Deleted
Registered: Mar 29, 2024 7:02:41 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2012 5:08:25 GMT
*Mission concept submitted by Capt. Cornette*
At one of the furthest points in Federation space, almost right next door to the Tholian Empire, is a system known as the Acturus System. Of the three planets that make up this system, only Acturus III is known to have any life. The Nahrid* are an aquatic species that applied for Federation membership a few years ago and are carefully being considered. However. Now word has gotten back to Starfleet that the Nahrid also posses a sonic weapon with unknown capabilities. Membership talks have ceased and Captain Jamison and the crew of the Rainier have been dispatched to Acturus III under the guise of a diplomatic fact finding mission with orders on the side to gather as much information as possible about this new weapon.
*The Nahrid are an aquatic species that live and breathe under water. They can NOT breathe air. (Think mermaids)
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With the Rainiers new mission in hand, Will returned the bridge. He turned to his Communications officer as soon as he stepped out of the lift.
"Have all senior officers report to the briefing room in one hour." he ordered.
"Aye, sir." came the reply.
Will walked into his ready room and tapped his commbadge. "Captain Cornette." he said. "Please report to my ready room."
As he sat and waited for his XO, he began preparing for the staff meeting.
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Deleted
Registered: Mar 29, 2024 7:02:41 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2012 18:25:57 GMT
One hour. That wasn't much time to prepare for anything, Nathan mused as he received the call to report in an hour. He glanced over at the pool where Jayden was trying to teach their daughter how to remain afloat. Of course, the one-year old was far too young to even understand what was expected of her. And nine year old Freddy was too energetic and just kept splashing and bouncing about.
"Jay..I have to go, will you be all right here with them?"
The marine looked up and nodded, smiling brightly. "Sure. You'll be home for dinner?"
"Of course." Since the man was in the middle of the pool, trying for a kiss was moot, so Nathan simply waved and went to change, before heading to his office. Staff briefings were so much fun... Nathan rolled his eyes to himself as he sat down at his desk and activated his terminal. As a civilian he didn't have the access a Starfleet departmenthead had, so he had to make do with what he could find out.
All he had been sent was the name of a species he'd never heard about but after a little research, he smiled. A water planet, now that was going to be interesting for certain. There was little more he could do, but wait for the briefing to start. Looking at the old fashioned clock on his desk, he frowned. His research had taken him a little more time than he had anticipated, and now he had to run to be on time for the briefing. Literally.
On the plus, ever since his assignment to the Rainier as chief counselor, he hadn't suffered any more heart attacks, and he was still in excellent physical condition so the run was not much of a burden. All the same, he was slightly out of breath when he arrived in the briefing room.
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Lorna Holsen
Commander
Registered: Nov 5, 2007 11:54:02 GMT
Posts: 296
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Post by Lorna Holsen on Jun 6, 2012 21:50:59 GMT
Lorna was sprawled on the sofa in her quarters she was reading a letter from her brother and trying not to laugh too hard. She had her feet on the coffee table and Cris's head in her lap. Cris was attempting to compose a letter to her parents but laughing at Nicholas' antics meant that she had yet to get past the first paragraph.
The summons to the briefing room caused Lorna to wriggle off the sofa, attempting to get up without dislodging her wife. Cris was no making it easy.
"Why are you in a rush? They said you had an hour."
Lorna raised an eyebrow, "You know precisely why. I'm not going to go to a staff meeting in my workout clothes sporting a bruise across my cheekbone." She sighed. "Yes, I know it was my own fault and I should have ducked but all the same I need to get changed and get patched up and then get up to date on anyone else who's earned a trip to sickbay.
Cris laughed and sat up in one smooth movement. She understood exactly what Lorna was say but that didn't mean that she hadn't contemplated tossing their comm badges in the recycler when their alone time was interrupted. "Go get ready then." Once Lorna had got up Cris sprawled out again and carried on with her letter. Senior staff briefing usually meant that a mission was imminent and that meant that she might not have time later.
Lorna came out of the bedroom straightening her uniform jacket. She leaned over to plant a kiss on Cris's forehead. "I'll see you for dinner later."
Cris nodded, "And you'll let me know if for some reason you can't make it." Lorna managed a half smile, she had said that a few times. "Exactly." She squeezed Cris's hand and then headed off to sickbay.
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By the time Lorna reached the briefing room she was completely up to date on her section and K'Lana had fixed her bruise. She entered the briefing room and greeted the others present before settling in her seat and placing her PADD on the table in front of her.
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Kaylana Cornette
Captain
Creativity is allowing oneself to make mistakes; art is knowing which ones to keep.
Registered: Jun 4, 2003 8:01:59 GMT
Posts: 435
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Post by Kaylana Cornette on Jun 7, 2012 0:49:47 GMT
Joint post with Jamison
In the mess hall, Kay was trying to recover from the embarrassment of Michael’s public display when she got the call from the Captain. Relieved, she pushed away from the table and set off quickly. Over her shoulder, she asked, “Hey, you… Acting XO… sign me in as back from leave, will ya? Thanks!”
Michael looked annoyed at first, and then smiled as she referred to him as ‘XO’.
Kay made a beeline for her quarters, changed into uniform and took a glance in the mirror to smooth down her hair. She ran her hand over her uniform and gave a quick grin at her reflection. ”It is good to be back.”
Her brisk pace brought her to the bridge and at the Captain’s ready room door in record time. She announced her presence with the chime and waited until she heard Will’s acknowledgment.
“You sent for me, sir?” Kay was still feeling chagrined by her shuttle shenanigans so she approached his desk humbly and ready for whatever punishment he saw fit to give her. Instead, Will seemed eager to move on and he waved her to take a seat.
"First, I would like to welcome you back. I hope your leave was enjoyable," Will said before continuing. He retrieved a PADD from his desktop and extended to his XO. "We've been given our mission," he added.
Kay studied the PADD, scrolling through details of Acturus III, happy that Will’s inquiry about her leave was rhetorical.
“What do you think?” he asked.
“It’s very blue,” Kay observed and wondered if this were the time to tell her Captain she was deathly afraid of large bodies of water. She could swim, float some, and generally get around in a swimming pool, but the thought of being buried underwater with only millimeters of an eviron-suit keeping you from drowning was not pleasant to her.
Will fought the desire to roll his eyes at her. Had she always been this flippant and he hadn’t noticed it before or was the constant exposure to Aarons rubbing off on her? ”Of course it’s very blue. Worlds made up entirely of water usually are.”
