Act One, Scene One

[Akirapryde]

Stardate: 53860.48
Tue Mar 01, 2377 0900
Holodeck Two, Deck Three
USS Thunderchild

It has been a week since the heroic battle over at Deep Space Nine and the USS Thunderchild is still under going repairs at Deep Space Nine. While the battle damage was not nearly as extensive was many had first suspected, it was the flight deck that required the majority of the repairs. Starfleet Command even sent out a specialized repair tender and mobile dry dock to speed up the repairs to the ship. Not that the crew were complaining, as they were able to enjoy the facilities of Deep Space Nine while the ship's repairs continued. During the repairs many crew members took this opportunity to explore Bajor and Deep Space Nine. However, for the Hanger Deck personnel, Lieutenant Paxton ran her crews on double shifts attempting to speed up repairs as much as possible.

Captain Campbell on the other hand had other thoughts regarding his extended lay over. He was not enjoying the fact that his ship was side lined while the Kelish was still at large. The Kelish is a Cardassian/Dominion warship designed to carry fighters in to combat. This ship was purely designed as a carrier with Dominion technology. Prior to a week ago, this ship was thought to only be myth, a left over rumor from the Dominion War. Now the ship was proven to be real and a serious threat within the region. A report just a few days ago placed the Rebel Cardassian carrier, the Kelish, near Hugora Nebula. The rebel carrier hit a convey of supply ships out of Starbase 214. She was pursued in to the nebula by a pair of Starfleet starships, only to turn the pursuit in to a trap. After a short battle, both Starfleet ships were left critically damaged as the Kelish vanished deeper in to the nebula. Starfleet has tasked the 4th Fleet with the mission of stopping the Kelish. However, to Captain Campbell's dismay currently the USS Thunderchild has not been made part of this mission.

Aboard the ship, all was not well between the divisions. It was Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Noonia and Ensign Skytower who took note of this growing rift and realized something had to be done to heal the rift between the different divisions aboard the ship. Their answer to all of this was a grand mixer called the Ice Cream Social. As the planning of this event took shape, it was clear that the mixer would not be what was first envisioned. What it turned out to be instead was something more along the lines of a Holiday Festival. And based on the turnout already, it was sizing up to become a major success. Officers and Crew lined up to take part in the Thunderchild's first mixer in years. On their lips, were the crew's thanks to the master mind behind this, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Noonia.

   

The scene was taken right from a painting and reflected the holidays of Earth of old. Falling snow greeted the crew as they walked in to the holodeck. A blast of sub-freezing temperatures caused most visitors to find their way along the lake edge to one of many fires nearby. Hologram servers ensured that the crew were given their fill of hot coco and treats. But the single largest treat for the crew was the well planned placing of Captain Campbell. Many of the crew had heard of the Captain but few had a rare treat to meet this war hero in person yet. This was due largely to the crisis that they just survived through.

The crew lined up for a chance to meet their Captain face to face. Some of the ship's cadets actually brought something to record the moment. Others took time to ask the Captain questions about the recent engagement with the Kelish or about any number of victories that the Captain had his hand in. It was Cadet Picket who phased the meeting correctly, "Its not every day one gets to meet a real hero." Most simply paid their respects to the man who would lead them in battle and will carry them on to victory.

It was a late addition to the program that caught the attention of most. It was a simple memorial be built for those lost during the most recent battle between the Thunderchild and the Kelish. No one knew who added the memorial to the program but most truly believed it was Lieutenant Noonia. After all, who else would have done it. As crew members met the Captain and paid their respects to Lieutenant Noonia, they then would make a personal trek through the snow up a small hill where this simple memorial set. Their they would have a moment of silence as the images of those lost could be examined. Most left something personal behind while others lit a candle or said a prayer in respect for the lost.

The event was even supported by Lieutenant Paxton who ordered her entire deck crews off duty during the event. In her words, "this will be your place of duty and your mission WILL BE to mingle or else!" While the event started off as a major success, it wasn't till Commander Bonham slipped in that the whispers started. It didn't take long for rumors of the 'accidentally' discharge of one of a rare pistol he had in his collection to spread. These rumors were only fueled by Commander Bonham having his flight status pulled by the Flight Surgeon and his regular meetings with Dr. McCoy since the accident. Officially, he claimed that the weapon went off when he was attempting to clean it. However there are rumors around the ship that suggest otherwise. Not wanting to steal the attention, he slipped in and hovered along the edges of the event.

Before anyone realized what was going down next, the men and women of the Thunderchild's Flight Crews walked in as if they owned the entire ship. The large group of pilots were led by none other than the Trouble Sisters, Lieutenants Pander and Etxebarria. The pair were dressed in their best winter outfits and caught the eyes of just about every male in the holodeck. Truly the life of the party, when they arrived it was clear this event was going to be a success. But even this pair of attractive women were humbled by another pair in the holodeck. After paying their respects to the Captain and to the small memorial to those lost just a week ago, the pair moved to pay their respects to Lieutenant Noonia and Ensign Skytower.

