"Don't know," says Pourtash, "but I bet we'll find out more at the mission briefing."
"Don't know," says Pourtash, "but I bet we'll find out more at the mission briefing."
The Communications Center entrance lies ahead, and Kylah has to gather her strength again before passing through the doors. Her muscles are tense and sore. She actually dreads seeing other crewmembers.
Logically, she knows that as fast as rumors spread, especially salacious ones, they can't move this quickly. Not unless my alleged sexual desperation is deserving of a shipwide announcement, Kylah thinks with a weak flicker of dark humor. But logic is not emotion, as she knows all too well. She feels naked and vulnerable. Just as Ferguson obviously intended and so skillfully engineered.
She enters at last, forcing herself not to check to see if any of her colleagues were among those in the Rec Room--unlikely since she recognized no one there, but she isn't familiar with the entire Communications crew--and goes to get her assignments for the day. Of course, her regular duties will be cut short at 14:00, when the mission briefing starts. She remembers how enthusiastic she was about this earlier; now she's so drained of emotion she considers it a chore she'd rather decline. She doesn't even know who else will be there, and that worries her as well.
A dull outrage burns in her breast. Shall I be afraid of my shipmates from now on? Kylah of the grand House of the Silver Weeping Tree, cowed merely by a petty, vicious little man's lie? The thought strengthers her somewhat. She tightens her jaw and keeps walking to the supervisor on duty.
Once given her tasks and seated at her terminal, Kylah notices the message from Rangin--and for an instant a pang of nausea clutches her stomach. Fortunately the communication turns out to be about their poker lesson tonight but the sickening feeling doesn't go away. She quickly closes the message, too frozen to respond.
What if he hears of this?
Last edited by choie; 25 Sep 2013 at 02:04 PM.
After the turbolift doors close, Graham puts his hands on his hips. Hell of a morning, he thinks. He checks the time: prior to the mission briefing, he'll finally grab a coffee and work his way through the ship's common areas on a path toward the Captain's Conference Room.
He makes a mental note of who he wants to talk to in order to suss out what's going on with Kylah and this Ferguson character--he's not at all sure, but in his book the situation falls squarely into the "something that's not right" category.
He wonders if Dr. T'Var sharked some of that fine brandy from last night. She seems to know Kylah pretty well, he notes. Another reason to drop by later, if possible.
No one's going to get hurt because you're not there, he muses.
A little voice at the back of his mind adds: Again. At best, Booker, no one's going to get hurt again.
Kylah finds two other people already in the Yorktown's Communications Center, Ens. Meredith Davis and Spec/1 Jeremy Miller. She knows neither well. They smile and nod in greeting, and then turn back to their work.
The rest of Graham's watch passes without incident. He gets a better sense of both the layout and the vast size of the ship, especially as compared to the Invictus.
Kylah is relieved to receive and return the amicable greetings from her colleagues, which helps her focus a bit better on her work. But she is not in top form and her distraction is affecting her ability to concentrate. After two hours she takes a moment, biting her lip in thought, and then starts to write a quick note to T'Var, planning to ask if they might have a 'training session' later this week. She certainly needs the doctor's help with emotional control. Perhaps by then she will be able to reveal this morning's encounter with Ferguson. Only to T'Var can she explain freely about her empathic certainty that the Lieutenant remembered exactly what he said to her in the transporter room...
Suddenly Kylah's eyes narrow. Why did he lie about that? Wouldn't it have been easier just to brush the incident aside, perhaps claiming that he'd heard of her royal family and was merely making a joke? Of course that's a lie itself, considering the hostility she's aware was behind the words, but Ferguson doesn't know she's empathic. Wouldn't simply making light of the situation have been the smarter thing to do? Why did he choose to deny the entire encounter? It seems a foolish mistake on his part. Or perhaps a necessity?
That he not only denied it, but escalated the situation so cruelly, only makes Kylah more determined to understand why he's so desperate to hide what links him with her, what causes his hatred. What could be so secret he cannot even risk share it in private, yet causes him to shame and discredit her in public?
Kylah shakes her head and finishes the message to T'Var. She says nothing of Ferguson, of course, but just asks for an appointment later this week. Next her mind switches to Graham. He won't take this upon himself, will he? After what he revealed at the dinner last night, the security officer is clearly the type not to let things drop. But this was such a minor situation, to others, anyway. Admittedly there probably aren't that many other internal shipwide incidents to report, so unfortunately he might at least make a note of it.
