S2 - M11 - The Gathering of Angels

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret

Lahr's out of body experience while technically his first - didn't really seem like it.  He'd experimented with many perception-altering drugs in his late teens - a consequence of being unhappy with his lot in life.   This felt not unlike one of those.  The main difference being that this time there were others sharing in the experience.

The first other consciousness he felt beyond his own, was of course Ruth's, he'd been leaning close to her when the bright blue light washed over them so that it was only reasonable that she would be 'near' to him when he came to on the 'other side'.

Lahr didn't know if he was dead or not.  He wasn't particularly religious and felt no need to suddenly become religious even if this was the end; but he was glad that if this was the afterlife that he had Ruth there to share it with.   He knew that was a selfish feeling; he should have instead wished that Ruth had been spared from this, but the Andorian didn't have it in him to even feign such a thought.  Nope, he was glad - they could explore this new existence together.

He tried to get this feeling across to Ruth.   Come explore with me.

But Lahr soon discovered that he could explore vast distance in ... well.... he didn't have eyes to blink, but you get the idea, right?

When Lahr thought to checks things out beyond just Ruth, he found he could sense not just Ruth but nearly everyone - friend and foe alike. Trippy!

Then just as Lahr was getting into the groovy of this new consciousness he was jarringly thrust back into his body.  Half-leaning out of his seat, Lahr lost his balance and toppled out of his chair and onto the floor of the Bridge.  He gazed up a Ruth.

"Y'know, even as nothing but pure thought... you still were gorgeous." he stated matter-of-factly.  He didn't care that he was on the Bridge at the moment or that they might still be in the midst of a battle.  What just happened drove home that there was no time like the present to live.   Next time they might not be together when the slip across to the other side.  He shoved his hand into his pants pocket and while still lying on the floor of the bridge he held out the gift he purchased earlier to her.

"It's not an engagement ring.  But it's a promise - that for as long as you want me, I'll be faithful to you."

He opened his palm and let dangle - a snowflake encase in blue crystal hung on a delicate silver chain necklace.

Weeks Later

Despite the tragedies that had occurred, the interrupted adult julbukking was given the green light to go ahead.  Ruth had even convinced Lahr to be the goat.  While he doubted he was capable of getting drunk enough to have an out of body experience again, he was certainly gonna try.

[Paul Wessex]

Katra Station - Docking Saucer - Shortly before Challenger's Departure

Now, hours later, Solluk found himself at the Docking Saucer to which the Challenger was tethered.  In moments, they'd make their departure.  But there was one last thing to do before the cruiser departed to its next mission.

Wessex had taken advantage of an opening on the Challenger to advance his career.  While Solluk would be sad to lose the services of such an exemplary officer, he had to agree that such a dynamic persona belonged on a ship.  Frontier sentinels were absolutely needed, but the Lieutenant had 'Frontier Explorer' branded onto his soul.  As such, the Vulcan had been content to encourage his Chief of Security along this new path.

Solluk brought with him a wooden box, finding Wessex just as he was about to board his new assignment.  Though he had not known the human for a long time, that time had been eventful enough to leave its mark.  The chaos of the Wanderer attack, and the strange event which followed, had been enough of a common tribulation to forge the first links of a bond between officers.

"Lieutenant.  I'm glad I caught you.  I somehow didn't find the time earlier to give you a farewell gift.  Something to remember us by as you embark on your new adventures."

Solluk held out the box, smiling softly.  He'd given a similar box to Rayek and Tess.  In their case, Romulan Alphabetical Decahedron blocks in a similar style to a common Vulcan children's toy.  His gift to Wessex now was somewhat more whimsical.

Paul was moderately surprised, and not a little embarrassed, to have his Commanding Officer waiting for him - to do so just wasn't the usual practice, but in many ways Captain Solluk was not a usual CO. As he neared, he put his carry-all down, still containing very few personal items but a few reminders of his time here; the rest, numerous parting gifts from the grateful - sometimes tearful - civilian population in the CZC (including a quite superb pair of hand-crafted, bespoke Starfleet-issue boots from 'Sole Sisters'...to which he'd scanned for inappropriate surveillance...) had already been taken aboard by the surprised docking staff...

"Captain" he started, not sure how to continue. When he had first raised the matter to Solluk, he felt even doing so could be seen as a betrayal. They had all come through much, experienced so much more. But that was the point: his shared experience truly opened his eyes to the wonders of the universe, and there was an immediate realisation - or perhaps gifted by osmosis through those he was momentarily joined with - that there was a vast cosmic ocean out there that he was just not journeying upon; he had joined Starfleet to sail the stars (if he were truly honest with himself) and ended up a small desert island looking out, but never upon, the onyx seas.

He had loved his time aboard this small station, but the mariner in him ached for exploration of tides invisible. And even though he was leaving a position of Departmental authority for a return to a junior officer role, he couldn't let the chance drift by. "Thank you. Again."

Taking the proffered box, Paul looked up quizzically, unsure if the custom was Starfleet or Vulcan, and whether that meant to open it now or at a time more personal.

[Tess tLhoell]

NPC Cadet Benjin Moreno (Flight)
[Shuttlecraft - Oort Cloud]

Katra Station - Oort Cloud

Everything changed once again, and Beja found herself back to the world of existing in the corporal form with everyone else. Both her and Benjin were back on the vessel, and oddly it felt strange to be back in her own body. Just how long had it been that they had gone to the land if non existence? Time had been paused when they had ceased to be.

