Star Trek: Season 7 - Masquerade

[iceman]

Dr. Peterson was in sickbay checking the supplies that he would bring on the runabout, he made sure that he had all the equipment necessary to perform any type of medical surgery required in the primitive environment that the crew would be in. He was trained in all the advanced techniques, but also prided himself in the ability to perform those same surgeries in less then ideal situations.

He left his office and proceeded to say goodbye to his wife Myella. She stared at him for a moment, then gave him a big wet kiss as she whispered in his ear telling him to be careful and to come back safely.

Casey looked into his wife's eyes and said I will my love as he chuckled, " besides I would be afraid as to what you would do to me if i did not".

Peterson grabbed an Antigrav unit and had an orderly load up the supplies on the antigrav unit and then proceeded to the hanger bay to load up his supplies into the runabout.

[Jen]

The away teams' surgeries were now complete, leaving Ryla a chance to relax a moment. She headed to her preferred table in her favorite place on the ship, and accessed a message she received from the friends she left behind in Guatemala City. A moment later, George and Pepe appeared on her PADD, causing the Trill to don a large dimpled smile. "¡Hola, Ryla!" said George in his delightfully accented Federation Standard. The stocky, dark-haired man lifted his pudgy brown and white dog to the viewer, as the dog barked mirthfully at the sound of Ryla's named. "Hola" she replied quietly, despite the fact that the message was prerecorded.

Instantly, her friend began a familiar prattle about Pepe's health and his allergy to Mrs. Delgado's cat, "Adagio". "You know how he loves felines, but the feeling is never mutual." George began every conversation with that line, when Pepe's allergies were the main topic.  "Adagio is a volatile Persian, as you know, and I think he may have gotten some of his dander on Pepe again. That cat  sprang on poor Pepe from the stoop this afternoon! I swear, I think he's out to kill my dog!" The last time George told her about one of his dog's mishaps, Adagio had leapt from a second story window to pounce on the Chiuaua, as the two were headed outside for a morning walk. "Pepe was frightened at first, but when he realized it was just Adagio he stopped barking and started sniffing." He lifted Pepe and pushed him towards the screen so that Ryla could see the dog's runny nose and watery eyes. Like the last time, the canine's bulging brown eyes communicated a silent humiliation. And like the last time, George turned the little dog back towards himself to touched noses with him. The poor thing released a whimper of quiet disgrace as his master began speaking baby talk to him, "that's when I think Pepe may have inhaled the dander...yes he did.... Yesss he diiid."  The dog sneezed, and George shifted the pooch back to his lap once more.  "Anyway, he's been sneezing ever since, and his eyes are all gookie again... As I've told you before, Pepe is very sensitive. Ryla, the vet won't prescribe any antihistamines. I was hoping you could forward a prescription to the pharmacy... he suffering."

She smiled at her friend and sighed as she and George simultaneously uttered, "I'm a people doctor... not a puppy doctor."

George's prerecorded voice continued, "I know, I know, but I thought you might help him anyway."

Ryla put the PADD down and ordered a raktajino from J'Dan. She took a sip and thought about the last cup she had. The Trill smiled at the thought and began her written message to her friend, "Dear George and Pepe, I miss you both immensely. I am sorry to hear that Adagio refuses to befriend you, Pepe. Perhaps his opinion of you would change if you offered him a mouse." She laughed at her own joke and bit her bottom lip as she considered her next line. "I will speak to Doctor Fernandez about an allergy medication. She owes me a favor anyway. If it hadn't been for me, she would never have been admitted to that club where she met Jose."

"The Arabella is a beautiful ship. When we come back to Earth, I will make sure to give you two the grand tour. The people here are very friendly. There are several officers from Tiberius aboard, and all of them have come by to see me in Sickbay for a physical...well, everyone except for the captain that is. Though he did come by for a 'procedure' that I'm not privy to tell you about right now."

