SubAccount: Kela Nelois

Looking to Kela, Nira said, "Mister Nelois, open a channel to the Legacy, let's see how Admiral Gillespie is doing."

[Ensign Kela Nelois - USS Horizon - Main Bridge]

Kela nodded his acknowledgement, it took only a few buttons to open communications. Overhearing the mine clearance and various munitions still over the place reminded him of stories and his few memories as a kid of the rebuilding of Betazed during the Dominion War. So much protocol on mines and old weapons that needed disposing of. He hoped it could handled quickly. The sooner this space was safe for civilians the sooner trade could resume and those most affected by these raids could finally get the support they needed.

In his head he was already mentally writing a letter to Mara about his mission, to let her know he was okay and should be expecting to return home soon. Although if he knew the Commander there would probably be some problem that would delay their return. He just hoped it would be a quick distraction as the Admiral vanished from the viewscreen.

"We'll get on it, Admiral. The sooner we resolve this, the better. Horizon out," Nira said. When the admiral was gone, Nira turned to the helm. "Addams, lay in course to the Romulan border, take us to the main platform for the tachyon detection satellite grid. Warp Six. Mister Nelois, help Engineering with the weapons. Everybody else, keep alert for mines. Therem, Aubrey, Fawkes, Dersch, keep an eye on sensors, and have tachyon scans going on our way over."

But they had no sooner were they on their way that they hit a mine themselves, albeit a mine in the form of an adrift torpedo. The impact was such that an explosion of sparks sent Don flying from his console.

"No!" Nira shouted. "Ms. Aubrey, take them helm! Computer, transmit EMH to the bridge!"

A moment later, the Horizon's own EMH appeared, the "twin" of Solaere's. "Please state the nature of the medical emerg..." he stopped when he saw Don. "Ah. I see."

"At least you see what the medical emergency is," Nira said. "Get him to Sickbay, please."

"Well, at least there's no line queuing up that I can expect, like the station," the EMH muttered. "Computer, site to site transport to Sickbay for Lieutenant Don Addams." Don was beamed out and the EMH then transmitted back to Sickbay. Nira sat back, praying for Don to be all right.

Kela recieved his orders to go and assist engineering with repairs. He gave a small internal sigh, this wasn't the first time he was sent to do repair work and he never understood it. He wasn't an engineer. Even during his time in Betazoid Intelligence the most he's done is work in disabling simple firearms or repairing a damaged doorway. He had no training in ship repair.

But even so an order is an order and so after making sure everything was okay he got up from his station and walked to the Turbolift, "Main Engineering" he spoke to the turbolift which quickly began its journey to his desired destination.

But no sooner had it started then the sound of a large explosion hit the ship. Kela wasn't prepared and was thrown back by the explosion, his head hitting the back of the turbolift as the lights went out and emergency lights went on and he crumpled to the floor...

----

Kela awoke a moment later. The red lights of the turbolift dimly lit the room and he saw a few sparks across from him. It didn't look like he was moving. He tried to move but as he moved his head he felt an extreme pain pierce the back of his head, reaching behind him he felt a large cut and a lot of blood. He had to prevent himself from cursing as he dazily looked around. Of course, just his luck! Moments from getting up from his secure and braced seat something happens to the ship! And of course he is trapped in the turbolift, bleeding, with a possible concussion! His mind naturally went to blame the Commander, but he quickly tried to rid his thoughts of that. Of course its not the commanders fault. But she should know he has no training in ship repairs! He was assigned to be Chief Operations on the ship! Not some repairboy!

He tapped his comm badge, "This is ensign Kela, I am stuck in Turbolift 1...need an avacuation to sickbay. What happened?" Hopefully transporter's were still operational or someone could cut through the doors and help him out.

[Commander Nira Said | Bridge | Deck One | USS Horizon NCC-75668-B]

The point-of-impact shielding was working beautifully, although minor damage was let in. The turbolifts were indeed down, but given how many decks there are and the use of the stairwell and maybe even Jefferies Tubes, at the moment, turbolifts weren't needed.

Ruzal looked around and nodded. "It's definitely a good idea. We'd be throwing something with a tractor beam; I have a friend who served on the Titan - who survived Frontier Day, by the way - before it became the new Enterprise, who saw it pulled off twice: Once against the Titan, once when the Titan pulled it off itself."

"Can you guide Mister Nelois to do this, Commander?" Nira asked.

"Certainly; it'll need good timing," Ruzal said. "Mister Nelois, I'll let you know when to put the tractor beam forward and release the asteroid, it'll give it the momentum to get it going, like a typical throwing motion."

"Lieutenant Addams," Nira ordered the helm, "Once they get the asteroid going, get the Horizon on course away."

Once the asteroid was tractored by the Horizon and magnetized, the Horizon set on course in a way to be in close proximity to the mines. In fact, the tractor was arranged to get the asteroid spinning, increasing its magnetism. It was tricky to attract mines magnetically without accidentally having them hit one of the bigger ships, but they managed. Some ships barely got engines back online and were able to back away, although the Quagmire's engines were still out, and it followed along the magnetic attraction before breaking off with thrusters.

By the time they were heading back for a pass at the pirates, the tractored mine was attracting enough mines to make it look like a cloud was following or chasing them. Fortunately, the pirates were hovering above the convoy, in the same way they usually did in corralling victim ships and before they were going to board.

Nira could tell the crews of the convoy, the Carolina and the Bennett, saw what was coming, hence their backing away or getting clear; she had been about to hail them to get clear, but a hail was apparently unnecessary.

"Now, Mister Nelois!" Ruzal shouted.

And like that, the mine was away. The Horizon practically barrel-rolled away off to the side as the asteroid and the mines hurtled past. More than half of the pirate fleet was ready to board the convoys and defeat the Carolina and the Bennett.

