Athena Mission 2.6: Gender Bender

[Constance Lafayette]

[Philo- Bay of the Tides]

Time passed the party raged on. It was... enjoyable. Even Constance had to admit. She eventually partook of the drink called... "u'lok'jivx". Everyone there did eventually. It was sticky-sweet and made her pucker, almost like lemonade. She hung on the side and made polite chatter with the delegates, leaving James to do the heavier lifting socially. About an hour later the chief lifted its hands to the sky as the moon rose and the tides changed.

"AND WITH THE CHANGING OF THE TIDES LET THERE BE A CHANGING OF THE SPIRIT!" It called and, in short order, everything went white. Constance casually shrugged and gave a toast- it was only polite. She head felt... funny and when she looked back at the hand she'd held the cup she saluted with. It was... wrong. It wasn't the delicate little hands she normally had, rounded and thin, but one with thicker finders. It was probably just her drink. She quickly rushed up to James and looked at him,

"Mr. Carter I require an escort back to the ship. I believe I have over-exerted my..."

Mr. Carter was not... Mr.

Her eyes went wide... wait. If he was she than she was he... oh god...

[D'Vid]

[Philo- Bay of the Tides]

Time passed the party raged on. It was... enjoyable. Even Constance had to admit. She eventually partook of the drink called... "u'lok'jivx". Everyone there did eventually. It was sticky-sweet and made her pucker, almost like lemonade. She hung on the side and made polite chatter with the delegates, leaving James to do the heavier lifting socially. About an hour later the chief lifted its hands to the sky as the moon rose and the tides changed.

"AND WITH THE CHANGING OF THE TIDES LET THERE BE A CHANGING OF THE SPIRIT!" It called and, in short order, everything went white. Constance casually shrugged and gave a toast- it was only polite. She head felt... funny and when she looked back at the hand she'd held the cup she saluted with. It was... wrong. It wasn't the delicate little hands she normally had, rounded and thin, but one with thicker finders. It was probably just her drink. She quickly rushed up to James and looked at him,

"Mr. Carter I require an escort back to the ship. I believe I have over-exerted my..."

Mr. Carter was not... Mr.

Her eyes went wide... wait. If he was she than she was he... oh god...

D'Vid saw the Admiral change in blink of an eye. He too was stunned he was....a....female. His mind was flying in circles. His emotions went to something he never felt. These people around him made him warm inside. He blushed. Wait. She blushed. Scared. Not sure what to do. The gentle side of him quickly ran behind the Admiral who was a very handsome male. No. What was going on? Everyone was opposite now. His hand went on the admiral's shoulder like a small child would do to hide from the unknown. His emotions was on a roller coaster. He pulled his hand from the Admiral cause it was nice but he needed to touch he was being protected. Darn. He was not liking it.

[Caleb Brighton]

[ Philo - Bay Of The Tides ]

The conversation between Katheryn, Catrin, Leo, and Caleb had gone smoothly. Since Leo had not heard the acid jungles story, he decided to pull it out. Though Katheryn had heard it a million times, he knew she still loved his stories.

It was then everything was a tad bit fuzzy. Caleb remembered a bright light and an off feeling. When things became clear, Caleb's eyes opened. A hand went to the head to check to see if the pain was internal rather than external. The touch to the head was soft, almost as if Katheryn was touching it. There was an odd comfort in the moment before Cal looked at her hands.

Cal was wondering if it was a dream. Maybe somehow he had swapped bodies with Katheryn. A bit farfetched, but during his jungle days, anything was possible. Cal's hands were softer, but still worn with the hands of a true doctor. The ring on her hand was the same as before. It was odd to say the least. Cal then checked her hair and it was softer than normal. As her heart pounded, she looked down. This would be the true test to see if the body swap was indeed true.

When Cal looked down, she saw her white slacks. The same as she put on earlier in the day. "Great Scott!" She exclaimed. It was immediate the difference in pitch. The accent stayed true to her heritage. She ran over to the nearest table that happened to have a silver empty platter on it.

Cal looked to see a oddly familiar face in the mirror. Gone was the beard that was grown, Her face was a bit square. A bit of stress was apparent under her eyes and her long brown hair looked messy."Could be worse... My hair isn't a complete mess, but good lord. This suit is not flattering to the girls... I am embarrassment to the fleet! I will need to change quickly. I look like a skank,"Cal thought.

