USS Galaxy: The Next Generation Sim Log
Stardate: 60812.07 - 60812.13 |
Weekly Summary |
Number of posts this week: 16 On ship: Now discharged from Sickbay, Alexandra Lee heads to the gym to work off some stress, mostly over the fact that her attacker still hasn't been identified or found. At the same time, an Orion meets with a human man in a bar, who tells the Orion that the 'target' is still alive, but is now unable to perform in the competition. Dr. Burton heads back to the ship in the middle of her impromptu vacation to check on some experiments she was running, leaving Rafael tinkering in the KittyKat for the couple hours it will take. Nurse Arrietty is interested to know just who this guy is, and is happy to see her boss relaxing and getting away from work for a change. The assassin Siebur, in his guise as a Security officer, shows up at Brian and Andy's quarters and tells Suder that he is needed planetside because he may have been witness to an event there. Andy goes with him, but just before they beam down he realizes that he can't read the other man. He focuses for a moment and manages to catch the image of Siebur pushing him to his death in a ravine...just as Siebur realizes what Andy is doing. So...Andy runs. The search for Eptgac leads 8-ball and Ella to Sickbay, where they question Dr. Burton. Burton seems to have an alibi (although how airtight 'house calls' is...). Burton also runs a DNA scan on the ransom note left in 8-ball's quarters, but it doesn't contain any DNA. She next suggests that 8-ball talk to the Vulcan trainer...which means 8-ball will need to confront her "greatest nemesis", T'Pei. Just as Victor Krieghoff gets tired of waiting for something to happen with Zamora, T'risia comms him to say that contact with Zamora's comm badge has been lost. Victor concludes that it must be Faylin, who is holding Zamora and Ayanna Hinanat hostage in a conference room. With Marshall Daughtery, they concoct a plan to disable the grav plating in the room as Mel beams in and Victor busts down the door...and hopefully they'll be able to take out Fay. Off ship (in the Dodekatheon system): Kimberly Burton heads back to the zero-g arena for the after party, in the process meeting the event's (seriously attractive) gold medal winner, Rafael Davila. The two spend the evening together, something Kimberly hasn't done in a while. Some time later, Kimberly receives a call from her brother Jack, who tells her that he's on his way to the system to visit with her. Once he arrives (with wife and child in tow) they head to a restaurant to catch up on things. Jack brings up the thing with Russo, but Kimberly assures him that the situation is under control thanks to Victor. Jack is pleased. In the next round of the martial arts competition, Arel Smith faces off against an opponent she feels is more of a challenge than Spengler was. However, she withdraws in the middle of the match when her son arrives...she'd rather spend time with him. For'kel Arvelion takes his son planetside to see some of the events...and in the process they manage to catch Ensign Lee's "wardrobe malfunction" in the swimming races. After the bar brawl, Chris and Ezri Daniels head out for a leisurely walk around town. In the process they run into Ensign Stacey McCaren, a former classmate of Ezzie's. Apparently, she and Chris almost hooked up one night, something which Ezzie is not exactly happy with considering it could jeopardize Chris' relationship with his girlfriend (Jaal's sister Janeen...man this is really turning into a soap opera). Le'on heads planetside for some batting practice. At first he gets laughed at when the balls are whizzing over his head...but after several hours of practice, he manages to get the technique down, even becoming quite good at it. Later, Kimberly and Rafael are wandering around the competitors' village on planet Demeter when they are confronted again by Zelo. Zelo tries to goad Rafael into starting a fight (and thus assaulting a superior officer), but Kimberly manages to take care of business by once again injuring a sensitive part of Zelo's anatomy. For'kel and Arel meet up to watch the bat'leth competition with their sons in tow. Their conversation eventually turns to the war, and Arel brings up the thing about Allison saying that Arel killed her mother, which then brings up the question of whether or not Allison's future is their future. Off ship (outside the Dodekatheon system): Aboard the Tangnagel Array, K'aa continues to work, until the possibility of a strange sound catches his attention. It's enough to cause him to release Beauregard from her bonds...she initially thinks of trying to finish the job on K'aa. But, when he continues to ignore her in favor of the strange feeling, despite the danger she still poses to him, she begins to feel uneasy herself. They continue working, but K'aa is still certain that someone is watching them in the shadows. He gets Beauregard to perform some modifications to the grav plating to protect them from the electrical shock he is going to deliver to their enemy. The plan works...delivering a huge jolt to none other than Jaal Jaxom. |
Logs |
“Par–tay!”Lieutenant Kimberly Burton – Chief Medical Officer – USS Galaxy And other Maze Runners (NPC’s) ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Epsilon Four “Demeter” – Zero-G Gymnastics Station ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ “I used to be so good at this.” Kimberly muttered as she eyed the array of clothes that were strewn around the room. Though her quarters were never what you would call ‘Starfleet neat’, she could normally find what she was looking for with relative ease. Today however clothes of all description were scattered over the bed, chairs and tables in her bedroom as she sought for that elusive ‘look’ for tonight. Discarding some items as she slowly rooted through her selection she dropped them in a trunk, absently reminding herself again to tidy them up one day. Kicking a pair of gloves from an EVA suit under her bed she wondered briefly just how they had ended up in her room as she picked up her favourite off duty piece of clothing and looked at it with a raised eye. Light grey crushed velvet floor length dress though wasn’t what she was looking for tonight, in Zero-G it just wouldn’t be practical. Hanging that back up she rooted around for a moment longer and came up with her usual off duty compromise. A plain pair of dark trousers and one of the loud Hawaiian shirts her nephew bobby had once sent her after her entire wardrobe had been lost with her first starship posting. Satisfied she looked at herself in a mirror and nodded, “That’ll do,” she decided, “I mean, it’s just a bunch of off duty fleeters, not a formal inspection!” She reminded herself softly as she slipped on a pair of low shoes and made for the door. Thankful that Sara-Jayne was not around the see the mess that had suddenly exploded in her room she reminded herself to call the young girl tomorrow and find out how she was doing at the Academy. Making her way to the transporter room she absently played with her hair as she walked the corridors of the massive starship, all the while feeling the butterflies in her stomach form into an aerial acrobatic team and start a routine in her lower intestines that would do the academy flight team proud. ~ Oh for the love of the Goddess girl, it’s only a party! ~ She chided herself. Granted it had been a while, but it wasn’t as if they were ‘total’ strangers. Beaming down to the now familiar gymnastics complex it wasn’t hard to locate the party, the volume of noise coming from the zero-g rooms wasn’t deafening, but it was certainly loud. Standing in the doorway to the first room she stuck her head in, feeling slightly dizzy as her head passed over the gravity step and into zero-g. Lessia had certainly done a good job, the three rooms were now one and at the far end a dance area had been set aside, though dancing in zero-g was not what you might expect, as it entailed dancing with anyone and everyone around you. Once you launched yourself into the dance area all you had was the people around you to anchor yourself, you held on, swung around and generally used everyone dancing to keep in