Mission 19: Isle of the Sane

[Andae Blakus]

Vomo was weighing up whether or not to go back and see Bralzath. He was in his office, apparently, but the administrative Doctor had not requested his presence, nor suggested to him that he wanted to see him immediately after his garden visit. It made Vomo realise that Bralzath was someone he kept trying to seek out, kept trying to go back to.

He wasn't entirely sure he trusted Doctor Bralzath however. Something told Vomo's conscious mind to trust Imar Mrager more. That physician; psychiatrist; psychologist; whatever he actually was, was just now talking to Vomo's accomplice, Hwaar.

"What do you think, Vomo?" Hwaar suddenly spoke to him, seeing perhaps that he was marginally stuck outside the conversation. Hwaar, despite his insight and his seemingly strong understanding of social activity, was in fact wrong. Vomo had simply been lost in thought.

"I... I'm not sure," he eventually replied.

"Right, ok," Hwaar laughed, and, striking Vomo deep, a flash of understanding crossed Hwaar's features as he turned away. Intrigued and not a little confused, Vomo watched the direction of Hwaar's new stare, out across the courtyard to the other side, to a group of roughly six adults, all skulking around, looking almost like lost adolescents. Excusing himself from Mrager and Vomo's presence, Hwaar made his way over to that group and engaged them in conversation.

Vomo looked at Imar Mrager, his eyes widening and indicating the just departed man. Why was Hwaar acting so hyperactive? It was as if he was one of those people at a party, whose only job it was to initiate people in general small talk.

* * *

Having excused himself from Doctor Mrager's presence, Vomo was now back in the garden. The light was fading, his eyes staring hard up into the sun of Hamaro's system. The star burned, giving its ever shallower incident light to an evening of gold. The hair on Vomo's bare arms stood on end, rising and falling with the new waves of cool, the chill of an evening settling in as the red sun dropped below the hedge of the garden.

Despite that coolness it was still quite humid. Something that could be described as a cold sweat fell on Vomo, not psychological, but purely physical. His trance-like attention to the star was then ended by a renewed presence of people. Hwaar was not among them, but this he barely noticed. They brought new food with them, drink and other bits and pieces.

As they all took to ingesting the supplements and experienced their influence, the group started to experience sensations one would not place in the realm of common perception. Most, if not all of them, were shocked and frightened to hear the ghastly sounds from out beyond the hedge, from all around in the world beyond. Screeching noises and terrible scrapings, like the vocalisations and movements of some primitive beast. And there wasn't just one of these, from everywhere around the sounds would come, each rising out of the tropical lands and renting the air, tearing it in multiple places as if it were some material-sheet.

Vomo and the others huddled close together at one of the tables, trying to last through the sounds that seemed to get closer and closer, looking for support in each other as the humid night fell around them.

[Carl Torek]

Bethan was enjoying her day. As they neared one of the stalls, the man shouted for her to have a go at the game ..

"Come on Dad, Lets see if you can beat your little girl on here." the amusement owned said grinning.

Carl and Galla both smiled, but they were both thinking the same thing.

"No, I'm pretty sure she'll beat me hands down." Carl said, then turned to Bethan, "Mummy and me will be just over there sweetheart. We'll not go further than the vending machines OK. Win us a nice prize." he finished, kissing her on the forehead.

Bethan ran to the stall and began to play.

"I want you to point out my crew." he said, taking Galla by the arm, "If they are all here then I need to make contact."

"I can point them out to you, but what would be the point." Galla said, both frustrated and upset, "Oh my GOD ! ...What would you do Carl, walk up to them and introduce yourself, expect them to just say 'Hello Captain' and rally round looking for the nearest transport OFF THIS PLANET !"

Galla suddenly noticed that people around her had stopped walking, were looking at them, obviously concerned. Carl could see they were becoming the center of attention. He took hold of her again, this time making it look more 'affectionate' .. Two lovers, two partners, having a minor disagreement .. He edged toward the auto-vend, the planets' equivalent of a replicator, 'how do i know it as a replicator ?' he thought suddenly.

Sitting Galla down he when to the auto-vend and requested two glasses of red wine. They appeared within seconds and he handed one to her.

"Sorry." Galla said, after drinking some of the wine.

"Is everything OK ?"

Both Carl and Galla looked up at the person who had spoken. He was dressed in the casual outfit most men wore daily, but there was something about the man that made him cautious. He was stood as if expecting something untoward to occur, and was obviously ready for it.

"We're fine thank you." Carl answered, "A disagreement over where to eat, thats all."

The man seemed to mull this explanation over for a few seconds, glancing at another person who was obviously some sort of back-up. Then seemingly satisfied, he smiled, looking over their heads toward the fair. Carl followed his gaze, Bethan was coming toward them with some sort of soft toy, almost as big as her.

"DADDY ... Look what I won !" she said happily.

"Then I will leave you to enjoy the remainder of the festivities, and to your family." the man said turning away. But he suddenly turned back to Carl, "If i may suggest, It might be an idea to report this 'incident' to Doctor Geban on your next visit." with that he turned and left ..........

[Andae Blakus]

Vomo woke up again, back in his bed in his old room above the courtyard. He smiled. Today was the day; the day for his release. Quickly he sat up, taking in the soft morning light from the open window but not letting it make him drowsy again; it wouldn't permeate his skin. An expectation of uneasyness came to him but there was nothing this time. Vomo had been in the garden again last night, just as he had most nights for the last week.

He dressed and groomed himself, using the mirror he'd had installed, along with the small sink partly inset into the wall below it. Vomo couldn't work out why he'd asked for it to be that way, nor could he work out why it seemed there had been someone else in his room last night. One side of his bed was already unmade, a depression mark left in the mattress where the said person had slept. He looked to the door from the mirror, the exit-point to his room firmly closed. Whoever it was, they were gone now.

Wandering the hallways to his eventual arrival point at the doctors' offices, Vomo's mind was engaged in contemplation, deep musings on the whole of this institute that for the last weeks he had been a resident of, which were pierced with thoughts on the nature of its patients, how they were treated. This place has been good to me Vomo told himself, his eyes searching the paradise beyond the open-air portals.

Stumbling out his path down the passageway, then turning the corner into the lobby hallspace, Vomo came before the entrance to the doctors' offices. He faced the door and tilted his head. Beyond this intervening wall was cold clinicalism. Instruments and the caring faces of psychiatrists and psychologists. Their lot was the administering of medicine, words, methods to ascend the patients with science, to almost forcibly increase their quality of life. Here where he stood was aesthetic beauty. It asked nothing of Vomo and gave Vomo nothing in return. A perfect entity. Impressionless and unimpressionable, merely there for people to make of it what they would... like anything in nature.

"Enter, Mister Vomo. And welcome back." Vomo turned to see that the door had opened. Standing there looking at him was one of the hospital attendants; Vomo knew him well.

"Thank you, Orum," he said, stepping through into the doctors' section. Smiling, he followed Orum down the main corridor until they reached Bralzath's office.

"I may well miss this place," Vomo murmured, caressing the door frame outside the office, his dark eyes fixed on the rough-grain surface as if daring it to physically cut his retina.

Orum nodded at him without looking, instead working the literally complex door lock-mechanism. Vomo waited patiently for him to finish..."In you go," he said, eventually releasing the door and letting Vomo into the empty office.

Vomo played it cool, at first simply trying to work out, through reason and without sense of panic or confusion, the reason why Orum had shut him in Bralzath's empty office. Nothing came to him, certainly nothing substantial as he took a quick look around, taking in the plain walls, the blank visual displays at the back of the office, and the desk before it - also inexplicably bare and empty. Taking a cursory glance to make sure there was no one in the room - which of course there wasn't - Vomo tentatively fished in the desk's drawers. Again, nothing. Staring almost unbelievably, he checked on the other drawers.... Then found himself slamming all of them shut and standing against the wall as the door started opening. Thoughts of innocence and ignorance crossed his mind, but if he was honest those were heavily punctuated by fear... terror almost. The door swung, hinges releasing the surface and allowing its edge to rotate out towards Vomo, threateningly. Slowly the door moved, and slowly it came to a halt, a singular black-booted foot emerging from near its bottom.

Vomo backed further against the wall, going up on tiptoes so that he could feel its touch of safety. Why was he frightened so? Then with no warning, a shrill scream invaded his ears, sounding very real but actually coming from within him - he had enough reason left to him to know that. It picked up in volume, collapsing his thought to terror, dooming his consciousness to black... all was blotted out. And he imagined a hooded man bearing a weapon, sword-like and silver. And his face was a mask of evil, softened none so by the withered expression of age that he wore so oxymoronically.