"I had a raktajino for the first time last night. It was quite good, in fact I'm having another one right now. It's a lot like Espresso. If it hadn't been for Lieutenant Commander K'Tan, I may never tried the beverage. He invited me for a cup after I saw him in Sickbay. You would like him, George. He's extremely... interesting. Well, I have to get back to Sickbay. I look forward to hearing from you again. Take care of Pepe. Sincerely, Ryla" 

She finished off her cup of Klingon java, waved good-bye to J'Dan and returned to Sickbay to finish her shift. "Maybe Mackie will come by before she leaves", she thought as she stepped into a turbolift.

[Geekyfanboy]

Quinn walked down the corridor greeting crewmen as he passed. At first it bugged him that everyone would take a double take and stare but then he remembered his alterations and laughed to himself as a young Ensign passed by with her mouth hanging open. Quinn nodded as she passed.

Moments later he entered his quarters and found Nic laying on the couch reading a book. As Nic's eyes looked over the top of the book and saw Quinn he immediately dropped the book and jumped to his feet. Quinn gave him a big smile, which calmed Nic down. "Nathan is that you??" Quinn held his arms out wide and turned around. "What do you think?" Nic walked over, "you're turquoise", he said as he walked around Nathan. Nic took a closer look at the ornate tattoo that started at the base of Quinn's neck and wrapped around his neck once before heading down to the small of his back. Took then looked into Nathan deep purple eyes," I just have one question", Nic said with a smirk, "How far down does that tattoo go?"

[moyer777]

joint post by iceman and moyer777

"Counselor Margon to Peterson" said the Bolian.

"Peterson here" Casey answered. 

"I was busy getting things ready, is there a chance you could do my alterations?"

The Dr. was busy loading things up but agreed to help the counselor. 

"Well at least we don't have to change your color!"  he said with a chuckle. 

"Yes, but I was thinking of a bright red?"  he responded.

"I have a couple of things to finish and I will meet you in sickbay, Peterson out"

Casey Arrived in sickbay and showed his friend to the nearest biobed. The surgery took aproximately 1 hour too complete.  When the procedure was completed the Bolian was now a bright red in colour with silver grey long hair and tatookes going down from his left ear and neck and ending up across his left face. Peterson handed his friend a Mirror and waited for his his response.

"WOW!" exlaimed Margon.  "That is something! You won't miss me from a mile away!"  He chuckled and thanked the Doctor.

Dr. Peterson looked at his comrade and asked him why he waited so long to do the alterations.
"I was busy talking to some of the away team.  There are always concerns right before we plunge into the unknown.   It seems that many are really excited for this mission."

[Omra]

As Korridan escorted his friend to the shuttle bay he couldn't help but ask, "What was the name of the Commander that requested you again?"  Hooch answered proudly, "Brennan, why you think you know him?"  The Bajoran mused aloud, "Is he bald, got beady eyes and bushy eyebrows that look like angry caterpillars?"  Hooch snorted, "Well yeah, I guess you do know him..." 

Korridan chuckled and shook his head.  Hooch stopped and stared at him, "look if you got some inside dope, you better tell me."  Korridan just smiled like a cat that had cornered his meal.  Hooch grumbled and shoved past him into the shuttle bay.  The Bajoran followed him, "You wouldn't believe me anyways, you'd just think I was trying to get even for all that nonsense you were trying fill my head with about Shyn." 

Hooch stopped and looked back at his friend with a concerned expression on his face, "You still don't want to believe it do you?"  The Bajoran grimaced, "I don't think it is about wanting or not wanting to believe it, I just don't see any evidence of it."  Hooch shrugged, "Hmm, well I guess that is the way it always is, it is obvious to everyone except for the two it is happening to."

The attention of the two tool pushers was diverted when a sleek arrowhead shaped craft entered the shuttle bay.  Hooch grinned like a Cheshire cat, "I think that is my ride."  He started toward it, "I'll keep in touch buddy, I'm just down the street."  He nodded towards the shuttles, "take good care of my babies, "and don't let Rina give you a hard time."

Korridan watched him board the Arrow Class Runabout, "Rina never gives me a hard time, because I never refer to her as *ahem*'Sugar'*ahem*."  Hooch dropped his dufflebag near a seat and turned to Korridan, "Yeah I guess that would do it wouldn't it?"  Korridan leaned on the entryway, "You are unmatched in mechanical skills, but your people skills have always left a lot to be desired." 

