Lux Et Veritas (Plot)

Plot Details
"Lux Et Veritas"
Time Period:	240912.20 - Ongoing
Involved Ships:	USS Charon
Involved Planets:
Previous Plot:	Memento Mori(Plot)
Succeeding Plot:	Unknown

After the cataclysmic events on ch’Dabhae and the severe damage incurred by battling NeoDyne’s Romulan allies, Charon is invited to put in for repairs at Galae facilities in orbit of I’Rak Prime by Shiarrael t`Rehu’s cousin Itsak tr`Sahen. While the crew tends to their ship as well as their own injuries in the shadow of the Galae'Krha-Sei, the Captain also must come to terms with her unpredictable relative and a growing sense of foreboding.

Events take an unexpected turn with the arrival of the USS Guardian, carrying members of the Vulcan Science Council and their staff who wish to accompany Charon on their survey of the Stellar Nursery. Although Rehu happily greets Captain Bravado and the crew is enjoying some fleeting days of respite, the Vulcans seem impatient to resume the journey.

Trapped amidst a web of intrigue and deception Charon travels back out into the unknown, set on a course that will at long last reveal the true purpose of her mission.

Why has Itsak tr`Sahen secured a sample of the deadly Memento Mori and what prize is it that the Tal’Shiar wants, even at the cost of tolerating the Vaek’Riov’s personal agenda? What is the secret T’Pelar is so determined to keep, and will Charon’s crew become pawns in a clandestine game between the Vulcans and the Star Empire?

Synopsis

240912.26 Plot Notes

Captain Shiarrael t`Rehu, the good ambassador Ian Lamont and Lt Sakarra are invited on board the IRW Endless Sky which had so graciously taken the small matter of the last Warbird attacking them off their hands. Greeted by Shiarrael's cousin Itsak tr'Sahen, the trio finds that the commander of said Warbird has been taken into custody. The woman's answers to tr`Sahen's questioning shed light on the involvement of governor tr`Ulhri in the development and testing of the biogenic weapon named Memento Mori, and the usage of ch'Dabhae as testing ground. As it turns out, the still evasive Terrh had convinced the governor to allow a corporation called NeoDyne to establish a research station and provide security as well as test subjects, promising a seat on the Senate in return. Even though it is now obvious that the attack on Charon was simply an attempt by the governor's security forces to cover up their activities and possibly gain new test subjects as well, Lamont is extremely distraught by the mention of NeoDyne corporation. Much to the Captain's dismay and tr`Sahen's obvious amusement, the good ambassador blows a proverbial gasket before Rehu restrains him.

Settling the matter in ruthless, if effective style, tr`Sahen disposes of the Warbird's commander and orders the rest of the crew killed and governor tr`Ulhri arrested. Upon return to the Charon, ambassador Lamont collapses from the weight of emotions brought on by the revelation that a Company he has aided in the past was in fact involved in the terrible slaughter the Charon has witnessed, not to mention nearly fell victim to herself.

As final act of his "cleanup" operation, Itsak tr'Sahen leads an assault on the NeoDyne station located near ch'Hirexa. Rather than destroy it, he delivers the scientists and surviving "test subjects" to Captain Rehu, not only to oblige her request, but as it turns out the Vaek'Riov appears to have another agenda as well (surprise, surprise…) Finally caught in a web of his own weaving, Terrh is apprehended before being able to effect an escape with samples of Memento Mori. While the capture of the former is in everyone's interest, particularly that of a certain widower back in the Empire, the existence of the samples and the matter of who is in their possession now is kept from Charon and her crew.

Having limped her way to I’Rak Prime and the fleet facilities there, Charon is finally getting a well deserved break and the engineers can get to work without stumbling over hostiles every other circuit. In the silence after the storm, Shiarrael t`Rehu must come to terms with the fact that the mutineers she had left behind had been captured and used as test subjects by NeoDyne. While the fate of the few survivors is still in question, the scientists will be taken back to Federation Space on board the Quantum Fury to stand trial. With Commander Eithne Falcon and Lamont still in sickbay, the Captain asks her Vulcan helm officer Sakarra to temporarily take over the XO's duties, promoting her to Lieutenant Commander at the same time.

Meanwhile on I'Rak prime, Itsak tr`Sahen learns the "agency" is well aware he acquired Memento Mori, but is inclined to overlook that fact if the Vaek'Riov keeps an eye on Charon. Apparently, there is something both the Vulcans and said "agency" would very much like to have, but of course no one bothered to tell the people who have to run and get it, notably Charon's crew. Typical.

Back on Vulcan, a positively annoyed member of the Science Council informs her aide she plans to call in a favor from Starfleet to catch up with Charon who apparently has been wasting time exploring and being shot at. While the purpose of said journey remains obscure (did I already say "typical"?), one gets the impression that there are schisms in not only the Council itself but spilling into larger realms. Politics. Whatever happened to Logic?

After having returned to her quarters, Cadet Bre'accoria has a nightmare concerning Charon being surrounded by no less than twenty Warbirds. Safe to assume she's not the only one on the crew with such a problem.

A disoriented and sick to his stomach Ian Lamont wakes up in sickbay, where the implications of past actions make themselves felt once more as memories of his involvement with NeoDyne begin to add up in the man's mind.

Brevet 1st Lieutenant Brent Warren gets to take his new charges out for a little stroll, but the crafty kids quickly seize the opportunity for mischief. Thankfully, the good marine is quick on his feet, otherwise Ael and Nniol would be taking apart the warp core by now. Or trip unsuspecting officers with coffee in their hands. You never know.

Because he's had not had quite enough excitement yet, the good Marine finds a lovely young lady with magnificent curves and quite elegant ears in Eris Deck. Although obviously interested in engineering, said young lady is not opposed to a friendly encounter with Brent Warren either. Unfortunately, the Marine has a rude awakening -not only thanks to a hangover, but an attempt by his lady-friend to gain access to classified information. Uncharacteristically non-chivalrous, Warren deposits the naked Rihanha in the corridor but can be persuaded to relinquish her clothes after all. I think that one disappointed a few other crewmembers.

Charon's still unnamed Vulcan doc finds himself with a Marine in extremely bad shape at his hands, and thanks to NeoDyne's cruel nanites, conventional treatments are not working. Faced with the problem of keeping the patient alive long enough, possibly even in some state resembling comfort, until a working course of treatment can be found, the healer turns to Lt Cmdr Sakarra who has been trained in neuropressure as applied to other species. Because no good deed goes unpunished, the first action Nikolai Chernienko takes after waking on board the Charon is choke a mightily surprised little Vulcan. To his credit, he stops once the realization dawns he is no longer dealing with NeoDyne and even has enough air left to apologize. After this minor hiccup, the Marine agrees to treatment and the fussing doctor manages to convince both that continued neuropressure would be helpful to get Chernienko back on his feet.