It was then he realized, he may not be alone in this. When he looked at his lover Katheryn, she too had changed. Rather drastically she had gone from a beautiful woman to an equally as attractive man. He eyes widened as she took in her lover's chiseled features. she walked over with the silver platter. "Kayla please stay calm, but something odd has just happened," Cal said holding up the platter for Kat to see.   

[James Carter]

[Philo- Bay of the Tides]

Time passed the party raged on. It was... enjoyable. Even Constance had to admit. She eventually partook of the drink called... "u'lok'jivx". Everyone there did eventually. It was sticky-sweet and made her pucker, almost like lemonade. She hung on the side and made polite chatter with the delegates, leaving James to do the heavier lifting socially. About an hour later the chief lifted its hands to the sky as the moon rose and the tides changed.

"AND WITH THE CHANGING OF THE TIDES LET THERE BE A CHANGING OF THE SPIRIT!" It called and, in short order, everything went white. Constance casually shrugged and gave a toast- it was only polite. She head felt... funny and when she looked back at the hand she'd held the cup she saluted with. It was... wrong. It wasn't the delicate little hands she normally had, rounded and thin, but one with thicker finders. It was probably just her drink. She quickly rushed up to James and looked at him,

"Mr. Carter I require an escort back to the ship. I believe I have over-exerted my..."

Mr. Carter was not... Mr.

Her eyes went wide... wait. If he was she than she was he... oh god...

[Bay of the Tides]

James' head tilted slightly for a moment as he noticed the Admiral's confused look. "What's wrong ca-." That's when he...she figured it out. Constance was now a man. She looked down at her own body for a second and let out a short sigh. "I had a dream like this once. Or...I think that was a dream. With all of the overlapping information in my head it's hard to tell sometimes." The first officer thought out loud. After a second she looked back to the Admiral. "Well this is odd." Her voice was flat and almost natural like she was totally unphased by the new development.

[Katheryn Brighton]

[ Philo - Bay Of The Tides ]

The conversation between Katheryn, Catrin, Leo, and Caleb had gone smoothly. Since Leo had not heard the acid jungles story, he decided to pull it out. Though Katheryn had heard it a million times, he knew she still loved his stories.

It was then everything was a tad bit fuzzy. Caleb remembered a bright light and an off feeling. When things became clear, Caleb's eyes opened. A hand went to the head to check to see if the pain was internal rather than external. The touch to the head was soft, almost as if Katheryn was touching it. There was an odd comfort in the moment before Cal looked at her hands.

Cal was wondering if it was a dream. Maybe somehow he had swapped bodies with Katheryn. A bit farfetched, but during his jungle days, anything was possible. Cal's hands were softer, but still worn with the hands of a true doctor. The ring on her hand was the same as before. It was odd to say the least. Cal then checked her hair and it was softer than normal. As her heart pounded, she looked down. This would be the true test to see if the body swap was indeed true.

When Cal looked down, she saw her white slacks. The same as she put on earlier in the day. "Great Scott!" She exclaimed. It was immediate the difference in pitch. The accent stayed true to her heritage. She ran over to the nearest table that happened to have a silver empty platter on it.

Cal looked to see a oddly familiar face in the mirror. Gone was the beard that was grown, Her face was a bit square. A bit of stress was apparent under her eyes and her long brown hair looked messy."Could be worse... My hair isn't a complete mess, but good lord. This suit is not flattering to the girls... I am embarrassment to the fleet! I will need to change quickly. I look like a skank,"Cal thought.

It was then he realized, he may not be alone in this. When he looked at his lover Katheryn, she too had changed. Rather drastically she had gone from a beautiful woman to an equally as attractive man. He eyes widened as she took in her lover's chiseled features. she walked over with the silver platter. "Kayla please stay calm, but something odd has just happened," Cal said holding up the platter for Kat to see.

[Philo - Bay of the Tides]

Katheryn had been enjoying the conversation between her, Caleb, Catrin and Leo as well as sampling more of the local food and wine and after the missions of late actually felt more relaxed than she had done in ages apart from those times she shared with her beloved when they were alone in their quarters. It moved onto stories about the Acid Jungles and she smiled lovingly as Cal recounted his adventures as she could never grow tired of them.