Five Birds of Prey and three K'Tingas were destroyed by the impact as the asteroid shredded through, and another two K'Tingas, plus three Birds of Prey were knocked away by the asteroid as its momentum slowed. But the slowed momentum meant the mines caught up and destroyed the rest of the pirates before reaching the asteroid and reducing it to enough smaller pieces of debris that, given its course change to Ciden IV, meant they would end up becoming a shower of meteroids through its atmosphere.

Fifteen Birds of Prey and ten K'Tingas, the half of the fleet aimed at the convoy, were initially destroyed, and only a handful were destroyed by the fire of the Horizon, Carolina and Bennett. The other eleven T'Lisses and six K'Tingas went after the bigger disabled ships, but five T'Lisses and two K'Tingas were destroyed either by the ship fire or by mines as the Horizon went past, and the remnants of the fleet began a retreat, but not before, when the Hood, Ayato and Carlson arrived, having watched the carnage, and the Ayato sent a spread of torpedoes eliminating three of the survivors and one retreating K'Tinga, a demonstration of torpedo boat firepower in an Alita akin to an Akira's. One other K'Tinga was hit by Dersch's manual firing.

"They're retreating! Yes!" cheered Nira, and Ruzal whooped alongside her, the start of cheering on the bridge.

[Ensign Nelois]

Kela was working hard at operations. The battle has been hard fought, but he has worked harder with his crewmates to keep the pirates at bay. Thanks to the idea's of Ruval he had found the idea of using the tractor beam in that way very interesting. Once everything was in place he simply had to wait for the call. It was risky buisness but he knew it would be simple work with his skills.

When the order was given he let the tractor beam release its load and devastate the pirate fleet. Kela couldn't help but smile as he watched them retreat and the ships of Starfleet chase them down. Despite his thoughts on them at times he knew they could get the job done when needed.

Despite this though, he chose not to cheer with the rest of the crew. His training as an intelligence officer made him keep his profressional attitude as he continued to check systems. The Horizon was a small ship, someone needed to remain diligent.

[Commander Nira Said | Bridge | Deck One | USS Horizon NCC-75668-B]

Nira could feel Lindsay's doubts about the ship; she turned around and could see it more clearly in her body language. She smiled warmly and said, "Don't worry, Miss Aubrey; I've served in a similar vessel before with Mister V'Larinn. You're going to be surprised what this ship will be capable of; I know it used to be a yacht, but considering what this ship has, it's like making an ocean-bound ancient yacht into a torpedo boat."

She did hear what Lindsay was telling Don. "What you said makes sense, Miss Aubrey," she said. "I recall in the past two months, in the rare engagements against the pirates, and especially in moments of when they retreat at the sight of more powerful ships, the K'Tingas were more often than not protected by the Birds of Prey."

Nira looked at Kela when he mentioned the Tolstoy was in trouble; three-quarters impulse as a result of capacitor burnout was okay, but old as it was, the Tolstoy could be vulnerable. The information from Fawkes, and then from Therem, made Nira purse her lips.

"They could be backups, we'll need to be sure," Nira said. "Fawkes, commence a tachyon scan; given we know that those ships are old, the tachyons might be more prominent. Mister Therem, keep an eye on that tachyon buildup. Nelois, look for any starships close to Ciden X, besides the Hood and the Quagmire at Solaere. Signal any close starships we'll need help."

"We're entering visual range," V'Larinn said.

"On screen," Nira replied. Nira could see the Tolstoy was protecting the Bennett, in a way, while the Bennett was covering the three Andorian freighters. The three Romulan cruisers, painted with Orion Syndicate colors on their "wings," were surrounding the Tolstoy and the Bennett, and the Birds of Prey were taking shots at them all. They were in time to see some shots disable the engines of one freighter, and for one of the cruisers to fall back and seize them with a tractor beam.

Still, Nira can see one thing: None of the Birds of Prey looked to be protecting the cruisers. Not yet, anyway. And none of them were retreating. If they were aware of the Horizon, they didn't indicate.

"Oh, Allah, that's not good," Nira said worriedly. "I've seen that pattern, before; they're going to board that ship. Lieutenant Addams! Strafing run! V'Larinn! Pulse phasers on those tractor emitters and quantum torpedos on their nacelles; if the cruisers are as important as Miss Aubrey indicates, I want to bring them back to Solaere for analysis before we meet the coming Starfleet convoy."

"Aye, Commander," V'Larinn said, with a tone of voice that told Nira he remembered this: Similarly dealing with raiders also in Romulan ships almost a year previously on the Revenant. She could almost smile in nostalgia.

"Good idea, Said," Ruzal said at Nira's right. "We'll have to see how important they are."

Nira nodded at the Trill aide and then looked back at V'Larinn. "Fire when Lieutenant Addams gets the strafing run going."

"Affirmative."

[Ensign Kela Nelois - Main Bridge USS Horizon]

Kela gave a nod in response before scanning the area for ships. There were a few ships in the area yet very few he could contact. He saw two Starfleet vessels luckily in the area and sent a message requesting their assistance. It took a few minutes of back and forth messages between all 3 ships operations officers but eventually they redirected course and promised their assistance. Kela, out of habit almost responded telepathically to Commander Said but quickly turned around in his chair and spoke audibly.

"I have responses from the USS Carolina and USS Orlov, Centaur and Gagarin class respectively. USS Orlov is currently en route to our position and should arrive in just a few minutes. The USS Carolina is picking up crew from planetside and will be just a few minutes behind the Orlov." he turned back around to his station. Even with 3 ships they were quite outnumbered. He wondered what the Commander had in mind for this operation.

[Commander Nira Said | Bridge | Deck One | USS Horizon NCC-75668-B]

Upon being informed that Lindsay had transported over, Nira tapped into internal comms. "Bridge to Transporter Room. Welcome aboard the Horizon, Ms. Aubrey. Report to the bridge, please."