Another drama in sickbay unfolds when Captain Shiarrael t`Rehu visits the dear ambassador who feels compelled to not only offer an explanation for his outburst on the Romulan ship but his subsequent emotional turmoil. His confession of having aided NeoDyne in the past in hopes of gaining a powerful ally which might help in restoring his family name does not impress the Captain as much as Lamont had hoped, and his subsequent request that Rehu aid him in suicide prompts little more than disdain and amusement. Since it seems to be sickbay's theme for the week, the good ambassador resorts to choking the living daylight out of his Captain but before he can actually get Rehu mad enough to really reduce him to little pieces, he relents. Naturally, his next stop is the brig again, this time with an added torture -mandatory counseling sessions.

On board NeoDyne's own cutting edge starship “Chimera” the company's president Alistair Merikai learns of the destruction of the facility in Romulan space. Suitably displeased by the news and the incompetence of the senior researcher in charge of the project, Merikai orders the matter to be solved quietly, as his attention is distracted by more pressing concerns. Notably the interventions by Zane Akina on Astate and now Taverain Ramius hunting the still evasive Ballintine, and of course the boys just love to leave a path of destruction wide enough for an entire fleet to pass through.

Eris Deck becomes the site of a merry Holiday celebration, after the indomitable Lucia has managed to sort out the little problem with the big tree.

Ensign Thomas J Clipper meets his department head Nathanial Doyle in the Lieutenants temporary office, where the scientists talk about the matter of the probe launch. Although the issue worked out in the end, Clipper is aware of having disobeyed orders and the possibility that all their efforts could have gone donut-shaped as a result. However, the two officers have not only established a good working relationship, but Doyle know that his team of inexperienced scientists has had to deal with quite a mess thrown into their laps. All things considered, the Lieutenant decides not to throw any books at people.

At last, there is some progress to the repairs in engineering (or, as was so aptly put, what's left of it). Lieutenant D'Vana Xavier gets to vent some frustration while at the same time educating an enchanted Ensign Milo Haynes about Klingon culture. With steadfast help from Lizzy Johnson and Evelyn Darc debris is soon cleared away and the pool table shines in all new glory. Agreeing that tomorrow is the better day to die, the warriors of engineering move on to the bridge.

Having had his share of unfriendly encounters for the year, Commander Dylan Marcus sees to more important and certainly more pleasant matters, meaning his soon to be wife Lizzy and the question whether the wedding reception should have a Tuscany or Venice theme. And don't anyone dare forget the tulips. Lots of them!

Back Logs

Commander Marcus and Kai O.Brien lead their own cleanup action on Deck Eight during the boarding by Gai'Shian, aided by a sarcastic security AI Alice who is obviously not functioning at peak efficiency (when are they ever going to get that thing fixed and KEEP it that way?)

On a similar excursion to keep the intruders from annoying the engineers, Marines led by Brent Warren secure another portion of Deck Eight. Shame about that door, though.

On board the USS Corsair, a badly battered Captain Ramius has a run-in with a most disgruntled doctor. Not only must said medical officer patch up a human in worse shape than a turkey after thanksgiving, but he gets to rant at Taverian for exposing his secret after having kept it for so many years. Naturally, the Corsair, licking her own wounds as I were, comes under attack before the good doctor makes any headway and the stubborn bastard (sic) Ramius limps off to the bridge.

241001.02 Plot Notes

Repairs of the Charon are underway at the Romulan Spaceport as Engineering and repair teams begin working to fix the Engineering Bay.

Lieutenant D'Vana Xavier and a young Ensign speak of many things while they work to get the ship back in tip top shape. Soon after they finally complete their work, Engineering springs back to life, though there is still some cleaning to do.

Commander Dylan Marcus and Lieutenant Johnson work towards finalizing their wedding plans.

Cadet Bre'accoria goes to speak with the Captain about some personal issues that have popped up in her life recently but unfortunately for her, the Captain had a meeting to attend and was not able to speak with her. Instead she was ordered to head down to sickbay and get checked out by a Doctor before the Captain would speak with her.

Shiarrael t`Rehu then contacts Rear Admiral Chiran of Fleet Sciences about gaining full access to the Cadets medical records which have been sealed off. They end up speaking of the Cadet and Shiarrael implicates something that shocks the Admiral, leaving him lost for words.

The Captain and Commander Sakarra meet with Vaek'Riov Itsak tr'Sahen in civilian attire, leaving those of the crew who spot them rather intrigued over how they are dressed, and surprised most of all from how the Captain herself "cleans up".

They continue to speak of many things, mainly the Captain as the Vaek'Riov and Captain catch up on the past. Though the Riov did speak to Sakarra about the Captain and get the answers he seemingly wanted. That was until they spoke of the food, and the Riov challenged Sakarra to eat it, and action which offended the Vulcan.

Sakarra however reacted with the calm and usual serenity that a Vulcan would, leaving the Vaek'Riov infuriated and he left them with haste to eat. The Captain and Commander are left speaking of the Riov's Vulcan heritage, a past he was not too fond of acknowledging.

Once they are finished eating, they leave and return back to the ship.

D'Vana Xavier and the team work to them bring the bridge back to working order, which of course, thanks to their quick and efficient work, did not take them long.

Colonel Sam Thorten is en route to the Charon, ready to take on the future after a brief dwelling on the past.

Commander Sakarra enjoys some personal time in the holodeck, working hard to get the program she was hoping to enjoy calibrated and correct. Commander Khiy Kanryth interrupts this time however, throwing a PADD at Sakarra's feet demanding explanation as to why there was a V’Shar encryption in the data.

The Commander however, told Kanryth that it is a private matter, though he would not take that as an explanation. She attempts to explain to him the situation, though he does not seem to be in a listening mood. Though, after some kind of explanation, more like an exchange of information, the Commander backed off and offered to be Sakarra's 'moving target'.

The two challenge each other in a spar that ended with a holographic dagger to Sakarra's throat, and a damaged Commander Kanryth, much to be expected in a sparring of such magnitude.

Brevet First Lieutenant Brent Warren lays in bed with a hangover as he relives the events that happened the night before. That night being New Years Eve ending the morning with one more rendezvous before heading to duty in two hours.

241001.09 Plot Notes

Dylan Marcus and Lizzy Johnson spend some quality time together, speaking of the future before they shower and head to their shifts.

Commander David King sits in his quarters reliving the traumatic events that happened during Charon's battle. With many wounded, the most important one was his love, Lieutenant Roberts who, due to her injuries, lost the child and now lay in coma.

Captain Shiarrael t`Rehu is awoken in her quarters after dreaming of a nightmare, or to her, a dream. That is when she received the messaged that the USS Guardian was enroute to the Charon with supplies and members from the Vulcan Science council. The message prompts the Captain to patch through to the Guardian and have a conversation with Captain Aiden Bravado.

