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| ===='''ACT I'''==== | | ===='''ACT I'''==== |
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| Lael, Alex, Chythar and Dassa arrived on the planet, stunned to find the colony decimated by earthquakes. They later found themselves in Captain [[Roshanara Rahman]]'s ready room checking in. During this meeting, Captain [[Roshanara Rahman|Rahman]] revealed that only 60% of the planets dome environments were sustainable and that the damage caused by the earthquakes was leading to overcrowding in the major population centers such as New Macau. They are interrupted by a call from the bridge. When they stepped out of the ready room and in front of the main viewer, they realized that an attack had happened. Buildings on the screen were up in flames. The Captain then ordered Alex and Lael to report to their posts in Engineering to begin working with Lieutenant Commander [[Luna Walker|Walker]]. The name rang a bell for Lael, though she couldn't figure out why. She and Alex stepped onto the turbolift and headed for Engineering. <!--A Fresh Start, Parts I-III--> | | Lael, Alex, Chythar and Dassa arrived on the planet, stunned to find the colony decimated by earthquakes. |
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| Once in Engineering, they met with the Chief Engineer, [[Luna Walker]], to develop a plan for rebuilding the destroyed structures on the planet. After some discussion, they decided to first repair enough existing domes to resolve the overcrowding issue before working on designs that would better withstand future natural disasters such as earthquakes. However, a chat with the captain revealed one more factor that they would have to contend with -- radiation from the use of antiproton beams to close the rifts causing the disasters. Though the mines hadn't been an option before, they looked to be their best hope of protecting the inhabitants from the radiation. After gathering the needed supplies (including a matter/antimatter generator for a power source), Lael, Alex, and Walker beamed down to the planet to begin exploring and stabilizing the mines.
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| When a member of Commander [[Kelrod]]'s team reported that they were on their way with the antimatter Alex needed for the antimatter reactor, Walker suggested Alex and Lael go retrieve it. However, they weren't completely out of the mine before something caused a cave-in. While Lael and Alex were fortunate to be on the side not cut off from the entrance, Walker wasn't so lucky. Alex notified Commander [[Kelrod]]'s team of the incident while Lael commed Captain Rahman to report the situation. Shortly after Lieutenant Junior Grade [[Carter Greyson]] and his team arrived, the group began working on a way to free Lieutenant Thoran and Commander Walker from the debris. They settled on Greyson and Kelrod using a shuttle to beam out the debris while Lael, Alex, and the remainder of the [[SAR]] team established support beams to prevent more cave-ins and to monitor the shuttle team's progress. Finally, they managed to free their colleagues. Commander [[Luna Walker|Walker]] was beamed directly to Sickbay while Lieutenant Junior Grade [[Anjar Thoran|Thoran]] departed with the others, having suffered only minor injuries. The whole group reported to Sickbay to be treated before heading to a briefing ordered by Captain [[Roshanara Rahman|Rahman]] to provide their reports.
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| ===='''ACT II'''==== | | ===='''ACT II'''==== |
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| Lael attended the briefing where the senior staff as a whole viewed a message from a Klingon pirate named [[Jilor]] who claimed responsibility for the attacks. During this meeting, it was also revealed that at least one of the bombs used on the surface was, in fact, a Starfleet [[Q_-_Z_(chemical_%26_particles)#Tricobalt|tricobalt]] device, which raised the disturbing possibility that a rogue Starfleet officer had supplied the device to [[Jilor]]. Commander [[Luna Walker|Walker]] suggested taking a team down to the surface to explore the mines in case there were more such devices. Still shaken from the experience with the mines just an hour before, Lael protested. The conversation between her and Walker became rather heated and was only ended when the Captain called an end to the meeting.
