S1E3 - New Horizons

[J.B Dersch]

First Officer's Log, Stardate 79379.37. Starship Horizon has returned to Outpost Solaere with its prize, and in time to see power restored to the station after the crippling blow laid from the now captured mole, even more so when both convoys, one from the Corps of Engineers and from the Romulan Free State, had arrived.

The worst part is, the mole's somebody I met before. Xinor Dralin, one of the most dangerous criminals in the quadrant. To make matters worse, apparently he had served on Outpost Seven, before its abandonment, as Chief Science Officer. Which meant he served under Bella-Nunia Xolo when she was First Officer there. This has prompted me to look into matters myself.

This has prompted me to look into more internally into the former crew of Outpost Seven, all while Xolo and Dralin share a cell together, and as we coordinate information gathering from the Tucson's computers. Meantime, old as it is, we're permitting a salvaging and scuttling of the old ship. After a few days, we finally have the information required, and now that many of our staff have full recoveries, we now gather here at the Overlook for a party...but not before a briefing that can't wait, especially given the recent events from what we learned from the Tucson's computers.

[Commander Nira Said | Private Lounge | Overlook Restaurant | Hangar Module | Outpost Solaere]

Nira could see everybody, not just senior staff but their deputies, who were involved in the past few days in thwarting the pirates, had gathered for the briefing. She stood at the front with Kinley and Admiral Gillespie, and she was glad some privacy was arranged; the outer glass windows were covered so as to guarantee privacy. In any case, there was reason for the briefing, given the party to celebrate the triumph over the pirates being set up on the other side. Being permitted to start first, Nira proceeded.

"The databanks on the Tucson gave us everything about the pirates," Nira started. "It's confirmed that the government of New Jericho hired as many Orion pirate groups from the Khalas system as much as possible. They have their go-between in Bella-Nunia Xolo and Xinor Dralin to lead the pirates and coordinate with them. Payment in the form of booty, although they wanted a cut of one fifth of the booty they take from all shipments heading for Oaish'le.

"Based on the Tucson's charts, they had coordinated with dropping off booty to a warehouse in the outskirts of New Jericho. As for the Romulan crews of the ships, the Tucson takes them to Nimbus and Verex to be sold off into the slave markets."

"The tribute booty is easy enough," Admiral Gillespie pointed out. "Security forces from all our ships are in the process of confiscating it and distributing it among the refugees in Oaish'le. The warehouse security dinnae went quiet, hoo-ever. Six officers were injured and three more have been killed in confiscating the materials, and are noo being detained for transport to New Zealand."

"I expect we should hear from Governor Xolo at any time," Nira said. "I should add that we also found out that the industrial replicators there had also been used to make the mines around the Ciden System. Fortunately, the Tucson had the codes to deactivate them and where to find them."

"In addition, the tactics the pirates had used against the Romulan Free State are familiar to old hands. It's definitely the same tactics used by the blockade led by Captain Picard that ended the Klingon Civil War. How do the pirates ken those tactics?" Gillespie added. "Nunia gave them the patterns. Which is obvious; she was deputy Security Chief on the Aries when it took part in that blockade, made acting chief in arrangements to compensate for personnel reassignment, so naturally, she would've known about the tachyon grid pattern."

"And speaking of Nunia," snapped Nira. "if it had been any other Starfleet officer, it would've been bad enough, but the woman is a Xolo. Malaquías Xolo's granddaughter...cousin of another grandson of his, Enrique. I'm not surprised she disgraced the uniform by engaging in piracy and other criminal activities. But, Admiral, you told us nobody knew what happened to her. She just happened to drop off the grid like that?"

"Nobody knew what happened to her, aye, but nae officially," Gillespie retorted. He got up a PADD, typed something, and then set it on the table, when it pulled up a holographic file. It was a prison file about Nunia...

[Continuation of Post #278]

"Bella-Nunia Magdalena Javiera, née Xolo. Interred at...Tantalus?" Nira said in surprise. "Aye," Gillespie said.

"It says she was admitted to Tantalus on Stardate 53167.9...she couldn't have been around when refugees began flooding Ciden IV..." Nira momentarily took the file in. After a moment, she spoke.

"Don't tell me, I can figure out what happened: Nunia was admitted to Tantalus for psychiatric treatment...after the Dominion War because she had grown dangerous during the war."

"A spot-on summary, but yeh dinnae have the full picture," Gillespie said. "Bella-Nunia Xolo was assigned to the Starship Lich Lord at the start of the Dominion War, given the loss of that ship's captain at the battle of Torros III. And she grew increasingly violent throughout the war, aboot as dangerous as a Reman shock trooper when the Romulans joined in, if nae more. And given the Lich Lord was an Akira class starship...well, suffice to say, throughout most of the war, she had the reputation of having to exhaust her torpedoes whenever in battle with the Dominion, enough that a portion of her time was spent reloading on torpedoes.

"Torpedo Bella she was called...far cry from when she used to be called Tinker Bell, because she had a temper similar to Peter Pan's pixie. She fought in two dozen different engagements in the war.

