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:: in the ready room, wrapping up a conversation with Admiral Blackthorne ::

:: in sickbay, getting quite restless, but trying to pass the time reading reports sent over from the Rixx ::

:: covering the bridge from her off-center seat, as is her usual when Harper's in the ready room ::

:: is keeping an eye on the scanners in case they catch something unusual ::

:: at the SCI/OPS station on the bridge, keeping an eye on the tractor beam ::

:: at the helm, monitoring their approach to the Refuge system, finding it odd to be arriving only at warp instead of slipstream ::

:: sits at her station on the bridge, finalizing the supply use and medical personnel lists with an ear to the others ::

:: at her station ::

:: closes the comm with the admiral and slumps a bit behind her desk ::

:: she pinches the bridge of her nose, then massages her temples, feeling her headache coming back ::

::Potters around the Rixx, personally checking in on repair teams.::

:: is making rounds in Sickbay ::

RCEO> :: cussing at a piece of equipment as he percussively adjusts it ::

:: puts down the report and wonders if it's time for her to get out of here yet ::

:: presses the call button ::

:: walks over to Ashexana :: HRH: Your Highness. How can I help? :: is very respectful, but without coming across as subservient.

Tav: Doctor Tav, was it? :: offers a pleasant smile :: I do hope you are well. I certainly feel much better than I did a couple of days ago, and was wondering when I might be free?

:: taps away at her console, working on paperwork to keep her mind busy. She rubs her temple, grumbling quietly to herself ::

ACTION> Atlantis drops out of warp.

:: looks up at the main viewer when she feels the ship drop out of warp ::

:: as Atlantis drops from warp, he checks their coordinates :: XO: Right on target, Commander, for Refuge approach... though they might want us to be decloaked.

:: looks up expectantly at the main viewer and their next stop ::

:: turns to look at viewer ::

:: feels the ship drop out of warp and looks out the window to see normal stars ::

:: pulls up her medical file on his PADD, nodding :: HRH: Yes, ma'am. I can certainly understand. I enjoy being here as a doctor, but hate being here as a patient as much as anyone... :: looking through her file :: It says in your file that as soon as we arrive... so let me just give you a quick checkup and make sure you're safe to depart. :: grabs a scanner ::

Ethan> :: is checking in with the patients who weren't in the critical care zone ::

:: glances briefly up at the viewscreen, but keeps at her paperwork ::

Tav: Of course, doctor.

NAV: Right you are, Lieutenant. TAC2: Please have The Rixx drop our cloak and give them a good look at us.

:: grabs a couple of headache pills from the replicator, pops them, then heads out on to the bridge ::

:: checks the scanners, smiling faintly at seeing nothing, nodding to the Commander's request, and sending the request to decloak ::

:: assuming her usual pleasant command demeanor as she enters the bridge :: XO: So we have arrived at Refuge?

CO: Yes, dropped warp and cloak.

:: scans Ashexana thoroughly, adjusting his Tricorder to see everything he needs :: HRH: And with that, Ma'am, you are the picture of health that all royalty should be. I see no reason that you cannot leave.

:: stands and attempts to straighten her hospital gown :: Tav: Wonderful! Thank you, doctor.

HRH: You are very welcome. Here. :: opens her cabinet for her, where her clothing waits. ::

CSO: Contact Refuge control and have them inform Lady Kashar of the situation.

:: finds that her clothing is as good as new and not bloodied and burnt :: Tav: Oh! You replicated replacements for me, how thoughtful!

CO: Aye, Captain. :: sends a succinct but informative communique to Refuge Control ::

:: smiles :: HRH: I wouldn't have it any other way!

Someone at Refuge Control> :: gets the comm and says, "Holy Shit," before urgently paging Venya ::

:: gathers her clothing and disappears into the bathroom ::

:: emerges from the changing room several minutes later, as composed and austere as usual ::

:: keeps somewhat busy typing, but keeps a more watchful eye on the viewscreen now ::

CO: Refuge has granted clearance; forwarding approach vector to the NAV station. We are asked to stand by for Lady Venya Kashar.

