USS Galaxy: The Next Generation Sim Log
Stardate: 60804.20 - 60804.26
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"The Walk Home" Jaal Jaxom **** USS Galaxy "This is ridiculous," Arel said in a low growl. She would have snapped "Doctor Burton said you could leave early *if* you had an escort Arel gave one of her best glares. "The counselor isn't here. I'm not Her nurse gave a friendly smile. Obviously, she hadn't been on duty The security officer harrumphed. Figures, she thought. Your legs Pthaks. The nurse had a sympathetic face. Arel wondered if it was the remnants Arel frowned. "Yeah, I guess so." **** Jaal had no idea why Arel had called him to Sickbay. She was rather The tall Trill walked into Sickbay and peered around the ward with Sickbay was one of the last places, anyone who knew Arel, would expect "They won't let me leave without an escort." Jaal blinked. That was kind of unusual. He folded his arms and asked, "Something like that," Arel said. "I'll tell you when we get out of Jaal smirked and raised one eyebrow in amusement. "Be right back." Arel eased herself off the biobed when he returned. She tried to make Knowing Arel, and Klingons in general, and not wanting to make things Pride wanted her to shun the arm but needing to escape Sickbay was ==In The Corridor== Jaal and Arel walked side by side, still arm in arm, down the corridor "The counselor has some kind of Betazoid disease that amplifies his Jaal blinked twice not sure he followed all of that. "It created some "Yeah but I tried my hardest not to. Apparently. I don't really "That's it?" Jaal asked half joking, half serious. "Might have been more," She admitted. The turbolift tube was now in sight. They continued to walk at a, more "I feel like I've been clubbed in the head with a painstick," She Jaal smirked. "Of course you're not complaining... you're merely She grunted. "Fine." Arel rested her head back against the wall for just a minute and then Jaal was keeping her from falling to the deck with artfully arms and "I was not," She huffed. Now that she seemed she could stand on her own he let go. "You were too." "Maybe I was," Arel grumbled. "So what?" "How long have you been pulling double duty?" He asked curiously. Arel yawned. "What?" "I mean between security and strategic ops? Have you thought about That woke her up some. "Oh no, you are not pulling that shit on me! I'm only tired from Jaal folded his arms across his chest and gave her a critical glare, "And just what am I supposed to do with a day off?" Arel retorted. "I'd go out of my mind with boredom." "Well," Jaal said in a reasoning tone as the lift doors swished open, "I thought the point was to relax?" She replied, taking his arm again. "Once you get the hang of it, it's very relaxing," he told her in a Arel snorted. "Well, this is it," She said as they stopped in front of her door. Jaal's head tilted in amusement, "I probably shouldn't tell you "I think I'd deck you if I had more energy," Arel growled. "I'm sure you'd try," he replied grinning. "But for now, I'll take "Hey, Jaxom," She called after him. "Thanks." Jaal stopped and spun around. "You're welcome." He spun once again and "The Improper Use of Chocolate" Jaal Jaxom Lt. JG Ophelia Zamora LOCATION: Arboretum --------------- "Hey..." "Hey," Jaal replied, "Good to see you again." He smiled and sat beside her. Her head tilted as a soft smile played on her lips. "I hear our resident shitter fantasma left you a present too," Jaal "Personally, I don't know what's up with the security department. It "Oh no, we can't have any that," Jaal half joked, "That would take too "I've had enough death for a while....lock him up and throw away the key." Jaal nodded slowly after seeing the seriousness of her comment. "Fair Changing the subject, Jaal mentioned, "Ya know, I really should come "It's my favorite place to be. Serenity is difficult to come by She glanced over at him, holding his stare for a long while. Staying silent, Jaal smirked while watching her. Several thoughts passed through his "What? No..." She paused, slightly chuckling. "I blush every now "Naughty thoughts?" Jaal asked curiously. His own face reddened a "Not unless you want an answer." Zamora caught his raised eyebrow and smiled. Now about a thousand different thoughts flitted through Jaal's head Zamora's cheeks grew crimson yet again. "I don't think that I can Jaal smiled a little wider. He didn't think she liked him in that "But 'will' you show me?" he whispered back. "Yeah..." She stood, brushed off her uniform and offered her hand to Jaal sat wondering what would happen next, if anything. Shouldn't he He sat patiently waiting to see what would happen while keeping other She emerged, a few moments later with two plates and offered one to Jaal. Jaal shook his head while chuckling, "Not depressed," he protested "It's the most sinful chocolate cake...." Ophelia sat down beside him "Why?" he offered a questioning glance with a hint of suspicion in his tone. 