Make it Go

[Kaylana Cornette]

OOC: I thought I'd give us a fresh thread. We're at Omicron Shipyards... our dear Majesty is being overhauled with a fun new propulsion system yet to be installed. I thought I'd move the last few posts over for ease of reference. Ok, have at it! - Kay

[Kaylana Cornette]

Re: Nashinarhr
Post by teg24601 on Dec 27, 2008, 2:53am

TEG sat at his post a little dumbfounded as Kay shrugged her shoulders and returned to the turbolift. As the ship was just basically following commands from the starbase, they could just clear the bridge, altogether, but traditionally, everyone stayed at their post, incase something happened. As they slowed to 1/4 impulse the ship quickly banked to port around a marker buoy, then approached a drydock that had a distinct onyx color to it, unlike the traditionally silver color that they usually bore. He could only assume that this was where the repairs and upgrades were to be conducted. The ship slowed further, to less than 100 kph, while TEG watched umbilical supports descend from the structure to connect to the ship.

A few minutes after the ship stopped moving, he was signaled with the all-clear. As he had discussed with Kay, he ordered all non-essential crewmen and officers to debriefing and shore leave on the station, and the others to report to the recreation lounge, where Kay and other senior officers would brief them on their next mission and the nature of the experimental drive system.

TEG contacted the Captain and informed her of their arrival and his completion of her orders. She suggested that he grab the plaque off the bulkhead before he left the bridge, as they would be swapping out the bridge module, and she didn't want them to misplace it. He made sure everything of intrinsic value was with him, before he removed the plaque, entered the turbolift and took one last look at what was left of the bridge he had become familiar with over the years.
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Re: Nashinarhr
Post by Kaylana Cornette on Dec 30, 2008, 3:16pm

The Doctor’s prolonged silence was deafening. Kay read her face and knew. She knew it was going to be necessary to expound on the most sacred of Falconian rituals.

Slowly, Kay outlined the behaviors Hawk experienced prior to her ‘help’. His usually silver-feathered hair took on a purplish hue. His moods were erratic and uncharacteristically volatile. Inquiries into why he was acting so strangely were ignored. Finally, after much pressing, Hawk revealed his actions were indeed due to his suppressed mating cycle.

In a very private, very ritualistic holodeck simulation, Hawk recreated his home world. Kay, being the only human he trusted implicitly at the time, chose to participate while he ceremoniously performed the mating rights. Although no physical contact occurred, the act of the ceremony itself seemed to satiate his needs.

“This is different, Doc,” Kay continued. “There’s been no outward physical changes – his hair, for instance, isn’t changing color. And, I do believe he told me then that the cycle can be suppressed. Why is it different now?

“That’s a question I can’t answer yet. Maybe it has something to do with what he went through on the Nashinarhr vessel.” Holsen sighed loudly. “I wish the medical database was more complete. I can’t find enough useful information on Falconians.”

“That’s the way they prefer. His race is extremely reclusive and mistrustful. They’ve had to be in order to survive.” Kay turned away from the Doctor’s gaze. “I feel as if I’ve broken a trust today.”

Lorna moved closer to her captain, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “No, Captain, you may very well have saved his life. At least now I have a direction – a trail to follow.”

Kay smiled at her weakly. “Thanks… but I still feel as if I’ve violated something very sacred to Hawk.”

As if his name conjured him into the room, Hawk appeared from the adjoining alcove. He paused a moment, as if thinking about whether or not to speak to both women. Whether he was hesitant to speak in front of the Doctor or in front of his captain was uncertain to the observers. Slowly, he moved toward them, his feet shuffling forward, willing his weakened legs to support him.

“Mister, you should be in bed!” the Doctor shouted. She moved to him and shouldered his weight.

“No, wait, I have to tell you.” He took a long, labored breath. “It’s good that both of you are here, I guess.” He looked intently at Kay, pulling his next words from deep within him. “I regret to inform you, Captain… that I must resign my commission effective immediately and return to Falconia.”

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Re: Nashinarhr
Post by larok on Dec 30, 2008, 8:01pm

Larok stood his ground at attention and let the Co finish her say.

“Why have you waited until now? Are you habitually late in answering your commanding officer’s requests?”

Larok allowed one eyebrow to raise and replied;" I requested your location 2.3 seconds after reading the summons. For some reason it was delivered to my office on a pad and not through my terminal. I will have my adjutant look into the reason for the delay. Though my having been in sick bay attempting to help Commander Hawk might have added to the delay."

Larok listened to her heads up about adding a fighter squadron to the ship. "Aye Aye mam there should be no problem integrating a fighter squadron into our TO&E. I will start work on the preliminary requirements now.

As the Co headed to Sick Bay Larok started going over what changes would be required to add Fighters to the Marine TO&E


off: TO&E Table of Organization and Equipment.
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Re: Nashinarhr
Post by lholsen on Jan 12, 2009, 12:19pm

"That’s a question I can’t answer yet. Maybe it has something to do with what he went through on the Nashinarhr vessel.” Lornasighed loudly. “I wish the medical database was more complete. I can’t find enough useful information on Falconians.”

“That’s the way they prefer. His race is extremely reclusive and mistrustful. They’ve had to be in order to survive.” Kay turned away from the Doctor’s gaze. “I feel as if I’ve broken a trust today.”

Lorna moved closer to her captain, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “No, Captain, you may very well have saved his life. At least now I have a direction – a trail to follow.” She didn't bother mentioning doctor-patient confidentiality but she promised herself that she wouldn't entering anything more than necessary into his file and that she would lock that information to senior medical staff only. The Captain seemed only marginally reassured by her words.

Kay smiled at her weakly. “Thanks… but I still feel as if I’ve violated something very sacred to Hawk.”

Lorna was going to say something more reassuring but in truth she was also worried about how this might affect the Captain, emotionally she was obviously under stress as a result of Hawk's condition but an unexpressed mating drive could force someone to do things that they would never otherwise do and their partners often came out the worse for it. The Vulcan pon farr was the commonly cited medical example but the changes being wrecked on Commander Hawk's body suggested that the Falconian version was going to be pretty hard on him.

Hawk appeared from the adjoining alcove. He paused a moment, as if thinking about whether or not to speak to both women. Whether he was hesitant to speak in front of the Doctor or in front of his captain was uncertain to the observers. Slowly, he moved toward them, his feet shuffling forward, willing his weakened legs to support him.

“Mister, you should be in bed!” the Lorna shouted. She moved to him and shouldered his weight. She was worried about how easily he was accepting her help. he was obviously worse off than he looked and he didn't look well.

“No, wait, I have to tell you.” He took a long, labored breath. “It’s good that both of you are here, I guess.” He looked intently at Kay, pulling his next words from deep within him. “I regret to inform you, Captain… that I must resign my commission effective immediately and return to Falconia.”

Lorna felt that him returning home was the best thing for him but at the moment, she doubted that he could survive the trip. Not that she was 100% of the location of Falconia. She left the Captain to deal with his resignation.

"Of course, Commander," she said as she guided him back towards his bed. "However, starfleet or not you are still my patient. At the moment you are not in a fit state to pilot yourself home, what little I know of Falconians suggests that they wouldn't appreciate the Majesty arriving so we are going to have to arrange some transportation for you and in the mean time please stay in bed. Your system is under a lot of stress and I don't want you to push yourself too far.

Tag: Hawk.

Having got the Commander settled Lorna went back to the Captain. "I believe he does need to return home, although I don'ty think he needs to resign, a leave of absence would probably given him enough time. I don't think I know enough about his species to help him and I am pretty sure that this is going to continue to get worse. Possibly until it kills him." Lorna hated putting so many qualifiers in one sentence but there were simply no absolutes in the situation.

Tag: Kay
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Re: Nashinarhr
Post by Kaylana Cornette on Jan 16, 2009, 3:54pm

Kay mentally wrestled with the Doctor’s words and with Hawk’s. She knew Lorna was right. And she knew that Hawk would never say he was resigning his commission without meaning it.