Commander Sakarra Tyrax found herself with some extra time on her hands before the USS Guardian arrived. So, she took the time to play her ka'athyra, as she was playing she flashed back to images of sickbay and the rest of the Charon during the battle. Though she was soon ripped from her memories by the Guardian coming within sensor range.

On the Guardian T'Pelar, the Councilor from the Vulcan Science Ministry tells her aide to make an appointment to meet with Captain Rehu. But to wait until after the Captain has 'reunited' with Captain Bravado.

While enjoying a klingon drink in the mess hall, Captain Rehu is informed that she has received a transmission from the USS Guardian marked as "Christmas Present". She headed to the holodeck and started up the program, only to find out that it was a holo-strategy game. One that she started out in as the Lord of Totomi in feudal Japan. Though she was unable to finish the simulation due to the arrival of the Guardian, but, she vowed that she would book some holodeck time after all.

Ensign Kallistra Grey starts her first day back after some leave from work due to her daughter not feeling well. after dropping her daughter off at her neighbors she continues on to her office where she starts her day and works through her appointments.

Lieutenant Aubrey Roberts awakens from her coma causing Commander Jennings to call Commander King down to sickbay to be with his loved one. One he thought he would lose. Their reunion is not so happy as they come to terms with the loss of their unborn child. Something that they will both get through together, though it will not be easy, it could never be easy.

Lieutenant Indira Bai and Lieutenant Runo Dlya enjoy some quality time together with dinner and conversation.

Commander Sakarra Tyrax and Brevet 1st Lt Brent Warren watch the Rehu children on the holodeck. In a program that was built to look similar to Earth, complete with horses, meadows, and rivers. While there, they speak of many things, their childhoods, another being duty. With the children wet, and muddied, they end the program and return to the Captain's quarters, though, not without some looks from other crew who spot them on their way.

Once both children were cleaned and redressed they were placed in their beds to sleep. Sakarra and Brent left in silence he thanks her for her help using a unexpected kiss, one that left Sakarra rather surprised.

While on shift on the bridge, Commander Katris finds something rather unusual on the sensor scans and decides it would be a good thing to report it to Engineering and hopefully get to the bottom of it before the need to inform the Captain arrived.

Sakarra speaks with Nikolai Chernienko about how he is pushing himself and not getting the needed sleep, ending up in Sakarra performing some skillful neuropressure on his tense and aching muscles. She discovered that he has muscle damage she suggested they wait a few moments before addressing those.

In their moments of pause, they take a moment to enjoy the silence before they speak of what happened with NeoDyne and their allied Romulans. They speak briefly before Nikolai tells her that she can confide in him whenever she may need. After the moments needed they continue their session and conversation.

241001.16 Plot Notes

Head of Science Council T'Pelar and her assistant Sakov drop in on Captain Rehu for polite introductions and naturally, mutual annoyance ensues. While the Vulcans are subtly (or not) pushing for departure and make it clear they plan to ‘assist’ Charon’s Science teams, the good CO is left with a headache and the distinct feeling she’s not being told the whole story.

Another neuropressure session in sickbay comes to an end with satisfactory results, leaving Nikolai Chernienko pain free once more and the little Vulcan slightly puzzled and amused. Rather than be thrown off by the good Marine’s displays of friendship and affection, Sakarra actually finds she has grown rather fond of the Russian as well (good luck in getting her to admit it) and remains for a recital of Falor’s Journey. Safest way to combat insomnia.

Commander Eithne Katris gets to greet new arrival Sam Thorten on the bridge, making for two pleasantly surprised officers and a cordial reunion which results in a dinner invitation.

Brevet 1st Lieutenant Brent Warren undertakes the difficult mission of asking a Vulcan on a date. To the Marine’s surprise and delight, Sakarra agrees to accompany him to a truly quite beautiful piano concert in the holodeck and the two share some pleasant conversation before enjoying the music. Next mission objective: Get her to realize it was in fact a date, or meant to be one. Provide the proper references, if necessary. The woman already likes you, chances are you’ll live.

On another happy note, Aiden Bravado manages to sneak on board Charon and surprise his bond-mate in her quarters. Lucky for him, Shiarrael recognizes the intruder as her beloved before kicking him to hell and the delighted Ael and Nnoil get to see the happy reunion of their parents. Well, the first kiss anyways.

Charon’s intrepid scientists Doyle and Clipper stumble across each other in the mess lounge and end up debating a host of interesting topics over a shared late dinner. Theological angles for science reports? Ah, may the Elements have mercy on us.

With romance blossoming abound, Captain Rehu should hardly be surprised when Dylan Marcus and Lizzy Johnson inform her of their wedding plans and ask the good CO to preside over the ceremony. Time to do some research. And yes, there will be cake.

Eris Deck becomes the scene of a meeting which will have profound impact – the planning of Commander Marcus’ wedding has officially begun. While Ch'Tan Foster is being drafted into the role of Best Man, Shaun Fisher and the Chief Engineer have the pleasure of being groomsmen and plan the Bachelor’s party. Cyrin Dicari on the other hand is still hesitant to join in the fun – maybe he already counts all the broken stuff that will result from Klingons at said party?

Lt Acel'a and the Security Chief debate the small matter of inquisitive Rihannsu engineers on board, deciding to keep a close eye on the helpful guests.

Arriving late for his shift for the first time ever (well, he has the best of all excuses, no?) Runo Dlya avoids receiving much more than a Look from his department head and learns about more interesting matters. Namely, the sighting of a lady clothed with naught more than a towel in Charon’s hallways, the aforementioned happy engineers and of course the wedding for which he is swiftly enlisted as Honor Guard.

Back Logs:

After waking in Runo Dlya’s quarters, the good doctor Bai takes the chance to grab yet another shower and is treated to a way more pleasant morning than she most likely would have in her own still rather disheveled quarters. While both officers do their best to remain non-committal, one can safely assume they like one another. Lots.

The USS Corsair escapes yet another seeming non-win situation due to the resourcefulness of her skipper Ramius, leaving NeoDyne president Merikai both fuming and dumbfounded. At last, Dr Durandal gets to drag his Captain to sickbay, seeing as the man is for once in no shape to protest

A still deeply distraught Nathanial Doyle finds a contemplative Sakarra in the Eris Deck lounge and the two officers debate past events.

After Charon has been towed out of the nebula and the last boarding parties have been dispatched, Captain Rehu calls counselor Grey to the Ready Room and entrusts her with caring for the boy Nveid, one of the two sole survivors of the doomed planet ch`Dabhae. Incidentally, the good Captain also takes the opportunity to promote the counselor to Ensign in what has to be the most unusual ceremony yet. Charcoal, anyone?

Prior to leaving with the USS Quantum Fury, Commander Kanryth pays one last visit to Rehu to inform her of the confessions obtained from the NeoDyne scientists. Safe to assume, both COs are not sad to say farewell to each other.

