The Grand Reunion (open to returning players and others)

[T'Ra Jones]

(Observation Lounge)

"Na'shaya, T'Ra," Sevoc replied in kind. "It would be most agreeable to join you on stage if you feel the need."

He turned to Zuriel and responded. "It is agreeable to meet you, sir," he said confidently. "I am not sure how much has been disclosed, but I am not as fine an officer as T'Ra here. No matter what she may say."

His tone was that of modesty. He was always reluctant of any praise heaped on him. Even more so after the incident.

"Oh I assure you, you have no idea." Zuriel said laughing with Evan.

"Avi is studying to be a medical officer, she is not nearly as off the cuff as I am, she grew up seeing me nurse injuries and would try to play doctor even back then. When she told me she was going for a commission I kind of figured that was the direction she would take; but whatever she chooses I will be proud of her, I think she will be a fine officer." Zuriel was not used to being the proud father in the group, but he had to admit to himself it felt really good, it was a part of life he never thought he would attain, and that made it his highest achievement.
"Ahh Sevoc! I may not know your face but your name has crossed my path more than once, glad to finally connect the two; it is a pleasure to meet you finally." Zuriel said with a bow, "My wife Talia." He added with a gesture to the women on his arm. "Nonsense T'Ra is not the one to give undue praise, if she says you're that good, then it is so." Zuriel said quite seriously, "never sell yourself too short Lieutenant, there are plenty of people who will do that, nor do they need help."

[Observation Lounge]

"I have no doubt Avi will do just fine. She had the good sense to at least not take up a position in red," she remarked with half a wry grin, alluding to the age-old joke about what happened to redshirts.

T'Ra was glad to see the guys getting along. Left to their own devices, they'd certainly get themselves into one kind of shenanigans or another. And she was almost tempted to do just that, snag the delightful Talia for what would surely end up being a pensive and enlightening stroll while the boys ran amuck Á¢â,¬Ëœround the station. But perhaps that was better left for another time. T'Ra still had to mentally prepare herself for the eventuality that Hawke would drag her up on stage. And she Sevoc along with her.

She understood why, but it still pained her some to hear Sevoc so reluctant to recognize his own talents and abilities, so doubtful of himself in light of certain tragedies. It extended far beyond typical Vulcan humility, and so she would not push him very far on the matter. "In any case," T'Ra commented, "you carry out your duties adequately enough that you were able to perform a substantial role in the discovery of this transwarp conduit. As such, I am glad you are present to help me explain it."

[Observation Deck]

As he walked in the room he looked at the people around.  He noticed that T'ra and Sevok were already in close proximity.  He also observed as EQ was on the distance talking to Dylan.   Take took  small sip from his Champagne and looked around.

He walked near the front stage and took a deep breath.  He was alone thinking to himself...he hope that the decision he made was the right one.

Tilting her head, T'Ra spotted Hawke walking up onto the stage. Show time.

[Katheryn Brighton]

"My parents handed down similar stories too, but they were more like legends. Back when my Nan was alive she would tell stories to me and the same friend who went to the islands together. She tried to warn us of a rogue fish spirit that could gobble us up if we were not careful. She did help me appreciate the beauty in the world though" Caleb said.

Listening to Caleb also brought back memories of her grandmother and the tales of not only spirit animals but also about the Vikings and how they were descended from them. She was always proud of that side of her heritage and it was something she kept close to her heart. " She sounds like my grandmother apart from tales and legends about the Vikings and other things  she would always offer advice or scare us like that too so we would always follow the right path ".

[Caleb Brighton]

Listening to Caleb also brought back memories of her grandmother and the tales of not only spirit animals but also about the Vikings and how they were descended from them. She was always proud of that side of her heritage and it was something she kept close to her heart. " She sounds like my grandmother apart from tales and legends about the Vikings and other things  she would always offer advice or scare us like that too so we would always follow the right path ".

Caleb nodded listening to her. It reminded him of a story his Nan told him about the Great Whale Spirit. How it would protect him and whomever would venture out if they respected the ocean around them.
It made him smile. "Did she have any whale spirit stories?" he asked.

[Katheryn Brighton]

Caleb nodded listening to her. It reminded him of a story his Nan told him about the Great Whale Spirit. How it would protect him and whomever would venture out if they respected the ocean around them.
It made him smile. "Did she have any whale spirit stories?" he asked.

