S2 - M11 - The Gathering of Angels

[Hrafn Falleg]

[katra station - sickbay]

While sat on the floor in office meditating with a loud purring sapphire beside him dr Ta Li Yo-na was deep in to his session but suddenly aware of his name being mentioned

Sapphire jumped into her bed as the big Klingon lumbering to his feet called through to the main bay area "hello did someone call me" putting his rugged head round the door and seeing the nanny "ah Christa welcome come through" the dr said with a gesture of waving his arm "so how can I help you today would you like a drink"

[Sickbay > Dr. Yona's consulting room]

[As NPC Crista Le Prant, Falleg's Nanny]

"Ah excellent, yes it was me!" Crista said and moved to his room "Hello gorgeous!" she said crouching and fussing Sapphire before sitting in the seat for patients.

"Sorry if you were in the middle of something but I don't want this right round the ship, and I understand about Doctor-Patient confidentiality but I feel better telling someone who I trust!" she said with a smile. "Especially since it's quite personal.  So that was you or Dr t'Lhoell really, if possible as it wasn't particularly urgent."

"I'd love a cup of English tea, milk, no sugar if that's possible please."

She waited until he got the drink and took a sip.  "Aaah bliss thank you.  Well it's like this.  I'm an older lady, 45, I'm getting married and James and I would quite like to have a baby together... " she blurted out.  She shook her head and said "OK that didn't come out well let me start again!"

She took another swig of her tea, took a deep steadying breath and started again.

"I'll have to go back a little bit because let's face it even though I'm older, having a kid with the awesome doctors and medical staff here shouldn't be an issue, but there's a reason I became a nanny.  Half of it is - I love kids, and you've met Hrafn's, they're adorable.  I fell into the job by chance and it was totally my salvation.  Hrafn won't mind me saying because first the story is sweet, and second you've been adopted by the family!  She wouldn't have left you birthday gifts before she set off for the Discovery and arranged for cream cakes if you weren't family let me tell you that!" Crista chuckled.

"Well, long story short as I can make it.  She, Hrafn, was on a shopping trip to DS9 from Bajor just after she'd had Lamar, who was hungry and needed a diaper change, someone grabbed one of her bags of shopping and ran off with it knocking Nerys down and she skinned her knee and started crying in the process and Tidu started crying because Nerys was crying and his Mom had promised jumja sticks and they hadn't got them yet.  Poor Hrafn looked like she just wanted to fall to the floor and cry too, totally frazzled, not the self-assured woman we know and love. The thief came my way and I pushed over a cart of some fruit, he tripped and I got her bag back, the station security got the thief and then when I got back to Hrafn, I gently led her to the nearest cafe, some instinct in me got her a cup of tea rather like what I'm drinking now, I explained that I had lived in England for years but came from the deep south of America.  Offered to take Lamar for a moment and clean his bum, cleaned up Nery's knee and kissed the booboo better and that was it.  She couldn't thank me enough, I offered to help out while she was there and then the kids didn't want me to leave, thing is... my partner back then had just left me and I'd lost a baby, again... I have a long long history of miscarriages.  But, since I had no partner, no job because I'd worked for him and he sacked me, and I had all the love for kids and no kid to give it to... so I'd lavished it on Hrafn's and fallen in love with them.  And so when she asked me if I would go with her and be her nanny full time... I had nothing keeping me on DS9 and so here I am!"

She drank more of her tea and smiled.  "So on a medical side of things... what can be done to help me not miscarry again? Is there any hope, is it even worth not having my injection that I've had so religiously because while until recently I didn't have a steady relationship so there was no danger of me becoming pregnant... I didn't want to risk it, or the potential heartache, but now??? I have James, I'm happy, we've both said that if a kid comes along we'd love it... he knows all of what I've just told you and is happy enough if we never do, he loves being Uncle James too... but yeah... help?! I don't mind if you want to consult Dr. t'Lhoell on this one, her being a lady, either."

[L'mar Camili Rhade]

[ Ensign L'mar Rhade ] - [ Katra Station - Main Engineering ]

There weren't many Caitian holidays, well that didn't involve some form of ritualistic combat and those weren't in the coming days, but luckily Rhade is half human as well. So that meant he had celebrated a few Human holidays, including Christmas, because of his father. Funnily enough his parents were returning to Katra for the celebrations, his mother is to perform a few of her various holiday songs and dances. His father was to help with the refits as they both were on board the inbound Challenger, they needed all the help they could get.

"Sir, the new Republic embassy is up and running, here is the report on it." Valak said as the Vulcan offered a padd.

"Thank you, I wisssh I wasss herrre to have helped." L'mar said with a frown since the Healy didn't really need to do anything during her patrol, so most of the crew had just conducted regular maintenance and longer off duty time. Some did extra training while others had to just wait for something to happen.

"You had Healy duty, orders are orders, however, your presence was missed." Valak said with a slight smile.