Speakers announced the runabout was about to depart, the outer doors began to rise.

Hooch spoke to Korridan hurriedly as the runabout's entryway door began to close, "You want your evidence?" he grinned, "watch what happens the next time she comes near you."  Korridan looked puzzled.

The door closed.  Hooch got right up to the portal so the Bajoran could read his lips, "Her fur changes color."

The runabout left, stealing away his friend, and taking the only person he trusted away.

He felt very alone.

[Jen]

Joint Post by Just X and Jen

Sevryll spent the remaining time reviewing her roster of away party members and packing what little she could take on the trip to Ter'Oss. They were now approaching the planet and the teams were completing their preparations.

Saying good-bye to her children now, after her transformation, would only frighten them. Sevryll spent the night before with M'rynn and N'vall, reading them stories and watching them play with the dog that Aeric created for them. She said her good-byes then, and hoped that the private moments she spent with her toddlers would be memorable to them in the future.

The concern that they would be left alone, weighed heavily upon the Vulcan and was the primary reason she had resigned from Starfleet after the virus. Their father could not leave Section 31, and it was likely his employment status would remain the same for many years whether his children needed him or not. That left her parents to care for them, in the event that she was lost. They were older now, and her father's condition was far from healthy. Sevryll pushed the worry from her mind and tried to focus instead, on the enjoyment the twins would find in stories she planned to relay to them regarding the Ter'Osick.

Clad in a brown wool bodice trimmed with decorative ribbon, a cream-colored chemise, brown bracers and leather boots, she lifted her bag and left her quarters to meet her team in Shuttlebay Three.

The inside of the shuttlebay was abuzz with activity. Crewmen and officers worked hand in hand to direct passengers and equipment to the correct ship. Aria James sat on one of the many cargo boxes in the bay and looked over a rollout brown leather case that contained what would be her medical tools for the assignment. They would provide a higher standard of medical care, but the risk of exposure would be minimized.

While not feeling entirely like herself, Aria used the new look to become a new person. This version of her was not going to let her fears hold her back. She almost lounged on the container in her dark blue leather pants and short sleeved shirt, that were almost painted on her. Over the tight yet flexible leather like material, she wore a loose fitting coat of the same material and color. Had the outfit been red, it could have easily doubled as a klingon wedding dress. it had been one chosen for several reason, mobility and their distractive properties being only two of them.

If combat occurred, she could shed the coat and free herself of any extra fabric that might give an enemy an edge. Next to her rested a pack of a similar color that contained a few additional items that she might need for success of the mission.

She ran a finger through her lavender hair, tucking a few of the stray strands behind her ear and then continuing to trace her finger tips over the tribal tattoos that ran from her ear and down her neck. She stopped as her fingers hit the collar of her coat, but knew that the marking continued down her arms, shoulders, and almost the entire length of her spine.

The willowy first officer stepped beside the humaniod she sensed was Aria, for her appearance definitely did not clarify her daughter's identity. Sevryll glanced down at the kit the other examined on her lap.  "Is everything in order?" asked the elder woman in a soft alto.

"It is. Someone will need to inform the doctor that we can't bring half of sickbay on the shuttle, but I have what I need if things go bad." She said as she hopped from one of the many medical containers that would need to stay behind. "If things get terminal, we can make use of the Aurora med center, but I hope it doesn't come to that."

Aria folded the leather case and stowed it in the pack that still rested on the container. She had decided that it would be best to travel light and her choice of equipment reflected that.

"What are you bringing on the mission?"

Sevryll arced an eyebrow at Aria's irritated tone and glanced to the individual that she suspected was Doctor Peterson—now a bright blue being who carried a large pack on his back. "I will speak to him." She glanced back to her daughter and listed the items she had brought, holding them out for Aria to see as she described their uses, "a commbadge disguised as a broach, a hand held holographic imager for the purpose of capturing images that our teams will study in the holosuites—also disguised. And a dagger."

