Challenges #21"
By: Craig Witmore, Engineer, [RNPC]

Stardate: 58208.03 0615

BEEEP BEEEP!!! Red alert! Red alert. With a jolt Witmore jumped up and ran for the door. "All personnel report to your duty stations, we are under attack!"

This was what Craig had dreaded, being on vacation and now suddenly the ship was under attack, he belonged in Engineering, especially in these times.

Suddenly he heard foots running behind him. "Witmore, here grab this, come on," DePaul said to him, running past him. "There is a hull breach on deck 4, apparently some corrosive beam has hit the ship!!.

Craig started to run with him. "Do you know who attacked us!!" he shouted then almost tripped over some smouldering conduits and broken bulk plates.

DePaul shook his head. "No from what I have heard they came out of the blue, this way!!!. he pointed.

As they ran into the next corridor they noticed the devastation on the Zion's hull. Some sort of greasy residue had eaten through the hull, exposing the inner plating and wiring. An emergency force field kept space out side.

"What is that?" DePaul said taking his tricorder and scanning the substance. The readings were inconclusive and DePaul snorted. "Oh great, something secret, how should we fix it if we don't know what it is.

"Hey man, come on." Craig commented. "That’s something for science to figure out, its our job to fix this hole. Why don't you tackle it from above and I will start at the bottom. He had put his toolbox on the ground and opened it. Craig could dream the contents of his box, coil spanner, calibrator, adhesive etc.

Without looking he reached in to it and with a scream he withdrew his arm. DePaul looked at him. "What’s the matter Craig?" he said with a funny slow voice. Craig looked at this hand which was filled with mud, grey wet sticky mud. "What the heck?"

He looked up at DePaul, and shook his head. DePaul looked ridged and his face had a greyish look. "Craaiig...yoooou must.... fiiiiiix it." his voice came slurry and slow. DePaul pointed at the wall. "Thereeeee."

Looking at the wall Craig took a step back. It had changed into a soggy greyish mash, he put his hands against, only to discover that they sank into it... the mash erupted between his fingers.. He couldn't stop the gap from opening wider..

NO.......that was impossible, the whole wall was changing in to clay. Craig turned to DePaul who was now completely changed, changed into a statue. Craig hit his combadge whereby he spatted mud in his face, leaving a muddy handprint on his own chest.

"Witmore to the Bridge." No response. "Witmore to Engineering. Nothing. Anybody!!"

By now the wall was pulsating just like something was burrowing its way out of there, he could see little mud puddles forming on the floor until suddenly.......................

BEEEP BEEEp!!!! With a jolt Craig sat up, blinking rapidly. The alarm on his nightstand went off. There was no red alert, there was no beeping. There was no mud on his hands. It was all a dream.

Shaking like Jelly "
By: Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]
Jelly Goldman , nurse , [NPC]

Stardate: 58208.03 1015

=Captain's Ready Room, USS Zion=

The Captain's Ready Room seemed a bit busier than it should be, a few moments after Wright had taken his leave the door beeped open again. Instead of the two people he had just beeped, in walked a new nurse.

Hunter stood up.

Jelly pranced into the room and sat down. "Captain?

Hunter remained standing, "That would be me."

"You have GOT To help me!" She said frantically. "The woman in sickbay is crazy! Crazy!!!" She said desperately.

"And you are?"

"Goldman, Jellizina Goldman." Jelly said, and then suddenly realized how cute the captain was. "But um, you can call me Jelly." She said with a decidedly different tone as she walked around the edge of the captain's desk and sat down on it, a few inches from his chair. "And if you don't do something about that crazy woman in sickbay something very bad will happen!" Jelly said, not as a threat, but more of a prediction. "Captain." She purred.

Hunter face grew taut. Slowly he spoke: "Ensign! Get...your ass...off...my desk."

Jelly was shocked. "God they ALL hate me," she thought to herself as she jumped off of the desk. "Yes...yes...Captain." She stuttered and ran out of the room as fast as she could, thoroughly terrified and embarrassed.

"I need a drink." She said to herself.

Hunter tapped his combadge, "Bridge security, stop Ensign Goldman and return her to my ready room please."

He walked around to the front of his desk and leaned against it, folding his arms as two security officers stepped inside flanking Jellizina.

"Miss Goldman..." said Hunter clearing his throat. "I don't know where you came from, or how you ended up on my ship. I don't know how things were done there but I will tell you something. On this ship you will remember these rules." He stood up and got close to her face. "One, you will obey the Chain of Command. Do you know what that is?"

Jelly nodded. "Yes Sir." she looked down and studied her manicured nails.

"Two, when addressing the Captain or being addressed by the Captain. That's me. You are not allowed to leave until you are dismissed.

"But...."

"Three, you do not ever set your ass on my desk again."

Jelly pouted her lips. [There was nothing wrong with that, she only ment to break the ice]

"Do I make myself perfectly clear?"

