My LEGO Nexus Organization

-=Table of Contents=-
(Use Ctrl+F to get to the section you want; along with the codes!)

Section1: Backstory [001]
Section2: Story [002]
Section3: Gameplay [003]
Section4: Rules [004]
Section5: Punishments [005]
Section6: Profile Form [006]
Section7: Factions [007]
Section8: Species List [008]
Section9: Ranks [009]
(Post Two)
Section10: RPG News [010]
Section11: Current Events [011]
(Post Three)
Section12: Story Updates [012]
(Separate Topic)[Profile Topic Link] (http://www.mlno.org/index.php/topic,7234.0.html)
Section13: NPC Profiles [013]
Section 14: Player Profiles [014]

Discussion Topic (http://www.mlno.org/index.php/topic,7233.new.html) is here!

-==Backtory [001]==-
Space...the final frontier.  These are the adventures of the Phoenix Command Group.  Our continuing mission: To defend the weak and the innocent.  To seek out justice against the galaxy’s most wicked.  To boldly go…where no one else dares!

If you’ve ever built for the Phoenix Command Group on the LEGO Universe Creation Lab, you know what the PCG is.  Otherwise, a recap:
On Stardate 171406.00 (Fri Mar 6 02:01:09 PST 2505) the Phoenix Charter officially formed the Phoenix Command Group, a semi-independent battle group intended to be more flexible than the stagnating Federation could be.  This group was intended to become the galaxy's "police force", allowing the Federation’s own Starfleet to deal with internal affairs.  The unprecedented move was spectacularly successful; fully self-sufficient thanks to the numerous mining and ship-building facilities given to the PCG in the Charter and perfectly situated to deal with border threats around Federation space thanks to the transferral of almost all foreign Neutral Zones into PCG jurisdiction, the PCG rapidly grew, and they enforced the peace between the major galactic powers for quite some time.  Indeed, with the help of the Atnlays and the Delver Group, they even fought off the Spectres, immensely powerful ships that could split supercruisers in two, built by Borg from a dimension they had already completely subjugated; afterwards, the incident was forevermore known as "Operation Omega," though precise records were suppressed so as not to cause panic among civilians in neighboring territories.  This incident marked the height of the PCG's power, its golden "glory days."
But times change, and so did the PCG.  Several of its leading Council Members retired, and the legendary Johnnyred, the boldest and most decisive member of the Council, left on a year-long sabbatical.  New leaders emerged, but so did a villain: the DEO.  Though the DEO was driven out of known space, the incident sparked tensions within the once-invincible PCG, and during the C0MM0D0RE Crisis, the Phoenix nearly destroyed itself through secrecy, rumors, mistrust, and treachery.  At the height of the crisis, one Council member resigned due to baseless charges of treason, another tried to take over the group to protect it and retired shortly after failing, and several of the highest officers broke off into their own group dedicated purely to building the starships they so loved.  In the aftermath, the remaining Council members were left scrambling to pick up the pieces, and a new, lasting rival had appeared: the Minotaur Mercenary Force, a group of powerful mercenaries concerned more with credits than with justice.  However, the PCG also gained new allies, including the ETX Martian Empire and the revitalized Federation, as well as a variety of less formal allies and friends gathered by the individual Council Members.  But the new strength of the PCG is now being tested, as a new threat, the Cor Redor, have emerged seeking galactic domination, and a few old foes are stirring from their ruins as well...
And that's where your adventure...begins.

-==Story [002]==-
In the prologue, you'll be a cadet in Starfleet Academy, sent aboard the U.S.S. Nuparu to learn firsthand how to operate a starship.  Once aboard, however, you'll become embroiled in the Phoenix Incident that leads to the creation of the PCG.
Two and a half years later, you are returning from a deep-space exploration mission and discover the PCG in disarray after a vicious assault by the Cor Redor.  As a member of the StarQuest ground forces, StarLancer starfighter corps, or the main naval branch of the PCG, you must help the PCG and her allies repel these alien invaders.

-==Gameplay [003]==-
Here is how to play "Brave New Souls".  Please read this, especially if you're new to Star Trek or to RPGs in general.  First, you create a character.  Don't use your Lego.com username unless you’re already part of the PCG on the Creation Lab (and even then, it’s better if I include you as an NPC, just so you start on an even footing).  Also, names should be fairly realistic; something like "Erik123" is not as good as "Erik Kingsford".  Create an interesting character that you'll want to play for a while; later chapters will revolve around plots and sub-plots based on your characters' personality, history, and interactions, so don't skimp!  (More character-building information is included in the Profile form section.)  Next, post in-character about waking up in your quarters, finishing a program on the holodeck, or some other routine activity that you are called away from by the ship’s computer.  An NPC will come along and give you your orders.  (You'll need to follow the orders of your superiors throughout the game, but don't worry; they will always leave plenty of latitude for you to do your own thing.  And of course, as your character increases in rank, you'll have to take command of NPCs under you as well.)
When you first begin, you will be on a ship that’s under attack by an unknown foe.  (Prologue players ignore this; your story will begin differently.)  You will be given orders to defend the ship based on which type of combat you choose to specialize in: Starfighters (StarLancers), capital ships (Phoenix Command), or character scale (StarQuest).  From there, just improvise!  The game will lead you on naturally.
Now, most actions (i.e. talking, opening a door, etc.) you can complete automatically; even in combat you can usually land a light blow or two as part of a combo.  However, don't always assume your character will succeed (i.e. "my character walks up to the locked door and unlocks it", or "I shoot the Romulan with my phaser and he falls down dead"); this is called "God-moding", and it is against the rules.  If it seems like there's a good chance your character might not succeed, post that your character tries to do something, and let me determine if they succeed or not.  (This is especially true in combat against other players, although that will be rare outside of simulations and training.)  By the same token, if an NPC does something that might not be beneficial to your character or your mission, don't automatically foil their attempts (i.e. Me: "The Cardassian steps onto the transporter pad and beams to his cloaked ship," player: "Just before the Cardassian gets on the pad, I hack into the ship's computer and raise shields so he can't get away."); this is another form of God-moding.  Just like we fail in real life, our characters fail in the RPG world; but in an RPG, there's almost always a way to come back from a disastrous defeat and keep going, and it's often much more interesting than simply winning all the time.
Finally, a note about continuity.  In the Star Trek universe, there are lots of gizmos and gadgets and rules as to how technology works (i.e. you can't transport through shields, you can't run a cloak and weapons at the same time, you can't go faster than Warp 10 without transwarp, etc.).  However, since the PCG is set so far in the future of Star Trek, a lot more possibilities are open.  As a general rule of thumb, if it sounds cool and you can make up technobabble to justify it, there's a good chance you can do it; and if you've seen it in a Star Trek movie or video game, then it's almost certainly possible.  (Of course, as noted above, sometimes even something that makes sense just won't work out for whatever reason; that's part of the fun of overcoming difficulties.)

-==Rules [004]==-
1. Label your posts with IC and OOC, please.
2. Obey all forum rules.
3. No killing player characters without permission.
4. No "Leet". It's not allowed, and as such, shouldn't be in here.
5. God Mode isn't allowed.  Seriously.  The exception to this is in the holodeck, but even then no one’s strong enough to take out a player character in one hit.  As I said in the section above, you've got to take the good with the bad.  Even with the Force or Imagination, your superhuman abilities are limited by your training, and even once you're fully trained other circumstances will limit your options.
6. Be nice to other players.  Some friendly ribbing (preferably IC) is fine, but if people start to get upset I'll have to step in, and I don't want to have to do that.  Remember, everyone deserves the chance to have some fun. ;)
7. You may have up to Four (4) active characters at a time.  If you already have four characters and want to create a new one you'll have to get rid of an old one.  (Exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis, and this rule is subject to change.)
Specific punishments for unusual infractions:
*Direct and willful disobedience of orders will result in your character being demoted and possibly court-marshalled (expelled from the PCG).  As a word of caution, this may come up as a plot point; you will be able to tell that disobeying orders is part of the plot if the orders are extreme, immoral, or ridiculous and/or other NPCs also disobey said orders.
*Don't break the fourth wall.  Your characters don't know they’re in a work of fiction.  Keep it that way.  Repeated fourth wall abuse will result in your character being kidnapped by Q or another alien species and permanently locked in another dimension, or possibly being erased from existence (as in, no one even remembers they ever existed), in addition to the punishments listed below.

-==Punishments [005]==-
Ok, I dislike to do this, but, these are what you get if you break the rules.

1. You get a simple PM warning, telling you not to do what you did, plus a temporary power decrease.
2. You get a public warning, and a medium wound.
3. You get a critical wound, and a suspension from the RPG for two days.  Your character is confined to the sickbay and the brig for the duration.
5. You get your character killed off, and suspended from the RPG for a week, and when you get back you can make a new character.  Any other characters you have are confined to the brig for the duration.
6. You get one of your characters put on the galactic most wanted list, and you are banned from the RPG until I decide you are fit to play again.
7. That was your last chance the last time. You are permanently banned from the RPG, and all your characters are put on the galactic most wanted list. You can argue your point, but there's not much hope you can get back.

-==Profile Form [006]==-
Required fields for beginning play are in Bold; optional fields or ones that will come later are Bold with Italics.

Username:
Character Name:
Rank: (Cadet) You'll always start out at recruit/cadet, and your rank will increase with time.
Gender:
Age: Usually in their 20s or maybe even a little older (especially for doctors and scientists), but there are exceptions to the norm.
Character Birth Date:
Species: Various pre-made options are listed below, but if you have an idea for something let me know and I'll add it!  If you're confused, just pick Human
Career: Basically what type of work you do.  A ground trooper might list stealth ops, tank pilot, tactician, etc.; a starfighter pilot might list the type of fighter they usually fly (fighter, bomber, troop transport, etc.); someone in the main naval officer branch might list one of the "classic" Trek jobs, like doctor, security, sciences, etc.  Most characters will do plenty of things outside their official role anyways, so it's not too big a deal if you don't have this figured out right away.
Power: Your character has one unusual ability that they will unlock as time progresses, most of which are linked to species (see the Species List below).  If you don't understand an option, PM me and I'll do my best to explain what it does.  If you can't decide, just put "currently unknown".
Faction: (PCG, Federation, MMF, ETX) Once/If I get permission from their respective leaders, other options may include:  Cor Redor, PPT.
First Officer: This is either another player character (in which case they’ll be more of a partner than a second-in-command) or an NPC you get to name.  Your first officer will help you in your duties, and will provide a constant means of character interaction.
Bio: Just a short description of your character’s backstory.  Make it simple yet compelling; later chapters will center around this.
Personality: A short description of your character’s personality.  You can combine this with the bio, if you wish.
Character appearance: Describe or link a picture of your character here.  Note that you'll be in uniform most of the time, but the PCG allows much more latitude in uniform customization than Starfleet does.
Flagship: Once you reach a certain rank, you will gain command of your own task force; when this happens, you must choose a flagship to lead your task force.  You may choose from any class of ship from any source, including those posted in the LEGO Universe Creation Lab.  (A special note for ships from the Lab: Ships indicated by the creator as being unique or limited editions [i.e. the U.S.S. John Wayne or the Essaych-class supercruiser] may not be chosen without the express permission of the creator.)  The ship you choose must be a part of the faction you are a part of (i.e. no PCG characters using MMF ships, no MMF characters using ETX ships, no ETX characters using Atnlay ships, etc.).  You are strongly encouraged to build your own custom classes of ships and post it on the LU Creation Lab; however, I will accept player-made drawings/computer renderings/other types of depictions on a case-by-case basis.  Once posted and approved for play , you may use one of your custom ships as your flagship.
Flagship name: Name your flagship.  Be creative!
Callsign: Your task force needs to have a name to distinguish it from other players’ and NPCs’ task forces in the area.  Be creative!
Accessories/Other: Anything else about your character goes here!

-==Factions [007]==-
There are several factions in the PCG-verse, and here’s some more information about them.  Underlined entries are playable factions.
PCG: As explained above, the PCG seeks to protect the innocent and pursue justice in the galaxy.  To that end, they build whatever ships and technology they deem necessary.  Despite their political issues, they remain on the cutting edge of ship design and technology, and are the dominant power in the galaxy.
Federation: Although the Federation continues to run as it always has, Starfleet is now effectively under the command of Admiral Talmid.  Though no longer at the height of their glory, the Federation remains a powerful influence in galactic affairs, and their continued alliance with the PCG makes them a force to be reckoned with.  Don’t dismiss them lightly!
Atnlays: Led by the mysterious Alien_Ant2, the Atnlays are an advanced race from outside known space.  They are allies of the PCG, specifically of Council Member Johnnyred, but tend to remain uninvolved in most galactic conflicts except in the most dire circumstances.
ETX Martian Empire: Remember the translucent green aliens from Mars Mission?  That’s these guys.  However, unlike the individuals in Mars Mission, these “Martians” are not violent; rather, they are disciplined warriors with a strong focus on honor and loyalty, not unlike the Klingons.  Their military forces are led by Grand Admiral Aremem Zarre.  After a few initial misunderstandings, they have become one of the PCG’s most active allies.
Minotaur Mercenary Force: The MMF, led by mrawesomedude, are a band of mercenaries out solely for profit.  At times they are friends of the PCG, at times they are foes; it all depends on what profits them most.  One of their highest-ranking commanders, VenJents, once led the DEO Federation that triggered the PCG’s internal problems.  However, VenJents seems to have matured, and is now content with his current role in MMF affairs.  They are friendliest with Council Member Flipz, who has negotiated certain trade agreements between the PCG and the MMF, and 99Superdude99, the former PCG sub-council member who later went on to found the mysterious ImagiFleet.
Cor Redor: A mysterious new alien race who has made a powerful entrance into galactic affairs, they have already conquered several worlds in Federation and PCG space.  Whether they can be driven back remains to be seen.

Other factions:
These factions are either past enemies or foes who don’t have as much of an influence on galactic affairs than the others.  None of these will be available to join.
*Romulans: Led by Empress Sela, the Romulans enjoy a friendly neutrality with the PCG, due to the assistance provided by Captain Flipz during the Phoenix Incident.  As part of that truce, the ban on cloaking devices instituted in the Treaty of Algeron was lifted for PCG ships, allowing the PCG to continue research into cloak and counter-cloak technology.
*Klingons: As a result of the Undine War decades ago, the Klingons are no longer the Federation’s ally.  Indeed, some groups within the Empire wish to wage war on the Federation once again, but the wiser elements do not wish to challenge the combined might of both PCG and Federation…yet.  A number of former Klingon worlds became a part of PCG space as part of an early treaty, so Klingons are not uncommon among PCG ranks.
*Cardassians/Dominion: The Cardassians and the Dominion have remained quiet for the past couple of decades.  Too quiet.  There’s no telling what they’re up to…
*The Borg: Though the Borg remain the galactic menace they’ve always been, Federation and PCG technology has been advancing more quickly than the Borg’s.  As a result, they rarely attack.  A group of Borg from an alternate reality where the Borg had conquered the galaxy temporarily took over the Collective and attacked the PCG using their immensely powerful Spectre-type ships.  However, the heroic sacrifice of Essaych, leader of the Delver group, at the end of Operation Omega closed the link between the worlds, and the stragglers formed a separate, smaller collective.  (To commemorate Essaych’s sacrifice, Flipz built the Essaych-class supercruiser in his honor.)  Lately, however, the Borg have been attacking remote outposts at the edge of known space…
*The Undine (Species 8472): Driven out of our galaxy in the Undine War, they have begun to make appearances in our galaxy once more.  With the main factions distracted by each other, will they slip in again to make their move?
*The Yor Collective: First discovered by then-PCG Council Member Gandalf360, the Yor infiltrated the PCG and sent powerful fleets against it.  The PCG and allies defeated the Yor at the Alazhari system, but sightings of Yor ships are on the rise…
*UOF (Ultimate Outside Force): Another advanced extragalactic race, no one knows exactly what species the UOF are.  However, their relationship with MIGHTYMAN503 of the PCG has led to a mutually beneficial exchange of ships and technology.  They have aided the PCG in numerous conflicts, typically taking on those challenges overlooked by the PCG itself.
More to come!

-==Species List==-
This is a list of currently available species for player characters, along with the current choices of powers for each.  If a species isn't listed here, suggest it!  Just be sure to list one or two defining characteristics that could fit in the "Power" slot.  Remember, species from any sources are welcome, including custom ones!  All listed species are sentient and possess free will.

Note: when more than one power is listed with a comma in between, there is a choice; choose ONE for your character.  When more than one power is listed with a + in between, your character gains BOTH powers. ;)  Also, entries in italics require case-by-case approval from me. ;)
*Human (Force, Imagination) [additional ideas appreciated, and may be allowed pending approval; i.e. a Geordi-style VISOR, etc.]
*Redeemed Borg (Plasma Hand) [exclusive to Prologue players, "base" species may be of any known or unknown humanoid species.  Think Seven of Nine, but with more remaining cybernetics.]
*Betazoid (Telepathy)
*Part-Betazoid (Empathy) [full telepathy may be awarded upon petition, in order to accommodate backstory ideas.]
*Vulcan (Mind-meld)
*Mon Calamari (Amphibious)
*Trandoshan (Regeneration)
*Xindi-Primate (Sense Truth, Technical Aptitude)
*Xindi-Arboreal (Peaceful + Aquaphobic)
*Xindi-Reptilian (Hasty, Great Stamina)
*Klingon (Melee Strength, Strong Will)
*Andorian (Cold Resistance)
*Romulan (Heat Resistance, Fearless)
*Reman (Night Vision)
*Orion (Pheromonal Persuasion)
*Falleen (Pheromonal Persuasion)
*Cardassian (Biotechnologist, Superb Memory)
*ETX Martian (Superb Tactics)
*Breen (Temperature Resistance + Armor + Unreadable)
*Changeling (Shapeshifting)
*Xindi-Aquatic (Aquatic Only)
*Xindi-Insectoid (Pheromonal Persuasion + Short-lived)

Coming soon: Part-Klingon, Part-Vulcan, Romulan, Part-Romulan, Cardassian, Part-Cardassian, Andorian, and more!.
Your suggestions for expanding this section are appreciated, any may be allowed pending my approval!
More coming soon!

-==Ranks [009]==-
Ok, to ease confusion, here's how ranks work in the PCG.  You start out as a Cadet (sometimes referred to as a recruit), and as you advance in skill you advance up in rank according to the following list (the left column shows the Phoenix Command branch ranks, the middle one shows the StarQuest ground forces ranks, and the right one shows the StarLancers Air Corps ranks):
(http://universe.lego.com/en-us/community/creationlab/GetMedia.aspx?id=cabd4920-2ddf-4652-81ea-96c635785870)
Now, you don't have to get to Captain before you can captain your own ship; in fact, the Captain rank is reserved for the Council and is unavailable for most players.  You get command of a ship/ground unit/starfighter wing at about Petty Officer Second Class (or its equivalent ranks in the other branches), and you get to choose your own ship starting at around Fleet Master Chief Petty Officer.  (The listed ranks are approximate; captaincy is based on your character's actions as well as rank.)  From that point on, your rank determines how large the forces under our command are; an Ensign might command a small, temporary task force, while a Commander would regularly lead entire fleets.  Really, though, Rank is not a limit on what your character can do; even before you are officially in command of your own ship, you'll need to take charge while the vessel's primary commander(s) deal with another issue.

-== RPG News [010]==-
8/13/2011--RPG in progress.  Profile submissions open soon now open!  Discussion topic coming in a few minutes posted!
      Added Several NPC profiles, as well as a character profile that should be a good example.  More to come.
8/14/2011--Re-worded some several rules for clarity.  This is YOUR chance to expand the story of the PCG, so the rules shouldn't get in the way!  Also added some more species options.  Thanks to MTMerrick for the several abilities!  Keep 'em coming!  Added a rule on multiple characters.  Re-worded Starships rule to clarify that ANY ships are viable options.  Split profiles into NPC and Player profiles.
8/15/2011--Added three new factions!  The Federation, the ETX Martian Starfleet, and the MMF are all available for play!  Also added ETX Martian to the Species list.
8/16/2011--RPG Started!  Begin play when ready.

-==Current Events [011]==-
This will help keep track of the insanity in the RPG, as well as keep things synchronized across both forums.
*Hans Sulu nearly kills the cadets with his insane flying on the way to join the Nuparu in orbit.
*The cadets tour the bridge and see the journey start.
*A barfight breaks out in Twelve-Forward.  Commander Jennifer Williams, the ship's first officer and LCDR Andre Pavlov's ex-girlfriend, gets in a fight with Transporter Chief Kiromita O'Realley, Pavlov's current crush.  Guinan and some of the cadets help break up the fight.  Captain Flipz confines both Williams and to quarters until the Nuparu reaches the Badlands.
*While investigating suspicious activity in the Jeffries Tubes near Main Engineering, Cadet Kaze accidentally discharges his phaser into several key components in Engineering.  The crisis is averted, but the other cadets had to clean up the mess.
*Eccalina, Valk, Tyson, and Elaine are involved in an "incident" in Sickbay while attempting to sneak Kaze and LCDR Pavlov.  Everyone involved has agreed never to speak of it again.
*Kaze Hikari, Sloop, Tyson, Valk, Eccalina, Dino, LCDR T'Sing, and Chief O'Realley are beaming over to Empress Sela's ship to coordinate the transport of engineering teams to the Empress' escort.
*Midori, Captain Flipz, Commander Williams, LCDR Pavlov, Kojan, and almost all other personnel on the bridge have been unexpectedly beamed to an unknown location...

-==Story Updates [012]==-
Prologue:
--Several Starfleet cadets have been assigned to the U.S.S. Nuparu for training, as the ship investigates gaseous anomalies in the Regula Badlands, along the Romulan Neutral Zone.
--The Nuparu intercepted a distress signal from the new Romulan homeworlds, and immediately heads off to assist.
--The Nuparu discovers that the Romulans are under attack by the Borg, and after a brief conference with Empress Sela, the Nuparu joins the fight to aid the Romulan fleet.
--A team prepares to beam aboard the vessels of Empress Sela's escort, in order to coordinate repairs and keep the vessels functional as long as possible.
--The majority of the bridge crew suddenly finds themselves beamed away to an unknown location...


-==NPC Profiles [013]==-
Character Name: Flipz
Rank: Captain
Gender: Male
Age: 26 (24 as of the Prologue)
Character Birth Date: October 26th
Species: Human (special)
Career: Command (Phoenix Command branch)
Power:  Force, Imagination, Plasma Hand
Faction: PCG
First Officer: Commander Jennifer Williams
Bio: Originally from an alternate reality, a series of remarkable events led to his appearance in this Universe and the development of Plasma Hand and Imagination powers in addition to the Force skills he had as an Imperial Knight.  Flipz has had an...interesting career in Starfleet. Because of his nanite infection, he is treated with many of the same prejudices as former Borg such as Captain Picard and Seven of Nine, only worse because Starfleet Command does not understand the nature of the infection (though to be fair, neither does Flipz himself). Due to some judicious string-pulling by Seven of Nine, the late Admiral Kathryn Janeway, and the late Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Flipz was given the rank of Lieutenant Commander and assigned to the USS T'Kumbra. While aboard, LCDR Flipz developed a facination with Vulcan culture, culminating in several trips to Vulcan on shore leave. During his time on Vulcan Flipz learned how to use his nanite-enhanced mind to simulate the emotionless state of Kolinahr, achieving it within only a year and a half. He used this ability to great effect when the T'Kumbra was attacked by a crew of Javidian warships. (The Javidia are a hostile alien species with powerful empathic abilities.) After the initial assault killed the T'Kumbra's captain and first officer, Flipz took command of the ship and opened negotiations. Because they could not sense his emotions, Flipz was able to out-bluff them into entering a Metreon nebula, where they were subsequently destroyed. Flipz was subsequently promoted to Captain for his actions, and he was given command of the U.S.S. Nuparu, a Nebula-class ship--but that's another story.
Personality: Flipz is friendly but reserved; sometimes he's the life of a party, others he's the only sane one in the room.  As the years have gone by he's grown progressively more solemn, but he'll always spare a moment to smile at a nervous new crewman.  He understands better than most the sacrifices required of those in command, having had to make many of them himself.  He always tries to bring justice to those who deserve it, and he values honor and loyalty above all else.  Still, he's not above bending the rules once in a while to help those who slip between the cracks and those who get overlooked by the system, and if you make him mad...look out!  All in all, Flipz is definitely the kind of guy you want on your side.
Character appearance: (http://universe.lego.com/en-us/community/creationlab/GetMedia.aspx?id=1eb0078c-3d55-4136-ae57-6c8d05c878f4)
Flagship: Flipz captains the U.S.S. Nuparu, a Nebula-class ship.  Further information will be added when it is no longer a spoiler.
Flagship name: U.S.S. Nuparu
Callsign: Helios Fleet
Accessories/Other: Flipz carries a white lightsaber at all times, along with four tsil crystals from Nam Chorios in a protective pouch.  He also carries various other gear that he does not discuss with the crew.  One can only imagine why he carries it...

