92.0707 - The Benevolent Ones...

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

Zhuk left their 'guest' as Grace had suggested. He quickly made his way to Engineering, to see what had gotten Mr. Pudlo so excited.

"Mr. Pudlo, you had something you wanted to share with me?"

<Jeff>

Jeff went ahead and explained what he had done and showed what he had come up with.

"Mr. Pudlo, I don't think you realize the severity of what you have just done. Don't you realize what a delicate situation we are in? We essentially have no allies and no possible way of getting back home. We are at everyone's mercy here if they get wind of what we have here. At the very least, you should have checked with me first."

Anywhere else...anyTIME else, Zhuk would not have been as harsh, but for the moment he didn't see how they could get out of this current predicament. He just hoped that the information that Mr. Pudlo had discovered was going to be of great use to them soon.

[ajohnson]

As he sat in the command chair, Alex felt on edge. This wasn't a good situation to be in; they were in the future on a ship that was hundreds of years out of date from the point of view of these people.

Not only that, but this wasn't a nice looking future, he couldn't believe that it all ended up like this. He couldn't believe that after all this time and all this progress, such prejudice and hate had crept back into the human psyche.

But this didn't feel right to him, maybe it was his El-Aurian senses, but things didn't feel right. Also, he thought he'd heard, perhaps from textbooks, perhaps from his grandfather, about timetravellers from the Federation in the 29th or 31st Centuries.

So nothing really added up, it was an uncomfortable feeling. This was either an altered future, or an alternate timeline created by Q. Either was possible. But all this waiting was unbearable.

As he stared forward at the viewscreen, Alex waited for something...anything to happen...

[Deleted]

Nathan smiled as he finally turned away from Grace, glad to be away from her. "Talk to her," he suggested, "there's nothing much else that you can do for her. Hopefully she'll recover enough to give birth soon, but I'm afraid that I may not be able to save her."

He patted the younger man on the shoulder, knowing full well that it was a risky move as Romulans tended not to like to be touched. "I am however glad to hear that you're willing to care for her, and for her baby. It's good to know that there are still honourable people in the world, and I know Romulans value honor and family. It's important to them."

Nathan turned to Havraha, who had tried to follow their hushed conversation. "You will be in excellent hands ma'am. Lieutenant Potter will take care of you, he has just promised me that."

Havraha smiled weakly. "Why are you doing this?"

"Because I am a doctor," Nathan replied, "and I care deeply for my patients." He grinned meekly, squeezing her shoulder gently. "Especially when they are as goodlooking as you."

The Romulan blushed a deeper shade of green. "You're a lousy liar," she whispered as she tried to pull him closer, "you would sooner fancy that lieutenant than me."

Now it was Nathan's turn to blush and he felt utterly embarassed. "Really?" he murmured, "am I that transparant?"

"No," Havraha whispered, "but I am a woman. Women know these things." She looked up at Leo. "And why do you care what happens to me? Please don't get me wrong, I am grateful to you, and indebted."

(leo)

[cptjeff]

Jeff pulled up a document on the computer screen.

"the method of retrieval was, shall we say, unorthodox. I configured our sensors to read like an onboard computer terminal, and accessed non-classified data. this is their official statement concerning species purity."

It read like an old eugenics position, which wasn't far off.

"'The Perfect Race. the perfect Human. the perfect Galaxy' that doesnt' sound altogether peaceful of benign. and it explains a good bit." Jeff tapped the screen. "I think this is Q's idea of the Federation falling apart. I can only infer that other governments have a similar attitude."

Zhuk looked interested, but disapproving.

"Mr. Pudlo, I don't think you realize the severity of what you have just done. Don't you realize what a delicate situation we are in? We essentially have no allies and no possible way of getting back home. We are at everyone's mercy here if they get wind of what we have here. At the very least, you should have checked with me first."