She nodded again, despite her previous thought of Hunter being cute, she now saw him as a big bully.

"I didn't hear you, Ensign. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes Captain," she said. " I do apologize, it is all rather new to me. I will make sure it will not happen again." Jelly shamefully looked up at Hunter and fluttered her eyelashes.

He dismissed the security guards with a nod.

"Miss Goldenman, in the academy did you not learn how to behave in the presence of a superior officer?"

Jelly grimased, "I did," she mumbled.

"You did graduate right?"

"But of course I did," she replied challenging Hunter.

"Then why do you think you can barge in here like you did?"

"Well I,... she stuttered. "I wanted to lodge a complaint and I couldn't wait!." she blurted out.

"Who is the complaint against?"

"Doctor Dane!"

"I see," said Hunter rubbing his forehead as if it hurt.

"Now do you really believe that your complaint is legitimate?"

Jelly frowned and responded stubbornly " Yes I do."

Despite his morbid curiosity, Hunter chose his response carefully, "you need to follow the Chain of Command, then. You would report your complaint with Commander Wright."

Hunter turned and stepped toward his desk and turned around. "I must be warn you Ensign," said Hunter, "if you are not respectful of Commander Wright, I can say with certainty that he will throw you in the brig."

Jelly's eyes grew big and she nodded.

"Dismissed," said Hunter.

Alterian rose water "
By: Jelly Goldman , nurse , [NPC]
Miranda, Lounge Manager, [RNPC]

Stardate: 58208.03 1055

"Me not knowing the Chain of Command," Jelly uttered while strolling through the Zion's corridors. I knew it, they all covering for eachother. I definately need a drink." She continued muttering while making her way to the lounge.

This was the first place she had memorized, thinking that she would perhaps spend most of her time there, but the opposite was true. That crazy redhead had kept her working all the time.

Nodding at other crew members Jelly managed to acquire a place at the bar. Still sulking she looked at the stars, waiting for someone to ask what she desired.

Miranda watched as Jelly entered the lounge and sat down at the bar. Miranda shook her head. It seemed to her that any time someone was upset they always gazed out at the stars while waiting for service. Turning around to face the various bottles behind her bar she selected a clear glass bottle containing a rose colored liquid. After filling a wine glass, she carried over to Jelly and placed it in front of her.

"Hello," said Miranda as she set the glass down.

"Hi," Jelly said giving a weak smile. "I didn't order anything."

Miranda smiled back. "Just try it. It's on me."

"What is it?" Jelly took up the glass and smelled it. A hint of fresh rose blossoms and something undefineable hit her nose.

"It's Altarian Rose Water," replied Miranda. "It's said to have a positive mind clearing effect. Each member of the Altarian parliament is required to drink this prior to beginning legislative work each day." Miranda chucked. "The murder rate among the Altarian parliament has dropped drastically since they started drinking this."

Miranda grabbed a second glass and poured herself a glass. Holding up the glass she said, "Cheers."

"Down the hatch." Jelly responded with a chuckle, she then almost downed it in one go. "Holy cow, now this is an eye opener," she said with a grin while her cheeks turned a slight pink.

Miranda took a sip of her drink, an amused smile spreading across her face, "You are supposed to sip it." Miranda filled Jelly's glass again.

"You invented this yourself?"

"Invented? Ah... No," she replied. "This is the top exported product of Altair four."

"Ah yes you said something about their parliament," Jelly chuckled as she now took only a small sip. "I wasn't listing. She let out a deep breath of air. "Wow this stuff is really relaxing. So you been here long on the ship?"

Miranda nodded, "Since its very first flight. My name is Miranda."

"Oh where are my manners, I am Jellizina Goldman. Nice to meet you. She stuck out her hand."

"Nice to meet you Jellizina," replied Miranda shaking her hand.

"Just call me Jelly." Jelly replied wiht a giggle

"Ok... Jelly...", Miranda resisted the urge to chuckle at her chosen nickname. "You looked a bit upset when you came in. Is every thing alright?"

Jelly shook her head. "It is not, but darned that... that.... that red haired woman drives me up the wall!" Jelly felt her frustration rise again and quickly took a little sip of the rose water.

Miranda decided she better just keep the bottle close at hand. Jelly still looked a little on edge, "You mean Doctor Dane? What is the matter?"

"She is a tyrant, barking orders. Telling people to clean up! I mean what is she thinking that we are her slaves or so....."

Miranda nodded, paying close attention, she waited for Jelly to continue.

"She asked me to re-arrange the various vials, well I put them on a colour coding scheme." Jelly took another sip. "I tell you Miranda, she nearly blew a fuse! Told me I had to do it all over again, but now by the medications which were in it. I mean putting them colour to colour makes the place brighten up right?"

