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Post by Rhai on Dec 13, 2001 10:45:36 GMT -5
Rhai looked to the sealed turbolift doors that held herself and Golko alone on the bridge.
"The Captain is back aboard" said Golko both relieved and nervous
"Well that's a good start. Come help me open these things." she pulled out her phaser and motioned to Golko's phaser that lie on the floor nearby. They fired at the doors and after a few moments the doors all but melted away. "Well thats going to need to get fixed" she said as she stepped into the turbolift. Suddenly she felt a lump in her throat. She tapped her combadge, hard enough to indent the small device into her skin.
"Rhai to Zack"
[Rhai? Are you.. I mean.. How is everything doing on the bridge?]
"We're all ok, Zack. I need to see you in my quarters later today, would that be possible after your shift?"
[um, I think I can manage that. My shift is officially over now, but I know I am needed to help with some repairs and such]
"Just come to my quarters when you are done then. Ok?"
[Can do. See you then.] Zack looked around and realized he wasn't alone. He felt the stares of several ensigns whom he had not met yet on his back. "Get back to work!" He shouted, both upset that he had inadvertantly shared part of his personal life with the crew, yet excited that Rhai seemed to show some interest in him.
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Post by Mentat_Tir on Dec 13, 2001 13:02:18 GMT -5
Dayna and Stirok met in Holosuite Three. The Archer’s holosuites were not only useful for recreational and training exercises, but could be an invaluable tool in setting up simulations. The holosuite was smaller than the “holodecks” used on other starships, but produced the same effects when active. The two stood side-by-side behind a holographic control panel.
“Computer, access the shuttlecraft DeForrest’s sensor records and display a simulation of the nebula, including the telepathic lifeforms.” The empty lined walls vanished, replaced by swirling colorful gases. Through the cloud could be seen a brilliant energy pattern. The pattern was constantly changing, yet always symmetrical, like looking through a kaleidoscope.
“They’re beautiful,” remarked Dayna.
After taking some baseline readings, Stirok instructed the computer again. “Computer, create a subspace signals running through the nebula, the same frequencies produced by the Alpha Centauri Starfleet Intelligence Relay.
The computer chirped. Immediately, the lifeform’s energy pattern became chaotic. The previous illuminations dimmed randomly.
“So we are killing them,” said Dayna.
“It would appear so,” replied Stirok, studying his instruments. “According to these readings, the subspace energy is having a similar effect that radiation would have on a biological life form.”
Dayna pondered the situation. “But those signals are vital to the security of the Federation. Simply shutting them off could endanger millions, even billions of lives.”
“Computer, what elements are in the nebula?”
The computer chirped. “Nitrogen, methane, hydrogen and sulfur.”
Stirok considered the nebula itself. “There’s nothing there that would react adversely with subspace waves. It must be the life forms themselves.”
Dayne got an idea. “A moment ago, you said that subspace affected these aliens like radiation on humans. Would radiation have any effect on them?”
“It is unlikely. This area is flooded with background radiation and it seems to have no effect on them.”
“But aren’t there types of radiation that interfere with subspace?” asked Dayna.
“Yes, I believe Eichner radiation can dampen…” Stirok stopped, suddenly realizing what Dayna had in mind. “Fascinating idea. Computer, create 50 subspace inversion field generators at the parameter of the nebula, equidistant from the center.” The computer chirped and Stirok and Dayna could make out distant small metallic objects through the gases.
Stirok and Dayna looked at the panel. On one display, the levels of radiation rose; on the other the subspace signals dropped. “It’s working!” said Dayna.
Stirok held up his hand, silencing Dayna’s enthusiasm. “Computer, scan the life forms. What is their condition?”
“Energy patterns stabilizing.”
Dayna hugged the rigid Stirok. “We did it!”
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Post by AlexanderTheGreat on Dec 14, 2001 3:50:39 GMT -5
“Get back to work ensign. You are currently on duty. You can chat latter – right now there is work to do. It appears you were not paying attention in your disciplinary tutorials at the Academy. I don’t want to see you losing concentration during a duty shift again. I will be closely monitoring your work Mr. Everett!” Zack barked at a nearby ensign.