"That meansss a lot. And trrrue, well I hope the celebrrrationsss won't get interrrupted." L'mar said with a soft growl.

"I hear you sir and pray that they don't. Though we should remain vigilant." Rune said as he joined them at the situation table at the back of the room.

Morgan was elsewhere, probably on the Healy doing a series of checks on the New Orleans class's engines and warp core. Who knows what the Thinker's shuttle may have done covertly to any ships in range.

Rhade had wanted to do a systems evaluation on the station but things were happening soon and he may not have enough time to get it complete in time.

"I heard your parents are coming back. Your mother is on the events guide." Calabrass said with a smile.

"Yesss. Fatherrr is helping the drydock staff with some projects." L'mar said though not sure how much to give away from his father's message, it was encrypted afterall. "I hope to help too." L'mar added.

"I am confident you will," Valak said, "I too hope to take part." The Vulcan nodded.

"Of course I will be as well, no doubt." Calabrass said, smirking.

"Okay back to worrrk." L'mar said and eyed them each until each left.

[Tess tLhoell]

Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell
[Katra Station - OCC]

Lt Cmdr Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck One - OCC]

Rayek accepted Fvienn with a bit of a chuckle when Tess opted to pass the baby over to him, rather than ask him to do the pre-order.  But that was alright by him, he loved to hold their son.  Fvienn, who had been born weighing 4.2 kg, on the top end of normal, had a Vulcanoid's heavy bone density.  And though Fvienn had been rather long and slender when first born, his constant feeding had given the infant a definite chubbiness to his features now.

From his periphery, Rayek noted Ensign Ricci peeking his way over her console, obviously trying to get a look at the baby.  So while Tess was making the pre-order (he trusted her to pick items that would be edible to both their species), Rayek walked over towards the Ops station and to the beaming Rebecca.

"Oh my! He's so adorable!" she gushed leaning nearer to get a better look at the baby.  Fvienn paused sucking on his fist to reach out his hand towards the woman.

"Oh I miss my own being this age." the Ensign commented, then nodded her head in appreciation towards Rayek for being given the opportunity to see the baby close up.   "You know, sir.  If you ever need a sitter at a time I'm not on shift..."

She didn't get to finish the comment as an departing ship drew her attention away from the baby and back to her duties.   Rayek nodded acknowledging the Ensign's offer before he moved back towards Tess as she finished with the pre-order.

He smiled to his wife.   "Another offer to babysit." he pointed out.

Though there had been very little need for a sitter so far - either Tess or himself had been present most of the time - they had asked Phara t'Movel if she would serve as their son's ' on-call nanny'.  They had requested this prior to the baby's birth in anticipation of potential Red Alert situations that would require both he and Tess be on duty.

When they had suggested the idea to Phara, back before the baby was born, they had envisioned the woman retaining her seamstress business and just assisting during emergencies.  Yet unexpectedly, just days after Fvienn's birth, the Romulan woman announced the sale of her seamstress business.

Concerned, Rayek had investigated the reason for this and learned that Lared's salvage business, which he had thought was solvent, actually had been undercut by a Pakled competitor for the past year and was sadly running in the red.   Of course, as refugees, the Romulan family was guaranteed a decent standard of living, but Rayek recognized that that would not be acceptable to Lared.  The Romulan's mnhei'sahe encouraged independence and self-sufficiency - living solely off of Federation without a means of repayment would not sit well with any Romulan, Lared tr'Movel was no exception.

Phara sold her business to pay down their debt and both Tordel and Lared were now prepping to take the Academy entrance exam.   Discovering this, Rayek had suggested to Tess that having Phara assist with the baby full-time would be beneficial to both her and the baby - preventing her from being over-whelmed.   Thankfully, Tess had agreed.

"At this rate, we won't need to spend an evening at home with our son for his first three years." he joked, amused that nearly every female offered to watch their son, 'whenever you two need a few hours to yourselves'.

At present however, he just wanted Eli to call back or arrive so that he could go on lunch-break with his wife and son.

Tess half listened to the conversation between Rayek and Ensign Ricci while she pre-ordered their lunch. When he returned to her, she smiled at his words, nodding over to Rebecca with a smile. It was really nice how many offered their help to them. While she tried to keep the time away from Fvienn as limited as possible it was nice to know that there would be people to help out, especially Phara.

"Good to know we never will have to worry about that", Tess chuckled. She left Fvienn with Rayek, thinking he might enjoy holding him for a while now.

After the OCC was taken care of, Tess left with Rayek and the baby boy to head to deck 14 where the IDIC restaurant was located. "Did you just want to pick the food up and go the aboretum or one of the observation lounges to eat or try to get a spot to sit right there?", Tess asked after the doors of the turbolift had closed and she had announced the deck. While she waited for Rayek to answer she regarded her husband with their son. She loved to see how he looked at the child, the way he held him as if he was the most precious thing to him. And she knew that that was actually true.