"Well, that is one way of looking at it." Miranda took a sip from her own glass and pondered this new information. "I would imagine that each member of Dane's staff might have a different way to organize them wouldn't they?"

Jelly frowned. "Hmmmm, yeah I guess so."

"So if you organized them all by color and then someone from Gamma shift reorganized them by production stardate, I bet that would be pretty frustrating for you."

Jelly grinned. "Sure it will, then I have to do it all over again."

"So perhaps part of Doctor Dane's job is to make sure that certain standards and regulations are followed," suggested Miranda. She spoke in a soft friendly tone.

"So you guess the icequeen was right about it then?" Jelly asked Sipping her drink.

"I think she is in charge of the department and just expects that people will follow regulations," said Miranda.

Jelly huffed, "Rules and regulations, I had those at home too. Come on Miranda, there is not a hint of warmth in that woman," Jelly whispered.

"You know," began Miranda as she refilled Jelly's glass, "I do not know the Doctor all that well, but maybe you should try to get to know her a bit better. Maybe she just had a bad day."

Jelly shook her head. "I doubt that, she just has it in for me. She didn't have to yell you know." Jelly explained further. "You know I even went to the captain to complain about her.... But he told me to use the chain of command and gave me a third degree... only cuz I went to sit on his desk. I mean there is nothing wrong with that, is there? It's a great way to break the ice..." Jelly now smiled brightly.

Miranda paused for a moment. Inwardly she was stunned and perhaps a bit amused. She would have liked to have seen the captain's reaction when Jelly sat on his desk. She kept these thoughts to herself and took a sip of her drink.

"Jelly, I am surprised that you did not get tossed into the brig." Miranda made eye contact with her, "You need to be very careful. We are living on a Maquis military vessel, full of military people and are expected to behave in a military manner. I would not ever consider sitting on the captain's desk and I am a civilian."

"Well you know he... yelled and I ran off, he then had me dragged back by some security guys.. " Jelly sighed and slumped a little on the barstool. "Seems I have to learn a lot here, I don't know if I am made for this work." She glanced at her manicured nails which by now had lost their glance.

Miranda was amazed at Jelly's luck, she could not believe that this woman did not get tossed into the brig. "Well, Captain Hunter must have seen something in you that made him think you could handle it."

"You think so?" Jelly asked with a hopefull look in her eyes.

"Yes I do, if he thought you were not going to be able to fit in here he would have tossed you into the brig. The fact that he did not do that means that you still have a chance." Miranda took another sip of rose water. "Listen, you are in the Maquis world here... I would suggest that you try your best to play by the Maquis rules. It might be hard at first, but in the long run you will be happier. The captain thinks you can do it and so do I."

Jelly pouted her lips, "Thats good enough for me!. You think I should actually apologize to Doctor Dane?"

"I think that would be a good start," said Miranda as she finshed her glass. "I think the hardest part for you will be following the rules. You seem to be a rather free spirit. "

Jelly smiled as she finished her drink. Longingly she looked at the bottle close to Miranda's hands. "Well I am not too fond of rules, had to follow those at home too, thats why I ended up here."

"Well, this place is all about rules Jelly, so if you want to make it here you are going to have to adapt to them."

Jelly wrinkled her nose and chuckled. "Well I got to practise a lot then."

"What did you do before you joined the Maquis?"

"It's a long story I will tell you sometime." Jelly said sliding off her chair.

"If it helps, you can always come visit me to talk about it. I have plenty of rose water on hand too."

"Excellent, well wish me luck then." Jelly said adjusting her ponytail.

"Good luck Jelly," said Miranda as she watched the ensign leave. Miranda could not help but wonder how a person like Jelly had managed to get through the academy, but she was glad she did. She was a free spirit, and Miranda liked that. She hoped that, with time, Jelly would learn to recognize when it was safe to let her sprit out, and when it was not. Miranda finished her drink and then returned the rose water bottle to the shelf behind her.

Medical training or bust "
By: Dr. James McIntyre , Doctor , [NPC]
Jelly Goldman , nurse , [NPC]
Teilani Dane, Chief Medical Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58208.03 1400

Location: DrDanes quarters 0600hrs

It was still early when Teilani woke up. Today was going to be a big day, not for her but for her crew. Over the last few days she had been reading up on the reports, the background of her staff.

And even though they were good at their job they lacked confidence, and confidence is what they would need in times of trouble. Quickly she showered, dressed and had a piece of toast for break fast.

It was about 6.45 when she entered holodeck one, bigger then a holosuite and much more suited for her idea. She wanted her crew to go though some training, so that she could evaluate where they lacked professionalism, so that based upon that she could assign them different tasks or give them more guidance.

There were several scenarios she saw, while browsing the ships database but non of them were difficult enough. Until… she found one and with some modifications it would do great.

So she went to work.

**** Sickbay ***

“Good morning doctor,” Jelly said as Teilani walked into her office. The time was about 0715 hrs. “I have your coffee ready for you.”