She lingered in Sickbay and watched as Hawk struggled back to the biobed. He was severely weakened by his efforts and once settled in, was immediately asleep. The doctor quickly scanned him again and darted away to her office. Once Kay knew she was alone with Hawk, she quietly approached his bed, picked up his hand and tenderly stroked it with hers. She bent close to him and whispered, “I’ll see that you make it back to Falconia… somehow.” She gently brushed back a few stray silvery feathers from his forehead. “We’ve been through so much together. I need you. You’re my strength…” Her voice broke a bit. Kay bit her lip and brushed away a tear with the back of her hand. “You rest now. Let me be your strength this time.”

Lorna quietly re-entered the room. When the Captain noticed her presence, she immediately dropped Hawk’s hand and turned away to discreetly wipe her eyes. Kay sniffed softly and still looking away told the Doctor to do whatever she could and keep her updated on his condition. Then, Kay bolted for the door.

Once outside in the deserted corridor, the tears flowed freely until a crewman appeared. Kay tried again to compose herself and managed to acknowledge him. He shot her a weak, understanding smile and, thankfully, did not ask any questions or make any remarks.

Kay knew she had to get out of eyesight. It would not do for the crew to see her like this. She ducked in to a small storage room and the door swished closed behind her. She leaned her head against the bulkhead, the cool surface against her cheek, and sobbed.

The river of tears had just begun when her commbadge twittered to life.

=^= Captain? =^=

It was TEG. Kay frantically took a few moments to gather herself before answering.

=^= Captain? Do you read me? =^=

=^= Yes, Number One… what is it? =^=

=^= I’m sorry to interrupt… but I wanted you to know that everyone’s assembled in the rec lounge… ready for you’re briefing. =^=

=^= Thank you… I’ll be right there. Kay out. =^=

Had there been a video connection, Kay would have seen the raised eyebrow of her First Officer as he puzzled over her succinct retort.

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Re: Nashinarhr
Post by Kaylana Cornette on Yesterday at 11:28pm

Everyone who should be there was, save one. The sight of Hawk's empty chair made a knot in Kay's stomach. Thinking he may never again be there at her side nearly overwhelmed her with emotion again. She swallowed hard and composed herself quickly.

"I've been in contact with the brass about what upgrades are in store for us, and the only answer I can get is that they are extensive." Kay took her seat before continuing. "I've tried to get details from them but this new propulsion system is cutting edge - top secret - they're extremely tight-lipped. Now, I do have the list of generic repairs and upgrades we're also to undergo. TEG has already begun to distribute those to the department heads."

Those around the table nodded as they scanned over their PADDs. They read the details for a new bridge module, several outer hull plates were to be replaced, and the conversion of the shuttle bay and adjoining cargo hold into a fighter/shuttle bay leaving only a few shuttles in service.

Kay went on. "We're probably going to be here at the Shipyards for several weeks. I've scheduled a meeting with Omicron's CO and as soon as I hear back, I'll let Number One know if we can take some R&R." Kay paused briefly. "Any questions?"

(Tag anyone)

"Alright, then, let's make this as painless as possible. Report any problems to Commander TEG immediately. I'd like to get back on the road as soon as we can." She looked blankly at the table in front of her, wondering how she could manage getting Hawk to Falconia as she had promised.

Time passed for a awkward moment until TEG finally said, "Dismissed."

As everyone filed out, TEG lingered. Kay let the silence pass between them, knowing he was there for her, supporting her.

"I'm fine, really," Kay said at last. "The Doctor will figure out some way to keep him alive. And if things look like they're getting worse, I'll commandeer a passing freighter and take him to Falconia myself, if I have to."

TEG chuckled softly. "I believe you would."

The comm whistled and TEG answered it. It was Omicron telling them that Commodore Steven Smith had arrived and would meet with the Majesty's Captain immediately.




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Re: Nashinarhr
Post by Kaylana Cornette on Yesterday at 11:40pm

Omicron Shipyards was abuzz with activity until you stepped away from Repair and Refit. The innards of it were sparse – a few restaurants, a gym, a barbershop of sorts and a laundry facility or two – the bare essentials for the transient workforce. The only establishments that seemed to be in abundance were those of the Pub House variety, which obviously catered to the rough clientele. Not much of a respite for any of the Majesty’s crew. Shore leave would be limited.

The Research and Development area of Omicron was vast – and relatively empty save one section of labs and offices. Kay wandered through until finally stumbling upon a living, breathing officer. He smiled and stuck out his hand.

“Captain Cornette, I presume. I’m glad to finally meet you. I’m the welcoming committee… name’s Steven Smith.”

“I’m overwhelmed by the… um… grandness of your facility,” Kay said tactfully. She was impressed by the Commodore’s easy, friendly manner.

“Big… and deserted.” Smith smiled throughout. “We’re in the process of powering things up again. I’m only here for a short stint to get things rolling. I’m newly assigned here to see if we can’t justify keeping her going. You caught me here on a fluke. I’m not stationed here. No, I’ll have to do most of my overseeing of Omicron from the bridge of the Oly.”

“Ah, yes, you command her. I thought I recognized your name from somewhere.” She smiled. “I don’t envy you having all this responsibility.”

“Comes with the pips, me dear.” The Commodore winked, not wanting her to think he was seriously flaunting rank.

Kay pretentiously huffed, “You can keep ‘em.”

Noticing a schematic spread across the desk, Kay moved to it. “Is this our new engine design?”

“Oh, no. That’s locked away. I’m not even allowed to see it yet.” He gave another easy smile. “They probably think I’ll steal it for the Olympia… and they’re probably right. The design promises to be something revolutionary, as far as Starfleet standards go.”

“Really?” Kay was dying to know, but played it cool. She let her word linger in the air, hoping Smith would offer more. When he didn’t, she prompted, “Any hints as to what it is? I can’t get the brass to tell me anything.”

Smith dramatically lowered his voice, “I could tell you… but then I’d have to kill you.”

Kay playfully punched his arm. “You tease.”

“That’s what all the ladies say.”

“Fine.” Kay moved away, playing on the moment. “I can always go over your head. Elron will tell me.”

Smith arched an eyebrow. “Elron, is it? On a first name basis with the Fleet Admiral, are we?”

Kay smirked.

“All right. I can give you a hint.” He closed in, darting his eyes furtively left and right before speaking in hushed tones. “It’s powered by….

OOC: Yes, I’m leaving you hanging! I have a few ideas but haven't settled on one. I'm consulting with real life Elron before I decide.

[Deleted]

TEG knew that Kay would do anything for Hawk. Hell, TEG would do nearly anything for Hawk as well. He took some time after the briefing to reorganize some of the duty rosters, mainly for those officers who requested transfers, were transferred, or requested leave. Unfortunately, the roster was getting tight, but with all they had been through with the Nashinarhr, he couldn't really blame people for wanting to leave. TEG then went over some different correspondence. One of them was from an old friend, an Admiral, working at Starfleet Command. He had seen some of the reports about what happened to the Majesty, and was genuinely concerned with TEG and how he had held up through the ordeal. TEG replied saying that he had been lucky, and helped to bring about the rescue (barely), but then mentioned innocently that Hawk was not doing as well, and really needed to get to his homeworld. He also mentioned that this issue was exasperated by a new drive system the Majesty was going to be running through its paces.

After finishing up his replies, TEG contacted Rachael, and they decided to meet on the station for some dinner.

After dinner, TEG checked his messages again, before retiring for the night, before chipping in to help with the repairs the next day. Amazingly, he had received a response from the Admiral stating, "Brother, expect a discretionary clause to be included in upcoming orders to complete any necessary business, without question."

TEG was a little shocked at the response, he expected only a simply response, wishing Hawk well, not for him to pull strings on the command orders. TEG thought about it for a minute, "I certainly hope no one has questions about the convenience of being able to help Hawk, in his darkest hour."

[Michael Aarons]

Space was empty. No emptier, however, than the victory against an enemy whose ruthlessness pitted friend against friend and even litterally stripped them of their humanity (or its closest form). Emptier still was the atmosphere aboard the great ship Majesty once filled by men and women others had served through life and death with.

