Federation Day

 Episode Name:  Federation Day

   Written By:  Eidolon

         Cast:  Dane, Donavon, Eidolon, Harris, Kran'dok, Lopez, Park, Randal, Tailus and Takamura.

  Produced By:  Starfleet

  Directed By:  Eidolon

     Aired On:  Sat Jul 09 22:32:07 2005

     Stardate:  55103.4

Time: Sat Jul 09 17:13:52 2005

Stardate: 55102.8

A Constitution-class starship, still in its original configuration, slowly circles Station 419, retrieving passengers who are travelling to Dulcais Prime for the annual Federation Day celebration.

As the transporter effect fades away, a smiling man in a Starfleet uniform -- wearing captain's pips on a gold turtleneck, no less -- steps forward. "Welcome aboard the starship Lexington. I'm Captain Juan Garza; I'll be making sure that you folks get safely to Dulcais Prime aboard this grand old lady."

The ship's interior is just as the outside would suggest -- strongly steeped with the interior decoration of Starfleet past. The transporter console is a bright red, as are the doors. There's no carpet on the deck, having been eschewed for plain metal plating, and the walls are a gunmetal grey that matches the floor.

Harris is like a kid at Christmas, so bright is his smile as he materializes on the transporter platform. In fact, he doesn't move -- he just soaks in the atmosphere of the old ship, his eyes sliding closed.

. o O Harris is almost giddy.

Park steps off the platform so that he's not in the way, eyes moving about the room to take in this small portion of the venerable vessel.

Appearing next to Christmas boy, Donavon's lips crinkle into a warm smile before she releases a soft chuckle. An elbow nudges towards Harris' side to briskly brush against him. "Latinum for your thoughts?"

Tailus blinks, and looks around, looking at the time piece to make sure of the year. He then steps off the pad, standing to on side, he nods to the captain, focusing on him

"Huy, English, you're blocking the view," says a wry voice from a lower vantage behind and to the right of Harris and Donavon. Ana Lopez steps around through the middle, with a smile, and down onto the plating.

Randal glances around after materializing. "Neat," is all he says. The historical significance seems to be going over his head, though, as there's more of a notion of novelty than anything else.

Kran'dok takes a few hesitant steps off the transporter pad. Again the Romulan is not in uniform, insead wearing a dark red shirt and black pants. His expression is a mixture of emotions right now. He says in Romulan, "Thank you Captain, I am Uhlan Kran'dok. I look forwards to our stay here." He smiles a little and looks back at the Trill.

Takamura looks around the transporter room when they reappear. A small smile of pride forms on his lips as he steps off the pad to make room for others. He chuckles softly at Harris' reaction before inclining his head to the Captain.

Dane is right there besides the Romulan smiling a little as she too looks around the ship. She steps off the transport and waves a hand towards Park and gives her fellow Trill a wink. "Thank you Captain. "The Trill woman says softly turning towards their greeter.

. o O Dane feels excited, relaxed

. o O Dane thinks, "Well, this will be a nice brake."

Tailus glances at the others, noticing Takamura's look, and returning it with a polite nod, before glancing around at Dane, and smiling, before turning again, looking around

"You're, of course, welcome to move about the ship as you please," Garza continues as he leans up against the console, smiling to everyone once again. "We'd prefer it if you stay out of the Jeffries Tubes, of course, just because we're staffed with a skeleton crew and we can't really spare people to find you if you get lost in them. Also, please don't touch any of the controls. The automation routines we installed are... rather delicate." His smile broadens. "We've already got an assortment of other guests aboard; the main reception is taking place in the recreation room on deck five as we speak. If you need anything, just ask the computer, and it'll be able to answer your questions."

Harris blinks as he's nudged, nudging Donavon back. "It's like coming home," he remarks softly before he moves to step off the platform.

Park offers the Captain a nod and puts on a smile. "Thank you for the ride, Captain. I'm sure this is going to be quite the trip.", he offers, adjusting the small bag on his shoulder and heading toward the door.

Tailus glances around quickly, picking up his dropped shapless duffel bag. stepping towards the door, taking a deep breath as he walks.

Donavon is amused. Chuckling, she lingers by Harris' side but impishly directs a fiendish smile at Lopez. "Mmm. Sporting a fight with the devil, Lopez? Dem are fighting words." She releases another brief laugh. "Am I going to have to chase you Rob while you race through the corridors?"

Garza snaps his fingers. "One more thing -- you've all been assigned quarters. If you need help finding them, just ask the computer." He chuckles, and adds, "Have a great time, and I'll be seeing you again at Dulcais Prime." Then, he extends his hand to Kran'dok. "Welcome aboard. It's good to have our allies here with us."