“Thank you miss Goldman, your up early this morning, “ Teilani said taking the mug from Jelly’s hand.

“Yes Doctor, and I would like to apologize for my behavior when we first met.” Jelly said with a big smile on her face, her perfectly manicured nails tucked a string of hair behind her ear.

Teilani looked questionable at the young woman. The way she had said it made her suspicious. “Well nurse lets see if we can make a better start then. “

“Status report?”

“ah.. Jelly beamed at her. “Well ensign Ragt had some sort of skin rash, turned out to be from a plant he purchased on QT. It doesn't seem to be contagious but I have asked Science to look into it. According to the night staff nothing major happened, if you would excuse me Doctor, I promised Lt Moore to help her with the reclassification of some new DNA strains.

Savoring the coffee, Teilani nodded. Slowly time passed and the morning was just like any other. It was just around 1230 when the Teilani’s staff was alarmed.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY ON HOLODECK 1. All Medical staff report to holodeck 1.

Teilani came running out of her office. “Macintyre, Goldman, Brown, Pierce, Juanitez your with me. Gloria make sure you got everything prepped here.!!”

McIntyre grabbed his medkit instinctively and followed Dane out the door. Behind him followed the others.

He couldn't help but wonder what was going on. It was unusual for any serious injury to occur on the holodeck. Even so, they were normally transported directly to Sickbay. He said nothing as he watched the door of the turbo lift close.

As they stepped from the lift and walked toward the holodeck, McInytre retrieved his tricorder as they paused by the holodeck door.

Teilani tapped the holodeck access, but despite the acknowledging beep the doors remained closed.

She tapped her combadge. "Engineering there is a medical emergency in holodeck 1, beam us in directly.

"Sorry Doctor, came a voice over the com, transporters are offline, we have an power failure on deck 5 and the gravity platings here just went offline. You have to get in manually."

Teilani nodded at MacIntyre. "You heard him James. Open the door.!

McIntyre looked at Dane. "I'm a Doctor, not an Engineer."

Her stare did not flinch. McIntyre activated the LCARS display on his medical tricorder which linked up to the ship's computer. He pressed through several menus and found what he was looking for. He studied the information on manual overrides as he walked several steps to the control panel.

He set the tricorder in his kit and studied the panel. Carefully he removed the fascia, exposing the circuits and ODC lines. He found the manual override control and activated it. He stepped back as the door's pneumatics whooshed it open.

The team took a step back as a cloud of smoke exited, as it had cleared up the holodeck was a place of devastation. Directly ahead crates filled with balloons and decorations were tumbled down. To the left a crewman laid moaning under a ladder, still holding some little flags. In the far left corner Teilani saw the green flames of a plasma fire.

“Alright gang, you know what to do. “James, Jelly, you two up there.” Teilani said pointing at the higher railing, where the fire was burning.

Brown, Pierce, Juanitez, take care of those.” She said pointing at the crewman laying under the ladder and the others who were sitting down, holding either an arm or their head. Blood was seeping, making little splashes on the floor.

McIntyre scanned the scene with his tricorder. It was a disaster. The life signs appeared real, as did the plasma fires. Some sections of the holodeck appeared to be damaged. The yellow-black panels flickering through the holo projections.

McIntyre swallowed hard, "this is bad."

With fright in her eyes Jelly looked at the devastation.

"Come'on," said McIntyre.

“I can not do this Sir,” she whimpered. “There is blood every where.”

McIntyre swallowed hard. "The blood isn't going to hurt you. You've trained to do this."

“The stains will never get out.” Jelly whispered and jumped as some molten steel splashed on the floor. “Sir, I’m sure that there is nobody alive up there, perhaps we better help the others.”

McIntyre stopped Jelly by putting his hand on her shoulder, "We have to look."

Jelly looked absolutely scared. “I can not do this. I was not meant for this.” She recited her mantra. “I should be back on QT. I will call my father to complain.”

"Jelly, listen to me. Focus."

Jelly seemed to compose herself.

"You go first, I'm right behind you," he said. She slowly began to climb.

"Just don't look down."

Then after what seemed hours, both Jelly and McIntyre reached the upper level. Just below the plasma fire there was a young ensign laying face down, his uniform was smoldering. The heat from the fire was immense.

“OH MY GOD!!! Jelly screamed and turned away. McIntyre was standing right behind her, he gently turned her back to face the victim.

"He needs our help."

The young ensign McIntyre had ordered her to turn around had his face badly burned. It was not a face anymore but just a piece of cooked meat. It was amazing that he was still alive.

The victim was moving but otherwise incoherent.

McIntyre started unpacking the med kit. He pulled out the hypospray and handed it to Jelly. "Administer this," he instructed.

He then began to apply a dermal stabilizer to the injured areas. The damage was to severe to do anything but apply a field dressing.