"Actually sir, I do. according to starfleet regulations, If an officer has suspicion that they may be a target for any abuse, either from within starfleet or an outside source- they have the power to investigate it with due caution. the Officer, if finding such evidence, shall protect themself in the manner they see fit." Jeff paused. "I had such suspicion. and justified, too. only pure humans with no genetic mixing are allowed. part of my linage comes from one of the 'Supermen' who was found on a sleeper ship. Not the same one as khan, but It's roughly about 1/16th of my genetic makeup. Not something I brag about. And according to this, I'm a target. probably for death, seeing as they want a 'perfect race'" Jeff slumped back in his Chair. "whatever happens, I cannot stay in this time."

<zhuk, or eavesdroppers>

[raleva]

(OOC: Sorry it's taken me so long to post anything, I'm just so behind ... I will be back to post the docking soon and it will be a much, much larger post, but I need to start small if I am to restart at all. Sorry, again.)

Raleva stood there much longer than she probably should have. She was momentarily stunned, she'd expected her fair share of adventure, but this was not exactly what she had in mind. Eventually she snapped back into things, just in time to hear Mr. Pudlo's report.

"Wait, what?" she said turning around to see the Captain and his engineer, "What did you do and why?"

[chris]

Chris was in between his duty shifts. Chris went back to his room and showered and shaved. He then sat down and began looking through his padd at the data on the two ships that they were escorted by. The first the Jefferson could easily destroy the second one would be a match. He then looked at the data that Jeff found. Chris was scared to be in this time being not all human. Then he put the padd down set his alarm for 900 hours when his shift would start again and fell asleep.

Chris woke up at 750 hours and took a shower and took out a new unifrom. He out it on. Did his hair in the mirror he walked out of his room and to the elevator. He got in and said " Bridge." He walked out onto the bridge relieved the officer in his position. Chris sat down.

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

"Actually sir, I do. according to starfleet regulations, If an officer has suspicion that they may be a target for any abuse, either from within starfleet or an outside source- they have the power to investigate it with due caution. the Officer, if finding such evidence, shall protect themself in the manner they see fit." Jeff paused. "I had such suspicion. and justified, too. only pure humans with no genetic mixing are allowed. part of my linage comes from one of the 'Supermen' who was found on a sleeper ship. Not the same one as khan, but It's roughly about 1/16th of my genetic makeup. Not something I brag about. And according to this, I'm a target. probably for death, seeing as they want a 'perfect race'" Jeff slumped back in his Chair. "whatever happens, I cannot stay in this time."


"Mr. Pudlo, regulations are all well and fine, but you know as well as I do that those regulations will do us no good if we have no one here covering for us. You forgot...we aren't with our own Starfleet anymore, and none of us can afford to stay in this time."

Zhuk could see that Mr. Pudlo wanted to continue on with this debate, but then he thought better of it.

Counselor De Silva had come up from behind, partially hearing the conversation.

"Wait, what?" she said turning around to see the Captain and his engineer, "What did you do and why?"

Zhukarak allowed for Mr. Pudlo to repeat his findings and how he had gotten them. Both, Mr. Pudlo and Zhuk were listening to the counselor's thoughts <Tag Raleva> on the subject when they were interupted by their impending arrival.

Mr. Pemberton made his announcement. "Sir, we are on final approach. We should be docked in five minutes."

"Good, everyone to your stations." Grace had just entered the bridge from the lift, when Zhuk looked around and realized that he really didn't assign a suitable replacement for Mr. Darmek, their CTSO. Right now a LTJG Mark Wilson was holding the post, and from what Zhuk had already witnessed, that was not going to work out. "Grace, you have the bridge. I'll be right back."

Zhuk almost ran to his Ready Room. reaching his desk he picked up a PADD that he had been perusing earlier. Its contents consisted of prospective replacements for the CTSO position, the ones he was more comfortable with and had more faith in running a department.

Quickly going through his list, and recalling his previous thoughts of these crewmembers, Zhuk made his decission. Tapping a few more times on the PADD and ending it all with his authorization code, Commander Rezula was going to be his new CTSO.

Zhukarak went ahead and tapped his comm badge. "Commander Rezula, this is Colonel Hrisvalar. Please report to the bridge and take over the post as the Chief Tactical and Security Officer."

There was a little bit of hesitation on the other end, but Zhuk could visualize the officer regaining her composure before she spoke.