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| While the other senior officers went about their tasks, Lael and Walker were asked to join the Captain in her ready room. Embarrassed by her earlier lack of professionalism, Lael apologized for her behavior, but stayed mostly silent. She was then dismissed and went to Sickbay for a hypo for her headache before returning to the bridge to begin working with her team. After a brief discussion, they decided the best course of action would be to scan the ships lost in the region that had carried a tricobalt device for the unique identifiers to determine if any of them were missing. They believed this was the most likely source for [[Jilor]] to obtain the devices. While Sepek tried to piece together the unique identifier for the [[Q_-_Z_(chemical_%26_particles)#Tricobalt|tricobalt]] device that had exploded on the surface, Lael created an algorithm that would scan for that or any of the other unique identifiers. By tying this algorithm in with modified sensors, their hands would be free to pursue other tasks.
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| ===='''ACT III'''==== | | ===='''ACT III'''==== |
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| A day and a half after they confirmed that the Starfleet tricobalt device used to bomb the capital is indeed from one of the lost Starfleet ships, the ''USS Denali'', Lael was headed to the auditorium for the governor's speech when the ship was attacked by a Romulan vessel and a Cardassian vessel. Surprised by the first blast, Lael was knocked into a wall and managed to dislocate her shoulder. As she continued toward the auditorium, she came upon Commander [[Mei'konda]] and Lieutenant [[Hanar Tuk|Tuk]], both of whom were hiding. The conversation that she overheard between them indicated that they were being boarded. Quietly, she joined them as the three formulated a plan. [[Hanar Tuk|Tuk]] and [[Mei'konda]] would fire on the intruders while Lael used a nearby computer panel to erect a forcefield to stop the intruders.
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| She succeeded, but [[Hanar Tuk|Tuk]] was shot in the process. She narrowly avoided being knocked over as he tumbled backwards. Stepping out of the way, she poked her head around the corner to fire off answering shots before returning to her cover. About this time, [[Kelrod]] arrived with a flashbang grenade and heavier artillery. [[Kelrod]] unleashed the grenade and the four managed to take out the remaining intruders. Once they were certain the area had been cleared, they headed to the auditorium to aid in the protection of the Governor. When they arrived, they found [[Rune Jolara|Jolara]] and [[Chythar Skyfire|Skyfire]] already taking measures to prepare for an attack. Once it was ascertained that the Governor and the civilians were safe, [[Hanar Tuk|Tuk]] and Lael were both treated for their injuries. Lael then connected with a computer console, confirming that all of the intruders had been confined to the brig. With [[Mei'konda]] on his way to the bridge, Lael joined the others to keep the civilians calm in case the scans were wrong.
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| ==='''''SHORELEAVE'''''=== | | ==='''''SHORELEAVE'''''=== |
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| Once things had settled down, she and Chythar spent some time in his Skyfire Beach holodeck program decompressing after the stress of their recent mission. The next afternoon, they engaged in a sparring session to work out some of the remaining tension. She was pleasantly surprised when he was able to keep up with her and commented that he'd been practicing. This became more obvious when he caught her off guard while she was distracted, the move knocking her to the ground. Following their sparring session, Lael placed calls to both her friend Elina and her brother to catch up. During the call with Elina, she learned that her direct superior was potentially the sibling of her friend Rebecca's former boss, [[Ben Walker]]. She also learned that there was a link of some sort between Luna and the [[Skyfire Cure|Skyfire Virus]]. Her conversation with her brother led her to reveal more details about her connection with Chythar.
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| After hanging up with her brother, she met with Commander [[Mei'konda]] to both formally check in and get to know him better. During this meeting, the topic of her outburst in the conference room came up and she acknowledged that she could have handled the situation better. They changed topics and began discussing past events, closing the meeting with Mei'konda welcoming her aboard. Her mandatory counseling session with [[Raissa Moonsong]] followed, forcing Lael to confront and re-examine her perspective on previous events such as her time Over There, the events that occurred in the mines on [[Antor II]], and the nature of her connection with Chythar. Raissa then put into place a temporary shield that would block out the overwhelming emotions of others long enough for Lael to get some undisturbed rest.