'Just do it..." She growled playfully. Satisfied that he finally Jaal giggled in amusement. He never got to play in such a way with Zamora laughed outright. "Um...no....keep trying..." Jaal kept his tongue out and moved closer to the sound of her voice "No..." She giggled hard. "You look like a Terran anteater." "Don makit soun lahk a bad ting." Another attempt lead to more giggling between the both of them. "Okay.....You poor boy....." Zamora cupped his face, leading it to Jaal's nostrils filled with the scent of rose. The perfume she was He giggled a little again and keeping his eyes closed, asked, "Is there more?" "There's practically a whole cake back in the bedroom......." She Jaal opened his eyes and looked warmly into hers, "Firing phasers is a "Still...Jaal....it's the concept of the whole thing. Aim is Jaal shook his head, and explained somewhat seriously, "But chocolate "No...chocolate does constitute a life or death "Good point," Jaal replied rubbing his chin, "A whole cake you say?" "Almost whole......" Ophelia paused. "Why? Did we suddenly get an appetite?" "I dunno, how hungry are you?" Jaal asked coyly. "Geesh Jaal...what else do I have to do here? Dress up like Raynor A pained expression came over Jaal's features, "Ouch! That hurt!" "Oh....I'm sure you're okay...." He shrugged lightly while taking one of her hands in his, "I just had "How's this for confirmation?" Leaning over, Ophelia whispered Jaal's eyebrows darted up and a very pleasant smile spread across his "Uh huh......right around the corner..." Zamora giggled she practically Jaal eagerly followed her into the bathroom... It's a Little Bit Funny...This Feeling Inside Commander Brian Elessidil, Chief Counselor The marine considered himself merely confused and needed to sort out thoughts and emotions - sometimes he couldn't tell the difference. Cianán looked into his mirror the ever constant ghosts of his past looked back at him but once again they were muted as Cianán thought about Brian. "He's an officer. Not just any officer, a Commander. On the senior staff. A counselor, an instrument of peace. A Betazoid," Cianán thought to himself. "I'm a marine. A soldier. An Angosian soldier, an instrument of war." He shook his head and ran his hands over his face, rubbing his eyes. Things became clearer when Cianán was told of Brian's diagnosis. It made sense. The demented behavior, the irrational thoughts and ideations. Cianán seemed immune to the brunt of Brian's inadvertent psychic projections and managed to bring him back to the ship without causing too much damage. It didn't help Cianán's guilt all that much. Unfortunately Cianán learned that his guilt only helped pile on Brian's already guilty conscience. It was a vicious cycle. Taking a final sigh he tried to smile, if not in vain. He would approach it as though he would any other assignment. Visit the Counselor, work through some issues, get over it. Cianán nodded to himself in the mirror, tilted his head to the side and relieved some stress in his neck. He straightened his uniform and made his way to the Counseling Offices. "Cianán, how are you feeling?" Brian asked upon admitting the Angosian to his office. He hadn't had an opportunity to speak with him since Brian himself got out of sickbay. "Come, have a seat," he said, gesturing to the couch and cluster of comfortable chairs at the other side of the office. "Can I get you anything?" "Fine, Counselor." Cianán said flatly. He guessed he was fine. It was probably the best adjective, not the most eloquent but it worked. "No, thank you." The marine sat in one of the empty chairs his back was rigid. "I don't think I ever apologized for what I did on the planet." Cianán started the conversation. "I don't think I ever asked you to," Brian replied, taking a seat across from him, noting the unusually stiff affect. "Has it been bothering you?" Cianán nodded. "A little." It had been affecting him. "I don't think I handled myself as a marine should." The Angosian was referring to a whole list of indiscretions - not following orders, assaulting a senior officer, hostility towards a senior officer, behaviors unbecoming of a marine, inadvertently spilling his guts about his feelings, the list went on. "Hm. Well, let's see, you performed your duties as required for the task at hand, you put yourself in harm's way to ensure those duties were carried out, and you independently resolved a crisis situation. Those all pretty much sound like things marines do. What did you think you did otherwise?" "Well usually there's more death involved." Cianán said with a faked smile, trying to add levity and deflecting the question. "Let's be glad there wasn't this time," Brian replied with a grin. "But somehow I don't think that's what disappointed you." Cianán's fake smile disappeared. "It's confusing, complicated, I"m not sure." "Why don't you try talking about it a little? Maybe we can figure it out together." It was time to put it on the line. "I've been to seventeen psychologists, nine psychiatrists and countless other mental health specialists since my planet joined the Federation. I've seen Humans, Vulcans, Bajorans, Trill, and Betazoids. None of them have been as effective as you." Cianán paused for a moment. "I find myself thinking about you which helps clear my mind. Why?" ~Because I'm awesome~ briefly flicked through Brian's mind, but he realized this probably wasn't the right time for humor. He recalled what Cianán had said back on the Gamma Vered colony. "Cianán, let's first start by saying that everyone responds differently in counseling situations; a particularly counselor might be more effective with one person than with another, that's normal. You've been making progress with your emotional control but it's still a relatively new experience and all those emotions can be unsettling. Since this is where you've been working with that, it makes sense that there might be some association." It sounded plausible, but so many ineffective counselors? He did seem to be progressing, but again it seemed to be solely attributed to Brian. Cianán shifted slightly in his chair. "So what should I do? I feel like I'm going crazy