Michael had said nothing since the Majesty moved under her own power and her own course from the Eonon asteroid. Almost nothing would be more correct; it becomes noticeably difficult to operate a starship without reporting every now and then the flight statistics to an otherwise bored XO.

The diversion from Bellicose to Omicron was not a surprising one but unexpected all the same. TEG had orders and he relayed them to the conn with deft enthusiasm. Aarons had never been to Omicron but had wondered what it would be like at a shipyard where everything he knew and operated on a daily basis aboard his ship was designed and engineered. He doubted it would be anything like the experience of having to design, fly, and maintain a premodern aircraft from one place all the way to Scotland.

Michael missed Liz. Her initial impression coupled with her former shenanigans had repelled him. As far as he was concerned, Dr. Janeway was just another damned person out to make your business their business. Then without warning, without any sign, the act of a whim had stirred within him something he thought he would never experience: love. As time passed he experienced a joy that, before, would have required wings. But as a plane goes up so must it eventually come down, and as such did their affair.

Majesty had arrived as unremarkably as it had left Bellicose. Aarons parked the ship awaiting further orders from the dock master. Suddenly he felt a subtle sensation on the base of his neck. Temporarily drowned in the moment, his heart beat heavily as he turned to find... Captain Cornette.

"I know how it feels to have to wear a collar. This should help." She lightly massaged the shoulder close to the neck where he had been forced to wear a collar like some animal. He had had little interaction the captain lately. He look at the empty seat to his right and the now absent Hawk. Any other time he would have said, "You keep up a relationship with a bird you could get bird flu, bird headache, or bird I-just-don't-want-to-come-to-work-today." Hawk would say, "Hey! There's no such thing as bird headache."

She turned to the rest of people before speaking, "I need all of you to report for briefing as soon as possible." She turned to leave and as she did so allowed her hand to slowly slide off his shoulder.

Jan 29, 2009 21:23:59 GMT Kaylana Cornette said:

Everyone who should be there was, save one. The sight of Hawk's empty chair made a knot in Kay's stomach. Thinking he may never again be there at her side nearly overwhelmed her with emotion again. She swallowed hard and composed herself quickly.

"I've been in contact with the brass about what upgrades are in store for us, and the only answer I can get is that they are extensive." Kay took her seat before continuing. "I've tried to get details from them but this new propulsion system is cutting edge - top secret - they're extremely tight-lipped. Now, I do have the list of generic repairs and upgrades we're also to undergo. TEG has already begun to distribute those to the department heads."

The latter part piqued his interests but only as far as he knew what it involved. The loss of the bridge was a sentimental one at best. Although Michael would have liked to keep his chair, the pylon connecting it to the deck had been warped in the devastation and would never be quite the same again.

Jan 29, 2009 21:23:59 GMT Kaylana Cornette said:

Those around the table nodded as they scanned over their PADDs. They read the details for a new bridge module, several outer hull plates were to be replaced, and the conversion of the shuttle bay and adjoining cargo hold into a fighter/shuttle bay leaving only a few shuttles in service.

Kay went on. "We're probably going to be here at the Shipyards for several weeks. I've scheduled a meeting with Omicron's CO and as soon as I hear back, I'll let Number One know if we can take some R&R." Kay paused briefly. "Any questions?"

Aarons had remained silent.

Jan 29, 2009 21:23:59 GMT Kaylana Cornette said:

"Alright, then, let's make this as painless as possible. Report any problems to Commander TEG immediately. I'd like to get back on the road as soon as we can."

Docking was completed as best it could. After it was decided he should be relieved of his dedicated "duties," Aarons ventured over to the accompanying annex. He had become unaccustomed to his body and it showed in his movement. He limped without limping, he strained without stretching; it was a new sensation he would have done without. He was searched for any possible transport he could get to Vulcan but alas his efforts were fruitless.

Sitting there helpless he could see her quietly meditating and yet for all his efforts he could do nothing. He longed even to hold her hand one more time. He looked and saw a parade of teamsters shuffling by carrying equipment which could only be for propulsion. However, Michael was perplexed by the rather unusual equipment. He leapt up and moved along side them.

"Hi, I'm the Majesty's navigator. What's this project y'all have planned for her engines?" The woman simply continued on either ignoring him or keeping to the strict confidentiality of the project. He dropped back and kept trying. Eventually he found a young man willing to help. The young man seemed cautious and quietly told him what was planned.

Aarons cut quick beat to the bridge which, for all purposes, was still the center of command. Kay was busy talking to TEG about production schedules when Michael moved in.

"Captain I need to speak with you in private." He practically pulled her toward the Ready Room as she tried to excuse herself. Once inside, he stood there in front of her desk as he watched her move around it. She barely had time to get to her seat before he began.

"What the hell do you think you're doing allowing this project to carried out!? Whose idea was it to allow the use of this ship for [insert name once you think of one] drive? It doesn't work I know. If for one moment I believed it did I would have hauled this hunk to the front of the line and begun laying the connections myself. You don't just invent [blank] drive without people hearing about it. I recommend scrapping the project and quit wasting our time." He turned to leave mired by his own indignation.

"Mr. Aarons," she said with emotionless firmity. He turned. She motioned for him to have a seat. "I have been very understanding of the people I have served with over the years but I will not be spoken to in that manner. Am I clear?" He held his contempt while nodding as his pride was vaporized before him. "This project was ordered to be carried out by Starfleet and as long as I am captain of this 'hunk,' as you put it, any concerns or objections you might have will be submitted through me or the XO. Michael," he was surprised by the fluid switch to his first name, "I want you to gather every modification you've made to this ship so that the teamsters can begin their work. Dismissed." Dismissed. In all the time he had known her she had never dismissed once.

Michael left her office. He wasn't about to disobey her orders. However, Kay had a few questions herself.

[Lorna Holsen]

Majesty's stop at Omicron shipyards meant that Lorna's life was pretty quiet. She had had the normal run of overzealous sports or holodeck related injuries and a couple of engineers with minor plasma burns from a leaking conduit. The only thing that was out of place was the semi-concious Falconian who was still her primary concern. Hawk was mostly in control of himself most of the time but Lorna could not take any chances with his life or with the Captain's...

Lorna knew she had to get Hawk back to his home world. She had exhausted all the lines of research that she could think of. Well, there was one more thing she could try but she didn't want to stress her patient and he had been remarkably evasive when she had mentioned his visitor to him before. However, Lorna's sense of practicality suggested that a Falconian freighter Captain might be a good way to get Hawk home.

She left her office and turned the corner to where Hawk was resting.

"Commander?" She said quietly unsure if he was asleep or not. "Would you give me permission to contact Condor Aves, it seems to me that he might be able to get you home?"

Tag: Hawk

Condor Aves

[Deleted]

The bridge was abuzz with activity. While the new bridge module had been installed, many data connections were still being added to it to accommodate the new propulsion system and new sensor systems that were being installed. TEG was a little surprised by how different the layout of the new bridge was. It was not as big as the older module, likely because there was a larger Ready Room, and included an XO's office, and emergency transporter room. As TEG was inspecting the module, a message came over the comm. Not having anyone stationed at the tactical station, TEG walked back and activated the comm.

"This is the Majesty." TEG replied.

The automated computer voice stated "This is a command order transfer, please link this message to a PADD. Then press connect."

TEG connected a PADD to the console, and transferred the message. The PADD began to fill with data, then its surface locked, stating Command Officers' Eyes Only. TEG removed the PADD from the console and decided to take it to Kay in her Ready Room.

He pressed the activation button and awaited her reply.

[Kaylana Cornette]

"Come," Kay answered the door's twitter. She half-expected it to be Michael coming back to offer an apology.

TEG entered, PADD in hand.

"This just came in. Command Officer's eyes only."

Kay scowled briefly. "What in the... why so secretive?"

TEG speculated. "Maybe it's the new specs for our engines."

"Guess we'll see." She activated the PADD and read silently, brows furroughed.

OOC: TEG, take this where you need it to go. I'm going to have to do the LOA thing until the end of this month.

[Deleted]

TEG say Kay furrow her brow in a confusing manner. It appeared that she was re-reading the same line over and over. She then finished the orders, deactivated the PADD and set it on her desk.