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| The battle over [[Antor II]] resulted in damage near the secondary computer core, which Lael and [[Evan Delano|Delano]] worked together to repair. They then decided to take a break from the work and began talking about their respective histories. After Lael revealed a few details about her connection to Chythar, Delano suggested that she consider seeking help from a group of individuals (the [[Reya-Laialara]] elders) who were experienced in telepathic healing. The two returned to work, but Lael was unable to stop thinking about the possibility that she and Chythar could sever their connection without it killing one or both of them. The following day, Lael invited [[Rune Jolara]] to her quarters for two reasons: a playdate for [[Madeline Young|Maddy]] with Jolara's 1-year-old son and curiosity. They discussed [[Al-Leyan]] culture and the differences in their respective upbringings. The subject of Lael's connection with Chythar also came up and she revealed certain aspects of it to Jolara, piquing the [[Al-Leyan]] woman's curiosity.
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| The next day, after completing some repairs for Lieutenant [[Sepek]] in the Science lab, Lael sat down with Chythar for some best friend bonding time over coffee, bringing an Al-Leyan blend for him to try. In exchange, he offered a sample of his Uncle Chris's {{ma|Raktajino}} blend for her to try. During their conversation, Chythar reveals to Lael what happened to his his parents. She realizes that, until that moment, Chythar hadn't really spoken about his parents. After a bit more conversation, the two head to the gym, hoping a sparring match will distract them both.
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| She then visited Sickbay for a combined welcome-aboard physical and a follow-up for injuries she received in the [[Antor II]] mines and during the recent boarding of the ship. [[Nikki Ryan]] brought up inhibitors as a possible solution for the nightmares she and Chythar often share. Lael also revealed that because of her history of serious physical injuries and psychological issues, Starfleet reviews her contract each year and to keep her commission, she must attend weekly mandatory counseling and medical check-ups.
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| While wandering the halls after her visit to Sickbay, she ran into Alex, who she found out was going against medical orders by working. During their conversation in his office, Lael revealed that the real reason she sought Chythar out that night in the Sto'Vo'Kor Lounge <ref>The main crew lounge aboard the {{USS|Gorkon}}</ref> was to confront him about the [[Skyfire Cure|Skyfire Virus]] and how it had impacted her life...and not in a good way. After her confession, the two began discussing Lael being back in Engineering, which led to her asking for his help on her side project--a more durable version of the domes on [[Antor II]]. This was the beginning of them working together in hopes of drafting up a proposal to submit to the [[Starfleet Corps of Engineers]].
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| In the evening after her conversation with [[Nikki Ryan|Ryan]], she had difficulty sleeping and decided to go to the gym for a workout. She ran into a somewhat familiar face from the {{USS|Za}}, [[Jonathan Cumar|Jon Cumar]]. He served as a Security Officer responsible for arresting [[Zogi]], a Ferengi who had plans to bring aboard potentially contaminated good. Curiosity led to a sparring match and chemistry between the two. Following the match, Jon asked Lael on a date. Lael accepted on the condition that he allow her to pay for her own dinner.
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| The two indulged in a holodeck program that replicated the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. They rode a rollercoaster and got to know one another a bit better over beer and corndogs. Later, they walked along the beach and enjoyed a nice bonfire, concluding the evening with their first kiss.
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| The following morning, Lael wandered into the Ship's Chapel to find Dassa alone and in the middle of her daily prayer. They got into a discussion about the events of the last couple months, including what happened aboard the {{USS|Za}}. This then led to them discussing the unspoken tension between them and could-have-beens--how if things had been different, they might have ended up together. But Lael changed the subject, saying that it was in the past and that Dassa should have faith in [[Tobian Dalton|Tobian]] and their relationship. She then confessed to running into Jon at the gym and their subsequent first date. Dassa was surprised, but happy for her. Near the end of the conversation, Dassa told Lael that she was taking some time off to visit [[Tobian Dalton|Tobian]] on [[Betazed]]. | | The following morning, Lael wandered into the Ship's Chapel to find Dassa alone and in the middle of her daily prayer. They got into a discussion about the events of the last couple months, including what happened aboard the {{USS|Za}}. This then led to them discussing the unspoken tension between them and could-have-beens--how if things had been different, they might have ended up together. But Lael changed the subject, saying that it was in the past and that Dassa should have faith in [[Tobian Dalton|Tobian]] and their relationship. She then confessed to running into Jon at the gym and their subsequent first date. Dassa was surprised, but happy for her. Near the end of the conversation, Dassa told Lael that she was taking some time off to visit [[Tobian Dalton|Tobian]] on [[Betazed]]. |
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| Later, Lael and Chythar met at the phaser range for some shooting practice, where she nagged him for the upteenth time about his refusal to carry a phaser. To her surprise, she managed to convince him to carry a concealed one.