"Thing is, being raised on the border, she naturally was raised to hate Romulans. When the Romulans joined the conflict, in every battle she had a part in when there were Romulans fighting alongside, at least one Romulan ship was destroyed by her torpedoes, although given the chaos of battle at that time, it was never seen until too late, and we dinnae realize it until her arrest when we went over her old logs.

"When the end of the war came, she had a difficult, if nae impossible, time adjusting to peacetime. War, bloodshed, battle, it was all she knew. She came to blows with her crew loads of times, primarily the department deputies and junior officers. She had been assigned to babysit a trading fleet, but she kept whinging aboot it.

"Things came to a head when that convoy came to Benzar as the last of the Romulan occupation forces, who had occupied Benzar - after giving the Dominion the boot from that planet - were leaving. There was a lone Romulan ship remaining, in the process of removing the occupation forces, and she destroyed it. When a crewmember objected, she killed him. When her First Officer, a Vulcan named Silvik, tried to relieve her of command, she also killed him.

"Naturally, those deaths set off a mutiny; the chief flight officer, chief engineer and CMO led the deputies and junior officers against Nunia and all the officers who supported her, all of them who served in the war with her, and all of whom used to serve at old Outpost Seven - noo Outpost Solaere - and abandoned their posts to join her to fight the war."

"And Xinor Dralin is one of them," Nira said.

"Aye," said Gllespie. "Given her level of hostility nearly started a new war so soon after we finished one, we gave assurances to the Romulan government to have her punished and then had her disappear. She was court-martialed and sentenced to the Tantalus Penal Colony for psychiatric treatment."

"And given she was there for twenty-three years," Nira added, "obviously psychiatric work didn't go anywhere."

"Unfortunately, yes," Gillespie said. "She did display surprising recovering behavior around the turn of the century, and it prompted a probationary release...and then she actually disappeared after she left."

"And given Dralin was also former Outpost CSO," Nira said, "I checked the crew roster back then; I only wish I saw it in full sooner, I was so focused on their command staff, Pablo Javiera and Nunia. I recognized some of the names on the previous crew roster."

She pulled up the old crew roster and pointed. "There are two other people on that roster I recognized in addition to Dralin. Calud Daaom, Trill, former Security Chief; and Niamis Madat, El Aurian, former Station Counselor. I met them at Ferenginar while on the Challenger a year and a half ago, before we headed to Deep Space Nine. The Ferengi were watching them in that they were listed as some of the most dangerous criminals, if not assassins, in the quadrant."

Lt. Junior Grade JB Dersch | Personal Log | Outpost Solaere

Stardate 79379.37.

As I sit in the dimly lit briefing room of the Overlook Restaurant, I can't shake the tension in the air. It feels like we've walked into a storm that's been brewing for decades, and now we're at its eye. Commander Nira Said's briefing hits me like a torpedo—swift, precise, and utterly devastating. The web of treachery spun by Bella-Nunia Xolo and Xinor Dralin is beyond anything I could've imagined.

I remember seeing Dralin during the early stages of this mission, a face from the past, and now it all makes sense. A former Chief Science Officer turned criminal mastermind, pulling strings in the shadows, orchestrating piracy with the ruthlessness of a seasoned tactician. It's no wonder we barely managed to come out of this alive. But what chills me the most is learning that Nunia Xolo, a name I once revered, is at the center of it all.

The revelation about her descent from a Starfleet officer to a war criminal, someone who slaughtered her own crew and betrayed everything she stood for, is staggering. I can't help but wonder—how does someone fall so far? Raised to hate Romulans, forged in the fires of war, and then shattered by it. The war may have ended years ago, but the scars it left are still bleeding, infecting those who fought it.

And now, we're left to pick up the pieces. The Tucson's databanks have given us a glimpse into the horrors orchestrated by these criminals, but it's just the beginning. New Jericho, Nimbus, Verex—their names now echo with the cries of those caught in the crossfire of this twisted game. Starfleet officers are dead, more injured, and all because of a conspiracy that's been festering for years.

The part that gnaws at me is the involvement of Governor Xolo and the Xolo family. It's as if the universe has twisted itself into a cruel joke, with the descendants of Starfleet heroes now leading the charge into infamy. What does that mean for us? For Starfleet? Can we ever truly root out this kind of corruption when it's woven into the very fabric of our past?

But this isn't the time for doubts. We have a job to do. The Tucson's codes will help us dismantle the minefields, and we'll ensure that the tribute booty reaches the refugees who need it. Yet, the larger question remains—how do we prevent something like this from happening again? How do we stop the next Bella-Nunia Xolo before they're consumed by the darkness?

As I stand with my fellow officers, I know one thing for sure: this fight is far from over. And it's up to us to ensure that justice prevails, no matter the cost. We owe it to those who've fallen, to those who've suffered, and to the ideals that Starfleet was built upon.

End log.

[Therem Estraven]

[Suite 4402 | Deck 10 | Outpost Solaere]

After the battle had concluded and the Horizon was docked back at Solaere Station, Therem was one of the first ones off the ship. His volunteer tour of duty was done, and with the pirate fleet out of the picture it was the perfect time to recover some his recent business losses.

There was plenty of cargo to move off Ciden IV, or course, but his office had received many inquiries on both mining and salvage operations. Big space battles left behind lots of debris that could be collected and repurposed. Antique collectors often payed high prices for genuine military finds, and of course there were always markets for self-sealing stem bolts and type-R phase discriminating amplifiers.

