Shore Leave: Time to Rest (USS Octavia E Butler)

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Mission Start

Lieutenant Commander Avander Promontory, Acting Captain
Acting Captain’s Log Stardate… uh, let’s go with 240110-240112 or so.

Almost all our crew has returned from the future, many via other periods of time due to a shattering of the time crystal. The shards are now completely inert, and our science teams suggest there is no possibility of reenergizing it again. Still, the Department of Temporal Investigations (DTI) wants to install a “temporal anchor” on our ship, to prevent additional complications. We’ve been ordered to Deep Space Nine for that procedure. I’ve been in touch with Captain Rouiancet and she suggested that the crew be given shore leave once we get there. First, however, we have to pick her up at Deep Space 14 and begin what I am sure will be a long series of debriefings on this current mission.

Apparently, most of the crew went directly from 3201 to 2401 with the ship. Over the next few days, more of our crew appeared, but via the 2020s or the 2340s and so on. Myself and the ensigns who were with me in 2900 or so were the last to appear. I suppose I can appreciate the sequentialness of that, but I do not like that I was absent from my ship during my acting captaincy.

Furthermore, while I am satisfied that, despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not experience great casualties, I am concerned at the number of injured, both physically and mentally. Unfortunately, the doctors and counselors won’t get rest anytime soon.

It’s particularly worse for our counseling department as when I returned to our own time, I found that Karen Stendhal had requested a transfer. She will be missed and not only because our counseling department is, once again, understaffed.

There were a few additional irregularities. Some of my staff seem to have taken a more circuitous route back to the ship. I had a message waiting from Lieutenant Herrick that he would be waiting for us at DS9 and Lt Arlill docked in our shuttle bay in an ancient shuttle. I have a debriefing scheduled with him shortly and look forward to hearing the full story there.

Every other crew member appears to be accounted for—at least the numbers add up—but I can’t shake the feeling we’re missing someone. I thought it might have been Ensign Caras’s roommate, but evidently, he never had one.

Our trip through time appears to have severed the unique relationship between Lts Yinn and Loq and they may need some time to heal, ironically, now that they’ve been “restored” to their previous selves. I can’t imagine what it must be like. I’ve already released them from the active duty roster.

Our other majorly concerning injuries are with our Trill ensigns. Both served with distinction during this mission and I’ll be putting a commendation in their files later, but for now, I hope our proximity to Trill when we return to the Alpha Quadrant can help minister to them both, particularly Ensign Lahl.

In the earlier future I visited, it was suggested that our particular time travels were linked with family members. I don’t know exactly how that works, but it seems to have been born out so far in the reports I’ve read. An intriguing scientific mystery to ponder.

Finally, we have recovered a lost Starship, the USS Wyvern. We believe the unstable wormhole that we closed had multiple terminals across time and space. And speaking of family, on a personal note, their science officer is my brother. They have also been ordered to return to the Alpha Quadrant for evaluation and I look forward to getting to know him better during our transit time.

Officers

  • Commanding Officer, Captain Lia Rouiancet
  • Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Avander Promontory (*received promotion to Commander)
  • Chief of Operations Officer, Lieutenant Toxin Arlill (*received promotion to Lieutenant Commander)
  • Assistant Chief of Operations Officer, Lieutenant Lhandon Nilsen (*reassigned to Diplomatic Officer)
  • Chief Engineering Officer, Lieutenant Josh Herrick '(*received promotion to Lieutenant Commander and Second Officer)
  • Engineering Officer, Ensign Morro Caras (*received promotion to Lieutenant Junior Grade and Assistant Chief Engineering Officer)
  • Engineering Officer, Ensign Kimonzi Lahl (*received promotion to Lieutenant Junior Grade and Assistant Chief Engineering Officer)
  • Acting Chief Security Officer, Lieutenant Anton Richards
  • Chief Tactical Officer, Lieutenant Jack Kessler
  • Tactical Officer, Lieutenant JG Alex Forsyth
  • Acting Chief Medical Officer, Lieutenant JG Toz (*received promotion to Lieutenant and full Chief Medical Officer)
  • Medical Officer, Ensign Jania Nis (*received promotion to Lieutenant Junior Grade and Assistant Chief Medical Officer, Physical Health)
  • Counselor, Lieutenant Sevantha Saa (*received promotion to Lieutenant Junior Grade and Assistant Chief Medical Officer, Mental Health)
  • Chief Science Officer, Lieutenant Commander Katsim Peri
  • Science Officer, Lieutenant JG Yinn
  • Marine Detachment Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Wes Greaves
  • Marine Officer, First Lieutenant Arturo Maxwell