=/\=
Aye, sir! On my way!
=/\=

Short, succinct, and no questions asked. Zhuk knew right then that he made the right choice.

<Rezula>

[ambassadorrela]

Rezula remembered she had night detail, and had decided to get some sleep before her shift.

It had seemed like forever ago that she had fallen asleep when she heard a beeping sound from her desk. She opened her eyes, and slowly got up heading over to see what was so important.

"A summons to the bridge by the colonel. WHAT TIME DOES THAT SAY?! I've been asleep for twelve minutes, why me?" Rez said and went to change. She had a feeling the colonel wouldn't want to see her in her sleepwear.

After a long turbolift ride, she entered the bridge and looked around for the commanding officer finding the colonel wasn't the person on the bridge. Rez headed over to the ready room, and chimed. It wasn't long before she was told she could enter.

Once inside Rez walked up to the front of his desk, and stood at attention.

"Hello, Commander, take a seat," Colonel Hrisvalar said, and she did so promptly. He put down a padd, and looked at her.

"It has come to my attention that Darmek is not in a position where he can complete his duties. You are the best candidate to fill in while he is away. Good luck. Dimissed," he said, and she stood up and left his office heading over to the security station. Suddenly after a few minutes what the colonel had said hit her like a ton of bricks. ~I'm in charge of my department until Darmek can return. Am I ready for this?~ Rez thought hoping she didn't mess something up.

Suddenly Rez noticed a group that was really big. ~Now what is this about?~ Rez thought, and saw that Potter was among them, and sighed.

=^=Commander Rezula to Lt. Potter. Could you please find a spot where you are alone, we need to talk.=^=

Rez watched the monitor and noticed he went off alone.

=^=Much better, Lt. Now, I noticed you have a large group with you. Who are they, and what are you doing?=^=

[raleva]

Zhukarak allowed for Mr. Pudlo to repeat his findings and how he had gotten them. Both, Mr. Pudlo and Zhuk were listening to the counselor's thoughts ...

"Mr. Pudlo, I do not feel that was necessary. If these people wanted to destroy us they could very easily done so, they had every opportunity to scan our ship and you may rest assured that they know all about whoever or whatever is on this ship. We are at their mercy and going about 'theiving' information may not make us look very grateful," she said quickly, finally starting to come to her senses, "In truth, I do not get any truly aggressive feelings from these people, they are cautious, but not murderous."

She considered Mr. Pudlo's genetics and she sighed, but kept her comments to herself.

As they approached the dock, she turned about and closed her eyes, she reached out with mind and tried to feel and understand what was coming ahead. Suddenly she heard a voice next to her, she turned and looked into the clear blue eyes of Q.

"This is it," he said with the slightest hint of a smirk, "Are we ready for the end?"

Before she could reply, he vanished in a quicksilver flash of light and she turned back to the viewscreen.

'I am really starting to dislike him,' she thought to herself.

The docking took no time at all. A quick roll to the left, a shimmie to the right and they were committed to whatever lay ahead. She was nervous and rightfully so, these were the most unusual set of circumstances under which she could have imagined making "first contact" with a new culture.

The Nav officer turned about and notified the captain that they had docked and also mentioned that the other two ships had also docked adjacent to themselves.

"Well, here we go," she said before she realized she was thinking out loud, "... best to get this over with, right Captain?"

<Tag Zhuk>

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

Zhuk tapped the console on his command chair and waited for the confirmation tone before making his announcement.

"All senior staff assemble at the docking portal. We have been invited onto the station."

Acknowledgements were received by all. Zhuk rose from his chair and headed for the turbolift with his senior members that were on the bridge in tow.

Arriving at the docking portal, Zhukarak could see that Lieutenant Potter had positioned a few marines around. The portal opened, allowing access to the station ~McCloed Station~ if Zhuk memorized correctly.

Zhuk went ahead and was first to go through the portal gangway. After exiting the second doorway, he and his staff were greeted by the representatives of this station.

"Welcome to Station McCloed. I am Benedict Gor, the administrator of this facility."

He came forward with outstretched hands, but Zhuk could sense that he still had reservations about them. He appeared to be a hard military man, much like himself.

