93.0105 - USS Jefferson R&R

[darankeller]

Daran was up to his elbows in work. There were over 60 casualties from the combat aboard the Hanson, and 15 were pretty serious. A number of superficial injuries had already been discharged, but Sickbay was still full. The CMO had considered taking over a holodeck as a secondary medical area, but decided against it as he didn't want to spread his people across two decks. Almost the entire medical department had been on duty for a long time, and some of them were starting to look tired.

However, the majority of the injured were stable so Daran called the head nurse over. "Danna, I think that we're doing OK now. Tell everyone on the Delta and Gamma shifts that they can take a two hour break, then they come back and relieve Alpha and Betam for two hours. After that we'll return to normal shift rotation."

Nurse Precoor nodded tiredly and passing the information to the shift supervisors, and slowly about half of the medical personel present filed out of Sickbay.

Daran watched them leave, then turned back to the patient that he was standing over. Corporal James Coupland had been at the wrong end of a Bat'leth about a half dozen times and had suffered some horrific stomach wounds, the worst that Daran had ever seen. Every major organ had been damaged and he was extremely unstable, making an actual operation very risky. Without much hope, Daran had injected the corporal with a medical nanoprobe series, hoping that the tiny robots might be able to repair the damage, but there was just too much and the nanoprobes weren't able to keep up.

Daran continued to examine the readouts as Nathan approached. "Has there been any improvement?" Dr. van Breughel asked.

Lt. Keller shook his head. "He's barely holding his own. The nanoprobes aren't working. There's too much damage in too many places."

Nathan looked down at the injured man and took a deep breath, preparing for an argument. "I know that he's very unstable, but you have to operate."

Reluctantly Daran nodded. Nathan was right. This man was going to die otherwise. "Are you able to assist? I'm going to need another pair of hands helping me."

<Nathan>

[Deleted]

Earlier
"I've always found that honesty is the best policy," she replied with a sigh, "Of course, just because your situation is a bit ... extraordinary, doesn't mean children are out of the question. You know what's horribly funny? Less than a few weeks ago, my dearest mother mentioned the word 'grandchildren' for the first time ... I almost jumped out of my skin ... "

Nathan chuckled at that remark. "Well yes, my situation as you put it does make things rather...difficult I would say. And it is still fairly impossible for a single male to adopt a child. Agencies still use the famous argument that a child needs a mother. That I am raising a young child by myself doesn't seem to interest them at all, they just see a single male."

He watched Raleva closely as she spoke. "Grandchildren huh? Oh yes I am quite familiar with that. Thankfully they stopped prodding when my nephew Sevus and my niece T'Kimi were born. And shortly after that my brother and his wife adopted a Romulan orphan boy. So thankfully they never had to prod me, though of course they were never too thrilled with my choice of partner. They accept it, but aren't happy with it, which I can quite understand."

He leaned against one of the biobeds as he held out a scanner to her, then smiled at the read-out on the tricorder. "You seem to be in prime condition," he remarked, "what is keeping you from conceiving? You do know you shouldn't wait too long? As of the age of 30, the risks involving genetic malformities do increase, and while we can perform pre-natal gene-sequencing, it remains unadvisable."

(Raleva)

Present
"Are you able to assist? I'm going to need another pair of hands helping me."

Nathan had already anticipated this and was already wearing a surgical garb. "Let's get scrubbed up," he suggested, 'we're wasting precious time the corporal may not have." While he was hardly a qualified surgeon, like any other medically trained person he did learn the basic needs to perform surgery. And he was fully capable to at least assist in a complex surgery. "Just guide me," he requested, "once you're done I'll clean him up and perform the post-surgery care."

(Daran)

[raleva]

He leaned against one of the biobeds as he held out a scanner to her, then smiled at the read-out on the tricorder. "You seem to be in prime condition," he remarked, "what is keeping you from conceiving? You do know you shouldn't wait too long? As of the age of 30, the risks involving genetic malformities do increase, and while we can perform pre-natal gene-sequencing, it remains unadvisable."

"Strange," Raleva replied with a curious expression on her face, "Those were my mother's words exactly ... Actually, I haven't found an adequent donor, so to speak. My mother had wanted me to be bonded with another when I was born, but my father was highly against it. He always said I should be able to choose my great love. My mother scoffed at the idea, until he reminded her that she was never bonded to him. Now, she just waits in agony for the day I shall finally fulfill her dream of having fifty grandchildren."

She surfed through the medical surveys on the Hanson's computer and sorted out what should be sent to Assailant and what should be sent to Conqueror and what was left over to be sent to the Jefferson. It wasn't exactly difficult, but she had a feeling it would be time consuming.

"Of course," She began with a smile, "I could always forgo the mating ... and just have the child. Though ... I must say ... that is rather depressing."

"How so?" Nathan asked, still holding the tricorder.

"Well, I'd have all the work of taking care of a child ... but wouldn't be able to enjoy making it," she replied with the little smile still on her face, "That part may not have interested you, dear, but I assure you, it interests me."

<Tag Nathan>

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

Zhukarak was being kept quite busy since his Number One departed the ship to bring the USS Hanson back to Starbase Conqueror. Chief Science Officer, Lieutenant Raleva De Silva, and the Assistant Chief Medical Officer, Nathan van Breughel.