Character Name: Jennifer Williams
Rank: Commander
Gender: Female
Age: 26
Character Birth Date: May 12
Species: Human
Career: Command
Power:  None
Faction: Federation
First Officer: (First Officer to Flipz)
Bio: Having served exceptionally aboard several other vessels including the Enterprise-G, Captain Flipz hand-picked her from Fleet to be his first officer.  From his initial meetings with her, it was an excellent choice.
Personality: Commander Williams is usually confident, capable, and efficient; she is both motivated and determined in everything she does.  However, cross her and that same motivation and determination will be focused directly on you.  You have been warned!
Character appearance:
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii33/poochythegenius/DSCF0396.jpg)
Commander Williams has flowing blonde hair and piercing eyes.  She usually wears light blue jeans and a jacket from her first posting when not in full Starfleet uniform; Captain Flipz has allowed her to wear it full-time aboard the Nuparu.
Accessories/Other: Commander Williams is an avid fan of the 21st-century television series Glee, and has the complete collection of songs from the show loaded onto a music device with a Glee logo emblazoned upon it.

Character Name: T'Sing
Rank: Lieutenant-Commander
Gender: Male
Age: 126
Character Birth Date: June 11
Species: Vulcan
Career: Science
Power: Mind-Meld
Faction: Federation
First Officer: Andre Pavlov
Bio: T'Sing is a brilliant scientist who has served aboard many starships in his lifetime.  For the past several assignments he worked alongside LCDR Andre Pavlov, the closest friend he has.
Personality: Unlike most Vulcans, T'Sing believes emotions may have logical roots and uses.  As a result, he encourages those around him to express their emotions, rather than criticising them for having them.  In spite of this, however, he is as logical and emotionless as the rest of his bretheren, and he strongly discourages any rumors to the contrary.
Character appearance:
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii33/poochythegenius/DSCF0398.jpg)
T'Sing wears a rather ordinary variant of the standard Starfleet uniform.  He also wears a headband at all times, though no one knows why.

Character Name: Andre Pavlov
Rank: Lieutenant-Commander
Gender: Male
Age: 25
Character Birth Date: January 16
Species: Human
Career: Security/Tactical
Power:  None known
Faction: Federation
First Officer: T'Sing
Bio: Although Andre Pavlov is known for his skill with a phaser, those who dive deeper into the rumor mill hear of his other reputation.  Ladies, look out, 'cause he's "only gonna break-break your, break-break your heart"!
Personality: Pavlov is funny, witty, and just plain fun to be around.  If you're a guy.  For women, he just turns up the charm, but that typically doesn't end well.  Maybe if he acted like the officer he is instead of a young Academy stud...
Character appearance:
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii33/poochythegenius/DSCF0399.jpg)
Pavlov wears a beret and a bomber jacket when off-duty.  And when on-duty.  Mostly so he can pretend he's off-duty.  Actually, I don't think anyone's ever seen him wear a standard uniform...
Accessories/Other: He always has an array of weaponry hidden on him somewhere...must be a Security thing.  Oh, does the ever-present cocky grin count?  Yeah, I think it does...

Character Name: Hans Sulu
Rank: Lieutenant
Gender: Male
Age: 21
Character Birth Date: November 4
Species: Human
Career: Helm
Power: Imagination
Faction: Federation
First Officer: Kaze Hikari
Bio: While Flipz was at Starfleet Command preparing to choose his crew, Sulu nearly ran him down in a scratch-built hoverbike contraption.  After seeing his piloting skills on the bike, Flipz chose him as his helm officer on the spot.  This is only Sulu's second starship assignment, and his fourth overall since graduating the Academy, but he's confident (perhaps TOO confident) that he'll do just fine in the position.
Personality: Sulu can only be decribed as happy-go-lucky, and perhaps a little cocky.  He's fascinated by all things technical, and he's constantly building.  He's always bubbling over with enthusiasm for everything he does.  Nonetheless, he still retains the legendary piloting skill of his great-great-grandfather, Hikaru Sulu of the original Enterprise.  Only time will tell if he also possesses his gift for command.
Character appearance:
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii33/poochythegenius/DSCF0401.jpg)
Accessories/Other: Sulu likes to wear a pilot's helmet and goggles when he's allowed to.  He also has a self-built jetpack he likes to wear when he goes planet-side...


-==Player Profiles==-
[Profile Topic Link] (http://www.mlno.org/index.php/topic,7234.0.html) <-- Post your profiles there.  Approved profiles will be moved here.

Username: Flipz
Character Name: Midori Cho
Rank: Cadet
Gender: Female
Age: 21 (19 in the Prologue)
Character Birth Date: February 1
Species: Human
Career: Fighter pilot
Power:  Force
Faction: PCG
First Officer: TBD
Bio: Midori was born in what used to be Japan on Earth.  All her life she knew she wanted to be a part of Starfleet, so when she got the opportunity to attend the Academy she jumped at the chance.  As part of the last phase of her training, she signed up to spend a month aboard the U.S.S. Nuparu to gain hands-on experience aboard a starship...
Personality: Shy and reserved, she only really opens up to those she feels she can trust.  When she's working on something, she focuses on it so intensely that nothing can break her concentration.  Recently, she's done training as a pilot, a sniper, and, oddly, a ship's counsellor.
Character appearance: Tall and thin with pale violet eyes, Midori has straight brown hair she keeps trimmed to shoulder length.  She keeps a small strand of hair dyed neon green.  She wears the standard cadet's uniform, but keeps a band with an image of a butterfly on her left shoulder.  She also wears a Sam Browne belt, similar to the ones used in "Yesterday's Enterprise".
Flagship: ---
Flagship name: ---
Callsign: Chinmoku Wing
Accessories/Other: Midori has a small pink flower earring she wears on a simple necklace under her uniform.  It is unknown who has the matching earring, or the significance it has for her.

Username: Sloopofwar
Character Name: Serra Anon
Rank: Cadet
Gender: Female
Age: Late Twenties. Listed 28 on the PCG entrance form.
Species: Human
Career: Engineering- Specialization in warp theory and wormhole physics.
Power: Force
Faction: PCG
First Officer: [none]
Bio: {Transcribed directly from PCG official records} Naval Cadet Serra Anon is native to the starbase on the moon Arci'ca, whose official records were sadly lost when the systems sun went unexpectedly supernova. She received standard education and pursued a career in working on one of the many transforming stations on the moon, but when the starbase was evacuated she was one of the unlucky survivors whose transport was intercepted by pirates. In her description of the events, she endured unspeakable tortures, but finally escaped and appeared on the PCG protected planet Kontegh where she enlisted. She described her reasons of joining to be to try to be a force for good in a galaxy of evil. Due to the recent threats to the PCG and the need for more officers to serve on newly commissioned ships she agreed to be put in the accelerated training course that lasts three months instead of four years. In the standard force sensitivity review she tested positive, but she declined the offer for training. Cadet Anon passed with honors in the accelerated course for engineering and showed promise in the hand to hand combat workshop. Anon quickly formed a reputation for being hard working and diligent as well as spending additional time studying on non requisite material. In several simulations the Cadet was able to quickly diagnose and solve problems with the warp core that were supposed to be "unsolvable" puzzles. She showed highly unusual aptitude and knowledge for one who had not had any previous formal training in warp theory. It was ascribed to the emphasis the starbase she lived in placed on education. She is judged by her instructors to be fit for service and as well equipped as many who have taken the normal four year courses.
Personality: In most circumstances quiet, obeying orders quickly and skillfully. Speaks little and never intentionally draws attention to herself. Does not like to be made fun of. It would even seem she makes an effort to be easily overlooked. Only angered by perceived injustice or "chaos".
Character appearance: Of moderate height and slender. Moves with grace but is stronger than would be expected. Shoulder long light hair. Only adornment a thin bracelet on each wrist.
Flagship: [none]
Flagship name: [none]
Callsign: [none]
Accessories/Other: Standard issue tricorder and phaser. Nothing else that would be considered abnormal.

Username: Blade
Character Name: Kaze Hikari
Rank: Cadet
Gender: Male
Age: 22(20 in prologue)
Character Birth Date: November 11th
Species: Redeemed Borg (Human)
Career: Security.
Power: Plasma Hand
Faction: PCG
First Officer: Hans Sulu
Bio: Kaze's past is a relative mystery. There was mention of a 'Kaze Hikari' in the past of an alternate realm, however, it is unknown who this is, as he just showed up one day. It is known, however, that he was infected by the Borg at one point. He did, however, recently join up with the USS Nuparu.
Personality: Kaze alternates between a hardened battle resolve, and a slightly friendlier personality. It is theorized that the personality shift was partly caused by his previous assimilation, however, that has not been confirmed. He has shown unwavering loyalty to his teammates, however.
Character appearance: Kaze has messy brown hair, that is longer than normal due to not having it kept in shape for a long while, however, he keeps it tied up at the back to not interfere with anything. Kaze has emerald green eyes, which mirror his resolve. Kaze tends to wear brown pants with black combat boots now, along with a green shirt.
Flagship: [None]
Flagship name: [None]
Callsign: [none so far]
Accessories/Other: Kaze has the Data Changer, a special 'smartphone' type of thing that stores both his upgraded ARMOUR Module, and his Data Disk. Activating either integrates it with the other, so they're typically activated together with one keystroke. Kaze's favourite colour is dark green.

Username: Sloopofwar
Character Name: Bocra Ryen
Rank: Cadet
Gender: Male
Age: 32
Character Birth Date: June 7
Species: Romulan
Career: Security
Power: Fearless
Faction: PCG
First Officer: [none]
Bio:
Personality: Fierce and fiesty. Feels he has something to prove, and does not realize his frequent disobeying of superiors and his harshness only serve to reafirm most crew members stereotypes about Romulans.
Character appearance: Tall with stereotypical black Romulan hairdo and pointy ears. Eyepatch over left eye and extensive facial scarring.
Flagship: [none]
Flagship name: [none]
Callsign: [none]
Accessories/Other:

User Name MsRR

Character name: Étaín

Species : Human/Trill  Changeling blending

Home Planet: A pool somewhere

Age: Ageless

Personality: Fierce protector of the pure, Nurturing, healing and teaching are common practices, often seen creating unusual life forms and plants. Dedicated to the Light side.

Back Story:

Étaín's existence is a miracle foreseen eons ago by the original Founder. She is but the first of her kind. She can take virtually any corporeal form but is human in appearance in her natural state.. Due to her Human/Trill Mother, she holds the memories and abilities of many races and has developed the ability to exist as or change to forms of energy.
Étaín has within her a virtual history of the world, and thus has unsurpassed wisdom and knowledge which she is still sorting out. . sometimes successfully!

She also has within her a fiery fierceness, which she struggles to control. She takes many forms, tho in her natural state of energy she glows with purple and teal light unless enraged when she holds the entire rainbow. In her human form this often leaves a residual aura around her, especially if she is feeling strongly at the time. In fact her aura is often a key as to whether one should approach or flee.

She holds the bajoran spiritual beliefs close, and wears the traditional earring -

In her spare time, she can be found either in her extensive garden tending plants of the universe, or in the kitchen, cooking dishes from many cultures. She shuns the replicators, preferring instead to assemble ingredients and get the seasoning "just right".

Username: Rakoua
Character Name: Rakoua
Rank: Cadet
Gender: Male
Age: Unknown, estimated at 400 years
Character Birth Date: Unknown
Species: Changeling
Career: Command
Power:  Shapeshifting, I guess
Faction: PCG
First Officer: Was killed, yet to be reasigned
Bio: As one of the last of the Changelings sent out to explore the galaxy to be found, he was immedietly recognized as a changeling. This meant that he was forced to spend most of his time wandering and attempting to find a meaning until he finaly decided that he wanted to make something out of himself and become a PCG officer. Having spent years at the Academy, he was assigned on the USS Berlin, which was destroyed shortly after with him being the only survivor. He was then reassigned onto the Sovereign class USS Cyrene. He has yet to meet his new commanding officers.
Personality: Likes order and such. Typical changeling stuff, without the massive ego.
Character appearance: Appears human and has a standard uniform, black hair and blue eyes.
Accessories/Other: He shapeshifts anything he needs.

Username: Alien_Ant2
=Character Name: Tyson Malcor
=Rank: Cadet
=Gender: Male
=Age: 21
=Character Birthdate: January 27th
=Species: Human
=Career: Sniper/Star-Fighter Pilot/Security Officer/Resident SEAL
=Power: Force Powers (pretty even mix of light and dark side)
=Faction: PCG
=First Officer: Kio Guards (not on the Neparu, unless she needs to be)
=Bio: Tyson Malcor not your typical 26th century human. He always has a gun on him, is a master of martial arts, and believes that phasers are a disgrace to weapons. He provides the firepower wherever needed, and is an expert on any sort of weapon.  Both of his parents and two best friends where lost to a borg attack on his home-world, and the only surviving family member he had was his younger brother, who was killed by a gang three years later. The gang did live long enough to regret it, but not much longer. Tyson is a self-trained sniper, star-fighter pilot, and spec-ops soldier, and his skills in all such areas are un-matched. His intensity, perseverance, drive, and fighting skills are second to none. He joined up with a Klingon mercenary for a while, before leaving for the Star-Fleet Academy. He has studied various elite groups including the Spartans of ancient times, Swiss Guards of the 21st century, and the old United State's SEALs. He has no qualms with using a weapon to solve a situation, but generally knows when it's a good idea not to. He also likes to study weapons technology and wars of other races, especially the borg. He also has lately been thinking about experimenting with cybernetic implants lately. Aside from weapons and warfare, his hobbies include listening to music, politics (to some degree), and long bouts in the holo-deck, usually with the safety off.
=Personality: Tyson is generally reserved, and quiet; not in a shy kind of way, but in a cold, hardened kind of way. But he can be very vocal about which course of action to take in emergencies. Little is known about him other than he lost his family to a borg attack, the story about his brother, and his evident love for weapons technology of old over the phasers of today.
Character Appearance: Tyson is 6'2', muscular, but not overly, and has buzz-cut, dark brown hair and blue-green eyes. He typically wears combat boots, camo pants, camo shirt, and an active-camo helmet with a Jordi like visor on it. If not wearing that then he typically wears black wind-pants, brown-shirt, and his active-camo helmet with black.
=Flagship: none as of yet, owns a mostly-self built fighter (to be designed and posted)
=Flagship name: none as of yet
=Callsign: none as of yet
=Accessories/Other: Has an assault rifle that looks something like the Halo Assault Rifle that fires plasma-charged solid rounds. It is extremely useful against pretty much anything, especially the borg. It also includes a grenade launcher. He always carries his rifle slung around his back, pistol strapped to thigh, and K-Bar strapped to other thigh. Occasionally carries an electro-sword that looks like a claymore, or a double pointed electro-spear. Bursts can be charged up and released from both weapons. His pistol fires large, powerful, non-energized rounds. He also has explosives of various kinds, a modified tri-corder, a sci-fi looking/Barret .50 looking sniper rifle (although it's a little smaller and lighter than a Barret .50, and fires highly-penetrating plasma-energized rounds, but carries a small generator and has a mode where is fires highly powerful energy beams). He's also currently working on designing and building a machine gun and bazooka-like energy cannon. His armor consists of a Iron-Man/Halo Spartan like suit (motorized enhancement included) that is highly resistant to phasers and includes active-camo (ability to choose what kind of camo it is, such as winter, jungle, desert, etc.). It also includes small jump-jets. His grenades, bazooka cannon, and some of his explosives are based on the same energy as photon torpedoes. Most of these weapons are unknown to the crew, just the rifle, pistol, and knife. His jordi-like visor also includes all the same sensors of course.

I want to join, however I am floored by all the text and rules.

OOC: @ Legodac: Please use OOC when not posting in-character, thanks!

It is a perilous time in the galaxy.  The Federation is weakening, and tensions with other spacefaring powers are high.  Still, it has been some time since the last full-out war, and some grow complacent.  But all that is about to change, and from that change will rise...the Phoenix Command Group!

In the midst of the rising threats and political maneuverings of the Alpha Quadrant, daily life goes on.  The U.S.S. Nuparu, fresh out of a change of command, has been ordered to the Regula Badlands to study gaseous anomalies along the border of the Neutral Zone.  Along with her new crew, several groups of cadets from Starfleet Academy and other Federation educational programs have come aboard, eager to learn more about the galaxy.  They are unaware that soon they will become part of events that will change the face of the galaxy forever...they are unaware that this is where their story...begins.

OOC: Play begins when I have one more character.
EDIT: We have enough characters to start!  Begin play when ready.

-==IC: Midori==-
Midori awoke in her quarters.  She had been having that dream again...she shook her head.  I can't keep dwelling on things like that if I want to be in Starfleet.  She looked at the chronometer.  0543.  Seven minutes early.  She sighed.  No use going back to sleep now.  She threw on her clothes and hurried to the Academy shuttlebay.

When she got there, she saw a group of other cadets already there.  She spotted othe Humans, an Andorian or two, a couple species she couldn't place--heck, there was even a Romulan, judging by the haircut.  I bet the people living here hundreds of years ago would be surprised to find us here.  She silently hoped there would be no time travel on this flight; it had certainly happened enough in Starfleet's history.  She stepped onto one of the shuttles that would be transferring the cadets to the U.S.S. Nuparu for their training and found a seat.  She looked around to see if any of her fellow cadets were going to join her--after all, they were scheduled to lift off at 0630, and that was in just a few minutes...

-==IC: Kaze==-

A boy of around 20 ran down the halls, his combat boots clanging against the metal and concrete, as he smirked.
Knew I'd make it. The boy thought, as he planted his hand on the railing that barricaded people from dropping down to the shuttle, and did exactly that, as he landed fairly well right near the entrance to the shuttle, and looked up slowly. He smirked against, and then walked into the shuttle, and sighed, as he took a random seat, which just so happened to be right beside someone who was already there; but he didn't take notice of her at that moment.

-==IC: Midori==-
Midori studies the boy who had sat down next to her.  He seemed...different than the others.  More confident.  She groaned inwardly.  I bet if I talk to him, he's gonna chat my ear off for the rest of the fight.  But a Starfleet officer isn't supposed to be rude...

-==IC: Sulu==-
Meanwhile, a 21-year old male wearing a gray jacket, a striped shirt, red pants, and a jetpack stands at the rail of the shuttlebay where Kaze had jumped off.  "Hey, if that kid can do it, so can I..."  He puts on an old-school pilot's helmet and leaps from the rail...forgetting to activate the jetpack.  He quickly activates it in midair, but then forgets to aim.  He ends up slamming into the side of the shuttlecraft.  Hard.  He quickly deactivates the device as several cadets come outside to investigate, and steps inside the shuttle.
One of the cadets notices a rank insignia on the jacket.  "That guy's a lieutenant??  We're doomed."
"I'll let that one go, cadet, because I'm just that awesome.  A lot of people get overwhelmed by my sheer awesomeness.  My name is Hans Sulu-Lieutenant Sulu to all of you.  I'm the new helmsman of the Nuparu, and I'll be your pilot for this flight.  Please keep your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside the shuttlecraft for the duration of the flight, as explosive decompression is something the rest of us would like to avoid." Just as he sits down, his jetpack reactivates, scorching the seat.  He quickly puts out the fire.  "Now," he says, who would like to be my co-pilot for this flight?  Any volunteers?"

-=IC: Borca=-

Bocra was sweating....BAD. Add to that the fact that he was jittering like a star yacht without stabilizers and he probably had the appearance of someone frightened out of his wits.
Fine time to catch some Human sickness he snarled to himself.
The least he could do in return would be to spread it to everyone else in the closely packed training ship. He hadn't even bothered to check in with the medical staff as he knew they wouldn't allow him to fly.
As he leaned against a pillar in the hanger bay he realized several cadets had begun to enter the shuttle detailed to carry them to the Nuparu. He checked the clock on a computer terminal near him... 629. He began to stride toward the shuttle, automatically adjusting his gait to arrive at the door at 631, a time calculated to show the humans Romulans did whatever the heck they wanted.
He sat down in a seat as far away from the two other members as possible. A location that placed him by the cockpit porthole.

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze sighed, and blinked, as he looked to his left and finally noticed Midori.
"Hi there." Kaze said, as he looked around the ship at the others as well.

-==IC: Midori==-
Midori saw the boy next to her notice her, and immediately knew her worst fears were about to come true.  She immediately stood up and searched for the quietest-looking person on board the shuttle.

Unfortunately, that was right next to Bocra.

-==IC: Sulu==-
Meanwhile, Sulu caught sight of the movement, and saw Kaze standing next to the shuttle ramp.  "Ah, Cadet..." after two full minutes of searching through the Adademy database, he found Kaze's name and picture.  "Kaze, is it?  Well, since you were the last to arrive, you can come co-pilot with me."

Midori saw the Romulan stiffen, and oddly it sparked her curiousity.  I wonder why...did he want to be late?  And why is he here?  Is he a refugee, or a defector, or...?  "Wait, why do I even want to know?" she accidentally says aloud.

OOC: heh, I'm sensing an impending round of musical chairs...

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze blinked, and he then sighed, as everything happened, as a bead of sweat ran down his face.
Why does EVERYONE get up and walk away the moment I talk to them? Kaze wondered in his mind, as he walked after Sulu then.

OOC: Funny, because Kaze was only gonna introduce himself. =P

-=IC: Borca=-
Borca attempted to look disinterested. Suddenly he realized that he had been the last to arrive, but hadn't the lieutenant been talking to whatever his name was....Kaze?
Humans could be so....illogical. His face twitched as he realized what he had thought. He glanced up at the lieutenant.
"Are you speaking to me sir?" He asked in a tone that clearly meant, you better the heck not have been. Leave me alone.

-==IC: Midori==-
"Uh, no, I was just thinking and it sort of...slipped...out..."  She said.  Then, to her horror, she followed up with.  "And, Uh, it's 'Miss', actually."  What are you trying to do, Midori, start a conversation with him?!

-==IC: Sulu==-
"Great!  Now, to take off, you press this button here..."  The shuttle takes off...with the ramp still down.  Everyone scrambles to hang on...

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze blinked, and looked around for where the ramp button was, but couldn't find it, given that he hadn't had that much training with the controls of a spacecraft.

-=IC: Borca=-
Borca just stared at the girl for a half a dozen seconds and then resumed looking disinterested.
If she was trying to start a conversation she must be mad.

-==IC: Midori==-
Midori sees that neither pilot has any clue where the ramp button is.  "It's on the far left panel, above the starter controls, moron!"

-==IC: Kaze==-

"Thanks!" Kaze called out, as he jabbed the button quickly, and then sighed.

-=IC: Borca=-
Borca wondered whether at this rate they will even reach the Nutaru.
He decides there are worse ways of dying then crashing in a shuttle so he just sits back and tries to fall asleep.

-==IC: Midori==-
"Is it just me, or do you suddenly feel an overwhelming urge to commandeer the shuttle?"

-==IC: Sulu==-
"OK.  Now that we've got that cleared up...We just fly over here to the launch tunnel, and we'll be on our way."
Suddenly, the shuttle swerves sharply and flies with increasing speed toward a closed door marked "Maintenence Bay--No Admittance".  The comm system activates.  "Hafu, this is control.  You're going the wrong way.  Stop immediately!"
"Uh-oh...wrong way...brakes...where are the brakes?!"  The shuttle suddenly drops toward the ground far below.  "AAAAAAAAAAAAAUGH!!!!!!!"

-=IC: Borca=-
Most of the cadets in the passenger area begin to panic, but Borca just opens his eyes.
"It seems we are diving..." He said dryly and with more than a hint of sarcasm.
"Does anyone here actually know how to fly a shuttle?"

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze sighed, and observed the environment, and looked over the controls quickly.
"Alright; here goes nothing." Kaze said, as he nodded to Sulu, and then attempted to take over the controls, as he scanned them, looking for the brakes quickly, though he did pull up on the control stick just in case.

-==IC: Sulu==-
The shuttle swerves, barely missing several robotic arms with maintenence equipment on them.  The maintenence hangar deactivates its forcefield just in time for the shuttle to fly out of them.
"Heh heh...I meant to do that.  Little shortcut."  As the shuttle clears the atmosphere, a bright Nebula-class ship can be seen in orbit.  Sulu changes the course to intercept, as the other shuttles come into view, headed for the same destination.  "Ladies and gentlemen...the U.S.S. Nuparu!"

-==IC: Kaze==-

"Looks pretty cool." Kaze said, as he sighed again, from the second near-miss.

-=IC: Borca=-
Borca glances through the window and wondered if he is supposed to be impressed by the ugly and somewhat pathetic looking starship they are headed towards. Compared with the graceful curves of a Romulan vessel the Nebula class looked like it had been sucked up through a straw and spat out against a wall a couple of times.
He turned away and waited for them to dock.

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze paused, as he thought of something.
"Sir? How exactly do we land this thing?"

OOC: =P

-==IC: Sulu==-
"Like this."  Sulu then slams the shuttle into high gear, pressing the occupants back into their seats.  He takes the craft through a series of barely-controlled dives, rolls, and corkscrews through the other orbital traffic, not letting up on speed even as he passed through the forcefield of the Nuparu's main shuttlebay.  Suddenly he cut the engines, bringing it to a halt just inches from a tank of deuterium being unloaded from a cargo shuttle.  In contrast to the rest of the ride, Sulu brings the shuttle smoothly to the floor, bringing a sigh of relief from his passengers.  He opens the door of the shuttle and strides out confidently to where the Captain waited.  "Permission to come aboard, Captain Flipz."