“I’m sorry,” Kay stumbled over her words. “I have a… an aversion to water.” She took the reins of her emotions and focused on the words displayed in her palm. “This part is interesting… it appears the Universal Translator has had trouble deciphering their language. That problem will exaggerate with our wearing suits. Communicating with them will be a challenge.”
"I agree," Will replied. "I would like for you to get with Communications and see if there's anything they can do to help with that part. As for the weapon, well, I'm sure you know how sonic waves work. I think the best way to approach that is to wait and see if we can determine exactly what it does."
Kay nodded. “Makes sense. Sonic waves intensify in water… travel for miles… like the calls of whales on Earth. It could be quite powerful.” She looked up at him. “I don’t know about you, but I would feel very uncomfortable with this mission. Starfleet has put the Rainier in a very precarious spot. A diplomatic spying mission?” She snorted derisively. “More suited to the Romulans than to us.”
"I understand your position, Number One, but orders are orders. For now, let's just see what they have," Will said.
“You’re right,” she exhaled with exasperation. “This is how Starfleet operates. The Federation needs to dance on tiptoes with the Nahrid and you are just the man to strap on the toe shoes.” She cocked her head at him, wondering if he was getting all her ballet references. The smile spreading at the corners of his mouth told her he did.
“How much of your time on the Majesty do you remember,” she asked him, laying the PADD in her lap and crossing her legs.
Will relaxed and allowed a brief smile to spread across his lips as he remembered a wonderful dinner that he and Kay had once shared during one of their shore leaves. "I remember quite a bit of it actually. It was technically, my first assignment and you tend not to forget those," he added. "It was a wonderful learning experience."
"I remember that meal as well… didn’t think you would… it was so long ago.” A thousand memories swept over her as she paused. “We were always a little quirky on my ship. Protocol wasn’t necessarily the most important part of the crew’s duty. I picked up that command style from Commodore Kruse.” She took a slow breath and let it out equally as slow as she thought of her mentor and her lost ship. “His style worked on the Majesty. However, I want to assure you that, in spite of my recent behavior, I will do everything in my power to support you. I’ll adapt to your command style and will respect your role as captain.” She looked far away, lost in thought. “I am beginning to think I may be more suited to the XO position anyway.”
"I appreciate that. The crew’s respect is very important. And while my style may not be as relaxed, mostly due to the other styles I have been shown, I do want the crew to get along with each other and enjoy their time aboard the Rainier," he said. "And as far as you being better suited for the XO position? I personally disagree. You were a fine commanding officer and will be once again. I'm sure of it. I'm also very pleased to have you aboard. As a new CO, I will value your experience," he told her.
“We'll see,” she said warmly. Kay stood and turned to exit. "Thank you, Captain. I'll see you in the briefing room."
“One more thing, Captain,” Jamison called out. “Unless you're down in Communications working on the translator, you’re confined to quarters until we reach Acturus III.”
She smiled broadly at him. “I wouldn’t have expected anything less.”
Kay left and immediately headed for the briefing. Getting there early would allow her time to read up on Acturus III before everyone arrived.
As she walked, the conversation with Will kicked around in her head, replaying and sinking in. She smiled to herself as she thought how he had called her ‘Number One.’ It surprised her that Jamison had referred to her with "Big" Bill's old-school title for her. Kay, out of nostalgia, had often used it for Commander TEG. Maybe that is where Will picked it up. It was nice to hear it again.
She reached the briefing room and settled in to a chair. This mission bothered her. Perhaps it was cynicism creeping in, but Kay no longer implicitly trusted Starfleet’s motives, especially when it involved new, powerful weapons technology. She had good reason to mistrust given her past experience. The Nahrid, unless totally naïve, would undoubtedly suspect all outsiders as spies. The pretense needed, the diplomatic pomp and disingenuous pleasantries this mission would require left Kay with a sour taste in her mouth.
Shifting in her chair, she noticed it was nearly time for everyone to arrive. She lightly tossed the PADD on the conference table and passed the last few moments of solitude by staring out the viewport.
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Michael Aarons
Commander 1C
Boldly going forward 'cause I can't find reverse
Registered: Jun 27, 2003 18:19:57 GMT
Posts: 537
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Post by Michael Aarons on Jun 8, 2012 3:43:58 GMT
Michael entered the Observation Lounge. Though the experience was all but over, there were still various obligations that followed the life of serving as XO. Not surprisingly, he wasn’t the first to arrive nor had he planned it to be.
Kaylana was already there and staring out into the cosmos as she often liked to. Even when in company she could be spotted drifting toward the view of space offered nearby.
He crossed to the other side noting Nathan and Lorna’s early presence as well taking a seat up toward the captain’s spot as needed. There was light conversation but he took no part in it but instead watched Kaylana and contemplated.
He had told her he loved her. Was that a good thing? Perhaps even now it might have been better if he hadn't lest then there would be a friendship, an acquaintance, anything but the damn questions ringing in his head.
He had no idea, what she herself thought back. The tender kiss… flirting… the loving encounters; did she actually love him? What did he mean when he said it? For such a simple indulgence it tore him up, bereft him of any reason even in his own malarkey thought patterns.
Kay sat in her self meditation thinking about everything. The subtle curve of her face and the gentle form of her lips as her pondering deepened; he forced himself to almost smile as he admired every artful detail that made her such the fascinating creature.
Maybe she’d been another part of him, the side that needed to be there or else nothing within him would ever fully exist. No endeavor could ever seed in that twisted ego and, as much as he was his own person, she was the Human half, the planter of that seed. It was her that made him even 1/10th of a person; it was as if she was his better half.
All the odd moments between the two of them strode a knife’s edge that something might destroy the familiarity that enriched the time they’d known each other. That was the gift she possessed. It was never ever likely that he could reject her from the greater milieu of things happening around him. She was just a canvas, a canvas where before he’d scrawled upon the wall but here, he could better himself, hone his artistry and learn exactly what it was to be himself.
He found her beautiful. His heart did. Maybe just his eyes –why not? She was beautiful! She had so many nuances. Colorful little words, a sculpted sentence; it didn't matter. During their time together it was so full of the gripping energies the mind feeds on that it was a delight just to hear her voice than sit in solitude of his own thoughts.
Michael was now all the more perplexed. Did he want her simply because she was a joy, a friend? Did he want a delight from some tender moment that eased his loneliness or did he love her mind?
Maybe he should have kept his damn mouth shut because he loved her.
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Deleted
Registered: Mar 29, 2024 7:02:41 GMT
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jun 13, 2012 20:25:42 GMT
Will entered the Observation Lounge and found that the senior staff were all present.
