BEGIN SIM

BEGIN SIM

BEGIN SIM

:: on the bridge at the helm, reviewing damage and casualty reports ::

:: at the tactical two console, still trying to make sense of it all ::

:: is seeing to patients in sickbay, hanging back in favor of Tailor dealing with the enemy arrival ::

:: in Main Engineering; begins assembling crew to put some extra time and energy into the power distribution system so it won't so easily overload again ::

:: holds her arm, hissing in pain as she finally makes her way into sickbay. :: Didn't think I'd be injured so dang soon.

:: is leaning against the wall of the room, watching the strange human with an intense gaze ::

:: coordinating Ops teams to assist with the repairs and cleanup ::

:: is on the bridge at her station, sifting through damage reports from the battle ::

Stecker: Can you tell us how you came to be on the Xovul ship? ::clicks the forcefield off once Stecker proves herself nonagressive::

:: makes a note to talk with Grey, having a few suggestions to help build their Helm/Tac rapport during combat ::

:: finishes with a patient’s twisted wrist, the crewman able to walk it off after his treatment. She approaches the newest arrival :: SCI: What seems to be the problem?

:: stows his flightsuit and helmet in the assault bay locker room, then ducks into the showers for a quick one ::

:: shakes his head, still not entirely happy with what transpired with the Xovul ship's destruction ::

CMO: I... it wasn't like I thought... :: blinks heavily as she slowly responds, her head lowering to the biobed's firm pillow, looking dazed and stops responding ::

MED: Well, I was in science lab one when I was thrown across the room. I'm sure something in my arm broke. :: continues to hold it still ::

:: nods, taking out her tricorder wand and beginning a scan of Herschel’s arm :: SCI: Alright. Let’s see.

:: secures the helm, putting it on auto, and retreats toward her chair ::

XO: How is it looking, Kuari?

:: re-dressing in her uniform ::

::frowns some and punches up some commands on the biobed, beginning a scan of the newcomer::

:: looks at Captain Harper, scowls slightly, returns to his console ::

:: passes out ::

:: notes the lieutenant's scowl and finds that to be strange, but she has a ship to tend to ::

CO: :: eyes still on the report :: We have shields, propulsion. We're okay, just minor repairs keeping Engineering busy at the moment.

:: looks across sickbay briefly to the passed out human, but otherwise minds her own business ::

:: hears the XO's comments, makes sure that the weaponry is operational ::

:: finishes her scan and grabs an osteoregenerator to fix up the bone in Herschel’s arm ::

:: finishes dressing, and crosses to the pilot rec room and racks up the balls for a game ::

CO: Weapons are at ready, if needed, Captain.

::begins administering a series of meds to stabilize the woman, and starts treating the burns and internal bleeding::

:: uses the tool on the science officer’s arm :: SCI: Just hold still, we’ll have this done in no time.

:: takes her seat :: XO: That is good news, especially after a fight with the Xovul.

TAC: Thank you, lieutenant.

MED: Modern medicine is quite the thing, isn't it?

:: emerges from the showers and dresses in his uniform, then peeks into the rec room, hearing the sound of pool balls ::

CO: We had help, at least.

:: smiles, nodding as she works :: SCI: There’s little we we can’t do.

Stecker: You've been through quite a bit, haven't you... ::applies dermaline gel over the worst of the burned patches::

XO: Indeed. The Syrinx fared a lot better than the Rixx, at least, but she's a bit more substantial of a ship. Rixx seems to be built for speed and stealth.

:: checks on her staff, noting that some have gone to Sickbay with minor injuries ::

:: nods along, still analyzing the battle in her head ::

MED: I was in the science lab when I was thrown about. Was there a massive battle?

:: finishes up with that tool and grabs another, working over Herschel’s arm a second time to repair the muscles :: SCI: Yes, we were fighting the Xovul again, this time as they were attacking one of the Free Fleets ships.

:: overseeing the repairs to the Syrinx in a bit more of a hands-on fashion, banging on something with a spanner ::

MED: Does this sort of thing happen on this ship often?

:: assigning herself to the team, makes calls to everyone to meet up at all relevant stations and power nodes to run full diagnostics ::

:: nods, working carefully with the tool :: SCI: Somewhat often, yes. We’ve been encountering the Xovul a lot recently, actually.