"So," asked TEG, "any idea on this propulsion system?"

"Nothing more than what I learned about at the shipyards," replied Kay, "just come vagaries about capabilities and maximum speeds." (OCC: This takes place before Aaron's Post)

"So what are we supposed to do, especially with a reduced crew? Just fly around and test the capabilities of the drive?"

"That, number one, is the strange thing... No particular way points, no time line, except for the start and end. Apparently it is my discretion as to where we go, we just only have two months to do it."

"That seems a little odd for Starfleet R&D trials."

"That is does, number one, almost as if someone in command knows we need to do something desperate, and is giving us the ability." Kay then thought about it, "TEG, you wouldn't have anything to do with this would you?"

"I believe I do, ma'am." Replied TEG, prepared to be reminded of the chain-of-command, and that it was the Captain's duty to request special dispensation.

"So what did you do?" Kay asked, much calmer than TEG had expected.

"Well, a friend of mine from my younger days, who is now an Admiral at Starfleet contacted me after the Nashinarhr Incident. He was concerned with how I fared in the incident."

"A little better than some of us." Chimed Kay, bringing back some memories of the incident, not that long ago. She also wondered if TEG had some sort of magic or voodoo that allowed him to escape much of the strange things that has happened to the ship over the years.

"True, Captain, quite true. I told him that I was doing fine. I then mentioned that there was some concern with Hawk, and stated that he may need transported to his home world in order to recover fully. I guess that either the Admiral knows Hawk, or knew my concern for Hawk to be genuine and wanted to help, because, when I returned from dinner that night, he had sent me a cryptic message, saying to expect some discretion in our orders, presumably to help Hawk. I didn't expect him to be so blatant in the discretion." TEG then waited for whatever Kay was going to say.

Kay began to speak in a very Captain-like manner, "Commander TEG 24601, I'm disappointed that you did not come to me with this information sooner. I would not have expected something like this from you," She then paused to compose herself a little friendlier, "but, I'm glad you did. It saves me from having to commandeer a freighter and go on some damn crusade." She came around her desk and gave TEG a hug, something he had not been expecting. Kay then released him, and asked the question she had been dying to ask, "So who is this Admiral, and how do you know him?"

TEG took a second, "He's a brother Captain."

"Like your brother? I didn't know you had any siblings."

"No ma'am, he is a fellow member of one of the social organizations I've belonged to in my years. We would do anything to help another member out, as we consider ourselves to be brothers."

"Understood. Say no more."

For the first time in what seemed like forever, TEG could see Kay's face brighten, and a slight smile cross her face. Just then someone called TEG to the Bridge to go over repair schedules, Kay dismissed him, and decided to follow. It appeared that the Captain wanted to make sure that if there was anything she could help with, she would.

After a few minutes of going over schedules, Aarons stormed onto the bridge and nearly dragged the Captain to the Ready Room. TEG continued modifying the repair schedule to get some 'nice to haves' upgraded, including some of the science departments that have been screaming for more resources. TEG then could have sworn he heard Kay's raised voice, not yelling, but a little stern, speaking to Commander Aarons regarding whatever he wanted to talk to her about. After a few minutes, Aarons exited the Ready Room, and crossed the bridge to the turbolift, muttering something under his breath.

A few moments later, Kaylana requested TEG's company in her Ready Room. She shared with TEG some of Aarons' concerns, and asked TEG to do some discreet investigating into the subject, because, if Aaron's was right, Kay had not been given all the fact at the shipyards, and was none to pleased with this new turn of events.

[Deleted]

Hawk arose from the bed and sat on the side as he looked the Doctor in the eye.

“Doc if that was indeed Condor Aves, he will never speak openly to any human. I know this because Condor is my father who sore to disown me if I came to live with any humans. He is the leader of my people and the freighter pilot thing was a ploy to get aboard ship without being questioned,” Hawk said in an ashamed tone.

“Maybe you are wrong Commander and your Father has had a change of heart,” Lorna suggested.

“Well you may try to contact him but you will be wasting your time. He will never talk to you,” Hawk said as he turned his back on the doctor and again laid down to rest.

“That would be my time to waste then wouldn’t it Commander,” Dr. Holsen replied.

“Indeed Doctor but there is one thing you could do…,” Hawk said just as a new face turned the corner into sickbay and he was unable to finish.

Tag: Lorna

[Deleted]

"Aye Doctor there is one thing you can and here it is," Drake said as he handed a data chip to Lorna.

“And just who might you be?” questioned Lorna stunned by his abrupt appearance.

“Well Las I might be Mickey Mouse but I am really Argyle Drake, Special Advisor to Section 47. Hawk is a friend of mine and my nephew Duke Nova.” Drake stated.

“You mean Section Admiral Nova?” Dr. Holsen inquired.

“Indeed Las and that information chip is TOP SECRET from Dukie boy and for your eyes only.” Argyle said as he turned to greet Hawk.

“What is on it that is so secret?” Lorna asked.

“What you need to know to keep Hawk alive until we can get him home. Now call your Captain to sickbay. I have new orders for her and your ship.” Drake commanded.

Tag: Lorna, Kay or TEG

[Kaylana Cornette]

As TEG and Kaylana were discussing matters in her Ready Room, the comm chirped again. The ensign manning the comm station sent the recorded message to Kay's console and she and TEG watched as Fleet Admiral Elron's face steadied on the screen.

=^= Captain Cornette. Lack of time forces me to send you this message in recorded form. I hope you'll pardon my not contacting you in a way in which you and I could converse. However, I know you're anxious to know the details of you new propulsion system.

As you may know, following the successful trial of the next generation Quantum Slipstream Drive (Mark II) aboard the USS Black Tulip, the Federation continued its research and worked towards an even more advanced Mark III version of the technology. The primary goal of this research was to increase the 'depth' of the slipstream as in accessing higher levels of the spatial dimension.

After several years of painstaking research and development, and thanks to the operational data accumulated by me and my crew on the Black Tulip, scientists believed they were in a position to try out their advancements. Using new highly advanced technology, the Mark III drive accesses a dimension that turns out to be slightly different to normal slipstream space. This dimension is not so rigidly fixed into grooves, and has an added degree of fluidity in its structure. The key aim of research was to understand and control this fluidity in order to overcome the apparent uncertainty inherent in its physics. It became fashionable among researchers to refer to this as "slipstream surfing".

While the relative true-space speeds achieved by this drive are thought to be far in excess of those achieved by normal slipstream drive, the quantum uncertainty experienced applies to all dimensions, including time. This means it makes it difficult to precisely pinpoint both the exit position and time ahead of entering the slipstream. However, physicists are confident that the spatial uncertainty has been reduced to no more than a few hundred thousand kilometers and that the temporal uncertainty has been reduced to no more than a few seconds. Some scientists involved protested on the basis that a ship could theoretically exit the slipstream before it had entered, thus creating the potential for a temporal paradox, but general consensus dismissed this as scaremongering and asserted that the time uncertainty was infinitesimal over normal distances. This uncertainty could only become significant over distances so large that their effects would go unnoticed by any and all observers.

Meanwhile, parallel projects led to further enhancements also being made to the structural reinforcements available for a ship's hull and the phase-variance controls of the quantum field emitter. The Black Tulip had proved such a successful test-bed for the Mark II that Starfleet Operations decided to again select a Sovereign-class vessel to trial the Mark III. On my recommendation, the Majesty was finally selected as the first vessel to try out this new propulsion drive.

Personally, I'm very interested to see how the Majesty performs with the Mark III. I'll be awaiting your report once the refit is complete and you've finished your first trials.

Admiral Elron out.=^=

The screen darkened. TEG met eyes with Kay and though they tried to supress their excitement, they couldn't help but smile broadly at one another.

"Let's see what we can do to hurry those engineers along," Kay said, still smiling.

"Yes sir!" TEG smiled in unison. "Everyone works a double shift from now till we take her out."


OOC: The main body of this post was graciously composed by Admiral Elron (that's why all the technobabble makes sense!) and I am extremely grateful for his contribution to our story!!! Thank him (send him a note of gratitude, be nice to him on IM, etc.) when you can.