She put the items back in the pack and slung it over her shoulder, then sheathed the dagger kept in a shoulder harness under one arm.

Aria nodded at her mother's selection of equipment. "I believe that the people that have some idea of what to expect on a covert away mission will pack their gear accordingly. Were it not for my own experiences on Romulas, I would be lost on what to bring."

Aria checked her own daggers that were sheath on each hip, they were the only visible weapons she carried, but she was sure not to bog her movements down with too many additional hidden ones.. "I fully expect many on the teams to pack far too much or not enough. Has the team assignments been issued yet?"

"Yes," replied the commander as she lifted her PADD and read the roster aloud, "Doctor Peterson, Lieutenant D'Callan, Counselor Margon, Lieutenant Witko, engineering, Ensign Dunn, and Ensign Tev-Awash, science, will join the Captain. Chief Korridan will pilot the runabout Courage of Tiberius.

Lieutenant Commander K'ararth, Lieutenant Commander K'Tan, Ensign Spring, Ensign Fissual, science, Ensign Talon Bowers, security, and yourself will join me. Master Chief Rina will pilot our runabout the Shadowfax."

She looked back toward the ships as more of the away team began to congregate near by. Ahead of them waited the Courage of Tiberius and the Shadowfax as the flight deck crew directed the away teams to their ships. Rory and the Aurora were already primed for takeoff.

"Each seems a fine team," Aria said and hefted her pack to her slender shoulders. The two Ter'Osick females strode toward the group.

"Indeed," replied her mother. Commander Sevryll then discussed the crew roster and final preparations with Aeric as they awaited the Captain's arrival.

Aeric could only be amazed at the beautiful fae-like creatures that strode the deck of the Arabella. He could easily notice his daughter, but the others took some getting used to.

[wraith1701]

In his office on deck 14, K'Tan was wrapping up his prep for the away mission. He walked to the mirror and twisted at the waist, testing the fit of his new garb. 

His pair of dark-brown pants hung loosely.  Their hide-like texture appeared well maintained, yet had the suppleness of well-worn leather.    The pants ended in a pair of leather-like boots of an even darker brown.  His torso and arms were covered by a formfitting black shirt which stretched to conform to his every movement.  Over the shirt he wore a coat-like garment made of the same material as his pants.  Colored a deep, walnut brown, the coat ended at mid-calf, giving it an almost robe-like appearance. 

K'Tan's unobtrusive, earth-toned outfit struck him as being designed to blend in with the shadows.  The only concession made to ostentation was the series of small, burnished silver chevrons that traversed the edge of each of the coat's lapels.  The only other ornamentation he wore was what appeared to be a stone carving of a Ter'Osik fertility symbol, hanging from a strap of leather draped over his neck.  In actuality, the pendant was a miniature communicator, which should hopefully provide an unobtrusive means to maintain contact with the other away team members. 

K'Tan slung a midsized rucksack over his shoulder.  Contained within were several bladed weapons designed to mimic the aesthetic of the Ter'Osik, as well as a minimal change of clothing.  Twelve of Lt. Otak's phaser targeting emitters were sewn into the lining of the sack,  along with several yards' worth of tightly coiled, high-tensile cord.  Several extra communicator pendants sat in a side pouch of the pack, should any other team member need one. 

As he headed towards the exit, K'Tan grabbed an ebony colored staff.  Designed to look like native wood, the staff had a core of ultra-dense titanium, and would be able to shatter stone if wielded with enough force. 

K'Tan glanced at the communicator badge lying on the gleaming obsidian surface of his desk.  Leaning over, he tapped the badge, opening a channel. 

"K'Tan to Otak."

"Yes, Sir," came the reply.

"I'm heading to the shuttlebay," K'Tan said.  "While I'm on planet, you will be in charge of the Tactical Department.  I'm counting on you to hold things together here, and to give Commander James your full support.  Remember; Opps and Engineering keep the ship running, but the Tactical Department keeps the ship alive."

"Understood, Sir," Otak replied.  "You can count on me."