After putting on a fresh pot of coffee, Therem's small office quickly began to smell like an old-school cafe as he worked away at his desk. Parse through various offers and facilitating transactions in the middle of the night was a much calmer activity than operating the sensors of a Federation warship. However, Therem did had to admit it was exciting once you forgot about getting shot by pirates. Maybe the next time he worked with the Federation there would something less dramatic, like a space monster or evil clones instead of the threat of war.

[Lindsey]

[Outpost Solaere | Civilian (again) | Deck 11 | decommissioning yard né Tucson]

Working on a decommissioned ship was like peeling back the layers of a forgotten past. Each day was spent cutting through rusted bulkheads and prying apart old panels, the ship's skeleton creaking in protest. Between the dusty conduits and ancient wiring, there were always surprises — hidden compartments tucked away by the original crew, long-forgotten tools, and sometimes, more valuable finds.

Behind one bulkhead, a stash of something lay forgotten, sealed away to avoid detection during inspections. In another compartment, a faded journal chronicled a families final time together before being sold as slaves, with notes and sketches squeezed into the margins. The ship was slowly revealing its secrets, one slice of metal at a time.

Being back on the station was weird, it was sort of home (in as much as she had one), but it was also unfamiliar.  They had retuned victorious and found the station in a state.  It had been with a bit of regret that she had moored the Horizon in it's berth - for at that moment she was unemployed again.  Her temporary rank of Chief Petty Officer was tied to that mission - and when one ended - so did the other.

She was thankful to Commander Nira Said, for only hours after docking she had been offered further employment stripping the Tucson.  it was dirty, dusty work.  but it was work. (and not everything that was removed was placed in the recycling bins...  Some parts would be seen later on a shuttlecraft)

She looked at a piece of paper she had picked up from one of her old dead drops, it was very recent - but not especially uplifting news.

The operation is running, but it's been a tough haul lately. While the reduction in pirate activity along our primary routes has made travel safer, recent events on the station have caused a noticeable drop in opportunities. With so many people leaving, the demand for our services has dwindled, and finding buyers for our goods has become increasingly difficult. We're still managing to get shipments through, but profits are thinner than ever. The operation is struggling to break even, and if things don't pick up soon, we may need to reconsider our approach.
Wretch

oh well, she thought - screwing up the sheet.  it could be worse than break even, it could be a lot worse.
She'd have to keep her ears open for the next few days as well.  there was sure to be a power vacuum caused by the removal of the pirate's head.  Something would try and fill it, something always did - but hopefully it wouldn't be quite so well funded.

She had been surprised to receive an invite to the debriefing - it being Starfleet and all that, but she guessed that she'd have to sign a non-disclosure at some point.
Being station-side again - she  had heard a lot of stories about a saboteur (all wildly different, Ferengi Boy Scouts/changelings/a lose cat) and issues caused due to loss of power, sounded like it would have been fun.  She would have used that opportunity to gain access to several hitherto inaccessible areas and systems.

She should probably make a bit of effort for this debriefing.  She could get these overalls cleaned, or she could 'salvage' several sets of half decent jumpsuits from what was once someone's quarters.  It was an easy choice.  It wasn't that she cared that much, but if there was a possibility for future employment - just like any source of income - she would do due diligence. (and there might be free food)

[Overlook Restaurant | Private Lounge]

Looking somewhat out of place amongst all the uniforms, Lindsey entered the Overlook, clean and with her hair tied back.  She technically now had a com badge as well - a retrofitted Klingon one that allowed her to take calls - but was not tied to the station's tracking system. (she's also changed the outer casing to a design of her own).

there was free food!  She grabbed a plate and worked her way along the tables (what on earth was a Hors d'oeuvre?  something vulcan perhaps?)
She would make a point to pass over the diary later on

[Charlotte Fawkes]

[Commander Nira Said | Private Lounge | Overlook Restaurant | Hangar Module | Outpost Solaere]

Nira could see everybody, not just senior staff but their deputies, who were involved in the past few days in thwarting the pirates, had gathered for the briefing. She stood at the front with Kinley and Admiral Gillespie, and she was glad some privacy was arranged; the outer glass windows were covered so as to guarantee privacy. In any case, there was reason for the briefing, given the party to celebrate the triumph over the pirates being set up on the other side. Being permitted to start first, Nira proceeded.

| Lt. JG Fawkes | Science Officer | Private Quarters | Deck Eight | Outpost Solaere |

Personal log:

Lieutenant Junior Grade. I'll need to get used to that, not that I wish to complain. My stint on the USS Horizon as a science officer was memorable. Orions, Pirates, and mines, Oh my. I could have done without the mines, to be honest. Next time I head out, I hope to catalog a new notable anomaly. Violence isn't my bag, though I do have to say Commander Said is quite the specimen when riled. Back up. Delete that.