+CO+ Captain, the patient from the escape pod is in rough shape, burns and internal bleeding. We're not going to know what happened to her until she wakes up again...

:: lifts her head as she listens to Tailor's report :: +CMO+ Alright. Let me know when she is awake, doctor.

::nods:: +CO+ Absolutely. Tailor out.

MED: Oh goodness. I was on a small science vessel, so we actively avoided massive battles like this. Oh gosh. I suppose I should just get myself in a seat when there's a red alert?

:: gets some grumbles from some of the junior staff at the prospect of a full power grid diagnostic, but isn't in the moon to argue ::

:: nods, finishing up with the tool and clicking it off :: SCI: That would be my advice. How’s it feel now?

:: shares a glance with Harper, acknowledging the state of the survivor ::

XO: I imagine that one will have an interesting story for us.

:: moves her arm around :: MED: As normal as it could be, thank you.

CO: A human on a Xovul ship? Very much so.

:: smiles warmly :: SCI: You’re welcome. I’m ready to discharge you, come back if it gives you any more trouble.

MED: I'll be sure to stop by in twenty years when my age catches up to me.

XO: They will accept anyone, after all. :: gestures a thumb at the image of the Syrinx on the viewer :: Travax, or whatever he is calling himself this time, was working on that shipyard we destroyed.

:: chuckles at that, grabbing Rike’s chart and noting her improvement before taking the next patient’s chart from a nurse ::

XO: At least he was working for Section 31. Who knows what this woman was doing.

:: gives a nod to Acacia before turning to leave, making her way back to the lab from whence she came ::

:: gestures at the pool table as he walks into the rec room :: NAV2: Well, that is quite enticing, I admit, but I should probably get back to the bridge.

::a more detailed scan returns the source of the bleeding, a simple blood vessel rupture, which will only take a few minutes to fix::

:: tends to a patient with a fractured tibia, tutting lightly as she uses the osteorgenerator again ::

NAV: I figured as much, I planned to play alone. You're right about there being a chance for more action later, so I thought I'd wait here for a while.

:: begins to stabilize, but is not yet awake ::

NAV2: Good call. See you after shift? :: grins ::

:: sighs as she enters the turbolift :: Deck six.

XO: I will be in the ready room trying to put together a report for the Admiral. Keep me updated.

:: stands and crosses to the ready room door, disappearing within ::

:: slightly perks one corner of her mouth and gives him a little salute :: NAV: See you then. :: leans over the table and breaks, beginning her solo game ::

:: finishes up with her patient and gives him the go ahead to return to work as well, fortunately only dealing with minor injuries ::

:: once the door closes, she pauses and pinches the bridge of her nose, feeling another stress headache coming on ::

:: walks out of the turbolift and heads to science lab one. after entering, she pulls up the information on cellular membranes she had opened before the battle ::

:: lingers for a moment to watch before leaving ::

Self: Rodney said this hand controls this, that hand controls that...

:: crosses to the replicator for an analgesic and a cup of coffee ::

:: gets the dichotomy::

:: treats a crewman with a mild concussion, ordering him off duty for the recovery period ::

:: downs the pain reliever with the coffee and lingers by the window, looking at the Syrinx ::

:: makes the remote changes she can for the on-site teams ::

::runs a protoplaser over the bleed, closing the blood vessel internally::

:: looks up at the ready room door after Harper has gone, then wills herself to focus on monitoring the ship and updates from departments ::

:: she then settles in behind the desk and brings up the template for the potential act of war incident report, again ::

:: scans her patient’s twisted elbow with her tricorder, checking his chart to see what drugs he’s already been given ::

::finishes up with the dermal regenerator on the rest of Stecker's external wounds and bruises:: Self: That should do it...

:: looks to the RR door ::

The azotosome would be both rigid and flexible like a lipid membrane, controlling the transportation of materials into and out of the cell... Self: Hm. :: pulls up the scans done of the moon's atmosphere, looking for the elements and compounds the make it up ::

Self: Do it, do it, do it

:: starts filling out the report while drinking her coffee ::

:: looks at the XO ::

Self: Do it, do it do it

:: leaves his station, crosses the bridge, steps down next to the RR door and presses the chime ::

:: looks up while massaging a temple then answers after taking a moment to put the command demeanor back in place :: Come in!