:: nods :: This ought to be interesting. Take us in, Zorro.

CO: Aye, capitana. :: flies the two ships on the indicated vector ::

Tav: Now, since we have arrived, I presume I should go to the bridge? Would you care to show me the way?

:: realizes she should say aloud, :: CO: The Queen has been cleared by medical.

HRH: I would be happy to do so. :: leads the way ::

CO: We are being hailed. It's... Lady Kashar.

Tav: Splendid, thank you! :: follows along ::

MED: Thank you, doctor. Please have her come to the bridge.

::Hums to himself, as he enters the Rixx's engineering; looking around at how much damage is still clearly present.::

:: stands :: CSO: On screen.

CO: On her way.

:: does the tappy tap and looks up at the screen ::

:: approaches the turbolift and the doors open. He invites Ashexana before boarding himself. :: TL: Bridge.

:: looks up as well, feeling a bit tense to be distracted now ::

RCEO> :: grunts at Ilaihr ::

:: looks at screen ::

:: smiles to herself, looking forward to seeing Ashexana's arrival, recovered, in person, and faces the main viewer ::

:: rides in pleasant silence, though she does take notice of the doctor's fetching spots ::

:: appears on the main viewer :: CO: Well, Katy-Kat. I didn't expect to see you again so soon, but given the circumstances, well... please accept our gratitude for your assistance in this... unfortunate matter.

:: smiles and nods :: Venya: Of course, Lady Kashar. Atlantis was happy to assist our friends in the Free Fleets.

:: smiles slightly and raises an eyebrow, just detectable to a human. ::

:: quirks a corner of her lips as she notices him noticing, but then the doors open ::

CO: I understand that our losses were great, and that Queen Ashexana was among the injured, but that she is now on the mend?

Venya: She has made a full recovery thanks to our wonderful medical staff. :: hears the doors open :: And that should be her now.

:: isn't sure how to take Harper's nickname, but looks to Kate for her response, then at the opening turbolift ::

:: steps forward as the doors open onto the Bridge as though her escort protecting her. From what? His own crewmates? Nah. From bad form. :: ALL: Ladies and Gentlemen, Her Royal Highness, Ashexana. :: He steps aside ::

:: busily working at her console and pointedly trying not to look at Venya ::

:: notices Wright obviously trying not to look at the Orion, and tries not to giggle ::

:: emerges from the turbolift, looking none the worse for wear, dressed in a perfectly-pressed white linen blouse and sleek black slacks with tall boots, her usual attire for commanding the Rixx :: Bridge: Thank you all for your assistance. I owe you my life.

:: glances at the queen, then back to the viewscreen, feeling a bit of relief at the reunion ::

:: smiles politely, but adds a bit of warmth to it for Ashexana, truly glad they could be of such great assistance for the Free Fleets. After all, it's not just for Axhexana, but for her people ::

::Just shakes his head at the Tellarite, whilst he does his inspection.:: RCEO: Its lucky we managed to keep this ship together.

:: watches Ashexana emerge onto the bridge :: HRH: My Queen, I am happy to see you alive and well following such terrible attack.

:: gives a single nod and a small smile, never needing thanks but warmed by it ::

RCEO> :: looks up at Ilaihr and begrudgingly speaks :: I, uh, couldn't-a done it without your help, I guess. You're not so bad, for a damned Andorian.

:: turns slightly, giving a nod to the Queen in greeting before turning back to her console ::

:: smiles brightly at the viewscreen :: Venya, darling! Not to worry, I'm as good as new!

:: makes her way into the bridge to stand next to Harper, in front of the empty counselor's chair ::

:: actually finds herself rather relieved to see Ashexana intact, feeling a bit shaken by what has transpired ::

::Smirks, never one to dissuade the fallacy of his Andorian-ness.:: RCEO: And you are... a Tellarite. ::Says nothing more, simply continuing to smirk.::

:: nods cordially to Ashexana ::

RCEO> CEO: DAMN RIGHT.

