- , Mission #

"Su"

USS Bremen - Stardate 11507.16 - Mission # 62

<GM_Aoibhe>

Su, Part 2

<GD_Aoibhe>

The Bremen, has been welcomed onto the planet of Su, which is believed to be somewhere along the border between the Delta and Gamma quadrants, and about ten years travel from Earth.

The locals are highly curious, not shy at asking questions about the lives and society of their sudden guests, and are doing everything they can to be accommodating.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @Su_ENG: Hey, leave that alone! Put it back....no the other way around!

<CO_Cmdr_Sumner> ::stands around at the party, keeping an eye on her crew as well as examining a piece of kfadi fruit::

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @::looks at Mac with an annoyed look on his face:: Mac: Get them under control or get them out of my Engine room

<GD_Aoibhe> <Su_ENG> @ CEO: Your systems are incredibly primitive... I'll get you a better unit. It'll be far better, you'll see. ::smiles sweetly::

<CSO_LtJG_shHruvek> ::putting together that database of culture for their...new friends. it'll take up a good many PADDs, even just the Federation-specific stuff::

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @Su_ENG: No. No new systems. This system works fine thank you! Just replicate a replacement.

<GD_Aoibhe> @<Su_ENG> CEO: But... ::ponders:: CEO: Is your race known for its self-destructively stubborn ways?

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @Su_ENG: Yes. ::pulls down his protective visor and fires up the plasma torch::

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @::turns to face the main dilithium chamber and goes about fusing the assembly back together::

<GD_Aoibhe> @<Su_ENG> ::shades his eyes from the plasma torch light:: CEO: Open plasma? Oh, wow, I've only read about those in history books. ::leans in to watch him work:: CEO: Is this... this, it's your full time job? Does Engineering take up all your time?

<CO_Cmdr_Sumner> ::meanders over towards sh'Hruvek, several pieces of fruit in hand:: CSO: Have you tried these yet?

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @::sighs and talks louder over the noise of the device:: Su_ENG: Yes, I was born into service. When I was young enough to walk they enlisted me in engineering school.

<CSO_LtJG_shHruvek> CO: Hm? ::glances up from the data transfer:: No, not yet. They seem to be safe enough to eat, though.

<GD_Aoibhe> <Su_Diplomat> ::has fancy "do", only slightly less fancy than the Grand Magister's. Eyes CSO, with interest, his attention constantly slipping to her antenna::

<+CO_Cmdr_Sumner> ::hands a piece to her, practically shoving it in her face:: CSO: Eat it. And then drink this. ::offers a glass of pink something-or-other::

<+CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @Su_ENG: When I am nice they let me go outside sometimes. ::closes up the breach and turns the torch off::

<@GD_Aoibhe> @<Su_ENG> CEO: You were BORN into this? Did they breed you for this task? ::sounds fascinated:: CEO: What biological features do you have that make you suitable? Can you resist radiation, perhaps? What about the vacuum of space? I hear that's dangerous...

<+CSO_LtJG_shHruvek> ::blinks, a little startled by the enthusiasm:: CO: Uh, thank you, ma'am? You seem to be making fast friends with the Su here. Anything new you've learned? ::as she takes a bite and a sip and oh. oh w o w.::

<+CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @::walks over to his toolkit and places the tool back in before settling on a DK7 modulator for the next task:: Su_ENG: I can lift a metric ton, helps with rebuilding the bulkheads. And I can withstand almost all kinds of radiation....except Gamma, that just makes me angry.

<+CO_Cmdr_Sumner> ::takes a seat nearby, looking around the room:: CSO: They're curious, but cautious. They avoid space travel; too hazardous. They do, however, meet new species that encounter their planet. They seem to revel in it. Not everyone happens upon them like we did, of course.

<GD_Aoibhe> @<Su_ENG> CEO: I will remember that. ::nods seriously:: CEO: Are all your Engineers bred for purpose? Can you breed amongst yourselves? Have any of you ever bred outside your... group? ::has eyes as wide as saucers::

<+CSO_LtJG_shHruvek> ::them antenna just gonna go a little limp because hot damn that's good eats, only half paying attention:: CO: Mmmmmmwell, not everyone falls out of a wormhole that spontaneously appears and disappears.

<+CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @::walks back to the assembly and pulls out the dilithium shelf and goes about realigning the crystals:: Su_ENG: No that's strictly banned. We're the lowest caste.

<+CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @::leans in:: Su_ENG: Don't even make them hear you talking like that.

<+CO_Cmdr_Sumner> ::knowingly hands sh'Hruvek another piece of kfadi:: CSO: As for their intentions... Well, they seem genuine enough. I'm sure most of us are a little wary, but I see no reason to mistrust them at the moment.