again. Instead of hearing hundreds of voices, all I'm hearing is yours." Brian thought for a moment. "You say you're hearing my voice...is it saying anything in particular?" "The same thing I hear all the time, just in your voice," Cianán said. "And it is a little disturbing to have your voice explaining that you're a 37 year old woman that is raising three children." Cianán continued. "Sometimes I hear conversations we've had in the past. You reassuring me, telling me to get a hobby. I've relived the recent mission many times. And then sometimes you, or your voice, doesn't make sense." "How so?" Cianán thought for a moment. "It's like I don't want your voice to end so I start inventing conversations." "Cianán," Brian began carefully, "maybe it's time we talked about your feelings toward me in general. We haven't really had a chance to address that since Gamma Vered. Do you know what I mean?" "We often reveal the most significant truths in those moments, but that aside, what you've been telling me so far does seem to indicate that you've been thinking about me both consciously and subconciously. I'm not sure you're entirely comfortable with that, so I think it's important to discuss." "You could just think and I could read your thoughts, but somehow I don't think that would make you feel more comfortable," Brian light-heartedly offered. "This is new territory for you, Cianán. Feelings aren't often easy to discuss even for people who have a life's history with them, so don't expect it to be any easier for you. That doesn't mean it won't be helpful for you to try." Cianán nodded once silently. "I'm not sure what I feel." The Angosian admitted. "I can't explain it very well. I once asked a counselor what it felt like to be happy, sad, scared...at least that way when I felt them I'd know. He said it was like trying to explain the color blue to a blind person. There aren't words. That's how I can explain it. I've never felt what I'm feeling now." "Do you like the way you feel right now, or do you find it troubling? Is it something you want to try to explore and understand better or do you want to make it go away?" It was an eerie feeling - probably best described as cognitive dissonance - as though all the voices from his past came together in one might chorus to scream GO AWAY! Had that come from his lips? Cianán blinked trying to recall if it was his voice. Thus the dilemma came to a head for the counselor. He understood Cianán's desire to understand these new emotions and whole-heartedly supported him in that. But the object of his affection -- if that was indeed what he was feeling -- was Brian himself, and that posed a significant problem. "Fet's Interrogation" "Silver Platter" "Helpless" She dialled up the obedience button on his collar, and slightly brought his intelligence back. "Behave, pet. You don't want me to have to punish you more, now do you?" "No..ma'am," he replied, fighting the implant. Man'darr stepped towards the female hydran without speaking as he kept his eyes on her. "The Final Lesson" - Part 5 **** I looked over at Ella and she was looking away. I frowned and shook my hand free of blood and other bits of what was She looked horrified, tired, miserable. Tears were already streaming Everything about her screamed at me to stop. This was unfortunate, as "If you want this, you have to watch," I reminded her sternly. I'd told her this before I had started and Ella had agreed, probably I let go of her chin, not that I think she noticed. "You can't ask for a man's life without giving something in return, I couldn't have said why I wanted her to learn this. I didn't love But I did want her to learn about consequences. Maybe so I could later Ella looked at me, if only to avoid looking at him. Those blue eyes "You watch or it ends," I told her. She finally looked at the man bound to the chair and shuddered. I wiped the bloodstain from her chin and then went back to work. Later, I brought her back to one of my hideaways for reasons that I've Perhaps because I knew that she would have to go home to that big Perhaps because I had momentarily lost my damned mind. She sat on the bed and stared out of the window, probably thinking I watched for a moment, perplexed. I never had had to deal with my I ended up wrenching her up from the bed to press her close into an awkward hug. She was the first one to kiss me and I let her, let myself taste her "It won't make it go away," I tell her. "That's not you." Her reply was a question, disguised as a hiccup of laughter. "You don't forgive, Ella. Not even yourself." I didn't add that people She started to sob and I pulled her towards me again. I laid us down I felt protective which was an odd sensation. And probably why I She was quiet for a while and then I felt her head shift as she nodded. "Can you go through with it?" She shook her head no. "Then I have a suggestion," I said. I spent a few minutes doing the **** "I have ... confession to make," I whispered. She was expressionless, but I would have bet money that Ella was I moved my mouth, pitched my voice low. Ella frowned and asked me to "Move ... closer," I said and she looked at me warily. She's a smart girl but I had burned skin, a raspy voice, and genuine I willed my numb fingers to be ready to catch my knife ... Lunch A joint post by Callum Kochanski and Naranda Roswell Nara settled in after ordering her food and smiled at him, "How long have you been here?" Callum smiled from across the table. "About 48 hours." He said as he worked it out in his head. "Only started my assignment here