The thought makes her inhale sharply. Collins is his superior. Will she find out? She will undoubtedly remember last night's discussion... With growing alarm Kylah recalls precisely what she said to her roommate: 'I do not think he will have forgotten what passed between us. It was a brief interaction but very... significant.'
She nearly groans aloud at her stupidity. The comment sounds just like someone overestimating a fleeting romantic encounter--or worse, misinterpreting a non-romantic situation entirely. Ferguson himself could not have scripted her words better.
Disgusted, Kylah forces herself to return to her duties.
And the message from Rangin remains unanswered.
Last edited by choie; 26 Sep 2013 at 01:02 AM.
Having had a nice relaxing breakfast with Bennett and Pourtash, Rangin heads for the Science Offices to construct his briefing report. Wandering along, nodding and smiling at the other crew, he considers the task ahead. He's already got a bit of a head start on his research, so it should be a nice relaxing day ahead until the briefing at 14:00.
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
T'Var responds quickly to Kylah's message:
"I look forward to our first training session -- whenever it is most convenient for you."
Kylah notices the reply from T'Var. When she has a moment free from her duties, she responds: "Thank you for your reply, doctor. If our schedules permit, would tomorrow at 18:00 be acceptable? I apologize for the short notice but fear the matter is more pressing than expected. I appreciate your willingness to accommodate me, if possible."
After some thought, Kylah summons up the courage to send a reply to Rangin's message, realizing she risks more from procrastinating than simply responding. "I apologize, I was greatly looking forward to our lesson, but have been ill this morning; it is possible I will not be good company, much less a teacher of any worth. May we wait until a little later to see if things improve?"
Kylah stares at the screen, irritated by her own insecurities and worried that she will give offense. She finishes: "I do hope very much to see you and will be sorry if I cannot. If I am feeling able, could you please suggest a location? I am not yet entirely familiar with the ship's amenities."
She sends off the message, flooded with relief at having answered Rangin at last, but regret that she is still so anxious about the prospect of seeing him--or perhaps more accurately, being seen. After a few moments of returning to work, Kylah suddenly wishes she could have thought of a good excuse to add, regarding their meeting place: Anywhere but Rec Room 3.
T'Var responds to Kylah in the affirmative and makes a note of it on her schedule.
The time comes for the mission briefing, and you each report to the Captain's Conference Room. The senior officers gather there with you; Vice Adm. Hardin and his flag aide are not in attendance.
The Captain nods to Lt. Cmdr. Roble, and the Science Officer says, "Good afternoon, everyone. We'll arrive at Omicron Ceti III tomorrow morning, and I've asked Mr. Rangin to give us a preliminary briefing as to the first occasion Starfleet had to visit the planet. I'll then bring you up to date on the current situation, and the reason for our mission. Ensign?"
“Thank you, sir.” Rangin nods, acknowledging Science Officer Roble. He stands to address the group. He cues the display screen, which shows images to accompany his briefing. A cloud-wreathed Class M world appears.
“This is Omicron Ceti III," he says, "which was considered suitable for colonization as an agricultural planet. It has mild weather and a fertile soil capable of growing anything. Unfortunately, it's also bombarded by a very high level of Berthold Rays." A wavelength profile of the rays appears. "The effect of these rays is to destroy all animal cells within a week or so, rendering habitation of the planet by most humanoids impossible. This type of radiation was unknown when the planet was discovered and first settled.”
Rangin takes a small sip of water, allowing the detail to sink in.
“Several colonist parties tried to settle on the planet, but all failed due to the unknown effects of the radiation, with one exception, led by Elias Sandoval." A picture of a ruggedly handsome older man appears. "Noted botanist Leila Kalomi, part of the colony's leadership--," an image of a beautiful woman with long blonde hair, "--discovered that certain airborne spores created by unique plants on the planet gave immunity to the effects of Berthold Rays." A picture of strange, bulbously-leafed plants with long stems. "This allowed the colonists to survive on the surface. The spores also had certain other side effects: positive ones such as incredible health and even the regrowth of excised organs such as appendixes, but negative ones such as placidity, euphoria and an irresistible need to introduce the spores to others. So please... remember not to sniff the flowers.”
He pauses again briefly as the others chuckle.
