Act One, Scene One

[Nightmares Echo]

Hedril and Noonia with Increase

Not much time passed before someone found him, perhaps the only person ever happy to see him is...or perhaps it was a front like the rest of his team put on when they came to see him. Increase is not the best when it comes to people, he is best when conducting experiments. Coming to this "social" was a bit of experimentation of his own personal means.

He lifted his head, took a breath and straightened his uniform then shifted his hands to rest upon lower back, standing like a Star Fleet officer should. Nothing was spoken until the happy woman finished her words. A soft smile and a slight nod offered to them both "Ah yes, Lt Noonia... congratulations .", even as words escaped, those eyes were in study of the how they interacted and since he didn't get out of the Science Lab much...he took the time to examine the lieutenant.

Attention shifted about the room for a moment, gathering everything in before speaking again "Whose idea was this..Mixer?" he still had to get used to some earth slang terms "Seems like a good idea for the crew, a break from what has been going on" then again he missed most of it. Having taken the time to try and secure most of his experiments on independent systems, so they were not effected by anything that would happen to the ship

[jkeilt]

Ensign Neumann stood by the fire to warm himself and drank a cup of cocoa. He was enjoying the chance to mingle with other members of the crew in this relaxed setting and was impressed by the beautiful scenery. The lake gave him a peaceful feeling despite the sounds of music and chattering around him.

Bram made his way along the lake edge and then towards the memorial to pay respects to the ones who had fallen. During this moment, he also could not help thinking of his own family as he often did.

After making his way back down the hill, Bram noticed Captain Campbell had finished shaking hands with a group of ensigns and so decided to visit the Captain for himself. As Bram approached, he noticed the Captain seemed slightly uncomfortable and was indecisive about what to say.

“Hello Captain. It’s nice to meet you and it's great to be under your command. I’m glad you are taking the time to meet the crew. Everyone looks up to you, including myself.”

[a magical taco]

The captain was drinking a steaming cup of coffee when a young ensign approached him. The hot drink was finally helping him deal with how cold he was and finally he did not have to fight the desire for his body to start shaking. The Captain regarded the young ensign for a moment, he smiled and offering his hand for a handshake. "Thank you, Ensign Neumann, it is good to officially meet you. You were on the helm during the battle last week, were you not? Was that your first time in combat?"

The Captain watched the young man carefully, Seeing how someone coped with combat after the fighting was finished was almost as important as how one handled themselves during the danger, recent events with Bonham has proved that. He resisted the desire to let out a sigh, he did not want the young ensign to think his presence was unwelcome. It was just that he had been thinking about his friend often since the Thunderchild had engaged the enemy carrier. The loss off crew was always something that would eat at the captain but knowing his decision had cost his friend someone he loved was difficult to deal with. Sometimes, being Captain was not all it was cracked up to be.

[jkeilt]

Ensign Neuman was not reluctant to admit his lack of experience, even to the Captain. After all, there was no combat to be had prior to his assignment on the Thunderchild; only war stories given to him by more veteran crew members onboard the USS Tian An Men. Nonetheless, Bram felt he had handled his duties well during the engagement and did not suppose the Captain thought otherwise.

Ensign Neumann gave the Captain a firm grip and nodded. “Yes sir, that was my first time” he said, then continued, “How long will the ship be sidelined? Will we be going after the rogue carrier?”

Bram wondered if even the Captain was sure of how long that would be. Although he was enjoying the time at Deep Space Nine, he was also looking forward to another experience in combat.

[Akirapryde]

He listened to her as he watched Lylliana's roommate approach. He didn't find her company all that bad. she wasn't asking how he was doing or if everything was alright. No, she just stood there and seemed just content with silence. Which was all he was good for in this moment. He took another drink of his mixture and allowed the warmth of the drink to warm his throat. The nice think about being the form Acting XO was the access to certain things that were not normally allowed aboard starships. In this case Tennessee whiskey. While many might suspect what is in his flask, it was not that cheap artificial crap, synthehol.

He hated not being able to fly. Since the accident, he was relieved of duty pending Dr. McCoy's review. Then as a double punch to his gut, the Flight Surgeon pulled his flight status. While everyone had their duties to do, he was spinning his wheels lost between the worlds of the living and the dead. Sometimes he wondered what would have been better. To get back at the stick he knew he had to play nice with the two doctors. Just a few days ago, he was able to convince Dr. McCoy to allow him back to duty in a limited fashion. It was a painful negation, but she demanded that he spent time off the ship before allowing any type of return to duty. To appease her demands, he took a short trip to Bajor. The trip was meant to be pleasant but he hated every minute of it. He felt, useless.

Lost in his own world for the moment, he didn't even notice that Lylliana had returned to his side. He listened to what she said and watched her smacking her forehead as she spoke "Don't... just... " she rubbed the bridge of her nose, "Don't mind her... good intentions... just a little overbearing... be glad she isn't your roommate." she peeked over with a half smile.