NPC Juraan Ren
[Aboard the 'Wonderland' - Trialus system]

NPC Cathy Daniels
[Freighter Wonderland]

Cathy glanced over to Juraan and smiled, glad that he hadn't denied her words.

But it was Finn's announcement of a 20% share of the profits that had Cathy really overjoyed.  She did a little seated dance from her pilot's chair.

While she danced, Finn contacted the Conundrum.

The suggestion that they spend their time on the station enjoying the many activities it offered added a bit more spark to Cathy's impromptu dance.

"Celebrate good times come on!"

[Wonderland]
Finn hadn't been as perceptive as Cathy. he, too, was surprised what she had picked up about the Bajoran, who did not deny it. Whatever his reasoning may be, Finn didn't care. The man had earned his trust by fighting side by side with him.
"I have to tell you two, that I'm glad you're planning to stay on my crew. I've actually decided to give you each 20 percent of the earnings. I'm keeping 20 as well, the rest is for ship maintenance and expenses."
The deal was more than fair.

He double checked the scanners and everything he could make out before the drop off.
"Let's get rid of our cargo before anyone else can get the idea to steal it. Cathy, make sure the ID, they are transmitting isn't forged."

When the ship slowly approached the larger ship, where they were supposed to offload, he noticed that they weren't the only ones.
Knitting his brow he hesitated for a moment.
"That's odd...why are there other freighters approaching?"
Opening a channel to the larger freighter he said. "This is a message of the Conundrum. This is the Wonderland. We're approaching your freighter to drop off some cargo. Sending my ID code now, requesting yours. Please confirm the drop off."

[Wonderland]
Finns gaze darkened considerably when he heard that they had to wait 8 hours before they could get rid of that darn cargo, that they almost had been killed for.
He looked at Cathy next to him, the Juraan not liking it one little bit while Cathy suddenly seemed exstatic.
"I don't like this. What if anyone else tries to steal the stuff?"
Then again this was Federation space and they'd be inside a Federation Station with Federation security personell.
"Only if you take responsibility, Captain Kemet. You know how precious our cargo is. We had people attack our ship to steal it." He replied to her and then added.
"So, since you suggested it, we will be spending a few hours at Katra Station and return in a few hours."

He closed the channel and then looked at the others. "So who will stay behind and guard the load?" He joked but then became more serious.
"You know what people are willing to do for this...what do we do? And why are there so many freighters in line. They are all dropping off cargo...which I'm guessing is the same as ours. That's a mother load of it."
He didn't really have to continue for the others to catch on.

Juraan looked at Finn surprised at first, but then he nodded his head in appreciation. That their boss shared the earned money fair with them was not a common thing, for sure. He grinned when Cathy showed off her little dance in her seat and then looked back to Finn. "Appreciated, Captain."

His attention was drawn away once more from his datapadd when the Captain of the Conundrum called them. The sight of a Cardassian woman instantly changed his relaxed pose into an alert one. He sat upright and regarded her with suspicion as she spoke, his eyes hard. Her friendly words did nothing to alleviate his suspicion, nothing really would have. However, he didn't speak on it yet. Finn seemed to be concerned, but just because of the immense value of their cargo.

"It would be pretty bold for anyone who had in mind to steal our cargo to try that while we are docked at a Feds station", Juraan said. "We could route all of the system's displays to our portabe datapadds to have an eye on them all the time while we're on the station." He started to grin. "Becuase, Captain, I need some shore leave really badly."

[Ian Galloway]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

The Trailblazer-Class starship approached Katra slowly, on thrusters only, before stopping 100,000 kilometers from the station and began hailing Ops.

"Katra Station, this is Captain Ian Galloway of the USS Challenger requestin' permission ta dock and for shore leave."

[Rayek trLhoell]

Lt Cmdr Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck One - OCC]

Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell
[Katra Station - OCC]

Tess half listened to the conversation between Rayek and Ensign Ricci while she pre-ordered their lunch. When he returned to her, she smiled at his words, nodding over to Rebecca with a smile. It was really nice how many offered their help to them. While she tried to keep the time away from Fvienn as limited as possible it was nice to know that there would be people to help out, especially Phara.

"Good to know we never will have to worry about that", Tess chuckled. She left Fvienn with Rayek, thinking he might enjoy holding him for a while now.

Rayek was pleased when Tess didn't immediately hold out her arms to take back Fvienn.  He loved to hold his son and felt he didn't get enough opportunity to do so - though that was incorrect.

His attention turned from his son to a familiar chime.  The sound of another ship contact being made.

"Commander, we have the USS Challenger on approach."

Rayek lifted his head and turned to face the Ops officer once more.

"Send out a hail." Rayek ordered.

However Ricci responded back with a... "They are hailing us."

