- , Mission #

"To the Winds"

BEGIN SIM

BEGIN SIM

BEGIN SIM

:: in their hotel room, he picks up his PADD and reads the news, then puts it back down :: Well, shit.

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

:: tips her own chin upward, slowly standing up on her toes, and closes her eyes ::

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: eyebrows Ian ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

:: wraps her arms around Lexy and softly touches her lips with her own ::

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

:: sitting on her bed reading a paper copy of Surak's Analects, trying to focus, when her PADD chirps insistently, one of the alerts set on it. When she picks it up, she finds a frantic message from her friend Kyrembril, with an article attached. So, she reads the article ::

The Federation President, along with most of his cabinet, was killed by Tzenkethi rebels during peace negotiations.

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

::A malaise of emotions washes over him from all directions. At first getting only fragments from the millions of angry voices before the point eventually shines through. Sits back in resignation, sipping his drink.:: Self: My god...

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: sets her book down on her lap on the couch near the big windows, simply staring at Ian with round eyes ::

:: pours himself a drink from the minibar :: Shit.

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

:: she almost drops the PADD when she reads and fully comprehends the article. :: Self: Oh... oh my.

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

:: warmly returns the kiss, her arms wrapping around Kate ::

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

::Stands and walks off with his drink, looking for a terminal to see a report on the incident.::

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: looks away and blinks at the wall for a few moments before turning back :: Ian: You said by rebels? What does their government have to say?

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

:: it takes a moment, but she finally starts to move again, dropping her book and turning her full attention to the PADD, contacting a certain colleague who happens to work in Starfleet Intelligence for more information ::

T'Kirr: That they condemn the actions of the rebels and still do not have them completely under control. They still hold Sigma Rho, even.

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

:: savors the kiss, it being the culmination of months of wondering ::

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

::Finds a 'television' and watches the GNN report amongst a crowd.::

:: picks up the PADD and fires off a message to Zuriyev asking WTF ::

:: then walks to the windows and stares out at the surf a minute ::

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

:: her contact is practically useless, with hir lack of knowledge and complete lack of emotional control, even in a situation such as this ::

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: lays the book down and stands, walking slowly up to him :: Ian: Are we to respond? :: she thinks a moment :: I suppose, without a ship...

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

::Drops hia drink on the nearest counter and rushes off to his quarters.::

:: looks down into his drink :: T'Kirr: Yeah, without a ship, we're superfluous.

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

:: pulls back from the kiss and meet's Lexy's eyes :: Your body language is perfectly understandable.

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

Self: I need to return to Atlantis... ::Is almost running now.::

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

:: stands and walks into the common room of the hotel suite and finds the lone computer terminal in the room, sitting down at it and pulling up all articles and newscasts related to this ::

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

:: smiles at Kate :: Are you sure? I'd be happy to say it again...

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: simply stands next to Ian before their magnificent ocean view, thinking ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

:: snickers :: Lexy: Well, on second thought, perhaps you had better repeat it. You know how I am with language sometimes.

T'Kirr: Let's hit the beach.,

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: raises her brow in surprise, glances down at Ian's drink, then back up at him ::

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

:: runs a comparison on the articles and newscasts, finding all the similarities and using those to compile what she hopes is a better picture of what happened ::

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

:: grins and pulls Kate down to kiss her a second time ;:

:: hasn't touched the drink yet, but looks at his wife :: Either things will be OK, or they'll be very very bad. If they are to be bad, let's enjoy ourselves while we can.

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

::Bursts through his room door and scurries through his bag, before producing a PADD. Starts composing messages and throwing them off to every person of value he knows in Starfleet and beyond... hoping to get some answers.::

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: relaxes her gaze on him and declines her head agreeably :: Ian: All right.