[Lorna Holsen]

Lorna felt as if she were making progress. Maybe she would 'waste her time' trying to contact Condor Aves but in her mind no time spent trying to help her patients was wasted.

“Indeed Doctor but there is one thing you could do…,” Hawk said.

Lorna looked round as the Commander's words trailed off. She was surprised to see a grey haired man walk in to her sickbay. As far as she knew he was not one of the Majesty's crew and he did not appear to be injured so his appearance was somewhat of a mystery. He had obviously overheard Hawk's last words to her as he repeated them when he spoke.

"Aye Doctor there is one thing you can and here it is," He said as he handed a data chip to Lorna. Lorna took the offered data chip with increasing puzzlement. He could be one of Neilas's agents but Captain Anders knew she had an assignment at the moment and he wouldn't contact her unless it was urgent, however, the small tingles her empathic sense was . Only one way to find out.

“And just who might you be?” Lorna asked.

“Well Las I might be Mickey Mouse but I am really Argyle Drake, Special Advisor to Section 47. Hawk is a friend of mine and my nephew Duke Nova.” Drake stated.

“You mean Section Admiral Nova?” Lorna inquired although she was 99% certain of the answer.

“Indeed Las and that information chip is TOP SECRET from Dukie boy and for your eyes only.” Argyle said as he turned to greet Hawk.

“What is on it that is so secret?” Lorna asked.

“What you need to know to keep Hawk alive until we can get him home. Now call your Captain to sickbay. I have new orders for her and your ship.” Drake commanded.

Lorna knew an order when she heard it even coming from a seeming civilian. She restrained her curiosity regarding the data chip and tapped her comm badge.

=/\=Doctor Holsen to Captain Cornette. Please come to sickbay immediately.=/\=

Tag: Captain Cornette

=/\=No, Commander Hawk is still stable. I have a visitor from the Section Admiral and he wanted to speak to you.=/\=

Tag

[Lorna Holsen]

Flashback III, Stardate: 2382.0327 USS Ganymede in orbit of Sephus II

Cris and Lorna had made it as far as the Ganymede's lounge ordered a double espresso and a double vodka each and then settled at a quiet table to enjoy their drinks. The table wasn't quiet after that and the two of them spent several hours and several more round of drinks talking about everything and laughing at some of the sights they had seen with the dark cynicism that comes from having all ready seen too much.

Cris had grown up on an isolated colony that had been devastated by a natural disaster and had lost her mother in the same disaster. Lorna had been through the battle of Sector 001 and the Dominion War and lost her father in the latter. Then becoming a starfleet doctor and a rescue team medic meant that they had been thrown into even more not-so-nice situations. They had been moving round the table until they were side-by-side with their backs to the rest of the room. Cris's hand had come to rest on Lorna's it was a peaceful moment.

"So." Lorna said. Her words were very deliberate as she was making an effort not to slur them. "I'm not on duty for another twenty-four hours.."

Cris gave a smile, the rescue team got stood down just before I came to find you. I've got nowhere particular to be at least until the Republic ships out. Any suggestions?"

Lorna had to laugh. "Well I don't know we could both go ." The rest of Lorna's sentence was lost as Cris kissed her.

When their lips parted. Lorna grinned again. "Actually. Now that you mention it... I'm not that tired after all." She reached over and wound her fingers into Cris's dark hair pulling her in for another kiss.

Cris's next words were gaspy from lack of oxygen "So shall we go somewhere else then?"

Lorna laughed, for once sounding more like a school girl than the cynical twenty-something she actually was. "Sure, my quarters are only on the next deck down."

[Kaylana Cornette]

Kaylana Cornette was once the Captain of the USS Hepta and did several tours of duty training cadets. While there, a few people she had met stood out among all the rest. One of those was Argyle Drake.

Kay had known Argyle as a crotchety, rugged-faced shuttle pilot more comfortable alone on a long voyage than with the social graces. However, in spite of his rough exterior, he possessed a heart of gold and a steadfast loyalty to his family. Most prominently, his dedication to his nephew, Duke Nova, was touching. And it was that devotion which had brought him to Kay.

The Captain entered Sick Bay and acknowledged everyone but went first to check on Hawk. He was sleeping peacefully. Dr. Holsen gave a summary of his condition and added that she was content he was stable. She told her Captain of the newly arrived information and excused herself to study it. Kay lingered, and then reluctantly moved away from Hawk’s bedside.

“Aye, tis a sad state he’s in, lass, but he’s strong. He’ll pull through.” Drake did his best to comfort Kay.

“I hope you’re right.” She moved him out the door and ushered him to a vacant lab nearby. “Can you tell me why you’re here? Is it for Hawk? I know he and Nova are very close friends.”

“In a way, aye,” Drake said elusively. “Duke Nova has been murdered.”

“What are you talking about?” Kay’s eyes squinted in puzzlement. “I haven’t heard anything about Admiral Nova being killed.”

“Ach, of course not. It’s all very secretive. And, I know the biggest secret of all. They killed his clone. The real Dukie is still alive and well. And now I’ve come to ask your help in rescuing him.”

Kay tilted her head slightly. “Well, it just so happens that our itinerary has been miraculously cleared by the higher brass and we’ve been given the latitude to test our engines in whatever direction we desire.” Kay marveled at the way everything was knitting together as if TEG and Drake had planned the whole thing. The strings these two pulled were far-reaching.

Drake jovially slapped her on the back and Kay had to side step to keep her balance. “Lassie, I think t’is time to take these engines for a spin!” His eyes twinkled with merriment and Kay, being the pilot that she was, understood his gleeful anticipation.


The work crews had mad short work of a long overhaul. Kay visited Omicron personally to sign off on the work orders and thank the engineers. As her crew had already attended training on the new functionality of the engines, Kay was brought up to speed by the Head Engineer in a brief meeting. Kay couldn’t help but reflect back on the last meeting she had with Aarons and wonder if he was right. She would be lying had she said she wasn’t nervous, but at the same time, her excitement at being the first starship to trial the design was undeniable.

Walking back to take the Worker Bee shuttle, Kay got her first look at the new saucer section. It never ceased to give her a thrill to see her ship in all her glory. The new saucer was leaner and sleeker and gave a more streamlined profile. She was beautiful.


Once aboard, Kay nearly sprinted to the bridge. She found TEG there along with Aarons. She quickly scanned faces and by their subtle grins, found that everyone was feeling the same sense of excitement she was.

"Alright, Mr. Aarons. Once Omicron gives us the go-ahead, clear all moorings. Number One, relay our heading to Mr. Aarons," Kay ordered with measured tones.

[Lorna Holsen]

Flashback IV, Stardate 2382.1205, USS Ganymede in orbit of Hatris IV

Lieutenant j.g. Lorna Holsen was beginning to go stir crazy. It had been twenty-four hours since she had come back from the surface and more than twenty since she had been released from sickbay amid much commenting that doctors made the worse patients.

Her left side would never look the same again, Doctor Arnold had explained that the scars could be fixed but not without resorting to extensive tissue regrowth, Lorna decided that she couldn't wait for that maybe in a few years... She knew that there was a reprimand going on her file but she didn't regret what she had done and would do it again in a heartbeat. She didn't think the CMO was actually angry at her, but he didn't like seeing his staff hurt. Lorna couldn't blame him for that. She didn't like being hurt. The plasma whip was definitely the most painful thing that had ever happened to her. Now, when she would like to be working to take her mind off it she was off-duty for at least a couple more days to go along with the reprimand. She had thought that she would try to catch up on her reading, she had all ready sent letters to her mother and brother. Both were far too good at finding out what had happened to her and letting them know that she was okay was important to her.

The reading had nor happened. She was alternating between pacing in her quarters and sitting slumped on her couch trying not to put and pressure on her still not completely healed burns. Then the door chime went. Lorna looked over to the door and felt a single mind behind it. "Come in," she called.

Cris Lieder walked into the room, it may have been nine months since she had seen Lorna but when the Republic had arrived at Hatris IV and the Ganymede had been in orbit she had very quickly made plans to see Lorna again. Then she had found out that Lorna had been injured in the evacuation of the hospital. So now here she was at Lorna's door with a bunch of flowers.

