Lucio "
By: Patia Zoei, Chief Counselor, [PC]

Stardate: 58204.21 0600

Zoei walked along the quiet station. She had no purpose in being off her duty station, other than a strange pull to Qul Tuq. She had no need for any different clothing, no desire for new scented lotions or powders, no one to lunch with or gamble with at any one of the numerous recreational places and, truth be told, no real reason to leave the security of her quarters at this obscenely early hour of the day. However, today was the day the Zion was leaving and if she was going to get here, it best be before her work day started.

As she walked, thoughts of her childhood randomly popped into her mind. Memories she hadn't thought of in years were as vivid as if they happened yesterday. She could hear Lucio's voice in the countless letters she had received from him. Smiling to herself, she allowed his child's voice to play on the sensitive nerve endings of her soul. To someone who hadn't lost a bonded partner, the loss of a childhood "love" could be equated with the loss of a friend, or a "crush" that was felt especially because the person was no longer accessible and therefore bigger and better in memory than he had ever been in life. She had heard it before from others, that were not her kind, when she had been asked about any boyfriend she might have. This was different, though. He was her soul mate, chosen by her parents, bonded by ritual, forever her partner.

Thoughts of Lucio were bittersweet. She had resisted her parents attempts to bond her to another, which had not been that strong in the first place. Actually, their attempts had seemed more due to the norms of their culture than any true desire of theirs for her to have a new bonded mate. This resistance of hers, could prove to cause her to be alone for the remainder of her life. It was not unheard of for Betazid people to choose a life partner in adulthood, but it was certainly not common. When she reflected on it, as she did today, she wondered if adult based relationships could ever be as strong or defined as a bonded relationship. Knowing the intensity of the emotional connection with her bonded mate, she wasn't sure she would ever want to settle for anything less than that again.

The memory of the missive from Lucio's parents, detailing the accident, still hurt like a fresh, raw wound. What hurt worse, was the memory of the day when she inadvertently walked in on her parents discussing what had happened to Lucio. Finding out it hadn't been an accident at all, but rather an attempt to weaken her father's position on Earth, had been heart breaking. Even though, rationally, she knew it was not her father's fault Lucio's killer had struck, it had made her feel as though the family Zoei was directly responsible for her mate's death. When she had confronted her parents about it some years later, the true story came out, in all its grizzly, gory, evilness. Little Lucio has been abducted, tortured and murdered, all in the name of politics. Sometimes, in her dreams, she could Lucio's cries for mercy.

At that thought, she stopped abruptly. Her head ached, a throbbing pain lancing through her temple. His cries for mercy louder and clearer than they had ever been in any dream, echoed in her ears. She reached out to the wall of the building next to her. The throbbing in her head keeping tempo with the pulsing of the glass in the window. Glancing up, she saw the infamous Quarks. Zoei shook her head, attempting to clear the reverberating screams from her mind. She closed her eyes briefly and allowed them to flutter open. Raising her eyes, she saw a man exiting Quarks. He turned toward her, dark eyes flashing. Lucio's cries reached a fevered pitch and she knew, without a doubt, this man was Lucio's killer.

She shook her head again as the man approached her. From the early haze of morning, in a soft voice, the man asked if she was all right. Looking into his eyes for the first time, she nodded without speaking. She felt as though her voice was lost forever. Tha man patted her on the shoulder, told her to be careful and walked away. He didn't glance back.

Zoei stared after him until he was gone from her view. The man had given no indication he was a killer, not that she expected him to wear a name tag proclaiming this for all to see. She wasn't even convinced he was Betazid. There was certainly no empathic communication attempted. She shook her head again and turned to follow him. She walked quickly, her stride sure and confident. In moments, she could see the man's back. Zoei watched him closely, looking for a sign, any sign to confirm he was the man she thought he was, but nothing materialized. As she neared the docking area for the Zion, she paused to watch him continue out of sight. Her headache was clearing and she felt calm for the first time since the Zion had returned to Qul Tuq. It might be time to ask her father for information regarding the man who destroyed Lucio.

Letter Home "
By: Patia Zoei, Chief Counselor, [PC]

Stardate: 58204.21 0730

Zoei shifted in her chair, tucking her foot more securely under herself. The glass of raspberry tea rested just beyond her right hand on the desk top. The snap of the ice in the glass occasionally broke the silence. She stared at the picture of the little girl and the strong young man in the silver frame. The fingertips of her left hand pressed against the glass. It was times like these where she wished she was back home, where her brother always kept her safe. If they were back home right now, he would have gone with her to her father's study. She would not be asking these questions with no support, no back up. It would be a long time before her family got together again, and she couldn't put off asking the questions any longer.