I should be more vocally concerned with the recent developments aboard the Horizon, but politics has never been my forte. The downfall of a former Starfleet officer is disheartening, no matter the cause. Admittedly, I am distressed that Nunia Xolo was a science officer. In theory, those who pursue science should be more objective, but life doesn't always work out that way. On my next outing, I hope our mission parameters will consist primarily of science—a lovely, quiet study of the Ciden II and its exposed core.

| Lt. JG Fawkes | Science Officer | Overlook Restaurant | Hangar Module | Outpost Solaere |

"Ah, yes. Mandatory niceties with dignitaries. We have dismissed that claim." Charlotte sighed heavily. "I wish." As much as she wished to skip the festivities, Fawkes made herself available in her dress uniform as requested. She nodded to a few people and even looked for Therum but could not find him yet.

After listening to Said and Gillespie, Charlotte gave the information considerable thought and found it tragic that a few Star Fleet officers could not let go of the past. But they made their choices and would have to live with them.

[Kinley Garrison]

[Hallway -> medbay]

Feeva's tone of voice very much reminded her of her own mom, so much so, that for a hot second, she forgot that she was Commander, and sat down immediately before she felt the  sudden tingling feeling one got from being beamed up.

She had ended back here.... again, her stomach lurching as it did every time she got transported. Added to her other maladies, and she barely could keep herself from getting sick and losing her stomach contents on the floor,   To add insult to injury, the EMH was lecturing her to boot. She grimaced as the hologram gave her a breathing mask to help clear out the toxic fumes she had breathed in. Yeah yeah. I know, shouldn't make things worse than they already are so I can get better.  Gotta put on your own mask first before helping someone else. However, she would do it again all over to help her people.  Maybe she was still proving herself  after the scars of Frontier Day, but she'd rather have it be her than someone she was supposed to protect.

[Later - restaurant.]

Kinley straightened her nice black  lab coat she usually took out for nice occasions, like when Admiralty was visiting. Call it her way of exerting some form of fashion and individuality in her daily wardrobe.  Even though she wore the Command Red, she was still a scientist at heart.   She was feeling much better, sans her still-healing ribs that she jostled earlier. She had been reading up on the history of the former officers who were now residing quite solidly in the brig now. They used to be honorable officers at one point. But something must have happened to make them snap. She wasn't going to follow their footsteps, she promised herself that.

Grinning as she came into the room, she slipped her PADD into her pockets and nodded greetings to the people assembled. "Hey guys, Great job everyone!' she said. She meant it.  With all the pirates in disarray, they had bought some time for peace, however long it would last.

[Feeva Drylo]

{Outpost Solaere|Medical}

Here, this will sooth the pain of your foot. I'll need to reapply treatment, but it should feel better quickly.

Feeva nodded.

"Aye, I'll be fine," she said. She smiled.

"You're ok, you know," she said to the man next to her. "It's not your fault, so don't feel bad. We hit our target. I'll be off my feet for a day, but my girl is good and will cooperate," she said.

Sure enough, that evening, the girl was on her best behavior, and Feeva was able to heal quickly, and get some good sleep.

LATER

Feeva was nervy. She disliked diplomatic things, mostly because she was worried that she'd say or do something awkward and embarrass herself. She was dressed up today-she had forgone the dumb purple uniform and instead wore a pair of tan linen slacks, a floral blouse, and had tied her red hair back with a matching green ribbon. A pair of stud earrings and some clear lip gloss was all else she wore, but she clutched the PADD she held like a security blanket. Leena was staying with one of her little friends from the class so Feeva had the whole evening free. It was strange.

"'Allo," she said, quietly, entering the restaurant where the after-briefing and party was held. She slipped quietly into a seat, and clicked her PADD to order a drink-pink lemonade today. 

[Nira Said]

[Commander Nira Said | Private Lounge | Overlook Restaurant | Hangar Module | Outpost Solaere]

"I ken you are all bothered by this," Gillespie added, seeing the different reactions from the crew. "I'm the most bothered myself, and I fought in the war myself. And war often brings the worst out in people as much as it does the best, and there had been plenty of times the Dominion War reminded us humans of what we used to be like, a shock of awareness, as it were, or an eye-opener."

Gillespie continued, changing the subject. "At present, I intend to assign Starfleet Security to investigate how Xolo disappeared after leaving Tantalus, especially given she disappeared shortly after the 250th Frontier Day."

"After? So she wouldn't have fallen victim to the assimilated youth?" Nira asked, before turning back to any officers present who had been assimilated, "no offense to those who had been before..."

"Nae. It had been aroond the time Starfleet Command had been in discussion, per Captain Picard, aboot how the Neutral Zone had been neglected, and that we'd start our efforts on Ciden IV. Amidst those discussions, she disappeared; the ship she was on never made it to Earth. It's a bloody coincidence it happened. And I intend to find oot how she took a ship from the mothball fleet."

"I only wish we can help, Admiral," Nira said, "but given our assignment here..."

"Aye, but it's best to focus on the humanitarian efforts, and noo that we have the Corps of Engineers helping yeh, I expect yeh'll get this station back to fully functioning. Dinnae be surprised if the lads commence an internal overhaul."

Nira nodded, smiling at the prospect; it will only mean the station will be updated in a way that the Challenger would most likely never will have.

"Of course, if yeh can keep an eye on the Xolo family, as best as yeh can, and report any potential behaviors, it will be appreciated," Gillespie added, "but yeh're first priority is to focus on the relief efforts for the refugees and on getting the station operable and functional, and it'll be an easier job noo that the pirates got the boot and with help from and coordination with the Corps of Engineers."