Beja blinked a few times and then looked down at Benjin when he spoke to her.

"Are you alright, counselor?"

Slowly she nodded her head, "œI believe so. How are you doing Benjin?" Then Beja reached down and gave him a hug. Her hope to comfort and reassure him and herself. They were back, and they would be fine. Katra and the crew had battled before, and they wouldn't fall. Not today.

Beja smiled over at Benjin, "œLet's get back to the station shall we? I wonder where our friend the whale is?"

"Y-yes, I think I'm okay", he said hesitantly. "It was just ... weird." When Beja leaned over to hug him, Benjin opened his arms to wrap them around the Klingon counselor, too. Maybe it seemed odd to some but he was actually grateful for a hug - regarding everything that happened that day.

He let out a slightly embarrassed chuckle and then nodded. "Plotting course back to the station", he reported lighthearted. Shorty after the shuttle turned around and was on its way back to Katra Station.

WEEKS LATER

Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Promenade] with Fvienn (3 months old)

Weeks Later...

< Katra Station / Promenade >

With an absent minded look in on her face, the lanky scientist slowly walked among the loose crowd on the promenade. She had gotten what she had come for, but did not feel like leaving and returning to her quarters yet. She wanted to enjoy the presence of the visitors for a little longer, even if she did not go out of her way to talk to any of them"¦

The last weeks - ever since the anomaly - had put a low key mental strain on her. It had taken her days to get completely used to herself, her face and her name again. While there had been several others struggling with the same side effect of their bizarre out of universe experience, Sirol felt as if she had been the only one to miss that state of mind.
And while many of  the memories and details she had experienced were slowly fading, she tried to write down, catalogue and save as much as she could; not wanting to let this gift go to waste.
She had appreciated the insights, she had enjoyed walking a mile in other people's metaphorical shoes, and the short moment of her feeling other people's feelings had made her a little more self confident about her own emotions.
It had not been the merge that had shaken her up, it had been the abrupt detachment.

In her hands she held the base of her latest acquisition: A mint condition game of Kal-toh.
She had been meaning to get a real; a physical one (contrary to the holographic version she used to play in her lab) ever since she knew she would travel to Federation space, and today, she had been fortunate enough to find this one in one of the smaller shops.
As of now it was incomplete: The t'ans were huddled up in a chaotic, randomly generated starting position, but Sirol was looking forward to change that.
It would certainly be therapeutic.

As she was making her way forward she slowed down a little. She spotted a few familiar faces.
For a moment her eyes musingly followed one of them until she realised that the gaze had been mutual"¦
Tilting her head she decided to change course; to approach and eventually bid the other a polite hailing nod.

Katra Station - Promenade - Weeks Later

Things had gotten back to normal for Katra, well of course normal was a relative term. There was not such a thing as "˜normal' when it came to Katra. Beja's schedule had been filling up with people needing to talk about their experiences. Everyone had gone through a lot lately. But having to see the possibilities of existence changing once one's body gave out, was something that filled people with hope and despair.

Beja's job was to help them through their own individual path and to make sure that people knew that they never walked it alone. They will succeed or fail, but they shall do so together. And there was value even in failure. Sometimes failure brought about better things, it just took some time to see that. Lessons were not easy to learn, but as long as they all learned and grew, that was what mattered.

Yet, through all busier time at the counseling office, Beja did manage to pull off the festivities! Of course with a lot of help from Cat, and Zex, and others. The promenade had been made into a lively celebration of all! A rich diversity with each culture getting to tell their stories and share of themselves with each other. A fun way to bring people together.

Beja noticed the newer science officer Sirol, which Beja smiled brightly and waved too. Beja hadn't had a chance yet to greet Sirol, with all the going ons, no time like the present then!

"œHello! Sirol, right? I'm Beja. I've wanted to formally greet you when you arrived at the station, but as you know, it was a bit chaotic. How are you finding Katra? If there is ever anything you need, please do not hesitate to let me know. I am here to help make your transition into the exchange program as smooth as possible!"

Despite Klingons and Romulans having a rough history with each other, Beja knew better than to judge a book by its cover. Beja wanted to make sure that Sirol felt welcomed at Katra.

Tess had come down to the promenade to join the festivities for a while. She knew Beja and a lot of others had worked hard for it and it had been a lot of organization been going on. Tess had done her best to provide support and help where she could. And now, as she strolled down the promenade it really had turned out amazingly. She hoped Rayek would have time to join her here.
She had Fvienn in a baby wrap in front of her chest, it had become her favorite way of carrying the infant around. He was secure while she had her hands and arms free.

After a while she spotted Beja and Sirol and decided to walk over to them. "I hope I'm not interrupting", she said as she approached both women with a smile. She looked at Beja. "You really have done magic here, it looks absolutely amazing!" Fvienn turned his head quite curiously and looked around with big blue eyes.

"Jolan-tru, Ensign", she then nodded at Sirol with a smile. Although the scientist had arrived at Katra a few weeks ago, she didn't really have had time to talk to her. Unfortunately, even though she couldn't keep up with welcoming all new arrivals. "I hope you feel a little bit at home already at Katra."

[Tekin Nevir]

Weeks Later....

[Promenade - Katra Station]

Zex was pleased that the meeting with the Numati with Tekin has finally come to be.  In meditation with them, she felt that they were being sincere in their apology.   By accepting the data rods, it seemed that Tekin had accepted their apology.