motion, but also to stay in the same general area. Dancing in zero-g was a damn sight more fun than in gravity. A hell of a lot friendlier too, and, easier than maze running. Despite sleeping for six hours earlier she was still aching from this mornings run. In the middle a holographic light show was swirling around in time to the music, but it was at this end Kimberly spied what she was looking for, the bar. Looking around the large chamber as she kicked off into it Kimberly smiled, it was easy to spot the maze runners amongst the crowd and dancers, they moved with a relaxed grace in Zero-G. Most everyone else was either hanging onto something or moving with the inelegance that spoke of basic Z-G acclimatisation only. Remembering her own early experiences in Zero-G before she had taken up this hobby she had to smile, there’d been a time she ‘hated’ zero gravity. Sailing across the room to where a spherical bar had been set up she held on to the hand rail to stop and watched the multi tentacle’d Sulamid who was tending bar expertly mixing drinks and dispensing them in the micro-gravity environment in small drinking bubbles, basically plastic balls which held your drink, with a straw. “Heads up!” Someone called from somewhere behind her. Several heads turned at the call, but Kimberly realised it was aimed at her when she saw the drink heading for her. Catching the drink bubble easily Kimberly smiled as she took a sip through the straw. “Nice party.” She complimented the Cyntana’s Ops chief “Thanks, glad you could make it, a few more people here than I was expecting though. Hey, your friend is over there,” indicating upwards of the bar, “and none too happy with you I’d say. Kicked off the podium by two-tenths of a second, that’s got to irritate him. It would me.” She said cheerfully. “This from the runner who got silver.” Kimberly reminded her, raising the drink bubble in a salute, Glancing at Zelo on the other side of the bar she grinned, the look on his face made the bruises and the effort all the more worthwhile. “Congratulations by the way, I don’t think I got a chance to say it earlier.” “Likewise. And congratulations to you as well. Bronze wasn’t an easy catch for you, and you weren’t far behind me.” She reminded Kimberly with a smile, “There were some very good runners here this year.” Raising her own drink the two plastic bubbles were ceremoniously tapped together then drained. “Agreed. By the way, did anyone find out what happened to S’Talis? That wasn’t a coincidence, that sonic shower didn’t just fritz on its own!” Kimberly muttered. The freak sonic shower mishap that had incapacitated the Vulcan from the Centaur was still being talked about by most of the runners, and her own ears had only stopped ringing after a night in sickbay. “No-one’s sure, fortunately though he’ll be okay, but it’ll be a few days before they can repair the damage to his hearing, eardrums totally ruptured as I understand.” Shaking her head in disgust Lessia looked around, “Rumours are someone was trying to fix the game can you believe, there were several unauthorised attempts to access the maze computer along with everything else.” “I have no idea what’s been going on I’m afraid, I know what you know. Though I can ask around, all I know is a sonic shower shouldn’t be capable of frequencies in that range normally. If he’d been in there any longer he could have suffered permanent damage.” Shuddering at the memory she looked around, “If I hear anything,” she added in a softer tone, “I’ll let you know.” “Thanks, and I’ll do the same.” Lessia promised, “However, tonight is a party, so let’s enjoy okay.” Turning slightly as someone drifted over she smiled “And the champion arrives at last, anyone ever tell you fashionably late is out of fashion!” She quipped with a broad smile, “Kimberly Burton USS Galaxy meet Rafael Dávila, USS Gorgon.” Introducing the man who had drifted upside down beside her. ~ Oh boy! ~ Kimberly muttered silently as the gold medallist from the Gorgon extended a hand. To put it simply, he was hotter up close and in person than on a monitor. “Hi.” She said somewhat lamely, getting her first good close look at the man. The subtle nasal ridges seemed to hint he was Bajoran, though they were not as pronounced as she might have expected, his tanned complexion and ready smile though brought a flush to her face. Shaking his outstretched and upside down hand she suddenly found herself wishing she’d dressed with a little more care and forethought, he had, and looked good his white shirt with its elegant patterned stitching and black trousers. Spinning easily Rafael rotated himself so he was orientated the same way as the two women, it wasn’t strictly speaking necessary, but it was polite. “Ladies,” he greeted them, his voice rich and soft, with a faint trace of an accent Kimberly couldn’t place. “The pleasure is mine.” Putting an arm around Kimberly, seemingly to stop herself from drifting away Lessia murmured gently so Rafeal couldn’t hear her, “Oh, and I found out he’s single!” She informed Kimberly suddenly. Looking at Lessia for a second Kimberly found herself tongue-tied at that, who was this woman, first fleet’s yenta? “Oh, and don’t forget, we’ve a wooden spoon to award later,” Lessia reminded them both. Though the official medal ceremony would be held in a couple of days, the wooden spoon was traditionally handed out by the medal winners, something they should be able to do tonight. “Who is the lucky recipient?” Rafael asked with a raised eyebrow. “Sertalla’s’nalth from the USS Trygve Lie.” Indicating the bar Kimberly pointed out the lucky winner where a young Ithanite was sat chatting to several others. “Well, I’ll leave you two to get to know each other,” Lessia said, pushing off Kimberly, innocently or deliberately directing her towards Rafael, “I’m off to find my husband.” She advised them as she drifted away. Catching Kimberly easily Rafael arrested her momentum and gently spun her to face him. “Nice shirt,” he said as he turned her to face him. “Thanks,” Kimberly replied, she was about to say more when, looking her up and down he smiled, “Did you loose a bet?” he enquired humorously, “Because that’s kind of a loud shirt. You really stand out you know.” Somewhat indignant for a moment she was about to retort sharply when, pausing a second she reconsidered. Actually, Bobby’s taste did leave a little, okay, a lot to be desired she just normally didn’t give a damn. Shaking her head she smiled, “No, not a bet, it’s just most of my wardrobe isn’t suitable for zero gravity.” She explained ruefully, “I haven’t had time to buy or replicate anything else.” Okay, the last was a bit of a lie, but frell, he wasn’t to know. “Would you care to dance?” He suggested suddenly, indicating the spherical mass of bodies down the other end of the room. Sending her empty bubble spinning slowly towards the Sulamid bar tender she saw a tentacle flash out to catch it even as she turned back to Rafael. “Love to.” She replied enthusiastically. “Cold Pizza” Lieutenant Kimberly Burton – USS Galaxy ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Epsilon Five “Poseidon” – Beach Resort ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The sun was coming up. It had been a while since she’d lain awake all night, listened to the birds (though there were damn few here) and watched the dark night sky gradually change in hue as the sun slowly rose above the horizon. In the distance over the sea the local sun was a fiery ball, half risen over the far-off ocean, its light changing the colour of the sea to a molten red in the morning light. Averting her gaze as the light became too bright she rolled over, stopping herself just in time from rolling into the body lying in bed beside her. His gentle rhythmic breathing told her he was still asleep, he’d dozed off a few hours ago, trying to stay awake with her, though his eyes had slowly lost the battle to stay open. She’d curled up beside him, trying to sleep as well, though sleep wouldn’t come. It’d been a long time since she’d done anything like this, a long time since she’d taken a chance with someone, thrown caution to the wind and... Well, had a lot of fun; that was for sure. They’d spent hours