There are 2 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. [DL-N] Whispers and Welcomes!
From: "Tree Deutscher" <treedr@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
2. [USS-CAPRICORN] Busy Time in Security
From: "Arlene" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Fri, 18 Nov 2005 12:44:16 -0800
From: "Tree Deutscher" <treedr@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-N] Whispers and Welcomes!
Day 9 Mid afternoon
It wasn't long before Selena arrived at the mouth of the cave with a
squad of men. Orders were given for torches as Link relayed the
situation. Amy's fear was coming through Belle's link and the yellow
female landed abruptly near the group her long tail curling around the
still fearful Dizzi, as Cloud also landed to add his own comfort to the
little family.
It didn't take the Homeguard Captain long to figure out that her tall
stature and that of most of the men wouldn't allow them entrance into
the tunnel, at least not far enough to effect a safe rescue. Selena's
calls for the two women went unanswered, drowned out by the sharp
breeze that was now coming from within. Keeping the torches lit was
another problem as they blew out seconds after they were lit. "We need
lanterns!" She ordered, not quite sure if they would work any better.
"We don't know how far they in!" Looking at the two smallest men in her
squad she gazed at them in unspoken command. Both nodded and started
into the darkness when she quickly called them back. "I'll take point!"
She said stepping in front of them. She didn't like going in blind but
she wasn't about to let Shorty have all the fun.
"But.."
"So I'll crawl!" She quipped answering the unfinished question before
disappearing into the darkness. The two men looked at each other,
shrugged and followed their commander in. It wasn't long before the
tall woman was bent over using her hands to feel her way so she didn't
get hit in the head by low hanging rocks. The tunnel narrowed and every
few paces she would stop and quietly check on the men behind her, the
soft sounds of their words and footsteps carrying deeper into the
tunnel.
"Ow!" Amy exclaimed as her arm scraped against the rough wall causing
her grip to tighten on the Wingleader's shoulder.
Breezy didn't doubt that would be a few bruises from this and mainly
from Amy as she herself stumbled and hit the wall. Her warning call had
gone unanswered but she wasn't taking any chances and her grip on the
dagger tightened. "Keep backing up!"
"I can't see!" The blonde exclaimed, not realizing in the inky black
that her head was so close to the side of Breezy's face that it made
the redhead jump.
"Jeezus Amy, what are you trying to do, scare me out of 10 years
growth!"
"As skinny as you are that could be a real problem!" The giggle that
sounded was fearful, but helped relieve the tension a little.
"Yeah, yeah go ahead, yuck it up woman!" Breezy answered sarcastically.
A battle hardened veteran Breezy was not afraid of the dark, nor did
she believe in ghosts. There had to be a perfectly logical explanation,
at least she hoped there was, as a tiny shiver crept up her spine.
Suddenly Amy gasped grabbing her so tightly Breezy let out a pained
squeak, "It's behind us!" She hissed quietly in Breezy's ear.
"Stop, don't move!" She had thought to keep herself between Amy and
whatever was coming at them but now the sounds were coming from all
around them. "Here hold onto my hand and back against the wall!" Breezy
whispered. When Amy started to speak the wingleader hushed her then
listened intently. Even though her eyes had adjusted they were in total
blackness and it played on the senses. Amy's fear was so strong it
permeated the air around them, she didn't want to admit she was
starting to get pretty creeped out herself. The dark was horribly
disorienting and some pretty crazy thoughts were starting to run
through her mind. She had to stay calm for Amy's sake but the thought
of being trapped was foremost in her mind especially if they had
another ground shake. There had been a few tremors after the shake of
yesterday morning and Breezy said a silent prayer to whichever Deity
controlled such things and added a few to appease those that didn't.
The whispers from both groups and the eerie sounds from within echoed
in such a way it surrounded the women, the crescendo rising and falling
with the strange gusts of wind.
"Anybody there!" Breezy called out, only to have her words thrown back
at her in a swirling echo. Scratching her ear in contemplation her eyes
moved around, squinting against the black in hopes of seeing something,
anything. The soft sound of footsteps vibrated off the walls but
neither was able to figure out which direction they were coming from.
The bone chilling snarl from before repeated and there was no question
as to which way to go. "Amy move!"
