Daily Logs 10-28-12

I. Webb means to put an end to this business between Vekal and Naara
II. Vekal drives out first Alex, then Lev
III. Elspeth, however, is very glad to see Vekal
IV. Terrence leads Naara and Rennon on an away mission, only to be caught in a swarm of jellyfish-like creatures
V. Terrence and Rennon chat some more over tea
VI. Awkward Sharetime: Leslie and Rennon encounter each other in the arboretum



I.
Webb:  *Vekky gets a message to show up in the Ready Room at some point*
Vekal: *chimes at the ready room door a less than a minute later*
Webb:  Come in.
Vekal: *enters* You wanted to see me, Captain?
Webb:  Yes, I'd like to discuss your issue with Ensign Naara. Please sit.
Vekal: *takes a seat*
Webb:  Explain your reasoning behind the order regarding her and your subordinates, please.
Vekal: I wasn't impressed the first time I saw her in action. She argued for a tactically unsound course of action in an emergency situation after receiving a direct order from a superior officer. Not me, if you're wondering.
Webb:  And what direct order and superior officer was that?
Vekal: The officer was Commander McAdams. The order was to let Ensign Mitchell have a weapon.
Webb:  *never got a report from Molly about this, mental facepalm* And how many times has she disobeyed direct orders since?
Vekal: In the interest of keeping the peace, I've tried to avoid giving her direct orders. But two.
Webb:  And what were those two?
Vekal: The less relevant incident is when I asked her to tell me the truth about herself shortly after the few days we spent as our younger selves. You recall that she introduced herself as Kylis during that time. She denied it. The more worrisome incident was more recent, involving Lieutenant Sorek and some carnivorous ants.
Webb:  The first is /hardly/ something to make such a fuss about. As for the second, if your issue is the fact that Ensign Sorek was involved in a dangerous situation, may I remind you that only a few days later, you and Ensign McClain embarked on an expedition on which he was injured. *tents his fingers* Should I also restrict you from interacting, going on away missions, and otherwise involving yourself with members of other departments?
Vekal: Actually, my issue is the fact that Ensign Naara got him involved in a dangerous situation despite explicit orders not to do so. As for the former incident, it's an indication of character, wouldn't you say?
Webb:  An indication of /character/ you say? Very well. Next time I ask you to reveal a truth about your past, I expect you to obey it implicitly. Unless, of course, you want to obtain a smear upon your character.
Vekal: *unrattled* I've always answered any questions about my past, Captain.
Webb:  Very well. *leans back in his chair* Tell me about your family, then.
Vekal: My father is a member of the Detapa Council. You've met him. My mother acts as his secretary. My older brothers, Corbin and Draban, work in the Bureau of Information. My sister, whom you've met, is a teacher. My younger brother is in the military.
Webb:  Your younger brother is in the military. That's very interesting. Tell me, what would happen if you encountered him in battle?
Vekal: I don't know.
Webb:  Why not?
Vekal: I don't know what he would do. We were close once, but that was five years ago.
Webb:  Would you kill him if you had to?
Vekal: I don't think that situation would ever come up. I'm good at thinking of alternatives, as you should know. *ironically* But if the alternative were the collapse of civilizaton as we know it, yes, I would.
Webb:  Very interesting. *glances at his PADD on the desk in front of him* Your order regarding Ensign Naara is hereby revoked.
Vekal: Excuse me?
Webb:  *patiently* Your order. Regarding. Ensign Naara. Is. Hereby. Revoked.
Vekal: Why?
Webb:  Because I've held discussions with her, issued sufficient punishment for her actions, and I believe your order was unreasonable to begin with and it's gone on long enough.
Vekal: My order was always intended to be temporary until she impressed me as competent. Needless to say, that hasn't happened. I'd say events have proved my order extremely reasonable.
Webb:  She is neither in your department, nor are your orders the ultimate or final word on this ship. I have deemed your order to have reached its temporary limit.
Vekal: On what grounds?
Webb:  The fact that she disobeyed orders is one that you are taking to an extreme. In case you've forgotten, Commander, you've done the same. Her punishment has been meted out, and I refuse to have a member of my Security team inhibited in their actions by an unreasonable order.
Vekal: You haven't meted out any punishment, nor have you explained why protecting my officers is unreasonable.
Webb:  The punishments of other officers not in your department is frankly, none of your business. And if you so desire that any Security officer who has disobeyed an order or made a mistake be kept away from your department, then that can be arranged. Members of the Security team will no longer issue their protection services to anyone under your command, since that is apparently what you want.
Vekal: Only members who have endangered fellow officers by disobeying orders for the sake of disobedience, I trust. /That/ is what I want.
Webb:  Whether she disobeyed orders for the "sake of disobedience" is not a judgement that you are qualified to make. My order stands. Ensign Naara is free to do her job and protect this crew without restriction.