talking and dancing at the party last night, after they’d got back to his rooms though there’d been little time or desire for talk, everyone else had drifted off to their own rooms fairly quickly, and the two of them had ended up in here quite rapidly after their arrival. She’d been pleasantly surprised to discover that the grace he showed while maze running he displayed in other athletic endeavours as well. Feeling herself smile at his patience with her, last night had been the first time she’d had sex with someone in quite a while, smiling quite broadly she almost purred in contentment as she slipped an arm around him and relaxed, that hadn’t dulled her enthusiasm though. Blinking suddenly as a strange noise interrupted her pleasant recollections a while later she realised her stomach was clamouring gently for attention with a mild rumbling. Chuckling softly she recalled she hadn’t eaten much at the party, and nothing when they had got back here either, despite the vast quantity of take out someone had beamed in. She and Rafael had more important and more interesting things to do on their minds at that point. Slipping gently out of bed so as not to wake him she walked over to the bedroom door. The small suite he was assigned shared a common area with many of his ship mates, opening the connecting door she peered out and, seeing no one around wandered casually over to the kitchen area, heedless of her complete lack of clothing. Rooting around for a moment she soon found what she was looking for in the cooler, a large flask of orange juice and half a left over pizza from last night someone had thoughtfully saved for breakfast. Collecting everything she wanted she returned to his room and gently kicked the archaic door shut. ~ A beach resort and it has ‘manual’ doors! ~ Walking quietly through the bedroom she stepped out onto the balcony and put breakfast down on the table outside, the early morning air was pleasant, cool, but comfortable. Looking at the pizza she frowned for a moment and looked back into the bedroom, somewhere in there she had a vague recollection from last night of seeing his duty issue type I phaser... “Hmmm, can you re-heat pizza with a phaser?” She considered the question seriously in the early morning light. It wasn’t exactly something covered in Starfleet basic survival training she realised, which considering the current circumstances she decided was a ‘bit’ of an oversight. Shrugging she relaxed on the porch and nibbled a slice of the cold pizza, saving the phaser re-heat for later, she didn’t want to get it wrong and vaporise something important. Watching world outside slowly wake up she ate pizza, drank orange juice and lay on the beach chair on the balcony feeling more contented now than she had in months. Despite the incident with Russo, this had for the most part been an enjoyable event, and the bronze medal she had won for the single event she had participated in added to the pleasure of the games. Casting a look over her shoulder she smiled at the still sleeping figure in the bedroom, this however definitely had to count as the highlight. Looking up into the sky Kimberly relaxed and stretched out, luxuriating in the moment. Above her a handful of scattered clouds slowly wafted across the sky, tumbling and changing shape as the warmer morning air rose to excite them. Watching them as they drifted lazily across the sky above she smiled yet again, unable to help herself. ~ Goddess I feel good! ~ She decided. One night of uninhibited passion and she felt like a new person. ~ What a cliché. ~ She chuckled, realising clouds weren’t the only things around here that were excited. Feeling the warmth of the sun increase slowly she settled more comfortably into her chair and then curled up slightly, feeling a little sleepy now she had eaten... ~ Perhaps a little nap. ~ She decided, closing her eyes and falling instantly asleep. How long she slept she had no idea, but after some time of sweet dreamless sleep something nudged her awareness awake. Twitching she brushed whatever it was away from her face only to feel it again. Opening her eyes she saw the sun had risen considerably, and knelt beside her chair was Rafael, gently flicking the end of her nose. “Cold pizza for breakfast?” He asked disapprovingly, “Doctor, you of all people should know better.” Smiling at her he looked at the sky briefly, “Good morning.” He decided after the glance upwards. “Couldn’t find your phaser to re-heat it,” she replied deadpan. Smiling she stretched gracefully on the chair, “Good morning to you,” she added, leaning over to kiss him. Returning the kiss at length he smiled again when they parted for some air a moment later. “I thought you might have left, when you weren’t there when I woke I thought you’d gone. Then I saw your clothes, so I figured unless you ran out naked you were here somewhere.” Not exactly looking unhappy at that thought he cast an eye over her bare figure appreciatively as she rolled over to face him, “You’ll get sunburn if you stay out here like that.” He warned her. Raising her arms she smiled, “Then you’d better get me back inside.” She suggested playfully. Slipping his arms under her he picked her up easily and walked back inside to the bedroom. As he walked she wrapped an arm around his neck, rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes again. With a single finger she lightly traced the ridges on his nose, the Bajoran half of his heritage she had discovered last night, from his mother. The light ridges were subtle and slightly sensitive as she had soon found out. Feeling herself lowered back onto the bed she opened her eyes and wrapped both arms around his neck as he stood up straight, “Where do you think you’re going?” She asked, raising an eyebrow and trying to pull him back down. Relenting with no resistance he leaned forward and kissed her again, slowly easing onto the bed beside her as he did. “I was going to order breakfast,” he said after several long and tender kisses had been exchanged. “Cold pizza may be good to start with, but I had something else in mind. Unless... When do you have to report back to the Galaxy?” He asked with a trace of disappointment in his voice. “Tomorrow,” Kimberly admitted with some regret, resting her head on his chest with a sigh. “You?” “I won the gold; my Captain gave me the week off to celebrate.” Reaching down to the floor suddenly Kimberly rooted around the discarded clothes around the bed until she found her shirt. Hesitating she looked at Rafael, “I.. I have some leave.” She suggested tentatively, wanting to stay, but... Smiling he plucked her comm badge from her shirt and offered it to her, “Do you want to call them now, or later?” Accepting the communicator she reached past him and stuck it on the bedside table, and then taking advantage of her position she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him down, “Definitely later.” She muttered softly. “Hey!” They heard suddenly from the common area, “Who ate my pizza!” someone shouted indignantly. "Some Things" Cmdr. Arel Smith **** Epsilon Four "Demeter" **** "This is junior commentator Sam Widdlestein reporting live from And in this corner, the obvious winner and crowd favorite, hailing **** "A friend of yours?" Marcin asked with an amused smile. Arel shot a glare towards the commentator box. Samantha gave her the "Never saw her before in my life," Arel scowled and the half Bajoran laughed. "I think she may be on to something with the glare," Marcin said. "Honorable victory, Lieutenant." **** "And they're off! Wow, Dupuis-Dakin is ... not half bad. Huh. Although **** They were evenly matched which wasn't much of a surprise at this level Marcin blocked her snap kick and quickly countered with a roundhouse **** "Ooh, it looks like a close match! Luckily Arel Smith is on the side **** Arel moved to strike again but was suddenly distracted by the frantic She blocked it in a distracted manner and then stepped back. Marcin **** "What is she doing? Yeah, I KNOW she's stopped fighting, Chuck. **** Arel blinked a few times to make sure she wasn't seeing things. Then she blinked a couple more times. Obviously because there was some Then she grinned. "Lieutenant," She said to