Herschel's Kisses

[Gregory Blake]

| 1100, MD 6
| Blake's Quarters, Kepler Station

Commodore Gregory Blake rested his forearms against the back wall of his shower as hot water buffeted his back. An attempt to ease the knots of tension and wash the stress away. It had been a long day which had started in the wee hours of the morning with a self destruct countdown, an evacuation and swiftly moved onto wormholes, time travel and then being informed this would be all his fault. In a few years from now. Still his immediate future wasn't looking too bright either. He only had nineteen people to populate Kepler and even less temporary personnel borrowed from the USS Hippocrates, it brought the grand total up to twenty-six. The rest of his crew were over four months away in the Delta Quadrant and would probably be reassigned instead of returning to Kepler. The only plus side to all of this was that he was just as far away from Rear Admiral Bassenthwaite.

Gregory ducked his head under the water before he deactivated the shower. He shook himself and reached for a towel as he stepped out. After a quick rub down he discarded it and walked out of the bathroom, through his lounge and into his bedroom to dress when the internal comm bleeped.

"Blake," he acknowledged as he pulled on his uniform trousers. "What?"

"Sir, you wanted me to let you wanted me to get you the TFCO for this area," the voice from the command centre told him. "I've got them on subspace now."

"Good. Put it through to my quarters. I'll take it here," Gregory instructed as his head popped through the undershirt, followed by his arms. He grabbed his jacket and slipped into it while en route to his desk in the lounge.

"Aye sir."

Gregory kicked the seat out and dropped into it, ran a hand through his damp hair, accepted the communication and glowered at the woman on the screen. "You," he growled. "I wanted the TFCO for the Gavarian Frontier, not you."

This was almost too good. Times being less dire, Bassenthwaite would've allowed herself a little shiver at the thrill of victory upon seeing Blake's expression. As it was, an almost-half-smile appeared. Everything else about her remained still and cold.

"Blake," she began, no trace of smugness in her tone. "Fortuitously for you, that is me. I heard about your little adventure." Bassenthwaite shook her head condescendingly, elucidating with, "Misplacing a station. That's impressively incompetent, even for you."

Contrary to her intentions, she was enjoying this now and irritated at herself for enjoying it. There was no time. However, for some reason she couldn’t resist the digs at his ability which, in actual fact, had been surprisingly efficient since she'd assumed command of TF38. He was probably motivated by a desire to keep communication with her to a minimum, but the fact remained he'd not been appalling as a TFXO; this was a grudging admission. In any case, he wasn't going to escape her now.

Son of a bitch, Gregory thought to himself and wondered what he had done to end up with this punishment.  If he were honest, and had the time, he could come up with several reasons.  He scratched at his beard and said, "I found it again, didn't I?"  He neglected to mention that apparently he was the one to lose it in the first place.  On purpose.  "And I wouldn't call it fortuitous."

"Something better than fortuitous, then?" She was daring him to cross the line to insubordination.

He wisely ignored the bait and instead said, "I've a meeting to get to.  One where I fill my lot in on what's going to happen to them.  You wanna cut to the chase and leave the flirting 'til later?"

A grimace crossed her features, marring them from icy perfection. "This is the situation. Kepler is alone and vulnerable in a volatile region of space. However, this also presents us with a unique opportunity." She paused briefly, wondering if he saw it, or if he was particularly surprised that she'd so quickly shifted from Kepler's vulnerability to its exploitation.

Gregory's initial satisfaction at getting a reaction out of her, faded.  This unique opportunity, as she so eloquently put it, sounded like he was going to be stuck with this damn station for a little while longer.  He folded his arms across his chest and nodded, "Go on."

"The Gavarian frontier has long been cut-off to us. Expeditions traversing the corridor between Romulan and Cardassian space have always had a tendency to disappear. Diplomatic envoys gravely and sympathetically deliver the verdict that it is a contested area and that our ships must have been caught in a skirmish. Between the lines, it is intentional and they assure us that it will happen again." She let that settle in.

"Surprise, surprise," Gregory murmured.  He refrained from recommending Starfleet send better equipped vessels and COs, or suggesting they go the long way round instead of trying to elbow its way between two large and hostile territories.  "And?" he prompted.

"With Kepler there, we're bringing in the metaphorical cavalry. There is no inter-stellar law preventing us using that corridor and exploring what lies beyond. The admiralty decided that it was time to get out there - now that we have a legitimate need to protect Federation assets in the region - and that someone who had experience as a TFCO, but also large scale strategic experience, was ideal." Bassenthwaite delivered 'ideal' with a flicker of annoyance; of course she was ideal, it didn't need said out loud. The annoyance frosted over quickly. "That is why you get me."

Gregory raised an eyebrow at the emotion that he had briefly seen pass over her face.  It seemed he wasn't the only one being coerced into something they didn't want.  Not that he wanted her either.  Still... better the devil you know, he supposed.  "Goody," he told her.  "What's the plan?"

"Your orders are to keep a low profile and wait for backup. If attacked, your first priority is to send a message to me with the details." Bassenthwaite wondered if it seemed an unusual order, when the first priority would surely be to escape alive. Her own orders had been simple. Establish Starfleet operations in the Gavarian Frontier. If Kepler were destroyed, they needed another excuse to be there in force. With an official message about an attack on a Federation base, they had that excuse. If Kepler just 'disappeared', they could only justify a small operation to investigate. Small operations disappeared in 'border skirmishes'. She couldn't allow for that. She would not fail. Her face hardened into resolve.

"That's it?" Gregory asked, incredulous.  He unfolded his arms and leaned closer to the screen so she could get a better view of him not being very happy with the situation.  "I'm not sure how much of a low profile I can keep when my station suddenly appears near Romulan territory.  I'm pretty sure they've noticed us already.  But don't worry, I have a Wallace and a Kelly to protect this Federation asset.  What I don't have are fighters, shuttles or runabouts, and no escape pods.  Backup better get here fast, cause I don't know how to make this station disappear again."

"Just stay alive, Blake," she snapped. "That works out best for everyone. Bassenthwaite out." For a few moments, she sat there, wondering why she had snapped. It wasn't like she couldn't handle pressure - a comical thought. Without an answer, she stood and went to the bridge. Harassing the Commanding Officer was sure to get more speed out of the ship.

"No one has managed to kill me yet," Gregory told the blank screen.  He ran his hand down his beard and as he calmed down his keen mind started plotting.  It was time to change some peoples careers...

=

JP brought to you by:

Rear Admiral Elizabeth Bassenthwaite
Task Force 47 Commanding Officer

&

[Gregory Blake]

| 1130, MD 6
| Commodore's Ready Room, Kepler Station

Commodore Gregory Blake slouched in his chair behind the desk, his chin almost rested on his chest as he dozed off.  His Executive Officer had relieved him in the Command Centre only a couple of hours ago, and other than a quick hot water shower in his quarters, talked with his new TFCO and changed uniform, he had remained in his Ready Room.  Gregory had used the down time to dig up information on the locale, talk with the Hippocrates CO and ignore the pyramid that taunted him on the corner of his desk.

The padd held loosely in his left hand slipped free and made its escape to the floor.  The muffled noise it produced was enough to rouse Gregory from his slumber, right before the door chimed.  He had a date with sciences and once that was dealt with, he could shower and change into a fresh uniform before the meeting scheduled at noon.

"It's open," Gregory called out in a rougher voice than usual.  He cleared his throat, spotted the lost padd and retrieved it as the door opened to admit the two people he needed to talk to.

Julia was feeling more than a little nervous as she almost literally ran into the archaeologist outside the Commodore's ready room. For the short week that she had been on Kepler, she had not had a chance to meet with either her department head nor the archaeologist, the only other commissioned officer in Sciences. Normally, such a situation would have sent the cadet into a minor nervous breakdown if the first time she had met either of these officers was outside her CO's ready room. Considering the events of the last twelve hours, though, Julia was taking the situation relatively in stride. With only a slightly nervous nod to the archaeologist, Julia strode in with the ensign in the Commodore's ready room.

Aaron walked in with the cadet. He wasn't sure which on of the should talk first, but he was the actual officer so he figured what the hell. "Ensign Ingles and Cadet Holzwarth reporting as requested sir." He swallowed the lump in his throat, all the while wondering if he could sound more like a green Ensign right out of the academy.

Gregory was about to make a half-hearted apology about there being only one chair, when he realised two were sitting on the other side of the desk.  Ready and waiting.  Although he wasn't a fan of yeomen, he was starting to appreciate the one he had.  "Sit," he told them.  "I'm about to change your lives."