But the ceremony still seemed to be incomplete.  She looked up to Tekin and then back to the Numati.  Then she thought she understood the missing piece.

She stood and approached Tekin.  She dipped her head.  Then whispered.

"I believe that they are waiting for you to verbalize your acceptance of their apology to you.  That is my guess.  But as they are not relying on their telepathy to understand your intent, they can only go on your verbalizations" she said quietly.

Then she moved to his side.  Turned back to the Numati.  But kept her head down, returning to meditation.

[Promenade - Katra Station]

It was obvious, and yet, he missed that.  He gave a slight nod, and swallowed.

"For the last 300 years, the Federation and Starfleet has had a mission.  'To seek out new life and new civilizations'.  I know personally the uncertainty that comes with such events, both as a Starfleet officer... and as a Bajoran.  What occurred was wrong, but in the spirit of good faith and in light of everything that has occurred since then, I formally accept the apology and the data on my ship." he said, holding the data rod.

"Perhaps one day we can join in our own construction, instead of trying to figure out each others.  In the meantime. I thank you... and I forgive you."

[Sirol]

< Katra Station / Promenade >

Beja noticed the newer science officer Sirol, which Beja smiled brightly and waved too. Beja hadn't had a chance yet to greet Sirol, with all the going ons, no time like the present then!

"œHello! Sirol, right? I'm Beja. I've wanted to formally greet you when you arrived at the station, but as you know, it was a bit chaotic. How are you finding Katra?

While she had nudged herself to approach the other, she was still glad that it was the other officer who had opened the conversation and greeted Sirol.
As much as she liked the idea of company and conversation, she was simply at a lack of words - at least when it came to off-duty matters.
"œI thank you for that, Leftenant."
It took her a second to recall the other's name. Beja. Lt. Diplomatic Officer and Counselor.
...While she had extensively studied the roster on her way to Katra and periodically refreshed her memory, the anomaly had taken a toll on her instinctive association with faces, and every now and then a small, subconscious part of her wanted to call everyone Xasik. (of course, she had checked and there was no person named Xasik aboard the station, yet she still had come to be extra careful when addressing others.)
"œ...It is alright. I understand the necessity to sort priorities, and my arrival hardly counts here. No offense taken."
She paused for a second, then straightened her pose, realising that she was talking to a superior officer here.
"œI"¦ So far"¦ Consider my assignment to be an interesting new experience. This is my first time working with Federation personnel, and most of them vastly differ from the cultures I met before. Literature can only teach so much. I am still adjusting.
The station itself is... Decent. I think"¦ I have not had time to visit everything yet, but I am open to recommendations and being "˜shown around'.
The lighting here seems to strain my eyes more than expected, and I should probably see a medic about that. But I have not found time for that yet either..."
Then though, as the Diplomatics officer continued, Sirol curiously raised an eyebrow...

If there is ever anything you need, please do not hesitate to let me know. I am here to help make your transition into the exchange program as smooth as possible!"

Despite Klingons and Romulans having a rough history with each other, Beja knew better than to judge a book by its cover. Beja wanted to make sure that Sirol felt welcomed at Katra.

Slowly she nodded. What a fascinating offer; leaving room for plenty of interpretation"¦
"œI"¦ Appreciate your concern with my transition, Leftenant.
I am not sure... Maybe there might be something"¦ Aside from this - very welcome - conversation of course"¦
...I have been an exchange officer on previous assignments, having worked with Remans, Klingons and Nimbosian Natives, yet this one here"¦ Is different and less predictable.
Which is self-explanatory considering that the Federation society is no homogenous culture - or at least less than the ones I have interacted with before.
Your way of thinking and acting seems"¦ Far less predictable - For the better or the worse, I am having a hard time extrapolating behavioural algorithms from most of my encounters here.
And while I know that most of it is a process that simply requires sufficient time and determination to learn the social cues and unspoken rules, I still would like to"¦ Ask for something"¦ If it is not too much...
I can not possibly be the first foreign exchange officer working with the Federation, so I have been wondering:
Is there any information on.. My"¦ Predecessors?
How did other foreigners integrate? How was their experience and how did they develop - maybe even flourish - in their new environment?"
She was wondering as to whether in fact Lt. Beja herself might have been an exchange officer, considering that she was a Klingon, yet there were several Klingons serving Starfleet aboard Katra with little or no imperial ties, and Sirol did not want to ask any questions based on wild assumptions, without any solid information about her person, hence the scientist entirely skipping that very possibility.
Instead she just paused, looked at the Lieutenant and casually fidgeted with the Kal-toh game in her hands, as suddenly the two were joined by Commander Lhoell and her little son.
Sirol did a polite hailing nod towards the commander then tilted her head and looked at the child, giving the little one a tiny smirk.

After a while she spotted Beja and Sirol and decided to walk over to them. "I hope I'm not interrupting", she said as she approached both women with a smile. She looked at Beja. "You really have done magic here, it looks absolutely amazing!" Fvienn turned his head quite curiously and looked around with big blue eyes.

"Jolan-tru, Ensign", she then nodded at Sirol with a smile. Although the scientist had arrived at Katra a few weeks ago, she didn't really have had time to talk to her. Unfortunately, even though she couldn't keep up with welcoming all new arrivals. "I hope you feel a little bit at home already at Katra."