Brevet 1st Lt Brent Warren grudgingly pays a visit to sickbay and as fate wills it, runs into the Chief Medical Officer himself. Hardly unexpected, the good doctor can’t refrain from commenting on the marine’s cavalier attitude when it comes to romantic encounters.

A mysterious entity haunts Nathanial Doyle's dreams – or is it in fact not a dream but something much more sinister? One is left to wonder how this battle of wits will play out.

Digging through the rubble in the sensor pod, Ensign Clipper finds a treasure worth beholding – COFFEE! Strengthened by the ‘black gold’, the indomitable scientist defies sleep and head wound and continues checking ‘to do’ items off his list. Someone give that man a medal already. Or a bigger coffee ration.

Ensign Kallistra Grey introduces her daughter Bellona to Nveid, explaining that the boy will be remaining with them for a while. Although the Rihannsu child is still rather weary of the counselor, he seems to get along well with little Bellona.

Still wasting away in the brig (someone give the guy a break, really!), ambassador Lamont receives an unexpected visitor. Since Murphy’s Law seems to come into effect whenever Sakarra and Ian are in close proximity, the Vulcan who merely wanted a little assistance with research that might help the Marines recovered from NeoDyne’s labs, ends up with a human at her shoulder. While the good ambassador pours out his heart to a most astonished Sakarra, she learns not only about his past but a great deal more than she bargained for.

241001.23 Plot Notes

In a literal flurry of light, a new crewmember takes up residence on Charon – having arrived with the Vulcans, the AI Savant is activated and is delighted to find herself on a science vessel. Unknown to anyone but T'Pelar and her aide Kovel, the helpful and polite AI has been tampered with – some people might want to start looking for foxholes when she finds out.

While acquainting herself with the crew, Savant meets Brent Warren after blinding two poor engineers with the proverbial twin suns of science and boobs (someone call medical, just in case) and earns the mildly bemused Marine’s gratitude by taking care of some dreaded paperwork.

On I’Rak Prime, the Vaek’Riov’s ponderings over the turbulent meeting with his cousin cause him to remember another confrontation with Shiarrael. Then as now, it seems t`Rehu’s rebellious nature has a way to fuel Itsak tr'Sahen's anger. Following the suggestion of his trusted officer Hanaj, Itsak decides to allay any possible suspicion and make peace with his cousin by offering a gift for her children (a puppy is a puppy, after all. Who cares if it’s big enough to be a pony). What is slightly worrying though is that the ‘Agency’ seems to know more about where Charon is headed that Shia herself.

Colonel Sam Thorten finally catches the elusive Captain and a luckless yeoman by employing the age old ‘Waiting Game’. Presenting t’Rehu with his orders the good Marine manages to put yet another dent in the CO’s day – Starfleet Observers are such a meddlesome bunch, aren’t they?

After giving the matter of ‘How to date a Vulcan and get her to figure it out while you’re at it’ some thought, Brevet 1st Lt Warren invites Lt Cmdr Sakarra to dinner in Eris Deck. With the small addition of some fine old Scotch, the two officers not only enjoy a lovely dinner but a pleasant conversation, providing ample fuel for the ship’s gossip machinery.

While making her rounds in her usual quiet, diligent manner, Lt Acel'a is reminiscing about other times and places. Well, at least the Rihannsu engineers are unlikely to throw things at her pantograph – small blessings?

Intrigued by the ambassador’s colorful history on Charon, Commander Eithne Katris visits Lamont who by now might as well claim the brig as his permanent residence. Although Ian initially is not too thrilled by what he perceives as idle curiosity, the XO managed to intrigue him and the two part amicably.

Back Logs:

The Vulcan’s visit with ambassador Lamont turns into a philosophical debate/impromptu counseling session which leaves both participants with a few things to ponder. Ian gets to reevaluate his life and beliefs, while Sakarra may puzzle over humans yet again.

Having been released from sickbay, Taverain Ramius gets to push paperwork (don’t we just all love doing that) while the Corsair in en route to Starbase 343. A call from an annoying officer type person (sic!) is interrupted by an even more irritable Zane Akina, who feels they have gathered enough evidence to move against NeoDyne. To Akina’s chagrin, Ramius points out that they hardly have a leg to stand on, but the good Captain seems to have a plan nonetheless. He doesn’t do dull – yes, figured as much.

Nathanial Doyle's disturbing “Waking Dream” continues, and although the scientist applies his quick mind to the matter and seems to make some headway, a solution is not yet forthcoming.

241001.30 Plot Notes

241002.06 Plot Notes

241002.13 Plot Notes

From the bridge of the IRW Endless Sky, Itsak tr'Sahen watches Charon leave and orders to pursue with seven more vessels toddling along (really, all THAT for poor little us? Good grief…). To Itsak’s annoyance, his lady-friend the Tal’Shiar agent awaits him in his quarters, reinforcing the orders that Temep`Shar must not be destroyed. Certain that his schemes will sooner or later result in his rise to power, the Vaek’Riov rebuffs the good lady’s advances and is left in peace to contemplate his plans.

True to her promise, D'Vana Xavier delivers the data on the Valit which has been used to tamper with Savant's programming to the AI. In the pleasant surroundings of the hydroponics bay, revenge is plotted and the half Klingon engineer is left with a bit of a mystery concerning Savant’s nature.

Having received the news from one of his Marines that Sakarra is the brig’s newest house guest, Brent Warren decides to check this astonishing claim and indeed finds the Vulcan in a holding cell with long-time resident Ian Lamont. Although somewhat annoyed by his companion’s insistence to keep him from getting involved in her illegal activities, the Marine accepts her reasoning and proceeds with a bit of an irregularity of his own – he snatches Sakarra from her exasperated keepers for one hour.

The Chief Science Officer attacks the dreaded paperwork with the help of lots of coffee and is confounded by yet another mystery – erroneous reports, every Starfleet officer’s nemesis.

After her duty shift ends, Lt Acel'a reflects on past events, notably her role in preventing an assassination attempt and the subsequent investigation.

Wedding preparations are gaining steam when Lt Lizzy Johnson meets her friends and designated bridesmaid M'Riarr in the Rec Room for her bridal shower. Orchestrated by the ever assertive Lucia, food and drink are provided aplenty and Indira Bai introduces the bride-to-be to the beautiful Indian tradition of Mehndi-ki-raat. Alice and Rebecca Hadley get to chip in with gifts and the good AI learns about humans – maybe more than she bargained for?

Back Logs

Shortly after Charon gets underway to the Stellar Nursery, Brent Warren and Sakarra take the kids out – not to the ballgame but a picnic in the holodeck. The Captain’s twins and little Nveid get to explore an ancient earth forest and Nohtho the Fvai tests the nutritional value of holographic pine cones before the whole pack goes for a swim in a cold lake (yes, the kids love it. No, the Vulcan not so much). After returning their charges to their respective homes, Sakarra visits the Marine in his quarters for dinner. Naturally, an extraordinary amount of mischief ensues.