Vekal: I want that in writing. I also want your rationale, in full and in writing.
Webb:  And why is that? Hoping for Ensign Naara to make another mistake so you can wave my orders in my face?
Vekal: *gives him an impassive look*
Webb:  Well?
Vekal: No. It's none of your concern why I want it.
Webb:  And yet, you insist on sticking your nose into places that don't concern you. What strange irony this is. *waves his hand in a dismissive gesture* It will be put in writing at my discretion.
Vekal: It will be put in writing before it will be obeyed. If you object, you can take it up with Starfleet Command.
Webb:  I order you to revoke your order regarding Ensign Naara immediately. We are about to send teams on away missions to potentially dangerous situations, and all the Security personnel need to be fully available for any emergency.
Vekal: I believe she would be a detriment, especially since you yourself said she would require watching.
Webb:  Watching for someone disobeying direct orders is not really out of anyone's way. What, you don't normally keep an eye out for that sort of thing?
Vekal: I do. But as you must know, someone disobeying direct orders in an emergency situation is a liability, not an asset.
Vekal: Especially given the lack of judgement Ensign Naara has shown so far.
Webb:  You apparently do not, Commander, but I, on occasion, believe in second chances. I'll keep /your/ view in mind in the future.
Vekal: Ensign Naara has already used up her second chance.
Webb:  And so have you. I'll fill out your transfer papers immediately, since /obviously/ something so important to you would apply to yourself as well.
Vekal: I wasn't aware I'd done anything to warrant being transferred.
Webb:  I would construct you a list, but I have neither the time nor the inclination to. And speaking of time, you've wasted enough of mine. My order stands, to be obeyed immediately.
Vekal: I want your order and its reasons in writing.
Webb:  *patiently* You've already stated that, since you apparently have forgotten. My order will be obeyed immediately, it will be in writing when I have the time. Until then, I have more important things to do.
Vekal: *tilts her head back* Will that be all, Captain?
Webb:  Dismissed.
Vekal: *stands and walks out*


Webb:  *sends a message to Naara to come up to the Ready Room*
Naara:  *Gets going then*
Naara:  *Arrives, presses door chime*
Webb:  Come in and sit please, Ensign. *taking an educated guess at who it is*
Naara:  *Comes in, sits, and closes door* Yes Sir. Respectfully, will this take long? I'm attempting to familiarize myself with the mission parameters.
Webb:  I've revoked Commander Vekal's order regarding you and her subordinates.
Naara:  ... *INSTANT INTERNAL FUMING AND RAGE!!!* *But doesn't show it, since she's not allowed to show displeasure about orders* Sir.
Webb:  I expect you to take this opportunity to establish a reputation as a good, reliable officer. Do not waste this chance, Ensign. It may be the last once you receive.
Naara:  *I ALREADY DO, YOU [censored censored censored]!!!* *Again, not showing this internal fury* Sir.
Webb:  Don't make me regret my decision. That is all.
Naara:  *I'LL MAKE YOUR FACE REGRET IT WHEN IT CONNECTS WITH MY BOOT HEEL!!!* *Not showing internal strife* *Nods* Sir.
Webb:  Dismissed.
Webb:  *goes back to work and gets to Vekal's request for the written order about an hour later*



II.
Alex:  *in the O-Deck, leaned over a PADD, drinking plain water all the while*
Vekal: *enters the O-Deck to stargaze and pauses when she sees Alex* Mr. Dorrian.
Alex:  *flinches and quickly salutes* Ma'am.
Vekal: Please don't call me that. What are you doing?
Alex:  I'm helping doing the inventory of items required to prepare the next platforms for being dropped on the planet, Commander.
Vekal: Don't let me interrupt, then.
Alex:  *slightly perplexed and uneasy* Uhm, Thank you, Commander. *salutes again and goes back to his PADD, while shooting a glance of nervousness at Vekal every now and then*
Vekal: *is used to those sorts of looks, but today has not been a good day, and she lets it get to her more than she probably should* *sharply* Is there something on your mind?
Alex:  *face goes pale* *nervous/embarrassed* N-No Ma'a- Ah Commander, sorry. I... uhm... uh... *tries to think of an excuse but can't think of anything that couldn't be taken as an insult* *panicked*
Vekal: *eyes flash, though she tries to hide it* You may as well tell the truth.
Alex:  Ah- You look intimidating. *swallows* Commander.
Vekal: *surprisingly, calms down* I'm anything but, Mr. Dorrian.
Alex:  *not convinced at all* I'd beg to differ, Commander. *even more uneasy from the sudden mood change*
Vekal: Give it time.