“Following the discovery of Berthold Rays, the planet was visited by the USS Enterprise three years ago to check on the colonists, who were all expected to have perished by then. However, Sandoval and the other colonists were found still alive," an image of people in coveralls in a rustic settlement, "and, in time, the effects of the spores were also noted. Virtually the entire starship crew fell under the influence of the spores, and they abandoned ship. Fortunately, Capt. Kirk," here, a picture of the famous officer, "discovered that the influence of the spores could be dispelled by the surge of adrenaline caused by a strong emotional response. That secondary discovery also led to the eventual evacuation of the colonists, as they were no longer protected.”
“Sir,” he says, nodding to Roble before taking his seat again.
Last edited by CatInASuit; 29 Sep 2013 at 04:48 AM. Reason: Written by CIAS; edited by EH
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Rangin sat down, exhausted but exhilarated from giving the presentation, especially at short notice. Then again, he thought, it had been fun to put it together and had spent the entire time working on it from when he had finished breakfast until a few minutes ago, stopping only for a snack sometime mid-morning.
As he made himself comfortable in his chair, his stomach started to tell him he had been working a bit hard and could do with topping up. For now the glass of water, in front of him, would have to do.
Looking round the room at the rest of the crew attending, he finally became aware of who was sitting where. His glance was drawn to one side where Kylah was sitting, and he remembered that he hadn't seen a reply from her yet. Actually, Rangin thought to himself, he had been too busy to see if there had been a reply. Perhaps he could ask as the briefing broke up, but for now all he could do is give a brief nod and a smile in her direction, while still paying attention to the rest of the briefing.
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Collins only half listens. She'd read all this for herself hours ago. Her mind wanders randomly as she feigns rapt attention.
Kylah listens to Rangin's presentation, trying to focus as much as possible on the details but unable to dispel her awkward awareness of Ensign Graham's proximity. She still feels ridiculously on display and fears her distraction might be obvious to both him and especially Rangin. The events described are vaguely familar to her, since she did a brief look-up of Omicron Ceti III after learning it was the ship's destination, but most of the details are new. His concise, professional recitation of the facts is impressive and even in her present mood, Kylah can't help her pleasure at how well he's done.
When he's through, she sees him casting a look in her direction, smiling. She nods back, wanting to smile but so tense that she worries she'll end up with a grimace instead. Also, Graham's presence inhibits her. Kylah has no idea how she might appear to him. First accused of trying to seduce one man, now being friendly with another...
So instead of greeting Rangin as warmly as she wishes, Kylah is quick to return her attention to the front of the room when he takes his seat. At the very least she must pay better attention to what's going on. This is her career, and she wishes to be a professional. Being chosen for a mission is an honor, especially after last time's debacle, and Kylah doesn't want to ruin her chances.
Graham listens to the initial briefing and finds its implications somewhat entertaining: so, as a Security officer, what am I supposed to do: shoot hot blondes bearing flowers?
Still, without pointy-headed types like Robles and Rangin, rockheads like him would be easy prey to things like Berthold Rays and hopped-up flower children. He nods recognition and encouragement to Rangin after Scicence Guy speaks his piece.
Likewise, he nods and acknowledgment to Collins and hello to Ens. Kylah.
"Thank you, Mr. Rangin," Roble says. He clasps his hands on the tabletop. "Starfleet immediately realized the potential of the planet for both medical research and therapeutic exposure to the spores. Within months of the Sandoval colonists' evacuation, Starfleet opened a research station there, and Berthold Rays and the spores have been under intensive study ever since. Although the planet's unique properties were initially classified, it wasn't long before word got out, and several major corporations then expressed interest in opening facilities on Omicron Ceti III. After competitive bidding, Starfleet awarded a two-year contract to Wrigley Resorts & Recreation Ltd." You have all heard of Wrigley before, and some of you have been to their best-known resort, Wrigley's Pleasure Planet.* "They built a clinic and spa not far from the Starfleet research station, and their guests now pay through the nose to be exposed to the spores both for healing and, as odd as it sounds, stress-free vacations. The company has been very successful in its business there, and their contract is now up for renewal."
"Their very lucrative contract," Capt. Singh says dryly. "And as you might expect, they're eager to stay."
Roble nods. "Indeed they are. Our mission is to check in on the research station and the WR&R facilities, resupply them, evaluate their operations, and make a recommendation to Starfleet as to whether or not the contract should be renewed. We'll also be dropping off Vice Adm. Hardin, who will be a guest of the spa." He looks around. "Any questions?"