Now this hooded one approached, sinking Vomo to his knees; the ground he discovered held little solace for him. There was nothing for him, nothing to escape the coming torment whatever that might be. It was a miracle he could even see...

The point of silver came for him, extending from the hood's hand, a protrusion of evil designed to evoke terror. Blakus dared not look beyond that point: the culmination of fears to the face beyond, for it held far too much...
Great truth might have been there, the power to breach the screen before him, but it was unreachable. Then the point touched him on the chest, jabbing into his thorax.

"Mister Vomo, Mister Vomo? Are you okay? Come on get up, it's only me - Tinva."

Vomo was feeling heavy with darkness and fey with a feeling of death, but he managed to find Tinva in the foreground. "What... are you doing here?" he asked, still not sure he believed in Tinva's presence.

"So you heard I was suspended. Typical... I have been reinstated here. They let me see you when I reminded them this was your last day."

"That's good of them." Vomo smiled weakly, thoughts still elsewhere.

"What's wrong with you?" Tinva looked concerned now. "Are you sure you're fit for release? I've never seen you act like this before." Vomo frowned, Tinva seemed genuinely worried about his condition.

"I'm fine." Slowly he climbed to his feet, assisted by Tinva but he did most of it himself. "This is nothing, I'm still sleepy... Where's Doctor Bralzath? I need to confirm my release and talk with him once more. He seemed to have some important things to tell me."

"Bralzath is busy this morning," Tinva said matter-of-factly. "Unfortunate really."

"But he had things to tell me," Vomo protested. This didn't seem right to him.

"I know," Tinva nodded, looked as if he was about to say something else but in the end, just shrugged.

Vomo shook his head in exasperation. It all seemed very important to know what Bralzath had to say, almost as if the man had been grooming Vomo with his thoughts and ideas, exposing his patient to new things one at a time, easing him back into life.
Despite his standoffish nature, Vomo had a clear thought on Bralzath, and that was that he was an excellent psychologist, even idealist if it were. Now the idea of that process of mental stabilisation, conducted by Bralzath, not being completed was near-infuriating. One missing piece of the puzzle that may well have completed the translation of ideas, the essence of the mind transform, from Bralzath to Vomo. It was like missing one, integral episode from a visual entertainment's series arc.

"Will I see him again?" he asked Tinva with an ashen stare.

"When you return here... yes you will, that's likely." They stood there in silence for a further minute before one of them spoke again.

* * *

"Goodbye, Jrro Vomo. I hope you find what you're looking for."

As they stood on the wide, bush-lined path at the front of the institute, Vomo embraced Hwaar, then one by one the other friends he'd made in the past couple weeks. How good they were as friends to him was debatable. But debatable by whom? By who else but him? Exactly he thought, and continued down the line of half a dozen.

Offering a final smile to his maybe-superficial friends, Vomo gathered his pack and left the hospital's grounds. Rounding the bend at the end of the cobbled path, he set out to the nearby village. It was within the local catchment of the hospital so he imagined it would not be too far. From there he would catch transport to the main land mass. But first he needed someone to actually take him there.

As it happened there was no transport that day, nor anyone who actually owned a form of maritime transport to ask. At least, no one to ask for a lift.


"Hello," Vomo said to the receptionist, placing his identification papers on the counter. "I'd like a room for the night if that's possible."

"Single?" she asked.

"Yes," Vomo sighed as if it were a difficult question. "A single room just for tonight?... How much? It's free?"

He placed his pack on the bed and thought of the irony. To vacate one room just to end up back in another and to have that room overlooking the surroundings from a similar height, was a little too much repetition for Vomo's comfort. He hoped this wouldn't last long; to feel as if one was going around in circles was not a good thing.

He went to the window, his eyes scanning from the picturesque houses opposite to a field on higher ground beyond. There was some sort of festival going on there, with some curious if quaint attractions. Vomo was just able to espy the banner that was placed at one corner of the field. It read 'Foundation Day'.

<Tag Torek>

[Carl Torek]

(Saucer Section)

Vanessa kissed her dad, she put on her bravest face as the turbo-lift doors closed. Scott had arranged for one of the younger Ensigns to look after her until Amy picked her up. Hoping to reassure her everything would be OK, he had also arranged for her to watch the separation from the Bridge ..

As the doors opened, Amy was there waiting for her. The Ensign nodded, then silently departed as Vanessa took Amy's hand.

"Come on." she said, then turned as Amy remained where she was, "It's OK, my dad said I could watch the separation from here." she finished, pulling the teacher to the front of the Bridge before sitting cross-legged in front of the massive view-screen. Amy reluctantly following suit.. Within minutes, they felt the shudder as the drive section fell away, then Vanessa pointed as they saw it ahead and below them. Seconds later it began to move away, and was lost from view ...

"I love you Daddy, please come back." Vanessa whispered, tears flowing freely down her cheeks. Amy put her arms round the eleven year old, holding her tightly as she cried. Then helping the suddenly fragile child to her feet, she walked Vanessa to the turbo-lift and off the Bridge .....

(Star Drive Section)

Scott had watched the greater part of the Raven fall behind them. Even though he couldn't physically 'see' Vanessa, he knew where she was.