As the office door closed behind him, K'Tan marched towards the waiting turbolift.  As always, he eagerly anticipated the adventure this mission promised, but he felt uncharacteristically torn.  He looked forward to exploring a new world, but at the same time, a part of him longed to remain aboard the ship.

I wonder what Doctor Drett is up to, he wondered idly.

With a sigh, K'Tan stepped aboard the turbolift. 

"Shuttlebay," he commanded as the doors slid closed.

[Omra]

Korridan leaned against the 'Tiberius' runabout, watching the activity in the shuttle bay.  It in many ways resembled the arrival of a traveling carnival, the oddly colored peoples and their assorted strange outfits.  They loaded their gear and then spoke among themselves full of nervous energy.

As more arrived the noise level rose.  And even though there were more people in the bay than he had ever seen, it felt oddly empty.  He shook his head violently trying to shake the unwelcome feeling from it.

A brightly colored elf asked him, "S'matter Chief, didn't get much sleep either?"  The Bajoran smirked and played along, "Nah, premission jitters; you?"  The elf nervously smiled, "Not a wink, I was too wound up about the mission..."  The Chief saw the kids eyes go distant, "Don't worry, kid they train you people well at the Academy," he smiled reassuringly, "if the hammer falls your training will kick in, you'll do well."  The elf nodded and smiled back, "Thanks Chief."

The noise level rose again and yet nobody else had entered, his eyes scanned the room; it must be about time to depart.  The elf watched the others slap each other on the back and split up into teams each heading to their assigned ships, he rose and went inside the runabout.

Korridan watched him go inside and then realized, "I have no idea who I just talked to."

[iceman]

Dr. Peterson was not surprised that some of his gear was not allowed on board the runabout. It was an occupational hazard trying to anticipate the medical needs of a crew, on a mission that had very little and sketchy information to begin with. For the most part, the crew would be going in blind, and would have to rely on their skills and training to adapt to any situation that came up.

No one faulted the doctor on his over zealous packing of equipment, In fact, Sevyll certainly expected it, as she had come to rely on his medical skills as a surgeon and a doctor., It was one of the reasons he was on this mission, his medical skill as a surgeon was second to none and if their were injuries she did not want anything but the best patching up the crew. It was really the reason that all members of the teams were chosen, because they were the best at what they did and would sacrafice themselves for success of the mission and the safety of their crewmates.


Peterson looked at his crewmates, they were a good team that included Lieutenant D'Callan, Counselor Margon, Lieutenant Witko, Ensign Dunn, and Ensign Tev-Awash, Chief Korridan and the Captain. They were all well trained in their fields of specialty and would be very helpful on this mission.

Dr. Peterson really hoped that their was some other reason for the sudden advancements that had taken place on the planet below, other then the scientist, otherwise the damage that had been done to this planet could have far reaching consequences not only for the people planet side, but for the Federation as well. History has shown the Federation that no good comes from such meddling.

[X]

Acting ensign James took her seat in the runabout and began to formulate her ideas on a PADD that she would leave on the ship. Data and text seeming formed from nothing as she used her ability to link to the system to transfer her thoughts.

Her thoughts were focused not only on the completion of the mission, but on how to use the information to create a system that would allow greater success missions on these types of missions. She was reborn with a measure of skill that was far beyond her age and she had the need to apply that knowledge.

She smiled politely as the others took their positions on the ship. When she saw that Rina had taken the same coloration as herself, she chuckled. Her father would more than likely suggest that they had been spending too much time together.

"How are you feeling chief?" Aria asked their pilot.

"I'm actually feeling good." Rina replied. "I think that this is going to be a good chance to really put this interface to the test. It's going to be more difficult to put her down without the normal sensors, but I'll get us there."

"Good to hear."

"How are you holding up?" Rina asked with a bit of concern in her voice.

"I'm doing fine. My emotions aren't overactive and I'm ready."

Rina nodded. In the time that she had gotten to know the girl, she learned that Aria might be half vulcan, but she didn't have a normal vulcan's emotion restraint. Rina saw the girl as more a throw back to the time to before the awakening. Sure the kid could use her tech to deaden her emotional range, but without it, she could burn with a fire that could be frightening.