-==IC: Flipz==-
Flipz was as pale as a ghost.  It was only the third time he had seen Sulu fly, and every time he had meen terrified and in mortal peril and yet forcibly impressed.  He wondered if the apparent lack of control was a front Sulu put on, or if he simply liked taking risks just to prove he could.  Probably both, he thought.  "Permission granted, Mr. Sulu.  If you don't mind, I'd like you to come to the bridge with Commander Williams and I," he said, indicating the blonde-haired woman to his left.
"Aye, sir."
"As for you," he said to the cadets who were walking shakily from the shuttlecraft, "You're...a bit early.  My apologies for not being prepared. My science officer, Mr. T'Sing will be along shortly to show you and the rest of your fellow cadets to your quarters, and then one of the other officers will take you around the ship.  In the meantime, have a look around, talk to some of the crew, take a moment to relax.  I hope you enjoy your stay aboard the Nuparu.  Dismissed."

With that said, Captain Flipz, Commander Williams, and Lieutenant Sulu exited the shuttlebay and headed for the bridge, leaving the cadets to their own devices.

OOC: There's about 60 cadets in total, and about 14-15 to a shuttle.  FYI. ;)

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze nodded, and raised an eyebrow at Sulu's skills.
He has more skill than he lets on... Kaze thought, and looked around the crowd.
This should be interesting, for sure. Kaze thought, as he noticed the girl from before, and frowned slightly.
And what's with her? I wonder why she walked away earlier...?

-=IC: Borca=-

Borca forcefully pushed his way through the crowd of collected cadets. Chances were there weren't enough bunks for all of the cadets and he was not in the mood to sleep on the deck.
Not only that, but his sickness seemed to have gotten worse. Now he had a headache. Or was it from that awful pilots shenanigans?
Even as he moved he couldn't help noticing what he guessed to be the captain of the ship, moving toward the turbo lift for the bridge. He wished he could have seen more of the captain. Much of his chances for advancement would likely lie within the power of that one man.

-==IC: Midori==-

Midori felt the Romulan push his way past her.  She didn't know if it was the flight or just their pilot, but she was irritated, and her patience reached its limit.  "Watch where you're going, you gravel-maggot!"

She saw everyone in the area take a step back from her.  That's when she remembered the Romulan temper...Sithspit! she thought to herself, bracing herself for the blow she knew was coming...

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze, however, stepped forward, just in case, and was ready to act if needed.
This... Doesn't seem good. But I can't just let her get attacked. Kaze thought, as he took another precautionary step forward, ready for the next moments.

OOC: OH NO YOU DIDN'T! :o

-=IC: Borca=-
Borca stopped walking and turned around slowly, his hands automatically forming fists.
It was the same human female from before!
His head ache suddenly got a lot worse as his anger turned into rage.
Just who did she think she was? Did she think she could just walk all over him because he was a Romulan?
He took a step toward her, but suddenly he saw something.
Was that...fear...in her eyes?

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze took another step forward, with a frown on his face. He wasn't sure what was going to happen, but if a fight broke out; he wasn't going to just let that happen. Until then, he didn't want to mess anything up and cause the fight, so he simply kept silent for the time being.

-==IC: Midori==-
Before Kaze had to step in, though, a red-haired woman stepped out of the crowd and stood between Borca and Midori.  From her uniform, she appeared to be a cadet like the rest of them.  "Stop this.  There is no need for violence.  We don't need a fight in the middle of the shuttlebay."  She glared at both Midori and Borca.  "Find a better way to settle this, and do it some other time," she said.

Midori forced herself to stand down, and roughly shook hands with Borca.  Just then, the other shuttles arrived.  That means Mr. T'sing will be here any second...! she thought, as the cadets rushed back into position as if nothing had happened.

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze raised an eyebrow, as he followed the other cadets to the positions.
I wonder why everyone rushed back like nothing happened...? Kaze thought, as he looked to the other two cadets.
I wonder if that started a rivalry? I hope not...

-==IC: T'Sing==-
Just as the other shuttles' ramps touch the deck of the shuttlebay, T'Sing walks through the doors.  "Greetings, and welcome aboard the Nuparu--"  He stops short, noticing that the cadets in Kaze, Borca, and Midori's group were already assembled.  "You arrived early."

Midori nodded.  "I think our pilot was trying to kill us."  Most of the other cadets either nodded in agreement or rolled their eyes.

"Most illogical," T'Sing stated, and then he noticed Borca.  He raised an eyebrow, looking very much like another, very famous Vulcan officer from the past.  "Fascinating," he murmured.  He then returned his attention to the rest of the cadets, who had exited their shuttles and stood assembled before him.  "As I was saying, welcome aboard the Nuparu.  I am Lieutenant Commander T'Sing, science officer aboard the Nuparu.  Captain Flipz extends his greetings, and wishes you to be present when we leave orbit.  I will show you to your quarters, and you will have five minutes to assemble on the bridge before we set off.  This way, please."

T'Sing leads the cadets to Deck 3, just a level below the command officers' quarters.  "Your assigned rooms have your names on them.  You will share a room with one of your fellow cadets; your quarters have already been optimized to suit the environmental preferences of both your species; please do not alter them.  I have another duty to attend to, but Lieutenant-Commander Pavlov will see you on the bridge in five minutes.  Dismissed."

OOC: This is your first chance to create a "First Officer", an NPC you will describe and name, and I will play.  You may choose another player character as a First Officer if you both agree.  Your First Officer will assist you with whatever you decide to do; they will be at your side when you need them, or if you need them to do a favor for you they will happily oblige.  If you don't have any ideas for your first officer, don't worry; there will be plenty of opportunites to run into them later as needed. ;)

OOC: *Looks at profile for the first time since you added it* *Bursts out literally laughing IRL* Niiiiice. Now that opening makes perfect sense. xD

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze walked over to the room that had his name on it, and read the name plate fully.

OOC: It has both names on it; correct? If so, Kaze's gonna have a '0.o' expression on his face shortly. =P

OOC: Yes, it does.

-==IC: Midori==-
Midori walks to her quarters, and sees the door is already open.  Inside is the red-haired woman from before.  "Hi," she says, before moving to the table in the common area to draw.

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze blinked, as he read the sign on his room.
"That can't be right..." Kaze said, as he read the sign again, and blinked once more.
"Seriously?" Kaze wonder out loud, as he was surprised to see that Sulu was his roommate.

OOC: Trust me, there's a VERY good reason for the assignment.  Even though he's a senior officer. :P  No IC yet...BTW, Sulu's on the bridge right now, so the room's empty.  Maybe you wanna dump your stuff and go see who ended up in what room?  Or maybe you'll just walk up to the replicator and start pigging out. :P  You've got five whole minutes...  ;)

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze shook his head, and then opened up the door. He didn't see anyone there, so he placed his stuff in the room, and then sighed.
Well; I've got time; might as well look around. Kaze thought, as he walked out of the room, and glanced at some of the names on the doors. However, as he walked around, he stopped thinking straight, and simply opened the door to one of the rooms, and was about to walk in. Problem was, that was Midori's room.

OOC: =P

-==IC: Midori==-
Midori looked up from her drawing.  Drawing kept her calm.  It soother her.  It reminded her that whatever was going on in the universe, there was always something she could come back to, something of her own that no one else could take from her.  "You're lucky I'm just sitting in here drawing.  What if one of us was changing or something?  You know there's a little thing on the door called the chime?  Or better yet, that thing on your chest that lets you talk to anyone on the ship?  Next time try using one of those before you come bursting into a girl's room.  Now, get out and try again," she said in a voice that was perfectly calm and level and yet biting as ever.

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze blinked, and then his face went red, and then stumbled over himself getting out of the room, as he closed the door. Seconds later, that chime rang out.

OOC: He honestly didn't even realize it at first. xD

OOC: Sorry, got really busy yesterday doing other stuff.
And Blade....very smooth. :P

-=IC: Borca=-
Borca stomped up to his door. Under his own name was a second one. Thor Goth.
The humans probably had assigned him either a chatterbox or some exotic race that required 95% humidity at all time.
He sighed, took a deep breath, and entered. The room was darkened but he could just make out a figure sitting in a full lotus position on the floor with his back to him. The figure slowly turned. Where his eyes should be glowed a green solid bar of light. It said in a deep mechanical voice, "Welcome. I am Thor Goth. I am from the planet Breen. You are a Romulan are you not?"

OOC: I try to be. =P

All joking aside, I figured that would be interesting. =P

I have an idea, though; gotta PM Flipz about it.

OOC: Sloop: Niiice.  I'm getting ideas for later...

-==IC: Midori==-
Midori looked over to her roommate, who was just coming out of the sleeping quarters, and smirked.  Her roommate gave Midori a curious look and retreated to just behind the doors, allowing them to close.

"Who is it?"

-==IC: Kaze==-

"It's me... Kaze..." Kaze said from the other side, though he did look to the sign to figure out who the girl actually was; since she had never mentioned her name earlier. Of course, there were two names on the sign, so he couldn't be sure what the girl's name actually was, but given it was a fifty-fifty chance...

OOC: =P

-==IC: Midori==-
"So, Mekaze," she said, intentionally getting the name wrong, "what do you intend to do when you come inside my room?"

-==IC: Kaze==-

"It's..." Kaze sighed, everyone always got his name wrong.
"I guess talk? You were the one who randomly decided to change seats earlier." Kaze pointed out, but didn't elaborate there.

OOC: This oughta be an interesting discussion. =P

-==IC: Midori==-
"...and what makes you think that I like talking?"

OOC: :P

-==IC: Kaze==-

"I dunno. I was thinking more along the lines of introducing ourselves. Besides; we only have a short amount of time, so obviously we don't have to talk for that long." Kaze pointed out.

-==IC: Thor Goth==-
"Well?  Are you a Romulan or aren't you?"

-==IC: Midori==-
"Alright, Mekaze," she said, again deliberately mutilating the name, "I'm Midori Cho.  I've been attending the Academy for three years now, where I've studied many things.  Most recently, sniping."  Midori finishes imputting commands to the computer, and suddenly, a red dot from a laser pointer appears on Kaze's chest.

OOC: Ok, now she's just messing with him for the sake of messing with him. :P

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze raised an eyebrow at that.
"Very interesting." Kaze said with a nod.
"My name is Kaze Hikari. I'm... Not from here." Kaze said, though didn't elaborate on his origins.
"I joined just recently; but I am very good at close-range combat." Kaze explained, and looked at the dot again.
"Well... I believe the five minutes will be up shortly." Kaze said, as he checked the time, remembering that they had to be somewhere shortly. He was about to walk away, but paused.
"I'll see you around, Midori." Kaze said, and then walked away, and glanced back at Midori's cabin for a moment.
She is intriguing... Kaze thought, and inwardly sighed.
And of course, I possibly messed things up. I tend to do that, don't I? Kaze thought to himself.

-=IC: Borca=-
Breen? Weren't they the race that attacked Earth during the Dominion war? What was a Breen doing here?
"Yes, I am a Romulan. I....I am suprised to see a Breen here."
"I am equally surprised to see a Romulan." Thor replied flatly.
Touche, as Borca's academy teacher would have said.
For some reason Borca wanted to keep the conversation going, so after a long akward pause he said, "Its, uh, dark in here"
"I find it easier on my eyes, and makes it easier for me to meditate."
"It bothers your eyes? I would have assumed it wouldn't bother you, you know, with your suit and all..."
There was a chilly silence and then Thor replied in tones that were strangely hostile.
"I wear this suit as protection, it does not mean I do not use my actual eyes. I am a sentient being just as yourself, I am not some sort of android."

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze looked around the ship, as he headed toward the bridge.
Very interesting. Kaze thought, as he noted the fact that the ship was pretty high tech.
Should hold up against pretty much anything... The rest we can handle. Kaze thought, as he tried to take into account any fights that the ship might run into during the course of any travels.

-==IC: Midori==-
A voice comes over the comm system.  "This is Commander Williams.  All cadets, please report to the bridge."
Midori sighs, closes her sketchbook, and walks to the door.  She nods to her roommate, who says, "In a minute.  I'll take the next turbolift."  Midori nods back, and walks to the turbolift, where she sees several other cadets waiting.  As soon as there is room, she squeezes into the turbolift, and one of the other cadets says, "Bridge."  Moments later, they were on the bridge.

***

The bridge was huge--far larger than any bridge Midori had ever seen.  Commander Williams smiles at her, then addresses the rest of the cadets.  "Welcome to the bridge, cadets!  As you can see, the Nuparu has been refitted with a two-level bridge, allowing for many more monitoring stations.  Since we are a science vessel, we need as much information as possible about what we are studying, and this configuration allows us to monitor all that data as it comes in.  We have a moment before we get underway, so let me show you around the bridge.  This," she said, pointing toward a station at the end of the right-hand upper catwalk, "is the science station.  Mr. T'Sing, who you have already met, normally mans this station.  Its counterpart on the opposite side is the engineering station.  In addition to monitoring and correcting problems with the ship, we also use it to operate any special equipment we have installed, from specialty sensors to experimental weapons and more.  You'll be spending most of your time there."  She pointed to the Constitution-style combined ops and helm console on the lower level, in front of the command chair.  "Those are the ops and helm stations.  When the captain is on the bridge, I usually take ops, though we have other officers aboard trained for the position.  The helm is, as you can see, manned by Lieutenant Hans Sulu."
Sulu spun around in his chair and waved at the cadets.  "Hey, guys!  Hi, Kaze!"  Just then a warning klaxon sounded from the console, and Sulu quickly swiveled back around to man the controls.  Williams sighed.
"The other stations on the lower level operate various scientific and ship control systems that don't require dedicated officers and constant monitoring.  Now, if you'll follow me back up to the upper level, I'll show you the tactical and security consoles, where...Lieutenant-Commander Pavlov...works."  A few cadets raised their eyebrows at the way Williams said Pavlov's name, but before they could say anything about it, the turbolift doors opened.  A ship's whistle sounded, and all crew members on the bridge stood.  "Captain on the bridge!"

-==IC: Flipz==-
Captain Flipz stepped onto the bridge for the first time since the actual change of command ceremony.  it felt strange, and a bit exciting.  My own ship, he thought.  I can only hope I deserve the turst Starfleet has put in me.  He was determined not to fail.
“Commander Williams, report.”
“All systems ready for departure.”
“Status of the crew and supplies?”
“Everyone is aboard, sir, and ready for duty.”
“Excellent.  Mr. Sulu?”
“Course plotted and locked in, sir.”
“Engage, Warp 3.”
“Aye, sir.”

The starfield on the two-story viewscreen at the front of the ship stretched to lines.  They were on their way.

Captain Flipz stood in silence for a few moments, then returned his attention to command.  “Helm, how long until we enter the Badlands?”
“Five days at present speed.”
“Thank you, Mr. Sulu.  Commander Williams, you have the Conn.”
“Aye, sir.”

Captain Flipz turned and re-entered the turbolift, this time electing to move to another deck instead of walking through to his ready room.  The turbolift doors closed, and he was gone.

-==IC: Jennifer Williams==-
"Well, cadets, I think that's enough for this morning.  You will be divided into shifts, either red, green, or blue, depending on the markings on your quarters.  Red Shift will report for duty at 0600 hours, Green Shift at 1400 hours, and Blue Shift at 2200 hours.  You will have a complete tour of the operational areas of the ship tomorrow during your shift; however..." she glanced at Pavlov, a smile on her face.  "Mr. Pavlov, you are most familiar with the...recreational facilities aboard this vessel.  Please show them around.  Cadets, Mr. Pavlov will dismiss you at the conclusion of the tour."
Pavlov smiled, almost painfully formally.  "Aye sir."  He got up, headed for the turbolift, and said, "This way please."

-==IC: Pavlov==-
Once the first group was in the turbolift, Pavlov quickly shut the doors and turned to Kaze.  "Deck 4.  OK, here's the deal.  Holodecks are on Deck 10, Gym's on 8, Lounge is in the Forward section of Deck 12.  That's where all the action is, it's got karaoke.  There's a couple of smaller lounges in the secondary hull, by the sensor pods, but those are mainly just for work lunches."  He made a face.  "Rec rooms on every residential deck in the aft section, and oh, yeah, stay away from the teaching areas on Deck 7.  Bratty kids..." he muttered.  The turbolift stopped on Deck 4 and the doors opened.  Pavlov rushed out, turned around, and spat out a series of instructions to Kaze as fast as he could.  "OKyoutelltherestofthecadetsan donceyourdoneyouralldismissed okyoureonyourownnowgottagetto thetransporterroomnowbye!"  The doors closed again, leaving Kaze alone with a turbolift full of confused cadets.

-==IC: Kaze==-

It had been a lot to take in; especially the last few seconds, but Kaze thought he had everything figured out, and nodded to himself, though he had stood in shock with a bead of sweat running down his face after Pavlov took off.
Was that guy for real? Kaze thought, but shook his head.
"Alright, I believe the lieutenant Commander wants me to tell you guys where everything is. I believe he also said we're all dismissed. he also said something about a Transporter room, but... Judging by the speed he took off at, I believe that was for him." Kaze said, and paused for a moment, before he began to relay the locations of what Pavlov had said, but likely did mix up Decks Ten and 8. And 7.

OOC: =P

OOC: As a side-note, that was the first post to include sections directly from the story version.  As a rule, you'll be able to notice them by a slight formatting change caused by copy-pasting that I'm too lazy to fix. :P
Also, from now on, there's going to be multiple things going on in different parts of the ship, so different characters will see and hear different things.  I have an idea of what goes on in all the various departments during the next 5 in-game days, but only some of that is going to make it to the story version.
I'm a bit tired from that WALLOFTEXT, so I'll wait an hour or two before I start the next one.  No IC for now...

OOC: That does make sense slightly.

Quick question; is everyone doing their own thing currently, or am I still leading the group to different places? =P

OOC: Everyone's doing their own thing.  Though I do suggest heading to Twelve-forward relatively soon; the next scene from the Story version takes place there.  That's not for at least 30-40 minutes, though, so...

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze wanted to give the Holodeck a try; but opted to instead head toward the Lounge in the Forward section of Deck 12... The Lieutenant Commander had said there was Karaoke, and he was so going to see if that was true.

OOC: =P

-==IC: Midori==-
After Kaze mentioned what was where, Midori decided to head to the lounge--but not before stopping by her quarters.  She needed that sketchbook--no way was she going to hang around a crowd of people without something to hide behind.  You could always have a chat with that Kaze guy, I don't think he'd let anyone else butt in... Midori quickly pushed the thought from her mind.  What is this, a soap opera?  She shook her head and went into her quarters.

OOC: Just to say, Kaze's appearance is slightly different than he will be after the Prologue... Right now he wears a green jacket over a black shirt, with normal blue jeans.

He won't get his new outfit until after certain events. =P

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze continued to head toward the lounge, however, paused, and checked the device he wore on his arm, under his jacket's sleeve, and after quickly reviewing what was the the simple list of rooms and where they were; continued onward toward the Lounge on Deck 12.

OOC: Just to acknowledge the device. =P

OOC: Meh, I somehow managed to get sick again.
Forgive me if I am not feeling up to catching up with all that has happened. Pretend I wrote an epic post on Borca going up to the bridge and his feelings on all those present. :D

-=IC: Borca=-
Borca still felt up tight from the experience with the human female.
Why did all humans feel the need to look down on Romulans?
As he did not trust the human who had relayed the message of the Lt-Commander, he accessed a nearby computer terminal.
"Directions to holo-deck." He said coarsely.
*Chirp* "Holo decks are on Deck Ten, if you require, I can display additional instructions."
Borca didn't even bother responding. Romulan computers wouldn't be that annoying. He reached the turbolift down the hall and entered it.
"Deck Ten"
OOC: If someone wanted they could be in the turbolift so there could be an awkward stony silence.  :P

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze happened to have been in that same Turbolift, as he was planning on heading to the Lounge, and found that would be the fastest way. However, he didn't say anything as the Romulan walked in, as he didn't exactly want to start a potential fight, especially not in a Turbolift.

-=IC: Borca=-

One of the other humans from his shuttle was already on the turbolift...the really bad pilot.
Deciding not to be entirely hostile, Borca made a sound in the back of the throat that should be interpreted as a recognition of the humans presence.
The Turbolift activated and sped on its way.

OOC: Deck twelve should be the first stop if we were still on the bridge level.

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze nodded to Borca to acknowledge his presence, but had no opportunity to say anything, as the Turbolift dinged, and the doors opened, at Deck 12, as Kaze nodded once more to Borca and then stepped out of the Turbolift, and paused, as he had no clue where to head now.

=-IC: Borca=-

Borca wished there was a "slam door behind annoying human" button like in Romulan turbolifts, but alas, there was not. The turbolift finally resumed its progress with a hum and a whirr and eventually stopped at deck ten.
Borca stepped out and wondered which way to travel to get the the holodecks.

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze resorted to simply wandering across the ship, as he attempted to find out where the lounge was located on the ship. He had checked a map, but that didn't really seem to help any, and Kaze sighed.

-==IC: Midori==-
Borca spots Midori wandering around Deck 10, clearly lost.

-==IC: Pavlov==-
Kaze sees a red-haired woman enter the doors of the lounge, followed shortly by none other than LCDR Pavlov.

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze raised an eyebrow, and headed toward where the lounge was, curious about what was going on.

OOC: Can the karaoke be anything, like from this era? =P

OOC: Yes.  If you read the profiles, Commander Williams listens to Glee.  Just mention how the song is an "early 21st century hit" or something of the like.  Remind us how old it is! :P

OOC: Alright then. >=D

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze walked into the lounge and then looked around, as he attempted to figure out where the karaoke machine was first, while also wondering where the other two got to.

-==IC: Lounge==-
As Kaze entered the lounge he saw a dark-skinned woman with a draped green hat and clothes sitting at the bar, apparently chatting to the orange-shirted bartender.  A few tables away, an Andorian in an ensign's uniform looked to have started a card game with a Xindi-Primate, a Vulcan, and a Klingon.  Several couples sat at tebles near the stage, and a Ferengi was just stepping from the microphone.  He walked over to one of the two speaker/control towers for the lounge's karaoke system, then spotted Kaze.  He gestured to the cadet.  "Come on, let's let someone else give it a go.  My meal is getting cold."  When Kaze seemed to hesitate, he brought the microphone over and whispered in Kaze's ear, "I'll give you three bars of gold-pressed latinum if you'll go up there and give me a change to get away before they make me sing again."  When Kaze blinked, he quicky said, "All right, four bars.  Now go!"  The Ferengi pressed the mocrophone into his hands, pushed Kaze toward the stage, and practically ran from the lounge.

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze smirked as he stepped up to the microphone, and scanned through the list of songs.
Ah, this'll do. Kaze thought, as he touched the icon for Oasis' song called 'Wonderwall'.

--Lounge--
The music begins playing.

OOC: Karaoke in this game works just like in DoaH; you sing each line/verse, one or two at a time as needed.

--Deck 10--
Midori suddenly catches sight of Borca, and moves quickly around the corner.

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze smiled.
"Today, was gonna be the day
That they're gonna throw it back to you." Kaze sang, to start off.

--Lounge--
The dark-skinned woman hears the song, and smiles as if remembering something.  The red-haired woman sits at a table near the stage before Pavlov can spot her.  Pavlov, meanwhile, starts looking around for her, starting at the bar and working his way nearer.

OOC: This is a different red-haired woman than Midori's roommate, BTW. ;)
I hope Borca makes it up here before the story post; his confrontation with Midori from earlier will play right into the events of the Story version. :P

OOC: I was thinking so. =P And makes it up where, to Deck 10?

-==IC: Kaze==-

"By now, you should've somehow
Realized what you're not to do." Kaze continued, singing pretty well for someone who wouldn't seem like a good singer.

OOC: =P

OOC: Yeah. [/post to let you continue]

-==IC: Kaze==-

"I don't believe that anybody
Feels the way I do
About you now..." Kaze sang, as he looked around the room.

--Lounge--
The guests were thoroughly entertained.

OOC: Let's make the song chunks a bit longer, so we can keep moving.  (PMs other players.)

-==IC: Kaze==-

"Back beat, the word is on the street
That the fire in your heart is out...
I'm sure you've heard it all before
But you never really had a doubt...
I don't believe that anybody feel the way I do, about you now..." Kaze sang, as he smiled.

--Lounge--
The dark-skinned woman starts clapping in time to the music, and the rest of the audience slowly joins in.

-==IC: Kaze==-

"And all the roads we have to walk are winding
And all the lights that lead us there are blinding
There are many things that I
Would like to say to you
But I don't know how..." Kaze sang, really enjoying this.

--Lounge--
The audience continues clapping.

-==IC: Midori==-
Meanwhile, Midori walks through the lounge doors.

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze smiled, obviously enjoying this, as he continued to sing.
"Because maybe...
You're gonna be the one that saves me...
And after all...
You're my wonderwall..."

-==IC: Midori==-
Midori saw Kaze on the stage and stopped, transfixed.

-==IC: Kaze==-

"Today was gonna be the day
But they'll never throw it back to you...
By now, you should've somehow
Realized what you're not to do...
I don't believe that anybody
Feels the way I do, about you now..." Kaze sang, and then noticed Midori in the crowd, and smiled slightly as the song transitioned back into the chorus.

OOC: Continue. ;)

-==IC: Kaze==-

"And all the roads that lead you there were winding...
And all the lights that light the way are blinding...
There are many things that I
Would like to say to you, but I don't know how...

I said maybe
You're gonna be the one that saves me...
And after all...
You're my wonderwall...

I said maybe...
You're gonna be the one that saves me...
And after all...
You're my wonderwall...

I said maybe...
You're gonna be the one that saves me...
You're gonna be the one that saves me...
You're gonna be the one that saves me..." Kaze sang to finish off the song, as he looked to the side of the stage for dramatic effect as the solo ended the song.