Seeing as Feeva had elected to head back to Solaere, Nira could understand. Once Lindsay got to the bridge, Nira told her, "Glad you can join us, Ms. Aurbey. Man the Mission Operations station, please." She pointed to the station at her immediate left, normally the third station like on a bigger ship's bridge.

She felt glad by how the Horizon flew, but she can easily tell that it was Don's piloting that made the Horizon feel well and truly like it was a living being capable of flight. She remembered the Revenant's helm officer and smiled inwardly; if only Nathan Cutter had the chance to meet Don Addams. She was especially aware of the gathered crowd in the overlook restaurant cheering them off in a sendoff as they took off, recalling from the gathered crowd she passed as she came aboard; she could see their cheers from the viewscreen.

"Tactical, can you identify the enemy vessels?" Nira said to V'Larinn.

"I detect seven vessels," V'Larinn responded. "Three Romulan cruisers, K'Tinga-class of Romulan make, and four Birds of Prey, T'Liss type II class. All vessels are bearing signatures indicative of Orion pirate vessels."

"The usual kinds of ships that had been attacking us the past two months," Nira replied solemnly.

"Those pirates got to have absolute guts to raid here while the fleet's at the station, even in patrol," muttered Commander Mail in astonishment.

"Not necessarily, although I can agree on the pirates' level of boldness," V'Larinn said. "I will need verification from the other sensor stations," he added, looking around at the other Bridge stations, "but I can determine they're heading toward a small cluster of ships in orbit of Ciden X: three Andorian cargo vessels of cold storage units, and two Starfleet vessels, the Tolstoy and the Bennett; the pirates are heading toward them and in attack formation."

"That makes sense," Nira said. "Attacking a Reliant-class and a Steamrunner-class, as opposed to any other ships in the fleet. One's an older ship, the other's been attacked before, so they'd know weak points. They've singled out the weak link, like a pack of jackals going after two sickly beasts of burden. And for all we know, they're choosing this moment to attack because Solaere's weapons array will be offline while it's reworked."

Nira then looked around herself and directed orders to the bridge crew. "Lieutenant Addams, full impulse power. Take us into an intercept course. Lieutenant Fawkes, Mister Estrevan, verify the sensor readings. Mister Nelois, hail the Tolstoy and the Bennett, let them know we're coming to help. Ms. Aubrey, check for particular patterns in how the pirates are working, and coordinate with Lieutenant Addams. Mister V'Larinn: Raise shields, ready weapons. All hands to battlestations."

[Ensign Kela Nelois - Bridge USS Horizon]

Kela nodded in understanding. He quickly sent a message announcing their arrival, He recieved a response from the Steamrunner-class, USS Tolstoy, first, "Commander, The Tolstoy is reporting engine troubles, in an attempt to outrun the pirates they've overloaded multiple capacitors and are down to only 3/4ths impulse." he relayed the nessecary information to both tactical and engineering. The USS Bennett, the Reliant-class, reported that they were operated within parameters. Their Captain wanted to personally hail the Horizon to thank them for a prompt response but Kela politely replied that he will simply pass on their appreciation and to remain on their current course.

After recieivng reports from both ships he uploaded their flight paths and current trajectories to the pilot and tactical stations. Keeping coordination with the 2 vessels would be important in the coming battle and as the ship went into red alert and the bridge darkened and Kela watched his station light up with more battle relevant information he took a deep breath, this wasn't his first fight, nor did he intend it to be his last. He just hoped this ship would be up to the challenge.

[Continuation of Post #88]

"Noo, onto business," the Admiral stated, then proceeded. "I have called as many department heads and department deputies here today to describe assignments regarding the Horizon: First and foremost, that the Horizon is strictly limited to the Ciden System and the outlying Tarod Sector, and nae further past anywhere unless specified by assignment from Starfleet Command.

"Second, given the situation of the command staff consisting of two Commanders, for the moment, we will look at it like the situation of when the Enterprise-A had her command staff of two Captains, Kirk and Spock respectively, Kirk having captaincy after being demoted from the rank of admiral, and etcetera. Therefore, as main Commanding Officer, Commander Garrison will be remaining command of Outpost Solaere and aboard, unless she needs to command the Horizon. Horizon's command, meantime, goes to Commander Said, who will operate the vessel for inter-sector affairs, patrols, escorts, transportation needs and exploration parties, again etcetera.

"Bear in mind, not all the senior officers can be available to man the Horizon; Commander Said need only take one or two additional senior officers to help her command the Horizon, but the assignments to the Horizon will strictly be for junior officers, and for attachment ship senior staff to be assigned to the department deputies. Civilian volunteers will also be of use aboard the Horizon, especially since the task force sent from the Seventeenth Fleet won't be here forever, at least until the situation with the pirates is resolved.

"And noo, on the subject of the pirates," Gillespie said, changing the subject. "Garrison, Said, yeh each have a mission in regards to them. Garrison, you're to handle the internal matter; this is why we're meeting aboard the Horizon. Commander Mail here and I have been investigating the idea of somebody who is leaking the convoy schedules to the pirates, hence all the trouble yeh have had the past two months. Our investigations into the guts of the outpost have revealed several stations that are used by parties unknown, but are being used to eavesdrop on internal ship comms, even accessing computer systems.

"Additionally, our reviews of the system logs indicate evidences of a sort of hacking involved; access has been gained through use of the command codes of the outpost's previous command staff. I appreciate your wiping those codes from the system," he added, nodding in approval, "but I find it disturbing that somebody is using the codes of Pablo and Nunia Javiera, especially since...since Pablo had been killed in the battle of the Tyra system, and there nae had been a trace of Nunia since the Dominion War ended."

He paused a moment, and Nira wondered about the mention of those names. Did Gillespie know them? And from the way Gillespie spoke of Nunia Javiera, she wondered what was wrong with her.