But then things went weird well that's how she would describe it, remembering the Chief's chant then everything seemed to go white. Her main concern was for her other half and turned to find him but instead saw a woman with familiar brown hair run towards the table to collect a tray then run back. Wondering what the hell was going on yet at the same time felt an uneasiness creep over until the woman was back and spoke to her. At first she wanted to know why she was calling her Kayla when only Cal called her that then she looked into the silver platter and it started to sink in that the woman stood before her was Caleb and ......

She no he gasped loudly as he took in every detail of the changed features gone was the long blonde hair now cropped but wavy, the delicate features now more chiselled, the chest flat but toned and to be honest it was a lot take in as he tried to remain calm like Cal had asked. Would he still call himself Kayla since she was no more but he was her which caused his brain to ache. Finally he looked at Cal  " I'm trying not too " he replied wincing slightly at his new voice when he had been used to it being soft although the hint of Norwegian remained. " I'm sorry Cal its just a lot to take in at the moment " he said honestly as he continued to look at the one he loved.

[Constance Lafayette]

Constance kind of turned and stumbled back a little bit as D'Vid touched her shoulder.

"I-" She began but went scarlet herself.

"Well... Mr. Cart- Ms. Carter. We seem to have ourselves a situation. We need a medical scan immediately to try to remedy the situation."

She put on her best "business as usual" voice but honestly there was just nothing to it.

"Get Dr. Brighton. We'll need his expertise."

The Philosian leader approached them, a rather concerned expression on its face.

"Ad-ee-mah-ral. What's wrong?" It asked, "You seemed to have changed. We didn't see this in any of your medical files you sent over. Are you sick?"

Constance nearly grabbed it by it's neck but stopped, remembering decorum.

"Er... no my friend. It seems that your ritual shifted our gender... as far as my crew and I can tell."

"Oh! That's normal. Ritual of the Changing Tide does that. It is so that some of us can carry children to term. It is odd that you were  affected. No other guests at our ceremony have transferred. Then again, we've only had two other species witness it... one was a race of energy beings and the other was a synthetic race... hmmm. I'll have to consult with the doctors... just hang tight."

Constance was hyperventilating inside but made a glorious attempt to hide the fact that she felt like she was in the wrong skin.

[D'Vid]

D'Vid skin changed real pasty white. The mention of birth struck her hard. Her slender hands went to touch her cheek bone. It was not feeling right. It was soft and gentle. Her soft brown eyes were racing around the others.

There was shiny metal structure. Her head peeked around the Admiral's to see the female who was slender, her brown eyes was staring back and she had a nice define body. Her eyes were looking right at her. She cocked her had aside. The reflection did the same. Slowly she placed her right small hand up. The reflection copied her. That when her mouth dropped and her brown eyes gone wide opened. She blinked. It was to much for her. It was like she woke up with her body chemistry was off like she was possible connected to the moon phase.

The female was staying put, call her the Admiral's shodow. She feared to be looked at. Did not want to mingle with anyone. All her trust was on the head cheese, damn he was cute. NO! She was more emotional then her male counter part.

She want to be back being who she was a GUY

Like.....NOW!

[James Carter]

"Oh! That's normal. Ritual of the Changing Tide does that. It is so that some of us can carry children to term. It is odd that you were  affected. No other guests at our ceremony have transferred. Then again, we've only had two other species witness it... one was a race of energy beings and the other was a synthetic race... hmmm. I'll have to consult with the doctors... just hang tight."

[Bay of the Tides]

"To...to term? I don't know how long that is for your species, but that's 9 months for ours. If this lasts a full 9 months...you know what I can't do this. I'm going to go speak with Brighton." The first officer said. Her voice was posh compared to where she was a he. The change was both comfortable and uncomfortable at the same time. She wasn't uncomfortable being a she, but the uncertainty of how long it could last did make her feel uneasy.

As she approached Dr. Brighton she brushed her hair out of her eyes and let out a short sigh. "Dr. Brighton. We need to do some scans and figure out what's going on. Right now."

