Star Trek: Season 10

[Jen]

Senator Nevash was conscious when Doctor Drett returned to Sickbay—the stabbing victim had demanded a discharge from the ward even though she was too weak to stand. Senator Ketleck, who suffered a head injury aboard the transport, was recovering as well. Both Romulans had exchanged a number of colorful, and rather vociferous insults that the universal translator was kind enough to interpret for the blushing Trill. Rather than call them down, Ryla strode outside to inform the security officers of her patients' mutual aversion. The officers had been mingling in the corridor when she returned to Sickbay, and all she had to do was step through the doors to bring them up to speed. "I'm going to slip them a little something to help them sleep...Make sure they don't kill each other when they wake up."

Back on the Romulan transport, a witness informed Ryal that Ketleck attacked Nevash for permitting the awayteam to board. The witness also happened to be Senator Ketleck's aid and the man had been the one to strike Nevash's assailant with a blunt object, to prevent him from landing additional knife wounds.

The Trill had to give the profane officials each a sedative to shut them up—she did not feel particularly good about that, but it would not have been responsible of her to leave Sickbay and her patients in their agitated states. Ryla was certain they would complain the next day, but they had left her with no other choice. It was either that or the brig and neither were well enough to leave ICU.

She tapped the combadge pinned to her little black dress, "Doctor Drett to the Bridge."

"Lieutenant Commander Bates here," came the voice of an officer she did not recognize.  

The doctor continued towards the turbolift then paused at the entrance to wait for its arrival. "What is the status of the intruder alert? Should I be concerned? I haven't received a report." The Trill asked as she gazed at the flashing yellow panels lining the corridor.  

"The Captain was expecting the individual who triggered the klaxon—she was in a meeting with the individual, but that concluded about an hour ago."

Ryla folded her arms over her chest as she became increasingly impatient with the lift, "then why are we still at Yellow Alert?"

"It's just a precaution, ma'am. I'm sure the Captain will brief the senior officers soon."

[Meds]

Shelby jogged down the corridor in a black, figure hugging outfit and running shoes. She was looking forward to having this training sessions together with D'Callan, it was something she found relaxing. Unfortunately, at the moment that wasn't the case, she knew Joe would arrive first. The detour to see Oryn had delayed her longer than expected.

Making the corner, the ebony haired ensign slowed as she approached the doors; they hissed open expectantly and she stopped short of entering. He was here, her sharp gaze took in the dimly lit landscape before her and she spied a wooded area. It was one of the many settings the pair used during their simulations. Swearing in Romulan she knew she'd have to find the man first.

Her thoughts went to the days events, she was well aware of the delicate situation with not only all the Romulan's but Oryn. Still, surely D'Callan would see the benefit of what she planned, if she was allowed to board the liaison's ship; she could find a lot more out about it.

Shelby also knew why they were here; It was Joe's way of clearing his mind.

Calculating her steps, Shelby strode cautiously into the room, while the light from the corridor cast harsh, dark shadows deeply into the suite. Upon walking past the door, it shushed closed as if to cut her off from leaving. Her gray eyes shifted behind her then back to the surrounding woods. Ambiance took over as the sounds of the night animals chirping and clicking cradled her. The hairs on her neck rose as she anticipated the attack she knew would come.

Looking at her from above, the Commander had been watching Shelby enter the holo-suite, she was graceful and Joseph D'Callan liked that; more than he admitted to himself sometimes. He waited until she was just under him, then he dropped from the tree on top of her; pushing her to the floor.

The woman reacted with a skillful roll away from the man, then recovered to her feet in a crouching postiion as her pale orbs watched every move of the chief.

Joseph smiled, then spun hitting her with a round house kick. His foot nearly impacted with her cheek.
She responded by lifted her hands, grabbing his foot and stopping it. Using her momentum she gave a hard twist, while pulling at the same to time to drop him to the ground. Quickly turning she lifted fully to her feet, moving back like a predator waiting for an attack. Pacing herself while watching the man with glimmering feral eyes, accompanied by a smirk that touched the edges of her lips.

The pair circled one another. "Nice drop this time..." she said smartly.

"Five minutes, active combat, ready?" Joseph looked at her hard.

Shelby darted at him, catching his wrist and drawing it out straight, she went low and drug her leg out; her gray orbs never leaving his penetrating stare.

Caught off-guard, Joe rolled to his right, then he captured a branch and swung it at her feet. Shelby jumped but the wood caught her heel causing her to wobble slightly. He tossed the make-shift weapon aside as he placed some space between them, his attention unwavering, while he wondered for a moment 'What is going on in her mind?'

The woman spun away from the man, bringing her arm back and thrusting it forward; aiming at the center of D'Callan's chest as hard as she could.

Receiving the blow Joe staggered back but in doing so he caught her elbow, jerking her into his body to hold her. Lifting her up, he was prepared to drop her; a smiled laced the edges of his mouth.

As he had lifted her though she drew her shoe back and kicked downwards and straight into the knee. Causing him to buckle down and groan as she pulled away from him.

Joseph finally collapsed as the ensign dropped away. "That is just not cricket Daelen. Where did that come from?"

Shelby stood up and laughed gently "K'tan, it was an academy move".

He looked up "Why doesn't that surprise me" Internally, this felt like just what he needed, as the man was letting the frustration of the days events drain from him.

Keeping to her feet, the lithe woman lowered her stance and narrowed her eyes; planning her next move. "There's something I need to talk to you about" the inflection of her tone was colored with the sincerity of her words.

Breathing heavily D'Callan narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "Whatever you have to say isn't going to distract me."

As they circled each other she shook her head. "This is business...I went to see Oryn..." Getting in under his defenses Shelby took three good strikes at the man's chest and neck; only to be denied as he easily blocked the attacks. She spun, moved in again and swept his legs, but he dove to one side with ease as she moved in for the kill.

Bouncing back up onto his feet, Joseph felt something deep inside him growling as her words sank in. "What?!"

"I went to talk to him, see what he was about....he's offered to let me tour his ship.." Shelby's breathing was measured as she blocked a return strike to her chest by the man with her arm. "I thought that it'd be a great change to snoop around. When do you think I should do it?" Countering her she only briefly saw Joe's move before she could block it.

D'Callan slipped in under her arms, pushed her back then kicked hard at her midsection; throwing her back onto the ground.

Shelby grunted as she fell, glimpsing the displeasure in the man's expression which was reflected in the moonlight beading down on them. Scrambling to her feet again there was no mistaking the look Joe gave her and she tightened her jaw as she rubbed her midsection. "I see we've moved this up a level..."

Joe narrowed his gaze, he tried another tactic on the half Romulan but this time she blocked it easily. Things were getting a bit more serious it appeared.

Shelby twisted low to avoid a strike by D'Callan to her leg, he took advantage of this distraction to reach behind his back unclip a small metal object from his belt and using his finger and thumb he slid the bracket open and he threw it at Shelby's feet. Joseph said something out loud which Daelen couldn't hear but in response the computer clicked and the ground between them shimmered briefly.

The shiny object spun quickly, looping around her ankles, and she looked down, turned slightly to glance back at him; managing out. "What are--"

Without a word, D'Callan pulled the clip back in and the thin wire locked, allowing him to pull and jerk her legs from under her.

Shelby fell forward and landed on her stomache in a pool of watery dust, Joseph stood up and shook his leg, the wire got tighter as the ensign struggled.

"Now we're going to have ourselves a little talk Daelen." The annoyance he felt at the knowledge that the woman had gone to see Oryn without consulting him simply irritated him to no end and he found he just couldn't let it go.