Zhukarak had noted in his report how well this mission brought his two doctors together. He could tell that Doctor Keller was a bit apprehensive in the beginning, but van Breughel's performance during this mission proved that he could handle the job. His personality was one that would require the utmost of patience for most people. Zhukarak had been dealing with all kinds in his career, this was no different.

"Ensign Chen, ETA to Assailant?"

"Fourty-eight minutes, sir."

"Good. We can all stretch our legs then."

The Ensign just smiled in return, knowing that Zhuk meant the upcoming shore leave he had promised everyone.

Zhukarak looked around the bridge. he didn't see any of his senior staff officers there. Of course it didn't help that three of them where on another ship. The others seemed to be busy in their respective departments on the ship.

Lieutenant Monica Quindara was sitting next to Zhuk, in Matt's chair. Zhukarak rose to head for the turbolift. He looked over to Quindara as he stood up. "Lieutenant, you have the bridge."

Her eyes initially showed apprehension which quickly changed to a little joy of being in command of the bridge. Zhuk turned for the lift with a little smile on his face.

As he entered he announced his destination, "Sickbay." The turbolift hummed its tune as it propelled itself and Zhukarak to the designated deck. Within seconds he was there.

Entering sickbay, Zhuk looked about. Many of the biobeds were occupied with patients of their latest battle. Zhuk noticed the Assistant Chief Engineer bent over underneath an empty biobed. He wondered what was up as he couldn't recall any reports about any maintenance issues here.

Upon his approach, Lieutenant Gerry Mrak stood up wiping his hands with a rag. "Oh, hi sir."

"How is it going Lieutenant? What do you have here?"

"Oh this, just a biobed that's lost its will to elevate or descend. It's currently all they way down. It passed the limit switches and so won't come up again until I replace the control circuitry. I suppose if we had a real short doc, it would be alright where it is."

Zhukarak chuckled along and was glad to hear that this young lad still had his sense of humor with all they had just been through. "Don't let me stand in the way of progress then. Speaking of doctors, have you seen Doctor Keller?"

"Yes sir, he's in his office."

"Thank you."

Zhuk headed to the CMO's office. After rapping lightly on the door, he went ahead and entered. "Doctor Keller, I just came by to see how things were going?"

<Daran>

[Deleted]

backpost

Nathan was about to answer when more wounded were being brought in, even though they were nearing on Conqueror's location. He quickly excused himself and pointed out perhaps Raleva ought to be on the bridge for now. They'd talk again later when they would have more time.

present

After the surgery, Daran went to his office to update the crewman's medical history, while Nathan retired to the women's ward in sickbay. From the corner of his eyes he saw the colonel slip into the CMO's office, and he smiled to himself. The colonel coming to sickbay for just a visit was rare indeed.

As he sat down in his own small office, which was more a private ward turned into what had to pass for a private office for him to retire to, he remembered his conversation with Raleva while they had been on the Hanson. "Nathan to Raleva, do you have a minute?" he called after establishing a comlink with her.

Their conversation had been an interesting one, and perhaps a somewhat embarassing one at that. To Nathan, it seemed as though Raleva had a child wish, but no partner to see to that wish. He himself was involved with someone, but together they would have no chance of having children, and he wanted a second child. However outrageous the options seemed to him, it was a feasible option. Yet, it wasn't one he would propose to her, one way or the other he wouldn't propose it. It seemed wrong somehow.

Nathan, however, was intrigued by the thought behind their conversation and was eager to hear her out. It started to occur to him that Raleva was the only female officer he was comfortable with right now, a female that wasn't a patient that is. Usually he stayed well away from the female portion of the Jefferson crew, if that was possible for him to do so. Yet Raleva was the only one he felt he could talk to. Perhaps it was because she was a trained counselor, and therefor trained to make people feel comfortable. Or perhaps a friendship of sorts was just developing, Nathan didn't know.

He sat back, picked up the book he'd been reading in quiet times and waited for Raleva to respond to his call.

[darankeller]

Daran finished updating Corporal Coupland's medical file, sat back, put his feet up on the desk and closed his eyes, relaxing for what felt like the first time in many days. The corporals' surgery had been grueling, painstaking work as he and Nathan slowly repaired the damage to the man's internal organs. Daran was amazed that the man had survived so long, and even more so that he had survived the surgery.

Nathan had a very delicate touch when it came to surgery, and Daran was surprised that Dr. van Breughel had decided to take the course that he had in medicine. The CMO shrugged mentally, to each his own.

There was a small sound at the door and Daran opened his eyes, only to see Col. Hrisvalar standing there. The CMO leaped to his feet and stood to attention, like a first year cadet being unexpectedly confronted by an Admiral. "Doctor Keller, I just came by to see how things were going?" the Andorian said with an amused smile on his face. "Nice to see you making yourself at home."

"Yes sir!" Daran replied in a loud voice, worthy of a Starfleet cadet and still startled out of his wits. "Thing are going fine, sir!"

"All right lieutenant, time to calm down now. Sit back down" Zhuk said, shaking his head to himself as Daran quickly sat. Starfleet's Personel Department had an odd sense of humour sometimes. He still wondered why such a young doctor had been assigned to his ship. "I understand that you just complete Corporal Couplands' surgery. How did it go?"