[Caleb Brighton]

[Bay of the Tides]

"To...to term? I don't know how long that is for your species, but that's 9 months for ours. If this lasts a full 9 months...you know what I can't do this. I'm going to go speak with Brighton." The first officer said. Her voice was posh compared to where she was a he. The change was both comfortable and uncomfortable at the same time. She wasn't uncomfortable being a she, but the uncertainty of how long it could last did make her feel uneasy. As she put down the platter, she hugged her beloved as assured him things would be ok. She had him take a few deep breaths with him to calm down.

As she approached Dr. Brighton she brushed her hair out of her eyes and let out a short sigh. "Dr. Brighton. We need to do some scans and figure out what's going on. Right now."

[ Philo- Bay Of Tides ]

Cal took a moment to let everything sink in for Kay. The woman, rather the now man, she deeply cared for looked concerned. Though Cal was ready to "roll with it", part of her was scared for a moment. The transition was comfortable, but she also felt she was not modest in her uniform. This was all irrational after all as the uniform she had on before the transition did have some wiggle room. She knew this new body would take some getting used to, but she thought about it for a moment. This would be interesting to keep track of for medical purposes. If she were to experience things in another body, the things she could learn would be amazing.

She heard a voice behind her asking for immediate scans. There was a slight bit err of irritation to it as well as urgency. "Absolutely Ms. Carter. I can establish a baseline and refer to our records back on the ship. I do want to rule out that our entire ship was not effected. Just give me a few moments and I will get things going. Gather up everyone from the away team. We can meet in a central locale in order for me to establish a few things," Cal said getting out her tricorder. " In the meantime, I suggest you walk in the other shoes for a bit. It can't hurt to experience something new. Please stand still I am going to scan you first."

Cal then scanned Carter. She hummed to herself as she pulled out her PADD and began look at a the initial readings. As she began to type her notes, she paused for a moment. "Fascinating," was all she said before she scanned Kay, Leo, and Cat. She then excused herself for a moment. She told them to converse while she went over the readings. Though she loved the company, reading all the data would require some focus. She was far enough away from the distractions and earshot of the others. As she did this, she had hoped Jenna wouldn't show. It was then she heard Jenna's singing.

"Hey there Caleb," Jenna said with her back turned to Cal. She was admiring the landscape. "Man I wish I was here. The base is so cold right now it's like the resort back home." Time seemed to slow as Jenna turned around. Cal remained calm as Jenna's eyes went wide. "what in the name of all the is right and decent happened to you Caleb?" Jenna exclaimed.
"I don't know all the details right now. Please call me Cal for now," Cal said correcting Jenna. "The last I remember I was standing with Kay, Leo, and Cat at the banquet behind us.  Next thing I knew there was a bright light and I was like this. No there's wasn't anything in our drinks! You are seeing it too. It's good to know it's only happened to the away crew."

"Cal this is going to take a lot of getting used to, though to be fair this is no different than that bet you lost via that hockey game," Jenna said snickering a bit as she looked up and down at Cal. "Eyes up here misses! I know the way you swing and I am happily spoken for," Cal said. Jenna still snickered and Cal rolled her eyes. She then went down to her PADD to begin analysis. "I am glad you're here though. You out of anyone I know is a good sounding board for my crazy ideas and remedies," Cal said. "Hey I didn't think it was crazy you saving the dude who's arm got caught on that zipline," Jenna said. "Yes, but you backed me when I forced the others at the clinic to let him say goodbye to his wife," Cal said. "Not a day goes by that I don't think about him and that lake,"Jenna said.

Cal returned to the group about twenty minutes later. "Hokay here's the skinny," Cal began. " Though I have been a fan of the good new bad news angle I will skip straight to the point. The good news is that we are the only ones effected by this change. No one back on the ship has changed. The strange news that I will have to confirm is that it seems like our genetic structure has indeed be changed. It might not be just that either. Some aspects of our personalities might become more highlighted than others that were previously subdued. I know we want to get back to our normal selves, but I suggest we treat this as a scientific experiment. I checked and there seems to be no medically adverse side effects. Everyone I scanned is healthy. I know it is uncomfortable folks, but it looks like we are stuck until I can find some way to play god and recreate what happened." Cal then let out a small sigh. Though she was an expert at giving grim news, many times over, this was one of the uneasiest bits of news to give. Though the group had confidence in her, this was brand new territory.

