desertpride
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Post by desertpride on Jun 19, 2007 22:56:10 GMT
Pride hated having to stop hugging Illito but orders were orders. Making sure she knew she owed him a dinner date and he intended to collect. He got back to the bridge in time to see the tholian ship coming in to view.
Then just as quick as it started it was over there special guest was aboard. Still things were still kind of odd Commander Tras was still in charge even though Captain Drago was aboard and now the admiral as well. He felt bad for the crew because right now they really had know clue who was in charge. Looking around the bridge and thinking its all going to change here soon.
Star fleet doesn't like it when they loose ships and even if everybody comes out of it okay. How long until they get a new ship would they be reassigned who knows. Still there was one last thing that he felt like he had to do for the scavenger.
Looking over at Commander Tras " Sir if its okay I would like to hold a memorial tonight at 1800hrs for the scavenger crew for those who didn't make it and for the loss of a good ship. It might help the crew say good bye." <Tag Tras>
A hour later he headed back down to sick bay to catch up with a very special doctor. Walking into sickbay he saw Illito still hard at work. Before walking over to her he checked in with the ships chief medical officer seeing if he could spare her for some rest.
After getting the okay he headed over to where Illito was working " Well Since I'm still the acting first officer until Captain Drago assumes Command, It looks like I'll have to give the order go get some rest and change your clothes." he could tell she didn't want to stop working " Illito trust me the ships crew will be fine with out you for a few hours not to mention I was hoping we might get some time together if you would like that" <Tag Illito>
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 20, 2007 4:00:04 GMT
Parsons didn't like the idea of reporting on loss of the Scavenger before the Captain had presented his official version, but he did as he was told.
'Well, Admiral, as you know we were in the Badlands investigating the anomaly that turned out to be a rift in space leading to the Mirror Universe."
Lin waited patiently for new information.
"The Transip and Orlando were destroyed before we entered the rift. All we found was wreckage. We crossed over into the Mirror Universe when we came under attack and were engaged non-stop by an overwhelming enemy fleet. Captain Drago ordered me to take command of the Battle-Ready section and separate from the ship for combat. I did so and we engaged the fleet for sometime. Eventually their superior numbers and firepower overcame the Scavenger and she was destroyed. Several escape vessels were launched."
The Commander paused. "I don't know the details of what went on aboard the Scavenger as I was not aboard and communication was intermittent. As for the Battle-Ready Section, we observed the remainder of the fleet, those ships not destroyed by the Scavenger's shockwave, go after the escape vessels. We kept them off of the smaller pods and shuttles as long as possible before the Battle-Ready section was severely damaged."
Parsons paused again to weigh the expression on the Admiral's face.
"We next set a course for the rift, but our engines were blown before we reached it. I gave the order to abandon ship and head for the rift. Dunsmore, Tarapik, and I stayed behind to dump the Battle-Ready sections computer core before life support gave way. When we left her, she was a block of debris without a single functioning system. We were picked up by the South Carolina and Tras and the crew did the rest."
The relatively young commander waited for the Admiral's reaction.
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tintagel
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Post by tintagel on Jun 20, 2007 4:49:04 GMT
Illito had a tricorder trained on herself, attempting to be sure that there weren't any diseases that had been sent through from the mirror universe, and gathering data to try to prove that. It was standard procedure to do so after any first encounter with an alien species or formerly isolated part of a known species. And although there apparently had been prior contact with this universe, it didn't seem to be terribly well-documented. And Illito didn't know of any Cardassians who had visited one universe from another. So it was very important that she finish this before she took any chance to rest.
At least, that was what she told herself. In truth, the basic test she'd set up hadn't shown any irregularities, and neither any of the more detailed follow-ups she'd set. Anything that hadn't shown up by now would either be horribly dangerous and never-before-encountered, or something minor enough that it wasn't routinely scanned for. Starfleet personnel had been in enough first contact situations that the procedures that had been developed did a good job of testing for any major known diseases. So when Pride walked into sickbay Illito smiled at him, but she didn't set down her tricorder.