"Delicate?" asks Lopez of Captain Garza with curiousity. "Well, I suppose thats something to ask the computer about. Thank you, Sir." Ana turns to look as the clearing pads behind her, giving things a last look over-- how often does one get a chance?

. o O Donavon thinks, "Allies? You *must* be joking"

Park glances over at Lopez. "I hope we have our own.", he comments quietly. "I hear someone snores."

Kran'dok subtly eases away from the red headed woman who already seems to be looking for a fight. He still grins politely as he begins to look around and wait for some others. "Mir, do you know anything about these ships," he whispers to the Trill woman, speakin in Romulan.

Takamura slips his bag onto his shoulder as gets ready to leave the transporter room. He seems to be waiting for the others to begin filing out before he does the same. His eyebrow rises slightly at the Captain's explanation of the ship's systems.

Randal steps off the transporter pad, lugging his overpacked satchel as he goes. He turns to look at the transporter controls as he passes, and his brow furrows. "Whoa. Are those... buttons?"

Tailus grins, and walks over to Randal, "Yeah, and sliders as well!"

"Race through the corridors? Me? Never." Harris raises an eyebrow as he heads for the door. "The last time I was on one of these ships, I was 8, it was the Yorktown, and she was about to be decommissioned for refit. Everything seems... well... shorter." His smile, however, doesn't go away -- in fact, it just gets brighter at Randal's comments. "It's history!"

Donavon surveys the systems within the room, eyebrow raised a slight inch, before Randal's comment causes her to chuckle. "Not surprised this ol' bird is 'delicate'. I am surprised she's flying. Her crew should be commended." She eyes Harris. "I know I can't stop you...sooooooo," eyes light up, "when are we visiting the Bridge?"

. o O Harris thinks, "It's almost as if I could walk through this door, and my dad -- or mom, for that matter, could be standing on the other side. It really is like coming home."

"Who snores? Who told??" wails Ana in mock despair, pushing up her sleeves. She pokes out the end of her tongue at Park before proceeding by the toggles and other untouchable bits of aged technology. Shiny. Buttons. Colorssss. Ana sobers a bit and moves on, drifting for the corridor.

Dane chuckles at the Captain's first words then smiles as the Romulan is given a warm greeting. She wriggles a little at his side as an eager smile replaces the cheerful one. "Hmm not that I want to spend my time crawling around tubes. " She comments to Kran'dok quietly. "And no love, I'm not one of those that like old ships. I'll stick to the moderns ones thanks. " She squeezes his hand and heads towards the exit.

Garza's brows quirk, and he's clearly delighted. To the doors he goes, they open with their loud *shrock* sound, and he moves into the corridor beyond. There's still no carpet out there, and the doors opposite seem to be the same color.

Save for the lack of people, one could almost expect to run into James T. Kirk in the corridors beyond.

Randal actually reaches out and almost touches one of the buttons. Almost. A quick glance around confirms that way too many people are watching. "It's... definitely retro," he comments back to Harris. As the door opens he glances over, and decides it may be best to stick with the main group for now. He moves to follow the others.

Harris shakes his head. "'Surprised' she's flying. Surprised? They don't make ships like this anymore," he replies to Donavon before taking her hands. "Let's hit the rec room first. I want to show you a food synthesizer." He's spoiling to be hot on Garza's heels, it would seem.

Takamura watches Randal as the man almost touches the controls. Smirking slightly, he waits for the others to leave before he follows along at the rear of the group.

Tailus grins, and looks around, before walking out the door, looking about. Smiling

Kran'dok incines his head politely to the captain. He says in Romulan, "I look forward to the chance to explore the vessel and enjoy your hospitality." After an apropriate time he hurries after the rest of the crowd as it leaves. He makes his way to the door and almost manages to get out.

. o O Takamura thinks, "Just great. I'm going to have to keep an eye on Thorne to make sure he doesn't do something to blow us up."

Dane slips in ahead of Takamura giving the man a warm smile and a greeting. "Good day Lt. " She says, and hurries after the Romulan before they get split up by the crowd.

Donavon is bursting in silent chuckles resulting in eyes brightly sparkling. Well on her way through Harris Historical Hijinx of him tugging her forward by both hands is interrupted by a physical body. One Romulan. Donavon bumps up against Kran'dok, blinks, and is about to utter an apology but swiftly slams her lips shut. Eyes squint. A barely audible hisses follows then she turns on heel to follow Harris out.

. o O Donavon thinks, "Oh. He's here. Bet to spy on our equipment."