The blonde groped the wall tightly feeling her way with hand and foot.
Precariously she moved an inch at a time. When her hand came to rest on
something warm and that something suddenly grabbed her Amy let loose
with a blood-curdling shriek which Breezy would made her hair stand on
in and she would later swear that it was loud enough to wake the dead.
Scuffling and calls echoed loudly..."Ouch!" What the..!" "Shit!" "Let
go!" "Ow!" "Damn!" "I've been stabbed!" "Yeowch!" "Hey!"
"Stretch, is that you!" Breezy hollered over the yelling finally
recognizing the tall woman's voice.
"Breezy?"
"What the hell are you trying to do!!! You damn near made me pee my
pants!"
"Well! A thank you to you too!" Selena snorted from the darkness.
Amy's sigh of relief silenced both women. "Can we get out of here now?"
"I think I'm bleeding," Came the forlorn whine of one of the men.
[..]
The sound of his wife's scream burst from the mouth of the cave sending
a terrible chill through the courier. Handing the cooing David to the
closest guard giving orders to watch both children he grabbed one of
the lanterns that had finally been brought and with sword drawn entered
the tunnel. "Amy!!!" He yelled frantically. It took sheathing his sword
to free his hands so that he could keep the lantern lit, something he
wasn't too happy about but his concern for his wife overrode everything
else. The tall man was practically walking on his knees as he slowly
made his way into the bowels of the cave. "Amy!!!" He yelled again his
deep voice distorted by the narrow confines.
[..]
Link had been able to get into the cave far enough that the faint glow
from the lantern had led the rag tag group out, they stood outside now
staring at the cave opening in contemplation.
"It was probably just the wind! These caves don't go anywhere!" The
Homeguard Captain stated factually.
"We don't know that! I don't care what you say Selena, there was
something in there!" Amy exclaimed. "Breezy and I both heard it! And
the bloody words on..on..." Clutching her son tightly the blonde
nestled her cheek against his head letting her sentence go unfinished.
"Are you sure it was written in blood?" Selena questioned solemnly.
Breezy sighed, chewing her lip in contemplation, then sighing again she
pressed her lips tightly together. "I don't know Stretch, it's hard to
say! Our torches went out before I had a chance to find out!"
The guard whom Breezy had managed to cut had already been sent to the
Med center. Thankfully it had been a superficial wound and wouldn't
take long to heal but the little Wingleader didn't doubt he'd give her
a wide berth for awhile, or at least make her feel guilty as hell. It
could have been a lot worse.
"I'll get a detail and see what we can find out. You and Amy need to go
see Jale too and get those scraps looked at." Selena commanded in a
tone that brooked no argument.
"I agree." Galen called out emerging through the crowd that had
gathered as word spread about the haunted cave.
Guards were posted and the crowd of people dispersed as the explorers
did as the Homeguard Captain bid. After getting a hug from Breezy Dizzi
was scooped up by her uncle who was giving the child a gentle scolding
as the family walked away. Breezy chuckled when she heard Dizzi answer,
"I'm really hungry Uncle Link."
{Tag: for anyone that wants to play a little with the 'maybe' haunted
cave.}
Day 10 Morning
Word had spread by now and Delilah sat on a log staring at the gardens.
Purity sat next to her, her small head resting on her knee with doleful
eyes gazing up at her. <I am so sorry.> The dragonette whispered. The
little female wasn't quite sure what to make of the feelings that
flowed through her human counterpart, only that there was a horrible
sense of loss and great sadness and an overwhelming sense of confusion
and guilt. <I wish I could make your hurt go away!>
Delilah stroked the scaly head thoughtfully, "*I wish you could too.*"
The woman answered and thought in unison still not used to the thought
communication from the bond. She doubted if she would ever get used to
'just thinking' her words. There just seemed something unnatural about
it.