“I am sorry Sir,” Jelly said and she stood up, running to the side and threw up. Her face was white and she was shaking all over. She looked at James. How could he work like that, the fire still burning, blood covering his hands.

She looked at her own, and rigorously began to whip them on her trousers. Blood, there was blood on them, it wouldn't come off.

"Jelly!" said McIntyre, his patience growing a little thin under duress.

With eyes big as blue marbles she looked at him. "Si....r." she whispered wiping off her face.

"We need to figure out away to get him down before the projection fails and we all fall."

"Projection?" Jelly echoed.

"Yes," answered, "these catwalks are part of whatever this holodeck simulation was. If it fails, we'll all fall.

Jelly blinked and her face was white. "Can't we just lower him...Then she screamed as the young ensign grabbed her hand. "the. pain.... he moaned... make it..

"Ewwwwwwwww... no no let me go.. Jelly now pushed... She started to panic. Sedation he needs sedation." she whispered and took a hypospray from the kit.

"Jell..." said McIntyre, but it was too late.

Without looking she administered and looked helplessly as the young ensign started to choke..

"What did you do?"

With shaking hands she showed James the hypospray. "He was in pain, I gave him this....."

James grabbed the hypo from her and looked at it. "Th-this is Chloromydrid. You administered the entire dose."

"I... I told you.. I am not made for this...She cluthed a hand for her mouth.

James couldn't even hear her. He inserted a different cartridge into the hypospray chamber and selected the proper dose and transfered it to the infusion chamber. He quickly removed the cartridge and replaced it with another. "Think, think.." he muttered as he tried to remember the exact ratio needed to counteract overdose of cardio-stimulant. "Five to one...six to one." he said out loud trying to hear which sounded right.

He held up the hypo-spray and adjusted it, "five point five to one." He wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve and pressed the hypo against the man's neck. The skin about his face and neck was badly damaged. Placing the hypo in his mouth, he ripped what was left of the man's shirt open to expose his abdomen. He found an area with only minor burns for the injection site and administered the antidote.

"How is it going," Teilani said while she walked up the ladder. "Status James?"

Teilani looked dreaded, hair was peaking and smudges of dirt, blood covered her clothing and some parts of her face.

With an almost paranoid response James turned around on his heels and stood up. "How did you..." He looked down at the victim. "This man's situation is extremely critical. We have to get him to Sickbay immediately."

She nodded. "We need to lower him, so that we can use the antigrav to get him to sickbay. Unfortunately the site to site transport is still out of order.

"There's nothing up here," said McIntyre as he looked around, "except...that."

Above him was a large canvas sign that read, "Happy Birthday." He ran down the catwalk to one end where the sign was tied to a rail with a rope. He then sprinted to the other end and untied it as well.

He wrapped the canvas under the victim's arms securely enough that he wouldn't slip through. The rope, he wrapped once around the rail for leverage.

"Help me get him over the ledge." Jelly looked helplessly around, they all looked so professional.

"You heard him Goldman, get cracking!." Teilani said as she helped James lift up the man.

Jelly had frozen at the spot when she saw Teilnai look at her.

"Oh forheavenssake," Teilani said and grabbed Jelly's arm. "Here hold this and don't you dare to let go."

Carefully they managed to lowever the young man down the ladder on the floor where Brown and Juanitez were already waiting.

"Doctor," came a voice suddenly over the con, "we have site to site transport again.

"Well it is about time," Teilani muttered as she nodded at Brown. "Lockon to Browns combadge and beam him and everything around him directly to sickbay NOW!."

"Aye doctor," the response came. Then in just a moments notice the patient, Brown and Juanitez were beamed out. Only Teilani knew that both of them were transported directly to sick bay where a Gloria would be updating them on the little scheme they were exposed too.

"Alright you two come and help me with him," Teilani said to Jelly and McIntyre, she pointed at a young woman, with a broken leg and some little scrabs and bruises on her face.

"Jelly," Teilani said. "How would you handle this?"

"I.... I... Jelly stammerd, still thinking about the mistake she had made.

"Well?" Teilani said, trying keep her feet from tapping on the floor. The poor woman became ever more nervous and tears were shown in her eyes.

"Its not time to start crying here Nurse Goldman, you studied for this, so help the wounded." Teilani pushed her further.

To McIntyre, Dane's response seemed cold and scholastic. He pulled out his tricorder and took a scan. The output showed the victim was real. Of course the tricorder could have been tampered with, tied into the holodeck computer. Still, he couldn't be certain because the woman looked like a young ensign he treated a few weeks ago.

He handed Jelly his med kit.

Jelly managed to prevent her hands from shaking and closely watched James. She startled a little when she heard Teilani behind her asking.

"Look Nurse, tell me what he is doing?"

Jelly swallowed, "He is assessing the injury?"

"Why?"

"To determine the next course of action Doctor," she replied.