"Love you sweetheart." he whispered softly.

~~~~~~~~~~

Four hours later, the planet loomed menacingly ahead of them ..

"Bring inertial dampers up to one hundred and ten percent. Reduce life support to sixty percent. Give the shields everything we can spare." Scott ordered, knowing the extra ten percent would hamper movement, but would also save lives if they got their calculations wrong. The last thing they needed was crew all over the bulkheads, " ... Input final course corrections for slingshot."

"Course corrections confirmed. Beginning approach now." Parkin said, a slight tremor in her voice.

"Thank you, Erin." Scott replied, glancing at the obviously nervous Helm Officer, then up at the view-screen as it began to change from black, to orange, to almost white, as the drive section began to rip through the atmosphere, destroying the thermodynamic equilibrium of the planets' atmosphere. Ripping apart molecules of hydrogen, helium, methane, and other more exotic gases. Scott wondered at the law of conservation of energy, that allowed them to do what they were doing. He also wondered, idly, if the people who designed the hull of the Raven had got their sums right ..........

[Andae Blakus]

The afternoon wore on, Vomo eventually scrounging up just enough of his low energy reserves to think about heading up to 'Foundation Day'. After a quiet drink on the veranda, taking in the sights across the village and beyond that many miles away to the coastline, its sea twinkling blue-magenta with the westering light of the sun, Vomo headed up the hill towards the park.

As Vomo neared it, the density of the crowds thickened substantially. Despite the day growing late - on towards early evening in a short period of time, Vomo thought - the people were still gathering around the place en-masse. Moving through the thickening crowds, he had to be careful not to start knocking people about. It became unavoidable at the field's entrance however... he could see the Foundation Day banner now, but there was a burly looking man blocking his path.

"Excuse me," Vomo said, pursing his lips as he tried to move past.

"I'm sorry," said the man, moving out of the way quickly. He gave Vomo an apologetic smile. Vomo, realising he had misjudged the man, returned the smile.

"Hello," he said, "Jrro Vomo pan-Heedon. Call me Vomo, or Jrro." They chatted for a while, and during this period of time Vomo's mood steadily got better, shifting from wearied indifference to actual enjoyment and happiness. "Tell me," he inquired, just as he was about to leave the man, "As I'm not from around here, can you tell me why this occasion is called Foundation Day?"

The man's smile didn't fade as Vomo half expected it to. Quite the opposite... instead, it increased. He laughed, "No, you're not from around here aren't you! This day commemorates the founding of the settlements in this region... This region meaning the string of villages, here, close to the equator."

"Ah," Vomo said, grinning back. He patted the man on the shoulder, "Thank you." They waved bye and agreed to meet later.

Feeling content with things, content with his freedom, Vomo made his way the rest of the way up the hill. He passed under the Foundation Day banner, making his way instantly to the first of the attractions to the right. There were a set of tables, benches, not far away and next to some machines that looked like food distribution devices.

Vomo realised he needed sustenance. Gathering himself, he made his way over to the vending machines and quickly acquired food. For some reason, it felt natural to use these things.

Moving past the benches, Vomo was heading for an interesting looking attraction with its own share of attractive females currently playing at it. As he did so, he walked past a couple who appeared to be engaged in a quite intense argument. Frowning a little, thinking that he recognised one of the voices, Vomo diverged a little, closer to the bench. Was that... Javin? From the hospital?

Conflictory emotions of nostalgia (even though he'd only really just left) and discomfort came back to Vomo; for thoughts of Javin stirred thoughts of the hospital facilities... That had been confinement, despite how much it had been dressed up. He was meant to be free now. Steadily he walked by, paying the couple no more thought but feeling as if he had definitely attracted their attention.

<Tag Torek>

[Deleted]

Imar returned to his village in time for the Founders Day celebration. He had spent the last two days in another village trying to assist some doctors there that believed they had a plaque on their hands. It had turned out to be a new nutrient that they had tried to introduce into their gardened foods.

The first thing he did upon his return was go to his office to update himself on his patients. Much to his dismay, he had discovered that Vomo had been released just one day ago. He had so hoped to have more conversations with him but for some reason, Dr. Bralzath was determined to keep them apart. With Vomo gone, Imar decided that he had better focus his attention on Delik. There was a man who needed lots of help. He made a few notes and decided to call it a day and to go enjoy the festivities.

An hour later.....

Imar had gone to his residence and changed into some more comfortable clothes. He found himself walking down the main street and participating in several of the events with others from the village. There had been several times when he thought that he had seen Delik but as a patient, he shouldn't have been out roaming free at the celebration so he just shook his head and dismissed the idea.

After working up a hunger, Imar went over to one of the cafes with outside tables and took a seat. As he was waiting for service, he happened to look up just as a man that he was certain that he knew walked past.

"Vomo?" he called.

(Tag Blakus)

[Carl Torek]

"Then I will leave you to enjoy the remainder of the festivities, and to your family." the man said turning away. But he suddenly turned back to Carl, "If i may suggest, It might be an idea to report this 'incident' to Doctor Geban on your next visit." with that he turned and left.

Carl watched the man walk away, not really curious about the parting comment until he noticed the expression on Galla's face ..

"Galla ....." he said, repeating it when he didn't get any reply, "Galla, who was that man ?"

"He's .. It was someone from the hospital, and orderly who must have looked after you when you had the accident. You don't remember him ?" she said, unable to hide the fear in her voice, "Please Carl. If they think you are ..."

"If I am what ..... Remembering who I actually am. What would they do to me Galla, what could they possibly do they haven't already done. They took the ship, the crew, my LIFE !"

"Please calm down PLEASE ... If we attract attention it will be reported. Let's walk." she said.

"Where are we going Mummy ?" Bethan asked, disheartened at the fact neither of her parents had looked at her prize, "I won this." he said, stepping in front of the two adults. Neither had noticed the man stood close by, who had tried to listen to the conversation, to him it seemed Javin and the others were heading toward a cafe, that would make a perfect place to meet again. So he followed.

"Wow, thats great .. It's a erm cat right ?" Carl said to Bethan, trying to hide the confusion running through his head, she smiled, confirming his right guess, "I know, let's go get something to eat. By the time we're done it should be nearing the time for the parade. What do you think ?"

He looked at Galla then Bethan, hoping his voice showed only eagerness. She seemed to ponder the options for a few seconds before allowing her face to brighten.

"I want Angla pie !" she said, running toward the cafe.

Carl looked at Galla. She was getting some of the colour back in her face. He took her hand and headed after their daughter. Once seated he allowed Bethan to order three pieces of her favorite sweet. She ordered a soft drink for herself, to go with the pie, and using every second of her six long years, confidently ordered two beers for the adults ... Receiving the slightest of nods from Carl, the waitress went off to get the order ..

"Excuse me." Carl, Galla and Bethan turned at the voice, "I am sorry to interrupt, may I inquire .. You are Javin ?"

Carl recognized the man then, Vomo. He was from the hospital too, but somehow Carl was convinced that he knew the man, not from the hospital, but from ... Somewhere else."

"Mister ... Vomo." Carl said, pulling out the chair next to him, "Would you join us ?"

"Just Vomo please." he said, taking the offered seat, before stroking the enormous soft toy threatening to topple off Bethan's knee "Well that is a big ermmm ......"

"It's a kitty .. 'MY' kitty .. Do you want some pie too ?" Bethan replied, taking a tighter hold on the toy, suspicious, but remembering to be polite.

"You're here for the celebrations ?" Galla asked, the slightest glance at her daughter, but before she got a reply, Vomo turned at the sound of his name ..........

[Andae Blakus]

The people already moving... Off, towards some cafe. Vomo cursed as he watched them go, thinking as he followed their path with his eyes that he had missed an opportunity. It was already too late to follow immediately after the man, woman and girl (Javin, his wife and daughter)... He shrugged it off but still didn't feel particularly happy. Aimlessly Vomo wandered around, his good mood dissipating slightly. After finding nothing to do he did eventually make his way over to outside the cafe.

"Vomo?" a voice spoke his name. With speed, Jrro Vomo twisted in the direction of the voice. He could scarcely believe it... It was Doctor Mrager. Or was that Imar? I am free now, Vomo reminded himself once more.

"Yes," he stated. He strutted over to the Doctor, his spirits elated somewhat. "What are you doing here, Doctor?" he asked spritely. "It's pleasing to see you!" Was that too much?

Imar offered him the seat opposite, striking up conversation as he did so. Vomo allowed the Doctor to talk for a while; how he had reached Foundation Day, his time at work, and his inquiries on how Vomo had been doing since being officially released just in the morning.

"Do you live in this township, Doctor?" Vomo asked after a prolonged period of silence... All because they had sat back, taking in the general environment. "I mean Imar. I am allowed to call you Imar now," Vomo joked.

<Tag Jamison>

"Come with me," Vomo encouraged, standing up and signalling towards the entrance to the makeshift cafe with enthusiasm. "I saw somebody whom you may or may not recognise earlier. He went into here with his family."

They headed into the cafe, which was in reality more of a bar with tables set up in the vicinity. Food was being served and it was not exactly quiet... Many were enjoying the hospitality of both the drinks-stand and the seating arrangements. Vomo looked behind, hoping that Imar was following him; then with that confirmed he promptly searched out Javin and co.

He soon found them. They motioned for their guest to sit, the little girl suggesting to him that the stuffed 'kitty' toy was to be left alone.
"You're here for the celebrations?" Javin's wife Galla asked.

Vomo was about to reply but then he remembered Mrager. He turned around slightly, ushering Imar forward and allowing him to sit down next to him. "Yes," he answered Galla at last, "And so is this man here. Doctor Imar Mrager from the hospital; he looked after me for a long time."

"Hopefully I won't be going back there now. It's good that I've met you again, Mister Javin. I had a feeling that our paths might cross once more."

<Tag Jamison & Torek ... for last two paragraphs respectively.. and more>

The quintet of Javin, his family, Imar and Vomo chatted for a time, perusing the cafe's menu and ordering some more food and drink.. then generally making merriment. Vomo found, at various points during the discourse, something unexpected. His underlying plan had been to make his way as soon as possible to the mainland, with the final goal of finding his home, up in the north. But, now that he'd met Javin again, and Imar Mrager as well if he thought about it, he realised that there was something about them... Something that made him want to stay in there presence. There existed something terribly important about them.. something essential to the puzzle of their psyches that he - Vomo - was missing.

"So Galla," Vomo said after a swig of golden liquid, known simply as he understood it as 'Hamaro'. He looked at Javin's wife. A lot of him regretted so far having excluded her from the general conversation.. she had remained strangely observant thus far.. "How long have you been with Javin?"

<Tag Torek>

* * *

Much later...

Vomo stumbled back into his 'hotel' room... Quickly he changed into night clothes; they were the same ones he'd worn for the past weeks, month or two maybe, in the hospital facility. Routine was something he needed sometimes.

Pulling the covers close and staring blind at the ceiling, he observed with wonder the thoughts that dashed back and forth within his head, spiralling endlessly and folding in on themselves, becoming new and being renewed as if the two events were one and the same. The garishly coloured tendrils followed paths with, as someone of an objective viewpoint might call, a certain elegance, a beauty. The strands explored regions seemingly without meaning or purpose, stroking close to but never quite touching the question.. 'What would tomorrow bring?'

[robertsharp]

OOC: Joint Post between Robert Sharp and Andae Blakus (NPC Lt. Richards)

"Sir, I've got to check this out," Richards reported to McLean. "A new life sign just appeared three decks down." McLean acknowledged, agreeing with Richards that he should hold off on intruder alert just yet - with the ship in this condition it could simply be a glitch. And of course he had the whole slingshot off the atmosphere thing to deal with, that was if he could even think about it with the vibrating of the ship...

Richards reached the location of the life sign; bizarrely, it was behind the hatch of a supposedly unoccupied maintenance junction.. Granted, it was a part of the ship not cut off by the power problems, but still... He opened the hatch. "Sir?!"


"Lieutenant were are we at?"

"Err, Commander..." Richards said, still very shocked to see that Commander Sharp had suddenly appeared on the Raven. "We've separated the ship, sir. We've been thrown to the outer system, now we're making our way back into the system using planets... How are you suddenly here?"

"Don't know last thing i remember' I was searching a building with the rest of the away team and then i woke up in here. Give me a full update on the ship

"A building...? I didn't think there were any structures down there..." Richards stopped muttering before he got himself more confused, he drew himself up to give his report properly. "Sir, as soon as we lost your life signs completely the Raven lost all power and was thrown to the outer system. It's been partially restored, but now we've had to separate the ship to conserve energy and to minimize damage to the saucer section. We're en route back to the planet using what power we have. Of one thousand and one personnel, only one-hundred and eighty-two are accounted for. Many injured but no fatalities so far."

The ship shakes and both Richards and Sharp hit the bulkhead. Sharp is wondering who is flying this ship. LT. which senior personnel are still on board?

Rubbing at his thigh that hit the bulkhead rather hard, Richards answered, "..Commander McLean, yourself. That's it. The rest are either on the surface or disappeared when we lost power. Do you know what's happened to them?"

"No I Don't we need to get to the bridge".

Richards nods and both head to wards the bridge. As They keep moving to wards the bridge crew members are busy with their duties and searching for missing crew and helping the injured get to sickbay. The ship keeps shaking as they keep going through the atmosphere. After a few minutes of moving through the ship they arrive at the bridge.

"This is the life sign, sir." Richards stated as he and Sharp entered the battle bridge. McLean spun up from the command seat in surprise, him and others immediately asking questions. But it wasn't quite time for that... Richards retook the tactical console, running scans.. "Sirs, we need to get out of this. According to this, hull stress will exceed maximum in forty two seconds."

Sharp takes the helm To get them out of the situation they are in. Sharp looks to see how much room he has to maneuver. Sharp Takes the raven out of impulse and goes to thrusters and the shaking stops as the ship exits the planets atmosphere. "Commander McLean I do not know how i got back inboard the ship."

<tag> Mclean



OOC: Modification for colour change only: Carl Torek.

[Carl Torek]

(Star-drive Section)

"Five point two minutes to atmosphere." Parkin said.

"Sir ... I'm picking up an intruder ... Deck thirty seven." Richards said, frowning, "I need to check this out." McLean nodded his approval and Richards left the Bridge, two Security Officers close behind.