It was clear by the number of crew members who made their way over to Mordecai and gave their thanks, that he was the guest of honor today. Toasts were raised in his honor from around the holodeck while others made more casual displays of their thanks. Even Ensign Skytower was not left out of the gratitude. While Noonia might have been the brains behind the event, it was commonly known that Skytower planned out the event and did all the leg work for it. They were officially named, the King and Queen of the Thunderchild's first Winter festival. Someone even took the time to create a crow for the Royal pair. Just as the event was taking off and the last of the major guests showed up, the King and Queen were encouraged to have the first dance of the Winter Festival. Within moments, the air was filled with music and laughter as the crew joined the dancing.

[Kunanaki]

Stardate: 53860.48
Tue Mar 01, 2377 0900
Holodeck Two, Deck Three
USS Thunderchild

Had been there assisting Ensign Skytower on set up in advance, after the events of the fight against the Kelish. If ever asked about the Holodeck or set up, he'd defer credit to the Ensign as the primary architect behind all that was. The picturesque sort of scene that could only be obtained by a Holodeck environment. With pent up frustration over the events that had happened between the planning and building of this, Noonia had thrown himself into making it the best he possibly could from his end. Haunted as one of the living, remembering a single hand pressing against glass. A very nonhuman hand that was tagging him for all that came next. The man hadn't looked away as the area had decompressed, searing it into memory which visited him nightly.

There was a cool dagger of hatred that seeped into his pores, the hatred that those who were helpless to stop an event from happening felt. In the aftermath, he had learned of a Commendation in the wings for stopping a Virus that had been implanted by that damnable traitor. Lt. Jr. Noonia had a lot to live up for, considering it was Seona's hand that had discovered the deception. The Captain knew he hadn't wrote the counter virus, only had pressed to spread that which had been wrote as fast as he could through star-fleet. This was a better option compared to burning out Deep Space 9's communication relay to transmit to those ships in Cardassian space during the events.

Two very intelligent women had put him in the position he was in now, in a spotlight that he felt wasn't deserved. Yet there would be no shirking, no excuses forthcoming. He would dig his heels in and make them proud. His left hand moved up to brush away a bit of glistening from his eyes. Dressed in his casual warm wear, as one never knew when a ships heating system would fail, he was very comfortable in this winter wonderland. Having greeted those who approached, drinking a warming cocoa held in his right hand, there was a sense of warmth that grew in the stomach. A job well done felt like a good reward after some very hectic days.

The support from all of the sections made a wisp of a smile flutter at the corners of his lips. Smiling faces that was reminiscent of home aboard a very different sort of starship, which prompted him to make a mental note to contact his family when the opportunity arose after this Winter Festival. A striking looking woman caught his eye, almost arm in arm with another. His eyes however scanned to watch how other men were fawning, and made sure he wasn't making those same looks. His return was a bit stiff, but unintentionally so he wouldn't be caught being foolish.

That didn't last long however! Dancing! With Ensign Skytower! It would be a polite dance, offering his hand. Naught the Irish Jig he was more accustomed to, but Star-Fleet academy had shown him a need to know at least one or two proper other dances for events such as these. After it had commenced, there would be more than likely the earliest excuse to break away from her. Not that he was unaware of her beauty or charm, just that it felt a little presumptuous to force somebody to dance for too long when called to do it by a crowd.

[Akirapryde]

The music was soft and everyone was enjoying the first dance of the Winter Festival. Noonia and Skytower were clearly the center of attention as most eyes were watching the unofficial King and Queen enjoy the first dance. Coming up behind Noonia, Ensign Hedril approached with a smile on her face. As she got the attention of the pair, she politely spoke, "Your Majesty" she said almost playfully. Her voice seemed almost artificial as the computer crafted voice box simulated verbal speech. It was a well known fact that Ensign Hedril was a Cairn, and only recently did their species regain the ability to speak verbally. Prior to that, they only communicated via telepathic means.

Ensign Hedril had come aboard the ship just a couple of months prior to leaving the ship yards and was a skilled science officer. She was working on her doctorate in interspecies communications. Like those of her race, to serve in Starfleet, she had to agree to follow a set of telepathic rules of conduct that had been created by the Federation Science Council. She gave a slight bow as she pulled her skirt of her uniform off to the side in a symbolic fashion of old Earth nobility. "Might I enjoy the company of the King for a dance or two?" she said lowering her head. Her artificial voice came from a artificial voice box that had been surgically implanted. This gave her the ability to 'speak' a verbal language. Her playful behavior almost seemed to mirror how much everyone was enjoying playing up the idea of the King and Queen of the Festival.