Realizing the situation she was in, Shelby tried not to move. Somehow he had procured a patch of quicksand into the holo-suite program; she was beginning to sink! She tried to reach the wire wrapped around her ankles but scrambling made her situation worse. She growled at D'Callan. "You can't do this...." she couldn't believe he was doing this, trying one more time to reach the wire, Joseph pulled on it and cause her to slip down further.

Glancing down at the device in his hand, Joe tightened his hold on it and then his eyes retuned to Shelby. "I thought I could trust you, I don't trust many wom - people, and look at this...you've gone behind my back."

[Shelby D]

JOINT POST BY CRYSTAL AND MEDS

"Excuse me? Behind your back?" As Shelby started to struggle, she realized that the motion caused her to sink more and she stopped. Her gray orbs shot back up at the man. "Joseph! I have a Romulan who wants to let me walk about his ship freely. How often does that happen at this stage of the game?! Are you --" His cold gaze stopped her, she narrowed her eyes and said suspiciously. "Did you turn off the holo-deck safety's?"

He crossed his arms along his chest as he simply watched her.

"Ahh, come on....you didn't trust him anymore than I did..." A few select Romulan curses flew towards him while she sank further. She was fairly sure he wouldn't kill her; after all it would take some explaining to the Captain.

He looked at her and then deactivated the wire completely, letting it drop uselessly onto the surface, at which point she stared at him as if he had ten arms.

"Dear, to be honest, I really thought you'd done that to me a few times before, the safety protocols I mean, still I guess we all have to start somewhere aye" He winked at her and headed towards the door leaving the sinking Shelby to shout at him. "Arch." the holo-deck deck doors opened.

"You aren't -- " she started...then, "D'Callan" The woman said with a slight concern to her voice. Clearly he wasn't going to stop, "Computer, Shelby program 5-0-0-1, execute!" there followed a series of chirps and when Joseph was almost at the doorway the arch suddenly faded away before he could make good his escape.

"Your cheating......"Joseph said calmly. "again...." Turning he smirked at the woman.

Shrugging she smirked back, "I simply decided to level the playing field." She said watching him carefully. All the while though she sought out some method of pulling herself out. Realizing that he was finding amusement in watching her, she replaced her stunned reaction with a stubborn fire in her eyes.

Looking around him, Joe thought for a moment, then he moved over to one of the large nearby trees and he leaned back against it with a casual air about him. "Hmmm nice...How's the spa? I hear mud baths are very invigorating. Would you care for a loofah?"

Crossing her arms along her chest, Shelby breathed outwards and she simple stood there. She refused to speak or ask him for help as she ran scenarios through her mind as to what she could do.

By the time she was waist deep, Joseph walked forward a few steps and he looked down. "Ensign, you are bright, and one of the best security officers I have come across, think about your situation and I have few doubts that you can figure this out."

As the man watched, she thought a bit more, her survival training filled her mind, obscure thoughts which she never imaged needing returned to her. Her progress was slow at first, just a bit of wriggle, then a bit more from side to side. Gradually she slowly pulled herself up and horizontally across the wet goo. She managed out to her knees and waited to make sure she wasn't sinking more. Then she drew herself forward in a flat crawling motion, her feet finally sucked free from the muddy concoction.

She arrived at the dry section where she flopped onto her back, breathing heavily and with her ankles still bound together. As she lay there, her expression reflected some exhaustion then it changed. As she inched herself further away from the quicksand and closer to the unsuspecting D'Callan.

"Good job Daelen." she said then he shifted his attention to a small padd he was working on.
Her gray eyes shifted to the man as she untangled the cord from around her ankles. She gave no hint to him that she was ticked. Yet the moment he glanced away Daelen went for his legs; using the wire and her body to push him back onto the ground.

Not expecting her actions Joseph was tackled onto the dry surface. Positioning herself over him she demanded. "You know you can trust me. How do I know 'I' can trust you." she said harshly to him. Now dark and dangerous eyes searched his for an answer.

"You know you can trust me Shelby," Although he was surprised, Joe kept his voice even and serious, "because if you didn't you would have plunged me into that quick sand, not the dry surface here" He appreciated her impulsiveness. He enjoyed how sharp she was. He also found his time with Shelby never boring. There was just something about her....

Daelen's breathing slowed as his words rang true. Her thoughts drifted, as his proximity became reality. Under her hand she felt his heart beating faster. Her eyes changed; being with him eased her pent up angers and it soothed her.

He looked down at the woman's hand, feeling the warmth of it through the fabric and it was intoxicating. He let his eyes move back up into her exotic gaze. "Trying to figure out if there is something beating in there?" The moment which had conspired between them seemed locked in time as the intensity between them increased.

Shelby let her hand slip off of his chest. What was she doing? What was she thinking? As she retreated, Joseph followed her.

Neither of them could explain to the other but the fire between them took away the chill of being alone. He told himself she would go. While she failed to move further away. Instead they were right there, inches away from each other, allowing him to unconsciously slip even closer.

Shelby didn't she get up and leave. Everything told her this wasn't right.

Joseph lifted up his hand with hesitation, then with boldness as he traced her jaw line then he caressed his way upwards to allow his fingertips to just graze her tapered ear tenderly on one side.

The half-romulan's storm-colored gaze searched his blue-green orbs as his touch fueled the growing emotions. She wanted to whisper his name as she felt the warmth of his breath as he neared her. She leaned into him ever so slightly.

The holo-suite comms system broke in, much like shattering a piece of fine crystal on a tile floor, and from the silence came a bold voice. "Commander Oryn to Ensign Daelen."

Joe and Shelby's eyes broke and the chill that had been chased from the room by their contact returned; the spell had been broken.

Glancing downwards, Shelby responded. "This is Ensign Daelen. How may I help you Commander." Her eyes followed D'Callan; as he became distant to her and he lifted.

Oryn's voice replied via the comms, "I have some time to kill later tonight after the senior staff meeting, if you want to join me for a drink aboard my ship."

The ensign's gaze went to Joseph as he stood and walked over to the discarded wire and bracket. Picking it up and acting as if nothing was wrong.

Her lips parted as if she wanted to speak to him but she diverted to the communique. "Um, actually Commander I think I might take a rain check on that. Could we arrange another time?"

"I should be free later tomorrow evening." He said. "Would that work for you?"

Standing herself, Shelby followed Joseph but stopped short as she responded first. "I will need to check my duties. I will get back to you. Thank you Commander, Daelen out." The comms system chirped off and the half Romulan finally moved up behind D'Callan. "Let me know what you want me to focus on before I go." she offered softly.

"Yeah," He said distantly, while shifting his eyes back to her. He re-secured the device he had used on her. Then to his own surprise D'Callan moved to her, reached up and touched her warm cheek to wipe a spot of mud from her skin. He didn't want to forget what had just occurred between them or maybe he just wanted to prove to himself that he hadn't imagined it.

Joseph closed his eyes as if mustering the strength to do what he needed to. "Computer end programme." Nothing happened, he looked back to the dark haired woman. She held a playful smirk at the corner edges of her lips.

"Computer, release Shelby 5-0-0-1 program end, execute code 70." The arch appeared and the room shimmered away; returning into the yellow black grid, as they stood face to face.

Without thought, Shelby reached up with her hand, she was about to touch him when he stopped her. Did he really think that she would betray him somehow? What could she say to him? "Would would you have me do Joseph?" Came her tenderly spoken question to him.

He seemed to pull himself up more. "Do you're job Ensign." Releasing her wrist he pivoted on his heel and walked out of the holo-suite without another word.

Leaving Shelby to try to sort out her own feelings about what had happened between them.

[Jen]

Joint Post by Jen and Just X. See the OOC for The Ship's Time.