when you docked." "Been assigned on a Starship before?" She asked curiously. “Oh, yes.” He replied, Callum was no stranger to starships. He’d previously served on a Nova class scout vessel and an Intrepid class light cruiser, both tines as part of various research missions. “However...” He continued, “This is my first time on a ship so... Big!” Nara could see the look of excitement in the ensign’s face, like a small boy on a big adventure. She smiled, "I'm sure you know that the hull is the Enterprise hull...” “Sure do!” He said grinning. “It’s amazing they were able to restore it.” He said as the waiter brought over the food. In front of Callum now was a large bowl of Plomeek soup with a bread roll on the side. For Nara a dish of spiced chicken and rice. “So where do you hail from Naranda?” "Sakaria." She spoke it casually as she took a bite of chicken. “Fascinating...” Callum said between spoonfuls, not realising how hungry he’d been before. “Quite an impressive history for a small world.” "I'm hoping the last war is... the last war." Something about that struck a chord in Callum, unknown to Nara he had such empathy with that thought. However, it was already far too late for his world. He didn’t even know if there was anyone else left. His smile was gone, a very somber man sat opposite Nara now. She noticed this, "What's wrong?" Callum forced a tiny smile, not the huge grin that usually greeted people but a meek smile of a man in pain. “My home...” He began, quietly. “It was destroyed in war.” He paused... “Not even a real war. A petty boarder dispute which boiled into an unprovoked attack with a whole population paying the price.” "Where is your home?" “Setlik III.” He replied with a sigh. “It was on the front line in the Federation/Cardassian border war” Frowning, she set down her fork, "I'm sorry." "It’s alright." Callum said recomposing himself and reapplying a smile for show. "It was a long time ago" "What is it like there now?” Callum didn’t like lying. But he just, for one moment wanted to believe his home was still there and that he wasn’t the only one left. “Oh it’s great, beautiful golden skies and lush farm lands. Visitors say the grass smells like apples.” Nara watched him. She always had her mental wall up, not being an active telepath. However, there was something in his tone. A wistfulness that transcended home sickness, to something much sadder. Sometimes on a summer night I’d run away to the beach with a girl from down the street and lay under the stars. It was... umm is... An amazing place." She gave him a look of pity. But he was back into his outsider mode. A smile as if everything was still ok. Secretly hoping she wouldn’t see through it, or even if she did just let him believe it for himself. Let him believe that everyone he loved hadn't been killed by cardassians. Or that the other children who'd survived hadn't died in the ranks of the Maquis searching for revenge. Unfortunately she believed in facing things. She just looked at him, "How about we look at its latest satellite image." “Nah," He said mopping up the last of his soup with the bread. "I got to go supervise some equipment transfer Think you can finish in engineering without me. It was kind of obvious he was looking for a way out. "You're not getting off this easy. I know a girl who dealt with something just about as catastrophic and she was brave enough to not hide from it. Are you not as brave as an 11 year old little girl?" “I’m not afraid." He said dropping his smile. "Maybe I just wanted to avoid the conversation about how Setlik III is now a rocky radioactive wasteland, forgotten by the Federation. Maybe forget that I’m alone in the universe and skip the pity." "Who said I'd pity you? At least to your face?" “Your face said it all, don’t worry I don’t mind it’s not the pity that worries me.” He said sitting back. “It’s that total void of being alone... That little girl I told you about? She survived only to die ten years later in a Maquis raid on a Cardassian warship.” "How long ago did all this happen to you?" “Almost 22 years.” “What are you doing tonight?” She asked. "Umm...” Callum paused; the question had caught him off guard. "No plans... I was going to try out the Galaxy's holodeck. Why?" "What will you do there?" Callum smiled, a real one this time. "No idea," He said. "That’s the beauty of a holodeck, imagination is the only limitation." "Good." “Why, exactly?” Callum said confused. “It means your not dwelling in your grief.” "It’s been 22 years, I think I'm over it" He said putting on the brave face again... Do you have any experience with holodeck's?" He asked "Yes." “Then would you care to join me when we both finish our shifts?” “Why not?” "That's my motto." Callum said with a wide smile. "1900 hours?" She nodded, smiling. Callum got up to leave. “Now if you’ll excuse me Nara I have some things to attend to.” He took a few steps before he turned back. “Oh by the way, do you know anything about Earth music?” “A little.” She replied curiously. Callum smiled as if he had an idea. "I'll see you later then, there’s a... Concert on the holodeck I’ve wanted to try." He winked, then turned around and walked away. "1000 Steps" Subtle shades of magenta and gold blended into a masterpiece of color as the azure sun settled behind the distant mountaintops. The Capital city below lay shrouded in half darkness now, the twilight hour harkening the coming of artificial neons and flourescent bulbs, casting their mechanical glare through the swirling methane vapors that was this planets life blood. This was