Alex:  *manages a insecure smile and a nod* *stands up and grabs his PADD, preparing to leave*
Vekal: It was nice talking to you, Mr. Dorrian. *dryly*
Alex:  *nods* *salutes and flees*
Vekal: *Calm down. You knew he was a coward; you can hardly interpret this as anything personal.*


Lev: *steps just as Alex leaves and watches the fleeing crewman untill the door swooshes shut* *puts hands on his hips* Scaring people for your own enjoyment again?
Vekal: What do you mean, "again", Doctor? *smiles and turns to face him*
Lev: *was about to reply something snarky but then notices something is off* *frowns* Are you okay?
Vekal: *tilts her head* Of course.
Lev:  You don't seem like you're okay.
Vekal: I've no idea what you're talking about, Doctor. I think you might be taking your job just a little too seriously if you're imagining symptoms where there are none.
Lev: Okay, you're definitely angry. What happened?
Vekal: My dear Doctor, I really have no idea what you're talking about.
Lev: *crosses arms over chest and huffs, annoyed* Cut the crap, Vekal, I think I know you well enough to be able to tell when something is made you angry, not to mention the heavy "Vekal is angry" air hanging around you.
Vekal: I'm not sure whether I should be flattered or offended that you actually have a name for that.
Lev: Whatever you prefer. *Rubs his forehead with a sigh* Look, if you don't want to talk about it, fine, but someone is bound to ask about it eventually. You're not that subtle about it as you think.
Vekal: You still have yet to explain what "it" is, Doctor. *irritably*
Lev: "It" is you being upset.
Vekal: And why, pray tell, am I upset?
Lev: I don't know! I'm not telepathic.
Vekal: You certainly aren't perceptive either. So now that that's established, what brings you down here?
Lev: *lifts hand in defeat* Fine, be like that. I was just trying to be a friend, Jesus. But High and Mighty Vekal doesn't need that. *has a mix of an angry, disappointed and hurt expression on his face* Deal with your problems all by yourself for all I care! Ugh! * turns and leaves*
Vekal: *stands there looking lost and forlorn*
A visual depiction of the conclusion of this RP .



III.
Elspeth:  Computer, where is Commander Vekal?
Computer: Commander Vekal is on the Observation Deck.
Elspeth:  *bounces to the observation deck, yesterday's tears long gone* *slips in* Commander Vekal?
Vekal: *tilts her head and smiles* Were you looking for me?
Elspeth:  *nods* I was responding to your mag-nan-i-mous offer! ^_^ *super proud that she used a new word*
Vekal: *smiles a bit wanly* I don't think that word means what you think it means. But you have the time, I take it?
Elspeth:  Magnanimous! The showing of nobility of feeling and generosity of mind! ^_^ And yes, I would be interested, especially as I have been refused shore leave. *wants to hug Vekal so bad right now*
Vekal: *dryly* That's what it means, but I assure you this was entirely selfish. I need someone who can swim. So let me know when you're available. I wouldn't mind you going along with away teams at the last minute, either, so long as the team leader agrees.
* astro999ElseptH: I am available at all times for any mission that needs me. I have equipment prepared. ^_^ *pauses* Does the ship posses any sonic disruptors?
Vekal: Yes; why?
Elspeth:  Unlike phasers, which can cause burns under water, the effectiveness of sonic weapons is enhanced in aquatic settings. They would be of great usefulness against any large predators. ^_^
Vekal: That's a very good idea. You should speak with Security about it.
Elspeth:  *nodnod* I shall do so! It will be my pleasure to serve the ship in any capacity! *pauses* Commander Vekal, what is your stance on hugs?
Vekal: I... try to avoid them if at all possible. *caught off guard*
Elspeth:  *nod* Yes. Of course. I am most sorry for asking. Is there anything else, Commander?
Vekal: No, but thank you.
Elspeth:  *nodnod* Are you alright, commander? You appeared a touch perturbed when I came in?
Vekal: It must be the light. *smiles and heads for the door*
Elspeth:  My apologies, then. I am not very good at the reading of emotions. ^_^ Have a nice day, commander?
Vekal: Have a nice day, Ensign. *gives Elspeth a more genuine smile before heading out*



IV.
Terrence: *donning the last of his scuba equipment on the floating platforms on the planet, with a bunch of capped test tubes and a waterproof PADD clipped into his diving belt, among other things*
Naara:  *Is there too, providing security escort... And is pissed off*
Terrence: *tightens some straps and looks up at Naara, his goggle set already resting on top of his head* Hey. You okay?
Naara:  *Snark* Peachy. You need me to suit up too?
Terrence: *nods slightly* Yes. And I also need your head in the game. We don't know a whole lot about what's down there yet.
Naara:  *Offended* I'm perfectly "In game".
Terrence: *raises his eyebrows slightly in a mild "uh-huh, sure" expression* So your mind's not elsewhere at all?
Naara:  *Grabs suit* ... *Cannot lie to superior officer... But does not want to say*
Terrence: *hooks a thumb through his belt, analogous to putting his hand in his pocket* Naara...hey. I know you have plenty of other stuff to distract you, but I need you to be able to tell me that you'll put this data collection foray first, and leave everything else as an afterthought for now.