Julia took a seat, keeping her posture as straight as possible. Less than ten hours ago, she had been barking at petty officers and distorting space and time on hunches and jury-rigged equipment. The adrenaline high she had been riding had long since subsided, and Julia had a feeling that command judgment was about to come crashing down on her as hard as the end of said adrenaline rush.

"Go for it sir. I can't speak for the cadet but I'm always up for life changing event."

"We're low on staff, so I'm forced to make changes to ensure the continual operation of this station," Gregory explained.  He looked to Aaron and said, "Although we have a number of science personnel, they're mostly civilian.  You're the only science officer, Ensign.  So I'm gonna offer Acting Chief Sci to you.  I recommend you don't decline."

Aaron's eyes widened a bit. "Very well sir. I won't. Always wanted a bigger office anyway."

Gregory turned to Julia and frowned.  He had a hard time envisioning this girl as the Rear Admiral from the future who had visited him not long ago.  "Cadet, this offer isn't one many of my peers would agree with."

"Sir?" Julia gulped, trying to keep her shoulders straight and her knees from knocking.

"Earth is months away," Gregory explained.  "Instead of losing you for your graduation, we'll be doing it here.  So I can make you Acting Assistant Chief Sci."

"Sir? I...that is...yes, sir." Julia wasn't sure what was going to happen, but an early graduation and a position on the Kepler were definitely not what she was expecting.

Gregory nodded at her acceptance, not that he had given her a choice and said, "Desperate times.  Just make sure I don't regret these decisions.  Either of you."

"Yes, sir," Julia answered, her head bobbing nervously.

Aaron nodded. "Of course sir. I will do my best and no less."

"Good," said Gregory.  "Dismissed."


JP brought to you by:

Ensign Aaron Ingles
Acting Chief Science Officer

&

Ensign Julia Holzwarth
Acting Assistant Chief Science Officer

&

[John Reynolds]

| 0820, MD 6
| Kitchenette, Treehouse Lounge
| Kepler Station

Sleep hadn't exactly been Violet's friend since the disappearance and subsequent reappearance of Kepler so it wasn't actually so unusual that she was currently rummaging through the small kitchen the Treehouse Lounge used to prepare those dishes they didn't replicate.  Cooking wasn't exactly her specialty but since everyone had been through so much lately Violet was taking it upon herself to play moral officer.  Of course baking muffins for people sounded easy until you took stock of just how many muffins that would entail.  Maybe she could cheat a little and replicate some to mix amongst her successful batches.  No one would notice unless they were greedy and took more than one.

"Van, do we have any cinnamon?"  She called out to the barman who had come in early in preparation for the expected rush once the station became active again.  They might be in a completely different quadrant now but people still wanted food and drinks.

"Should be on the shelf with the other spices."  Van replied from the other room.  "Terran spices are in the... blue containers?"

Crinkling her nose in thought the teenager looked around, picking up a container here or there before dismissing it.  "Blue... I thought that was the Klingon stuff.  Oh wait that's red."  After practically rummaging through the whole room she shook her head and sighed, "I'm sure we had some... do you think it's half way between here and the Delta?"  She asked with a somewhat forced laugh.  The events of their trip across the galaxy had left a lot of them with issues they were pushing aside rather than facing head on.  Violet also had her father to worry about... she'd at least managed to get a message to him to say she was alright.  That put her mind at ease.

There was a brief sound of laughter before the bartender replied, "nope, pretty sure we'd be missing bigger stuff if anything got left half way."

"Fine I'll just keep looking then!"  No sooner had she said that when she spotted an egg-shell blue container on the bottom shelf, tucked behind a box.  Seemed like a strange place for the cinnamon to have wound up but Violet was just pleased to have finally found it.  Digging the container out she opened it and peered inside.  Looked like cinnamon but then again powders tended to look alike.  "Found it Van."

"That's good!  I can call off Security now."

"You're a riot, you know that?"  The waitress made her way back over to the mess she'd been creating and tossed in some apple pieces before sprinkling some of the cinnamon into the mixture.  She'd decided on making a batch of chocolate chip and a batch of apple and cinnamon so that hopefully everyone would like them.  Picking up the wooden spoon she started folding in the mixture until it started getting thicker and fought against her.  "Hmm... might be right for the oven now."  She thought aloud, as if trying to convince herself she had a clue what she was doing.  The instructions were simple enough, but they also left a lot up to interpretation.  Shoveling some of the mixture into the muffin trays she awkwardly picked up a couple in each hand and carried them over to the over where she slid them inside and closed the door.

"Computer activate timer."  Violet instructed as she wiped the excess mixture from her hands and headed out to help Van with getting the bar in order.  Hopefully the crew would appreciate her thoughtful gift sometime later today.

Brief backpost brought to you by:

Violet Matthews
Waitress, Treehouse Lounge
Kepler Station (We have moved)

[Gregory Blake]

| 1156, MD 6
| Conference Room, Deck 6
| Kepler Station

Commodore Gregory Blake strode into the medium sized conference room on deck 6.  A couple of early birds were loitering around the refreshment table that his yeoman, who had thankfully been on Harbinger, had thought to set up.  He nodded to them but kept his distance.  Instead he focused on the padd in his hand.  He reread the information, to make sure he had it all correct before informing all twenty-six people that currently populated Kepler Station.  Nineteen of them had been originally from Kepler when it was located in the Delta Quadrant.  The other seven had been provided from the Hippocrates and were mostly engineers, save for the one medical officer whom Gregory had yet to meet.

Gregory paced back and forth on the small stage, while more people trickled in and made a beeline directly for the refreshments.  His stomach rumbled in envy.

Gunny Ling came into the meeting early, but out of uniform.  He didn't need the uniform any longer because he'd already turned in his resignation from Starfleet Marines.  Technically, he was still Gunnery Sergeant until it was accepted at headquarters, but he didn't really care. 

Seeing refreshments, he was glad he had come early.  He sauntered over, nodded to the two already there, and looked over a selection of fruits and pastries.  Oh, the heck with it.  Have that cherry pastry you want. Call it a freedom celebration.  He reached for the pastry.

Aaron strolled into the meeting room; a PADD in each hand. As a mere Archeologist he was only aware of the dusty artifacts that came in on whatever ships made a stopover before return to the Beta Quadrant but now with all the information about the department was at his fingertips he had no idea how disorganized everything was. Everything had been fine until the station was flung across the galaxy. Once the science staff was back on the station well over half of them would be assigned to find out what had happened and the rest would simply work to get everything back to working order. They had lost several time sensitive experiments and several other volatile experiments due to fluctuations in the power grid disrupting force fields. Then there was the ‘duck call artifact’; as he had come to call it. It was currently sitting in a level 11 containment field which was surrounded by a level 13 force field.

And don’t even get him started on Cetacean Operations. The damn dolphins were still going nuts.

He spotted the table with food and his stomach rumbled in a reminder that he had eating very little over the past 24 hours. He stuck the PADDs in his blue lab coat and walked over to the table; quickly filling a plate with fruit and deserts.

Rae stopped at the door as she arrived, her hesitation went unnoticed, as did her glare in Blake's direction.  Her survey of the room revealed nothing out of the ordinary, no psychopaths lingering in the shadows.  She found a seat, and returned to studying the PADD she carried in with her.  Names of twenty-six individuals were listed alphabetically, and of those names, she recognized only a limited number of them.

Gregory Blake, was the obvious name; though she was unsure what to think of him at the moment.  His lack of professionalism during an emergency situation stunned her and she was glad to be in uniform once again, protected from his knowing eyes.  Grayson and Hayle also struck her as suspicious, ready to back Blake's story that he had been on the Harbinger and not in Sickbay ... kissing her. 

Matthews... She had promised the girl's father that she would keep an eye her.  It was comforting to see that she had survived whatever this ordeal was, but on the other hand, Violet was now more than a quadrant away from the only family she had.  Rae touched the name on the PADD's screen as she reflected on this unnerving thought.

And Ingles, the scientist convinced that some paranormal spirit was talking to him in the science labs.  Blake talking science fiction with time travel, Holzwarth's reports supporting his suspicions, and Ingles reporting complete fantasy...  Rae would be certain to keep her comments to a minimum among all the insanity.

Grayson knew exactly where his priorities should lie; he walked in and made straight for the table with the coffee, glad to see that he'd judged Blake well. There was no way, he'd figured, that the man wasn't practical enough to provide at least a nod to the idea of stimulants, especially after the night they'd all had. It was replicated coffee, which was really only water doing its best coffee impression, but it had caffeine, and if he drank enough of it before anyone asked him to say anything intelligent, he'd be all right.

