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Thread: Star Trek RPG - Mission #6: "Marala"

  1. #2401
    Ape must not kill ape! general_urko's avatar
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    Graham blinks and takes a deep breath.

    "I would like him to feel sure you didn't do this because--because you had to. And--that there's no disrespect for his late father. If you--if you are comfortable saying that you realized that you still had feelings for me...I think that would be the best start."

  2. #2402
    Member Elendil's Heir's avatar
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    Marala nods, turns from Graham and smiles at her son. "Sit down, please, Niki. Boo-... Lt. Graham and I have something to tell you. To discuss with you, I should say."

    The little boy sits down and Marala does the same, facing him. She takes a deep breath. "Honey, as I told you earlier, I've known Lt. Graham - Booker - for a long time, since before I met your father. We became very close. Now, I will always love you, and I will always love your father, who gave me you, after all. That will never, ever, ever change. Do you understand?"

    He nods solemnly.

    She continues, her voice shaking ever so slightly, "I almost thought I would never see Booker again. It's a big galaxy and sometimes you just fall out of touch with people, even people who were once very important to you. It's no one's fault; sometimes it just happens. But now, after so many years, I'm happy to say that Booker and I, in meeting again, have... rekindled our friendship. In just a short time, we've become very close again. We've realized, both of us, that we love each other still. We've talked about it, and now... now he has asked me to marry him." She takes Nikolai's hands in hers, and says more softly, "How do you feel about that, honey?"

    The little boy looks from her to Graham, and then back again.
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 28 Jan 2021 at 12:19 AM.

  3. #2403
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    Not long after Ensign Kylah has left--mere minutes, in fact--Nia's headache begins to subside. She hasn't taken anything, only remained seated on her chair performing a one-handed shoulder massage. That must've done the trick.

    She glances over to the bed to confirm that her case is closed. She's ready to go, if she ever hears from Vargas or Cheverez or whoever that her volunteering to move to a less human-friendly space has been okayed. Even if her confinement isn't lifted, she might as well be confined in a habitat with fewer of the life support resources she doesn't require.

    Leaning over to her desk, she reaches for the humble meal brought to her by Ensign Li and picks one half of the sandwich. When she sits back a shiver runs through her. The temperature seems lower than she usually keeps it. The humans, she thinks with the briefest of sidelong glances toward the refugees--or, really, stowaways. No sense in raising the temp controls. She'll be somewhere much colder soon, if her request is granted.

    Still, not ready yet to handle the metabolic change, and also just needing the comfort, Nia reaches behind her and pulls at the soft, well-worn but beloved shawl that is always draped across the back of her chair. Her mother's handiwork. "Take this. Those outlander planets... you'll never be warm enough." Her Ma wasn't a natural hand at knitting, much more used to engineering tools, but the homely gift has accompanied Nia all the lightyears of her travels.

    She pulls her knees up against her chest, feet on the edge of the chair, and shrugs to let the shawl envelop her. A few bites of the sandwich taste... like dry bread and whatever this somewhat bland meat is inside. Fowl, maybe chicken. It serves to fill her stomach even as a growing sense of emptiness prevents the shawl's warmth from reaching where Nia feels coldest.

  4. #2404
    Ape must not kill ape! general_urko's avatar
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    Graham takes a knee alongside Marala, clasping his hands together in front of him.

    So many scars...so ugly.

    "Nikolai..." He glances at the kid, then Marala, and back again. "You know, I don't think I would have ever made it into Starfleet without Marala--your mom's--friendship, and--love, back when we were just a few years older than you are now."

    He nods. "We did indeed go our separate ways..." he smiles slightly. "And good things came about...like you, and my daughter, Elizabeth--Lizzy."

    He looks down momentarily and shakes his head. "I'll never stop loving her mom, nor do I expect her to...even though she's gone, now...passed away, like your dad."

    He looks up. "But I want you to know that I love your mom, and my intention, in proposing--however you feel, and whatever might happen--is to do my best for the two of you to be happy. And safe. And accomplish whatever you want to, as best I can."

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    The bosun's whistle on Onn's Library Computer terminal sounds. "Lt. Onn, please report to the Bridge," she hears Lt. Bennett's voice say.



    Nikolai thinks for a long time and then asks his mother, "What did you say when he asked you to marry him?"

    "I said yes, honey," she says gently.

    "And is that really what you want to do, Mama?"

    "It is. But if you have any questions or concerns, I want to hear them. This is a big change for all of us."

    He thinks again before saying, "If it's what you both want to do, and if you think it's right, then I think you should. Get married, I mean." Then, puddling up, he throws himself into his mother's arms, holds her tight and kisses her cheek.

  6. #2406
    Ape must not kill ape! general_urko's avatar
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    Graham mists up a little himself, but holds his position, letting Nikolai and Marala have their moment, without intruding.

  7. #2407
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    Surprise leads Nia to take too big a swallow of the fairly dry sandwich, and while coughing she stands to lurch for the ice water. A few gulps and throat-clearing grunts later, she brushes crumbs off her chest, disengages from the shawl, and taps her terminal mic button. "Aye aye, Lieutenant. On my way."

    If Ajay were here, she'd recite a favorite line of his back to him: What fresh hell is this? But not only is she disinclined to say anything of the sort to the humans--are they even humans? well, whatever--but Nia has reason to believe this request might actually be something good. If she's just in for more punishment, they'd send a security officer. Wouldn't they?