<+CSO_LtJG_shHruvek> CO: Hold on. How do they know so much about repairing starships and suggestions to get home if they don't even travel out of their own atmosphere?

<@GD_Aoibhe> @ <Su_ENG> CEO: Oh... oh, I'm sorry if I'm getting you into trouble. ::licks lips and looks around:: CEO: Perhaps if you are...good... enough, you can see Su. It's beautiful. Perhaps you can find a home there. We'd keep you safe, I'm sure. Our visitor's safety and comfort or paramount.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @Su_ENG: Oh no, I'm never allowed to leave my post for more than a few days. I'm Chief Engineer....that's for life you know. A great honor.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @Su_ENG: I also get to keep mistresses down here. ::motions with his head over at Oleg::

<CSO_LtJG_shHruvek> @<ENG_Dimitriou> CEO: I heard that, sir.

<+CO_Cmdr_Sumner> ::thinks for a moment, smirking a little to herself:: CSO: See, this is why I bring you along. I suppose it's possible they learned it from other species... or perhaps they were a spacefaring race once, but decided they were better off without it, for some reason. ::she frowned a moment:: We'll have to see if they mention it in whatever cultural information they exchange with us.

<+CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @::places the DK7 down and flips open the tricorder and scans the crystals:: ENG: That's -master-.

<@GD_Aoibhe> @<Su_ENG> CEO: That's a female? ::looks confused::

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @Su__ENG: Yes, the moustache gives it away. Don't you know anything ?

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @::pushes the crystals back in and seals the hatch:: Mac: Run a diagnostic on those.

<GD_Aoibhe> <SU_Diplomat> ::sidles over towards CO and CSO:: CO?CSO: Welcome, strangers, welcome. ::does a little bow::

<CSO_LtJG_shHruvek> @<ENG_Dimitriou> ::sighs, face in his hands to rub at the budding headache for a moment::

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @::takes a step back, eyeing his handywork::

<GD_Aoibhe> @<SU_ENG> CEO: We have much to learn about your peoples... ::looks at Oleg in awe:: CEO: I think we had it backwards...

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @Su_ENG: He's Russian....a completely different species. No wonder you got confused.

<CO_Cmdr_Sumner> ::stands as she greets the diplomat:: Diplomat: Yes, thank you. A pleasure to meet you; I'm Sara. ::nods her head, deciding against the handshaking::

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @::walks over to the main power coupling and watches Reed strip wires apart:: Reed: If you can rewire it, good. But we might have to look into bringing a new unit in.

<CSO_LtJG_shHruvek> @<ENG_Dimitriou> Aloud: For the love of god, how long is this going to go on...

<CSO_LtJG_shHruvek> ::frowns at the thought. isn't there ALWAYS something bigger going on?:: CO: I suppose we'll see... ::perks up a little at the diplomat:: Diplomat: Is this your usual greeting to new people? This 'welcome, stranger, welcome' greeting?

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @Oleg: No god will help you now Oleg...just coffee.

<GD_Aoibhe> <Su_Diplomat> ::reaches forward, grasps CO's hand, takes hold of CSO's hand with his other, and shakes them both cheerfully:: CO: Magister Dio has asked me to see to your every need. I am at your service. Your comfort and safety are paramount to us.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @Su_ENG: How are your people getting along with the hull plating repairs ?

<CSO_LtJG_shHruvek> @<Eng_Dimitriou> CEO: Oh. Is that what I'm missing. More coffee. ::rolls his eyes:: I will just fetch everyone new cups and pray you don't confuse these people even more.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @ENG: Rak, double strong with cream please.

<CSO_LtJG_shHruvek> @<Eng_Dimitriou> CEO: Yes SIR.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @::winks at Oleg::

<CO_Cmdr_Sumner> ::smiled through the awkward greeting:: Diplomat: Thank you, that's very appreciated. ::nods to sh'Hruvek:: Lieutenant sh'Hruvek is working on compiling our cultural data for an exchange, and repairs are underway on the ship, as I understand it. There is... one other small matter.

<GD_Aoibhe> @<Su_ENG> CEO: They are complete. That's what I came to tell you. ::smiles:: CEO: Your hull is made of an easily synthesised alloy. It was no trouble at all to replace. Perhaps now you and your...er...girlfriend. ::nods to Oleg:: CEO:...can spend some time in comfort. I imagine you don't get a lot of time alone, if you are the Chief Engineer.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @::reaches the MSD and places his palms on the console before arching his back and taking a deep breath:: Self: 36 hours and counting..

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @::looks up at the Su::

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @SU_ENG: Done? What do you mean done ?

<GD_Aoibhe> <Su_Diplomat> CO: Name it, and I will see to it.