* http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/Wrig...leasure_Planet
Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 30 Sep 2013 at 12:08 PM.
Kylah finds herself more interested in the planet now that Roble has revealed that the spores are no longer a binary sort of drug--where one must either successfully evade their powers or be kept in an indefinite state of false bliss. She leans forward a little and listens intently. The spores must have been controlled if a research station has been successfully housed there, and this spa as well. She's tempted to ask this question but stifles the impulse. During her first mission briefing, she remembers drawing attention to herself and coming across poorly by asking too many questions. Right now the last thing she wants is to be noticed at all. So she remains silent in thought.
At least this explains the exhausted-looking Hardin's place aboard the ship. She wonders what he is experiencing that regular medical treatment cannot provide.
Thinking personally, the notion of finding peace fills Kylah with longing. For a moment she hopes that, if she's part of the mission, she might be allowed to test the spores herself. On the other hand, given her own lack of control over her emotions, she suspects she's bound to be disappointed. The spores' pacifying effects probably would not last very long with her. She could very easily imagine having to take such a spa treatment multiple times--which seems like an addiction. And dangerous.
But seductive.
T'Var listens with rapt attention. She has no questions.
The doctor wonders whether there will be time for some rest and relaxation while on this mission. The crew could certainly use it after the last one.
"Sir, what criteria are we using to determine if Wrigley's should be allowed to keep the contract?", asks Rangin followed by a pause before he continues with a smile. "Also, if we are evaluating the resort, does this mean we will be forced to try it out to see how good it is?"
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Capt. Singh says, "You should use your best judgment. Some factors to consider: Is WR&R doing a good job? Is its staff open and cooperative with you? Would the Federation be well-served by allowing WR&R to continue its operations on the planet?" She returns Rangin's smile. "And as to sampling the resort's offerings, no, that's not part of your assignment."
Despite her sense that the spores wouldn't have much of a lasting effect on her, Kylah is disappointed by Singh's answer. She's glad Rangin asked the question, at least, even if he was possibly joking.
She glances at T'Var, who is remaining silent. Kylah wonders if she herself is just ignorant and not understanding the situation adequately; at last she decides her curiosity is greater than her desire to hide in plain sight.
"Commander, forgive me if I missed the explanation," she says quietly. "But if the last colonists were forced to evacuate due to the spores' influence, how are the current researchers being protected from exposure? And... do we know how the Spa 'cleanses' the spores from their clients' systems? If the method is still as it was during the Enterprise's mission--inducing emotional strife--that seems an odd finish to what is intended to be a relaxing holiday."
"As I understand it," Roble says, "the research station is simply kept clear of the spores, and no one is permitted to bring them into the station except under controlled circumstances. I'm not sure how visitors to the resort rid themselves of the effect of the spores; that's something you may wish to ask when you go."
Collins is disappointed that she won't be allowed to take advantage of the spa.
Rangin is slightly disappointed in the brief, but all the missions can't always be exciting. If he has a choice he would prefer to look round the research station rather than the spa - staying away from temptation.
"Sir, are we to be split into teams to look round areas separately either the spa or the research station, or are we authorise to look round both as far as we can?"
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
"You should have a look at both," the Captain says. "Lt. JG Collins will command the landing party, which will include Dr. T'Var, Lt. JG Delaney, and Ensigns Rangin, Kylah and Graham. Mr. Collins, you may divide your team as you see fit, or keep it as one group the entire time. I would suggest the latter, but it's up to you."
Overall, Graham's pleased a fellow Security officer will be in charge. As he's seen it play out, a good Security man or woman is more likely to stay focused on bringing people home safe rather than collecting just one more exotic rock or not stepping on the local carnivorous plants. Still he's not entirely certain how Collins will perform in command and hopes to get a better sense of her style when they spar later.
He is amused by the fact that they won't be "stress testing" the spa facilities, so to speak. Now that would a sight to see, he thinks. All of us in our robes, maybe fuzzy slippers...Still, my cuticles are looking a little ragged, he muses, looking down at his hands.
Collins reverie is broken. Command? Really? You've got to be kidding me! After that Sakathian disaster? "Yes, sir. Thank you sir. We'll start off all together," She addresses the others, "If the situation warrants it, we'll split up." Her voice is confident even if her inner demons are not. "How long until we arrive?"