Venya: I find myself in need of Refuge's excellent repair facilities... can you accommodate the Rixx for a while?

:: simply continues to look pleasant while the queen and Venya speak ::

RCEO> :: cackles and kicks something, causing it to spring to life ::

HRH: Of course. We would be honored to host the Rixx. I'll make the arrangements immediately. I must ask, however, whether you feel that the Xovul will come looking for more trouble...?

Venya: It is possible, I must admit. Though, I don't think they can track us through the cloak, so Refuge should be safe from imminent danger. Whether they mean to pursue a war against the Free Fleets, I cannot yet say.

:: diplomatically looks between Ashexana and Kashar as they converse ::

::Chuckles as he taps his commbadge.:: -Atlantis-: Ilaihr to Atlantis. My teams are packing up now, and will be ready at their respective beam out sites within fifteen minutes. Requesting one to beam up now, though.::

:: doesn't look up from her console, busying herself with... something ::

HRH: I am also having immediate accommodations prepared for Your Highness and the remaining crew of the Rixx - I am sending over transporter coordinates now.

ACTION> The Atlantis transporter chief beams Ilaihr aboard.

:: receives the transporter coordinates and nods affirmation to Kate and Kuari ::

Venya: Oh, I must be special, being allowed an exemption from your transporter block. :: smiles :: Thank you, Venya, darling. I look forward to your hospitality.

::Steps off the transporter pad, nodding to the transporter technician; and quickly making his way out of the room.::

:: sits and watches, relaxing a bit but still dwelling on the Xovul with a frown ::

:: nods back to Wright in acknowledgement ::

HRH: Desperate times, as they say. CO: I would, however, like you to place the Rixx directly on the repair facility's landing pad with your tractor beam... if you think your pilot is good enough, that is.

:: looks up at the Orion on the viewer, but gives her a pass since she doesn't know him ::

:: snorts, then covers her mouth, turning red ::

:: actually lets out a bit of a chuckle as she smiles at Venya :: Venya: I am certain that our pilot can manage that, yes.

:: gives Kate a sly grin over the viewer, a bit of her normal self showing through ::

:: raises her brow ridges at Kashar's challenging words and smiles towards Navarro ::

:: cracks his knuckles ::

Venya: Will there be anything else, Lady Kashar?

::Is soon on the bridge, quietly sitting down at his console, then humming to himself.::

~CEO: Glad you're back over here, Blue Grandpa.~

CO: Oh, yes. You and your crew are, of course, welcome to enjoy Refuge's hospitality as well, once we get the Queen and her crew settled. We would just love to give you our thanks in person.

:: takes note of Ilaihr's arrival and taps a checkbox on her console ::

Venya: Thank you! We will take advantage of that once everything is settled, I am sure.

::Nods.:: SCI: Lieutenant

CO: Oh, you certainly must! Refuge's hospitality is second-to-none!

:: running a few simulations on getting the Sovereign-class so close to the dwarf planet's surface ::

:: smiles warmly, always happy to attend a party ::

:: flashes a fetching smile and purrs :: CO: Are we agreed, then? Splendid. I look forward to it. Call if there's anything you need. :: winks and closes the channel ::

CO: Well, Captain Harper, it would seem like my stay aboard your fine ship is at its end. Please, once more, allow me to extend my gratitude to you and your entire crew for what you have done.

:: dips her head to the queen :: HRH: Of course, your highness. It is what friends do for one another, yes? Certainly better than facing each other in combat, as we did years ago.

:: releases a breath she didn't know she was holding and turns to look at the Queen as she speaks ::

CO: It is, indeed. In truth, back then, I never knew what friends I had here.

:: has been standing at ease still next to the Turbolift this whole time, realizing that he's been appreciating Her Highness's... majesty. He thinks about something else. ::

:: shifts a bit, looking back to her console ::

CO: See you soon on Refuge, I hope?