"In summary," Gillespie finished, "Garrison's mission is to search for the leaker, capture him, her or it, and find oot what their connection is to the pirates. Said, you're to take the Horizon to deal with any further pirate raids. Your first assignment in that regard is to help protect the incoming Federation convoy with the Corps of Engineer ships. I will be remaining around Solaere to assist yeh and to point oot to yeh where to go; yeh will receive details for the convoy escort when yeh meet them, once they arrive at the Tarod Sector in the next few hours."

"I look forward to it, Admiral," Nira said. Then she looked around at those in attendance. "Lieutenant Addams?" she asked of Don. "Counselor Drylo, Ensigns Fawkes, Nelois, V'Larinn, Doctor," she added to the EMH, "I hereby choose you for my senior staff on the Horizon, Addams as acting First Officer. I may have some additional civilians in mind, too, Lindsey Aubrey for helm, when her salvage run of the day is finished, and Therem Estrevan to assist Ensign Feeka at Engineering."

[Ensign Kela Nelois - USS Horizon]

Kela stood at attention of the Admirals and Commanders explaining the situation at hand. The Horizon was a good ship and he was sure it could handle whatever the pirates had. Personally he was glad Starfleet was finally taking a hard stance on this issue. He hoped whoever was assined to the crew would be able to quickly get to work on securing the surrounding space.

What he wasn't expecting was to be one of those people assigned to the ship. It was a valid appointment, yet Kela had never served on a ship before much less worked on one. The closest he ever got was acting as chief of the security detail for a Betazoid diplomat while they transited to a planet. He accepted his orders though as any good officer should. How different could it be from a station console? Would he be able to effectively handle his duties in combat? These thoughts filled his head as he took advantage of the few hours between the meeting and the scheduled time for Horizon's departure to inform his family.
---

"Wasn't your commission specifically to help man this station? Why are they having you go on a ship now?" Mara asked him.

"It's not my choice. The Horizon is an assigned ship to the station. By regulations it is considered a part of the station and its crew can be used however between both vessels. I would not worry though dear. At most we will be gone just a few days while he conduct our search and initial tests of the ship."

Mara gave a small sigh before walking up and giving her husband a hug. Kela could sense her confidence in him yet her fear. Pirates could be anywhere and all it would take is a lucky shot and she would lose her husband forever, "Make sure you message back when you can. When Zexala returns from the day center I will tell her where you are. Stay safe!" she gave a confident smile yet her typically bright demeanor always cracked whenever Kela would leave on missions like this, it was the part of his job she never got used too.

[PRESENT DAY]
[Commander Nira Said | Bridge | Deck One | USS Horizon NCC-75668-B]

Nira was at the Horizon's conn and was ready. Ruzal Mail sat at First Officer position, Kela next to her. Fawkes was at the science station next to Feeva, who manned Mission Ops, which was more akin to the third chair on a big Starship bridge, the chair most used by Counselor Troi in the days she served on Enterprises D and E. Nira had Don at the helm, while behind, V'Larinn manned Tactical, as Therem took the station across from him. Nira had just finished writing a text order to Lindsay Aubrey; she notified her to beam over to the Horizon once she was able to.

"Commander, Ops has cleared us for departure," Ruzal notified. "Space doors have opened."

"Alright, Lieutenant, take us out at quarter impulse," Nira ordered Don. "I can promise a worthy flight, Don. She's not the Martha, but the Horizon will do beautifully."

Kela took a seat at the Ops console. He was glad for the most part it was similar to the systems he trained on for station duties but he had to admit he felt like an old man looking at new technology among all of the younger officers taking their positions and handling their duties without a second thought. For a few minutes while they waiting for approval to leave the station he explored the console to make sure everything was in order and he could quickly find what information he needed when he needed it. He made sure to keep his thoughts hidden, their were many Betazoids on the bridge and he didn't want them sensing what he was feeling.

"All systems functioning Commander. All crew reporting in." he spoke looking up from his console.

[Mara Nelois - Zexala Nelois - Kela Nelois - Promenade - Outpost Solaere]

"Now now, Zexala dear. How many times to I have to tell you to sit up when you are eating your food." Mara Nelois sighed in the direction of her daughter.

Zexala for her part, was finding no joy in eating her dinner, fish and chips was absolutely not what she wanted. She gave a small "humpf!" as she sunk deeper in her seat.

"Zexala Nelois! When your father arrives he will agree with me and then there will be punishments. If you wish to get something else we must use our words and communicate, we must not throw fits like this."

Zexala continued to be a problem as the door to the restaurant opened and Mara saw Kela enter, adjust his uniform and take a look around.

"This way Imzadi." she spoke telepathically and gave a threatening side-eye to Zexala

Kela noticed them and walked over, his small smile was gone though once he saw his the situation his own daughter was in. Simply taking a seat he grabbed her plate and set it further away.
"Zexala. Let's not do this now. Let us wait until we get back home."

His tone gave no room for negotiation. As her father who was busy with work when he gave an order even teh child Zexala didn't have it in her to continue the fight. After a moment of thinking it over she chose to sit up and after Kela had himself ready with a meal he handed it back to Zexala who began to eat with them all.

"How was work today dear? I heard there's been some exitement over a few ships arriving today."
"It was busy, many systems needed repairing but yes. We have a new duty ship to help patrol the sector. A newer design too."

"Hopefully that will finally help put an end to this pirate buisness!" Mara responded as she took a sip of her drink
Kela gave a small nod but shook his head, "Unfortunately it may not be that simple. But the Commander's are competent. They probably have something lined up for us to deal with them."

Mara let out a small snort and smile "Of course they're competent Imzadi, one of them is family and the other is one of her most trusted friends. I'd expect nothing but the best from those two." Always the optimist Kela always had to appreciate her unwavering faith in people, even if that faith also applied to some of the less...amicable members of her family.
"Of course Mara, I was just saying. Hopefully in a few months we can fully get rid of this threat to the station."