Marcin. "It was an honor." "I withdrawal," Arel announced loudly, walked off the mat, and headed **** "YOU WHAT? Yeah, I heard her, Chuck. Geez. Nobody likes a smart ass, **** Arel hugged her son tightly. Some things were better than a medal. "The Naked Truth" Bop "Chris' Break from the Action" “Shore Leave & Bagpipes” Lieutenant Kimberly Burton – USS Galaxy ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Epsilon Five “Poseidon” – Beach Resort ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ <= You have an incoming transmission from the Federation freighter ‘Unknown Express’. => The computer intoned, waking Kimberly from a mid afternoon nap and a very pleasant day dream. She’d called the ship earlier and arranged for a week off, and so had decided that a day in bed was definitely called for, especially after the exertions of the last few days, besides, the company was definitely diverting enough to warrant the day of leisure. Quickly stripping the top sheet from the bed she wrapped it around herself modestly. Debating whether or not to throw her shirt on over it as well, the last thing she needed was her big brother giving her a lecture. ~ Dren girl, you’re what, twenty nine. You’re an adult! ~ Perhaps, but he was still her big brother, and he’d looked after her since she was a baby. He had the right to the odd lecture. Running her hands through her hair to get it in some semblance of order she dismissed the thought of her shirt and looked to the bathroom. The hissing of the shower indicated Rafael was still busy, so she had a moment. “Computer, accept incoming transmission.” She ordered. Feeling her face break into a smile as the familiar features of her brother formed on the screen she couldn’t help but wave childishly. For some reason he always brought out the inner child in her. Perhaps because he refused to grow up himself she thought wryly. “Hey big brother,” she greeted him cheerfully, “How’s life?” “Fine Squirt, absolutely fine.” He replied with a similar smile on his own face. “Did I wake you?” He asked, not that knowing the time difference would have stopped him from calling anyway. ~ Squirt, if I live to be sixty he’ll ‘still’ be calling me Squirt! ~ She realised with amusement, “No, just a slow day,” she assured him, “How’s Gracie? ‘And’ the latest addition to the family?” Despite getting on, Jack and Gracie had decided some time ago to have a second child, and so almost a year ago Cynthia was born. She’d wanted to be there, but for one reason or another had yet to see her niece in person yet. “They’re both fine kiddo, Gracie sends her love, she’s shopping at the moment, and...” wincing at a high pitched noise behind him he sighed as he cast a look over his shoulder. “What was that? I though I knew all of the noises that old beast makes.” She asked curiously, she’d spent the first half of her life on that ship, crawling around its guts, it was probably the only ship she could travel on and know by feel or sound what was up, at least she used to be able to. “That was your niece screaming in the Jeffries tube.” Jack admitted ruefully. “You’ve left her in the Jeffries tube?” Kimberly asked with a note of concern, “Why?” “She likes to watch the lights on the diagnostic panel flash, helps her get to sleep.” He explained as he stood, stepping out of view of the monitor. “As I recall it took you nine years to get bored of it, we were forever finding you napping in there. I’m hoping it takes this one longer. Hang on.” His voice growing slightly fainter as he walked off. “Thanks Jack,” she muttered as she waited, still smiling though, “always with the baby stories. Damn it, she’s almost a year old already, where does the time go?” “Am I interrupting?” Rafael asked courteously from the bathroom door. Waving him in Kimberly smiled, “Family call,” she informed him softly, “you’re fine.” “You slept in the Jeffries tubes when you were a child?” He enquired curiously as he walked in, still damp and sporting only a towel around his waist. Shrugging nonchalantly she grabbed at the sheet as her movement threatened to unravel its tenuous hold on her, “It was quiet.” Was all she’d say. “Where are you Squirt?” Came Jacks voice from the screen, still somewhat faint. ‘Squirt?’ Rafael muttered softly, amusement evident in his voice. Silencing him with a look she had to smile though, less than two days and yet they were able to be so relaxed around each other. ~ I like him. ~ She realised, ~ A lot! ~ “At the Starfleet games,” no point in security, the games were broadcast openly so there was no need to hide where they were, “Just finished though, so I’ve got a week off at the moment.” “I’ve seen some of the games,” reappearing with baby in arms he smiled, “I thought that was you bouncing around the zero-g court. I thought you didn’t like z-g?” “That was a long time ago Jack, before the Academy.” Looking at Cynthia she smiled fondly and waved again, “Hi Cynthia.” She greeted her niece, who at present was intently busy trying to unsuccessfully disassemble a very large isolinear chip. “Strange toy,” she offered, looking at the oversized chip. “Keeps her quiet, and it’s not like she can break it. As I recall the fusion initiator you played with had the same effect on you.” He reminded her with a smile. “You having a good time there?” He asked, his eyes focussing on a spot behind her. Turning slightly she saw Rafael walking around the room behind her, tidying up. Flushing she felt her face go red as she returned her gaze to her brother, “Ummm, yes actually.” She managed to say in a relaxed tone. “How are you sleeping?” A touch of big brotherly concern creeping into his voice as he settled Cynthia on his lap. “Good,” she assured him, “I’m doing fine, honest Jack.” It was a question he’d been asking her almost every conversation they’d had since he’d rescued her during the last war. Most of the time she’d be honest with him, sometimes lie. Today she meant it though. “That’s good, you can tell me more over dinner.” He offered, delivering the comment in an off hand manner. “You’re coming, here?” She asked with some surprise. “When I saw you competing I figured since we’re not that far away I’d stop by. So I’m making a detour. Should be there in a couple of days, we’ll be able to stop by for a day and catch up.” Smiling evilly, “that is if you haven’t got other things on your mind.” He asked with a grin. Feeling her face burn she declined to respond to that, instead just let the anticipation of actually seeing her family in the flesh fill her with a warm glow to match the one currently radiating from her face. “That’s great; it’ll be nice to see you all face to face.” She agreed. “I’ll comm when we’re in system. Take care Squirt, see you soon.” He added in a gentle tone. “You too big brother. Love you.” Watching the screen fade to black she smiled again, that was unexpected, and just made this whole trip probably the most memorable leave since, frell, since forever. Feeling a pair of arms encircle her from behind she leant back and relaxed against Rafael’s chest. “Well, that certainly means we can’t spend the ‘whole’ week in bed now,” Rafael said light-heartedly. “Pity,” she muttered, turning to face him and kissing his neck, sliding a hand down his chest, “it sounded good to me.” “Me too, but we do have a party to go to tonight,” he warned her, slowly untangling the bed sheet she was wrapped in. “Party?” She enquired absently, her mind totally elsewhere and only partially on the conversation. “Yes, a party, and as you’ve yet to go and get some clothes from your ship, I thought you might like this for later instead of your shirt.” Sliding off the bed to her slight annoyance he walked over to his clothes and retrieved a package from under his coat. Sitting beside her he placed it on her lap with a smile. “I picked it up earlier while you were sleeping, I hope it fits.” Raising an eyebrow Kimberly opened the box and took a slow breath as she lifted the sleeveless white dress from the box. The large floral pattern up one side started at the hem and worked its way up one entire side to the shoulder, “It’s beautiful,” she said appreciatively, touched by his attentiveness. “I’m glad you like it.” Leaning over he kissed her lightly, but