"Thank you, Administrator Gor. I am Colonel Zhukarak Hrisvalar, Captain of the USS Jefferson."

Zhuk then proceeded to introduce the rest of his senior staff as they were all filing out of the gangway of their ship.

<Tag All>

By the time the introductions of the Jefferson crew were done, the station people could be seen making way for two more arrivals. Administrator Gor turned and smiled when he saw who it was. As they came closer, they each gave one another a greeting by placing their cheeks onto each other. The administrator proceeded to make the introductions.

"This is Captain Col Brand, commander of the Calamy who escorted your ship to here, and my brother. And your other escort here is Captain Alexandria Galt, commander of the Kato, and also my sister."



It had been a long time that Zhukarak's attention could be swayed by that of a female, and for some strange reason it was being swayed right now. Of course it helped that she just happened to be an Andorian hybrid, but also the knowledge of what she had just done out there in battle, as a Captain of a ship. He politely shook both their hands and let his thoughts clear before he became too transparent.

"This appears to be a family business it seems."

Benedict Gor simply smiled at Zhuk's remark before he replied.

"We are but three of the thirteen of Sivid Rubras, but come. All shall be explained while we eat. I have arranged quarters for you and your staff while your ship is here for repairs. We shall go there now, and we will feast in about an hour."

The people parted as Benedict led the way, while everyone was starting up a conversation of one kind or another to one-another.

<Tag All>

[Deleted]

As Nathan was pondering over Havraha's words, Colonel Hrisvalar's voice resounded over the intercom, calling all senior staff to the station they were apparently now docked at. The Human wasn't certain whether that involved him as he wasn't part of the senior staff, but he figured that it couldn't hurt to report anyway. If he wasn't meant to board the station, he'd get send back to sickbay easily enough, with no offense taken.

With Humans apparently not being entirely safe to begin with, Nathan wouldn't mind staying behind on the ship. Motioning for a nurse to attend to his patient, Nathan spoke a few quiet words to her (the patient) ensuring her that he'd be back later. He promised her a scan of her baby, as he hadn't shown her one yet, so that she'd have something to look forward to. In the mean time, the nurse was to make her as comfortable as possible, and allowing her access to the public entertainment database.

Finally, he made his way to the dockinghatch, deciding it would be best for him to leave Freddy in the care of his holo-nanny. As it was, he wasn't turned away and so he followed the group of senior staff onto the station. The part where Benedict mentioned the arrangement of quarters worried him a little. "Will they enable us to have our families with us?" he spoke up, "many officers have their families with them on the Jefferson. I would hate to see them being left behind."

(resp?)

[raleva]

Raleva followed the captain and the rest of the senior staff and was almost taken aback by some of the things she saw and felt as they entered the station. Every now and again she caught glimpses of barely dressed children playing and she couldn't force back the intense feelings of claustophobic tension that rippled through the station. This place was packed to the brim with people, all kinds of people, not just hybrids, she felt ferengi, cardassians, even humans ... purebreeds too.

"We are but three of the thirteen of Sivid Rubras, but come. All shall be explained while we eat. I have arranged quarters for you and your staff while your ship is here for repairs. We shall go there now, and we will feast in about an hour."

She heard the administrator talk, but was hidden behind the captain, his first officer, and several others.

'They are way too overcrowded here to give all of us quarters, perhaps that is why all the women and children were out and about?' she thought, 'These people are way too generous for their own good ... I doubt very much they can afford to through a real banquet for their guests.'

She sidled up next to the colonel and tugged at his sleeve just a bit.

"Sir, I think we should decline the offer of quarters," she whispered, "They are going to have trouble accomodating all of us. It would be better if we stayed on the Jefferson ... "

She did not want to offend the administrator or expose the varied levels of poverty onboard the station, but a responsible councilor had to let her captain know the full dimensions of the situation he was in.

"Sir, these seem to be good people, generous to a fault," she continued still in a whisper as the administrator fielded a question from Dr. Breughel, "If we accept, we may incur the dislike and ... well, wrath of the general populace."