After conferring with Captain Jefferys, Zack had been informed of the aliens in the nebula that had confused their thoughts and played around with their minds. Zack realised he had been too hard on himself for losing his control – after all, there were greater powers at work, the aliens had indeed manipulated his memories and thoughts. But still, he could not let such a thing happen ever again. In his 34 years, he had learnt to suppress his feelings and emotions, and was always in complete control, even when quaffing a bottle of kanar – he never drank beyond an accepted limit.
Zack was currently in Engineering working with an Engineering team. Most of the officers he was supervising were recent graduates from the Academy – young fresh-faced ensigns, with high hopes and expectations, but not yet prepared for the realities of serving onboard a starship. While they had been taught all of the theory at the Academy, listening to a lecture at the Academy, and serving on the edges of known space were two very different things. He had just chastised Ensign Everett for losing concentration, and not focusing on the task at hand. There was quite a lot of work to be done, and repairs to be made. There was no time for idle chitchat.
Even though his shift had been officially over hours ago, Zack had worked over time, particularly in Engineering, to ensure that all of the teams were working efficiently on the repairs. But deep down, Zack knew, there was also another reason why he was working over time.
He was nervous.
He could not believe it. His palms were sweating, and beads of sweat were trickling down his forehead. He was normally such a composed and controlled man. How could he be nervous?
He knew why. It was her – Rhai. There was something about her that he could not resist. He had not felt this way in such a long time. He was unsure of how to behave. He was even considering consulting Stirok and refining his mind and emotional control methods.
But now it was time to face her. In her quarters. They would not be officers. He would not be her superior. They would just be people. Zack wondered what she wanted to see him about. Maybe was getting nervous for nothing. She may just want to discuss work-related matters.
After ensuring that all teams were working to their optimum capacity in Engineering and that the Bridge was in order, Zack entered his quarters and quickly stepped into the sonic shower. Once he had groomed his hair he made his way to Rhai’s quarters. It was strange; normally his appearance did not concern him. He just wanted to appear neat and appropriate (which was not quite hard for him) – to set an example for the others. So why was he trying to make himself look special for his meeting with Rhai?
As Zack made the trip to Rhai’s quarters, he became aware on something he had known since the first mission of the Archer had come to a close. He finally felt like he fit in somewhere. Sure he did not know everyone completely yet, he still found Captain Jefferys approach quite unorthodox (but still highly effective), and there were still some on the Archer who didn’t want him to be there - even those who wanted him dead or inprisoned.
But still he felt as if he could really make a home for himself on the Archer. There was the enchanting Rhai, who he felt drawn to. The young and inexperienced, yet highly intelligent Kenek, who he hoped he could mentor. There were also his fellow male senior officers. He had not gotten to know them that well so far, but they seem acceptable and intriguing. And he was also needed on the Archer to discipline the younger officers and to couter the captain's unorthodox approach, with his more serious, "by the book" approach.Maybe things would work out on the Archer for him after all.
And with that thought in his mind, Zack activated the door chime to Rhai’s quarters.
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Post by Dohlman on Dec 14, 2001 23:20:28 GMT -5
Dayna broke her hug from the rigid Stirok as she looked up into his dark eyes. He gazed at her disinterestedly, and that familiar pain washed over Dayna again. She looked down at her shoes and sighed, then met his gaze again.
"Could you send those specifications to the console in my quarters?" she asked. "I'd like to get them to FI as soon as possible."
"Of course," Stirok said.
Dayna walked to the doors and they opened before her. She paused in the doorway and looked back at Stirok. She smiled sadly, and then left.
As Dayna walked down the hall she spotted Commander Zack outside of Rhai's quarters nervously fixing his hair. The hard-ass by-the-book XO in love? Dayna smiled. She hoped Rhai could soften his hard edges, for all their sakes. Dayna had not looked forward to working for him. She was sure her familiarity with bending rules would not sit well with Zack.
She hurried down the hall and turned into her quarters, marching over to the computer console.
"Computer, hail Agent Narison, Alpha Centauri, coded frequency episilon 8, clearance code Omega 7394390G85."