* Change happened at the end of shore leave.

Summary

Each section contains a short description, with an option on the right-side of the page to expand and get more details.

Promontory’s Logs

Characters: Avander Promontory

240112.01

The acting captain reflects on the crew’s return from various points in time after a time crystal shattered. The ship is heading to DS9 for a “temporal anchor” installation and debriefings. Shore leave is planned after picking up the captain. Despite minimal casualties, injuries and an understaffed counseling team are concerns. Some crew members returned via unusual means, including Lt. Arlill in an ancient shuttle. Lts. Yinn and Loq’s bond has been affected by the time travel. The USS Wyvern was recovered, and its science officer, the acting captain’s brother, will be joining them for the journey back to the Alpha Quadrant.

Headcount: Operations Department —> Tour de Butler

Characters: Lhandon Nilsen, Jania Nis, Alex Forsyth

240112.02 - 240112.03

Lhandon, recently treated for injuries, returns to work anxiously awaiting news of Toxin Arlill, the missing Chief of Operations. After checking in with his boyfriend Eli and attending to repairs, he oversees a headcount that confirms Toxin's continued absence. Despite questioning colleagues, no clear answers emerge about Toxin's whereabouts. When delivering this concerning news to Wauhk on the bridge, Lhandon grapples with the possibility that his superior might be lost in time.

However, duty calls as Lhandon finds himself giving a tour to new security officer Alex Forsyth. In Operations Centre on Deck 8, his naturally energetic personality emerges as he introduces Alex to Percy Jer-Legrand, a Bajoran officer working on power allocation schedules. Despite Percy's more reserved nature and preference for quietly managing the science labs' power distribution, Lhandon's enthusiasm pulls both officers into an impromptu tour, complete with his characteristic storytelling about their shared connection to the USS St. Albans.

One Heart Beats as Two

Characters: Yinn

240112.02

Yinn faces the aftermath of a mission that tested her to the core. After battling cultists, evading the Borg, and safely guiding her crew back to their timeline, she’s left grappling with an unbearable loss—the separation from Qurgh’Loq, her bondmate, with whom she once shared a body and mind. Though outwardly composed through the debrief and her new leave orders, Yinn breaks down only after returning to her quarters and reuniting with Qurgh’Loq. Their emotional connection shines as they reaffirm their bond in intimate Klingon vows, acknowledging their enduring link despite their newfound individuality. It’s a poignant exploration of identity, love, and resilience, setting the stage for their journey of healing and rediscovery together.

Toxin’s Journey

Characters: Toxin Arlill, Avander Promontory

240112.01 -

At the end of the Time Heist mission Lieutenant Toxin Arlill meets the USS Octavia E Butler at the point of their return to 2401. He reports to Commander Avander Promontory for debriefing. A request for secrecy or discretion is requested by Arlill, the Commander says he’ll ensure it as long as within SF protocols of reporting. Toxin begins a recount of his experiences over the past 242 years.

What's Up Mo

Characters: Lhandon Nilsen, Morro Caras

240112.03

After being treated in sickbay, Lhandon heads to the gym on Deck 5 to process recent events. He's relieved about Toxin's safe return via shuttle from the 32nd century, though curious about the details of his journey. While reflecting on his own emotional growth during the mission, he encounters Morro Caras in the empty gym, finding him upset in a corner. They share a heartfelt conversation about their experiences, with Lhandon opening up about meeting his grandmother in 2340 and his first mission as Lieutenant Junior Grade, while trying to provide comfort and support to his clearly troubled friend.