"Computer, begin correspondence, addressed to Patrio Zoei, Betazid.

Dear Father,

I hope you are doing well. Life on the Zion is proceeding, primarily as anticipated. It is becoming home, which is more than the transporter ever did. I have my own quarters and a lovely office. There are pictures of you, Mother and Michelio scattered in all my personal areas. It is so grounding to be able to see you all when tensions are high, as can be expected during these troubled times.

Father, the following part of this letter is extremely difficult for me to write. It is a subject we have been aware of for years, but have never completely addressed. We have been recently docked at Qul Tuq. During our time here, I have been restless. I have had the urge to be on the station rather than on board the ship. I had no need to leave her, no reason to be on Qul Tuq, but I felt a pull, almost from the station herself. This morning, I went there.

While I walked, memories of Lucio flooded my mind. I remembered the letters he sent, the sound of his voice, and the news of his death. Something happened, which up until today, has never occurred while I was awake. This morning, while walking along the promenade, I heard Lucio, as clear as if he was standing next to me, begging for mercy. His tinny, childish voice was so filled with pain, my heart ached for him. Then, Father, I saw a man come out of Quarks. When I saw him, I felt to the depths of my soul that he was the man who had so cruelly murdered Lucio. I had never seen him before, had no reason to think I would run into the person who had hurt Lucio. It was all very strange.

I am back on board ship now, safe in my office. There is no more pull to go to Qul Tuq. It is almost as if the only reason I should go was to run into that man. What are the odds that would happen?

Father, I need to know what happened to Lucio. I need to know who the man was who murdered him. I need to know all the things you felt I was too young to know before now. When I was small, you promised me someday, when I was ready, you would tell me. Father, I am ready.

With all my love,

Patia

Computer, end correspondence. Save copy to personal log. Forward to Patrio Zoei, Betazid."

Patia rested her face in her hands and drew a deep, shuddering breath. She rubbed her hands together three times, brushing the chill from her fingers, before straightening in her chair. A glance at her chronometer showed it was 0750, just ten minutes until her office hours officially began. She took a sip of her tea, the condensation on the outside of the glass making her grip slippery. "Computer, please pull files for all incoming crew slated to meet with the counselor prior to assuming full active duty status."

Poltergeist #3"
By: Teilani Dane, Chief Medical Officer, [PC]
Xioa Lee , Head Nurse, [NPC]

Stardate: 58204.21 0810

=Doctors office=

After her conversation with Counselor Zoei Teilani had spend the rest of the previous evening looking through applications for new a head nurse. Computer: Coffee, Jamaican blend, double strong, double sweet and 2 jelly donuts. Taking her plate and mug she walked to her desk, sat down and continue the only padd left.

There was a good candidate currently on Qultuq. Teilani looked at the padd her name was Xioa Lee, an unjoined trill.

Apparently she lived a peaceful and happy life until the age of 12. Raised by her mother until her mother was assassinated by a fellow trill. Devastated by the brutal murder she was given intense psychological care and eventually recovered. Her education was the standard 7 years Medical course. According to her Chief Medical of QT she seems to be a very energetic and enthusiastic person. Despite her rocky past she always smiles and can think of a good think The fact that she had psychological care does not jeopardize her in terms of mental stability.

“Computer sent a message to Ensign Xioa Lee at Qultuq medical.”

“Ensign, if your duty allows would you please meet me at my office on board the USS Zion. I have a proposal for you which you might want to re-consider.”

LtJg Teilani Dane CMO USS Zion.

After having sent the message Teilani went about her usual day to day things.

***********

=QulTuq Medical=.

Xioa was bored from reading long and tedious journals of new cures, newly discovered diseases. She startled a little when her console bleeped, informing her of a incoming message.

Curiously she read it. Now this could be the opportunity of a life time. It seemed that the CMO of the Zion wanted to talk to her. Perhaps offering a job, this would give her a chance to escape the Station. There was no use waiting so Xioa decided to go immediately.

************

Teilani was in main sickbay when she heard the sickbay doors open. Security officer Douglas was escorting an ensign.

“Ma’am he said, I have here an Ensign Lee, claiming to have an appointment with you.”

“That is correct Mr Douglas, thank you for escorting her, please wait outside.” Douglas nodded and left.

“Thank you ensign Lee for coming at such a sort notice. My name is Doctor Dane," Teilani said while sticking out her hand.