Daran relaxed slightly as the subject came up, at least that was a good reason why the colonel would be down in Sickbay. "The surgery went as well as could be expected, considering the amount of damage. It's about a 50/50 chance that he will be able to return to full duty. A lot depends on his body's ability to heal the damage caused, how his physiotherapy goes and how he adapts to all the grafts that Nathan and I had to make."

Hrisvalar nodded. He had seen a lot of serious injuries during his years in Starfleet. "I heard that Dr. van Breughel assisted. How did he do?"

"Nathan did fine" Daran replied. "He has a very delicate touch when it comes to repairing damage in surgery. I was just thinking that in some ways it's too bad he chose another specialty. That kind of ability is something that you can't teach."

Zhuk nodded, but remained silent, his thoughts seeming to turn inwards. Daran left him for a few moments, and the silence grew heavy. "Is there something else that you wanted to speak of, colonel?" he asked.

<Zhuk>

[raleva]

Raleva jerked her head up with a start as Nathan's voice broke the silence of the bridge. She was manning the science station ironing out the fine details of what had happened to the Hanson and working on her own section report for Colonel Hrisvalar and trying desperately not to fall asleep while in the company of the two ensigns manning the OPS and Nav consoles.

"Nathan to Raleva, do you have a minute?"

"I imagine I do, is there something wrong?" she replied trying not to sound like she'd just woken from a coma.

<Tag Nathan>

"Really? Well, I suppose I have a few moments to spare ... it's not like we're in a dog fight or anything. I'll meet you in ten forward ... I require caffeine," she said with a laugh, rising from the science console, yawning and stretching. She made to leave the bridge and stopped suddenly ... she turned to check that none of the junior officers were watching and she knocked on the console ... just for luck's sake ... before exiting.

She strolled down the corridors, taking her time because she knew sickbay wasn't that close to the mess hall. She ran her fingers along the newly repaired banister and hummed to herself pleasantly. Her eyes closed she could feel the ship pulse around her. It was strange ... all the emotional impressions on that one corridor were astonishing. Nervous cadets, an angry romulan female or two, the klingons, and then the instructors ... frustrated but determined. This was a living vessel, more so than the people currently on it could fully understand. Raleva smiled to herself as found a hungry cadet's emotional imprint as he desperately searched for the mess hall. As he found his way, she opened her eyes and found she had arrived.

Just as she'd suspected ... she'd beaten Nathan ... and also as she'd suspected, the place was deserted. She quickly moved to the replicators ... the power was too low. Of course, she was in a mess hall and replicators did go down ... there had to be some coffee behind the counter ... somewhere.

She managed to locate a mysterious bag ... with grounds in it ... that smelled suspiciously like the galaxy's most potent caffeinated beverage. She considered the idea of never sleeping again and then the idea of falling asleep during the crew's debriefing and she decided on the lesser evil. She warmed up a heating element, pulled out a coffee pot from way in the back of the cupboard and got the brew started. She was just pouring herself a cup when the door slid open and Nathan appeared.

"Want some?"

<Tag Nathan>

[Matthew Reynolds]

Matt silently studied the pilot's technique and he couldn't help but be impressed. The ensign didn't even look at the controls of the shuttle, something that Matt had to do once in a while. Matt was thinking about complementing the young ensign, but decided against it. He didn't want to give him the impression that flying a Soverign class ship was anything like flying a shuttle.

Matt checked his console and saw that both shuttles would be at Assailant in about an hour. ~Can't wait to get home~ Matt thought as heard the other crewmembers laugh and joke with eachother.

=^=Computer relay message to Colonel Zhukarak Hrisvalar, Commanding Officer of the USS Jefferson=^=

=^=Affirmative=^=

=^=Colonel Hrisvalar, I would like to first congraulate you on your promotion to Squadron Commander, I and the crew will work hard to make you proud. Secondly, I would like to report that Admiral Paul Drew is safely back on Conqueror and repairs to the Hanson are underway. Finally, I will be returning with an extra crewmember. Acting Ensign Richard Rekab has been transferred to the Jefferson as our new Navigations officer, we will be at Assailant shortly.=^=

<Tag Zhuk>

"We're nearing the Assailant sir," said Rekab as he shook himself out of thought, "We've just gotten clearance to dock sir."

"Understood, Ensign," Matt said as he notified the rest of the crewmembers to be ready to disembark. "Allow the Jackal to dock first and then follow them. After we dock, please stay behind there is a matter that we can attend to."

The docking procedure didn't take long and pretty soon everyone was off the two shuttles.

"Lt. Sel, take everyone back to the Jefferson, including my son," Matt ordered," after that I want all of you to report for one duty shift."

"One sir?" Sel asked.

"Yes, we all had a little R&R already, we don't want to be greedy now do we," Matt said which caused everyone to laugh.

"Ensign Rekab, we are going to Shuttlebay 5 to pick up the *captain's yacht," Matt said," I would like for it to be in its rightful place on the Jefferson."

<Tag Richard>

*modified by Zhuk as name of Captain's Yacht will be disclosed IC

[thebaker86]

"Ensign Rekab, we are going to Shuttlebay 5 to pick up the *captain's yacht," Matt said," I would like for it to be in its rightful place on the Jefferson."

"Yes sir, I'm ready whenever you are," said Rekab. Reynolds motioned for him to take the lead. Rekab and Reynolds grabbed their bags and departed one shuttlebay for another. They reached the turboshaft quietly, and Rekab was noticably anxious.