Oryn, stood quietly in the empty turbo lift as it made the quick rise to deliver him on the deck where Sickbay resided. The muscularly fit Romulan rolled his head in a circular motion to release some of the tension from the earlier events of the evening. While it was his primary goal to find a nice place to sit and have a beverage, the policies of his hosts dictated that he first check in for one of their physicals. Previous conversation had caused that little detail to slip from his mind, but once in the lift, he had the misfortune of recalling it.


"It's just a precaution, ma'am. I'm sure the Captain will brief the senior officers soon," came a voice over Doctor Drett's combadge. The door to the turbolift finally opened for her.

"Thank you commander," said Ryla with a touch of acerbity in her tone. The hassle the two senators caused in Sickbay, had made her mood far less buoyant than usual. She started to move inside the car when she realized a man blocked her path, "excuse me," she said with a smile and tried to skirt around him.

Oryn took a small step back to allow the woman into the lift. His eyes moved slowly over her form, in part to determine her species and to admire how well she filled out the black dress she wore. "What deck are you headed to?" he asked.

He was holding the door open, preventing the lift from moving. Ryla narrowed her eyes slightly, "why?"

"Polite conversation," he replied with a smile."I'm new to the ship and I'm trying to get a feel for things. I'm Oryn."

The Trill realized his brows were up-swept. A Vulcan? No. The smile he wore told her he was Romulan; perhaps one of the evacuees. Her expression softened, "are you looking for a particular location?"

"Actually, I'm doing everything in my power to avoid the medical bay for some sort of physical." He chuckled and leaned in the doorway as they spoke," I believe any reasonable medical officer would agree that a conversation with a beautiful woman is a justifiable delay."

She tried not to smile, "I'm Doctor Drett... Chief Medical Officer. I am not expecting an appointment and certainly not at this hour. You're either very early or very late."

"Well, Doctor, you're certainly not what I expected." His smile broadened and he took a stepped inside to free the doors. "And since you're not expecting me, we could just postpone the physical... would you join me for a drink instead?"

He was quite handsome, if a bit forward. "I'm actually about to turn in for the evening...thank you for the offer. You can come by for your physical in the morning when Sickbay is better staffed."

"I'm merely trying to get to know the crew. And...I'm sure that being escorted for a drink by a doctor would equal a clean bill of health to my hosts."

She couldn't help but smile at that, "My Ferengi friend would be very impressed with your attempts to sell whatever it is you're offering. I bet you slide when you walk."

"I hover, but you're changing the subject. You have a very beautiful smile," he said.

He was smooth, she would give him that. "I'll point you toward the Afterburner if you'll drop the cheesy pick up lines. Since you're an evacuee I'll accompany you as a diplomatic gesture, but I can't stay long...I have an early shift tomorrow."

"Done," he agreed. "Also, for the sake of transparency, I'm not one of the refugees that you recovered. I'm your liaison ... well, the liaison to your ship and fleet."

"I wasn't aware such an official was aboard the Arabella."

Diplomatic gesture indeed—this decision had the potential of being disastrous. If he was in fact a liaison then that meant he was some sort of diplomat. Ryla wasn't accustomed to socializing with ambassadors. Her mind rolled through an array of  blunders she would likely make and then a myriad of cataclysmic outcomes. One such result included mission failure all due to a remark spouted in ignorance.

"Knowledge of my presence was 'need to know'. Plans within plans and all of that, but nothing too shady. Just a safety measure...there are some aboard who would not be pleased by my arrival."

Ryla gave him ample room within the lift. She wasn't sure how much of what he said was true, but she didn't think it would be difficult to find out.

[X]

Joint post by Jen and Just X

"Afterburner," Oryn said aloud before focusing his attention on the woman. "What's your usual drink of choice?"

"Yellow Fever....but, I already had one of those tonight with a man who may still be there. I don't want any misunderstandings... this is just a friendly chat over one drink. It would hurt Jared if he thought otherwise. I may to have to do that at some point, but I'd rather it not be due to a misconception."

"Is this a man that you plan to be intimate with again?" He asked. "If you're not interested in him, a little pain now be better than tractoring him along with no destination in mind."

She scrutinized him from the other side of the lift, "you're very frank..."

"I'm an honest person," he shrugged. "I think that direct honesty is better than half truths when possible."

"...actually, I was referring to the inquiry, not the suggestion. My Ferengi friend wouldn't even venture into that territory."

"Why not?" He raised a brow. "Is it something that you don't want others to know? That would make it difficult for suitors to know if you are available, wouldn't it?"

Is this lift ever going to reach Deck 11? "I'm simply stating that it is a very direct question..." She tried to give him a reassuring smile, I probably shouldn't frown at a diplomat. The lift slowed to a stop and Ryla almost bounded into corridor as the door whisked open.

"I'm sorry if my question made you uncomfortable," he said as he followed behind her. "It's a quite a task trying to learn what other species find polite or offensive. I personally prefer the path of honesty. I'm given too many half truths when dealing with politicians. For you, I will mind my manners, or at least attempt the Federation standard of them."

She spared him a look over her shoulder and slowed her pace. Together they approached the oaken double doors of the Arabella's most popular hangout. A holographic sign welcomed them above the entrance. The blue flames that spelled the name of Cyra Fredric's lounge, licked at the ceiling like a hungry targ. It was a glitzy directional for a starship and Ryla wondered what sort of under-the-table dealings Cyra had to do to gain Starleet's approval for installation. Doctor Drett stepped through the doors with Oryn and entered the bustling Afterburner. It was open mic night, and the room was alive with music and patrons eating dinner and playing Dom-Jot. She paused in the entry and scanned the room for a moment. Galdar was seated alone at a table now, and to her relief Jared Olson was nowhere to be seen. A few of the Romulan patrons turned to watch Oryn sweep into the room with the Trill. They seemed curious, as did a number of her fellow crewmates.

He bent low to her ear and softly whispered, "How do I look?"

The warmth of his breath prompted goose bumps to form on her neck, and she flinched at his unexpected action. After the briefest pause she answered him, "you look... unique."  His clothing was not typical of the drab looking uniforms worn by many Romulans. Oryn's black suit fit him well and, if it was possible, made his bright eyes even more striking.

"Unique is acceptable," he continued in a whisper. Ryla managed not to jump a second time and quickly proceeded toward Galdar—wishing the people in the room would go back to their drinks.

[Bryancd]

Joint post by Shelby Daelen and Bryancd

Walking towards Nalah's quarters Daelen couldn't shake the thoughts of the previous evenings going on's at the holosuite with D'Callan. She had rested but it had been restless as the realization of his potentially real feelings towards her tumbled around in her mind, not to mention what her thoughts on the matter were.

Still six hours later and a bit more rested after such a busy day, Daelen was unsure of what to expect from Nalah, although the Romulan had to be crawling up the walls by this time. She knew she would have been. Rounding the corner, Shelby found Ensign Lawson standing guard now outside the woman's room. After a brief conversation Daelen pressed the chime. It was early morning but Shelby was fairly sure she read her Romulan right, she would be up.

The door slid open immediately. "Where have you been!" Nalah demanded. "I have been stuck in here for hours!" Her eye's narrowed as she regarded Shelby. "Was that an alarm I heard last night? What has happened?"

"I know I am sorry Nalah. I had some business to attend." Putting up her hands as the door shut behind her then Shelby walked in further. "The Romulan liaison arrived a bit sooner than we expected so we should be able to start processing some of the refugees soon." Wanting to shift the subject Daelen smiled at the Romulan woman. "How would you like to go to the gym?"