Naara:  *Frowns* Yes Sir. Of course.
Naara:  *Leaves her thoughts of how to punish Webb for his incompetent stupidity to her subconscious*
Terrence: *small smile* And hey, once we're done with this we can beam back up and put on dry clothes, and get some tea if you want.
Naara:  *Still official, since this is a mission and all* Yes sir.
Terrence: *nods* Okay, suit up. ^_^ *gestures to whatever NPCs are going with them and orders the same to them, then climbs down the ladder into the water to float near the edge while he waits*
Naara:  *Suits up... Albeit hopping slightly trying to get the flippers on*
Rennon: -suits up and is now ready and waiting--looking calm but is really kinda nervous-
Terrence: *flicks some water at him* Come on in, man. Glad to have you along. ^_^
Naara:  *Finally suited up, waddles to edge of platform*
Rennon: -thinks about it for a moment to calm himself before hoping in the water feet first- ;>.> -"okay, just relax. nothing to be afraid of"-
Naara:  *Dives in*
Rennon: -tries to distract himself by introducing himself to Naara- I don't think we've met yet. I'm Rennon by the way.
Terrence: *pulls his goggles and rebreather on (with voice capabilities) and waits for the NPCs to get in and for Naara and Rennon to familiarize themselves with each other*
Naara:  *Nods* Naara. You probably don't want to socialize with me.
Rennon: -cocks his head to one side- Why do you say that?
Naara:  *Pretty matter of facr* I don't want to end up affecting your other social relationships, that's all
Rennon: -isn't sure what she means--sounds confused and disappointed- Uhh.. So in other word's your not looking for new friends I take it.
Naara:  No, just that some people may not want to be your friend if you're my friend. *See, Naara does care for others*
Rennon: =w=? And why would that be?
Naara:  I'm not what you'd call "Well liked"...
Rennon: -shrugs- If someone doesn't want to be my friend because of my appellation with someone else then that's their problem. I'm all for new friends, even if they are not "well liked" by others.
Naara:  *Conceeds* Very well.
Naara:  Good to meet you, Ensign Rennon.
Terrence: *calls out as the last NPC enters the water* Okay everyone, move out! This should be a pretty simple data collection, so we can take our time with it. I'd caution everyone to keep an eye on their tricorder's lifesign monitors, though, because we don't know what's out there yet.
Rennon: -light smile- Likewise. Now shall we get going? -puts on his goggles and respirator, diving under once he things the conversation is over-
Naara:  *Nods, eyes tricorder and slips goggles and respirator on, then dives to join them*
Rennon: -dives down, staying close to Terrence awaiting orders-
Naara:  *Swims around the fringes of the group, eyes open*
Terrence: *dives under too, keeping an eye on everyone as they head for their destination point about a hundred yards out and down from the platforms. An NPC security officer is sent with the two NPC cartographers as they swim a little ways away* *to Naara and Rennon* You guys can stay with me. ^_^
Naara:  Yes sir. *Swims to him, checking tricorder*
Rennon: -goes quiet and just nods, still feeling a bit nervous-
Terrence: *unclips some equipment from his belt and leaves it floating in the water column* Okay, I'll be right back, guys. Naara, if you could scan on [setting name] for me, that'd give us a headstart. ^_^ *starts paddling away towards the NPCs to double-check on them*
Naara:  *Nods, starts scan*
Rennon: -starts to feel more nervous as Terrence leaves them--goes over to Naara, staying just a few feet from her while keeping his eyes pealed out for anything-
Naara:  You found anything? *Has found nothing*
Rennon: -shakes his head- I see nothing -is slightly thankful for that-
Naara:  Good. *Still scanning... And yeah, not good at conversation*
Naara's Tricorder: *reads a network of dolostone caves just under the seafloor*
Naara: *Frowns* Hmm... We've got some... "Dolostone"... Whatever that is...
Naara: *No idea* You know what it is?
Rennon: -gets a little closer to try and see the readings--is actually slightly curious- Where?
Naara:  *Frowns at Tricorder* I'm picking up several caverns of it, below the sea floor
Rennon: -shrugs- I can't say for sure though, I do know that it is a stone. -well gee, go figure- Is there an entrance to any of them near by?
Naara:  *Scans* Hang on...
There is an entrance to the cave network fifty feet below and twenty feet to the side. It's like a natural skylight.
Naara:  ...Yep *Shows Rennon*
Rennon: -really needs to learn how to use a tricorder- Neat, shall we check it out? Or would you rather explore more out here?
Naara:  I don't think abandoning the Lieutenant would be sensible
Rennon: Well, we don't have to enter it. We could just get a closer look at it from the outside.
Naara:  ...*Nods* But we stay close to Terrence.