the throneworld of the Hydrans. A purple-shrouded landscape cloaked in the poisonous mists that would choke the life from any lesser species in an instant. A world of toxic lakes and acid rivers......mountains scarred by a flourocarbon rain, and stained with a sulphurious sheen of yellow sickness. A strong man would not last a minute on its surface. It made Prince Thufi XXXIV quite happy that he was not a 'man'. The Prince, (463rd in line for the throne) breathed in great lungfuls of the purple poison relishing each gulp of fresh air. By the Stargods! It felt good to be back on the homeworld and breath something other than recycled starship air for months on end. Years actually..... The Price mused to himself as he made his way down the broad grand avenue of the Capital city. He'd been aboard the Warship SALARRDO for almost 18 months. Pushing the tiny little cruiser forall its worth. Testing the ship and crew beyond what any sane Hydran could normally ask of them. There had been death and destruction along the way. Death....whether it came by the flames of hot atomic fury, or the icy knives of space.....semantics really.....had claimed almost a quarter of the Slarrardo's crew in that time. The once soft blues and violets of the Light Cruiser's hull was now a patchwork of durasteel patches and phaser burns. But that was all in the past now. The young Price that boarded the Slarardo 18 months ago had been a mere 5000th in line form the throne of Hydrax. An inconsequential snot-beaked nobody who could be risked on the frontline aboard a third rate vessle. What a difference a year and a half made. Striding proudly......almost goosesteping his threelegs down the Royal Avenue, Prince thufi came before the Forbidden gates of the Royal household. These Forbidden Gates.....guarded by the elite death Commandos of the royal guard, and triple shielded with the Kingdoms most powerful energy barriers would hearken instant death for any who dared pass their Topaz borders. The Gates parted easily before his stride, yawning open into the Imperial throneroom itself......the Death Commandos lowering their eyes in deference to one of the few allowed to breach their security and come into the holiest of holies.... Yes by the Gods what a difference a Year made!! Through the chances of warfare and courtroom intrigue, Prince Thufi had broken into being 463rd in line to the throne, and was now recognized as one of the rising young stars of the extended royal family. Slarrardo was recalled to the homeworld, no longer being a vessle of suitable 'distinction' for nobility of his rank. A Carrier....perhaps even a Dreadnought would be in the offering now, and while the Prince held a special place in his heart for the daring little Light Cruiser, he had ridden the slarrardo as far as it would take im to glory. For the rest of the trip he needed to break out the big guns....both literally and figurtively. Political plotting, assassinations and backroom deals would be a new weapon in his arsenal......equally powerful as the Hellbores and fusion Cannon's he commanded in the dark of stellar night. Prince Thufi was mounting the 1000 Steps now. the Forbidden dais of Steps that none save the innermost sanctum of the Royal Family dared set flipper upon. There were a thousand of these steps leading up to the Throne itself, each designated for a single member of the inner cabal, and as befit his station, Thufi stopped on the 463rd from the top. More than halfway up the dais!! He thrilled..... and yet still so far. The Glittering Amethyst throne itself was still in the distance the Queen herself all but invisible as an indistinct figure. She however had not neglected to note his presence. "THOUS HATH LONG BEEN AWAY FROM COURT THUFI n'LARENN 15th COUSIN OF MY UNCLES 43rd DAUGHTER." The computer amplified voice of the Queen herself carried down the the 463rd step, seeming to whisper into the Prices very earflap. "I have MiLady." Thufi replied softly, the same computer carrying his words back up to the pinacle of Hydran power itself. "You are kind to recognize my lineage." "THOU STANDETH ON THE 1000 STEPS COUSIN. WE ARE ALL FAMILY ON THIS THRONE." Not entirely true. Related yes, but the sort of political backbiting and betrayl that was common among those on the 1000 steps hardly made thier relations....'familial' "THOU HAST FOUND SUCCESS AMONGST THE STARS YOUNG THUFI." Thufi bowed slightly to the distant figure. , "The stars have been kind. MiLady." "...FAR MORE SUCCESS THAN WOULD HAVE BEEN SUPPOSED A MERE YEAR BEFORE." The Prince grit his beak at the implied insult, but held his peace. He stood on the 463rd step!!! ~~~More than halfway there!!~~~ he fumed. "WE SHALL HAVE TO REWARD THEE SUITABLY FOR THY MILITARY PROWESS....A NEW VESSLE TO COMMAND AGAINST THY QUEEN'S ENEMIES." "So be it myLady. You are too Kind." Again this was expected....A SuperCarrier maybe?
There was along pause from the distant Queen, before the augmented voice again wispered into his ear. "TAKE HEED OF THE HEIGHTS TO WHICH THEE HAVE RISEN 15TH COUSIN. REMEMBER IN THY RISE THAT FAR MANY MORE HAVE SLIPPED AND FALLEN AND MAY NOT LOOK KINDLY UPON THY SUCCESS." The warning was common sence for any Hydran, but to hear it from the Queen itself was suffciently odd enough to shake Thufi's nerve for a moment. Did she know something he did not? He HAD been away from court for a long while, and it would be some weeks before his new Ship command was confirmed." "Indeed miLady.....I shall endeavor to watch my step." WISE....FOR FALLS FROM SUCH HEIGHTS ARE NOT EASILY SURVIVED.