Nalah was taken aback by the question. "Uh...well...um, yes, that would be agreeable," she said awkwardly. It had been some time since anyone had offered her a degree of consideration, she felt completely out of her element. Why did this woman have any interest in her at all, she wondered.  


"Here," tossing her a small satchel of clothing which she had procured. "I'll be back first thing in the morning. Get some rest....you're going to need it," she added as the door slid shut.

[Meds]

JOINT POST BY WRAITH1701 AND MEDS

Joseph walked into the Afterburner and looked around the bar. He was tired and a little confused. He needed a drink and he wanted his buddy K'Tan. Hearing the boisterous laugh of his old friend he saw him at the end of the bar, typically in their usual seat. K'tan looked up and seeing Joseph raised his bottle.

Walking through the crowd several crewmen said hello to the chief, he smiled at all of them but all he wanted was to was sit on his stool and drink the night away. It wasn't until he was half way through he caught the site of Oryn standing with Cyra,Galdar and the Doctor. He smiled at his friends and gave the Romulan a nod as he walked past but something inside him twinged.

K'Tan downed the last of his drink, and slammed the dark-brown bottle onto the table.  He couldn't decide which he liked more; the rich, almost malty taste of the ancient earth brew, or the fierce ram's head adorning the yellow label. As Joseph approached, K'Tan slapped him on the back, then gestured for the bartender to bring him two more.  Noticing the pensive exprssion on his friend's face, K'Tan tilted his head quizically.  "You look like your'e in a good mood tonight," he deadpanned.

D'Callan's wince of pain changed into a grin as two bottles were placed on the table. "Oh yes, I'm doing great," he replied sarcastically.  "By the way, did you get any read outs from that call I sent you?" he asked.

K'Tan snorted.  "My lady says I need to learn to leave work at work."  He flicked the cap off of his new beer, and took a swig.  "And we're both off the clock now.  So tell me, what's up?"

D'Callan took a long pull of his beer, then sighed in satisfaction.  "Oh you know, an unauthorized visitor in the briefing room, the Captain and Aeric knew he was coming, kind of felt a bit....."

"Out of the loop?" K'Tan interjected with a smile.  "You aren't the only one.  But the Captain and the XO have always shown sound judgement, and they have yet to let us down.  Hell, you've said the same thing yourself on many occasions.  So that can't be what's really bothering you."

"No, no its not that" he touched the glass, "Then there is that Cardassian, " Joseph flicked his eyes up and the back down and took a gulp of his drink.

K'tan nodded.  "I admit, that one has me a bit confused as well.  What the Fek'lhr was a Cardassian doing on a Romulan ship?"  He shook his head.  "Bah; it is of no consequence.  I doubt that you'd let such person get under your skin."  He took another sip of his drink, then turned to regard his friend.   "Can it be that you're thinking about your mother?"

Joseph looked at his glass and swirled the liquid. "Ah.... you know...I can cope with that, I am after all a professional. " he looked at K'Tan and smiled " Women aye ! "

" K'Tan looked at him and squinted slightly "Women? This definately isn't about work then.  Come on, spit it out."


Joseph sat back. Sevryll and Aeric could read Joseph like a book they had known him since he was a boy, and K'tan knew him just as well, they been friends for so long now and been through quite a lot. "You know me too well my friend. I...well... look you've had a relationships"

K'Tan merely smiled.  "A few."

"Very good K'Tan.  Well.....have any of these relationships been with... not that I am, or intend to, mind you, but...a work colleague who you are in......"

"Charge of..." K'Tan finished.  D'Callan's sudden blush confirmed that he'd hit the nail on the head.

K'Tan gave a wry chuckle and slowly shook his head.  "Fraternization.  You've picked an especially hairy tribble to shave, my friend."  K'Tan set his beer down with a sigh.   "On Klingon ships, it isn't a problem-- If an officer sees a bekk that catches his eye, and she returns the interest, sex is the next logical step.  I guess Klingon crews generally have enough discipline to separate work from pleasure."

"You'd think the same would be true in the Federation," D'Callan said.

"You'd think so," K'Tan replied.  "But things seem to always be a little more hazy here.  Remember when Admiral Quinn commanded the Tiberius?  I believe he took one of the crew as a lover.  And of course, there's the arrangement between our captain and first officer."  K'Tan polished off his drink, and moved the empty bottle to join it's companions at the table's edge.

"Look; the point is, if both parties are disciplined enough to keep work and relationship separate, I don't think there's a problem.  But if there is any doubt in your mind, I'd err on the side of caution.  Otherwise, you risk getting caught up in the mother of all hairballs."

K'Tan glanced at his chronometer.  "Speaking of fraternization, Tara is expecting me."  As he stood to leave, he laid a hand on his friend's shoulder.  "Tread carefully, Joesph.  And good luck."

Joseph raised his glass and K'tan clinked it as he walked away. Putting it down he turned it again and looked over at the new Romulan. The twinge came back and he began to have a feeling that he hadn't felt since he was young. Thinking back it suddenly hit him what it was and that made him feel even worse. He smiled at the barman who filled his glass.

[Jen]

Part Three Joint post by Jen,  Just X, Feathers and KC

"Would it be impolite to thank you for joining me for the one drink as a diplomatic gesture?" Oryn asked Ryla in a low rumble. He nodded to the human security chief as they passed him in the lounge.

"No," came Ryla's quiet reply.

"Thank you," he said with a smile and allowed his eyes to meet hers before sweeping the room. Mirth filled his tone as he continued, "I'm actually quite vain... appearances are important to me. The companionship of a beautiful woman, however brief, is always a good thing."

Ryla reflexively smiled, she wasn't sure how to respond other than that and was happy to have reached Galdar's table. The Ferengi had been watching their approach with a bewildered expression. "I'm back," said the Trill. "I was headed to my quarters when Oryn introduced himself. He's the fleet liaison," she said with a look that asked for verification. She turned to the Romulan and gestured to the helmsman, "Oryn, this is Lieutenant Galdar."

Oryn offered a polite nod, "It is a pleasure to meet someone of your reputation."

Standing, Galdar drew his wrists together, cupped his hands and bowed slightly toward the Romulan. "I am pleased to meet you...Sir.", he flicked his eyes briefly to the Trill, clearly unable to answer any of her questions and adding a few of his own, "I must add that I was unaware that I had a 'reputation' as you put it and certainly didn't realize that it extended into your Empire."

The Romulan smiled to both the Ferengi and the bartender who was now at their table, "When there are so few of your people in Starfleet, you tend to stand out. Please just call me Oryn."

Truth be told, he had not heard much about the Ferengi officer, but it was Oryn's experience that everyone liked to feel important. It was also his experience with the Federation that, despite their proclaimed values, some still tended to be harder on species that were not their own.

"Alright then, Dr. Drett, what would you and your companion like to drink? Another Yellow Fever tonight, or something a little different?" asked Cyra.

"I'll...just have a cup of Hibiscus tea. Thank you," said Ryla.

"What do you recommend?" Oryn's eyes shifted to the Orion woman and drank in the view of her. Such a beautiful shade of green. I wonder if she's as dangerous as her skin tone suggests.

Ryla simply observed as Oryn admired the hostess. He was ogling Cyra in much the same way he had ogled her in the turbolift. He probably doesn't get out much.

"Well, anything I touch is golden, so feel free to choose something that you regularly enjoy." Cyra glanced over at Ryla. "Although, I have been getting some experience in perfecting the cosmopolitan." Her lips curved into a beautiful smirk that hid her deviancy.

"I'm all for trying things that I've never had before," Oryn replied with his own devilish smile. "Care to show what you can do if nothing was holding you back?"