[NinjaPanda127]

Stardate: 53860.48
Tue Mar 01, 2377 0900
Holodeck Two, Deck Three
USS Thunderchild


Lylliana stood in her best winter attire she had managed to bring from Earth. Her hair fell down in short strands around her face, encircling her eyes in this wintery wonderland. She was clad in a long deep white sweater that hugged her curves down to her thighs. From there peeked dark straight legged blue jeans that tucked into what people called leg warmers that matched her sweater. From there she wore her favorite pair of faded brown leather strappy heel boots. Her ears glistened with dancing silver snowflakes and the neck from her sweater rolled up underneath her chin. She was completely in her element being amongst the frozen flora and scenery.

People came up and greeted her warmly, some even shook her hand and complimented the scenery. The party was a huge success and she felt elated to finally have done something of use. She took a deep breathe and let out a sigh. It was a little piece of home in the vastness of space. The thought almost brought a tear to her eyes. She excused herself momentarily to grab some cocoa.

She walked over and poured herself some in a small Styrofoam cup. She cupped it gently in her hands and brought it to her lips, blowing away some of the steam. She leaned against the building fixture post, sipping her cocoa as she watched everyone mingle. She was thrilled she was able to convince Captain Campbell to partake in the event and mingle with his crew. It took some finagling but she knew that the interaction with the crew would not only give the Captain a break from his normal duties, but would also help boost the crews moral, after all, some of these people only ever get to see him from a distance if hardly at all.

Lylliana's smile grew again as she shook her head and gave a nod as Lt. Pander and Etxebarria entered the scene. She knew those ladies knew how to draw a crowd and was appreciative of their entrance into the party. 'Two birds, one stone..' she chuckled to herself. The crowd hither-ed to and fro, until one Ensign came up and placed a crown on her head and this business of King and Queen came about. Lylliana tried to smile the best she could, giving a nod and a wave of thanks to the crowd. She sighed as she was then lead out to the dance floor, graciously accepting Lt. Jr. Noonia's hand for a dance.

Half smiled to Noonia, speaking with him in the close proximity to try and ease the awkwardness, "This turned out to be a fine event. I'm glad you thought of it." she spoke frankly. It was painfully obvious how awkward she felt. Of course he was handsome, but she just wasn't ready to be the center of attention just yet.

She gave a slight bow as she pulled her skirt of her uniform off to the side in a symbolic fashion of old Earth nobility. "Might I enjoy the company of the King for a dance or two?" she said lowering her head.

Lylliana turned, gracious for the break. A smile broke upon her face, as she playfully and uncharacteristically gave a curtsey in return to Ensign Hedril. "I don't mind at all. Please... enjoy the festivities. " she smiled and gave a nod to Lt. Jr. Noonia. "Thanks for the dance.. " as she stepped aside allow the two the floor.

Is was from there she took a break away from the festivities. She finally took the break in the crowd to make the trek up the hill to the memorial. While she had taken some of the final changes and made sure this was done right, she had yet to visit the spot herself and really pay her respects. She wasn't quiet sure about adding it to the festivities but knew that this would be a stepping stone for the crew and had not argued over it with Noonia. Instead, she made sure the spot was well placed, and well set up to honor those who had fallen.

As she approached the spot, she was surprised to find it empty but assumed most had already come to pay their respects. "Computer, a dozen red roses please. " The holodeck replicated at her feet, a bouquet of elegant, long stem deep red roses. She bents over and picked them up, bringing them to the memorial. She placed them down, kneeling before the memorial for a moment, bowing her head in a prayer. "Thank you all, for your service." She looked at the faces, possibly not really knowing anything but their names. However, she knew somewhere they must have family that would miss them dearly. The thought of family causing as single, glistening tear to roll down her face.

[Kunanaki]

Stardate: 53860.48
Tue Mar 01, 2377 0900
Holodeck Two, Deck Three
USS Thunderchild

Dancing with Lylliana was a brief but enjoyable affair. Accepting even her comment with a slight smile, they danced until someone approached. Breaking in a polite manner, Noonia graciously offered his hand to Ensign Hendril. Knowing very little of the species, the synth voice was a curiosity to him. Wondering what music would outlay the dance that they were doing, trying to match his motions to the music. His proximity in the middle made it rather hard to slink off, noticing that Skytower was doing precisely that. He silently wished her well, the woman seemed a bit tense in the center of attention.

[Akirapryde]

   
Ensign Hedril, working on her bridge courses

With a smile, Ensign Hedril allowed Lieutenant Noonia lead the dance for them. "What you have done here was a grand idea" she said softy. It was clear that verbal communication was a bit of a struggle and comfortable for her. But she handled it with grace and a smile on her face. She shifted her head as she searched the dozens of other crewmembers who were also dancing. The air was filled with classical music that gave a wonderful ambiance to the entire program.