“Well Since I'm still the acting first officer until Captain Drago assumes Command, It looks like I'll have to give the order go get some rest and change your clothes.”
Illito sighed. “I'd kind of like to keep working,” she confided in Pride. “It helps me not have to think about what this whole day has been about today. It helps with the coping. It's all happened so fast, and I feel like I need some more time to absorb everything.”
Pride didn't seem willing to buy it, taking the tricorder from her hand and setting it on the nearest available surface. “Illito trust me the ships crew will be fine with out you for a few hours not to mention I was hoping we might get some time together if you would like that.”
Illito glanced at her tricorder, then she forced herself to disregard it and look up at Pride. “I would like that,” she said. “Believe me, I really would. But right now, I'm not sure of...much of anything. And it's a little disorienting for me. Well, actually, it's very disorienting. And the only thing I know I can do, and do right, is heal. That's part of who I am.” Illito bit her lip, then tilted her eyes up from the floor to meet Pride's again. She wasn't really sure what she was trying to say to him, or why she was saying what she was. But her experience in the mirror universe, and especially her brief experience with her mirror self, had shaken her. And Illito was only barely willing to admit that to herself. “Am I relieved from duty, then?” she asked, after a very long pause.
Pride told her that she was, effectively. So she did what any sane person would have done in the situation, since they'd been interrupted earlier, she hugged Pride again.
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desertpride
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Post by desertpride on Jun 20, 2007 13:54:29 GMT
He could tell she was not happy about having to rest and listened to what she was trying to say.
Illito glanced at her tricorder, then she forced herself to disregard it and look up at Pride. “I would like that,” she said. “Believe me, I really would. But right now, I'm not sure of...much of anything. And it's a little disorienting for me. Well, actually, it's very disorienting. And the only thing I know I can do, and do right, is heal. That's part of who I am.” Illito bit her lip, then tilted her eyes up from the floor to meet Pride's again. She wasn't really sure what she was trying to say to him, or why she was saying what she was. But her experience in the mirror universe, and especially her brief experience with her mirror self, had shaken her. And Illito was only barely willing to admit that to herself. “Am I relieved from duty, then?” she asked, after a very long pause.
Looking in her eyes and wanting to save the day for her but he knew it was going to take time to cope. He had been lucky he hadn't met himself in the mirror universe so he couldn't say to much.
" Illito listen my adoptive people have a great understanding of many things more then I can understand at times. You are not the other Illito not by a long shot you are differnt just as she is differnt from you. If you sit and think that could be me then you are spinning your wheels for nothing. Its true the there differnt the other end of what we could be, but thats the point of life being differnt. Making sure that no two things are a like, its life exploring all aspects and it can be very scary and wonderful at the same time. She's a bad person your a good person. Take heart in knowing that you are that good person you chose to save lives not end them. You put as much energy in saving life and she does taking it, you are differnt you are not the same. You will never be the same because she is not you and you are not her. You make look a like but thats as far as it goes." Pausing for a moment
" Yes I want you to get some rest and try to think about your owne life not her's because being differnt is the best thing in the world. I also want to spend time together I nearly lost you and dont intend to let that happen again. I want you around for a very long time to come although I"m still going to duck my physical and make you come get me" <Tag Illito>
She hugged him and he hugged her back knowing right now this is what she needed.
" If you still want to work I'll give the okay but only after you get something to eat and change clothes. You still owe me a dinner date which I'm willing to wait on until your feeling a little better. Just promise me you wont over do it I know you will but you can still pretend to make me feel better okay" <Illito>
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tintagel
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Post by tintagel on Jun 21, 2007 5:21:57 GMT
Illito listened to what Pride was saying, and some of it made sense. But then, she'd understood from the beginning that she was a different Cardassian than the mirror universe version of her. That didn't really make anything easier. Because while Illito could believe that people's lives were shaped by decisions that were made by people around them—it tied very nicely into the whole Cardassian view of family—she didn't believe that her life was the only way she could have turned out similar to the way she did, or at least not a murdering psychopath.