    Okay, the redshirts are surely more gainfully occupied elsewhere, but Vargas was fine wasting two of them escorting her back here. It just seems unlikely that Vargas or Singh would have Nia sent to the Bridge as a next step in punishment. Nor would they even trust her to do as asked. Not a dangerous reprobate scoundrel of a Helm officer who maliciously let an eight-year-old hitch a ride on her shuttle rather than let the kid get swallowed up whole by a mob.

    It was more than that and you know it.

    "Oh shut up," she mutters. On the way to the door, she re-knots her hair in a low braid, since she can't find her hairclip, and casts a distracted look at the two still-strangers she's leaving behind. "Okay guys. Don't wander off. Like Ensign Kylah said, it's in your best interests to stay out of sight."

    After a tense nod of a farewell, Nia takes a deep breath, mutters a half-remembered prayer and steps forward. She's gonna feel pretty frickin' stupid if she face-plants into a still-locked door.
    Last edited by SidonianGal; 30 Jan 2021 at 04:34 AM.

  8. #2408
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    “Twelve minutes, just a few more before we take flight”, Rangin mutters to himself as he reads the communicator message. It’s almost painful knowing that once those minutes have gone, time will have run out for those remaining on the planet. And there is nothing Rangin can do about it, despite everything he tried, everything he could think of, people are still going to lose their lives and he feels that in some way if only he could have been a little bit smarter that he might have saved one or two more.

    And with the colonists in place and nothing else for him to do, he resigns himself to returning to Kylah’s quarters to see if she is where she is supposed to be. He almost doesn’t want to go, there has been enough trouble caused today without creating any more, but he knows that he still needs to do it. Kylah has had more than enough time, indeed she may even be wondering if he will return as it has been more than the original five minutes he said he would be.

    He pulls himself up straight, blocks the noise of the corridors from his ears and sets off. It won’t take him long to get where he needs to, he only hopes that Kylah is where she is supposed to be.

    * * *

    Outside her quarters, Kylah starts a palm to the door chime before she yanks it away. If there is any record kept of attempted ingress, she must not let her own handprint be tracked.

    “Oh!” she says aloud, frustration and alarm forcing the word from her. After a numb moment, she tries to think of a safe way to learn if her new roommate is still inside. Not that much time has passed. Although it might have been too long for Velir.

    Even as she pictures him, she senses the emotional equivalent of a gravitational tug. Inhaling, she searches the crowd in the corridor roughly perpendicular to the one she just traveled. There, behind others both uniformed and plain clothed, is the man whose endearing face she has hoped to find. Despite everything, her heart leaps into her throat and Kylah does what is so rare: She smiles. Really, truly smiles. She has not let him down. And he has come back to her.

    * * *

    As Rangin approaches the quarters, slipping past the colonists blocking his way, he starts looking around to see if he can see her remembering that she is not in her usual uniform but something a little different.

    His eyes scan across the faces and figures around, but are drawn directly to the door and there he can see Kylah standing, waiting and smiling. Not a smirk, or something haughty, but if she is glad to see him. And, truth be told, he is glad to see her waiting there outside her room. Wait. Given how much extra time he had been, had he left her just standing there for so long?

    He walks up to her as quickly as the crowd allows, nudging a few out the way with a well-placed elbow or two and side-stepping some others who get in his way. But his focus is fixed on only one person and before long his is standing back in front of her.

    “Good to see you here,” he states normally as though those around are listening in before lowering his voice, “I’m sorry I took longer than expected, i had to help a few more people out. Did you do what you needed to do?” His question hints at all sorts of possibilities, just coming straight back to the cabin or maybe something different, but either way Rangin can claim the simplest option.

    * * *

    “Yes, Velir, all is well!” Kylah resists the enthusiastic urge to clasp his hands. “Everyone was there and safe. I admit some complications delayed me, but… oh, I am so relieved you hare here!” She gazes up at him. Without her uniform’s boots, she is shorter than he is. And yet, while he is one of the few men on board who does not loom over Kylah through height or muscle, Velir’s very aspect seems to dwarf her.

    Not unpleasantly so--not now, when he is not angry. To the contrary: surging within her is the wish to be enveloped by his protective, steady presence. Or by his physical embrace, she suddenly yearns, staring at his arms as if being cradled by them, tucked against him, could solve everything. As if such closeness were even possible.

    Face aflame, she turns to the door as her words stumble on. “So--so thank you for returning. I was just wondering how to enter. I cannot just walk in, and standing out here is risky. Could you please use the door chime for me? Hopefully Lt. Xiang is inside, and--” She gasps, realizing the implication of her words, and looks back at him. “Oh, but that is not why I am glad you are here! I just know you have so much to do. And I have added to that burden in several ways.” Hating to ask, she bites her lower lip before gaining the courage. “Did you… were you able to find Lt. Ferguson?”

    * * *

    Rangin reaches across and presses the door chime to see if anyone is in the cabin, before turning straight back to Kylah.

    "I found Mr. Ferguson being his usual, charming, self beaming up colonists in one of the Transporter rooms. I ended up helping out with one group who were left unescorted to where they needed to be. Whatever has happened it does not appear to have had any impact on him."

    Rangin is not sure why he feels protective towards Kylah at this point, but if Ferguson is involved despite her strange mistrust of him, she must need all the help she can get. He also is not sure if she has heard the latest comms.

    "Just checking but you are aware we are leaving in less than 10 minutes now?"



    Kylah by choie, Rangin by Rangin

  9. #2409
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    Marala whispers something to Niki, who looks at her. She nods seriously; he nods back and turns a little away from her, holding his arms up to Graham for a hug.

    The two strangers watch Onn go. The man waves, a little self-consciously, as she leaves. The door opens just as it usually does, and at once she is out into the crowded, noisy corridor.