[Katheryn Brighton]

[ Philo- Bay Of Tides ]

Cal took a moment to let everything sink in for Kay. The woman, rather the now man, she deeply cared for looked concerned. Though Cal was ready to "roll with it", part of her was scared for a moment. The transition was comfortable, but she also felt she was not modest in her uniform. This was all irrational after all as the uniform she had on before the transition did have some wiggle room. She knew this new body would take some getting used to, but she thought about it for a moment. This would be interesting to keep track of for medical purposes. If she were to experience things in another body, the things she could learn would be amazing.

She heard a voice behind her asking for immediate scans. There was a slight bit err of irritation to it as well as urgency. "Absolutely Ms. Carter. I can establish a baseline and refer to our records back on the ship. I do want to rule out that our entire ship was not effected. Just give me a few moments and I will get things going. Gather up everyone from the away team. We can meet in a central locale in order for me to establish a few things," Cal said getting out her tricorder. " In the meantime, I suggest you walk in the other shoes for a bit. It can't hurt to experience something new. Please stand still I am going to scan you first."

Cal then scanned Carter. She hummed to herself as she pulled out her PADD and began look at a the initial readings. As she began to type her notes, she paused for a moment. "Fascinating," was all she said before she scanned Kay, Leo, and Cat. She then excused herself for a moment. She told them to converse while she went over the readings. Though she loved the company, reading all the data would require some focus. She was far enough away from the distractions and earshot of the others. As she did this, she had hoped Jenna wouldn't show. It was then she heard Jenna's singing.

"Hey there Caleb," Jenna said with her back turned to Cal. She was admiring the landscape. "Man I wish I was here. The base is so cold right now it's like the resort back home." Time seemed to slow as Jenna turned around. Cal remained calm as Jenna's eyes went wide. "what in the name of all the is right and decent happened to you Caleb?" Jenna exclaimed.
"I don't know all the details right now. Please call me Cal for now," Cal said correcting Jenna. "The last I remember I was standing with Kay, Leo, and Cat at the banquet behind us.  Next thing I knew there was a bright light and I was like this. No there's wasn't anything in our drinks! You are seeing it too. It's good to know it's only happened to the away crew."

"Cal this is going to take a lot of getting used to, though to be fair this is no different than that bet you lost via that hockey game," Jenna said snickering a bit as she looked up and down at Cal. "Eyes up here misses! I know the way you swing and I am happily spoken for," Cal said. Jenna still snickered and Cal rolled her eyes. She then went down to her PADD to begin analysis. "I am glad you're here though. You out of anyone I know is a good sounding board for my crazy ideas and remedies," Cal said. "Hey I didn't think it was crazy you saving the dude who's arm got caught on that zipline," Jenna said. "Yes, but you backed me when I forced the others at the clinic to let him say goodbye to his wife," Cal said. "Not a day goes by that I don't think about him and that lake,"Jenna said.

Cal returned to the group about twenty minutes later. "Hokay here's the skinny," Cal began. " Though I have been a fan of the good new bad news angle I will skip straight to the point. The good news is that we are the only ones effected by this change. No one back on the ship has changed. The strange news that I will have to confirm is that it seems like our genetic structure has indeed be changed. It might not be just that either. Some aspects of our personalities might become more highlighted than others that were previously subdued. I know we want to get back to our normal selves, but I suggest we treat this as a scientific experiment. I checked and there seems to be no medically adverse side effects. Everyone I scanned is healthy. I know it is uncomfortable folks, but it looks like we are stuck until I can find some way to play god and recreate what happened." Cal then let out a small sigh. Though she was an expert at giving grim news, many times over, this was one of the uneasiest bits of news to give. Though the group had confidence in her, this was brand new territory.

[Philo - Bay of the Tides]

Not wanting to completely lose his former identity and the special meaning of his previous nickname he had decided to shorten it to Kay and as he continued to look at Cal was still finding it hard to take all of this in. He was about to say something else when the XO came over and spoke to Cal and he remained quiet as the two spoke, understanding why scans had to be done but the thought of this being permanent scared him.