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

:: starts tapping the table without realizing it before leaning slightly back in the seat and trying to think of how the best way to contact an old... not-quite-friend would be, considering her friend's location was dubious at best ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

:: eagerly returns the kiss, a bit more energetically even, running fingers through her hair ::

:: downs the drink and slides the glass onto the counter ::

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

::Gets a number of replies from Starfleet Admirals and Captains panicking, Ferengi Traders theorising how this could be good for buisness, to old Obsidian Order or Tal Shiar contacts asking ^him^ what happened.::

:: The PADD beeps, he picks it up ::

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: heads to the bedroom somewhat numbly but now with a sense of direction, pulls open her clothes drawer, and locates her swimwear ::

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

:: finally tracks down a link to her not-quite-friend's location and puts through a call to her, hoping that she'll actually answer this time ::

:: carries the PADD to the bedroom, reading :: T'Kirr: Message from Zuriyev. The good news is that the repair team recommends refitting Atlantis.

:: begins to change into his board shorts ::

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

Self: Damn.

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

Ian: An effect of...this, do you think? :: also redresses ::

T'Kirr: I doubt it. Scrapping her never made sense when we lost so many ships as it is. Alexi says to stay put and wait for any new orders, but no change as of yet.

:: grabs his aviators and a futuretowel ::

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

:: the comm takes a few moments, but finally an annoyed Bajoran appears :: Capt_Nedal: Greetings, Captain. It is agreeable to speak with you again.

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

Capt_Nedal>

SCI: Oh, it's just you. I though some intel jerkwad was calling. So, what d'you want? It better be about blowing something up, because that's my current mood. :: scowls ::

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: adjusts her top and looks herself over in her dark brown bikini, then pulls out her loose-laced cotton cover-up and wraps up in it, tying the tie around her waist ::

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

:: makes a soft moaning noise and tightens her arms around Kate, parting her lips to deepen the kiss ::

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

Capt_Nedal: What can you tell me about the President's death? Yes, I know full well you have access to that information, either on your own or through your husband. :: tries her best to look stony faced as usual ::

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

::Sends a message to the diplomatic corps, hoping to find out if peace talks can be salvaged.::

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: picks up her own futuretowel, ready to leave ::

:: looks at T'Kirr :: We need to go to the beach more often.

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

Ian: Indeed.

T'Kirr: At least if it means I get to see you in that. :: puts on the sunglasses and heads out ::

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

Capt_Nedal>

SCI: Gotta give you credit, you get straight to the point. To be honest, I know as much as you do. Jon is equally confused and so is most of Command. Intel's about to have a field day with figuring out how in the name of the Prophets this could happen.

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: follows Ian, amused, yet it's barely a thought with the weight of recent news ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

:: awash in a sea of emotion and hormones, the kiss intensifying as they unapologetically make out on the seaside road's side ::

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

Capt_Nedal: I presumed such. If you can garner any information, it would be greatly appreciated.

:: they walk right out onto the beach from the hotel's lobby ::

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: likes being barefoot ::

:: surveys the beach, Risa's two suns high and bright ::

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

Capt_Nedal>

SCI: Trust me, I will. You're now on a list of people who want information. I don't know when I'll get it, but it'll happen at some point. Well, I've gotta run before Admiral Stick-Up-His-Ass pitches a fit. See ya 'round, kid.

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Aerpoor_Rolik>

:: chuckles to himself as he turns away from the sight, waiting for them to finish ::

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

Capt_Nedal: Very well. Sochaya eh dif, Captain. :: lifts her hand in the ta'al before cutting the channel and silently swearing to herself ::

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

::Begins a heated discussion with his contact at DC along the lines of "How the fuck can you think about peace talks right now?" with replies like "Because it is important still."::

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: looks around the bright white expanse, her inner eyelids reflexively slipping into place after enough squinting ::

:: his eyes content behind the slick sunglasses ::

:: points up into the sky at something that's not a bird :: T'Kirr: Is... is that Lt. Kuari?

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: looks up :: Ian: I...it certainly looks like her.