"Good. Let's get started." he said as he made his way to his seat. "In case you haven't heard, we are headed to a planet called Acturus III. They have applied to join the Federation and we are being sent out as a diplomatic envoy to basically size them up. It's located out near the Tholian Empire and the inhabitants are called the Nahrid. They are an underwater species, meaning they can not breathe air. So I hope all of you have updated diving certs because we're going swimming."
As Will was giving his briefing, he could see the look on his XOs face. He knew she was waiting for him to get to the "side mission".
"While we're in transit, Captain Cornette will be working with our Communications people to make sure our translators and dive suits work together." he said with a nod toward her. All he got in return was a look asking if he was going to share the rest of their mission.
"Persistent" he thought.
"Okay. Now the rest of this briefing is classified." he said as he looked around the table. Everyone present was cleared. "The Federation has also discovered that the Nahrid have some sort of sonic weapon. They have no idea as to its capabilities. We are to, discreetly as possible, try to discover what it does and report back. The council is actually holding off the voting until this is done. Any questions?"
<Tag All>
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Kaylana Cornette
Captain
Creativity is allowing oneself to make mistakes; art is knowing which ones to keep.
Registered: Jun 4, 2003 8:01:59 GMT
Posts: 435
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Post by Kaylana Cornette on Jun 17, 2012 6:24:12 GMT
Kaylana was barely aware of the others as they entered into the meeting one by one. She didn’t turn to acknowledge anyone, not wanting to ignore them, but rather not wanting to relinquish her thoughts.
She thought of how no one knew. It was nearly seven years ago now. She and TEG alone had been spared from the mind cleansing the Starfleet brass ordered performed on all of the Majesty crew. There was no one she could tell. The entire mission had been classified. A weapon, and its destructive powers, had been at the heart of that mission as well. And after it was over, Kay learned to doubt, to be less trusting, and cynicism had slowly crept in. She wanted to share all of this with Will, to warn him not to take everything Starfleet fed him as truth. But, she couldn’t. Instead, she stared out into the stars, pensive and forlorn.
Several minutes passed before she felt eyes watching her. She turned slightly and saw Michael staring at her from across the table, a strange half-smile on his lips. She squinted a bit at him and smiled back. How long had he been there staring at her? Kay was about to ask him what he was looking at when Will strode in.
After Will finished, Kay felt satisfied. He had read her expression clearly and had informed the crew of the classified nature of the mission. Her advice as an Executive Officer, and former Captain on a similar mission, would be kept close to the vest for now.
The meeting broke and Kay brought up the current duty roster on her PADD, reviewing who was available in the communications department. Two names floated to the top; Milliken and Estevez. She checked the time and decided there was no time like the present to get started.
Cornette started to exit when Michael met her at the door.
“What was all that staring about?” she asked quietly. “I was beginning to think my hair was sticking up or something.”
It was not the time or the place to tell her truthfully why he was fixated on her earlier. “It was better to stare at you than at Nathan,” he quipped.
She laughed at his obvious joke and quickly changed the subject. “I want to get started sorting out our comm. difficulties.” She walked along with Michael down the corridor to the lift, ironically, the same hallway that hours earlier they had strolled down hand in hand. “Looks like there is some limited translated text in the data stores, but I have a feeling it’s scattered throughout our libraries. It may take several hours just to compile a good representation of simple phrases. And from there, you know how intricate it can be to program it into the UT.” She faked a pathetic look. “And, after I’m finished there, I have been confined to quarters for my little… joy ride we took earlier, so I’m afraid I won’t be able to see you for a while.”
“No problem. I’ll have my own pet project going. I’ll be making a shuttlecraft useful underwater.” He smiled wryly. “Now that's a new form of irony; a submarine on a starship.”
They reached Kay’s destination together. She looked up and down the corridor, making sure it was deserted, and kissed him goodbye. Chuckling a bit, she said, “Have you ever thought that maybe this is so fun because we have to be secretive?”
Michael thought for a moment about how all of their feelings, intimate actions, and the general state of their relationship had been, so far, behind closed doors. It was more personal – even better than some form of dating or official status. “Maybe,” he smiled sweetly at her. “But, it is nice.”
She squeezed his hand and slowly and reluctantly released it as she entered into the comm. office.
“It’s good to have her back,” he thought as the closing doors took her from his sight.
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Deleted
Registered: Mar 29, 2024 7:02:41 GMT
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jun 20, 2012 9:04:13 GMT
After the briefing, Will had gone back to his ready room and submitted his reports. Two days later, he now found himself on the bridge with a bunch of junior officers that he had yet to meet. His senior staff were all off making preparations for the mission. They would be back on the bridge once the Rainier entered the star system of their destination. They still had a few days before they arrived so he decided to get some updates. However, he was bored just sitting around so he decided to go see his staff personally.
"You have the Conn, Mr. Delik." he said as he headed for the lift.
A few moments later, he entered the comm office to see his XO tediously studying a readout on the console before her.
"How's it going, Number One?" he asked as he approached.
<Tag XO>
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Kaylana Cornette
Captain
Creativity is allowing oneself to make mistakes; art is knowing which ones to keep.
Registered: Jun 4, 2003 8:01:59 GMT
Posts: 435
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Post by Kaylana Cornette on Jun 20, 2012 16:17:24 GMT
The comfort of hot tea in her favorite cup helped steel her for the task. She took a quick sip as she sat down at her desk. She premeditated her words, changed them, and rewrote them in her mind several times before finally requesting a subspace channel to Earth. It was necessary to speak with him; a recorded message wouldn’t do and was a well-established social faux pas.
After a sizeable wait, his face appeared on her screen.
“Hello, Stephen.”
“Kaylana… good to hear from you.”
She swallowed and steeled herself again. “You won’t want to hear what I have to say…”
“You’re staying, aren’t you?” he asked flatly.
Taken aback, she searched his face to read it. “How did you know?”
“I know you. I knew the moment you left here, you wouldn’t be back.”
“How could he know when I didn’t even know myself?” Kay questioned within her. “I’m… I’m very sorry, Stephen.”
He smiled sadly, pitying her. “I hope you find whatever it is that will make you happy.”
“Me too …and I want you to find it too,” she answered genuinely.
Stephen sighed audibly. “I think I have, Kay.”
Kay? Did he just call her Kay? Not Kaylana? That’s a first.”
“Lana and I… well, we’ve decided to make a go at this business of your father’s.” He faltered, words becoming difficult to form. “She’s… different from you, Kay. She’s content here.”
“She IS me, Stephen,” Kay said, resentment surfacing.
“Not exactly. Not to me, anyway,” he defended. “Lana wants to be here with me.”