When it had been discovered what had happened to D'lion and his rider
the dragons had mourned as only they knew how and the warren had been
filled with their sad song. Eventually it had stilled, but a dark cloud
hung over the warren. Dargis had been loved by all. His gentle manner
and beautiful flowers had won him his place in the warren like no
other, and his passing would be terribly missed. But there was a few he
had touched far deeper then the others and the dark-haired woman was
one of them. Delilah sat, silently staring at the gardens that Dargis
had so tenderly tended. The beautiful blooms appeared to droop a little
as if somehow they knew as her mind wandered through the memories of
the young man. Her sitting outside his bathroom door talking him
through a mating flight brought a faint smile to her lips. He had also
been her escort on more than one occasion and never letting the rumors
bother him. Sitting with D'lion while Dargis tenderly weeded his garden
explaining this flower and that too her.
He was the one and only person she had ever called friend and now he
was gone and the memories she had were from a time long ago, when life
was different, when she was different. Since her return Dargis had done
nothing but be kind and patient with her. He had known how desperately
she had needed a friend yet she had shunned him in her shame. Now he
was gone and there was nothing left but her guilt. Burying her face
into the creamy colored scales Delilah could no longer hold back the
tears.
After a few minutes the server became aware that she and the little
dragonette were no longer alone and the dark haired woman glanced up to
find Dizzi standing there staring at her with a little frown on her
cherub face.
"Why are you crying? Are you hurt?" The little girl questioned hugging
the stuffed dragon tightly.
"Yes, um no, honey! But I'm okay," Delilah answered wiping her
tearstained cheeks, not wanting the child to see her pitiful grief. She
knew that Dizzi adored the gardener and if the little girl didn't know
yet what had happened, she surely wasn't going to be the one to tell
her. Swallowing hard she pasted on a sad smile, "So young lady what are
you doing up and about so early?"
"Well, we have a visitor!" Dizzi answered in a hushed tone as if it was
a secret. "But I saw you and you looked really sad." The sweet face
brightened, "Why don't you come with me to say Hello! I'm the official
greeter but it would be okay if you come too!"
Delilah shook her head, "Honey, I don't think so, not right now! You go
ahead and run along!"
Dizzi's bottom lip came out. "Maybe if you say Hi you won't feel so
sad! I know it always makes me feel better!" Reaching over she gently
stroked Purity's head. "Pleaseeeee!"
"Listen Dizzi...." Seeing the stubborn set of the child's jaw Delilah
sighed. "Ok! I'll walk with you a little ways!"
[..] Right after Breezy greets the newcomer
As she turned away Breezy wasn't surprised to see Dizzi coming This was
not an unusual occurrence as the little girl had appointed herself the
official warren greeter and the redhead had to admit it was a sweet
touch. But her innocent friendliness was no small worry to the adults
closest to her and Dizzi's friendship with Ranker was proof enough of
that. The woman Dizzi was dragging along with her though was quite a
surprise and Breezy couldn't stop the little grin that appeared at the
harried look on Delilah's face. But then the senior wingleader knew
that saying 'no' to her little buddy was like adding fuel to a fire.
Slowing her pace sBreezy hesitated to watch the exchange.
Dizzi bubbled with her usual excitement, "Hi, I'm Dizzi, this is my
dragon Snow and this is Miss Delilah! Welcome to Norwall!" The little
girl puffed up with pride as she very officially gave a little curtsy
then reached out her hand as she'd seen the adults do.
{Tag: Peter}
Respectfully submitted, by,
Tree Deutscher
AKA Delilah
*** A special thanks to Max for his ideas and technical help!
***Summary***
Day 9 Afternoon
The explorers are saved and Selena tells Breezy the cave will be
investigated and sends everyone on their way
Day 10 Morning
Dizzi sees Delilah and tries to cheer her up then drags her off to see
the newcomer.
[This message contained attachments]
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 2
Date: Sat, 19 Nov 2005 01:37:56 -0500
From: "Arlene" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [USS-CAPRICORN] Busy Time in Security
MD 5/1: 1815
"So, what did you want to talk about?" Amy smiled.
Ury settled back into the lounge chair, his eyes attracted by the play
of the breeze on Amy's sarong, "Hmm... you... me...?" He shrugged and
smiled.
Amy smiled back easily, "You. How did the rest of your day go?"
Ury looked out over the holo-ocean already feeling the soothing effects
of the sound of distant surf. "Better than this morning. Rico Medina
was told that he's been promoted to OPS, then I picked his brain on
some
scenarios I want to run. We're going to work on them in the AM."
"Training scenarios?" Amy probed.