" ... You take your families with you ... in Space?"

"Yes ... of course," Nathan replied.

"Isn't that a bit dangerous? None of our crews take such chances," Administrator Gor replied gruffly, "The spouses and children stay on the stations while the parents and elder children go out to support the station. There is no room on a Lorien ship for family of the traditional kind ..."

[ambassadorrela]

Rez heard the announcement, and wasn't thrilled about it. As the colonel was leaving the bridge, she made it a point to be right there with him.

"Sir, permission to speak freely?" Rez said, and found it was granted.

"I think we should allow a small group of guards or marines to go through the station first before any of the senior staff gets off the ship. We don't know who is over there, and we don't know what their intentions are. I think we should be a little more careful before we just jump into this," Rez said saying what her feelings were. She didn't like it, not one bit.

Zhukarak appreciated the concern Commander Rezula was showing, she was proving what a fine security officer she was. Zhuk didn't think he was going to regret making her his CTSO.

"Under normal circumstance, I would agree. If they are hostile, we are already at their mercy. The Jefferson is badly damaged, we are docked at their facility, and I don't think we have the means to just stay onboard and repell any would-be attackers. If they are our allies, we'll have to show them that we are willing to trust them...somewhat. No, it'll just be you and Lieutenant Potter with holstered weapons set for stun."

A bit later, Rez pulled Leo aside. "Look, we are going out there, and you and I are the only guards they are going to have. If something is going on over there, then we need to be at the top of our game. We need to know what is going on before it happens. Keep your ears and eyes open, and don't let the pretty ladies get to you. You have a job to do still," she said and then moved forward to join the rest of them.

On the station her eyes darted from one group to the other. She was listening to many conversations as they happened. Rez knew where several of the groups were, and how fast they planned to move from their positions. She could feel something wrong, and she wasn't sure if it was the air she was breathing or just her instincts.

Rez noticed one of the females was sticking to the back. She made it a point to get a little closer.

"What's wrong? Don't tell me there is nothing wrong, I can feel you are uncomfortable. No I'm not a mind reader or anything. I do know body language though, and yours is screaming," she said and hoped the woman would answer. Rez didn't know the crew well, and she realized this hoping to fix that problem soon enough.

(Raleva)

[Deleted]

Nathan was briefly taken aback by that response. "On the larger starships, families always accompany the officers," he replied, "and I am glad that they do. I wouldn't be serving on a starship if my young son couldn't come with me. As a single parent, I am the only one he has got. I can't just leave him with his grandparents, aunts or uncles. It wouldn't be right."

He gazed at the administrator in disbelief. "At least it doesn't feel right to me. But I am from a different era, and from what I see here it's more necessity than want. Who am I to judge?"

~but who are you to judge us~ he thought, carefully masking his private thought against the present telepaths.

The human doctor followed the rest of the group, listening to the rest of the explanations. He could agree with other comments given and he too didn't want to occupy quarters that belonged to women, men and children who's mates and/or parents were out there fighting impossible battles. He didn't get the impression they were overly wanted, but he did feel as though these people were really trying to make them feel welcome. They were at least trying to be polite.

[chris]

Chris was walking behind rez and the Captain. As they entered the station he noticed all the different species and such. He also noticed the technology advantage they had on this station.

"Sir I was wondering what kinda weapons specs were on this stationand the technology they had that we don't have sir." Chris said to the Captain.

<Zhuk>

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

Zhuk turned at the young navigations officer and quietly shook his head, letting him know that this was not the time to be discussing this. Turning his attention back to the conditions he was witnessing, he couldn't help but wonder of their gracious offer of putting them up in quarters and having a feast for them.

"Administrator Gor, we are honored for your hospitality, but I think it best that my crew remains onboard our ship. As our doctor here has mentioned, many of them have their families along and it would only make sense that they remain with them. Also, if you would allow us the honor, we would be more than happy to participate in the feast by bringing some of our food."

Administrator Gor cracked a smile for the first time. It seemed that he was warming up to Zhukarak. "Yes, that would be acceptable. But come, let us show you around. Feel free to ask questions, all of you, some I may answer and others I may not."