"Hailing," replied the computer. Momentarily the image of Agent Narison filled her screen. He raised one eyebrow, as if surprised to see her.
"I hope all is going well," he said.
"Not exactly, Mark. We have a problem."
"Oh?" he said.
"Our transmissions are causing the deaths of aliens. Aliens who inhabit the nebula."
"Excuse me?" he replied. Dayna rolled her eyes for she had expected such a reaction.
"You heard me," she said snippily. "Look, I'm sending over the specifications for 50 subspace inversion field generators to be placed on the perimeter of the nebula. They will dampen the harmful components of the transmissions and allow the aliens to live."
"And how do you expect to pay for these...modifications?" he asked.
"d**nit, Mark. You know as well as I the amount of money we have in the slush account that you've been skimming off the budget for years. So don't test me."
"One week with Starfleet and you've got a soft spot for aliens already," he said.
"How many times have I saved your ass, Mark?" she shouted. "How many times?" She banged her fist on the table, causing the monitor to shake. Then she paused. "Do this for me," she added, in a softer tone.
Mark tilted his head in deference to Dayna. "Very well." He looked at the specifications that had appeared on tactical's screen. "It should take about 3 days."
"Fine," replied Dayna. She was about to end transmission.
"Oh, and Dayna..." said Mark.
"Yes?"
"Tell Stirok I said hello," he said slyly. Dayna's jaw hardened and she cut off the transmission.
She got up and walked to the window. She felt like an outsider on the ship, not being a part of Starfleet, yet working toward a common cause. The safety of the Federation. She wondered where she would fit in, what job function she could perform. Perhaps in security. But that meant she would be under Thram, and she did not know how he would feel about that. She decided to think on the matter some more before approaching the captain.
She activated her com badge. "Captain Jefferys."
[Jefferys here]
"Sir, Stirok and I found a solution to the lethal transmissions coming from Alpha Centauri. Fifty subspace inversion field generators should dampen the harmful aspects. I've forwarded the specs to FI and the generators should be in place within 3 days."
[Excellent. Thanks, Dayna.]
"Thank Stirok. He did the lion's share."
[Don't worry, I will. Jefferys out.]
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Post by Rhai on Dec 16, 2001 16:38:50 GMT -5
It had been hours since Rhai had talked to Zack. She had been checking with the computer ever so often as to where Zack was on the ship. Finally, she had all but given up and decided that some thing must have come up, she had thought for sure Zack would have been there when his shift ended.. but it hadn't happened that way. Rhai had taken a walk around the ship, everything was fixed and the crew were starting to settle down. She watched at Captain Jefferies went to his quarters and heard the music he was listening to and singing to as well. She wondered if the Captain knew he was singing so loudly... but everything definately seemed more "normal"
In fact, Zack had taken so long that Rhai had almost fallen asleep when she heard her door chime. She straightened her clothes and inspected herself in her mirror.
"Commander Zack" She said as her face lit up in a smile.
"Unless this is offical starfleet buisness," he said nervously as he looked up at her sparking grey eyes, "I'd prefer if you would just call me Zack."
"But of course. Please come in. " She motioned to the sitting space in her room. Zack walked in but his eyes never left her eyes.
"Rhai.. I think, I think I know why you invited me here." Zack started to say, his confidence growing a little more as he recited the words he had been thinking for the past few hours.
"The reason I asked you here was .. well I have a few things I need to discuss with you, and well.. I was curious as to how the crew of the ship would react to this." She said as she started to laugh."By that, I mean, I have heard so many rumors about us already!"
"Oh really, I wasnt aware there was any rumors to be had."
"Oh Zack," she said as she lifted his chin to look at her again, "I don't think we're fooling any one."
"Rhai- I..."
"Don't say anything Zack, don't say anything." And then it happened. The thing Rhai had been waiting for since she had set eyes on the XO. She didn't think about anything, she just.. felt at home.
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[Captain Jefferies to Commander Zack]
"uhh.. yes Captain?"
"Yes Captain!" Zack said as he cracked a smile and his cheeks flushed crimson.
[..and Zack, please don't hurry for my sake. We aren't starting till tomorrow]
"Thank you Captain, I will be there shortly"
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