"Shuttlebay 5," Rekab told the computer, "It's kind of funny sir, they start me off with a smaller, Type-8 shuttle, then I get to try out the Captain's Yacht, and then, I get to step up to the big leagues and have a go at the biggest of them all."

<Tag Reynolds>

The turboshaft opened to the shuttlebay, and Rekab got a good look at the newly outfitted Captain's Yacht. From what Rekab read in the logs and database, this was a brand new yacht, so new, that it hadn't yet been given a name. That honor would wait until the ship was safely in the Jefferson's hold. Rekab and Reynolds both entered the control area of the yacht, after storing their bags in the hold.

Rekab ran his fingers along the controls before powering up the ship, as if to get a feeling of the controls. "Systems coming online now sir," Rekab told the Commander, "bringing thrusters online, and getting clearance for departure to the Jefferson."

Once Rekab had gotten clearance, he activated thrusters and left the shuttlebay. It took just moments for Rekab to get a good look at the Jefferson. "Wow," Rekab remarked, not even realizing that he'd said it. Rekab maintained control of the shuttle, but simultaneously stared at the beautiful Sovereign class ship.

"She's a beauty isn't she Ensign," remarked Reynolds, looking up at the majestic Sovereign-class ship, "just make sure you keep on those controls."

Rekab jumped a little at the Commander's joke, at least he hoped it was a joke. Rekab didn't think that the Commander would mind a little fly around the ship, so Rekab took the long route. This drew a small smile from Reynolds, but he didn't mind, any chance to look at the beautiful ship that he was 2nd in command of was no problem for him.

Rekab flew the captain's yacht across the ship in a majestic pattern to get a good look at the ship, and then positioned it in a docking pattern.

"Sir, I've been contacted by the Jefferson, and we're clear to dock," said Rekab.

"Then by all means Ensign, let's go home," replied Reynolds.

Rekab worked the controls and let auto-pilot take over for the final entry into the shuttlebay. Once the yacht was docked, Rekab opened the back door for himself and the Commander to exit. They both grabbbed their bags, and left the yacht.

"Well Commander, I think I'm going to unpack before I get in contact with the Colonel," said Rekab, preparing to depart the Commander.

<Tag Reynolds>

Rekab went his seperate way out of the shuttlebay and headed for the turboshaft to head to his new quarters on Deck 5.

*modified by Zhuk as name of Captain's Yacht will be disclosed IC

[Matthew Reynolds]

"Shuttlebay 5," Rekab told the computer, "It's kind of funny sir, they start me off with a smaller, Type-8 shuttle, then I get to try out the Captain's Yacht, and then, I get to step up to the big leagues and have a go at the biggest of them all."

"Well Ensign I know that you will do just fine," Matt said," though you do have to know that the Jefferson is known to get fired at a lot. I know your good at your job, but you will need to get better."

Matt didn't mean to intimidate the young officer, but he wasn't lying either. The Jefferson had the habit of being in the worse possible locations at the worse possible times. In the last two years they had been attacked and almost destroyed by Romulans, a militaristic future Federation, Klingons, and more Romulans. It was not an easy job to pilot this ship.

When the two men reached there destination, Matt couldn't help but smile as he looked at the Colonel's new ship. He had hoped to make it a surprise, but he was pretty sure the captain knew by now. At the moment the ship was nameless, but hopefully that would change soon. Matt had made sure to make some special modifications to the shuttle. It had all the luxury that a command grade officer should have, but could also defend itself. It almost reminded him of a Defiant class ship.

The two of them quickly entered the yacht and went about there business. Matt was not about to admit that he was jealous, but everyone with a capable mind could tell that he would have loved to own the shuttle.

"Sir, I've been contacted by the Jefferson, and we're clear to dock," said Rekab.

"Then by all means Ensign, let's go home," Matt replied. It didn't take long for Rekab to dock the newest vessel on board the Jefferson. After shutting the ship down both men exited and spoke.

"Well Commander, I think I'm going to unpack before I get in contact with the Colonel," said Rekab, preparing to depart the Commander.

"By all means Ensign," Matt responded," your quarters will be on Deck 5. Most of the senior staff resides here as well."

Matt saw the newest member of the crew make his way into there home. The kid had a great future as a Starfleet officer, but at the moment Matt had to attend to other things.

=^==Reynolds to Colonel Hrisvalar, I'm happy to report that the away team is back home. If you're up for it sir, I would like to invite you to a drink on Assailant?=^=

<Tag Zhuk>

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

Zhuk nodded, but remained silent, his thoughts seeming to turn in-wards. Daran left him for a few moments, and the silence grew heavy. "Is there something else that you wanted to speak of, colonel?" he asked.

Zhukarak turned his full attention back to Doctor Keller. "My mind had just wandered off to how close the Admiral had come to dying. I know there were many parties involved of which you were an integral part."

Zhukarak rose to make his exit. "I'm very happy to have you here on board the Jefferson. I know that this crew is in good hands."

*<Daran>

"Glad to hear it. We are due to dock any minute now. Once we have transferred your patients, shore leave is in full affect. We've had a tough mission, this break is well deserved."

Zhukarak left the good doctor to himself as he returned to the bridge.