"œJolan tru, Commander." Sirol answered with a friendly nod.
"œI"¦ I think I feel sufficiently taken care of aboard. Everyone has been exceptionally friendly and willing to help with my integration - For example Leftenant Beja here. She expressed her willingness to listen to"¦ Requests"¦ If I'll have any.
I appreciate this.
It is not my first transfer into a new crew, but certainly one of my most - if not the most - challenging new endeavour." She then paused, and looked at Beja again with a little nod.
"œThe Commander is correct. Your decoration certainly adds to the places aesthetics."

With that she took yet another look around on the promenade, her grip around her Kal-toh slightly tightening in a tad of unexpressed excitement, before she returned her gaze to the Commander and the Lieutenant, until her eyes eventually came to a rest on the Commander's child.
"œ...And I suppose you are our newest recruit, are you?" She spoke - in an unexpectedly warm and soft voice -, then leaned a little towards the child, and gave him a silly little grin.

[Tess tLhoell]

Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Promenade] with Fvienn (3 months old)

< Katra Station / Promenade >
[...]
Instead she just paused, looked at the Lieutenant and casually fidgeted with the Kal-toh game in her hands, as suddenly the two were joined by Commander Lhoell and her little son.
Sirol did a polite hailing nod towards the commander then tilted her head and looked at the child, giving the little one a tiny smirk.

"œJolan tru, Commander." Sirol answered with a friendly nod.
"œI"¦ I think I feel sufficiently taken care of aboard. Everyone has been exceptionally friendly and willing to help with my integration - For example Leftenant Beja here. She expressed her willingness to listen to"¦ Requests"¦ If I'll have any.
I appreciate this.
It is not my first transfer into a new crew, but certainly one of my most - if not the most - challenging new endeavour." She then paused, and looked at Beja again with a little nod.
"œThe Commander is correct. Your decoration certainly adds to the places aesthetics."

With that she took yet another look around on the promenade, her grip around her Kal-toh slightly tightening in a tad of unexpressed excitement, before she returned her gaze to the Commander and the Lieutenant, until her eyes eventually came to a rest on the Commander's child.
"œ...And I suppose you are our newest recruit, are you?" She spoke - in an unexpectedly warm and soft voice -, then leaned a little towards the child, and gave him a silly little grin.

Tess smiled and nodded with an appreciative glance to Beja. "The Lieutenant really is our expert in making everyone feel extra welcome and always willing to help." She looked back to Sirol. "We all are. Please don't hesitate to let us know if there is anything you need."

When Sirol turned to the baby boy, Tess couldn't help but smile at her friendly words for him. "That's right", Tess chuckled. "His name is Fvienn." Sirol most likely would recognize the name to be a Romulan word meaning power, force, strength. Tess pulled the fabric of the baby wrap a little back from Fvienn's head which revealed his tiny pointed ears that, along with the faint v-ridge on his forehead, gave away his Romulan genes he had from Rayek. With more room to turn his head now the baby tentatively moved his head away from Tess' chest - showing off how well he was able to hold his head already - and looked back at Sirol with wide curious eyes. At her smile - that was one of the things the boy could already recognize - his face turned into a bright baby smile.

While Tess had watched the interaction happily, she noticed the thing that Sirol was holding in her hands. "That looks interesting", she said, nodding at it. "What is it?"

NPC Cadet Benjin Moreno (Flight)
[Katra Station - Deck 7 - Crew Quarters]

Benjin walked down the hall, carrying a bag with his belongings over his shoulder. Benjin had asked his sister - who happened to be the station's Executive Officer - to be assigned quarters with a crew mate (ever since Raiden Darrow had moved to other quarters he'd been alone in his quarters) and if possible someone that was int he Flight Department like him. That had been weeks ago. Months, even. But now finally he had been assigned to new quarters. It was an enlisted crew mate and usually they slept in groups of four in one room, but Benjin didn't mind that. He just wanted some company.

Stopping in front of the door he thumbed the door chime and a moment later the doors opened. Benjin took a look inside before stepping in. "Hello?", he called, hoping his new bunk mate was here.

[Solluk]

Katra Station - Promenade

Solluk nodded his head in appreciation of Captain Tekin.  His words were well-spoken, but the moment was more than mere flowery words.  The man had been grievously and personally injured by these people, in an officially sanctioned operation.  The wounds were deeper than the Federation's.  They were personal.  And so, his act of accepting their apology was profound.  It took a strong man to suffer such wounds and set them aside in the interests of peace.

Kartra Station - Docking Saucer

Solluk lifted his hand in the traditional Vulcan salute.

"Live long and Prosper," he offered.  Then, after a brief pause, he added, "Or, as one of your ancestors famously wrote, 'May the wind under your wings bear you, where the sun sails and the moon walks.'"

And with that, the Vulcan nodded his head and left the man to board his ship in peace.

Somewhere in the station's Security Department computer logs, there was a note.

Evidence Disposal Report

Item: Evidence Object 75621-B - One article of humanoid footwear.  Size 11.  Embedded with genetic coding used in Investigation 2136-X-II.

Privacy Protection Procedure: Destruction of encoded biological material via thermo-electric surface treatment and deposition of CuSn alloy.

Final Disposition: Article handed to Security Chief Wessex for ultimate disposal prior to departure for new assignment.