Kran'dok recoils as he is caught off guard. "Pardon me Lieutenant," he says trying to put on a nice face, but being a little to surprised to do so. "After you." He takes several steps back and averts his attention.

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "this is going to be a lovely trip. I can not wait to avoid the woman for my entire time here. Off to the corner it is! The things I do for my Empire."

. o O Kran'dok feels annoyed and put out.

GAME: Donavon spends a courage point.

GAME: Donavon has the flaw of Intolerant at -2.

After the group makes its way to deck five, and the recreation room, it becomes clear that Garza may have a gift for understatement. There's roughly twenty-five people inside, and the party is in full swing. A small jazz combo is set up in a corner, some of the tables have been moved back for a small dance floor, and various Starfleet officers and civilians mingle -- even including a Tholian in the back of the room, speaking with a Gorn. It's a very festive affair.

Garza's voice comes over the intercom, preceded by a bosun's whistle. "All decks, this is the captain. Secure for warp speed."

A few moments after that, the engines hum to life -- gradually increasing in pitch as the ship accelerates.

. o O Lopez thinks, "I LOVE that sound..."

Harris makes his way over to the synthesizers at the front of the room, lifting a pile of colorful data solids and inspecting them. He's still, apparently, rather happy about the whole thing.

Randal follows along, apparantly taking an interest in Harris and food synthesizer. He peers at the squares he's holding. "What are those?"

Park conceals his Type II Phaser.

As for Lopez, she shuffles off around the dance floor, in the general direction of the corner with the jazz band.

Park sticks to the back of the crowd, more looking around to get his bearings before diving into the festivities.

Takamura enters the recreation room along with the others. For the moment, he stands off to the side observing all the people gathered here, deciding who to approach first.

Dane seems to be a little unsettles as she sets into the reception all, what happened with Donavon and Kran'dok puzzles her. Though when her eyes catch sight of the place all other thoughts seems to clear out of her head. Her hand Squeezes the Romulan before it's dropped and the Doctor wonders a little apart from him exploring the area and looking at the different people gathered. A Tholian?

Donavon meanders in to take a peek at the squares her husband plays with. "Kid in a candy shop." She pats his shoulder, chuckles, and follows after Lopez. "Going to steal a spot closer to the band." Calling out to the other woman, she grins. "Ever cut a rug, Lopez?"

. o O Donavon thinks, "A spot before that Romulan can steal it."

. o O Park feels unusually unnerved at the sheer numbers of people here.

. o O Park thinks, "Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all."

"The lunch menu. Looks like chicken sandwiches, plomeek soup, various beverages, and... ice cream," Harris replies to Randal, holding up the cards. "You stick it in the machine, it gives you your food. The cards with various selections are selected with the buttons." He pauses, then clears his throat. "They're not quite as good as replicators, all things considered. My grandmother never wanted to use one -- it would have 'destroyed her kitchen'. At least, that's what she always said."

Kran'dok grins as he looks about the place noting the decorations and other guests. He squeezes back and watches the Trill as she goes to make friends. The Romulan begins to make his way towards the opposite end of the room from the dance floor. He looks about the room carefully for a few minutes while he waits.

. o O Kran'dok feels annoyed and nervous.

"To the point of vandalism," the shortish officer responds, and jokingly says, "-but we'd be hard pressed to find one on this ol' gal," she says turning festively past one of the dancers, back-to-back. "Doesn't prevent tearing up the deckplating, though. How about you?" she asks Meg.

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "Well, I hope she enjoys this, she will need the time for socialization and such. She looks better already. And I will be busy running from that other one all night. This is quite tiresome."

Randal tilts his head. "There's a lunch menu on those? You mean you can't just order what you want, when you want it?" Kids these days. "Anyway, it still kind of looks like a replicator. Assuming this hatch opens once it's done. Why's there a hatch?" His eyebrows arch. "There isn't a radiation hazard from these things, is there?"

The Tholian raises its glass to the Gorn, who gives a low, hissing sort of chuckling noise in reply. In the opposite corner, the band leader, a young sort of human ensign in sciences blue, grins at Lopez as she approaches. "Hey, little lady, how about I play you a special number?" Without waiting for an answer -- she did turn to Donavon, after all, he calls to the band, "Sing, Sing, Sing! Hit it!" The band follows his direction, and they're swinging along, soon enough.

Harris just laughs. "I don't think that the synthesizers ever irradiated someone," he replies. "But, I don't know why there's a hatch, to be honest."

Donavon rap-taps her boot to the ground and fingers snap to the rhythm. "Care to find out?" is challenged with a bit of an arch to her eyebrows. "He is," a gesture to the band, "playing your song." Impish grin worn, she slides her jacket off, tosses it to the back of a chair, and gets to swinging on the dance floor.