T'Kirr: It'd almost have to be. :: chuckles ::

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

::Walks out of his room, and starts pacing the corridors swearing in as many languages as he knows, continuing to argue with the DC contact.::

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

Ian: Although she'd have to be pretty high up. Does Risa have a flying reptilian species?

T'Kirr: I'm not really sure. :: points out a decent spot :: Let's go over there.

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

:: pulls back a little breathlessly, caressing Kate's back :: Kate: Did... :: licks her lips :: Did you get it that time?

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

:: sighs and then suddenly realizes she's tapping the table. Lifting her hand and setting it in her lap, she sighs. :: Self: This will indeed complicate matters.

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: looks to the nice spot and pads through the sand, the familiar effort causing her to fall naturally into the best way to walk it ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

:: bites her lower lip, a bit breathless herself as she pulls back :: Yes. Your explanation was quite thorough. :: grins ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Aerpoor_Rolik>

:: walks up to the couple and says something that sounds almost but not entirely unlike Kathryn, but with a completely bizarre sound to any human listeners like Lexy ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

:: looks around with a start :

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

::whirls toward the voice, guiltily pulling her arms back toward herself and stepping away, cheeks reddening ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

:: her eyes brighten further, which is quite a feat, as they settle on the great red-bearded bear of a man :: PAPA!

:: note quite as adept in the sand, but who is ::

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

:: stands and goes to make a pot of tea, just for something to do at this time while she processes the knowledge she already has and what gaps there are in regards to this... news ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Aerpoor_Rolik>

:: gathers his daughter up into a hug, picking her up off the ground ::

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

:: watches the display with growing understanding ::

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: arrives at a nice stretch of beach and turns around, taking in 360 degrees of beachy paradise. Her Vulcan skin glows golden in Risa's sun as she drops the cotton from her shoulders, eager for some sun ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Aerpoor_Rolik>

:: puts her down :: You told us you were bringing a friend, but we did not know about this! :: beaming ::

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

::Continues to angrily wander, hoping to find someone to talk to to make him less angry.::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

:: smiles brightly :: Papa, meet my, well, :: glances at Lexy in confirmation :: meet my girlfriend, Alexis Wright.

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Lexy: Lexy, my father, Rolik.

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

:: steps forward with a nervous smile :: Rolik: It's a pleasure to meet you, Rolik, sir.

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

:: remembers that she managed to snag a few good teabags recently after a shipment she had ordered arrived on the Atlantis before she had departed en route to Risa, so she goes and grabs one of those bags, hoping for good tea this time ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Aerpoor_Rolik>

Lexy: None of this sir nonsense with me!

:: notes a roaming server and orders a drink ::

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: checks the sun's direction and lays her towel out on the sand, picking at the imperfect corners until it's suitably flat ::

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

Rolik: Yes, sir. I mean...! :: covers her mouth and reddens ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Aerpoor_Rolik>

:: laughs heartily :: Come on, you two! Kate: Your mother is dying to see you.

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

:: makes a cup of tea and walks over to the window, looking out at the view as she enjoys a cup of good tea and not that bitter... coffee substance that amounted to the last caffeinated substance she had consumed. ::

:: spreads his out imprecisely ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Rolik: Is she at the shop?

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: glares in slight annoyance ::

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

::Starts checking transport schedules with thoughts of returning to the ship.::

:: smirks, knowing, and sits down ::

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: resists the urge to fix Ian's towel and lies down gently ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Aerpoor_Rolik>

No, she has gone home, but we can transport there.

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Rolik: After you. :: grabs Lexy's hand with a squeeze ::

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

:: the view is rather tempting, so she sets the cup down and heads out to go on a walk along the beach, entirely forgetting her lack of shoes or headband at the moment, just focused on trying to find a suitable distraction ::

;: the server delivers his drink, which is welcome in the hot sun ::

:: sets aside a water for T'Kirr too ::

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

:: hesitates a moment, then twines her fingers in with Kate's, ready to follow ::

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

::Still swearing in omniglot mode.::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

:: follows her father into the shop, and they beam to the Aerpoor home, a decently-sized house a few kilometers away along the coast with a pool, guest house, hot tub, sauna, and such luxuries ::

:: leans back and looks at T'Kirr, then removes his aviators and places them on her face :: There. Coolest woman on the beach with the coolest shades.