  10. #2410
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    Graham mists up a little, covering it by closing his eyes and ever so gently taking Nikolai into his strong embrace.

  11. #2411
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    Nia knows it's counter-intuitive but the chaos and noise fill her with relief. She belongs here among the others working during this emergency, not stuck in a cabin with nothing to do but wallow in worry. This is her crew, her mates in every sense of the word (some literally), and she's damn glad to have an assignment again.

    ...Even if it's just heading off to be smacked down by Vargas on the Bridge. A vanishingly unlikely scenario but she doesn't want to rule it out entirely--the superstitious side of her is certain that instant she relaxes, that is definitely when the worst'll happen.

    She weaves through the crowd with the serpentine grace of her ancestors until she gets to the turbolift, and barring any interruptions Nia will travel up directly to the Bridge. Bizarrely it's only now that an incandescent thought bursts through her scattered thoughts like sunbeams through broken rainclouds:

    Does this mean Booker's free, too? Will I get to see him?

  12. #2412
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    Nikolai hugs Graham with a strength surprising in one so young and so small, and whispers, "I hope you make my mom very happy."

    There is no reply for Rangin and Kylah from Xiang or anyone else inside the cabin.

    Onn realizes that things are only a little less bustling and noisy on the Bridge than in the corridors belowdecks. The ship's control hub is perhaps the busiest she's ever seen it, as Yorktown personnel scurry about, coming and going, bringing reports and running errands. A babble of different voices sounds from the Communications console where Ens. Meredith Davis is on duty; the freckled, pretty Australian officer clearly has her hands full.

    Lt. Cecilia Bennett is in the big chair, also obviously very busy, signing off on one datapad report and then another thrust at her by Engineering ratings. She looks up to see Onn and nods. "Welcome back to the Bridge, Lieutenant. We'll be breaking orbit very soon, and... the Captain agreed with me that we should have our best Helm officer at her post. If you please...?"

    She makes a small gesture forward, where Lt. Kendin, the lanky Algolian, is already rising from his seat at the Helm console to make way.

    Novy Rostov still rotates majestically on the main viewscreen, orange and red, far below, with no sign of the catastrophe soon to come.

  13. #2413
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    A rush of exhilaration is swiftly followed by a let-down--Nia doesn't see Booker here--and then some utterly unproductive annoyance at Bennett.

    "The Captain agreed with me..." So Cece is attempting to claim that Singh takes her advice that seriously? Not Vargas, not Roble or Cheverez? But Cece, now billing herself as second-in-command. You're still junior to me, babe, Nia thinks. At least in terms of length of service, skill and experience. Which, let's face it, is where it counts.

    Nia strongly suspects this pretentious b.s. is leftover resentment after their confrontation not long ago. Possibly coupled with a need to save face at having to accept Singh's paying Nia such a compliment. Best Helm Officer. Hey, it's true, and Nia said as much herself to Vargas...

    Wait, is he the one who recommended her to Singh? On the one hand, it's crazy, given the way they parted. On the other... he's an excellent First Officer, if also simultaneously an excellent First Orifice. In the end he does care most about the Yorktown's welfare, and... No, no, it's still nuts. Isn't it?

    Shaking her head, Nia banishes Vargas from her mind. It gives her some pleasure to realize that if Singh wants the best officers at the Helm/Nav team, it has to rankle that Cece didn't make the cut.

    Right after that, when she spots her Helm colleague so close within earshot, she grits her teeth in more irritation. Seriously? Passing along that compliment with Kendin right there?! Damn, Cece must just be keeping the big chair warm for someone else, because with such lack of tact, she doesn't have what it takes to be an effective commander.

    With a polite, professional nod, Nia murmurs a neutral "Understood, thank you Lieutenant," and heads to her seat. As she passes Kendin, she smiles warmly. "Great work with the Sarafina. Heading back there now?" She nods at the panel. "Any orders or updates to pass along?"

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    Algolians are well-known for their utter lack of ego. Kendin says, unperturbed at what might otherwise have seemed a slight from Bennett, "No, the Sarafina broke orbit some time ago. I'm to report to the Chief Engineer for further assignment. No orders or updates, Lieutenant. Good luck!" If she has no other questions, he will leave the Bridge.

    Lt. JG John Brooks is already sitting at Nav. He smiles over his shoulder at Onn and says, "Welcome, ma'am. I've input an updated orbital departure plot; it's ready for your review."

  15. #2415
    Ape must not kill ape! general_urko's avatar
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    Graham gives Nikolai a gentle squeeze in response.

    "Probably won't" is the first thing that comes to mind, as every damming memory of how he failed Jane and has since failed Lizzy comes rushing to mind in response to the boy's comment.

    The boy--my new son.

    But he can give an honest answer.

    "I'll do my very best. I promise," he whispers back.

  16. #2416
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    Nia thanks Kendin and greets Brooks, one of her favorite Nav partners, as she automatically scans her panel to check the various system statuses available to her.

    All the while, she's hoping she'll have a chance to get in touch with Booker, or at least find out his own status--not to mention the Gromovs' fate--but likely there's not much time to spare. And I don't have my damn communicator, anyway.

    Of course she can use her station's comm panel, but considering the circumstances, she'd rather avoid being seen doing anything other than her job. She doesn't want to be doing anything other than her job. But the idea that Book might be losing Marala and Nikolai, and facing this horror alone confined in his quarters, sickens her.

    She belatedly responds to the man at her side with as pleasant an expression as she can muster while concern churns in her gut. "Glad to be here with you, Brooks. I'll check out what you've got planned." Her fingers speed across her panel, tapping the command to bring up his plan.