The conversation so far had been great and Kat genuinely couldn't remember talking like this for so long with someone other than Steven and from what Caleb had just said it seemed as though they had other things in common with their grandmothers. " You know I don't think she did but it does sound as though both of our grandmothers both knew their stuff and how to keep us in line " she replied realising that her glass was empty again. " I don't know about you but I could use a refill" she said with a grin.

[Kirok]

[Observation Lounge]

"I have no doubt Avi will do just fine. She had the good sense to at least not take up a position in red," she remarked with half a wry grin, alluding to the age-old joke about what happened to redshirts.

T'Ra was glad to see the guys getting along. Left to their own devices, they'd certainly get themselves into one kind of shenanigans or another. And she was almost tempted to do just that, snag the delightful Talia for what would surely end up being a pensive and enlightening stroll while the boys ran amuck Á¢â,¬Ëœround the station. But perhaps that was better left for another time. T'Ra still had to mentally prepare herself for the eventuality that Hawke would drag her up on stage. And she Sevoc along with her.

She understood why, but it still pained her some to hear Sevoc so reluctant to recognize his own talents and abilities, so doubtful of himself in light of certain tragedies. It extended far beyond typical Vulcan humility, and so she would not push him very far on the matter. "In any case," T'Ra commented, "you carry out your duties adequately enough that you were able to perform a substantial role in the discovery of this transwarp conduit. As such, I am glad you are present to help me explain it."

Tilting her head, T'Ra spotted Hawke walking up onto the stage. Show time.

[Observation Deck]

Kirok noticed the arrival Hawke.  He excused himself from his conversation and headed to the stage, signaling T'Ra as he went with a subtle not.  "I assume you are ready to address the group" he said to the young man.

After Kirok got confirmation, he stepped on stage and when directly to the podium.  "Ladies and Gentlemen.  Thank you all for attending this gathering today.  We are here both to gather in friendship but also to witness something quite remarkable, the grand opening of a stable passage to the Delta Quadrant" Kirok said.

"Since the return of Voyager from the Delta Quadrant, Star Fleet has been working on a way to access it.  So I find it acceptable that members of the flag ship accomplished a goal that others could not achieve.  And without further adieu, I would like to introduce James Hawke and T'Ra Jones who led the Away Team who finally solved this mystery" the half Vulcan added and then stepped away from the podium.

[James A. Hawke]

[Observation Deck]

Kirok noticed the arrival Hawke.  He excused himself from his conversation and headed to the stage, signaling T'Ra as he went with a subtle not.  "I assume you are ready to address the group" he said to the young man.

James looked intently at the Podium and wondered if he was ready.  Hawke has given a few speeches in the past, however, this time it was different.  He was a little nervous about addressing a large crowd, but it was something that he was prepared.

He nodded towards Kirok as he swallowed his own saliva.    He barely said any words as he kept thinking over and over again the words the he prepared.   He stood next to Kirok and heard his announcement.

After Kirok got confirmation, he stepped on stage and when directly to the podium.  "Ladies and Gentlemen.  Thank you all for attending this gathering today.  We are here both to gather in friendship but also to witness something quite remarkable, the grand opening of a stable passage to the Delta Quadrant" Kirok said.

"Since the return of Voyager from the Delta Quadrant, Star Fleet has been working on a way to access it.  So I find it acceptable that members of the flag ship accomplished a goal that others could not achieve.  And without further adieu, I would like to introduce James Hawke and T'Ra Jones who led the Away Team who finally solved this mystery" the half Vulcan added and then stepped away from the podium.

After Kirok, James looked at T'Ra for a second and nodded.    He walked up to the Podium and shook Kirok's hand. There was a small smile as he slowly walked to the Podium. He stood behind it and gently placed his hands on top of the Podium.

"Thank you for the kind introduction Admiral.  Also Thank you all of you for coming here tonight on this historic evening.  Before, I go any further in the speech I wanted to take a moment and thank for everyone on this Shuttle Mission.   Commander T'Ra Jones, Lieutenant Sevok, Lieutenant Ardyn Jaeger,  Ensign Alex Harmon and Crewman EQ Kimball.  Without them , every single one...we would not be here today.  Please help me give them a round of applause "
James took a small step back and began clapping at the team.   He waited for a couple second for the entire room to join him in clapping.  He tried to make eye contact with everyone one of them and afterwards approached the Podium.