~~~~~~~~~~

"We're entering the atmosphere now." Parkin said as the ship began to shake violently. The turbo-lift doors opened.

"This is our life-sign Commander." Richards said as he moved to Tactical, "We need to get out of this Sir, hull stresses will exceed maximum in forty two seconds."

McLean glanced at Sharp then pointed to the Helm. Robert sat in the seat vacated by Erin seconds before. They watched the newly arrived Helm Officer as he piloted the ship through the planets rupturing atmosphere. The Star-drive Section strained against the forces trying to rip her apart, then after six long long minutes the vibrations began to subside, and they could see open space on the view screen. They were traveling at almost five times their previous velocity now, but still nowhere near fast enough to cut the journey substantially.

"Our course is good for the third slingshot. We should arrive at the next planet in three days nine hours." Sharp said.

"Erin, take the Helm. Double-check our course then get repairs underway. Commander Sharp, if you would come with me please ..." Scott didn't wait to see if his orders were being carried out as he headed for the Captains office. Sitting at the desk he looked at the man who had followed him in.

"Are these necessary ?" Rob asked, motioning toward the two Security Officers that had entered the room and placed themselves either side of him, albeit against the far bulkhead.

"I think they are for the moment." Scott replied, then continued without preamble, "Commander. Would you mind telling me how you got here."

"Your guess is as good as mine." Rob said, taking the seat McLean had yet to offer, "I was involved in a search when I felt a transporter lock, and here I am."

So your saying that while our transporters are capable of moving someone approximately forty thousand kilometers, whoever sent you back here has the ability to move someone hundreds of millions of kilometers ?"

Sharp shrugged, he had no explanation for his appearance.

This man out-ranked him, he knew that, but he was hardly going to hand over the Star Drive Section without some sort of, what, proof, he didn't know. What he did know was that they had to get back and Sharps piloting skills might had saved them from more damage, still that wasn't enough. There had to be some reason 'he' and none of the others had been returned to the ship, and he wasn't giving in until he knew what that reason was.

"OK ...." Scott said, getting up, "Welcome back Commander."

"Right, the firs ....." Rob began to speak, but Scott interrupted him.

"I'm sorry Commander, but until I have an adequate explanation for you being here, then I cannot in all faith hand over Command. You will have free run of the ship and your advice or suggestions will be welcomed. But for the time being ....." It was one of those stand-off moments, while Sharp took in what the Chief Engineer had said, "Now have you any information that can help us, do you have any thoughts on how they disabled the Raven and flung her across the system ?" ..........

[Andae Blakus]

Vomo awoke in good time the next day, the sun barely having had time to rise above the rooftops opposite his balcony window before he was off down the stairs and out of the smart, double doors at the building's front.

Deciding that the town was, literally, too pedestrian for his liking, Vomo took the opportunity to explore the coastline. There was a small harbour, occupied neatly by two score or so quaint, white boats. It reminded him of somewhere. A place whose slot in his memory was vague and ill-defined; very fuzzy and far off. An island.. a large one with a spot similar to this for the mooring of tiny ships. Not as tropical. His eyes gleamed as he took in the bay, reflecting not so much the morning twinkling of the water, but the memory of the very same phenomenon in another place, this place of memory... His home in the northlands surely.

Rubbing his eyes as they stung with the harsh light of Hamaro's sun, Vomo turned in his path so that he was walking parallel with the line of coast - harbour. The glare of the reddish star was unexpectedly malignant to the retina, so Vomo made an effort to shield his eyes as he looked across the 'marina' to his potential objective.

The aim of his visit was clear and definite, not just a simple morning stroll as a passer-by might have theorised.

"Excuse me," Vomo called. He was standing on one of the wooden gangways out into the water now, right in the midst of the harbour's marina. "Hello?" he asked the shipwright again, whom had his back to Vomo and was crouching on one knee next to the main hull... of what was presumably his vessel.

"Hello," the shipwright said, an inflection of imitation detectable in his tone. He made a show of getting up and, huffing, turned around to face Vomo. Only then did he reveal the mischievous and inquisitive stare on his face.

"Say, I see you are advertising the use of your boat. For transport?" Vomo asked him, reflecting the man's look of mischief in his own features, trying not to grimace too much from the red light of the star just within his field of vision.

"Yes, transport. Of course I expect you to allow me to steer my own boat. You would merely be a passenger, my fellow. Single or with one other person, or are cataracts the order of the day?"

"The single sounds good to me." The man nodded at Vomo's response, then broke out a mysterious look that was something of a cross between nonchalance and curiosity. Now the man went off, muttering something about needing to check on some chart. A minute later he returned; Vomo hadn't gone anywhere, due to not wanting to lose this potential means of transport to the mainland, as had to be its destination. "Everything in order?" Vomo asked, already wanting to finish this bit of business up quickly and move on.

"No, not quite actually. There's a small problem," the man said. Vomo blinked slowly, as if waiting for the man just to clear up the problem with a word and send him on his way with the agreement and transaction for transport agreed upon. It didn't happen like that. "You see," said the man, "According to this chart, I need to fill two slots for the transport time you want, in effect, I need for you to take someone along. Sorry about that, it shouldn't cause too much inconvenience I hope. See you this afternoon still I presume." Vomo was still too surprised to display his annoyance; disgust; whatever he was truly feeling... So he just wandered off. "Oh, don't try and speak to others by the way, they will just say the same thing." The voice calling after him only heightened his sense of anger and bewilderment.

OOC: To be continued. My tags from before are still open of course... A reply for the ship-side of things is also on its way.

[Deleted]

Imar and Vomo spoke for a few moments before Vomo stood.

"Come with me. I saw somebody whom you may or may not recognize earlier. He went into here with his family."

Imar followed him into the cafe and they walked toward a man that Imar had seen around the hospital a couple of times. Vomo made introductions and everyone exchanged pleasantries. They were invited to join the couple and their child and so they all sat their listening to music, ordering drinks and having a wonderful conversation. Imar kept glancing over at Vomo to see how he was handling his new "outside" life. He hoped that the gentleman would make a full recovery. About an hour later, Imar excused himself citing his having to work the next morning.

Imar made his way back to his residence and got himself ready for bed. Before turning in, he called his office and left himself a message to retrieve Javins file and read over it. Though nothing specific was said, he had noticed several looks between Vomo and Javin. He wanted to know more about the other man.


TBC....