Kay stiffened in her chair, the realization hitting her square in the gut. “I see.” She fought back the reflex to push the disconnect button. How gratifying it would be to tap it and have him fizzle away into nothingness. “So, my clone gets to live my dream of home and family?” Kay processed through her tinge of jealousy. She inhaled sharply and her body quivered slightly as her emotions threatened to overtake her. “I’m glad for you, Stephen. You and Lana both… really, I am.” Her eyes involuntarily begin to tear. “Hey… tell Dad I’ll talk to him soon, OK? I need to go… tell Lana hello from me too. Take care.”
She ended the transmission not knowing if Stephen responded or not. All she wanted was to escape before he saw her break.
Her reaction surprised her.
Several hours and cups of tea later, Kay settled into a stupor. Stephen had every right to replace her. She obviously was about to dump him anyway. Somehow, he had perceived it. Lana was a logical choice, despite how weird it was. Kay had actually begun to see Lana as a sister, not just a glob of genetically engineered cells.
Now, truly over the shock, she did wish the two of them well. ”I just wish I could have dumped him first,” she thought and laughed at her silliness.
The door chime beckoned and Kay rose to answer it.
<tag Aarons>
"How's it going, Number One?" Will asked as he approached.
Kay pulled her gaze away from the screen and attempted to focus on Will, wiping the blur from her eyes. “Slowly, Captain.” She gestured him over to look at her screen. “We’ve run into a snag with translating their vocalizations.” She pointed to a graph. “The reason humanoids have had so much trouble communicating with the Nahrid is because the majority of their language falls into the infrasonic range. That’s anything below 20 hertz and is outside of our hearing. A few humanoids - Vulcans, for example – can hear below that, but I digress.”
She tapped a second graph on the screen to enlarge it. “They do have language that falls well into our auditory range, but from what we can find it’s mostly used for pleasantries – talk they consider to be daily banter, as in ‘how are you, where are you going’ and other frequently used phrases. The real meat of their language – how they interpret emotions and express ideas – is in the infrasonic realm.”
Kaylana straightened her back to stretch out the kinks. She had been sitting there an awfully long time. “There aren’t a lot of data recordings of their infrasonic language. Most of the outworlders who have visited them were humanoid and didn’t think to record below 20 hertz. You have to adjust your recording settings to pick it up.”
She turned away from the screen and faced Jamison. “I’m attempting now to find some basic nouns and verbs in hopes that we might at least be able to ask some pertinent questions. However, I think the majority of the language will have to be learned once we get there.”
Kay exhaled tiredly. “I’m sorry, Will, but this may be one of those ‘fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants’ missions we captains enjoy so much.”
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Michael Aarons
Commander 1C
Boldly going forward 'cause I can't find reverse
Registered: Jun 27, 2003 18:19:57 GMT
Posts: 537
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Post by Michael Aarons on Jun 20, 2012 16:56:56 GMT
Will expressed the need for extra transport should the need arise.
“Yes, I can have something rigged and ready to go,” Aarons said.
The briefing was over shortly after Jamison had gone into the particulars of the secrecy involved. Everybody broke though not all immediately. Kay sat staring at some business on her PADD before getting up to leave herself.
The two of them met at the door where she began to ask about his interests in her earlier. Rather than elaborate on every thought he managed to offer it was better than staring at Nathan.
“Looks like there is some limited translated text in the data stores, but I have a feeling it’s scattered throughout our libraries. It may take several hours just to compile a good representation of simple phrases,” she began along their walk. Michael listened, which was fine for him, it meant for an easier time enjoying her company.
“I have been confined to quarters for my little… joy ride we took earlier, so I’m afraid I won’t be able to see you for a while,” she said suddenly. He turned his attention to her fully now as she mentioned her situation.
“No problem. I’ll have my own pet project going. I’ll be making a shuttlecraft useful underwater.” He smiled wryly. “Now that's a new form of irony; a submarine on a starship.” Kay gave a little acknowledgement to comment.
They reached Kay’s destination together. She looked up and down the corridor, making sure it was deserted, and kissed him goodbye. Chuckling a bit, she said, “Have you ever thought that maybe this is so fun because we have to be secretive?”
Michael thought for a moment about how all of their feelings, intimate actions, and the general state of their relationship had been so far behind closed doors. It was more personal – even better than some form of dating or official status. “Maybe,” he smiled sweetly at her. “But, it is nice.”
She squeezed his hand and slowly and reluctantly released it as she entered into the comm. office.
Hours later. Michael checked over the shuttle. It had the reinforced structure allowing it the access to higher pressures, the intakes wouldn’t become taken with water; she was ready to be submerged. The task of fitting lights to allow her to see had been challenging but he had managed so.
He thought about how Kay was holding up alone in her quarters. It was lonely not having anywhere to go or to be with anyone. He found himself outside her door and he pressed the chime.
Kay hadn’t expected anybody to be at her door as she went to see who it could be. The door slid open to reveal Aarons. He had a pleasant smile as if wanting for nowhere else to be.
“I know you must be lonely in here all by yourself, no place to go. So I decided to come solve your problem.”
“Actually,” she said, “I don’t really do much moving around as it is.” He entered. “So you wanted to come and save me from my boredom?”
“Yeah. Sitting here in solace I thought maybe you’d need it. And you know I just love having you around me, it just gets so meaningless when there’s nobody around,” he teased lightly.
“Well after all, you ‘love’ me. You seem to have your mind set totally on us and being together. I can always count on that. But do you really expect that we might ever be something?” She placed her hands gently on his shoulders. “I’m older and we come from some different backgrounds,” she moved around in front of him, “could we really be lovers?”
“Hey, brains wrinkle in a good way.”
“Your usual way of taking things so flippant,” she admonished.
“You’re right, usually I’m being a complete jackass, but I do love you Kaylana. It’s an earnest one indeed as any person could love another. Whatever comes of it, if there is some romance in it, I’ll be there with you, and I’ll love you dearly.” His words flowed with proud confidence as he assured her he was ready for what might come after his declaration.
They sat together on the couch. Kay tidied her work a little. She’d made a few steps in her study and reviewed how the Nahrids had communicated in past dealings.
“So is this the first time you’ve ever told a woman you loved her?” Kay asked slowly.
“I said it once, to Liz, right before she left us.” His eyes wondered away in thought.
“That must have been a deep relationship you were in; all the things you’d been through together.”
“It was mostly a carnal one. We’d never discussed anything further on it. It was a matter of passions really.” He sounded more like he spoke of regret.
“Then why?”
“I was afraid to lose her. I desperately wanted her to stay. But, I let her go; it made her life better.”