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: doesn't move her head, but an eyebrow peeks out from the frame ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Aerpoor_Rolik>

Jhnal!! They are here! AND THEY ARE A COUPLE!

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

Aerpoor_Jhnal>

:: looks up as they beam in, a smile lighting her eyes :: Kathryn! :: she stands up and spreads her arms wide ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

:: beams and hugs her mother :: Mama!

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

Ian: You are aware I don't need sunglasses, aren't you?

T'Kirr: Of course, but they look great on you.

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

Aerpoor_Jhnal>

Kate: What's this, a couple? :: Looks back and forth between Kate and Lexy, smiling ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

:: grins :: Yes. It, well, it literally just happened as we were walking to the shop.

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

::Is in such a way he doesn't notice T'Lira in his sweary anger fit, and bumps into her.::

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

:: nods in agreement ::

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

:: stumbles slightly and lifts an eyebrow at the offending party :: ENG: It appears that you are quite occupied and rather fluent in many languages.

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: stretches out, a possibly intentional sensuous move, over the towel ::

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

SCI: I do apologise Lieutenant.

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Aerpoor_Rolik>

Is it not wonderful!? :: has no indoor voice, apparently ::

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

ENG: I presume you have heard the news and your sources know little more than the rest of us? :: completely understands the feeling. Were she not Vulcan, she would probably be engaging in a similar set of behaviors right now ::

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

SCI: Indeed.

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

Aerpoor_Jhnal>

That is wonderful! It is so nice to meet someone my daughter has chosen! :: pulls a surprised Lexy into a warm hug ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Aerpoor_Rolik>

Thank the gods! We must feast and celebrate!

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

SCI: Out of the hundreds of contacts I have made over the years and not a peep.

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

:: is surprised, but returns the hug ::

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

ENG: I can sympathize at the moment. If you will pardon me, I have a walk to take at this time. :: tries to recall if that is in step with societal customs ::

:: definitely notices, pulls out his holocamera and snaps a pic of her ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

:: they are swept away to dinner, a nice spread of traditional Risan dishes ::

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

SCI: Then may I join you on this walk. I believe I require a distraction.

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

ENG: If you wish to. I am merely intending to travel along the beach.

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: relaxes and enjoys the suns ::

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

SCI: At this time, it does not matter if the destination is purely theoretical.

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

ENG: I can certainly understand the sentiment. :: begins walking towards the exit, and to the beach ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Aerpoor_Rolik>

Lexy: Our home is your home! The guest house by the pool has plenty of privacy for you two!

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

Aerpoor_Jhnal>

:: encouraging the girls to eat more ::

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

:: blushes at Rolik, but manages to say :: Rolik & Jhnal: Thank you very much for your hospitality.

:: makes no move to take back his sunglasses, just sips at his drink ::

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

::Walks beside T'Lira.:: SCI: I will only wear the floors down, pacing. I have a strong urge to return to the ship.

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Papa, you are too much.

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Mama, I can eat no more!

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

Aerpoor_Jhnal>

Kate: Are you sure? I made all your favorites!

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Aerpoor_Rolik>

It is all I can be when my daughter is home, and with such a wonderful companion!

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Jhnal: I have eaten some of all of them, I promise!

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

ENG: I believe the floors are composed of materials that prevent them from being worn down. And I believe you can return to the ship if you desire to, I see no reason why it would pose a problem if that is what you wish to do.

T'Kirr: Have you ever surfed?

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

Jhnal: I've never had Risan food before, but everything was delicious!