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

The Trailblazer-Class starship approached Katra slowly, on thrusters only, before stopping 100,000 kilometers from the station and began hailing Ops.

"Katra Station, this is Captain Ian Galloway of the USS Challenger requestin' permission ta dock and for shore leave."

Rayek nodded.  With advance knowledge of the incoming ships the Healy had vacated her usual position on Saucer 1 and was currently in static orbit a short distance away.   That would leave Saucers 1, 2 and 3 open for their visiting Starfleet vessels... all other normal traffic could be routed through to Saucer 4 and 5.  Saucer 6, normally used for station maintenance crews and those ferrying fuel and other materials to and from the collector and the drydock, would be held in reserve.

"Berth them at Saucer One.  Send them the appropriate vector to approach on and open the channel." First to arrive got the best spot.

"Aye sir"

The image of Rayek, standing beside his wife with their 5 week old son in his arms would be sent along with his message "Welcome back to Katra Station.  Captain Galloway.  Belated Congratulations on your Captaincy.  Please have your ship make its' approach on the vector being sent.  You are being directed to Saucer One.  Custom checks will be conducted swiftly for all crew who are seeking shore leave. I hope you all have a pleasant visit with us while your ship undergoes it's upgrades."
.
.
.

After the OCC was taken care of, Tess left with Rayek and the baby boy to head to deck 14 where the IDIC restaurant was located. "Did you just want to pick the food up and go the arboretum or one of the observation lounges to eat or try to get a spot to sit right there?", Tess asked after the doors of the turbolift had closed and she had announced the deck. While she waited for Rayek to answer she regarded her husband with their son. She loved to see how he looked at the child, the way he held him as if he was the most precious thing to him. And she knew that that was actually true.

[Katra Station - Turbolift]

Rayek waited for the doors to the turbolift to shut, before turning to his wife and leaned in, his son held slightly to the side, to give her the kiss he'd wanted to greet her with since she first arrived at the OCC.  Only after having done so did he consider her question.

"I always enjoy our picnics in the arboretum," he commented with a slight teasing grin, "But given the arrival of the various other ships, I think for today, I'd prefer something more social... perhaps when Discovery arrives, Lek can join us?"

NPC Cathy Daniels
[Freighter Wonderland]

[Wonderland]
Finns gaze darkened considerably when he heard that they had to wait 8 hours before they could get rid of that darn cargo, that they almost had been killed for.
He looked at Cathy next to him, the Juraan not liking it one little bit while Cathy suddenly seemed exstatic.
"I don't like this. What if anyone else tries to steal the stuff?"
Then again this was Federation space and they'd be inside a Federation Station with Federation security personell.
"Only if you take responsibility, Captain Kemet. You know how precious our cargo is. We had people attack our ship to steal it." He replied to her and then added.
"So, since you suggested it, we will be spending a few hours at Katra Station and return in a few hours."

He closed the channel and then looked at the others. "So who will stay behind and guard the load?" He joked but then became more serious.
"You know what people are willing to do for this...what do we do? And why are there so many freighters in line. They are all dropping off cargo...which I'm guessing is the same as ours. That's a mother load of it."
He didn't really have to continue for the others to catch on.

NPC Juraan Ren
[Aboard the 'Wonderland' - Trialus system]

Juraan looked at Finn surprised at first, but then he nodded his head in appreciation. That their boss shared the earned money fair with them was not a common thing, for sure. He grinned when Cathy showed off her little dance in her seat and then looked back to Finn. "Appreciated, Captain."

His attention was drawn away once more from his datapadd when the Captain of the Conundrum called them. The sight of a Cardassian woman instantly changed his relaxed pose into an alert one. He sat upright and regarded her with suspicion as she spoke, his eyes hard. Her friendly words did nothing to alleviate his suspicion, nothing really would have. However, he didn't speak on it yet. Finn seemed to be concerned, but just because of the immense value of their cargo.

"It would be pretty bold for anyone who had in mind to steal our cargo to try that while we are docked at a Feds station", Juraan said. "We could route all of the system's displays to our portable datapadds to have an eye on them all the time while we're on the station." He started to grin. "Because, Captain, I need some shore leave really badly."

Cathy's dance stilled when Finn suggested that one of them might have to stay behind to watch the cargo.  Her enthusiasm faded.  She knew as being the youngest and least experienced - that task would likely fall to her.   Her shoulders slumped anticipating the order...

But then Juraan had a suggestion to use their dataPADD to keep an eye on it.  "That's a great idea!"

She looked to Finn with a hopeful expression just on the verge of pleading 'Pleeeaaasssse' like a child if she thought it would work on him.

[Tess tLhoell]

Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell
[Katra Station - OCC]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

The Trailblazer-Class starship approached Katra slowly, on thrusters only, before stopping 100,000 kilometers from the station and began hailing Ops.