Signed: Solluk, Captain of Katra Station

[Kirok]

Katra Station - Promenade

Zex lifted her head.  Tears flowed freely from her eyes.  There was hope for diplomacy between their peoples.

"Thank you Captain Tekin.  Thank you Numati people.  Go in peace" she said, attempting to bring the meeting to a close.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Lt Cmdr Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Healy - Deck One - Bridge] (just after returning from the other dimension)

Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell
[USS Healy - Bridge]

Suddenly everything regained substance again. The chair she sat on, the cool surface of the armrests touching her skin. Noise found the way through her ears, and although not loud, it sounded harsh in comparison the whispered thoughts at the place she had been drawn into. Even the air felt substantial as it filled her lungs.

She opened her eyes and the first look was on Rayek. He seemed okay, though just as stunned as she was. She grasped his hand that he had reached out to her with and turned her upper body so she could face him properly. "Are you alright?", she asked, concerned.

Tactical reported that the Wanderers had retreated from the Trialus system. Tess checked her console - and couldn't help but let out a noise of relief when she made out the small dot that was the 'Wonderland'.

"All stations, report. Helm, take us around and back to Katra Station. We better get going, it'll take a while on impulse."

Rayek took in a deep breath steadying breath before nodding in answer to Tess' question of if he was alright.   He gave her a bit of a bit smile to reassure her and to convince himself before turning back to his duties.  He hated having to let go of her hand.   Tess called on all stations to report and their calls began to filter in.   No additional damage had occurred to the ship from the moving between dimensions and as yet no new medical issues either.   Though that might come later as it had with the Meridians.   He would need to point this out to Tess later when there were fewer ears listening - he didn't want to cause a stir unnecessarily.

On impulse alone it would have taken weeks to return to Katra.  Thankfully that had not been necessary; instead, the ship, much like the Tempest saucer, was towed at warp back to the station arriving after just about an hour.  The Wonderland was already at dock.  Rayek's anger seethed.

[Wonderland]
Nothing that had happened in the past 24 hours seemed real. meeting Tess again, seeing strange alien life forms noone knew about, having a very wet joyful experience with a girl, he'd only met 2 hours before (wasn't the the fabric dreams were made off) and then fleeing from destruction and being saved by a space whale.

For the most of it Finn still thought this was real but the closer to being 'save' the got, the more he doubted it. Who knew what sort of crazy concoction Luby had provided him with.

He found himself rubbing his face repeatedly, getting up and sitting down, going down to check on the passengers and then returning to the cockpit. "I...er...I think I'm high." For some strange reason he looked to Juraan for confirmation. "None...NONE!!! of what I've experienced makes any sense. Are these Wanderers really gone?"
Three times he checked the monitors and waited for confirmation from Cathy.

Had these two the same strange experience or would they look at him like he had just lost it.
"I'm telling you. I'll not take 'those' pills again." He rattled them in his pocket and laughed a little embarrassed.
"What's the status on Katra? Is it save to go back?" Finn was thinking out loud.

According to his freighters monitors the answer was yes.
But he decided to contact them first.
"Katra Station. This is the freighter Wonderland. We're waiting for instructions. Should we return or continue our journey to New Bajor?"

It didn't take long for the station to tell them to return instead of proceeding to the planet since the danger was now over and all the people on board could return to their home.

So Finn complied and set the course back to the station, silently questioning whether this was just the silent before a second attack. Whatever it was, his plan was to get away fast. But first he had to deliver a precious load.

When they were docking back at the station, completely unscathed except for a few passengers, who didn't handle Juraans modifications very well and had thrown up or even passed out but were now better again, the Wonderland hadn't taken any hits.
Finn had found the nanny and Fvienn because he had a feeling it would be advisable to personally hand the baby back to his parents. So he stepped off the ramp with the kid, who was miraculously sleeping again, back to whoever came to tear his head off, be it mommy or daddy.

Phara, the Romulan woman whose job it was to watch after Fvienn, had nearly told Finn 'No, you can't have the baby' when he first approached her to take him.  She was well aware of Rayek's protectiveness having seen it lash out towards her once when she'd suggested a traditional Romulan H'dl Aefvadh or 'Baby Welcome'.   Yet, the Captain of the Wonderland was a relative of Tess'.   Reluctantly, she handed Fvienn over to the man, yet followed him where ever he went thereafter, keeping a close eye on Fvienn from a few feet away.

NPC Cathy Daniels

[Wonderland ]

NPC Juraan Ren
[Freighter 'Wonderland']

Juraan's eyes blinked open as he tried to process what had just happened. He glanced around, trying to figure out if anyone else have had the same experience. If he didn't know any better, he had just experienced the presence of the Prophets.

It didn't take long to find out that the 'experience' had been universal - everyone was talking about it. He did his best to treat the passangers that felt unwell and then went to turn the device off. As expected, the bio scanner was nothing but trash after that. Maybe Katra could provide them with a new one.

Since Finn had asked him to, Juraan checked on the baby named Fvienn - a Romulan child. Since Finn's cousin was married to a Romulan, it didn't surprise him that Finn's nephew had ridges and pointed ears.

He returned to the cockpit just as Finn got answer back from Katra to return to the station. "We were lucky today", he commented quietly as he sat back down. Yes, he denied his belief. But something inside him told him that it was a sign of the Prophets he should not ignore.