Julia Holzwarth walked into the room, looking as if she was on the cusp of a 'fight or flight' decision. Which is how she felt. A few months ago, Julia had her life planned out. A lifetime of academic research in a prestigious institution, with plenty of down time at her family's enclave in Osage Beach, Missouri. She was just a mathematician, after all, and mathematicians led quiet, stable lives.

Then Julia found herself first in Delta Quadrant and, in the blinking of an eye, in Beta Quadrant. Commodore Blake kept on expecting answers and miracles from her and so far (though Julia really didn't know how) she kept on producing them. When Commodore Blake told her he was graduating her to ensign and giving her the position of acting assistant chief of science, Julia didn't know whether to run or accept. The Commodore didn't give her a choice but to accept. He also kept staring at her out of the corner of his eye (or at least Julia thought he was), like he was expecting her to suddenly change into something or someone else.

Julia wasn't sure who would be looking out at her from the mirror either. Or how she would feel about the new person she seemed to be turning into.

Julia saw her new acting department head, but she didn't bring herself to his attention. Since the meeting with Commodore Blake, Ensign Ingles had his head buried in his PADD, trying to get things up to speed. There'd be time after this meeting to get together with him. For now, Julia found herself a quiet spot against the wall to listen to the Commodore's announcements.

Gregory's Yeoman ushered everyone to their seats and nodded to the Commodore when they were ready to begin.  Twelve noon on the dot, he noted to himself.  He was once again glad that this efficient young woman had been with them on Harbinger.  Gregory glanced at the padd in his hand one last time before he addressed all twenty-five people seated before him.  He was fairly certain many of them would be unhappy with what he had to say.  He sure as hell would be if he were in their situation, which he was.  And he wasn't all that happy either.  Livid, was a better word.

"I'll cut to the chase," he told them.  "Bad news first.  Kepler Station is now located on the edge of the Gavarian Frontier.  In the Beta Quadrant, near the Romulan border.  Roughly 80 days away, at warp 9, from Federation territory."

80 days! Ling thought. Prophets!  Good thing I plan to leave the Marines.  I don't fancy a 3-month ride as a passenger on a series of ships across the galaxy.

Eighty days, Grayson thought to himself. He'd come to Kepler to get far away; obviously the universe had a sense of humour...

Gregory stared hard at the gathered audience until they had quieted.  "The good news is, we aren't completely alone out here.  There is a small Starfleet presence here in the Frontier and in the Corridor.  Reinforcements are already en route, however it'll take some time for them to get here.  Because of that I'll be commandeering more crew from the Hippocrates to take us up to skeleton crew numbers.  Our orders are to stay put, bring Kepler back to fully operational and not to draw attention to ourselves."

"Any questions?" Gregory asked.

Ling had none.  He had other plans and he had an appointment with Blake right after the meeting to start his resignation from Starfleet Marines rolling ... 80 days across the quadrant!

"Good," said Gregory after several seconds.  "If you haven't done so already, report to your Department Head, or acting Department Head.  They are:  Winters - Engineering, Tremaine - Sec / Tac, Ingles - Sciences, Collier - Medical.  Enjoy the refreshments.  Dismissed."


JP brought to you by:

Lieutenant Commander Isis Rae | Executive Officer
Gunnery Sergeant Ling Dessan | Marine
Ensign Aaron Ingles | Acting Chief Science Officer / Archaeologist
Petty Officer 3rd Class Halley Grayson | Medic
Ensign Julia Holzwarth | Science Officer
Commodore Gregory Blake | Commanding Officer

[Isis Rae]

MD6
0900

Isis Rae walked into Ops and headed to her station to check on the status reports.  The station was oddly quiet and the reports were minimal.  It was time to change shifts with Blake; she turned toward his ready room as the turbolift doors opened to reveal a science officer.  Isis paused momentarily, something about his stance indicated he had something to report.

Aaron paused at the doors. He had never been to Ops before. He looked around and spotted Lt. Commander Rae. "Commander Rae? I'm Ensign Ingles, one of of the Archaeologists and I know this has to sound bizarre but I think I have some information about what happened to the station."

"Most officers file such information in a report.  This is different?"

Aaron nodded far to eagerly. "Yes ma'am. This rather strange entity tapped into Harbinger's systems and informed me that he and his associate's moved Kepler because of a doomsday artifact that if activated would bring about certain doom. I'd say that's different. Ma'am."

"An entity?" Rae repeated.  Seemed like everyone on the station was insane; first with Blake proposing time travel as his excuse to evacuate the station, and now the scientist's strange claim of entities possessing the computer...  "Did this entity give you his name?"  She opted to humor the man for a moment.

Aaron shook his head and handed her the PADD in his hand. "No ma'am, but if you will look on the PADD you will see Harbinger's internal sensors show a 119% spike in several energy fields. Something was in that room with me; what, I have no idea."

She looked at the PADD briefly.  "So a ghost told you to put your rocks away?"

Aaron arched and eyebrow. "No ma'am. An anomalous entity established contact with me and informed me that this starbase was moved by an outside organization because of presumed danger of artifact K-898-Delta-Desert. I have yet to look at the artifact but I assumed you would like to know considering we've just been thrown across the galaxy."

"Yes, of course, Ensign.  Thank you.  If you could put the details in a report, I'll be certain to share it with the Commodore," Rae capitulated.

Aaron nodded. He was exhausted and didn't feel like dealing with anyone else at this point. "Thank you ma'am. It will be on your desk in an hour. I have also neglected to inform Starfleet Sciences of this. It has been my experience that they enjoy digging to the bottom of things like this and I am sure neither one of use wants a three hour interview with them. Now if you will excuse me ma'am I have a report to write and a nap to take."


JP between Aaron Ingles and Isis Rae

[Isis Rae]

MD6 (time frame: as the Harbinger is transporting people to Kepler)

"Need a hand with anything?"  Kennedy's voice was soft, as she didn't want to startle Cassi Yale.  Monroe had two goals in mind, really.  She wanted to make herself useful in case her colleague was in the midst of something medical, and Kennedy also couldn't resist the opportunity to check on Cassi personally.  Since the pediatrician had disclosed less than a week ago she had been raped during the blackouts, Kennedy could focus on little else.  Although she knew she couldn't push the issue lest Yale shut down, Kennedy also couldn't ignore her own feelings of concern for the woman's well-being and safety.  Agreeing to dinner before this mess with the disappearance of Kepler had been the farthest Cassi had been willing to go, and it just didn't seem enough.

The young doctor was pregnant by her rapist, and every baser instinct in Kennedy wanted to seek vigilante justice against him.  What's worse was the fact Kennedy had silenced Yale when she informed her that naming her assailant would compel Kennedy to report the rape out of concern for the crew.  After all, a rapist named was an identifiable threat to others.  No ambiguity meant no ethical quandary, and no choice.
 
Choice.  Hadn't she given Yale a choice when she told her sharing Fact A would result in consequence B?  Hadn't she given Cassi a sense of control?  If that were true, and she had indeed done the ethical thing, why the hell did she feel like she'd told a rape survivor to keep her mouth shut?

Cassi turned to the source of the volunteer and almost wished she hadn't.  Tossing her tricorder back into her emergency kit, she slung it over her shoulder before answering.  "I've got the one bag only.  Not much sense in asking for help over that.  I think I can manage."

"Something to eat or drink, perhaps?" Kennedy offered immediately, undeterred.  "I can't imagine you've taken much of a break, and I'd love the company."

"Mostly, I'm interested in crawling into bed," but at the mention of food her stomach growled, "but food sounds good also. Not sure we'll find a waitress, considering the situation though."

"I won't keep you," Kennedy replied, offering a wry grin.  "I'll be happy to serve as well.  It'll keep me distracted from thinking about where we are and the state we're in."
 
Cassi offered a warm smile in return.  "Okay, deal."  She adjusted the strap of her medical kit, then motioned to the transporter pad.  They transported to Kepler in short order and headed toward the Treehouse Lounge.  Kennedy took a few minutes to throw together salads and a small meal for the pair while Cassi cleared a table which had been abruptly abandoned earlier in the evening when the self destruct warning began.  "Looks good," Cassi appraised as Kennedy joined her at the table.

JP by Kennedy Monroe and Cassiopeia Yale

[Halley Grayson]

|0540, MD6
|Kepler Station

Grayson rubbed his eyes as he meandered through the corridor. Zero-dark-thirty, officially dismissed, and... he had been more tired than this once or twice in his life, but not very often. He could probably sleep on bare decking - had been planning to, in fact, once the Harbinger had rescued him and Violet. Things hadn't gone that way, thankfully. And now they were back aboard the station... which was apparently somewhere in the Beta Quadrant, now, if he'd heard the Hippocrates commander correctly and remembered his star charts.