<GD_Aoibhe> @<Su_Eng> CEO: Oh, have you not that word in your lexicon? ::thinks:: CEO: Complete, finished, polished off.. um... there is no work left to do. ::enunciates every word like a tourist trying to communicate in the wrong language with the locals::

<+CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @Su_ENG: That's ablative armor......you can't just replicate that like butter!

<@GD_Aoibhe> @<Su_Eng> CEO: Who is Butter? Why is he the only one allowed to replicate it?

<+CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @::sighs::

<CO_Cmdr_Sumner> ::nods:: Diplomat: Well, we're not entirely sure where we are; we have a guess, but its inexact. If you have maps of your known stars, we could compare it with ours, and perhaps find something more precise. But... if our guess is correct, it may take us, uh, a very long time to return to our territory.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @Su_ENG: Well if you've already finished your assignment, we could use some help on rebuilding the phaser array. It blew and took out half of deck seven with it.

<CSO_LtJG_shHruvek> ::is charmed at their version of handshaking they must have picked up from the captain, and gathers up a few completed PADDs so far:: Diplomat: Wormholes also can be finicky with time, too. If we can find a way to compare our time with your time, we might be able to figure out if we're in the same year.

<GD_Aoibhe> <Su_Diplomat> ::watches CSO's antenna move with open fascination:: CO: Oh, we will see what we can find for you, Captain, of course, but worry not about the distance... ::blinks at CSO's antenna twitch:: CO: I have no doubt we can return you safely to your home once repairs to your ship are complete, and we have given you rest and comfort. ::smiles at CSO:: CSO: Do they serve a purpose? Is one... shorter than the other for a reason?

<CO_Cmdr_Sumner> ::glances to sh'Hruvek, giving what she hopes is a 'they don't know any better' look::

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @::finds his gaze drawn over to Leata's workstation and feels sick to his stomach, but shakes it off and looks back down at the MSD waiting for Mac's diagnostic report::

<GD_Aoibhe> @<Su_ENG> CEO: I'd rather show you and your people the planet. I have been asked to invite you all for a tour of our menagerie. They are splendid. I think you will enjoy it. I would hate to return to the Grand Magister with a negative response. ::smiles:: CEO: Perhaps afterwards, we can start on your... phaser array. It won't take long.

<CSO_LtJG_shHruvek> ::a bluish blush colors pale cheeks:: Diplomat: Um, it's...I'm just recovering from an injury. They're supposed to look the same. Um, but it'll grow back. They serve a number of functions, generally. Uh...I can see if there's some anatomy in here somewhere...

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @Su_ENG: No. I am not leaving until this ship is repaired. And neither are my crew.

<GD_Aoibhe> <Su_Dilomat> CSO: I'd prefer to hear it from you. Databases are for the unfortunate men not in the company of such natural beauty...

<CO_Cmdr_Sumner> ::grins and winks at sh'Hruvek::

<@GD_Aoibhe> @<Su_Eng> CEO: That is a pity... ::sighs:: CEO: WE have wonderful engineering examples all over our world I have no doubt you would enjoy learning about. I see you have a rudimentary slip-stream drive installed... we have made great advances... We are here to share knowledge, after all. ::smiles hopefully::

<+CSO_LtJG_shHruvek> Diplomat: ...Oh...that's--ha, that's a little forward, but, thank you. Thankfully for you, I'm pretty knowledgable in biology, so, um, so long as we can get those charts, and, oh, I think this download is almost done, then, um, we could probably talk about it if you wanted to. ::plays with her hair in one hand::

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @::turns to face the Su:: Su_ENG: With all due respect. This is my deck, all of it. Here, I am King. The others can go about enjoying the scenery but I have a job to do and I plan to see it through. So if you don't plan to help, please be somewhere else.

<CO_Cmdr_Sumner> ::pats Raqiin on the shoulder:: CSO/Dip: I'll leave you two to talk. ::looks around for Mor::

<GD_Aoibhe> <Su_Dipolomat> CSO: Good... ::offers his arm:: CSO: So tell me, is a stuttering loss for words common among your people? Does it hold any significance? ::guides her away from her group gently::

<CO_Cmdr_Sumner> ::picks her way through the crowd towards Mor:: OPS: Ah, Ensign. Is it just me, or is there, like, nobody from Engineering here?

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @::thinks here they are safe::

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @Mac: Is that diagnostic complete or what??

<GD_Aoibhe> @ <Su_ENG> ::Looks hurt:: CEO: Very well... I'll see to that array... ::sniffs a little:: CEO: If you change your mind... you'll find our hospitality is unaffected by your rude manner... ::looks genuinely crestfallen:: CEO: I just wanted to... make your life better...

<OPS_Ens_Mor> ::Posted up against the lounge, barely taking his eyes off that Su he'd be looking to shift:: CO: What's that? huh?