"I wanted to take a small moment and confess a small sin.  When we discovered the potential of this gateway, part of me thought that "we might need to close it".  If we open a doorway we might be unprepared for potential terrors and nightmares.  But then I thought about all the wonders that we might be robbing ourselves...the wonders of the universe"  James said

"I see myself thinking of the Captain's Motto's words that have greater meaning today.  The motto which says: Space, the Final Frontier.  These are the voyages of the Shadow Fleet . Its continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds. To seek out new life and new civilizations. To boldly go where no one has gone before." James continued

"Words...that not only inspire us, but also I hope inspire and guide future generations of Starfleet Officers.  Now without further ado, the lead Scientist of the mission and my friend Lieutenant Commander T'Ra Jones "  James finished

He took a couple of steps back and continued clapping.  Waiting for T'Ra to take her place in the podium.

[T'Ra Jones]

[Observation Deck]

James looked intently at the Podium and wondered if he was ready.  Hawke has given a few speeches in the past, however, this time it was different.  He was a little nervous about addressing a large crowd, but it was something that he was prepared.

He nodded towards Kirok as he swallowed his own saliva.    He barely said any words as he kept thinking over and over again the words the he prepared.   He stood next to Kirok and heard his announcement.

After Kirok, James looked at T'Ra for a second and nodded.    He walked up to the Podium and shook Kirok's hand. There was a small smile as he slowly walked to the Podium. He stood behind it and gently placed his hands on top of the Podium.

"Thank you for the kind introduction Admiral.  Also Thank you all of you for coming here tonight on this historic evening.  Before, I go any further in the speech I wanted to take a moment and thank for everyone on this Shuttle Mission.   Commander T'Ra Jones, Lieutenant Sevok, Lieutenant Ardyn Jaeger, and Ensign Alex Harmon.  Without them , every single one...we would not be here today.  Please help me give them a round of applause "

James took a small step back and began clapping at the team.   He waited for a couple second for the entire room to join him in clapping.  He tried to make eye contact with everyone one of them and afterwards approached the Podium.

"I wanted to take a small moment and confess a small sin.  When we discovered the potential of this gateway, part of me thought that Á¢â,¬Ëœwe might need to close it.'  If we open a doorway we might be unprepared for potential terrors and nightmares.  But then I thought about all the wonders that we might be robbing ourselves...the wonders of the universe,"  James said

"I see myself thinking of the Captain's Motto's words that have greater meaning today.  The motto which says: Space, the Final Frontier.  These are the voyages of the Shadow Fleet . Its continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds. To seek out new life and new civilizations. To boldly go where no one has gone before." James continued

"Words...that not only inspire us, but also I hope inspire and guide future generations of Starfleet Officers.  Now without further ado, the lead Scientist of the mission and my friend Lieutenant Commander T'Ra Jones, "  James finished

He took a couple of steps back and continued clapping.  Waiting for T'Ra to take her place in the podium.

[Observation Lounge]
With a subtle nod from Kirok, T'Ra moved to pull away and slowly make her way towards to stage.  Evan caught her hand in his, a gesture meant to lend her strength for the unpleasant task ahead. She turned briefly to be greeted by his usual lopsided grin, but by the time she reached the stage, she had slipped fully and into her Vulcan mask, her features smooth and placid. She listened attentively to the Commander's words, which stuck an almost eerie note for her in light of recent events. Battling the Borg, Sloan... she found it all just as unsettling as she found it exciting.

"We received a communique from Starbase Columbus," T'Ra began, addressing the crowd at large, "indicating anomalous readings in an area of space that was not too far out of our way. They asked us to investigate." Her eyes wandered as she spoke, often falling upon Evan, who would regard her with a warm smile.

"My interest was instantly piqued. Triquantum waves indicated a high probability of a Borg transwarp conduit in the area." A thought caused her to pause, seeming to give the crowd a moment to digest these words. It occurred to her that most of the people present had not been directly impacted by the Borg as she had been. Most of them were not aware of the recent struggle against a second Borg cube, which had come so close to destroying what they held most dear. The dangers of the conduit were not as real to them, distant probabilities and nothing more.

"It could be described as luck, she added, knowing they'd want her to go on, "coincidence, that we were already heading in that direction. But the universe is rarely so careless. We do not know why it was not detected sooner, or even if it was possible to detect it sooner. But there we were. Lieutenant Sevoc and I calculated a series of alternating tachyon pulses, and you know the rest."