And Pride seemed very intent to simplifying it into a simple good vs. bad situation. Which was nice, and appreciated, but not working very well. Because if Illito's life was the one that made her be who she was, Illito pitied the other version of her. Truly pitied her. And spent a fair bit of energy hoping they wouldn't ever meet again.
“Looking alike isn't all we have in common,” Illito said, finally giving a voice, albeit a small one, to some of her problems with the last twelve hours. “We have the same family. At least in some sense.” Illito turned away from Pride long enough to pick up the tricorder and turn it off properly, then she looked back at him. She didn't know he would understand a tenth of what that meant to her, but it didn't really matter that much. She didn't need Pride to understand everything she said, just to be there for her. And he had already proved he would be.
“I don't know for sure that I want to work,” Illito replied. “And I actually think Doctor Loken would like it if I left for a while. So, for the sake of the good doctor's sanity, and maybe my own,” Illito sighed theatrically, deliberately, “I believe I am going off duty now. I have to take a shower and change first, but afterwards I would like very much to spend some time with you.”
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desertpride
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Post by desertpride on Jun 21, 2007 13:37:53 GMT
Shutting up and listening to what she was saying trying to be there for her. He knew he couldn't solve all her problems for her and he didn't think she would like it very much if he did. But he listend
“Looking alike isn't all we have in common,” Illito said, finally giving a voice, albeit a small one, to some of her problems with the last twelve hours. “We have the same family. At least in some sense.”
Looking back at her and trying to think of some way of putting " You could be right but then again you could be wrong as well. The mirror universe is differnt, we dont know what family she might have had. They could be the same but I doubt it things are differnt there all thought they might be the same in apperance that might be all that they hav common with us. But we can what if anything to death thats the wonderful thing about life all the possiblitys the good and the bad. So I choose to think you are who you are because you chose to be that way free will goes along way even in the face of evil."
Giving here another hug and looking forward to the prospect of spending time with her. " Well since your going to change and get something to eat. Which doesn't count as a dinner date, I do have a idea. It might give you some answers I'm not sure it might not be what you want to hear. In the hanger bay is one of there ships I snagged the computer core as been copied there could be some information on your other self. If you want you can scan through it and check thats up to you. Just remember somthing no matter what you find its not you. I know that is sounds like I put things into simple stuff but the universe is not as complex people think." Pausing for a moment
" Try to think about as a patients body, to me or anybody who doesn't know anything about medicen. The body is complex to you its simple it has its basic functions its only a matter of figuring them out. So in the end its only as complex as you make it. Now enough about that for a while I want to take care of you and pamper you for a little bit if you are okay with that. I haven't seen you in a while and I want to spend time with you lets go see about some quarters for you" <Tag Illito>
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Magellan Lin
Fleet Admiral
Registered: Apr 28, 2003 16:06:54 GMT
Posts: 2,338
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Post by Magellan Lin on Jun 22, 2007 9:35:18 GMT
"Thankyou Commander" Magellan nodded, finishing off his notes on the padd with a flourish of his stylus.
He gave the commander a non-commital smile, "On theface of it things seems to be in order. I ll debrief Captain Drago once we are back on Assailant. I understand we should be arriving fairly soon?"
"Yes Sir. Err could I ask what will happen next."
"I ll review the findings and suggest a ruling to Command Commodore Savali may wish to ask some questions as Fleet JAG Liaison it will be his duty but as Mr Drago is Chief Justice I suspect it will be a mere formality."
"But what of us and the crew"
"Ah yes, well Section 47 works slightly different from Starfleet Command. There maybe some NCO changes but the command staff should remain unchanged and be assigned a new ship... a new ship I mark you we dont yet have ready. I dont even have a replacement for the Nevada and she was lost 8 months ago. Still thats why I m Fleet Commander , its my problem to resolve.
Theres just one other thing Mr Parsons before you go. Captain Drago was a... chance appointment to command. Luke Dowding we knew well and he was well trusted Drago however was always an unknown commodity, giving him command straight away was a big risk and the loss of the Scavenger will not do him well. It would be beneficial if you could ensure that the Captain continues to do his duty in a correct and safe way"
"You mean spy on him?"