"Don't be surprised, though, if you get reports of New Jericho's opposition to cooperation, and their potential aggression, though," Nira pointed out, repeating Gillespie's words. She especially looked at Dersch, noticing his reactions in regard to Nunia. Was he familiar with her somehow?

Gillespie nodded at her, and then added, "There is another matter, but it's going to be a part of the revelry happening ootside," he said. "And it's due in part to a surprise host who's coming..."

Nira was about to ask when Rusal Mail called from Ops, having taken temporary command. "Ops to Overlook Lounge, the Athena has arrived."

"Aye," Gillespie said. "Inform Admiral Carter to join us at the Overlook Lounge when he arrives. Computer, shades doon." And the curtains guaranteeing the briefing's privacy, even in the windows looking over the hangar, lowered, and Nira noticed the space doors opening, displaying the arriving ship.

"It's the Athena," Nira said. "The Athena-B," she added, looking at Stryker. "But...you do know the whole thing won't fit in the hangar."

"She's nae going to even have her saucer jutting inside, nae in the past, nae," Gillespie said. "Noo, yeh lot are dismissed from the briefing."

Nira had to scoff in amusement. Was it instructed to incoming ships to appear before the hangar module for public to see from the overlook, even if it wasn't going into the hangar, or was this a means to make up for the fact that Solaere's hangar was not as big as a typical station big enough to house a starship space dock?

[Richard James Litt]

[Lt. Litt · Bridge · Deck One · USS Horizon]

Richard Litt remained silent, attentively observing as Gillespie spoke. But, the mention of the Athena-B immediately piqued his interest, and when the curtains lowered to reveal the ship entering the space, his eyes lit up with admiration. The sight of the majestic and imposing ship stirred his passion for piloting, and he couldn't help but smile slightly.

As he watched the Athena-B approach, Litt found himself reflecting on the changes taking place at the outpost. "Seeing a ship like this isn't something that happens every day," he thought, recognizing the significance of the moment. He knew the presence of the Athena-B marked something important, perhaps a new chapter for everyone there.

With the briefing concluded he stayed in place, eager to see who the "surprise host" mentioned by Gillespie would be. While waiting, he continued to admire the Athena-B from afar, knowing that the next moment might reveal even more about the direction of the next days in Solaere.

[James Carter]

[Commander Nira Said | Private Lounge | Overlook Restaurant | Hangar Module | Outpost Solaere]

"I ken you are all bothered by this," Gillespie added, seeing the different reactions from the crew. "I'm the most bothered myself, and I fought in the war myself. And war often brings the worst out in people as much as it does the best, and there had been plenty of times the Dominion War reminded us humans of what we used to be like, a shock of awareness, as it were, or an eye-opener."

Gillespie continued, changing the subject. "At present, I intend to assign Starfleet Security to investigate how Xolo disappeared after leaving Tantalus, especially given she disappeared shortly after the 250th Frontier Day."

"After? So she wouldn't have fallen victim to the assimilated youth?" Nira asked, before turning back to any officers present who had been assimilated, "no offense to those who had been before..."

"Nae. It had been aroond the time Starfleet Command had been in discussion, per Captain Picard, aboot how the Neutral Zone had been neglected, and that we'd start our efforts on Ciden IV. Amidst those discussions, she disappeared; the ship she was on never made it to Earth. It's a bloody coincidence it happened. And I intend to find oot how she took a ship from the mothball fleet."

"I only wish we can help, Admiral," Nira said, "but given our assignment here..."

"Aye, but it's best to focus on the humanitarian efforts, and noo that we have the Corps of Engineers helping yeh, I expect yeh'll get this station back to fully functioning. Dinnae be surprised if the lads commence an internal overhaul."

Nira nodded, smiling at the prospect; it will only mean the station will be updated in a way that the Challenger would most likely never will have.

"Of course, if yeh can keep an eye on the Xolo family, as best as yeh can, and report any potential behaviors, it will be appreciated," Gillespie added, "but yeh're first priority is to focus on the relief efforts for the refugees and on getting the station operable and functional, and it'll be an easier job noo that the pirates got the boot and with help from and coordination with the Corps of Engineers."

"Don't be surprised, though, if you get reports of New Jericho's opposition to cooperation, and their potential aggression, though," Nira pointed out, repeating Gillespie's words. She especially looked at Dersch, noticing his reactions in regard to Nunia. Was he familiar with her somehow?

Gillespie nodded at her, and then added, "There is another matter, but it's going to be a part of the revelry happening ootside," he said. "And it's due in part to a surprise host who's coming..."

Nira was about to ask when Rusal Mail called from Ops, having taken temporary command. "Ops to Overlook Lounge, the Athena has arrived."

"Aye," Gillespie said. "Inform Admiral Carter to join us at the Overlook Lounge when he arrives. Computer, shades doon." And the curtains guaranteeing the briefing's privacy, even in the windows looking over the hangar, lowered, and Nira noticed the space doors opening, displaying the arriving ship.

"It's the Athena," Nira said. "The Athena-B," she added, looking at Stryker. "But...you do know the whole thing won't fit in the hangar."