Captain Rehu calls 1st Lt Warren to her ready room to discuss the small matter of the yeoman with a fractured hand. Unaware of the implications that go along with the ship’s second officer having a relationship with the Marine Commander, Warren neither confirms nor denies what he considers a private affair and ends up with a suit of ancient armor to wear for PT. Never say Shia isn’t creative in her punishments.

After consulting with, well, herself, concerning the manipulations to her program and deciding on a prudent course of action, Savant proceeds to visit Brent Warren in his quarters. While his companion the Vulcan and her merry band of thieves (sic!) are off to break the law, the Marine is being distracted by Savant who obviously not only approves of crew interaction but has an uncanny sense for things left unsaid.

Alone in the ready room, Commander Kathris ponders the recent hiccups in Charon’s security and decides to take matters into her own hands by starting a thorough investigation.

Chief Engineer Calhoun takes it upon himself to fix a misbehaving console on the bridge and on that occasion gets to meet the by then still fairly new XO.

Still docked for repairs at Starbase 343, Captain Ramius stumbles across a crime scene (the man is just a magnet for trouble it seems). Propelled by curiosity and instinct, Taverain offers to help in investigating the bombing, annoying a cranky detective in the process. After intervention by the station’s CO and an intrigued Vulcan, Ramius is briefed on the doings on the religious sect which is suspected to be responsible for quite a bit of trouble and brings in his trusted side-kick Akina for good measure. Oh, this is going to be good …

241002.20 Plot Notes

Unseen and unheard by any of Charon’s poor little organic beings, Savant ponders the vast beauty of the Stellar Nursery seen through the ship’s sensors and her own unique perception. Although the peaceful surroundings lend themselves to contemplation, the AI is quietly plotting revenge against T'Pelar and her cohorts who have dared to tamper with the very core of her being. Oh yes, it’s on now. Don’t mess with Savant’s survival instinct.

Hoping that the Chief of Security might prove sympathetic even though or maybe because the man making the case is involved with the Vulcan in question, Brent Warren asks that Sakarra be confined to quarters rather than remain in the brig. Commander Marcus readily agrees, though he cannot help but be amused by the fact that a Marine would intervene on behalf of a fleet officer.

Never one to waste time, 1st Lt Warren retrieves said Vulcan from the brig, intimidating a few poor guars in the process. After delivering Sakarra to her quarters, the good Marine enlists the help of Savant to pull off a romantic getaway (literally) and the pair ends up in an unoccupied room with a splendid view of the Stellar Nursery. Hardly surprising, the romance becomes heated rather rapidly before the two return to where technically the helm officer should remain confined. Not entirely out of the blue but still a bit unexpectedly, the debate over Sakarra’s actions and her stubborn refusal to get her Companion involved in anything that might damage his career, ends with the Marine making his feelings for her quite clear. Just a tad grudgingly, the Vulcan admits she might ... sort of… well, yes. Have grown exceedingly fond of him as well.

Meanwhile, with a little help from Alice, Commander Marcus wakes the Captain and hands her the decrypted files on Temep Shar and the true purpose of their mission. Quite understandably, Shiarrael blows another proverbial gasket after the first shock and her first order of business is to throw the Vulcan scientists in the brig. Her second, more charming one at least in the eyes of the crew, is to storm off in her silk robe to find her helm officer.

Somewhere within the bounds of the Stellar Nursery, the surviving crew of the Temep`Shar struggle to keep their ship from falling apart. Stranded since their disastrous test flight, the Vulcans have managed to keep going at impulse and taken up residence in the devastated engineering section to save resources, but it is becoming quite obvious the battered ship will not last much longer. In the middle of yet another round of repairs, one of the V’Ket picks up another vessel on sensors. Too bad they have no way of determining whether it’s friend or foe that has finally found them.

Scientist to the core, Thomas J Clipper delves into the mysteries of the Stellar Nursery and commandeers Stellar Cartography for his viewing pleasure. Even though the good Ensign figures it would take ten Charons to get a crack at mapping this marvelous expanse, he’s giving it his best shot, starting with an interesting binary system. Attaboy!

Shia, aka the storming Romulan, waltzes into her Vulcan’s quarters with a slightly exasperated Commander Marcus in tow, demanding to be informed of everything Sakarra may know about Temep Shar. A lively debate ensues, not even interrupted by the arrival of a scantily clad Marine to counterbalance the lightly dressed ladies. So much for keeping that relationship under any radar. Having learned all she can, the Captain orders the ship to yellow alert and her helm officer to the ready room. Confinement? See if Shia cares right now.

A loose V’Shar agent (never a good thing to have) runs into Brevet 1st Lt Warren after having toyed with main deflector control and finds himself shepherded towards the brig. To his surprise, Voran learns that the Marine also happens to be the ‘rival’ he had been wondering about and can’t help but bait the good Lieutenant into a show of jealousy. Boys will be boys.

In the Captain’s Ready Room, matters heat up just a little with Shiarrael quite literally knocking a Vulcan to the floor under the not entirely surprised eyes of her Security Chief. T'Pelar in turn seems hardly impressed by the Captain’s wrath, even when LtCmdr Sakarra discerns part of the councilwoman’s plans – Temep`Shar has been outfitted with a sophisticated Valit that will send not only wipe her computer core but send any data concerning her disastrous flight home to Vulcan. All that is needed are some unwitting carriers. Nice to now Charon is expendable. Really.

Back Logs

While engaged in the cumbersome task of attacking a mountain of paperwork, Captain Rehu gets to meet her new crewmember Savant. Though Shiarrael is slightly unnerved by having yet another AI on board, the ensuing conversation is both civil and quite enlightening – at least to Savant who always likes an interesting guessing game.

Zane Akina meets a positively grinning Tav Ramius in a rather disreputable part of Starbase 343 – at least by now the fleet operative has figured out that Ramius plus jocularity equals trouble looming. The good Captain’s way of outlining the situation and his plan does little to lighten Akina’s mood, but because he apparently hasn’t learned that part yet, Zane agrees to play wingman after all. Religious zealots beware, Taverain is on the case.

241002.27 Plot Notes

The debate in the Ready Room continues, and Shiarrael t`Rehu learns to her dismay that not only has Charon been used in T'Pelar’s schemes, but is caught in a more sinister and obscure one laid by the V’Shar. With few options left to her, the Captain decides to keep looking for the Vulcan ship and dismisses Commander Marcus and Sakarra with the charming offer to toss T’Pelar out of the nearest airlock. Never one to eschew a bit of fun, the Security Chief indeed places the councilwoman in one such but ends up beaming the poor woman along with her cohorts into the holodeck – comedy and slapstick, humanity’s best. May the Gods of Vulcan have mercy (no, they don’t. Not usually).