"Nice to meet you doctor," Xio said, looking around. She had never seen a starship sickbay.

“Would you follow me to my office. Please have a seat. I will not beat around the bush, I am in need of a good head nurse very quickly and you came recommended. So I want to offer you a job here on the Zion,” Teilani said.

I read from your file that you have psychological history. Will this be a problem for you, we are going into deep space.”

Xioa was surprised, this Doctor was quite direct and to the point. Someone to recon with.

“First of all Doctor Dane, thank you for giving me this opportunity. As for the psychological history as you no doubted have read I was fully cured and no this will not be a problem.”

Teilani studied Xioa, she would do fine. She smiled, “Then Ensign welcome onboard the USS Zion. I will clear everything with security and our XO. The Zion is due for departure around 1500hrs. So if it is possible for you to be onboard then that would be appreciated.”

Xioa jubled, “Yes Doctor, I will make sure that I am here before we depart. Again thank you Ma’am.”

“Mr Douglas will escort you back to the station. I will see you later then, Teilani said watching Ensign Lee leaving.

Processing The Prisoners "
By: Charles Atwood, Chief Intelligence Officer, [PST]
Intelligence Warrant Officer, USS Zion, [NPC]
Dr. Alyssa Caitlin Northrop, Intel Officer, [PST]
CIO, Uss Zion, Maquis Alliance, [NPC]

Stardate: 58204.21 0830

Alyssa walked through the Zion's corridors....feeling a bit warm in the new uniform. She wasn't used to wearing such conforming clothing. Though, she did have to admit that at least she looked impressive, sporting the grey shirt with the grey and black uniform. She was to report to her new boss...a Lt. Atwood....and get to work. Silently, she wished that whatever it was that Atwood would have her do.....that it wasn't paperwork. She'd certainly die from shear boredom if he did.

A few moments later, she stopped in front of the doors to the Intelligence Section....and more specifically Lt. Atwood's office. Stepping forward, she entered the man's office. Coming to attention, she barked out,

"Warrant Officer Alyssa Northrop reporting for duty, Sir!"

Charles had just come into his office and was checking his agenda for the day when somebody apeared in his office, He looked at the woman and saw the WO Pip on his collar and remembered that the Capt had mention that he had a new adition to his department now that Sam had transferred herself to Security.

"At ease Warrant Officer, I've been Expecting you please Sit down", Charles pointed to a chair while he picked a pad with Alyssa's Personal File.

He took a quick look to the file and said "WO. Northorp, I have two asignments for you at this moment"

"Aye Sir," she said, not looking at him...but standing at attention as she had been told to during her quick training ordeal. "What do you require of me, Sir?"

"Well The first of them is to assist me in interrogating the new prissioners that we have to transfer to rura penthe, and the second is that I've selected you to be the Medical Officer of the black ops team, since you are already trained in Intelligence and have several experience in covert missions", Charles waited a little to let Alyssa think what he had just stated.

"Um Sir....I believe you have me mixed up with another person. One....the only 'Missions' I've been on were to sell the artifacts I recovered and/or to procure specific items for my Expeditions. And Two.....You don't want me to be the Medical Officer for anything.",Alyssa stayed at attention, a look of disbelief on her face.

Charles took a closer look at the file of Alyssa and saw that she had a PHD in archeology not in medicine so he said pointing to a chair

"Ms. Northorp, please have a seat... Well I seemed to have misread your file, but i still want you in the team you have survival experience I can ceartanly put to a good use", He said

"That's Doctor Northrop, Sir," Alyssa said, emphasizing the Doctor part. She sat down in the chair and looked him in the eyes. "Lieutenant....it is true that I have survived through quite a few, shall we say, sticky situations....but I prefer to work alone in such situations. I find that it keeps extra concerns to a minimum."

Realizing that what she'd just said sounded rather bad, "It's not that I cannot work with others....ask any of my students...I mean former students. My collegues will also tell you the same. I am a team player...I simply prefer to put only myself in danger when the situations arise."

"Well Ms Northorp, You would see that the work here in the Intelligence Department is not Boring nor rutinarie. By the way You would use Your military rank from now on... I do not want more misunderstandings like the one we have just have here. I suggest we move on", Said Charles starting to get a little anoyed. "Another thing this is a very dangerous line of work, please be always cautious and be patient with other officers they usualy do not like to be ordered things and of course they hate a lot the ussual Sorry Sir, that information is classified"

Charles Stood up and ordered the Computer "Computer put WO Northorp under Active Status in Intelligence Department, give her Security Level 3 and Beta Two security access codes, Authorization Atwood 66265 Beta Two..."

