S12 - M5: Raid on Paradise

[Alexander Wu]

[Ready Room]

Nevir stood in silence, waiting only to take the PADD after his Admiral finally left in a beam of light.  The situation was so unprecedented that he didn't even want to take the time to walk to the transporter room.  Alone with just his new Captain, as well as his second officer, Nevir smiled, but shook his head.

"I put myself on the second rotation, I've been on this ship under fire for two conflicts, I can wait a bit longer.  Honestly, I figured that you wanted a run-down on the current mission we have out here.  The Borg incident was unfortunately a sidetrack." he said, turning to look at the Chief Flight Officer.

"Alex, I know this was not expected, but it was necessary.  I specifically requested for Captain Jones to take command.  I'm... well, you know what's happened in my recent past.  I want to command, but not under these conditions.  T'Ra was recently a first officer as well, and a damn good one despite the situation with her ship and crew.  She has the confidence I still lack, and I requested her as a model to understand what it means to go from Commander to Captain.  We both discussed the duration of this command, and Starfleet thinks it's best for her to remain separated while her ship is investigated."

He turned back to T'Ra.  "I was going to set up a meeting with the senior staff to inform them of the change of command, but right now I feel it would be best that we not mention the situation with the Federation.  We're out of their space, and I want the crew focused on our goal in the quadrant.  I'd rather take the brunt of anger for being left out of the loop, than a crew without focus in a combat or diplomatic situation. I hope you both would understand?"

[Ready Room]

Despite the expansive and lushly coloured planet which now loomed in the window, Alex's mood was less than jovial. It was nearly incomprehensible to him that a starship crew could be suspected of murdering the president, especially those of the Shran. He personally knew and had served with several of her officers, which made him even more skeptical. Having spent some time working in the JAG field, he was surprised that arrests had been made, though that could have more to do with the seriousness of the crime than having the accusatory evidence. "Innocent until proven guilty, is the term we use, I believe." Alex mentioned, though the frown lingered around his eyes.

"Your prerogative, Nevir. You know you best, and if you feel like this is what you need, then I'll support you, both of you." He shrugged, looking at the Bajoran officer. "On the other hand, I have my doubts about keeping this from the crew. They're about to go down on shore leave into an unsterile environment. The Federation president being assassinated is no small news, and even if there's a coverup, chances are that it'll get out one way or another."

[Alexander Wu]

[NPC Post: Lieutenant Luchico]

[Bridge]

As they settled into orbit, Luchico glanced at the still-closed ready room door. Commander Tekin had given them standing orders incase none of the command team were on the bridge, and she knew delaying any further would most likely cause a riot, not to mention she'd have to buy her own drinks for a long time to come. Keying the intercom, she made the announcement. "All decks, this is the bridge. The brow is now open, the brow is now open. First block shore leave personnel may disembark via Transporter Rooms 2 and 3."=/\=

[T'Ra Jones]

[Ready Room]

T'Ra stood in a pensive silence, listening as the two officers voiced their concerns. She nodded. Both had valid points. "I do think it's important to inform the crew ourselves, but given our location, the distance buys us a little time to determine the best way to do so. Innocent until proven guilty may be the theory, but if there is indeed a cover up..."

[Transporter Room - NPC Evan Buehler]

"Yeah, that'd probably be a good idea," Evan replied. "I don't imagine the ship is quite ready for a velociraptor to be running around, even if he is just a hologram." Honestly, he'd've rather left the little guy on the Shran, but he gave up trying to argue.

"So..." he added, trying to break the ice, "were you planning on going down to the planet? Nice climate. And the people are very, very friendly, if you get what I mean."

[Declan Vincent]

[NPC Post: Lieutenant Luchico]

[Bridge]

As they settled into orbit, Luchico glanced at the still-closed ready room door. Commander Tekin had given them standing orders incase none of the command team were on the bridge, and she knew delaying any further would most likely cause a riot, not to mention she'd have to buy her own drinks for a long time to come. Keying the intercom, she made the announcement. "All decks, this is the bridge. The brow is now open, the brow is now open. First block shore leave personnel may disembark via Transporter Rooms 2 and 3."=/\=

[Personal Quarters]

Chief Engineer Donovan had insisted that some of the engineers take advantage of shore leave, including the first block. Vincent had been prepared to do another double - as others had - to keep working on the repairs but the boss wanted them rested  and focused. A few hours, and he be right back at it plus the break would give his eyes a chance to adjust from staring at screens or little crevices.

Ilandria it seemed had all the makings of a little piece of paradise but he was hard pressed to think of something not mechanically inclined. After reviewing the local ichthyoids and which were not endangered, protected or in season, he requested a permit from the indigenous authorities.