Well, it didn't matter. He'd figure out the actual ramifications, if there were any, in the morning.

For a moment, he considered going to sickbay, just in case anyone needed a medic and the other doctors hadn't made it back yet. Then he remembered - all the injured people and most of the civs had been beamed off Harbinger before they'd even gone through the anomaly. He didn't think Tribulation had come through with them. That meant crew count on Kepler would be pretty slim, and mostly experienced.

If they couldn't figure out how to start the EMH, they deserved to suffer. Grayson had a bed, and he was going to make friends with it. Face first.

It wasn't until he got in the door that he realised he had no other clothes than the uniform on his back. His bag was still on Harbinger, abandoned in the rush to secure the station. No doubt there would be some sort of round-up - it would all come back to him eventually - but for now it posed an interesting problem.

He was too tired to worry about replicating more clothes, if he even needed to. He peeled off his uniform tunic and trousers and hung them up, leaving only the short-sleeved undershirt and regulation shorts. That'd be fine for tonight. Nobody was going to come down too hard on him in... oh, gods, two hours.

Bed. It was flat. He liked flat. He tipped over onto it, and let himself bounce twice, the regulation twice that every 'Fleet bed he'd ever had would bounce. Then he sighed and closed his eyes.

The finger that pressed the door chime belonged to someone with good intentions despite her bad timing.  Had Violet known the man she was looking for had only moments ago reached the sanctuary of his bed she would have reconsidered.  Common sense should have told her it was late, and they were all exhausted, and it was almost the beginning of Alpha shift for the Fleeters.  But she was too tired to listen to that little voice whose job it was to point out those little facts.  Tired and distracted by prophecies in neat white packaging with a simple ribbon.  The 'gift' from her supposed friend from the future was still securely tied and tucked under her arm.

She had no intention of opening it until a time she had worked out all the variables.  Which was probably impossible, so it would remain sealed for a long time.  As the slight pressure from her finger stopped the chime ceased its intrusion on her new friend's peace and quiet.

Grayson opened one eye, with a long slow intake of breath. That... was the door. Of course it was the door. He was just not meant to sleep tonight. It took him a moment, but he got back up, stumbled to the door, and slapped his palm down on the contact that would unlock it. Whoever it was could just deal with his shorts.

"Oh no I woke you..." Violet observed with a frown, "I didn't mean to wake you."  The teenager added hastily as she took in his worn out state.  Raising the bag she held in one arm she added, "I recognized this and thought you might need it since you hadn't unpacked before we wound up in the pod."  It had seemed like a nice idea at the time.

"Ah, don't worry about it," Grayson said warmly. "Someone would've woken me up eventually. At least it was someone with good news." He took the bag from her. "Thank you, my dear. You were sweet to think of me."

"Well I'm still sorry for interupting your sleep."  Violet repeated.  "I should really be doing the same, but after everything..." she unconciously glanced at the white package before continuing, "you can sleep when you're dead, right?"  She asked with a soft laugh.  It wasn't really how she felt, but right now sleep just wasn't going to do the trick.

Grayson looked at her carefully. "Well, I don't plan on being dead anytime real soon, but I know exactly what you mean." A smile quirked at the corner of his mouth. "Hey, my shift's in... an hour and a half. At this point it probably doesn't matter whether I sleep or not. You wanna pick up that poker game?"

"If there's some coffee involved!"  Violet replied as she entered and allowed the doors to close behind her.


Violet Matthews
Waitress, Treehouse Lounge
Kepler Station (We have moved)

and

[Gregory Blake]

| 1215, MD 6
| Conference Room, Deck 6
| Kepler Station

"Dismissed," said Gregory.  He stepped off the small stage and was soon by his Executive Officer's side.  "I have a meeting with the Hippocrates CO.  Want to be a fly on the wall?" he asked her.

"If you need someone to do the waterworks when they say no to whatever you're planning on proposing, you might want to ask one of the younger girls."  She watched the assembled congregation as they filtered out of the room.  Clasping her hands behind her back, she straightened her military posture even more.  "What are you expecting from me?"

Gregory frowned at her comment.  "Not waterworks," he told her.  "Your opinion though, could be helpful."

"Lead the way," she gestured.

The pair were in the turbolift, between decks 7 and 8 when Gregory ordered, "Computer, halt lift."  The computer complied and the lift carriage stopped.

Isis shifted her weight uncomfortably, "Sir?"  A look of worry crossed her face.

He lifted a placating hand in her direction and said, "What you thought you saw on Kepler after the evacuation, wasn't real.  You knocked your head getting into an escape pod.  I looked over the internal sensors, Rae.  You were alone.  You got yourself to Sickbay and passed out again."

"I want to see those readings," her answer was instantaneous.  Something in his approach to the subject sounded off to her.  He had proof, she would look at it.

Gregory gritted his teeth but said, "Of course."  Her response told him two things.  She didn't trust him and she was smart.  Gregory wasn't sure which he liked better.  He decided to change the subject.

"Bassenthwaite is the TFCO for the area," he told her.  A slight scowl marred his features.  "She's sending backup but it'll take time to get to us.  Until then we need more personnel.  So, what do you want?"

"I want to see those files before something mysteriously corrupts the data.  After that," she added, "I can manage anything you throw in my direction."

Gregory glared at her.  "The files can wait, the Hippocrates CO can't," he said.

His glare indicated something was wrong, but she wasn't going to press the issue.  If he wanted to hide things from her, now wasn't the time to argue with him.  "We can't get there if the turbolift isn't moving."

"That's not my fault," he told her.  "I need to know what personnel you want."

"The security department's staff is disturbingly small.  Unless we can re-purpose people already here, our first priority should be to fill that department."

"Agreed," he said and ordered the lift to resume.  "Now let's see if we can talk the CO into giving up people from one of her smallest departments."

"We can offer her some of our medical staff," Isis offered, relieved to have the turbolift moving again.

"Something tells me she has them coming out her nose," Gregory said as the lift stopped on deck 10 and he followed her out.  His yeoman informed them that Commander Barnett was in Gregory's Ready Room, so they command team went straight in.

"Commander," Gregory said to the dark skinned woman who got up from her seat.  "My XO, Commander Rae."

"Commodore, Commander," Barnett said and shook hands with Gregory.

"Ma'am," Rae acknowledged with a polite nod of her head.  "Thank you for taking the time to come over.  May I get you something?" she indicated the replicator.

"Coffee.  Black," Barnett told Rae and then ignored her in favour of Gregory.  She sat back down when Gregory took his seat behind the desk, and said, "I believe I know your wife."

Gregory raised an eyebrow.  Conversations that started like that, never ended well.  "Oh?" he asked cautiously.

"Commander Scott of the Pendragon," Barnett supplied.  "I was assigned there before you joined."

"Ex wife," Gregory corrected her.

"Yes," said Barnett, now realising the mistake she'd made.  She crossed her slender legs and changed the subject, "The Hippo has an aid run coming up in the corridor.  We'll need to leave Kepler tomorrow afternoon, at the latest."

Rae handed her the coffee, "We were hoping, before you left, that you would be able to spare a few more from your crew."

"That's what I thought," Barnett said as she accepted the coffee.  "I have more than enough in sciences and medical.  How many do you need?"

"Twenty," said Gregory.

"That's fine," Barnett smiled before she took a sip of her coffee.

"All from Security," Gregory told her.

Barnett choked on her drink but recovered quickly.  "That's almost the whole department," she told him.

"And half of your torpedoes," Gregory added.

"Mal was right, you are a bastard," Barnett told him.

"How does asking to be able to defend our station define the Commodore as a bastard?  We're stationary, without a chance to run and hide in the face of danger.  And, we have civilians aboard.  We have an extra responsibility to them, to keep them safe," Rae added.

Barnett never looked away from Gregory while she addressed the man's XO.  "And I run a lightly armed medical vessel in the same hostile area.  Those security personnel are specially trained to ensure they provide the best possible protection to my medical staff when off ship."

"And two science officers," Gregory added.

"Please," Rae added.

"You need to take lessons on negotiation tactics from your XO," Barnett told him.  She scowled at his smile but said, "Seven from security, five photon, ten quantum torps, one science officer and a xenobiologist."

"Done," Gregory said and stood up as Rae offered her thanks.  "Thank you Commander.  My XO will handle the transfers."