"Ummm, I didn't know you were in the area." Lorna said, stumbling over the words. "It's very good to see you again"

"Well I'm still on the rescue team and Hatris IV is in need of rescuers at the moment." Cris paused. "These are for you by the way." She put the bunch of deep purple flowers into Lorna's hands.

Lorna broke in to an even larger smile. She juggled the flowers into the crook of her injured arm and then wrapped her other arm around Cris's shoulders guiding her back to the sofa. "So, tell me, what have you been up to since we last spoke?" Lorna asked as she put the flowers into a vase.

Cris laughed, "Oh, you aren't going to get out of it that easily. I want to hear how the valiant doctor ended up single-handedly facing down a terrorist."

Lorna gave a sigh that was halfway between amusement and exasperation "It wasn't like that. There were four patients evacuating the room. The bad guy came in. I couldn't let him get past me and after them. I couldn't"

Cris patted the other woman's arm, "I quite understand." She wasn't joking. They had a shared cause to protect others even at risk to their own lives. It wasn't something either could explain it simply was. "What the damage?"

Lorna gave an elaborate shrug and then winced as the motion pulled at her injures. "15% second and third degree plasma burns. I've still got my full range of motion though."

"Plasma whip?" Cris asked. Lorna nodded. Cris winced, she worked with people who'd been beaten with plasma whips and the result wasn't pretty. "You were very lucky."

Lorna nodded again, her smile quirked "Now I'm even more luck. I'm off duty for at least another day and I was getting bored." She reached out with her right hand and pulled Cris towards her. They kissed. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you as well." Cris paused cocking her head to one side as she pondered a problem. "We can't have you sitting around bored, can we." She smiled darkly.

[Deleted]

It had been a long time, a very long time.....

"Hi... No.. WOW.. No..." Greenwood said to himself over and over again.

Nik just had no idea what he was going to say when he saw her again. He knew things had changed, changed for the better maybe for the worse. Some had tried to dissuade him from what he was about to do, but he knew deep down that he just had to do it. Life just wasn't the same without her.

He held is breath and just hoped for the best, his heart was pounding he realised he was holding his breath for a little too long and forgetting to breath, what was he going to do, why did he feel like this only one person knew.......

[Deleted]

It had been so long since she had been assigned to shipboard duty and Xin-Ling was very pleased.

Sure, there was more room in her quarters on Starbase Conqueror, and she would miss the times she had at Asian Gardens. She would also miss her times with Captain Edwards, though they’d not been as frequent since his wedding. Before that, she, Dr. Barbara Johnson, and TJ Edwards had been inseparable.

She pulled the tie on her duffle bag, then packed her weapons of choice in a box the size of a small grip, which she locked and set on the bunk. Swinging the duffle bag over her right shoulder, with her left hand she picked up the weapon case by its handle. At the door, she turned for what would be the last look for a long while at her quarters on Starbase Conqueror, then sighed contentedly at the thought of being on shipboard again.

Xin-Ling then left the now-empty rooms (her other belongings having been shipped to the USS Majesty earlier), and with a brisk pace, quickened by the anxiousness to get back into space – she never considered being on starbase to be “in space” – she walked to where she could get the remainder of her belongings aboard and report for duty to her new commanding officer.

The Majesty seemed small in comparison to the Hepta. Not that it was small – only by comparison. The USS Majesty was still an immense structure.

Boarding the shuttle that would take her to the ship’s entry, Xin-Ling wondered what her new commanding officer would be like. She knew that the Majesty had been at Omicron Shipyards, and had assumed it had been for repairs. It was common for starcraft to return to base having suffered some degree of damage.

She did not have long to wonder about the type of captain she’d be serving under before the shuttle docked with the immense ship. The Asian Warrior disembarked, stepping onto the Majesty, then made her way to her new quarters, easily located, since most of the ships’ layouts were very similar.

Entering her chambers, she placed the duffle bag atop her bunk, and surveyed the pile of boxes that held her belongings for this assignment. There would be much to do to get her quarters in order.

One more stop was needed before officially reporting for duty.

This time her destination was the office of the Security Chief, where she deposited the contents of her locked grip, neatly arranging them where she could reach them at an instant’s notice when needed. Glancing over the Security Office, she smiled approvingly, then left towards the bridge of her new assignment.

With a pneumatic whoosh! the hatch to the Bridge opened and Xin-Ling stepped inside. She did not see a captain’s uniform present, and so asked anyone who might have been listening...

“Can anyone tell me where I can find Captain Cornette?”

<Tag – Anyone>

[Deleted]

TEG was on the floor of the new bridge module, attempting to connect a special ODN line coming from the new QS Drive to a special console he had requested installed next to his chair, so he could monitor the ship's status at a glance. Unfortunately, the Omicron engineers hadn't the time to install it, so TEG was wiring up the appropriate interface in the bridge's deck plates to affix the console. He use the hyperspanner to finalize the connection of the socket to the deck, when the turbolift door opened. The sound was quite different than he was used to, what with the new layout this module had, he'd already stubbed his toe twice, the second time, he had removed the offending piece of rail, and the anchor that he had kicked, partially in spite, and partially because he couldn't understand why the railing had been there in the first place, except to impede passage in an emergency. He stood up, and heard the new arrival speak...

“Can anyone tell me where I can find Captain Cornette?”

"I can tell you, but first may I ask for what reason?"

"I am Commander Xin-Ling Chan, Chief Tactical/Security Officer, reporting onboard."

"Ah, yes. Welcome aboard, I am TEG24601, First Officer. I used to be the CTSO, about 4 years ago. Captain Cornette is in her ready room, fighting with monthly report, but she should be available."

"Thank you sir."

"TEG will be fine Commander. Afterall, we are the same rank."

"Understood."

TEG watched as Commander Chan walked over to the Captain's ready room, and after a moment was allowed entrance. TEG went back to his work and lifted the console from the upper location on the bridge to the well, where the command seats sat. He then placed the console over the receptacle and use the hyperspanner to finalize the connections. The console came to life and he sat down to configure it. Commander Chan came out of the ready room, and asked if there was anything she could do to help. TEG suggested that she configure her console for her use, afterwhich there may be some finishing touches that were needed, but we won't know that until . After that exchange, Aarons returned to the bridge to do a final check of his systems. A few moments later Kay reentered the bridge, after having use the new back entrance from the ready room to rush over to Omicron.

She then gave the orders, "Alright, Mr. Aarons. Once Omicron gives us the go-ahead, clear all moorings. Number One, relay our heading to Mr. Aarons."

Commander Chan spoke, "Omicron has cleared us for departure."

TEG gave the commands, "Clear all moorings."

Aarons responded, "All moorings clear."

Kay gave the departure order, "One-quarter Impulse."

The ship left the dry-dock frame in very little time.

TEG gave the heading to exit the system, "Mr. Aarons, set a course 72 mark 327, full impulse for 5 minutes, then increase to Warp 1 until out of the system's disk. Then change course to 140 mark 305, increasing speed to warp 7."

Aarons responded, "Course charted and entered."

Kay gave the command, "Engage!"

[Kaylana Cornette]

Meeting Commander Xin Ling

Kay didn’t know exactly what she had imagined her new CTSO would look like, but the young, petite woman wasn’t it. Xin Ling Chan looked as though a strong puff of wind might carry her away. Cornette smiled at her, and to herself, knowing it was best to never judge a book by its cover.

“Welcome aboard, Commander,” Kay said and extended her hand in greeting.

Chan took it. “Thank you, ma’am, she answered. “I’m very pleased to be here, to once again be traveling through the galaxy.” Her words were rife with an Asian accent.

“Just so you know, I’ve always preferred to be addressed as sir. I’ve found it’s less confusing in the heat of battle, for example,” Kay explained. “Plus, it probably has something to do with Kruse – it seems my captaining style always has something to do with Kruse.” The latter half of Kay’s statement was low and mumbled. She brightened. “I’m glad you caught up with us before we left Omicron.” Kaylana rose from her seat and casually looked out her window. Omicron loomed close by, its dark exterior punctuated by flashes of light from dozens of busy plasma torches reminding her of fireflies on a warm night back home. “And the way they’re praising the enhancement of our engines, it might have been months before you could find us again.” She turned to her new chief of security. “I do hope you feel at home here.”