OOC: =P

IC Etain

Etain watched and listening, knowing that Kaze was sharing much more than a song.

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze smiled as he looked around the crowd.
"So; what'd you all think?" Kaze asked, as he held the microphone out toward the crowd.

-==IC: Midori==-
Midori applauded with the rest of the crowd.  Just then, the dark-skinned woman walked up and gently pushed her forward.  Surprised, Midori stumbled up the steps before she realized what she was doing.  The woman selected a track, smiled mischeviously, and returned to her seat.

Midori looked uncomfortably at Kaze, took the second mic, read the lyrics and waited for Kaze to start singing.

Meanwhile, the dark-skinned woman looked to Etain, raised an eyebrow, then winked, nodding toward the two on-stage.

OOC: PM'd you that, Blade. ;)  BTW, some of you might recognize the dark-skinned woman... >:D ;)

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze looked at the lyrics and smiled a bit, as he started to sing.
"Hey, hey hey...

Your lipstick stains...
On the front lobe of my left side brains...
I knew I wouldn't forget you
And so I went and let you blow my mind...

Your sweet moonbeam
The smell of you in every single dream I dream...
I knew when we collided
You're the one who I've decided who's one of my kind..." Kaze sang the first verse, a smile on his face.

OOC: To be honest, I haven't actually looked at the lyrics of this song before; they're interesting. =)

IC (Rakoua):

I entered the room and immedietly attracted some weird looks if disapproval, as if most of the people there found me unnatural or even a threat...

-==IC: Pavlov==-
Pavlov bumps into Rakoua while looking for the red-haired woman he had followed into the lounge.  "Oh, excuse me.  Say, have you seen Chief O'Realley?  Red hair, Asian, looks mad whe she looks at you?"

OOC: Once the song's over, I'll advance the story. ;)

-==IC: Midori==-
Midori sings backup, and a smile slowly spreads across her face.

The dark-skinned woman walks over to Etain.  "Like I always say, when that voice inside of you tells you to do something crazy...listen."  She smiles again.

IC (Rakoua):

"I did not."

OOC: Should be approximately two to three more posts or so, then?

-==IC: Kaze==-

"Hey soul sister, ain't that Mr. Mister
On the radio, stereo, the way you move
Ain't fair you know...
Hey soul sister, I don't wanna miss
A single thing you do...

Tonight..." Kaze sang, as he looked around the crowd with a smile.

-==IC: Pavlov==-
"Right...well, I kinda need to find her, so..." Pavlov drifts away, looking for O'Really.  A red-haired Asian woman near the karaoke unit nods to Rakoua, presumably in gratitude.

OOC: Make it two.  Stuff happens. :P

-==IC: Midori==-
Blushing, Midori shyly hooks a strand of hair over her ear.

IC (Rakoua):

I walked to the Asian woman.
"What is your designation?"

OOC: I figure talking like a Borg is a good way to freak people out =P

OOC: You'd be right... but O'Really reacts differently to the rest.  Freaked out, but... :P

-==IC: Transporter Chief Kiromita O'Really==-
"Chief Kiromita O'Really.  Transporter chief, U.S.S. Nuparu.  Top of my class in quick-draw and marksmanship," the woman says, her voice as cold and cutting as sharpened durasteel.  Her hand beneath the table, she quietly unclips her phaser, just in case...after the Undine war, you really couldn't be too careful...

OOC: Okay then. =)

-==IC: Kaze==-

"Just in time, I'm so glad you have a one track mind like me
You gave my life direction, a game show love connection
We can't deny~...

I'm so obsessed...
My heart is bound to beat right out my untrimmed chest
I believe in you, like a virgin you're Madonna
and I'm always gonna wanna blow your mind...

Hey soul sister, ain't that Mr. Mister
On the radio, stereo
The way you move ain't fair you know
Hey soul sister, I don't wanna miss
A single thing you do...

Tonight..." Kaze sang with a smile, enjoying this song as well.

OOC: Just one more verse and the Chorus left. And that part's most on repeat like Wonderwall. =P

OOC: Excellent.

IC (Rakoua):
"Then I assume your skills with a phaser would be sufficient to shoot me before I anihilated you if I was actually a Undine? But that won't be needed."

OOC: ...dude, that's awesome.  Now I know why O'Really's being such a jerk to Pavlov in certain other parts of the epic. :P

-==IC: O'Really==-
O'Really raises an eyebrow, impressed.  "Professional.  I like it.  Call me Kiro."

-==IC: Midori==-
Midori's shy grin widens.  Oh, what the heck.  As Kaze sings the last chorus, she joins in with him.

IC Etain:

Etain smiles slightly at the dark-skinned woman "That is usually the most interesting path"

IC (Rakoua):
"Judging by the looks I have been recieving over these past few minutes on board, I assume everyone knows my name and my species, am I correct?"

-==IC: Guinan==-
The dark-skinned woman smiles.  "Indeed.  I'm Guinan.  And you are...?"  Suddenly, she looks up, as if sensing something.  "Hold that thought, I need to go chat with a man about a ship.  Let's talk later, alright?"  Guinan moves toward the doors, and waits in expectation.

-==IC: O'Really==-
"Not everyone, but anyone who knows anyone who works in shuttlebay.  Which is everyone."  She smirks.  "Actually, all I heard was that there were changelings aboard, but...well, I lost family in the Undine War, so naturally my first thought..."  She shrugs.  "Occupational hazard of Starfleet, I guess."

OOC: story post once Blade posts for Kaze.

-==IC: Kaze==-

"The way you can't cut a rug
Watching you's the only drug I need
You're so gangsta, I'm so thug
You're the only one I'm dreaming of

You see; I can be myself now finally
In fact there's nothing I can't be
I want the world to see you be with me...

Hey soul sister, ain't that Mr. Mister
On the radio, stereo
The way you move ain't fair, you know
Hey soul sister, I don't want to miss
A single thing, you do tonight...

Hey soul sister, I don't want to miss
A single thing you do...

Tonight...
Hey; Hey hey...
Hey hey... Tonight...
Hey, hey hey...
Hey hey...
Tonight." Kaze sang to finish off the song, and smiled widely again.

IC (Rakoua):

"People are still afraid of them, as they are so different... This has lead to them becoming paranoid. They look at someone different then them and see danger. I remember from the war between the Dominion and the Federation that only a few Changelings managed to create enough fear to shake the foundations of the Federation. Fear has great power and the best way to fight someone is to not fear him."

-==IC: Midori==-
Midori had a sudden urge, and leaned closer to Kaze when--

-==IC: Flipz==-
The lounge doors opened to admit Captain Flipz.  Those who noticed him, including Midori, straightened to attention, but he paid them no heed.  As another pair of crewmembers took the stage, Flipz spoke to Guinan.  They sat down at the bar, where observant ears could hear their conversation.  Meanwhile, Pavlov spotted O'Really, and made a beeline for her.

-==IC: O'Really and Pavlov==-
"Uh oh.  He sees me.  Quick, pretend we weren't talking.  You could probably take him, but he outranks us, so..."
"Hey, there, Chief.  I don't think I got a proper chance to introduce myself..."

-==IC: Flipz and Guinan==-
"So, it must be different being in a starship's lounge on the other side of the counter."
The pasty-skinned regular bartender walked over and set down a glowing, multicolored beverage in front of a surprised Flipz.  Guinan had obviously known exactly when he was going to arrive.
“No, not too different,” the woman replied.
The young captain gingerly took a sip.  His eyes widened in surprise.  “I’ve never had anything like this...”
“Of course not.  It’s an El-Aurian specialty.”  She smiled grimly. “there aren’t many of us left to spread the word.”
“...It’s amazing!”
“You expected something less?”
“Not from you,” he replied sheepishly.  “It’s just...”
“Captain, you have good instincts.  You need to learn to trust them.  Take a risk once in a while.  Step out of your comfort zone.  And then, then you’ll truly shine as a commanding officer.”
Young Flipz nodded.  “I’ll remember that.”
“No, you won’t.  But you will.”
The young captain didn’t notice, however.  “You know, one day I’m going to get you in my command permanently as a personal advisor, Guinan.”
“I know you will.  But right now there’s someone else you need to pay attention to,” Guinan said as she nodded toward the doors.  A moment later, they opened to admit an unexpected guest: Commander Williams.

-==IC: Commander Williams, Pavlov, and O'Really==-
Commander Williams scanned the room, searching for a particular face in the crowd.  Finally, at a small table almost hidden behind the karaoke machine, she found her objective: Andre Pavlov.
He was hovering, apparently uninvited, near an Asian-looking woman with shockingly red hair.  A single streak of blond hair hung down next to her vibrant green eyes, which were blazing toward her unwanted guest.  Back at the bar, Guinan exchanged a glance with the captain; both sensed impending conflict--and it wasn’t going to be pretty.
Meanwhile, Commander Williams had reached the table.  “Hello, Andre,” she said with a forced pleasantness.  “Hello, Mrs....?”
“Chief Kiromita O’Really, Transporter Chief.  Sir,” she added as an afterthought.  It came out sounding like an insult.  Fortunately, the ship’s first officer pretended not to notice.
“A pleasure,” she lied.  “Mr. Pavlov, I require your assistance in recalibrating the forward targeting sensors to accommodate interference from the phenomenon we have been assigned to study.”
“Sensors.  Why don’t you get T’Sing to do it?”
“Lieutenant-Commander T’Sing is unavailable at this time; he is busy preparing other sections for our survey.  Besides, these are targeting sensors; not only is it a tactical issue, but with our assignment being so close to Romulan space it is an issue of ship’s security as well.”
“Sorry, Commander, but as you can see, I’m…busy.”  Pavlov grinned at Kiromita.  She did not return the expression.
“Actually, Commander,” she chimed in, “he is not ‘busy.’  In fact, it would not...discomfort me at all if he left with you now.”
“How very generous of you,” Jennifer replied acidly.
“Not at all, Commander,” Chief O’Really responded, again making the rank sound like an insult.  “You deserve...access...to the Lieutenant-Commander whenever you desire it.”
“Ladies, ladies, there is no need to get into a disagreement over me.”  Pavlov suddenly became aware of the twin death glares drilling into him.  “On the other hand, I suppose a cursory examination of the sensors could be beneficial to our tactical readiness...”
Pavlov hurriedly left the table, walking right into Captain Flipz.  The young captain looked at his chief of security with concern and opened his mouth to speak, but Pavlov stepped around him and left the lounge before he could utter a word.

Flipz turned to Guinan and asked “What was that all about?”
Guinan shook her head sadly, remembering some past event in her long life.  “Be glad you don’t know, Captain.  Be glad you don’t know.”
The young Flipz debated with himself for a moment, and then left the lounge.  Meanwhile, Commander Williams had just sat down at another table when something interrupted her brooding.
“Go on, Commander,” Chief O’Really piped up.  “He’s all yours.  I don’t want him.”  The lounge went dead silent.
Williams spun around in her seat, her eyes blazing with restrained fury.  “Look, I get you’re new around here.  But there are some things you just don’t mess with, I don’t care what starship you’re on.  Leave it alone.”
“Oh, believe me, sister, I’m trying.  But you won’t take him.”
“I said drop it.  I don’t know where you’ve served, but around here I call the shots.”
“I thought that was Captain Flipz’ job?”
Guinan quickly stepped between the feuding women.  “Hey, now, let’s not spoil the mood for the other guests, shall we?  How about some karaoke, hmm?”  Commander Williams snatched the microphone and stalked up to the platform, her gaze never leaving Chief O’Really.  She punched in a song with quite a bit more force than was necessary, and smiled grimly as her stare pierced the transporter chief.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnvM8gpUh_c

OOC: Cutting off the post for length, I'll continue after a response or two. ;)

IC (Rakoua):

I stood quietly while the whole converation unfolded.

Most interesting. I thought

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze frowned as the events had unfolded, and had gotten off the stage somewhat startled as the Commander had gotten onto the stage, and looked at Midori as he scratched his head.
"Wonder what all that was about?" Kaze asked, as he glanced back to the stage for a moment.

-==IC: Flipz==-
Flipz wasn't sure what to do, but he didn't think this dispute was his business--yet.  He was relieved when the call came in from Engineering.
"Engineering to Captain Flipz."
"Flipz here."
"Mind dropping by when you get a chance?  I'd like to brief you on some modifications from the base model of the Nebula-class."
"On my way."  Flipz left the lounge hurriedly--missing out on the carnage that was about to follow.

-==IC: Chief O'Really==-
At the part about "your little boyfriend," O'Really got to her feet, clenching her fists.  When Williams finished the chorus, O'Really flew at her and punched her in the face.  Williams tackled the smaller woman, crashing into the crwod near the front of the platform.

That's when pandemonium broke out.  A few crewmen tried to break up the fight, ironically making things worse.  A part-Cardassian took a blow to the skull and lashed out blindly, hitting Rakoua in the process.  Another alien of an unfamiliar species picked up a Zindi-arboreal and threw him bodily at Kaze and Midori.  Guinan forced her way through the crowd to Etain.  "Come on," she said, guiding her to the bar.  The regular bartender had stepped out from its protection to try to break things up, but had only recieved blows for his trouble.  Guinan pulled Etain under, then opened a hidden compartment in the floor.  She handed an exotic-looking phaser rifle to Etain, then got one for herself.  "Ever used one of these before?"

OOC: [/TNG: "Night Terrors"]

IC (Rakoua):

I facepalmed and turned my fingers into tentacles, attempting to grab everyone and push them against a wall to break it up.

OOC: I'm guessing she edited the lyrics slightly? =P

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze inhaled sharply when the person was thrown at them, and Kaze attempted to push Midori out of the way, and dive to the ground at the same time.
"Well that's one way to handle a situation..." Kaze mumbled, as he looked at Midori.
"You okay?"

-==IC: Midori==-
"Security to Twelve-Forward!"

-==IC: Guinan==-
"Just follow my lead.  Try to look imposing."  She points her rifle at the ceiling and fires once, sending sparks over everyone.  "This is a little souvenir I picked up from Magus III. That was setting number one. Anyone wanna see setting number two?"

Between Rakoua's efforts and Guinan's, the chaos calmed down rather quickly.  Just then, the doors opened, admitting several security personnel.  One surveyed the scene, and tapped his communicator.  "Chief Paulsen to sickbay, we're going to need a team in here."
"I'll send one out right away.  What happened down there?"
"That, Doctor, is a very good question. Paulsen out."  He looks to the cadets, the only ones still standing.  "Well?  You heard her.  What happened?"

IC (Rakoua):

"Oh nothing much, just a bar brawl, on a PCG starship..."

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze explained what had happened as best as he could recall.
"I don't quite understand how it all turned into a brawl so quickly, but I guess there's always someone who looks for stuff to go wrong..." Kaze said with a frown, after he had explained the situation.

OOC: Pssst.  Federation.  PCG hasn't been founded yet, this is what convinces the federation it's needed. ;)

-==IC: Security==-
"Teriffic.  Must have been, what, an hour after we left?  We might have set a new record for fastest call for security in the Federation."
A few minutes later, med teams had cleared most of the injured crew out.  Guinan had organized the cadets into teams helping the medics patch up those with only minor injuries.  Just then, Pavlov walked in with T'Sing.
As Pavlov entered the lounge, he nearly tripped over a microphone embedded half an inch in the floor.  T’Sing raised an eyebrow as he spotted two women restrained by security personnel: one with red hair, and one with hair of golden blonde.
“Chief O’Really.  Commander Williams.  A pleasure to meet you.”
“Mr. T’Sing.  As thorough as your record stated.  So nice to see you in person, instead of issuing orders over the comm.”
“It is…regrettable that we meet under such circumstances, Commander.  The same goes for you, Chief O’Really.”
“Please, Lieutenant-Commander, call me Kiro.”
O’Really’s seductive tone finally brought Pavlov out of his stupor.  “Right.  Uh…can someone explain what happened here?”
“I can,” Guinan said as she stepped out from behind the heavily dented bar.  The regular bartender hung limp over it with a huge lump on his forehead.  Guinan, in contrast, had not a hair out of place.  “Commander Williams went on-stage for karaoke—”
Guinan paused, and a moment later the doors opened.  Both of the other women groaned—it was the last person they wanted to see.
Captain Flipz.

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze looked over at the doors as they opened for Flipz.
"Oh boy." Kaze said, as he wondered what would happen now.

OOC: I'm not sure what happens after what you mentioned, so that's why this is so short. ^^;

IC (Rakoua):
This continued to get more and more interesting.

Captain Flipz put a palm to his forehead.  “Why am I not surprised?” he muttered.  “Mr. Pavlov, report.”
“Captain!  Uh…right.  Well, we were just about to question a witness, a Ms.…Guinan, was it?”
“No Ms., please.  It makes me feel my age.”  Guinan smirked slyly.  “As I was just saying, the fight started when Commander Williams went on-stage for karaoke.  She sang an early 21st-century song, ‘Forget You’—”
“The Gwyneth Paltrow cover from Glee, to be precise.”
“I am…aware…of Glee, Commander,” Flipz said, not quite masking his devotion to the ancient series.  “As I recall, that’s a fairly…confrontational song.”
“It was, Captain,” Guinan continued.  “And she seemed to be directing the song at Chief O’Really.  So, naturally, right about at the part where she sang about ‘Ooh, I really hat you right now—’”
“That little taHqeq jumped up and punched me in the face!”
“Hey, you were the one who threw the microphone at me!”
A sharp look from the captain quieted both women before the fight could resume.
Guinan didn’t miss a beat.  “So that’s how the fight got started.  Everyone else was just…trying to help.”
Pavlov surveyed the ruined lounge.  “Good job.”
T’Sing raised an eyebrow.  “I am inclined to agree with Mr. Pavlov, Captain.  Their ‘assistance’ was most…unhelpful.”
Captain Flipz stood silently, arms crossed, for several long moments.  After several agonizingly long minutes of contemplation, he announced his decision.
“Ordinarily, you’d both spend a night in the brig for this.  However, I don’t think it would be exactly stellar for the crew’s morale if they saw our first officer imprisoned on the first day of our cruise.”
“Thank you, Capt--”
“Instead, you are confined to quarters until we reach the Badlands.  In addition, Mr. Pavlov will assign guards to escort you to and from your mandatory sessions with the ship’s counselor, and they will remain posted at the entrance to your quarters until you are released.”  Captain Flipz paused for a moment, considering.  “I’ll permit you visitors…but I don’t want word of this to get around the ship.  Not a word of this to anyone else.”
“Captain, I--”
“That’s an order, Mr. Pavlov.  In the meantime, you and Mr. T’Sing are to review the holocam footage and identify everyone else involved.  Give them a reprimand and inform them they are on probation for the next month.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Now get these women to sickbay, then escort them to their quarters.  Dismissed.”
“Aye, sir.”
As Pavlov and the others left the lounge, Captain Flipz sighed.  “One day in, and I’ve already fouled up,” he muttered.  He sighed again.  “I need a--”
Guinan was already behind the bar, glass in hand.
“—drink,” Flipz finished, breaking into a smile--the last he’d have for a long, long time.

OOC: The lounge is temorarily sealed off.  In the meantime, you can head to your quarters, or you can mess around with the holodeck, or just wander the ship.  This is the last story post until the Badlands, so we have until then to just relax. ;)  You might run across a story segment or two depending on where you are, but nothing plot-altering--just character introductions for the rest of the crew. ;)
EDIT: Also, expect a visit from Security at some point, as they continue their investigation.  Probably tomorrow morning or so in-game time.

IC (Rakoua):

I shapeshifted into a bird and flew all the way to my quarters.

OOC: How long is it until we reach the badlands? I'm sure you said how long, but I kinda forget. ^^;

-==IC: Kaze==-

"Hmm. Well there goes one thing to do..." Kaze said with a slight frown, and then turned to Midori.
"What are you going to do now?" Kaze asked, curious.

--Rakoua's quarters--
In the quarters, someone was waiting...

OOC: Your "first officer"; a name, a gender, and a species are really all I need, or you can choose another player character. ;)

EDIT:
OOC: Three days or so, though obviously there's going to be timeskip.  If you want, we can timeskip to your next duty shift, where you;ll be training for various shipboard functions.

OOC: It's up to you... Is the next duty shift on this same day, or is it the next day, in-game?

OOC: Name... uhh... Enabran, species Cardassian, male.

IC (Rakoua):
I shapeshifted back into my humanoid form.

OOC: gotta go to sleep now, good night

OOC: Blade: Next game day.
OOC: Rakoua: G'night!

-==IC: Enabran==-
The Cardassian started in surprise at Rakoua's shapeshifting, but decided not to bring it up.  Even after all these years, the Cardassians and the Dominion remembered the former's actions toward the end of the Dominion War.  Best not to pry.  Still, Enabran wondered why he was here...and why fate had conspired to bring the changeling and him together.  He laid on his bed and went to sleep.

-==IC: Midori==-
"Well, since I almost died in a shuttlecraft, wandered around the ship, lost, for most of the day, and then almost died in a barfight, I think a long, soothing bath followed by a good night's sleep would be in order."  She bit her lip, not wanting to take her eyes off Kaze, but the siren song of a warm bath overcame her.  "I'll see you tomorrow!" she said from the turbolift.
As she headed to her and Etain's quarters, she marvelled at how quickly she had opened up to Kaze.  There's just something about him...still, there's no need to turn into some weepy-eyed schoolgirl over some guy.  Professional.  Keep it professional.  With that thought, she reached her quarters, fell on the bed, and immediately dropped off to sleep.

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze had nodded, and smiled, as he turned to explore some more on the ship, however, eventually decided that the ship was too large to explore right then, and headed back to his quarters, and headed to the bed, and promptly fell asleep upon laying down.

OOC: Cue timeskip?

IC Etain:

Etain lagged behind the others a bit, with the phaser carefully concealed. As soon as the lounge doors shut, she strode over to where Guinan stood, half smile on her face. "Well this little gadget certainly came in handy. Need any help with the mess?"  As Captain Flipz looked on with his jaw wide open, she popped the phaser back into it's hiding spot.

Flipz regained his composure "Guinan, I see you have found an apprentice"
"Who might you be, young lady, and did I see you glowing a few minutes ago?"

"Cadet Etain at your service sir, indeed you did, sir!"

-==IC: Flipz==-
Flipz was at a loss for words.  The young captain considered asking about her species, but decided that might be too rude or personal a question.  Upon glancing at the concealed phaser compartment, he mentally connected the dots between the energy burst in the lounge and the reports of how Guinan and an accomplice had brought the barfight to a stop.  Well, there were reports of Slender Man appearing to help as well, but that was probably just the synthehol talking.  "Well, I certainly appreciate your assistance, Cadet.  Between you and Guinan, perhaps a dozen lives were saved.  I'm going down to sickbay to see who's been put out of commission in this...fiasco.  I know it's late, but would either of you care to join me?"
"Not right this second," Guinan said, "there's someone else aboard I need to see, a private meeting.  I'll drop by your ready room later for a cup of tea."
"I look forward to it.  How about you, cadet?  Considering what just happened in the lounge, it might be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the route to sickbay," he added with a joking smile.

IC Etain:

"Excellent suggestion sir!"

As they headed toward sickbay, she considered filling him in on her strange lineage, but wasn't sure how to bring it up. "Neither of my parents had the auras, I seem to be the first in the family to be so graced, or cursed"

-==IC: Flipz==-
"Really?  You must have had an...interesting lineage."  As sickbay came into view, Flipz thought of something.  "The aura...it doesn't cause you pain, poes it?  Because I'm sure Dr. McFadden would be glad to help.  Here, let me introduce you to her.  Portia, this is Cadet Etain.  She helped calm down the incident in Twelve-Forward."
"Well, the incident isn't the only thing that needs calming down.  I just had a talk with Jen.  I mean, Commander Williams.  She's...unhappy, to say the least."
"Understandable, but unavoidable.  I can't have crewmembers violating Starfleet code of conduct, not even my first officer."
"Talk to her, Captain.  Please."
Flipz paused, uncomfortable.  "Very well.  Cadet Etain, I leave you in Dr. McFadden's capable hands.  If there's anything you wish to know, just ask her."  With that, Flipz left sickbay, shuffling along the corridor as if...ashamed.
"So, hon," Dr. McFadden said, "Anything I can help ya with?"

IC: Etain

Etain wondered why Flipz was in such a rush to get her out of the lounge... something to follow up on...

"Does he dump people and run like that?"  half laugh..

"Is there anything I can help with here?"

IC (Rakoua):

After a few hours of quietly doing nothing at all, I exited my quarters, without even having talked to my officer.

OOC: Just a quick question; should I assume it's morning already? Just curious on that one. =)

OOC: Yeah, I'll do a timeskip.

-==IC: Dr. Portia McFadden==-
"He's a new captain.  He's young, and he's got a lot on his mind.  The result is him flitting around from place to place, trying to do everything at once."  She shrugged.  "I grew up starships, and plenty of new captains are the same way, at least until they get used to the feel of command.  Anyhow...since you're here, I'll fill you in on our basic systems."
The night stretched on, with Dr. McFadden explaining everything from the medical record system to the use of the biobed to loading a hypospray to diagnosing common shipboard diseases.  It wasn't until the patients began waking up that the doctor realized she'd kept Etain up all night.  "OH!  I'm so sorry, cadet.  I didn't mean *YAWN* to keep you up so late.  You're just such great company to talk to, and *YAWN* I don't get too many non-patient visitors to sickbay, and..." she realied she was rambling.  "I don't know about you, but I think I need to get some sleep before my next duty shift.  It's...about 0400 hours.  Darn!  Oh, well, an hour or two's sleep is better than nothing at all." Dr. McFadden hung up her medical coat and walked Etain to the turbolift.  When the turbolift reached the deck for the senior officers' quarters, the doctor waved good-bye to Etain and headed down the corridor.