HRH: Of course, your highness.

::finishing up a final round of patients, and then takes some time out for a well deserved break in her office with a giant mug of tea::

:: tosses her tumbling raven locks as she turns for the turbolift, and finds the doctor still waiting :: Tav: Doctor Tav, would you escort me once more, this time to your transporter room?

:: smiles, slightly sheepishly, remembering her being Betazoid... :: HRH: Of course, Your Highness. :: gestures to the Turbolift and the doors open as though they knew what he wanted ::

:: nods once more in farewell to Harper :: CO: Captain Harper. :: then enters the turbolift ::

::Didn't even acknowledge the queen's presence, as he types away at his console.::

:: follows :: TL: Transporter Room 1.

:: is satisfied with the results from the simulation, the dwarf planet's low gravity not being much of a risk factor ::

:: looks to Harper ::

:: lets out a breath as the TL doors close ::

:: looks up at Kate and Kuari as the Queen departs ::

:: shrugs, turning to check the weapons and shielding systems, knowing it's none of her business ::

:: looks around the bridge :: Well done, everyone. Visits from heads of state can be a bit awkward.

:: blinks twice, shifts in her seat, and looks back at her console with a single nod ::

Self: The trick is to not even say anything.

Now, Mr. Navarro, challenges to your ability aside, are you comfortable depositing the Rixx on the surface?

:: turns her attention to their pilot ::

:: stands sideways in the TL so as not to be facing away from the Queen, but also not facing her directly. ::

:: also looks over at Navarro ::

CO: Sí, capitana. I have been running simulations while waiting, and I don't see a problem with the maneuvers involved.

Aloud: The problem will be the touch down.

:: smirks, glancing sideways at Navarro but continuing her work ::

CEO: Indeed, but we can vary the tractor strength relative to our approach velocity.

:: takes her seat, wanting to see the show :: NAV: Then, by all means.

:: rides the turbolift once more in pleasant silence, but certainly picks up some thoughts from her companion ::

:: cracks his knuckles again, then starts to ease Atlantis and Rixx towards the indicated parking spot on the surface ::

CSO: Signal the Rixx to prepare for landing.

:: lies on her seat in a relaxed pose and taps idly at her console, having full confidence in Navarro's abilities ::

:: turns as the Turbolift doors open, steps out and welcomes Ashexana into the corridor. ::

:: signals the Rixx as requested ::

Hadley> Landing?! :: scrambles, sending messages all through the ship ::

::Monitors the modulation of the the tractor beam and structural integrity beams.::

ACTION> The surface looms larger and larger on the main viewer.

:: gently guides the two ships lower, slowing down relative to the surface until the landing pad of the repair facility can be see below ::

:: leads the way to the Transporter Room, enters, and turns back. :: HRH: Here you are, Your Highness. This has been a pleasure.

:: returns a charming smile as she steps up onto the pad :: Tav: Indeed it has, Doctor Tav! Please, give Doctors Tailor and Acacia my thanks once more.

:: looks up, watching for the landing with interest ::

CSO: Be ready to vary the tractor output, Commander...

HRH: I shall indeed, Ma'am.

ACTION> The surface detail on the airless dwarf planet can be seen coming into sharp detail as we approach.

NAV: Ready on your orders.

:: nods to the chief and shimmers away ::

:: appears in Venya's antechambers, but isn't terribly surprised by this, and nods to the Burly Orion Man :: Mr. Oolot, how lovely to see you!

:: watches the landing, proud of her crew's skill ::

CSO: Slowly reduce power. We will make the actual touchdown using tractor beam power.

:: breathes a sigh of relief after Ashexana is gone. And perhaps... Nah. He shakes his head, turns, and leaves the Transporter Room, heading back to Sickbay. ::

:: slows the two ships even further and almost starts to hover the big Sovereign above the surface ::

:: slowly... slowly reduces power to the tractor beam ::

:: adjusts the gravitational compensation, and lets them fall at a snail's pace toward the surface ::

:: watches the landing, peering up from her console ::

:: continues reducing power... ::

::sets her tea on the coffee table next to the sofa, and then notices concentric vibrations in the tea mug as the ships near the surface::

:: once the distance can be measured in the low tens of meters he arrests their fall and lets the tractor do the work ::

Touchdown in five, four, three...