[Carl Torek]

It had been three days since the Federation Day celebrations ... Carl was now convinced that the person known as Vomo, was in fact his Executive Officer. But convincing the man of who he really was was going to be difficult. Vomo could easily think he was having some sort of relapse, or that Javin was ill. Either way, it could arouse suspicion. So he needed to think ....

Galla had pointed out almost thirty of the Raven's crew. None of which Carl could openly approach. But that night she had mentioned that two of his crew were going to be in the commerce center the following day. These two Officers were showing signs of doubt about their presence on Hamaro, but had managed to keep their worries to a select few, one of those was Galla.

She arranged for the two to be in the covered market area so Carl could 'accidentally' bump into them. He would need to make contact alone, but she would be there to point out the best time to approach.

~~~~~~~~~~

Galla had left earlier, leaving Carl to get Bethan ready for school. He would drop her off, then make his way to the market area and his meeting ..... Kissing his daughter at the gates, he promised to pick her up after school, then once she had entered the classroom he left the school grounds and headed toward the center of town. It was less than a kilometer walk, so he decided the walk would do him good ... Entering the main trading area, he knew Galla was just ahead. She would meet him at the shop 'owned' by one of his crew. It was only zero nine fifteen, but the town was already busy Carl thought as he scanned the nearby shops.

The pressure was intense ... He felt as if a giant fist had smashed against him as he was flung through the air. Wood, glass, cloth, blood, slammed against him in the instant after the detonation. His vision blurred, then almost faded to black as his last image was of the cafe where Galla was waiting for him. His mind could not process the complex information ingested in the fraction of a second it takes to detonate a massive explosive, and for a body to react to that detonation. All he knew as he passed out was that he had lost the two people he loved ..........

"He's coming round, hell I thought we'd lost him there."

"He's lost a lot of blood. Keep him transfused until Med-Vac can take him away."

Carl tried to raise his head. The pain was excruciating, but it didn't matter, he looked toward the building his wife was waiting in, and it no longer existed .. There was a massive pile of rubble where the cafeteria once stood.

"GALLA !!!" he screamed.

"You are going to be OK, Lie back." one of the people treating him said as he placed a hypo-spray against his neck, "Relaxxx."

That was the last thing he heard as the sedative took effect ..........

[Andae Blakus]

Still unbelievably angry come the afternoon, Vomo ended up missing the 'ferry' to the mainland - on purpose. It was ludicrous, he thought, that such a thing could even be allowed. Besides, if he was brutally honest with himself, and this was tough, he never stood much of a chance of finding a companion to travel to the mainland with him.

As he gazed from the hotel room window and the westering light of the star, a deep frown set itself into Vomo's expression. Just as it had when he'd quizzed Doctor Bralzath on what the physician had wanted to show him.

"... Shall we go there now?" he'd asked. There had been a moment of silence, during which it had slowly dawned on Vomo. "Was that it?" he asked, pointing to where he'd last seen Javin and daughter, before their trailing feet had hid themselves behind the white wall.

"No." Bralzath shook his head, pursing his lips. Vomo's arm dropped, a deep frown settling on his face as he watched Bralzath appear to ponder on what to say next.

"But, you said, that this thing would help me remember myself? I tell you now, Doctor, I know that man. That Mister Javin seems as familiar to me as Mister Delik does."

The words seemed to echo in Vomo's mind, a deeper attachment growing to them with every blink, every word he spoke, every thought experienced and idea he made. Javin was familiar, and perhaps not in the way he'd been led to believe...

There came a knocking on the door and all the other thoughts Vomo had been having rushed out of the open window with a sudden breeze; the automatic categorisation of the companion for the boat trip as a female partner, the consequential musings on what he would do this evening, but the Javin idea stuck.


The evening drew in. Vomo had for the past three hours been sat at the small desk in his hotel room. It wasn't really a desk; it was a dressing table. After telling the desk clerks that he would be renting the room for another week - to be safe - he had taken to a little redecorating of his room. All mirrors, other dressing equipment.. were not part of Vomo's desktop. All those pieces of furniture were deposited in a refuse box in many, many pieces. Well at least, Vomo had thought at the time, it had solved the anger-management problems he'd been having.

Loose sheets of writing paper occupied most of the desk, old-fashioned ink (or so Vomo had been told it was) stained most of it - where he'd become frustrated at his inability to write these letters. After charging up the capacitor on the wall-fixed desk-lamp, Vomo tried starting anew on a letter. He stopped, started chewing the end of his ink stylus and changed what he was about to write.

Dear Imar,

Thank you for meeting my acquaintances at the Foundation Day, it was pleasing to see you there. I trust the work is not too tough, I know it could be strenuous at times. Although I have only been away for under two days your continued presence is missed greatly by myself.

I may be going away later this week, probably for a long time. I know you will be doing so, but please keep tabs on me and follow my progress, my memory is still suppressing itself. Speaking of which, there is something about that man Javin. Something that is not the same as the others, stronger than the vague feeling of familiarity. I know I can't ask these things of you anymore, but perhaps if you could take some time to look for links between myself and Javin?

Yours,

Jrro Vomo.

Vomo deposited the message with the transportation service responsible, knowing and being secure in the knowledge that said letter would be there for Imar when he reached his office the next morning.

<Tag Jamison>

Later on, crawling to his bedside, Vomo made ill-formed, hasty plans of packing his things up over the days ahead. He would not be here for much longer.

Two days later...

On a rare sojourn out of the hotel, Vomo was wandering the main street and square. It was already very busy. A little awkwardly he pushed past some people to a line of shops on his right. Grocer's stands vending ridiculous looking fruit and other foodstuffs lined the pavements outside. Weaving in and out of them, Vomo began to remember why he'd lived as a recluse over the last couple days.

Coming to a stop in front of one stand selling writing implements, Vomo noticed the young woman opposite him, separated from him by the width of the stand, partially obscured by intervening book samples and professionalistic styluses. Catching her eye or vice-versa, he sauntered around the ornate stand, left hand stroking the books in their slots on its surface.

"Hi," he commented, "Looking for a stylus I see."

He and the girl talked for a while, Vomo growing into her circle of confidence, slowly charming her or so he liked to think. "Tell me," he asked the smiling girl, "Do you have any engagements tomorrow... in the late afternoon?"

A tangible shock of what Vomo could only describe by the word terror threw him from his leaning posture on the book stand. Blearing sounds of a thousand noises of alarm assualted Vomo violently and his head screamed danger. He stumbled sideways, unfortunately not so that the girl was sheltered from a fast-coming secondary wind, of ferocious driving power. This time Vomo was propelled nastily into the subsidiary stand just outside the adjacent shop, although he didn't know it as he had been rendered unconscious.

[Deleted]

Imar checked for messages as soon as he arrived at the hospital that morning. He took what was awaiting him and adjourned to his office. As he was going through them, he was shocked to see a letter from Vomo. He quickly opened it and began reading.

Dear Imar,

Thank you for meeting my acquaintances at the Foundation Day, it was pleasing to see you there. I trust the work is not too tough, I know it could be strenuous at times. Although I have only been away for under two days your continued presence is missed greatly by myself.

I may be going away later this week, probably for a long time. I know you will be doing so, but please keep tabs on me and follow my progress, my memory is still suppressing itself. Speaking of which, there is something about that man Javin. Something that is not the same as the others, stronger than the vague feeling of familiarity. I know I can't ask these things of you anymore, but perhaps if you could take some time to look for links between myself and Javin?

Yours,

Jrro Vomo

Imar wasn't sure exactly what Vomo was hoping to discover but he was quite certain that the two men had never met before that day at the hospital. Just as he was completing his thoughts, the building shuddered and felt as it was about to topple. He quickly pushed a button on his desk and the vidscreen on the far wall blinked to life. The news report was covering a bombing down in the market place. He quickly left his office and ran down to the emergency department of the hospital. While he did work in the psychology department he was still trained as a surgical doctor.

"I saw the news." he said as he approached a fellow surgeon. "Could you use some help?"

"Always." came the reply. "Start by giving a hand at triage and let's see how bad everyone is and what order we need to take them."

"Very well." Imar replied. As he turned to head toward the area where the other doctor had pointed, he saw others being brought in. He was quick to notice two men who he immediately recognized. Vomo and Javin. He went to their sides and began checking them out for injuries.

He began scanning over Vomo who had a bloody bandage wrapped around his head. The on site medic had been able to stopped the bleeding but Imars scanner showed a slight skull fracture and a mild concussion. Moving over to Javin, he was surprised to see that the mans injuries were limited to a couple of broken ribs.

"Place both of these men in cube 3." he told the assistant. For some unknown reason, he felt as if the two men should stay together.

About an hour and a half later, once everyone had been treated and placed in rooms, including Vomo and Javin, Imar made his way to their room. They had both been sedated once again so that their injuries could be attended to but when he entered, he saw Javin stirring and beginning to come around.

He walked over to his bed. "Javin. Can you here me? My name is Doctor Mragar. We met at the Freedom Celebration. Do you remember?" he asked.

<Tag Javin. And feel free to come around Vomo.>

[Carl Torek]

"OK, I think he's stabilized, but I'm getting sporadic readings. Let's make sure we're clear and we'll get him back to the hospital."

"Get those lacerations seen to and we'll head back. I'll just check there's no-one else to go."

Carl could hear the medics talking, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get them to notice he was conscious. Whatever they had given him was effectively blocking all somatic motor-neuron responses, effectively paralyzing him. But it didn't prevent him hearing, or block his vision. He followed the medic as he worked, ensuring Javin was safe and free from life threatening injuries, before informing his colleague that he was going to check there departure readiness. Carl was screaming Galla's name, but nothing was getting past the sedative. Then suddenly ! .. His world began to spin violently. The force field that was restraining him thankfully cushioned the multiple impacts as the ambulance was thrown over two hundred meters, crashing to a halt against the base of a ruined statue ...

Regaining consciousness, or at least a fraction of what he'd consider conscious, he could see he was at an angle of something like thirty, thirty five degrees, It took Carl many minutes to realize there had been a second explosion. This one aimed at the people who were there to help. The first blast must have destroyed three, maybe four buildings, one of those, he realized, containing his wife. The second could have devastated a much larger area as it would have been a larger charge.

Realizing that Galla was in the first explosion, and the second blast could have destroyed the school where Bethan was, broke Carl's will to live ...

The only outward sign of the distress and heartache, from his otherwise immobile body, was the tears running freely down his cheeks ..........

[Carl Torek]

Two hours later:


"Ahh, back in the land of the living I see."

Carl managed to focus on the woman standing over him. She was dressed in some sort of uniform, white. She was running a device up and down the length of his body, checking something maybe ?

"Whe ......?"

"Relax, don't try to sit up, you had sustained some pretty serious injuries but we have you stabilized and on the mend." the woman said. But Carl wasn't listening ..

"Where is my .... My wife. My Daughter .. Where are th ....."

"It's OK Javin. They are here. You wife is in the bed opposite ..." the nurse said, placing a hand on his shoulder to stop him trying to sit up, "Bethan is in the hospital creche. She's being looked after until you are able to get out of bed."

"What happened ?" he said, giving up on trying to sit up, but straining to see the bed opposite him, just to get a glimpse of his wife. Relief flooded through every fiber of his body as he now knew they were alive.

"We're not too sure, but it looks as if two explosive devices were detonated in the square. There's been several fatalities."

"Galla was ... Was in, the cafe, how ... How did she manage to escape ?"

"We don't know. But it seems the people nearest the far windows were blown into the street by the force of the first blast. Only a handful survived the second. Your wife was one of them. She has internal injuries, but we managed to sort most of them. She's off the critical list, but will be in here for a week at minimum. Don't worry Javin, Doctor Geban is looking after you both, so you'll be OK."

"I want to see my Daughter."