Unseen and unheard, another tiny entity comes to life on Charon – Valit. Not just any, but one born from Savant herself created with the knowledge gathered from the program initially used by T'Pelar to tamper with her algorithms. The little rascal immediately goes to work and digs up what it may find to incriminate the loathed Vulcan councilwoman. Talk about poetic justice.

On ch’Rihan, a Tal’Shiar general reaches a difficult decision while wandering the magnificent gardens so unexpectedly hidden at the heart of a secret complex. With a single code, an Elemental serving within Tal’Shiar ranks is dispatched to the AAnikh estates on ch’Havran where the ailing and infirm Praetor awaits death after his last massive stroke, to perform one final act of compassion. The next day, Galae’EnRiov Verelan receives visitors who inform him AAnikh has peacefully died in his sleep and proceeds to pay his final respects to the man he considered a second father before the announcement is made public.

Commander Marcus briefs his troops on the situation, handing out orders for the case Temep`Shar should be found. Though usually good humored and level-headed, Acel'a can’t help but be somewhat disgruntled that Charon once again seems to have been thrown to the proverbial wolves.

The First Officer finds a mightily vexed Captain in her Ready Room and is appraised of the details concerning T’Pelar’s schemes. Quietly supportive as always, Eithne takes the news with good grace and leaves to inform the department heads of the impending meeting. Rehu on the other hand can’t stop herself from thinking about the fact their mission has been a lie from the beginning and in that light, reexamine every decision made and the consequences.

Back Logs:

During one of his brief sojourns outside the brig, ambassador Lamont finds a sparring partner for his favorite sport in none other than the ship’s pilot. The question how a human skilled with a sword and winner of many a tournament can hold his own against a little Vulcan is settled amidst a lot of polite conversation and ceremony (well, mostly from the ambassador’s side. The Vulcan is mostly busy being puzzled). Thankfully, the exercise ends without bumps or bruises, although Lamont can’t help but pull off some mischief in the end.

The Chief of Science manages to briefly rise to the top of Shiarrael’s list of “People who annoyed me today” when he storms the Captain’s Ready Room to protest the installation of Savant without being consulted first. Still, the two manage a civil conversation about priorities and communication between departments before Doyle leaves with the funny feeling that something is about to go terribly wrong.

In Main Engineering, Quentin Calhoun looks over the recent upgrades in his domain with no small measure of satisfaction before diving into a mountain of paperwork.

Charon’s long time brig resident Lamont receives a late night visitor once more – and again it is the ship’s helm officer. Only this time the Vulcan arrives trailing security guards and informs the stunned ambassador she is here to stay. Though Sakarra does not elaborate, Ian is diplomat enough to realize something is amiss. Still, even incarcerated Lamont’s manners have not suffered and he is positively fussing over his new cellmate.

241003.06 Plot Notes

Back on Vulcan Senior Professor Solkar spends another long day at the Science Academy, pouring over data concerning Charon and T'Pelar’s plans. Although this far unaware of the entire scope of the affair, the professor learns from some of his students that the councilwoman had requested a Valit to modify a program called Savant before going on her trip. Intrigued and reasonably certain that this matter goes beyond simple scientific curiosity; Solkar begins to investigate said program, catching the attention of Savant’s routines still present in the area. To the Vulcan’s astonishment, a most polite android literally ‘drops in’ to say hello and introduce herself.

Back Logs:

The investigation into unsolved murders on Starbase 343 takes a funny turn when Captain Akina uses a Tribble pest as a ruse to gain access to the temple of a mysterious sect suspected to be responsible for the latest bombing. Despite Taverain’s misgivings, the two manage to pull it off and find some interesting files that seem to have little to do with religious pursuits while setting Tribble traps (read – surveillance equipment). Naturally, after investigating the inner sanctum of what they now know is called “Aditus”, the intelligence officers are caught and already think they might end up as the next ritual sacrifice, when an unexpected ally in the person of a Father Dakota persuades the miffed guards to let them go.

Only a day later, Ramius’ curiosity gets him into trouble again when he follows the father and finds himself at gunpoint. As it turns out however, both are after similar goals – investigate Aditus and its wrongdoings.

Charon’s brig rapidly turns into a scene of intrigue and interesting revelations when Lt Cmdr Sakarra decides to inform ambassador Lamont not only of the reason for her arrest but the story preceding it, as well as the ship’s current predicament. Stunned by the news, the good ambassador still tries to be helpful and suggests some quiet meditation after absorbing the news, asking the Vulcan to instruct him in the basics. Naturally, with the two of them together Murphy’s Law has to come into effect once more, this time resulting in a mutual shock when Lamont displays telepathic abilities and makes a crash landing in the Vulcan’s mind. Unsettled and with an understandable headache, the ambassador ends up dozing off quite unceremoniously in the helm officer’s lap, leaving Sakarra to ponder how a human could have ended up with a distinctively Vulcan ability and not have a clue.

Lt Cmdr Sakarra learns why her yeoman was so obviously relieved that she decided to deliver the orders to the Marine barracks in person when she is coerced into an arm-wrestling match with one of the larger specimens of the human race. Stuck like a tiny kitten amongst playful Rottweilers (sic!), the Vulcan’s swift victory only earns her more challenges until 1st Lt Warren extracts his girlfriend and the orders he’d been waiting for from the cheerful melee. Somewhat to the disappointment of an inquisitive NCO, the two do not engage in interesting activities after retreating to the 1st Lt’s office (well, a little, maybe) but rather debate the morale building properties of distilleries before attacking the ever present paperwork.

241003.13 Plot Notes

Savant’s visit to senior professor Solkar turns into an amicable discussion concerning philosophy and the rights of non-biological lifeforms, before the Vulcan breaches the subject of his suspicions concerning T'Pelar and the possibility that parts of the AI may have been tampered with. Naturally, with two so inquisitive individuals in the same room, the exchange of information and theories resumes in short order.

Ambassador Lamont’s first order of business after being so unexpectedly released to his quarters is to throw the same into disarray with mountains of PADDs. Charged with what he considers a diplomatic suicide mission, Ian does what he does best and gets creative, paying a visit to the flight deck and making some vague inquiries regarding Charon’s complement of Valkyries and qualified pilots. Though the brief stint into pilot country leaves more questions than it answers, it’s quite obvious Lamont is up to something. Yes, we should start to worry right about now.

The Security Chief goes a-hunting for the wayward ambassador, finding a worried and irate Ian Lamont back in his domicile (no, not the brig this time). Though the opportunity for mischief presents itself on a silver platter, Dylan decides against taunting the poor diplomat and presents his request instead – Lamont gets to be best man for the long anticipated wedding and once he recovers from the shock, graciously gifts the groom to be with a rare vintage of Martian wine.