Kran'dok hear's Randal's comment and shakes his head. "From what I understand, you had a piece of junk ship yourself for a while. I expect that you would be quite well acquainted with shoddy replicators and radiation hazzards." The Romulan grins wryly as the comment escapes his lips before he manages to stop it.

Dane finds her way over to Park and smiles at him. "Little overwhelming?" She asks, standing next to him and looking out at the crowd. "Even if half of them did come with us. "

Takamura can't help himself as the infectious swing song gets the Japanese man's foot tapping. He moves closer to the band, but doesn't get close to the dance floor in case someone gets an idea. Instead, he finds a chair to sit down in and enjoy the show.

Randal shrugs. "So? Do these things still work, then?" He peers over at Kran'dok and smirks. "The Red Pulsar was just a heavily modified ship, thank you very much." Turning back to the synthesizer, he adds under his breath, "Besides, there's nothing wrong with a little radiation hazard."

"A little bit.", Park replies honestly, glancing over at Dane with a little smile. "But I'll get over it. We've got quite a ride ahead of us, so might as well get to know the rest of the passengers.

Dane nods her head, slowly. "I don't even know most of those whom came with us. " she remarks. "Promise me a dance later. " she says her eyes twinkling up at him. "Or I'll nag. "

Harris shrugs, sticking a yellow card, then a green into the slot of the synthesizer and pressing a button. It makes a few soft chiming noises, then spits out a tray with a chicken sandwich and coffee. He eyes it for a moment, then shrugs. "Guess so." To Kran'dok, he adds, "This ship was top of the line in Federation space for almost fifty years. Piece of junk doesn't apply."

The Gorn gets up and starts to circulate through the crowd, pausing at Takamura's table. "You come from the Federation sssstation in thisss sssector?" it asks, rather intently, it would seem.

Dancing breaks out amongst the crowd, save for the few examples of mingling Vulcans. They merely watch the show in their detached sort of way.

Lopez hops to it, all too happy to chake it down to the fast pace beat. And there is laughter, and disorientation, but in general Lopez seems to enjoy herself out there, ventuing so far as an aerial with an obliging partner, flipped up and to both sides before the release and exchange.

Kran'dok chuckles as Harris makes a response and grins. "Well I never said this ship was junk, but you do seem oftly defensive of it. If anything I was insulting Mr. Thorne's past ship, but I figured he could take the joke." He continues chuckling as he slowly makes his way towards the pair by the food machine.

Randal waits for the synthesize to produce the requested meal. "What's taking --" he starts to say, just before the hatch opens. "Ah." He crosses his arms. "Wait a minute. So it applies to /my/ ship?" Randal comments, indignantly to Harris. There is a trace of a smirk and good humor, though.

Donavon tears it up, encouraged by the big brass and the infectious laughter of a partner. Twirl, flip and a lazy waggle of her finger, the lass certain displays some swinging style to her moves.

Park nods to Dane. "Sure. Just don't get cross if I end up stepping on your toes.", he cautions. "It's been a while since I've been dancing."

Dane lays a hand on the doctors arm and wink before she slips off with a parting remark. "Oh that's find, I'll only return the favour. " she says glancing around to see whom she'll go say hi to next.

. o O Dane thinks, "I wasn't expecting a yes...."

Harris just raises his eyebrow. "Compared to a Constitution?" he replies before he grins. "Of course. But then, I'm biased. My grandfather commanded one of these, my father and I both served on one, so... yeah. Defensive. In fact, I heard a story once about a brawl in a bar on a deep space station with some Klingons..." He pauses, then offers the sandwich to Randal. "Hungry?"

Takamura looks up at the Gorn, dipping his head slightly. "Yes, I do. Where do you hail from, sir?" He inquires with his hands resting lightly on the table in front of him.

Park takes a deep breath and heads over to the bar, taking whatever drink is available and, apparently deciding on a small group at random, puts on his most friendly smile and begins to make the rounds.

Kran'dok nods to Harris as he slowly makes his way back to the food machine the men are huddled around. "Well that is quite commendable. It seems you come from a good Starfleet family," the Romulan says simply. He makes sure to give the dance floor a wide clearence as he walks. "So what does it make?" he inquires as he looks at the menu more closely. "So few choices? This is interesting."

Randal looks at the sandwich with faint apprehension. "I'll pass." He raises his eyebrows. "Well, the Red Pulsar did have some... ah, aftermarket components, that came from this era," he comments. "Anyway, let's not get into an argument neither of us will back down from, Rob." He grins.

