Episode 2.02: Rivulets of Copper, Eyes Aflame

[Patrick Goodman]

Treyva
Treyva and Asha stand together near the others, watching the others mingle about. She points out Sorak and T'Kiri talking to Commodore Santiago some distance away.

"What do you think that's about?" she wonders.

Treyva shook his head. "No idea," he said. "It does remind me, though, that I need to speak to the Commodore myself." He turned to face his wife. "Before I do that, though, I need to ask you something." He paused, looking into her soft green eyes. "How long has it been since I was last home on leave?"

[Chev ch'Valk]

Lt. Thadis find Chev just as he exits the courtyard.

"I heard we picked up a new Andorian. Ensign ch'Valk, right?" he asks. "Thadis keth Dra. Where does your clan call home?"

"Lt. Dra from...Astrophysics? Sorry, I'm still learning names and assignments. Th'irichev Echib ch'Valk," replies the ensign. "Nice to meet another Andorian, especially after--" he waves his hand to take in their surroundings, "--all this. I can't wait to get back to the ship; I don't think I've ever needed a working air cooling unit and a humidity level above 24% more in my life. Once we get back to the ship I may walk directly into the backup food cooling unit and just sit for a little while." He smils ruefully and shakes his head. "Not to mention being ready to forget all about Vulcan philosophical and religious strife. For a people who project so much self-control, when they snap, they snap loudly, don't they? Anyway. I'm from Lor'Tan. A city boy, born and raised. We lived about 20 minutes from the Atlin Zoological Park, if you're familiar. How about you?"

[Davy, aka GM]

Voshen

"My good doctor.  I am well.  Although, truth to be told, I will be more than content to leave the arid Vulcanian atmosphere behind us.  The warmth is a boon, but the dryness.  It..."  He cleared his throat.  "I must have a kilogram of sand lodged in my filters.  But enough about my mild discomforts.  How does Mr. Spunkmeyer fare?  Hopefully better under your ministrations than mine."

"Your ministrations were sufficient," the doctor responds. "And he will recover fully, in part thanks to your quick thinking and the monastery physician's initial treatment. If I didn't know any better, I'd wager she picked up some of her skills from Starfleet."

Cole

"G'day, Sadek. It's good to see you again. How did your..." he pauses, searching his memory for the correct word..."kahs-wan turn out?"

"I would normally say it is pleasurable to see you again, Durham Cole," the young Vulcan answers, "but little is pleasing on this day."

The woman with him explains, "Subaltern T'Syra was our daughter, and his sister." Cole, of course, recognizes T'Syra as the name of the VDF pilot who shuttled Thadis to the research center and was later killed by Kavoran.

Cole can see a hint of sadness in her eyes, and also in the eyes of the male - presumably her mate and Sadek's father.

"Peace and long life, Durham Cole," the father greets him, raising his hand in the traditional salute. "I am Sturm, and this is my mate, Ki'Matar. Sadek informed us how he met you during his encounter with the sehlat. We are both grateful for your timely presence and assistance.

Sadek nods and meets the lieutenant's eyes. "I successfully completed my kahs-wan yesterday. I learned of T'Syra's fate when I returned home."

Tobin

Tobin's eyebrows raise at the tangential question. "From what I know of the man, he seems a capable officer. And I believe he has a good sense for people. My understanding is that when they retired the old Drake, he was instrumental in keeping the crew together. Now that I'm part of that crew, it's quite clear to me he made the right call.

"Why do you ask?"

OOC: You described him precisely as someone who has never met the man in person. (He is played by Keith David, after all.) 

T'Kalla's eyebrow raises a scant millimeter when he takes her hand, but she squeezes his gently, indicating she appreciates the gesture. "A billet has opened on Starbase 11 for a system design engineering officer. And, as I still maintain my affiliation and rank, logic dictates that it would benefit our relationship if I were assigned to the Drake's home station." Her tone is neutral, but the look in her eyes is hopeful. "Would this be pleasing to you, Tobin?"

Treyva

Treyva shook his head. "No idea," he said. "It does remind me, though, that I need to speak to the Commodore myself." He turned to face his wife. "Before I do that, though, I need to ask you something." He paused, looking into her soft green eyes. "How long has it been since I was last home on leave?"