Knowing he had to keep it together and be strong but at the same time wanted to return to his former self. Unsure how he was going to cope when everything was new and strange, staying silent as Cal then scanned him, Cat and Leo as his mind whirred with all of this information. When Cal then moved off to go through the scan information, Kay sat down on the ground still holding the silver tray and looked at his new reflection again noticing that he mustn't of looked properly the first time as his hair was just as long and had a stubble similar to that of Caleb's.

http://imgur.com/a/VMPra

As he continued to look thoughts turned to their upcoming wedding and the dress he well Kayla had already picked out and tried on, their plans for a family and would this change their relationship and what if it was permanent. He knew that he was probably overthinking and worrying for nothing but still it was something he would have to speak to Cal about when they were alone because it didn't change the way he felt about him/her but it would certainly be interesting.

By the time Cal reappeared Kay didn't feel as bad and knew it must of been tough for Cal to tell them her findings but she was right it would give them chance to experience the other gender and perhaps gain a better understanding maybe even bring the couple closer and had faith that she would find a way to return them back to normal.

" I understand Cal and your right maybe it won't be so bad after all to experience this " he said still trying to be positive about the whole thing.

[James Carter]

[ Philo- Bay Of Tides ]

Cal took a moment to let everything sink in for Kay. The woman, rather the now man, she deeply cared for looked concerned. Though Cal was ready to "roll with it", part of her was scared for a moment. The transition was comfortable, but she also felt she was not modest in her uniform. This was all irrational after all as the uniform she had on before the transition did have some wiggle room. She knew this new body would take some getting used to, but she thought about it for a moment. This would be interesting to keep track of for medical purposes. If she were to experience things in another body, the things she could learn would be amazing.

She heard a voice behind her asking for immediate scans. There was a slight bit err of irritation to it as well as urgency. "Absolutely Ms. Carter. I can establish a baseline and refer to our records back on the ship. I do want to rule out that our entire ship was not effected. Just give me a few moments and I will get things going. Gather up everyone from the away team. We can meet in a central locale in order for me to establish a few things," Cal said getting out her tricorder. " In the meantime, I suggest you walk in the other shoes for a bit. It can't hurt to experience something new. Please stand still I am going to scan you first."

Cal then scanned Carter. She hummed to herself as she pulled out her PADD and began look at a the initial readings. As she began to type her notes, she paused for a moment. "Fascinating," was all she said before she scanned Kay, Leo, and Cat. She then excused herself for a moment. She told them to converse while she went over the readings. Though she loved the company, reading all the data would require some focus. She was far enough away from the distractions and earshot of the others. As she did this, she had hoped Jenna wouldn't show. It was then she heard Jenna's singing.

"Hey there Caleb," Jenna said with her back turned to Cal. She was admiring the landscape. "Man I wish I was here. The base is so cold right now it's like the resort back home." Time seemed to slow as Jenna turned around. Cal remained calm as Jenna's eyes went wide. "what in the name of all the is right and decent happened to you Caleb?" Jenna exclaimed.
"I don't know all the details right now. Please call me Cal for now," Cal said correcting Jenna. "The last I remember I was standing with Kay, Leo, and Cat at the banquet behind us.  Next thing I knew there was a bright light and I was like this. No there's wasn't anything in our drinks! You are seeing it too. It's good to know it's only happened to the away crew."

"Cal this is going to take a lot of getting used to, though to be fair this is no different than that bet you lost via that hockey game," Jenna said snickering a bit as she looked up and down at Cal. "Eyes up here misses! I know the way you swing and I am happily spoken for," Cal said. Jenna still snickered and Cal rolled her eyes. She then went down to her PADD to begin analysis. "I am glad you're here though. You out of anyone I know is a good sounding board for my crazy ideas and remedies," Cal said. "Hey I didn't think it was crazy you saving the dude who's arm got caught on that zipline," Jenna said. "Yes, but you backed me when I forced the others at the clinic to let him say goodbye to his wife," Cal said. "Not a day goes by that I don't think about him and that lake,"Jenna said.