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @Su_ENG: My life's amazing thank you. Go. Shoo.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @All: And where's Oleg with my coffee?

<CSO_LtJG_shHruvek> ::takes his arm tentatively:: Diplomat: Um...depends on the species, but it's a fairly common reaction to, um, uncertainty, surprise, unexpected flattery, nervousness...

<CO_Cmdr_Sumner> ::follows Mor's eyes:: OPS: Nice... ::leans against the bar:: OPS: Where's Adalberto?

<GD_Aoibhe> <Su_Diplomat> CSO: Do any of those apply now? ::rests a hand on top of hers and guides her over to a table of food.::

<OPS_Ens_Mor> CO: Thats a good question, haha I suppose if he isn't fiddling with his spanner he's got his hands on something else right about now..Just a hunch, hehe

<CSO_LtJG_shHruvek> @<Eng_Dimitriou> CEO: Hold all of your bloody horses; there is enough for everyone. ::sees the Su engineer looking near tears and then shoots an unimpressed look at Tony:: You do know first contacts are meant to leave good impressions, yes?

<CO_Cmdr_Sumner> ::raises an eyebrow at the Ensign:: OPS: How much of that have you had?

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @Oleg: I'm an Engineer, not a diplomat. ::walks over and looks for his cup, then sees the one with his name on it::

<GD_Aoibhe> @<Su_Eng> ::starts to leave Engineering, passes Oleg:: Oleg: Your lover is mean...

<OPS_Ens_Mor> CO: Well sir, there's twoooo trains of thought on this

<CSO_LtJG_shHruvek> Diplomat: Unexpected flattery does. I'm not used to people being so open about their interests... ::doesn't mention the empathy, though. not yet.:: Think nothing of it.

<CO_Cmdr_Sumner> ::pats Mor on the shoulder:: OPS: Just... try not to cause an incident. ::Taps her combadge:: *CEO*: Sumner to Adalberto.

<OPS_Ens_Mor> CO: Neither of which can adequately express the answer of the question you asked?

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @::was just about to take a sip of his coffee then sighs and taps his badge:: *CO*: Tony.

<CSO_LtJG_shHruvek> @<Eng_Dimitriou> ::shakes head as the Su goes by:: Self: Not a diplomat...that much is obvious.

<CO_Cmdr_Sumner> *CEO*: Are you still in Engineering?

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @::covers the badge with his hand:: Oleg: Oh shut it and give me that report on the slipstream drive you promised.

<OPS_Ens_Mor> ::Pipping up in the Background over the CO's shoulder:: *CEO*: Yeah you still in Engineering!!??

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @*CO*: Yes ma'am. We're making great progress here.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @::raises an eyebrow:: Self: I hate that guy...

<CO_Cmdr_Sumner> ::grins at Mor:: *CEO*: Uh-huh. How long have you been awake, Tony?

<GD_Aoibhe> <Su_Diplomat> ::picks up a small leaf, shows CSO, takes a jug, pours a measure of sauce on it, tops it with some sort of bread, wraps it up neatly and presents it to CSO:: CSO: Your Captain has shown us your people

take great stock in food, and its enjoyment. Perhaps you would allow me to offer this?

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @*CO*: A few hours less than you, ma'am.

<CO_Cmdr_Sumner> ::smirks:: *CEO*: Well, your job is harder than mine. Take a break, Tony; come to the party, or go sleep. Either way, I want you out of Engineering.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @::checks his pocket for a hypo with stimulants he talked that nurse into prescribing::

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @*CO*: As soon as things calm down, I'll take a nap. Right now I'm needed here. People are counting on us to get back.

<CO_Cmdr_Sumner> *CEO*: That's an order, Commander. We're going to be fine; you can spare 4 to six hours for sleep. We're also gonna be scheduling shore leave, which will also not be voluntary.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @*CO*: Sure thing ma'am.

<CO_Cmdr_Sumner> ::smiles sweetly, taking a drink from a passing tray:: *CEO*: Sweet dreams.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @*CO*: Tony, out.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @::removes his badge and throws it at Oleg:: Oleg: Take that to my quarters will you.

<CSO_LtJG_shHruvek> ::holds out her hand to take it:: Diplomat: Sure...everything else has been tasty so far.

<CSO_LtJG_shHruvek> @<Eng_Dimitriou> CEO: You know that the rest of us can handle repairs, yes?

<GD_Aoibhe> <Su_Diplomat> ::wonders why her hand is out. Shakes it again, just in case that is the custom. Raises the morsel to her lips instead::

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @Oleg: No? WHAT? Since when?

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto> @::turns back to his console::

<GD_Aoibhe> <Pause Mission>>>