"Oh, let me see...have you ever been home? Didn't you court me via subspace?" she teases, then adds, "Seriously, I think the last time you saw Denobula in person was in '84, when the old Drake had just entered her decommissioning process. I also remember that visit being cut short."

Chev

"Lt. Dra from...Astrophysics? Sorry, I'm still learning names and assignments. Th'irichev Echib ch'Valk," replies the ensign. "Nice to meet another Andorian, especially after--" he waves his hand to take in their surroundings, "--all this. I can't wait to get back to the ship; I don't think I've ever needed a working air cooling unit and a humidity level above 24% more in my life. Once we get back to the ship I may walk directly into the backup food cooling unit and just sit for a little while." He smils ruefully and shakes his head. "Not to mention being ready to forget all about Vulcan philosophical and religious strife. For a people who project so much self-control, when they snap, they snap loudly, don't they? Anyway. I'm from Lor'Tan. A city boy, born and raised. We lived about 20 minutes from the Atlin Zoological Park, if you're familiar. How about you?"

"I remember going to Atlin as a child; the glikar'ma* exhibit gave me nightmares for a month when I first saw them," the astronomer chuckles. "I'm from Tarsk^. Grew up just a few minutes from the Council hall; trained for ushaan on the Capitol Arena grounds.

"You know, I've always wondered why our cold world bred such a warm and passionate people, yet a warm world like Vulcan would breed such cold people. I'll be glad to see it on our departure angle."

* The glikar'ma is an arachnid-like apex predator in the taiga and cold forests of Andoria. Translated, its name means "any death is preferable." -Ed.

^ Tarsk is the Andorian world capital. The Council is the world's supreme legislative body. The Capitol Arena is the most-prestigious combat sporting venue in the city, located near the capitol complex. - Ed.

[Nolmir]

Tobin
T'Kalla's eyebrow raises a scant millimeter when he takes her hand, but she squeezes his gently, indicating she appreciates the gesture. "A billet has opened on Starbase 11 for a system design engineering officer. And, as I still maintain my affiliation and rank, logic dictates that it would benefit our relationship if I were assigned to the Drake's home station." Her tone is neutral, but the look in her eyes is hopeful. "Would this be pleasing to you, Tobin?"

Tobin smiles. "It would be very pleasing to able to spend more time in your company. I have never regretted my decision to join Starfleet, but the work does tend to make such things difficult. This arrangement would help with that." After pausing a beat, he leans closer and continues in a playful tone, "And I'm sure this isn't all about just us, either. I know how much you loved being where the action is."

He meets her eyes with his. "Seriously, T'Kalla, this sounds like a wonderful idea. With your knowledge and skills, I'm sure the commodore will see the logic of bringing you aboard."

[socrates200X]

"Your ministrations were sufficient," the doctor responds. "And he will recover fully, in part thanks to your quick thinking and the monastery physician's initial treatment. If I didn't know any better, I'd wager she picked up some of her skills from Starfleet."

"Ah, then perhaps a change in career is in order?  To be certain...I have spent more time in Sickbay...than on the Bridge at this moment.  Tell me, Doctor, do you feel...that...that..."  Voshen found the doctor tilting up at him and placed a hand out to stop him, the Tellarite's weight pressing into his chest like a vise.  Blinking rapidly, he saw that it was himself that was leaning heavily on Dr. Dourap.  His legs felt leaden and the bright Vulcan sun seemed to obliterate his field of vision in a sea of white spots.

"Doctor, hnnn...perhaps, hnnn...w-we had, hnnnn..."  The rejoinder was bitten off in a trailing wheeze.

OOC: Voshen's not been completely honest with the Doc and is suffering the analogue of an asthma attack due to his new reagent levels being off.  I'm willing to walk the severity of this back a bit.  Wanted to introduce a bit of a roadblock for him and a reason to re-bond with the doctor, but I also don't want to introduce a twist that would stretch believability of his being allowed to serve as a chief helmsman with a health condition.  Either way, feeling that this is just a temporary "getting the levels right" issue with his rebreather.  Although I'm not against future complications on it!

[Chev ch'Valk]

"You know, I've always wondered why our cold world bred such a warm and passionate people, yet a warm world like Vulcan would breed such cold people. I'll be glad to see it on our departure angle."