Cathy had found the out of body experience to be a bit frightening at first but had quickly settled into it, and was feeling a bit bereft when it went away.   The experience defied everything she knew about reality and it spurred a curiosity in her.  What other dimensions or realms of reality were still out there - just waiting to be experienced?   Was this the lure of Starfleet that she'd missed out on earlier?  This exploration of experiences... not just new worlds and new civilizations, like the ads promoted... but the exploration of a new way of looking at things.

She chuckled.  Well, it seemed you didn't necessarily need to be in Starfleet to experience such things you just had to get up off your duff and live life fully and explore on your own!

Finn's nervous pacing finally drew Cathy from her thoughts and she checked the monitors herself at his prompting.  "Yeah they are retreating" she confirmed.

A little later as they got confirmation to return to the station, Juraan returned.   She nodded at his comment.  "We should see about somehow thanking that space whale."

With the ship turned around and headed back to the station, Cathy took a moment away from her console to fetch Juraan his gift from her quarters.   She returned with a replica of an orb ark.

"I know it's not the holidays yet but today showed me that you never know what may happen next so live for the moment!"  She held out the ark towards Juraan. "It's just a replica, obviously.  Pretty lights that twinkle... but I hope it brings some sense of peace."

She turned then to Finn.  "And because you keep hurting yourself..  Computer activate EMH on the Bridge!"

"Please state the nature of the medical emergency." the doctor greeted.

"Gimme a week to look into how to edit his subroutines and I'll have him smooth like molasses.   What do think about a Joey Tribbiani  "How you doin'?" greeting?" she asked with a grin.

Lt Cmdr Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Customs]

Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell
[USS Healy >>> Katra Station - Customs]

Tess had followed the Wonderland's route back to Katra. Since the Healy crept back on impulse power, the freighter reached the station sooner than them. She had contacted Finn and asked after Fvienn - and was glad to hear her son was okay. But there was also a lot to talk about. Tess glanced to Rayek. She was unsure how he would react at seeing Finn.

Once the Healy arrived and Tess had made sure she left with everything in order although she felt itchy to get off the ship and see her son, she then finally left, waiting for Rayek if she had to so they could go together.

"He's waiting at customs", Tess said to Rayek while they strode down the hallway, although she had told him that already. She was just so nervous.

After passing customs, it didn't take long for Tess to find Finn with Fvienn on his arm. She smiled when she saw the baby boy's head resting on Finn's shoulder, sleeping. "I'm so glad you all got out of there unharmed!", she greeted him. She pulled him into a gentle embrace so she wouldn't disturb Fvienn, then moved around so she could see his little face. The fear and anger was gone for the moment as she was just happy to see her son alive and well. When she finally looked up she glanced to Rayek. "He's fine", she smiled.

Rayek had trouble keeping his temper when he spotted Tess' cousin just outside of Customs holding Fvienn.  Why did this man think he had to right to be holding his son?!  While Tess moved close to embrace the man, Rayek kept his distance lest he follow through on his earlier threat to kill Finn.   Tess' statement that Fvienn was fine did little to release any of Rayek's fury.

"You were supposed to remain with the convoy!" his shaky voice was accusatory and loud.  It drew the attention of many on the Customs floor.  "The only advantage your ship had was that when in a group it was a non-target!  By leaving the convoy, you put my son at risk!   The Wonderland was seconds away from being obliterated!! Are you aware of that fact?!  Blasted into scrap metal with all aboard her lost because there weren't any other ships nearby to beam out survivors.  Do you even fvadt care!?"

Rayek's hands were clenched into fists. "Tess, take the baby and head to our quarters," he ordered to his wife before fixing a glare toward Finn "I don't want you near my family again.  Do you understand?"  The Romulan Starfleet officer took a single threatening step nearer, his livid face mottled green and strained with the anger he was containing.  The V ridge on his forehead showed prominent as Rayek scowled towards Tess' cousin.

Lt Cmdr Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck Two - s'Lhoell Quarters] (Weeks Later)

WEEKS LATER

Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Promenade] with Fvienn (3 months old)

Tess had come down to the promenade to join the festivities for a while. She knew Beja and a lot of others had worked hard for it and it had been a lot of organization been going on. Tess had done her best to provide support and help where she could. And now, as she strolled down the promenade it really had turned out amazingly. She hoped Rayek would have time to join her here.
She had Fvienn in a baby wrap in front of her chest, it had become her favorite way of carrying the infant around. He was secure while she had her hands and arms free.

After a while she spotted Beja and Sirol and decided to walk over to them. "I hope I'm not interrupting", she said as she approached both women with a smile. She looked at Beja. "You really have done magic here, it looks absolutely amazing!" Fvienn turned his head quite curiously and looked around with big blue eyes.

"Jolan-tru, Ensign", she then nodded at Sirol with a smile. Although the scientist had arrived at Katra a few weeks ago, she didn't really have had time to talk to her. Unfortunately, even though she couldn't keep up with welcoming all new arrivals. "I hope you feel a little bit at home already at Katra."

Rayek's public outburst at Customs weeks before had the done his reputation no favors.  Though he just barely restrained himself from physically harming the man, mostly because of Tess' presence, it was clear to all that he'd wanted to.  Rayek had been suspended from duty for a week and given mandatory counselling sessions with Beja once more.

So now while Tess was happy to be touring about the promenade, greeting friends and enjoying herself, Rayek was being his anti-social self.  He sat on the couch in their quarters while Thrafv tumbled and rolled at his feet trying to gain his attention.  Of course, Tess had asked him to join her but he'd fabricated an urgent task to keep him occupied so that he wouldn't have to go.  That wasn't the same as lying - or so he told himself.