Wedding bells toll on Charon at long last when Captain Rehu joins Dylan Marcus and Lizzy Johnson in the bonds of matrimony. In her usual charming manner, Shiarrael ditches her notes after half a sentence and improvises a brief but quite to the point ceremony, leaving the crew with more time to celebrate. And party they do, with a Caitian tossing toasted bread into the crowd (someone explain toast vs toast to the poor kitty please) before dousing the best man in champagne, while a bewildered Alice finds herself outfitted with pretty flowers and a Marine in attendance. More romance ensues when the Chief Engineer is reunited with Robin and a little Vulcan learns how to dance. Even Savant can be observed floating amidst the guests, offering sage advice and holographic handkerchiefs. Congratulations to the happy couple, and please stop mentioning babies, everyone. They are working on it I’m sure …

Acquiring admirers as she goes, Savant gets to enchant Ensign Clipper with her in depth analysis of the thus far surveyed regions of the Stellar Nursery. Although the good scientist is as of yet unaware of the events unfolding around the Vulcans (hey, he has more pressing matters to attend to!), he can’t help but wonder about their strange behavior. In the middle of ship’s night (when else?), Clipper is still happily digging through scan results when the AI makes a most poetic announcement –neutrinos indicating the collapse of a wormhole shine brightly on Charon’s sensors. The game is afoot …indeed.

Commander Marcus returns to the bridge for a private chat with the Vulcan helmswoman. Charged with not only a possible rescue effort but keeping Charon safe in the process as well, the Security Chief feels it wise to learn as much as he can about the Temep`Shar and her crew. In the middle of the officers’ debate, spiced with dry remarks and creative approaches on exactly how one should go about evading the looming Galae forces, Savant’s message appears with a proverbial ribbon tied around it. Seems we’ve just run out of time …

Back Logs:

Stuck with not one, but a dozen Vulcans in the brig now, ambassador Lamont is fast on the road to going bonkers. His rescue arrives in the unexpected form of the Captain herself retrieving her favorite nuisance, only to inform poor Ian that his first order of business is to give the Galae and Tal’Shiar an earful of his ‘irritating speech’ (sic!). Stalling a pack of hounds hot on the scent of the prey they’ve been baying for since the damn thing vanished should be not too much to ask, right?

On board the USS Corsair, Tav Ramius and Akina hold the long overdue conversation with Father Frederick Dakota – while both officers identify themselves as intelligence, the good preacher insists he is merely attempting to rid the cult from shady elements. While they are indeed provided with information concerning Aditus, namely that the sect is run both ruthlessly and efficiently and has a good deal of funding for their sinister activities, Ramius doesn’t quite buy Dakota’s ‘simple preacher’ story. How can he, when to the observant eye everything about the man screams ex-military? And indeed, Dakota admits to being a former marine and having served during the Dominion war, after which he found his ‘calling’ by aiding in rebuilding a colony and ridding it of criminal elements in his … unique way. While Akina is less than thrilled about what he hears, the Corsair’s Captain gauges the man trustworthy and an ideal ally in dealing with Aditus. Still, one is left to wonder what else there is to this sect operating with the methods of a crime syndicate.

The brig epic continues with Sakarra placing a peacefully dozing ambassador on the bunk, only to have him wake in a daze a scarce hour later and wonder if he’s still dreaming or in heaven. Since he’s obviously neither and Vulcans don’t quite get the ‘angel’ idea as it is, Lamont wisely decides to avoid any more confusion and return to the issue at hand. Without any better (or more logical) explanation, Sakarra presents the theory that there was in fact a pointy eared one somewhere in Lamont’s family, leaving the good ambassador with lingering telepathic abilities likely to surface at the most damnedest of times. As if the poor man doesn’t have problems enough.

1st Lt Brent Warren and the little Vulcan provide the Marines with just a little food for thought when Sakarra leaves the barracks after a lengthy visit to their Commander’s office, but disappointingly appears not in the least disheveled. The evening concludes with a dinner in the Vulcan’s quarters, and one may safely assume that both officers will be more than just a tad disheveled … later.

A new counselor takes up residence on Charon (someone in fleet must think we would be best served having our own battalion of those by now) and for once, the Captain is pleased to greet an old friend rather than a new nuisance. Shiarrael briefs the good Trill about the headaches both a certain ambassador and the Marine contingent have caused her, prompting the rather dry inquiry whether any of those are still alive. Welcome on board Jayvin Vod, the Aspirin is this way.

Memorable Quotes

240912.26

"Romulans, why is it every time I get stabbed its always Romulans?"

(Commander Dylan Marcus -Fatal attraction it would seem)

“I'm a doctor not an engineer.”

(Commander Keith Durandal -Yep, it's a classic. And it still works.)

They were up to something, or if they were not up to something now, sometime soon in the future they would be.

(Brent Warren and the twins -yep, a very good tactical assessment.)

“I'll take my usual reservation if it is not too much trouble.”

(Ian Lamont -Not at all, ambassador, My brig is your casa.)

"The Romulans sure did a number on us."

"You can say that again, the PetaQ's know their way around phaser fire."

(D'Vana Xavier & Milo Haynes -for wholesale destruction, dial 1-800StarEmpire)

241001.02

“Perhaps we are not tepid and cautious as our cousins but ‘certain it is and sure: love burns, ale burns, fire burns, and politics burns. But cold were life without them.’”

“With the possible exception of politics, I would have to agree.”

(Shia and the Vulcan – who would have thunk it, they actually agree on three out of four. Someone check if hell just froze over)

“Well this is what we call at the academy.. FUBAR...”

(Ensign Milo Haynes – Not only at the academy, dear..)

"You are one of Father Winter's elves?"

(Nikolai Chernienko – actually, she’s still trying to figure out who Santa is and why he is Bolian)

“Amazing sir. But I think if Doctor McCoy hears about this she will kill you.”

(Onarin Kaen and Khiy Kanryth– Well, she has to CATCH him first)

241001.09

He wasn't concerned with her influence so much as hoping the dragon lady didn't find out and kick his ass back to Astate.

(Dylan Marcus – yet another new nickname for Shia? Roaaarrr)

"So the prodigal patient returns."

(Dr David King and the little Vulcan – No, not really. Can I go now?)

“So- fleet asked me to make a delivery, and sorry, it’s not pizza.”

“Shame.”

(Aiden Bravado and Shiarrael – yes, I think for once the crew agrees wholeheartedly. Pizza would have been nicer)

"You should see mine. At least your walls are still intact."

(Indira Bai and Runo Dlya – small things to be grateful for?)

"You know I think after this day I might need some of those alcoholic beverages"

"Rhennish!"

"Exactly"

(Brent Warren and little Nnoil – Boys will be boys)

241001.16

“Well you owe me and my staff a few rounds – you’re buying, but before we break out the spirits just tell me we won’t need this for long. This thing is about as scary as a Borg with neon flashing lights and just as dangerous.”

(Taverain Ramius and his engineer – Booze and blinking Borg – those people know how to party!)

“Seriously, though, I will have you court-martialed if you tell her I'm coming.”