CSO: She's down, cut the beam.

:: manually drawing down the power.... and cuts the beam ::

ACTION> Atlantis, hovering meters above, gently places the Rixx on the landing pad with her tractor beam.

:: grins ::

:: immediately climbs Atlantis to a safe distance ::

CO: Challenge defeated, capitana.

:: grins toothily ::

NAV/CSO: Bravo! Well done, both of you!

CO: Oh, I think the flying was the hard part. :: grins ::

:: shrugs and grins :: CSO: It just took a delicate touch.

CO: I am sure of that. Return us to their assigned orbit.

CO: Aye aye. :: enters the ship into a climb to parking orbit ::

XO: We should give them a few hours before accepting their offer to head down, I think.

:: considers this and nods decidedly in agreement :: CO: Agreed.

:: is led into Venya's office by the hulking Mr. Oolot ::

XO: Standard preparations for Refuge apply; we will go down by shuttle and the team will need inoculations against Orion pheromones.

:: nods, taking note ::

Hadley> :: having survived his heart attack, he finds the Rixx safely on the ground, so he begins getting his crew ready to disembark ::

:: nods readily and looks to Acacia, making sure she makes the preparations ::

:: stands when Ashexana is shown in ::

:: realizes that, again, she didn't say the thing out loud when she feels herself being watched. She straightens in her seat, :: XO: On it!

Lady Venya Kashar! It's so good to see you in person once again.

XO: We should once again take advantage of the opportunity to acquire uncommon things here.

Queen Ashexana! Despite our differences, I am happy to see you in one piece safe on Refuge.

::Chuckles.:: CO: We could always do with a second hand cloaking device. ::Smirks.::

:: focuses on her console, preparing the crew to be received on Refuge :: CO: Uncommon things?

:: nods eagerly, already working on her wish list ::

:: takes a glass of wine from a tray brought by another Orion man :: I have to say... that was close, Venya.

:: nods and grins at Kuari, then smirks at Ilaihr:: CEO: That was nice.

CEO: But, we are still bound by treaty, and they are not.

There are, of course, other interesting things in that exotic market below.

:: ushers the Queen over to sit on the overstuffed couch in her office and sits beside her with her own glass of wine :: Did they just... come out of nowhere?

:: takes the seat and nods :: We were not even cloaked. I was surveying a potential system to expand our operations to, and they came from behind the star. Clever move, I admit, but I hate getting caught with my pants down.

:: thoughts of treaty binding are weighing heavily upon her at the moment ::

CO: I have memorised the workings of the unit aboard the Rixx, if the treaty ever finds itself being dissolved.

:: gives a impressive face to Ilaihr ::

How fortunate that Atlantis was nearby... The Xovul apparently pack quite a punch.

:: wanders around Sickbay, helping patients, helping the orderlies and nurses to tidy up, doing Sickbay things. ::

:: chuckles, her heavy thoughts pushed away by Ilaihr's Ilaihr-ness :: CEO: Now why am I not surprised? I will keep that in mind, should it become necessary.

:: leaves Harper to her heavy thoughts, focusing on preparing the various departments for arrival to Refuge ::

They do, indeed. We cannot fight them alone.

:: ponders on that, looking at her foot and wiggling her toes ::

:: raises her eyebrows in a moment of surprise :: What do you propose?

Ethan> :: is straightening the biobeds, humming quietly to himself as he worked ::

:: sips at her wine, considering :: At the very least, the Kvolir. They hold no love for the Xovul. But the Federation...?

They are bound by a peace treaty that the Xovul consider worthless. If only we could show them how worthless.

PAUSE SIM PAUSE SIM PAUSE SIM