"She's nae going to even have her saucer jutting inside, nae in the past, nae," Gillespie said. "Noo, yeh lot are dismissed from the briefing."

Nira had to scoff in amusement. Was it instructed to incoming ships to appear before the hangar module for public to see from the overlook, even if it wasn't going into the hangar, or was this a means to make up for the fact that Solaere's hangar was not as big as a typical station big enough to house a starship space dock?

[Yaeger-Type Athena-B | Bridge | Captain Zed Masters]

As the ship exited warp the captain exited his read room and took his seat in the center of the bridge. The Athena-B salvaged the remainder of the old saucer section of its predecessor, and the bridge remained unchanged. Masters gestured to the crew for a moment. "Hail Solaere and get docking permissions." The captain commands tapping his comm badge. Admiral Carter. We've arrived at our destination. Once we're docked I'm going to give the crew shore leave. Once you've wrapped up here we'll recall the crew and be on our way. You've been asked to meet everyone in the Overlook Lounge.

[Athena-B | Admirals Quarters | James Carter]

James sits quietly at his desk. The giggles of his 5 year old daughter playing with his wife filled the space bringing a gentle smile to his face as the comm's hail came through. Thank you Captain. I'll head to the transporter room now. He stood and walked to sit next to Tessa, gripping her hand in his for a moment. "For once I get to do the fun part of my job." He laughs gently before kissing her softly soliciting a groan from their daughter. He stands and moves over, picking her up in his arms. "Don't worry, I'd never forget to say bye to my beautiful girl first." He says giving her a gentle squeeze.

[Outpost Solaere | Overlook Lounge]

As swiftly as he could the admiral arrived in the lounge. The last time they'd all seen him he was fresh off the loss of frontier day, now he seemed to have returned to his jovial self once again. "Don't worry, I already know you're both glad to see me." Carter called out in a sly tone.

[J.B Dersch]

[Hallway -> medbay]

Feeva's tone of voice very much reminded her of her own mom, so much so, that for a hot second, she forgot that she was Commander, and sat down immediately before she felt the  sudden tingling feeling one got from being beamed up.

She had ended back here.... again, her stomach lurching as it did every time she got transported. Added to her other maladies, and she barely could keep herself from getting sick and losing her stomach contents on the floor,   To add insult to injury, the EMH was lecturing her to boot. She grimaced as the hologram gave her a breathing mask to help clear out the toxic fumes she had breathed in. Yeah yeah. I know, shouldn't make things worse than they already are so I can get better.  Gotta put on your own mask first before helping someone else. However, she would do it again all over to help her people.  Maybe she was still proving herself  after the scars of Frontier Day, but she'd rather have it be her than someone she was supposed to protect.

[Later - restaurant.]

Kinley straightened her nice black  lab coat she usually took out for nice occasions, like when Admiralty was visiting. Call it her way of exerting some form of fashion and individuality in her daily wardrobe.  Even though she wore the Command Red, she was still a scientist at heart.   She was feeling much better, sans her still-healing ribs that she jostled earlier. She had been reading up on the history of the former officers who were now residing quite solidly in the brig now. They used to be honorable officers at one point. But something must have happened to make them snap. She wasn't going to follow their footsteps, she promised herself that.

Grinning as she came into the room, she slipped her PADD into her pockets and nodded greetings to the people assembled. "Hey guys, Great job everyone!' she said. She meant it.  With all the pirates in disarray, they had bought some time for peace, however long it would last.

[Yaeger-Type Athena-B | Bridge | Captain Zed Masters]

As the ship exited warp the captain exited his read room and took his seat in the center of the bridge. The Athena-B salvaged the remainder of the old saucer section of its predecessor, and the bridge remained unchanged. Masters gestured to the crew for a moment. "Hail Solaere and get docking permissions." The captain commands tapping his comm badge. Admiral Carter. We've arrived at our destination. Once we're docked I'm going to give the crew shore leave. Once you've wrapped up here we'll recall the crew and be on our way. You've been asked to meet everyone in the Overlook Lounge.

[Athena-B | Admirals Quarters | James Carter]

James sits quietly at his desk. The giggles of his 5 year old daughter playing with his wife filled the space bringing a gentle smile to his face as the comm's hail came through. Thank you Captain. I'll head to the transporter room now. He stood and walked to sit next to Tessa, gripping her hand in his for a moment. "For once I get to do the fun part of my job." He laughs gently before kissing her softly soliciting a groan from their daughter. He stands and moves over, picking her up in his arms. "Don't worry, I'd never forget to say bye to my beautiful girl first." He says giving her a gentle squeeze.

[Outpost Solaere | Overlook Lounge]

As swiftly as he could the admiral arrived in the lounge. The last time they'd all seen him he was fresh off the loss of frontier day, now he seemed to have returned to his jovial self once again. "Don't worry, I already know you're both glad to see me." Carter called out in a sly tone.