JP brought to you by:

Lieutenant Commander Isis Rae
Executive Officer
Kepler Station

&

NPC Commander Barnett
Commanding Officer
USS Hippocrates

&

[Deedra]

| 1215, MD 6
| Science Offices, Deck 28, Module D
| Kepler Station

There were a number of things that Julia would like to be doing right now, besides cataloguing all the experiments that would have to be destroyed as a result of Kepler's unorthodox relocation. Having gotten all of two hours of sleep before being awakened to bend the universe to Commodore Blake's will, on top of Julia's list of things to do was sleep. Or maybe just sit in her room listening to Sionnachuighim, a "Gaelic Historical Fusion" band (as it described itself) that was gaining popularity on Earth when Julia left for her Cadet Cruise. Julia's favorite Sionnachuighim song was their rendition of the song "Love Walks In", a song first composed sometime in the twentieth century (though Julia couldn't tell you by who or when).

Julia would have loved to catch up with her friend Violet. Julia hadn't seen her friend since lending Violet clothing back in the Delta Quadrant. Hours in the past, thousands of light years away, Julia thought to herself. At least Julia had an inkling of what had happened. Sort of. Outside of the Commodore's briefing, Violet was...Julia had no idea what Violet was thinking. Julia knew her friend's father was still back in the Delta Quadrant. But Julia had no idea how her friend was reacting to that or everything else that had happened.

Julia made herself a promise to look up her friend at the first opportunity. For now, she needed to forward the list of experiments that needed to be scheduled for destruction, as well as a plethora of other data, to Ensign Ingles, her new chief. And then Julia needed to find out what exactly the duties of an acting assistant science chief were.

[Isis Rae]

| 1310, MD 6
| Science Offices, Deck 28, Module D
| Kepler Station


The negotiations with the Hippocrates' CO brought a minor influx of new crew to Kepler.  Unfortunately for Isis, this meant she had to process all the transfers, check in on the new crew, and explain to the existing crew why their promotions were negated by the newcomers.  And for this last part, that meant demoting a science cadet only hours after Blake had promoted her.

"Computer, locate Cadet Holzwarth," Isis asked as she headed to the turbolift.  No sense in delaying the unavoidable.  A longer-than-usual turbolift ride deposited her close to the Cadet's location and she closed the distance quickly, "Cadet?"

Julia gave the XO a tired smile as she stood up from behind her workstation. "Hi, Commander, I was just about to make a walking tour of the module." Hefting the PADD in her hand, Julia continued, "Just want to make sure that the data on the computer matches the reality. So what can I do for you, ma'am?" As tired as she was, Julia was feeling happy and relaxed. A week ago, she would have had a minor panic attack this close to the XO. With her pending promotion and acting title, Julia felt a certain amount of confidence in her situation, a first for Julia since arriving on the Kepler.

There was no good way for her to explain Blake's premature promotion, and Isis paused, suddenly lost with how to approach the young woman.  She had rehearsed a few things on the turbolift ride, but nothing sounded right.  She took a deep breath, "Cadet, the Hippocrates is sending us a few officers to fill in areas where we are severely short staffed.  Namely, security and science.  This effects you, unfortunately, by negating the raise to assistant chief that Blake offered earlier today."

Julia's face went blank, as did her mind. "Yes, ma'am. Understood, ma'am. Does the Commander know if my promotion will be delayed as well, when I return to Earth and the Academy?"

"As far as I know, Cadet, nothing else is changing.  Everything Blake promised you is still in effect.  However, Ensign Zachariah Ra-Nevron has more experience with the workings of a science department at this time, and the title will go to him.  I'm certain, with your ambitious attitude, this is only a minor set back for you."  Isis offered a sincere sympathetic smile.  Were the situation reversed, she would be seething at the moment.  Then again, the cadet could be nearing comatose due to a lack of sleep, leaving Isis ample opportunity to be far away when the reality of the situation shocked the young lady to temper.

"Yes, ma'am. Understood, ma'am." Julia suddenly realized that, as tired as she was, she had been propelled by her upcoming promotion and her new position. Now with her position taken away from her, and no surety that she would get her promotion until she got back to the Academy, Julia felt all the stress from the last few hours crashing down on her. Putting down her PADD, Julia looked at her executive officer with very tired eyes. "If the Commander has no objections, I'm going to retire to my quarters for a few hours sleep before resuming my duties."

"No objections," Isis answered, nodding an affirmative.  "Get some rest, cadet."

"Thank you, ma'am." Her shoulders slumped, Julia left the science offices and made her way back to her quarters, to gratefully sink into oblivion, and temporarily forget her disappointment.


A joint post by Julia Holzwarth and Isis Rae

[Noah Fichera]

Kepler Station
Tree House Lounge
MD6, 1500

Zoey sat in the lounge, at a table along the wall alone.  She was feeling quite lonely, despite the amount of work she suddenly had.  Mike had not made it to Kepler Station with her, and she missed him.  What was worse was his injury and the fact she hadn't been able to get any more information.

She sighed as she looked at the glass of tea that sat before her, wondering why she felt the need to remain aboard this station.   She was just a civilian, her main purpose for being there gone, all the friends she made gone, and the one who she thought she was falling in love with hurt and also gone.

Gregory strode into the Lounge.  He intended to grab a very late lunch and get back to studying the information on the Starfleet vessels in the area.  He planned to acquire as many replacement or temporary personnel as he could in order to keep Kepler operational, not to mention prepared, until backup or new orders arrived.

He ordered his usual burger with the additions and turned in the stool at the bar to take in the lounge and its patrons.  Considering the aforementioned lack of crew, he was still surprised to find the place virtually empty.  Other than the barman, there was only himself and one other seated at the back wall.  Another look revealed them to be his former counsellor, Zoey Thomas.  She was the last person he wanted to see right then, especially in his overtired state, but still he had an obligation as the station CO to ensure that those under his responsibility were looked after and that included annoying counsellors.

"I'll have that to go.  I'll be over there," Gregory told the man at the bar as he pointed in Zoey's direction.  He ambled over and asked, "This seat taken?"

Zoey looked up and saw Greg, and faked a small smile.   Those who knew her would know it was a fake, it was nothing compared to her normal beaming personality.   "Nope," she said, simply.

"How are you?" she asked, watching as he sat down.

"Tired," he told her after slowly easing himself down across from her.  "You?"

"Pretty busy in Sickbay, trying to hold things down best I can.  Short on staff and I don't have much Chief Medical Officer experience."  Zoey said, as she was in charge until a replacement CMO arrived.   "I'm not even technically Assistant Chief, just acting..."  Zoey trailed, off realizing that Greg was perfectly aware.

"Busy, but okay," she said, backtracking to the question asked.  She twirled her glass a little bit, watching her tea spin in it's container.

"Shouldn't be too long," Gregory tried to assure her.  "Medical officers on Hippocrates aren't being very helpful.  If they aren't going to volunteer, I might tell Rae to go pick one at phaser point."

"As long as they're not afraid of Physician Assistants I'm fine with it."  Even though Zoey was a very highly trained individual there were some physicians who didn't like to allow PAs to do everything they were capable of.  Which was essentially the same thing.

"Maybe one day I'll break down and be a doctor," she smirked.

"And give up your day job?" Gregory asked.  "Whatever will I do without you, counsellor?"

"I do both now, why not then?" she asked.  "Besides, the last thing you want is a counselor anyway."  She said, laughing a little.

Gregory scratched at his beard and said, "I've twenty-odd people that need you."

Zoey nodded in response, "so, what happened?" she asked.  Zoey always felt as if she was left int he dark, probably not on purpose she just wasn't all that important.

"Sciences reckon it was a black hole powered wormhole that moved the station," Gregory explained.  "The presence of chronitons is making it look like someone from another time was behind it."

"Was it you trying to get away from the ice queen?" she asked, a devilish smile appearing on her face.

That question was rewarded with a glare from him.  He forced his expression to soften and said, "She's the new TFCO for this area."

Zoey snorted, and tried her hardest to hold in a laugh.  But it didn't last and she laughed.   "So, mission not exactly accomplished huh?" she said, wiping the tears forming at her eyes.

His glare returned but any scathing comment Gregory might have made was diverted by the arrival of the barman.  He accepted the packaged meal, thanked him and got to his feet.  To Zoey he said, "There's twenty-odd people that need a counsellor.  Share the workload with that other doctor."

Zoey nodded, "okay."   She watched as Greg walked away, wondering how he'd been coping with everything.  Maybe she could convince him to have a chat with her sometime in the future.