Mara smiled and paused her eating to gaze at her husband. Despite their empathetic abilities he seemed oblivious to her gaze but she couldn't help it. She always had to appreciate his determination, even if it got a bit out of hand at times. He was a rock that she could always lean on. She had to admit that the pirate attacks had her worried a little bit for her and Zexala but recieving updates from Kela and his hard work with the rest of the crew to keep the station safe and stop the pirates kept her fears at bay. With her husband around she couldn't imagine anything ever happening to this station, or her.

She gave a small sigh and went back to her food, time to change the subject, "Well if it's any consolation to you, I'm sure you'd rather be here chasing pirates then back on Betazed. I recently got a communication from our family that Cousin Deiran..."

[Ensign Nelois - Maintenance corrider - Outpost Solaere]

Kela swore under his breathe as he fumbled some wires and shocked himself. He'd been running throughout the station all day helping with fixing the weapons systems and maintenance. After he helped get some phaser arrays getting the power they needed to work they accidentally overloaded a coupling so here he was now replacing it. He grabbed his tools and took a few snips to remove it and set the partially ruined wires in his bag, maybe the Chief Engineer could find a good use to recycle it.

He knew of the new ship coming in and there was a lot of buzz about that. Personally he was glad to be the quiet corriders of the far off areas of the station. He wasn't the best in crowded spaces and the senior officers all being around to inspect the ship and handle the new crew would've meant he would have to inevitably introduce himself to everyone in order to process them. Such is the duties as an ops officer in Starfleet. A part of him was happy though, he was glad the station had managed to turn itself around so quickly, he had misjudged his seniro officers they knew how to operate a station like this well. His wife and kid were likewise getting used to the ship. Zexala had already made a few friends and the amount of Betazoids on the ship as well made it so she could still speak and interact with people of her species and culture.

He finished fusing the new wires together and tapped his badge to let the other crewman he was working with know his job was complete. Looking at the time it appeared more time had passed then he thought. That new ship had to have arrived by now...perhaps he could take a trip to the promenade to check things out before he got new orders...

[[Outpost Solaere - Deck One - Operations Center]]

Lieutenant Danjar-Torra Addams
[Outpost Solaere - Deck One - Operations Center]
.
At the Commander's orders Torra reached out to Nelois to cover Ops for her.

No sooner had the request been made than a call from Captain Galloway was patched through.

[Ensign Kela Nelois - Main ops - Outpost Solaere]

Kela was all over the ship today. Most of their crew problems at this point were mainly filled, although engineers were always a luxury working on the weapons systems with Lt. Aune was not his specialty. He mainly worked with software and security programs during his time in Betazoid Intelligence and having to work with wires and power transfers was unfamiliar to him. Thankfully the work was peaceful yet after only a few hours he was called up to main ops to take over for Lieutenant Torra-Addams.

He arrived and while he knew that the USS Challenger was escorting a new ship for them its arrival meant Kela couldn't even grab something to drink before he had to sit at his desk and send a very unceremonious message a few berthed ships that Starfleet vessels will be posted on the port side of the station for a day and because of that only around 30% of their bays will be available. He saw the complaints come in but simply filed them away for his reports and an automated message directing them to the stations port master. Afterward he was in constant communications with the USS Challenger's operations officer to make sure everything was going smoothly for everyone with multiple crews intermingling throughout the day.

[Ensign Kela Nelois - Outpost Solaere]

"No no! I told you I needed those replicator materials on the carts right away!"

Kela gave an annoyed sigh as a crewman quickly nodded and pushed a crate full of raw materials for the replicators towards the door where carts where waiting to take it away. Kela could sense the crewmans annoyance at his tone but he didn't care. He had a job to do and if people were affecting that job he would make sure it was fixed. The civilian captain of this ship was pacing just outside the entrance of his ship. His ship was raided by pirates just a few days earlier and over half of his cargo manifest was taken. Kela felt a little bad, it was the responsibility of Starfleet to ensure the protection of the tradelanes yet his pacing wasn't helping.

"Hey bossman!" The Captain approached, "Any news on the transfer?"

"As I've told you already Captain Peterson. All of our berths are full. Once we unload your cargo you will have to unattach and move your ship to the assigned coordinates...still well within the range of the stations sensors and weapons" Kela responded unenthusiastically, not even looking up from his pad as he continued to run some numbers.

"Well this is just ridiculous. I pay my fees for docking and have the proper paperwork. Run my route through these pirate infested lanes and now I can't even let my crew rest? Contact your superior. Surely you'll have an opening!"

"Captain Your crew are more then welcome to use our transports or shuttles. The station still has plenty of rooms available to be given to your crew." He has been answering this mans questions for the past hour and after hearing about how his crew needed rest and the constant pirate attacks for the 7th time was starting to get old. He was tired too with the pirate news, and seeing this quiet part of space get more dangerous was also on his mind for his wife and daughter. So the Captains concerns were falling on quite deaf ears.

Captain Peterson gave a big sigh and walked back to his ship to begin pacing again. Kela gave a small sigh of relief at his departure as he continued to monitor the supplies for his report back to the Lieutenant. Hopefully this pirate outbreak can be solved soon...

[Lt. JG JB Dersch - Administration building]

Dersch stood ready, He as always on away missions had a phaser attached to his hip. Dersch moved to stand next to Kela. "What do you think this meetings About? What I had heard our very first meeting with them ended badly, Oh and thanks for allowing Zexala to speak with Katie, there's not many kids her age on the station, Plus it seems like they get along really well" JB then looked around, The building was not really pretty in the ideal sense of Architech. But it seemed it did the job it was being asked todo, Now the insides...They were about to find out.