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

Aerpoor_Jhnal>

:: looks placated ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

:: overhears GNN in the other room and suddenly deflates ::

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

SCI: There isn't a scheduled transport for a few days. This irks me somewhat.

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

:: was dreamily watching Kate :: What... Kate: What's wrong?

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Lexy: They just said that the President was killed.

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

ENG: There are such things as unscheduled transports. Although, they are difficult to book passage on and very unreliable.

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

:: a morsel of food falls off her fork with a splat :: Kate: What?

:: probably can guess the answer ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

:: stands and turns up the news broadcast, which spills the details ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Aerpoor_Rolik>

What?!

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

Ian: No, I haven't. We do tend to do active things on shore leave usually, don't we?

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

SCI: Precisely my girl.

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

Aerpoor_Jhnal>

Oh no!

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

:: stares at a wall, something obviously wrong aside from that ::

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

ENG: I did consider returning to the ship when I heard the news, but I saw no logical reason to return and simply do nothing of value.

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Aerpoor_Rolik>

This is madness! The war was over.

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

:: puts her hand gently on Kate's shoulder :: Kate: Are you... okay?

:: nods eagerly and summons a hotel attendant, asking for two surfboards ::

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

SCI: There are always repairs to be made.

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

Aerpoor_Jhnal>

Darling, be calm, perhaps there is still hope for peace.

T'Kirr: We can ride the wave.

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Lexy: I... I just thought of something. :: swears in her native tongue ::

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

ENG: True enough. Although, with the current mood in the Federation, and in Starfleet, how easy will it be to become distracted with the prospect of further information?

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Aerpoor_Rolik>

:: pacing nervously ::

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: now looking at him through the sunglasses :: Ian: I...suppose I could cool off somewhat.

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

Kate: What? What is it?

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Parents: Mama, Papa, I believe we were done eating anyway, yes? Lexy and I need a moment alone to discuss Starfleet business in light of this. We will be in the guest house, if that is alright.

T'Kirr: Excellent. :: the server delivers their boards :: C'mon.

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

SCI: It may be tempting... but with a strong mental discipline and much to be done, one can easily resist distraction.

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Aerpoor_Rolik>

Yes, yes. We will clean up, yes? :: looks to his wife ::

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

ENG: You recall the Dominion War, correct?

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

Aerpoor_Jhnal>

Of course. You girls do what you need to do. :: nods at her husband ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Aerpoor_Rolik>

What a way to ruin a celebratory feast! Jhnal: Look, she even dressed in our traditional clothing! :: gestures at Lexy :

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

SCI: I would personally like to volunteer for a diplomatic mission. After my conversation with an officer of the diplomatic corps has shaken my confidence that it will be done.

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: finds herself about to surf and manages to drop the aviators on the towel before being pulled up and handed a board ::

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

:: manages a smile at Rolik and Jhnal ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Lexy: :: quietly :: This way. :: gestures through a door ::

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

SCI: I do. Vividly.

:: takes a board and heads toward the water :: T'Kirr: We will need to lay on the board and paddle out a bit, then wait for a wave to come in and push you back. You can stand up on the board even, if you like.

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

Parents: Thank you again for your hospitality. Dinner was absolutely delicious. :: offers them another smile and follows Kate through the door ::

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

ENG: I was a cadet when the Deep Space Nine fell to the Dominion. I distinctly recall that even my classmates with the strongest mental disciplines could not focus on their classwork, no matter how much of it there was. Myself included. No one could properly focus with the desire for more information.

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

:: can hear her parents as they walk past the pool ::

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: stops Ian with an arm, and when he stops, she points behind her back :: Can you, um...tighten this?

:: smirks :: For now, yes. :: tightens the strap and knot on her top ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

:: leads Lexy into the pool house and closes the door, and things are finally cool and quiet ::

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

Ian: Thank you. :: proceeds towards the surf ::

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

Kate: What's wrong? What's going on?

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

I am not supposed to tell you this. It is classified.