"What would that action be?" Teilani asked

"Whether or not we can fix the leg here, and whether or not this ensign should be transported to sickbay. The scraps and bruises can be handled with the dermo generator, but the leg needs some more work."

"Very good, Nurse." Teilani said and a small smile played around her lips.

James turned, "We should beam her directly to sickbay," said James.

Teilani nodded. " Go ahead." Then the holodeck was illuminated by the blue shimmer of a transporter beam and both Jelly and Teilani saw James and the young ensign disappear.

Jelly sighed and dared not to look at Dane. She was tired, this accident had drawn all energy from her, and for the first time she wasn't concerned with the state of her nails.

"Were you scared Ensign?" Teilani asked as she started to walk towards the fallen crates.

"Yes doctor," Jelly answered. "I didn't know what to expect, I mean the burns, the mess. It was horrible." Jelly slowly followed Teilani.

"As a medical officer we never know what to expect, in what kind of situations we will find our selves into."

"But I made a great MISTAKE!," Jelly blurted out. "I administered a wrong dose to the man with the burns, I almost killed him."

"You *almost* killed him Ensign." Teilani said. "Being a medical officer asks a great deal from a person. You decided when some one lives or dies, every situation is different, every decision you have to make is different. We all make mistakes, even myself." Teilani said calmly, smiling at the young nurse.

"You do?" Jelly echoed.

Teilani grinned. "Yes even I. But you have to realize Ensign you are on a warship, this is not a fancy dress gala, nobody will listen to you ranting and raving. You need experience and you must be willing to learn if you want to be come a good nurse and if you want to work in my team. Are you willing?" Teilani asked.

Jelly bowed her head. The idea of it all scared her, but she was determined enough to show her father, especially him, that she could do more then just being a pretty blonde.

"I do want to learn Doctor," she replied. "And I do apologize for my behavior."

"Good," Teilani said. "Just be aware that I will not cut you any slack, you will have to work full shifts and on top of that you will need to study hard. I will ask Doctor McIntyre to assist you with that."

Jelly smiled. "Thank you Doctor."

"Now lets see how everybody is doin'," Teilani continued and walked to the holodeck doors. "Computer shut down program."

As the holodeck turned back to its normal black and yellow grid, Teilani could see from the corner of her eye the surprise on Jelly's face.

"It was a program??" Jelly asked trying to keep up with Dane..."Wicked!!!"

Challenges #26"
By: Giuseppe Silvio, Chief Engineer, [RNPC]
Krystal, Hologram, [RNPC]
Patia Zoei, Chief Counselor, [PC]
Craig Witmore, Engineer, [RNPC]
maxime tappert , computer wiz , [NPC]
sharil , science officer , [NPC]

Stardate: 58208.03 1500

With pride in his eyes Craig looked around the class room. Small tables and chairs were forming a circle, a little platform in the middle. He had managed to persuade Ensign Forrester to let him use an empty conference room, and together with her had changed it into a class room.

Over the next few days he had been browsing through the ships database on the various techniques of woodcarving, stone sculpting etc. Now that he was standing in the class room Craig felt his palms starting to sweat.

Yesterday he had sent out a ships wide notice, announcing this class. It was something new and he hoped that some crewmembers would at least come to see it, and possibly attend.

Patia popped her head into the conference room. A slow smile spread across her face as she observed the work area. "Hello, Ensign," she greeted the nervous instructor. "Everything looks to be in order for your first class."

"Hello Ms Zoei," Craig said with a smile. "It looks really good doesn't it.?"

"It certainly does. I haven't been to a class like this before, but it looks like it has everything it needs to have."

"You are most welcome to participate if you want." He said, trying not to beg too much. Nervously he checked the chronometer, and he kept his fingers crossed.

"I had planned to stay, Ensign, as long as it wasn't an issue for you." She chuckled slightly, "others will come. I have never had a class all on time in all the years I have taught different subjects."

" You were a teacher too." Craig echoed. "You happen to have some tips for a newbie?"

"Relax and enjoy your class," she smiled. "I have taught sessions related to my job since I finished my education. The first one is always the hardest. After that, it will get easier."

Craig's eyes now nervously scatted through the room, which filled with people. He had Ensign Forrester asked for 10 table but from the looks of it, he came up short.

Sahril entered the conference room and looked briefly about before taking a seat near the rear of the room. She had always been interested in various fine arts such as music. She, like many Vulcans understood the mathematical precision of music and the logic of its creation.

What she lacked however, was an understanding of the processes behind creating works such as sculpting. She hoped this class might help her to do so. She sat quietly, waiting for it to begin.

Suddenly Craig felt the nervousness creep up his back, the Chief was here. What was he doing here, he hadn't expected him. Was he going to check up on him, looking if he made use of his vacation.

