Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:08 PM
:::looks around at the bustling activity around them as they beam down. Dozens of people are readying for the upcoming celebration:::
::looks to the water and the cool breeze blowing in from it:: Picturesque.
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 10/03/2023 9:10 PM
::Grins as they arrive:: Very.
Lt. Ghas – COpsO — 10/03/2023 9:10 PM
Feels like a bit of home
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/03/2023 9:10 PM
:: feeling the buzz od excitement thats in the air as she looks around :: ” the breeze feel so nice you can smell the water in the wair”
in the air
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/03/2023 9:11 PM
::watches the blue haze of the transporter fade away, and replaced with the bustling of townspeople all around.::
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:11 PM
::A woman about 40 approaches with a big smile::
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 10/03/2023 9:11 PM
They look … busy. But happy.
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/03/2023 9:11 PM
Should we expect other delegations?
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:11 PM
Shona> Mercutio, I presume?
That’s us. ::shaking her hand::; My Executive, Commander Crow and our crew.
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 10/03/2023 9:12 PM
::nods in greeting.::
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/03/2023 9:12 PM
::smiles at the newcomer, extending a hand::
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:12 PM
Shona> :::offers a hand to Edra:: I’m thrilled the Federation sent someone to mark the occasion.
Lt. Ghas – COpsO — 10/03/2023 9:12 PM
::Stares at the tall-ish buildings around, and various tents being raised::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/03/2023 9:13 PM
smiles and nods at Shona
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:13 PM
Seems like everyone is very busy.
Shona> Oh yes, we’ve been planning for about two years. Everyone is pitching in around the clock for the finishing touches. We plan to begin at sundown and we’ll have a pyrotechnics display from the water.
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/03/2023 9:14 PM
Can you tell us a bit about this celebration?
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 10/03/2023 9:14 PM
::Eyes widen slightly:: Nice.
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/03/2023 9:15 PM
The story behind it, I mean.
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 10/03/2023 9:15 PM
::And then plans to be somewhere near the water to watch.::
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:15 PM
Shona> One hundred years ago this colony was founded, if I may be so proud, by my ancestors, my Great Grandfather and his brothers.
Shona> I’m Shona Lamone, apologies for the lack of introduction a moment ago. I am the President of our governing council.
Shona> My cousins are also on the council and we keep the lights on so to speak. But its so beautiful and peaceful, it doesnt seem like work.
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/03/2023 9:16 PM
Not at all…you can call me Edra.
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:17 PM
Shona> Parcy is our engineer and he literally keeps the lights on.
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 10/03/2023 9:17 PM
::Smiles at Shona::
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/03/2023 9:17 PM
::raises a brow at the lasr information: :
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:17 PM
Shona> Honu runs our hospital and Mikhail runs the church, the latest in a long line of spiritual leaders.
So your family runs the show.
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/03/2023 9:18 PM
::looks around, nods at folks::
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:19 PM
Shona> Yes, it’s always been that way, but we’re elected every three years. It jusyt seems like everyone trusts our family.
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/03/2023 9:19 PM
::nods slowly::
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 10/03/2023 9:19 PM
::Watches some of the passers by::
Lt. Ghas – COpsO — 10/03/2023 9:19 PM
::Turns to the church, a tall “stone building with stained-glass windows”::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/03/2023 9:20 PM
Listens to Shona with intrest ” nice to have that type of trust”
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/03/2023 9:20 PM
::has questions, but doesn’t want to be impertinent right off the bat::
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:20 PM
Shona> Definitely. We all do our best.
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 10/03/2023 9:20 PM
::Probably has the same questions, but stays quiet::
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:20 PM
Is there anything we can do?
Shona> Just enjoy yourselves as our guests.
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/03/2023 9:21 PM
Will we need to play any role in the celebration?
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/03/2023 9:21 PM
” its beautiful here”
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:21 PM
Shona> I’ll mention you but I won’t put you on the spot for any speeches.
I appreciate that, the last one didn’t go so well.
Shona> :::looks to Constance:: Thank you.
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/03/2023 9:22 PM
::nods, grinning:: that’s very much appreciated
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 10/03/2023 9:22 PM
Understatement. ::murmurs::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/03/2023 9:22 PM
” your welcome”
Lt. Ghas – COpsO — 10/03/2023 9:22 PM
::get’s a familiar feeling in the pit of his stomach::
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:22 PM
:::the door to the church opens and a man dressed in dark blue exits, headed their way:::
Mikhail> Shona, I need to talk to you.