Magellan smiled again this time it seemed to have an edge to it, "Whilst I respect calling a spade a spade in this instance you are mistaken. You are a good officer with fine prospects all I m asking is that you do what all good First Officers do - ensure that the Captain is aware of all possibilities and using the chain of command where applicable. Now thats all. I must prepare to disembark as soon as we dock."
TAG Parsons
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Post by Deleted on Jun 22, 2007 11:51:48 GMT
Luke paced the Sickbay angrily. He had been kept there for almost two hours now, he was not a pleased man. He had a nasty suspicion that every physical that he had missed ever was about to be performed on him, just to even up the score. However, this was not the case. A female doctor approached the Captain and smiled.
"You're doing well." She said simply, scanning him with her tricorder.
"Of course I am, there's nothing wrong with me." He snapped.
"That's not entirely true." The Doctor replied. "You had two broken ribs and a small, open wound on your skull. You also appear to be having problems with your eyesight and I can't even begin to identify what kinds of anamolies there are floating around in your system..." She trailed off and smiled again. "So, yes, entirely fine."
"Sarcasm is not a trait that should be practiced by those in the medical profession." He replied. "It causes a rise in blood pressure."
The Doctor apparantly decided to ignore this last comment and fiddled about with several hyposprays before turning back to her patient.
"This should help with the difficulties you're experiencing with your eyesight."
"It won't, trust me." Luke replied, walking towards the door.
"I have yet to release you Captain, and as far as I understand you have been releaved of duty for at least 48hours, a long with the rest of your crew."
Just as he was leaving the Sickbay Luke turned back to the disgruntled looking Doctor. "Have you read my record?" He asked.
"No Sir, I haven't." She replied.
"Didn't think so." He said. As he made his way through the decks of the South Carolina he shuddered at the memory of the exploding Scavenger and at the thought of the possibility of once again losing a crew.
Arriving on the Bridge he gazed round quickly and saw Tras talking to Pride at helm but recognised no one else.
"Report!" He barked.
"Captain on deck!" Pride called, looking as if he had seen a ghost. To be fair, Luke wasn't exactly looking his best. His uniform was dirty, ripped and blood stained. His hair, which was often just a tangled mess tied back, now hung limply around his ears and shoulders and his eyes darted back and forth, straining to focus in on his surroundings.
"I believe I ordered for a report." He said, walking over to Tras. "What is our status Commander?"
<TAG Tras>
Luke frowned. "It is not your place to tell me where I should be Commander. I asked for a report, please now inform me of our current situation."
"Captain, please, perhaps you should rest in the Ready Room?" Pride asked tentatively.
Luke shot a look of venom at his previous CNO, no words were necessary.
"I also believe it would be prudent for the Captain to stop making a scene of himself and retire to a more suitable place, considering his current state." Tras said.
"My current state is fine Commander." Luke snapped. "What I want to know is where we are and why we have yet to arrive at Assailant.
"Captain, I warn you, if you do not remove yourself from this Bridge I will have you removed." Tras growled.
Luke stared at the Commander who he had once hated. It was certain that they would never agree on all things but respect had replaced the heated hate. However, he still could not bring himself to relinquish control to someone else. Too much had happened, he was responsible, he had to be in control.
"What of my crew? I wish to see them."
"I am afraid that will not be possible Captain, each member of your crew is currently in isolation whilst we confirm their identity. They are not allowed to interact with anyone else who was serving on the Scavenger at the time of the crossover." Tras replied.
Luke eyes flashed. "After all they have been through, you put them through more?!"
"It is merely a precaution, and it is not under my authority."
"Well who then is ordering my crew into confinement?!" Luke's voice was raised again, he slammed his fist into the navigation console, blood spilled from a newly created wound.
"That would be me Captain."
Luke turned round, pushing Tras from his way to see who spoke from the entrance to the Bridge.
"And I would ask that you step into Commander Tras' Ready Room." Admiral Magellan Lin paused. "Now." He added.
