Star Trek: Season 7 - Masquerade

[wraith1701]

Back in the tactical briefing room, Lt. Commander K'Tan stepped from behind his podium.  Hands clasped behind his back, he took several confident steps towards the gathered group, stopping a few feet short of the first row of seats.  Slowly scanning the group to meet as many eyes as possible, he continued his speech.

"Centuries ago, a visionary named Zephram Cochrane had a wild dream.  He dreamed of doing the impossible; of traveling faster than the speed of light and pushing the boundaries of humankind's knowledge.  Using nothing but his own determination and the scraps left over from earth's last world war, Cochrane made that dream into a reality.  Not only did he break the light barrier, he made humanity's first contact with an extraterrestrial race."

"This one man, fueled by a desire to excel, helped usher in an era of unprecedented exploration.  With his historic flight, he planted the seeds for the founding of the Federation.  And his ultimate, defining dream still lives on today, and serves as one of the central tenants of the Federation-- 'To seek out new life, and to boldly go where no one has gone before'."

K'Tan made a sweeping gesture, encompassing the entire group.  "That dream lives on today in each and every one of you.  Whether you realize it or not, all of you are the living embodiment of that dream.  Each of us share Cochrane's desire to expand our knowledge, to find our own boundaries and push past them.  If it weren't for this fact, you wouldn't be where you are today.  Captain Quinn has personally pulled all of you together because he saw in each of you the potential to live up to that dream.  We have been charged with carrying Cochrane's torch forward, and continuing the pursuit of his dream of universal peace and exploration."

K'Tan paused for a moment. Somewhere in the back of the room, Ensign Dunn's heart skipped a beat as the gravity of K'Tan's words hit home for the young Ensign.

K'Tan's expression turned suddenly grim.  "Unfortunately, There exist forces in the galaxy that don't share our aspirations.  The universe is a vast and wondrous place, but it also holds dangers.  And that's where we come in.  As tactical officers, it is both our duty and our privilege to shield the ship and her crew from that danger.  As I mentioned earlier, this ship represents the cutting edge of federation technology.  Many of her weapons upgrades have yet to be introduced to the rest of the fleet.  Some of you might be asking yourselves, 'Why focus on weapons; we're interstellar diplomats, aren't we?'  Well, an ancient earth politician had a saying:  'Diplomacy is the ability to walk quietly, but carry a big stick'.  K'Tan paused until the obligatory chuckles died down.

"I believe that to be true; but there's a quote from a famous earth industrialist that is even more accurate: 'Peace means having a bigger stick than the other guy'.  Which brings us to the point of this meeting.  In the spirit of Zephram Cochrane, we are going to push for more.  Together, we are going to see how far we can push the previously established limits of the tactical systems at our disposal, and make sure that the Arabella is carrying the biggest stick in town!  The Chief Tactical officer turned and placed a hand on the shoulder of the man standing next to him. 

"Lt. Otak here is one of the most capable phaser techs I've had the pleasure to work with.  His grasp of plasma flow rates and nadion emission standards is so impressive, one would almost think he served as an engineer in a previous life.  I have therefore appointed him head of our phaser-test team.  I'm going to turn the meeting over to him now;  I look forward to reviewing the progress that the team makes."  K'Tan stepped away from the podium, gesturing for Otak to step forward.   "Lieutenant?"

"Yes, Sir," Otak said.  The Lt. quickly stepped up to deliver his report; each system on the LCARS display lit up as he mentioned them.

"The Arabella is armed with 13 type-XII arrays, distributed across the ship to provide a nearly 360 sphere of coverage.  Each array is composed of multiple emitters, each of which can put out up to 8 megawatts of power per second.  Through careful modulation  of the iris controll valves, our current fire control algorithms allow the energy of up 6 emitter sections to be combined, creating a maximum power output of just over 16 MW per second.  This rivals the power output of the current type-ten arrays utilized by most Starfleet vessels. Our current maximum range is 300,000 kilometers."

Each staff member nodded along with the presentation; so far, they weren't hearing anything that they didn't already know.  With a smile of growing confidence, Otak continued.  "Commander K'Tan has a couple of theories that should increase both the range and power output of our phaser arrays.  Our task will be to see if we can put those theories into practice."