Silvio stepped into the conference room. He had not planned on attending the class because he was afraid that he would be a distraction to Witmore, however, Patia suggested that he look at it as an opportunity to support his staff member. Her reasoning made sense, so Silvio was here. He really knew nothing about sculpting so to his way of thinking this was going to be some sort of experience. He paused to look around a moment than then mode his way toward the circle of tables where everyone else was.

"Hello," he said to everyone.

Craig nodded at his Chief and walked to the door.

Maxine peeked her head around the corner and stopped short on seeing Craig.

"Hi," she waved and smiled at him. "Krystal and I were curious," she admitted with a smile and the object of her comment popped into view and waved at them.

"Hihihi!" the sprite giggled. They were both dressed in loose fitting, white painter's overalls that had more paint than cloth showing, and gaily striped t-shirts underneath. Each of them had on painter's caps with ponytails sticking out the back. The pant legs were rolled up to the tops of their ankles and Maxine's feet were encased in bright pink hi-top Keds. Krystal was barefoot, and her little outfit was be speckled with shiny objects and beads and things that glittered in the light when she moved.

"Hi little squirt," Craig said to the little pixie tickling her belly.

Krystal giggled and a little trail of pixie dust followed her as Max stepped around Craig and into the room.

"Right I think this is it." Craig said to the remaining crewmembers peeking around the door. "You can watch in the back, and if you like it I will make sure there is a place for you next time."

Some of the crew nodded and entered, taking up a little spot at the back of the room. Craig walked back to the center of the room, taking up his spot.

"Goodafternoon all, welcome to lesson 1, Sculpting for newbies. Ermm, I never teached before so just let me know if I talk to soft or to loud."

"Good afternoon, Ensign," Patia said

Maxine and Krstal found a spot to sit down and watched quietly as Craig began the class.

"Just pick a table. This will be your workspot for the next few weeks. What I will try to teach you is to create something with your hands, rather then let the replicator do it for you.

Patia found a position at a table near the front of the room. She looked at the tools before lightly tracing her fingers over the rough handles.

Silvio sat down at a table and then began checking out the various tools that it held.

On your desk you will see several items, first of all the biggest which is a piece of pine wood. Choosing the appropriate wood for carving can depend on many factors. Is the wood soft enough to cut easily with a chip-carving knife, or do you need a chisel and mallet? Will it have a natural finish that shows the grain, or will it be painted? Especially for beginners pine is great. Once you start working on it it will give a great smell"

Then on the right you will see several tools which you will learn to use.

The important one for now is the chip carving tool , the mallet and some hand gouges, these you will use to change the shape the wood, to shape it into the form you want it to be."

Sahril examined the tools each in turn, setting them back on the table. She stared at the wood block in front of her. It was a challenge for her to decide what to sculpt.

"Go ahead and touch it all. It will not bite, or jump." Craig said with a chuckle. "Careful the gauges are sharp."

Maxine checked out all the tools laying on the table and Krystal crawled all over the block of wood, oohing and aahing as she did.

Silvio picked up the block of wood, its natural shape reminded him of something, but he could not put his finger on what it was.

"Now you all probably wonder what to do with the block of wood right? Well close your eyes and touch it, then picture in your minds eye what you would like to make of it."

Patia closed her eyes. Lightly, she handled the pine block. She felt the edges soften. The leaf of a potted plant in the foyer in her parents' home leapt into her mind. It was broad, but flat, with sections of oval shaped particles to make up the entire leaf.

Maxine did as Craig instructed but all she could see in her minds eye was lines and lines of code. She frowned, making a face and opening her eyes to look at Krystal who was perched on the block of wood, grinning at her.

"It's wood," she told Max with a giggle and a pat of her seat.

"Uh-huh. I see that." Max was still frowning a bit.

"It might be difficult picturing something from a block of wood, but then pick it up, look at the shape, let your hand do the seeing." Craig encouraged the little group.

Sahril began to delicately form her block of wood in to a Selat. She found the creation process logical. Before long, a rough shape of a crouching beast took form.

"If you have problems remembering what you say, there is a little piece of charcoal, you can use that to mark those sections you want to remove.

Craig started to walk around, pointing out to each student where he or she could begin.

Silvio set the wood back down and carefully picked up the carving tool and the mallet. He began to remove several chunks from the block. Whatever this wood was reminding him of he could feel it coming closer and closer to the top of his mind as he continued to shape the wood.

Patia closed her eyes. Lightly, she handled the pine block. She felt the edges soften. The leaf of a potted plant in the foyer in her parents' home leapt into her mind. It was broad, but flat, with sections of oval shaped particles to make up the entire leaf.

Craig was in his element.

"You have done this before Ensign?" he said to Sahril.

She paused and stood up straight, "I have not," she said looking at him briefly before returning her eyes to the roughly shaped figure. "What do you think?" she asked, running her fingers over the beast's spine.