before she could seriously return the gesture he pulled back, “Now, I have to go set up the band for the party. So...” “Band?” Putting an entire question into that one word she stood, letting the sheet slip to the floor as she lifted the dress from its box. Holding it up against her she looked down noticing it was the perfect length. ~ He’s got taste. ~ She admitted, slipping the dress on. “Me and some crewmates offered to provide the entertainment for the evening, we, well we’ve a sort of a band thing going.” Sounding somewhat shy and hesitant at the idea he slid off the bed and started dressing. Turning to face him, settling the dress over herself as she did she found herself curious, but also a little disappointed at the loss of an evening alone with him. “What sort of band thing?” She asked, fastening the dress at the side then striking up a pose to show off. Looking her up and down he smiled a slow smile, not really needing to say anything. His face said it all. Walking over he encircled her with his arms and kissed her soundly, taking his time. “Mmmm,” she muttered approvingly when they parted a while later. “So, what time is this party?” “Oh Prophets!” He muttered, breaking away hurriedly and quickly dressing, looking around for something he rooted around the room, all the while under the amused and patient gaze of Kimberly. “What are you looking for?” She asked, stepping out of his way and undressing, laying the new dress aside carefully. Now he was out of the shower it was time to freshen up she decided, and while he was setting up she could arrange a quick trip to the Galaxy to pick a few things up for the week, and come back in her own shuttle. “My bagpipes.” He replied absently, looking under the bed, “I was sure I’d had them beamed down.” “Bagpipes?” Half Human (Puerto Rican), half Bajoran, born and bred in Puerto Rico and he played the bagpipes. There was, she decided, something in that comment that spoke volumes about the Federation and the blending of cultures within it. “There’s nothing wrong with the bagpipes,” he said defensively, obviously used to comments about his instrument of choice. “It’s a very old instrument with a long and interesting history.” He added with some pride in his voice. “I didn’t say anything,” she replied with a smile, holding up her hands in surrender, “each to their own. I’ll say more after I hear you all play later.” “Ah-ha!” He exclaimed, pulling a box out from under the bed. “Nineteen hundred,” he said as he stood, suddenly finding her before him. Leaning forward he kissed her lightly, “I promised I’d meet the guys for some practice, we’ll be at the beach porch if you want to come and listen?” He offered. “You go and play,” she said with an impish smile, “I’ll freshen up and meet you there later. I should have time to run to the Galaxy and back, bring a few things I need.” She added, stepping into the bathroom. “Have fun.” Watching her walk into the bathroom Rafael looked up at the ceiling for a second, “Gracias Prophets,” he said with a smile. <… Later …> Looking around as she approached the large tract of beach they had appropriated for the evening and she wondered briefly who was looking after the USS Gorgon tonight... was the entire crew down here? Feeling very heady right now, a combination of many recent things, seeing Victor try and put Russo’s head through the locker door, taking part in the games and doing fairly well, making new friends (one in particular), the imminent arrival of her family. Then add to that a beautiful new dress, a stunning sunset and a massive beach party and she was without a doubt totally high on life right now. Working her way through the crowd she exchanged pleasantries with various people as she made her way to the band. Somewhere up ahead she could hear the erratic notes played while tuning instruments, seeing the small stage ahead she paused to look them over. It was a diverse group he’d assembled; there he was with his bagpipes, a Terran on an old fashioned electric guitar and a Vulcan and a Tellarite on a couple of large drums. Chatting amiably with the people on the beach she watched Rafael as he finished setting up a small amount of equipment to go with their instruments. Unable to help herself she smiled as she watched him, and, several times while he worked he looked up to find her smiling, bringing a smile to his face each time. Then they began. It started with the pipes and was soon joined by the others with an even measured tempo, the drums keeping an easy beat with the guitar and the pipes playing along, it was a pleasant tune, but then slowly the four of them began increasing the tempo of the music, the easy beat and tune they started with became faster, more lively, drums beat faster, the guitar and the pipes keeping up in an escalating beat that soon had everyone clapping and dancing along to the music. ~ Okay, there’s more to his pipe playing than strangling a cat! ~ Kimberly realised, they were pretty good! "Beyond the Shadow" Lt. Commander Th'Khiss K'aa, Chief of Operations, USS Galaxy Tangnagel Array, Tycho Epsilon System “Shhh.” … … “Did you hear that?” Gloria Anna-mae Beauregard bit down on the sweat-stained cloth that The Tangnagel Array from a hundred kilometers looked like a stylized “Mppph! Mnnnhmmmmnnnn… mn mnummmunnnm! Msssss?” K’aa had frozen as he looked down the thin corridor towards the “Msssss?” Reluctantly, K’aa looked down at the woman currently “hog-tied” with K’aa paused for another minute before running his conduit-laser over When Gloria stood, close and to the terribly thin man before her, she “What do….” “Shhh.” To her surprise Gloria obeyed, and took to looking at K’aa once more. “Perhaps it’s nothing”, he said softly at last. After a last look “No. I’m… not sure”, Gloria whispered, still looking into the “Perhaps nothing”, K’aa said as he knelt and resumed splicing another The stygian blackness dilated Gloria’s brown eyes, playing tricks with "After thoughts" “Big Brother is Watching” Lieutenant Kimberly Burton – USS Galaxy ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Epsilon Five “Poseidon” ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ “Hey Squirt.” Hugging his little sister fiercely he marvelled at how much she seemed to have grown in the last few years since they had seen her in person. “Been too long.” Not trusting himself to say anymore right now he just held on tight, not wanting to let go right now. “Yeah,” she agreed, nearly in tears. With her ship going one way, and his the other, seeing each other had become a rarity. “Hey Gracie,” holding an arm out she pulled her sister-in-law into the family embrace, happier than she could put into words right now. Standing there they must have looked a little odd, the three of them simply holding each other, no words, they would come later in a flood. Standing near the threesome Rafael looked down at the baby in the pram who was burbling away merrily to herself. ~ Agreed, ~ he decided, ~ whatever she said, agreed. ~ Smiling at the youngster he didn’t notice when the three broke apart a moment later. “So,” swiping a hand across her eyes, brushing away the tears that had formed there Kimberly smiled at her family, “how’s everyone?” “The crew’s fine, everyone is hoping that you can stop by before we leave.” Gracie replied, running a hand affectionately through Kimberly’s hair, “S’torvak especially is looking forward to seeing you again.” “I will,” Kimberly promised, eager to see everyone again. People who she had grown up with, many of who had helped raise her, teach her. They ultimately were responsible for much of the person she was today. “Jack, when are you going to let S’torvak retire,” she asked with a shake of her head. Stepping over to the pram she knelt beside Cynthia and looked at her niece directly for the first time. Smiling she lifted her from the pram and held her happily, “he must be what, over two hundred now?” Cuddling the baby gently she sighed happily. Not that having children was something on her mind at the moment, but since joining the Galaxy crew she had delivered her fair share of babies, this one though was family. “He’ll retire when he’s good and ready,” Jack countered, looking at Rafael curiously, “I’ve