Cal returned to the group about twenty minutes later. "Hokay here's the skinny," Cal began. " Though I have been a fan of the good new bad news angle I will skip straight to the point. The good news is that we are the only ones effected by this change. No one back on the ship has changed. The strange news that I will have to confirm is that it seems like our genetic structure has indeed be changed. It might not be just that either. Some aspects of our personalities might become more highlighted than others that were previously subdued. I know we want to get back to our normal selves, but I suggest we treat this as a scientific experiment. I checked and there seems to be no medically adverse side effects. Everyone I scanned is healthy. I know it is uncomfortable folks, but it looks like we are stuck until I can find some way to play god and recreate what happened." Cal then let out a small sigh. Though she was an expert at giving grim news, many times over, this was one of the uneasiest bits of news to give. Though the group had confidence in her, this was brand new territory.

[Bay of the Tides]

James rolled her eyes for a second as he listened to Brighton speak. Being a female wasn't uncomfortable to her, it didn't even feel like a new experience. But she did want to go back to normal as quickly as possible. "Our genetic structure was changed? I thought that the idea that humans could change their genes was nothing but snake oil." She said with a slight sigh. "So what you're telling us, is that we have no way to reverse this, or at least don't know of a way to reverse it?" Her tone didn't mask that she was annoyed, as she should have been. But she did mask the concern she felt about being a woman....permanently.

[Constance Lafayette]

[Philo - Bay Of The Tides]

"D'Vid. This is no time to be delicate or to cower. What is required now is composure and discipline.You are in Starfleet- I hate to admit it but this is relatively tame and iniquitous when you consider the breath of challenging situation we face." Constance stated, rather matter of factly, "I doubt this would even rate in the top hundred oddest occurrences."

The last bit was stated a little smugly, by her bland standards and it was doubtful that the Philosians would pick up on it.

The leader responded to James' comment, "Oh no. We just lack the biological processes necessary to carry a child to term so a number of us each year are blessed by the tides to receive that honor. You are not with child. If you were not potentially with child before you won't have to worry about that." it explained.

Constance nodded, "There is probably an environmental aspect to their breeding cycle. I know that some species of fish called bass return to the place of their birth to spawn but this looks like it was stepped up by an order of magnitude..." She theorized.

"Doctor- if our genes were altered there is probably an technological impetus for this change. I've heard that the Brunali from the Delta Quadrant have genetic resequencers. However, the Federation has banned non-medically necessary gene tampering due to the Eugenics Wars so our own information on the subject is probably lacking..." Constance recited, always the wealth of knowledge thanks to her scholarly ways, "The Dominion are masters of it... I wonder if that has anything to do with it."

The Philosian leader nodded, "Of course. They gave us the technology that made this possible. It used to be, as you said regarding those... bass, we used to have to return to the ocean and hope one of us was gifted with the right set of environmental conditions. We nearly died but the Dominion gifted us with the first prototypes almost a century ago in return for access to our trade networks."

It paused, a little sheepishly, "I'm sure we can just got get the genetic modification device and reverse you. This isn't a big deal... right? The trade treaty can still be signed, legally, while you are in this form... right?"

[D'Vid]

[Philo - Bay Of The Tides]

"D'Vid. This is no time to be delicate or to cower. What is required now is composure and discipline.You are in Starfleet- I hate to admit it but this is relatively tame and iniquitous when you consider the breath of challenging situation we face." Constance stated, rather matter of factly, "I doubt this would even rate in the top hundred oddest occurrences."

The last bit was stated a little smugly, by her bland standards and it was doubtful that the Philosians would pick up on it.

The leader responded to James' comment, "Oh no. We just lack the biological processes necessary to carry a child to term so a number of us each year are blessed by the tides to receive that honor. You are not with child. If you were not potentially with child before you won't have to worry about that." it explained.

Constance nodded, "There is probably an environmental aspect to their breeding cycle. I know that some species of fish called bass return to the place of their birth to spawn but this looks like it was stepped up by an order of magnitude..." She theorized.

"Doctor- if our genes were altered there is probably an technological impetus for this change. I've heard that the Brunali from the Delta Quadrant have genetic resequencers. However, the Federation has banned non-medically necessary gene tampering due to the Eugenics Wars so our own information on the subject is probably lacking..." Constance recited, always the wealth of knowledge thanks to her scholarly ways, "The Dominion are masters of it... I wonder if that has anything to do with it."