:: continues down the line of patients in sickbay from worst off to best off, glad not to be seeing much blood this time ::

:: steps into the Ready Room, moving in front of Harper's desk, stands at attention ::

:: arrives on the bridge and slides into the helm after a friendly nod to the XO ::

:: hears the ready room chime with her sensitive hearing and looks up, noting Ammora at the door, then looks over to his abandoned station ::

:: glances over at who's at the RR door ::

:: regards the lieutenant who scowled at her earlier, wondering what this could be about :: TAC: At ease. How can I help you, Lt. Ammora?

Tactical Crewman> :: assumes Scott's station as is standard protocol ::

:: continues to look over atmospheric data ::

:: goes at ease :: Captain, can I have a moment of your time, please, sir, ma'am, Captain?

::Sits at his station and types away at his console, being silently enigmatic; as is his custom.::

:: reports start coming in from some of the power nodes that were already in good shape ::

:: sends those teams on to the next nodes ::

:: takes note and looks back down at her console ::

:: stands and crosses from behind the desk, removing the barrier from between them, and gestures to the chairs :: TAC: Of course. And please, just one of Captain or ma'am is all that is necessary. :: smiles ::

:: relaxes slightly, but not at all ::

:: moves to the chair, but doesn't sit ::

::is now just down to monitoring Stecker until she wakes up again::

:: stirs ::

:: takes her coffee and sits, waiting to see what this is about ::

:: sits for a moment to work on the casualty report, updating it to current numbers before she’s back on her feet and on to the next patient ::

:: says nothing, not sure how to start, and therefore stands awkwardly ::

:: hears voice in her head (but not literally, like she's somehow been getting used to :: Voice-In-Head> You're so cold and distant.

:: offers a gentle smile :: TAC: Speak up, lieutenant. Would you like coffee, or perhaps tea?

:: opens her eyes and blinks up at Sickbay's ceiling lights, then adjusts her head a little to look around ::

CO: I'm good, thank you ma'am, Captain... sorry.

Stecker: How are you feeling?

:: begins singing to herself as she looks through the list of compounds of the moon's atmosphere :: Self: Acrylonitrile... I'm looking for you. C3H3N, a colorless liquid compound. Acrylonitrile... you have good stability and act as strong barrier to decomposition...

Voice: :: thinks :: It ever occur to you that maybe when you interpret us as 'cold and distant', maybe me and Mom are just sad? Or just contemplative? Or just not in the mood to talk.

:: sips at her coffee and waits for the young lieutenant to sort it out ::

Voice: :: thinks:: It ever occur to you that people don't have to be effusive to be happy?

Voice: :: thinks :: That it's also not a requirement for people to be happy all the time?

:: fixes up a patient’s badly bruised leg ::

Voice-In-Head> You sound just like her.

:: rolls her real-life eyes at the imaginary conversation ::

:: forces a different voice into her head :: Other-Voice> You're the one who chooses to have these imaginary arguments, Zoë. Remember, you can choose not to.

:: monitors their station-keeping with Syrinx, finding it to be working perfectly ::

Self: Right as always, Ori.

CO: I don't approve of the way you handled the Xovul dreadnaught. There could have been innocent people on that ship. We strive for peace in the Federation and uphold Starfleet principles that I think didn't happen in our last encounter. My mother is a doctor and taught me that, at the end of it all, we 'Do... no... harm'. And I know that I didn't go through proper protocols to voice my concerns, but red tape gets buried, and my goal is to serve the principles of Starfleet and I don't think we did that. And it's burning me alive. And I couldn't wait to say anything. And I'm sorry if I'm out of line, and I'm sorry if this wasn't the right way to say it, but it's killing me. And I'm not happy... and, ultimately, that interaction made me not proud to be a Starfleet officer. And I apologize for my outburst, and for shirking process, but... well... there it is...

CMO: Better...I think. Yes, thank you. :: offers a small smile to Tailor, focusing on her face :: Thank you. I just...it's hard to believe this was where I was born. Or, so I'm told.

:: does not react as Ammora goes on his rant, taking it in stride ::

:: stands, back at attention ::

:: then puts her coffee cup down and clasps her hands, taking a moment ::

:: gets more and more reports of nodes passing diagnostics ::

:: feels his heart beating so hard that it's about to burst ::

:: slowly begins to speak :: TAC: Lieutenant Ammora... Scott. Are you aware of both our alliance with the Free Fleets, and our peace treaty with the Xovul?