Dane finds her way over to the Takamura and the Gorn, she smiles at the both warmly and waits to be invited into the conversation. Her eyes flicker around the room, to spot Kran'dok, she'll join him later when she's fone the rounds and get a little dancing in.

"Cesssstusss Three," the Gorn replies. "I am the assssissstant attache for Federation affairs at the embasssssy there. My counterpart and I..." the lizard tilts his head to indicate the Tholian, "... are touring the sssector to sssee if we ssshould essstablisssh a consssulate here for our ressspective peoplesss."

Park finds himself mixed in with a group of fighter pilots. "...came from above, flipped over, and wham! Blew apart a bug just like that." The leader, an Andorian LTJG in command red, is apparently telling a story. "Damn Jemmies never knew what hit 'em."

Park mingles in with the small group, listening intently. Maybe there is more to the story.

Lopez gets close to the stage when her feet begin to wear down, where she can clap her hands and snap her fingers with the rhythm, appreciative of the musicians. She pauses briefly to look around for Meg the Red

"We'll just have to take the matter up in the holosuites back on the station," Harris replies with a grin, although his gaze is elsewhere at that moment -- specifically on the dance floor and a certain pair of dancing dames, but with more attention paid to the redhead. "They changed the menu every few hours so you'd get some variety in, and you could pick up new recipes at starbases every so often -- just about ten minutes before the crew mutinied, of course."

Takamura rises from his seat to offer the big lizard a respectful bow. "I am Lieutenant Hiroshi Takamura, the Assistant Operations Manager for Station 419 Upsilon. I am sure that the Federation would be pleased to have your peoples establish consulates at our station." When Dane approaches, he gestures to her. "This is Doctor Mirantha Dane, one of our medical officers."

Dane nods her head and bows. "It's a pleasure to meet you, I do hope i'm not butting in?" she says quietly, she was interested in meeting a Tholian, being a creature carious creature.

Kran'dok chuckles as he decides to give the machine a pass. "Well, it sounds like life aboard one of these ships was a feat of endurence as much as it was anything else." His eyes follow the man's gaze to the dance floor then begin to search the room himself, grinning slightly as he finds the Trill. "Speaking of holodeck games, I should speak to you about that some time Randal."

Meg the Red is in the thick of the dance floor. Solo kid bobbing through the twirlers and flippers, laughing judging by her cheek dimpling smile. A song or two later, she manages to slip her way near the stage and Lopez. A bit out of breath, "Where did you learn to swing, lass?" is asked.

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "Alright, stay away from the dancefloor now at all costs. It is good Mir seems to be enjoying herself. This is a welcome change."

Randal raises his eyebrows. "I like playing games," he comments with an innocuous tone, in response to both statements. "What exactly did you have in mind though, Uhlan?"

"We found the Vorta in an escape pod," the Andorian continues, giving Park a glance and a grin. "It was funny, really -- he came out of his pod and asked if we would terribly mind giving him directions to Cardassia Prime." There's a round of laughter from the small knot surrounding the man.

The Gorn nods to Dane. "Ssssaluations," it greets before his gaze turns back to Takamura. "We have heard many ssstories about your Captain Balin. Is he as ruthlessss as they claim?

The song comes to an end, and the ensign gives Lopez another smile and a wink. "Just for you." He raises his voice, and adds, "Any requests, ladies and gentlemen? We're here all night!"

Kran'dok inclines his head. "A phaser simulation. I understand that you are quite fond of them," he says with a knowing grin. "I made an energy weapon training program that tracks scores. Right now we are looking for some more people to join us for a smi-fromal, semi-regular competition. Consider yourself invited."

Harris just raises an eyebrow, putting the tray back into the synthesizer. "I think I'm going to go find my wife and ask her who taught her to dance like that." To the dance floor he goes.

Park laughs along with the rest, since it /was/ funny. "I'm surprised that he didn't ask that you give him a ride, too.", Park adds.

Randal smiles. "Ah. I'm definitely up for that. Though I should warn you... I took second place in the last marksmanship championship that was held on the station." He chuckles. "Have fun, Rob. And you may want to phrase the question a bit differently."

Takamura raises an eyebrow slightly. "Ruthless? Apparently, you have heard stories that I have not heard. To be honest, I don't know the Captain all that well. He generally lets his XO handle most of the interactions with the crew."

Dane chuckles at the question from the Gorn. "Well, last time I saw him in action, he came into the medical bay with two rifles. " She says. "Commander Ghorev however. " She gives an inpressive whistle. "Now he's something else when it comes to action and hand to hand. "

Lopez grins and leans to tell Meg, "Academy. Dated an oboist, somewhere in there. Its a great dance for show-offs. Where did you--" The song ends, and Lopez winks right back at the blue-shirt. "Muy bien. Hey, give us the 'Choo-choo,' and I do NOT mean the Locomotion." She turns to Meg and demands, "Fess up, where'd you learn?"