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| Following shooting practice, Lael went on a second date with Jon, both enjoying a fencing program on the holodeck and sushi for dinner. They met for lunch the next day and they continued getting to know each other, talking about where they grew up and their respective early years. Lael found herself experiencing the beginnings of romantic feelings for Jon. After their meals, Lael returned to duty with Jon promising to make her dinner in his quarters sometime.
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| She saw Dassa off the next day and again found herself in the Ship's Chapel, this time bumping into Chythar. She talked to Chythar about her recent epiphany and change in perspective. They also talked about [[Madeline Young|Maddy]] and the huge impact Chythar had had on the young girl's life in such a short span of time. Wrapping up their conversation, Lael left him to his thoughts. | |
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| Seeking a drink the next evening, Lael entered the Lounge to find Chythar lost in thought. She joined him only to be joined moments later by Raissa. There was an unexpected tension between the three as Alex sat down with them. Chythar then introduced Raissa and Alex. After a few awkward exchanges, Raissa left. A short time later, Sepek joined them, and they quickly changed topics of conversation, talking about unimportant topics.
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| At a somewhat formal dinner in [[Roshanara Rahman|Rahman]]'s quarters the night after, Lael was awarded the [[Silver Star]] for her part in halting the intruders who boarded the ship and the [[Joint Meritorious Unit Award]] for her part in working with [[Antor II]]'s government during the crisis. She also received the [[UFP Medal of Freedom]] for stopping [[Jilor]]'s forces. Once the awards and promotions had been handed out, she sought out Rahman, engaging her in conversation that got more personal than she'd anticipated, the topic shifting to her newfound abilities. The two wrapped up the conversation and Lael, seeing that Chythar and Alex had left, headed back to her quarters.
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| =='''''THE IRRESISTIBLE PRIZE'''''== | | =='''''THE IRRESISTIBLE PRIZE'''''== |
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| The day following her promotion, Lael handed a report on the functioning of the warp core to Commander [[Luna Walker|Walker]], only to notice that she was distracted and that Lieutenant [[Danni James|James]] wasn't at her usual post. Concerned Lael asked if everything was all right. Luna led Lael to the Chief Engineer's Office where she disclosed in confidence that Danni might be pregnant. Lael offered congratulations, but the rest of their conversation was cut off by Lieutenant Commander [[Mei'konda]] calling from the bridge to inform them of the situation with the {{USS|Astraeus}}, and asked them to come up with a way to get the ship out of danger. She and Luna worked through the situation, strategizing on how to do so without risking the safety of the ''[[USS Veritas|Veritas]]'' and her crew. However, a yellow alert ruined those plans and forced Lael and Luna to also come up with either a way to increase the ''[[USS Veritas|Veritas]]''' defenses.
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| Shortly after, Crewman Recruit Tazmin Shandres approached her and Luna, taking the initiative by asking where she could help out. Noticing the young woman's enthusiasm and dedication, Lael decided to take the young woman under her wing. At first, Luna was going to assign Shandres to do research, but when a message came in from the bridge regarding an idea Ensign Jael Yal had to use the deflector in their plan, she suggested to Luna that maybe Shandres could help them sort through the specifics of Yal's proposal.
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| ''SECTION UNDER CONSTRUCTION'' | | ''SECTION UNDER CONSTRUCTION'' |