The turbolift doors closed, re-opening at the cadets' quarters level for a sleepy-looking cadet with pitch-black skin and orange eyes.  He nodded acknowledgement to Etain, and waited to set his destination until she had decided whether or not to exit the turbolift.  Just then, a figure exited Rakoua's quarters...

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze yawned and got up, and glanced at the time after getting ready.
... I have no clue if I'm early or right on schedule yet; but either way, I'm not gonna get back to sleep, so I might as well get up... Kaze thought, as he yawned again, and made his way out of his quarters.

IT Etain,

Although she required less sleep than many, Etain longed for a shower and some time to digest the last day's activities, and so headed for her quarters...

IC (Rakoua):
I started walking towards the turbolift.

--Turbolift--
As Kaze and Rakoua stood in the turbolift, the computer asked, "Please state your desired destination."  After a few more seconds, the turbolift stated, "This lift has been requested at Deck 14."  The turbolift doors closed, and the lift started moving...only to stop again a few moments later.  The doors didn't open.

OOC: Call engineering. :P

-==IC: Kaze==-

"Huh?" Kaze asked and sighed, as he banged on the doors to try to get them to open, and shook his head, as he reached for the comm panel.
"Turbolift's broken; could someone from engineering get over here to fix it please...?" Kaze asked, and sighed again.

IC (Rakoua):
"That will not be neccesary." I said, and removed a panel from the turbolift wall.

-==IC: Levar Norton==-
"Acknowledged, lemme try and run a diagnostic.  But first...Computer, location of turbolift car 4."
"Unable to comply."
"Unable to--computer, what is the location of...what was your name again?"
"Cadet Kaze Hikari."
"Computer, what is the location of Cadet Hikari?"
"Please specify."
"Specify?!"
"There are two comm badge signals aboard the Nuparu registered as Cadet Kaze Hikari."
"What?!  Wait a minute...Computer, who is Cadet Hikari's roommate?"
"Cadet Hikari's roommate is Lieutenant Hans Sulu."
"Ah.  And where is Sulu now?"
"Lieutenant Sulu is not aboard the Nuparu."
"That's what I thought.  Computer, please list the location of both Cadet Hikaris."
"One Cadet Hikari is in turbolift shaft 1, between Decks 8 and 9, and the other is on Deck 9 in the Sciences laboratory."
Norton sighed.  "Looks like your pal Sulu is at it again.  I'll go ahead and send a team to escort you through the Jeffries tubes.  I'll try and run a diagnostic and fix this before they get to you, but..." his tone indicated he did not believe that to be possible.  "Next time you see Sulu, tell him to keep his hands off of the ship's critical systems.  And make him switch his commbadge back to its normal frequency!  Chief Engineer Norton out."

--Turbolift Panel--
As Rakoua rearranged circuits, several panels came back on-line.  He saw from the readout that a surge had been sent through the system to whoever was messing with it.  Hopefully it hadn't caused too much damage.

-==IC: Sulu==-
"Sulu to Sickbay..."

OOC: Norton. xD

-==IC: Kaze==-

"Alright." Kaze said to confirm that he'd tell Sulu not to do that next time he saw him, and then sighed, and leaned against one of the walls of the turbolift.
"Now what...?" Kaze wondered, as he waited for the team to arrive.

IC (Rakoua):

"We cannot do anything from here unfortunatly."

--Turbolift--
Just then, Rakoua's efforts paid off.  Sort of.  The turbolift jolted suddenly, then dropped to Deck 9 before the recently-restored safety software locked it in place.  The doors started to open as the turbolift powered down for repairs, but there must have been a delay in the system.  The doors opened about three inches before stopping.

A nearby security officer looked up and saw their predicament.  "Uh...I'll assume Engineering is on the way."  When both others nodded, he added, "Since you're here, I just wanted to let you know that Cadet Kaze has been cleared of any wrongdoing in the incident in Twelve-Forward last night.  Cadet..." He looked at his Padd.  "Cadet Rakoua is supposed to meet with Mr. Pavlov at 1000 hours to discuss his involvement, but I'm pretty sure it's just a formality.  So, uh...congratulations?  I guess."  He shrugged.  "Well, I, uh, guess I'll see you later."  He walked away chuckling just as two ensigns in Engineering uniforms entered the corridor.

"Don't worry, we'll have you out of there in just a second."  They went to work on the door.  "You know...we may just have to cut the door open.  I'd stand back, just in case we have to resort to that option."

OOC: Just saw your edit. xD

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze was nearly knocked off his feet by the sudden movement of the turbolift, and looked up as he saw the doors open slightly.
"Hmm. That's not really wide enough for us... However..." Kaze said, and moved over to the doors, and put his hands on both sides of the doors.
"Come on; I need more than just my strength for this..." Kaze grunted to Rakoua, as he pushed against the doors to try and open them.

IC (Rakoua):
I shapeshifted my hand into something that looked like a hydraulic piston and pushed the door open with ease.

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze paused, and chuckled.
"That works too..." Kaze said, and walked out of the turbolift, and then turned around.
"So; who are you? I'm Kaze Hikari." Kaze said, though he had already said his name for Norton.

--Turbolift--
The Engineering ensigns looked at Rakoua in awe.  "...you interested in a job in Engineering?" one of them blurted out.

IC (Rakoua):
"My name is Rakoua."
"And I hate engineering."

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze nodded.
"Alright then. I have to find out where I have to go, and how to get there now, so I'll see you later, 'k?" Kaze said, and looked around.
"... In fact; if anyone could help with that; I wouldn't mind the help."

--Deck 9--
The Engineering ensigns backed away slowly from Rakoua.  "Oh...o-ok.  Sorry."  As Kaze left the turbolift, they fell in step with him.  "So, what duty shift are you on?"
"Uhh..."
"Here, let me check the duty roster."  Suddenly, his face paled.  "You're on Red Shift.  You report at 0600.  That's in five minutes!"  He frantically tapped some requests into the Padd.  "You're supposed to report to Pavlov's office for a briefing.  Here, the Jeffries tubes are the fastest way, since the turbolift's down.  You're looking for aft section, Deck 5."  After reprogramming the Padd to show a map of the Jeffries tubes, marked with the destination, the ensign opened a hatch, ushered Kaze in, and gave him the Padd.  "Good luck!  We need to get back to our stations, we'll see you later!"  With that, they closed the hatch, leaving Kaze to get to Pavlov's office on his own.

--Turbolift--
"Pavlov to Cadet Rakoua.  I need to see you in my office as soon as possible.  Don't worry, I'll let you out in plenty of time for your shift; this'll only take a few minutes.  Still, it's very important you come see me right away.  Pavlov out."

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze had nodded, and used the Padd to show the way, as he quickly maneuvered through the tubes, hoping he could get to Pavlov's office in the five minutes that remained.

OOC: I'll wait until someone else gets up before I do that meeting. ;)

-==IC: Midori==-
Midori awakens in her quarters.  She notices that Etain is finally back.  Huh.  Wonder where she was all night?  She picks up her sketchpad and quickly begins sketching what she could remember of her dream.

OOC: Someone else? Midori, or literally someone else?

OOC: Literally someone else, I write substantially better when I'm dealing with two separate plot threads at once.  Heck if I know why, but it works, and that's what matters.

IC Edain :

Edain stirs and opens one eye.. "Morning already?? plufff"

Springing up as if she had actually slept, she does some brief stretches.

looking over at Midori's sketch pad, she shudders involuntarily.
"Bad night, huh?"

Midori is silent.
"Well, I think I'll shower and go see if Guinan is up for  some breakfast."

IC (Rakoua):
I got to Pavlov's office as fast as I could.

--Midori and Etain's quarters--
Just then, the door chimes.

--Pavlov's office--
Kaze and Rakoua arrive at exactly the same time.  In exactly the same spot.  At exactly the same speed.  The collision knocks them to the floor, but they both dust themselves off and enter.

-==IC: Pavlov==-
"Ah, Cadet Hikari, right on time.  Almost.  Well, hey, I've never been that great with deadlines myself, so why should I inflict them on others."  He smiles.  "Anyway, I wanted to give you your assignment.  Today you will be oberving me, helping me respond to any shipboard incidents that occur.  If everything stays quiet enough, I might even have time to give you a few hours at Tactical before the end of your shift.  So, please, have a seat," he said, indicating a small chair on his side of the desk.
"As for you, Mr. Rakoua...when I heard the reports that Slender Man had broken up the fight during yesterday's...incident...I could scarcely believe it.  But lo and behold, the holocam footage clearly showed you, shoving fighters apart with long tentacles.  I have to say, I'm impressed.  Technically I should put you on probation, but all things considered, I think I'll give you a minor commendation instead."  He grinned broadly.  "I'll be blunt.  Your record shows a preference for command.  I'm hoping I can change that.  Security and tactical is a very exciting field, and one that would have many opportunities for you and your talents...but frankly, I'm asking because you'd be a huge tactical advantage in my security team."

OOC: That's Pavlov asking, not me.  He...well, he's obviously heard of Odo's successes at Deep Space 9. ;)

IC (Rakoua):
"Alright, I will join your security force." I said, thinking "Well, anything is better then engineering..."

OOC: Expect everyone to try and steal you for their own department. :P

-==IC: Pavlov==-
"Great!  Now, to start off, let's go check out the brig.  A little surprise inspection."  He gestured for the two cadets to follow him out of the office.

IC (Rakoua):
"Alright..." I said and followed Pavlov.

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze nodded, as he followed Pavlov quickly.

-==IC: Pavlov==-
As Pavlov and the ensigns approached the aft turbolift, they saw a pair of Engineering ensigns blocking it.
"Sorry sir.  We had a little trouble with one of the turbolifts earlier, and Lieutenant Norton had to shut the whole system down to recalibrate.  You'll have to use the Jeffries tubes."
"Understood.  Come on, Cadets, looks like we're taking the long way."
As Pavlov led the group through the Jeffries tubes, the group slowly became aware of odd sounds emanating from the section above a corridor near the backup bridge.
"Cadet Rakoua, you take point.  Scout ahead and find out what we're dealing with."  He hands Kaze a phaser.  "Glad I always keep a spare.  Setting 2, Cadet.  Let's not take any chances."

IC (Rakoua):
"Alright." I said and went ahead, keeping quiet and trying to find anything hostile.

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze nodded, accepted the phaser, and turned the second setting on, as he held it to the side and walked forward slowly.

--Jeffries Tube--
Rakoua noticed a small replicator unit jury-rigged into the circuitry.  The panel access into the corrior has been removed, and a male voice is muttering softly.

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze cautiously moved forward, and raised the phaser slowly, just in case.

IC Etain:

Enter...

-==IC: Guinan and Midori==-
"Hello, Etain.  Care for some breakfast?  How about you, Midori?"
Midori started at the woman's knowing her name.
"It's OK, I'm Guinan.  Ship's bartender, at least until the other guy gets out of sickbay from yesterday's incident."  Seeing Midori's continued hesitation, she added, "Kaze's on-duty until 1400 hours, so..."
Midori looked to Etain, who gave her a thumbs-up, and then nodded to Guinan.
"Great!  Lemme show you this new place that just opened up."

OOC: You know, I think the Fool's Errand will be making an appearance in later chapters.  Thanks, MSRR, I've been looking for a reason to haul it out of mothballs and finally finish that refit I've been planning for the last forever.  Thanks!

OOC:

Happy to help!

IC (Rakoua):
Intresting...

I started looking for the source of the voice.

--Jeffries Tube--
As Rakoua crept closer, he could make out words.  "...lock me out...systems...better than he does...show him..."
The circuit to activate the replicator seems to be incomplete.  The unit itself seems to have been jury-rigged to accept only input from the activation circuit.  Presumably the replicator has been reprogrammed for a single function, to be triggered by said input.  A coil of wire is lying next to the replicator, and a power tap has been exposed, to serve as the replicator unit's power supply.

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze frowned, as he moved forward slightly, holding the phaser in front of him to quickly fire if he needed to.

OOC: So a person has to activate it?
IC (Rakoua):
I shapeshifted into a surface of the walls, preparing an ambush for whoever did this.

-==IC: Sulu==-
Hans Sulu finished wiring up the proximity scanner; it would now respond ONLY to Lt. Norton's commbadge signal.  He climbed back up into the Jeffries Tube to connect the sensor to the replicator's activation circuit.

OOC: Oh no. xD

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze frowned, as he inched closer.
Why does the echo of that voice sound almost familiar...? Kaze thought, as he continued to move closer to where Rakoua was.

IC (Rakoua):

When Hans came near the replicator, I shapeshifted a tentacle and grabbed him.
"What are you doing?"

-==IC: Sulu==-
When Rakoua grabbed Sulu, he jumped, knocking the loosely-mounted replicator into the power tap.  The replicator activated, spewing a flood of water through the Jeffries Tube.

-==IC: Kaze==-

"Huh?!" Kaze asked, as he heard the flood of water start up.
That doesn't sound good... Kaze thought, as he prepared himself for whatever would happen next.

IC (Rakoua):
I grabbed the replicator and pulled it out of the power tap, causing it to stop working. I then pulled Sulu out of the tube into a hallway.

"What is your name?"

-==IC: Sulu==-
"I am Lieutenant Hans Sulu, ship's helmsman.  Now, unhand me or I shall summon ship's security.  Security to Deck 12!"

--Jeffries Tube--
The wave of water pushed Kaze and Pavlov down the Jeffries Tube...even though the stream of water was cut off, the two would drown if they didn't do something...

IC (Rakoua):
"Maybe you'd like to explain to the kind security officers why you were messing around with that replicator." I said, shapeshifting my arm into a very sharp spike and showing it to Sulu.
"However I do not think you are in any position to do anything other then answer my questions."

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze frowned as he held his breath, and looked around the tube to see what could be done.
I wonder if this thing works underwater...

-==IC: Pavlov==-
Pavlov changed some settings on his phaser, lowering the setting and setting it to a wide-area fan.  He fired, vaporizing some of the water, but also shocking the pair slightly.  It wasn't a solution, but it'd buy them a few more minutes.

-==IC: Sulu==-
"Not that it's any of your business, but I was setting up a practical joke for Lt. Norton.  He's blocked me out of the systems again, and it's getting to the point where I can't change any of the systems at all.  And if you even touch me with that," he said, indicating the spike, "Starfleet will hunt you down before my body even hits the ground."

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze frowned slightly more, and looked around for some other exit, or a spot where a phaser shot wouldn't damage the place too much, but would let the water out.

IC (Rakoua):
"So you two just assume it is OK to mess around with ship's systems for practical jokes? I don't find that funny." I said.
"And even if they could 'hunt me down', I doub't you'd care much about that, since you'd be dead. Now you're going to the brig tho." I said, reshaping my hand back into hand form. I then remembered the water and jumped back into the Jefferies tube, diving into the water and looking for the two.

--Deck 12--
Moments after Rakoua re-entered the Jeffries tube, Security officers filled the corridor, armed with high-power phaser rifles that they promptly aimed at Sulu.  "ON YOUR KNEES!  HANDS BEHIND YOUR HEAD!!  NO SUDDEN MOVEMENTS!!!"  As they bound Sulu, one of the officers drew back from the rest to contact his superior.  "Paulsen to Pavlov, we've responded to a call of an officer in distress, and we have successfully detained the suspect.  No sign of the officer.  Where are you?"  There was a splashing sound intermingled with static, but no response.  "Hello?"

--Jeffries Tube--
Pavlov nudged Kaze, indicating a maintenence junction with a sealed hatch, leading to Engineering.  Unfortunately, the hatch opened inward, meaning they would have to cut their way out.  As Pavlov reconfigured his phaser once again, Kaze accidentally nudged him, setting the phaser off.  Dark, inky sludge filled the water, and Pavlov frantically began slicing away at the doorway.
Meanwhile, the sludge began to obscure Rakoua's vision, at least the vision of his current form.

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze nodded, and gripped onto the hatch's handle, as he glanced at his phaser's settings, inwardly wondering if there was a 'beam sword' setting or something, even if he highly doubted that.

OOC: To be honest, I don't really know what settings there are. *Whistles innocently*

OOC: You can set power levels from 1-9 (I'd have to check to see what range is "stun", what range is "kill", and what range is "vaporize".  You can also set the spread of the beam (keeping in mind that a wide beam is weaker than a focused beam of the same power setting), and if push comes to shove you can set the phaser to overload, effectively turning it into an extremely dangerous high-power timed explosive.

IC (Rakoua):

Blinded, I tried too feel my way towards the two people in the Jefferies tube. However,the water made it quite difficult to move. I didn't give up tho and saw some kind of bright light that appeared to be coming from a phaser, and started swimming towards it...

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze mentally sighed at the effort, and set the beam to be focused, and aimed to either cut through the door; or if worst came to worst, simply blast the hatch away with a blast.

OOC: Say, can these eventually be upgraded? Charge shots would be cool. =P Though, even if not, I wouldn't mind. Just curious. =P(Plus I'm sure I could find a way to get a beam gun that can fire charged shots. =P)

OOC:  Uhh...charge shot?  Phasers work pretty much like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sieH0dvdqGE&feature=related
Only with more destruction (that one must have been set to a setting lower than 1).
Here's a description from Memory-Alpha:
The type 2 phasers of the 24th century were capable of achieving sixteen settings, ranging from mild stun to disintegration. They were as follows:

■Level one: lowest setting, Light Stun, capable of stunning most base humanoids for approximately five minutes. According to Starfleet regulations all phasers must be stored at this setting. Possesses enough force to break large urns. (Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual; TNG: "Aquiel"; TAS: "The Lorelei Signal")
■Level seven: Capable of vaporizing noranium carbide alloy. (TNG: "The Vengeance Factor")
■Level ten: Kill setting, capable of killing a biological organism. (TNG: "Aquiel")
■Level sixteen: Capable of vaporizing rock to widen an opening in a lava tube partially blocked by rubble, or blowing large holes in walls. (TNG: "Chain of Command, Part I", "Frame of Mind")
In addition to variable power settings, type-2s can be set for a narrow (affecting a single target) or "wide" beam (affecting two or more targets over a certain area). The frequency of the beam may also be adjusted to make it more effective against certain types of shields and/or force fields. (TNG: "The Arsenal of Freedom", "The Best of Both Worlds", "Power Play"; VOY: "Initiations")

--Jeffries Tube--
Kaze and Pavlov managed to cut directly through the hatch, but another cut (or some substantial pushing force) would be required to break through.  Meanwhile, Rakoua reached the pair.  The water slowly began to drain, but it still wouldn't be enough...

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze motioned for Pavlov to back off slightly, and then pushed off against the hatch after he set his phaser to 16, and then fired a blast at the hatch quickly; hoping it only hit the hatch.

OOC: Like that? =P

IC Etain

As Etain prepared to order breakfast with Guinan & Midori she couldn't shake the feeling they were needed elsewhere.....

OOC: ...
...8 or 9 would have been good. :P

--Jefries Tube--
The hatch was instantly vaporized...along with three maintenence corridors beyond it.  The blast barely missed the warp core, instead vaporizing a lift to the second level of Engineering.  Kaze, Pavlov, and Rakoua were blasted back into the wall of the jeffries tube.  After a second of stunned silence, alarms began blaring throughout the ship.

--Deck 10--
Red alert.  All hands to emergency positions.
As the alarms went off, Guinan grabbed Etain and Midori's hands and practically dragged them into a storage bay.  Midori was about to ask why when a flood of crew rushed through the corridor, hurrying from the forward holodeck to their stations.  "Stay here," Guinan told Midori, "Etain and I will handle this."  Guinan took Etain's hand and waded into the corridor.  Maintaining the grip was difficult in the rushing crowds, but Guinan held tight; there was no telling where they would end up if they got separated.  Guinan led Etain into a nearby Jeffries tube, where the flow of people was at least somewhat controlled.

IC Etain:

Etain knew a leisurely breakfast was too good to be true. There was havoc all around her, and she knew it was time.. but did she dare.. to use her gift.....

IC (Rakoua):
Not wasting a second, I ran to my station.

OOC: xD Whoops. xD

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze stared at the destruction that had been caused.
"Uhh... I should probably read the phaser manual before attempting something like that next..." Kaze mumbled, as a bead of sweat ran down his face.

-==IC: Norton==-
A dark-skinned man wearing a green shirt and a leather vest ran up to Kaze, Pavlov, and Rakoua.  He tried to say something, but was drowned out by the alarm.  "Turn that darned thing off!" he shouted over his shoulder.  The alarms mercifully shut off.  "Patterson, Emile, we've got a cut coolant line, Barton, fix the lift, Emerson, get to work on the containment hatches.  Smith, Wesson, help me get these people out of the Jeffries tube."
A few moments later, the Engineering crew was swarming about like ants.  Kaze and Pavlov were quickly helped out of the tube, while Rakoua slipped through the sharp-edged hole unassisted and unharmed.
Pavlov grunted, and coughed up what seemed like a lungful of water.  "Aren't you going to ask what happened?"
"No, sir," Norton replied, "I believe that's your department."
Pavlov chuckled, then coughed up more water.  "Cadet Hikari, I concur with your previous statement."  He pulled out a blank Padd, plugged it into the nearest access port, and downloaded the files on the Type 2 and 3 phasers from Memory-Alpha.  He tossed the Padd to Kaze, and said, "There you go.  A bit of pleasure reading for the year Dr. McFadden's gonna try to keep us in Sickbay.  Even Kaze joined Pavlov in laughing at that, but that was a mistake; when they started to laugh, they started to cough, and the coughing wouldn't stop.
Norton grabbed Kaze, and motioned for Rakoua to grab Pavlov.
"Norton to transporter room, we've got a medical emergency, four to beam directly to sickbay!"
Engineering dissolved around them...

--Deck 13--
While the drama unfolded in main engineering, Guinan led Etain to Deck 13.
"This is where everything's happening," she said.  Then, amongst the jostling crowds, Etain bumped into two unexected figures in rapid succession: Lt. Sulu, surrounded by security guards, and Captain Flipz.
"Cadet Etain!" Flipz exclaimed.  "Any chance you could make sense of this mess?"

OOC: Oh great, i get to ic coughing. ::)

-==ic: Kaze==-

Kaze frowned as he started to cough, and inwardly thought that they should've held their breath more.

IC (Rakoua):

I still don't understand how did half that corridor get melted and blown to pieces... I thought.

--Sickbay--
"Doctor, Ensign Mannion pulled out his stitches again."
"Well, put 'em back in!  I'm dealing with two officers who managed to nearly drown aboard a starship."
"Wha--?"
"Get to work, Nurse!"  Dr. McFadden shook her head.  "The microtransporter got most of the water out, but that coolant seemed to have irritated your mucuous membranes.  I'll need to hold you here overnight."
"What-no, doctor, I have important duties--"
"--That you can attend to once I've made sure you're not going to drop dead from lack of oxygen.  Now, granted, it's not a long test, but I'm still dealing with patients from Twelve-Forward, so you'll have to wait until this evening."
Pavlov sighed.  Then coughed.  "Can I at least make my report to the captain?  Get us off red alert?"
Dr. McFadden crossed her arms.  "That would be most helpful for us...alright.  I'll allow it."
"Thank you.  Pavlov to the captain."
"Go ahead, Mr. Pavlov."
"Sir, I'd like to let you know we can go off red alert.  The phaser blast that triggered the alert came from a cadet I was trapped in a Jeffries tube with, he was trying to get us out.  He took out a pretty good chunk of Engineering, but he saved us from drowning."
"Drowning?"
"Yes, sir.  I'm not certain, but there was some suspicious activity on deck 12."
"Yes, a bunch of security officers just came down from there, escorting Mr. Sulu."
"Sulu?"
"I'm as confused as you are."
Pavlov noticed Rakoua standing unobtrusively out of the way.  "Captain, I sent Cadet Rakoua to investigate what was going on, but he hasn't had a chance to give me his report.  I'm going to send him down to you to explain things."  He considered for a moment.  "Sir, I recommend we lower our status to Yellow alert; it will clear the hallways and give the crew a chance to relax, but we'll still be ready in case something happens while we clear all this up and repair the damage."
"Good idea, Mr. Pavlov.  I'll relay that to the bridge immediately.  Flipz out."
A moment later, the alarms throughout the ship silenced, and the lights returned to normal.  Everyone in sickbay breathed a sigh of relief.
"Well, Cadet Rakoua?  You heard me.  Get back to Deck 13 and report your findings to the captain."  Once Rakoua left the room, he turned to Kaze and added, "And you...read that article I gave you."  He chuckled again, and once again broke into a fit of coughing.  Dr. McFadden tranquilized him.
"Don't.  Say.  A word.  If you insist on talking and aggrivating your condition like our friend here did, I'll tranquilize you the old-fashioned way," the doctor said aggrivatedly, punching her hand.  She returned to work on Pavlov.

OOC: The articles:
http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/Type_2_phaser
http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/Type_3_phaser

-==ic: Kaze==-

Kaze raised an eyebrow, but nodded and looked at the Padd to get more of an idea of how to use the phaser.

ooc: How long do we stay here? =P

/edit: aside from just "overnight". =p

IC (Rakoua):
I sighed and got to the Captain as quickly as I could.