  17. #2417
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    Rangin waits for Kylah’s reaction to his pronouncement, and he’s not disappointed. She pivots from facing the door to stare up at him, her eyes flashing relief and pleasure. “Under ten minutes until we leave?” she repeats. “So little time! Then we are almost safe. Once we break orbit and they are still onboard--I cannot ask for anything more. Thank you, Velir!” She leans forward, almost on tiptoe, and for a second Rangin could swear she is about to step closer and--

    But she doesn’t, a brief shadow crossing her face, and her heels fall back on the floor so she can turn away. Maybe he imagined the impulse. She is watching the door, which is doing nothing at all. “I… I do not understand.” Kylah’s voice is hoarse. “Why is Lt. Xiang not responding? She said she was taking a nap. It has only been fifteen minutes at the most.”

    Rangin tries to think of ways to open the door, knowing that Kylah has to be inside before she is discovered by someone more senior. He tries not to let the worry show on his face, to remain calm with everything that is going on and not alarm Kylah further. But the sheen of perspiration that is forming gives away her inner fears and Rangin is not sure what he can do about it.

    Anxiety creasing her brow, Kylah aims her gaze at the door chime, as if she can convince it to work harder. “Perhaps she did not hear us? Would you mind trying again, or even contacting--”

    Suddenly she stops and inexplicably another flush paints her cheeks pink. “I forgot, I was supposed to.... Velir, I have another favor to ask. That is, not a favor directly for me, but I did promise to help Lt.--someone in distress. Two people. I fear you might not wish…” Her rambling words drain away. It’s clear her euphoria from earlier has been overtaken by worry yet again. Not just worry. Dread. What could she possibly dread to ask him, after all the things she’s already requested?

    Pressing the chime again as asked, he girds himself for whatever else she wants. “Ok, what do you need me to do and for who?” He can almost guess the answer of who from the look of nervousness Kylah gives to him, but he cannot think for the life of him what.



    Thanks to choie for voicing Kylah.

  18. #2418
    Administrator choie's avatar
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    Kylah shakes her head in a tiny motion, afraid to answer here in the corridor. By revealing the request, she is revealing the quarters where she has just visited--and if anyone passes by, she does not want to put Lt. Onn at risk for having knowingly hid her presence.

    Her gaze remains fixed on the door with mounting anxiety, waiting for a response to Velir's hail.

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    Nikolai tightens his grip on Graham's neck but says nothing else. The Security officer realizes that the little boy, his future stepson, is crying just a little.

    On the Bridge, Brooks's orbital departure plot looks good to Onn. The projected course will keep the rocky bulk of Novy Rostov between the Yorktown and the star Eta Ophiuchi A for at least the first few seconds of the impending rho radiation burst, if it comes while the heavy cruiser is still in the immediate vicinity of the planet.

    There is no response to Kylah and Rangin from within the cabin.

  20. #2420
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    Graham keeps on arm around Nikolai and extends the other hand to Marala, inviting her to join their embrace.

    "We're a family now," he says seriously.

  21. #2421
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    Marala, her eyes aglow, joins her future husband and her only child in Graham's warm embrace.



    On the Bridge, the turbolift doors part and the Captain and Science Officer enter. Roble is saying something but stops in mid-sentence as Bennett rises from the big chair. Singh says, "I relieve you, Lieutenant."

    "I stand relieved, ma'am," she replies.

    "Report." The Captain settles into the chair. Onn, glancing back, notices how tired and old she looks.

    Bennett stands at ease, her hands clasped behind her back. "All Novy Rostov evacuees have now been beamed up and are being settled into quarters or temporary billets. There have been some... settling-in incidents, ma'am, but nothing serious. Transporter rooms secure. All ship's systems are nominal; the Chief Engineer reports warp drive at your discretion. The ship is ready for deep space."

    "Thank you, Mr. Bennett. I believe the First Officer wishes to see you in Conference Room 3, if you please. Dismissed."

    "Aye aye, Captain." The young English navigator leaves.

    Singh murmurs to Roble, "You were saying, Abdi?" From where she sits, Onn cannot help but overhear them.

    "Yes, I spoke just a few minutes ago to Dr. Sabeel," the Cochrane Institute scientist who came here to study the system's two stars. "He wasn't selected in the lottery but didn't seem at all bitter about it. He even joked about the irony of being killed by a system-wide burst of the rho radiation he discovered in the first place. It sounded like he's actually looking forward to studying it right up to the end."

    Singh winces. "He's handling the situation with better grace than I think I would, under the circumstances."

    "Yes, ma'am," Roble says with a solemn nod. "Me too. We'll have a continuous telemetry feed until the burst occurs."

    "Very well. Time remaining?" the Captain asks.

    Roble turns to Lt. Paul Waterman, the astrophysicist, at the Science console, who checks a readout and says, "Dr. Sabeel's latest analysis of Eta Ophiuchi A scans suggests the burst could come as soon as nine minutes from now, Captain. I've gone over his readings and run some simulations of my own, and I agree with him; so does the rest of the ship's Astrophysics staff."

    Singh says, "Then we had best be on our way. Stand by to break orbit. Departure plot ready, Mr. Onn?"
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 24 Feb 2021 at 10:00 PM.

  22. #2422
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    Betrayed by her own door, Kylah takes a step back as if it is electrified. “She is not there. She is not there,” she whispers. “They will find me. I thought I had won, for once. Just once.” They are the words of a child; shameful. She hugs herself, rubbing her goosebump-covered arms. “Oh Velir. I know it is my fault, and I never truly expected to get away with all this without consequences, but..."