The group proceeded to take their tour.

OOC: Go ahead and sim what you think you may be seeing. If you're going to ask questions about the station, feel free to sim the NPC and have him answer you. During the feast, we will find out more of what is going on.

[raleva]

Raleva turned to the new CTSO and smiled weakly.

"There is nothing to fear from these people, but I do feel that they are in a bad position. They are heavily overcrowded, under nourished, and I don't think that their life expectancy on the station or on one of the ships is very good," she said, quietly, "and yet they are still willing to trust us, something can be said for such people. They won't require that you stun them anytime soon."

She smiled at the security officer and hoped they weren't "let down" by fact that they weren't going to need to shoot anyone.

[darankeller]

(OOC Hi everyone. Sorry that it has been so long since I've last posted. I have to backpost a bit, but will try to quickly get caught up.)

Grace turned to the refugee, and asked "You did not recognize the species of our commanding officer. Exactly how many species are there on your ship and if you are 1/8 Betazoid, do you have any telepathic ability? The Counselor here is Betazoid and I am human with telepathic ability."

Brid's eyes fluttered more as he tried to answer. "I don't know how many different species there might be aboard my ship. If there were any others who weren't completely human, they kept it to themselves. I don't have telepathy, but can sense the emotions of others. I felt that there was suspicion towards me...". The patients' voice trailed off and Daran ran the scanner over him again.

"The stress of all this is too much for him for now. That's it for questioning." Daran said.

Grace nodded reluctantly. "Call the bridge if recovers enough to answer further questions." Daran nodded and she left sickbay.

Daran scanned Brid again, but there was nothing more to do for him for now. The cellular regeneration was coming along and his other injuries had been tended. Looking around, he could see that the flow of injured crew to Sickbay had finally stopped and things seemed to be under control. He looked in on the Romulan female that had sneaked into Sickbay. She was being tended by Dr. van Breughel and Lt. Potter and seemed to be in good hands for now.

Daran thought that it might be a good idea to go down to holodeck 1 to see how it had handled the patient overflow that had be sent to it. He left Lt. D'Amato in charge of Sickbay and headed down.

There were a large number of occupied beds, but again things seemed to be under control. Daran did a number of exams of patients, but they all seemed to be in good care.

After some time, he heard a call from the Colonel. "All senior staff assemble at the docking portal. We have been invited onto the station."

Assuming that he would be included in the invitation as well, Daran grabbed a full medical kit and made his way to the main gangway.

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

The group had toured the station and Zhukarak listened intently on the history of this particular timeline. In the late 2960's the Purity Movement had begun, effectively relegating all non-humans to second-class citizens and species, all due to an alien invasion that had nearly destroyed Earth and crippled the whole of the Federation. It had all finally come to a Federation Civil War between humans and all others, effectively splitting the fleets and their ships.

Now the Jefferson crew was in the company of what was called the Loriens. The Lorien fleet was a rag-tag group of hybrids that lived within this very volatile nebula here the outer edges of what was once known as “The Bad Lands”. This nebula had been named Lothlorien by their leader of the hybrid cause … a former Federation Lieutenant named Sivid Rubras. Three space stations were constructed to house the hundreds and thousands of refugees from the Federation civil war. Rubras along with several other commanders created a fleet to protect these stations with stolen or de-commissioned ships. It was agreed that these ships would work to support their relative stations by using their ships to defend merchants and even to smuggle things in and out of Federation territory. This was considered “rent” as the majority of each crew had their families on one of these stations.

The groupd had finished its tour and Zhuk offered a tour of the Jefferson, to return the gesture. For the Lorien Staff it seemed like going through an antique mueseum. Jeff did his best in portraying how proud he was of his systems on this ship. They were however impressed considering how helpful the Jefferson was during the last battle.

The tour was over and they had decide to part ways in order to make preparations for the meal. Zhukarak couldn't wait to get more of this history lesson. It was all very curious to him, species' divided, federation fighting amongst itself, very curious indeed.

[ambassadorrela]

Rez did her best to smile back. "Well, as long as everyone is safe, then I don't mind not shooting anyone. I get enough practise on the holodeck that I won't have to worry about becoming rusty. Have you been with the crew long?"