Ury nodded, warming to the discussion, "Right. I've got the basics of
the situation on Marin and am modifying it to fit different planets and
cultures. I want my men to react instinctively. No second guessing.
They'll be able to recite the Star Fleet regs in their sleep!"
Amy laughed, "Oh, I can just imagine the types of dreams they'll be
having."
Ury frowned at her laughter, wondering if she were laughing at him, and
why, "Look, I'm not doing this to give them nightmares or anything.
Just the opposite. I want them to feel confident. To know what is
expected of them and how to react, so when they're under pressure they
don't freeze or do something inappropriate which could lead to their
deaths. There are a lot of greens who've never had to face anything
remotely like what we faced on Marin. They were just too damn
complacent on an alien world."
"Of course. I think you're doing the right thing. Nothing replaces
experience, but training will certainly help," Amy agreed.
Ury looked at her quizzically. Then why had she laughed? "Right.
That's what I was saying. I'm going to run so many sims that they'll
be
able to react in appropriate and predictable behavior. But, look... we
didn't come here to talk shop, did we?"
Amy raised an eyebrow, "Well... you seemed a bit stressed earlier... I
just wanted to know how things had turned out."
"Stressed." Ury frowned, "Not exactly the word I'd have used to
describe my emotions." He stood and began to pace, "My commanding
officer reprimands me in front of the other senior officers... when
they're the ones that put the mission in jeopardy! They go off on
their
own, no care for regulations or safety, for that matter. They get my
men maimed and killed, and then he looks at me as if I should have had
things better under control."
Amy had also stood and joined him as he turned and they continued
walking together along the simulated beach as he ranted.
"If they'd stayed in the perimeter, they'd have been fine... but no...
they have to go off with some unknown alien to his 'castle'. We were
there to examine a shuttle craft and respond to the distress signal.
When there were no Federation Survivors we should have gotten the heck
off-planet."
"Did you recommend that to the commander?" Amy asked quietly.
"No time to... and that Marquis... there's something about him.... And
now he's here on CAPRICORN, and we can't offload him anywhere -- no one
wants him. Doesn't that just shout 'trouble'? They want my men to
watch him... but I won't let them get too close. I just don't trust
him."
"Wise decision based on what you're saying you experienced on the
planet," Amy conceded. They had stopped as Ury's rant had wound down.
They stood together looking out over the ocean.
Ury was reminded of another view of another ocean... and another woman
whom he'd dreamed of holding in his arms. The feel of the wind in his
hair, the sound of the waves crashing on the beach, the warmth of the
sun on his back, the smell of the salt on the air... he was transported
in his mind to the moment and, as the thoughts of Sonata came to him,
he
found himself reliving the moment... taking Soni into his arms in a
passionate embrace. Only, the kiss wasn't right...
It wasn't Soni.
What was he doing? He backed away from Amy, confused.
She looked up at him questioningly.
"I don't know what came over me.... Sorry." Ury shook his head, "Look,
I'd better go.... COMPUTER: EXIT!"
The arch of the holodeck appeared and Ury turned and practically ran
for
the exit.
[TAG: Josh]
---
MD 2: 0900
Ury's green eyes widened as he heard about their guests. The reports
had been in the security records, and Ury had spent many hours
familiarizing himself with the records of the previous CSOs. He had
tried to second guess what their orders had been as he'd read through
the reports and had been gratified to find that more times than not the
decisions they'd made were ones he himself would have if he'd been in
their places... especially Montana's. He found that he readily agreed
with everything she had given in her reports.
So... they were going to have Ferrans onboard again. He wondered if he
would have to wear contact lenses. He winced at the thought. He
glanced over at Medina. His staff wasn't going to be rather busy
scouring the ship for "green" articles. Ury glanced around the room,
noticing all the tiny green things, from lettering on pictures, to
flecks in the carpeting. They were everywhere!
---
0930
"Medina... a moment?" Ury came up next to the OPS officer after the
meeting broke up and glanced at the screen in front of him and noticed
the personnel records scrolling past.
Rico looked up and blanked the screen, which now showed the standard
Federation symbol. "Ah, Rogan." He grinned up at the large security
chief. "I had some time to think through your request... and here's
what I think we can do...."