Lieutenant Quindara rose immediately to over the command chair back to him. "Sir, you have a priority message from Commander Reynolds."

Zhuk sat in his chair and accessed the small terminal that was attached to the side of it. "Thank you Lieutenant." He read the message that Matt had sent him.

=/\=
Colonel Hrisvalar, I would like to first congratulate you on your promotion to Squadron Commander, I and the crew will work hard to make you proud. Secondly, I would like to report that Admiral Paul Drew is safely back on Conqueror and repairs to the Hanson are underway. Finally, I will be returning with an extra crew member. Acting Ensign Richard Rekab has been transferred to the Jefferson as our new Navigations officer, we will be at Assailant shortly.
=/\=

~Good~ Zhuk thought to himself. Just then it had been announced that the Jefferson had successfully docked.

Zhukarak opened a ship wide channel for all personnel.

"Attention all personnel, this is your Captain speaking. We are once again safe and sound at home port. I want to personally congratulate each and every one of you for a job well done."

Zhuk took a short pause before continuing. He then remembered Matt's message. "I am sure everyone has heard by now, the USS Jefferson has become the flag ship of Beta Squadron. This is just another testament to what a fine crew this ship has. Now, all personnel follow standard home port procedures. Shore leave has been authorized until further notice, enjoy yourselves. Colonel Hrisvalar out."

Zhukarak turned off the comm and rose to retire to his Ready Room. There were a few procedures he had to follow as well before stepping onto the star base, most of which consisted of more reports.

*modified because I had initailly tagged Nathan when I meant Daran...oops

[darankeller]

Daran watched as the colonel stood and left his office. He vaguely heard the main doors to Sickbay open and close as Hrisvalar made his exit. Frowning slightly, Daran put his feet back up on his desk. Daran was surprised that the colonel had said that he was happy the new CMO was aboard. Daran seemed to be causing more trouble than he had been solving over the last couple of missions. He shrugged to himself. Things would get better.

As he was sitting in his chair, Daran felt the ship shudder slightly. She had docked. Then, the intercom piped up with a congratulatory message from Col. Hrisvalar with regards to the latest mission. When the announcement was over, Nurse Precoor walked into his office. "What are we doing with Corp. Coupland?"

Daran had been thinking about this. The corporals injuries had been very bad, but the surgery seemed to be a success. On the other hand, if complications developed he would have to be back in surgery immediately. In addition, the Starbase probably had far better physiotherapy facilities and personel than he did on the Jefferson. "Unfortunately, I think that we'll have to transfer him to the Starbase Medical Facility. Once he healed, he can be transferred back."

Danna nodded. "I'll start the process of getting him moved. We'll have to do it on a biobed. He's still on life support and can't be transported."

"I know." Daran replied. " I think that it might be easier if we use a shuttle to transport the corporal to the nearest airlock to their Sickbay. It will cut down on travel time and any bumps that might come of transport." Danna nodded again and left to get the corporal ready to go.

Daran activated his console and checked who was on duty right now in Assailant's Sickbay. Dr. Nonkin, a Bolian. Daran tapped his communicator. "Dr. Keller to Dr. Nonkin."

There was a brief pause. "Dr. Nonkin, go ahead."

"I'm Daran Keller, CMO of the USS Jefferson. I have a patient here I need to transfer to your care. He requires more long term care than I can provide aboard ship."

"This is Corp. Coupland?" the Bolian replied. "I have already downloaded your casualty list. I assume that you will be moving him via shuttle?"

Daran was surprised, but pleasantly so. It seemed that they were on the ball here. "Yes, we're getting him prepped now."

"Excellent" Dr. Nonkin replied. "The closest shuttle area to us is Dock 17. I will have a medical party standing by."

"Acknowledged" Daran replied, and closed the channel. Then he contacted the bridge and asked for a shuttle, which was quickly allowed. By the time that he was done, Danna had finished getting everything ready. So she, Daran and a 2 person medical team went to Shuttle Bay 1 and launched.

[darankeller]

Daran sat back down behind his desk in the CMOs office. Transferring the corporal had been a little nerve wracking, but had gone off without a hitch. Dr. Nonkin and his team had been exactly where they said they would be and took over care of the corporal easily. The Jefferson medical team had then re-boarded the shuttle and returned to the ship.

The departure of the corporal had left no real serious medical matters in Sickbay, and Daran was thinking that it might be a good opportunity to slip out and find something relaxing to do. He had just stood up when a Starfleet lieutenant commander with a PADD in his hand walked through the door and said "Lt. JG Daran Keller?"

"That's me" Daran replied, a little apprehensively.

"I'm Commander MacPherson, Starfleet Personel Office" the man said.

Daran apprehension went right through the roof. Had they finally discovered that they had made a mistake assigning him to the position of CMO? "Nice to meet you Commander" Daran said with an extremely dry mouth. "What can I do for you?"

The commander smiled calmly and said "By order of Starfleet Personel, you are promoted to the rank of full Lieutenant, with all commensurate duties and responsibilities. Congratulations." The commander pulled out a rank pip and placed it in Daran outstretched hand. Daran examined it carefully, then replaced the black pip at his collar.

"Thank you sir" Daran said formally.

The commander nodded casually, checked his PADD, then left the room.