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 10/03/2023 9:23 PM
::Turns to the newcomer::
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:23 PM
Shona> Mikhail these are the Federation people from the Mercutio.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/03/2023 9:23 PM
sees the man headed their way dosent have a good feeling about him
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:23 PM
Mikhail> ::gives a nod::: Hello.
Is it Reverend or….?
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/03/2023 9:24 PM
::turns to Mikhail, and nods in return::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/03/2023 9:24 PM
::turns to Mikhail
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:24 PM
Mikhail> I suppose most call me Father though that’s a hold over from the past.
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 10/03/2023 9:24 PM
::steps back to watch the dynamic:: Father? It’s an honorific?
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:25 PM
Shona> I was just telling them about the pyro and was going go give them a little tour.
Lt. Ghas – COpsO — 10/03/2023 9:25 PM
Yes, Reverand is the true title. Father was honorific as in spiritual father.
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:25 PM
Mikhail> Yes, my Great Grandfather was a founder here and he was the minister of the colony, and it’s passed down that way to me.
Mikhail> ::turns to Shona:: We have to cancel all of this. I’ve found…..
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/03/2023 9:26 PM
::Says to Mikhail:: ” keeping everything in the family nice”
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/03/2023 9:27 PM
::looking forward to mingling if they get the chance::
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:27 PM
Shona> We’ve been through this. ::keeping that politician’s smile:: I know you get nervous but everyone is so excited.
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 10/03/2023 9:27 PM
::Smile fades:: Cancel?
Lt. Ghas – COpsO — 10/03/2023 9:27 PM
::walks toward the church and starts to pace around the front of the building.::
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/03/2023 9:27 PM
::turns back to the cousins, listening closely now::
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 10/03/2023 9:27 PM
::Looks at her crew mates::
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:28 PM
Mikhail> Thats’ what I want to talk to you about.
Shona> Give me a little while and then we can talk, alright?
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/03/2023 9:28 PM
Is everything alright? We can help, if it’s needed.
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:28 PM
Mikhail> ::slight nod, then looks to the crew:: Welcome, in any event. ::turns and heads back into his building:::
Lt. Ghas – COpsO — 10/03/2023 9:29 PM
::can feel something off, as if it’s to the left of everything::
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:29 PM
Shona> ::sigh:: He’s always so anxious about anything we do. He can be morose.
Shona> But that will not stop the fun. ::waves them to follow her::: Let’s take that tour.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/03/2023 9:30 PM
getting a bad feeling about all this ” ok lead the way”
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:30 PM
::follows as well:::
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 10/03/2023 9:31 PM
::follows, but is watching more closely now::
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 10/03/2023 9:31 PM
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:31 PM
Shona> The food will be over there against the school. All local and home made, none of that replicated stuff. And over there will be games for the children.
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/03/2023 9:31 PM
::nods and follows, sidling up to Constance, whispering:: feel like hanging back and seeing if you can get information out of Mikhail?
Lt. Ghas – COpsO — 10/03/2023 9:31 PM
::touches the plasti-crete wall::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/03/2023 9:32 PM
:: nods at Edra then whispers back:: “sure”
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/03/2023 9:33 PM
::grins:: sounds like he could use a sympathetic ear…
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/03/2023 9:33 PM
yeah I agree
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:34 PM
Shona> And right here….::she leads them to something under a tarp:: we have created a momument to our founders.
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 10/03/2023 9:34 PM
The kids are having fun. The adults? They’re busy. ::Murmurs again.::
Oh! A statue?
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/03/2023 9:34 PM
Unveiled tomorrow, I assume?
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:34 PM
Shona> No peeking! : grin:: Yes, just before the pyro.
So I understand that you trade as the main component of your economy?
Shona> Yes, we have contacts and made good relations with five other settlements here on the planet, plus a few from a nearby world. We produce local goods and they do the same and everyone benefits.
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/03/2023 9:36 PM
What products to you export?
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/03/2023 9:37 PM
::rubs her hands uncomfortably on her uniform j jacket::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/03/2023 9:37 PM
(so am I supposed to stay back and talk to makhail)
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:37 PM
Shona> We make clothing from local plants, Honu, my cousin the doctor, crafts an anti-bacterial gel from some local sea life, and of course we fish.