The computer answered "Command Codes Accepted... Warrant Officer Alyssa Northorp Please state personal codes"

"Northrop 22 Charlie Tango."

Her response was short...and rather clipped. The patronizing tone in his voice grated on her nerves....but she kept her cool. Of course these Fleeters would think she didn't know what the hell the score was.....no...she was only an Archeologist....what did she know about life and death situations.....dealing in dangerous situations. She wondered if this Atwood character could survive 5 minutes in some of the places she'd gotten out of.

Charles Begun to feel anoyed with this woman, he decided to give her a lesson and said, "Ms Northorp One of my qualities is to be Betazoid... and by the way you would be surprised of the places I have gotten out of....Look I see you have potential on becoming an Intelligence officer that's the only reason I'm tolerating this but in the future you would try not to get your superior officers anoyed, I doubt the CO or the XO ar as patient as myself"

Alyssa stiffled the comment.....knowing different, having spent time with the Captain already. "Yes Sir," was her terse reply....not liking this man one iota....and not caring if he knew it...Betazoid or not. She would do the job she was assigned to do....but she was under no obligation to like the man. She just hoped the man didn't get her killed.

"By the Way welcome aboard WO", said Charles as they both exit Atwood's Office in direction of Security Section

"Thank you, Sir," she said.

Live Bait "
By: Ensign Philips, Operations Officer, [NPC]
Craig Witmore, Engineer, [RNPC]

Stardate: 58204.21 0900

Ensign Philips had hardly been in the operations office for more than an hours when he started getting complaints about the environmental controls in the marine section. He must have taken 10 complaints already. Philips was certain that Whitmore was behind it. He started to open up a repair request to engineering but then thought about how the Marine CO had treated the medical staff. "It could be operations next time," thought. Philips decided to add the repair request to his list of things to do later, much later. "The marine should have at least apologized," thought Philips.

Philips pulled up the list of new crew members. He was surprised to see a Ferengi on the list. He pulled up his list of replicator patterns. Philips thought it was revolting. There were things like tube grubs, snail juice, millipede juice, grilled snail and a revolting drink called Slugo-cola. Philips began programming the ferengi food into the ship's main replicator system when he remembered the conversation at the poker party about reprogramming the marine replicators. "...you are afraid to take risks.." The comment echoed in his mind.

Philips pulled up the main replicator system and isolated only those replicators in marine assigned quarters. He carefully backed up all of their programming and placed it in protected memory. Then he carefully re-initialized their database and uploaded only the Ferengi patterns he had just done for the new crew member. Finally he locked out new changes to their replicators so that they could not add new patterns themselves. As we was finishing Craig Whitmore walked in. "Hi Craig," said Philips quickly like a kid caught with his hand in the cooking jar. "I have been busy taking complaints from our marine crew members. It seems they had a chilly night. I don;t suppose you could check on that for them," said Philips, a sly smile crossing his face.

Craig looked at his padd his face did not give anything away. "Geez, I don't know, Chief Silvio has given me a pretty long list this morning. Guess I could look at it once I'm finished but I ain't promissing anything." Inwardly Craig chuckled, phase 1 completed, now phase 2.

"You better ask the supply master to deliver some extra blankets then."

"Yeah, I will get right on that," replied Philips just at the comm system chirped.

"Private Solas to operation."

"Operations here. How can I help you," said Philips.

"We are having problems with our replicators. Every time we order something all we get are a plate full of worms. WORMS! Yuk."

" I am sorry, you are having problems. I will open a repair request and get someone down there too look at them as soon as possible.

"Thank you!."

"Man those marines sure do know how to whine," said Philips. "Do you suppose you could look into that as well?"

" Humpf, you have been programming the replicators you sure you did not do anything wrong," Craig asked with an innocent look on his face. He sighed, " Boy and I thought these marines were tough ones. I mean they do know how to survive in harsh environments but eating worms is out of the question? What a babies, they probably are afraid that it might upset their delicate stomachs."

"Besides they can always use the worms to fishing on the holodecks." He laughed picturing the overflow of worms in the replicator.

Craig slung his toolkit over his shoulder. "Anyway Philips I will see what I can do."

"See ya later Craig." Ensign Philips smiled. It was fun to take risks.