[Naira]

[Observation Deck]

Just as her mother had done for her in her youth, Naira had spent the afternoon massaging sweet almond oil into her scalp and the cloud of thick coils that hung about her head. She intricately wove silk ribbons and strands of pearls into her dark hair. To complete her outfit, she wore a simple off-shoulder mermaid dress in a pale cream to match.

On her arm hung the young Trill nurse Leesill as the two of them had made their way around the room. Her new friend grabbed yet another drink off a passing tray as a waiter walked by and she once more attempted to hand it to the Orion.

"I've already told you, No, I won't be drinking tonight." She said calmly as she gently pushed her friend's hand away.

"Suit yourself then, I will just have to drink it myself" Leesill giggled and brought the glass of champagne back to her own lips.

Naira leaned in to ask, "Haven't you had enough for the both of us yet?"

"Perhaps..." Said the other woman with a coy look upon her face.

Briefly she teased the other woman about the possibility of having to personally escort her friend back to her quarters just to make sure she safely made it to her room that night. Then, a silence came over the crowd around them as the admiral took to the stage.

After Kirok got confirmation, he stepped on stage and when directly to the podium.  "Ladies and Gentlemen.  Thank you all for attending this gathering today.  We are here both to gather in friendship but also to witness something quite remarkable, the grand opening of a stable passage to the Delta Quadrant" Kirok said.

"Since the return of Voyager from the Delta Quadrant, Star Fleet has been working on a way to access it.  So I find it acceptable that members of the flag ship accomplished a goal that others could not achieve.  And without further adieu, I would like to introduce James Hawke and T'Ra Jones who led the Away Team who finally solved this mystery" the half Vulcan added and then stepped away from the podium.

The two of them untangled their arms to applaud.

After Kirok, James looked at T'Ra for a second and nodded.    He walked up to the Podium and shook Kirok's hand. There was a small smile as he slowly walked to the Podium. He stood behind it and gently placed his hands on top of the Podium.

"Thank you for the kind introduction Admiral.  Also Thank you all of you for coming here tonight on this historic evening.  Before, I go any further in the speech I wanted to take a moment and thank for everyone on this Shuttle Mission.   Commander T'Ra Jones, Lieutenant Sevok, Lieutenant Ardyn Jaeger, and Ensign Alex Harmon.  Without them , every single one...we would not be here today.  Please help me give them a round of applause "
James took a small step back and began clapping at the team.   He waited for a couple second for the entire room to join him in clapping.  He tried to make eye contact with everyone one of them and afterwards approached the Podium.

"I wanted to take a small moment and confess a small sin.  When we discovered the potential of this gateway, part of me thought that "we might need to close it".  If we open a doorway we might be unprepared for potential terrors and nightmares.  But then I thought about all the wonders that we might be robbing ourselves...the wonders of the universe"  James said

"I see myself thinking of the Captain's Motto's words that have greater meaning today.  The motto which says: Space, the Final Frontier.  These are the voyages of the Shadow Fleet . Its continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds. To seek out new life and new civilizations. To boldly go where no one has gone before." James continued

"Words...that not only inspire us, but also I hope inspire and guide future generations of Starfleet Officers.  Now without further ado, the lead Scientist of the mission and my friend Lieutenant Commander T'Ra Jones "  James finished

He took a couple of steps back and continued clapping.  Waiting for T'Ra to take her place in the podium.

"We received a communique from Starbase Columbus," T'Ra began, addressing the crowd at large, "indicating anomalous readings in an area of space that was not too far out of our way. They asked us to investigate." Her eyes wandered as she spoke, often falling upon Evan, who would regard her with a warm smile.

"My interest was instantly piqued. Triquantum waves indicated a high probability of a Borg transwarp conduit in the area." A thought caused her to pause, seeming to give the crowd a moment to digest these words. It occurred to her that most of the people present had not been directly impacted by the Borg as she had been. Most of them were not aware of the recent struggle against a second Borg cube, which had come so close to destroying what they held most dear. The dangers of the conduit were not as real to them, distant probabilities and nothing more.

"It could be described as luck, she added, knowing they'd want her to go on, "coincidence, that we were already heading in that direction. But the universe is rarely so careless. We do not know why it was not detected sooner, or even if it was possible to detect it sooner. But there we were. Lieutenant Sevoc and I calculated a series of alternating tachyon pulses, and you know the rest."