"In that, we are in agreement, Lieutenant," replies Chev with a smirk. "Have you done much astronavigating since joining the crew, sir? Seems like Vulcan's not much of a place to break new ground."

[Renny]

Cole

"G'day, Sadek. It's good to see you again. How did your..." he pauses, searching his memory for the correct word..."kahs-wan turn out?"

"I would normally say it is pleasurable to see you again, Durham Cole," the young Vulcan answers, "but little is pleasing on this day."

The woman with him explains, "Subaltern T'Syra was our daughter, and his sister." Cole, of course, recognizes T'Syra as the name of the VDF pilot who shuttled Thadis to the research center and was later killed by Kavoran.

Cole can see a hint of sadness in her eyes, and also in the eyes of the male - presumably her mate and Sadek's father.

"Peace and long life, Durham Cole," the father greets him, raising his hand in the traditional salute. "I am Sturm, and this is my mate, Ki'Matar. Sadek informed us how he met you during his encounter with the sehlat. We are both grateful for your timely presence and assistance.

Sadek nods and meets the lieutenant's eyes. "I successfully completed my kahs-wan yesterday. I learned of T'Syra's fate when I returned home."

Cole makes his best attempt at replicating Sturm's gesture before turning his gaze to Sadek.

"I'm very sorry for your loss, mate, "Cole replies. "I'm sure she would have found...satisfaction in your achievement." Cole hoped the word was appropriate, realising that pride was not something a Vulcan would likely admit to.

[Patrick Goodman]

Treyva

Treyva shook his head. "No idea," he said. "It does remind me, though, that I need to speak to the Commodore myself." He turned to face his wife. "Before I do that, though, I need to ask you something." He paused, looking into her soft green eyes. "How long has it been since I was last home on leave?"

"Oh, let me see...have you ever been home? Didn't you court me via subspace?" she teases, then adds, "Seriously, I think the last time you saw Denobula in person was in '84, when the old Drake had just entered her decommissioning process. I also remember that visit being cut short."

Treyva nodded. "Sounds about right," he said. "I've been thinking the last few days that it's been too long, and that I have a considerable leave balance built up...so I thought I might take a couple of months that I'm owed and come see how the old homesteads look." He paused, looking away sheepishly. "I was also thinking of asking a friend to come along, if it's all right with you."

[Davy, aka GM]

Tobin

Tobin smiles. "It would be very pleasing to able to spend more time in your company. I have never regretted my decision to join Starfleet, but the work does tend to make such things difficult. This arrangement would help with that." After pausing a beat, he leans closer and continues in a playful tone, "And I'm sure this isn't all about just us, either. I know how much you loved being where the action is."

He meets her eyes with his. "Seriously, T'Kalla, this sounds like a wonderful idea. With your knowledge and skills, I'm sure the commodore will see the logic of bringing you aboard."

"Then it is appropriate that I have already transmitted my request." Her eyes shine with affection as she extends the index and middle finger in his hand, and raises them up in an invitation for her to join him.

Chev

"In that, we are in agreement, Lieutenant," replies Chev with a smirk. "Have you done much astronavigating since joining the crew, sir? Seems like Vulcan's not much of a place to break new ground."

"No, I don't do much in the way of astrometrics. I spend most of my time in the Astronomy lab, when I'm not at the library computer station on the bridge," Thadis admits. "I'm one of the crew who transferred over from the old Drake - second senior bridge watchstander; Lt. Hodgkin is an anthropologist, so he generally doesn't work the library computer.

"How about you? Are you a xenoliguist or a technical specialist?"

Cole

"I'm very sorry for your loss, mate, "Cole replies. "I'm sure she would have found...satisfaction in your achievement." Cole hoped the word was appropriate, realising that pride was not something a Vulcan would likely admit to.

"T'Syra was supportive of my attempt," Sadek nods. "And your condolences are appreciated."

The boy looks to his parents for a moment and asks, "Would you be willing to join my parents and me for supper this evening? I must admit that I would prefer to discuss subjects other than my sister this evening - and I wish to share my experiences of the remainder of my trial with you."