[TAG: Again Scott.. don't want us too far behind the "action" so
pushed
their discussion up a day. If you think it's too boring we can liven
it
up with a friendly challenge to a Pareesi Squares match, or drinks or
something.]
---
1330
*Intruder Alert* The computer voice announced. Emergency procedures
immediately went into effect.
Rogan had been sipping some coffee while going over the schedules for
the next day, and the reports from the previous evening/night shift.
He
had just been thinking that the ship had been too peaceful.
[SNIP]
"This is Crewman Biggs." His voice was patched over the intercom
within the confines of deck five. "I repeat, we have a possible
intruder alert on deck five, at the CMO's cabin. Alert the SAT, BAF
and Reserve Force."
"This is not a drill. Deck five is now under quarantine." A response
came from the intercoms as ship's computer complied with the emergency
directive. "All personnel are required to remain at their current
station until the situation is resolved. Containment fields in zone
alpha, are now active. All turbo lifts are secured, except to
Security Personnel and Emergency Medical Response Teams. This is not
a drill."
[END SNIP]
He listened to the comm. and overheard the exchanges, while scanning
the
sensors for any indication of an intruder. Who had called an alert
without checking out the ship's data? There was nothing on deck 5.
*Stand down the intruder alert,* Moran's voice was reassuring in its
authority and Ury smiled.
Ury knew they'd be coming back and he stood, straightening his uniform.
He was not disappointed. Moran, accompanied by three crewmen, arrived
right on time.
"Report," Ury eyed them and noticed the nervousness of one of the
crewmen.
Moran stood at attention and answered, "Crewman Briggs witnessed an
unusual disturbance and overreacted, sir."
"Briggs?" Ury asked, and wasn't surprised that it was the one that was
ill at ease.
"Sir, I heard a scream. I approached the CMO's quarters and noted the
hatch was open. The CMO was in a state of ... undress ... and appeared
frightened and disoriented."
Ury frowned, "And what indication did you have of an intruder?"
Briggs swallowed, "It was her... demeanor, sir. It looked like she had
been... assaulted."
"Assaulted?" Ury looked at Moran, "Did you see any indication of
this?"
Moran replied evenly, "No, sir. I did not see any indication of forced
entry or any physical evidence of an assault. But I do not know what
Medical will report...."
Ury nodded. "So, as far as you could tell... Dr. Hywell had some...
what? Nightmare?"
"Yes, sir," Moran replied.
"And her state of... undress?"
"Perhaps she fell asleep in that state? You would have to consult Dr.
Hywell on that."
Ury nodded. He might, but only if there were any indications that it
was anything more than a nightmare. It wasn't unheard of, after all,
for people to sleep in the nude. And after what they had experienced
on
the planet it wouldn't be surprising for someone as green as she was to
have nightmares afterwards. Though he still wasn't convinced that the
aliens hadn't in someway influenced the good doctor. Perhaps he should
suggest to Amy that she could talk with the doctor -- in fact, he
quickly made a mental note to send her a copy of the reports about the
state that Briggs had found Doctor Hywell.
"Briggs? Do you concur?"
"Sir, I... I got the impression she was surprised that she was without
her clothing. In fact... she asked me if I knew where they were...."
Ury raised an eyebrow at that comment. "So... you believe she
undressed
while... sleep walking? And didn't know she had done so?"
"I... don't know what to think, sir."
"So... you assumed it must have been an intruder and initiated an
alert?"
"Aye." Briggs looked abashed.
Well, Ury thought, the situation just proved that his men needed a
refresher on protocol and procedure to handle "incidents" such as this
one.
"Thank you. I expect a full report by 1800. That will be all."
Ury pondered the statements they had given him. Unless Medical came
up
with something substantiating an assault, he was going to put it down
as
a sleep-walker with a nightmare, and an over imaginative crewman.
---
1920
Rogan was handing off to the night shift and was wrapping up a few
things on the bridge, when the CAP was hailed by a transport and
dropped
out of warp to intercept. He hadn't heard of new crew replacements,
and
immediately looked at the Captain to see if his own suspicions were
justified.
The Captain at that same moment turned to him and requested:
[SNIP]
"Mister Rogan, take a party to greet our new staff and guests." Even
as he spoke, he was trying to figure out why they hadn't gotten word
in advance about the OPS team.