K'Tan quietly looked on as Lt. Otak gradually fall into a comfortable rhythm, and nodded to himself in approval.  The phaser specialist was finally beginning to realize his leadership potential. 

After watching the assembled officers productively brainstorming for several minutes, K'Tan turned to head for his office.  A mission briefing of the senior staff was scheduled for 0800 the following morning, and he wanted to spend some more time reviewing the documentation that had been forwarded to him by commander Sevryll. 

As he stepped out of the dimly lit conference room into the bright hallway running the length of the tactical department, K'Tan smiled to himself.  He was about to venture out into uncharted territory, accompanied by some of the finest officers in the Federation. 

Life was good.

[Jen]

Ryla stared at the girl silence, after Yuki completed her briefing. "You will observe doctor/patient confidentiality won't you?" asked the girl.

Nodding first, Ryla glanced to the Bajoran whose unconscious form was still stretched out on the office floor. She scanned him with her tricorder as he stirred.  "Yes, of course... provided your secret doesn't risk the safety of this ship."

"It won't, I promise," said Yuki. "It was nice to meet you Doctor Drett. Perhaps we will see each other soon."

Keeping her eyes on the tricorder, Ryla nodded as the girl waved good-bye and blinked out of existence. Instantly, the Bajoran sat up and nervously glanced to the Trill who was kneeling beside him.

"Are you alright?" she asked as she slipped the tricorder into the pocket of her lab coat, and moved to help the much taller man up.

"Yes...I'm fine. Thanks Doctor." Said Korridan, as he stood to his full height.

"Well, everything seems...normal, aside from the specter you have locked in your head. I'm not sure I understand everything that was imparted to me. What I do know is that I don't like keeping information like this secret. But as long as you two aren't a threat to the crew, this detail will remain confidential... as I told "Yuki", I will observe doctor/patient confidentiality."

"Thanks," replied the Bajoran as he stepped out of her office. "So, we're done here?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied. Ryla shook her head as she watched him walk out of Sickbay. "There's certainly no shortage of interesting crew members on this ship," she said to no one in particular.

[Meds]

D'Callan looked at the numbers on the monitor counting down. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 initiate. The red alert sign went up and D'callan's voice boomed over the computer intercom.

" Red Alert. All security personnel to deck 14, repeat all security personnel to deck 14. Breach. Repeat we have a breach"

D'Callan stood back from the monitor and tapped his comm badge.

"D'Callan to the Captain"

Quins voice came through

"Yes Lieutenant"

"Security drill has begun Captain."

"Understood. Quinn out"

D'Callan walked to the holding cells all four of them was on fire and inside several prisoners screamed for the lives. Joseph watched the prisoners try to force themselves through the fire but to no avail. Stepping back to the side of the room out of view Joseph looked at the time on his monitor.

"Wish i had some marshmellows" was the second thing that came through his mind, the first was how long it would take for the first security crewman to burst into the room. It didn't take long.
Ensign Dunn burst into the room his phaser ready, D'Callan leaned over to get a better view, Dunn's phaser was set to stun. "Good" though D'Callan.
Dunn ran towards the flames and he was quickly followed by Drah'Vehn and Shyn'Nahl'Brah'Thai, both of them armed and ready and D'callan smiled to see that both had their phasers set to stun.
Dunn screamed at Drah'Vehn
" cover me I'm going to try and extinguish the flames. Computer sprinkler system on"

D'Callan pressed a button on his monitor.

"Sprinkler system inoperative" came the computers reply

"Damn" shouted Dunn "Medical emergency in on Deck 14 security cell. Medics needed"

The cover fire crewmen looked at each other and then back at Dunn.

"What are you doing"  screamed Drah'Vehn

Dunn removed his jacket and put it over his head looking back he shouted.

"We need to get them out, keep cover and when the other security personnel arrive get them ready to help."

Dunn stepped back and got ready to run, he took a deep breath and ran at the cells. He glided through them unhurt.

"Computer. Halt holo emitters"

The fire and smoke along with the screaming prisoners suddenly froze and D'Callan walked through them.