(Aiden Bravado and the transporter guy – seriously, you think a crew serving under Shia is so easily scared?)

“Chief Engineers Report Stardate xxxxxx. God has decided to maintain our ship while the engineers are attempting to fix it, meanwhile The science department have been punished for their sins with the Astrometrics lab and my office being some of the most heavily damaged sections of the ship. I have taken up penance and will continue my Our Fathers and Hail Mary’s in hope that my office will be restored soon!”

(Nathanial Doyle and Thomas J Clipper – debating theology as applied to Charon. Four Deities help us all…)

“Well I’m off to work, Rommies wait for no man and I happen to have to be that man tonight.”

(Dylan Marcus – oh they won’t mind if you don’t show up. Really. Go take a nap or something.)

“Haven’t they informed you? I’m quite unstable.”

(Ian Lamont – yes, among the things that go boom in interesting ways Lamontium sure ranks in the top ten)

241001.23

“Anyone who talks about our mission is going to be personally shoved into an airlock by yours truly for discussing sensitive intelligence matters. And that’s after I tattoo the sole of my boot onto their butt.”

“You certainly have a way with people Captain. I’m sure your friend there on the station is just dying to meet you.”

“Well she should. Who can say no to these dashing good looks?"

(Taverain Ramius and Zane Akina – Who indeed?)

What the hell sort of a question do you ask a floating woman? "Excuse me, miss, you seem to be violating the laws of gravity, belay that before I call security"?

(1st Lt Brent Warren and Savant – just another day on Charon.)

“Yes ma’am- no more destroying ship equipment.”

(Shia’s yeoman aka poor sod of the day – breaking those news to the crew will be a tough one …)

241001.30

“Stop giving me that glare please, I’m shutting up now. Really, I am. You think if I put that stick over here the game will finally explode?”

“A distinct possibility.”

“Thought so."

(Merl Grax and Sakarra – The intricacies of love and kal-toh.)

“Um, hello Sir, I must admit I thought you would have gotten the hang of doors by now.”

(Thomas J Clipper and Nathanial Doyle – Doors? How boring.)

“Well the ship did not explode; I have heard no talk of mutiny amongst the fleet crew. The Romulans were not so irate that they took the ship over. Everything seemed to go quite smoothly."

(1st Lt Brent Warren and the Vulcan – Well, since you put it that way…)

“A Federation Ambassador? Is that all?”

(The Mercenary and an unidentified Cloaked Individual – Yes. Just… Ian. Houdini. Too stubborn to die, grandiose, cute windbag and Captain’s favorite nuisance. Godspeed, Mr Mercenary.)

241002.06

“I've been smeared across twelve thousand light years. It's amazing how much you can forget in such a span.”

(Savant and Sakarra – She’ll take your word for it.)

“Well gentlemen, shall we return to my suite?”

(Ian Lamont – he might as well have all his stuff moved to the brig by now.)

“Lucky you, Private Millebank, I've been asked to keep a close eye on your inventory. Your rifle is improperly stowed. Belay it properly - such language! Do I need to put my running shoes on again?”

(Savant and a luckless Marine – that AI doesn’t miss much, does she?)

“I would not be astonished if T’Pelar found herself beamed into space.”

(Aehlen tr'Kethry and Voran – the betting pool agrees. Airlock is a close runner-up though.)

“If this information is correct, I will make sure that the Captain doesn't tar and Feather you."

(Dylan Marcus and the Vulcan – much obliged, I’m sure.)

241002.13

“Gee, if that was all it takes to get dinner with you I would have drenched you with cold water a long time ago.”

(Brent Warren – do NOT try this at home, kids. Unless that dinner is really good. )

“I have researched Human mating customs and Propagation seems to be at the peak of this activity, so I thought I would; how do you Humans say... Hope for the best?”

(Alice – don’t we all, dear, don’t we all …)

“Never! Why, I encourage the crew to relax with one another. It fosters an efficient and happy work environment, you know.”

(Savant – the AI as postillon d’amour? Stranger things have happened…)

“The last time you said that we nearly ended up dead.”

“I was right wasn’t I?”

“Fine. Give me your position. I’ll beam over momentarily.”

“Oh and Zane, leave your uniform and put on something comfortable. You might wear something appropriate for obtaining religious enlightenment.”

“Come again?”

(Taverain Ramius and Zane Akina – I think he’d settle for a simple explanation. Not that he has much hope…)

241002.20

“History is replete with Vulcans who made a mess of things in the name of the greater good.”

(Dylan Marcus – and that is putting it nicely.)

“I am not certain whether I should feel honored or insulted by warranting such attention.”

(Sakarra Tyrax – Three Marines and a tiny Vulcan.)

“My lady T’Kal. Have we offended the good Captain in some way?”

(Voran – ah, the art of Vulcan understatement.)

241002.27

“Throw her out an airlock. I’ll let you choose which one.”

(Shia – much obliged.)

“It isn’t a death sentence, but some may wish it was."

“Indeed they may, Commander. Indeed they may.”

(Dylan Marcus and Sakarra Tyrax – 20th century slapstick? Isn’t that against the Geneva Convention?)

“True...Very true. I've seen Vulcan stares so icy, I almost got frostbite!”

(Acel'a – don the arctic gear, lads and lassies. You ain’t seen nuffin yet.)

“It is often said that history is a fluid thing- always changing. We write history as we wish to see it. History changes with us. We create and we rewrite it to suit our needs. I have always wondered what history will say of me when I have gone. Will they see me as a fool or the old and tired man that I am? Perhaps history will forget me all together- oh well. In all my years I have learned that only one thing is really true in such a vast and uncertain universe: we live and we die.

(– From the memoirs of Aehkhifv i-Latasalaem tr’AAnikh, D’ khaiell hel na stelam-a.)

241003.06

“Have you ever seen these rascals? I mean they can breed like a ….well they can really um…”

(Zane Akina – The trouble with Tribbles in a nutshell)

“I figure I'll let it slide as a morale builder until one of them nearly kills themselves then I'll atomize the still.”

(1st Lt Brent Warren – Marines and Moonshine, oh the possibilities)

“You are aware you just informed the ship’s second officer that the Marines are producing what is commonly referred to as ‘moonshine’ with the intent to consume said beverage, presumably in quantities that are hazardous to the health of a Rigelian Ox?”

(LtCmdr Sakarra – Yes, he is, actually. Now watch the flight deck crew scramble.)

241003.13

"Charon sailed through the sea of stars, and all about she watched.

A sturdy hull to bear them all and take the eyes across Oceans of stars, the wine-dark froth, a chill and silent sea. No gulls, no fins, no schooner sails - ah yet! What's this I see? No matter shoals here in the dark, No luminiferous outcrop. The other shoe will have to drop; Beneath the waves we must embark." (Savant – couldn’t have put it better. Really, I couldn’t.)