"Aye, sir," Ury replied.
[END SNIP]
His replacement took the Tactical station and Ury's palm clipped his
comm. badge as he headed for the Turbolift. "Latec. Carson. Meet me
in transporter room 3. Rogan, out."
*Aye, sir*
Rogan was sure he had seen a contemplative look on the Captain's face
as
he'd addressed him. So... the Captain wasn't expecting new crewmen
either. How interesting... especially with their current guests from
Marin and the Ferrans due to come aboard.
The security personnel stood at parade rest as they waited for the new
crewmen to arrive. Rogan welcomed them aboard and accepted their
transfer records. He would go over their files with the utmost
scrutiny
-- not that he expected to find anything... but one could never tell.
Sometimes it wasn't in what was said in those files, but what was left
unsaid....
"... and your gear has been transported to cargo bay 2 for your
convenience. Personal effects should already be in your quarters..."
Rogan rattled off the usual information, and the new crewmen... most of
whom looked like they'd been around a few starships and other places...
nodded with tired and bored expressions.
"Thank you, lieutenant," Commander Valex nodded.
[TAG: Brian... I'm confused here... 10 people beamed aboard, but I
counted only 7 on the ship... a 6-man OPS team and the "super cargo"
Admiral Percy Witherspoon (ret). So who were the other 3?]
---
MD 3
O100
Ury was on a beach.... pleasant warm sand beneath his bare feet. A
woman was walking along the beach toward him, her blonde hair blowing
in
the ocean breeze. Her smile was radiant... and just for him.
He smiled back and began to walk toward her.
And his comm. beeped. He wanted to ignore it... but it beeped again,
and suddenly the sunlight became the harsh shipboard lights and the
computer voice was calling a security alert.
"Rogan, here. Harry... what's going on?"
Fontaine's voice answered immediately. *CT2 Allandro, sir. She was
discovered in her cabin... she's dead, sir.*
Ury sat up, sleep abandoned. "Cause?"
*Undetermined. But she was found sitting in a VR-game chair.*
"Could the chair have attributed to her death?"
*Unknown, but possible. It's the only thing we've got right now. No
evidence of foul-play. Medical is here and will be taking the body to
sick bay.*
"Have the chair sent to Engineering for a full inspection. Get me a
report first thing in the AM." Ury answered.
*Aye, sir. Fontaine, out.*
Rogan sat back on his bed and wondered what the hell was going on.
Last
night he'd thought things were getting back to normal. He scratched
his
head, then let his hand drop back onto the bed, only to be surprised by
the feeling of warm, soft fur, and a disgruntled "Mrrrowrr".
"Oh, sorry, and where did you come from?" He glanced down at the small
black cat who seemed to regard him with knowing eyes.
[TAG: Tree.]
---
Summary:
MD 5 or MD 1
1815
Ury and Amy chat in the holo-deck where Amy has programmed a beach
experience. For some odd reason, Ury is reminded of Sonata, and for
some "unexplained" reason he kisses Amy -- thinking it is Soni.
MD2
0900
Ury is perplexed by the announcement in the morning briefing of the
pending arrival of the Ferrans
0930
Ury approaches Rico after the briefing to see about the upgrades to the
holo-programs and scheduling.
1330
The intruder alert is sounded and catches Ury off guard. He discusses
the incident with Moran and Briggs to determine what happened. He
concludes that there was no intruder and Dr. Hywell was probably
sleepwalking and had a nightmare. Ury is further convinced that his
staff needs to be better trained.
1920
A transport arrives, and Avi instructs Ury, (who is at the end of his
shift), to meet the incoming new crew members and "guests". Ury
escorts them to their new quarters, giving explanations along the way.
MD3
0100
Ury is awoken from a pleasant dream to hear that a crewmember has died
-- apparently without any obvious cause. Since she was found in a
Virtual Reality Module, Ury tells Fontaine -- who was first on the
scene
-- to have the VR-Chair taken to engineering to be checked out. When
Ury tries to again relax, he is startled to find a black cat in his bed
with him.
---
Respectfully submitted by
Arlene Jacobs
AKA
Lt. Ury Rogan, Sec/Tac.
|