For some reason, the bucket hat adorned with fishing lure was required, and he wore it with pride though his deceased wife never really appreciated the fashion sense. So the vest and waist waders were just extra incentive.

His own rod, a family heirloom, was still back home on Daran V so he had to replicate a decent version, spending 15 minutes being overly picky over the particulars before hand. Staring in the mirror, he realized he was looking more like his father, right down to the hat. At the very least it would be relaxing and the ...He couldn't pronounce the fish...was supposedly well worth the shore leave.

[Transporter Room]

He had just missed what looked like a prehistoric beast from Earth's Jurassic period as he strolled into the room. Others were already waiting for their turn on the transporter pad, dressed in an assortment of casual civilian attire. Surprisingly, he was the only one wearing waist waders.

[Christian Grix]

[Transporter Room - NPC Evan Buehler]

"Yeah, that'd probably be a good idea," Evan replied. "I don't imagine the ship is quite ready for a velociraptor to be running around, even if he is just a hologram." Honestly, he'd've rather left the little guy on the Shran, but he gave up trying to argue.

"So..." he added, trying to break the ice, "were you planning on going down to the planet? Nice climate. And the people are very, very friendly, if you get what I mean."

Turning to look at Evan as a smile crossed his face Black shook his head slightly "Not really my plan Sir, I could do with the fresh air but I like my organs where they currently are and if my wife found out I was getting 'Friendly' on the planet that situation might change".

It was his hope that one day Jess would be able to get a transfer to the same ship as him but until then he had no intention of any other complications. "Besides she is a Doctor so she would know how to make it hurt more" He smiled again hoping Evan realised he was joking.

His gaze shifted to the raptor and again he smiled "it's good to see the new ship's mascot isn't a Goat or a sheep, what's this guys name then"? He asked trying to keep the conversation moving as they entered the turbolift.

[Tekin Nevir]

[Ready Room]

Despite the expansive and lushly coloured planet which now loomed in the window, Alex's mood was less than jovial. It was nearly incomprehensible to him that a starship crew could be suspected of murdering the president, especially those of the Shran. He personally knew and had served with several of her officers, which made him even more skeptical. Having spent some time working in the JAG field, he was surprised that arrests had been made, though that could have more to do with the seriousness of the crime than having the accusatory evidence. "Innocent until proven guilty, is the term we use, I believe." Alex mentioned, though the frown lingered around his eyes.

"Your prerogative, Nevir. You know you best, and if you feel like this is what you need, then I'll support you, both of you." He shrugged, looking at the Bajoran officer. "On the other hand, I have my doubts about keeping this from the crew. They're about to go down on shore leave into an unsterile environment. The Federation president being assassinated is no small news, and even if there's a coverup, chances are that it'll get out one way or another."

[Ready Room]

"Believe me, Alex, this is just as much about protecting T'Ra as it's about helping me regain that lost confidence.  With respect, ma'am, you're in the clear so far, especially with a promotion, but I know from experience when Starfleet Command gets emotional, they like to go down the list.  And for some reason, if you are not the Brass's pet, they think the worst of you.  Happened to me long ago, and only after Captain Briggs's insistence were the charges against me dropped.  With you here in the Delta Quadrant, even for a temporary assignment, the less likely they would be to come after you.  I trust Admiral Kirok to do the right thing, but even he has superiors.  The only way for Starfleet to get to you here will be the implement the Discovery and her crew, so the chances are lower."

[Ready Room]

T'Ra stood in a pensive silence, listening as the two officers voiced their concerns. She nodded. Both had valid points. "I do think it's important to inform the crew ourselves, but given our location, the distance buys us a little time to determine the best way to do so. Innocent until proven guilty may be the theory, but if there is indeed a cover up..."

A quick explanation followed, to at least make sure the three command officers were united and on the same page.  A check of the time showed that the crew should be disembarking at the moment, and Nevir made no move to leave, until she was done.

"If there is nothing else, Alex I believe you have some leave to get to.  Captain, this is your first time on a Prometheus class, I can give you a tour if you would like.  That would give us time to talk and get to know each other." he offered, satisfied with what was going on right now.

[T'Ra Jones]

[Ready Room]

"Believe me, Alex, this is just as much about protecting T'Ra as it's about helping me regain that lost confidence.  With respect, ma'am, you're in the clear so far, especially with a promotion, but I know from experience when Starfleet Command gets emotional, they like to go down the list.  And for some reason, if you are not the Brass's pet, they think the worst of you.  Happened to me long ago, and only after Captain Briggs's insistence were the charges against me dropped.  With you here in the Delta Quadrant, even for a temporary assignment, the less likely they would be to come after you.  I trust Admiral Kirok to do the right thing, but even he has superiors.  The only way for Starfleet to get to you here will be the implement the Discovery and her crew, so the chances are lower."