[Gregory Blake]

Gregory's long legs allowed him to take the stairs two at a time, as he left the Treehouse Lounge.  His stomach growled but it was temporarily appeased by the promise of burgers and potato wedges that he carried.  He just needed to get back to his ready room in order to enjoy the meal while continuing with his administrative duties.

He rounded a corner in the path and happened upon one of Kepler's medical personnel.  "Afternoon," he said and slowed his stride.

"Hello, sir," Kennedy replied.  "What brings you this way?"

"My stomach," he told her and held up the package of food he'd just acquired from the Lounge.  "You?"

"Just making the rounds to the remaining personnel," Kennedy replied.  "I figured I'd be harder to ignore if I showed up in person to check on everyone rather than sending out messages."  In point of fact, Kennedy didn't like the eerie quiet of the station and preferred to be around the others.  Sickbay was reasonably populated, but still, it was like a ghost town.  "Glad to see you're taking care of yourself, sir," Kennedy added, gesturing to the bag.

"Man's gotta eat," he said.  "How is everyone coping?"

"The best they can," Kennedy replied.  "To be honest, I think we're all still in shock," she added, thinking of Cassi.  "Right now everyone has repairs and reorganization to focus on, but once that's done and they go back to routine, I expect that's when reality will truly hit."

Gregory had been hopeful that the familiarity of routine would help.  Apparently not.  "What do you recommend?" he asked.

Kennedy sighed, thinking, "Patience," she finally admitted.  "As the commanding officer of 19 people who most certainly had friends and family suddenly ripped from them, I'm sure they'd appreciate a CO who takes a personal interest in how they're dealing.  We're an even smaller crew now, and we have to band together.  A little personal encouragement goes a long way."

"I'll take that under consideration," said Gregory.  Something for the XO to do, maybe he added internally.  "What about you?  Did you leave anyone behind?"

That question brought her up short and she actually stumbled over her words, which only caused them to come out more firmly than she intended.  "Ah, uh, I suppose not, sir.  No one that knows it."

Gregory raised an eyebrow and said, "Well unless you say something to them via subspace, they probably won't know at all.  Those left in the Delta Quadrant will be reassigned elsewhere."

Kennedy looked at him wistfully for a moment, then said.  "He was reassigned," and here she choked on the last word as if it were foreign to her, "years ago.  As I said, I don't think he knows enough to feel left behind."

"Not something I can help you with," he told her.  "If it were me, I'd tell them or move on.  Speaking of moving on, my burger is getting cold."

Kennedy nodded, "I'll take that under consideration," Monroe echoed.  "I won't keep you from your meal. just know my door's always open if you need a consult or just a sounding board."  She knew he would likely blow her off and if necessary, she'd have to chase him down, but she offered anyway.

Gregory smiled and cheekily said, "You'll have to fight for me.  I already have a counsellor."  With that he nodded his head in a goodbye gesture and picked up his pace as his stomach complained loudly once more.

Kennedy watched him leave, for the briefest of moments considering what it would be like to move on with him or someone else.  "I don't need any more loose ends," she said to no one in particular.


JP brought to you by:

Kennedy Monroe
Civilian Doctor / Counselor

&

[Venice Cade]

|1215, MD 6
|Deck 6 Corridor
|Kepler Station


Cade wandered out of the meeting, half the coffee still left in his flask.  He opened it as he walked, letting the aroma flood his senses.  It was better this way, being able to smell as well as taste the the liquid.  He took a sip, stopping to do so, and continued walking.

A dark haired man brushed past Cade as he walked, but he paid no attention.  The coffee hadn't spilled, so he wasn't bothered.  What he needed to do was get back to Engineering as soon as possible.  Too many fucked up systems, not enough fucking Engineers.

"Whoa," said the dark-haired man, and spun on his heel. There was a strange light in his eyes. "Is that... that's not Terran coffee, is it?"

"Er, yeah," Cade said.  He rarely drank anything else.  "Why?"

"I'm impressed," the man said, and he looked like he meant it. "I know what that's worth. Ever tried Denavri?"

"Yep," Cade said.  "Not bad, nice and strong, but tends to have a carbon aftertaste when you roast it dark.  I like dark roasts, so I tend to stick with a slightly less acidic bean."

"Good call. I think the standard's usually a medium roast." The man grinned. "I come from a trader family. We moved a lot of beans. I learned to know what was good, even if I didn't get any." He held out a hand. "Name's Grayson, by the way."

"Cade," Cade said, ignoring the hand.  "I come from Italy.  And I'm an engineer.  I know coffee."

Grayson raised an eyebrow slightly, but managed to make dropping his hand to his side look mostly not awkward. "I can tell. Well, if you ever need any help sourcing anything, I have contacts." He made a slightly sour face. "I might even have contacts that will work eighty days from what we're supposed to call civilisation. I'll have to find out."

"I always need coffee," Cade said.  "Which reminds me, I need to ask if I can requisition the current supply of beans.  Or nothing will ever get fixed."  He stopped for a moment, pondering.  "Are you science or medical?  Don't suppose you've run any departmental diagnostics?"

"I'm Med," Grayson said. "And I don't actually know. There's been a lot of running about, but everything seems to be working now the computers are all back online. But I can look into it - something in particular Engineering needs checked? Sure you've got bigger problems than minor system scans."

"You really don't know shit, do you?" Cade mused.  "Everything is NOT working.  In fact, most of the systems aren't.  So if you have problems in medical, we kind of need to know."  He glared at his cup of coffee, then took a swig.  "In fact, if you can push buttons on a PADD and do what you're told, I could probably use your ass down in Engineering."

"To be honest, I'm a 3PO and I've been on Kepler less than 18 hours total, ever, of which precious few have been spent on duty. I probably wouldn't tell me shit either." Grayson sighed. "I can run my own ship just fine. Spearhead has notably not ever fallen out of the sky. Or let in more sky than she was supposed to. And she's logged a lot of whatever distance units you care to name. I don't know if that carries any weight for you, though."

"If I tell you to check a coupling, can you do it?" Cade asked.

Grayson gave him a measured look. "You must have had some very stupid trainees at some point. I tell you what - let me report in to my CO, assuming I have one, and I can check on whatever you'd like me to check on there. And then if my possibly-existent CO clears me, I would be happy to come down and let you order me around to your heart's content."

"Fantastic.  We're fucked down there," Cade said matter of factly.  "We can use all the help we can get."

"I know that feeling." Grayson nodded. "All right. Gimme a list - what's probably broken in Sickbay that they haven't let me touch yet?"

"Sensors are fucked, so there's a good chance the bioscanners have glitches," Cade said.  "Environmental controls are also fucked, so check quarantine and any other dependant systems.  I'll be in Engineering."

"Bioscanners and quar. Gotcha. I'll let you know what I find out, Cade." He set off down the corridor at an easy jog.

Cade scowled, and followed the other man down the corridor.  He had a sneaking suspicion that there would be more than one or two problems with the systems in sickbay.  He also had a pretty good feeling that the future would include a lot of listmaking.  He hated lists.  At least this kid looked like he could be bribed with coffee.  Shrugging his shoulders, Cade headed back to Engineering.


JP brought to you by:

PO3 Grayson
and
PO1 Cade,

Played by

   ||
   \/

[John Reynolds]

|Sickbay, Deck 25 - Module A
|MD 6, 1340 Hours

"Hello, anyone here?"  Violet called out as she entered Sickbay.  She didn't know if Grayson would still be here or not but looking for him was a good enough excuse to give the people of the Medical department a muffin.  So far the waitress had only managed to give a couple away.  It was almost enough to have her ending her new career as a baker before it had really even started.  But perseverance was an important aspect to any well rounded adult so she kept trying to deliver the tasty treats.  Poking her head into the room she spotted a woman busy at work, "muffin delivery girl at your service."  She said with a soft laugh.

"Oh, wonderful," a smile lit across Cassi's face as she welcomed the interruption.  "I'm starving, mind if I take two," she inspected the proffered muffins greedily. 

"No I don't mind at all!"  Violet replied, her grin broadening.  "In fact I've been finding people surprisingly unreceptive to free food, so wanting to take two just made my day.  What do you feel like; apple and cinnamon, chocolate, or maybe one of each?"  She glanced around for any sign of Grayson then returned her attention to the Medical Officer.  "I'm Violet by the way, I don't think we've had a chance to talk to each other with all the craziness.  Especially since before that I spent most of my time in the gym or working in the lounge."