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/03/2023 9:38 PM
(Yes pls)
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/03/2023 9:38 PM
(ok cool )
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/03/2023 9:38 PM
::still looking around and nodding at folks::
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:38 PM
Mikhail> :::in the church:::
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/03/2023 9:38 PM
And what do you get from the others?
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/03/2023 9:39 PM
stays back from the crowd and casually walks back to the chuch steping inside looking at how beautiful the chruch is
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 10/03/2023 9:39 PM
You have a good life here by the sounds of it.
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:39 PM
Mikhail> ::sitting in one of the pews, head down:::
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/03/2023 9:40 PM
Wait, fish?
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/03/2023 9:41 PM
sees Mikhail and walks over to him sitting next to him as she puts her head down
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:41 PM
Shona> Yes, our oceans are abundant with life. From the others we have traded for technologies, for food and jewelry for instance.
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/03/2023 9:41 PM
::steps aside awkwardly as a group of children run past::
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/03/2023 9:41 PM
I like fish. So tasty.
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:41 PM
Mikhail> Are you lost, child? :::he gave her a soft side eye through his gray locks:::
Lt. Ghas – COpsO — 10/03/2023 9:42 PM
::Finds himself inside the church, still following along the walls. Trips loudly againt a pew::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/03/2023 9:43 PM
“yes I might be lost “
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:43 PM
Mikhail> ::turns at the sound:: And then there were two.
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/03/2023 9:44 PM
::quietly to Statzia:: You OK, Z?
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:44 PM
Shona> ::waves to a man directing a few others in erecting a stage::: That’s Parcy.
The engineer?
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/03/2023 9:45 PM
turns around seeing Ghas
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:45 PM
Shona> Jack of all trades and one hell of a craftsman in woodworking and machinery.
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 10/03/2023 9:45 PM
Parcy?
Ahhh. So there will be a show tomorrow.
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/03/2023 9:45 PM
::nods to Shona:: are any of your trade partners going to be here too?
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:45 PM
Shona> My cousin….another cousin. He’s also on council.
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/03/2023 9:45 PM
Sounds like an interesting fellow.
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:46 PM
Shona> We’ve invited them all. I’m hoping we’ll have a good turnout.
Lt. Ghas – COpsO — 10/03/2023 9:46 PM
Sorry. ::returns to his pacing::
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:46 PM
Mikhail> Can I help you son?
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/03/2023 9:46 PM
::wanders over toward Parcy::
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 10/03/2023 9:46 PM
This is such an important time for your people.
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/03/2023 9:48 PM
::gives him a forced smile and nods, but her eyes don’t leave the crowd::
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 10/03/2023 9:48 PM
::Watches Parcy work with the others::
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:48 PM
Parcy> Hello there.
Shona> And I am so proud of all of them.
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/03/2023 9:48 PM
::tries to listen to any conversations as they pass people::
Cpt H Crow — 10/03/2023 9:50 PM
Shona> I feel as if it’s destiny almost that I am Council President at this very moment. My Great Grandfather secured this colony’s future by finding a trove of precious stones. That’s how we were able to make those initial trading partners and build this colony into what you see today.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/03/2023 9:50 PM
watches Ghas
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 10/03/2023 9:50 PM
::Turns back:: The stones sound interesting. They were traded with others?
Cpt H Crow — 10/10/2023 9:06 PM
Okay we begin 6 hours later (dinnertime). At a little bar/saloon
BEGIN
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 10/10/2023 9:08 PM
(Time until actual festivities begin?)
Cpt H Crow — 10/10/2023 9:08 PM
24 hours)
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/10/2023 9:09 PM
::enjoying an adult beverage by the bar::
Cpt H Crow — 10/10/2023 9:09 PM
::eating a stew of some sort but it’s pretty decent:: The food is pretty good.
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/10/2023 9:10 PM
::steps up to the bar:: Just a water, please.
Cpt H Crow — 10/10/2023 9:11 PM
Shona> :::walks in, nodding to several of the locals and sits at a table near Henry:: Captain, enjoying the local cuisine?
Yes Maam.
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/10/2023 9:12 PM
::takes drink to the table with a plate loaded with grilled fish:: Amazing fish
Cpt H Crow — 10/10/2023 9:13 PM
Mikhail> :::leads Constance to his office::: Please, sit. I’ll show you what I found.
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/10/2023 9:14 PM
::takes the glass of water and joins the other crew members, seating herself close to K’Naut but with her back to the outer wall::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/10/2023 9:14 PM
:: follows Mikhail to his office and sits down::
Cpt H Crow — 10/10/2023 9:15 PM
Mikhail> :::reaches into a drawer and pulls out an old journal:: This belonged to my Great Grandfather and is an account of the founding of this colony.