Poltergeist #36"
By: Ryan-Steven ‘Rusty Ryan’ Madriani, Marine CO, [PST]
Lt. Haynes, Beta Squad CO, [NPC]
First Lt. Liv, Gamma Squad CO, [NPC]
First Lt. Quince Quarton, Quartermaster Marines, [NPC]
First Lt. Anna Lorance, Delta Squad CO, [NPC]
First LT. Michael Palin, Alpha Squad CO, [NPC]

Stardate: 58204.21 1200

==Marine Command room. 15 minutes before the daily meeting.==

“Gagh!” Quince yelled. “Who on earth wants to eat gagh?”

“I like it.” Liv’och said.

Quince looked at the Squad CO of gamma squad. “You would.” the quartermaster said. “But I asked who on earth. And your not from earth.”

“The cold is worse.”

“yeah I had 30 request for small room heaters.” Quince said. “I want a cheese sandwich with extra butter!” he screamed at the replicator who threw out an other plate of gagh.” Quince lost his temper and smacked it against the wall.

Liv’och grabbed some from the floor and took a bite. “This is not good gagh.” He said.

Lt. Palin walked in. “Hello Liv’och, Quince.” he said tired.

“Mike? Did you sleep?” quince asked worried at the sight of the bags under Palins eyes. “No kids kept screaming bloody murder by the cold.”

“ you should have called me, family’s have priority’s, Rusty Ryan’s orders.”

“O thanks Quince could you set it up before tonight?”

“Of course.”

Michael smiled thankfully. “Now I can surly use a good meal. The replicators in my quarters only served gagh!” he said with a laugh. “They said they’ll have someone fix it ASAP.”

“Well Michael you’re out of luck. All the replicators on deck 11 serve gagh.”

“WHAT! Christ! my wife already had to take the kids to Miranda’s. They where Starving!” He banged his hand against the wall.

Liv’och stood up. “I will go by Miranda’s to pick up food for everyone.” He said.

“That’s a good idea mister Liv’och, I’m starving” Rusty said as he entered the room. “I haven’t eaten yet. I’ll have a pancake, you know what make that a plate. We’ll all take some.” Ryan sad down at the head of the table “good morning everyone” he said.

“Well your right about the second part sir, it is morning.” Lt. Palin said unhappy. Ryan chuckled.

“Sorry I’m late” lt. Lorance said entering hastily. “O we haven’t started yet?”

“No Miss Lorance we haven’t. But your late none the less.” Ryan answered. “Where is lt. Haynes?” Ryan asked looking trough the room and missing the beta Squad Co. before anyone answered Liv’och entered with the pancakes, some drinks, bread and Lt. Haynes

“Your late mister Haynes. Care to explain.”

Liv’och answered for him “I found him at Miranda’s sir, he hadn’t eaten today as well.” Ryan looked surprised. “wait no one has eaten a thing yet?”

“ No sir, we we’re all to busy in the morning and during the break all that was served was Gagh.”

Ryan looked amazed. The doors opened and Sergeant Kelvin came storming in.

“Sir!” he said saluting.

“what is sergeant?” “Sir on behalf of the troops I am here to file a complaint SIR!”

“Speak freely.” Ryan demanded.

“The men want to know what training you wanted them to undertake when you ordered the barracks temperatures to be set to minus 1 degree Celsius, sir!”

“I didn’t give that order. It should be on 19 degrees as always.”

“it isn’t sir.”

“Odd, I had the same thing, it froze in my bedroom.” Ryan said. “But I was ensured I was the only one. They would fix it today.”

“They told me the same sir.” Palin said suspicious.

Ryan looked at his other seniors they all acknowledged that they where all told that it was just their room that was offline.

“Mister Quarton.” He said turning to his quartermaster. “You’re an engineer, how can this be?”

Quince thought. “It sounds like a mistake made by the ships computer. To take out deck 6 and deck 11.”

“Both populated with a large number of marines.” Ryan said. “it wasn’t all of deck 6.” Anna Lorance said. “The quarters next to me where fine: I spoke to a friend in the science department who lives there.”

Ryan found it all to be very confusing.

“Sir, could this be related to the Sickbay incident?” Anna asked suddenly.

“How?”

“Well sir, from the start relations with the crew has been tense. They don’t really like us. And your behavior in sickbay has struck a nerve.”

“Yes well, I’m going to solve that in a couple of hours, I’m drafting a statement.”

“Perhaps those honorless P’taks have something to do with this.” Said Liv’och.

“Sir I have a plan” Anna said.

Log Index | Go to Stardate 58204.21.