Rennon: ^_^ Of course. I wouldn't dream of just leaving them behind like that.
Naara:  *Nods and swims down, keeping a FIRM EYE on Terrence*
Caves: *are all cave-y, rich in minerals and exotic cave-dwelling fish life*
Caves: *The fish, of course, retreat if Naara or Rennon gets within 20 feet, or whatever the effective radius of their fish-repellant is*
Naara:  *Ok, cannot help look at fish ^-^*
Rennon: -follows, poking his head and turning on a head light(assuming they have one here) in to get a better look-
Fish: *swim away, repelled by fish-repellant*
Naara:  *Frowns* Shame about the fish repellent really...
Rennon: -frowns slightly as they disappear- Yeah, maybe we should have waited to use it.
Naara:  *Shrugs* Maybe some of them are poisonous though... Can't hurt to be safe
Rennon: =w=; Well, what does your Tricorder say about them?
Naara:  *Consults tricorder, and cue rise!*
Fish: *are a diverse collection of species, but the tricorder can't tell more at that distance*
Naara:  Inconclusive at this range, I'm afraid.
Rennon: -frowns again- Well, maybe we could have made it less potent so they could be within range of our scanners.
Naara:  *Frown-snark* It's a little too late for that now...
Terrence: *starts swimming back to his original location and frowns when he doesn't see Naara and Rennon, then spots them further down and starts paddling towards them, picking up the equipment he left floating as he does*
Rennon: -nods- Oh well I guess. -turns around to check on Terrence's location, making sure they haven't left them or something- Oh, look who's back ^_^
Naara:  *Looks up* Sir.
Terrence: *raises his eyebrows at them slightly, which should be visible behind his goggles, the only indication that he's not ecstatic that they didn't wait at the original location* Hey guys. Find something interesting?
Naara:  *Offers Tricorder* Found something, thought we'd best check it out, make sure it wasn't a threat.
Rennon: -gestures at the entrance- Just some caves with aquatic life as far as we know.
Terrence: *takes out his own tricorder to receive the data from Naara's and looks from it, to the cave below* Does it seem like a threat to you guys at all? *glances back up at the NPCs taking measurements a ways away*
Rennon: -frowns- Can't tell with the repellant.
Naara:  ...Well, seeing as I have no idea what Dolostone is, it might have been!
Terrence: *pulls his waterproof PADD off his belt, where it is attached via an extendable string, and taps in the word* Ah...a sedimentary rock, apparently. We're probably okay, unless this planet has malevolent sentient rock monsters. *chuckles* Which it might.
Rennon: =w=;;; -soo not what he wants to hear-
Naara:  *Frowns*
Terrence: *laughs* I don't think that's actually something that can happen. Just lock onto it with a tricorder so you know if it moves, and that'll be that. ^^
Naara:  *Does so, checking for other things while she's at it*
Rennon: Mind showing me how? -pulls out his Tricorder- I'm still not quite used to this yet ^_^;;
Naara:  *Nods* Like this *Demonstrates*
Rennon: -gets closer and mimics her actions- Oh I see, thanks ^_^
Terrence: *re-caps a test tube he just took out and clips it to his belt again, full of water, and marks the depth on his PADD* I'm gonna go a little further up. *starts kicking his way along to get to another spot to sample*
Naara:  *Follows*
Rennon: -takes one last look at the cave before following after them, keeping an eye on his Tricorder and his surroundings-
Rennon: -catches up to them- Hey Terrence? You ever done an away mission like this before?
Terrence: *looks up from another vial of water* Hmm? Well, yes, sort of. I've never had to go scuba-diving for a mission, but I've been on landing parties before.
Naara:  *Still looking around, focusing on not messing up this away mission*
Rennon: I already knew that much. Just didn't know if you did a deep sea mission. -Scans the area again-
Terrence: *shakes his head* Nope. I don't want to go on the really deep stuff anyway. That's for the marine biologists. But I can do a little of this diving stuff.
Naara:  Not a swimming man, Lieutenant? *Raises place where eyebrow would be*.
Terrence: *shrugs* I am, I guess. But I'm just not equipped to go on the science expeditions to the lower depths. Water samples? Sure, I can do that.
Naara:  Oh, ok. *Nods, continuing to look around*
Rennon: -continues to scan the area.. or attempt to anyway- Either of you reading anything? I'm getting nothing.
Tricorder: *reads nothing other than the caves that have already been established as being there*
Naara:  ...Nope, nothing.
Terrence: *keeps collecting water samples as they go along, keeping half an eye on his tricorder readings*
Naara:  *Scanning for other things, hoping she'll see something interesting*
Rennon: -trying to do the same thing with his Tricorder-
Tricorders: *register something very faint, but can't tell what or where it is*
Naara:  *Frowns, tapping tricorder* *Mutters* What...?