Daran peeked out of the door of his office. The rest of the staff seemed unaware of what had just happened. Happily, he quickly walked into the san area, where there was a mirror, and checked out his new pip. It looked pretty good there, and it was hopefully the first of many.

Daran turned and left Sickbay, on his way to 10 Forward. This called for a drink.

[Matthew Reynolds]

Matt enjoyed his time on Conqueror, but there was no place better than the Jefferson. The walls, corridors, consoles, and noises told him that he was home. Matt had told himself that no matter where he was transferred he would always feel like the Jefferson would be his home.

Matt walked onto the bridge and saw that it was empty. Matt had invited his commanding officer for a drink, but Matt was starting to think that he hadn't heard him because he hadn't gotten a response.

"Matt, its great to have you back," Kristin said as she hugged him. Normally they would never show this much affection to eachother, but there was no one else on the bridge.

"Where is everyone?" Matt asked.

"They are mostly on the base, Colonel Hrisvalar just left, and Darran is with Coupland," Kristin responded.

"Well that is where I'm going to be, I sent him to the Hanson, I feel responsible," Matt said angry at himself.

"It's not your fault," Kristin said," but since I know you, that doesn't matter."

Matt laughed at the observation and excused himself. He was positive that Darran had taken Coupland to Assailant's outstanding medical facility.

=^=Commander Reynolds to Assailant medical facility=^=

=^=Dr. Nonkin, here. How can I help you Commander?=^=

=^=I understand that a Corporal Coupland is under your care at the moment. I'm his commanding officer and I would like to know if I could see him=^=

[Deleted]

Nathan glanced at the pot as he pulled back the seat to sit down. Then he peered into her cup and nodded. "If that's real coffee, then yes. Just black please."

He sat down as Raleva pulled another cup towards her and poured in a fair amount of the bitter fluid. Reaching, he pulled the cup towards her, lightly brushing her hand as he did. "Did you give our conversation aboard Hanson any further thought?" he asked as he sipped his coffee. He winced slightly, it was more bitter than he had anticipated as he liked his coffee fairly weak.

Nathan glanced down at her earnestly as he continued to take small sips from the bitter brew. "Perhaps we should have something to eat with it," he suggested as he set his cup down, "I'm afraid this is a tad too bitter for me. It might give me an acid burn at that."

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

***Captain's Quarters***
**1942 Hours**

It was apparent that Theel'zhiin was enjoying the shore leave as much as the rest of the crew, for he wasn't much in the presence of Zhukarak. Zhuk knew that he was probably out there enjoying the company of the other fire lizards as he usually did on such occasions.

Zhukarak himself didn't care for stepping onto the star base. There was no family, and no one that he could classify as a friend to go visit, so there really was no need for him. Besides, he could oversee the resupplying, repairs, and refits as they were happening.

Wondering what he could do, Zhukarak suddenly remembered Matt's message of the team's arrival, and the invitation to a drink. It was as good an idea as any, and Zhuk headed for Ten Forward.

***Ten Forward***
**1946 Hours**

It had been a while since Zhuk had enjoyed a cold glass of Andorian ale. When the replicator was done pouring it, Zhukarak grabbed his drink and looked around for familiar faces. Off in the corner, facing the observation window, he spotted Daran and Grace talking with one another. He didn't see Matt anywhere, so went ahead and headed in their direction.

"Doctor, Counselor, mind if I join you?"

They went ahead and offered for him to go ahead and sit down. Upon sitting Zhuk noticed the new shiny pip on Daran's collar. He had known that the promotion orders had been cut, but hadn't been sure when Starfleet was going to make it official. Star base personnel must have sent the orders through to him, authorizing him to wear the new rank.

"Congratulations Doctor Keller, that shiny pip suits you and with what I have said earlier it is well deserved."

<Daran, Grace>

[darankeller]

Daran entered 10 Forward and looked around. He had been aboard the Jefferson for a while now and this was the first time that he had set foot inside what was usually the social hub of Sovreign and Galaxy class vessels. It's pretty quiet in here today, Daran thought to himself. Most of the crew must be aboard the station, stretching their legs and getting a change of scenery.

Daran walked to the bar, which was being tended by a single human female who Daran didn't recognize. She smiled cheerily as he approached the bar. "What can I get you lieutenant?" she asked.

Daran smiled back. "I'm interested in something that isn't synthahol. I have reason to celebrate and artificial liquor doesn't seem quite good enough."

The woman looked both ways along the length of the bar, then said "Just a second." She walked down to the far end then bent over for about 30 seconds, emerging with a rather dusty looking bottle. "The head bartender picked this up at the Norpin Colony a few months ago. I don't really know what it is, but he said that it mixes well with natural fruit drinks."

Daran shrugged. "Mix away."

The woman nodded then turned to the replicator, thought for a second and made a quiet order which the computer filled. She came back to the bar with a glass full of something that Daran didn't recognize, then poured a generous shot of the mystery liquor into the glass and handed it to him. Daran thanked her, then turned to find a table. There were a number of empty ones. He saw that Nathan and Raleva were sharing a table and were having a very quiet and intent discussion. Daran didn't want to intrude on them. He was about to sit at an empty table when he saw Grace sitting at a small table near the main viewports. She had noticed him as well and gestured at him to come over, which he did.

"Hello commander" Daran said as he arrived at the table. "Do you mind if I join you?"