:: the more nodes go green, the more dopamine her brain squeezes out ::

::blinks:: Stecker: Born on this ship, you mean?

CO: Yes, and no, ma'am.

:: fixes up another patient, this one with a fractured arm, the same arm as Rike ::

Self: Acrylonitrile... you go by vinyl cyanide... You smell of garlic and onions. Whereeee are yo- Ah, right there!

TAC: We are duty-bound to aid our allies, the Free Fleets, while simultaneously being bound by the peace treaty with the Xovul. A difficult place to be, yes?

CO: ::nods :: Yes, ma'am.

:: notices some power-level differentials from when she eked extra power from the reactor itself, which hadn't been reversed ::

CMO: Yeah. I'm glad to be here, thank you for rescuing me. I...made a poor decision, I admit. The Xovul weren't what I thought they would be. :: frowns :: You... destroyed their ship, right?

TAC: So, on a basic level, I could not risk the Xovul sending word that we were, in fact, in violation of that treaty. But that explanation is... clinical.

:: tilts head up ::

:: wonders if that had been the reason the system overloaded ::

:: reviews charts between patients, ordering painkillers for some of those having to wait ::

TAC: Many ship captains would tell you, in this situation, not to question their orders.

:: notes the specifications of the differentials to run through sims later, readjusts them to normal parameters ::

:: stammers :: CO: I wasn't, I didn't mean, I was trying to...

::nods:: Stecker: We did. ::does not elaborate, plans to leave that one up to the Captain to explain later:: Do you mind telling me what happened, how you came to be aboard the Xovul ship?

:: shuts the hell up, realizing he's losing ground ::

:: she stands, meeting his eyes, shushing him with a look ::

TAC: I feel it to be absolutely imperative that an officer know that their CO will do the right thing.

TAC: How else do I have the moral ground to order you to follow me to hell and back?

:: forces himself into such rigid attention that it could kill him ::

CO: I understand, Captain, please forgive me.

:: continues to meet his eyes :: TAC: I made first contact with the Xovul, Scott. Did you know that?

CO: :: lowers his head slightly :: No, ma'am.

:: moves on to the next patient, whipping out her tricorder wand for the umpteenth time ::

TAC: Our delegation met theirs, and we talked for a long time, exchanging information about our cultures.

TAC: I ignored red flags, thinking that my diplomatic ability would prevail.

TAC: My efforts were rewarded with a broken face and brain trauma from a brutal, sudden attack.

:: looks up ::

CMO: I joined them. Voluntarily, I mean. They didn't care that I was a different species at all. For them, it's about the ideals--a lot like the Federation accepts anyone who follows their ideals, really--and I felt that I could find my place with them. I... don't think I share their ideals anymore, though. :: grimaces, her slight German accent becoming more apparent now that her voice is clearer and more warmed up ::

TAC: Despite that event, and the ensuing conflict that resulted in the peace treaty, I have lost much sleep trying to understand them and to figure out what I missed, knowing that there must be a way for us to find common ground and have true peace.

:: tilts his head slightly, wanting to say something, but knows he shouldn't ::

Stecker: Joined... voluntarily? Are you aware of the conflict that the Xovul have had with us, and Trondheim some time back?

TAC: We recently made a small bit of progress by rescuing one of their ships from certain death in the depths of a gas giant. It is not much, but it is the first positive interaction we have had with the Xovul, even treating their injuries in our sickbay.

:: nods ::

CMO: Of course. That's how our two species met, right? We were under treaty by the time I sought them out.

TAC: Even then, we had to hastily retreat as another of their ships answered their distress call. The treaty is... fragile.

:: begins looking for methane lakes on the moon ::

TAC: We have also had to defend the flagship of the Free Fleets, bearing their Queen, against a Xovul attack, while the Xovul are fully aware of our alliance.

:: lowers his head in obvious ignorant defeat ::

TAC: It is a complicated situation... and I still blame myself for somehow getting that first contact wrong.

CO: My apologies, Captain.

TAC: I tried to hail that Romulan warbird that ambushed us before ordering the killing blow. Did you know that attack was because I negotiated a treaty with the Romulan Republic? Their own people...