“That is ‘love’,” she said. She watched him sit there with a certain ease she’d never seen before except in some obscure moment she’d been around him in his own place. Then he stopped. “Have you been able to recover from Shel’ak?”
“It was so very degrading. She took away so much dignity, all the while molesting and sexually belittling me. But through it all it was the feeling I was betraying Liz that hurt most.” Kay reached over to give him a comforting embrace as she noted a faltering tone in his voice. “The first time I’d had a really good dream since was just after you and I spent that time in the holodeck. It hurt more to wake up than to say, ‘end program’.”
“Tell me,” she pleaded.
He motioned her to lay back. She lay back as he cradled her head in his hands. With her eyes closed he began to describe the meadow and the golden colors. He stroked the sides of her hair gently which he could tell she enjoyed by the smile in the corner of her mouth.
“I had a dream about us once,” she told him after.
He bounded up as he sat across on the table looking at her. “Tell me,” he said, eager.
Kay told him of her dream of being an older couple, married, and how it came out of nowhere. The whole thing seemed silly but she was the only one really feeling foolish about it.
Michael plopped back on the couch next to her. “Maybe we are just a happily married couple. You make me happy, I make you. We’re not tired of each other, yet; I love you. We spend a lot of time together. Life seems so much more interesting, it’s new and fresh as I live it through you. I trust you. It’s never over so long as you’re still around and I’ll be there for you, I promise.” He then leaned in nuzzling his head on her neck. “Now don’t go having too many babies, I don’t want to be all worn out by the time you get home in the evening!” he teased. They giggled.
“During my time as a captive, I met this captain, Arblus. He seemed so happy when I was around him. But he didn’t live to see the end of it. I miss him. It would have been nice to let him feel a love like this, just once maybe.”
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 22, 2012 9:18:27 GMT
“I’m sorry, Will, but this may be one of those ‘fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants’ missions we captains enjoy so much.” "Great. And I sucked at languages." Will said with a grin. "Well. Keep working on it, Kay. If anyone can do it, I know you can," Will left to finish making his rounds. He stopped in to see how Aarons was coming along with his task. "Hello, Commander. Think you'll have her ready before we arrive?" he asked as he nodded toward the vessel in front of him. <Tag Aarons> Pleased with the way the submarine was coming along, Will departed once again. After a few more stops, he found himself standing before the ships counselors office. He waited for the chime to announce his arrival and than heard the call to enter. When the doors parted, he saw the doctor sitting at his desk. Will entered. "Hello doctor." Will began. "I was just wondering if you had heard anything from the crew about our current mission?" he asked. "I'm sure it's got more than a few of them nervous." <Tag Nathan>
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 22, 2012 19:52:43 GMT
"One moment captain," Nathan spoke as he leaned down then picked his two-year old up from the floor and pulled a toy from her mouth, setting it on the desk.
"Please, take a seat sir," he then invited as he considered the man's question. "I've not really spoken to many of the crew but gossip has it that some of the crew are quite excited about a possible dive. Of course it's likely that there are those who are more than a little nervous about going under water but I recommend not selecting those for an away mission."
He smiled slightly as he bounced Angel on his knee, the little girl making little happy sounds while suckling on her thumb. "As for me, I'm sure you know I'm an expert swimmer. Not a diver, but I am in fit physical condition and haven't had any health issues since coming on board. I would like to be part of the away team sir, I'm sure I can learn how to dive?"
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2012 23:45:07 GMT
Will walked the corridor on his way to the pool that was in the gymnasium. He entered just as Nathan and Lt Kramer were climbing out of the pool.
"Doctor." called Will. "How are the lessons coming along?" he asked.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 25, 2012 9:04:14 GMT
Nathan smiled as he removed the part that allowed him to breathe from his mouth, though he staggered a little under the weight of the airtank. "Not too badly," he grinned, "it's a little old fashioned this way but it works for now. And breathing under water takes some getting used to, but I think I'm doing all right?"
The counselor looked sideways at his instructor, who nodded. "He's doing well enough," Kramer supplied helpfully. "He won't be an expert within the next few days as that'll take years of practice and plenty of dives but he'll be ready for the away mission. By that time we'll have him used to our more ah...modern diving equipment."
"And Jayden's been quite the encouragement too," Nathan smiled as he looked over his shoulder to where his husband and children were sitting. "Really captain, I'm truly enjoying myself here. Learning a new useful skill, and having some fun and training at the same time. What more could I want?"
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 25, 2012 18:49:48 GMT
"It does look like fun." admitted Will. "I may need to get some time in myself before we arrive. Keep up the good work, Doctor and I will see you at the briefing before we head down to the planet."
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Kaylana Cornette
Captain
Creativity is allowing oneself to make mistakes; art is knowing which ones to keep.
Registered: Jun 4, 2003 8:01:59 GMT
Posts: 435
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Post by Kaylana Cornette on Jun 25, 2012 19:44:23 GMT
”Screeeech scree scrah (unknown) thrum thrummm blüp” translated to Federation standard “We are pleased to meet you and (unknown) you will count us as friends.” Kay had worked nearly an hour on isolating and matching the word ‘trust’ without success.
The basic platitudes would be easy. They could be heard and interpreted normally by the UT in the audible range. However, the equivalent for an important word like ‘trust’ couldn’t be found in any of the ship’s data stores and fell in the inaudible, infrasonic range.
Delving into the infrasonic language of the Nahrid was proving difficult. It was strange work to see language only as sound waves on a screen. It was like flying IFR - by instruments only – and she could only hope that the Nahrid were gracious enough to allow for the mistakes they would undoubtedly make. She knew the pleasantries would get them through their initial meeting, but words like ‘trust’ would be the words both parties would need to hear to cement lasting ties. The skeletal grammar structures she was constructing would, hopefully, expedite the computer’s work at filling in the gaps.
She sat on the couch beside Michael appearing to work on her Nahrid-speak. However, more often that she would admit, she was thinking about him.
Kay’s time with Michael was pleasant and relaxing. He allowed her the space to work alone and yet let her know her company was appreciated. They knew each other so well, but still had so many things to discover and, surprisingly, Kay was finding some depth beneath that boyish exterior.
Her world was changing rapidly. She felt the need to proceed slowly and cautiously even though Aarons was the reason she decided to stay. Kay knew that, in matters of the heart, she was neither experienced nor lucky. But, she also knew the risk Michael was taking would need a response in-kind. A declaration like his couldn’t dangle in the open air too long unreciprocated. She wondered how long he would wait on her.