"Katra Station, this is Captain Ian Galloway of the USS Challenger requestin' permission ta dock and for shore leave."

Lt Cmdr Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck One - OCC]

Rayek was pleased when Tess didn't immediately hold out her arms to take back Fvienn.  He loved to hold his son and felt he didn't get enough opportunity to do so - though that was incorrect.

His attention turned from his son to a familiar chime.  The sound of another ship contact being made.

"Commander, we have the USS Challenger on approach."

Rayek lifted his head and turned to face the Ops officer once more.

"Send out a hail." Rayek ordered.

However Ricci responded back with a... "They are hailing us."

Rayek nodded.  With advance knowledge of the incoming ships the Healy had vacated her usual position on Saucer 1 and was currently in static orbit a short distance away.   That would leave Saucers 1, 2 and 3 open for their visiting Starfleet vessels... all other normal traffic could be routed through to Saucer 4 and 5.  Saucer 6, normally used for station maintenance crews and those ferrying fuel and other materials to and from the collector and the drydock, would be held in reserve.

"Berth them at Saucer One.  Send them the appropriate vector to approach on and open the channel." First to arrive got the best spot.

"Aye sir"

The image of Rayek, standing beside his wife with their 5 week old son in his arms would be sent along with his message "Welcome back to Katra Station.  Captain Galloway.  Belated Congratulations on your Captaincy.  Please have your ship make its' approach on the vector being sent.  You are being directed to Saucer One.  Custom checks will be conducted swiftly for all crew who are seeking shore leave. I hope you all have a pleasant visit with us while your ship undergoes it's upgrades."

Tess looked up at the view screen, hoping to get a visual of the Challenger's Captain as he personally hailed the station. The Ba'ku glanced over to Rayek, knowing the ship held some memories for him.
When Rayek replied to Ian, Tess smiled and nodded along with his words. "Welcome to Katra, Captain."

.
.
.
[Katra Station - Turbolift][/color]

[Katra Station - Turbolift]

Rayek waited for the doors to the turbolift to shut, before turning to his wife and leaned in, his son held slightly to the side, to give her the kiss he'd wanted to greet her with since she first arrived at the OCC.  Only after having done so did he consider her question.

"I always enjoy our picnics in the arboretum," he commented with a slight teasing grin, "But given the arrival of the various other ships, I think for today, I'd prefer something more social... perhaps when Discovery arrives, Lek can join us?"

Tess smiled when he was so attentive as to greet her with a kiss. She returned it lovingly and then listened to his suggestion. At the mention of Lek, her face lighted up. She had only met him for their wedding and she could say that he was the most tolerable and nicest Ferengi she knew. "Oh, of course, I love the idea. Do you know when the Discovery will arrive?"

By the time they arrived at Deck 14, Fvienn had become whining a little. waving about with his tiny fists. He always did that in turbolifts which he didn't
seem to like much.

[Ian Galloway]

Lt Cmdr Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck One - OCC]

The image of Rayek, standing beside his wife with their 5 week old son in his arms would be sent along with his message "Welcome back to Katra Station.  Captain Galloway.  Belated Congratulations on your Captaincy.  Please have your ship make its' approach on the vector being sent.  You are being directed to Saucer One.  Custom checks will be conducted swiftly for all crew who are seeking shore leave. I hope you all have a pleasant visit with us while your ship undergoes it's upgrades."

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian arched an eyebrow at the greeting by a Romulan in a Starfleet uniform holding a baby standing next to a Starfleet woman, but did not mention that as he replied.

"Thank you Katra. We will be with you shortly. Galloway out."

[Finn Moreno]

[Freighter Wonderland]
It was obvious that both of his crew members were very keen on getting off the ship and onto Katra, so he complied.

Soon the Wonderland approached the large Station asking for permission to land.
"This is Capt. Moreno of the Wonderland. We're asking for permission to use a safe dock with security for a few hours."
It didn't take long until they touched down.
Finn did not have a good feeling about leaving the cargo unattended, so he said. "You two go ahead....have some fun. I'll stay here, make sure nothing gets stolen. Bring me back a real coffee."
With that he waved the others  off.
Surely there were things he would like to do. Like take an actual bath, go to a restaurant, probably get someone to check out his sore spots from the attack.
Butball that could wait. Even his cousin, who seemed to be stationed here, last he heard a couple of years ago.

[Dr. ta li yo-na]

[Sickbay > Dr. Yona's consulting room]

[As NPC Crista Le Prant, Falleg's Nanny]

"Ah excellent, yes it was me!" Crista said and moved to his room "Hello gorgeous!" she said crouching and fussing Sapphire before sitting in the seat for patients.

"Sorry if you were in the middle of something but I don't want this right round the ship, and I understand about Doctor-Patient confidentiality but I feel better telling someone who I trust!" she said with a smile. "Especially since it's quite personal.  So that was you or Dr t'Lhoell really, if possible as it wasn't particularly urgent."