"Computer. Clear the room"

A buzz was heard as the room returned to normal. Dunn stood there with his coat over his head.

"Stand to attention crewmen."

The three officers stood to attention.

"You are probably wondering what is going on and why there are only you three here. Well you have passed my own little test. Your timing again Dunn is excellent and i see you two are working well together. You shall be pleased to know that i count you three as my best security personnel. And i will be counting on you during the forth coming mission. Stand at ease."

The crewmen stood easy and Dunn removed his jacket. D'Callan removed the holo emitters and put them in his jacket pocket.

"Now then team. I believe you all owe me a beer in the Afterburner i'll see you there later on."

D'callan smiled as he walked past them, the security team, still shocked watched him walk past.

"Bar" shouted D'callan and they soon followed.

[wraith1701]

-joint post by HawkeyeMeds and wraith1701



With his team in tow, D'Callan headed toward the turbo lift. He had hoped to go to K'Tan's tactical meeting earlier, but his holo simulation to make sure his own security team worked well together had to come first. D'callan swung his bat over his shoulder as they traversed the brightly lit corridor. As he turned the corner, he saw K'tan; he had a wide smile on his face.

"You look happy," D'Callan said.  "Killed anything lately?"

K'Tan's smile wavered as he shook his head slightly.  "I don't take joy in killing for killing's sake; I simply find it gratifying to test myself and discover what my limits are.  It just turns out that combat is one of the most intense ways to challenge my abilities.  Put another way, being Klingon isn't about wanton violence, it is about self discovery and development.  A Klingon warrior is like a finely balanced blade, and combat is the fire in which that blade is forged.  "

K'tan's smile didn't leave his face as his eyes darted to the bat.

"Out polishing your bat I see."

D'Callan also smiled and faced the doors to the lift.

"Afterburner."

The turbo lift moved and K'tan looked at D'callan.

"Was that to me or the lift?"

D'callan smiled but focused on the door.

"Both."

K'Tan stretched his back and cracked a few bones in his wrist.

"Bloodwine is a fine addition to the end of a working day."

Nodding in agreement, D'Callan turned to K'Tan.

"I'd like to talk to you about Dunn. I agree with your recommendation and I'd like to get a report ready for the Captain."

K'Tan nodded his head.  "That sounds good.  We can also go over Commander Sevryll's pre-mission report.  I'd like to determine what coordination will be needed between security and the rest of the tactical department on the upcoming mission."

"Good idea,"  D'Callan said.  "By the way, Dunn and two others of my security team will be in the bar later.  Would you care for a game of pool?"

K'Tan looked at D'callans bat.

"I will not allow cheating. You'll use a cue just like everyone else."

D'callan raised his eyes and waited for the lift to stop.

[Rico]

"Commander."  The Andorian said as First Officer Sevryll entered the briefing room.  He stood somewhat stiffly as his Vulcan friend moved towards him.

"At ease, lieutenant.  Please have a seat."  Sevryll said, trying to put Zremm at ease.  She knew they had not had time to talk much since the new mission had begun.  At least in a more private setting.  Even without her Vulcan abilities she could tell her trusted assistant still was concerned for her well being.  Even though a great deal of time had passed since the virus had been eradicated from her system she knew sometimes it took time for others to move forward again.

"Sevryll, I mean commander, I just wanted to mention that you look well.  I regret not having time of late to, what was the human expression, 'catch up' on things.  I have been somewhat, preoccupied."  Which was partly the truth.  Zremm had been spending a great deal of his off duty time with Marie Barton.  The young engineer that he had become very close to for more than a year.  Also, there was a part of him that had been worried that Sevryll might still be feeling the effects of the virus that had claimed so many lives.

"I am well, lieutenant.  I must also add that you look in good health as well.  No doubt due to some off duty, exercise."  Sevryll said, with just the tiniest hint of a smile.  Of course being the First Officer of the Arabella, she made it her business to keep up to date on the status of the crew.  Sevryll knew that Zremm had passed his physical easily and was in perfect health.  But of course, she was also quite aware of Zremm's relationship with Ensign Barton.  They hadn't tried to hide it and she found she was pleased that her friend had found someone to care for in such an obviously strong way.