Futures Past

Characters: Avander Promontory, Alora DeVeau, Katsim Peri

240112.03

Avander Promontory, now older and serving aboard the Deus Ex, takes a nostalgic journey through the USS Octavia E. Butler, where he’s flooded with memories of his past. He searches for and reconnects with his old pet, Meander, a gormogon, but unexpectedly encounters Peri Katsim. The two share an emotional moment, as Peri realizes this Avander is from the future. He slips up, mentioning her future daughter, sparking curiosity and unanswered questions.

Despite the tension, Avander and Peri share a quiet, comforting moment over Moba Juice, reflecting on life’s challenges and joys. Avander eventually departs, leaving Peri with a sense of peace and lingering questions about her future.

Back aboard the Deus Ex, Avander discusses the visit with Alora DeVeau, reflecting on the emotional difficulty of returning to the Butler. She offers support and comfort as he processes the experience

A New Kind of Joined

Characters: Jania Nis, Yinn

240112.03

Ensign Yinn, on medical leave after the time travel incident, encounters Jania at a lounge. The conversation turns to shared experiences of merged consciousness - Yinn's recent entanglement with Loq, and Nis's experience as a joined Trill. Yinn seeks understanding about the nature of merged minds, expressing regret at not having discussed this earlier when she was experiencing it firsthand. The conversation takes a somber turn as Yinn brings up Nis's encounter with her future host during the time travel mission.

As they discuss their experiences, Yinn reflects on the unique challenges of merged consciousness, while Nis shares insights from her perspective as a joined Trill. Their conversation provides mutual understanding and support as they navigate their respective journeys with identity and consciousness. The discussion helps both officers process their recent experiences with time travel and mental connections, highlighting the complexity of their shared yet distinct situations.

Will the Killer

Characters: Josh Herrick, William Herrick

240112.03

Six months after the traumatic Frontier Day incident, William Herrick struggles with PTSD and guilt over the loss of his crew members during a Borg-related incident. Drinking alone at home, he's distanced himself from his wife Laura, who suggests leaving Starfleet. His attempts at recovery through group therapy sessions prove ineffective as he grapples with his role in his teammates' deaths. After an emotional outburst during a therapy session, Herrick reaches a breaking point and decides to make a significant change in his life.

Encounters on DS9

Characters: Josh Herrick, Captain Rouiancet

240112.03

Josh Herrick prepares to rejoin the USS Octavia E Butler at Deep Space 9, contemplating his recent history of undercover work involving multiple cosmetic alterations. While wandering the Promenade seeking anonymity in the crowd, he has an unexpected encounter with Captain Rouiancet after a collision involving moba fruit. The meeting highlights the temporal disconnect in their experiences - while only weeks have passed for the Captain since leaving the Butler, Herrick has lived through months of covert operations due to temporal displacement. Their awkward reunion underscores the complications of time travel on personal relationships and crew dynamics.

Bolian Blues

Characters: Yinn, Krinn

240112.04

Returning to the science lab after her medical leave, Yinn encounters another Bolian crew member named Krinn. Still adjusting to her separated existence from Qurgh'Loq, she finds herself dealing with phantom sensations and muscle memory from their merged state. The meeting with Krinn brings up cultural discussions about their Bolian heritage, with Yinn somewhat self-conscious about her origins from the small island of Izos compared to Krinn's connection to the more cosmopolitan Rabinua. Their interaction highlights Yinn's ongoing journey of rediscovering her individual identity while navigating social interactions without her former merged consciousness.

Private Practices

Characters: Miash, Jania Nis, Dr. Toz

240112.04

Late at night in her quarters, Head Nurse Miash struggles with intense study sessions for her upcoming Starfleet Medical Exam. Surrounded by medical texts and PADDs, she reviews everything from Gray's Anatomy to psychological medical needs, making multiple passes through the material. Despite her dedication, self-doubt plagues her, possibly stemming from her Ferengi background. When exhaustion sets in, she accidentally attempts to replicate a stimulant, only to be interrupted by an unexpected visitor. Forced to reveal her secret, Miash admits to preparing for her medical exams, something she's kept private to avoid potential disappointment.