Terrence: *glances at his readings again* Mm. Looks like something's coming up. Just keep an eye on it, could be a school of fish or something.
Rennon: -gets a little nervous- How large? -prays its not a shark-
Naara:  *Reaches for weapon*
Terrence: *looks over at them* Guys, it's...okay. Just because something's coming doesn't mean it's bad. It's just prudent to keep an eye on the readings.
Tricorders: *register millions of life-forms around them*
Rennon: -sounding a little alarmed- Umm.. Am I reading that right?
Naara:  *Snark* That's exactly what we thought last time, and I remember how "well" that went. *Primes weapon of nondescript properties*
Terrence: *blinks and dials his tricorder in a little further* Planktonic organisms, probably. *takes out another vial and holds it near a spot where there are some readings, then flicks the cap open so water is sucked into it, and hopefully anything in the water, too*
Naara:  *Glares* "Probably" isn't good enough!... *Adds* Respectfully.
Rennon: -nervously looks in all directions for signs of anything, glancing at his Tricorder from time to time-
Terrence: *raises his eyebrows at her, though his voice is still at its normal tone* Jumping to conclusions is no better, Naara. *clips the vial to him again and comms the NPC party to tell them what's up, then starts some more detailed scans* We'll just figure out what these are.
Tricorders: *start registering tiny plankton that are starting to form into larger masses, slowly becoming visible to the naked eye. A shimmering curtain of blue-ish tendrils that are nearly the same color as the water begins to form in the water around them*
Naara:  *Frowns at Tricorder* ...*To everyone* Get out of here... Now!
Terrence: *looks up from his tricorder readings* Hang on, hang on, panicking and swimming out of here like startled rabbits won't get us anywhere. There's only a small amount of poison that I'm picking up--not much more than a wasp. And in any case, we're wearing suits.
Naara:  ...*Still not appeased, but calms sliiiiiiiiiiightly*
Rennon: -isn't quite comfortable doing this but will try it out--tries to push them aside carefully as Terrence, doing his best not to get stung-
Naara:  *Does the same thing as Rennon*
Terrence: *holds his tricorder in one hand and his PADD in the other and starts gently pushing tendrils do the sides* Okay... we don't want to get behind each other, because the turbulence from our flippers might close the strands behind us again.
And then they all died. No, just kidding. The rest of the RP can be found here.



V.
Terrence: *once they've had their little teaparty together and it's just Rennon and Terrence left, Terrence leans back on his office couch where he's been sitting and smiles* So. We've had another adventure. *he's now wearing jeans and a sweatervest that I shudder to say may have argyle on it -__-*
Rennon: -sits in one of Terrence's comfy office chairs rather relaxed now- Yep. -takes a sip of his tea- Lets do that again, but next time without the jellyfish ^_^;
Terrence: *chuckles* Sure thing, man. We got out okay and we got the data we wanted, so...I don't think I'll be forbidden to lead any more away teams.
Rennon: Why would you be forbidden after just one away mission? It's not like you messed up any.. v.v;; I'm the one who messed up.
Terrence: *shrugs* Nah, you didn't man. We were in a tough spot and we got out okay. *sheepish* But...I'm the one who was in charge. And I also gave the order to stay in one spot scanning while we figured out what it was.
Rennon: -shrugs- You didn't know we were going to be surrounded by a swarm. It's not like we were expecting it to happen. Besides, if the water current had changed, staying in one spot would have been a great idea
Terrence: *takes a sip from his half-empty mug* Mm...yeah. We're all okay, and we all stayed calm, so /I'm/ okay with it. We'll just see how my report is taken. *which he's already sent in*
Rennon: -coughs and mutters- Right.. calm.. ;>.> -takes another sip- So how did you like leading the away mission? ^_^
Terrence: *tilts his head, thinking about this* I guess it wasn't so bad. It's unnerving to be in charge of people's welfare but...it feels good to keep people safe, too. And to get the job done.
Rennon: -tries to encourage him- You seemed to handle it well though ^_^
Terrence: *grins wryly* Oh yeah. I only panic when there's nothing to panic over. Actual danger leaves me cool as cucumbers. *sort of true, sort of not, but it really is a general pattern*
Rennon: -nods- ^_^; I'm just glad nothing really bad happened. -flexes his hand, remembering what it felt like to get stung as he takes another sip of his tea-
Terrence: *glances at his hand, brow furrowed very slightly* How's it feel?
Rennon: -looks up at him- Hmm? Oh it's back to normal. Just.. Kinda remembering the feel of it.
Terrence: What did it feel like, anyway? *too curious for his own good today*
Rennon: ^_^;; Well at first it hurt like you wouldn't believe and then it just kinda faded to a numbing tingle that still hurts when you move.
Terrence: *sheepish* I'm sorry, man. I should have commed the ship for an emergency beamout or something.
