. We are forging something new from the ashes. In my final communications with the Empress, it was clear that this was the path she wanted us to follow. We will do what we must to follow her idea. I expect that it won't be easy, but it's also necessary. Laws enacted by the Empress grants us the power to do this. To answer your question about the Remans and the old empire ... all will be welcome in the new empire, but only a fool would think that the senators here still have any power in the remnants of the Star Empire."

[Meds]

JOINT POST BY JEN, JUSTX, WRAITH1701, MEDS & FEATHERS

Joseph took a sip of his tea and glanced from K'Tan to Oryn and Sevryll. "Who will our personnel ultimately answer to? Our Captain? Commander Oryn? The Empress?"

The Vulcan's eyes fell on Joseph a moment before her gaze slowly orbited the room, "The fleet is under my command and will function independently of the station. Quirinus will serve as our base of operation, but the station will ultimately be the responsibility of the Romulan people. Oryn will serve as the station's commander and ambassador to the Federation. Any Starfleet personnel posted there will follow his orders."

Joseph smiled "Ma'am" and took another sip of his tea and looked back up to the screen.

"It seems most illogical to split the resources of the fleet in this way at this time." Tolok spoke quietly but forcefully. "We are only now reaching the point where this crew, thrown together at short notice as it was, has learned to work together in an efficient manner. To propose a change such at this adds additional uncertainty to the continued smooth operation of our vessels." His piece said, the Vulcan fell silent. For a human Captain, he would have added some form of placatory nicety such as 'meaning no disrespect' but such words were surely unnecessary between logical individuals.

Sevryll  nodded,  "Indeed it would, Mr. Tolok. Yet the addition of this base is intended to supplement our resources, not split them. Fortunately, Starfleet laid the groundwork for this operation well before the Arabella launched." She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear as she continued, "Rather than outfiting the base completely, an officer or two from each fleet vessel will serve as the command staff aboard Quirinus. As far as the personnel, the Starfleet contingent has already received their orders and are in route from the Federation as we speak. "

"With the station and sensor net just coming online, there wasn't much of a hurry for additional staff. The Federation's been training crew and officers with our systems and they should be here shortly." Oryn added. "My second in command will also come from Federation ranks... more than likely, someone in the fleet."

The Commander looked over the crowd again, "Any additional ships of Romulan origin that work out of the station will also fall under the command of the taskforce. It is pretty clear that they want this to be a unified effort and the people of the twin empires are honored to have your assistance ... even if some of the individuals don't know it yet."

"The fleet was designed to travel unsupported in the mission, but I could see the benefits of having a port of call." Aeric mused aloud.

"Quirinus Station has a lot of roles to play, but she also has sizable residential, recreation, and commercial sectors. She'll more than meet an officer's need for fun." Oryn responded. Seeing that there were no other questions, he returned to his chair.

"That would be helpful... the stress levels are already running high amongst the crew, and we're only two weeks into the operation," said Counselor Margon. "Shore leave will be essential to morale if we're going to maintain efficiency."

Oryn smiled his agreement and found himself glancing at the doctor. "I'm all for everyone finding constructive ways to release their stress. I think that's going to be important to most of the people taking part in this."

"Indeed," said the captain as she briefly glanced to the Chief Of Security before lifting her cup of tea to her mouth.

[X]

JOINT POST BY JEN, JUSTX, WRAITH1701, MEDS & FEATHERS

Joseph cocked his head to the side and thought of the conversation he had earlier. "I do have concerns regarding security there. The incident in the Afterburner might as well have been toys being tossed about compared to the trouble that could befall this station.  Can you guarantee the safety of our personnel and,  if i may say, your own people? At the moment harmony seems unachievable."

Oryn smiled to the chief of security, "I don't think that I'll have the same problems that you have had here on the ship. I'm actually impressed at how well Lieutenant Commander K'Tan brought the situation under control without resorting to force. People will have their outbursts, but they can be managed. When you put people in pens and look at them like you expect trouble, trouble usually follows. I know that this isn't the situation, but I've seen first hand how some think it is."