“Thank you, Captain. I’m certain I will.”

“Now,” Kay said, turning back to her desk and getting down to business, “I want you to arrange a meeting with Colonel Larok, our Senior Marine Officer, and coordinate personnel schedules, training and the like with him. My goal is to have you working in tandem. He’s relatively new here too. I think you’ll find his humor is a bit dry, but he is very good at what he does.”

“Yes, sir,” Chan answered sharply. <TAG Xin Ling>

Kay continued. “I don’t know if you’re aware, but the Majesty has recently acquired a fighter bay with all the accoutrements that go with it. I want the squads doing drills as soon as you and Colonel Larok can arrange it.” Kay paused and searched her CTSO’s face for confusion or any sign of becoming flustered. She found none. “We have a lot of new gizmos to try out at once. Starfleet’s giving us a fighter wing and a new engine config all at the same time. All we can do is stay limber and adapt to whatever they throw at us.”

<Xin Ling>

Kay’s door chimed and she called for them to enter. She was astonished to see none other than Commander Nik Greenwood bound the distance to her desk. He snapped to attention, breathless, flushed and grinning from ear to ear.

“Commander Nik Greenwood reporting in for duty, SIR!”

Kaylana stood frozen, mouth agape for a few seconds. “Nik!” she half-squealed. “I had no idea you were back!” She crossed around her desk and gave him a huge bear hug. They laughed and back slapped while Nik briefly told her his story.

<TAG Nik>

“Oh, Nik, I’d like you to meet our new Chief of Security, Commander Xin Ling Chan.”

OOC: I think you two may have briefly known each other on Conqueror at the Academy.

“Whatever you two need to settle in, feel free to ask, and again, it’s great to have you both aboard.” Kay walked toward the door and Greenwood and Chan followed her out onto the bridge.

(insert TEG’s last post here)


Kay gave the command. “Engage. Hold her steady at warp 7 for 4 minutes, Helm.”

Subconsciously, everyone on the bridge held their breath as the Majesty’s new engines came online. There was no sensation of forward motion. The stars didn’t give off their usual streaking effect. Instead, they blurred and undulated. Colored patterns swirled slightly, enveloping the outer fringes of the stream as it formed. Once the stream coalesced, the stars in the extreme center were fixed and unmoving which gave the appearance of traveling down a long tunnel. Everyone on the bridge silently stared at the viewscreen.

“All stop,” TEG ordered at the end of the allotted time.

Aarons complied. “All stop.”

“Location?” Kay asked.

“.00023 light years from our starting position,” Aarons said incredulously.

Amid raised eyebrows all around, someone softly whistled their amazement.

[Deleted]

Apr 1, 2009 3:31:54 GMT Kaylana Cornette said:

… “Now,” Kay said, turning back to her desk and getting down to business, “I want you to arrange a meeting with Colonel Larok, our Senior Marine Officer, and coordinate personnel schedules, training and the like with him. My goal is to have you working in tandem. He’s relatively new here too. I think you’ll find his humor is a bit dry, but he is very good at what he does.”

Only for an instant did the Asian Warrior blanch at the mention of “training”.

While on the USS Hepta she had conducted a class on combat training for the new cadets, but though she was quite confident in her martial arts skills, she had been unsure of her skills as an instructor in that type of setting, as she had never done it before.

She had been pleasantly surprised.

She would be willing to do so again, after discussing the possibility of giving another combat training class jointly with the colonel, if they both felt the cadets needed additional experience beyond what they had learned at Starfleet Academy.

Xin-Ling wondered about this Colonel Larok the captain had mentioned – what he was like, what his preferences were in the category of defense methods, and how well she would get along with him. Though she didn’t see where there might be any trouble, she hoped there would be no conflicts. After all, her methods of fighting were sometimes looked upon as a bit… unusual. She masked her concerns with an experienced skill, however, and answered her new CO sharply.

“Yes, sir!”

Apr 1, 2009 3:31:54 GMT Kaylana Cornette said:

Kay continued. “I don’t know if you’re aware, but the Majesty has recently acquired a fighter bay with all the accoutrements that go with it. I want the squads doing drills as soon as you and Colonel Larok can arrange it.” Kay paused and searched her CTSO’s face for confusion or any sign of becoming flustered. She found none. “We have a lot of new gizmos to try out at once. Starfleet’s giving us a fighter wing and a new engine config all at the same time. All we can do is stay limber and adapt to whatever they throw at us.”

Her mind momentarily leaving its questions about Colonel Larok, Xin-Ling wondered just what new “gizmos” the captain was speaking about. She had kept fairly well up to date with what she had seen, and could pilot most of the fighters that had, up to this time, been standard for a starship.

She couldn’t help an anxiousness to sit at the control panels of the new fighter and feel it respond lovingly to her deft commands.

There seemed no reason to question Captain Cornette about the new “gizmos” further, as they were obviously new to her as well.

Well…. At any rate, this was going to be an interesting assignment!

Apr 1, 2009 3:31:54 GMT Kaylana Cornette said:

… “Oh, Nik, I’d like you to meet our new Chief of Security, Commander Xin Ling Chan.”

Xin-Ling's dark brown eyes met Nik’s, and the briefest hint of a smile broke on her lips.

“We have meet before, sir; it was aboard the Hanson.”

She uttered a nearly inaudible sigh, remembering her two closest friends, TJ Edwards and Dr. Barbara Johnson. She had met TJ only a few hours before she had met Nik Greenwood, while Dr. Johnson had been her superior officer and friend since her days on the scuttled USS Vericonium.

Apr 1, 2009 3:31:54 GMT Kaylana Cornette said:

“Whatever you two need to settle in, feel free to ask, and again, it’s great to have you both aboard.” Kay walked toward the door and Greenwood and Chan followed her out onto the bridge.

[Lorna Holsen]

OOC: The numbers don't make a lot of sense to me, I am assuming that we have gone a lot further than we meant to. If someone could clarify this for me I'd be grateful.

Lorna usually tried to make it to a window (or better yet the bridge) to see her ship leave dock. Somehow being born on a ship and having spent the better part of her life aboard them had not dulled her delight at seeing a ship among the stars.

Still after being caught up in sickbay she hadn't made the bridge in time to see the Majesty leave the shipyards but she knew she hadn't missed it by much. She reached the bridge and looked around quickly. The Commander at tactical was new but Lorna thought she remembered her from her time at the S47 Academy.

Lorna looked at the viewscreen and was surprised to see such and obvious affect of their new engines: colored patterns swirled slightly, enveloping the outer fringes of the stream as it formed. Once the stream coalesced, the stars in the extreme centre were fixed and unmoving which gave the appearance of travelling down a long tunnel. Lorna settled in her seated and watched in silence.

“All stop,” TEG ordered at the end of the allotted time.

Aarons complied. “All stop.”

“Location?” Kay asked.

“.00023 light years from our starting position,” Aarons said incredulously.

Lorna did not quite grasp what the numbers meant, it had been a long time since her warp theory class at the Academy. She gathered from the looks and gasps that were coming from other crew members that something had happened that wasn't expected. Had she once again been tossed across the galaxy?

[Deleted]

Kay’s door chimed and she called for them to enter. She was astonished to see none other than Commander Nik Greenwood bound the distance to her desk. He snapped to attention, breathless, flushed and grinning from ear to ear.

“Commander Nik Greenwood reporting in for duty, SIR!”

~Stop, breath, think, smile and salute~

Yeah ok the salute wasn't really necessary but it seemed fitting. He knew Kay would appreciated the undertone, he knew she would understand.

Kaylana stood frozen, mouth agape for a few seconds. “Nik!” she half-squealed. “I had no idea you were back!” She crossed around her desk and gave him a huge bear hug. They laughed and back slapped while Nik briefly told her his story.