"As I said, we'll arrive tomorrow morning," the Captain says, with a glance at Vargas.
See post 310.
Graham winces as Collins asks a question that's already been answered. A good team doesn't let the bad guys nail your officers on a mission, and you do your best to have their back at HQ too. He struggles to come up with something to break the tension.
"Ah, phaser one's or phaser two's sir? It seems to be a Federation-governed, civilian environment but with the...ah...prospect of dangerous flowers," he asks.
"Forgive me, sir. 'Morning' is a broad term. I was asking what hour." Collins quickly covers, realizing she daydreamed right through that bit.
To Graham, she says "I believe the Type Ones will be sufficient, unless the Captain disagrees?" She looks towards Singh.
Last edited by anyrose; 02 Oct 2013 at 09:46 PM.
The Captain nods. "Phaser-1s should suffice. And our ETA is 0915, I believe."
It takes all of Kylah's acting ability, such as it is, to avoid reacting outwardly at the announcement of the mission crew. She quickly clamps her jaw shut and stares straight ahead. How can they? Who is Collins related to? Why do they not just ask a rank newcomer like me to lead, as long as they wish another disaster? I could certainly not do worse.
Her nails dig into her palms. It's her fault, she knows; first she chose not to include her accusations in the written report out of discretion, and then proved too cowardly to address the captain and Vargas in person about the multitude of errors and lapses of judgment of which she believed Collins guilty during the Sakathian mission.
And she's certain none of the others would have addressed it either. T'Var prefers to avoid conflict; Pourtash is far too diffident; Rangin... She hesitates, not wanting to think badly of him. Kylah knows he felt just as strongly about Collins's cruel suggestion about handcuffing Porr to his wife. Well, he was ill, he may well not have remembered to say anything, she decides while knowing it's a rationalization. Of course that still leaves Delaney and Hayes. Delaney had not been pleased about Collins ignoring his suggestion and choosing to test the transporters using herself.
No, it was her responsibility, and she should have said something earlier. Now it is too late. And even as Kylah thinks this, she hears Collins asking a question that was plainly answered right at the beginning of the briefing. Showing the same forgetful distraction she displayed multiple times on the last mission. It's all Kylah can do not to groan aloud.
Between Collins and Ferguson, Kylah is truly beginning to wonder just who chose the Lieutenants JG on this ship. Whoever it was has questionable judgment indeed.
At least this seems like a peaceful mission--not dangerous animals or experimenting, and even if the worst happens and someone inhales some spores, it doesn't seem as if having too much bliss would be a bad thing. She can't even fathom what her own role will be on such a mission. At least last time her use of languages and diplomacy came in handy--or it might have, with different superior officers, she thinks dryly. What can she possibly bring to this landing party? Well, it's her job, and she must do her duty.
Kylah just wants to close her eyes and go back to sleep, now feeling as ill as she claimed she did to Rangin in her message. What a miserable day.
Rangin was waiting for the collective groan to go round the table at the mention of Lt JG Collins leading the away party. Either she is being given a second chance, and being honest after the Sakathian missions she did deserve it, or she's sleeping with the right person.
Her response to finding it out though, was less than impressive. Rangin sighed inwardly. He was hoping all the details he had put into the last report would not be revisited. Her distracted nature perhaps made it seem as if that would be the case.
Regardless there was a mission to sort out and chances are she would need prompting into the right direction. Besides she was in Security, her job was to lead from the front and look brave. It would be the job of people like himself, Delaney and T'Var to actually plan out what they were going to do. Kylah's job would probably be to work out if the people down there were being honest or not.
"Sir, if could recommend the following:", Rangin addresses to the table in the directions of Collins.
"As the research station has been there longer, I would suggest starting there as they can probably fill us in on more details of the planet. It would also provide a more thorough scientific grounding on what effects the spores and the planet have than any report which has been filed as well as anything untoward to look out for. Not to mention being able to advise on the current state of the spa."
He takes a sip of water.
"Once we have completed that, we would be in a better position to look over the spa and ensure it is up to standard."
He turns to look at Capt Vargas while still addressing all. "Also given that Vice Adm. Hardin and Lt. Cmdr. Ebling will be attending the spa, would it be possible to ask them to provide their opinion of the place as well, which they would only be able to do after they have spent some time there?"