Donavon slinks back against the stage, legs crossed at the ankle. "A girl never kisses and tells," teases Meg with a toss her head back for a chuckle. Body bouncing, fingers snapping, a cool coy light brightens in her eyes. "Mmm. But that gentleman headed our direction might have the answer."

"Ah, yesss... Commander Akeen Ghorev," the Gorn replies, sounding thoughtful. "We have heard of him asss well. Has the ssstation recovered from the sssurprissse assssault by the Dominion earlier this year?"

The Andorian pilot grins. "He did, actually. But, by then, we had him in the brig. He was a charming little fellow, really. We finally let him out -- at Starbase 375. He seemed to be pretty torn up about that."

"You got it," the blueshirt replies to Lopez before turning back to the band and starting to direct a new song.

Dane looks to Takamura for a few moments unsure on what to say, she'll let him handle the question she doesn't want to place a foot into her mouth and saying thing which is not general knowledge.

Harris makes his way through the crowd to stand next to Donavon. "So, my friend Randal says that I should phrase this question differently: but who taught you how to dance like that?" His grin comes out to play after that. "Having fun?"

. o O Harris thinks, "Because I am!"

Park chuckles and shakes his head. "I wouldn't imagine that he hadn't considered an extended stay in a Federation POW facility when he woke up that morning.", he comments, then offers his hand to the Andorian. "Aaron Park."

Lopez blows a joking kiss at the band, the corners of her eyes crinkling up. She adjusts her scan of the room, as Harris joins them. "Oh, him," Ana says, wryly. "Take her out on the floor, Mr. Harris, and see if you can persuade her to share that information. She's a wily one."

Kran'dok chuckles at Randal. "Seocond place? Well, I will most definately watch out. The program is quite difficult though. You might be suprised," he says with a bit of a wink. "I am not sure when we will be getting together, but I will send you the details. Should you wish to practice before that, look under my name in the training directory."

Takamura inhales deeply, puffing his chest out with pride at the mention of Commander Ghorev. "I've had the honor of sparring with him in the past. He is an exemplary officer and excellent commander." In response to the Gorn's question, he nods his head. "Yes, we have. We've recovered quite nicely. We have a fine crew that worked around the clock to make sure the station was fully functional as quickly as possible."

Dane nods her head following Takamura's que. "Was a challenge for our engineering department but they got her ship shape as they say in no time. " she nods at the two before excusing herself. "If you don't mind I'm going to find a partner on the dance floor. " The spottted woman says. "Was a pleasure to meet you good sir, Lt. " She says to Takamura and wonders off.

Randal nods. "Alright, will do." The gutteral tones of Gorn get his attention, he laughs a bit and comments, perhaps bitterly, to Kran'dok, "Suprise Dominion assault, right."

"Oh?" Donavon leans slightly forward to peek through the crowd for Randal. Nose wrinkled at the scoundrel, she then focuses on Harris, absorbing the devil. "When did you start listening to Randal? Didn't you know he's bad news? He'll jump, jive, an' wail," she teases with a purr in tone. Laughter sparks at Lopez, finger tapping her lips. "Sssh. Dinnae reveal my secrets."

Kran'dok grins knowingly at Randal and leans in to speak quietly to him. "Not nearly so much as the surprise that the station was assaulted by the Dominion. I was there and never even noticed that assault." He sighs a little and leans backwards a bit.

"That isss excellent newsss," the Gorn mentions, dipping his head slightly to Dane as she takes her leave. "We would not want to essstablish a consssulate on an unsssecure facility. Thisss sssector isss calm, generally?"

The Andorian shakes Park's hand firmly. "Lieutenant Junior Grade Akar Dovoro. A pleasure."

The band continues to swing away.

Randal chuckles faintly. "Oh well. Anyway, I'm going to see if they serve any good booze on this boat." He peers around the rec room, hoping to spy a drinks table or, better still, a catered bar.

Harris takes hold of Meg's hands, tugging her toward the center of the floor. "C'mon," he murmurs to her. "Let's cut a rug."

"Where are you assigned that you saw that kind of action, Akar.", Park asks, taking a sip of his drink.

Lopez laughs at the pair, and wiggles her fingers in parting to them. She herself has a seat at a nearby table to listen and watch, with a certain amount of softness entering her expression. "Fireworks," she says to herself.