[Ensign Kela Nelois - New Jericho Administration building]

Kela, for his part was here for his job, he was on duty now and on duty Kela was quite different from off duty Kela. He had no opinions on JB and was glad that Zexala and Katie seemed to find some common ground. But on the man himself Kela couldn't say he's spoken to him enough so when he suddenly came up with such casual topics right in front of the Commanders and their delegation he was a little surprised, in his mind it was a little unproffessional. But he kept his face neutral,

"A new Governor is in New Jericho. We are here to meet with them." he said. "Of course. It was my intention to have Zexala meet people her age. She's not very familiar with outside cultures, this is her first time off-world actually. So hopefully this can help her learn things as well. We can't keep her in our quarters at all times after all. I hope they get along well in the future." he of course couldn't care less, Zexala was allowed to be friends with whoever she wanted. But he hoped they got along, it would give him a chance to get closer to Katie's parents and continue building connections on the station.

[[Outpost Solaere - Nelois' Personal Quarters]]

Lieutenant Danjar-Torra Addams
[Outpost Solaere - Nelois' Personal Quarters] (after S1E1)

Finished with her salad now, Torra politely it is to the side, noting Kela heading to the replicator for what she assumed was the main course.  She nodded her head in response to his reaction to her early years with the Fleet.   "Yes, it was rather difficult; but as you say... I believe I've found the department where I belong, and while I do miss my upsol on the USS Discovery, I think I can do a lot of good here on Solaere."

She had a lot of empathy for the Romulan refugees who had been basically abandoned or used as pawns by the many Romulan factions fighting for territorial control those first 10 years after Hobus.  Torra had witnessed first hand many of the hardships the Romulan people had faced, during her time on Discovery - a ship assigned to help the Romulan people regain stability in their area.  The Captain and his crew were somewhat regarded as heroes to those that knew how much they had aided in the formation of the Romulan Free State.

She sometimes wondered if that's why so many of the Starfleet senior officers on the station were picked from Discovery - because Fleet Headquarters thought they might have a bit more sway with the refugees.

Dismissing that thought for now, Torra refocused on Kela as he stood at the replicator.   "What about you?  What makes Operations so appealing to you?"

Kela grabbed her plate and went to the replicator, allowing it to get rid of the dirty dishes he stealthily removed "Nelois Main Course 1" from the queue and replaced it with a hastily made, "Nelois Main Course 2" "for me? Oh I don't know." he said, as the replicator went to work making the main course, "Starfleet went out to all the planets asking for skilled personnel after Frontier day. I volunteered to take a commission and they seemed more interested in just getting me somewhere then what department it was actually in so I just went into operations as my job in Intelligence was a data analysist, investigator and security. I simply picked the one I thought I'd be more useful in."

The food had finished and he grabbed it, remembering the right hand was the vegan variety for the Lieutenant. It was a type of Betazoid pasta, a cold dish made of a dressing and few fruits from Betazoid giving a very juicy texture and as it mixes with the pasta and sauce gives a very rich flavour. As he set the food down he took a seat, "I have only been on the station for a few days but I hope I can be useful in my position. Its a terrible tragedy what happened to Starfleet that day. Everyone is working to help rebuild and move on from that disastor. I am from the first house and my cousins have even restarted our old dockyards to help Starfleet rebuild their ships." he took a moment to wonder if it was entirely appropriate to be talking about Frontier Day in front of an actual Starfleet Officer, to her it was probably something traumatic, but to him simply a tragedy.

He quickly changed the subject, "This is a Betazoid dish we call Ralacha. It's similar to pasta on Earth or Klingon Gladst but cold. The fruits are Uttaberry, a few Jestral Leaves and Chama mixed together. Gives a good sweet and savory flavour when mixed with the sauce...which is just some vinegar and a few spices. My estate on Betazed is in the mountains and there is this very sweet berry that grows there. Sometimes we like to make a Syrup of it and make Hot Ralacha with that on top. It is very good in my opinion. But this is a more traditional take on the dish.". Realzing he is starting to talk too much about food he took his utensils and took a bite. Good of course but he knew his homemade Ralacha is better.

[Commander Nira Said | Promenade | Deck 10 | Outpost Solarere]

Nira smiled in delight that the Nelois family never strictly adhered to the First House's oath of silence. In a way, it made her relate to them, and she began to realize: She'd be just as casual as her parents and Aunt Mesi were about their oaths of silence, if they were still alive and she still joined the First House, as much as she was now a casual Muslim, being raised in Arabia as she is. And she raised an eyebrow with interest at mention that Kela's wife was related to Aadul.

"Aadul?" she said. "As in Aadul Artuk? He's my paternal grandfather. I may have to meet Mara later...and I understand. I was raised on Earth's Arabia, but I don't strictly adhere to my religious upbringing in the same way. We can talk later, Mister Nelois...although..."

A thought occurred to her and she momentarily came to Kela before he could head for lunch. "I was wondering if you'd like to accompany me and Commander Garrison planetside later to meet with the colonial administration. We are going to need a diplomatic retinue."

[Ensign Kela Nelois - Promenade Deck 10 - Outpost Solaere]

Kela nodded in understanding, he was off duty but orders are orders. Zexala and Mara were going to be sad but at worst it would be a day and at best just a few hours. It would give them a chance to relax more and settle down before he got back. "Of course Commander. I can be ready to head down with the away by the time its ready to launch. If I could get the details sent to my PADD I can get ready then."

Zexala was still distracted when he came back with food and he said goodbye to all the gathered officers and they ate their food. Zexala was a fast eater and while Kela was not even halfway done with his food Zexala passed the time by talking to her father about all the updates on her life, about her friends at school, her mother, the trip from Betazed, everything. When he finished they cleaned up and returned to their quarters so Kela could get ready for his mission. Mara was still asleep so Kela allowed Mara to watch some holovids and play with toys by the time he left to go to New Jericho.