A quick explanation followed, to at least make sure the three command officers were united and on the same page.  A check of the time showed that the crew should be disembarking at the moment, and Nevir made no move to leave, until she was done.

"If there is nothing else, Alex I believe you have some leave to get to.  Captain, this is your first time on a Prometheus class, I can give you a tour if you would like.  That would give us time to talk and get to know each other." he offered, satisfied with what was going on right now.

[Ready Room]

T'Ra nodded, put at ease by the first officer's logic. But the whole situation still struck her as rather odd. Now was not the time to ponder this though, with too much to get done before she could even consider calling it a day. "Indeed," she replied. "This will be my first time serving aboard a Prometheus, and after spending the last year aboard a Odyssey class ship, I'm sure there'll be a number of differences." The size difference alone was astounding.

"There is no need to call me Á¢â,¬ËœCaptain'," she added after a moment. "We are equals here, and in case, you know the crew and ship better than I do. If you're ready, let's be underway."

Turning to look at Evan as a smile crossed his face Black shook his head slightly "Not really my plan Sir, I could do with the fresh air but I like my organs where they currently are and if my wife found out I was getting 'Friendly' on the planet that situation might change".

It was his hope that one day Jess would be able to get a transfer to the same ship as him but until then he had no intention of any other complications. "Besides she is a Doctor so she would know how to make it hurt more" He smiled again hoping Evan realised he was joking.

His gaze shifted to the raptor and again he smiled "it's good to see the new ship's mascot isn't a Goat or a sheep, what's this guys name then"? He asked trying to keep the conversation moving as they entered the turbolift.

[Transporter Room - NPC Evan Buehler]

Evan grinned. He had a feeling he was going to get along well with this guy. "You don't have to call me Á¢â,¬Ëœsir'," he laughed, "I'm pretty sure you outrank me." At the mention of organs, his first thought was the transporter, but as the man continued, it was clear he meant something else. "I know exactly what you mean, Alter. T'Ra would respond much the same way. I would advise you to never piss off a Vulcan. They may be cool and collected most of the time, but once you push them over the edge, they've got a fury hotter than Vulcan's Forge. And with her being pregnant, she's scarier than this little guy," he added. Though he said this with a smile, he was quite serious.

Steve hopped off the transporter padd, following the two officers as they made their way out of the transporter room and into the hallway. "Little guy's name is Steve," Evan replied. "Though sometimes I just refer to him as Á¢â,¬Ëœthe little terror'. He's worse than a cat, the things he gets into. Seems to have a thing for orange jello too."

[Kirok]

[NPC Post: Lieutenant Luchico]

[Bridge]

As they settled into orbit, Luchico glanced at the still-closed ready room door. Commander Tekin had given them standing orders incase none of the command team were on the bridge, and she knew delaying any further would most likely cause a riot, not to mention she'd have to buy her own drinks for a long time to come. Keying the intercom, she made the announcement. "All decks, this is the bridge. The brow is now open, the brow is now open. First block shore leave personnel may disembark via Transporter Rooms 2 and 3."=/\=

[Bridge]

EQ had watched the Lirpa warp away.  But he still did not know who had been on it.  The lower ranks hardly ever know all the details.

"So vacation in paradise is a go.  You heading down after your shift?  Sir?" EQ asked curiously.

"If so, I'll be down there too.  I'm planning a fun adventure.  How about you?' he asked.

[Alexander Wu]

[Bridge]

EQ had watched the Lirpa warp away.  But he still did not know who had been on it.  The lower ranks hardly ever know all the details.

"So vacation in paradise is a go.  You heading down after your shift?  Sir?" EQ asked curiously.

"If so, I'll be down there too.  I'm planning a fun adventure.  How about you?' he asked.

[NPC Post: Lieutenant Luchico]

[Bridge]

"You bet your artificial posterior I am." Mare replied, already tapping a foot in anticipation. "We've been shot at and blown up for the past four weeks, and half our brand new shiny ship is being held together by electromagnetic strips. Find me a nice sandy beach and lots of fruity drinks with little umbrellas in them, and I'll be a happy girl."

She glanced at EQ curiously. A former borg, even one wearing a Starfleet uniform, would be an unaccustomed visitor below. "Huh, you might be the very first drone that they'll see down there, at least the first that's not intending on sticking them in the neck. Might be a good idea to stick with a few familiar faces. What are you planning for fun?"