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Collins nods at Rangin's suggestion. "Yes, that is what I was intending. Thank you. As for the Admiral and his aide, I would like to assign them two security guards apart from the landing party. Just in case."
T'Var notices the tension in the meeting room when Collins is given command of the mission.
The doctor believes Collins to be a good leader -- despite what happened on their last mission. And T'Var is sure the captain would not have given command to Collins again if she did not believe so, either.
"A most interesting mission for us," T'Var says. "And a most interesting place to visit."
The Captain scratches her ear. "I didn't say that Lt. Cmdr. Ebling will be accompanying the Vice Admiral down to the planet, Mr. Rangin, and I don't know that she will. As to Security guards, I'm not sure it's necessary, and in any event, they might then be at risk of accidential exposure to the spores. Mr. Collins, those are issues you may wish to address with the Vice Admiral."
Dr. Villa adds, "Members of the landing party will need anti-radiation booster shots before you go, due to the Berthold Rays, so please come to Sickbay by 2100 tonight."
"Thank you, Doctor," Singh says. "Anything further?"
Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 03 Oct 2013 at 10:16 AM.
Rangin listens to the fact that the aide will not be accompanying the Vice Admiral with surprise. Why would she accompany him all this distance if she was not going to the spa as well?
"Sir, my apologies. I assumed that as the Vice Admiral and his aide were travelling together, that would also be the case for the spa as well.", he says contritely, adding "Nothing further Sir."
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Collins is uneasy at having a Tellerite unaccompanied aboard the Yorktown, but she's sure the Captain has thought of this; She'll ask the Captain and Cmdr. Vargas about it in private.
"Captain," Kylah says while still making sure to keep her gaze well away from Collins: "Forgive me if this has been answered, but: do you have an estimate how long we should take for our investigation? And will Admiral Hardin remain on the planet once we're through, or will he be leaving with us?"
She hesitates, then adds with a look at Dr. Villa, "These anti-radiation booster shots--or indeed, the conditions on the planet itself. Are they of any danger to anyone with a... pre-existing condition?"
Her thoughts are on both Rangin's lingering recovery--though she trusts Rangin to look after himself--and Collins's pregnancy. Not that Kylah knows whether Collins plans to carry the fetus to term; Collins hasn't even mentioned her status to Kylah, but this has been something Kylah's known for some time. But quite honestly, Kylah's low-boil anger that began with her Rec Room confrontation this morning is now on high simmer, and she is on edge enough as it is. If there's any way she can get someone, anyone, to question the inclusion of Collins on this mission, Kylah plans to take advantage of the opportunity.
Last edited by choie; 03 Oct 2013 at 02:53 PM.
As Kylah finishes, Rangin bites down on his tongue to prevent himself saying anything although the look he gives Kylah leaves little doubt he is less than impressed with her question. But it's none of his business and he's staying well out of it.
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Singh says, "I expect we'll be there no more than a week or so, unless Mr. Collins decides you need more time. Vice Adm. Hardin will be returning with us to Starbase 27."
Dr. Villa says, "The ARB shots are completely safe, I assure you. I can't think of any preexisting condition that might be affected by them, but if you or any other member of the landing party has a particular health concern, please see me privately. You should generally try to limit your exposure to direct sunlight on the planet, if possible, but with the shots you really should have no problem."
Kylah nods to the captain and thanks the doctor. She hasn't ignored the look from Rangin, but right now she's too tense and angry to care what precisely has upset him. He can't know about Collins, so it must be that he suspects she thinks he's not up to the mission? For all he knows I'm inquiring about myself, she thinks sullenly. If he cared, perhaps he'd consider my own health.
Then again, if word gets around that she's apparently a sex-starved predator, perhaps having Rangin speculating about what illnesses she might be carrying is not ideal for a relationship. If any actually exists outside her own head, which right now Kylah is doubting.
She cannot believe the whirlwind of emotions going through her. Is someone affecting her or is this horrible mood all her own making? And that's when it occurs to her that since the mission begins tomorrow, she'll have no time for a session with Dr. T'Var after all. Just when she needs it most.
Last edited by choie; 03 Oct 2013 at 04:27 PM.
Collins shifts uncomfortably in her chair, and begins to bounce her knee up and down. Not now! The mission starts in the morning! Hang on just a few more days!