    Afraid she will burst into tears, Kylah turns to the man at her side. “But the most important matter is settled. I will be able to bear anything if my friends remain safe. Meanwhile I must think of others. I still owe that favor to--Lt. Onn,” she says, abruptly lowering her voice further. “She too has been confined to quarters, along with Lt. Graham. Not the same quarters,” she adds in a rush of words.

    Kylah quickly shares the minimum she knows of Lt. Graham, the rediscovery of his old ‘friend’ and her son, and their likely dire fate. “...So Lt. Onn is terribly concerned about his welfare. I told her I would ask someone--I did not use your name--if you would relay the message to Lt. Graham. Or--or rather, since his communicator has also likely been confiscated, to his roommate, Mr. Mahmoud.”

    Her wide, tired eyes meet his, hoping to find understanding there. “I know how you feel about him, Velir. But Lt. Onn was so upset, and after I--that is--I made things worse for her...” Kylah’s face warms. She cannot think about how she manipulated the senior officer, there is no time for that now. “I did promise I would try to ease her mind. Please, might you help?” She darts a dread-filled glance down both sides of the corridor, half-expecting to find a cadre of redshirts coming for her. “There is no other help for me now.”

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    Rangin listens patiently to Kylah, shifting to one side, so that she can speak quietly and quickly without attracting too much attention from those around. He suspects that at this time, no-one would be interested in an Ensign talking to someone who looks like a random colonist, given that Kylah is out of uniform. But still, he keeps his eyes open, just in case, while his head bobs along acknowledging what his ears are hearing.

    As she finishes Rangin meets her gaze, understanding what she has told him, but still a little bit at a loss as to how she can end up in such a precarious situation. “I will do what I can to help,” he utters quietly. Feeling so conflicted over her actions and what may happen next, at least he can set some goal from it to assist.

    “I’m sure there are others who can help you, if you were to ask. I’m sure there will be some consequence to what you have wrought, but I don’t know what or how it will come to pass."

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    Vargas's call to Cece turns Nia's spine into a wire of tension, the precise cause of which she can't quite identify but definitely doesn't like.

    But more pressing matters distract her. She listens to the Captain and Roble's conversation attentively. The bravery of the scientist Sabeel is unthinkingly admirable.

    Then she stares at the planet in front of her. Marala and Nikolai might be down there. Along with thousands of unlucky victims whose names she doesn't know. No doubt a few others have some of Dr. Sabeel's bravery or calm resignation. But most of those being left behind are likely in dread terror. Their fear seems to pulse toward her like the erratic star.

    It's like abandoning Sidonia all over again, abandoning her mother again, abandoning her children... wherever they are. Saying goodbye forever to the others she knew, friends and enemies. All focused on breeding new life to replace those slowly being poisoned by the angry red sun, poisonous air, and the vindictive planet herself, determined to eradicate the infestation of life by any means possible. The day Nia left, flying aboard the very first interstellar vessel she'd ever seen, she'd watched her homeworld recede until the ship went to warp and there was nothing to stare at anymore.

    Now, she has the urgent desire to watch this planet's destruction. Not through morbid curiosity, but... it feels wrong to leave these people to die alone. Escaping to safety while thousands count the minutes, the seconds, till they die. Someone should bear witness to the tragedy.

    But that's impossible. The Yorktown has to leave.

    "Yes, ma'am, course laid in," she says, with a glance behind at Singh. "Quick question, captain?"

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    As Kylah listens to Velir, she watches him intently and clings on to his calm demeanor like a drowning woman to a lifeboat.

    She thanks him profusely for agreeing to help Lt. Onn, then shakes her head infinitesimally when he suggests others might be there for her. "In my experience help comes at either a risk or a price. You are a rarity." After drinking him in for as long as she dares, she finally forces herself to speak.

    "You should go," she says haltingly. "Lt. Onn hoped to pass along the message before we leave the planet. But mostly... I do not want you to get into trouble by being seen with me. I will wait by myself."

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    Rangin nods at Kylah’s words, wiser than her usual fare, but still he is to find himself dealing with things he is unsure of. First Ferguson and now Lt Onn and Graham, he wonders what price she is going to pay in the future for her misdemeanours. It seems he has his own demons to face now to help out with her last request. Rangin wonders why he is doing this and can’t think of any solid, defined reason that he should help Kylah. Maybe it’s the oncoming apocalypse hitting the planet and his need to help someone out when he is leaving behind so many people, those he failed to work out how to save.

    “You’re right I should go, although knowing how today has gone, I don’t know how long it will take.” He looks askance at the downhearted woman in front of him, waiting for some Sword of Damocles to drop, “but once I’ve finished I’ll return”, he continues.

    He waits to see the colour rise in her cheeks, whether from chastisement, hope or anger he is unsure, “You keep doing things by yourself, and it keeps not working out. Think on it, but I am here if you need me. I...I owe you that much.”

    Kylah’s lips part in a quick intake of breath. “Owe me?” she echoes in wonder. “What could you possibly owe me? I am the one perpetually imposing on you.”

    “Not so, there have been times I’ve backed out on you, hurt you badly. With everything that is happening, it’s making me rethink a few things.” He pauses unsure precisely of what to say next and hoping not to dash the signs of wonder she is showing. “I have a few things to make up to you and I’d like the chance to actually do so.”

    He steps back slightly to get a fuller view of her. Fixing it in his mind will give him a reason to be polite to Graham when he next sees him. Besides, having Lt. Onn owing him as well is never a bad thing, but when it comes down to it, Rangin is going to be doing this for Kylah.