Cassi ruminated for a moment, "Both sound so good; one of each, I think."  She reached in and selected her serving.  "Say, nice that you stopped by, actually.  I've got this list of people I should be checking over and your name's on it.  Just a quick tricorder scan, nothing serious.  But, you know how traveling through strange clouds makes people nervous over everyone's health."  She set the muffins down on the counter and offered her hand out for a shake, "Doctor Cassiopeia Yale, but you can call me Cassi."

"Nice to meet you Cassi."  Violet replied, returning the handshake.  Afterwards she set the basket down and gestured towards a bio-bed, "do you need me to sit down?  I suppose you get some big babies coming in here who want nothing more than to run away in terror."  She laughed and shook her head slightly at the thought.  "You don't seem very scary to me though so you don't need to worry about me escaping."

"Generally, my clientele are under four feet tall and don't have the wherewithal to try to make a break for it.  But, we left all the little ones on the other side of the galaxy."  She offered a hand to Violet to help her onto the bed, but Violet pulled herself up without assistance.  "Fortunately, I heard a rumor that adults have all the same parts as kids, only in bigger proportions.  In theory, I should be able to do this."

Violet laughed as she settled onto the bio-bed, "that's really reassuring."  She teased.  "I'm sure they'll be fine.  Although it's not a short trip from the Delta Quadrant is it?"  It hadn't gone unnoticed that she would have been making that trip as well if she hadn't been roaming the ship looking for her friends.  Sometimes bending the rules had advantages.

"I get the feeling that they won't be making the long journey out here any time soon, according to what that guy said in the meeting.  Funny, isn't it - a pediatrician on a station where there are no children?"  Cassi shrugged, watching the tricorder as she worked the scans.  "Makes me irrelevant, doesn't it?"

"Looks to me like you're doing a pretty bad job at being irrelevant."  Violet replied with a reassuring smile.  "All I've been doing is handing out muffins.  There aren't many people here, and none of them are spending much time in the lounge.  Not much use for a civilian at the moment."  She wasn't being down on herself, although her comments could easily be taken that way, she was just trying to make Cassi feel better.  People always needed doctors after all.

"Maybe," Cassi agreed, "but I trained, specifically, to treat children."  At nineteen, Violet was the youngest person on the station at the moment, but couldn't very well be called a child.  "Muffins are very important.  Especially when it comes to chocolate chips.  Maybe you can play like a mischievous little elf and hide them in people's work stations as a neat little surprise if no one else accepts your sweet offering willingly?" she suggested.

"Hey that's a good idea."  Violet said with a slight nod.  "I still can't believe people doubt free muffins though!"  She added with a laugh.  "Maybe my cooking skills need an improved reputation.  Either that or too many of them have lost their taste buds from replicator food.  Is there a medical solution to that problem or are they just doomed forever?"

"Doomed," Cassi decided.  "But if you need my testimonial, I've got little else to do once I finish this list of checkups.  I'll whip one up for you then," her smirk was promising and delightful.  "The good news is, the purple cloud did not muck up any of your systems.  You're clean as a whistle."

"That's a relief."  Violet wiped her forehead in exaggerated fashion.  "I'd hate to have a reason to regret accidentally avoiding the civilian round up."  She hopped off the bio-bed and went over to pick up her basket.  "If you need another muffin fix later I'm fairly certain I'll have some left."

"Then I promise to hunt you down.  Thanks for stopping by!"

Brought to you by:

Cassiopeia Regan Yale
Civilian Pediatrician
USS Kepler

Played by:

Lieutenant Commander Isis Rae
Executive Officer
Kepler Station

With:

Violet Matthews
Waitress, Treehouse Lounge
Kepler Station

[Isis Rae]

JP by:

Kennedy Monroe
and
Cassiopeia Yale

|Sickbay, Deck 25 - Module A
|MD 6, 1350 Hours

Watching Gregory Blake leave, Kennedy let her thoughts wander to a time that seemed another lifetime ago.  For all she knew, her "road not traveled" didn't know she existed, and as painful as that was, she realized it was probably for the best now.  She had no idea what was going to happen to her, and for all she knew, she could wake up tomorrow millions of light-years from anyone or anything. 

Recent experience had taught her that much.  Would that be fair to him?  There was a time when she felt she had little choice, but that wasn't the case now.  If she cared anything about him, she wouldn't pop up just to hurt him again.  Besides, there were people far worse off than she was now, and she had a responsibility to them before herself.

The medkit hanging off her shoulder bounced on her hip as she walked, and the next thing she knew she had arrived in sickbay.  Of course that's where she'd end up.  The place was practically her home even before the current crisis.  Equally as unsurprising was the fact she found herself before a certain colleague she'd been fretting over lately.  She knew she should probably back off, but this was one situation denial was not going to fix.  "Hi, Cassi.  May I have a private word with you?"  So focused was Kennedy that she hadn't bothered to determine whether they were alone.

"As long as you agree to a tricorder scan; your name's on my list of checks.  You can talk as much as you want," Cassi answered with a jovial smile she had yet to show the dreaded counselor.  She checked that her muffins weren't going anywhere as she directed Kennedy's attention toward the biobed.

Kennedy grinned and hopped up on the biobed.  "I'll show you mine if you show me yours."

Cassi gave a disappointed sigh at the prospect of her own medical check up, but assented to the terms. 

While Cassi configured the biobed and her tricorder, Kennedy slipped her medkit off her shoulder.  "I know the last thing you probably want is to be reminded of what you're facing.  I just thought, at the very least, you'd need someone to provide you with medical care while you figured things out, and since I already know the particulars..." Kennedy let the unspoken words hang in the air.

"It's a fair argument, and I'm not protesting.  But you're right that I don't want to be reminded."  She started the tricorder scans on the counselor.  "But, enough about me.  Let's talk about you, how are you holding up from this transition?"

Kennedy let the matter drop for now and focused on answering Cassi's questions.  "On a medical front, I'm fine.  I fell down after we all passed out going through the wormhole, but I'm none the worse for wear.  Emotionally, I'm a bit freaked out at being light years away from where we were before, not to mention the fact that we're hundreds of people lighter than before.  We have a lot to adjust to."

"Are you missing anyone in particular," Cassi asked, realizing she knew little about the woman on the bed before her despite having spoken with her on numerous occasions.

Kennedy paused, realizing she had been put on the spot twice now.  She shrugged.  "You told me your secret, so I suppose I should tell you mine.  I'd appreciate it if this could stay between us, though."

"I can keep a secret," she promised.

She looked at her and smiled wryly.  "Of course."  Kennedy took a deep breath and debated whether to go forward.  It wasn't something she was proud of, and it wasn't something she was prepared to do anything about, but she couldn't deny it was eating her alive.  How could she expect Cassi to open up if Kennedy refused?  "I...I have a son," she began, exhaling harshly.  "I suppose it's more accurate to say I gave birth to a son.  I was a teenager at the time, by myself, and I knew I couldn't care for him.  My parents were dead, and the father left me before I could tell him I was pregnant.  So I gave my son up for adoption.  I've missed him ever since..." She left the words hanging in the air, the pain in them evident.  After a moment, she turned back to look at Cassi.  "I don't even know if he's alive, let alone if knows he's adopted or wants to meet me.  Now that we're here (and for all I know, gone tomorrow) I'm not sure how fair it is for me to reach out now. "

"When you put him up for adoption, were the records sealed?  Seems to me, the best approach would be to try to contact the people who adopted him and check in that way," Cassi suggested.  She changed a setting on her tricorder before going back to the scan.

"At the time, I was so hurt and scared, I just wanted to forget it ever happened.  I was fine with sealing the records and keeping the adoption closed."  More than an ounce of anger edged in her tone.  "It's what happens when a fifteen year old girl is left to call the shots.  I wasn't thinking of how I'd feel over 15 years later, let alone fifteen minutes, and Jo'na sure as hell didn't care."

"Jo'na?"

Kennedy bit her lip, not realizing what she'd said until it was too late.  "He doesn't matter.  He stopped being my problem a long time ago."

"So, he's the father and not the son," Cassi tried to put the puzzle pieces together.

Kennedy shook her head.  "I told you he's not important," she replied sharply.  "He's long gone now."

"But it bothers you?"

Kennedy bit her lip.  It was hardly fair to take her anger out on Cassi.  "It used to," she relented, her anger now deflated and replaced with a twinge of sadness.  "But I don't have to see him anymore...so I just need a little space to figure it all out.  He'd moved on and was clearly the same son of a bitch, so at least that much was for the best."

Cassi's scans were finished.  She took a seat on a nearby stool.  "What do you have to figure out still?"