When Have You Been?!

Characters: Lia Rouiancet, Avander Promontory

240112.04

Captain Rouiancet sits in her ready room with Commander Promontory, struggling with the unusual position of being locked out of information about her own crew's activities. The temporal nature of their classified mission creates a complex situation where even basic ship systems access is restricted. As Promontory explains their journey through multiple time periods - from the 32nd century back through various points in history - Rouiancet tries to piece together the scope of what occurred during her absence. Their conversation touches on the involvement of future versions of both Commander Emond and Promontory himself, as well as the challenges of navigating temporal regulations while sharing critical information.

Getting Out A Bit

Characters: Katsim Peri, Alex Forsyth, Jania Nis

240112.04

Still processing the recent time travel events, Peri Katsim and her companion Echo seek solitude in the holodeck. On her way there, she encounters Alex Forsyth and Jania Nis in the turbolift. Despite her usual preference for solitude, especially while dealing with the disorientation from the mission, Peri finds herself engaging in a brief exchange with her fellow crew members.

Death and the Symbiont (JP)

Characters: Jania Nis, Kimonzi Lahl, Vivien Thomas

240112.04

Jania Nis rushes into sickbay with an injury, only to discover her fellow Trill, Kimonzi Lahl, unconscious and in critical condition. Despite her own wounds, Nis insists on helping when she realizes Lahl's symbiont is experiencing complications. With the assistance of Nurse Vivien Thomas, Nis performs delicate surgery on the Lahl symbiont to treat hydrocephalus, likely caused by the recent temporal incident.

The procedure involves carefully placing a microscopic stent to drain excess neural fluid that was threatening the symbiont's memory center. Throughout the operation, Thomas helps maintain Kimonzi's stability while separated from her symbiont. The surgery proves successful, though Nis notes that Lahl will need to return to Trill for treatment in the sacred pools for full recovery.

Upon waking, Kimonzi learns about her condition and the need to return home, while also receiving confirmation that most of her fellow time travelers made it back to 2401 safely, though with the notable exception of Lieutenant Arlill.

During her Zhian'tara ritual, Kimonzi Lahl has an emotional conversation with her past host Kehda (temporarily inhabiting Counselor Salo's body). They discuss Lahl's reasons for seeking joining - stemming from her fear of being forgotten after losing someone dear to her at Starfleet Academy. The conversation helps Lahl process her recent near-death experience and her evolving perspective on legacy and remembrance.

Doctor’s Orders

Characters: Lhandon Nilsen, Dr. Toz

240112.05

Dr. Toz, determined to complete overdue physical examinations, tracks down Lieutenant Nilsen in his quarters. Despite his protests and attempts to avoid the checkup by claiming he's expecting company, Toz invites herself in. The doctor reviews Nilsen's concerning medical history, including multiple self-treated injuries and an unresolved neurological event from the previous year that temporarily caused him to speak only in Klingon. Their interaction highlights the ongoing challenge of getting certain crew members to maintain proper medical oversight, even as Nilsen tries to prepare for a dinner date with Eli.

Lost and… Still Lost (JP)

Characters: Roger Hartmann, Nera Ay

240112.05

Commander Roger Hartmann, a Mission Specialist with the Gamma Flotilla, contacts Ensign Nera Ay to inform him about the discovery of fragments from the USS Suesser, the ship on which Ay's sister disappeared nine years ago. While unable to provide specific details due to classification restrictions, Hartmann confirms that hull plating with the registry number was found far from the Bajoran wormhole. The conversation highlights the challenges of delivering partial information about long-missing loved ones, as Ay grapples with renewed hope tempered by the limitations of what can be shared about the investigation.