She looked up in to his eyes, "what ever made you come up with such an idea?"

[Akirapryde]

Ensign Noguerra made her way over to the foot of the memorial hill and waited for Skytower to come. After a few minutes her patience was paid off as she was able to greet Skytower at the foot of the hill. To Skytower's surprise Ensign Noguerra smiled as she stepped before Skytower. "Hey" she said pleasantly and added, "I just wanted to say sorry about the way the others were acting before." Unlike the in the showers, here Ensign Noguerra was fully clothed in her Flight Uniform and a leather jacket. The Flight uniform was state of the art and designed to help the pilots cope with the sudden changes in gravitation forces. Unlike on the Thunderchild, where a interlocking series of Inertial damper, protected the crew from the sudden changes in acceleration and deceleration or shifts in duration. The fighters own Inertial Dampers were far weaker and so they required a special uniform to help them cope with these changes in velocity. The leather coat on the other hand was added to the Flight Uniform by Commander Bonham as a carry over from the original Jolly Roger pilots.

"I know those guys can be a bit overbearing" she said with a bit of guilt. "I didn't want you to think that we are all like that. Well we can be but not always." she started to stumble over her thoughts and just paused to allow Skytower to talk.

[NinjaPanda127]

Made her way down the hill, having dried her face and regained her composure. Family was still a sensitive issue for her and even thinking about the poor families left behind due to the tragedy would cause her to tear up. However, she had helped orchestrate this event and need ed do to return to the guests and ensure everything was still running smoothly.

As she descended the hill, Ensign Noguerra popped out ambushing Skytower and startling her. "Oh. Hi again. Etain right? " she tried her best to give a smile as this was an event to bring up moral. "Well...uhmm...thanks. I appreciate it." She stuck out her hand to shake Ensign Noguerra hand in thanks. "I appreciate you getting me out of the bind then. I thought they were going to pounce and devour me..." she half smiled and gave a nervous giggle.

[Akirapryde]

Etain Noguerra laughed as she took Lylliana's hand, "hey we Manchester girls got to stick together right?" she brushed off the statement with a smile, "oh and yeah I think they were going to. Those two can be very brutal in their tricks and games. You should see what they did to Cadet Treasach during his indoctrination" she said softly with a smile then looked down. "Then again, my own might go down in Thunderchild history as one of the worse." There was still a smile on her face, "but once they accept you as part of the group, you become family."

She turned to see the crewmembers all dancing and having fun, "that is what we are here. One large family" she added.

[Nightmares Echo]

Quietly, lost in the depths of his work...even forsaken those on the ship, except those underlings who have been working diligently on the projects they are assigned, even helping with the issues of the ship...Increase missed everything it would seem, that's what he gets for not paying attention to his PADD and Comms. Then again, that's his story, always missing whats important to work on projects that require tireless and careful attention....even going without sleep for days to ensure his projects go well. Increase went to open a sealed project to check on the progress when...on of these underlings came in. Startled, Increase shifted the wrong way and knock the case off the stand. It crashed against the floor, the items inside were a danger when they mixed together...but are inert when separate. However, as it started to fall...all you can hear from the ensign who came in is "AHHHHHHH!!!!!" as he was mounted on Increase's shoulder, then he made for the door. As they hit the hallway Increase slammed against the wall first, so the ensign would not be harmed. A subtle huff came from Increase as he shouts "Computer...seal the science lab and vent, do not open until all toxin's are clear of the room. Only senior staff may open the Lab before this quarantine is complete." The computer complied. It was nothing of Yellow or Red alert, but still can be dangerous if not taken care of.

As the ensign stood, he began to apologize for what happened...but, before he could finish Increase spoke up, a soft chuckle in his voice "Worry not Ensign, it's all good. This is a normal for the Science department. That and I am the who jumped and knocked it over" It took him a few more minutes to stand and look the ensign in the eye, his calm and reserved tone taken "Now, what is that you wanted?" the ensign spoke, a bit more calm about the situation "Sir, there is a gathering in the Holo-deck for all crew members. It a memorial as well." An eye brow slowly rose over his right eye, you know Spock style "Why wasn't I invited?", "Sir, everyone was sent invites." the ensign responded and continued "All the science department has already been by, we didn't see you, so we came to tell you." Actually, the ensign was voted to come get Increase, as there is always something that happens when they go to him for things "Thank you Ensign, your dismissed."

So, as the ensign left, Increase turn on heel and headed to the Holo-deck to check out what was going on. Since he left his PADD in the Science Lab, he was unaware of the theme. So, with a military like charge he came into the Holo-deck...those eyes moved over the landscape...after a few steps, the winter like feel set in. A frown took over his face, Trills are not much for extreme tempatures. He stopped to notice the snow around, and just stood there and starred for a moment.

Well, he has arrived...the least seen figure on the ship.