Luke turned to face Pride who was now standing by the Tactical console. He had clearly sent a message to the Admiral, he now was unable to make eye contact with his previous Captain.
Lin spoke again from the doorway of the Ready Room. "That was an order Captain." Quietly Luke made his way through the open doors and sat down on the other side, breathing heavily, he brushed the hair from his eyes and ripped off some of his uniform that was already torn to stop his hand from spilling blood everywhere.
Meanwhile back on the Bridge the stunned on duty officers slowly continued with their work whilst Tras approached Pride.
"What you did was necessary Commander." He said. "The Captain is an intense man at the best of times."
"Pride did not respond, he just stared at his feet.
"Perhaps it would be prudent to go and check up on Commander Tintagel. I'm sure a visit from you would cheer her up."
Pride left the Bridge, thanking Tras, content with the thought of seeing Illito again.
While back in the Ready Room Lin began to talk things through with Drago earlier than he had hoped.
<TAG Magellan>
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desertpride
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Post by desertpride on Jun 22, 2007 13:37:23 GMT
Seeing Illito had helped easy his mind a little he was still not happy about what had happen on the bridge. He felt like he had betrayed his captain by not agreeing with him, it was his idea not to let the crew get involved with ship duties. Until it was clear they were who they said they were. It was him who hid the identy of the admiral from scavenger crew as well.
He knew in his heart thought he had done the right thing by standing by Commander Tras. He was the acting first officer and his duty was to the ship her Captain and crew. Captain Drago was in no condition to take charge as much as he hated to admit. But the ship and crew had to come first.
Thankfuly Commander Tras had agreed so did the admiral. After signaling him he had informed him there would be know change of command as of yet. He and Commander Tras were still in Command and not Captain Drago or the crew of the Scavenger until he gave the order. He also wanted Captain Drago held until he got there, by any means. Thankfuly the Admiral had arrived before it had gotten to that point.
The look he got off Captain Drago when the admiral had arrived was death, like how could you betray me like that. He was stuck between to loyalties one to the ship and one to his captain. The ship had to come first no matter what it had to come first lives depend on him and Commander Tras doing there jobs.
Sooner or later he would have to face his Captain he knew that. All he could hope for was he would understand why he did what he did. He would go find his captain when he was done with the admiral and take his medicen. Still he was happy to be with Illito but he hadn't told her what had happen yet he didn't know how she would handle it.
Walking in silence for awhile he spoke up " Illito there is something I need to tell you, before I came down to see you I was on the bridge when Captain Drago showed up in a very angry state. Demanding to know whats going on Comander Tras order to calm down and to leave the bridge. That until everything was cleared up and everybody was who they said they were that no command change would happen. It was my idea because of where you just came from for the safety of the ship. Captain Drago wouldn't listen it was also my idea to hide the fact we were picking up the admiral as well from you guys. I also informed the admiral Drago was on the bridge he told me to keep him there until he arrived. Illito I'm sorry I really am I'm stuck in a bad way. I have my job as the first officer to this ship and my loyalties to my old crew. But the ship had to come first there were to many unkowns and I could just let him take control until we were sure. I'm sorry I didn't say something sooner" <Tag Illito>
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Magellan Lin
Fleet Admiral
Registered: Apr 28, 2003 16:06:54 GMT
Posts: 2,338
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Post by Magellan Lin on Jun 22, 2007 16:56:14 GMT
"You look a mess" Magellan stated as he moved around the desk to take a seat.
Luke shrugged.
"That little scene out there does you no credit" the Admiral continued.
"I was looking after my crew."
"You were being obstinant. I can attest first hand the problems with the mirror universe I served alongside a mirror counterpart for 12 months without realising. You of all people should realise the need for caution."
Luke reluctantly took a seat, "You still don't trust me." It was a statement not a question.
"Its hardly surprising. You appear from the future refuse to tell us much. But command cleared you and so you got command of the Scavenger. Too soon by my book to be frank. You have my support but not my trust not yet and the loss of a ship is a serious matter"
"You ve read my logs, you know the circumstances."
Magellan nodded, "I ve also debriefed Parsons"
That was quick Luke thought quietly to himself.