Then There Were Varmints

Characters: Jania Nis, Alex Forsyth, Lanah Diaad, Kadu Diaad, Zael

240112.07

During shore leave, Jania Nis takes Alex Forsyth to visit her family's estate on Trill. What starts as a simple dinner with Nis's parents turns into an unexpected adventure when they encounter a diseased itronok - a dangerous insect-like creature with energy barbs and light-refracting capabilities. After defending Nis's father from the creature's attack, Alex receives a special gift: an intricately embroidered piece of silk artwork depicting her heroic moment.

Throughout their visit, Alex and Jania share personal stories about their families and experiences, deepening their friendship. The visit helps Jania process recent traumatic events she can't discuss due to temporal regulations, while also reassuring her about her choice to remain in Starfleet.

Goodies from Earth

Characters: Jack Kessler, Michele Winters, TK Cabrillo, Sevantha Saa

240112.09 Jack Kessler returns from a visit to earth with some goodies needing installed in tactical, he calls out to security, tactical and engineering for help. After a joke about TK needing a Counselor, Sevantha Saa while touring the ship finds her way onto the scene and chooses to observe the group who are likely Counselor dodgers. Sims: 240112.09, 240112.13

Toys from Earth

Characters: Jack Kessler, TK Cabrillo, Maxwell, Sevantha Saa

240112.13

Lieutenant Kessler returns from Earth with new torpedo launchers for installation on Deck B. Along with Engineer TK Cabrillo, they coordinate the transport of the equipment from the Ranger to the Butler. Looking to recruit help for the installation, Kessler puts out a general call to Engineering, Tactical, Operations and Security. Ensign Radek, a former POW alongside Kessler during their Zet captivity, arrives to assist. The group begins unpacking magazine sleds and railing components, while TK Cabrillo jokingly expresses concern about counselors showing up to the work site.

Lieutenant Kessler shows Lieutenant Forsyth around some of the Butler's defensive systems, including the dorsal shield emitters with their triple redundancy and the forward torpedo bays. While examining the targeting sensor pallet for the aft launchers, they discover some anomalies that may be related to glitches from the ship's previous mission. Kessler uses this as a training opportunity to help Forsyth troubleshoot the issue, with Ensign Brogan assisting.

While working on the torpedo systems, Kessler, Maxwell, and his daughter Milly are joined by Dr. Saa who is touring the ship. The group discusses Maxwell's notorious lack of cooking skills (shared with his sister Rosetta) and various dining options aboard the Butler, including 'The Writers Room' on Deck 8 and the Bowling Alley on Deck 9. They particularly recommend Lieutenant Nilsen's home cooking and Milly's signature "Valentina" pizza (ham, pineapple, and extra-hot chili flakes). The conversation about food motivates the group to finish their work quickly so they can grab a meal together.

Bad Gash

Characters: Jania Nis, Toz

240112.15

An excursion to the DS9 promenade turns into another work day for Ensign Dr. Nis when she encounters a crewmate with a nasty gash.

Dr. Toz and Dr. Nis pursue a suspect who shot Toz with a Jem'Hadar weapon on the Promenade. They are joined by Ensign Emond and Lieutenant Nilsen's security team. After a brief chase, the suspect is apprehended when he collides with a Brikar security officer. The shooter reveals he actually meant to target another Klingon named Taleen from the House of K'chut - which happens to be Dr. Toz's house, leaving her shocked at this unexpected connection.

During the incident, Lieutenant Nilsen and his security team assist in apprehending a suspect who shot Dr. Toz. The chase ends when the suspect collides with Brikar security officer Pel Ashara. The suspect reveals he was actually targeting another Klingon named Taleen from House K'chut, prompting a shocked reaction from Toz. Lieutenant Nilsen takes the suspect into custody after discovering he possessed illegal Jem'Hadar weaponry. Ensign Emond's tricorder detects additional suspicious signals in the area, leading the team to continue their investigation.

Counselor, Counselor

Characters: Sevantha Saa, Nesre Salo

240112.15

Two of the Butler's counselors meet up to discuss their respective approaches to crew mental health and share insights on their different counseling styles. Saa, being new to the ship, seeks to learn from Salo's experience while offering fresh perspectives from her own background. Their conversation reveals both common ground and complementary differences in how they handle the unique challenges of providing psychological support aboard a starship.