Aria had the passion and fury of a warrior, but it was tempered by a mind of logic and the hands of a healer.

"I think you'll do well down there kid." Rina said. "I'm going to start the preflight countdown."

Aria nodded and returned to her work. She liked keeping herself busy and her proposal was doing just that.

[Bryancd]

K'arath put the finishing touches on his costume for the mission. He wore dark brown leather boots which came up to his knees, the black trousers tucked into them at the top. A white buttoned down undershirt was worn beneath a leather top shirt with ties in the front and long tabbards. A large belt was around his waist and cape of dark green was clasped at his neck.

Beneath the cape, K'arath had concealed his b'atleth, the ships library computer assuring him the bladed weapon would not seem out of place on the planet. He hoped he wouldn't have to use it or the daqtagh dagger hidden in his boot. In a small pouch on his belt was concealed an Engineering Tricorder and his combadge.

Satisfied he was prepared, he made his way down to Main Engineering to check on Lt. Took who would be in charge while he was planetside. He had the utmost faith in the young man who had proved himself time and again. Ensign Skyes would have ample opportunity to keep him on his toe's as well. His next stop would be the shuttlebay and to meet with with the First Officer who would lead his team.

[Rico]

As the Away Teams assembled, Lieutenant Zremm was continuing to work on the sensors.  Currently he was on his back under the science station on the bridge.  The LCARS station's panel could handle almost any new configuration or task but in order to feed multiple probes signals in at varying intervals and frequencies he had to make a few adjustments to the power relays.  And actually, Zremm enjoyed 'getting his hands dirty' from time to time as the humans liked to say.  He was becoming slightly frustrated with the modifications though.  His simulations had not been going well.  He was able to punch through the interference from the simulated Ter'Oss, but only for extremely short intervals.  After which a new wave of interference would disrupt the signals.  He was trying to compensate for this by setting up a modulating field signal, but it still wasn't having the desired effect he had hoped for.  As he finished hooking the final power coupling his comm badge chirped.  He put down his spanner tool and tapped his chest badge.

"Zremm here.  Go ahead."  He said quickly.

"Lieutenant.  How goes it?"  The soft, friendly voice of Ensign Marie Barton spoke to the Andorian as he closed the science station access panel.

"Not as well as I had hoped, Ensign.  Thanks for asking."  Zremm said, keeping his response fairly neutral.  He and Marie had decided that while on duty they would not be unduly familiar with each other.  But off duty was another matter, Zremm thought to himself as he stood up and sat back down at his station.

"I just wanted to let you know I'm not feeling that well.  I'm going to skip our lunch "meeting."  If that's ok?"  Marie said, sounding a bit tired.

"Are you ok?  You don't sound like yourself."  Zremm said, trying to keep too much concern from entering his voice.

"Yeah, lieutenant.  Maybe just something I ate.  If I don't feel better soon I'll check myself in to sickbay.  I didn't want to bother them right now while they prep for the mission.  I know they have their hands full right now."  She said.

"They've got it handled.  And with several senior staff about to leave we need the rest of us in top shape.  So if you don't feel better soon, make sure you have sickbay take a look.  That's an order, Ensign."  Zremm said, feeling a bit odd giving an order to someone he had become so close to and shared so much with.

"Yes sir, lieutenant.  Good luck with the sensor modifications.  Barton out."  She said and the comm channel went quiet.  Zremm wanted to talk more, but he did have more work to do.  He thought about Marie as he reinitialized the sensor simulation program.  He had a feeling it was going to be a long day ahead.

[wraith1701]

K'Tan smiled as he witnessed the bustling activity of the Arabella's shuttlebay.  Hanger techs bustled to and fro between the two sleek gray insertion craft, servicing each like ants attending their queen.  Boarding the craft were the motley away teams, each member wearing archaic garb designed to blend in with the planet's populace.  The Lt. Commander shifted the weight of the pack slung across his shoulder, and made his way to the quietly thrumming spacecraft. His night-black fighting staff rapped out a tattoo on the deck plating as its end came down with each footstep. 