Rez kept her eyes on the crowd as she talked with Raleva. She looked over at her. "Sorry, I don't mean to be rude. Where do you hail from?" Rez asked hoping to get to know at least one of the crew better.

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

Zhukarak found himself in his quarters able to take a small respite from it all. The gathering was to take place in about an hour. Theel'zhiin was deserving of special attention, for Zhuk felt that he had been too busy lately since Q had sent them here.

A few pieces or raw meat seemed to be doing the trick. Terran bacon was Theel'zhiin's favorite, but he had some Andorian red bat as well. Sitting in Zhukarak's lap, Theel'zhiin was tugging at the strip of meat as Zhuk was holding it. Then with one quick jerk the meat would fly into his mouth and down his throat as he was savoring the flavor of it.

Zhuk's door alert sounded. Zhuk wondered who it might be and what was wrong now. Setting Theel'zhiin aside, Zhukarak rose to answer the door. To his surprise it was Captain Galt, of the Kato.

"Captain Galt, what a surprise. Is something wrong on your station?" Zhuk stepped aside to allow her entrance. She stepped in and immediately took stock of the surroundings while she spoke. "Oh no. Quite the contrary, everything is alright Captain Hrisvalar, or do you prefer Colonel? And please call me Alexandria, I'm off duty."

Zhukarak followed her as she spotted Theel'zhiin and sat down next to him while looking on in curiousity. Zhuk walked over to his replicator. "Outside of my crew, I am a Colonel and usually addressed as such, but since we are here amongst ourselves and you have offered your name...my name is Zhukarak. Can I get you anything to drink?"

She turned her attention away from Theel'zhiin to answer him. "Yes, Zhukarak. Would you happen to have Andorian ale? I'm curious to see what six hundred year old Andorian ale would taste like, and this pet of yours...what is it?"

Zhukarak smiled at the Andorian ale comment and asked the computer to produce two mugs of it. "Andorian ale coming up. That is Theel'zhiin, he is a firelizard. He is actually bonded to me as I can sense his feelings and he can too in return." Zhuk brought the two mugs over and offered one to Alexandria.

"Thank you." She took a sip of the ale and let it swish in her mouth before swallowing. "Mmm, not bad for six centuries. Theel’zhiin you say, your Guardian Sword then…is he that protective?” She was referring to the translation of Theel’zhiin’s name. “That he is indeed. He dares anyone to try to attack me or anyone close to me for that matter.”

Alexandria gave a curt smile with her antennae slightly curved forward displaying deep interest before she spoke. “Then I guess I’m safe from him. You say he senses feelings from you, how about from others?”

“Not really, with the exception of empaths and telepaths. He can communicate with those that show empathic or telepathic abilities and I can receive their feelings through him. That is very helpful as I have several of those species on this vessel.” Zhuk said after which he took a drink from his mug.

“Ah, I see. Well then, what may he be communicating to you now at the moment…about me I mean. You see, I am part Betazoid, so I’m sure he is picking things up from me.”

She was looking at Zhuk in a way he hadn’t seen in a long time from another woman, much less one that closely resembled his species the way she did. Her body language already gave away her flirtatious signs, but Zhuk went ahead and concentrated on what Theel’zhiin may be relaying to his mind, he closed his eyes.

The feeling of glowing warmth washed through his mind. Then he felt heat…approaching heat…he could feel it upon his skin…getting closer…then…he felt her lips upon his giving him a nice, demure kiss. She hadn’t been sure of his reaction, but Zhukarak was indeed flattered and he too was attracted. He allowed the approach and turn the kiss into one of passion and desire. Theel’zhiin simply continued eating his meat. Unlike his master that was all he desired.

[Deleted]

Nathan had been glad he could return to his quarters; never in his life had he felt so uncomfortable and unwanted. Not even when he had told his parents that he was marrying his boyfriend had felt so uncomfortable. And even being a single parent felt much easier on his conscience.