"You will, but for now you need to get some rest, Bethan will be fine I promise you." the nurse said, placing a hypo against his neck, "This will keep you out for around three or four hours. We'll see to Bethan, then bring her here once you have rested."

Carl hardly heard the final part of the nurses statement as he lost the battle with the drug-induced sleep.

Smiling with satisfaction that her patient was indeed asleep, she headed toward the next bed, this one containing Galla. It never failed to amaze her the resilience of the human body. This woman had been in not one but two explosions. Her almost lifeless body was thrown over two hundred meters to land in a tree. She had damage to her spleen, kidneys, liver, her right lung had been punctured, along with a dozen bone fractures and lacerations, but still she fought off death.

With one last check of the read-outs the nurse moved on. She would be back every fifteen minutes as instructed ..........



< tag : All >

[Andae Blakus]

OOC: USS Raven battle bridge

IC:
Richards watched the exchange between the improbably returned Commander Sharp and the CEO/stand-in CO Commander McLean as they re-entered the battle bridge from the adjacent office. McLean seemed to have taken a liking to his - albeit temporary - command, not giving up the captain's chair lightly in the face of an officer, whom was superior to him in terms of standard ship hierarchy and, of course, rank.

The Lieutenant decided it was none of his concern which of the two sat in that central chair, he would make his reports and enact their orders just the same. And he wasn't even a tactical officer...

Still, Richards attempted to diffuse the marginally tense situation with a clearing of his throat. "Excuse me, Commanders. I have my damage report for the latest atmospheric incursion."

They both looked at the interrupting acting CTSO, which caused him to smile with satisfaction. His stubbled chin accentuated the look of superiority the expression exuded. "We have micro-hull fractures along deck 31 and parts of deck 33, 37, 38 and 40. No casualties, all those sections have been shut down to maintain our power reserves. Shield strength decrease and other defensive systems have been damaged as expected."

Richards waited with his lip curled in amusement, for either McLean or Sharp to acknowledge his orders and try to take command of the bridge. Which of them was up for it?

<Tag McLean and Sharp>

---

Vomo slowly stirred from what felt like a slumber after death. He lay still, eyes shut but quite conscious. It happened rarely, that he awoke but did not open his eyes. It heightened his other senses though; his arms, legs, indeed his eyelids felt unnaturally heavy.

He rose from the bed slowly, feeling like lead in every sense, and just about managing to part his eyelids to allow for sight. He was in another hospital ward.

The realisation fell hard on his shoulders, and the scrambling shock of it caused him to attempt to throw off the several catheters and appendages that were all 'round him. Panic set in; this place looked cold, clinical, sterile to Vomo, he needed to get out. He grimaced as he carefully removed the catheters one-by-one. It was uncomfortable, painful and it made him cry but it was necessary. A periodic beeping sound made him stop. He looked to the left, the source of the sound. Vomo blinked, taking in the sick-green display and evaluating what the machine could be. If he had to guess, it was measuring his heart rate. There were also accompanying displays showing some sort of lobed structure, was that his brain? Suddenly it became very transparent to Vomo that he probably shouldn't try to get out.

He moved through opaque curtains, pushing them aside with the gentle force of his hand. They shimmered with the cold light, casting shadow and illumination on his face. Then a more certain light source revealed itself through the curtains ahead; Vomo quickened his pace, stumbling through the softness and coming out in front of another bed. This one had physicians and the like gathered around. Straining to see, he couldn't espy the subject of the doctors' attention behind the hard white coats they wore.

Vomo cleared his throat and watched how the physicians were startled in surprise. Slowly they turned around to face him. He stared at them weakly, knowing that he must've looked very pale and ill.

Uncertainly he wobbled, nearly falling into the curtains behind. Then, managing to steady himself, he centred his vision on one of the physicians. "...Imar?" he muttered, his sight going in out of focus. The occasionally clear, occasionally fuzzy Mrager opened his mouth, looking like he wanted to say something but whether he was going to or not wasn't clear.

Prehensile hands grabbed at Vomo's arms, stopping him in his gentle swaying motion, but causing him to speak instead. "Let go!" he shouted, trying to kick them in the shins. They seemed very intent on getting him back to his hospital bed, probably a good idea, Vomo thought, as he could now see red at the edges of his vision. He sagged back, his heavy eyelids closing once more. He felt the physicians take his weight, keeping him from the floor, and then saw Imar in front of him. Vomo couldn't tell the expression on his face, he could barely even see him.

<Tag Imar for last 2 paragraphs. Tag Javin/Carl, too.>

[Carl Torek]

The next few days passed quickly. Carl was now able to move around the ward, and on the third day, Geban had insisted the family be moved .. They now had a private room, three beds where they could be together. Carl had sat with Galla for hours on end, urging her back to health. Bethan too had been here helping nurse her parents back to health in her own way ...

Carl sat watching Galla and Bethan. In reality, he had known these two people for only days, or was it weeks, months, he'd lost track of time now, it seemed so long since the Raven. Galla knew who she was, who Carl was, but Bethan was a different matter. How could she look at Carl and see her father ?.

"Penny for them."

Carl snapped out of his wanderings as he knew he'd been spoken to.

"What, sorry, I must have been day-dreaming."

"You can't dream in the day Daddy, thats silly. You dream when you are asleep." Bethan said as Doctor Geban entered the room.

"Galla, Bethan, I hope you are feeling well. Could I have a word in private Javin ?"

Carl followed the Doctor into the other room, and once they were alone Carl asked what was going on. First off, he wanted to know about the explosions ... It was more than obvious that Geban knew Carl's identity and was keeping up the facade for whatever reason. Maybe he was under orders, it didn't matter at the moment, because Geban was about to confirm his thoughts.

"Javin .... Something is happening." the doctor said, almost in a whisper, "I know you can help us, but ..."

"But no-one wants to admit my crew and myself have been brought here against our will, not to mention brain-washed into believing we bloody well belong here !" Torek interupted.

"Please .... Keep your voice down, I beg you. If ... 'They' ... Find out you are aware, you will be taken for more severe treatment, and believe me Captain, you don't want to go down that route. You have no idea what they can do, especially to a young, un-conditioned mind ..."

Torek could have killed the man where he stood for that one comment, but his Vulcan half prevented that, thus he held himself motionless, waiting for what Geban had to say next.

"The explosions were the culmination of umpteen attempts by a faction to be given recognition. They tried talk, they tried compromise, but got nowhere. They want nothing more than the right to choose Captain. To choose to remain here, go to the home-world, or indeed return to their former lives .. I know what you are going to ask, Why do they need to practically beg for their freedom if you will. But 'they' simply will not allow discussion on the subject, choosing to ignore the requests, and finally the demands. Hundreds of people have vanished, for want of a better explanation, to re-appear weeks or months later with new lives, new memories, drones, nothing more, and within weeks they are gone for good to the Kobaltak home-world !"

"What do you want from me ?" Carl asked.

"Help." Geban said matter of factly, "We need your help to get our world back."

"From who ?"

"They are called the Kobaltak .." Geban could see Torek knew nothing of the species so elaborated, "They are a distant relative to the Kobali. But where Kobali inhabited dead or recently deceased, the Kobaltak have learned to inhabit living beings ... They first bring them here, then through the use of drugs, rid the host of their past memories, grooming them into a new life, then once 'ready' they, or their programmed body if you will, are taken to receive their new owner. The Kobaltak then live out their lives as, well, us ....." Geban lowered his head in shame at what he had been part of for over a decade. Sending hundreds if not thousands of men, women, even children, to what can only ever be described as their deaths !

"We need to be free of these parasites Captain !" Geban continued to plead, watching Torek closely for signs he could be wrong asking this man for help, but knew his next comment would incite a reaction, " ... We need your help, and that of your Federation, but there is one other reason you might want to consider helping us Carl ..... I told you they take men and women, but also ... Children."

The full impact of Geban's words hit Carl like nothing he could have imagined.

They would take Bethan ! ..........

[Andae Blakus]

"I bet you're fed up with seeing my face," Vomo told Imar Mrager, whom had come around to check on him again. Vomo was out of the worst of it now. It had been some mistake leaving his bed while his brainwaves were being intensely monitored. Without the full status of what was happening in his head known, then his attempted escape from the bed could've been as good as committing suicide.

The quip Vomo had just made was of dubious success. Deciding that now probably wasn't the time for jokes, Vomo took a different tack. "Did Javin remember you? I would be surprised if he didn't." Still unable to gauge the Doctor's reaction, he finally asked, "Did you get my letter?"

<Tag Jamison>

Feeling uncomfortable, restless, unsure what to do, Vomo found himself looking to the ward's ceiling. "The plan," he started, "Was to head out for my supposed home in a couple of days. Now I've missed all the ferries. I don't imagine one will be heading out any time soon either.

"I need to find something out..." Vomo muttered, trailing off, "I don't feel right around here. Please don't tell me I'm not well enough yet."

Odd, ironic, sick, Vomo thought. That he'd apparently been mended mentally - or at least conditioned so that he was in a position where he'd quickly recover, and regain his memories - but was now being kept for physical reasons. It was such terrible luck. Whatever, whoever had caused his sudden passing out, had earned Vomo's partial hatred. Frustration bit at him, he was unable to do what he pleased, continually hindered.

"Doctor," Vomo called over to Mrager, whom had gone to check on some medical equipment. He beckoned for Imar to come closer, 'til he was in whispering range. Still, Vomo nervously glanced around to make sure no one else was near. "Will you help me get out of here?"

<Tag Jamison>

[robertsharp]

"I'm sorry Commander, but until I have an adequate explanation for you being here, then I cannot in all faith hand over Command. You will have free run of the ship and your advice or suggestions will be welcomed. But for the time being ....." It was one of those stand-off moments, while Sharp took in what the Chief Engineer had said, "Now have you any information that can help us, do you have any thoughts on how they disabled the Raven and flung her across the system ?" ..........

"Commander I understand your feelings but as the ranking officer and bridge officer I'm taking command your needed in engineering. WE need to get this ship at 100% or as close as we can get it you can do that better in engineering than in command."


<tagMcLean>

[Carl Torek]

(Star drive section)

"Commander ..." Sharp began, hoping not to be interrupted again, "I understand your feelings. But as the ranking Officer and Bridge Officer I'm taking command. You are needed below. We need to get this ship at one hundred percent, or as close as we can get it. You can do that better from engineering than in Command ..."

The small Bridge was totally silent as Rob finished speaking. Scott glanced at the two Security Officers stationed next to the turbo-lift, their expressions remained neutral. He wasn't happy that he had, for the present, no explanation as to how their Navigation Officer had been transported across a star system, but the man was right, he could do more from the Engineering station or engineering itself .. 'leave Command to those that want it' he thought wryly.

"Agreed Commander. You have the Con." Scott said, stepping to one side of the Command seat.

"Thank you Commander, Scott." Rob said, making the transition more friendship based, "Whats our status ?"

Scott settled into giving a full report. Even at their increased speed, they were still almost three and a half days away from their next sling-shot maneuver. He wanted to use the added power they had gained to strengthen the shields and inertial dampers. It would be possible, albeit a hell of a lot more dangerous, to dip even lower into the next planets atmosphere. The increased speed would be torture on the ship, not to mention the crew, but it would knock almost a week off their journey time.

"Navigation and angle of attack are going to be critical." Scott said quietly, "Erin is a damn good Helm officer."

Rob glanced at the young Lieutenant currently sitting at the Con. No-one was in any doubt that she was good, as no-one doubted his own expertise. But Rob knew he had set the rules now. He couldn't both Command 'and' man the Helm.

"Agreed." Rob replied, turning back to Scott, "We'll work on the approach together. Anything else I should know ?"

"Well the replicator is refusing to make cappuccino." Scott replied, trying hard to keep his face straight.

But neither man managed it, and broke out into a fit of laughter. It was the ice-breaker the Bridge needed and everyone visibly relaxed ..........

[Carl Torek]

Carl had been released from the hospital and had taken Bethan home. Galla was still under observation for the injuries she sustained, but had been assured she would be going home soon.