Picking up his PADD he looked over the files Starfleet Intelligence had provided on the Romulan embassy personnel and the Exchange officer.  One of them was more than they seemed... question was who? and why? 

[Sirol]

< Katra Station / Promenade >

Tess smiled and nodded with an appreciative glance to Beja. "The Lieutenant really is our expert in making everyone feel extra welcome and always willing to help." She looked back to Sirol. "We all are. Please don't hesitate to let us know if there is anything you need."

Once more, Sirol took a little bow towards the Commander and the Lieutenant.
"œI can imagine that is plenty of work to do, considering the very special location and the size of Katra itself. I hope things go as smoothly as possible. I know plenty of residents needed extra care during the last weeks, so"¦ I appreciate the offer.
That being said, let me know if there is something I can do as well, will you?"

When Sirol turned to the baby boy, Tess couldn't help but smile at her friendly words for him. "That's right", Tess chuckled. "His name is Fvienn." Sirol most likely would recognize the name to be a Romulan word meaning power, force, strength. Tess pulled the fabric of the baby wrap a little back from Fvienn's head which revealed his tiny pointed ears that, along with the faint v-ridge on his forehead, gave away his Romulan genes he had from Rayek. With more room to turn his head now the baby tentatively moved his head away from Tess' chest - showing off how well he was able to hold his head already - and looked back at Sirol with wide curious eyes. At her smile - that was one of the things the boy could already recognize - his face turned into a bright baby smile.

With a little nod, Sirol acknowledged what the Commander said, then leaned over a little towards the child again and smirked. He certainly was irresistibly adorable.
"œPleased to meet you, Fvienn..." She spoke with a little bow towards the boy.
As she noticed that he had spotted her and now cheerfully focused her face, Sirol playfully moved a little bit left and right; made him follow her with his eyes. "œ...Sounds like your parents have some bold plans for you, does it? I suppose we will hear a lot from you in the future..." She then added, referring to his name and it's connotation.
Just as her own first name - Dvenn - in her language had meant unifier, and her parents had intended her to be the one to bridge the gap between their houses, most Romulans picked the names of their children based on the future; the destiny they envisioned for their children.
Certainly, it did not necessarily always play out as aspired, yet Sirol had always found comfort in the idea of envisioning a distinct, prosperous future for one's children, and although she never got the chance to fulfil her parents' vision, she was still in fact a unifier - in her own way. Her stay aboard Katra, and the very company she found herself with in this very moment giving a vivid example"¦
Looking into his eyes she raised an eyebrow. This was indeed a remarkable colour, and surprisingly rare among vulcanoids, but considering the mother being a humanoid, she assumed the blue might have been a dominant genetic trait.
Looking up at the Commander again, Sirol's facial expression became neutral again, and the scientist tilted her head at the other.
"œI suppose I should bid you belated congratulations. You are very fortunate. He is a curious and receptive little child."

While Tess had watched the interaction happily, she noticed the thing that Sirol was holding in her hands. "That looks interesting", she said, nodding at it. "What is it?"

The question pulled her out of her instinctive parental mindset and back into reality to say so. She held it a little higher, for the Commander, Beja, and little Fvienn to properly see.
"œIt is called Kal-toh. It is an old strategy game with the goal of finding and restoring order within the chaos.
I have been meaning to get one ever since I knew I would be sent to Federation space. Or, well... A Federation facility.
You can play it both, alone and with others, but most importantly, it is a good exercise of patience, balance, spatial awareness and order. And"¦ Infinitely soothing"¦
If you are interested, I can show you how it is played."

[Finn Moreno]

[Docking bay customs]
At first Finn didn't know what to do with the emotional roller coaster he'd just been through during the attack and the strange experience afterwards. He had one hell of responsibility on his shoulders and did his best to keep everyone save.
Tess' reaction was less expected than her husbands but very welcome. When Finn was thrown from her gentle arms into the cross fire of Rayeks shouting, the inevitable happened. He became defensive and spiteful.
He did not interrupt the Romulan but waited his turn.
Then he firmly answered.
"You don't know me but I can tell you one thing. Noone matters as much to me as myself...and I was on board that ship, too. I did my best to keep us save and used my best judgement. Guess what. How many evacuees were lost in that convoy? That's right....I have no ides but I know how many were killed on my ship. None!"
He said that through gritted teeth even though he was proud of it.
"Oh and one more thing. I'm not Starfleet. I don't have to follow your commands."

Then he turned his attention on Tess and saud in a much calmer tone. "But I know this was very scary for you two. I swear I did what I thought would be best for everyone on board and we are all save. But I'm sorry that you got scared."

To Rayek he said. " She was my family long before she was yours. You have no right to take that from me. If anyone can do it, it's Tess."
Once more he looked at his cousin, whose eyes mirrored a million emotions. "Do you want that?"

[Don Damien Addams]

WEEK LATER or few days later  before DISCOVERY LEAVING

[Katra Station - Counselor Beja's office]

The man had a need to talk to someone. After that incident in subconscious space they all had. Now these days when you see someone you feel you know them in a way because of that mental connection. That had made him uncomfortable to talk about an issue he wanted. There was no way he had wanted to talk to a counselor on Discovery because they were closer in that subspace conscious,

"œHello, Counselor Beja," he said after the doors whooshed open. He was in casual clothes because he felt weird wearing his uniform. "œI am thankful for giving me a slot." The last counselor talk he had was something he had regretted. What was her name Judy. He felt that session was bad. It was more about her than him.