[Commander Nira Said | Transporter Room One >- Entryway | Deck Six >- Administration Center/Meeting Hall | Outpost Solaere >- New Jericho]

Soon they materialized at New Jericho in front of the administration center, or what is often referred to by the locals as the "Meeting Hall," as understandable when the Vulcan that greeted them called it that. Nira looked around before she followed. It was windy, whipping up sand, but it wasn't a sandstorm, thank Allah. It was still a widespread city, but like lots of Federation colonies, they were built in a way to remind Nira of plenty of cities in Arabia. Unlike most Federation colonies, however, it was around long enough that buildings were taller and the city more widespread.

The one good thing about this wind was that it meant there was nobody around to glare and gnash their teeth their way, as had been the case in Nira's previous visits to New Jericho. Maybe it was the start of a sandstorm, maybe not. Nira was also glad that they took the transporters, unlike her previous visits when she took a runabout down; with the increasing hostility felt from the locals, punctated by her last visit when manure was thrown at the team, she had been worried about leaving the runabout be in a hostile place.

Nira followed Ambassador Sirak to the administration center, easily one of the biggest structures in New Jericho. She also had hopes they'd meet different members of the administration, rather than the likes of those people like Roshard and Xolo, and even if they were included, maybe this time they'd reach more friendlier ears. Even if it meant meeting the full council of administrators or even New Jericho's governor.

She looked off in the direction to the right with her eyes; that was where the bunker keeping the illegal armory was. But she followed on.

[Administration building]

Kela materialized with the rest of the away team. He had a PADD with him, a tricorder and a phaser. As an operations officer he was primarily going to help with logistics and managing the talks but with his security experience he would be a valuable asset if things ever went downhill. His face remained neutral as he walked down the corriders. This was admittedly his first time on the planet. He found his skills translated to Starfleet best Station-side but he had to admit these people made a nice enough life for themselves here. A shame though the corruption and crime must be so prevalent.

He stayed aware of his surroundings but maintained a calm demeanor. He has done security and admin jobs like this hundreds of times in the past. This was nothing new as he followed the Vulcan diplomat and his superior officers.

[Commander Nira Said | Promenade | Deck 10 | Outpost Solarere]

Nira shook Sherry's hand and raised an eyebrow. Is she an Ambassador? Well, she certainly wasn't informed of her arrival.

"Well, I can arrange a tour sometime later, we may have a busy afternoon ahead of us later," Nira said. Considering she mentioned she was an ambassador, Nira made a note of her; considering what's going to discussed when they meet with the colonial administration when they get to New Jericho, Nira noted she could potentially come in handy. Then she looked around and realized Dersch was there with his children, as well as Kela Nelois and his wife.

"Mister Dersch, Mister Nelois, good to meet your and your families," she added. Damn, they were so packed, she hoped they weren't blocking traffic...she decided merely to listen. "How is Kate Marie?" She felt to refer to Dersch's second child thus to discern, since she was the second child named Kate, when there was a Katie already. But some words from Nelois' daughter made gave her pause.

"Wait...you all are also from the First House?" said Nira in surprise. "So am I...but I come from the bulk of the family, and they have strict oaths of silence, they never interact with non-telepaths; I was raised on Earth, hence why I never took such an oath....I'm so sorry if I seem surprised, I only ever met the rest of the First House when I went to Betazed...they never did like me since I was so...different," she added with a shrug.

[Ensign Nelois - Promenade deck 10 - Outpost Solaere]

Kela gave a curt nod to the Commander, technically off duty he didn't have to stand at attention, plus as he's learned in his few months here his superior officers tend to be more casual then he expected. He had a few thoughts on that matter but they didn't matter. He saw Zexala was already distracted with Dersch's daughter introducing herself and was about to excuse himself after some small talk when he heard Nira talk in his direction.

Kela spent 1 too many seconds at figuring out an answer to his Commanders question. He was never too interested in discussing the complicated family politics of Betazoid nobility and considered it a blessing that the main branch, while close cousins, were still just cousins to the Neloises. Hence why he always tried to tiptoe around the Commander, not wanting to get into an awkward conversation. He couldn't blame Zexala though, she didn't know. Nontheless he wished Mara were here. She'd know how to handle this, "Ahh...yeah. Aadul is my wife Mara's Great-Uncle..." he tried to maintain eye contact but didn't exactly know what to say. He didn't exactly think his in-laws were bad people but clearly there was something lingering there if the Commander thought it was okay to mention this to him in public. "There's no need to be surprised Commander I travel a lot for my work and our estate is up in the mountains. We haven't gotten out as much as we should I do admit. And anyway...our family- my family...obviously...doesn't strictly adhere to the vow of silence. I wasn't born into the first house and it would impede my job, plus Mara never much approved of it anyway." He did feel a little bad though hearing his cousins didn't approve of her, reminded him of himself integrating into their family after his marriage but again, as an outsider himself, he was at a loss for words, "A shame we couldn't have met earlier then when you were on Betazoid Commander I remember hearing a little of a cousin visiting from my wife but I was on a mission at the time. I'm sure my wife would love to meet you though."

He gave a half-hearted smile but to be honest his mind was a little distracted with his previous plans. Seeing Dersch give the go-ahead to go get food he gave a small nod of respect to Nira, We were just about to grab lunch. I will be back in a few minutes...excuse me.

[Well, She gets he humor from her mother...Lets just hope that Kate Marie has mine.]

[Lt. JG JB Dersch | Deputy Chief Sec/Tac Officer | Promenade | Deck 10]
[NPC Katie Dersch | Promenade | Deck 10]

"Ya, Lindsey has some skill. I think one day they are gunna be of use t'us. But as of right now, everything we 'ave on her points t'armless shenanigans." JB agreed.. "True, By the way, Once I show Katie around, I would to speak to you in private about her"

Then Aune saw Katie even through she was 7, She was still weary of other people, But JB had taught her that. "Hi Katie. I'm Sven. I work with yer dad. He keeps this station safe." He gave her a friendly smile and offered a fist for a fist bump. "E's a great officer, an' I bet he makes great dad too." Katie returned the fist bump offer. "Yes He is, Just don't give him a phaser if he's around a Tholian....." Katie said smiling a bit. Well, She gets he humor from her mother...Lets just hope that Kate Marie has mine.. But Katie was right, After a certain mission he has keep Secert to him and the Washington crew, The Tholians weren't exactly on his nice list.