Graham glances around the room. No one would ever call me a skilled psychoanalyst, he thinks, but something's going on here: does Kylah's somewhat oblique question imply she might have some sort of...ailment, maybe an embarrassing one...maybe one that factors in to the confrontation with Ferguson? The strange look she got from Rangin might be related to that...Graham's not enthusiastic about that line of thinking, but he has to take what's going on into account.
Except the fact that Collins is clearly agitated now doesn't fit with this at all..or could it? He unconsciously shakes his head a little. Well, I still want to figure out what's behind the dust-up in Rec Room 3. And I suppose I can trust Villa's word...but T'Var definitely seems solid. She gets the shot, no worries on my part, they can inject away...
Last edited by general_urko; 03 Oct 2013 at 08:19 PM.
The discussion continues for awhile longer. "If there's nothing else, then...?" the Captain finally asks, looking around. "Very well. Thank you, everyone. Dismissed."
It is now just past 1600 hours, and your watches are all now concluded for the day.
Rangin thoughts are caught between the Scylla of the mission briefing and the Charybdis of Kylah's question.
A pre-existing condition could apply to so many things, there was no nothing untoward in the question, just something medical. The alternative, unthinkable as it was but if true, would mean she was effectively announcing to the briefing room that she was pregnant, given its usual meaning.
Rangin puzzles over the dates, and what he knows of Kylah. If true, surely it would have occurred before she came onboard the Yorktown. It would almost make a horrible amount of sense, Elasian princess farmed off to a Federation starship...he was being stupid. If she was, no-one else had really reacted and surely the medical staff would have known by now.
No, the likelier option was that she did have a medical condition affected by radiation, and there were plenty of those, and she was concerned about it, though why she brought it up here and not with the Doctor in private was anybody's guess. Rangin didn't think she would be as unprofessional as to not want to go on the mission and support her roommate and colleague and try this as an excuse. Then again, given the last mission, perhaps he wasn't so sure.
As the meeting breaks up, Rangin heads across to Kylah, his face back to its usual calm demeanour.
"Hi, I haven't had a chance to check any messages because of the presentation. Are we still on for poker tonight?"
Rangin can't help it. There is an involuntary flicker of his eyes down Kylah's body, down to her stomach and then back to her face.
In the land of the blind, the one-arm man is king.
Kylah realizes her muscles have tightened throughout the meeting, to the point where she's actually sore when the briefing finally ends. She tries to relax as she stands up, but then hears Rangin's voice and suddenly she's tensed up, bracing herself again.
When she looks at him, he's no longer apparently annoyed by her. And he says he never got her message. He still wants to meet, she thinks with a flash of relief. Of course he hasn't heard anything. But then--why is he looking up and down her body like that? Vulnerable again, she crosses her arms over her chest, flushing. Maybe he has heard something; maybe that's why he's interested--interested in playing substitute for Ferguson.
This is unworthy, she tells herself, aghast that she's questioning Velir Rangin's motives like this. She has no idea what's making him scrutinize her figure like that so openly but there must be some less... unsavory reason. Kylah just can't think of what it is. "I did reply," she murmurs, not meeting his gaze. "I have not been feeling well today and asked if we could see how I feel before deciding whether to meet. As it turns out..." She looks back up at him with a sort of embarrassed defiance. "I am actually feeling worse. Could we postpone the lesson until after the mission? I am sorry... I had been looking forward to it, but I just don't think I..."
Kylah trails off, uncertain how to continue. Finally she just lifts her chin in hopes of salvaging some dignity by remaining professional. "Your presentation was most effective and helpful. I will be proud to serve on another mission with you." She apologizes again and turns away. Miserable and angry and as fractious as a horse who's just been injured.
She quickly finds T'Var before the doctor leaves. "Doctor," she whispers urgently. "We will not be able to meet tomorrow. Is it--do you have any time at all this evening? I understand we must both prepare for the mission but..." Kylah swallows. "I am greatly troubled and could use any help you can provide. Please?"
"Of course," T'Var replies. "Whatever I can do to assist you, Kylah."
Collins forgets about her desire to discuss Ebling with the Captain, instead stands and looks at Graham. "Fifteen minutes in the gym?" As she stands there, she digs her fingernails into her palms for a few seconds. Physical exertion will help. Yeah.
Graham nods to Collins. "See you there, L-T." After all the apparent complexities of this meeting, he's looking forward to some good old-fashioned sparring.
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