As the Rainier drew closer to Acturus III, the duty fell to the First Officer to select the Away team. The geological team, oceanographers and bevy of others were easy enough to choose. There was even a request by the ship’s counselor to be on the team. Michael would obviously pilot the refitted sub-shuttle. Kay knew protocol called for her to lead the first team. Logically, as XO and as a member of the Diplomatic Corps, the job should fall to her. But, every time she thought of donning a suit and heading into the abyss, her heart pounded, her palms sweat and she found it difficult to breathe.
Knowing she had to talk to the Captain about it, Kay arranged to meet with him. He told her to meet him at the pool.
”The pool. The pool is fine. I’m OK with the pool - just as long as no one tries to push me in.”
Kaylana groaned softly as she approached, knowing full-well what her disclosure in front of Dr. van Breughel would mean; at the least, a session or two; at the most, a full-fledged intrusion into her psyche.
“Captain,” she started, hesitantly, “I’ve been putting together the Away team and …I’ve already alluded to my aversion to water. Well,” she shifted her weight from one foot to the next, “I need to inform you that I possess an unnatural fear of the water.”
Prideful, it bothered her immensely to admit flaws, though she knew she possessed many. “I respectfully ask that someone else lead this mission. My ‘problem’ could jeopardize its success.”
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2012 8:39:52 GMT
Will was suppose to meet Captain Cornette here at the pool as well but she had yet to arrive so he turned to go just as the doors opened and his XO entered. "Ah. Number One. So glad you could make it." he said as she approached. “Captain,” she started, hesitantly, “I’ve been putting together the Away team and …I’ve already alluded to my aversion to water. Well,” she shifted her weight from one foot to the next, “I need to inform you that I possess an unnatural fear of the water.” Prideful, it bothered her immensely to admit flaws, though she knew she possessed many. “I respectfully ask that someone else lead this mission. My ‘problem’ could jeopardize its success.” "I understand Kay. I really do. And if I had another choice, I promise you, I would utilize it. But with your diplomatic experience, I truly believe that you are the best person for the job. I'm sorry, but my decision stands. You will lead the contact side of the mission." Will could see the disappointment on Kays face. "Why don't you hang out here with the Doctor for a while and get in some dive time? Maybe it'll help." he suggested.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 29, 2012 19:11:29 GMT
Nathan had been pulling a few laps between his dives and paddled up to the side of the pool when he heard the captain and Kaylana speak. Leaning on the side of the pool, he looked up. "I think I can help her captain," he said, addressing Jamison. "She'll be ready for the away mission, you have my word."
Watching Jamison leave, Nathan pulled himself out of the pool and looked the nervous XO over. "Don't worry," he promised her, "I won't allow you to be harmed. Why don't you get changed into something more suitable for swimming. Preferably a wetsuit...and we'll get you comfortable to the water first. I won't leave your side, I promise."
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2012 7:09:30 GMT
Will left the gym felling that his XO was in excellent hands. He made his way back to the bridge and walked into his ready room. He pulled up all the linguistics work that Kay had been doing. If she could find time to face her water issues than he could face his and try to help her out.
"This should be fun." he muttered.
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Paikea Apirana
Commander 1C
I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.
Registered: Aug 19, 2005 5:10:42 GMT
Posts: 656
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Post by Paikea Apirana on Jul 1, 2012 22:23:16 GMT
Dual missions were always tricky, especially those that were meant to stay classified. Pai had no problem with this, but he realized that any kind of reconissance mission would be hampered by the planet itself. The Nahrid''s natural enviornment was water and unfortnately for the crew of the Rainier, none of them could breathe underwater.
As the mission briefing ended, Paikea took it upon himself to get to know everything possible about the Nahrid and their planet. While gifted in learning new languages, Paikea was having a difficult time making heads or tail of this new tongue. Even before seeing the Nahrid for himself, Pai pictured a fish like creature with gills and fins. Sadly the Federation had extremely limited information on the physical appearance of the Nahrid and Pai would have to wait to meet them in person.
"Computer download all information on Acturus III and send the information to my quarters," Pai said as he inputed a few commands on his station on the bridge. Being born practically on the sea, Pai had an extreme fascination with water. Pai had never explored a planet with a completely aquatic sentient species, the fact that they would be fully encompassed by the water excited Paikea immensly.
"So we are going to an aquatic planet, I bet your excited?" Katie said as soon as she saw Pai walk into their quarters," according to this, the planet only has small barren islands littered around the planet."
"Yeah, their is no sun and sand fun on this planet," Pai said amused at Katie's reaction," it's going to be all work on this one."
"Well that is no fun, but I guess I can make my own fun," Katie said as she continued to read the information on Acturus III," it is dangerous for them to have contact with direct sunlight."
"I thought you stopped being a science officer?" Pai said as he gave his girlfriend a light kiss on the cheek. While his shift was not over for another five minutes, he was sure Captain Jamison wouldn't mind him being out of uniform," if I don't watch out, you'll have my job at this rate."
"No, I stopped being a science officer, ops is better," Katie said as she got up from the desk and finished setting the table," I'm pretty sure ops is going to be busy for a while with this mission to. Diplomatic missions are always that way for us."
"I know, but for now lets just enjoy dinner," Pai said as he sat down and began to eat with Katie.
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Kaylana Cornette
Captain
Creativity is allowing oneself to make mistakes; art is knowing which ones to keep.
Registered: Jun 4, 2003 8:01:59 GMT
Posts: 435
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Post by Kaylana Cornette on Jul 2, 2012 3:04:10 GMT
Joint post with Nathan
Kay squeezed into a wet suit and cursed the tailor under her breath. Whoever designed them were sadists intent on lowering your self-esteem by 90%. She looked and felt like a tightly wrapped cigar. Humiliated, she approached Nathan at the pool.
“I can’t jump in,” she explained, “so I’ll be using this ladder over here.” After checking the depth marking on the side of the pool, she maneuvered to lower herself into the water. “Contrary to what people think, it’s not the actual water I’m afraid of, it’s immersing my head without feeling the bottom that terrifies me.”
“I’m fine with swimming pools. I can even swim a bit.” Kay demonstrated by paddling a few awkward strokes. “And, when I was in my early twenties I learned how to float.” She carefully leaned her body into a prone position, reminding herself to relax and breathe deeply to make her body more buoyant.
She unknowingly floated into deeper water and when she flipped her legs down, she was unable to find the pool floor.
Nathan was privy to her panic as he saw her eyes grow wide and her intense struggle to find solid footing. Kay pawed violently inching her body toward the shallow end. Only when she found the bottom did she cease her thrashing and begin to calm again.