[Alexander Wu]

[Ready Room]

"Believe me, Alex, this is just as much about protecting T'Ra as it's about helping me regain that lost confidence.  With respect, ma'am, you're in the clear so far, especially with a promotion, but I know from experience when Starfleet Command gets emotional, they like to go down the list.  And for some reason, if you are not the Brass's pet, they think the worst of you.  Happened to me long ago, and only after Captain Briggs's insistence were the charges against me dropped.  With you here in the Delta Quadrant, even for a temporary assignment, the less likely they would be to come after you.  I trust Admiral Kirok to do the right thing, but even he has superiors.  The only way for Starfleet to get to you here will be the implement the Discovery and her crew, so the chances are lower."

A quick explanation followed, to at least make sure the three command officers were united and on the same page.  A check of the time showed that the crew should be disembarking at the moment, and Nevir made no move to leave, until she was done.

"If there is nothing else, Alex I believe you have some leave to get to.  Captain, this is your first time on a Prometheus class, I can give you a tour if you would like.  That would give us time to talk and get to know each other." he offered, satisfied with what was going on right now.

[Ready Room]

Damn, he beat me to the punchline. Alex smiled despite the seriousness of the previous topic. "I was going to suggest the same thing, though for you. I'll get the repairs underway first. See you down there then." Nodding at T'ra, he took his leave and made his way back onto the bridge.

[Bridge]

"Luchico, let's go down to minimums and start the chronometer on our rotating schedule for repairs." Alex got right into the order of things, eager to have the shutdowns completed early on, before Starfleet dropped any more surprises on their heads. "I believe engineering has first dibs to fix those damaged nacelles. Mr.Kimball, send a message to Engineering please. When Chief Donovan is ready, he can take the core offline and, when safe to do so, vent the residual plasma. Advise Transporter Room 1 to maintain a pattern lock on all personnel that are taking part in EVAs."

He paused, noticing both Kimball and Luchico's expressions. "And yes, as soon as you're done that, both of you are relieved to go planetside. Enjoy your leave." Alex gave both a faint reassuring smile. Once the news spreads, we're not going to have alot of time for fun afterwards.

[Kirok]

[NPC Post: Lieutenant Luchico]

[Bridge]

"You bet your artificial posterior I am." Mare replied, already tapping a foot in anticipation. "We've been shot at and blown up for the past four weeks, and half our brand new shiny ship is being held together by electromagnetic strips. Find me a nice sandy beach and lots of fruity drinks with little umbrellas in them, and I'll be a happy girl."

She glanced at EQ curiously. A former borg, even one wearing a Starfleet uniform, would be an unaccustomed visitor below. "Huh, you might be the very first drone that they'll see down there, at least the first that's not intending on sticking them in the neck. Might be a good idea to stick with a few familiar faces. What are you planning for fun?"

[Bridge]

EQ could not help but smile at Luchico description of him.  Most people didn't speak about him mechanical parts.  She was not afraid too and he liked that about her.

"Well you won't find me with a little umbrella decorated drink in my hand.  That's for sure.  I'm too manly for that" he replied with a bit of a laugh.

"I was thinking about taking in some sky-diving.  Or something exciting like that.  But you might be right about the need for me to stay close to friendly faces" he agreed.

[LK Reede]

"Halt." The turbolift came to such a silent stop that Lt. Reede started to voice the command again then said. "Transporter room one. Deck three."

[Ilandria]

The first thing that struck her senses was the smell of flowers. Roses seemed to be dominant. Carnations, honeysuckle, and jasmine were somewhere in the mix, too.

Taking a few steps forward, LK let her eyes be beguiled by the beauty of the planet. She was in a park like setting simular to the gardens on Luna where she'd been born and lived for most of her life. Suddenly, she felt very young. As if she'd been transported back to being sixteen and playing at being a grownup. She felt her smile grow larger.

[T'Ra Jones]

[Ready Room Á¢â,¬"> Corridor]

T'Ra easily matched the first officer's stride as he began their tour. She was eager to get to know the ship and its crew. It made her anxious to be on a smaller ship, but her claustrophobia was slowly on the mends. In any case, it would probably help her get to know them more quickly.

As they walked, T'Ra would pose questions every now and then. "How long have you been aboard this ship, Mr. Tekin? What can you tell me about what the crew has been through recently?"

[Alexander Wu]

[Bridge]

EQ could not help but smile at Luchico description of him.  Most people didn't speak about him mechanical parts.  She was not afraid too and he liked that about her.

"Well you won't find me with a little umbrella decorated drink in my hand.  That's for sure.  I'm too manly for that" he replied with a bit of a laugh.