Their initial meeting leads to plans for lunch together the next day, with both counselors expressing interest in building not just a professional relationship but potentially a friendship. Saa and Salo find common ground in their appreciation for shared meals and social connection. The warm welcome helps establish a foundation for future collaboration in supporting the crew's mental health needs.

Meeting Brother

Characters: Lieutenant. Jg Alex Forsyth, Lt. Ayala & Valk

240112.16

Lieutenant Alex Forsyth visits her newly discovered half-brother Valk in the clinic following his surgery. The meeting comes after Doctor Ayala had informed Valk the previous day that genetic testing during his blood transfusion revealed he had a half-sister stationed at Denali. Despite his Vulcan heritage, Valk showed subtle signs of happiness at learning he had family, as he had previously believed himself alone.

The siblings' first meeting is filled with nervous anticipation, particularly from Alex who worries about being accepted. However, Valk's warm reception and willingness to connect helps ease the tension. The revelation of their relationship stems from a complex past - their father had been asked to stay away from Valk's family, a situation further complicated by the Dominion War. While Alex expresses some frustration at her parents for keeping this secret, she focuses on the opportunity to build a relationship with her newfound brother.

Ghosts?

Characters: Lahl, Josh Herrick

240112.22

In the ship's library, Lieutenant Lahl and Lieutenant Herrick investigate mysterious falling books, interrupted by an agitated Denobulan curator named Maff who is concerned about damage to first editions on loan from Federation archives. The situation becomes more intriguing when they discover a strange metal device that had fallen from one of the books, leading to tension between the officers who want to investigate it and the protective curator who insists it should remain with the book collection.

The investigation continues as Lieutenant Herrick and Lieutenant Lahl discover the source of the mysterious falling books - a malfunctioning self-organizing system controlled by a small metal disk. The situation is complicated by an overly protective Denobulan curator named Maff, who initially tries to prevent them from examining the device. When the disk and books begin floating again, it becomes clear that the library's automated shelving system is the culprit behind the disturbances. The situation is resolved with a mix of engineering expertise and diplomatic handling of the curator's concerns.

Marines & Intelligence

Characters: Ithri Sh’Shelor, Wes Greaves

240112.22

In a meeting between Marine Detachment Commander Lt. Colonel Wes Greaves and Intelligence Officer Ithri Sh'Shelor, they discuss emerging threats in the region. Sh'Shelor briefs Greaves on two concerning groups - the K'ktor and the Consortium - who have been observed making suspicious transactions and meeting with known mercenary and terrorist groups. While neither group has directly encountered the Butler before, their activities suggest they are building toward something potentially threatening. They also discuss the current tentative truce with the UDP and the possibility of future conflicts. The conversation highlights the importance of vigilance and intelligence gathering in maintaining security in the region.

Science and Psychology Collide

Characters: Rivka Brzezinski, Sevantha Saa

240112.22

Dr. Brzezinski and Dr. Saa meet in Science Lab 7, where they discuss the various telepathic and psychic phenomena that have affected crew members. Brzezinski demonstrates her F.O.I.L. (Faraday Oscillating Interference Limiter) headgear, designed to block telepathic interference. The two scientists discover shared interests in neuroscience, with Saa's background in telepathic illness complementing Brzezinski's research on subspace-neural interactions. Their discussion touches on past incidents involving nebula-induced amygdala stimulation and encounters with psychical anomalies in the Gamma Quadrant.

Their meeting leads to a discussion about Saa's previous research on telepathic responses during Frontier Day, particularly focusing on increased telepathic activity among crew members who weren't fully assimilated by the Borg. Saa shares her personal experience of encountering the Borg Queen telepathically while trying to free a shipmate, expressing enthusiasm for further study of these phenomena despite Starfleet's general preference to move past the incident. Both scientists show keen interest in collaboration, particularly in studying the intersection of telepathic abilities and unusual space phenomena.