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Lexy: But have you ever heard of STAR? Starfleet Tactical Assault and Reconnaissance?

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

Kate: I've heard of it, yes.

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

SCI: For a part of the war, I retreated to Tholian and Breen space. The need to do my part really hit me when the Breen sided with the Dominion.

:: puts the board into the water once it's deep enough, bellyflops onto it, and paddles :: Like this!

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

:: lets out a long breath :: Lexy: On the cruise ship here, the first night, I received a communique asking me to join a mission to retake Sigma Rho. I accepted it.

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: follows Ian's actions and begins paddling, front down on her board ::

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

ENG: And for my classmates and myself, our illogical behavior and distraction became apparent when we were commissioned several months early to combat the enemy. It was not easy, but we learned discipline. The younger officers may not be familiar with such a "holding pattern", as it were, and may thus be prone to distraction.

:: paddles out a ways, cresting the waves as they come ::

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

:: Stops breathing :: Kate: You did what?

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: attempts to dodge the cresting waves but fails with a face-full of seawater ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Lexy: I... my state of mind was - is, still, I suppose, somewhat off. But I signed up for that mission, knowing how dangerous it is.

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

SCI: They were no easy times.

:: gets out far enough and waits for her ::

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

SCI: It was most difficult for my two Breen crewmen.

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

ENG: Agreed. But the generation of officers and other citizens at that time learned discipline. I hesitate to return to the ship because the younger officers may need guidance that is difficult to provide in a time such as this. :: looks out at the water for a moment ::

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: floats nearby and whips the water out of her hair, blinking and then watching for a wave ::

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

Kate: But... why!? Why would you do that??

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

:: leans back against the wall with a thud :: I do not know, entirely. Maybe to try to make sense of everything that happened.

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

SCI: I fear that they may very well need to.

:: turns the board toward the shore :: T'Kirr: Are you ready?

:: notes that the oncoming wave doesn't really give a shit whether or not anyone's ready ::

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

Kate: Can you... un-accept?

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

Ian: Perhaps? How do we ride it?

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

ENG: Very few people can properly teach the guidance they require, nor would they have the patience. They may be forced to learn it on their own, which is a difficult task in any situation.

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Lexy: I... Well, now, I wish I could. But no.

<ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr>

SCI: Indeed. ::Sighs.::

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

:: tears welling up in her eyes :: Kate: When... When do you go?

Keep your board pointed to shore, at first, until you get a bit of practice.

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

:: quietly, also on the verge of tears :: A week. I... well, I had dared to hope it might, but I had no way to know this would happen, between us.

<SCI_LtJG_TLira>

ENG: In the meantime, little can be done but wait. :: wonders if she'll ever actually apply that bit to her life or not ::

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

Ian: Understood.

T'Kirr: Here it comes!

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: watches the wave come and just waits ::

:: catches the wave with his board, and while a bit rusty, does a competent job ::

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

:: slowly steps into Kate and wordlessly embraces her ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Lexy: :: talks into her shoulder:: That night, after the show, I was a bit drunk in my quarters, and in tears over the the death of my pilots. The message arrived and I immediately said yes.

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Lexy: :: starting to cry a bit :: Maybe I thought I could get myself killed too.

<CSO_Lt_Wright>

:: tears rolling down her cheeks :: Don't you dare.

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: sees Ian start paddling quickly with the wave and rushes to do the same ::

<NAV_Cdr_Harper>

Lexy: I will not. Not now. It is not just you, but I am not suicidal. I had to do something.

:: rides the wave to shore, standing up, a bit wobbly but makes it ::

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: doesn't stand up but does catch the wave, enjoying the ride ::

T'Kirr: Well done!

<XO_Cdr_TKirr>

:: begins paddling out :: Ian: Let's go again!

:: follows, somewhat surprised :: T'Kirr: After you!

PAUSE SIM

PAUSE SIM

PAUSE SIM