~~~~~~~~~~

The next day, after taking Bethan to school, Carl headed over to the hospital. He wanted to visit Galla before going home. Her treatment was going well, and Doctor Geban was hopeful she would be home within days. At lunch time Galla was tired and asked Carl to go so she could sleep. Promising to be back later that day with Bethan, he headed toward the exit.

As he neared the doors he noticed two men ahead of him. He was certain that one of them was the man now known as Vomo, the other was a Doctor he couldn't remember. He was about to call out when he noticed the two acting oddly. Nothing drastic, nothing to attract attention, but to Carl's trained eye, a little suspicious. It had been years since he had used the ocular implant to his benefit, but now he focused on the two while increasing his pace a little. It was definitely Blakus, and he was beginning to show signs of stress ..

Both men reached the doors some fifteen meters ahead of Torek an turned toward the garden area. Passing through the doors Carl followed.

"Andae ?" he said as they reached a secluded part of the path, "Vomo."

His Executive Officer turned as if hit by lightning, a schoolboy caught skipping class. The Doctor, Mrager, turned too, eyes darting left and right. 'What the hell were these two up to ?' he wondered.

"Vomo. Remember me, Ca ... Javin ... We met some time ago ?" Carl watched the man closely, because he still wasn't sure what was going on. He had definitely caught these men in some unauthorized act, that was certain, "Is everything OK ?"

"Yes, erm, yes we're just ..." Vomo began.

"Javin. It's good to see you are well. Your wife is recovering I trust." Mrager said casually, though not fooling Carl for a moment, "Mister Vomo and myself were just taking a walk in the garden, for, relaxation."

'This man is my Chief of Security' Torek thought, looking at Mrager, but knew he would not be open to the truth now, but maybe once he had Blakus convinced ...

"Would you mind if I spoke to Vomo for a moment Doctor, alone .. ?"

"Please do." Mrager said, moving off to one side to give them privacy.