"You're a brave man," the hostess said. A strand of her short dark hair fell in front of her face and she pushed it back behind her ear. "Let me see what I can whip up and I'll surprise you." And with that, Cyra made her way back to the bar.

"Galdar, " Oryn paused, "if it's alright that I call you that... How do you get anything done on this vessel? It would be difficult for me to accomplish any work with all the beautiful woman aboard."

The doctor resisted the sudden urge to roll her eyes at the newcomer's comments.

Galdar gestured to the open chairs and they took their seats. Sitting himself, the Ferengi contemplated the tall Romulan for a moment before speaking, "It all depends on your definition of 'anything'," he began carefully. "Most things that need to be done tend to fall out of the chain of command as you'd expect. Many things that you might want to get done can normally be arranged simply by asking. Then there are the...other things that are not so readily achievable", he paused, "Those that are permissible may be organized with some effort. Those that are not...well, on this ship, you forget about them."

Leaning back in his chair, Galdar's guarded expression was suddenly replaced by a huge grin as he regarded the man before him, "But you know all of this already...Oryn. You don't strike me as the type of man who ever forgets the seventh Rule of Acquisition and if I may say so, you enact the fifteenth with some skill as well." He raised his drink. "As for feemales...I doubt that our concepts of 'attractive' align on enough key points for it to be worth my while commenting."

The Trill smirked at Galdar who had always considered her 'homely'...in fact he pitied her. She knew a good number of his rules—he quoted them often enough that she effectively memorized them. Rule number seven was one of his personal favorites: 'keep your ears open.' And rule number fifteen: 'acting stupid is often smart.' Both seemed befitting of the stranger. She thought of Oryn's breath on her ear and, without thinking, muttered another tenet, "Rule number twenty eight: whisper your way to success."

[X]

Joint post by Jen,  Just X, Feathers and KC

Catching Ryla's hushed comment, Galdar's eyes flicked back to his friend and his grin dipped a notch or two. Her tone contained a note of agravation that he didn't often hear from the tolerant and generally easygoing physician.

Oryn laughed. "Galdar, something tells me that I'm going to need your help in the near future. In the coming days, I could make use of someone with your talents and contacts. There will of course be compensations involved."

The Lieutenant returned his eyes to the black clad Romulan. "I'm sure you know nothing of either my talents or my contacts", he stated simply, "but of course I will do whatever I can, as a member of this crew, to assist you in your liaison duties."

Oryn looked to the smaller male, "I'm sure that with the proper motivation, you could acquire the talents and contacts that I need. I require people with ships, goods, and the willingness to make a profit. A huge profit. Outside of the introductions, this wouldn't require anything else on your part. I can assure you that my intent and requests have already been explained to your superiors. Consider this an opportunity for moderate residuals as the result of a small investment of your time. My people are going to need goods transported and new goods shipped in. I have a feeling that you might know someone or several someones that would fit that bill. I'm willing to offer a two percent commission of the docking and trade licenses fees of anyone that you recommend."

Galdar said nothing, but in truth he was tempted to begin a negotiation...if only to try and dust off a few rusty skills that had never been properly honed. In reality, there was little chance of his being able to facilitate Oryn. What contacts he did have, lay safely within the boundaries of Federation space. As such, he'd even had to forgo his regular shipment of tube grubs these last few weeks.

Oryn started with a low number out of respect for the man's position. He was Ferengi, but he was also Starfleet. He could not insult the Ferengi by offering him nothing for his recommendations, but he also could not insult the officer by appearing to bribe him. It was a slippery slope, but perhaps two percent would provide enough traction to continue the 'business of business'. "I'm sorry if I appear to be moving quickly, but I've been in seclusion for a while and most of the things that I need to accomplish are time sensitive. If we're going to endure, we should be comfortable."

It wasn't a direct quote of the 200th rule, but it was one that he currently lived by. Oryn's people were facing their darkest hour. They should at least be comfortable while doing it.

"Forgive me for interrupting," said Ryla with another quick, albeit slight smile. She glanced from Oryn to Galdar, "agreements like these should involve the captain." The Doctor turned back to Oryn, "I'm sorry...it's Starfleet protocol."

Oryn's brow rose at the Trill woman. "I am not asking him to become involved in anything illegal. What about this conversation requires the involvement of the captain? I'm not clear on the rule that requires an officer to seek the captain's permission simply to contact friends or family in matters of business."

Her tone became apologetic and the smile grew a bit, "I didn't mean to imply that you had nefarious intentions, Oryn. I don't expect you to know protocol—the crew must obtain permission from the captain before entering buisness agreements with non-Federation persons on this mission. The measure was enacted to guarantee peaceful relations within Romulan Space."

Oryn frowned, "I offered him a gift to prevent an insult." Oryn exhaled slowly. Emotion was laced within the quiet tone of his words."How the hell do you get any work done here if you have to keep from tripping over protocol? Do you need to fill out forms, file reports, and ask permission from a dying patient before you can treat them?"

Ryla's concerns regarding 'diplomatic disasters' were now coming close to reality... if he was infact a liaison. Regardless, it was obvious to her that she had frustrated the Romulan. It was time to go before she made matters worse. The Trill stood and nodded to the blue-eyed man, "Time to turn in...it was nice to meet you. Goodnight Galdar." The Ferengi raised a hand, stifling a yawn with the other.

Oryn nodded in return, "It was a pleasure. I hope that, given time, you will see my point of view. There are many things that need to be accomplished to ensure that my people survive. Unnecessary delays can lead to people not getting the foods, medicines, and supplies that they need. That is unacceptable."

"I can appreciate your position...but the Captain is better equipped to meet your expectations and if she deems it necessary, she will involve Mr. Galdar. I'll make sure Doctor Peterson has the time to perform your physical tomorrow."

Oryn opened his mouth to say something, but bit back the words with noticeable effort. Instead, he took the more neutral path. It really wasn't his intent to offend the Trill any more than he felt that he already had. "Thank you Doctor. In the future, I'll try to learn all of your rules so as to avoid these awkward situations. I don't want you to think that I am trying to make you uncomfortable. I'm still trying to get my footing with this new assignment."

"We all are,"  she smiled faintly. "Good luck, Oryn."

"I think I might need it," he said and looked around for the jade goddess with his drink.

The doctor made her way to the bar to cancel her order, it was a busy night and it seemed she would have to wait in line to get Cyra's attention.

"... and one Angel's Kiss. Alright, I'll have that out for you soon," said Cyra. While her brain was screaming from the amount of orders she had been continuously taking for the past few minutes, her exterior showed little to no signs of stress from the pickup in business.

Oryn's eyes found themselves drifting between the security chief that could have killed him, the green woman behind the bar, and the spotted woman. The mild intoxication that he had from the earlier pints of ale had long ago started to fade and sober him. He wanted another drink, but he also didn't quite feel up to reporting to a set of empty quarters for the evening. The chances of him leaving with someone was slim to none, but the bar was a good compromise. He could be around people, even people of his own species, for the rest of the night.

If nothing changed, he would spend his night at the bar. Then head to his new quarters for a quick refresh before spending the rest of his day in physicals, meetings, and personal appointments. Oryn rose abruptly, "It was nice meeting you Galdar, maybe we can have another drink together some time. I'm going to see if I can get my first drink."

Oryn gave a polite nod of his head and moved in the direction of the bar and the line. When he walked, his gait wasn't the stiff movement of highborn officers. It was a swagger that radiated confidence.

[Allen]

Herm was having the time of his life.

He'd been talking to the elderly Romulan for hours. In the back of his mind, he knew he was missing out on the "action" in the Afterburner, but as Beta shift wound down, most people were headed to bed anyway. Besides, his elderly guest was probably the most interesting Romulan he had encounted. (With the possible exception of a certain young security officer he had seen - he wondered if she was in the Afterburner... maybe next time.)