NOTE:
JB Talks in Red
Freya Talks in Pink
Katie Talks in Teal

[Lt. Junior Grade JB Dersch | Overlook | Outpost Solaere]
[NPCS Freya, Katie, Kate Dersch | Overlook | Outpost Solaere]

Dersch couldn't believe it, Two Admirals, And the Athena-B, A Yaeger-Type class.  Can't wait to see what this entails

"Daddy!" JB looked around to see Katie running through the swarm of officers to him, With Freya holding Kate close behind. As Katie got to the table JB pointed to the Athena. "See that?

Katie stopped. Trying to figure out what he was meaning, It was only a starship. As She pondered this Freya arrived and sat down. "Its a Legend" Freya smirked, She knew what he mean't Nira, and Sven had worked on that ships predecessor.

"Yes, And it's now still a living legend, Wonder what Admiral Carter is doing here, Probably those damn Pirates." Freya told JB.

"Is that the ship Nira worked on?" Katie asked as she sat down next to JB.

"Yes" JB then saw Kinley. JB waved. "Hey Commander, Whats up, Enjoying the relaxation, Cause I know I am

[Stryker]

|lt. Sven Aune | Overlook restaurant.

Sven didn't believe his eyes when he saw Carter walk in. It was a blast from his past. Almost 5 years to the day. Sven had even served as his XO on the Athena-A for a shot bit before he was transferred out.

He forgot all about how uncomfortable he felt and walked right up to his former captain.

"Capt'n! he didn't know what else to say, he just held out his large and calloused hand to shake.

[Nira Said]

[Yaeger-Type Athena-B | Bridge | Captain Zed Masters]

As the ship exited warp the captain exited his read room and took his seat in the center of the bridge. The Athena-B salvaged the remainder of the old saucer section of its predecessor, and the bridge remained unchanged. Masters gestured to the crew for a moment. "Hail Solaere and get docking permissions." The captain commands tapping his comm badge. Admiral Carter. We've arrived at our destination. Once we're docked I'm going to give the crew shore leave. Once you've wrapped up here we'll recall the crew and be on our way. You've been asked to meet everyone in the Overlook Lounge.

[Athena-B | Admirals Quarters | James Carter]

James sits quietly at his desk. The giggles of his 5 year old daughter playing with his wife filled the space bringing a gentle smile to his face as the comm's hail came through. Thank you Captain. I'll head to the transporter room now. He stood and walked to sit next to Tessa, gripping her hand in his for a moment. "For once I get to do the fun part of my job." He laughs gently before kissing her softly soliciting a groan from their daughter. He stands and moves over, picking her up in his arms. "Don't worry, I'd never forget to say bye to my beautiful girl first." He says giving her a gentle squeeze.

[Outpost Solaere | Overlook Lounge]

As swiftly as he could the admiral arrived in the lounge. The last time they'd all seen him he was fresh off the loss of frontier day, now he seemed to have returned to his jovial self once again. "Don't worry, I already know you're both glad to see me." Carter called out in a sly tone.

|lt. Sven Aune | Overlook restaurant.

Sven didn't believe his eyes when he saw Carter walk in. It was a blast from his past. Almost 5 years to the day. Sven had even served as his XO on the Athena-A for a shot bit before he was transferred out.

He forgot all about how uncomfortable he felt and walked right up to his former captain.

"Capt'n! he didn't know what else to say, he just held out his large and calloused hand to shake.

[Commander Nira Said | Overlook Restaurant | Hangar Module | Outpost Solaere]

As the party commenced, Nira looked around at Stryker's calling out and saw Admiral Carter approach. She approached the admiral with a smile.

"Admiral Carter, it's good to see you," she said, feeling the admiral's jovial nature. She had to admit, she had seen him when Challenger returned to Earth, some time after the 250th Frontier Day. She was shocked to see how downcast he was, and she found out later his father was killed, one of the many admirals killed that day. To see him this jovial made Nira feel good.

She looked around and said, "Stryker?" with a smile, and saw him nearby. All at once, she felt like she was that fresh-from-the-Academy ensign, with her Security and forensics ambition all over again, recalling when all three of them worked together to fight the Liberation and its leader, Manumit...who was Carter's alternate universe opposite double, her first great adversarial challenge.

She was the ensign who answered to Stryker, who had taught her in the Security field. And she felt like she was back in those days when she and Stryker coordinated with Carter. Her first commanding officer, and the first man she had the greatest respect for.

Shaking herself from nostalgia, Nira then looked around for Torra, the woman she always regarded her best friend, saw her nearby in the crowd, and said, "Lieutenant Addams? Can you come over, please? I'd like you to meet my first ever commanding officer," she said. "James Carter, then captain of my first ship, the Athena."

Then she turned back to Admiral Carter and said, "It's so good to see you, Admiral. What brings you to Solaere?"

[Danjar-Torra Addams]

Lieutenant Danjar-Torra Addams
[Outpost Solaere - Hangar Module - Overlook Restaurant - Private Lounge] (several days later)

While Admiral Gillespie and Nira continued their discussion about the Xolo family and then on the upcoming repairs to the station by the Corps of Engineers, Torra quietly sipped at a glass of water.  She smiled back and dipped her head respectfully towards Commander Garrison at the woman's remark to the staff.  It was good to hear that their work was appreciated.

A short while later and the crew were dismissed from the debrief.  Now was apparently the celebration.  Torra wasn't really in the mood for celebrating, but as she was the one in charge of ensuring this went smoothly she didn't really have much of a choice to stay.  She got up from her seat to stretch her long legs and moved to go stand beside her husband.