"Not at all, lieutenant" she said, then suddenly squinted at the insignia on his neck. "I see that the pip fairy visited you. Congratulations. I had heard that you had been promoted, but didn't know when the paperwork would be complete."

Daran sat. "Thanks. I just got it a few minutes ago and came down to celebrate a little." The commander lifted her glass in salute to him, and Daran tapped his glass quietly to hers and took a drink. Whatever it was, the alcohol had some bite to it but settled into his stomach nicely. Daran glanced out the viewport. Starbases continually amazed him. As large as the Jefferson was, it was tiny compared to Starbase Assailant. He could see a number of other Starfleet, Klingon and Ferengi vessels, along with dozens of smaller ones from all over the Federation.

Abruptly, a familiar voice distracted him. "Doctor, Counselor, mind if I join you?"

"Of course not colonel. Have a seat" Grace said.

Daran watched as Hrisvalar sat down carefully, making sure that he didn't spill his ale. Then he glanced at Daran's collar. "Congratulations Doctor Keller, that shiny pip suits you and with what I have said earlier it is well deserved."

"Thank you colonel. It's nice that the CMO doesn't have to say 'Yes sir' to every officer on the ship." Grace and Hrisvalar snickered slightly. It was a difficult position to be in, and all officers were there at some point.

"How long are we in port, sir?" Daran asked.

[Matthew Reynolds]

Matt walked into sickbay knowing what he would see, but that didn't seem to matter. Even though Matt had spoken to the Corporal only a few times before, he felt a bond to the young man. The lights around his bed were dimmed so that you could barely make out his face. The marine who days ago was known as a prankster and a child didn't seem so young anymore. The physical scars were barely visible now, but the physiological ones would remain for years.

"Commander Reynolds I presume?" Doctor Nonkin asked in a whisper.

"Yes, I'm Commander Reynolds," Matt responded in the same hushed voice as the doctor. "How is he?"

"To be honest Commander, I'm surprised he has lasted this long," Nonkin admitted," the doctor's on the Jefferson did a might damned good job. I personally would have never attempted the surgery they pulled off. Right now he's in critical condition, the human body was not meant for this type of abuse."

"I understand," Matt responded as he approached the young corporal. "Keep fighting James, don't let them beat you. Don't think I won't order you to get better marine."

Matt couldn't help but quietly laugh at his attempt of humor. He was never good at dealing with these types of emotions, but that wouldn't stop him from being there for his crew mates.

"Commander, I'm sorry, but I'm going to ask you to leave," Nonkin said.

"Yes, I know Doctor, thanks for letting me see him," Matt said as he looked at the marine once more. James Coupland was a fighter and he was going to make it.

A few minutes later

Matt had only left sickbay a few minutes ago. He was hoping to find something to do on the base, but due to the current situation he found none. So he decided to head back to the Jefferson, where he would feel more at ease.

It didn't take him long to reach the ship that he called home, where he found it almost empty. It seemed that most of the crew didn't share his sentiment which more than understandable. The crew would never admit to it, but Matt was starting to see the wear and tear of it all. The Jefferson experienced things that a normal Starfleet ship never encountered. He was surprised that she was still operational unlike the original USS Victory or USS Nevada.

Without even realizing it, Matt found himself in Ten Forward which was sparsely populated. He wasn't surprised to see Zhuk, Grace, and Darran sharing a drink. He walked up to the group and asked if he could join.

"May I?"

<Zhuk, Grace, and Darran>

[darankeller]

Daran looked over at the sound of the first officers voice, asking to sit. He hadn't even noticed Matt approach. He had been watching an Orion trader dock next to the Jefferson. He had never seen an Orion ship before. The colonel nodded, so the FO pulled up a chair.

"Dr. Nonkin sends his compliments to you and Dr. van Breughel" Matt said, raising his glass in salute to the CMO. "He says that the two of you did a nice job on Corp. Coupland."

Daran nodded. "Thank you commander. I take it you went to visit the corporal in Assailant's Sickbay? What's his condition?"

<Matt>

Daran nodded in agreement. "I think that Coupland will do fine. Assailant's Sickbay and physiotherapy areas are first rate."

The other officers nodded sagely and a comfortable silence fell over the table as the four of them gazed out 10 Forwards viewports. Activity seemed to be frantic as large vessels occasionally arrived, shuttles zipped about importantly and tiny repair technicians scooted about the hulls of the vessels that they were repairing. Daran took a long swig of his drink and watched the fun. It sure was different than being in space. He could feel the difference in the ship as the main reactor was shut down and the majority of the crew were on the station. The Jefferson was mostly quiet, except for the occasional distant vibration of starship repair.

Abruptly, Daran could hear a faint scratching and clunking sound that became louder and louder. He looked around, but there was nothing in 10 Forward that could account for it. When he looked back out the viewport, he could see the yellow spacesuit of a repair technician on the exterior of the ship, his back to them. The four officers stared as the man scanned the hull with a tricorder, then suddenly became aware of his spectators with a start. They all stared at each other for a second, then the man in the suit waved a greeting. Amused, the four officers waved back and the man walked out of view, the only evidence that he had been there were fading footsteps on the hull.