"We constructed temporary living arrangements for the evacuees until quarters could be assigned. They are hardly 'pens', Commander. But I have no doubt there are a number who may begrudge the senators their executive suites. "

"I think you're right Captain," Oryn replied. "and I believe that's part of the reason for the tensions. The senators failed their people and they are being rewarded with comforts that the people do not have. I think that once everyone has a bit of personal privacy, tensions will mellow."

Joseph turned to the Captain, "Ma'am do we have a detailed report on all security issues and areas of the station?" Lifting his tea to his lips, Joe nodded at the Romulan.

"That has been completed and will be transfered to you after this meeting," she stated evenly.

Aeric sighed softly, "I've been keeping tabs on the feel of the ship and I can't deny that the tension has increased. I think that this mission might have looked better on paper to some, but they are Starfleet and I trust them to do their job without prejudice. I know this crew and I know that they will rise to the challenges before us."

"If I could make a recommendation," Oryn offered. "I think it's near time to bring the people in on the hope that we are bringing them to. They've lost so much and I really can't fault them for being a little on edge. That might be just a little better than drinking in depression."

"Perhaps you should inform them, Commander. I will accompany you, but you are after all the liaison," the captain replied.

Joseph looked at K'Tan who nodded to him and Joseph looked down at his PADD "Commander, Mr K'Tan has not been able to find anything on our sensors regarding the vessel following us. Do you have any tech that may help us locate it?"

"No," Oryn replied to the security officer. "I believe that once we reach Quirinus, the enemy will reveal itself or back off."

K'Tan looked up at the word 'enemy'. " So you are expect hostilities?"

"If they were delivering flowers, they wouldn't still be cloaked," Oryn smiled. "It might be the ship that went after the senators. You could always give them to the cloaked ship and let them work out their issues. I don't think that there will be many that are overjoyed to see that the senators survived when some of their own blood did not."

"Aside from Quirinus Station, we have other matters that need to be addressed," with that Sevryll started what would become an hour long meeting on Fleet objectives and possible issues.

[Allen]

Herm awoke in his quarters about 15 minutes before his alarm sounded. Hearing the loud snoring from across the cabin, he knew that his roommate was still sleeping soundly. It would take a disrupter blast to wake him.

"Computer," he yawned, the computer chirping in reply, "Begin recording."

Herm shuffled out of bed, his muscles sore from the night before. What a rough night.

"Departmental log, continued." He spoke into the air as he stumbled toward the bathroom. He stared into the mirror as he spoke.

"I have completed cataloging names and family relations of our Romulan guests, with the exceptions of the senators who were given different quarters upon arriving. The senior staff has been working closely with them and from the records I see that someone else has completed the task with them."

Herm reached over to turn on the sonic shower, briefly envying the higher ranking officers who got use water.

"I have not yet officially begun my investigation as the captain suggested that we allow our guests to become a little more settled. She is right, of course, I may be a little too anxious to prove my worth to this seasoned crew."

Herm removed his night shirt, he paused to look in the mirror again, rubbing absently at his Risian birthmark on his forehead.

"Computer, scratch the last statement." The computer chirped the affirmative. "Continue recording.

Upon completion of the roster, I took some time to speak to a gentleman who might just be the eldest member of the refugees on board..."

"Computer, pause recording". Herm continued stripping and stepped into the sonic shower. He allowed his mind to wander to the events of the night before...

---

"I need a drink!" The elderly Romulan stood, obviously intent on leaving the shuttlebay-turned-refugee-camp. He was allowed, of course, but he had no idea where to go.

Herm stuffed his PADD into his back pocket and stepped out of the cubicle, "I know just the place, let's go."

They had been talking for hours. Sutpak Choro had, for some reason, taken a liking to the young ensign and had shared some surprisingly intimate details of his life. Just moments ago they talked about the destruction of Romulus. The old man seemed to shrink, his eyes going dark, as he thought about it, but then he seemed most anxious to get out of the room and do something. Herm was no dummy, he knew the Romulan was looking for a distraction and he was happy to provide it after such heavy talk.

He led the way into the corridor, Sutpak leaning on his arm as they walked. Herm was surprised by the touch, but also glad that his new friend was displaying a level of trust that others on the ship seemed incapable of.