'Maybe I just need to get laid' he thought as he listened to her. Even before the thought left his mind, he wondered where it came from. He shook his head, "I don't mind her" he said finally. He paused a moment before adding, "I am just so sick of people asking how the hell I am doing" he said with attitude dripping from his voice. He turned to face her and said, "I don't think anyone could possibly understand." He rubbed his forward and temple with his fingers, "Sometimes Ensign, the names seem to blend together." There was clear pain in his voice as he spoke. 'What the hell am I doing.....' he thought as he took in a deep breath.

[NinjaPanda127]

Bonham & Lylliana

She blinked a few times in surprise as the commander spoke so frankly.she watched his face and the pain that came acrossed it. Nothing Liliana could say would never make it better. She knew that, and she knew it all too well. She drew her gaze away so she wouldn't seem to be staring.

"The names, the days, the weeks. everything soon blends together until it's all just a giant blur."

she pushed her hand through your hair with a sigh. She put a smile on her face for his sake. "The best medicine is busy work or else youll find your self going stir crazy and even worse in trouble." She turned her heading peering about the event, "Back before the academy i found myself on the wrong side of things. Got caught up in a few tussles. Boy, was i surprised when i was accepted into the acedemy." She smiled and chuckled to herself , yeah why would they want someone whose parents .... she shook the thought from her head.

she chuckled softly, "anyways...if you ever need distraction, you can always be my sparring dummy." 'Skytower! Sis you just... she couldn't help herself. The words were out of her mouth before she could even realize what she had asked. She had let her guard down. Too late now, it would be rude to retract the offer.

[Akirapryde]

Her words rang true, "the names, the days, the weeks. everything soon blends together until it's all just a giant blur."

He only nodded as he took another drink from his hot mixture and realized that he was nearly out of his little drink. He continued to listen to her speak about getting in to the Academy. "I don't see why you would have been surprised. Doors always seemed to open for you, didn't they" he said without thinking. He was referring to the actions of her cousin working in the shadows to look out for her. Even his own actions during the past year and a half to ensure that she didn't fail out of the Academy. A well funded and timely tutor ensured that she was ready for her finals. Her cousin and then later he had made sure that their tracks were well covered.

He couldn't tell if she noticed his buzzed induced slip up or not. He decided to roll with the statement and change the subject as he acted on her second statement, "sparring dummy?" he questioned then tossed out there like a hand grenade, "I am more of a lover than a fighter" he added.

Without thinking he slapped his forehead as 'DUH!' flashed across his mind. He shifted his eyes starting to feel like maybe its time to call it a night, day.....whatever....

[Kunanaki]

Hedril and Noonia with Increase

Hadn't really the time to answer the questions of Hendril before she was dragged excitedly to a new figure. From the sound of it, and the appearance of the straight backed man, it was her boss. There was an inqusitive statement of inquiry, which had him considering. "I suppose I had the idea to get the crew together, but this particular shin-dig is mostly Ensign Skytowers work." Noonia paused, before smiling to the two of them. "You two really should take this chance to get into a non uniform. The idea is to promote unity between sections. I guess you both just got off of shift?" He inquired, not really wanting to part with Hendril's company but trying to encourage the two odd ducks to look about and notice they were in the minority of dress at a casual event.

[Akirapryde]

Ensign Hendril hadn't actual realized that there was a dress code for the event. Between her normal duties and her Command Training, she had just been so busy during the ship's downtime. Just before coming her, she had pulled eight hour shift on the bridge. Then before that, she had a four hour simulation with Lieutenant T'Lora as part of her training. Normally during mission, Hendril would be focused on her regular duties. However as the ship was under repairs, she gave up opportunities to explore Bajor to double her focus on her Bridge Officer Training. For her to become eligible for Command School, she had to be certified on all Bridge Stations.

Sure it was early for her to think of Command School, seeing how she was just an Ensign. But she had a drive to excel in her duties that guided her in to Starfleet. Ever since her childhood and watching her father work closely with Captain Jean-Luc Picard she had always wanted to be that Captain that brought a world like hers in to the Federation. It was a pivotal moment in her life and one that would help shape her future. This was why Ensign Hendril wanted so bad to reach her goals. And this is why most of her department called her a little busy bee. A nickname she loved and become endeared to.

Ensign Hendril smiled as she pulled on Noonia's arm, "I have been so busy with my Bridge Officer Training, I really didn't have time to change." she batted her eyes playfully, "Oh King of the Winter Festival could you find it in your heart to pardon this wayward Junior Officer who just got of double shift?"

[Kunanaki]

Hedril and Noonia with Increase

Quietly agreed that it would be alright. "Not a problem. I know what a busy day is like." casually being able to relate to her.