"I noticed some suspicious activity near a replicator and ambushed Sulu when he arrived to plug some sort of a motion sensor into it. Apparently he attempted to drown Lieutenant Norton as part of a 'pracical joke'. Solid humor escapes me unfortunatly, so he called security when I... requested more information, but I had to go and attempt to save the two people that were drowning."

-==IC: Flipz==-
Flipz blinked, surprised at the rapid flow of information.  "Could you repeat that again, slower?"  After Rakoua did so, the captain rubbed his eyes.  "Sulu, how many times have I told you not to mess with the ship's systems?"
"Norton started it!"
"I don't care, Lieutenant.  Another incident like this and you're in the brig, I don't care how much justification you offer."
"...yes, sir..."
"Paulsen, take him to his quarters.  He can stay there until his next duty shift."
The captain shakes his head again, muttering something about, "...so good on paper."  He turned his attention to Rakoua.  "That's twice now you've headed off trouble aboard ship.  I'm giving you an official commendation."  He smirks wryly.  "You seem to be racking them up.  Anyway, take the rest of the shift off.  You deserve it, and besides, with Pavlov out of commission, there's not much for you to do at Security anyway."  He turned to Etain.  "What were you up to again?"
"She was coming to breakfast with me, Captain," Guinan said.
Flipz nodded.  "Breakfast.  An excellent idea.  I think I'll join you.  Cadet Rakoua, would you like to join us?"

OOC: We'll do a timeskip after breakfast.

-==IC: Dr. McFadden==-
"So, Cadet Hikari, do things like this hapen often to you?  Just nod yes or no, I want to give the medication time to work."

IC (Rakoua):
"Alright." I said, and followed the Captain.

-==ic: Kaze==-

Kaze thought for a moment, and twisted his hand from side to side to essentially say '50-50'.

ooc: =P

/EDIT: And now that my Keyboard's plugged back in... =P

-==IC: Guinan==-
Guinan led them through the Jeffries tubes back up to Deck 10.  "As I was telling Etain here, they just got this place running, it's great."
"What place?" Flipz asked.  "I didn't think we had another lounge in this part of the ship?"
"We do now."  Guinan led the group to the forward holodeck, where she checked the display panel.  "Yep, it's running again already.  Don't you just love how fast Starfleet crewmembers come up with these things?"
as the group stepped through the doors, they found an updated version of Twelve-forward, with a few things added and others missing-the karaoke machines being one of the latter.
"Well, it's common knowledge that rumors among the crew are the only things capable of traveling faster than Warp 10.  I guess this isn't much more of a leap."
"Not the only things, Captain.  But we can discuss that later.  Come on, I'll show you to a seat."
As Guinan ushered them to a table by the sweeping full-height windows--a new addition to the lounge--Captain Flipz thought of something imortant that was missing from the decor.  "Computer, add on-duty security personnel."  The computer chimed, and instantly a dozen security officers materialized in discreet locations around the lounge--all of them looking curiously similar to the form Rakoua had taken.  Flipz raised an eyebrow.  "Great minds think alike, I see."
Once the group was seated, Guinan asked for their orders.  "I'll have some Altarian fruit pastries, with a Jeveran fruit parfait.  Cadet Rakoua?  Cadet Etain?"

IC (Rakoua):
"Thank you, but I do not eat."

OOC: I'd be disappointed about the lack of karaoke machines, but hopefully by the time Kaze recovers, there will be some more. =P

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze finished reading through the phaser manuals quickly, and looked around, and leaned back with a mental-only sigh, as he scratched his head.
What now? Kaze thought, as he inwardly wondered if he could use this Padd for other things.

--Sickbay--
The Padd's "about..." button catches Kaze's eye.

http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/PADD

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze was impressed as he read through it, and attempted to use it to sketch out different words.
If I can't communicate through speech...

IC Etain

"A raktajino, some moba fruit,  groatcakes topped with syrup of squill, and a slice of  hasparat souffle out to do it for me"

-==IC: Guinan==-
Guinan clapped her hands twice, and the desired food materialized on the table.  "You know, that Ferengi from Deep Space 9 might have had a point after all."  Guinan's own meal, a small gingerbread house with bright, cartoonish decorations, appeared in her hand.  She smiled at the others' surprise.  "I like to shake things up once in a while.  And this happens to be the best gingerbread in the galaxy, made in Newport Beach, on Earth." She sat down at the table, and immediately launched into a tale of a chef she met on Alivora VI...

OOC: Time skip to next morning?

OOC..

I want to hear about the chef! ( read the end of my bio...)

-==IC: Guinan==-
Guinan noticed that Etain seemed interested in the food.  "My own twist on the original recipes.  Of course, with it being replicated, it's not the best, but I have to say it's a heck of a lot more convenient.  Besides, for a temporary outfit like this...well, let's say the the easy way makes a lot more sense than usual."
Flipz noted Etain's disapproving look.  "Hey, all the fresh stuff's in the lounge, the gardens haven't had a chance to grow anything since the ship was recrewed.  I don't suppose you'd like to go try to convince Dr. McFadden to let Pavlov out of sickbay just so he could give you access to the lounge, then go see Commander Williams in her quarters to ask her to approve a transfer of the fresh food supplies to the forward holodeck, all because the lounge is closed for a few days?"  Flipz chuckled.
Guinan, on the other hand, frowned.  "Say, Captain, who is running Ops while Commander Williams is...off the duty roster?"
Captain Flipz thought for a moment.  "Well, technically T'Sing is next in the chain of command, but he's too busy getting ready for the survey, so with Pavlov in sickbay that leaves the duty to..." Flipz' eyes widened.  "...Sulu.  Sithspit.  I'm sorry to have to rush off again, Cadet Etain, and my apologies to the rest of you as well, but I have a ship to save."  With that, Flipz wiped his hands, stood, and ran out of the holodeck almost quicker than the eye could see.
Guinan sighed as she watched the captain go.  "Never a dull moment.  Poor guy.  Remind me to hijack his shuttle next time he's on an away mission and send him to Risa."  She turned her attention back to the two cadets.  "So, tell me, why did you two choose to train under Captain Flipz?"

OOC: Remember, he's not a legendary PCG Council Member yet, and his adventures in the Crux system and surrounding worlds aren't well known outside that sector.  (Yes, the LU worlds exist within the PCG-verse, they're in a difficult-to-access sector in the Beta quadrant, not unlike the Briar Patch in Star Trek: Insurrection.)

OOC: Interesting. So I might actually get a chance to explore those, even though I can't play LU? Or are you gonna restrict me because of my graphics card anyway? =P

-==IC: Elaine==-

Elaine walked through the ship, as she thought about the different things that had happened over the last day or so.
So in the course of a day, the lounge is the scene of a barfight, and something happens to cause a red alert. Wow. I think this might be a very... Intriguing ship. Elaine mused in her thoughts with a slight chuckle.

IC Etain

I'd love more detail on your recipe "twists" Guinan.. I like to do a bit of cooking myself from time to time.

As for this assignment with Captain Flipz... training with him seemed to offer the most...potential.

OOC: The minimum graphics specs required to play Brave New Souls is... :P

-==IC: Midori==-
Midori chose that moment to step out of the storage closet, crashing into Elaine.
"Sorry..."

-==IC: Guinan==-
"Well, I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you," Guinan said jokingly.  "All jokes aside, let's wait for a better time, when there aren't quite so many people around.  I can't give my secrets to just anyone, you know."  She grins.

-==IC: Elaine==-

"It's okay." Elaine said with a chuckle, and paused.
"What were you doing in a storage closet?"

-==IC: Midori==-
"Guinan left me in there during the Red Alert so I wouldn't get trampled."  She made a face.  "I could have taken 'em.  Anyway, I'm Midori.  You are?"

-==IC: Elaine==-

"My name's Elaine." The girl said with a smile, as she extended her hand for a handshake.
"And I see now." Elaine said as she nodded, and paused.
"I hear they found the cause for the Red Alert." Elaine commented casually.

IC (Rakoua):
I walked out of the holodeck.

IC Etain


O...Kay.....

-==IC: Guinan==-
"Don't take it personally, I don't think he's one for small talk."  She smiled encouraginly at Etain.

--Deck 10--
"I bet it had something to do with--" Midori began, but just then, Rakoua arrived.  "Oh, hi.  Uhh...have we met before?"

IC (Rakoua):
"I doubt it."

-==IC: Elaine==-

"Hi there." Elaine said with a polite smile, and turned back to Midori.
"Had to do with what?" Elaine asked, curious.

-==IC: Midori==-
"Had to do with that crazy Sulu guy who brought us up here."  She quickly recounted the events of the shuttle flight.  "I'm Midori, by the way," she said to Rakoua.

IC (Rakoua):
"I'm Rakoua." I said.

-==IC: Elaine==-

"I'm Elaine." Elaine said with a nod, and nodded at Midori's story.
"I see. That doesn't sound good." Elaine said with a frown.
"I heard a rumour just now that multiple people were involved, though." Elaine said with a shrug.

OOC: </assumes rumours can travel that fast> =P

IC (Rakoua):
I went to the Arboretum.

--Arboretum--
"Oh.  Hello there.  We're just getting set up, do you want to help?"

-==IC: Midori==-
"Most likely.  I wonder though...the computer announced the alarm, which means some kind of automatic trigger put it in place.  I wonder if there's something wrong with the ship...hey, want to snoop around Engineering, see what we can find out?"

IC (Rakoua):
"Alright. What do you need help with?"

-==IC: Elaine==-

"Sure." Elaine said with a smile, as she nodded, and started to walk toward the engineering section.

OOC: Lemme take a guess at what it's like:

Wet, electrically sparking, wires everywhere, and holes in pretty much all the walls? =P

--Engineering--
Elaine and Midori stepped from the turbolift, and were immediately greeted by ensigns with mops and towels running back and forth from the nearest replicator.  The reason became obvious when they entered the main section: the floor was soaked, and the engineers were valiantly trying to prevent any water from getting into critical systems.  Even though Sulu's impromptu replicator setup had been dismantled, there was still a lot of water in the tube; someone had likely reactivated it for several more seconds during the process of taking it down.  In light of all the chaos, Midori did the only sensible thing she could think of: she swiped a phaser from one of the security ensigns rushing about with towels, set it to its lowest possible setting and in a fan blast, and began vaporizing the water.
"Towels, men?  Really? This is the 2500s, people."
But everyone was too busy to respond.  Meanwhile, an open panel sparked at Elaine's shoulder.

--Arboretum--
"Here, plant these Keldorian glowtree saplings in planter 16-B.  Be sure you turn on the forcefield separations at half a meeter, we don't want these growing too deep since we'll have to transplant them in six months anyway."

-==IC: Elaine==-

Elaine looked to her right at the panel, and frowned, as she stepped away from it slightly.
"Hmm. Well, it looks like the rumour that whoever did this was somehow involved with water was correct." Elaine commented as she walked forward, trying to see what other damage there was.

OOC Etain..

THe O K.... was a response to this =P

OOC: Ah.  Well, Guinan WAS saying those things in an obviously joking manner. :P

--Main Engineering--
"Hey, don't just stand there--grab something and get to work!" Norton shouted out as he rushed through the main doors into Engineering.  Just then, another engineer forced him to turn away to deal with some other issue.

Etain decided to head up to engineering and offer her assistance...

-==IC: Elaine==-

Elaine nodded, and pulled out a phaser, and did the same thing Midori was doing right then.
I wonder what actually caused the damage, though...?" Elaine thought, as she looked around at the walls.

--Engineering--
As Elaine looked at the damage, it became apparent that the damage was caused by a single, overpowered phaser blast from some point, which set off multiple chain reactions.  Just then, Etain walks in, though Midori doesn't notice her at first.
"Well, I guess we've found out what set off the Red Alert.  Any phaser blast set high enough to vaporize things will trigger an alert," Midori said.  Then she notices Etain.  "Oh, hi Etain!  We've almost finished with the water, then we'll have to figure out what else is broken."
"Would you like a list?" a passing engineer muttered grumpily.

-==IC: Elaine==-

"Hmm... It's almost as if whoever used this had either never used a phaser before, or had very very little experience using a phaser..." Elaine said, and thought for a moment.
"That would match up with what I heard about the rumoured people who were involved... That one was a cadet..." Elaine said, and returned to helping clean up the water.

Etain turns to the grumpy engineer..
"hey if you're not having a good day, change your mind!" " We could have been blown to the Sartori system and/or totally disabled"

Returning her attention to Elaine
"I will start checking the extent of other damage."

--Main Engineering--
As Etain turns back, she sees a fused diagnostic circuit for the life-support system.  She instantly sees that, if it's not fixed, a critical system could go down without raising any alarms, but she also sees the damage is such that she can't reach it physically, meaning she'll have to used automated repair controls to fix the problem.

-=-=-Engineering Challenge: Etain-=-=-
Challenge type: Blix (link (http://www.mlno.org/index.php?action=arcade;sa=highscore;game=35))
Objective: Attain a score of at least 500.  You may quit at any point after reaching this score.
DC: 0

OOC:  OK, so here's how challenges work.  I will choose a game that best fits the task at hand, along with a Difficulty Challenge proportionate to the task.  You simply have to play the game and accomplish the task.  For score-based tasks, simply leave the comment "<Character Name> <Challenge category> Challenge, BNS" with your score.  If the challenge involves something different (say, "Earn X medal in Game Y"), take a screenshot of your result and PM it to me.
Successful completion of tasks will result in a positive consequence (i.e. a locked door opens, you mix the food ingredients successfully, the system you're working on is repaired, etc.), while failure will result in a negative consequence (i.e. the locked door's system is fused, the food comes out inedible, the system you're working on explodes in your face, etc.).  Most tasks can be circumvented by good roleplaying, and not all routine tasks will require a Challenge; these are for those medium-difficulty tasks requiring skills that are difficult to exhibit through simple text. ;-)  Good luck!

OOC..
I already have a score of 60800
   MsRowdyRedhead   June 27, 2009, 12:25:25 am   60800

Do I need to play again??   

OOC: Preferably, yes.  It's a recurring minigame, so... ;)
Also, Chainreaction CH (http://www.mlno.org/index.php?action=arcade;sa=highscore;game=50) will be our primary Medical minigame, and I have a LOT of different challenges in mind for this one.  Still working on other types of challenges. ;)

OOC
Done. Scored 4300. Got bored so false moved till game over =P

OOC: :P Yeah, deliberately low scores to start off (you'll notice the DC was 0), just to introduce the concept.

-=-=-Challenge Success!-=-=-
--Main Engineering--
Through her skillful manipulation of the controls, Etain managed to repair and reactivate the diagnostic circuit.  Immediately, a local console alarm goes off in the vicinity of the bulkhead near the damaged Jeffries tube; a bewildered ensign who had been working on removing the door jumps back from her repair work as a force-field snaps into existence.  She turns to yell at Etain, when suddenly a ventilation conduit in the isolated compartment starts spewing gas.  The console helpfully identifies the dangerous gas as a dangerous, corrosive coolant.  The ensign stands there in shock, then almost mechanically shakes Etain's hand, thanks Etain for saving her life in an odd, stunned monotone, then walks out of main engineering, presumably for Sickbay or the ship's counselor.  Or both.

OOC  DC??

IC Etain

"I need some chocolate"

-==IC: Norton==-
"You've earned it.  In fact..." Norton checks a nearby chronometer.  "I need to get ready for a meeting.  I'll walk you to the turbolift.  The rest of you, Chief Becklissinn is in charge."  He gestures toward an unfamiliar-looking female humanoid with orange skin, vestigial horns and odd, striped, fleshlike tentacle-things hanging over her shoulders.  Norton smiles and heads for the main exit to engineering.

OOC: DC stands for Difficulty Class.  The higher the number, the harder the challenge is.  Lets you know how much is at stake if you fail, in case you decide to try to RP around it instead.  (I.E. for an Engineering challenge, exceptional treknobabble would be a valid way to RP around it.)  Basically, the minigame challenges offer a different way to get things done, in case someone isn't familiar with and/or doesn't like the Trek way of doing things. ;)

-==IC: Elaine==-

Elaine raised an eyebrow as she saw what happened, and looked around the other stuff, seeing what else should be helped with.

OOC: OK, since the minigames thing seems to not be working, I'm getting rid of it.  For now, I'll be using a simple hidden dice roll to determine if you're successful or not, but I may expand the system in the future (i.e. stats of some kind, some way players can add bonuses to the hidden roll to overcome the DC) if I can think of something elegant that won't turn this into a number-crunching fest.

--Main Engineering--
Elaine notices a console flickering across the room.  Examining it closer, she sees it monitors power flow throughout the ship, but she can't see any specific data due to the console's constant flickering on and off.

OOC: Well, I don't think it's that, as much as it hasn't been utilized much, outside the first example of it. =P But alright then, either way whatever works the best I'm okay with. =)

-==IC: Elaine==-

Elaine frowned, as she tried to figure out how to stop the console flickering so often. She looked around the area, to see if there was some way to fix the console, without anything else that was bad happening.

OOC: Well, it killed it because I didn't have time to play ALL the games in the arcade to find which ones would work for different tasks. :P  Plus, a number/dice-based system lets this work across multiple forums, and since LZP actually has a PCG roleplay area... ;)

--Main Engineering--
Elaine sees a blackened cable running up to the console.  Curiously, it doesn't seem to have been directly hit by any blast.

OOC: A PCG roleplay area?

-==IC: Elaine==-

"Hmm?" Elaine frowned slightly as she noticed the cable, and slowly approached it, just in case anything decided to happen randomly.
Why would this cable be blackened, if nothing was hit?

OOC: Yeah, PCG has its own sub-forum.  It makes sense, given that like half of the old Council are mods/admins there.

--Main Engineering--
The cable appears to have burned itself out through overload.  You think it might be a good idea to switch off the console before you start playing with its power supply.

OOC: Ah, I see.

-==IC: Elaine==-

Elaine looked over at the computer, and tried to figure out where the main power switch was located, in an attempt to shut it off, so she could look at the power supply cord further.

OOC: Elaine doesn't have much experience with computers, does she? :P

--Main engineering--
An Engineering tech walks by.  "It's the one in the corner marked POWER."

OOC: Well, that was partly me not knowing if it was still the same as what we have, but for story purposes, let's say she has no clue about how to operate a computer properly. =P

-==IC: Elaine==-

"Ah, thanks." Elaine said with a nod, as she slammed her fist against the button in an effort to turn the machine off.

OOC: =P

--Main Engineering--
The console powers down...and then the cord falls off.  It looks like a power regulator blew at the wall connection, but managed to short-circuit the supply intead of disabling it.  Both parts will need to be replaced from the replicator.

IC:
*Tyson walks out from the holo room hot and sweaty after a training bout with a large holographic Klingon. Blood drips from a gash on his arm and he is bleeding right above his eyebrow. He walks to the sickbay while wrapping a bandage around his arm.*

-==IC: Dr. Portia McFadden==-
"Oh, dear.  Not another one.  Nurse, see if we can rearrange the beds so we can get more space."
"Dr. McFadden, Ensign Mannion--"
"I KNOW, nurse, just...tell him if he does it again, I'll throw him in stasis until I have time to deal with his shenanigans."  Dr. McFadden sighed.  "Sorry, hon.  Lemme guess, they just managed to pull you from the wreckage in engineering?"

-==IC: Elaine==-

Elaine blinked, and frowned, as she looked around for someone who might actually know what to do about the power supply problem.

IC: Etaine...

"Gee, take a short chocolate break and strange things happen"

IC:
"No, I just came from the holodeck."

-==IC: Dr. McFadden==-
"Oh, no.  Don't tell me.  They've had the hologram lounge open, what, twelve hours and there's ALREADY been another barfight?!  NURSE!!!  Get ready, we may have to start moving patients to the shuttlebays!"

--Main Engineering--
Chief Becklissin notices Elaine's confusion.  "Hey, there, need some help?"

--Deck 13--
Suddenly, Etain gets a strange feeling--like someone in emotional pain.  It seems to be emanating from the senior crew quarters on Deck 3

-==IC: Elaine==-

"Yes." Elaine said with a nod.

IC: Etain

*Shakes head a bit like just waking up*

"I have to head out, if you need me give me a shout"

IC:
No, I was alone, training. *I wipe my eyebrow and grab bandage, which I stick on said eyebrow, and a bottle of antiseptic.* That's all I need. *I walk out of the sickbay and head over to the senior crew quarters area, for no real reason.*

OOC: Actually, it's really out of curiosity of what's going on over at the senior crew quarters.

--Turbolift--
As Etain's turbolift heads for Deck 2, it stops at Deck 8, the deck containing Sickbay, and Tyson steps aboard.

IC:
*Tyson steps aboard and stands perfectly still, as he always does, not even acknowledging Etain's presence, although he does notice it.*

--Turbolift--
"Deck Please."  When Tyson takes a moment too long to answer, the computer chirps, "This turbolift has been requested on Deck 12."  The turbolift moves through the ship to Deck 12, and the doors open to reveal a green-eyed Vulcan with brown hair about 5'7".  A pair of throwing knives hangs at her belt, a curious contrast to the medical insignia of her commbadge.  She stares at Etain curiously for a moment.  Suddenly, her Padd chimes, and she looks up at Tyson with sudden recognition...

OOC: Just a quick question, any response to Elaine? =P

IC:
*Tyson drills the vulcan (it was the vulcan that requested his presence in sickbay right? Or did I get confused?) with a stare typical of him.*
Why?

IC: *Tyson holds up anti-septic* Infected? Ever heard of Triple Silver Ionide? *sighs* How's this: I'll treat it, and if it gets infected, severely, I'll visit the doc, as I don't plan on needing an amputation soon.

OOC: Also, just a thought, if Star-Trek has the medical techology to bring people back from the dead, what's all the fuss over potential infection?  Not that I'm not enjoying the happenings; this is just a commentary note..

IC Etain :

*Mental sigh* (to self) "Perfect, another hyper macho man thing.. just what this crew needs"


 (To Tyson)
"Odd things have been happening on this ship, and you'd do well to heed  Eccalina, she does not have a habit of making specious requests "


edit: OC.. Flipz, is it Eccalina or Eccelesia or are there two??

As Tyson:
IC:
*Steps out of turbolift so Etain can continue on her way.* (to Eccelesia): How long will that take?

OOC: It's Eccalina, I misspelled it before. :P

IC Etaine:

 To Tyson as the doors close:
"Nothing to be afraid of.... really..."

-==IC: Chief Becklissin==-
"Alright.  Let me show you how to work the replicator--they're a little bit different than the normal sort."  She thows an indecipherable look at Elaine.  "Uhh...you...do know how to operate the normal kind...right?"

-==IC: Elaine==-

Elaine blinked, and her expression gave it all away, however, she still decided to speak up.
"No, haven't really had a need to before." Elaine said, as she shrugged.

-==IC: Chief Becklissin==-
Becklissin was at a loss for words.

--Turbolift--
The doors open onto Deck 2, the source of the sudden emotion Etain had felt.  The sensation has dulled, but traces of it still linger.

-==IC: Elaine==-

Elaine just stood there with an awkward apologetic expression.
"I'm not exactly that great with technology, for the most part." Elaine explained, as she chuckled a bit.

IC Etain:

Etain stepped off the turbolift and turned...

OOC: I've been having issues accessing the site--I think the Microsoft web filter controls just cracked down on something new, and it's broken pretty much the entire Internet.  :/  Anyway, I'll try and keep this going, but I may have to resort to e-mailing Blade and MSRR to be able to see anything at all. :/

MSRR, go ahead and PM Blade the email address I've been using, so he can contact me as needed.

Any posts made by MSRR and/or Blade with this header:
GM POST
come from me and should be treated as such. ;)


-==IC: Chief Becklissin==-
"OK, well...hmm...using a replicator is pretty simple.  Example."  Becklissin walks over to the replicator.  "Replicator, Alonysian Nectar Brew."  A cup of hot, syrupy liquid materialized in the port.  It looked diminuitive compared to the size of the unit.  "This is an industrial-size unit, of course, so we can manufacture larger components.  Most replicators are around the size of...you are familiar with the Earth 'microwave,' yes?  They haven't used them for hundreds of years, but they resemble modern-day replicators, in form if not quite in function."  She pauses to make sure Elaine understood what she had said so far.  "Now, for starship components and other delicate, intricate objects, it's a bit more tricky.  You have to use the console controls to program the unit to make what you need.  Usually it's already in the replicator's library, but you'll have to navigate through the menus to find it."  She demonstrates, showing things like a commbadge, a tricorder, and a console board.  "In this particular case, we need to replicate four things: the power cable, the board, the external backup insulation layer for the wire (since it isn't entirely enclosed in the floor panels), and the casing for the board itself.  For that, you have to line up all the items in the queue, then manipulate them so they are assembled properly."  She selects the items, but does not put them in the queue or assemble them.  She turns to Elaine.  "Why don't you give it a try?"

--Deck 2--
Etain notices an unfamiliar woman cross the intersection in front of her, moving from the right hallway to the left, towards the aft portion of the ship.  The source where the pain had come from feels like it is to the right.  There is now a distinct feeling of numbness; not death, but the deliberate suppression of emotion.  However, the woman in the hallway is moving quickly, and you're not 100% certain you would recognize her again if you saw her.  Will you follow the woman or turn towards the emotional sensations?

-==IC: Elaine==-

Elaine blinked, and hoped she had understood all that properly, and nodded, as she walked up to the machine.
"So this goes like that... And this here..." Elaine muttered, as she attempted to do everything as the chief had said.