She glanced to the opening doors and took in the view of the Athena-B.  The ship was mostly unknown to her, though as she recalled both Nira and Stryker had served on the ship before, having transferred to Challenger.  Having it visit now must be a happy occasion for Nira.
.

[Outpost Solaere | Overlook Lounge | James Carter]

As swiftly as he could the admiral arrived in the lounge. The last time they'd all seen him he was fresh off the loss of frontier day, now he seemed to have returned to his jovial self once again. "Don't worry, I already know you're both glad to see me." Carter called out in a sly tone.

[Commander Nira Said | Overlook Restaurant | Hangar Module | Outpost Solaere]

As the party commenced, Nira looked around at Stryker's calling out and saw Admiral Carter approach. She approached the admiral with a smile.

"Admiral Carter, it's good to see you," she said, feeling the admiral's jovial nature. She had to admit, she had seen him when Challenger returned to Earth, some time after the 250th Frontier Day. She was shocked to see how downcast he was, and she found out later his father was killed, one of the many admirals killed that day. To see him this jovial made Nira feel good.

She looked around and said, "Stryker?" with a smile, and saw him nearby. All at once, she felt like she was that fresh-from-the-Academy ensign, with her Security and forensics ambition all over again, recalling when all three of them worked together to fight the Liberation and its leader, Manumit...who was Carter's alternate universe opposite double, her first great adversarial challenge.

She was the ensign who answered to Stryker, who had taught her in the Security field. And she felt like she was back in those days when she and Stryker coordinated with Carter. Her first commanding officer, and the first man she had the greatest respect for.

Shaking herself from nostalgia, Nira then looked around for Torra, the woman she always regarded her best friend, saw her nearby in the crowd, and said, "Lieutenant Addams? Can you come over, please? I'd like you to meet my first ever commanding officer," she said. "James Carter, then captain of my first ship, the Athena."

Then she turned back to Admiral Carter and said, "It's so good to see you, Admiral. What brings you to Solaere?"

When Nira called for Lieutenant Addams, there was that moment where she looked to Don wondering if it was he that was being called on.  But when Nira made eye contact, it was clear.  She gave her husband's hand a slight squeeze, before she moved in alongside Nira.  At 6'6" (not including her horns), she dwarfed Nira and stood several inches taller than even the Sec/Tac officer who seemed awe-struck at the new Admiral's arrival.

At Nira's introduction, Torra dipped her head low in respect towards the man that her best friend admired.  Her voice was gentle as she greeted him. "Lieutenant Danjar-Torra Addams.  It's a pleasure to meet you, Admiral Carter."

She then stepped back and let Nira and the others converse with their former Captain. 

[Kinley Garrison]

[Restaraunt]

Kinley nodded to Dersch as she came in. She knew she was skirting the "acceptable" time to come to the party, but  she was here now, the pirates were sent packing, and for now, she could breathe easy. That was room enough to celebrate. "I am absolutely looking forward to a break  from all these pirates.  We're getting some very needed repairs and upgrades and maybe for once, my replicator will actually be raptor-proof when it comes to Orange Jello." she joked, nodding to little Katie in a sort of conspiratorial way.

The raptor was already capturing people's hearts (and maybe some meatballs) on one end of the restaurant.  She made sure he was on his best behavior today after all, and the raptor enjoyed parties. It seemed like pretty good enrichment to her.

She wasn't exactly sure why the Brass had sent two admirals with them. Gillespie was already pretty involved with the Engineers coming in  (There was still that underlying worry of a sudden inspection  they might spring on her)  but she smiled and straightened as Admiral  Carter came on board.

"I think business might have to call me soon, if you'll excuse me.  " she motioned her head to the Admirals.

"Keep an eye on Steve for me, would you?" she asked Katie, before excusing herself.

"I hope I'm not butting in too much," she said, nodding to the Admirals. "It's great to see you again, Sirs." She smiled to Stryker and Torra. It seems like there was some past history?  They seemed to be having a good time. though.

[As Steve]

It had been so long since there was any parties. Steve had missed that. The chance for people to give him attention and pets, and food  was honestly his favorite thing ever, and it had been a while since anyone really had celebrated. The little raptor knew that parties usually meant things were getting better, and his hoomans wouldn't be hurt again, hopefully for a long while.

The tiny raptor chirped as he weaved between lots of legs, usually garnering gasps of surprise and an occasional hors d'oeuvres from someone.  somehow, he ended up with his Counselor Friend with the Comfy Office. She seemed nervous, so he tapped her leg with his nose in support.

[Lindsey]

[Overlook restaurant]

She wasn't paying that much attention to the hobnobbing, she was very much the outsider - but that was normal for her.
The food, now that was more interesting. (2 years on emergency rations will teach you the value of flavour)

"I'll have one of those, two of that, no idea what this is" *disgusted face* "horrible is what that was, that one there looks interesting.
and so on.
"where did the other hors d'oeuvre go?  could have sworn I had one left!  must be losing it again.
Have we started talking to ourself yet? yes.. drat."

She went to get a drink instead.  The green one looked interesting