"I'd love a cup of English tea, milk, no sugar if that's possible please."

She waited until he got the drink and took a sip.  "Aaah bliss thank you.  Well it's like this.  I'm an older lady, 45, I'm getting married and James and I would quite like to have a baby together... " she blurted out.  She shook her head and said "OK that didn't come out well let me start again!"

She took another swig of her tea, took a deep steadying breath and started again.

"I'll have to go back a little bit because let's face it even though I'm older, having a kid with the awesome doctors and medical staff here shouldn't be an issue, but there's a reason I became a nanny.  Half of it is - I love kids, and you've met Hrafn's, they're adorable.  I fell into the job by chance and it was totally my salvation.  Hrafn won't mind me saying because first the story is sweet, and second you've been adopted by the family!  She wouldn't have left you birthday gifts before she set off for the Discovery and arranged for cream cakes if you weren't family let me tell you that!" Crista chuckled.

"Well, long story short as I can make it.  She, Hrafn, was on a shopping trip to DS9 from Bajor just after she'd had Lamar, who was hungry and needed a diaper change, someone grabbed one of her bags of shopping and ran off with it knocking Nerys down and she skinned her knee and started crying in the process and Tidu started crying because Nerys was crying and his Mom had promised jumja sticks and they hadn't got them yet.  Poor Hrafn looked like she just wanted to fall to the floor and cry too, totally frazzled, not the self-assured woman we know and love. The thief came my way and I pushed over a cart of some fruit, he tripped and I got her bag back, the station security got the thief and then when I got back to Hrafn, I gently led her to the nearest cafe, some instinct in me got her a cup of tea rather like what I'm drinking now, I explained that I had lived in England for years but came from the deep south of America.  Offered to take Lamar for a moment and clean his bum, cleaned up Nery's knee and kissed the booboo better and that was it.  She couldn't thank me enough, I offered to help out while she was there and then the kids didn't want me to leave, thing is... my partner back then had just left me and I'd lost a baby, again... I have a long long history of miscarriages.  But, since I had no partner, no job because I'd worked for him and he sacked me, and I had all the love for kids and no kid to give it to... so I'd lavished it on Hrafn's and fallen in love with them.  And so when she asked me if I would go with her and be her nanny full time... I had nothing keeping me on DS9 and so here I am!"

She drank more of her tea and smiled.  "So on a medical side of things... what can be done to help me not miscarry again? Is there any hope, is it even worth not having my injection that I've had so religiously because while until recently I didn't have a steady relationship so there was no danger of me becoming pregnant... I didn't want to risk it, or the potential heartache, but now??? I have James, I'm happy, we've both said that if a kid comes along we'd love it... he knows all of what I've just told you and is happy enough if we never do, he loves being Uncle James too... but yeah... help?! I don't mind if you want to consult Dr. t'Lhoell on this one, her being a lady, either."

[Sickbay - Dr Ta Li Yo-na's office]

After listening to everything Christa said the dr thought about the possibilities while producing a second pot of tea

"well firstly I understand why you like the falleg children so much but I will consult with dr T,Lhoell and I will get back to you it's a big step" he said kindly

The thought for a moment and added "would you mind if I also speak to hrafn, just as a close personal friend" finished with his patient and  clearing the pots and cups away he got thinking what he could do to help

[Solluk]

Katra Station - Station Commander's Ready Room

As Solluk waited for Goodspeed to explain the nature of gingerbread houses- and the reason for her inquiry- a motion caught his eye.

The viewport in his office was not authentic.  Rather, it was actually a viewscreen programmed to show the events transpiring outside the station.  It could be programmed to show any perspective available to sensors, but most of the time it was set to be a simple window into orbital space, showing the perspective of events as they would seem from this viewpoint.  Right now, a majestic Trailblazer class ship was visible pulling into a docking position on one of the docking saucers.  It shared many of the same hull lines of the Excelsior class from which it had evolved.  Only the Tempest herself could seem as grand and graceful to Solluk's eyes.  He loved the Healy, but he had made his career on the Tempest and the Challenger.  No love was felt quite as keenly as your first loves.

"Forgive me, Lieutenant.  I do believe that the Challenger has just arrived, and there is an old friend I must meet.  That cruiser is Captained by the man who facilitated my advancement into the officer ranks.  He also taught me much of what I know about flying a starship.  I would be remiss if I didn't meet him and welcome him here personally."

With that, Solluk excused himself from his own office, taking the turbolift to the docking saucer.

