Task Force: Gamma

Captain David Brennon

Location: Deck 8 Crew Lounge, "The Team Room", USS Hartington
When: En Route to Alterran Station, after Qech's release from Sickbay

Captain Brennon stood talking with Doctor Ortega and Yeomen M'Rowl near the wide windows of the lounge. The Captain had been smiling at an anecdote the newest member of the crew was telling.

"...as I looked up, I saw the vast expanse of the nebula before me, her gasses flowing around me, through my fingers and causing the hair on my head to float around my head like a spring breeze." he sighed and took a drink of his punch, looking out the window at the stars as they streaked by. "I'll never forget how that felt, even if my body there was only a projection and I was laying on a holobed."

Lieutenant Ghan, who had been standing about two meters away listening to the tale, snorted out a chortle as he spoke up.

"Shame that we couldn't bring one of those beds with you, Doctor. Or that fancy mobile projector... though I suppose one is useless without the other."

M'Rowl opened her mouth to offer her prospective, but before she could the doors to the lounge opened and in came Lieutenant Commander Qech and Doctor Kiv. The Doctor helped Qech along slowly, easing her into a nearby chair. Recovery would be a long road for Qech, who's system took a brutal shock withstanding the effects of the parasites as long as she had.

Doctor Ortega excused himself from the Captain's presence and stepped towards Qech, offering her a glass of punch.

"It is good to see you up and about, Commander. The Captain was beside himself these past few days, seeing you at this gathering will do the man some good."

As the Doctor chuckled playfully, the Captain shook his head in faux annoyance -- at least he tried to make it appear fake. Brennon allowed the other members of the assembled crew their chance to speak with their First Officer before he proceeded with the true designs of the event.

OOC: Talk to her, talk to each other, in a few posts I'll continue with this little story.
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ArjimCalodan · Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2010 6:47 pm Post subject:

Calodan made his way over to Commander Qech.

"I'm glad to see you up and around Commander. I was getting worried that this 'temporary First Officer' billet would become a full-time job." He lowered his voice a bit so only she could hear and continued "Thank you for your efforts. I was very lost with those...creatures. I'm sorry I hurt you." After his private apology, he smiled at her and continued on in a joking manner "Besides, the crew are getting tired of taking orders from me. I hear the grumbles all the time how they like you better." He winked at her and smiled so it was readily apparent he was joking.

In all honesty, he had enjoyed his time as the Hartington's XO. It had been a different experience. Since leaving the Edenites, Captain Brennon had been very withdrawn. He had spent most of his time in his ready room, doing who knows what, leaving Calodan in charge of the Bridge. What had at first felt very foreign was getting more enjoyable by the hour. But still, it would be a relief to give up the center chair and go back to his comfortable Ops console.
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Davynn Qech · Graphics Chief Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 809

Qech sat down, gratefully taking the punch that was offered by Dr. Ortega. She'd had some time to get used to him during her stint in sickbay, and he seemed friendly enough. He had a ways to go before he'd pegged the Captain down though, by the sound of things.

"It is good to see you up and about, Commander. The Captain was beside himself these past few days, seeing you at this gathering will do the man some good."

She smiled and, with a quick glance over Ortega's shoulder, could tell that Brennon was doing a poor job at hiding his discomfort with the subject, so she changed it quickly.

"Well, sick bay is a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there. Not as a patient anyway. It's nice to be vertical for a few hours... Well, as vertical as I'm allowed to be" she added, gesturing to the chair and throwing a quick sarcastic smile at Doctor Kiv.

When Ortega finally peeled himself away to continue with yet another story, Calodan approached. She was happy to see him, and very glad that both he and Croft hadn't suffered any lasting side effects.

"I'm glad to see you up and around Commander. I was getting worried that this 'temporary First Officer' billet would become a full-time job."

Qech smiled, and was about to respond, when he continued in a much lower voice:

"Thank you for your efforts. I was very lost with those...creatures. I'm sorry I hurt you."

At that, Qech shook her head. "I didn't take any offense, Jim. I know you weren't yourself."