Shona> In twenty four hours, this entire colony will be buzzing, men women and children.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/10/2023 9:16 PM
::nods as she looks at the old Journal then Mikhail::
Cpt H Crow — 10/10/2023 9:18 PM
How much more needs to be done to get ready?
Shona> Parcy and his crew will work through the night stringing the lighting.
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/10/2023 9:20 PM
How many are expected to be in attendance? ::asks the question without her eyes leaving the crowd in the saloon::
Cpt H Crow — 10/10/2023 9:21 PM
Mikhail> ::thumbs through the old pages, slipping some glasses on:: According to his records, he and his brothers, the illustrious founders of his colony met a group of natives when they were just beginning to settle. Their leader was a man named Blayne.
Shona> Everyone, I hope. We’re planning for five hundred at least.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/10/2023 9:22 PM
::nods listening intrested::
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/10/2023 9:23 PM
::her eyes leave the crowd long enough to make eye contact with Henry::
Cpt H Crow — 10/10/2023 9:24 PM
Mikhail> He and his people were looking to relocate their settlement and when they learned of our colony they proposed a partnership. They would move here and live among us, and they would give us the funds needed to build the colony into what it could be. Their dowery were precious jewels.
::looks at Statzia, questioning expression:::
Shona> ::pointing at K’Naut’s meal:: Thats what we call a Groulin. When you fry it, it brings out a sweet taste.
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/10/2023 9:25 PM
::flits her gaze back to Shona:: How many security personnel will you have in place for the event?
Cpt H Crow — 10/10/2023 9:26 PM
Shona> Well, we have a small police force, but we have no enemies so that hasn’t really been a concern.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/10/2023 9:27 PM
” that sounds right to me”
Cpt H Crow — 10/10/2023 9:27 PM
————-
Merc Helm> Lieutenant, we’re reading a fog bank rolling in towards the colony.

Lt Nelu> Is that unusual?

Helm> I dont know we just got here.

:::share a laugh:::

—————–
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/10/2023 9:28 PM
::returns her gaze to the Captain briefly, before resuming her survey of the bar and its patrons:: Noted.
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/10/2023 9:28 PM
It sure does. ::noting Statzia’s expression:: Here, Z, you should try some. You haven’t had anything to eat all day. ::goes to slide some of his fish onto her plate::
Cpt H Crow — 10/10/2023 9:29 PM
Mikhail> The problem is Blayne and his people were diseased. My Great Grandfather says his brother Nelin who Honu is descended from and who served as their doctor said it was a flesh eating bacteria. An awful way to live and they feared it would spread to our people.
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/10/2023 9:30 PM
::is momentarily startled by the movement so close to her, and she instinctively grabs K’Naut by the wrist::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/10/2023 9:30 PM
” so what did they do did they kill Blaynes people off”
Cpt H Crow — 10/10/2023 9:30 PM
Shona> And speaking of not having enemies, I heard from two of our planetary neighbors and they’re sending delegations tomorrow.
Trading partners?
Shona> Yes, some of our earliest allies here.
Mikhail> Blayne’s people lived across the ocean, about a ten day trip. So after the agreement was made, and the down payment in good faith was given, he went home and packed up his people and all their belongings and they sailed to us.
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/10/2023 9:33 PM
::raises his eyebrows:: c’mon, Z, it’s just some fish. It’s quite tasty.
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/10/2023 9:33 PM
::lets out a breath, releasing her grip on K’Naut::
Cpt H Crow — 10/10/2023 9:34 PM
Mikhail> :::flips through the book:: My forefather and his brothers took advantage of a thick fog and set fires on the beach to tell Blayne where to come aground. Right in the path of underwater rocks.
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/10/2023 9:36 PM
::realizes that several at the table are looking in her direction, and she pulls her hands into her lap and places a grin on her face:: Sure. I should–probably eat something.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/10/2023 9:36 PM
“setting a trap for Blaynes people then”
Cpt H Crow — 10/10/2023 9:37 PM
Mikhail> The ships crashed and broke apart on the rocks, killing everyone aboard. They used the jewels to build this colony. We’re the product of blood money.