"Very good, you can use the smaller gauge to show the lines of the movement more clearly.. Like this.." Craig pointed out

"Thank-you," she said, "I shall try it."

Silently Craig walked around. It was fascinating to see how the counselor and even his chief were concentrating on the work.

"You alright Ms Zoei," he asked looking at the block which slowly took shape in to something still indefinable.

She shrugged slightly. "It has been awhile and I think I am overthinking what I am doing."

He shook his head. "No that’s what you think. Just let you hands do the work and let the wood guide you."

"Thank you, Ensign," her eyes flickered to his briefly before moving back to her project.

Craig nodded and walked on. "Problems Ms Tappert?" he asked.

"I don't know that I'd call it a problem.. exactly..." Maxine looked up at Craig and smiled a bit. "I see ... well... code." She shrugged. "Just code."

"I see forests and waterfalls and fields of flowers full of nectar.." Krystal paused to take a breath. "And dragons and pixies and sprites and wood nymphs." She giggled and petted the wood. "AND.. I see a pretty tree house. Make me a house, Maxie."

Craig smiled. “Well why don’t you Ms Tappert, start with something simple.

Silvio was now quite lost in his work. He pictured the object in his mind. It was an metronome that sat atop the piano in his childhood home. He could remember the the tiny holographic meter swinging back and forth to the beat as he practiced. It was almost like he was back there. He worked the wood, shaping it into the object from his memory. He thought it would be a great addition to the piano that he found on QulTuq.

TBC

The French, English and Speedo's "
By: Pierre D'Aubigne, Flight Control Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58208.03 1721

Pierre luxuriated in the warmth generated by the fake sun of the holodeck. He had been here for at least an hour and planned to stay here for another three, provided of course he was left alone. He looked across the beach to where young bouncy woman played in the ocean, splashing each other and generally giving Pierre an eyeful.

But Pierre thought he was a gentleman, well, so he thought. All he can think of was, "Oui oui mademoiselle, merci merci." He was almost certain he said it aloud. In fact he got up and decided he would ~degrade~ himself by chatting up a beautiful holograms.

He got up and made sure that his shorts presented the beautiful girls with an appropriate introduction to who Pierre thinks he is. He began to strut a bit, almost a bit too boastfully and exaggeratedly, but that generally was because his speedo was too tight. He remembered finding it as a boy in New Delhi. He actually negotiated with the Indian tradesman to the point that the Indian dealer threatened to rip him off next time. Pierre would have nothing of it. A 300% mark up was atrocious. But then, his brother made plenty of jokes at the sudden use and perfection of the English cuss words.

He carried on his strut. "Enchante mademoiselle." He said with a bow and a wave of his hand followed by a sound effect that resembled something remarkably similar to ripping. The girls burst out in ecstatic laughter. And not even in a ladylike manner! They fell to the ground in a heap of laughter.

"Computer, freeze programme." The images came to a still and all became silent. Pierre turned and walked back to where he was sunbathing. "Tell me computer, where are these girls supposed to come from, France or England?"

"Cannot compute question."

"Typical." He said to himself. "You are the worst type of English scum there is computer."

"I am not English. I’m a Federation Standard Computer system designed to maintain this holodeck and surrounding facilities."

Pierre never got the chance to reply as the doors swished open and the captain of his current posting stepped in. He looked around as Pierre immediately stood to attention. He felt the towel drop casually around his ankles. ~Please don’t walk around~' He prayed silently in earnest.

The captain stepped in, and much to Pierre’s relief didn’t go on a walkabout, taking in the sites of Pierre's now skinny white arse. The captain spoke in a chipped English accent. "Interesting." He nodded toward his Flight Control Officer’s speedo. "You do not see that very often, do you?"

~You betcha cap.~ "Aye capt'n, picked it up in New Delhi when I was still but a boy."

Captain merely nodded and took a step toward his left. All Pierre could hear himself say was; ~NOOOOO!!!!!!~ But the Captain looked out over the frozen computer generated ocean. Pierre almost saw him lost in another world. "You have a new posting. You are to report to Qul Tuq in a couple of and take over flight control of the USS Zion."

"Pardon." He said using the French. "This is a bit sudden."

"Yes I know. But in the meantime, I will let you get dressed and we shall discuss this further later." He said rather sheepishly.

~Did he see it? Well did he?~ Was the first thought to Pierre's mind. He felt the rush of heat to his cheek.

The captain merely nodded and left.

Pierre immediately scrambled and grabbed his towel. ~Well, did he or did he not? Damned English, always so secretive, always so damned English!~ Pierre mulled it over. He liked the captain, but the only disadvantage was, he was English. He was a damned Englishman. The scourge of the human race. He had a question come to mind that he had asked himself countless times.

"Tell me computer, what was God thinking when He created the English race?"

"Sorry, cannot compute."

Pierre merely nodded. "Sometimes I think God didn't either."

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