He seemed a bit relieved, as his mood brightened a bit. He smiled. "Besides, the crew are getting tired of taking orders from me. I hear the grumbles all the time how they like you better.

At that, Qech laughed. She knew he was joking, mainly because she couldn't picture Calodan passing out orders like a hard-nosed drill sergeant. She was sure everyone on the ship had seen much worse during their training years. "Just try not to crack the whip too hard, we have some sensitive souls on this ship. A night or two hanging upside-down from your ankles never killed anyone, though. So, if you want to take it easy on them, start there." She winked, and sipped at her punch.

"I know you can be stern when you need to be. But for the most part, you're about as ruthless as a rose petal, Jim." She grinned, at least half-joking. "I haven't heard any complaints anyway."
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ArjimCalodan · Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2010 7:20 pm Post subject:

uvek · Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2010 9:13 pm Post subject:

Uvek entered the room. He smiled broadly and without reservations at Commander Qech. However, he moved past her to Captain Brennon. At an appropriate moment, he stepped up. In his hand was a PADD. He handed it to the captain.

"With all due respect, sir." He said with relief in his voice. "I am glad I did not have to implement this. And I am grateful that we have emerged victorious."

After the captain's response, he moved to Commander Qech and Lieutenant Calodan. He raised his hands to stay her from getting up, which she weakly but valiantly tried to do. "Please commander, please. I am very glad to see you. We all are. I hope this will be your last adventure for a while, at least until your baby is born." To Lieutenant Caldoan he said "Welcome back, Lieutenant. Well done."
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Live a life of action...not reaction.

Davynn Qech · Graphics Chief Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 809

"Please commander, please. I am very glad to see you. We all are. I hope this will be your last adventure for a while, at least until your baby is born."

Qech leaned back, but still managed a smile for her friend. "Typically six months is customary... to be pulled off away teams anyway. But, given the circumstances I wouldn't be surprised if Dr. Kiv makes that call a bit earlier." She looked away in thought for a moment, a half smile on her face. "If I'm going stir crazy after a few days of sick leave, I'm really going to go nuts when I'm pulled off duty altogether for the final two months."

She laughed, knowing full well that she would still try to keep herself busy during that time. Bed rest, it seemed, was the only order she had trouble following.
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uvek · Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2010 10:10 pm Post subject:

"Well, I had better see to it that my personnel files are fit. But I am grateful that you are well. I have something for you." From behind him, he pulled a Teral'n. It was very ornate, a golden razor on either side of the flat tip. The handle trimmed with cherry wood and bronze. The strap that held it to its bearer was a braided leather and gold-trimmed rope with an adjustable loop on the end.

Uvek handed it to the First Officer sideways, born in his hands, palm up in a traditional fashion. When she took it, he stood to attention and called out in a loud voice, stalling the conversation in the room.

"Ta Krenn! la' khellion krauf Lloann'mhrahel!" He said solemly in proper Romulan fashion. "Behold! A hunter in the United Federation of Planets!"

His fist touched his chest and he beamed with pride. "I have never worked with such a dedicated crew, Commander. You inspire us to reach beyond ourselves."
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Live a life of action...not reaction.

Davynn Qech · Graphics Chief Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 809

Qech had barely taken the weapon when Uvek bellowed in his native language, startling her a bit. She blinked up at him in surprise, mouth slightly open as he stood rigidly at attention. Clearly, she had not expected anything like this.

"I have never worked with such a dedicated crew, Commander. You inspire us to reach beyond ourselves."

Qech smiled, and tried not to appear as taken off-guard as she felt. At least she hoped no one could see her blushing. She could take criticism, but praise was something she'd always had a difficult time with.

"Nor have I, Lieutenant, I promise you that. And I'm deeply flattered." She smiled and touched her fist to her chest in emulation of her friend as a show of respect and gratitude, at least she hoped that's what it meant. She then looked down at the Teral'n in her hand and turned the blade over, examining it a bit closer. She knew little about Romulan weaponry, or customs for that matter, but she knew good craftsmanship when she saw it. She smiled and looked back up at him, wishing he would relax his stance a bit. "It's beautiful. Thank you."
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ArjimCalodan · Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2010 12:52 am Post subject:

Calodan used Uvek's presentation and the following attention paid to the Commander's gift to get closer to the Captain. The past several days, filling in for Qech, had been stressful. The Captain had seemed in a foul mood and hadn't said more then necessary to any of the crew.