"I was thinking about taking in some sky-diving.  Or something exciting like that.  But you might be right about the need for me to stay close to friendly faces" he agreed.

[Bridge]

"Sky diving? After all we've been through? I need to give my blood pressure a rest, thank you very much." Luchico replied, though with a quirky smile. "That being said, I'll give you a shout after a couple of those yummy drinks, if I reconsider."

Alex glanced over at the helmsman, imitation perfect of a Vulcan with his eyebrow raised. "Sorry sir, sending the message now." Luchico quickly added, deft fingers flickering over her console. "Warp core is confirmed...offline. Kimball, go ahead and vent the nacelles, I'm sure Chief Donovan's eager to get started."

Following the progress on his smaller display set into the XO's chair, Alex nodded. "Alright, Kimball, Luchico, you're relieved." He motioned for two crewmembers to take their places. "Have fun down there."

[Ilandria: Ilandrian Gardens]

An odd feeling kept tugging at Alex as he wandered along the paths of Ilandria's idyllic gardens. He wasn't sure what it was exactly, but eventually settled on not knowing what to do. Alex couldn't recall the last time he had been on leave, not actual leave. Normally it'd be on a starbase or some outpost's sad excuse of a bar, and he almost always had some work with him. It kept him sane. Ever since he had lost Susan, Earth just didn't feel like home anymore, and he hadn't been back, besides the Academy, for years. Work was an effective bulwark against his past memories, the loose ends he had never managed to quite tie up. On a planet as wondrous and diverse as Ilandria, he simply didn't have anything to do. And that scared him.

A helpful, overly so to be honest, guide at the visitor centre had recommended their sector famous gardens, followed by a quick anti-grav tram to the seaside. Alex did appreciate the beauty around him, but the longer he spent amidst the fragrant blossoms and manicured greenery, the tighter his chest felt. Tabernac, he swore silently, increasing his pace and pushing against the terror bubbling up inside. Stonefaced and rigid, he brushed past others, ignoring the blurred faces as they turned in annoyance.

Alex darted into the first secluded alcove he found off the main path, leaning against a stone bench as he struggled to compose himself. "Merde." He muttered after several moments, sitting down in the thick grass with his back against the stone. With a heavy sigh, he pulled a commbadge out of his pocket and gazed at the small metallic roundel for which he had given so much.

Alex placed it, what had put him off so. The gardens smelled like her perfume. He knew if he closed his eyes, he would find himself standing infront of the ocean, the moist breeze against his skin. Feeling the warm cedar planks beneath his bare feet, smooth and weatherworn, and hearing her laughter trickle through the window.

He kept them open instead.

[Tekin Nevir]

[Ready Room Á¢â,¬"> Corridor]

T'Ra easily matched the first officer's stride as he began their tour. She was eager to get to know the ship and its crew. It made her anxious to be on a smaller ship, but her claustrophobia was slowly on the mends. In any case, it would probably help her get to know them more quickly.

As they walked, T'Ra would pose questions every now and then. "How long have you been aboard this ship, Mr. Tekin? What can you tell me about what the crew has been through recently?"

[Corridors -> Parts of the Ship]

The plan was to show her the main sections of the ship, as well as the damaged areas that were under repair.. and also to be able to relax a bit.  They made quick strides at first, slowing down to allow her to become familiar with the ship.  Most the crew ignored the fact that there was a Captain there... mostly because for all they knew, Kirok was still in command, and unless you stopped to count the pips, the two officers were dressed very similarly.

"This particular ship only a few months, really.  But as a member of the Discovery, it's been a few years I think... time seems a lot longer after what we've been through...."

Nevir sighed, looking around at the bare minimal skeleton crew working repairs before their leave.  "The crew has been through a lot, Ms. Jones.  I bet most of the people here would rather have me promoted then to have a new captain... I know I would have in their shoes.  Kirok asked me straight when he told me, if I thought I was ready to take the role again.  I hesitated, and he knew then it wasn't going to be me.  My first mission as acting Captain went.. horrible." he said, leading her into the Science Lab.

"The mission where we lost the Discovery was difficult.  We had sabotage on an outpost overlooking a pre-warp world.  And a trap was set to bring a probe down to it's capital.  I'll send you the mission report, but we had a station scientist go rogue, commit genocide, and destroyed the station as well as scrapped the Discovery.  Kirok pulled strings for this ship, but it was made clear that the primary responsibility was me."

As they headed towards Engineering, he continued.  "You were there with the Borg situation, and after that, we dealt with Talaxians trying to sell us.  This ship has been under repair since the Borg attack, and we don't have our MVA."