"Yes.  The doctor did his usual fine job poking and prodding me with his scanners.  But, I know the briefing time is approaching and I just wanted to give you some data that I have extrapolated from the scans of Ter'Oss you passed on to us.  I have attempted to locate the most likely locations to begin our search for the missing scientists.  Based on the factors of geography, population and weather patterns I have come up with a priority listing of search locations."  Zremm said, with a slight touch of pride in his voice.  Since the planet had a significant ice covered portion, he had found the data similar to the history of his own home planet.

"Excellent work lieutenant.  I am certain this data will help greatly with our mission ahead."  Sevryll said, taking the isolinear chip from Zremm's blue hand as he gave her the data.

"Thank you, commander.  I did want to speak to you about one other thing, before the others arrive."  He said, feeling a slight nervousness inside.

"Certainly Zremm.  Please, speak freely."  Sevryll said, not quite understanding her friend's apprehension.

"It's about the mission.  I have been thinking it over, and I was wondering if it might be best if I stayed behind on the Arabella.  I know the plan was for me to go with you, but I thought it might be better for me to help coordinate the search from the bridge.  I still think there might be a way to scan the surface by modifying the sensor frequency & power.  Also, frankly with the CSO on the away mission it might be better to have me stay aboard.  Of course I will do whatever you think is best, commander.  I just needed to let you know my thoughts on the matter."  Zremm said, feeling better.  Of course he failed to mention that part of the reason for staying aboard was certainly Marie.  But he honestly did feel it would be more valuable to have either himself or Sevryll at the science station during the mission.

"It seems you have given this considerable thought, lieutenant.  I shall consider your request.  Final teams will be announced soon.  Was there anything else Zremm?"  Sevryll said.

"Not that I can think of at the moment.  I'm certain things will come up during the briefing that will have something to comment on.  Perhaps we can get something to eat after and catch up more."  Zremm said with a smile.  Something he found himself doing more these days.

"That would be most agreeable lieutenant."  Sevryll said as she found herself pleased that her friend seemed so happy these days.

[X]

Aeric's quarters still smelled of the various herbs and aromatics that had gone into the just finished meal that he had prepared. Rory smiled as she assisted in removing the dirty dishes and return the quarters to a more pristine status.

Aria sat on the couch with Beth on her lap as they reviewed her counting skills in several languages. The family meal had become a weekly tradition since Vulcan. Those of the James household would share at least one meal each week together then another with Sevryll's family. It was partly to unwind for the week and partly to enjoy the company of family. This meal happened to be a lunch, but it was still a chance to spend time with family.

"Now that you know that the kitchen is operational, should I inform mother and the twins of the standing dinner invitation?" Aria ask.

"I would have enjoyed if they had attended this one, but they are having a briefing for their department." Aeric said, placing the last of the dishes in the replicator to be recycled.

"I'm surprised that you still have time to cook with all of the preparations for the away mission." Rory added.

Aeric smiled. "Beth helped. She's become remarkably talented when it comes to grating cheese."

Rory and Aria both laughed at that. One look at the slivers of cheese sprinkled like snow on the kitchen floor told them just how much their sister had contributed to the lunch.

"Since it's my turn for sitting duties, I finish the clean up while the two of you return to your shifts." Rory said.

Aeric nodded. "Store the pattern of the sauce for me before you recycle it. I'm surprised at how well it came out this time."

Rory nodded while Aria moved Beth to the couch. She and her father both needed to change uniforms before returning to duty.

[Jen]

With the Science Depart Briefing complete, Sevryll and Zremm headed to the Afterburner for dinner. As the two science officers found a table, Sevryll noticed Doctor Drett sitting alone, nursing a Raktijino. Ryla's roaming eyes met Sevryll's and the Vulcan nodded to her.  It was obvious she was waiting for someone.

"Good evening Commander, what can I get for you?" asked the Bajoran. Sevryll turned her attention to the waiter, "hello J'Dan," she replied. Without a moment's hesitation she ordered her usual: a bowl bertakk soup and a cup of Spice Tea.