The Romulan gentleman, who introduced himself as Sutpak Choro, had walked with Herm as he finished the task of recording names and family relations for the ships records, smoothing over the distrust many seemed all too willing to offer Starfleet personnel. They had made the full circle and were back at the bunk he had claimed for himself.

"So how does someone from 'The Pleasure Planet' become a Starfleet Ensign?"
Sutpak asked, genuinely interested.

Herm wondered if he should be surprised by his new friend's knowledge of systems who were members of the Federation. Much of Romulan space was still a mystery, but the Federation was an open book. And Herm's homeworld was renown throughout the galaxy.

"Let's just say," answered Herm, "that there's more to my people than sunny beaches and the horga'hn."

"Fascinating. Tell me about your world."

Herm talked a long time about Risian art, music, and religion. He spoke of his own experience as part of a failed movement to de-sexualize Risian culture and how that led him to study anthropology and archeology, which in turn led him to the Academy.

"But enough about me, tell me about your world." Herm said, realizing before the words were out of his mouth that it was a mistake to ask.

Sutpak's friendly, cheerful expression fell. His stately form drooped and he seemed hundreds of years older.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean... that is I didn't think.... I'm sorry." the young ensign managed to stutter.

Sutpak looked up, looking at, and then past the young man as he spoke.

"You know, I saw it.  I watched it happen. I watched Romulus die."

He sat back on his bunk, obviously getting comfortable so he could share his story. Herm sat on a stool across from him, holding his tongue and letting his friend speak.

"We had no warning. Few, so few escaped...." He trailed off, lost in his memory. After a few moments, he continued..

"I was one of the fortunate. I was already aboard the transport headed off planet to take care of some business, when the warning sounded. The entire planet had less than 10 minutes to escape or prepare for death.

The transport's crew turned on the view screen to show the news. Some of the passengers wanted to leave the ship, but weren't allowed. Other pounded on the hull, demanding to be let in. We watched in horror as the population descended into chaos. Our proud race, no better than animals in the face of death..."

Sutpak paused again, staring into space, his last words hanging in the air.

"Our transport lifted off. Those of us on board torn between hope that we'd get away and fear that we didn't have time to escape As we left the atmosphere, we saw it. The nova. It seemed to consume everything, huge, monsterous. The transport turned, preparing to go to warp. I watched from my window...."

Tears filled the Romulan's eyes as he continued.

"I didn't want to watch. But I had no choice. I had remained silent and calm through all the chaos so far, but I couldn't help but scream at what I saw.

As the planet shrank below me, the nova, like a wave crashing upon the shore, fell upon Romulus. For a moment it appeared as if the planet might survive. It seemed our proud world was making a final stand. But then, like a ball of glass, it just shattered. Just before our transport went to warp, I caught a final glimpse of the shores where I learned to swim and fish as a boy, consumed and burned by the nova."

Sutpak's voice cracked at he spoke this last. Again he trailed off, closing his eyes as if trying to block out what he saw in his mind. Taking a deep breath, he continued.

"And then it was gone. The rubble of the planet, the nova, everything disappeared as the transport went to warp. The blur and and streaks of the stars replaced the nightmare before my eyes, but it was already seared into my memory.

I don't know how long we were at warp, I'm not even sure I remember where we landed. We all sat for a long time in silence before leaving the ship, all of us numb with shock and horror. A woman sitting behind me had died, apparently from heart failure. The crew left the ship without inviting us to join them. As one, like a beast waking from a long slumber, we all stood and left the ship...

I honestly don't remember the days that followed, but now I'm here."

This last he said with a fake note of cheer.

"So, my friend," he said as he stood, "can you get me out of here? I need a drink."

[wraith1701]

joint post by Jen, wraith1701, Just X, KC & HawkeyeMeds


K'Tan headed to the Afterburner's exit feeling pleasantly mellow.  Most alpha-shifters were heading out as well, but their absence was being more than made up for by the more adventurous Romulan evacuees steadily drifting in.  His glance passed over the calm but very busy proprietress hastily filling drink orders.  I wonder if she has any Romulan ale on hand, he thought.

The double doors ahead of him drew apart, revealing the statuesque form of Tara Stass.  Seeing K'Tan, the buxom lieutenant leaned against the door jamb, arms crossed and tapping her foot impatiently.  "Once the alert ended, I figured you'd find your way back here," she said.  Stass' frown promised a rocky night ahead.  "I'm your girlfriend, not your babysitter. I don't appreciate being left to watch the squirt while you party it up down here."

K'Tan tried to redirect the conversation.  "Where is the boy, anyway?  Did he cause you any trouble?"

Stass sighed. "The kid's fine.  After dinner, we played some dom-jot then I took him back to your quarters to watch some of your antique war programs.  They put him to sleep almost immediately."

Well; there's no accounting for taste, K'Tan thought.

A sudden uproar back near the bar drew the pair's attention.  They turned in concert, just in time to see a bar stool fly into a decorative mirror with a crash.  Two brawny Romulan refugees stood over a crumpled form in Starfleet uniform.  Time seemed to stand still as silence descended over the room, the jovial mood destroyed.  All eyes were suddenly riveted on the offenders.

Both K'Tan and Stass scanned the crowd with battle-trained eyes, and noted a number of Starfleet patrons tensing to spring towards the two Romulans.  Across the room, a cluster of Romulan patrons eyed the scene expectantly.  From the look on their faces, they seemed eager to leap to their kinsmen's aid.

A sudden shout of rage echoed in the room, and the scene exploded into chaos.

Both K'Tan and Stass donned their game-faces, lips curling into grim smiles.  Tara interlaced her strong but delicate fingers, then stretched them with an incongruous popping of knuckles.  "Oh, hell," she muttered.  "This won't end well."

Ryla had just canceled her order when a stool flew over her shoulder, smashing the mirror behind the bar. With a gasp, the Trill narrowly dodged the officer being shoved towards her. As the human crashed against the bar, she turned to see a Romulan man draw back a fist. Instinctively, the physician ducked the blow and heard a thwack and a grunt.

Less than a meter away, Joseph looked up from his beverage as a cloud of shattered mirror hit him and landed in his glass. Realizing nothing had entered his eyes, he gave a sigh and tapped his badge, "D'Callan to Shane, there's trouble in the afterburner."

Drett stumbled away, as she did she backed into another patron and subsequently spilled the contents of a beverage all over the Romulan woman.  "Excuse me...I'm sorry," she shouted over the den of confusion. The furious woman cursed Ryla's clumsiness before pushing her backwards. She had broken the doctor's wrist on the transport, now she intended to rip her head from her neck. Sidestepping the fight at the bar, the woman edged toward the wide-eyed Trill.

"It was an accident. Let me buy you another," said the doctor. Of Drett's five previous hosts, Kabric was the only one who had enjoyed a good scrap. Ryla wasn't accustom to fighting and would much rather solve her problems in other ways, but as the seconds ticked by it became obvious that she would not be successful in diffusing this situation. In a heartbeat, the Romulan had her by the throat and off the floor.  Gasping for air, the Trill's hands gripped the woman's arms. Her shoes flew from her feet as she kicked wildly at the attacker, but her short stature made it difficult to land a blow. The movements of the surrounding patrons seemed to decelerate. Before long, they completely faded from her periphery as the lack of oxygen began to affect her brain. All Ryla could see was the glaring woman before her... that too would fade to black if she didn't break free. With every ounce of strength the Trill could muster, she swung her weight towards the assailant. A kick finally struck the woman and she dropped Ryla. The gasping doctor tried to roll away, but her attacker perused her.