    One last glance and he turns to leave. “See you later.”

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    All Kylah can do is nod weakly, though her every nerve-ending seems to be generating enough energy to run the ship.

    Velir's words have warmed her in a way she did not think possible. Not today. Despite his knowing and disapproving of her acts, he still wants to help. And he forgives her. He even apologized for having hurt her. He looked at her in a way she has not seen since before they ever stepped onto Anubis: Gentle. Compassionate. Caring.

    That is the astonishing revelation to her--he cares.

    When he leaves and disappears within the sea of the crowded hall, Kylah backs up against her door, still hugging herself. Whatever happens to her, whatever her punishment will be for disobedience, Kylah knows she will take this one cherished moment for comfort.

    And perhaps she will not be punished too harshly. If Cmdr. Vargas does not know about Mrs. Soeryadjaya and Mr. Yarrow, and is only aware of her having failed to go on Lt. Graham's mission, perhaps she will simply have to serve some penalty and may remain onboard. She has saved lives, followed through on her promise to her uncle--and to Lt. Onn--and incredibly, she has reattained her friendship with Velir.

    Though exhausted nearly enough to fall asleep standing here, frightened of being discovered out of her cabin, and saddened by the fate of the colonists below... Kylah cannot help herself: she smiles.

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    The Captain says, "Of course, Mr. Onn. What is it?"

    A Science lieutenant whom Kylah does not recognize is walking past her in the crowded corridor, but breaks step, then stops and says, "Are you all right, Ensign? You look all in."

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    With a little start, Kylah composes herself as best she can. "Yes, thank you, Lieutenant. I am a bit worn out, but I expect we are all somewhat tired given the circumstances. It is kind of you to ask." Deciding her presence needs some explanation, she adds, "I am off-duty, but thought I would wait here in case any of the newcomers needs assistance."

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    Nia acknowledges the Captain's permission. "Actually, two questions, ma'am. First, are we leaving a probe behind to capture the, um, event? Seems like it should be observed and archived. Not just for study, but a--a sort of memorial." Her shoulder lifts in a small, uncertain shrug.

    "Second, if not already planned, I recommend warning beacons. I know there'll be visual evidence of the danger area, but if some ship's flying at warp or even impulse, and their long-range sensors aren’t up to snuff, they’ll need as much time as possible to change course. A beacon or two’d help extend that range--plus, it'd add details, such as letting them know it’s a natural disaster versus some trap by unknown hostiles."
    Last edited by SidonianGal; 24 Feb 2021 at 11:35 PM.

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    Rangin slips his way through the crowd, which has begun to settle a little but is still finding their way on the USS Yorktown. Given everything that Kylah has said, it seems that the most likely place for Graham to be is confined to his quarters like the other two, although what the current situation with Marala and her son is anyone’s guess.

    Regardless, he has a message to pass on from Lt Onn and the sooner it is done, the sooner he can get back to more important things. And by important things, thinking of how he can get Kylah back into her quarters. Of course, Graham would have permission to do so, and Rangin wonders if he can bargain Lt Onn’s message for Graham to help with Kylah. After all, he seems to have those protective Daddy issues about her, so Rangin expects him to jump at the chance.

    It won’t be that simple, of course it never is, but it’s the best he can think of at short notice.

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    The Science officer nods to Kylah. "I see. If you're sure, then...?"

    Rangin makes his way through the teeming corridors and reaches the door to Graham's quarters.

    On the Bridge, Singh says, "Thank you, Mr. Onn. Mr. Roble?"

    Lt. Cmdr. Roble says, "The Icarus astrophysical satellite placed here by Dr. Sabeel and the Cochrane Institute will remain. It's been scanning the star intensively and, other than our own sensors, will be the source of much of our telemetry up to and during the rho radiation burst. Although it's shielded, I suspect its sensor suite will be severely degraded, if not destroyed, by the burst's wavefront, but none of the probes we carry would do any better, under the circumstances. I agree it might serve as a memorial, of sorts, until a more permanent and fitting one is placed here, if ever. As to beacons...." He thinks, then says, "I'm not sure that will be necessary, Lieutenant. The rho contamination will be apparent from several light years away and I doubt any ship would need to be warned about it."

    Singh nods thoughtfully. "It will probably be obvious to even a rudimentary navigational scan. Still, it wouldn't do any harm, and it might help. Let's reevaluate after the burst, when a thorough scan will tell us more about its intensity and duration."

    "Certainly, ma'am."

    The Captain says to Onn, "Good questions, Lieutenant. Thank you. Take us out of orbit, if you please, then go to Warp 1. Raise shields; full power to the aft shields."

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    Kylah nods and feigns confidence to the best of her ability. "Yes, Lieutenant. Thank you for your concern, but I am quite all right. As much as one can be, under the circumstances," she adds with a glance down at whatever colonists she sees in the corridor.

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    "Aye aye, Captain," Nia says, once again facing the viewscreen and confronted by the planet. Her fingers hover over the panel to respond to Singh's command, but she pauses for a mere instant to speak silently to the population below. Forgive me. Please forgive us all. May Sala gather your souls gently, and Seht'Dar deliver you peace everlasting.

    Eyes burning with unsheddable tears, she pulls the ship out of the Novy Rostov orbit and, once that's accomplished, engages to warp 1 to send the Yorktown along its escape route.

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    Graham's been on starships long enough to feel the transition to warp speed in his bones.

    He gives his new family a gentle squeeze. "I think...I think we're away from the system, now," he says softly. "I know today, and the next days, will be pretty hard, but I'd, um...well, if you'd like to have our first dinner as a family, I'll see if I can make some arrangements, for something...nice."