He mentally ran down the teams that had been assembled: The Captain's team consisted of Doctor Peterson, Lieutenant D'Callan, Counselor Margon, Lieutenant Witko, Ensign Dunn, and Ensign Tev-Awash.  Their transport would be the runabout Courage of Tiberius, piloted by Chief Korridan.

K'Tan turned his attention to the runabout Shadowfax, piloted by Master Chief Rina. The team led by Commander Sevryll consisted of Lt. Commander K'ararth, Ensign Spring, Ensign Fissual, Ensign Talon Bowers, acting Ensign Aria James, and himself.

As he passed between the two ships, K'Tan gave a nod of acknowledgement to the bajoran pilot leaning against the hull of Captain Quinn's shuttle, then turned to enter the Shadowfax.  Upon entry, he greeted a turquoise-skinned woman at the pilot's seat.  He then quickly scanned the dimly lit passenger compartment.

Seated on the left was another woman; a svelte, athletic officer with skin matching the turquoise hue worn by the pilot.  Her skin tone complemented her arresting, almost metallic looking eyes.  Based on her height and build, K'Tan felt fairly certain that this was the half-vulcan daughter of the Chief of Opps. 

"Ensign James, I presume?" he said, taking a seat opposite her.  At her nod of confirmation, K'Tan pulled one of the carved stone pendants from his rucksack.  "My team put together a set of disguised communicators for the team.  They might come in handy should we become separated."

With a slight, enigmatic smile, Aria patted her traveling pack.  "I already have a similar device, as does Commander Sevryll.  There may be other team members in need, however."

K'Tan put the pendant away.  "I'm frankly quite impressed by your tactical acumen, ensign James," he said.  "Have you ever considered putting your talents to use in the Tactical Department?"

[Meds]

D'Callan took his seat in the shuttlecraft and looked around. He eyed the personal and smiled with satisfaction. He was looking forward to this mission and he felt confident in the away teams. He looked at Dunn who was trying to look like he was not nervous.

"You Ok Ensign?"

Dunn looked at his superior and put on a smile.

"Bit nervous sir."

D'Callan lent forward and looked into Dunns eyes.

"And so you should be. Your nervousness will help you stay alert. You're a good officer Dunn, i have every confidence in your abilities."

D'Callan lent back and examined the pendant around his neck. Looking back up at Dunn D'Callan couldn't help buy let out a small laugh, he threw one at Dunn and then handed some more out to the shuttle crew.

"Lt Otak has excelled himself with these communication devices, carry them with you, round your neck, or round your wrists, whichever is comfortable. This will help us stay safe and secure."

[Jen]

Lieutenant Enapay Witko entered the Courage Of Tiberius and found his seat. His ordinarily olive skin tone was now a jet black, yet the crow's feet at the corners of his bright blue eyes were still evident, as were the laugh lines that accented his chiseled features. Doctor Peterson had offered to remove the creases but Enapay declined, stating that had earned every line on his face in his fifty-five years and he wasn't about to give them up.

The broad shouldered engineer smiled down at the nervous blue female seated beside him on the runabout. Ensign Nareen Tev-Awash was all of twenty-one, and it was apparent that it was her first away mission. The inexperienced Lorillian usually wore a large friendly smile, but at the moment her round, azure face bore an anxious expression. 

She turned to Enapay and introduced herself, "Ensign Tev-Awash, Science," she said in a small voice, as she offered him a hand painted with tattoos and decorated with piercings between each digit.

His smile broadened as he shook it, "Lieutenant Enapay Tashunka Witko, Maintenance Support."

Her hand was clammy and her posture demure. "Don't be nervous Ensign. You'll do fine," he reassured her.

She brightened slightly at his encouragement before flinching in nervous apprehension as the runabout began to move. The Lorillian flushed with embarrassment when she realized the other passengers were watching her. Enapay caught the Counselor's eye and gestured to the Ensign with a slight nod. Margon had counseled the young Ensign early the day before and moved to her side as the ship skated through the bay doors and into the blanket of stars that seemed to wrap the planet below.