::nods to Statzia:: And maybe lay off the caffine.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/10/2023 9:38 PM
” now I understand completely why you hate the celebration comming up tomarrow Im not to fond of it now myself”
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/10/2023 9:38 PM
Sure, if you don’t like the fish, though I can’t imagine that, you could try the stew the Captain’s eating.
Cpt H Crow — 10/10/2023 9:39 PM
Mikhail> Shona is blinded by this fantasy we were told all our lives. I look around this church and all I see is the hypocrisy of those who built it.
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/10/2023 9:39 PM
::her gaze leaves the crowd long enough to look at K’Naut and wrinkle her nose::
Cpt H Crow — 10/10/2023 9:39 PM
::moves his bowl::: She can get her own.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/10/2023 9:41 PM
” so this whole celebration is based on lies then this Colny was built with blood”
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/10/2023 9:41 PM
I’m–sure the fish will be–fine. ::quickly reaches for her fork::
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/10/2023 9:42 PM
Of course, sir, I wasn’t expecting her to take yours.
Cpt H Crow — 10/10/2023 9:42 PM
Mikhail> Exactly. Later in his journal he tells of where he hid his portion. ::stands and walks to a wall, moving a panel, and pulling out a small bag::
: grin::: It’s a joke, Chief.
Shona> If you’ll excuse me, I need to go check on how the cooking prep is going for tomorrow. ::walks back into the kitchen area:::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/10/2023 9:43 PM
” thats the jewels that Blaynes people died for”
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/10/2023 9:44 PM
::seems to let out a breath, now that their host is gone, and sets the fork back down::
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/10/2023 9:45 PM
::watching Statzia:: Hey, you didn’t eat anything.
Cpt H Crow — 10/10/2023 9:46 PM
Mikhail> ::empties the bag onto his desk, assorted jewels pour out:::
Mikhail> Correct.
That woman is high strung.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/10/2023 9:48 PM
::looks at the jewels noticeing how pretty they are:: ” pretty rocks but not worth dieing for”
Cpt H Crow — 10/10/2023 9:49 PM
Mikhail> I don’t know I can keep this from the people.
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/10/2023 9:50 PM
::lets out another breath, picks up the fork, and quickly takes a bite:: Better? ::makes herself smile as she chews::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/10/2023 9:50 PM
” to be Honest im just a outsider here this may upset Shona but the people need to know what their really celebrateing”
Cpt H Crow — 10/10/2023 9:51 PM
Well I think I ought to head up to the ship. Remember we’re scheduled back down here at 0800 hours.
Mikhail> ::gathers the stones back into the bag::: The truth has to be known. ::nods in agreement.:: Even if my cousins don’t want to face it.
(last lines)
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/10/2023 9:53 PM
” I agree with you do you mind if I tell my people what you told me”
Cpt H Crow — 10/10/2023 9:53 PM
Mikhail> I’d rather you let me address it with my people first. Shona may not react well to outsiders approaching her with this.
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/10/2023 9:53 PM
Yes, but not much. You should eat the whole filet.
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/10/2023 9:54 PM
::sets down her fork, forcing herself to swallow the bite, raising an eyebrow at K’Naut::
Cpt H Crow — 10/10/2023 9:54 PM
———-

Parcy> Okay guys, go ahead home. I’m going to get these lights strung before this fog rolls in. Good work today, see you in the morning.

::climbs a ladder, putting the last touches on, when the fog rolls over him, and when it withdraws, the ladder stands alone, and the lights have been severed in half::::

———–
END
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:05 PM
:::sitting at a table, people watching:: Crowd is pretty small.
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 10/24/2023 9:06 PM
::has been roped in by a group of small children, who are pulling her hair out of its bun and braiding it anew::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:07 PM
:::standing by the table looking around at everyone on alert for Mikhail:::
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:07 PM
Shona> ::Scurrying around, trying to keep everyone who is there entertained and happy:::
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/24/2023 9:08 PM
::has gravitated towards the outside of the crowd, seeming more alert than relaxed::
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:09 PM
:::motions to the setting sun over the horizon of the waters:: You know I’m partial to Texas but this is a hell of a sight.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:09 PM
::keeps thinking about everything Mikhail told her::
” I agree with you Captain”
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:10 PM
Shona> :::stops at their table:: Have any of you happened to see Parcy or Honu? I haven’t seen them all day…along with most of our volunteers.
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:11 PM
::pulling up a seat next to her husband:: The waters have a powerful draw, anywhere you go.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:11 PM
looking at Shona ” I havent see anyone sorry”
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:12 PM
::turns to Shona:: I haven’t….when should they have been here?