They talked briefly about the layout of the ship as they rode the turbo lift. Herm promising to make sure some of the more elderly and infirm among the refugees were given special attention when choosing more appropriate housing. They entered the Afterburner just in time to see a barstool fly through the air and crash into the mirrored wall.

"I may have changed my mind about that drink...", began Sutpak, but the sudden rush of people out of the bar cut him off.

Herm stepped closer to the elderly man and ushered him in the opposite direction.

The rush of bodies knocked both of them to the floor. Herm instinctively grasped the Romulan and twisted, using himself as a cushion between the old man and the floor. The hit was hard, sending a sharp pain up his spine.

Shuffling feet unintentionally kicked him as they went by. He knew he'd be a bruised up mess in the morning, but Sutpak was unharmed and that was the important thing.

As the rush passed, he helped Sutpak to his feet. "I think I know of a better place," said Herm, taking the old man's arm and leading him away from the chaos of the Afterburner.

----

Herm shook himself out of his memories. He shut off the sonic shower, running his hand over his head, as if to straighten the hair that wasn't there.

"Computer, continue recording last message." He dug a fresh uniform from his disheveled drawers.

"I address this in the log because I may have encountered something of interest in the possession of Sutpak Choro. While I cannot be certain until I am allowed to examine it, it may be an artifact of particular importance to the Romulan people."

Herm sat on the bed, putting on his boots. His mind again drifting to the night before.

------

Herm and Sutpak sat at a table along the sidewalk of a a delightful little cafe in the capital city on Romulus. Amazingly beautiful young Romulan girls waited on them, bringing them bottle after bottle of Romulan Ale.

"Your holographic program may not be very accurate, but it is a delight to this old man's eyes." Sutpak said as his gaze fell upon the backside of one of the waitresses. "A place like this would never have been allowed to exist this close to the Senate."

Herm tipped back another glass of the simulated drink. While the holodeck did provide replicated drinks, it was not allowed to replicate Romulan Ale. While the projected image looked like the blue elixer, it was completely flavorless and did not even have the effect of synthohol. But he and his guest were having a great time anyway.

"It is a little warm in here for my tastes." Sutpak stated as he loosened his cloak.

Herm's eyes fell upon a pouch that was slung on a strap that hung from Sutpak's shoulder to the opposite hip. Something inside clunked against the holographic chair as he shifted.

"Computer, decrease temperature 4 degrees." Herm spoke absently as he stared at the pouch.

Sutpak, relaxing as the temperature became more comfortable, noticed the ensigns stare.

"Ah, you noticed my little hiding place." He stated matter-of-factly.

"I'm sorry, I meant no disrespect." Replied Herm.

"It's alright, you of all people on board will probably appreciate this more than anyone."

Sutpak reached into the pouch and pulled out the object.

-----

Herm was shaken again from his thoughts by a loud thumping across the cabin. His roommate, a rather large fellow of a species that Herm had yet to identify, was going through his usual morning routine which apparently included smashing his room to pieces.

"Computer, save recording in edit mode, I'll finish it later."

Herm left his room and took the turbolift to the lab that he shared with other science personnel aboard the Arabella. His space was very clean, which was unusual, but until they encountered someplace for him to dig, there wasn't much to do. He at at the table and reviewed the current status of the rest of the Seventh Fleet to see if anyone had encountered anything of interest. As Herm half-heartedly went through his daily routine, his mind was on the item in his Romulan friend's possession.

'Should I alert Lieutenant Commander Zremm about this?' he thought to himself. Checking on his whereabouts, Herm realized Zremm was in a staff meeting. 'Maybe I'll wait.." he thought again.

Checking the time Herm realized he was late. He had scheduled time to meet with some of the Romulan senators for his archeological investigation. It was his mission to see if anything could be done by Starfleet to help preserve the remnants of Romulan culture, art, and history.

As he waited for the turbolift, he couldn't help but think about Sutpak's item. 'Maybe I should just ask to see it again.' When the turbolift doors opened, Herm paused. 'There would be plenty of time to talk to the senators....' he justified in his mind.

He entered the turbolift and stated "Shuttlebay".