Rennon: Hey, what's done is done. Nothing seriously bad happened and we got out fine didn't we? ^_^
Terrence: And then we had a teaparty. All around, it was a fine day. *laughs*
Rennon: -chuckles and holds out his mug before taking a sip from it- Just another adventure. And it's not the worst one we've gotten ourselves in either ^_^;
Terrence: *gets up to refill the empty clay teapot that he had sitting on the coffee table between the couch and the comfy chair* If every adventure were like that, I can't say I'd mind. *shakes his head, smiling a bit* I have some good stories to tell, though, so that's a consolation.
Rennon: -finish's off his cup--chuckles- I just wish we had more missions that involved more of those animals ^_^
Terrence: *adds a teaball full of looseleaf green tea to the teapot and sets it back on the coffee table to steep* I didn't know you had such a soft spot for animals, man. *flops back down with a grin*
Rennon: ^_^;;; Yeah, just don't go telling everyone that ;>~> I really want to get a pet like Bell.
Terrence: *makes a face* Molly wants to get a pet too. Oswald was okay but...I dunno. It's one more thing to make a mess. *chuckles* Though I guess not everyone cares about that.
Rennon: -grins and shrugs- Nope.. Not everyone worries about it that much. -just remembers- Oh yeah, that reminds me. Have you decided whether or not you're going to have that bachelor party?
Terrence: *snorts* Aw man, I haven't had any time to think about it. I dunno, it'd be fun, but...well. Eh. *sheepish grin* Okay, maybe I'm a little overly concerned with my own reputation.
Rennon: -raises an eyebrow- Why would you worry about that? It's not like you don't have self control.
Terrence: Well yeah. But if you add /alcohol/ to the mix.
Rennon: Oh, well if that's what you're worrying about then just have a few hypo's to counteract them just in case. ^_^
Rennon: -adds- Or you could just limit yourself to a certain amount
Terrence: I mean, I'll try, but... *sighs* I'm just pretty stupid when I'm drunk. And more susceptible to peer pressure. <_<
Rennon: Well.. -places a finger on his chin as he thinks- I could be a sorta "wing man" and make sure you don't if that makes you feel any better?
Terrence: *nods slowly, pondering this* Yeah, actually, that'd probably be good. I guess...I'll run the whole "bachelor party" by Molly. And promise not to come back drunk.
Rennon: -smiles and takes another sip of his tea- Just let me know when to show up and I'll be there.
Terrence: *pours himself out another cup of tea from the now-steeped teapot* Thanks man. That means a lot. ^_^
Rennon: ^_^ No problem. It's always nice to have a friend to lend a free hand. So do you miss Oswald any?
This RP went on for a bit longer. The rest can be found here.



VI.
Leslie: *is in the arboretum, dabbling her feet in the pond*
Rennon: walks into the arboretum with his mug of tea, which he needs to return to Terry once he's finished with it, and starts walking around a bit-
Leslie: *in her own little world, not paying attention to anything around her*
Rennon: -finally walks around to the point where he's passing the pond and see's someone sitting over there he hasn't met yet and wonders if he should go talk to her but really he doesn't wish to disturb her-
Leslie: *oh just frigging disturb her, Rennon. It's no big deal. Not like she looks like she's enjoying herself or anything. Because she's not. In the slightest.*
Rennon: -doesn't know why but he feels like he should talk to her--casually walks up to her, making his presence known as he doesn't want to surprise her or something- Hello ^_^
Leslie: *jumps and looks up. And up.* Um, hi. *blink blink* Can I help you?
Rennon: -puts up a hand apologetically- Sorry, didn't mean to bother you. Just thought you looked like you could use some company is all, but I could leave if you don't want it.`
Leslie: *shrugs* Nah, I was just thinking. Or something like that. You may join me if you want.
Rennon: -goes to sit down on the left side next to her, sitting with his legs crossed- Anything in particular or were you just thinking?
Leslie: *gestures at the pond* I was considering this, only on a larger, planet-wide scale. Trying to figure if I should even try going down there or not. I don't like water, and so I was just trying to see if I could handle it.
Rennon: -takes a sip of his tea and rests the cup in his lap- Oh.. So what answer have you come to so far?
Leslie: Nothing. Every time I get to the part about a planet covered in water, I have to stop because I start panicking. *smiles ruefully* I guess I should take that as my answer.
Rennon: What exactly are you panicking over? If you don't mind me asking that is.
Leslie: I have an extreme terror of water. I almost drowned when I was a kid because I was stupid and got caught in a flash flood. For a long time, I couldn't even get close to water, much less get in it, and it wasn't until last year that I could put my head under without panicking.
Rennon: Well, that's great that you're at least trying to get over it. Oh, I'm Rennon By the way. Sorry for the late introduction ^_^;;
Leslie: *extends her right hand* Leslie. Nice to meet you.