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:12 PM
Shona> They should have been here hours ago to help set up. ::glances to the church and her cousin approaching:: Oh great, just what I need.
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 10/24/2023 9:12 PM
::laughs as a couple of flowers are tucked into her hair, and she is pulled off her feet by several young girls::
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:13 PM
Mikhail> ::book in hand, headed their way::: Shona, we need to talk.
:::AS THE SUN DIPS DOWN, A DISTANT FOG FORMS ON THE HORIZON:::
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:13 PM
::purses her lips and stands:: that’s not good. We should start looking for them.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:13 PM
seeing Mikhail head toward Shona seeing the distant fog thinking about the story the Mikhail told her*
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:14 PM
Shona> Not now, I’m too busy for rambling.
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/24/2023 9:14 PM
::takes a step forward, seeing the counselor being pulled away::
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:14 PM
Mikhail> This whole celebration is a travesty.
Shona> Go have a drink, it’s what you’re good at. ::walks off:::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:16 PM
watching the conversation between Mikhail and Shona she shakes her head and watches the fog*
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:16 PM
::follows Shona:: what do we need to do to find your volunteers? Do you have an idea where to start looking?
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/24/2023 9:18 PM
::makes eye contact with the Counselor, and stops her approach, realizing the woman was not in distress::
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:18 PM
Shona> Honu was supposed to be coming from the clinic but they said didn’t show up for work today. Parcy was supposed to finish the lighting but he didn’t. If they went off fishing…..
Why do you say it’s a travesty?
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:19 PM
Mikhail> I explained it to your Security Chief but since Shona won’t listen. This is the truth. :::tells the same story to the gathered::::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:19 PM
wonders if the fog doesnt have something to do with the missing people
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:19 PM
I can go check the docks, but if they’re not there, we need to think about mounting a search.
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:20 PM
::not sure what to say to that::: That’s pretty damning.
Mikhail> An appropriate word, Captain.
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 10/24/2023 9:20 PM
::both the counselor and Statzia stiffen as the crowd stops to listen::
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:20 PM
Shona> If you would I’d be appreciative.
:::THE FOG IN THE DISTANCE GROWS CLOSER AND BEGINS TO SPLIT, HEADING BOTH NORTH AND SOUTH:::
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:21 PM
::nods, placing a hand on her shoulder for a moment before heading towards the docks::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:22 PM
watching the fog no likeing the looks of it but thinking about Mikhails story wondering if the fog is supernatural
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:24 PM
::stands:: Do you think she’ll listen eventually?
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/24/2023 9:25 PM
::searches for K’Naut in the crowd::
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:25 PM
Mikhail> Shona was born and bred to be this colony’s leader. Her ego can’t take the truth.
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:25 PM
::when she gets there, there’s not a soul to be seen. She walks out onto some of the farther reaching piers, as if it would help give her a better view. Walking back towards land, tho, she spots something in the water…as she gets closer she can see it’s a body.
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:26 PM
:::::OUTSKIRTS OF THE COLONY BEGIN TO GO DARK AS THE LIGHTS FLICKER OUT:::
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 10/24/2023 9:26 PM
::scoops up a smaller child, looking around to help locate their parent::
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:26 PM
+Henry+ We’ve got a problem…somebody’s floating face down out here at the docks. Get Shona out here, now.
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:26 PM
+On our way.
Edra found a body down by the pier.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:27 PM
hearing the com* ” Ill go with you Captain”
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/24/2023 9:27 PM
::slips in behind Statzia and whispers:: What have I missed?
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:27 PM
:::Heads there with Shona::::
Whee is it?
Mikhail> :::also follows:::
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/24/2023 9:28 PM
::reaches into her boot for her hidden blade:: Dead body. ::looks over her shoulder, her face cold:: Stay close.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:28 PM
follows the Captain and Shona*
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:28 PM
::looks around for something to draw the body closer to the pier, and finds a long pole::
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:29 PM
Shona> ::looks and gasps:: Parcy.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:29 PM
helping pull the body onto the dock
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:30 PM
Mikhail> ::says a quiet prayer over the body of his cousin:::
How long did you say he’s been missing? A day?
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/24/2023 9:30 PM
::nods::You got it, Z.
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:30 PM
Shona> Yes.
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:30 PM
::to Shona:: do you think Honu was with him when this happened?