Nathan had started to move forward when he took note of her panic, but she managed to get herself to the shallower part of the pool. "Well done," he praised her, an easy smile on his face as he continued his path to get closer to her. "You did well getting yourself to shallow water, despite your panic. Do you have any idea where your fear for deeper water comes from?"
Kay was reticent to explain her fear, but somehow Nathan’s calm, friendly manner had her opening up to him before she knew what was happening. “I’m positive my fear comes from nearly drowning three times in my life. The first was when I was three. I went fishing with my dad. We had a pond on our property. He was on the opposite bank. I clearly remember telling him, ‘Look Daddy, I can swim’ and plunging into the water. Before I went under, I saw him throw down his pole and take off in a mad dash.” Kay laughed as she continued. “I remember sitting under the murky water just waiting for him to come and get me. It was an afterthought of a three-year-old mind that realized I couldn’t breathe under there. Of course, I eventually ran out of air and tried to take a breath. I gulped in a lot of water. My dad fished me out in plenty of time, but it definitely colored my first opinion of water.”
"I can understand that," the counselor answered quietly, remembering his own fear of the bigger type of domesticated canines. "That leads me to wonder how you passed your academy requirements in terms of aquatic prowess."
“I barely passed the diving portion of my academy training. I think they took pity on me after my eighth try.” She laughed nervously. “I never expected to use it. Underwater missions aren’t commonplace so it has been an easy phobia to hide.”
She then asked, “Is there such a thing as having a fear of having a fear?” Kay paused to see if Nathan understood her double talk. “I mean, I am very afraid my fear will hinder this mission.”
"I don't see why there wouldn't be such a thing," Nathan answered after giving it a moment of thought. "But if you want my honest opinion, I don't think your fear of hindering this mission is founded. You seem willing to brave it, to favour this mission and that tells me a lot about your character." He paused, giving her another pleasant and soothing smile. "And while I am not an expert diver, I am an expert swimmer. And I will be with you every step of the way."
“Well, Doctor, I will have to trust you. This fear has been a part of me for so long I can’t imagine it not being there.”
"Only time will tell ma'am," he answered slowly, then waded up to the side of the pool and produced a cord that was about 4 or 5 feet long. "This is called a buddy line," he explained, "in the old times it was used to keep two divers tethered to each other so they wouldn't lose track of one another while under water, in less than ideal conditions. I would suggest we use these, eventually but first I'd like you to get used to just being under water. Are you comfortable with trying this first, before we take the next step?"
It was the ‘next step’ that worried Kay as she shook her head yes. She tried not to think too far ahead as Nathan carefully knotted her to him.
During the next hour, Nathan slowly acclimatized Kay to placing her head under the surface while he guided her to a point where she couldn’t touch bottom. As long as he was holding her, Kay was fine. The minute he let go, she would panic, her body would constrict and she would sink, causing more panic and more sinking. Each time, Nathan expertly buoyed her up to where she could gulp in more air.
He was patient with her and talked her through her panic, helping her mind to reason with her fear. After the hour had passed, Kay was doing much better. However, she still wasn’t sure she could lead this team without losing her cool.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2012 5:51:48 GMT
The Rainier still had three days before they arrived at Acturus III. Will wanted to get an update and make sure everyone was on the same page so he called a staff meeting.
=^=All senior personnel, report to the conference room.=^=
He walked in fifteen minutes later to find everyone there.
"Status reports." he said.
<Tag All>
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Michael Aarons
Commander 1C
Boldly going forward 'cause I can't find reverse
Registered: Jun 27, 2003 18:19:57 GMT
Posts: 537
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Post by Michael Aarons on Jul 3, 2012 3:03:08 GMT
With his nose in his work, Aarons strolled along the halls sort of feeling his way along. It sort of happened that he made his way across to the pool area which had become a little hub of activity amongst the would-be Away Team. He wasn’t exactly interested although in any of this but what he found was, to be mild, interesting. Kay had been taking a breather from her water works therapy and wanted to do so out of the pool. It was going well. She only freaked out a couple or so times, like when she drifted into the deep the end. The buddy rope had made progress and managed to serve as an anchor should she drift again. Her thoughts on being able to lead the away mission were interrupted by Michael’s sudden appearance. “We should be arriving soon,” he announced to no one particular. Seeing no one else he could be telling, Kay stepped up to take note. “Maybe you should tell the captain that, deary.” “I don’t want to. He never seems to be able to say more than three sentences to me that aren’t complaints,” he pouted. “You still need to.” =^=All senior personnel, report to the conference room.=^= “See? There you go,” she smirked. Eyeballing her as he bothered to look up from his work, he was a little surprised to see her so…intricately. “Nice suit. You look great,” he winked. “Thanks,” she blushed. She wished he’d shove his nose back in to where he had it than take another second to look at her so tightly wrapped like this. “So, um, about how much time do we have until arrival?” she said desperate to change the subject. “Three days, possibly less if we’re lucky.” Three days, she thought. Three weeks might not even be enough before having to face this tidal moment of going down there. This was a pool, sure, but what they were talking was an ocean. “You know, if you need any help getting out of that thing, I know a guy.” The boyish charm painted itself on his face highlighting, slightly, the little dimple on his cheek. “Maybe this other guy is a brave, handsome and actually dependable sort of fellow. The kind of guy whom I can rely on to get things done for me; who’s got that radiance when he smiles and is so studly.” Making a thoughtful pose, “But then again, he might find out what I’m wearing under here…” The devil horns were all but showing with that last bit. Frankly, the way she felt, after all the effort to get into it, it would take 10 men just to get her out of it. He stared at her playful smile with a widened gaze. “Maybe I could do that…” “Maybe you should get to the meeting,” she countered. “If you need me to be at the meeting I know a guy.” “Go,” she said pointing at the door. He walked with a defeatist attitude toward the door. The thoughts of freshly-peeled Kaylanas danced in his head as he sighed a crushed sigh. He stopped, turned around, and stood there before her. "Kay?" "Yes," she answered. Sucking up a wealth of confidence he heaved a sigh. "...You're right." It was the most thoughtful, intelligent, most appropriate thing he could've said...if only she could get him to say it more regularly.
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Michael Aarons
Commander 1C
Boldly going forward 'cause I can't find reverse
Registered: Jun 27, 2003 18:19:57 GMT
Posts: 537
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Post by Michael Aarons on Jul 4, 2012 3:49:04 GMT
Kaylana strolled in. The grassy plains soothed with a soft breeze and a quiet air. Michael stood midway up the slope from the door. He seemed glad to have her there.
“Glad you came,” he greeted warmly.