Daran picked up his drink, but discovered that he had somehow managed to drain it. He looked over at the bar and held up his empty glass to the bartender, who nodded. She came over quickly, with another round for everyone. Daran took another, smaller sip of his drink. It wouldn't be too good if he got drunk at a table full of senior officers.

Then, something that had occurred to him entered his head, and thought that he might bounce it off of the Colonel. "Col. Hrisvalar, I had a medical research concept that I wanted you to hear."

The Andorian put down his ale. "Excellent, what is it?"

"Corporal Coupland didn't respond to a medical nanite series that I gave him, but it was due to the fact that his injuries were so severe" Daran replied. "I would like to look into improving the efficiency of medical nanites. I would need a lot of support from Engineering, Information Systems, Medical and any cyberneticists that we have aboard."

<Zhuk, Matt Grace>

[raleva]

Nathan glanced down at her earnestly as he continued to take small sips from the bitter brew. "Perhaps we should have something to eat with it," he suggested as he set his cup down, "I'm afraid this is a tad too bitter for me. It might give me an acid burn at that."

"Gah," Raleva replied after taking a sip of the rich liquid, "don't be such a baby, I've had much worse ... "

She waved him over to one of the numerous empty tables. She took a seat and waited for Nathan to follow. Raleva smiled up at him and took another sip of her "discovery".

"So ... what is this idea you seem to be so anxious in presenting to me?" she continued as the rough, robust and rather brutal taste struck her tongue and she coughed a bit.

<Tag Nathan>

"Wait, wait ... what? Slow down, Nathan," Raleva replied casually putting her hand on his in an attempt to calm him, "Take a deep breath and tell me what is truly troubling you. I can feel your ... anxiety ... and your nervousness ... but I am incapable of reading your mind."

<Tag Nathan>

[gracemitchell]

Grace had been listening to the conversation of Daran and Zhuk about the medical research project Daran had in mind. Before she had come to Ten Forward she had been informed that she had been placed back on active duty on the Jefferson as it's Counselor.

During the mission to find Admiral Lin, Grace had only been on the ship as an observer because of her ability to contact symbionts. She had made to feel like she had never left the Jefferson. It was a good feeling to know she was wanted and needed in her favorite capacity.

Grace tore away from her thoughts and started to pay attention to Daran's explaination on the medical nanite research he had been thinking about.

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

***Ten Forward***
**1956 Hours**

"Corporal Coupland didn't respond to a medical nanite series that I gave him, but it was due to the fact that his injuries were so severe" Daran replied. "I would like to look into improving the efficiency of medical nanites. I would need a lot of support from Engineering, Information Systems, Medical and any cyberneticists that we have aboard."

Zhukarak briefly thought about this. He inwardly commended the doctor for wanting to make improvements in his field. He didn’t want to verbalize it as he had already praised him on his efforts of the last mission. There was such a thing as too much praise.

“Improvement is always good. Send me a detailed report of what you’re trying to accomplish and the necessary resources. I don’t see a problem with authorizing your research.”

Just then, Zhukarak’s com badge alerted him for a message. It was a young female officer who was currently manning the Ops station.

=/\=
Colonel Hrisvalar, Lieutenant Wright here. You have an urgent message from S47 Headquarters. It’s headed ‘Urgent: Mission Parameters!’!
=/\=

“Alright, I’m on my way. Hrisvalar out!”

Zhukarak stood up to take his leave.

“If you will excuse me, duty calls. Commander Reynolds, would you join please?”

Matt readily stood up as he knew that they were about to embark on a new mission. As they walked out of Ten Forward Zhukarak quickly gave instructions.

“I want you to sound the Callback Alert for all personnel. All refits and resupplies need to be completed or stopped within the next four hours. Command Staff briefing at 2200 hours. I know it’s late, but we’ll probably be on our way the first thing in the morning…if not tonight already. I want us ready!”

“Aye, sir!”

Matt understood what was required of him as they reached the bridge and both officers started to get the ball rolling.

[Deleted]

"So ... what is this idea you seem to be so anxious in presenting to me?" she continued as the rough, robust and rather brutal taste struck her tongue and she coughed a bit.

Glancing at his female companion, Nathan frowned briefly as she coughed upon sipping her coffee. "Are you all right?" he querried, then at her nod fell silent for a few seconds, contemplating the answer to her question. "Anxious is a strong word," he answered her earnestly, "remember how we talked about wanting children? That is, you told me about your mother pestering you about wanting grandchildren, and I have a son wishing for a sibling?" He hesistated. "Well I've been thinking actually and thought that perhaps we..." He fell silent again, the suggestion alone clearly embarassing him.

"Wait, wait ... what? Slow down, Nathan," Raleva replied casually putting her hand on his in an attempt to calm him, "Take a deep breath and tell me what is truly troubling you. I can feel your ... anxiety ... and your nervousness ... but I am incapable of reading your mind."

Nathan sighed with relief; it was bad enough that he had a sister who saw through him like one saw through a glass window. He followed her suggestion and took a deep breath, a couple in fact, before continuing. "Well, I thought that perhaps we could consider having one together.........when you're ready of course." He paled at her startled and suddenly furious expression. "Oh I don't mean to..." Before he could finish, he felt a sharp sting on his cheek and he blinked in surprise as she stormed from the room.

"Did she just strike me?" he wondered softly as he waved the waitress over for something more palatable to drink. He felt his skin burn and he was certain a handprint would be showing.