[Netha-Sar Murselas]

NPC Cadet Benjin Moreno (Flight)
[Katra Station - Deck 7 - Crew Quarters]

Benjin walked down the hall, carrying a bag with his belongings over his shoulder. Benjin had asked his sister - who happened to be the station's Executive Officer - to be assigned quarters with a crew mate (ever since Raiden Darrow had moved to other quarters he'd been alone in his quarters) and if possible someone that was int he Flight Department like him. That had been weeks ago. Months, even. But now finally he had been assigned to new quarters. It was an enlisted crew mate and usually they slept in groups of four in one room, but Benjin didn't mind that. He just wanted some company.

Stopping in front of the door he thumbed the door chime and a moment later the doors opened. Benjin took a look inside before stepping in. "Hello?", he called, hoping his new bunk mate was here.

[KATRA STATION | DECK SEVEN | CREW QUARTERS]

After what they had just gone through Netha-Sar was feeling unusually like he could use some company. He had made few friends in the five years since he had enlisted in starfleet and that had been by design. But when you were submerged into an almost hive-like consciousness with so many other people it made being alone with your own thoughts more pronounced. He had been informed that he would be getting a new roommate. Something he usually would have hated, but suddenly looked forward to.

"Hi!" he greeted Benjin when he arrived. "I'm Netha-Sar." Hm"¦ what else was he supposed to say. "I can, uh, leave if you want to make yourself comfortable." Maybe he didn't want to talk? Maybe he just wanted to unpack in peace? He smiled nervously.

[Beja]

Katra Station - Promenade - Weeks Later

"œMy father and his senior staff were part of an exchange program on Katra. There might have been others before as well, but that is all I know from my time here. I came to Katra right out of the academy," Beja explained to Sirol.

"œI'm happy to help answer any questions you may have, or even give you a tour of Katra if you would like. I think you will find that the Federation is very welcoming to others, and really do want to learn from each other. I've felt nothing but welcoming and warmth when I entered the academy and my time here on Katra," Beja smiled at Sirol. Beja really wanted the Romulan to feel as Katra was their home away from home. Every here had been very willing to accept Beja, even when Klingons were not willing to accept Beja, Katra's crew had.

When Tess walked up with her son, Beja's smile widened. "œOh Tess, he's getting so big! Soon he will be able to hold a bat'leh." Beja joked with the commander. Though Beja wouldn't have put it past Rayek to want his son to be skilled in all kinds of weapons and defense. She did hope though that Rayek would be open to allowing his son to find his own path. Something that Beja greatly appreciated that her own father had done for her.

Katra Station - Counseling Office - Weeks later before the Discovery left

Beja smiled over at her next appointment as the human man arrived on time. She stood from her desk and welcomed him into her office. The walls are a nice warm yellow color, with the incense burning to have a nice sandalwood smell to help with keeping people calm and relaxed.

Mon the sehlat cub, was laying down on his own bed by her desk.

Beja indicated to the oversized chairs, as there was no typical couch or that to be found here. The entire environment of the room was one designed to put people at ease.

"œPlease take a seat anywhere you like. I hope you don't mind Mon being here. He is being trained as a therapy animal. I know that his size can be intimidating to some, so his presence does make you uncomfortable. Please let me know, and he can hang out with my receptionist."

[Don Damien Addams]

Katra Station - Counseling Office - Weeks later before the Discovery left

Beja smiled over at her next appointment as the human man arrived on time. She stood from her desk and welcomed him into her office. The walls are a nice warm yellow color, with the incense burning to have a nice sandalwood smell to help with keeping people calm and relaxed.

Mon the sehlat cub, was laying down on his own bed by her desk.

Beja indicated to the oversized chairs, as there was no typical couch or that to be found here. The entire environment of the room was one designed to put people at ease.

"œPlease take a seat anywhere you like. I hope you don't mind Mon being here. He is being trained as a therapy animal. I know that his size can be intimidating to some, so his presence does make you uncomfortable. Please let me know, and he can hang out with my receptionist."

[USS Katra - Counseling Office - Weeks before Discovery left]

Don took the offer to one of the big cushion chairs. Then she pointed out the big creature which was a bear. His eyes widen a bit because one never saw a bear type pet or therapy animal.

He shrugged his shoulders.

"I am going to dive in this before I lose confidence to talk about it. I am here because the subconscious had me more aware of the my fellow crew members on the Discovery. Which made me not want to talk about the matter which bothers me," he shared.

"Frank," he clasped his hands together. Then he sighed. He took a deep breath. "I am not sure my wife and I are able to have kids," he ramble off. Then he stood up and walk up to look at a wall and he made fist and he went tense.

Then his body shudder under him as the soul of him was falling apart. Tears ran down his cheek. "I am failure as a husband. I should seen it," he muttered in his tears. His head was down cast in the loss. 'She was pregnant...and she lost it...My wife did not know at the time she was pregnant...and..." he was crying hard and fell down in his knees. "I don't like seeing her in pain. It kills me. I don't know what to do." Then he wiped his sleeve against his face as he was crying. Then he gave a defeated chuckle. "I am {Censore} sitting here crying."