Treyva

Treyva nodded. "Sounds about right," he said. "I've been thinking the last few days that it's been too long, and that I have a considerable leave balance built up...so I thought I might take a couple of months that I'm owed and come see how the old homesteads look." He paused, looking away sheepishly. "I was also thinking of asking a friend to come along, if it's all right with you."

Asha leans back and regards her husband for a few moments. "I think that would be a wonderful idea, for you and your friend. The kids will all be glad to have you for more than a few days." She squeezes his hand and is about to add more when they notice Commodore Santiago approaching.

"Captain," he says. "I have to say you and your people came through in the end. Good work. I hope the remainder of your time with us will be quieter."

"Ah, then perhaps a change in career is in order?  To be certain...I have spent more time in Sickbay...than on the Bridge at this moment.  Tell me, Doctor, do you feel...that...that..."  Voshen found the doctor tilting up at him and placed a hand out to stop him, the Tellarite's weight pressing into his chest like a vise.  Blinking rapidly, he saw that it was himself that was leaning heavily on Dr. Dourap.  His legs felt leaden and the bright Vulcan sun seemed to obliterate his field of vision in a sea of white spots.

"Doctor, hnnn...perhaps, hnnn...w-we had, hnnnn..."  The rejoinder was bitten off in a trailing wheeze.

"Steady there, son, let's not be using me as a walking stick," Dourap quips, righting the woozy navigator. He reaches up and adjust a couple settings on the breathing unit, and Voshen's vision begins to return to normal. "You need to remember to keep an eye on your settings when you're moving back and forth between environments. I can't be following you around everywhere."

OOC: And there's Dr. Dourap's famous bedside manner...

[Nolmir]

Tobin
"Then it is appropriate that I have already transmitted my request." Her eyes shine with affection as she extends the index and middle finger in his hand, and raises them up in an invitation for her to join him.

Tobin completes his half of the gesture. "You've always had excellent judgment, my jia'ta vay dorun'shee*." He grins. "It seems you always know what is best long before I have realized it myself."

OOC: *Meaning "source of wisdom" in Trill, it was a term of endearment he used for T'Kalla before and during their former courtship aboard the Macon.

[Renny]

Cole

"I'm very sorry for your loss, mate, "Cole replies. "I'm sure she would have found...satisfaction in your achievement." Cole hoped the word was appropriate, realising that pride was not something a Vulcan would likely admit to.

"T'Syra was supportive of my attempt," Sadek nods. "And your condolences are appreciated."

The boy looks to his parents for a moment and asks, "Would you be willing to join my parents and me for supper this evening? I must admit that I would prefer to discuss subjects other than my sister this evening - and I wish to share my experiences of the remainder of my trial with you."

Cole is somewhat taken aback by this invitation, knowing that Vulcan's are reluctant, as a rule, to allow humans in particular to observe thier family life and interactions.

"I would like that very much", he replied simply.

[socrates200X]

Lt. Voshen's rebreather motors whirred as they reset and in a moment, twin clouds of Vulcan sand ejected from each respirator. He breathed in lungfuls of fresh fluorine as he waited for the spots in front of his eyes to clear.  After a few moments, he was able to stand on his own again.

"Doctor, once again, I find myself in your debt.  I apologize for my misattention.  With the investigation and the excitement at the monastery...well, it wasn't the breathtaking introduction to Vulcan scenery I was expecting."

[Chev ch'Valk]

"No, I don't do much in the way of astrometrics. I spend most of my time in the Astronomy lab, when I'm not at the library computer station on the bridge," Thadis admits. "I'm one of the crew who transferred over from the old Drake - second senior bridge watchstander; Lt. Hodgkin is an anthropologist, so he generally doesn't work the library computer.

"How about you? Are you a xenoliguist or a technical specialist?"

"Astronomy!" replies Chev, slapping the back of his left hand into the palm of his right. "I knew it had something to do with the stars. "Yes, xenolinguistics. I also studied philosophy and anthropology, but mainly as background to how they effect languages from place to place and time to time. Funny you should mention ushaan; I'm trained as well; my Ushaan-tor is back on the ship. Maybe we could do some sparring some time!"

[Patrick Goodman]

Asha leans back and regards her husband for a few moments. "I think that would be a wonderful idea, for you and your friend. The kids will all be glad to have you for more than a few days." She squeezes his hand and is about to add more when they notice Commodore Santiago approaching.