"Don't worry he didn't sell you down the river or anything. To be honest the loss of the Scavenger seemed unavoidable, but I warn you to tread carefully."
Luke nodded dutifully not sure he understood the way the Admiral seemed to oscillate between hostility and faint praise. He was more startled by the next question.
"Your a combat veteran" he chuckled a moment "In battles we've yet to fight..." he paused "... I ve had an interesting few days, abducted by a mercenary and shown some interesting things. I know now the reason why the Tholians have been colonising M-class planets in other peoples territories, I know why the Colonial War started and my intuition tells me that if we don't tread carefully we will very soon be dragged into it and more beside" The admiral sighed heavily and looked deeply concerned, "I can't...it wouldn't be right to ask you about the future...but..."
"But your going to anyways" Luke replied
"Like I said it wouldnt be right. Instead if the enquiry about the loss of the Scavenger goes well I will fast track a ship to you. I need you and your experience out there. And lastly don't take this confidence in you as any greater trust, needs must."
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desertpride
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Post by desertpride on Jun 22, 2007 19:25:28 GMT
A few hours later pride found himself standing outside Captain Drago's quarters. He Signaled the captain but there was no reply. Checking the ships computer he found that Captain Drago's was a wake inside. Still there was no answer, this was starting to anger him after everthing that happened on the bridge.
Computer Command over ride on guest quarters 15 Acting first officer Lt Commander Pride 05136B. The door opened he entered to see Captain Drago sitting on his couch.
" I'm sorry for the interupption sir but I felt like we needed to clear some air between us"
" I'm sorry about what happened on the bridge I really am but you wouldn't listen or give me or commander Tras a chance to explain. I'm sorry about the scavenger I really am she was a great ship. I didn't want it to turn out the way it did I really didn't it killed me to have to disagree with you."
" Sir it was my idea to have the crew seperated and kept apart. It was also my idea not too have command turned over to you right away." he could tell the captain was getting upset and was about to yell.
" Sir you put me in a very award postion one I dont like at all. I'm the acting first officer of the south Carolina for the time being. I have to worry about this ship and its crew before I can start to worry about the crew of the scavenger. I hate it more then I can tell you but its my job. I wasn't about to have decision made for this ship and crew with out being sure the people making them were who they say they are"
" I also dont like it when a good captain who would had done the same thing I did fight about it. I didn't want to involve the admiral and yes before you ask it was also me who kept this from the crew of the scavenger that he was the one were picking up. There are too many unknowns and I wasn't going to risk no matter how sure that you were who you say you are"
" You can be mad at me all you want and think that I betrayed you all you want. It wasn't a easy choice for me your still my captain but I'm the First officer for this ship and Commander Tras is its captain for the moment. My first duty must be to him and this ship no matter what my personal feelings are. I dont like being force to have to pick a side in this, if you want I will request a transfer from you command. I'm sure the admiral would grant it considering everthing that happened"
" It wasnt easy for me sir not by a long shot and if I had to do it again. I wouldn't change anything. I would still put the this ship and crew before my owne because thats my job right now. I hope you can respect that sir" < Tag Drago>
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 22, 2007 21:51:26 GMT
Tras watched the exchange between Pride and Drago with growing weariness. He wanted to step in between the two officers, whom he had assumed had been friends before this issue. He was extremely relieved when Magellan finally stepped in, even though he had not heard the Trill approach.
These were times when he was quite relieved to be hearing impared as now he would not need to try and ignore the raised voice that came from the readyroom. He could tell from the bridge crew's faces that there were shouts, even though he didnt pick them up as such. Seeing that Pride felt really uncomfortable, he sent the young officer back down to sickbay, to be with the woman he loved. While deaf, Joseph Tras was far from blind and he had quite noticed the affection the young officer had towards the Cardassian doctor.
Personally, he too liked the Cardassian, but for different reasons. She had helped him quite a lot when he was going through a very difficult and rough time, and she had made him see he was too selfish and too hard on his crew when he captained the Scavenger. The loss of the ship he had once commanded had come as quite a shock to him as well, and he yearned to learn how she was lost.