OOC: Are you using IE? 0_o

IC: Etain

Sensing the pain is somewhat under control for a few brief moments,  Etain takes a few quick steps and is in front of the woman. "Hello, I am Etain.. I don't believe we have met..."

--Deck 2--
Up close, you can see the woman has brown hair and is wearing a black jacket over a black-and-white striped shirt.  Her friendly face betrays no emotion, but you can sense her radiating sympathy for someone--but you can't tell who. 

-==IC: Counsellor Riker==-
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii33/poochythegenius/DSCF0405.jpg)
"Hello, Cadet.  I don't believe we've met.  My name's Rebecca Riker, I'm the ship's counsellor.  And you are?"

OOC: Yeah, I'm using IE, can't switch to a different browser, unfortunately. :/  But congrats, you rolled a 13 on a DC 12 Engineering check!

--Main Engineering--
-=-=Challenge Successful!=-=-
As Elaine assembles the final part, the replacement console assembly materializes in the replicator.

-==IC: Chief Becklissin==-
"Great job, Cadet!  You're a natural!"  Wonder why they didn't teach her this at the Academy, she could have been assigned to us from the get-go.  Oh well, we'll have to try recruiting her later, once we've gotten this place back into shape. "Now to install."

Becklissin has a burly-looking Saurian carry the heavy component to the site of the burnt-out panel.  She points out to Elaine the finer points of the bolt work as the Saurian removes the old console and firmly affixes the new one into place.  "Now the potentially dangerous part.  If you remember nothing else, remember this, or you'll end up like that fool Sulu: always cut off power to the circuit before you try to plug in a new component.  So, let's find the power control console...oh."  Becklissin suddenly remembers which console they'd been replacing.  "Hmm.  Well, guess now's a good time to explain the second rule of Engineering: everything has a backup or 'auxiliary' system.  Sometimes it'll be damaged, too, or else inaccessible for some reason, but always remember auxiliary systems are easier to jury-rig, just like normal systems can do complicated tasks the backups can't.  Now, the auxiliary power control console is..." she looks up at the upper level, and then notices the lift is still damaged.  She sighs.  "Case in point; yes, the console has a backup, but we can't get to it until we fix the lift.  That one's gonna take a while, we'll need to call down to the storage holds for something that big.  We have to replace pretty much that whole column, floor to ceiling."  She shakes her head, then looks absently at the engineers and volunteers working busily at repairing the room.

"Chief," Elaine asks, "How are they able to work on the circuitry if they can't cut off the power without the console on the upper level?"

"Well, Cadet, wall circuitry and other small electronic circuits can be removed from their power supply manually, with the proper tools and training.  Consoles, on the other hand, are connected directly to major conduits, and must have their power shut down from a local power supply console.  On the bridge, for example, that would be the Engineering console, with the auxiliary power supply console located in Environmental and Life Support controls.  If those ones go down, there's a number of emergency backups on the lower level of the bridge, but most systems only have one backup, and none outside the bridge and the battle bridge have more than two."

Becklissin looks at the work going on, then glances at her chronometer.  "Blast, we've worked through two full shifts.  I'm sending you off-duty, cadet.  You really should stop by the barracks in case the acting chief of Security wants to talk to you about the scheduled shift you missed, but if you just tell them you were helping out down here I'm sure they'll understand.  Good work, Cadet, and I hope I-we'll see you again soon here in Engineering!"  She waved as she ushered Elaine and several other cadets out of Engineering.

OOC: Etain's conversation and Elaine's visit to the barracks and we'll timeskip a few days, get back to the main plot.  ;)

OOC: And I can finally get back to ICing with Kaze. =P

-==IC: Elaine==-

Elaine nodded, as she tried her hardest to remember what had just been told to her. She then headed toward the barracks to mention about the shift that was missed.

--Outside the Barracks--

IC:  Etain

"Cadet Etain, pleased to meet you. Is everything OK? I sensed some ... hardship was afoot up here"

OOC..
Can I still head up the other way to check it out??

-==IC: Elaine==-

Elaine blinked, as she looked in the direction of the voice.
Vic? Elaine thought, not sure who was talking, or who the person was talking to.

OOC: Added pics for all of the command crew that have profiles!  I'll post pics for Norton and Dr. McFadden next time they show up. Oh, and MSRR, you don't know unless you try!  Blade, you'll get a response when (if) I can get your post on LZP and get a response from Kojan (Valk's player). ;)

-==IC: Counselor Riker==-
Counselor Riker experiences a burst of surprise, but all of a sudden her feelings cut off as her mental discipline kicks into place.  "I...it's...private.  Sorry, but I can't discuss my patients.   I'm sure you understand.  You on the other hand...there's something about you.  It's rare to find in humans, but...have you ever been tested for your psi-quotient?  Like I said, telepathic or even telekinetic abilities are rare in humans from Earth, although it seems that lately we have been discovering populations of humans from other worlds as well, likely planted by the Preservers or other such ancient groups possessing hyper-advanced technology.  Humans from these worlds seem to have a higher occurence of psi and other psychic abilities.  Are you from one of those worlds, or did perhaps your parents also possess paranormal abilities of any sort?"

OOC: Okay then. Is this why you wanted me to get to the barracks, however? =P

Also, whatever happened to Midori? =P

OOC: Midori is at LZP for now.  :P  And yes, this is why I wanted Elaine at the Barracks.

OOC: I meant in the storyline. =P

And ah, I see. =P

OOC: She's on the bridge.  You know, doing her job.  Instead of blowing up Engineering. :P
I'm just kidding, but yeah, she's doing bridge duty.

OOC: Ah, I see. =P So, does the timeskip occur after the whole barrack conversation finishes up? Just curious about that. =P

OOC: Yes, when Valk talks to/recruits you and you finish that side-quest, and once MSRR finishes the counsellor side-quest, we'll do a time-skip.

OOC: Ah, I see. =P

IC: Etain,

*Swallows* *Looks around for anyone who might overhear*
"Something like that.." *glows ever so slightly*
"Well, it was a pleasure meeting you!" she says as she turns to head back toward the source or increasing pain.

-==IC: Counsellor Riker==-
"Yeah...nice to meet you too..." she said--but Etain was gone.  Furrowing her brow in curiousity, she shakes her head and heads to the turbolift.

--Deck 2--
The feelings of suppressed emotion are emanating from one of the rooms--but oddly, you see a pair of Security personnel posted in front of it.  You are still too far away to read the name plate.  Will you risk getting closer, possibly upsetting the guards, or will you go back and try to find Counsellor Riker to try to get the information from her--assuming she doesn't turn the conversation back to you.

OOC: If anyone here is on LegoZone Power, it'd be very helpful if you could post the stuff from here there, and vice versa, as LZP is unacceptably slow.  I'll take a screenie and show you what posting there looks like in hopes that someone can help me. :/

--Outside the Barracks--

OOC:
Methinks it is time to use my God given talents as described in my bio...

OOC: Go ahead.  ;)

OOC: What forum software is it running?

Also, is that IC in response to Elaine, or no?

IC: Etain

Taking the form of pure energy, Etain easily evaded detection by the guards. She retook corporeal form inside the room behind it's occupant to avoid revealing her true nature. "I am here to help" she whispered gently, to avoid jarring nerves.

OOC: Forumotion.  Though, the LU Creation Lab does the exact same thing: takes fiteen minutes to load a page, and then only displays a stripped-down, basic HTML version.  >:(
The IC outside the barracks was for you. ;)

OOC: sorry, MSRR, my situation won't let me respond for now.  :( :sigh:  So, we'll resume when I get back from Florida.  :(

OOC: Oh. Well, can't help you there. =P

-==IC: Elaine==-

Elaine blinked, as she saw someone head toward the armoury, and scratched her head, as she wasn't entirely sure if she should follow him or not.

OOC: I'm still not entirely certain what I should do with that. ^^;

-==IC: Elaine==-

Elaine shook her head.
"I don't believe I have." Elaine said, as she shrugged.
"I've been over at Engineering most of the day, helping out with the cleanup from the incident." Elaine explained, as she paused for a moment.
"What's your name, anyway?"

IC:

As she awaited a response, Etain surveyed the room.. It was extremely functional, perhaps even comfortable. Etain mused about the nature of rooms and how each told a tale about its owner, or didn't. Many crew members brought bits of their lives and memories with them, and surrounded themselves with objects that reflected ther interests, and even their spirit. Others maintained a cold, clean, almost soulless environment..perhaps to remind themselves that they were not on a vacation cruise. This room...

IC Etain:

"Put that down before you hurt someone.. I came to help.. "

"you were in so much pain, I had to come."  "I am going to make some Terralian tea.. you sit down, take a deep breath, and let's talk about it"

OOC:
HELLO???

OOC: No-one can post more or less until Flipz does, MsRR. =P

OOC: I PM'd this to Red a while back, but when she asked me to send it to Blade, I couldn't.  PCG will resume normal action shortly, I have to check LZP and get back up to speed there, and I have to find where I have my RPG notes.  Note that most activity will take place Thursday through Sunday, due to class on other days.

-==IC: Jennifer Williams==-
 "I...pain? No. I already told her...did she send you? Riker, I mean? It doesn't matter. Like I said, everything's fine. Just...just fine." Williams grabs a music player and stuffs the earbuds in her ears. A few seconds later, she's all smiles, though it doesn't take an empath to see right through it. "Hey, I LOVE that outfit, is that burgundy? Ooh, I like that, that's much better than this other junk. Computer! Replicate me 20 yards of fabric in--what was your name again? Never mind, doesn't matter, umm--in this, uh, cadet's clothing color." She rushes to the wall above her bed and begins tearing down the pink. She feels its roughness and makes a face. "Computer, make that velvet, this poodoo's too rough. Oh, cadet, your hair is GORGEOUS. You think I should color mine to look like that? Well, you have GOT to show me how you do it up like that, it's so pretty!" Abandoning her redecoration efforts--on closer inspection you can see this is not the first time she's totally redecorated since being confined to quarters--she races to a drawer and starts pulling out ribbons and other accoutremonts for hairstyling. The drawer is so full it almost won't open--clearly, she's been trying too hard to distract herself--and perhaps any telepaths on board. It's clearly not working for her--but it's certainly more than enough to confuse your mental probing in a wash of conflicting thoughts and emotions. What will you say to her?

IC: Etain


"Wow... worse than I thought."

She picks up some fabric. "This velvet will feel like a hug.. just what you need" "Computer, install the velvet fabric" "Replace chair whit an overstuffed chaise in Burgundy chenille topped with mixed silk and chenille pillows."

"There now, sit down, and let me light a few candles..." "tea?"

-==IC: Jennifer==-
"Tea?  Oh, I suppose, yes, computer, tea, jasmine, with honey, five gallons."  The sight of Etain's tiny rank pin stops her.  "Computer, belay that, two servings only."   She takes the tea from the replicator, and takes it over to the cadet.  She seems momentarily surprised at the burgundy fabric that was making its way up the walls with the aid of imbedded repulsor units.  "I didn't even know we had those...what is this, a luxury yacht?"  Shaking her head, she sits on the chair Etain just ordered.  "Now, cadet, how can I--" her voice breaks.  She clears her throat a few times and starts again.  "How can I help you, cadet?"

-==IC: Elaine==-

"I'm not entirely certain..." Elaine said, as she tried to think of what she had heard about him.
"I believe that I heard he was in the medical bay, but, I could be mistaken." Elaine explained with a nod.

IC Etain:

"Call me Etain, please."  "I came by to help you with the...pain."

-==IC: Jennifer Williams==-
Commander Williams radiates dismay, though her face remains perfectly calm.  "Help me?  Pain?  I assure you, I..." her voice betrays the slightest hint of a quaver, and you feel her anger at this miniscule loss of control.  "Oh, screw it, apparently I'm the only person on this [bleep]ing ship who's not a telepath.  Well, except for him.  But he doesn't need freaky mind-powers to know what I'm feeling, he KNOWS how I feel about him.  And yet he...yet he..." she begins sobbing softly, but the pain you sense is lessened.  Obviously, the release has helped her, a lot more than her talk with her last visitor.

OOC: My characters aren't telepaths. =D

-==IC: Elaine==-

Elaine nodded.
"Alright then, but... Why was he in the Medical Bay to begin with? I only heard he was in there, but I don't recall why..." Elaine said, as she tried to think of that reason.
"Doesn't matter though; I'll help you out."

IC: Etain.

"like most men, Pavlov's a dog... "

==Armory==


-==IC: Jennifer==-
"But he's not!  He's...well, actually he is.  But it's not like that!  I mean..." Jennifer growls in frustration.  "It's her fault.  She just won't keep her nose out of our business!"  She blinks at her own virulence.  "I guess that's why I'm in here, instead of out there with Andre."  She sighs.  "How is he, anyway?  The guards won't tell me a bloody thing about what's going on in the rest of the ship."

IC Etain:

*decides to ignore subject of O'Really for the moment*

"I haven't heard of his demise, so I am guessing he is OK.."

OOC: Flipz poked me often enough I should probably come back, though if I do I'll probably end up RP'ing as my "real" character in the PCG universe.

OOC: That would be MOST helpful, actually.  Since the PCG is migrating out into the rest of the Internet...


-==IC: Jennifer==-
"Well, that's good to hear.  You...uh...haven't seen him hanging out with other women...have you?  ARGH.  I'm doing it again, aren't I?  Portia told me off about this earlier, why am I so hung up on this one guy??  Have you ever had to deal with this, Cadet?"

OOC: ^ and MsRR's post: It was really close, but he didn't die. He's just confined to the med bay for pretty much the same length of time that Kaze is. =P

OOC: Unless something picks up with the med bay plot, I'm going to run a quick "holodeck" battle via PM with the Armory characters, and then timeskip to the big "series of cutscenes" sequence that will lead to the close of the Act. ;)  Also, Blade, Tyson is waiting to talk to you, apparently. ;)

OOC: Waiting to talk to me? You mean have Elaine notice?

-==IC: Elaine==-

Elaine looked to the side, as she blinked, and noticed someone seemingly patrolling or walking down the hall or so.
"Hello?" Elaine called out to the person, with a raised eyebrow.

OOC: Also, kinda hard for anything to happen with the med bay plot, given that Kaze is leisurely resting and reading up on stuff. =P Unless, of course, you decide to have Midori visit or something, that might lead to a comical situation, and have that doctor intervene... again. =P

OOC: I meant the breakout plot. :P But yeah, I think it'll be easier to just run a holodeck battle.
BTW, lemme PM you and Truth, I honestly have too much on my plate and I need a couple people to go through my species list, skim the Memory-Alpha article, and slap some stats and Special Abilities on them.  Better yet, I'll start a Writeboard...

OOC: Truth? About what? =P

I stand by the fact that things would happen more if people interacted with Kaze. Comedic or not. =P

IC: Etain

"Other women?? Not unless they're in the med bay.. he's still in there with Kaze..."
"It's hard to say why we get hung up on one person or the other.. something just clicks, a spark ignites, it's all a mystery, or alchemy....." *trails off into thought*

-==IC: Jennifer==-
"Med bay??"  She sits up suddenly, causing her teacup to shoot from her lap and shatter on the floor. "Oh..."  She bends down to clean it up.  "Replicator, a towel, please."  The device does not respond.  Shrugging, she picks up some of the old drapery material and uses it to mop up the mess.  "Well I, for one, would like a...reverse catalyst, for lack of a better term.  Men are just not worth the trouble it takes to train them, and if you happen to get stuck on one...OW!"  A single drop of blood wells up from where the broken glass had cut her.  She wraps her hand and picks up the pieces more carefully.  "...you're apt to get hurt," she finishes.  She glances at the chronometer, then at her computer console.  Something like resolution appears on her face, and in her spirit.  "You should go.  I...I have some planning to do."

As Etain rises and heads for the door, Jennifer stops her.  "Wait!"  She hesitates.  "Don't tell Counsellor Riker about this, that I was this upset, OK?  The last thing I need is for the captain to get word of this and keep me off duty."

IC: Etain

"Of course I won't tell anyone" She turns to leave again and thinks better of it.
"Let me help you clean up this mess" She begins tossing old drapery and bits of glass into the disposal unit.
"You know, it may not seem like they are worth it, but if you don't try to change them , they can be OK. All men have serious flaws.. its just a matter of finding one whose flaws you can live with."

-==IC: Jennifer==-
"Maybe...but this one's not.  Not now, anyway.  And if I'm going to spend the next three to five years working with him, I need to set the ground rules now."

"Thanks for the help, Etain.  You've been a great friend.  Come see me again when I get out, it's nice to have someone to talk to who doesn't have to talk to you.  Counsellor Riker seems nice enough, but...I don't know.  I'm just not as comfortable talking to her as I am to you.  Thanks again!"

OOC: OK, give me a minute and I'll set up for Kaze and Pavlov's release, and the training stuff. ;)

IC: Etain:

"Any time!" Heads off to her own quarters for some much needed rest.

Guys, please only use quotes when you are quoting another person's post.. otherwise it gets too confusing..  and use IC and OOC so I can figure out what's what. Thanks.

Sorry, I guess I'm just used to quoting when it comes to here. :D

Ya know, if I was really mean I'ld quote that. :P

OOC: Yes, IC and OOC use is a rule for this RPG.  Sorry, Red, I've gotten lax on my GM duties there...
Also, content in progress, for now please continue to roleplay.  Blade, Kaze will be able to get out of sickbay as soon as I finalize the features of his Class.  For now, Elaine is still in the Armory corridor with Valk and Tyson. ;)

OOC: Okay then. =P What class does he have, again?

-==IC: Elaine==-

Elaine stood there as the two talked about guns, not quite sure how to respond right at that moment. So, she basically just stood there, awkwardly not saying much.

OOC: =P

OOC: Assuming tactical, since he seems to have made that choice by sticking with Pavlov for so long. :P  Of course, it's entirely up to you; the six classes (a.k.a. "Divisions") are: Command, Tactical, Engineering, Medical, Science, and Flight.  Etain's likely Medical, since that multi-classes to Counseling later on (though to be fair, I don't expect to put her in combat, like, at ALL), Kojan (a LZP character who hasn't shown up here) is Command (especially since, within the PCG, Kojan was a Council Member for a while), and pretty much everyone else seems to be going Tactical. 

OOC: Yeah, Tactical looks right, if that's the more combatish one; Kaze's more or less built for that. But interactions are still awesome, too. =P

OOC: Sorry that took so long, I've been falling down on the job.  ^^;

OOC: To the others; he wasn't 'injured', he and Kaze were nearly drowned. =P

-==IC: Elaine==-

Elaine simply followed without comments; but wondered why Valk was being so cautious; especially since she noticed he was trying to dodge that one question about backup.

OOC
Where are all these quotes coming from??

OOC: From LegoZonePower.  I'm re-posting the things the characters over there say (well, IF someone here is nearby), and vice versa. ;) Speaking of which...

-==IC: Elaine==-

Elaine raised an eyebrow, but stayed quiet, for the moment.
This has the makings of a mission that will be turning odd very quickly.

OOC.. almost a month has gone by...

Anyone know where Flipz is? I'm gona forcibly drag him here to finish this RPG. :P

OOC: Present.  While presently I am loathe to consider Star Trek, if all those involved indeed desire to move forward, mayhaps we could Noodle Incident the manner in which Ensign Hikari is extracted from Sickbay and move on to the long series of cutscenes awaiting.  :[

EDIT: OOC: All right, if J-red will help me with stuff (and if I can, you know, remember the plot again :P ), it looks like this will be starting back up again really soon--and WITHOUT stats and challenges and such. :P

EDIT 2: OOC: All right, folks, the RPG will continue as soon as I re-learn the plot from my notes.  In the meantime, feel free to interact somewhat and discuss the aftermath of getting Pavlov and Cadet Hikari out of sickbay--note that this will be a Noodle Incident (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/NoodleIncident) (see link) forevermore. :P

OOC: Woot. =D

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze blinked, as he looked at the others and shook his head.
"Never shall we speak of this against." Kaze stated, taking things easy still, even though he shook his head once more.
"Anyway; where are the others? Or, at least, the other sane people?" Kaze asked, starting to question the sanity of this group.

OOC: Is my character with you? Are we all in one big group after busting Pavolov out? Or are we all still separated?

OOC: All one big group. ;)

OOC: Except Midori, who Kaze's asking about now. =P

-==IC: Pavlov==-
"I was under the impression that I had ordered you people on an extraction mission, not a heavy demolition strike."

"And to answer your question, Mr. Hikari, I'm no longer certain there are any sane people on this ship." Pavlov glares at Tyson again.


-==IC: Pavlov==-
"Apology accepted, though I doubt Dr. McFadden will be so forgiving."

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze shrugged.
"Well, I believe Mi-, I mean, Miss Cho shared those same sentiments." Kaze said with a slight chuckle; trying to force himself to get used to calling everyone by their last names all the time, instead of their first names as he was used to.

-==IC: Elaine==-

"Well, hey, I tried to stop them; but the initial part knocked me out, so there wasn't much I could do to help with that." Elaine said with a shrug.
"But I agree with Hikari; this is never to be spoken of." Elaine said, as she simply shook her head.

-==IC: Pavlov==-
"Well--" he checked his wrist chronometer.  "A couple of you have bridge duty in about six hours--you all should get some rest.  The rest of you, consider yourselves off-duty for now--I have an appointment I'm a day late for."  Pavlov walks away, toward the forward section of the ship.

--Bridge--
Your shifts ended, Midori and Kojan are led to the turbolift with the rest of the crew going off-duty.  The turbolift pauses at Deck 3, and a woman enters.
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii33/poochythegenius/DSCF0405.jpg)
"Deck 7, please," she tells the computer in her melodious tone.  As soon as the lift reaches Deck 7, she steps out, and the lift proceeds to Deck 8, where Lt. Commander Pavlov steps in.

-==IC: Pavlov==-
"Deck 7, priority Pavlov Phi-6."  He turns to the others.  "Apologies, I'm overlate for a meeting.  Computer, where is Counsellor Riker?"

"Counsellor Riker is on Deck 7, heading aft."

"Thank the stars for lucky chances."  The turbolift reaches Deck 7 again.  "Thank you, cadets, sorry to hijack your lift."  Pavlov steps off the lift and heads aft as well.

"Please select a destination," the computer chimes helpfully.

OOC: For reference, the only remaining story events here come from following other people around. You may, of course, request the location of any named crew member from the ship's computer. ;)

OOC: So, are we all together again, or are we separated once more, all scattered like before? =P

-==IC: Kaze==-

"Why does this oddly remind me of something?" Kaze muttered under his breath, subtle enough for Pavlov not to hear, but he was trying to think why this situation was giving him a bad case of deja vu, as Pavlov walked off.

**GM note: given that most people have indicated they wanted to rest, we'll say a few hours have passed from the time that Pavlov left you guys.**


--Computer--
"Parameter: 'major' too vague.  Reporting current location of all primary bridge personnel."

"Captain Flipz is in his quarters on Deck 2.  He has indicated that he is not to be disturbed while he rests.  Commander Williams is in her quarters on Deck 2.  Lieutenant-Commander T'Sing is currently on the bridge.  Records indicate he is still on duty.  Lieutenant-Commander Pavlov is currently on Deck 7, in Counsellor Riker's office.  Lieutenant Sulu has removed his communicator.  Last known location: Port Turbolift B, Deck 4.  Lieutenant Norton has just left Sickbay and is heading aft.  Counsellor Riker is currently on Deck 7, in her office. Doctor McFadden is currently inside Sickbay, she has indicated that Sickbay is no longer off-limits to all nonessential personnel, but that certain personnel will not be admitted except in case of serious emergency.  According to records, these personnel, 'know who they are.'"

-==IC: Midori==-
Midori tossed and turned, but she simply could not get any sleep; some gut instinct, had kept her awake all night.  She took a look at her sleeping roommate, and quietly left for the bridge.  Perhaps another shift would do her good.  As the turbolift doors opened, she saw she wasn't the only one up late; Cadet Rakoua was stationed at Ops, and T'Sing still sat in the captain's chair.  The Vulcan noticed her almost immediately, and turned to address her.

"Ah, opportune timing, Cadet Cho.  From what I understand, Mr. Hikari was released from sickbay a few hours ago.  Would you please fetch him?"

"Yes, sir.  Erm, sir, when I return, request permission to--"

"Take on a second shift?"  T'Sing gave Cho a penetrating look.  "Fascinating," he murmured to himself.  "Very well, permission granted.  I'll inform Miss Svelt at Science, you performed well there."

"Thank you, sir."  Midori steps into the turbolift once again and returns to Deck 3 before realizing that she had no idea where Hikari was.  "Computer, location of Cadet Hikari?"

-==IC: Kaze/Computer==-

"Walking down the hall." The computer stated; if Midori looked to the right, she would notice that Kaze was indeed walking down that very hall. In fact, Kaze stopped, when he saw her, and smiled slightly, as he walked up to her.
"Couldn't sleep either?" Kaze asked as he approached, referring to the fact that she was up when everyone else was asleep, not realizing that he was wanted on the bridge at that moment.
"Kinda the same here." Kaze said, and slightly chuckled.
"I'd guess that sleeping half the day to recover would do that to you, though." Kaze said, though that wasn't the only reason that he had been up; unbeknownst to either of them, they both had a very bad feeling for some odd reason.

OOC: grah, accidentally refreshed instead of posting. >:(

-==IC: Midori==-
Midori nodded slightly, out of both shyness and distraction.  "Er, Mr. T'Sing sent me to tell you you've been assigned to bridge duty.  I decided to take a second shift."  She paused for a moment.  "Um, want to head there with me?"