"Captain, I just wanted to let you know that I will have my final debrief from my encounters with the paras....creatures on your desk by 0900 hours tomorrow morning. I included all the information I could remember from my merger. Unfortunately, I only have a vague understanding of where their homeworld is and how to get there." He paused here. There was more..but he wasn't sure this was the time. He decided to plunge ahead anyways.

"Captain, I know Starfleet has given us another mission for the time being, but we need to return and help these creatures. From my infection..my bonding with them, I know that the Edenites have been persecuting them for some time. While Commander Qech was able to synthesize this new cure, I'm very sure they will just go back to their old methods of killing them and saving the hosts. These are sentient beings and they deserve to be treated in a better manner. Someone has to try to communicate with them. Perhaps they can be made to understand the results of their actions and a lasting peace can be brokered."
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Cory Drake · Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2010 1:49 am Post subject:

Lt. Cory Drake
Deck 8 Crew Lounge
USS Hartington

Drake stepped into the lounge, nodded at fellow officers already in there and gave a gentle smile towards Command Qech, surrounded by several officers. Instead of crowding her even further, Drake grabbed a whiskey old fashioned from the bar and made a quick move to the wall near a window.

The lieutenant leaned up against the wall and stared out the window as the stars streaming light zipped past. "I wonder what's going on out there right now, I wonder what's happening at home on Earth."

Drake took a sip of his drink and continued to lose himself as he continued to stare outside, trying to forget the events of their past mission.
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Davynn Qech · Graphics Chief Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 809

Qech smiled warmly at Lt. Drake when he entered the room, a smile he returned before heading over to the window. It was then that she noticed Croft. She hadn't been able to properly speak with him since their odd connection in his mind, and while he seemed just fine, she was still concerned about him. Dredging up old nightmares was bad enough without having to witness them being willed into solid reality.

With a smile, she waved him over. "Lieutenant Croft. How are you?"
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Marek · Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2010 8:31 am Post subject:

Croft had been waiting for his opportunity to greet Qech, but she beat him to it. As she addressed him he walked over to her, holding a glass of punch.
"I am much better, in more ways than one." He paused for a moment, then continued,
"I think having an impartial observer has allowed me to accept things that I could not by myself. Hopefully, you will not think less of me after our... situation."
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Davynn Qech · Graphics Chief Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 809

"I am much better, in more ways than one. I think having an impartial observer has allowed me to accept things that I could not by myself. Hopefully, you will not think less of me after our... situation."

Qech looked him in the eye, slowly shaking her head. When she spoke, her voice was slightly hushed, as Calodan's apology to her had been. "As a matter of fact, Xavier, I hold you in even greater respect, if that's possible. If I had to witness..." her voice trailed off as her mind drifted back to her fiance, and his recent murder. It was a place she hated to go, and she couldn't imagine being forced to live out the imagery that her mind had conjured as if it were a holosuite program. She shook her head, willing away the grief that was swelling in her chest. "Well let's just say I admire your strength."
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Marek · Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2010 4:46 pm Post subject:

Croft placed a hand on Qech's shoulder for a moment,
"Thank you. Hopefully you'll be up and a round soon, I think Jim is getting a little too comfortable in your chair." He winked at her, then took another sip of his punch, glancing around at the crew.
"I will say this, I'm glad I'm here to thank you, I was starting to doubt my immortality for a moment there."
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Davynn Qech · Graphics Chief Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 809

"I will say this, I'm glad I'm here to thank you, I was starting to doubt my immortality for a moment there."

Qech laughed. "Blasphemy, my friend. You're as steady as a rock." She took a sip of her punch as well, and smiled. "We can't have people thinking they're conquerable around here, or nothing will get done."
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