At that, Kennedy actually laughed before hopping off the biobed.  "Nothing much really, if you don't count whether to start a search for my son and figuring out how I'd cope with any outcome."

"Did something prompt your concern for him recently - or has this been something that's been ongoing?"

Kennedy sighed.  *In for a penny, in for a pound* she thought.  "I have good days and bad days.  Sometimes I manage to go a couple of days without thinking about it and for the briefest of moments I feel relieved.  Then I feel guilty for forgetting about him, and the cycle starts all over.  Running into Jo'na on Kepler a few months back didn't help, but in my head, I know it's not fair of me to be angry he moved on.  It's not as if I didn't already know that.  I know in my head I made the only choice I could, but as I'm sure you know, the heart is another matter entirely."

"Well, I might suggest that you see what you can do to re-open the adoption from your end, and maybe you'll get positive results?"

"Maybe," Kennedy relented.  "For the moment, however, I have other pressing matters.  Speaking of which," she segued, gesturing to the biobed.  "How're you feeling?  Have you thought about undergoing a complete forensic exam?"

"I think we can do a regular medical exam," Cassi clarified for the counselor.  "Nothing more needs to be considered."  She moved from the stool reluctantly and onto the bed.

Kennedy exhaled, calming herself and mentally switching gears from patient to doctor while she took out her tricorder and calibrated the biobed.  "Fair enough, hon.  No pressure.  Have you had any problems?  Any bleeding or other unusual symptoms?"

"No problems yet," she answered.

Kennedy nodded and began her scan, every once in awhile, looking up to compare the readings with the records she'd called up on the biobed.  Everything looked ok, all things considered.  "Any morning sickness or fatigue to report?"

"Fatigue last night, but working all day, and then having to evacuate on a moment's notice fairly well explains that one.  Nothing unexplained."  She looked over to the muffins she had gathered from Violet once again, hungry.  "I'm not prone to morning sickness, however."

"You're fortunate, Cassi.  Next to giving birth, that was my least favorite part of pregnancy."  Scans showed things appeared to be progressing normally, but she wanted to be sure given Cassi's history of complicated pregnancies.  "I'd like to do an old fashioned abdominal exam.  If you're willing, please lie back."

Cassi reclined further while avoiding comment on the "fortunate" observation.  For Cassi, nothing about pregnancy gleamed a silver lining.  Until this point, the reality of life growing inside of her was disconnected.  Knowing a miscarriage to be eminent meant that she didn't need to acknowledge the pregnancy as anything more than a delayed cycle.  However, laying back and having hands pressed into her flesh affirmed her state of being... and yet another life to be lost.

Kennedy, in deference to what Cassi had been through, explained, "It's too early to feel the fetus, obviously, but some gentle palpitations should help me ensure there is no signs of infection.  Your scans and the absence of  bleeding or fever seem to rule it out, but some infections aren't readily detected.  I just want to make sure you're not hurt inside.  Tell me if something hurts, ok?"

She nodded, but then carefully watched the ceiling as Kennedy pressed her fingers into soft flesh of Cassi's abdomen.  The discomfort she felt was negligible, and was solely due to the psychological impact of being touched rather than any actual pain.  "Nothing hurts," she reported.

Kennedy was careful not to push too hard and before long, she was finished.  "I'm going to up your folic acid and I'll renew your prenatal vitamins," she said.  "We've all been through a lot and these are hardly ideal working conditions right now."

"These working conditions are far more ideal for me than a month ago," Cassi pointed out.  "I suspect, in fact, that I'll have a difficult time finding tasks to keep myself busy.  You really have nothing to worry about."

Kennedy finished completing her notes and looked directly at Yale, hoping her sincerity translated.  "How are you sleeping?"

"I sleep great when I have a chance to locate my bed.  How are you sleeping?" she turned the question back.

"Fine," Kennedy answered easily.  "I'm asleep before my head hits the pillow.  Have you experienced any nightmares?"

Cassi paused before answering.  "Part of sleeping great is not having nightmares.  And, with the majority of the station's populace left behind on the other side of the galaxy, I'm certain I'll start sleeping better than great soon.  What is there for me to worry about?  Absolutely nothing."

"The fetus is doing well," Monroe answered gently.  "I don't see any indication of medical or genetic abnormalities, so a miscarriage doesn't appear to be imminent.  Have you thought about what you'd like to do about the pregnancy?"

"No...?"  Cassi moved, pulling herself off the table in order to look at Kennedy's reports.  But she was right, Cassi wasn't showing any precursors to indicate a miscarriage would be happening any time soon.  That wasn't good news, the longer the pregnancy lasted, the more painful the miscarriage would be.  "I'm not going to plan for a child's future whose life is only one month in the making," she decided.  "This... Nothing is ever for certain."

Monroe resisted the urge to place a hand on Casssi's shoulder and said, "I know this is all incredibly overwhelming, Cassi, and perhaps the last thing you want is to be reminded of the rape.  Maybe you think if you don't talk about it, the rape and the baby will just go away..."  Monroe paused.  "I just would hate to see you wait too long and be forced into a decision you don't want."

"The reality is that I miscarry.  And if I don't miscarry," she took a deep breath.  "That reality is that I've buried two infants.  They didn't live long, Kennedy.  I wanted them.  I wanted them more than I care to admit, but they died."  She turned her back to the other woman, wiping the tears that came too easily.  "I may have lived on a backward thinking moon, but the medical technology wasn't by any means inferior or defective..."

It took every ounce of Kennedy's will not to embrace the other woman, but out of respect for Cassi, she didn't act without permission.  "It's a lot to process, especially after what you've already lost, and I can understand why you feel certain of the outcome and why, even if you want to, you won't get your hopes up.  If by some miracle you're able to see this pregnancy through and the baby survives birth and outlasts your previous children, are you open to the idea of keeping and raising him or her?"  Kennedy was trying to gauge Cassi's general reaction.  Was it immediate disgust?  Hope?  Whatever it was, it would be a small indication of what choices she was wrestling with the most.

"There's eight months prior to that point in time.  The last thing I need to be doing right now is dreaming about holding a baby in my arms.  There's a lot more reality that I need to live through first.  Is it that difficult of a concept for you to understand," she lashed out.  "There is no baby right now.  Nothing..." she stopped before she could say anything truly hurtful, the words on the precipice of spilling forward.

The last thing Monroe wanted was to cause Cassi more grief, but at least one thing was clear at least for now: Cassi wanted her baby, regardless of the father and how the baby came to be.  "You want him or her and you're trying hard not to hope."

Cassi walked over to grab one of Violet's muffins, avoiding the assessment.  "Are you focusing on this because of what you did - adopting out your son?  I don't want to be your sympathy project.  I don't need to learn from your experiences.  At fifteen, girls should not be giving birth, much less deciding the fate of their child.  I'm sorry you feel you made the wrong decision, but when you made it, how certain were you of your desires?"

"I brought this up as your physician because I offered new information about your pregnancy which seemed to matter to you.  I brought it up because I don't know if terminating this pregnancy is something you're considering.  If it is, I don't want you to lose that choice simply because it's too late.  Whatever you decide, Cassi, I'm on your side."

"I wouldn't willingly terminate a pregnancy," Cassi answered with a glare.  "And I don't need those options waved around in front of me.  There's a reason I'm a doctor; it's not to take life away."

Kennedy held up her hands.  "That's good to know.  Not every doctor feels the same, and I didn't want to assume either way."  More softly she said, "But aside from what you will or won't consider about the baby, I care about you, Cassi.  After what happened to you, I thought perhaps talking with a counselor could help.  Traumas like rape can only be buried for so long before it gets overwhelming.  I just wanted to be sure you're feeling ok, and to let you know you're not alone."

"Obviously I'm not okay, I wouldn't be snapping at you if everything was rainbows and sunshiny merry making.  But I know it's not my fault and there's nothing I can do to change the facts of the situation.  So I'm not going to dwell on it.  But, the next time the station has massive, unexplained power failures, I'm not leaving my quarters."  She broke off the top of the muffin and took a bite.  However, she was in no mood to share.  If Kennedy wanted muffins, she could hunt down Violet herself.

"You have a right to go wherever, whenever you please, Cassi.  You're also a caring pediatrician who can't stay in her quarters every time there's an emergency."

She was about to point out that there were no children left on Kepler, but she had just finished that conversation with Violet less than ten minutes ago and she didn't feel like repeating it.  "I'll cross that bridge when I come to it."

Kennedy nodded silently.  "I've pestered you enough.  I meant what I said, I'm here for you.  Anytime."

"I'll find you when I need you then."