[Jen]

Joint post by Jen, wraith1701, Just X, KC & HawkeyeMeds

Oryn shook his head at the chaos, but a smile at the action lingered on his face. He looked at the woman that had almost strangled the Trill. Oryn grasped her arm and yanked hard to pull her away from her wounded prey, "Stop."

His voice held no malice or anger as he said the word. It was a simply a statement of what was going to happen. Before he could calm the situation further, Oryn found his other hand grabbing the woman by the back of the neck and forcing her down before a beverage filled projectile could contact with her skull. Half stooped, Oryn released the arm of the woman to block the blow of a pale skinned human who attempted to deliver a hay-maker to his face.

"Stay down! Crawl out!" Oryn hissed to both the Trill and Romulan women. This is the last time I enter a bar without my weapons!

The two meter tall Romulan crouched into a defensive position as his own assailant tried to strike out again. Opting for a kick with his second attack, the human swung his leg at Oryn's torso only to have the Romulan bring down a blocking elbow that collided with the man's ankle. The roar of the crowd muted the crack of bone, but failed to silence the man's cry of pain.

Lieutenant Commander D'Callan strode toward the angry throng and pulled two officers off a Romulan. They spun, fists ready until they saw the unhappy Chief. "Sit down or get out." His sharp instincts made him move his head before a punch could catch him in the face. His eyes widened as a fist skimmed past his chin.  Looking up at the Romulan he had just helped, he shook his head, "mate it's been a tough day, please sit down and....." He dodged yet another punch and the Romluan toppled forward, giving Joseph the ideal opportunity for a quick neck chop— rendering his attacker unconscious. Jumping up Joseph saw K'tan and Stass and waved, hoping they would see him.

The area near the entrance to the Afterburner was growing crowded. As eager as some were to join in the fight, it appeared that more were trying to distance themselves from the brawl.  K'Tan and Stass found themselves fighting against the surge of patrons fleeing the establishment as they waded towards the center of the melee. We have to diffuse this, K'Tan thought.  He glanced to his left.  "See if you can make your way to D'Callan.  I think I have an idea."  As he veered away from Stass, he caught a glimpse of her placing two fingers under her tongue, followed by an ear-splitting whistle.

"This is Security! Everyone; clear the room and return to your quarters!" Stass shouted.

An angry looking Romulan blocked her path, face green with fury. "What quarters?" he slurred; "You have most of us penned up in your shuttlebay like herd beasts!  We are NOT animals, Starfleet!"  The man took a wild, ill-aimed swing at Stass' head; she ducked, then brought her knee up into her assailant's groin.  As the color drained from his face, the Romulan dropped to the floor and curled into a fetal position.

As she stepped over his prone form, Stass replied, "My name isn't 'Starfleet'."  She chuckled.  No matter the race, men are all the same.

As Tara made her way towards chief D'Callan, K'Tan grabbed a tablecloth from the booth beside him.  After draping it over his head, he projected his voice to be heard over the din.  "Computer:  Activate fire-suppression system-A for deck 11, section 42 alpha.  Authorization code Beta-322341-KG!"

"Acknowledged," came the disembodied voice of the computer.

Seconds later, streams of icy-cold fluid began to spray from the ceiling, dousing the hapless patrons. It works for separating fighting targs, K'Tan thought.  I just hope it works here.

Ryla was crawling toward the exit, away from the chaos, when the brewing storm erupted and a frigid rain fell. As it saturated her, the Trill was suddenly thankful she had decided to wear the black dress. Once clear of the horde, she stood and turned to face the fray. Several confused patrons bumped into her as they clamored in mass, toward the exit. Ryla was sopping wet—her long, blond hair stuck to her face and neck in wet strands, which she absently pushed out of her eyes. The shrill whistle that demanded her attention was followed by an order to return to her quarters... but Doctor Drett wouldn't leave until she was certain there were no serious injuries.

Gazing up at the fire suppressant raining upon him, D'Callan put his hands out and let the liquid slap his face, "Nice". He turned his eyes toward what appeared to be a ghost standing in the middle of the Afterburner, and shouted to it, "Hey K'Tan, its not like you to put a damper on a nights proceedings."

True to its name, the extinguishing system seemed to snuff out the fight in the more rambunctious patrons.  Would-be brawlers suddenly found themselves more interested in getting out of the downpour than in punching each other out.  As the knot of fighting loosened up and dispersed, K'Tan allowed himself a self-satisfied grin. I might not have gotten a chance to play, but my solution worked out rather well.  "Not bad, K'Tan," he murmured with a smile.


Can't get any wetter than wet, Oryn thought to himself as his now cold drenched clothing clung to him. Frost highlighted his breath from the sudden heat reduction, but didn't stop him from taking a seat on one of the wet, empty stools. This was not the evening that he had planned. However, it wasn't all bad. The view had improved with the addition of the ice cold liquid. The line before him had also vanished in the chaos. Maybe he could finally get that drink if he offered to help clean the mess.

Oryn suppressed a shiver, "Is every night this exciting?"

"It's always something. But the bar fight? That's new," said the Trill through chattering teeth.

[X]

joint post by Jen, wraith1701, Just X, KC & HawkeyeMeds

Oryn laughed, "This is my kind of place, if you take away the freezing downpour and the need to slink off with someone to conserve what little body heat is left. Well ... the slink away part would also work."

Ryla was looking about for the wretched woman who tried to kill her when she noticed the hostess slipping and sliding toward the exit. She reached out to steady the Orion by taking her elbow, "are you okay?"

"I... am not... happy..." Cyra said. She was drenched from head to toe, and obviously freezing. Her furious mood turned her cheeks a deeper shade of green.

"Would a hot bath or hot shower help change your mood?" Oryn asked after turning to face Cyra. Showers and tubs where a luxury reserved for the Captain's quarters and the VIP suites. While higer ranking officers could request tubs for their rooms, Oryn couldn't help but assume that the Orion woman did not have that rank. "I have both in my suite if you want to borrow the facilities."

"Are you compensating for something?" Asked the Trill in a sardonic tone before moving to check on another patron who was dragging himself off the floor. She called for sickbay when she realized his ankle was broken. The officer pointed to Oryn and spat a foul curse.

"I'm not using the room tonight. I wasn't asking her to share it with me," the Romulan called after her.

"Can we please, please stop talking?" begged the Orion. "I'm wet, I'm cold, and after what's happened in here, I feel like I'm going to hit something."

Oryn nodded, but didn't say another word. He did however rise from his seat to lean over the bar in search of empty glasses and something strong to fill them with. The Orion looked to him like she could use a stiff drink and the pseudo warmth that it provided. Settling on the Terran Sour Mash Whiskey, he lifted the bottle and pour several glasses of the amber liquid before passing one to the bartender. Taking another for himself, the romulan lifted his glass in a silent cheers.

Cyra took a glass and drank as much whiskey as she could in one long swig. The strength of it lit her throat and eyes on fire, but it had been a long night. A very, very, very long night, she thought to herself. As soon as the burning sensation was gone and her eyes stopped watering, she took a smaller sip of her drink. "Thanks," she said. Her voice was low and raspy, still not quite over the effects of her first swallow.
 
Oryn took a slow pull from his own drink and looked over the gathered, trying to maintain his cool despite the cold. His words were directed at the Orion. "I need to return to my ship for a change of clothing and to get cleaned up. Would you like to borrow my room for the rest of the night? I don't have a problem with sleeping on my ship for the night."