When at last Drago emerged from the readyroom, Tras steadfastly strode up to him. "Captain, I would like to have a word with you. Informally. Would you join me for dinner, I find myself quite hungry as our rescue operation made me miss lunch. I would like for you to tell me how the Scavenger was lost and how you are dealing with it."
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tintagel
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Post by tintagel on Jun 25, 2007 14:55:05 GMT
“It's ok,” Illito said when Pride told her about what had happened on the bridge, only it wasn't ok, because she didn't like having information withheld from her. 'It's ok,' she'd said, and it was ok, because this was Pride, and because she trusted him—that if he'd not shared information he'd had very good reason—and because she loved him. She loved him.
“I know you had your reasons, it was your information, and you get to choose when or if you want to share it. I understand, I really do,” Illito said, finding it important that he not worry too much about what she would say when he decided what the right thing was to do. “What you did, advising against handing over command to Captain Drago, was entirely appropriate, given the givens.”
Later, after she had quarters and Pride had left her, to talk to Captain Drago, he'd said, Illito took a shower, relishing the feeling of being clean again. She took advantage of the replicator in her quarters to replicate herself a new uniform. She would have been happy in civilian clothing, but replicating uniforms was easy, recreating the wardrobe she'd had on the Scavenger was not worth doing now.
Illito thought about Pride's suggestion for what they do while she waited for him to return. She wasn't sure she liked the idea of finding out more about her mirror persona. After all, the chances of her finding any redeeming qualities seemed low. And Illito, while professionally highly interested in knowledge, didn't always see the point of finding something out just to know it. There was a reason that she knew next to nothing about her parents, when there was probably information to find. She was just scared of what she might find.
Illito was still contemplating the issue when the bell to her temporary quarters went off. “Come in,” Illito said.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 25, 2007 23:01:21 GMT
Parsons wondered what Lin's true intentions were, but decided to take the senior officer at his word. The young commadner did not know the Admiral well enough to judge his motives and assumed the Fleet Commander had everyone's best interest in mind.
"Aye, Sir, I will remember my duty," Parsons responded after a short pause.
The First Officer of a no longer existent ship then left the Admiral's presence and returned to his quarters. As command level officer, Parsons and Drago shared slightly more freedom on the ship than did the rest of the Scavenger crew. Parsons identity had now been confirmed, which was more of a formality because he did not come into contact with his mirror self.
However, his access to the ship was restricted and a return to quarters seemed prudent.
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Deleted
Registered: Apr 20, 2024 5:21:33 GMT
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2007 0:20:33 GMT
There were times in Luke's life that seemed to blur in his thoughts... As he sat in his temporary quarters on Assailant, awaiting whatever orders were sent his way, he thought back to the day that had just passed and to the evening ahead where he was to dine with, of all people, Commander Tras...
5.2 Hours Previously...
Luke looked at the Admiral, not sure what to do next. It appeared that all he had wanted to say had been said but still he made no effort to show this, no sign at all. The two sat in silence for a while, neither seeming to have anything to say before Luke cleared his throat and once more returned his attention from the stars zipping by to the Admiral.
"The war with the Tholians does not go well." He said. "It becomes the start of something much bigger." Luke paused and scratched his head, sweeping strands of loose hair behind his ears.
Admiral Lin remained in silence, Luke did not know how much more to say. He didn't feel like he owed this man anything, but if his words could prevent something terrible from happening in the future...
"I am not sure how the timeline has been altered by my presence here. Nor am I sure how much to inform you of any possible timelines. I do not claim to have an understanding of any such things, only that where we stand today is considerably better off than we should be."
Lin stood to his feet and walked to the back of the Ready Room, allowing Luke to see just how tired this man really was. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.
"I believe that will be all for now Captain." He said, not turning around. "Unless you have anything else to add?"
"No, I don't."
"Then we will meet again on Assailant, there are things that need to be discussed concerning a new vessel."