offered.” Holding his hand out to Rafael he smiled, “Jack,” he introduced himself, “and you must be Rafael,” he asked. “Yes sir,” he responded a little formally, “Rafael Dávila, USS Gorgon. Pleased to meet you all.” Accepting the offered hand he shook it firmly. “Shall we sit?” Gracie asked, manoeuvring the empty pram against the wall, “we have a table,” she reminded them all. Leading the group into the restaurant they congregated at a table and sat, Cynthia firmly attached to Kimberly’s lap. “So Rafael, what do you do on the Gorgon?” she asked, curious about the young man who had managed to catch her sister-in-laws eye. “Engineering, mostly small vessel maintenance, means I have to have a good grounding in most ship systems.” He explained, though he didn’t know it completely unnecessarily, Gracie being the senior engineer on the Express. “You’re an engineer? I thought you worked security?” Kimberly asked with some confusion. “Security are, a little short handed,” he explained, though from the look on his face that wasn’t what he had been planning on saying. “I opted for a temporary transfer a while back to help out. I should be back in engineering in a week or two. Experience in multiple departments looks good on your record though.” He added with a shrug. ~ Don’t I know it. ~ Kimberly agreed silently, she had two qualifications under her belt, and look where that had got her. ~ Buried in PADDs! ~ She answered her own question sarcastically. “Have you got a moment Kimberly?” Jack asked suddenly, indicating the nearby bar. “Sure,” handing Cynthia over to Gracie with a little regret she smiled at Rafael, “back in a moment,” she promised. Following Jack she leant against the bar with him while he ordered drinks for their table. “What’s up?” She enquired, wondering what was on his mind he couldn’t, or wouldn’t discuss at the table. Looking over to where Rafael and Gracie were deep in conversation, about whatever it was engineers talked about when left to their own devices Jack turned to Kimberly, his face becoming serious. “I saw a news update while we were crossing the heliopause. Russo, is here!” It wasn’t a question. “Yes, but it’s not a problem.” She assured him hurriedly, “he knows better.” “Are you sure, he’s a bloody Captain now. He commands a Concorde class starship, fighters, marines, and a hell of a lot of weapons. You sure he’s not a problem?” Jack was one of the few who knew of course, she’d never had secrets from him, not for long anyway. If you can’t talk to your big brother who can you talk to? He was also angry, and it was showing, though his voice never rose in volume the set of his shoulders, the tone of his voice, and the fact his knuckles were popping as he clenched his fists was never a good sign. Resting a hand on his arm Kimberly smiled, “Jack, relax. He may command a starship, but I have a few friends as well. One of whom put Russo’s face damn near through a locker door last week, just for talking to me harshly. I wish I’d had a camera to record it for you.” Taking his hand she squeezed it with both of hers, “I’m not eighteen anymore Jack, he can’t hurt me again.” She assured him gently. Eyes lighting up he smirked, “He’d damn well better not try... Locker door you say?” “Yeah, I swear his face left an imprint in it after the third time Victor tried to put his face through it.” Almost smiling at the memory she realised while the moment had been satisfying, it was temporary. ‘He’ was after all still alive and as Jack had mentioned, the Captain of a powerful starship. Watching the shift of emotions on her face and the fleeting smile that nearly formed Jack looked down at his little sister and felt a little guilty, “Hey, I’m sorry,” enfolding his sister in a hug Jack patted her a little awkwardly on the back, “I really am, here I am seeing you again for the first time in years face to face and I’m dragging this up again.” Not replying she just hugged him back, hoping that somehow, one day she could really put this behind her. With him roaming around out there, there was always a shadow of memory lingering, like a bad aftertaste you know you have to get rid of somehow. “Now, before we go back,” Jack said in a lighter tone, “is this guy Rafael someone I have to chase off for you, scare away, or is he likeable?” Laughing suddenly she shook her head, “You scare this one away and I swear you’ll be singing soprano for the rest of your natural life and eating your meals through a straw!” She promised him, steel suddenly in her voice. Poking him in the chest gently she laughed, “One time, one time I asked you to do that and now ‘every’ time...” “Every time, what, twice in ten years.” Jack countered with a smile. Taking her arm in his he picked up their drinks tray and turned back to the table. “By the way, that guy, Victor who put Russo’s face into the door...” Jack mused as they walked back, putting his arm around her shoulder instead. “Yeah,” frowning she looked up at his face, “what about him?” “Does he like single malt whiskey?” “Day Trip” Lieutenant Kimberly Burton – USS Galaxy ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ USS Galaxy ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ “USS Galaxy, this is shuttle KittyKat requesting permission to dock.” <= Permission granted, welcome home Doctor Burton. => Smiling as she angled her shuttle into the main bay she watched the ship “You like?” She asked with a teasing grin. When he had first set eyes on “Very much, you and your brother have put a lot of work into this.” He “Thank you.” She replied with a proud smile. The KittyKat was one of her “I have to swing by sickbay for a while, I completely forgot a series of “I’m more than happy here,” he announced, tapping the control panel, “I like “Engineers.” She muttered with a trace of confusion in her voice. Sitting “Then I give you my word she’ll fly. I’ll take her apart tomorrow instead.” Laughing as she descended to the lower deck she walked out still chuckling. Sitting in her office she looked around for a moment, her eyes wandering Resolving to change that on her return she called up a coffee and picked up Coffee cup half way to her mouth she raised an eyebrow, “Hi Arrietty,” she “Everything’s been fine here, no problems. A few follow ups for you while “Sorry?” Kimberly asked, all innocently with wide eyes and a look that “Don’t give me that look Kimberly. I’ve seen it on the faces of all of my “Is it that obvious?” She muttered. At Arrietty’s patient nod she sighed, “Agreed, now as I’m El-Aurian and we’re good listeners, talk!” Arrietty “Have you been watching the games?” Kimberly asked suddenly, “specifically “Yes, you did pretty well, though everyone was rooting for you to get gold Wondering how to phrase this she looked at Arrietty for a second, they were “Him!” She asked with surprise, looking at the sly smile on the CMO’s face. “Yup.” Nodding Kimberly couldn’t help the smile that grew into a full blown Turning Arrietty closed the door and activated the privacy screen. “Talk! Laughing merrily Kimberly shook her head, “I can’t, not right now. I need “Okay,” Arrietty agreed, not really wanting to disrupt Burtons plans too ~ Who’s in charge here? ~ Kimberly wondered humorously, planning on doing “So, where’s your young zero-g acrobat while you’re here?” Arrietty asked “On the KittyKat, amusing himself while I’m busy.” Kimberly admitted, “He’s on board?” Arrietty asked with a trace of surprise in her voice. “Well, sort of, he’s in the shuttlebay talking the KittyKat apart.” “An engineer then.” Arrietty deadpanned. “Yup, and very good with his hands.” Kimberly added in the same tone. Shaking her head in amusement Arrietty pulled a small pouch from her med Raising an eyebrow Kimberly accepted the pouch and opened it curiously. “I checked your file Kimberly, I’m allowed,” she reminded her boss Nodding slowly Kimberly took a breath before speaking, she was right of “You’re having a good time, relaxing, you deserve a break so have some fun. Pocketing the pouch Kimberly stood and gave Arrietty a hug, “Thanks, but not “Not from me.” Arrietty assured her, pleased at the smile on her boss’s “Yeah, I do.” She admitted honestly, feeling her face break into another "The Contract, Part IV - Action!"