Prince Thufi XXXIV.....Hero of the battles of Romulus, the Battle of , and the battle of the nebula.........Former Master and Commander of the Light Cruiser Slarrardo, and now standing on the 463rd step from the Throne suddenly looked pale. This apparently was a battlfield far more dangerous than the interstellar void to which he was so familiar. The Stakes much bigger......and the rewards far richer. "The Final Lesson" - Part Six Lt. Ella Grey **** USS Galaxy She was going to kill Corran Rex. "I don't understand, precious," Eileen Grey said with a slight frown. Ella thought about replying that it had always been a childhood dream "No, Mother," Ella answered in what she hoped passed for a patient She didn't bother to add what her usual "voice" sounded like. She had "It's a prototype and there are only a few settings," Ella continued. She thought Antonio was the least offensive. It would probably take If she made it through this week, Corran was getting the mother of all "Well, I hope you will use John's services when he returns," Her "Really?" Ella asked. Her mother, true to form, ignored her. Daro and her father had gone golfing on one of the holodecks and Replicating some drinks as an excuse to interrupt the conversation, The door slid open and a familiar tingle reached her just as her Oh dear, Ella thought. "Mother," She said calmly. "Mother, it's okay. This is Victor. He's Victor considered offering Ella's mother a hand up, but, given the "It ... speaks?" Eileen asked. She almost looked at her daughter. "You know it?" Ella winced. He might not admit it but she thought that people's Victor shrugged. He'd heard the words, but now, after a lifetime as "Victor's a friend, Mother," Ella said out loud. "Why don't we step He stared at her for a moment, unable to reconcile the deep, resonant, "That's a long story," She said as she moved to take his arm and pull Eileen Grey whimpered in response, probably thinking she was never "Sorry about that, Victor," Ella said as soon as the doors shut. "What Victor stared at her for a moment longer, then shook his head and "For what?" "For asking us both to help out; that meant a lot, considering." He "Oh," She replied. What could she really say to that? "No problem. I'm "I don't know that planning receptions and parties are my thing," Smiling and nodding is a lot harder than you think, Tiger, Ella He nodded. "There's just one more thing - I wanted to tell you now, "Where are you going?" She asked, trying to not show the sudden Victor considered that. Should he tell her? Would it be a security She tilted her head. "Will Angie be going with you?" She would if he asked her; Victor knew that. They'd talked about it, "Well, I'll keep you on the guest list just in case," Ella said. "Your mother will be thrilled," he commented dryly, smiling. "It's her natural state of being," Ella replied just as dryly. Of "You too, Ella," he nodded. He hesitated, shook his head, and smiled. Ella smiled. "Can't have that." "The Final Lesson" - Part 7 Ella Grey ***** The Galaxy's "bulletin board" had been created after the Romulan katra Even though it was mostly crap, Ella knew that he checked the boards - Meet me at the regular place at the regular time, Beloved - Ella knew the 'beloved' would certainly catch his attention. Eela She was waiting for seven minutes when Saul arrived. In their final "Live long and prosper." She heard his voice, coming from behind. "I need your help," Ella said before he even sat down across from her. Saul was used to people approaching him with that exact sentence, "Shoot." "Saul," She began, not really knowing how to approach this. If he said The two of them stood up without a word. As they exited the crowded "Do you remember that traitor in the Az Shiber and how Sotha wanted to "Vaguely." The memories faded more and more each day since he and Ella "I need something of that sort," Ella said. The hand left her back. "I see. Who?" Saul activated the jammer device which waited in his pocket for just Ella inhaled. She hoped that he would understand. Having once had She quickly laid out everything, her relationship with Cole, the hit Victor was different now. Happy. She couldn't mess with that. "I don't want him involved," She continued. "I still might be able to Ella really didn't see that happening but it was probably better to "You won't. I know these people. And I suspect you're not too worried "Oh?" He hadn't been horrified or made her feel guilty. Ella relaxed slightly. "You would have dealt with it immediately otherwise." Saul stopped abruptly by a console. A few clicks, then he reached with "Computer, store the entire records of all the personnel who boarded He glanced at her. "Listen - I'll take care of it; You're too involved She shook her head. "As far as anyone knows, we just met. If something "But he came with your parents so he is essentially your guest." Saul "I like my life here," Ella said. "I don't think it can continue if "What do you need done?" "I need a present," She replied with a faint smile. "The War on Other Fronts: Delta IV" Takes place roughly after the Battle of the Kateren nebula in the last mission