“What is all this?” she wondered.
“It’s the hill where we picnicked that one time. I had to recreate it as best I could from memory.”
He held out his hand as she drew near. She placed her hand in his as he clasped it suddenly. He gave a pull which she followed. She didn’t expect to take a stroll though it was nice.
“I never thought I’d be taking a walk with you. But then again, I never expected you to be anything more than a mother…”
“Don’t talk like that!” she moaned with embarrassment. She buried her face in her hand. He laughed at the way she blushed hysterically.
“I mean a surrogate mother; one I wouldn’t be related to so it wouldn’t…you’re right. Let me start over. I never thought I would ever share so many smiles like we’ve shared, done so many stunts, had so many intimate moments but what I never stopped to consider was that, if you are my partner,”
Partner? she thought.
He got down to one knee. Kaylana couldn’t help but stare, it was so unusual. He tugged a little on her.
“Sit,” he indicated. She sat next to him as he plopped the rest of the way down. She felt silly and hoped it didn’t show on her face. “I should have been prepared to face whatever fear you may be facing.”
Here it came. Everybody seemed to be so willing to help poor little Kaylana and her aquaphobia, and make all these inspirational speeches about teamwork and her courageous career history. Did any of them really know what it was like to be dying or to have their life be slipping away from and no clear means to preserve it? Fear is irrational but wanting to safeguard one’s life is no joke.
“It’s been said by many people you have a big undertaking ahead that’s made difficult by your inability.” Kay rolled her eyes at what would come next. “This mission is going to really depend on you and, so what if you’re not able to speak Nahrid? I know you’re able to do what needs to be done. You have a way of getting through what’s important and all for the better. I’m sure you’ll have no problem expressing yourself to these people just fine.”
The silly little goose. He had no idea what it was that was going through her in all of this. Maybe it’d be easier if she didn’t either. Still, it was special that he was there to pick up her spirits, and like all the rest of them, believe in her and try to instill confidence in her.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed him tight as the chuckles at his naiveté flowed. He couldn’t understand why she was burying his face into her like that, but he placed his arms around her as well and enjoyed the love.
Eventually, he had to come up for air so she let him loose. It really was a great program he’d loaded even if it wasn’t the exact same spot they’d had lunch together it still held special memories. It was here she’d mustered the courage to even be with him. The sudden kiss they shared was a wondrous leap and a beginning to some very unique complications.
This was the spot, where he’d seen her before; the golden-haired goddess with the melodic voice. In the shining light Kaylana’s hair burned bright as gold. Would he see her again? Did he see her now? It was so wonderful but a little familiar. Just then, as she had smothered herself over him it was if he were back in the arms of the golden one.
“You ever sung before?”
“Not in some time,” she admitted. “I’ve let a lot of old things go unused.” It was a bit sudden that he should ask her that. “You seem to be looking my way more it seems.”
“You’re beautiful. Was that something you expected?” The redness in her cheeks bloomed again.
“No,” she shied, “I just don’t hear it often; even from myself.”
They sat there, quiet, for a moment before he said, “Sing, for me.”
Kay wasn’t expecting this at all. She’d been a little out of practice and was not sure. The look on his face, though, shared confidence. She cleared her throat and found her note. The words she chose were a little close to home.
“Nothing seemed to matter anymore. Didn’t care what I was headed for. No one counted till, there came a knocking at the door.
“Love walked right in and drove the shadows away; love walked right in and brought my sunniest day. One magic moment, and my heart seemed to know that love had said, ‘Hello’, though not a word was spoken.
“One look and I forgot the gloom of the past; one look and I had found my future at last. One look and I had found a world completely new, when love walked in… with you.” She finished on a subtle note as she stroked the wily locks of his hair. He handed her a flower he was admiring in his hand.
“See? I told you.” She kissed her fingers and planted them on his cheek.
They sat around for a while in the company of each other. A cloud or two passed over that looked like something or another to one but not necessarily the other and they described it to each other.
“Kaylana?”
“Yes?”
He leaned in and met his lips with hers.
Although Kay appreciated his boyish charms, she cherished the moments he was serious with her. She had a feeling, and she didn’t know if it was right or wrong, that Michael showed this side to very few. The rarity of it encouraged a deeper bond.
She twirled his hair around her finger. “You know, I love it when you’re like this… quiet… pensive… thoughtful… sweet.”
He smiled up at her. “Anything else?” He waited, expectant.
The lyrics of Gershwin tripped through her mind. “One look and I forgot the gloom of the past; one look and I had found my future at last. One look and I had found a world completely new, when love walked in… with you.” She had decided the moment she saw him again. She smiled back. “Yes. I do love you.”
OFF: Kay added some of this.
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Paikea Apirana
Commander 1C
I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.
Registered: Aug 19, 2005 5:10:42 GMT
Posts: 656
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Post by Paikea Apirana on Jul 4, 2012 5:31:02 GMT
For the last couple of days Pai had become a tad obsessed with the Nahrid and Acturus III. Katie had always said that it was unhealthy for someone to focus solely on one thing, but Paikea was hearing none of that. It was rare for something to grab Pai's undivided attention and Katie knew this and supported him in this endeavor.
"You need to stop with that, I'm pretty sure you have read everything this to read on the Nahrid and that damned water planet," Katie said as she put away that nights dinner back to into the replicator.
"I know, but I cannot help but think that I have overlooked something, there is so much to learn about these people and I have never studied any people like them," Pai said as he showed Katie a picture of their aquatic ships," they have had these types of ships for over five centuries, humans were still using horse and wagons five hundred years ago."
"I'm sorry our race is so backwards," Katie said with a laugh," I would hate to live there."
"I was actually thinking of asking for some R&R on Acturus, hopefully the diplomatic talks will go well and we can..." Paikea began to say before he remembered that the Rainier was actually here for alterior motives. It surprised Pai that he had forgotten their real mission, but the thought left as quickly as it came.
"You've got to be joking they don't even have normal living quarters for visitors," Katie said," according to you they had to build some new buildings to accommodate us for the visit."
"I know but just look at this, the Nahrid naturally use the salt in the water to boost resistant against water pressure," Paikea said showing Katie the image on his padd.
"Pai, I love you, but I don't really care about the salt in the water, they live in water and never get out," Katie said glad that fully aquatic planets were rare on this side of the galaxy," now come on and join me. You promised me we would do something romantic before we got to Acturus."
"We'll go right after I'm done reading this report," Paikea said as he got up and headed to the couch.
"You better hope I don't electrocute you while you are on the planet," Katie said as wishing that the planet was filled with something other than water.
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