Mr. Siebur (The Assassin) [Omar] J. Andrus Suder, Apc [Mek]
It was time to take out his first target, Siebur decided, while he still could after his performance in Sickbay. He didn't need any weapons, as the means by which he would need to kill Suder wouldn't even require him to lay a hand on the man. After inquiring the location of the target from the computer (using a voice frequency modulator), he first left his assigned quarters and headed down to a sparsely populated lounge to eat a very small meal. Next, he went to the duty officer for Security to advise of his current status of not being cleared for duty yet. Although the duty officer offered to expedite the medical clearance, Siebur politely declined unless his presence was absolutely needed for duty in short order.
Then it was on to the residence deck where his target was currently. The ride in the turbolift added to the slow knot growing in his belly. He always got somewhat excited like this when he was about to close a job. Accidents such as the one he had in mind were terrible, but not uncommon on starships and land based locations.
When the turbolift doors opened, Siebur checked quickly to ensure that there weren't too many people around. Satisfied that he was for the most part alone in the corridor, he quickly and purposefully made his way to the quarters where J. Andrus Suder was located. After another careful survey, he used his knuckle to activate the door annunciator. He believed that everything led to what was about to go down once the door opened.
Andy pushed himself off the couch, thankful for the interruption. He normally didn't like to take his work home with him but Commander Smith had started to threaten the Library with unplanned "disaster drills." She hadn't been more specific but Andrus was pretty sure these would include several scenarios with him running from Arel and one of her knives.
So he'd taken the computer PADD with it's eight hundred and nine pages of downloaded Bajoran text home to read.
It was incredibly dull reading.
Andy opened the door.
"Mr. Suder?" the man dressed in Security gold asked.
"Yes," Andrus said with a nod.
"I need you to accompany me to the surface."
He frowned. "What for?"
"An issue has arisen that requires your presence. You may be a witness to an incident that occurred."
Andy tried to think about what he possibly could have witnessed. "At the beach?"
"Yes, sir," Siebur nodded. "I can explain more on the way, as this is a time sensitive issue."
The Betazoid frowned again. He didn't have any reason to doubt the man and yet there was something about the situation that felt ... off to him. But then again, years of running the con could have just made him paranoid. "Could you give me a few minutes to change? I'm not really comfortable beaming down in my pajamas."
"Of course, sir. However, I will need you to move quickly, if you can." Siebur offered a friendly smile to put icing on the cake. The target was already hesitating, although his reactions were normal for such an unexpected visit. He mentally calculated how much time was left until his 'ride' out of there arrived.
Andy returned an easy smile, despite his discomfort. He headed back towards the bedroom and changed into the first thing that came to hand - a black turtleneck and pants. And then because his instincts had been spot on in the past, he also picked up his unregistered knife. The one Brian pretended not to know about. "Do you know how long this will take?"
"Shouldn't take more than a couple of hours. We just need to make sure we have all of our facts together." Seeing that the target was ready, he gestured towards away from Suder's quarters. He was trying not to look like he wasn't that much in a hurry, but still tried to convey a sense of official urgency.
Andrus scribbled a quick note to Brian. "Okay."
They walked in silence to the turbolift that would take them to the nearest transporter room. Siebur took the time to take in the full measure of his target, watching his movements and mannerisms. The chemical psi-blocker was working well enough that he was sure Suder had no clue what was about to happen to him.
When they reached the transporter room, Siebur dismissed the NCO operator and plugged in a few coordinates. He considered the option of making Suder's death a transporter accident, but decided to revise his plan.
It was only after he set foot on the transporter pad that Andrus realized what was wrong with this situation.
He couldn't sense the other man at all.
****
Planet
Being telepathic had it's advantages and disadvantages. One pretty much knew when people were lying, hot for you, or where they hid all their worldly possession. On the other hand, they expected you to be a person who wouldn't exploit any of these things. Plus there could be headaches, especially being confined on board a ship like the Galaxy.
Andrus re-materialized on the planet and felt the release within his mind. Sure there were more minds but they felt more evenly spaced, more free.
He turned to the security officer and barely suppressed another frown.
Still nothing.
"Is there a problem, Mr. Suder?"
"Can I take just a second to catch my breath?" Andrus said with an apologetic face. "I get a bit nauseous every time I ride one of those damn things. I know it's probably all psychological but ..."
The man was beginning to irritate the assassin, but the task at hand kept Siebur focused and suppressed the need to vent his frustration in a very blunt and messy way. "We need to get a move on, sir."
"Just a moment," Andy promised with his smile. Then he closed his eyes and opened his mind as far as it would go.
Siebur was envisioning the steep drop into a ravine that was very close, and the correct amount of force that would be needed to "bump" into his target and knock him off balance, sending him to his death some seventy feet below. He also thought once again about how irritating the target was. How long is he just going to stand there with his eyes clo-
It was then that it hit the assassin with a jarring shock that Suder was trying to read him. It became apparent that he would just need to kill this man outright before he could raise any alarm.
Andy opened his eyes and gave a tenuous smile. "The Maltese Eptgac, Part II: Deadly is the Doctor Lt. 8-ball Hunter ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Main Sickbay ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "If there was one thing I knew, it was hospitals. Lousy places---full "Sickbay was a real cesspool, a little spot of Hell right on our ship. Ella cupped her ear to listen for the sound of crickets; Sickbay was 8-ball loftily ignored this somewhat more realistic depiction of 8-ball's eyes narrowed. "Hey," 8-ball said to the nurse. "Me and my associate here got Recognising the young woman as the same one who had strolled in with 8-ball glared suspiciously at the nurse. "Doubtful," she said. But Wishing now she'd kept her mouth shut and gone with her initial "We'll do that," Ella said politely, grabbing 8-ball's arm and 8-ball cast a suspicious look over her shoulder at the nurse, but "Come in." Kimberly called absently from inside. Sat staring at two 8-ball and Ella stepped in. "No time for pleasantries, Doc," 8-ball Blinking in surprise as she sat up straight, Kimberly let her 8-ball sighed. It was a curse in life, when no one could keep up with Ella dutifully produced the ransom note, waving it slightly to show "As you see," 8-ball said, pacing importantly, "someone has come up Holding out her hand, Kimberly accepted the ransom note from Ella and "For all I know, Security could be in on it," 8-ball said sourly. She "A DNA scan, huh? I hadn't thought of that. You mind making yourself "By all means." Pausing her work she turned to a desk of equipment "Figures," 8-ball said. "I should have known this guy would be to good "The doctor has no reason to lie that I know of," Ella replied. "And "Well, if I might interject a thought?" Kimberly asked, and then "T'Pei?" 8-ball asked. She frowned in thought. "T'Pei doesn't exactly "Thanks," she said to the doc. "You've been a big help." 8-ball didn't "Not a problem, anytime." Kimberly replied as she returned the ransom As they exited Sickbay together, 8-ball turned to Ella. "You know you "I'd love to but I have a meeting in five minutes." "Well, fuck you then," 8-ball said mildly. She glowered into the Ella raised an eyebrow. "I thought chastity belts were your greatest nemesis." 