The back slap was quite forceful, he sensed there was an undertone to the slap, along with the hug a 'where the hell have you been, even Black Ops couldn't find you!'

"Kay, I did forward you, albeit a cryptic message of where I have been what I have been doing. Alot is for your eyes only. I we will have to catch-up over dinner sometime and I will explain all. Put it this way its been interesting, and well I had a helping hand in a few things that have been happening around and about. You remember Homer? Well as an AI has come on leaps and bounds. Theirs also my hand in the re-designing of some technologies, my diplomatic duties have increased alot. I know me a scientist and a diplomat....."

"This communication, where is it."

Nik glanced across at the red, PADD glaring at him on Kay's desk.

"That would be it...And kinda explains why you didn't know I was back, well you know me, galactic man of mystery, never the simple route. But then wheres the fun in that."

Kay smiled. It was one of those smiles, a smile that said welcome, it said where the hell have you been, and how dare you leave the majesty. Naturally the smile was full of love and friendship. After all the majesty was Nik's home, it was the one and only place he wanted to goto after the academy, oh the academy all those years ago it seemed now.

“Oh, Nik, I’d like you to meet our new Chief of Security, Commander Xin Ling Chan.”

"Please to meet you again, Commander Chan. I see the world, and universe is treating you well."

Nik smiled he was full of smiles today. It was exciting. He was home. The majesty although gone through an obvious bit of surgery. Oh what past crew members would say about the changes, this just made him smile more.

“Whatever you two need to settle in, feel free to ask, and again, it’s great to have you both aboard.” Kay walked toward the door and Greenwood and Chan followed her out onto the bridge.

[Deleted]

The bridge of the Majesty was manned by less people than it had been the last time Falco was there, and all posts and consoles were now slightly different to accommodate the new engine drive system. Lieutenant McCloud stepped out of Turbolift at the back of the bridge to the right and walked over to Captain Cornette, who was sitting in the elevated command chair, looking over the modified look of the bridge; she would have to get accustomed to it.

“Lieutenant McCloud reporting for duty,” he announced, at full attention. Kay looked up at her long missed operations officer and nodded. She gestured toward the Ops post.

“Take your post, Lieutenant and it is good to have you back.”

“Good to be back Captain,” Falco replied and with a short nod he headed for the bow of the bridge as Drake entered from Turbolift at the back of the bridge to the left. He immediately walked straight toward the Captain, at the center of the bridge. Directly behind the command area, a modified QSD monitor, ready for its first usage on this modified Sovereign -Class ship.

Argyle was stopped by a very large Marine who stood directly in his path and just centimeters away. “Sir no civilians are allowed on the bridge without permission,” Came the gruff voice of the young Marine as he placed a restraining hand on Drake.

Kay turned her attention to the commotion but said nothing at first while she watched the two men standing toe to toe. “Stand down Lieutenant,” Cornette ordered but could not help but wonder what might have happened had she remained silent. She knew of Drake’s reputation for brawling.

This moment in time seemed to stand still, as he saw the entire bridge staff staring directly at him. Like a blow from a Nausicaan, he gasped for breath. He firmly continued on his path to the Captain as the Marine stepped aside and stepped up onto the command area. He looked around at everyone who was sitting patiently at their stations. There was Lieutenant Enola, a young, light-haired Lass that seemed to defy this militaristic atmosphere, but a highly skilled engineer all the same. Then, at Tactical/Security, was Xin-Ling Chan, Drake didn’t know too much about this Commander, except that she had served in the Academy for a few years. Next was the always-optimistic Lieutenant Falco McCloud, who had started his Starfleet career at a very early age. He was definitely in tune with the daily routines of a starship, and that made him the prime candidate for Chief Ops Officer someday. Next he saw Commander Aarons at the Helm. He was a spirited Lad who seemed to like making abrupt modifications to starships. Then there was Cornette’s very own First Officer, Commander Teg, Drake only knew him from what he was able to read in his service file. Other than stealing a runabout years ago, there was nothing discrediting in his record. He seemed well deserving of his position. The Science station was manned by the very allusive Commander Greenwood, who has recently returned from parts unknown.

Drake took a seat beside the central command chair after handing Kay the padd with order options from headquarters and awaited the Captain’s answer.

Captain Cornette had received a copy of the very orders which Drake carried with him days before he had arrived aboard ship.

Kay took the padd and without even reading it she stood from her chair saying,” Commander Aarons, Mr. Drake will give you coordinates and time we are to rendezvous with a ship. Plot course and speed necessary to meeting that time table.”

“Aye Captain,” Michael replied.

Captain Cornette turned to face Drake, who was on his feet by this time. “Mr. Drake I know this is not what you wanted to hear but I need you to take Commander Hawk with you and see that he gets back home.”

At that very moment Falco jumped up out of his seat. “Captain, I request permission to accompany Commander Hawk home,” he said with excited resolute.

A saddened look came over Argyle’s face when he heard the Captain speak.

“Request granted Mr. McCloud and do take good care of our Mr. Hawk.” Kay said with a hint of concern.

“You can count on that Captain and thank you,” Falco chirped back.

“Mr. Drake my first duty is to do a thorough shake down of this ship’s systems and capabilities before I consider putting this ship in any danger and after that, well we will have to see.” Cornette said with conviction.

With that Drake thanked the Captain for her help and departed the bridge, growling at the young marine as he went by.

[Deleted]

Nik walked over to his station, an ensign was their do something or other, in all honesty it didn't matter what they was doing. Nik glanced over their shoulder smiled knodded approvingly.

"As you were, umm would you mind giving me an up-to-date opinion on the current science projects taking place aboard the majesty"

"Sir, well, I guess..." The ensign replied rather hesitantly. It was the word opinion that Nik had used, it often confused people. It wasnt really done in starfleet for a sub-ordinate to give opinions. But Nik had seen different to that from the very beginning of his career.

It was then that his train of thought was interupted from a few figures he had noticed on the console in front of him. Over to his right their was some sort of commotion happening.

'well i'm home' Nik thought to himself, he looked over towards the direction of the commotion and notice a marine standing in the way of who Nik could only assume was a civilian.

'yes definately home'

"If I could have your report by 22:00 hrs, Ensign it would be appreciated."

"Sir"

Nik started to walk over towards the commotion, making eye contact with chan, a flashback to his CTSO days in the academy still sticks with him. The amount of information that can be exchanged in a glance, both he an chan started to calmly move towards the area of commotion at the entrance to the turbolift.

Nik and Chan both glanced at Kay, and stood down, not that they had stood up to be honest. He knew the captain would deal with it and she did.

"Captain, Chan, Crew.. if I may be excused I will be in my quarters. I am assuming I have some quarters that is......"

[Deleted]

Apr 15, 2009 15:21:28 GMT @nik said:

Nik and Chan both glanced at Kay, and stood down, not that they had stood up to be honest. He knew the captain would deal with it and she did.

“Captain, Chan, Crew.. if I may be excused I will be in my quarters. I am assuming I have some quarters that is......”

Xin-Ling was in a quandary.

She knew she had things to do in her quarters, but, unlike the case with Nik Greenwood, this was a new ship to her, and Captain Cornette was a new commanding officer. She had just reported in for duty not long ago, and did not feel at ease in leaving the bridge simply to “put her house in order” in both her cabin and her office.

“These can wait until later,” she thought to herself, keeping silent as she watched Mr. Greenwood leave the Bridge.

She glanced at the captain, then to the viewscreen again. Though her main enjoyment, insofar as creation was concerned, was marine, there was no denying the beauty of the cosmos, and there was a glow of appreciation for its grandeur whenever she saw it. It was something she never tired of seeing. And it was vastly better seeing it from space, rather than seeing it as someone planet-bound.

Her thoughts – she knew not why – somehow meandered to focus upon her hero, Lei Siu Leung, and she wondered how he might have enjoyed the sight that was before her own eyes, had he been alive to share its wonders.

She shook her attention loose from her revelries, and almost without realizing it, uttered one comment….

“Beautiful!”

A couple sets of eyes turned, just for a moment, in her direction, and Xin-Ling felt her face flushing.

She hoped it did not show.