    He forces a small, but sincere smile. "If that's OK with you, Marala."

    "Oh--and of course I'll need to know if you have any favorite foods, young man," he adds, nodding to Nikolai.

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    Having reached the door, Rangin stares at it, knowing who is likely to be on the other side. But still he has a task to complete and so he is going to do it.

    He hits the chime for the door, hoping simultaneously that Graham is both there, so Rangin can complete this game of Orion Whispers, and not, so that he doesn’t have to deal with him.

    Either way, he waits to see if there is a reply.

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    "All right," the Science lieutenant says. He nods, hesitating a little uncertainly, then leaves Kylah and moves on down the corridor. She doesn't know any of the throng of colonists around her, but down the way one... one man does look familiar, she realizes. She cannot immediately place him, but she knows she's seen him somewhere....

    The USS Yorktown breaks orbit, banking away from the doomed planet and towards the relative safety of deep space. The hum of the heavy cruiser's warp drive seems to settle into Onn's very soul as Novy Rostov drops swiftly behind. "Shields up, aye," says the ensign at the Tactical station, in response to the Captain's order. "Full power to the aft shields."

    Marala smiles crookedly and says, "I'm not very hungry right now. But maybe Nikki...." She tousles his hair.

    "I'm starving," he says at once. "Do you have peanut butter and bacon sandwiches on this ship?"

    There is no answer at the door to Graham's quarters.

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    After the few moments of silence, it is becoming more obvious that Graham is not in his quarters, and Rangin hanging around is just putting off the inevitable. But if he is not here, then where? What is he up to, is he not confined to quarters and actually still in service? In which case, Lt. Onn certainly got the short end of the stick, even though she liked all sizes according to scuttlebut.

    Rangin ponders briefly on the appropriateness of such a thought given his current location, coming to the swift conclusion it really is not that important, before switching his thoughts to trying to find Graham. He heads to the nearest comms panel and asks for the officer’s location, hoping for a brief response that can set Rangin on his way.

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    Curious despite herself, Kylah squints, trying to improve her vision of the colonist down the corridor. She cannot think where she might have seen him before--perhaps down on the colony, at the party? Unconsciously she takes a step forward, though intending to remain unobtrusive and not too obvious that she is staring.

  40. #2440
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    Once the ship is set on its course to safety, Nia double-checks the plans Brooks settled on. With all the angst from today, her memory has the solidity of Swiss cheese; she can't recall how long and how far they'll need to travel to reach a safe distance.

    They're meant to rendezvous with the Sarafina, presumably, and that ship doesn't have the Yorktown's capabilities. Still, as reluctant as Nia was to leave Novy Rostov and its inhabitants behind, now that they're trying to beat a deadly radiation burst she'd vastly prefer to boost the speed of her ship--that is, what she calls "her" ship whenever she's at Helm--to a greater factor than Warp 1. The Captain knows what she's doing, of course. But Nia feels antsy nonetheless.

    "Who's helming the Sarafina?" she murmurs to Brooks. "Pourtash?"

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    Graham smiles, sincerely this time, and gestures significantly. "We have top of the line replicators on this ship, young man, which means anything from peanut butter and bacon to...well, you just name it."

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    The duty Communications officer tells Rangin that he will put the call through to Graham's communicator. In Marala Gromov's guest quarters, Graham's communicator beeps.

    After a few seconds, Kylah recognizes the person as Walter Harris, the wealthy man who tried to bribe her - and later others - to get off the planet. See post 1436 and thereafter.

    Onn sees that the course will take the Yorktown well outside of the Eta Ophiuchi system before rendezvousing with the Sarafina, already on her way to Beta Antares IV. Brooks replies to her, "Yes, I think so."

    Nikolai beams and says, "Wow, replicated food? I've never had that before."

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    Graham smiles back at Nikolai. "Well there's a first time for everything, right?"

    He starts at the notification from his communicator. Eh, still on duty, right...

    "But first, duty calls. Excuse me a moment."

    He steps away from Marala and Nikolai and respondes. "Graham here."

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    Lips parted in a surprised intake of breath, Kylah immediately wonders: Did Mr. Harris make the list after all? Or did he actually succeed in finding a crew member greedy enough to bribe? Who would have been so venal to accept such a--

    Abruptly she shakes her head and backs away, slumping against the wall again. Hypocrisy. Embarrassing hypocrisy. How can she possibly judge anyone, after today?

    But I have done my duty. Aldaan cannot be angry with me.

    For now, that is all she has for comfort. That, and the warm expression on the familiar, dear planes and curves of Velir's face.

  45. #2445
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    Pourtash. Nia unconsciously nods her approval. Since it couldn't have been her, Pourtash would've absolutely been her own pick to helm the Sarafina--with Kendin close behind.

    She takes another glance at the chart to double-check how long it'll take them to reach beyond the radiation's estimated destructive range, at this speed.

    If Warp 1 can be considered 'speed.'

    Nia tries to relax her tense shoulders, but it's no good: she's as taut and impatient as a thoroughbred reined in, forced to a mere trot despite the hungry pack of wolves gaining on them.

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    Standing outside the quarters, Rangin wonders where exactly Graham is, if he is not locked up, as a familiar voice comes through the communicator, Rangin steadies his own voice to present a calm facade, which will probably infuriate him all the same.

    “This is Ensign Rangin Sir.”, he begins politely, “I have been asked to pass you a message from Lt Onn. She wants you to stay strong and know that she is supporting you even though she is currently confined...” A brief pause hangs in the air as Rangin lets the message sink in with the inevitable suggestion that while Lt Onn may not know precisely where Graham is, Rangin knows it is not where she expected. “...Sir. I was expecting to deliver this message to your quarters, but you do not appear to be here. Sir."