8-ball sighed. "Everyone's a critic," she muttered. "Death in the Family" Lt. Commander Th'Khiss K'aa, Chief of Operations, USS Galaxy Tangnagel Array, Tycho Epsilon System For at least the dozenth time, Gloria found herself pausing at her For a year and a half she had been dreaming of the Gorn - a hulking, The feared him. Oh certainly, he must have been formidable as three- At the Van Gelder institute, there is a ward that cares for a fifteen- "How did Commander K'aa..." The question was never finished. As soon She had dreamed of killing the Gorn since then, but looking at the "You're staring." The sound from K'aa broke her reverie, and Gloria snapped back. "So "We're not alone", the thin man snarled back in a hoarse whisper. "Uh... sure, but we'll float about. Isn't that bad if... er... it "There is a Terran adage that 'the best defence is a good offence'. I The command was firm and decisive, and to her amazement Gloria Gloria was prepared for the electricity, but not for the roar of When she arrived, K'aa had bent over the figure - a Trill in his "K'aa.... hrff.... why?", the Trill managed with his dying breath. The Trill's hands relaxed and his eyes rolled up into his scorched "Batting Practice" Lt. JG Le'on Khatowren, Security Kitty ********** "Whoever came up with dis sport should be shot..." Le'on grumbled as he How in the hell was he going to swing this thing? Well, that's what Le'on was going to figure out here at the batting Le'on got into his designated batting cage and pressed the control to Bzzz! Swiff! Another ball over his head. Alright... next one then... Le'on took a couple of practice swings and waited for the next ball. He placed himself in the box again and waited for the next pitch. This ******** People weren't laughing much anymore. Le'on had this down pat. He was Bzzz! Swiff! Jump. SMACK! Bzzz! Swiff! Jump. SMACK! Sure, he had to leap straight up when a pitch came, but he had the hang He didn't know if Victor putting him on the baseball team was someone's If anything, he might get a good laugh out of it if he allowed himself Disturbia Part 7 "Faylin," Victor said tonelessly. =============================== "You don't have to do this." Hinannat gently mused. "Pacifism... What's That?" Lieutenant Kimberly Burton - USS Galaxy ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Epsilon Four "Demeter" ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The Olympic village on Demeter, whether that was the official name or not, One arm comfortably wrapped around Rafael's waist and the other holding some Life stories were slowly exchanged, her memories of growing up on a Then the Academy, it was inevitable really, put two Starfleet graduates in It's a lot to talk about. By the time they were half done the two of them "Let's eat here," Rafael suggested, "Then we can take our time getting "Mmmm, good idea." She'd actually tidied the KittyKat, well, to be honest Turning down one street they wandered past several places, he wasn't that "Well, well, if it isn't the little jian-huo from the Galaxy." The voice "Someone you know?" Rafael asked as she continued to walk by, doing her "Someone I wish I didn't." She corrected him, keeping her eyes forward and "So, what does she charge then?" Zelo asked as they continued. Feeling Rafael's arm stiffen Kimberly muttered a quiet plea for him to "I'm sorry, did you say something?" Rafael enquired his voice flat and Turning as well Kimberly looked at Zelo, he was in uniform, as was his ~ Tacky! ~ "I asked," speaking slowly, clearly and emphasising each word, "what, does, "If you've something to say, say it so we can all hear," Rafael asked in a "And perhaps you should get to know people better before you spend your Clenching his fists Rafael took a pace forward, his whole posture changing "Go ahead 'Ensign'," Zelo replied with a grin, emphasising the rank, "take a "Strike a superior officer, I'm not that stupid. 'Sir'." Adding the last Stepping in between the two Kimberly looked from one to the other, they were "Back off Lieutenant, that's an order!" Kimberly snapped at Zelo, fixing "Are you gonna make me?" Contempt for her was obvious in Zelo's voice, and "Are you gonna disobey a direct order, Lieutenant 'Junior Grade'!" It ~ Ha! ~ Standing between the two Kimberly could feel the tension in the air between "I may not be able to lodge a complaint with your CO Lieutenant," she Looking down at the supposed pacifist with a blink of surprise Zelo wondered Stepping around Kimberly Rafael placed himself beside Kimberly instead of ~ What a pair of testosterone cases! ~ Kimberly muttered silently, not Facing Zelo directly she realised compared to these two she was tiny. Four Bouncing off Rafael she felt a moment of panic as Zelo raised one large fist Grabbing Zelo's balls in her left hand Kimberly squeezed and twisted as hard As he started collapsing Kimberly let go with her left hand and raised her ~ Damn IT!!! ~ For a moment there was silence. Then from the bar behind a few patrons "For a pacifist, you can be pretty violent." Rafael complimented her as he Looking at the Asian woman who was still stood nearby, watching the events "Next time," Kimberly said gently to Rafael as she rubbed her aching knee, ~ Great! ~ She bitched silently, putting her arm around Rafael and pulling ~ I'm never gonna live this down! ~ "You want to let me know what that was about?" Rafael asked as he glanced Choosing not to reply Kimberly sighed and shook her head, Rafael was right, And to top it all off, when she had put him down, for the second time, there ~ This isn't me! How does Russo do this to me? ~ "Family Circus" Fork **** Epsilon Four "Demeter" **** "That's a bat'leth," Korvin said, pointing at the Klingon blade that "Bavfelth!" Koren tried sounding out. "No," He corrected. "Bat'leth. Bat-leth." "Bavfeleth." Koren clapped and giggled. "Bavfeleth! Bavfeleth!" "Baaah ..." "Korvin," Arel interrupted. "Watch now. Teach your cousin later." "lu', Mommy," Korvin replied politely. A few seconds later he was Arel rolled her eyes and turned back to her brother. "Anyway, I was "You 'do' know they can make more where those came from, right?" "Perhaps. To be honest, the bat'leth is probably my weakest skill. I'd "You'd rather watch a fight with me and the kids rather than get "Funny." "It's just that you've never been the type to find a corner and just "Of course," Arel said. She smiled as Korvin mimicked strikes - "I'm fine." Fork mumbled, smiling at the sight of his son actually "The Captain. Mark has been whining about it for weeks. Why?" "I tried lighting the memorial candle when I got back from the Alpha Arel shrugged. "Hasn't done anything to piss me off yet so I could "Thanks, but it's not a religious ceremony. Not entirely, anyway." "No, but I'd like to. And I can probably pull my father away from his "Sounds like a good plan to me." He smirked. "Korvin's gotten big "Standard Klingon diet," Arel said. Korvin really had grown since "I've heard some Klingons had problems digesting tomato sauce." His Arel grinned. "Additional music, huh?" "Music?" It took the UT some time to register that one, but Fork "You should have been there when I introduced them to dairy." "By the Prophets I'm glad I wasn't, thank you. You know... Korvin's "He does," She replied. "It's stupid. There's always going to be some For'kel wouldn't have batted an eyelash had that statement come from She told him about the future Allison and her claims that Arel had Arel was quiet for a moment, watching Korvin and Koren play. "What Fork's mouth was agape. Listening to the story was... well... rough. "I don't know. Probably. If she finds out your my brother, she'll want "Hmph, she'd have to take a number and get to the back of the line." "I suppose you're right," Arel said before scowling at him. "You "Am I the only one?" He shot back with a grin. "Besides, you act "Undoubtedly," Arel said without a hint of sympathy. 6806 |