"Y`lia...its time for Evenmeal....wash up please." Springing from her plush blue Hossh Cusion in front of the TriDee, the slim Deltan girl snapped off the set with a wave of her hand, and lightly danced on tip toes across the Clan room for the fresher. Perhaps 8 years of age, pale skinned and completely bald, the lack of hair seemed perfectly natural on the child, even for those races not so intuned to universal baldness. Maybe it was her happy go lucky giggle and bouncing half walking/half hopping mode of getting around the house. Bald human children look sick and near death……. Deltan children were like unto tiny pixies of bubbliness. Merrily humming a happy little tune, Y'lia dangled her thin fingers under the sonic spritzer, giggling slightly as the invisible sound waves vibrated her hands into cleanliness. "Y'lia.....did you hear me 'fi?" came the call again for evenmeal. "Coming 'donnya." the girl called to her mother, her voice like the tender peals of small bells. Hopping her way down the central stairs, the girl skidded gracefully to a stop beside the Evenmeal table, and took her place behind her chair. Her 'donnya gave the tardy sprite a playful cross look, while her older sister U'lee tsk'd more seriously. Older sisters were so hard to please. Dinnertimes on Delta IV would be at once familiar to any human visitors. The customary gathering of the family unit behind their chairs until the 'donnya brought in the central dish was reminiscent of humans gathering to say grace. The wiggles and giggles of the younger children (or 'fi) as they squirmed in their seats was similar to Earth children's own antics. The strong father (or 'fen) stood tall and proud over his family. Traditionally waiting for the 'donnya and all the 'fi to serve themselves and finish eating before he began. After all in the ancient days it was the 'fen's responsibility to feed his tribe.....who would think of taking food for himself before his children? Modern technology and an end to hunger had softened the tradition, and nowadays most 'fen were content to nibble idly as the family ate.
Indeed, a human would have been completely comfortable in a Deltan household……. Except for the fact of the nudity.
Point of fact, but it deserves to be said that Y'lia and her family were not completely naked…..nor were Deltans in general what would be described on Earth as nudists. Human nudists go without clothes on purpose…..for a variety of reasons……..comfort……shock value….perversion….to make a social statement……live the 'lifestyle'....or what have you. Deltans however gave it little thought one way or the other…..dressing or undressing as fashion struck them with no underlying purpose or agenda It was like chosing to wear white socks or black.....just depended on the outfit and the occasion. The 'fen was the most fully dressed. A silky trouser-shirt combination (similar to a Japanese ji) of light tans and blues that shimmered in the evening light. Barefoot and comfortable, he was the image of relaxation. The Fair 'donnya was elegant in her formal headband set with ornate twisting of silver and bronze. A filmy slip of fabric hung from one shoulder covering herself…..or not…….depending on how she glided across the room. It was as beautiful as she.
The young 'fi were likewise dressed (or not) in the typical stylings of their age group. Teenage U'lee, was a silky nymph in a sheer scarf of pale dyed greens and golds. Clasped at the neck and largely transparent, the fashion was simply that….fashion for a young girl. The fact that it was see through made no issue with the Deltans…….why should it? It looked nice, and didnt cost too much, so it was entirely appropriate. Youngest Y'lia pranced around in a simple skirt…..and nothing else. Why? Because she liked the skirt. Her parents barely gave it a thought. Why should they? This is where the 'reputation' came from. The Deltans were a beautiful people. Lithe and graceful, they ran the gamut form 'merely' good looking, to the stunningly beautiful. A planet full of Adonis's and Venus's with a passion for light and life like few others in the Federation. Wonderful people……except for the 'reputation'. It was a shame really.....the sex thing. In a galaxy of 'sexually immature beings' those who had grown and transcended above it all, had somehow found themselves the hoary punch line to a thousand dirty jokes. "How many Deltans does it take to...." "There once was a lady from Delta....." "A priest, a Deltan and a Rabbi walk into a bar......." Pick any opening line, and the ending was about sex. To the whole universe it seemed that all of Delta IV was only 'about sex' It was an unfounded misinformed shame. The rest on the universe didn't understand the ocean of difference between 'sexually evolved' and 'sexual perversion.' A mature being is comfortable and at ease with is body and those around him...... A pervert feels the need to walk down the street wearing a big plastic wiener.
There were no dildos on Delta IV.....Why make a mockery of a beautiful thing? Besides who really needed them when you had friends and neighbors?
"How was Lessons today girls?" the male Deltan asked. His name was Paal. 47 years old and recently retired from Starfleet. He'd spent much of his younger days soaring across the universe taking in the sights and wonders of the Federation and its territories. However in his heart he knew he had to leave….had to get back to his beloved Delta IV. Away from all those jokes, and away from the mandatory Oath of Celibacy.