[Hrafn Falleg]

[Sickbay - Dr Ta Li Yo-na's office]

After listening to everything Christa said the dr thought about the possibilities while producing a second pot of tea

"well firstly I understand why you like the falleg children so much but I will consult with dr T,Lhoell and I will get back to you it's a big step" he said kindly

The thought for a moment and added "would you mind if I also speak to hrafn, just as a close personal friend" finished with his patient and  clearing the pots and cups away he got thinking what he could do to help

[Sickbay - Dr. Yona's Office/Consulting Room - Katra Station]

"Nooo... not at all, you consult with Dr. t'Lhoell, and with Hrafn once she's back.  They're both mother's after all and Hrafn knows I want kids someday.  I don't mind either of them knowing!" Crista smiled.

"Just one favour... not in front of Hrafn's kids for two reasons.  Or rather one but it could go either way depending what mood they're in.  They'll either think that I'm going to abandon them for my own baby.  That would never happen any more than Dr. t'Lhoell would stop looking after their bumps and scrapes now that she has little Fvienn, or... they'll be bugging me about when it's going to happen and when the baby will arrive and.... a million other things.  I want to be married before the attempting to have a baby starts... well officially!" she added with a wink.

"Totally off topic - and I'm pretty sure that Hrafn will extend the invitation too but would you join us for the holiday meals - both Human and Bajoran and if there's any Klingon ones... I'm sure Ujosso mentioned something - well you've got an open invitation to any and all of them when you're not on duty!"

Crista bent down to fuss Sapphire "Yes, and you too, Sapphire.  Lamar would never forgive you if you don't bring Sapphire!"

[Paul Wessex]

Paul read with interest at the developments of the Diplomatic Protection team's progress with the 'Tholian conundrum', but was interrupted the notification of the arrival of the U.S.S. Challenger, and her allocation to Docking Saucer One. He hadn't seen many ship classes during his short time in StarFleet, and even less during his first career in NavPat; to see something new out in the stars was always a pleasure.

He grinned, before moving off from his current area of reasonable seclusion; Wessex made his way to the nearest porthole to glimpse a view, trying hard not to force his way to the front of the assembled group of onlookers that had similar interests.

She was magnificent

In many ways, the design was almost nautical. A long secondary hull that evoked the lines of a proud sailing ship of old, and her large nacelles trailed behind her like sails in an ocean breeze.

Tearing his gaze away from the entrapturing sight but momentarily, Paul called up the Challenger's manifest, generally available to Department Heads, and searched for his counterpart. In the NavPat, it was customary to offer the visiting opposite number the host's hospitality, traditionally to exchange knowledge, experiences and other gathered wisdom in their respective roles; he could only imagine what stories Lieutenant T'Kel had to share...

He made a note to extend the courtesy once the ship had docked and staff were free to disembark - the last thing he wanted to do was flood the channel with an eager request the moment T'Kel set foot on 'dry land'.

Wondering if the senior staff would be called to present, Wessex hung around, turning his admiration back to the Challenger for just a little while longer.

[Ian Galloway]

Katra Station - Station Commander's Ready Room

As Solluk waited for Goodspeed to explain the nature of gingerbread houses- and the reason for her inquiry- a motion caught his eye.

The viewport in his office was not authentic.  Rather, it was actually a viewscreen programmed to show the events transpiring outside the station.  It could be programmed to show any perspective available to sensors, but most of the time it was set to be a simple window into orbital space, showing the perspective of events as they would seem from this viewpoint.  Right now, a majestic Trailblazer class ship was visible pulling into a docking position on one of the docking saucers.  It shared many of the same hull lines of the Excelsior class from which it had evolved.  Only the Tempest herself could seem as grand and graceful to Solluk's eyes.  He loved the Healy, but he had made his career on the Tempest and the Challenger.  No love was felt quite as keenly as your first loves.

"Forgive me, Lieutenant.  I do believe that the Challenger has just arrived, and there is an old friend I must meet.  That cruiser is Captained by the man who facilitated my advancement into the officer ranks.  He also taught me much of what I know about flying a starship.  I would be remiss if I didn't meet him and welcome him here personally."

With that, Solluk excused himself from his own office, taking the turbolift to the docking saucer.

[Airlock - USS Challenger --> Docking Saucer - Katra Station]

Ian exited the Challenger and immediately noticed the difference in the station's atmosphere. Despite BuShips best efforts at uniformity, every ship, starbase, spacestation, and outpost smelled slightly different. It wasn't an unpleasant smell, just a different one.

"It was funny how novels and even mission logs usually omitted the olfactory component in the description of ships and planets. Odd thought ta have there Ian lad. Focus."

He thought as he paused and frowned while trying to get his bearings to find Ops. He'd only been to the station once and that was more than a year ago. He spotted the bank of turbolifts and as he moved in their direction, one of them opened up and there was Captain Solluk.

"Well, that saves time."

He thought as he approached the Vulcan. Even though things between the two of them were strained in Ian's eyes, he'd never disrespect a station commander on his own station. He raised his hand in the Vulcan way.

"Tonk'peh khart-lan."