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:30 PM
I’d leave it to the doctor here, ::motioning at Edra:: But this guy has been underwater for….weeks at least.
Shona> :::wiping her eyes:: I…I don’t know.
::::MORE OF THE COLONY GOES DARK AS THE FOG BEGINS CLOSING IN ON THE TOWN SQUARE:::
Dr. Chance Crow
BOT
— 10/24/2023 9:31 PM
::joins the others, begins looking over the body for a cause of death::
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/24/2023 9:31 PM
Parcy? Damn, he was a good guy.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:32 PM
noticeing the fog closeing in on the town gets a bad feeling *
Dr. Chance Crow
BOT
— 10/24/2023 9:32 PM
::agrees:: this is not a freshly drowned body
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:33 PM
Mikhail> Cancel the celebration. This is a sign.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:33 PM
“dead getting revenge”
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:33 PM
Shona> What?
Let’s all take a breath.
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/24/2023 9:33 PM
Revenge? For what?
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 10/24/2023 9:33 PM
::helps the children find their parents::
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:34 PM
The dead…what?
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:34 PM
” nothing its just something i was told”
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:34 PM
Father here says their ancestors financed this colony by….uh….
Mikhail> Robbing and murdering people who only wanted peace.
Mikhail> And now we’re suffering for their sins.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:34 PM
” the did it cause the people were sick”
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/24/2023 9:35 PM
Ghosts? Is that what we’re talking here?
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:35 PM
:::AS THE FOG PUSHES IN, SILLOUETTES CAN ALMOST BE SEEN:::
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:36 PM
I’m not sure I know what that has to do with a drowning, but let’s be sensible here
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:36 PM
Ghosts aren’t real, we know that.
Shona> I’m going back to the celebration and we’re going to unveil the monument.
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:36 PM
::turns to Shona:: are you sure this is Parcy? It couldn’t be someone else?
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:37 PM
Shona> It’s him. Its the shirt he was wearing yesterday.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:37 PM
noticeing the sillouettes they look like the people Mikhail told her about
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:37 PM
But, this is not the body of a day-old death
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:39 PM
wants to get closer to the fog
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:39 PM
This could be more than a week…
Dr. Chance Crow
BOT
— 10/24/2023 9:40 PM
maybe someone else had similar clothes…?
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:41 PM
Shona> ::heads back to the square, noting some fog and figures:: Thank you everyone. Tonight is a night which will be long remembered. We pay tribute to the brave people who put us here. :::pulls the tarp off the statue::: May we all be so…..:::her voice croaked as her back was pierced by a sword thrust out of the mist. More figures moved in, their shadowy arms stabbing down with their own small blades:::
Mikhail> Heavens.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:42 PM
noticeing the swords tring to get the innocent people out of the way
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/24/2023 9:42 PM
::extends his claws:: I don’t like this.
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 10/24/2023 9:42 PM
::pulls her own small knife from its holster at her ankle:: Children, get back!
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/24/2023 9:43 PM
::shifts the knife to her other hand, putting out her arm to move K’Naut behind her::
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:43 PM
::seeing it:: What the hell? ::takes a step forward but Mikhail grabs his arm:::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:43 PM
continues to move the innocent people out of the way of the fog so no more blood is spilled
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:43 PM
Mikhail> Stop
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:43 PM
::sighs at having been left, but turns back to the body, and Chance:: I guess we’ll try to get them to the hospital building…
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:44 PM
Mikhail> The church, we can secure it. ::motioning to the building:::
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:44 PM
::hears Henry swear and looks over at them:: what is…
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:44 PM
All of you in there, now. Get as many people as you can. ::runs back to his family:: We gotta go.
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:45 PM
::sees the fog, and the…creatures?:: go. ::to Chance, following behind him::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:45 PM
gets as many people as she can into the church *
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 10/24/2023 9:45 PM
::starts to herd her cluster of children towards the church, scooping up a little boy::
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:46 PM
Mikhail> ::leading them to the church and once everyone is in, he locks the door:: Bar the door with whatever furniture you can.
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:46 PM
Is that even going to work?
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:46 PM
continueing to usher people into the church going out and grabbing others bring them to the church
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/24/2023 9:47 PM
::starts toward the church:: Come on, Z, we can cover each other.
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/24/2023 9:47 PM
::pulls along an older woman, dragging them in as the door shuts behind her::
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:47 PM
+Mercutio+ We need an emergency beamup for….::headcount:: About forty people.