:: shakes his head again :: CO: No, ma'am.

Stecker: We've fought the Xovul several times now, they've been responsible for many casualties on board the Atlantis and on the Colony also.

TAC: Sometimes, it feels like... :: meets his eyes again, willing herself to maintain her demeanor even though it is difficult, wanting to make damn sure this young officer gets the right ideas ::

:: pauses for a glance at Tailor and the mysterious human before continuing on to the next patient ::

:: meets her eyes ::

TAC: It can feel like doing the right thing can get you punished.

Stecker: If you'll excuse me a moment. ::steps to the side and taps her badge:: +CO+ Captain, do you have a moment, the patient's woken up.

:: waits to answer the comm ::

:: gets a lump in his throat, swallows hard to alleviate it :: CO: Yes, ma'am.

:: squints at an area she thinks is a methane lake ::

TAC: But we still have to do it. In this case, I ordered that ship to be destroyed to preserve a fragile treaty and stop, even for a little while, a war. But please know that I took no pleasure in it.

CMO: I know. This leader, though...he obviously broke that treaty. Not all of them are agreeing with it. I got off that ship as fast as I could, but as you could see it was also my last opportunity if I was to get out alive. A battle against Atlantis was a very welcome distraction so I could get out unnoticed, but in the end it doesn't matter anyway as they're all dead.

:: nods again :: CO: I understand, Captain.

:: nods back :: TAC: Good.

:: stays at attention :: CO: I'm thankful for your time, Captain. I will submit a report documenting this indiscretion to Captain Grey. And, sincerely, I apologize for my outburst.

Stecker: It's good that you survived, and I'd love to learn more about your past. But you must also understand that we're going to have questions about your alliances.

:: nope. just a dark blob. onto the next potential lake site ::

CMO: Of course, I would expect as much.

:: shakes her head :: TAC: No report is necessary, Lieutenant. As I said, you need to believe in your captain, and it is my responsibility to earn that belief.

Stecker: Good, then you'll have no problem speaking with the Captain about it?

:: some power nodes are found to need recalibration, makes necessary adjustments from Main Engineering so the teams can work on them ::

:: taps her commbadge :: +CMO+ I will be down shortly, doctor. Thank you.

CO: Permission to be dismissed, Captain?

+CO+ Understood, Captain. You're welcome.

CMO: Not at all, the sooner the better, actually. :: offers a small smile again, taking in a deep breath, willing herself to relax and finish healing ::

:: nods again :: TAC: Dismissed.

::nods, giving her a polite smile:: Stecker: She'll be down soon.

:: moves to the door, stops abruptly :: CO: Captain, may I say one more thing?

:: sees another patient, the faces starting to blur together ::

:: looks over from the window, where her gaze had wandered, and nods to Ammora :: TAC: Go ahead.

:: gets lost in thought for a moment about the conversation she had with that 'Destiny' woman last night ::

::Mumbles to himself, almost sounding like he's chanting; his typing away pausing abruptly. His head tilts and looks around in jerking motions, but not focusing on or looking at anything, before he suddenly waves his hand in the air and stands.::

CO: Thank you for taking the time to explain it to me. My goal is to serve Starfleet. And, I know that I'm in the right place to do that.

:: smiles, glad that her message had been received :: TAC: Take a moment to remember why you put on the uniform every time that you do.

CO: I will, indeed, ma'am. Thank you. :: nods and leaves the RR, moving back to his station on the bridge ::

:: thinks :: How the fuck would I even get to a system like SK19 19 on my own?

:: catches Ilaihr's waving motion in her peripheral vision and looks, but also hears the ready room door swish open and turns to look the other direction ::

Self: Methane lake, please show on here please.

:: takes a moment to herself, returning to gaze out the window, past the Syrinx, her eyes lingering on the moon they orbit, then the gas giant beyond ::

:: glances over again as the RR opens, then double-takes at the waving arms in her peripheral ::

:: gets notification from a team; has to route all power away from a node on Deck 8 so it can have some key components replaced ::

Self: Well holy shit, maybe that's our problem right there.