Luke stood up, once more brushed hair from his face and was about to turn to leave before he spoke once again. "In the future that I came from, you were announced missing in action three days before the Federation sealed it's borders. You're last known position was on a vessel sent to meet a Fleet heading towards Earth. That day you succeeded in keeping the wolves at bay. You'll do it again, I am sure of that."
As Luke left a silent Admiral Lin in the Carolina's Ready Room he was approached by Tras. Luke sighed, some days just never got around to ending...
"Captain, I would like to have a word with you. Informally. Would you join me for dinner, I find myself quite hungry as our rescue operation made me miss lunch. I would like for you to tell me how the Scavenger was lost and how you are dealing with it."
Now that he wasn't expecting... What to say in a situation like this was quite beyond the battle worn Captain... So he did the only thing that he thought was acceptable... "That sounds... Pleasant..." He said, genuinely hoping he had managed to summon some sincerity into his words. "Perhaps when we arrive back on Assailant? I believe it's now only a matter of an hour or so?"
"My quarters on the Carolina at say 1900hours then?" Tras asked.
Luke nodded, looked round the Bridge and hurriedly left before he was invited on any other dinner dates. What could the Commander possibly want to discuss. The Scavenger was destroyed. End of discussion.
He rode the Turbolift to Deck 7 where his temporary quarters had been allocated and entered the dark, slightly musty smelling room. He ordered the computer to turn on the lights and sat down heavily in the chair next to the small desk which took up most of the space in the miniature quarters. His thoughts travelled back to the words of Admiral Lin...
"Its hardly surprising. You appear from the future refuse to tell us much. But command cleared you and so you got command of the Scavenger. Too soon by my book to be frank. You have my support but not my trust not yet and the loss of a ship is a serious matter"
"I need you and your experience out there. And lastly don't take this confidence in you as any greater trust, needs must."
The words stung him, not out of self pity or remorse but out of anger. He could not talk of what he had seen, of what the future could hold for the Federation, yet this was being held against him. He knew trust had to be earnt, but how could he earn such trust if those who needed to distribute it were not willing to do so?
The door chime sounded, interupting him. Of course he decided to ignore it, he was in no mood for entertaining. This caused him to shudder thinking of the evening to come... Alone with Tras? What had he been thinking...? The man was clearly a capable officer but someone to spend large amounts of time with? The jury was out on that one. Once more the door chime rang, once more he ignored it. The Admiral's word echoed round his mind still...
"Don't take this confidence in you as any greater trust, needs must."
The doors to the room opened violently and Luke was surprised to see Pride standing there. He had clearly forgotten to lock out the doors to override, he missed his own quarters...
"What is it Commander?" Luke snapped, annoyed at the rough entrance and about the scene on the Bridge earlier.
He listened to the Officer say what he had come to say and didn't interupt while he spoke. When it had appeared that Pride had said all he had wished to say Luke spoke, briefly and to the point.
"If that is all?" He asked. "I have some reports to write." Luke turned away from the stunned Pride and set about accessing what little of the ship he could with a reduced access code.
Commander Pride remained rooted to the spot for a few moments longer before leaving Luke alone. If there was one thing Luke longed for in his crew was trust and loyalty... Which was why Lin's words stung even more...
"Don't take this confidence in you as any greater trust, needs must."
No greater trust... No greater trust... He was right though. There would be no trust between Drago and the Starfleet of this time for quite a while to come. You didn't need to have travelled from the future to realise that...
USS South Carolina - Docked SBA - 1858Hours
Luke briskly walked through the decks of the South Carolina to reach Tras' quarters. He had not really made the effort to change his appearance, the only think different about him was the removal of his uniform to be replaced with casual civi's. Arriving at the Commander's place of residence he pressed the door chime and waited for a response.
"What am I even doing here?" He muttered to himself...
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Deleted
Registered: Apr 20, 2024 5:21:33 GMT
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2007 0:22:09 GMT
That's all folks! The last mission of the Scavenger has officially ended, please keep your eyes peeled on the boards for mission updates and get posting on the LOA thread... Hopefully we will soon have our new ship to sink our metaphorical teeth into... As it were...
Well done all!
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