-==IC: Kaze==-

"Sure." Kaze said with a smile, as he nodded as well. He continued to walk toward Midori, and thought for a moment.
"So; what was your day like? I'm sure by now everyone's heard about my day, or at least, most of it." Kaze said, recalling how he had been stuck in the medical bay for a good while.

-==IC: Midori==-
Midori opened her mouth to speak, but realized that Valk seemed to be addressing Cadet Hikari.  Her confusion was plainly evident.  Turning back to Kaze, she continued as if uninterrupted.  "The bridge shift was really quiet, except for Commander Williams requesting a bunch of replicator power.  Rumor has it, she reprogrammed it for something a bit stronger than synthehol, but the only person who'd know for sure would be the person who was in there when the request was sent in."

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze blinked, and raised an eyebrow at the statement, and nodded at what Midori stated, and before he responded to her, addressed Valk.
"I'm Cadet Hikari." Kaze said, his voice making it obvious he was not a woman, and thought.
"I may have seen someone like that, but I cannot be certain." Kaze said, and nodded at Midori again.
"That's interesting... Why would Commander Williams want something stronger than Synthehol? Strange things generally appear to be happening today, what with the incident with me earlier, and that..." Kaze said, wondering what was going on.

-==IC: Midori==-
Thinking for a moment on Valk's question, she adds, "Are you talking about miss Guinan?  She's...interesting, that's for sure.  Anyway, Kaze, we'd best get to the bridge for our shifts.  See you later, Cadet...?"

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze nodded, and began to walk toward the lift, and chuckled a bit, not at Valk, though.
"Nice to hear you had a less exciting time than I did today, though." Kaze said, referring to the fact that he had nearly drowned, both in water and afterward.

**GM Note: I'm going to give Kojan five minutes to decide if either of his characters follow Pavlov or Norton (you have that opportunity for Elaine, too, Blade), after that I'm starting the story event.  Now that Midori and Kaze and Rakoua are on the bridge, and Tyson is interacting with Sulu, we've hit all required marks to move forward.**

**GM Note: For reference, Kaze will man Tactical at the bridge, Rakoua is at Ops, and Midori is at Science.

OOC: I see.

-==IC: Elaine==-

Elaine yawned, and got up silently, and walked out of her cabin, wondering where Pavlov was, and walked over to a computer.
"Computer... Location of Pavlov..." Elaine said, sleepily, with another yawn.

--Computer--
"Lieutenant-Commander Pavlov is currently on Deck 10, heading toward the forward holodeck."

-==IC: Elaine==-

Elaine nodded, and began to run toward the 10th deck, hoping that she could catch up with him quickly.

==Deck 10==

The turbolift doors open, and you see the entrance to the forward holodeck in the distance.  Pavlov checks the indicator, sees the 'deck is active, and leaves, deliberately avoiding Lt. Norton as the latter comes down the corridor from the other direction.  For his part, Norton appears to avoid looking at Pavlov as well, though that may have just been good interpretation of Pavlov's body language.  A moment later, Norton enters the holodeck; you recall that this holodeck was currently serving as a replacement for the damaged Twelve-Forward.

You realize that you will have to choose which officer to follow: Pavlov or Norton.

-==IC: Elaine==-

Elaine frowned for a moment, but wondered what Norton was doing in the Holodeck, and attempted to follow him into the deck in question.

==Main Holodeck==
As you step into the holographically recreated Twelve-Forward--with holographic security guards, without karaoke--you notice a dark-skinned woman in red robes, her draped hat somehow making her appear wise rather than silly.  From what you've overheard elsewhere, this must be the legendary Guinan.  At the moment, however, she appeared to be having a wordless argument with Lt. Norton.  Norton sighs.  Guinan grins.  Norton walks, over to a table in the back corner where Counsellor Riker was viciously attacking a two-and-a-half-foot-tall sundae.  You get closer and sit at an empty table, listening surreptitiously to the conversation.  Rebecca Riker seemed to be unusually upset.

“...I’m SURROUNDED by idiots!  This is, by far, the most dysfunctional crew I have EVER served with!  I mean, the senior staff is completely incapable of handling their own lives, let alone the lives of the crew!”

Norton blinked.  “Does that include me?”

“I-what?  And you are...?”

“Lieutenant Levar Norton.  Chief Engineer.”

“Shoot!  Our appointment was supposed to be-”

Norton waved it off.  “It’s fine.  I’m not much for meeting in drab offices anyway.”

“Yeah.  I was going to meet with all the senior staff this week, but somehow you slipped my mind.  Sorry.”

“Like I said, not a problem,” Norton replied jovially.

“You know, for a member of the ‘senior staff,’ you’re not very...senior.  No offense.”

“None taken.  Actually, I’m only 23.”

“I...see.”  There is a slightly awkward pause.  “Are you sure you’re not one of those races who look human but are really a hundred years older than they look?” Riker asks.  At Norton's apprehensive look, Riker hastily adds, “Don’t worry.  Anything you tell me falls under doctor-patient privilege.  I’m not going to tell anyone.”

Norton regarded Riker cautiously, then smiled.  “How about this: I’ll tell you if you tell me.”

Counsellor Riker smiled as well.  “Guilty.  Part-Betazoid.”

“Ah.  I should’ve guessed.”

“So what about you?  Are you really...?”

Levar nodded.  “I’m part El-Aurian.”

“El-Aurian?  I’ve never heard of them...”

Across the lounge, Guinan watched, and smiled.

***

The small talk continues for some time, and you are just about to get up and leave when something else catches your attention--catches everyone's attention, in fact.

“Red Alert.  All hands to battle stations.”

Twelve-Forward faded to the yellow-on-gray grid of the unadorned holodeck.  Muttered oaths filled the room as chairs and tables dissolved into thin air.

Norton was out of his seat almost before the alert came.  He instantly reached out to keep Counselor Riker from falling.  The pair locked eyes, almost missing the next alert over the comm system.

“This is Lieutenant-Commander T’Sing speaking.  All senior staff to the bridge.”

“I think that means you.”  Guinan stood by the former location of the table, her serene smile radiating--was that satisfaction?

Norton released Rebecca’s hand.  “Right.  Thanks, Guinan.”

Guinan watched them leave with the rest of the patrons.  She pulled out a pair of vintage 1960s Earth glasses, put them on, and sat in the one chair that, curiously, hadn’t vanished with the rest.  “All in a day’s work,” she said to no one in particular.

**GM Note: And thus begins the prologue story proper.  Give me a moment to synch up LZP, and then I can begin work on the massive cutscene. :P **

OOC: Is it just me, or does she like to set people up? =P

-==IC: Elaine==-

"What the...? What's going on?!" Elaine wondered, as she frowned, not knowing exactly where to go, since she was probably one of the ones who would be needed in this battle. However, she wouldn't act, until ordered to, since she didn't want to disobey any orders.

OOC: She is indeed like that, though it's less of just setting people up and more of setting the universe up.  We'll see more of her later. ;)

==All decks==
Like the previous alerts, the crew lept into action, but this time there was something distinctly unsettling about this.  This wasn't just crewmen being foolish--a call to the bridge meant that this was for real, that battle stations might actually be needed.  A passing security crewman waves Elaine over to the armory, where most of the personnel were waiting, staring at a bridge feed someone had rigged up.

***(Story Post)***

==Bridge==
“This had better be good, T’Sing.”

“It is, Captain.”  T’Sing tapped a command into his console, and the view moved to a cluster of shrapnel drifting slowly through a nebula.

“So you pulled us out of bed to look at a bunch of random debris that’s probably been out here since the Undine War.”  Captain Flipz was not a morning person.

In response, T’Sing turned to the nervous young cadet sitting at his usual station.  “Cadet Cho, what is your analysis?”

“45% Duracopper, 35% Transparisteel, 15% Duranium, 3.8% Tritanium, and 1.2% miscellaneous substances, sir.”

“So, you pulled us all out of bed for a bunch of debris made of slightly unconventional materials.”

“Not quite, Captain.”

“OK, T’Sing.  I’ll bite.  What’s so interesting about some debris containing duracopper and transparisteel?”

A female voice answered from the turbolift.  “Vulcan ships contain duracopper, don’t they, Mr. T’Sing?” Commander Williams asked.

Both the captain and the Vulcan raised an eyebrow simultaneously at her presence.  “We are technically in the Badlands, Captain.”

Captain Flipz slowly nodded, and Commander Williams moved to Cadet Cho’s station, reading the console over her shoulder.  “These readings are consistent with a Vulcan vessel, Captain.”

“Not quite.”  Everyone jumped; no one had noticed Lieutenant Norton and Counselor Riker enter.  “Commander, what are the trace materials again?”

“Refragium, obsidian, carbonite, and Remanite.”

“Anyone here know what those are used for?”

“Sure, a cloaking device,” said Lieutenant Sulu as he stepped from the turbolift.

“Not just any cloaking device,” Pavlov added, exiting the other turbolift.  “A Romulan cloaking device.”

“That’s right,” one of the cadets said, “Remanite is extremely rare outside of Remus, Romulus’ sister world.  When Hobus went nova, the Romulans had to synthesize it.  But what’s a Romulan ship doing in Federation space?”

“That, my friend,” muttered Flipz, “is an excellent question.”


==Tactical Console==
Cadet Hikari notices an indicator of an incoming transmission.

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze frowned, at everything that was happening, but also at the transmission.
"Guys; there's an incoming transmission..." Kaze said, and pressed the button to accept the transmission; wondering what this all meant...

-==IC: Elaine==-

Elaine frowned, as she moved to the armoury, and watched the feed from the bridge...

***(Story Post)***

==Bridge==
Flipz sat in silent thought for a considerable amount of time.  So long, in fact, that Pavlov and Williams got an uncomfortable feeling of déjà vu.

Suddenly, the cadet at Tactical broke the silence.  “Sir?”

“Yes, Mr. Hikari?”

“I’m picking up a signal.”

“On screen.”

“It’s encrypted, sir.”  He tapped at several controls, to no effect.  “I can’t crack it.”

“Let me try, I hacked Starfleet Intelligence before we left and picked up the latest cracked codes for hostile powers.”  Ignoring the assorted looks of disbelief, disapproval, and some amusement from around the bridge, Lieutenant Sulu moved to a nearby console and entered in a few commands.  “Got it!”

An unfamiliar yet instantly recognizable visage appeared on the viewscreen.  One of the cadets gasped.

“Empress Sela...”Flipz breathed.


“To all Romulan ships: the homeworld is under attack.  All forces are to return to Rator III to defend our home and our people.  This is a direct order from your Empress.  The Empire depends on your courage and skill.  Life and glory to the Empire!  To all Romulan ships…”

Sulu muted the transmission.  “It just repeats after that,” he said, uncharacteristically solemn.

“Captain, based on these debris patterns it would be a logical conclusion that Empress Sela’s signal of distress is genuine.  The debris indicates a Romulan vessel fleeing some unknown assailant.”

Cadet Cho piped up from Science.  “Energy readings from the Neutral Zone log a match to the Romulan Plasma Weapon.”

“That would explain the ‘gaseous anomalies’...” the captain murmured.

Pavlov replaced Cadet Hikari at Tactical.  Hikari walked over to the cadet at Ops and whispered, “Hey, Rakoua, I thought Empress Sela was dead?”

“Clearly, Kaze, the rumors of her demise were greatly exaggerated.”

“What do you think, Midori?”

Cadet Cho looked up from her console.  “Captain, I’m getting readings here I’ve never even read about.  Whatever’s going on over there, it’s big.”

Captain Flipz’ brow furrowed.  The bridge went silent.  No one knew what to do.  Flipz’ expression became grim.  “Helm.  Set a course for the point of origin, Warp 6.”
 
The bridge of the Nuparu stood frozen in shocked silence for a solid three seconds before exploding into a cacophony of competing exclamations.  Finally, Flipz raised his arms, and the bride crew’s attention turned to resisting the pulse of telekinetic energy he sent out.  He pointed to Sulu.

“That’s an order, Lieutenant.”

The blonde-haired helmsman nodded somberly, too stunned to exhibit any of his ordinary buoyant flair.

“Captain.  A word.  Your ready room.”  Commander Williams belatedly realized her tone had not been one of request.  “Please,” she added half-heartedly.

“I must concur with the commander, Captain,” T’Sing added.  “A brief conference before we determine any further action would be most beneficial.”

Captain Flipz nodded tersely and led the way to the double doors leading off the bridge.  Counselor Riker surreptitiously followed them.

Cadet Rakoua swiveled around in his chair to face Pavlov up at Tactical.  “Sir, should we relay a message to Starfleet?”

Lieutenant Norton furrowed his brow.  “And tell them what, exactly?”

Cadet Cho muttered something unprintable.  Cadet Hikari nodded in agreement.  “She’s got a point.  It’s--er--a valid tactical assessment of this--er--situation.”

“No need to worry, Cadet, protocol’s been shot to Erebus, as the Romulans would put it.  I think Cadet Cho speaks for all of us.”  Pavlov let his breath hiss from between his lips.  “Tell them...we’ve intercepted a distress call originating from a dangerous anomaly.  That the captain has decided to answer it, and that response is taking us...into the Neutral Zone.”

A tense silence filled the bridge, interrupted only by Sulu’s hands at the helm controls, inputting course corrections.  Whatever was going on in Romulan territory, it was affecting space itself.

As Williams and T’Sing returned to the bridge, Cadet Rakoua silently wondered what had transpired in the ready room.  He distinctly heard Williams mutter something about “suicide mission” as she replaced him at Ops.  He saw that T’Sing had taken his position at Science as well.  Everyone looked at each other uneasily, each wondering who would break the silence.  Finally, Sulu checked his console, then tapped his commbadge.

“Bridge to the captain...we’re here.”

-==IC: Flipz==-
In the instant between Sulu manipulating the controls on the console and the Nuparu dropping out of warp, a thousand thoughts raced through Captain Flipz’ mind, primarily those regarding the choices that had led them here.  HIS choices.  Chief among his thoughts was the one that slipped out in a horrified whisper upon seeing the sight that greeted the Nebula-class ship:

“What have I done?”

Space was in chaos.  Green beams of light lanced out in all directions, and it took a moment to realize they weren’t witnessing a civil war.  One set of phasers came from the Romulan fleet, stunning in its magnitude considering the recent conditions in the sector.  The other set came from a different enemy, one every Starfleet officer knew and feared…

Suddenly Pavlov spoke up.  “Sir, we’re receiving a trans--”

Before the tactical officer could finish, a face appeared on the screen.  Mutilated, mechanical, if there had been any doubt as to the identity of the Romulans’ attacker, it was gone now.

“We are the Borg,” the creature droned.  “You will be assimilated.  Lower your shields and surrender your ships.  Your biological and technological distinctiveness will be added to our own.  Your culture will adapt to service us.  Resistance is futile.”

One of the cadets shouted something defiant, but Flipz didn’t notice.  His stunned gaze held fast to the image of the Borg armada that had returned to the viewscreen at the conclusion of the message.
He had failed his duty as a captain.  He had just led his crew to their deaths.

==Bridge==
Captain Flipz lapsed into a shocked reverie.  It was Pavlov's voice that finally reched him.  “Sir?  Sir, is everything--I mean, are you alright?”

Flipz shook himself to clear his head.  “What is it, Pavlov?”

“We’re being hailed.”  He swallowed nervously.  “Empress Sela wants to speak with you.”

Flipz hesitated only a moment.  "My ready room.  Commander Williams, Mr. T'Sing, come with me."

As soon as the captain left the bridge, everyone looked around in wonder and fear.  At last, Midori broke the silence.

"Some training mission."

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze stood in stunned silence, but gulped visibly, and then sighed.
Yeah, Midori was definitely right. Kaze thought, as he nodded solemnly at Midori in agreement.
"I don't think everyone... wait; I mean anyone got the memo..." Kaze said, a frown on his face.

-==IC: Elaine==-

Elaine stood frozen in one spot, as she saw everything that had transpired, and frowned.
"This can't be good, at all..." Elaine said, and looked to the security commander to figure out what to do.

OOC: At this point, you'll need to decide which group you want to be with: Away Team, Bridge Group, or Defense Group. If you want to join the Away Team, you'll see when/where to volunteer, if you want to join the Bridge Group, you'll want to head up to the bridge now, if you want to be on the Defense Group, remain at your post.

==Armory==
One of the other Cadets in Security pipes up, "I'm not gonna stand around here waiting for those tin-pots to blow us all up, I'm going up to the bridge, I'm gonna be ready to fight! Who's with me?" Without waiting for an answer, he storms off toward the turbolift.

OOC: Which group does what, out of curiosity before I respond?

OOC: Kaze will, for story reasons, be on the Away Team, but will end up changing groups.  That's all I'm gonna say, I'm being deliberately vague there. :P

OOC: No, I mean, literally, what does each group do, for Elaine's group? =P Unless that's what you meant by being vague. xD

OOC: That's what I mean by being vague. >:D


-==IC: Pavlov==-
"Acknowledged, Cadet.  Glad someone's ready for this..."

-==IC: Elaine==-

Elaine frowned, however, she sighed, and turned to the security commander.
"I'm going to help with whatever this is; to defend the ship." Elaine said, as she nodded, and stayed where she was.

So in less than an hour, we got from the badlands to the neutral zone on warp 6? You know that the badlands are on the opposite side of the federation right?

OOC: The Regula Badlands.  They're on the edge of Romulan space. ;)  From Memory Beta:
"The Regula Badlands was an an area of space made up of intense plasma storms and gravitational anomalies located near the Federation-Romulan border. Despite the unstable nature of the region, it is known to contain a number of planets and planetoids, some of which were inhabited such as Regula II.
 
In 2377, scouts sent out by the Romulan Star Empire located that the Borg had somehow established a presence in the Badlands, and assimilated a number of planets with a new type of assimilation device. The Romulans immediately shared the intelligence they gathered with the Federation and the Klingon Empire and it was decided that Captain Jean-Luc Picard would lead a taskforce of Starfleet vessels into the Badlands to investigate the Borg threat.
 
After entering the region, the USS Enterprise-E and the task force encountered a large Borg force operational in the area. Thankfully, the Starfleet force was able to overcome the Borg defenses and reach the Borg's main base in the region. Located near the base was a tachyon nebula which had enabled the Borg to create transwarp conduits to their home territory in the Delta Quadrant. (TNG game: Armada II)."
 

OOC: Say, when does the story stuff start back up? I'm guessing tomorrow or Monday? I don't know if everyone(Or even anyone else =P) has responded yet, hence the question. =P

Ahhh. That makes sense. That badlands on the maps I have seen of the ST universe place them near the cardassian/tholian border.

**GM Note: Kojan (the character) has yet to speak up.  Unless Kojan (the user) informs me otherwise, Kojan (the character) is now part of the Defense Group.**

==Bridge==
--(Story Post)--

“All hands, brace for impact!”

“Sir, main hull integrity down twenty percent.”

“Shields?”

“3% of normal capacity. Remodulating now!”

“Brace yourselves!”

The bridge shook, but not as nearly as bad as last time.  The Nuparu’s bridge crew took the brief respite to return to their normal stations; the initial volley had tossed the crew around the bridge, and before this pause they couldn’t afford the extra few seconds it took to get back.

“Andre, remodulate your shield frequency every third shot.  They’ve gotten into a nasty habit of using our anti-Borg strategies against us.”

“Hans, three spheres approaching us on the lower port bow.  13.6537 seconds to impa--”

“On it.  Commander, I need extra power to the maneuvering thrusters.”

“9.4986 seconds--”

“Are you crazy, Sulu?!  You’re going to get us all killed!  Bank AWAY from them!!”

“4.63--”

“Just do it!”

“2...1...”

Just as the Nuparu was about to collide with the Borg vessels, Sulu put the ship into a tight spin.  The Nuparu missed the spheres by meters; the spheres themselves were not so lucky.
Sulu’s cry of victoy died in his throat when he saw what lay ahead of them.  T’Sing, calm as always, reported his readings.

“Captain, I am reading severe subspace distortions emanating from the Borg structure.  I believe it is a transwarp conduit.”

“Sir!  We’re being hailed by the I.R.S. Charvanek, from Empress Sela’s escort.  Sir, the Borg are on the verge of breaking through to the Empress.”
 
“Bridge to transporter room, how long until we’re within transporter range of Empress Sela’s escort?”

“Sir, it’ll take us at least 60 seconds to get within range, and then we’ll have to lower shields for at least-”

“Outta the way, chump.”  Even over the comm, Chief O’Realley’s voice was unmistakable.  “Twenty-eight seconds, tops.  Less if we drop shields now.”

“Commander Wi--” Flipz began, then reconsidered.  “Mr. T’Sing, you and Chief O’Realley will beam over to the Charvanek and coordinate the dispatch of Engineering teams to Empress Sela’s escort.  Mr. Norton, send your teams to the aft shuttlebay.”

T’Sing nodded and headed to the turbolift.  Pavlov stood as well.  “Sir, they’re taking a beating.  If I go over there, I can coordinate their shield inverters to--”

“No, I need you on the bridge.”

“I’ll go, Captain.”  The words came from Cadet Hikari.  “On the bridge, we cadets are dead weight.  Out there--”

Flipz’ hesitation at the man’s youth lasted all of a moment.  “Go.”

Cadet Hikari rushed to the turbolift, but had to stand aside for a group of his fellow cadets who, forgotten in the chaos, had decided to come to the captain for orders.  That’s when it struck him.

‘Children’ Flipz thought.  ‘I’m leading a ship full of officers who are practically children.’
‘You’re no wise elder yourself,’ his more cynical side noted.
Flipz studied the cadets, many of whom seemed to have armed themselves.  Rather heavily, at that.  An idea began to form in his mind.  He glanced at the Borg vessels on the main viewer, then back to the cadets.
“Hey, Cadets,” he began, “You up for a crazy scheme with million-to-one odds?”

Just then, the world exploded.
 
When the viewscreen belatedly dimmed the burst of light, it took Captain Flipz and the others a moment to realize they weren’t dead.

“Damage report!”

“Superficial shrapnel damage, slight drain to shields, sir.  We weren’t the target.”

“Then who in blazes was?”

Just then, the battle-scarred hulk of the Romulan Warbird Charvanek rolled in space, revealing a caping yet surgically-precise hole blasted clean through the ship.  The vessel would have lost its atmosphere even before the automatic safeguards kicked in--if the Romulans had them in the first place.  Several cadets invoked the name of their deities.

Lt. Sulu joined them.  “Steve Jobs protect us...if the Borg can do that to a warbird...we’re doomed.”

Counsellor Riker made a mental note to question Sulu on his...unusual choice of deity.  Nearby, she heard Chief Engineer Norton bite back a curse.  “The subspace feedback from that...thing must have rattled something in our comm. systems.  I’m getting an unchecked power flux in Engineering, and I can’t raise them on intraship.  I’m going to have to go down there.”

“I’ll go with you,” Riker offered.

“Me, too, I want to take a crack at it,” Sulu piped up as he stood from the helm.  A cadet quickly took his place.

“Sulu, wait-” Flipz began, but the three were already gone.  He frowned, but let it pass.  He returned his attention to the group of cadets.  “Alright, listen.  There’s too many Borg ships, and they’re too tough to blow up with Federation--or even Romulan--weapons.  So, what do you say we beam over and infiltrate a Borg--”

“Sir, the Borg--targeting lock--our SHIELDS--they--!”

A shimmer of cyan light later, Flipz blinked to try to see his new surroundings.  “--ship?” he finished lamely.

INTERMISSION: END OF ACT I

**GM Note: Please make any final preparations and ask any questions you'd like from Lt.-Commander T'Sing, who has just arrived in the transporter room with Cadet Hikari. Also note that currently no one knows about what just happened to the Bridge Group.**

**GM Note: Current cadet assignments. Note that if a particular group has no people from a given site, that groups story will not be posted on that site.**
--Defense Group--
Rakoua (inactive)
Etain (inactive)
Elaine (MLNO)
(NPC) Lt. Sulu
(NPC) Lt. Norton
(NPC) Counsellor Riker
(NPC) Dr. McFadden
Kojan (LZP) (unless he wants to be in the Bridge Group)

--Away Team--
Kaze Hikari (MLNO) (special circumstances)
Sloop (LZP/MLNO)
Tyson (LZP/MLNO)
Valk (LZP)
Eccalina (LZP)
(NPC) T'Sing
(NPC) Chief O'Realley (special circumstances)
(NPC) Empress Sela
*HIDDEN*
*HIDDEN*

--Bridge Group--
Midori (MLNO)
(NPC) Captain Flipz
(NPC) Commander Williams
(NPC) Lt. Commander Pavlov
*HIDDEN*
*HIDDEN*
*HIDDEN*.

-==IC: Kaze==-

Kaze, on the way to the teleporter, began to stretch as best as he could while moving. He didn't say anything; he simply kept quiet, focused on the situation, and what would happen. Not just to the group he was with; but all of them.
... Kaze simply kept walking forward, taking any moment they had to stand still, to finish stretching, and then was ready for whatever faced them next; or so he thought.

Anyone know where Flipz went?

OOC: He went on vacation for a week about last week now, and I believe he was waiting for someone on LZP to respond before replying before that. I'd guess that response never happened. =P

Alrighty, we've had a couple of replies since his last post on there, which was July the fifteenth... I was going to organize an assault team consisting of PCG members to hunt him down, want to join? :P

Well, Flipz posted yesterday, so maybe he'll post more today. =P Otherwise, I'll likely be up for that. =P