"Andae." Carl said quietly, "You know me and I know who you really are ... Look, I can convince you that you do if you will give me the chance. You are Commander Andae Blakus. Executive Officer of the USS ... Raven." Carl said quickly as Vomo looked increasingly worried.

< tag : Vomo >

"Then before you leave please meet at my home. I will not keep you longer than necessary, and you can leave un-noticed from there." Torek continued quickly, knowing the Doctor was going to return soon, he took an item from his pocket, making sure to keep his back to Mrager, "Look at this ..."

"What is it ?" Vomo asked, glancing at the Doctor.

"You agree that this is not from this planet. That you have not seen anything like this before ... That it could be from ... Off-world ?"

Vomo touched the tricorder, but wouldn't take the device from Torek. A look of confusion started to form on his face as part of his mind tried to remember if, or where, he had seen this thing before. But before he could react further the Doctor approached them and Carl secreted the device away, a questioning look aimed at Vomo.

"We need to be going I'm afraid." Mrager said appologetically.

"Sorry I held you both up." Carl said, looking directly at Vomo, "Maybe we can meet again soon, Vomo ..."

The two locked eyes for a split second, before he and the Doctor turned and continued down the walkway.

Carl watched them go, hoping he had made the right decision in revealing their true identities ..........



< tag : Vomo / Imar / All >

[Andae Blakus]

Drifting off to a turbulent sleep, Vomo was instantly beset by disturbing and violent dreams. Assaulting him from all quarters of his psyche, he was lost in terror for the unprescribed and untellable length of time that the dreams conducted themselves over.

Something was wrong. Vomo felt himself becoming aware, in a horrifying spasm of regaining consciousness. It was as if he'd suddenly been punched in the back of the head. At first paralysed, he reacquired his motor function and even then a part of him was figuring out how such a phenomenon had occurred. At last he opened his eyes and shoved himself hurriedly from the bed, his muscles having been actuated into a nervy response to the terror.

With trembling fingers, he detached all the medical intrusions that were attached to his body. Slowly, carefully he removed the catheter from his wrist. This time he vowed that they wouldn't be able to put it back in. In a short time Vomo was gone from the room, soft curtains - separating his bed from the next - fluttering with the stirred air induced by his departure.

A barely functioning underlay of logic pierced Vomo's thought at various points along his psychic matrix. He was running through corridors, searching for the exit. This small logical part of him told him that he must be heading the right way, because it had been absurdly easy so far. Doctor Mrager must have assisted his escape as requested, lifting security checkpoints and occupying staff, clearing a path for Jrro Vomo to get out.

Passing by a glassed window, Vomo's wild eyes were attracted momentarily to the distant horizon. To his eminent confusion, he saw gigantic funnels, large plumes of dark cloud. He knew it had to be smoke.

---

OOC: NPC Lieutenant Richards on Raven

Richards watched with a feeling of lingering amusement as the situation - that had been developing on the bridge - slowly resolved itself. He looked from one to the other, Sharp and McLean, as the tension slowly dissipated. McLean went to leave the bridge, turning back as he reached the exit. He made a joke and a bout of forced laughter occurred.

Richards was not sure if the joke's humour was all that good, but it did serve to relax the moods of all the battle bridge's crew.

The fill-in tactical officer watched Sharp take command, the freshly red-collared officer taking his seat at the room's rough centre. Richards kept his eyes on him, even though of course, he knew that Sharp was not witness to his leer. "Orders, sir?" he enquired.

<Tag Robert>

---

Meanwhile, nearer to the star system's centre, on the mostly blue planet...

"You should stay here," Vomo said offhand to Imar, trying to break away by himself and at the same time thank the Doctor whom had just met up with him. Mrager followed him instead, insisting that he stay with him. Vomo gave him a strange glance; confused at why the Doctor seemed to want to stick with him. Whether it was for concern, or perhaps curiosity? he could not be sure.

Now they were scampering across the hospital's front lawn, charging for the exit at the end of the driveway and - what would hopefully be - safety. Not looking back, there were in truth just three thoughts, desires, if one willed, in his head. Escape. Home. Contentment.

Thus it was some surprise when his name was called by someone behind him; someone who wasn't Imar Mrager.

"Vomo." What else had the man said there? Vomo thought. He could tell who it was though, Javin, a person he felt he had befriended a bit at the Foundation Day. Vomo wanted to say things but Imar was stepping in, calmly explaining the situation. Vomo watched on, almost as an outside observer. He just needed to get out of this place, these two had just become irritatingly hindering presences, obstacles provided for him perhaps. He could let them argue... Run off... Would they notice?

"Andae." Carl said quietly, having asked Imar for a moment alone. "You know me and I know who you really are ... Look, I can convince you that you do if you will give me the chance. You are Commander Andae Blakus. Executive Officer of the USS ... Raven."

"What... What are you talking about?" Vomo muttered, only half paying Javin proper attention. His thoughts were admittedly still elsewhere. "You sound like.. Delik." The man, claiming himself to be someone other than Javin presumably. "Look, I need to be going," Vomo said, eyes darting to the end of the 'driveway', "I have a boat to catch."

The man, still calling himself Javin, not yet having told Vomo of his supposed true identity, looked around then fiddled around for something in his jacket pocket. "...please meet me at my home.." he was saying. But Vomo's attention was more on the silvery, metallic object he'd just revealed. What the hell was this?

All his attention was now on this thing, his wayward thoughts stalled for the time being and focussed directly on it. There was something about this thing.. this object.. device. He asked what it was, touching its surface briefly. Now he found himself caught even more by surprise at this thing; his hand recoiled. A strong feeling of... something, was attached to it.

As quick as it had appeared, the object was now snuffled out of sight, back in Javin's pocket. Imar was back. Nodding to the Doctor, Vomo started walking again towards the exit. The dregs of his previous goals coming back to him fast, as if they had not been gone in the first place. Still though, Vomo looked back at the receding form of Javin, and he gave him one single nod, as if to say, "I'll see you there, at your home."

<Tag Carl, Will>

[Andae Blakus]

The scene was unbelievable. A third - No, nearly half of the town had been obliterated, turned into a mainly flat expanse of rubble, shaded grey and brown with the terrifying equalisation of destruction that was prevalent in the place, shrouded on everything like a bleak impression of death.

"How did this happen?" asked Vomo, standing agape at the sight of it. He and Imar Mrager had an excellent view of the town from their vantage point, which was less than a kilometre away and on the lip of a hill overlooking the settlement.

Imar explained slowly, knowing that every word would come as stabs of shock to the listener. But he told it all the same.

"I don't understand.. How could I have been deceived into thinking -" Vomo cut himself off mid-sentence. What he could not comprehend was how the town could have been so utterly devastated without his knowledge.
As Imar had explained, the reason for his survival was that he'd been on the edge of the blast zone. Just as Javin had been, and just as that man's wife and daughter had been. The group of them, Imar had said, were lucky that the explosions had not extended over from the next street.

They had been fortunate... Vomo thought and knew, But not as fortunate as her. It was only now with slow realisation that he understood what must have happened... She, the woman, had been talking, answering his question with an indelible, irresistible smile carved into her features. He'd just asked her a question, and then it had hit them; both of them. She must have died.

Cusping his head in his hands and crouching to his haunches, Vomo let out a slow, unsteady breath.

* * *

They went down into the town, weaving there way close to but never quite touching the regions of destruction. Working their way towards one of the intact main residential areas, of which Imar knew the location of from memory, the pair approached Javin's house. Vomo nodded to Imar and the Doctor stepped away. This was Jrro Vomo's task alone, just as Javin had specified.

As Vomo knocked firmly on Javin's front door, he briefly speculated on what Doctor Mrager would do with himself in the mean time.

<Tag Will>

There was the sound of running footsteps inside, fast approaching the door. It opened and Vomo peeked around the corner, into... blank space. There was the sound of throat being cleared and he looked down. There stood stoutly a small girl. It was the one from the hospital. Of course.. Javin's daughter. "Hello," he greeted politely.

"Daddy," the girl called behind her, "There's a man at the door, he's from the hospital I've seen him there."

"And at Foundation Day, too," Vomo said with a smile, peering down now that the door was fully open. Javin soon approached, standing behind his daughter and watching Vomo. Vomo looked up, still waiting to be welcomed in. "You wanted to show me something?" he asked of Javin.

Vomo was led into a side room, surprised that Javin seemed to have a lot of clothes and other strange things on display. There was one garment with a rather bizarre appearance, a black jacket with grey parts around the shoulders and chest. There was also a red-maroon coloured vest, that seemed to go with the jacket quite well. To Vomo's surprise, it was this item that Javin chose to point out. Only when he lifted it up to him, did the oddly sick but now very familiar sensation of recognition hit.

<Tag Carl>