"Captain," he says. "I have to say you and your people came through in the end. Good work. I hope the remainder of your time with us will be quieter."

Treyva rose from his chair. "Commodore," he said, "I'm glad you came by. May I introduce my wife, Asha?" Introductions made, Treyva motioned to a chair. "I was going to be coming by your office later anyway. With the current situation resolved, I was going to ask for an extended leave so I could go visit my family. It's...been a while since I was home. I'd like to nominate Sorak as acting captain; he's been an exemplary exec. I think you'll find he's more than capable."

[Davy, aka GM]

Tobin

Tobin completes his half of the gesture. "You've always had excellent judgment, my jia'ta vay dorun'shee*." He grins. "It seems you always know what is best long before I have realized it myself."

"And you are my heart," T'Kalla responds gently. "Even logic must give way to it."

The couple hold their gesture for several moments, eyes locked until they suddenly become aware of another presence nearby. They look over to find T'Vaana-Sath watching them with a raised eyebrow...

Cole

Cole is somewhat taken aback by this invitation, knowing that Vulcan's are reluctant, as a rule, to allow humans in particular to observe thier family life and interactions.

"I would like that very much", he replied simply.

Sturm provides Cole with the family address and invites him to arrive at sundown, and the trio take their leave and depart the courthouse.

Voshen

"Doctor, once again, I find myself in your debt.  I apologize for my misattention.  With the investigation and the excitement at the monastery...well, it wasn't the breathtaking introduction to Vulcan scenery I was expecting."

"Well, you survived the experience to make more work for us." Despite the flat tone, Voshen thinks the doctor is joking, potential confirmation coming in the form of the slightest twinkle in the Tellarite's eye. "Report to Kasey in sickbay as soon as you're done here. Mention that I need him to give your apparatus a once-over. And try to stay out of massive sandstorms for a while..."

Chev

"...I'm trained as well; my Ushaan-tor is back on the ship. Maybe we could do some sparring some time!"

"That would be a welcome distraction. Find me after supper and we'll set up regular sparring. I'm sure Miguel will accommodate you as Tobin has for me."

Tryeva

"...I was going to be coming by your office later anyway. With the current situation resolved, I was going to ask for an extended leave so I could go visit my family. It's...been a while since I was home. I'd like to nominate Sorak as acting captain; he's been an exemplary exec. I think you'll find he's more than capable."

Santiago appears to lose a shade of color as Treyva makes his request. The captain recognizes this as one of the commodore's tells when he's about to wade into a subject that makes him uncomfortable. What could be uncomfortable about approving leave-time? Is the Drake about to be sent out?

"I'm sorry, Treyva, I can't approve your nomination," Santiago answers sympathetically. "Mr. Sorak requested an assignment to Eridani Shipyards; I just so happen to have been operating with a string of acting portmasters for the past year, and desperately need someone of his experience and expertise in that role."

The commodore takes a deep breath and sighs. "I've accepted his request, and have assigned him as captain of engineering and portmaster here, effective tomorrow morning. I'm sorry to have to spring this on you - Sorak was hoping to be able to give you the news himself." He looks over at his shoulder, but Sorak and T'Kiri have apparently left the foyer and the building. His eyes sweep toward the floor before engaging Treyva once again.

"You'll need to name your new first officer, which I can approve in Commodore Krane's stead," he continues. "I can then approve your leave and acting captain nomination. See me tomorrow, okay?"

OOC: Okay, gents, we're going to wrap this story up. Please go through the episode and look at potential Reputation influences (Core Rules, p.141), and send them to me via PM on this site. I'll confirm/adjust, and we'll make Reputation rolls.

We'll do milestones after that. Here is each character's milestone for this episode:
Treyva - 9th (Spotlight)
Tobin - 3rd (Arc)
Cole - 4th (Spotlight)
Voshen - 1st (Spotlight)
Chev - 1st (Spotlight)

Once that's done, I'll run a concluding Captain's Log...maybe a short narrative surrounding Tobin being named the new first officer (and acting captain in Treyva's absence)...

...of course, the next episode will have Tobin, Cole, Voshen, and Chev away from the ship...so it'll probably be Lt. DelVecchio or Lt. Kolesnikov in command of the ship 'til Treyva returns.