Cyra was unsure. She wasn't sure if she was in any position to say 'no,' but she did not feel comfortable using someone else's quarters. She looked to Ryla, looking for an opinion, an affirmation, or maybe she would just give the answer for her and be done with it. Any of those options would suit her well.

Ryla glanced to the hostess as she helped an injured man off the floor. The look the Orion was giving her seemed like a request for permission.

"Both of you can use the facilities there," Oryn added before finishing his glass. "I'm not going to need it tonight and I haven't moved my things there. I think that it's only fair of me to offer the nice hot bath and other amenities to someone that could actually use them."

Satisfied that the injuries sustained by the brawling patrons were minor at best, Ryla helped the officer with the broken ankle to the door, "Thank you for the offer...I'll be fine."

Looking to the green woman, Oryn thought to make the decision easier for her, "Computer: Grant Hostess Crya full access to VIP suite ten for the next sixteen hours on the authorization of commander Oryn."

"Access granted., replied the computer.

Cyra looked to Oryn, and tilted her head as a humble smile crossed her face. "Thank you," she said. "I appreciate that."

"You're welcome. I'm more than happy to help," Oryn added. "Did you need me to show you the quarters, or would you like to manage on your own?"

"Lead the way," she replied.

"We should check on Ryla before we leave." Oryn added in confirmation.

[Meds]

joint post by Jen, wraith1701, Just X, KC & HawkeyeMeds

Lieutenant Commander D'Callan turned to Lieutenant Stass, "good work Tara...I will want a full report ready in the morning." He smiled and then looked over and winked at K'Tan. Making his way back to the bar, he looked over at the open door where Ensign Shane stood with three other security officers. Waving them in he addressed Shane, "Round up our staff. Get their names, I want a list of who was involved on my desk tomorrow. Carry on." He then leaned over the bar and tapped the barman on the shoulder. "Got my beers mate?" The Bajoran nodded and handed him the glasses, "take away," he smiled and headed to the exit.

Ryla saw Lieutenant Stass headed toward the exit with K'Tan, "Where did you learn to whistle like that? Do you think you could teach me?" She asked with a smile.

Tara looked down at the smaller woman.  "Sure, Doc.  Piece of cake."  She turned to K'Tan, and was slightly taken aback by the odd look he was giving the Trill.  She tilted her head quizzically.  "You OK, big guy?  Go on, your little buddy shouldn't be left unattended."  As K'Tan turned to leave, Tara gave him a solid slap on the rear.  "I'll try to catch up with you later," she said with a wink.

Turning back to the Doctor, Tara slicked her wet hair back, then held up a hand.  "First, form an "OK" sign with your thumb and middle finger. Make a small gap between the tips of your two fingers.  Stick the two fingers slightly into your mouth, and close your lips around just enough to allow air to flow through the gap between your fingers. Your lips should be stretched tightly, not loose-- you may make spit so be careful.  Press your tongue to the back of your lower jaw, just behind your bottom row of teeth. You should feel a small ledge or bump in your mouth.  Blow air using the top of your tongue to guide the air through the small gap in your fingers. Blow lightly at first, finely adjusting your finger, lip, and tongue placement until you hear a faint whistle. Then begin to blow more air to make for a louder whistle.  And finally, Whistle!"  She demonstrated the technique, much to the chagrin of the remaining patrons.

The doctor tried to keep up with Tara's string of rapid instructions while simultaneously testing them... She shrugged at her failure, "I guess it requires talent that I lack." The Trill's laugh tappered before she continued, "you mentioned the little boy... has he spoken yet?"

"Not yet," Tara replied.  But the tyke does seem to be opening up a bit. I guess it's just a matter of time."

Ryla nodded, "I'm not sure if K'Tan told you, but I've volunteered to help care for him. If you two need me to watch the boy...just let me know."

Tara regarded the diminutive blond.  "Umm... that sounds great." She glanced back over her shoulder.  "Look, I have to get going.  It has been a helluva day, and I have to get up early tomorrow.  It's been nice talkin' to you, Doc."  Tara trotted off towards the exit, the odd look K'Tan had given the doctor replaying in her mind.  What's going on there? she thought.

"Okay...goodnight..." Ryla said as the security officer moved quickly down the corridor. She couldn't help but notice the odd tone in the woman's voice and frowned in consternation. The Trill glanced down to the grumbling officer sitting on the floor next to her, "the medics will be here with an antigrav sled soon—they'll get you to sickbay. I'll wait with you until they arrive."

"I can look at that neck of yours if you want." Oryn offered to Ryla. "I'm not a doctor, but I do have a bit of medic training."

At a loss for words for once, Ryla silently stared at Oryn. It was getting late, she was exhausted and just couldn't think of a proper comeback.

"Unless those spots are armor, she could have hurt you enough to cause swelling." Oryn politely suggested and moved closer to the doctor. "I don't want you choking to death on me before we can actually have that drink you promised."

"I'm fine...thanks...The medics are coming. I'll have them look at it."

"They were right," he said with a concerned smile. "Doctors do make the worst patients. I'll be happy to let them look you over while I escort Cyra to my quarters."

Ryla smirked at his comment...the man was relentless.

"Shall we?" Oryn looked over to Cyra. "I think your going to enjoy the suite. There is also a brandy that you should try while releasing your tension tonight."

"I'm ready whenever you are," Cyra said.

[Bryancd]

Joint post by Shelby Daelen and Bryancd

Nalah followed Shelby down the corridor. they came to a large, double door with a computer access terminal to the right. Shelby stepped up and activated the panel. "Computer, run program Dealen Alpha 2," she stated.

"Program activated," came the computers female reply, which surprised Nalah. A female computer? The doors parted and they entered.

For the second time in the last 24 hours, Shelby was in the holosuite, this time though, things were much different and so was her companion. The Romulan woman was rewarded with the large brightly lit room with a large variety of gymnastic equipment of various sorts. Daelen had deferred to the idea of a challenge course, at this point, simply because she wasn't sure the woman could totally be trusted yet. "I usually start with a warm-up  run." moving over to a set of mats the half-Romulan began to stretch and bend, ensure her muscles would be limber enough.

Nalah followed Shelby into the large room. Holosuites were a luxury her family never had much of an opportunity to enjoy for recreation. Pardak had snuck her into the one at the High Command for flight and some combat training, those memories came back to her know. Somehow being here with this half Romulan woman felt...comfortable somehow. A standard 400 meter oval track came into existence around them. Shelby began a slow jog and Nalah followed.

As the pair began their work out Shelby glanced over at the woman. "You know living on a border world really kept me away from knowing what it was like being a Romulan. I mean we visited there a time or two but not like I would have there were things there that I would have loved to have explored and because I was a child, I was unable and now..."

"You would likely not have received a very warm welcome," Nalah was quick to say, and then regretted the comment. "I also never had the opportunity to explore our world, as you say. For my family, life was harsh. My mother was forced to accept the most menial of jobs in order to support us. Often it wasn't enough and we had to live off the charity of others. The beauties and wonders of Romulus were closed to me." Shelby had picked up the pace and Nalah had to catch up. She couldn't recall the last time she had run for exercise. Usually she was running from something....

"I want you to know something Nalah, although we had a odd start off....between us...I think you are a good person and an honorable Romulan." Shelby said and then added, "I hope someday you will call me friend..."  

"I have no honor. My honor was stolen from me shortly after my birth. I have had only one friend, I doubt I need another," she sniffed.

"I don't let others decide for me what is right or wrong Nalah...and I think that you have listened too long to those stories and taunts of others. Maybe it is time for someone to prove them all wrong."  Shelby said. Nalah had grown quiet again. They continued the to run, their pace increasing, and at some point, Shelby could have sworn she saw Nalah almost smile.