The Philosian leader nodded, "Of course. They gave us the technology that made this possible. It used to be, as you said regarding those... bass, we used to have to return to the ocean and hope one of us was gifted with the right set of environmental conditions. We nearly died but the Dominion gifted us with the first prototypes almost a century ago in return for access to our trade networks."

It paused, a little sheepishly, "I'm sure we can just got get the genetic modification device and reverse you. This isn't a big deal... right? The trade treaty can still be signed, legally, while you are in this form... right?"

This was not fine. The leader told her to stop acting like weak. She was not weak. It was simple. It was not normal. This was not normal. Being a female was not something she would want. They were talking about babies. The crazy of the Q. This could have been a Q, but it was not.

However, bass was a topic. The nature of his habit of love fishing he was keen on what was being said about spawning. Mental note. Admiral knows about fishing. Maybe they can go fishing when things go normal. If they ever go back to normal.

Heck. She brushed her hair for her own eyes and looked at the Doctor who was now a female too. Please have a cure for this she was thinking. For the love of being normal again.

[Caleb Brighton]

 [ Philo - The Bay Of Tides]

"Carter I believe you are acting very out of line and selfishly. We are now actually getting to share in a new culture. This is not only wonderful for diplomacy, but do do you or any of us here realize how incredibly special this is? Cal said turning to Carter. There was a furrow in her brow and a small fire in her eyes. She crossed her arms in small irritation that no one else was seeing this the way she was. The irritation was starting to set in and she was going to do her best to stave it off.

[Philo - Bay Of The Tides]
"Doctor- if our genes were altered there is probably an technological impetus for this change. I've heard that the Brunali from the Delta Quadrant have genetic resequencers. However, the Federation has banned non-medically necessary gene tampering due to the Eugenics Wars so our own information on the subject is probably lacking..." Constance recited, always the wealth of knowledge thanks to her scholarly ways, "The Dominion are masters of it... I wonder if that has anything to do with it."

The Philosian leader nodded, "Of course. They gave us the technology that made this possible. It used to be, as you said regarding those... bass, we used to have to return to the ocean and hope one of us was gifted with the right set of environmental conditions. We nearly died but the Dominion gifted us with the first prototypes almost a century ago in return for access to our trade networks."

It paused, a little sheepishly, "I'm sure we can just got get the genetic modification device and reverse you. This isn't a big deal... right? The trade treaty can still be signed, legally, while you are in this form... right?"

Cal let everything sink in for a moment. Seeing her love change before her eyes, Carter's reaction, D'vid's as well and Constance's calm reaction. Cal was glad to have someone else level headed talking to keep things semi under control.As she collected her thoughts, all eyes seemed to fall on her when it was her turn to speak on the matter. She fixed a stray hair before speaking. "While I do have my reservations about Dominion technology for personal reasons," Cal began. "That technology is very powerful. Would it be alright if I were to study it?I would be lying if I said I wouldn't jump at an opportunity like this."

[James Carter]

It paused, a little sheepishly, "I'm sure we can just got get the genetic modification device and reverse you. This isn't a big deal... right? The trade treaty can still be signed, legally, while you are in this form... right?"

[ Philo - The Bay Of Tides]

"Carter I believe you are acting very out of line and selfishly. We are now actually getting to share in a new culture. This is not only wonderful for diplomacy, but do do you or any of us here realize how incredibly special this is? Cal said turning to Carter. There was a furrow in her brow and a small fire in her eyes. She crossed her arms in small irritation that no one else was seeing this the way she was. The irritation was starting to set in and she was going to do her best to stave it off.

[Bay of the Tides]

Brighton's comments had managed to anger the first officer. "I'll deal with you later doc. Just know it's not going to be a very fun conversation for you." She said in a hushed tone before stepping forward to speak to the Philosian. "The legality of the contract is a grey area. Technically we are the same people, but with our genetics having been shifted I'm  not entirely sure it could hold up. We can just wait until you've changed us back and then we'll be good to go with signing the treaty." It was as diplomatic as she could muster. She was trying her hardest to get the crew their old bodies back.