"Don't you want to experiment?" asked the Bajoran. "Isn't that what you 'scientific people' do?"

Sevryll arched an eyebrow at J'Dan, "I have always found bertakk soup agreeable. I have no desire to sample another dish."

The Bajoran shook his head, "I'll break you of that habit eventually, Commander." he smiled.


"I'll have the same," said Zremm. Sevryll inclined her head at the Andorian's order. She was aware of his interest in Vulcan philosophy, but did not know he also enjoyed the cuisine.  "I acquired a taste for Vulcan food during my stay there." he smile.

Ship's time was 1900—their briefing was only 13 hours away and the meeting the next morning would herald the start of the Arabella's first mission...

[wraith1701]

As the doors to the Afterburner slid silently open, k'Tan was hit by a wave of sights, sounds, and smells.

The murmur of genial conversation and the soft clink of dishes and cutlery filled the room, punctuated here and there by polite laughter.  An undercurrent of tantalizing aromas lingered in the air, some of which he recognised as belonging to various earth and Vulcan dishes; others he simply couldn't place. 

k'Tan glanced around the room.  Although not as large as the Five-Forward lounge of the Tiberius, the room was pleasantly comfortable, and had its own definite charm. 

As far as K'Tan was concerned, all of that charm was currently concentrated at a small booth near the bar, and was personified by the attractive form of Ryla Drett.  At the moment, the lithe Trill was quietly sipping a raktajino, her left hand absently twirling a short lock of her untamed blond hair.  The doctor casually glanced up, and caught sight of K'Tan.  She smiled, and K'Tan found himself automaticly returning the gesture, his face suddenly feeling slightly flushed. 

K'Tan turned to D'Callan.  "You'll have to pardon me friend; there's someone here who I've been meaning to speak with.  I'll have to take a rain check on our pool game." 

As he made his way towards the doctor's seat, K'Tan felt like a comet captured by the gravity well of a supernova; he couldn't sway from his path even if he had wanted to.  His heartbeat seemed to quicken the closer he got to Ryla Drett's booth, and he found himself caught off-guard by his reaction.  Finally reaching her table, he gestured at an empty chair.   "Good evening, doctor," he said with a smile.   "Is this seat taken?"

[Meds]

D'Callan watched his friend walk over to the Doctor. He couldn't help but smile.

"Charming" whispered D'Callan

The barman walked over and asked D'Callan what he wanted.

"Vodka, neat ice cold, a beer and a glass of Bloodwine in case my friend over there comes back looking sorry for himself"

The barman smiled and went to get the drinks.

[X]

Having a few moments left for himself until the beginning of his next shift, Aeric found himself entering the rear bar of the Arabella. He knew that he could have enjoyed a drink in his quarters, but this time he wanted to socialize with his fellow crew member.

The doors to the cabin slid open and Aeric headed directly for the bar. He scanned the room and noted the familiar faces, but wanted to have a drink in his hand before he interacted with others. As he drew closer to some of others, he could feel the presence of their minds, but did not attempt to scan their thoughts.

"J'dan. Could I please get a Klingon martini?" Aeric asked.

The bartender nodded his acknowledgement of the request, but first worked to complete the drink orders of those that had come before him.

[Jen]

Ryla Drett had been waiting for sometime, and was just about to leave when Lieutenant Commander K'Tan caught her eye. Abruptly, the Trill stopped twirling her hair and smiled. "Hello, Commander," she said as he approached her table. " I was just waiting for Ensign Farmer, but you're more than welcome to join us. Please, have a seat."

Oblivious to the iron butterflies her guest battled deep within his core, she chattered on.  "I've never had Klingon Coffee before," she said as she considered the transparent mug held in her right hand. "I guess your suggestion to have a cup prompted me to give it a whirl. Its actually quite good—reminds me of an Italian Espresso." She laughed as she continued, "I guess I always expected it to kick me in the teeth." The tactical officer just smiled so she continued to yammer on.

"So, are you anxious about the mission..." she shook her head, "of course your not, Klingons don't get anxious do they? I guess I should have asked if you're looking forward to it. I had a chance to review the files that Commander Sevryll sent. The planet is beautiful; I bet the cave systems are just as stunning... I'm beginning to wish that I had been assigned to the away team too,"  she sighed.