    Assistance given, Rangin waits to see if Graham responds.

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    "Rang--" Graham's gut reaction is confused and a bit irritated, but he realizes one, that Rangin's being professional and, two and more important, he's a role model now.

    "Ah, thank you, Mr. Rangin." After a pause he adds "Much appreciated."

    He clears his throat. "I have some...commitments...among our guests that require my presence at the moment."

    Closing the channel to Rangin is easy. Thinking about finding Nia and explaining...everything...less so.

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    Harris, a frown on his face, is fussing with the blankets on his bunk and has not spotted Kylah - at least, not yet.

    The noise of the warp drive has now settled into a low hum that fills the starship as she draws steadily away from the doomed world. Onn sees that it will take the Yorktown just over ten hours at Warp 1 to reach safety - beyond a theoretical sphere about twice the average distance of Pluto from the Sun - where the rho radiation wavefront will pose no threat to the ship, her crew or her many, many passengers.

    Brooks sees Onn's expression, guesses what's on her mind and murmurs, "Don't forget the wavefront will only move at the speed of light. It'll never catch us."

    Behind them, Roble and Singh further discuss the ongoing sensor scans of the treacherous star.

    Lt. Thalen enters the Bridge from the turbolift and relieves the duty officer at the Communications console. Moments later, a subspace message comes in from the colony. "It's Gov. Voronko for you, ma'am," the Andorian says to the Captain, his expression unreadable.

    After a long pause, Singh says, "Onscreen."

    As aged and weary as the Captain looks, Sergey Voronko appears far worse. The formerly-jovial executive is now pale and somber. He says, "Capt. Singh. It's good to see you again for what will probably be the last time. I wish I were with you - I wish we all were - but to you, and to your crew, and to those of my people whom you were able to save, I give you my thanks, and bid you farewell."

    "Thank you, Governor," she replies. "I only wish we could have done more. With more warning, more time, more ships...."

    He almost smiles. "I know... and I know you tried. We both know that you did your best in a damnably hard situation."

    She nods reluctantly. "I appreciate that, sir. How are... how are things down there now?"

    "Surprisingly quiet. The troublemakers, the people who couldn't accept what's happening, the angry ones, are either in custody or have at last gone home. They want to be with their families now, with their loved ones, as I...." He shrugs. "Well, enough of that. After all, what is the point of violence, of robbery and destruction, of lashing out at a time like this...?"
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 09 Mar 2021 at 10:30 PM.

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    “...commitments among the guests…”, Rangin muses to himself wondering what exactly Graham is up to. Whatever it is, it obviously precludes him being confined to his quarters. But then this is not his problem anymore, Lt Onn and Graham can go sort it out for themselves.

    Rangin looks around at the families settling in, wondering how they feel, perhaps Xinle Bek had his remaining “family” beamed up, those decisions are final by now. No chance to think again, another no win Kobayashi Maru scenario. But he still feels a sharp pang of failure that he could not rescue more and that the Governor, in all his wisdom, decided to evacuate family units. While he does not begrudge those who are on board, it still galls him they did not just rescue all the children first as other Star Fleet Governors would have done.

    Beyond that, it’s waiting to see how things fare over the next few days with the strain on Life Support. It’s going to be a struggle with all those on board and he may still have to think of some further clever ideas to keep everyone alive, especially with all the extra people on board above and beyond the limits Cmdr Cheverez had given.

    With that in mind, the last thing for Rangin to do for now is go back to Kylah and let her know the message was delivered. He isn’t aware of anything else to do, no messages or orders have come his way, so he turns and leaves Graham’s quarters behind and heads back to the hopeful smiling face he wants to see again.

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    Nia acknowledges her companion with a grim smile. "My intellect knows the science," she murmurs lightly to Brooks. "My instincts wanna get as far from that hot spot as fast as this ship can fly. I'd get out and push if I thought it'd help."

    And speaking of things that won't help... hearing the conversation between the governor and Singh is pretty high on the list. Nia wishes she could shield herself with her scales, specifically the ones near her ears. But all that'd do would be to muffle the voices somewhat; those scales evolved to protect ear canals from dirt and sand when hiding underground. They can't deafen her to the heartbreaking reality of what this Voronko--and the bulk of his civilization--is facing.

    Ten hours. Ten hours chased by radiation. And abandoned behind them, at least according to her people's religion, will be the souls of thousands of dead colonists, waiting for Sala, daughter of Sid'Os, to collect them.

    It's incongruous and maybe--to non-Sidonians--inappropriate to the situation, but buried beneath her anxiety, Nia feels a surge of longing: a rush of physical and emotional hunger for sex, the life-affirming act, the life-creating act. She wants Booker, she needs him.

    Maybe it could be anyone, Ajay would come close, but while their intimacy is deep and abiding, it's not the same. Not that such distinctions matter either way. Obviously, nothing's gonna happen while Nia's at the Helm and Booker's... wherever he is.

    But she can't control her biology any more than she currently seems capable of controlling her emotions.The thought of so much death and destruction triggers her grief and regret and fear, things she vowed long ago to hide from display. Being with Book right now would be...

    It'd be fucking impossible, that's what it'd be. Nia shakes her head. Impossible because of logistics, and impossible because he's either grieving the loss of his dear friend and her son, or he's with them and comforting them on their loss of a whole world.

    She swallows, tamps down everything but her skills at the Helm, and sets her gaze straight ahead at the stars and the ceaseless void onscreen.

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