:::::Static::::
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:48 PM
::raises a brow at Henry, then tries herself:: +Mercutio+
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:48 PM
I gets inside the church before the doors clothes
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/24/2023 9:48 PM
::helps to pull a bench in front of the door::
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:48 PM
::her com badge doesn’t even chirp::
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:48 PM
:::moving pews with Chance:::
::::THE FOG SWIRLS AROUND THE BUILDING, SURROUNDING IT:::
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 10/24/2023 9:49 PM
::passes off the small child, and moves to comfort several community members::
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:49 PM
Mikhail> ::slips away into his office:::
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/24/2023 9:49 PM
::stations himself by a window to keep watch:: There’s a lot of those figures out there
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:49 PM
How many?
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:50 PM
” the fog is blocking the com signal we need to figure out what those fingers are”
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:50 PM
K’Naut, can you work on contacting the Merc?
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:51 PM
Mikhail> :::re-enters the room, clutching a bag and heads to a side door, removing the table that blocks it:::
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:52 PM
::sees Mikhail:: where are you going?
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:52 PM
goes to Mikhail ” what are you doing”
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:53 PM
Mikhail> I’m going to end this and pray for mercy. :::opens the door where a shadow figure already stands:::
Mikhail> Blayne, I have your jewels. ::holding out the bag:::
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:53 PM
::takes in a deep breath, seeing the figure::
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/24/2023 9:53 PM
::Puts herself between the open door and the crowd, knife ready::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:53 PM
follows Mikhail out watches the figure
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:54 PM
Mikhail> Take me, I’m your last conspirator, but pardon the children.
Figure> :::takes the bag:::
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 10/24/2023 9:55 PM
::sees the open door, and takes up a post next to Statzia::
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/24/2023 9:55 PM
On it!:: pulls out gear and begins working the problem::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:55 PM
realizes who the figure is and gasps
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:55 PM
::hears Mikhail’s words, and automatically goes to stand beside Statzia::
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:56 PM
Mikhail> ::one glance back and then walks into the thick fog. The sound of clashing blades follows but nothing can be seen:::
:::reaches the open door::: I can’t see him.
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/24/2023 9:57 PM
::steps forward:: Don’t!
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:57 PM
watches in horror wanting to help but knows better
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 10/24/2023 9:57 PM
Captain! ::steps forward and grabs the Captain by the elbow::
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:57 PM
Can you see anything? …without going out the door…
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:58 PM
::::THE FOG BEGINS TO WITHDRAW, AND HEADING BACK OUT TO SEA::::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:58 PM
*Is outside of the church watching
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:58 PM
It’s leaving.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:58 PM
” It wanted the jewels back they paid for to build this colony
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:58 PM
What’s leaving? ::confused, walking toward Henry::
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/24/2023 9:58 PM
There’s sort of dampening field. I’m trying to punch through it.
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 9:59 PM
All the fog. Moving really quick too.
Mercutio> +Edra+ Commander, can you read us?
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/24/2023 9:59 PM
This is why I hate planets.
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 9:59 PM
::sees the ground clearing:: what the…
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 9:59 PM
“Mikhail was the last founder”
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 10:00 PM
::eyes widen:: +Mercutio+ I can…standy by though.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 10:00 PM
enters the church in shock by what she saw
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 10:00 PM
K’Naut, well done
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 10:00 PM
:::hearing the com, lets out a breath:::
What did we just see?
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/24/2023 10:01 PM
Vengeance.
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 10:01 PM
I’m… not sure…
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 10:01 PM
“Mikhail was the last of the orginal founders he had the jewels that was paid to build this colny
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 10/24/2023 10:01 PM
I didn’t get through. It just disappeared.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 10:01 PM
that was taken from Blaynes people
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 10:02 PM
That seems so…unreal…
::to K’Naut:: well, then…thank you for trying…::winks::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 10:02 PM
Blaynes people paid with those jewels to buld this colony but because they were sick they were drove away by the founding father and killed
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 10/24/2023 10:03 PM
::lets out the breath she was holding::
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 10:03 PM
And Shona too?
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 10:04 PM
They were cousins. The four council leaders.
Cdr Edra Crow — 10/24/2023 10:04 PM
::nods, remembering the intros::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 10/24/2023 10:05 PM
yes but Mikhail was a decentant of the founding fathers he still had the jewels that blanes gave to build this conly blood money you might say
Cpt H Crow — 10/24/2023 10:05 PM
Let’s keep this one to ourselves.
END