[X]

The rhythmic pounding of foot step after foot step echoed from the treadmill to through the almost empty gym. A soft alarm alerted Aria that her run had been complete. She was slightly breathless, but like the Vulcan's of her mother's side, there was little perspiration that resulted from the 10 kilometer run.

As the treadmill slowed, she finally stepped from the machine and connected her mind to her machines. Pulse and respiration were within the normal specifications for her exertions. She had taken on the habit of spending several hours in the gym on days that time permitted. It wasn't that she needed to work out, the machines worked to keep her perfectly fit. Her sessions where there to push her limits and the limits of her body to increase the efficiency of her machines.

If she had learned anything from her father, it was that life was better when you pushed yourself to be the best. She knew that she needed to be the best her before she could be the best in anything else.

[Bryancd]

Having spent two duty shifts in Engineering working with Lt. Took on the sensor array upgrades, K'arath needed to relax before the mission began. He had started towards the holodeck for a 20 kilometer run, but decided what he really needed was a drink. The doors to the Afterburner opened and he strode into the crowded room. He nodded a greeting towards Second Officer James who stood at the bar sipping what appeared to be a Klingon martini. K'arath favored James with a broad grin.
"Impressive!" he said and James raised his glass towards him.
He found an open bar stool next to Lt. D'Callan.
"How go's Security preparations for the landing party?" he asked.
"We just finished a series of tactical exercises and are working on hand phaser modifications. Our team will be more than ready," he responded.
"I have no doubt of that, Lieutenant! Your C.O. is a very capable warrior." He looked around the room and spotted K'Tan sitting with the young Dr. Drett. Curious, he thought.
He glanced at the bar and saw a glass of bloodwine unattended.
"Ahh, I see you knew I was coming," K'arath said as he reached for the glass.
"Oh....ummm, why yes sir, happy to oblige!" D'Callan responded, a hint of mischief in his voice. As K'arath downed K'tan's bloodwine in one gulp, D'Callan amused himself at the image of the Klingon Engineer and the Security Chief having a good old fashion scuffle.

[moyer777]

Margon sat down on the stool.  No one really paid any attention until the unit he was clutching in his hand automatically linked to the sound system on the tiny stage.  The Afterburner was full of crew members enjoying themselves.  Usually he would unwind by reading a good book, but tonight he wanted to make music.

The counselor closed his eyes and the most beautiful melody came out of the speakers.  It was a flute and oboe along with a cello.  The music was soothing and the pulsating lights surrounding the stage were nice too.  A few couples stopped for a moment and gazed into their partners eyes.  Margon opened his eyes in time to see a few of them cuddled close. 

Just then J'dan strolled by.

"Hey boss!" he grinnned, "why don't you try something more up tempo? Don't be causing all these fine people to fall asleep."

Margon rolled his eyes and then broght the current song to a close.  A few folks clapped for the tune as the Counselor barked out... "Any requests?"

[institches]

Spring took one step into the Afterburner and her eyes widened. The smell coming off of her friend, Ryla Drett, and Lieutenant Commander K'tan was potent. They were across the lounge, but Spring could smell them from the door. Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later. They were genetically compatible, healthy.... Spring headed to the bar, eyes on the chatting couple, when the signal scent of soap alerted her. Her face flushed and she sat, or rather tried to sit, on empty air. Her bottom landed hard on the deck and the scent of overripe fruit suffused the area. The pleasant music of Counselor Margon paused.

Aeric James' smoky grey eyes looked merrily down at her.  "Careful, there, Ensign. The deck is harder than it looks." He reached down and helped her up. "Are you all right?"

"No, I'm--" She swallowed. "Just fine. I should--" She shook her finger at the flaming letters over the lounge doors. "Uh, be going. I... must be really tired." Spring was a bad liar and the smell of burning pineapple proved it.

His hand was on her elbow. "Really, there's no need to be embarrassed."

"No, sir. Thank you, sir." She scurried out. When the door closed behind her, she paused and took a deep breath of the empty hallway. This was bound to get worse before it got better.