Ian hoped he got the pronunciation correct, he'd spent a lot of time practicing the simple greeting, the last thing he wanted to do was spout something gibberish like "My hovercraft is full of eels" or something equally stupid.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Lt Cmdr Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck One - OCC]

Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell
[Katra Station - OCC]

Tess looked up at the view screen, hoping to get a visual of the Challenger's Captain as he personally hailed the station. The Ba'ku glanced over to Rayek, knowing the ship held some memories for him.
When Rayek replied to Ian, Tess smiled and nodded along with his words. "Welcome to Katra, Captain."

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian arched an eyebrow at the greeting by a Romulan in a Starfleet uniform holding a baby standing next to a Starfleet woman, but did not mention that as he replied.

"Thank you Katra. We will be with you shortly. Galloway out."

Katra Station - Station Commander's Ready Room

With that, Solluk excused himself from his own office, taking the turbolift to the docking saucer.

Rayek nodded for Ensign Ricci to end the comm.  And then settled in to wait for Eli to arrive at the OCC as called on.   While he waited, Rayek noted that Captain Solluk exited his Ready Room and headed directly towards the turbolift before he could inform him of the Challenger's arrival.
[Katra Station - Turbolift]

[Katra Station - Turbolift][/color]

Tess smiled when he was so attentive as to greet her with a kiss. She returned it lovingly and then listened to his suggestion. At the mention of Lek, her face lighted up. She had only met him for their wedding and she could say that he was the most tolerable and nicest Ferengi she knew. "Oh, of course, I love the idea. Do you know when the Discovery will arrive?"

By the time they arrived at Deck 14, Fvienn had become whining a little. waving about with his tiny fists. He always did that in turbolifts which he didn't
seem to like much.

Tess' question about Discovery was met with a smile. "I checked the sensors just before leaving.  They should be arriving shortly... maybe even while we are at the lounge enjoying our meal."

Fvienn's fussing during the lift ride, had Rayek tutting and gently rocking the baby.  "It's okay, little one, you're safe." he murmured reassuringly.

When the turbolift stopped and opened out onto Deck 14 where the majority of the restaurants were situated, Rayek stepped out and then waited for Tess, before walking alongside her to IDIC.   As described the restaurant was packed.  He hoped the lounge would have space.

NPC Ensign Rebecca Ricci]
[Katra Station - Deck One - Operational Control Center (OCC)]

[Freighter Wonderland]
It was obvious that both of his crew members were very keen on getting off the ship and onto Katra, so he complied.

Soon the Wonderland approached the large Station asking for permission to land.
"This is Capt. Moreno of the Wonderland. We're asking for permission to use a safe dock with security for a few hours."

Rebecca watched as the s'Lhoell family left the OCC just moments before she received a call from one of the approaching freighter.  As the comm opened, it showed on her display their current location coming in from close orbit of the Trialus sun.   It was the name of the Captain more than the ship that caught her attention.   Moreno?  She wondered if this Captain Moreno was at all related to the Commander and her family aboard.  She knew that there could be other 'Moreno' families on Earth and around the Federation... but still the coincidence was rather notable.

Looking at the ships registration, she considered the ships sizing before responding back.

"Katra to Wonderland.  Directing you to Saucer 4, top platform. Please make your approach on vector provided.  Slow to thrusters only within 500 meters.  Tractor beams will assist with the landing as needed."

NPC Cathy Daniels
[Freighter Wonderland]

It didn't take long until they touched down.
Finn did not have a good feeling about leaving the cargo unattended, so he said. "You two go ahead....have some fun. I'll stay here, make sure nothing gets stolen. Bring me back a real coffee."
With that he waved the others  off.
Surely there were things he would like to do. Like take an actual bath, go to a restaurant, probably get someone to check out his sore spots from the attack.
But all that could wait. Even his cousin, who seemed to be stationed here, last he heard a couple of years ago.

Cathy grimaced at Finn's paranoid decision to remain behind.  She tried to just accept his decision but felt a knot of guilt eat away at her.    With a sigh of resignation, Cathy rounded on him.  "You are a real buzzkill y'know that?  You go. I'll stay. I'm the newbie.  I'll call you when it's our turn to off load the cargo."

[Azsayak]

[Holosuit deck 13]Heilung and Ikoma would be busy at work inside of the holosuit on deck 13 bringing up the various holidays stored in the computer by the diverse collection of lifeforms. It would take the pair a bit of time. Which both skaldyr and Eydis were serving as distractions hopefully keeping the security team a little more then busy.

[Katra station gymnasium] Commander Eydis would peek into the room briefly as the door slide back to reveal the room. After a second or two the tholian commander would enter. So this was where the humanoid lifeforms could generate self repair and augmentation of the physical body. Slowly Eydis would make hir way down the rows of machines and bewildered gym users. None having seen a tholian in the gymnasium would likely have many curious and create something of talk. Eydis would stop occasionally to stare at gym machine. Pondering the machines use and purpose