Once back in his quarters, the first thing he did was check up on Freddy, whom he found happily playing with Sox and Tibbe. The two kittens had grown, but Nathan had already determined they would never be large cats. "Just make sure they don't catch the colonel's pet," he had warned the boy. Not that two cats would ever catch the flying creature that was ever present wherever the Andorian marine went.

Nathan wasn't even sure he actually liked this Andorian marine. So far their meetings had been limited to a simple 'good day'. As gynaecologist he also didn't have to deal with male patients, unless the species was Hermat or one where the male was childbearing. Nathan had yet to meet any of the last option.

Now, he stood in his bathroom, lathering his face with shaving foam. Only forty-five minutes left until the reception that was being held in their honour. It was that he was expected to attend, otherwise the human doctor would've respectfully declined. What worried him more was that he'd been urged to bring his young son, to be introduced to the children aboard the space station. He wondered if it'd be rude to decline, then decided it probably would be.

Instead, he had sent a message to the jefferson's security chief, asking if he'd send someone to keep an eye out for the young boy. The chief understood his worry, fortunately, and had promised to send someone to look after him.

Nathan sighed, then yelped as in his distraction he had managed to cut himself. Cursing under his breath, he finished shaving then washed the remaining soap off his face, wincing as it stung in the cut. Seeing that it was only a minor cut, he decided to let it heal naturally, as it wasn't really bleeding.

When the time came, he took his son's hand and led him to the airlock, where they patiently waited for the rest of the crew.

[ambassadorrela]

Rez did some push ups to keep a bit in shape, and then showered when she was done with a work out. She dressed in her dress uniform thinking it was apropriate for the occasion.

Rez got the message as she was heading toward the airlock, and acknowledged what the doctor wanted. ~He wants a personal guard, well I can do my best to comply.~ Rez thought. She reached the airlock, and noticed the doctor.

"I'm here doctor, and will guard the boy," Rez replied not minding the task. He seemed like a nice guy, and she noticed the boy shifted a bit uncomfortable.

[chris]

Chris after having a full day of actve duty with the Senior Staff, was tired and need to get back to his quarters. He walked from the bridge where he just off of duty to the elevator and to his roomin what seemed like a matter of minutes. When Chris got back to his quarters he jumped into the shower and took a nice warm shower, he then got into some soft shorts and got into bed.

After a few hours of sleep chris woke up, turned on the ligths in his room and got into his Uniform. Chris then made his way down to the Holodecks. He slipped in his favorite program while he was at the Academy, The battle of the Alamo. He stepped into the Holodeck.

<Anyone crew that care to join me in the Holodeck is fine>

[darankeller]

Daran returned from the tour of the Lorien space station in an extremely subdued mood. He had never seen so many people packed into a station before. It seemed clear that a number of them were in need of medical attention, and it was all he could do to not offer it. However, he wasn't sure if he should offer his services or not. It seemed probably that there weren't enough doctors on the station to handle all of the people who were there. He would speak to the captain about it later.

Dr. Keller returned to Sickbay once he was back aboard the Jefferson. He wanted to make sure that the casualties from the battle were doing alright. He also wanted to check on Comraan Brid, the stranger who had somehow managed to beam aboard the ship during the combat. The man was doing alright, but was still unconscious. Daran knew that he couldn't stay aboard the Jefferson, and quietly resolved to bring the matter up during the meal with the Lorien crew.

Daran checked the chronometer. It was getting late. He hurriedly cleaned himself up and made his way to the airlock, joining the rest of the senior officers who were already there. He joined Nathan, who was standing with a child and Commander Rezula. Nathan noticed Daran and turned to the boy. "Freddie, this is the new doctor aboard ship, Dr. Keller. Doctor, this is my son Freddie."

Daran squatted down and offered his hand. "Hello, Freddy. It's nice to meet you." Shyly, Freddy shook his hand but said nothing. Daran smiled at the boy, straightened up and nodded at Cmdr. Rezula, who nodded back.

Daran turned his eyes towards the airlock, awaiting their guests. Then looked out of the corner of his eye at his three companions. He got the odd sensation from the way that Rezula was standing that he was guarding Nathan, Freddie, or both, but wasn't sure why.