::Rattles his cane on the floor as he finds his feet, vacantly scanning across the bridge for a moment, then like a phantom, shades across the bridge to the turbolift.::

:: finishes up with her share of the injuries, holding a crewman behind to do his physical ::

:: takes a few deep breaths and notices that her headache is gone ::

:: watches Ilaihr with an expression of "what the fuck?" ::

:: smiles to herself and wipes a bit at her eyes, then Picard-maneuvers and returns to the bridge, half-finished coffee left forgotten by the guest chairs ::

:: watches Ilaihr travel across the bridge in a rather incredible way ::

:: looks at the tactical two station, realizes his right hand is shaking ::

Self: Calm down

::Stops midstep as the doors open, his head tilting, as his antennae twitch from under his hood.::

:: leans back as she finds a methane lake :: Self: Ahh, the elusive geographical feature makes an appearance.

XO: Doctor Tailor informs me that our passenger is awake. I am going to pay her a visit.

::Shakes his head, and continues through, ignoring it.::

:: starts to get up, but settles back down at Harper's explanation, knowing that means she needs to keep the bridge, and nods dutifully ::

:: eyes on his console and his quivering and ::

Self: breathe

:: sends a short written update to Wright, telling her of the acrylonitrile and methane lake discoveries of the moon ::

:: turns back to her console, shaking her head but accepting that her friend is enigmatic and weird ::

CSO: Commander Wright, with me, please. :: makes for the other TL since she sees Ilaihr Ilaihring in the main one ::

:: gets some help from Ema fabricating the replacement parts ::

Comp: Computer... Engineering please.

CO: Aye, Captain. :: shakes off her discomfort and stands, handing off her console to Ensign Gunnarsdottir before scooting along to the turbolift with Kate ::

:: enters the TL with Lexy and directs it to sickbay ::

:: watches Harper and Wright go, wondering what they will learn about their human guest, and decides she'll find out soon enough ::

:: squeezes Lexy's hand in the TL before the doors open and they're off to sickbay ::

:: works dutifully on her current patient ::

:: squeezed back with a small smile, this being a common occurrence when they find themselves alone ::

:: enters sickbay, looking around for their new passenger ::

:: easily notices Harper's captainly walk ::

:: enters just behind, looking around at the busy Sickbay ::

:: glances up as Harper and Wright enter but they don’t seem injured so she moves on ::

::waves Harper and Wright over:: CO/CSO: Captain, Commander Wright, this is Anastasia Stecker. Stecker: Ms. Stecker, Please tell the Captain what you told me.

~Amber Sun~: Would you join me in engineering, my dear boy? ::Steps out of the turbolift, and proceeds to trot down the corridor.::

:: smiles at the young woman on the biobed :: Ana: I am Captain Kathryn Harper of the Atlantis. Welcome aboard.

:: pulls out a PADD and types in "Anastasia Stecker" to begin a Federation records search ::

:: continues looking for more methane lakes ::

<Amber Sun> ~CEO~: Ok. ::Nods his head excitedly, then pauses.:: Where Engnaring? And... howcome?

:: smiles :: CO: Thank you! First of all, thank you for rescuing me. I told your doctor that I joined the Xovul voluntarily, but that I don't condone what those on this ship did, as it was obviously against treaty. I was trying to escape, and when you engaged them it was the perfect and...only opportunity, it seems.

:: nods, listening to her story ::

:: straightens from her previous slouch, saluting sharply at Harper ::

:: nods to Ryleigh ::

::listens, taking a seat nearby::

CO: I was actually born here in this sickbay, back in 2377... graduated Starfleet Academy even...but well...then I joined the Xovul, a decision I now regret.

:: turns her head sideways a moment :: Ana: You were born aboard Atlantis?

~Amber Sun~: Simply follow my mind. ::Smiles to himself.:: And, I never go there despite my position and I feel Atlantis calling to me. So I thought it would be a good use of your cultural exchange to have some first hand experience with her.

CO: Yes. Actually, you're the one I wanted to talk to. Are you able to get me in contact with Ian Blackthorne?

Ana: Well, yes, but Admiral Blackthorne is a very busy man. Why him? I am certain that I can assist you.

<Amber Sun> ~CEO~: OK! ::Shouts aloud excitedly as well as telepathically; startling a pair of officers walking passed him in the corridor.:: I see you now. Will use the Turr Boliff.

CO: Yeah, yeah, he's always busy, I know, but he'll talk to me I'm sure. He's my brother. Well...half brother.

PAUSE SIM

PAUSE SIM

PAUSE SIM