"Whoo Whoo Ch'boogie," sings Donavon along with the band -- answer enough for Harris. Tugged, laughing, she falls against her husband's chest before righting her dancing position. She does, however, call out to Lopez, "Holoprogram." Then feet take to the deckplating, swing, swing, swing.

Takamura nods his head slowly. "Generally, yes. Now that the Federation, the Klingon Empire and the Romulan Star Empire are allies, there are less hostilities in this sector. Though, there is still some tension and distrust. Not surprising considering how long we were adversaries." As Dane leaves, he dips his head to her. "Doctor."

Dane goes to the edge of the dance floor standing there claping her hands to the beat and bobbing her head a little. She has to give the pair of starfleet officers a fond smile as she watchs them dance. But she's happy just watching and listening.

The Gorn nods, glancing toward the window set in the wall thoughtfully. "Very interessssthing," it murmurs.

Dovoro straightens up proudly. "I was assigned to the Galaxy, sir. We saw action in all the battles of the war near Cardassia, up until the cease fire." He tugs on his uniform to straighten it.

Perhaps not the most graceful of dancers, Harris can still keep up with Donavon fairly well. Grinning brightly, he twirls her about a few times. "We need to go on vacation more often!" he calls over the music of the band.

Takamura gestures around the room. "So, how are you and your counterpart enjoying your trip so far?"

Aha! Randal spies a place where he can get a drink. "Be right back," he comments to the Romulan. His course to the beverage table takes him past Park. Or rather, into Park, somewhat as Randal 'accidentally' bumps into the doctor with his elbow as he walks past from behind. "Whoops, sorry," he mutters with a distinct lack of sincerity. He makes a point of moving around any of the people Park is speaking to, however.

Ana Lopez leaves her position at the table after a few minutes, leaving the jacket and her small bag behind to fend for themselves. Lopez slips out into the corridor, quieter than the recreation room, and leans against the wall. "Alright.... Computer, locate quarters: Lopez, Ana, LTJG."

Dane is bumped out of the way by Randal and looks over towards him, she shakes her head calling. "Imp!" just then she's tagged and grabbed around the waist by, the someone whirls her onto the dance floor. With a slivery laugh Mir looks into the face of an Andorian office, she smiles at him and let him guide them into a whirl.

Kran'dok nods to Randal. "Of course. Take your time." The Romulan begins to glances over at the dance floor and sees the situation there, frowns a little and lets his gaze drift on. his eyes end up following Randal who seems to collide with Park. He grins slightly and just watches the scene unfold.

Tossed forward, sliding past another couple, Donavon whirls back round to toe tap with Harris. "If we had it your way, we'd never work again." The blast of horns, the rumble of drums, and the luster of song jump-jives Meg into brighter spirits. "Snatch Lopez on the next song?" she asks him. "Can't have the lass make like a wallflower."

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "Well, she seems to certainly be having fun at least."

. o O Kran'dok feels slightly disappointed and left out.

"That's some tough duty. You know I have a couple buddies from the Academy where were telling me about...", Park says, then abruptly cuts off when Randal bumps into him. "Yeah, I'm sure you are.", he says to the man's retreating form. Aaron's gaze goes back to the Andorian. "At any rate, I hear that the Galaxy went up against two Dominion Cruisers at one point."

"Working," the computer replies to Lopez before it answers. "Quarters for Lieutenant Junior Grade Ana Lopez are located on Deck 5, Section 12, Room 30. Thank you for your inquiry, and enjoy your starship adventure aboard USS Lexington."

The Gorn turns his gaze back to Takamura. "The musssic is too loud," he replies with the fearsome example of what must pass for a Gorn smile. "But the crew hasss been very graciousss." The Tholian apparently agrees, rocking back and forth -- and able to hear everything over the crowd.

Dovoro continues to grin. "Sure did." He pauses, then gestures at Randal. "Friend of yours?"

"I suppose," Harris replies to Meg, his eyebrows waggling. "If you want to be rid of me -that- quickly." He twirls her again.

. o O Lopez thinks, "Gracias, Abuelita Lexington..."

Park shakes his head. "No.", Park replies simply. "He's just trying to get a rise out of me."

At the next flip then twirl, arm wrapped round his waist, Meg plants a chaste loud kiss to his cheek. "Gonna yank Hiro out here. Caught him with that trapped 'diplomatic' look. Time to give him an out." She chuckles.

Randal smirks to himself briefly, though he clears the expression once he reaches the table. He looks around at the selection of drinks, and finally settles on an exotic, fluted glass full of green liquor. After selecting the drink, he turns around to head back. He gives Park wide enough berth not to collide this time, although he does toss the man a smirking expression again as moves past.