Naira had missed whatever it was that Leesill had tried to whisper in her ear as she had been hanging on every word.

[Caleb Brighton]

The conversation so far had been great and Kat genuinely couldn't remember talking like this for so long with someone other than Steven and from what Caleb had just said it seemed as though they had other things in common with their grandmothers. " You know I don't think she did but it does sound as though both of our grandmothers both knew their stuff and how to keep us in line " she replied realising that her glass was empty again. " I don't know about you but I could use a refill" she said with a grin.

"I could use a refill as well!" Caleb said. He politely flagged down a waiter so they could get their drinks refilled. After they did, it seemed the presentation began. He made a nod to Katheryn to look to look at the stage. He then turned so they could both listen.

[Katheryn Brighton]

"I could use a refill as well!" Caleb said. He politely flagged down a waiter so they could get their drinks refilled. After they did, it seemed the presentation began. He made a nod to Katheryn to look to look at the stage. He then turned so they could both listen.

Once their drinks had been refilled and Caleb nodded to her to look at the stage, she smiled and turned to listen as Commander Hawke took to the stage first, clapping alongside the others before finding meaning in what he said last, filling her with a sense of pride at being part of the fleet. She then continued to listen as Commander Jones took to the stage and looked to Caleb for a moment before turning her attention back to the stage.

[Caleb Brighton]

Once their drinks had been refilled and Caleb nodded to her to look at the stage, she smiled and turned to listen as Commander Hawke took to the stage first, clapping alongside the others before finding meaning in what he said last, filling her with a sense of pride at being part of the fleet. She then continued to listen as Commander Jones took to the stage and looked to Caleb for a moment before turning her attention back to the stage.

Caleb gave her a smile and whispered to her "You know this reminds me of the time Ben and I accidentally discovered a race with warp capability. They were actually really nice and despite some setbacks they actually agreed to join the Federation. With my influence of course.Don't know where their application is right now to be honest..."

[Katheryn Brighton]

Caleb gave her a smile and whispered to her "You know this reminds me of the time Ben and I accidentally discovered a race with warp capability. They were actually really nice and despite some setbacks they actually agreed to join the Federation. With my influence of course.Don't know where their application is right now to be honest..."

Turning slightly but keeping her main focus on the stage Katheryn briefly returned his smile and listened as he whispered to her, again interested by what he had to say. " Interesting you'll have to tell me more about it sometime it would be good to learn more about them" she whispered back genuinely as she enjoyed learning about new races and had a feeling that she would never get bored listening to his stories.

[D'Vid]

[observation lounge]

D'vid applauded when they shared the information. He was happy for EQ Kimbell had made part of the mission. He was hearing every bit of every information. The mention of the Borg had made him feel ill in his stomach. He was there witnessing the beginning of the attack until his relative saved him from the future.

There was a young talking couple that was not far from the El-Aurian.  Both seem to be young for human years. He figured that make was a motor mouth. He was smiling to himself. It looked like two birds falling in love. He just hoped they will put their attention back to the podium.

D'Vid looked back to the podium to see what else was going to be share.

[Caleb Brighton]

Turning slightly but keeping her main focus on the stage Katheryn briefly returned his smile and listened as he whispered to her, again interested by what he had to say. " Interesting you'll have to tell me more about it sometime it would be good to learn more about them" she whispered back genuinely as she enjoyed learning about new races and had a feeling that she would never get bored listening to his stories.

Caleb then smiled and then made a polite gesture so that they would look back toward the podium. There would be plenty more time later for them to chat. The story itself of how the discover of the gateway was getting intriguing. He took a sip of his drink before he shifted his focus directly back on the speaker on the stage.

[Katheryn Brighton]

Caleb then smiled and then made a polite gesture so that they would look back toward the podium. There would be plenty more time later for them to chat. The story itself of how the discover of the gateway was getting intriguing. He took a sip of his drink before he shifted his focus directly back on the speaker on the stage.

Katheryn smiled back then followed his lead by returning her focus back to the stage thinking how much she was still enjoying herself and looked forward to talking more later. She didn't think she would of thought this was going to turn out the way it had so far but also hearing about the discovery had added to that experience and she was glad she decided to come after all and not even seeing Steven with someone else wasn't going to get her down.