Rennon: -takes her hand, matching her grip and giving it a shake- Nice to meet you Leslie. Well, I'm sorry about what happened to you.
Leslie: Not much you can do about it; don't apologize. *grins* If you apologized for all the shit that's happened, we'd be here awhile.
Rennon: -blinks a little surprised as he's not used to hearing swear words that often--releases his grip and takes his hand back--very light chuckle- This is true.. -softer tone-You know, I once had a sister who drowned while I tried to save her... -isn't sure why he's telling her but there it is-
Leslie: *nods sadly* I know how that feels. Trying to save somebody. Do you blame yourself?
Rennon: -posture slouches slightly- Very much so....
Leslie: How long ago was it?
Rennon: -stares intently at the pond- Long time ago... I was young at the time.. Which is probably why I took it so hard.
Leslie: *nods* It's funny how everything that happens when we're kids is so amplified compared to if it happened now.
Rennon: -nods with a rather blank face- She's actually the reason I joined Starfleet, So that I could try and keep the same fate happening to someone else... Or at least try my hardest doing so.
Leslie: *Yes. Join Starfleet. Keep people from drowning. Best reason ever.* Ummm good goal.
Rennon: -hangs his head- You think im stupid don't you.
Leslie: I...think your reason is better than my reason. So no.
Rennon: -looks at her- What's your reason for joining?
Leslie: *turns her head and looks across the pond* I am, or I was, rather, running away.
Rennon: -nods- I see.. I ran to, and ended up here... In a way it still feels like I'm running.
Leslie: *frowns* From what you said, you are not running.
Rennon: ^_^;; Well, It took me a little while before I decided to run on this path rather than just run blindly away from my family and my troubles..
Leslie: So that reason you gave earlier? It wasn't true?
Rennon: No, it's true. It just wasn't the first thing that I did before deciding on doing something for the better.
Leslie: *grins* It's your rethought and improved purpose.
Rennon: -half smiles- Exactly. I just wish I thought of it a little sooner before running off like I did.
Leslie: *shrugs* We're not all perfect unfortunately.
Rennon: So why did you run?
Leslie: *takes a deep, shaky breath and looks down* *quietly* I accidentally let someone die, and it was my job to save her. I thought if I could get as far away from anything having to do with that world, I wouldn't have to face it or myself ever again.
Rennon: I'm sorry to hear... If I may ask, what happened?
Leslie: *shrugs* I was an emergency responder back on Earth. Some teenagers got into a wreck the night I was working, and all of them were fine except for one. So we put her into the ambulance and started going to the hospital. For some reason my partner wasn't in there with me, and so I was alone. I misdiagnosed her, and she died. I dropped out of school, quit my job, and ran.
Rennon: -is a little shocked- Wow.. That.. Sucks. -thinks it over for a moment and shakes his head- Wait.. So what turned you to starfleet?
Leslie: *pulls her knees up to her chest* It offered escape. I am literally as far away from that as I possibly can be.
Rennon: -nods understandingly- Ahh I see now. -places his left elbow on his leg and props himself with his arm- You ever talk to anyone else about this?
Leslie: Yeah. Terrence and Molly know. My boyfriend knows. It's not something I like to talk about; it's just something I deal with and try not to beat myself up with.
Rennon: I can understand that. Aside from you, I've also told both of them.. One bribed me with tea and the other just.. Well I'm sure you can figure that one out.
Leslie: Molly can be...pushy. *nods*
Rennon: =_=;; that and she had help with an alternate universe of me giving her tips..
Rennon: ;>.> Which /I/ think is kind of cheating, but what can you do..
Leslie: Ah. *fortunately the alternate me doesn't know anything about me, so can't tell nobody NOTHING. Score.* Not much when it's Molly, that's for sure.
Rennon: ^_^; Very true. So did Terrence bribe you with tea as well or did you open up to him on your own?
Leslie: I don't remember. It was a long time ago and a lot of things have happened since then. I think he just made me feel comfortable, like he was someone that I /could/ tell.
Rennon: -grins- Yeah, He's a good guy to trust.
Leslie: Yeah. *stands up and starts pulling on her shoes* Not to abandon you, Rennon, but I need to go. It's late. But it was nice to meet you. *smiles*
Rennon: -takes a sip of his tea realizing its now gone cold--smiles back- Like wise. Let me know if you ever change your mind about going down. I can ask Terrence if you can go with us. I'm sure he wouldn't mind you tagging along in our group. ^_^
Leslie: *Go with Terrence? Wimpiest guy on the ship? Hell no.* Um, yeah, thanks. I'll consider it. *stands up straight.* I'll see you around, ok?
Rennon: -smiles and waves- Alright, night for now. It was nice talking with you.
Leslie: Same here. *waves and leaves*
Rennon: -sits and stares at the lake a little while longer before calling it a night and heading to his room, cleaning out the mug before dozing off-