JB then noticed Kela walking over with his daughter. "Hello Lieutenant. I hope your day is going well so far. This is my daughter Zexala, she and my wife just on arrived on the station today so I'm giving her a little tour of things before I am busy with work again." Dersch looked to them. "Understandable, Katies only with me due to Olivia needing some time to rest while the baby sleeps, Plus she wanted to she how my daily activity went So I figured it would be a good time to show her around." Katie then spoke. "Which seems to be a whole lotta nothing"

"Hello. I am Zexala of the First House. Daughter of Mara Nelois. It's great to meet you!"
. Katie left JB and walked up to Zexala. And held her hand out. "Hello I am Katie...If I may ask...Are you a Betazoid?...." Katie asked.

"I'll go get us food now, you can stay if you wish while I order it." he looked up at Lt. Dersch implying he was looking for permission before heading to one of the many food stalls.

JB laughed a bit. "Shes okay, I can watch her, I might as well get used to watching two girls, Once the other one starts walking its gonna be hell on wheels, At least the qaruters are already baby proofed." JB said a little laugh.

[Zexala Nelois - Promenade deck 10 - Outpost Solaere]

Zexala paused for a moment, this was the first time anyone has ever asked her if she was Betazoid and it gave her a bit confusion at first. She has met aliens before, and had met human diplomats but her experience with aliens is still developing. Maybe its normal for Humans to ask questions like this?

"Of course I'm Betazoid! My parents are both Betazoid too!" She smiled politely. She's never met an alien around her age and didn't exactly know what to talk about but maybe she likes some things she likes?

"Do you like Ballem? It's my favorite game!" a popular sport for kids in her class whenever they would be let outside Zexala always liked to beat the other kids. It was a simple game of simply hitting a ball in the air and working alone or in a team to prevent it from hitting the ground. She hoped Katie also liked sports, but she would understand if she didn't, some of her friends back home preferred to stay inside and do art or watch holomovies. She liked those as well.

[At least Katie will have some people to be here with, Not just herself.]

[Lt. JG JB Dersch | Deputy Chief Sec/Tac Officer | Promenade | Deck 10]
NPC Katie Dersch | Promenade | Deck 10]

JB walked into the Promenade with Katie, It had been a month since Olivia gave birth to their new daughter, Kate Marie Dersch. Man that made him proud, He was now a father to girls. The Reason Katie was with him was he had promised to show her around and show what he did while on duty. He walked into the Promenade. He saw Aune. And walked up to him. Katie stayed closed to JB, Not scared but just she liked to stay close.

"Hey Aune, Hows it going? Heard Lindsey got out again, Damn that Woman is giving us the run for the money ain't She?" He said with a laugh. Katie peered around at everyone.

"Oh, Aune, This is my 6 year old Daugther, Katie, Wifey, Needed some rest time, Since she had our Newborn daughter down for a nap finally, So I took her out to show her what We did here on the station and allow her to meet and greet some other officers, Katie...This is Stryker Aune, Hes me my boss and Chief on the station"

Katie peered at the ain't. And Gave a little wave. "Hello Lt. Aune" But she also waved at Ensign Nelois daughter as they walked in. At least Katie will have some people to be here with, Not just herself.

[Ensign Nelois - Deck 10 Promenade - Outpost Solaere]
[Zexala Nelois - Deck 10 Promenade - Outpost Solaere]

Kela walked to main dining area, there was a replimat, a few local restaurants and a common area with the bar. Almost immediately he saw a few of his fellow officers around in conversation. He saw Lt. Aune and Dersch speaking. Dersch seemed to have his daughter with him and when she waved at them Zexala quickly waved back and smiled. He was glad a few of his co-workers also had kids, another excuse for Mara to invite them over(not that she needed one anyway). With a small smile he walked over, "Hello Lieutenant. I hope your day is going well so far. This is my daughter Zexala, she and my wife just on arrived on the station today so I'm giving her a little tour of things before I am busy with work again." he looked down at his daughter who, used to being around many people, wasn't very nervous and quickly waved at Katie, "Hello. I am Zexala of the First House. Daughter of Mara Nelois. It's great to meet you!"

Kela gave a little smirk at her formal greeting. He supposed there are some habits that are hard to break. He turned to Lt. Aune and his companion, he kept his face stoic as he quickly sensed both their lingering animosity towards each other and decided to not get involved in that. Although he considered the Lieutenant his only real friend here. They've worked out a few times together and his straight forward attitude was always appreciated by Kela. "Hello Lieutenant Aune. Ma'am" he gave a respectful nod to the woman before turning to Zexala was still with Katie, "I'll go get us food now, you can stay if you wish while I order it." he looked up at Lt. Dersch implying he was looking for permission before heading to one of the many food stalls.

Zexala for herself nodded her understanding.

[As Steve]

Steve circled around the little family, squeaking in a farewell as they headed off to get food.  That reminded him, Meatballs. It looked like they were heading over to the restaurant with the meatballs too. (There weren't any other restaurants, and alcohol did nothing for the raptor anyways. )

A nice Norwegian man with stocky features and a kindly face smiled as the family came in "œAllo! What may I get for you today?

Kela walked over to the man, he wasn't the most familiar with Earth cuisine but knew all the famous foods and food that was similar to ones on Betazed. "I would just like 2 of your meatball bowls please. Do you also happen to have fried potatoes...uhm...fries!" he thought for a moment and snapped his fingers once he remembered the name.