Test Results

Characters: Toz, Miash

240112.17

In the Writers' Room aboard the USS Octavia E. Butler, head nurse Miash receives life-changing news when she reads her test results from Starfleet Medical Board of Examiners. Despite some technical issues with her exam transmission, she is granted provisional clearance to continue her medical practicals and is promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade, with final certification pending test score verification.

Dr. Toz provides supportive encouragement and discusses the perks and responsibilities that come with Miash's new role. The conversation reveals that Miash will have increased responsibilities, including managing more duties in sickbay and conducting crew physicals. Toz expresses confidence in Miash's abilities, noting that she doesn't just avoid chaos but handles it well.

Conflicted

Characters: TK Cabrillo, Nijal

240112.23

In a secluded area of DS9, TK Cabrillo and Nijal have a tense encounter discussing their past history and current relationship status. The conversation reveals complex emotions and unresolved feelings between them, with both acknowledging the complications of their previous romantic involvement. Their discussion touches on professional boundaries and personal growth, leaving both parties with mixed feelings about their future interactions.

Spa Day (The Anticipated Massage)

Characters: Lahl, Jania Nis

240112.23

Lieutenant Lahl and Dr. Nis meet at the station's spa facilities for some relaxation time. They discuss recent events while enjoying various spa treatments, including a Risan mud bath and Betazoid stone therapy. The peaceful environment provides a welcome break from their usual duties and allows them to decompress from recent stressful incidents on the station.

Inspection

Characters: Josh Herrick, Rouiancet, Forsyth, Valk

240112.24

Lieutenant Commander Herrick meets with Captain Rouiancet, Lieutenant Forsyth, and her newly discovered half-brother Valk in the Chief Engineer's office. The meeting follows up on discussions from DS9, with Herrick preparing a proposal for the captain's review. The atmosphere is formal yet welcoming, as the engineering staff had prepared for the captain's rare visit to their domain. The scene also acknowledges some unresolved tension regarding a previous tactical incident involving cultists.

Twas the Night

T'was the night before Christmas, many light years from earth. Octavia E. Butler, lay still in her berth. Stockings and sacks hung in quarters with care, In the hope old St Nick soon would be there.

The crew were all nestled snug and tight in their bunks, Dreaming of distant family, of friends - or of hunks. Wrapped up in pyjamas, perhaps a soft cap, Each of the crew settled, for a much-needed nap.

The lights on the station, that was docked below. Gave Octavia's hull the lustre of snow. If a wandering eye had spied it, no doubt, Would have recognised, a Danube runabout.

Then down in the hangar, there arose such a clatter, Nobody nearby, to see what was the matter. Swift away from the mess, he shot like a flash, Darted into a lift and away in a dash.

This terrible pilot, so hard on the stick, Could not for a moment, ever have been St Nick. More rapid than warp his footfalls they came, And he darted past quarters, and whispered their names!

"Now Lia! Now, Toxin! Now, Herrick and Lahl! To, Alex! To, Peri! To, Avander and Saa! From the heights of command! To crew ranks oh so small! Dash away! Dash away! Having left gifts for all!"

Such as dry leaves that before hurricane fly, When met with an obstacle, they mount to the sky. So on up the decks our gift bearer flew, A sack full of presents, a Commanders pip too!

Dressed all in black, with a collar of green, From all the exertion his brow bore a sheen. The sack full of gifts that was flung on his back, Made him look like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eye-how it twinkled! His cheeks red and merry! Once gifts were delivered, he quite fancied a sherry! Each parcel he laid drew a soft peel of laughter, Gifts that he hoped would be treasured hereafter.

He'd also left bunting of berry and thistle, And completing his task, gave out a soft whistle. Darting back to his home, ‘ere he drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Stowaways

Characters: Anton Richards

240112.28

In Anton's quarters, a tense family situation unfolds as he discovers his parents, Athera and Vince, have somehow gained passage aboard the Butler through questionable means. His mother's dramatic reactions and father's nonchalant attitude only add to Anton's frustration as he tries to understand how they managed to "book passage" on a Starfleet vessel. The conversation reveals that they were sold tickets by an unknown party, creating a potentially serious situation that Anton will need to report to his superiors.