The Oath wasn't so much an issue as most made it out to be. Deltans would no more abuse a less mature being than a grown man would take advantage of a child. Each was a perversion of the highest nature. Occasionally there was a match made between an Delta and a particularly mature human, but those were rare and often viewed as 'robbing the cradle' on the Deltans behalf. "Lessons was boring." U'lee poked at her food. A typical teenager. "Boring…..Knowledge is never a bore my 'fi." he soothed, "However…tonight I think I can provide an interesting lesson for us all. We are having visitors." "Visitors 'fen?" young Y'lia inquired as she sipped her klah. " Who….relatives? Love mates?" Paal smiled. "No….visitors from my days in Starfleet. You remember tales of my friend Lieutenant Trevors?" "The alien?" "Yes the man from Earth. We served together on the USS Potempkin, and he just signaled his new ship is in orbit. If its okay with the family, I've invited him and a friend down for a visit for a bit" "Razzy Ploo!" U'lee's interest perked up. "Real Aliens! Two of them? Here?"
Visitors on Delta were relatively uncommon. The same Oath of Celibacy that Deltans were required to take when leaving their world worked in reverse. A Starfleet officer beaming down to Delta IV was likewise required to take an Oath not to mingle with the natives……as difficult as that may have been.
The soft tinkle of chimes interrupted any further discussion, and the children's eyes lit up in excitement. "They're here." exclaimed young Y'lia almost popping out of her seat. "Can we greet them 'fen can we?" Paal laughed slightly and nodded. It wasn't everyday an alien rang your doorbell. "Go with her U'lee, your 'donnya and I will be along presently." Y'lia made a slight face at her older sister being allowed to greet the aliens as well....she wanted to do it herself, but as a young woman U'lee was expected to start upholding the household duties such as hosting guests on her parents behalf.
********
Lieutenant Commander John Trevors leaned forward to pull on the little silver door chime again marveling at its simple beauty. He and the human woman next to him had been on Delta IV for less than 10 minutes total (having just beamed down from the Orbital Station) but already the world struck him as one of grace and beauty. And light.... It wasn't anything that Trevors could put his finger on, but everything seemed brighter on Delta IV. It wasn't just a matter of more sunlight...but maybe the air seemed cleaner and crisper and the colors brighter. ~~What a fantastic planet.~~~ he mused to himself for not the first time.
That was when the ornate door slid open and the slender half naked teenager enveloped him in a warm tender embrace. "Welcome to the home of our fathers..." she breathed huskily, her breath warm and sweet on his face.
Few humans had ever had the priviledge....or the maturity to mate with Deltans. Those that had described the experience as '...like melting in a sea of warm chocolate.....everything is smooth and sweet and smells wonderful....It wasnt the wild and crazy crash of orgasms that the old jokes made fun of, but rather a more spiritual and relaxing experience. Like a hot bubblebath of love. The girls hug was similar as he felt all the tension and stres melting from his bodyinto her warm arms.... It took all of his willpower and discipline not keep his hands still as the overpowering natural pheromones of Deltans rushed over him in a wave of warm tingles. Only three things kept him a gentleman at that amazing instant. 1. His Oath to Starfleet (dangit) 2. His fellow officer standing next to him in wide eyed wonder. 3. The girl was half his age (underage most likely) and no doubt the daughter of his good friend Paal.
"Errr….ah…..wow…..very glad to be here." he managed with a nod. The greeting was not sexual in any way, but more of a loving snuggle and hug….just a way of welcoming a guest…… As quick as it begun, the embrace slid away and the girl.....woman?.....girl?...was wrapping herself the human woman standing behind him, repeating the greeting with a cloying scent of natural perfume. "Welcome to the home of our fathers...." she breathed into her surprised face. ~~~Wow....what those jokes said about Deltan women was ~~~........no.....it wasn't quite right.
John Trevors stole a nervous glance at the bald young girl smiling beautifully from the doorway. A girl...not a woman....he decided, with sparkling blue eyes. "Hi." smiled the cute little girl wearing just a small skirt and nothing more. "I'm Y'lia. Puh-leezed to meet you." "Uh…." "Shake?" The imp held out her tiny hand….clearly a gesture she'd seen on a newsreel somewhere on how humans greeted. Ears burning John did so, wishing for all the world he had somewhere to look that didn't include a naked kid. "John! My friend!" Paal arrived in the doorway, "You've made it at last. Welcome to my humble home." At last a familiar face. John stuck out his hand again. "Lieutenant Paal….Im…uh…honored….you don't think I could say no to an old crewmate?" The Deltan man shook his head with a grin. "No John…..just Paal….Im out of the service now. Civilian and proud of it. How was the trip?" Trevors allowed himself to be ushered into the house, "Rough Paal…rough…..The Zeus got pretty banged up and Captain von Ernst only put in here for emergency repairs….and oh….I forgot to introduce my fellow crewmate. This is Commander Teresa Church….one of the two XO's aboard ship.... goes by the name of…." "Panic." the tall woman extricated herself form the arms of the young Deltan and stuck out her hand, "Call me Panic." 6166 |