Takamura chuckles at the Gorn's joke. "I'm glad to hear that you two have been received well. One of the Federation's aims is to be able to peacefully coexist with our interstellar neighbors. Hopefully this trip will help bridge some of the gaps between our peoples."

Dane seems to be enjoying her dance as her hand lay on the man's shoulder his on her waist she's flipped and whirl much as Lopez was a few moments before.

Lopez settles her back against the side of the corridor, "5, 12, 30. Got it. Computer, is information on this wizened vessel pertinent to its 'delicate' automation set-up available to security clearance 5?"

Kran'dok turns his attention back to the dance floor and begins to study the moves of those dancing. His eyes follow no one particluar person as he watches and learns.

GAME: Harris contests his Intellect/Perception vs Moderate and Succeeds.

GAME: Park contests his Intellect/Perception vs Moderate and Succeeds.

GAME: Kran'dok contests his Intellect/Perception vs Moderate and Fails.

GAME: Dane contests her Intellect/Perception vs Moderate and Fails.

GAME: Takamura contests his Intellect/Perception vs Moderate and Succeeds.

GAME: Lopez contests her Intellect/Perception vs Moderate and Marginally Fails.

GAME: Donavon contests her Intellect/Perception vs Moderate and Dramatically Fails.

GAME: Randal contests his Intellect/Perception vs Moderate and Marginally Fails.

As Park is standing talking to the Andorian pilot, his smile slips a bit as his eyes slide over to the bar and hold there for a second or two. Abruptly, he glances around the room, looking toward where Harris is.

The Gorn inclines his head slightly. "It isss our hope as well." He gestures at the stars. "It would ssseem that we ssshould not have so much trouble coexisssting."

The computer whirs again. "That information is availible to security clearance five personnel."

Dovoro shakes his head. "Guess some folks don't know how to behave at parties," he remarks to Park, although his eyes shift toward the bar.

Park comments idly, "It extends well beyond just parties."

Harris glances toward the bar as well, raising an eyebrow. "Sure thing," he replies to Meg, distracted by something. Of course, his gaze meets Park's and then the other eyebrow lifts.

. o O Harris thinks, "What is that?"

Takamura smiles at the Gorn's words, seemingly pleased that the former adversary shares his hope. Raising an eyebrow, he glances towards the bar and notices the look between Harris and Park. Back to the Assistant Attache, he dips his head. "If you will pardon me, sir, I think I'm going to get a drink."

Donavon slides up beside Takamura, smile fixated on the group. "What are you doing sitting on the sidelines, Hiro, when you should be side-stepping. This is a party, not a diplomatic formal." Wink aimed at Gorn, the laughter diminishes for a second, edged in half concern. "Something in his throat?" A thumb jerks at the Tholian.

. o O Takamura thinks, "Why is the ship vibrating like that? I don't think it's supposed to be doing that. I should go ask Rob about it."

Randal, having walked away from the bar with no apparant impression that anything was out of place, approaches Kran'dok again. "Oh, I'm sorry." His brow furrows. "I probably should have asked you if you'd wanted something yourself, Uhlan."

"By all means, then, Computer, please forward that information to my PADD, number... (Dsnde, dsnde...?)" Ana withdraws the device from under the edge of her shirt in back, and rattles off the numbers for the clearance. She waits.

Dane is still be thrown around by her dance partner, whom a few second later is cut in by another and before she knows it the Trill is whirled around by someone else. The delighted laughty and bright smiles makes it plan she's having a rather fun time.

. o O Lopez thinks, "I think that I smell wood burning when this thing works. Graceful old belle, how many hamster wheels power you, again?"

"Could you excuse me for a moment, Akar?", Park says then, and makes his way through the crowd toward Harris. Reaching the man, he lowers his voice and whispers something to him.

Park whispers to Harris, "Please tell me that is normal for one of these ships."

The Gorn dips his head, glancing curiously at Donavon before he moves along.

"Working," the computer tells Lopez. "Transfer complete. Thank you for your inquiry, and enjoy your starship adventure aboard USS Lexington."

The Andorian's gaze lingers on the glasses on the bar. "Sure thing, Aaron," he replies.

GAME: Dane contests her Intellect/Perception vs Routine and Marginally Fails.

GAME: Lopez contests her Intellect/Perception vs Routine and Marginally Fails.

GAME: Kran'dok contests his Intellect/Perception vs Routine and Fails.

GAME: Donavon contests her Intellect/Perception vs Routine and Succeeds.

GAME: Randal contests his Intellect/Perception vs Routine and Fails.

Kran'dok slowly manages to tare his eyes away from the dance floor and look back at Randal. "Thank you for the offer, but I would be capable of getting myself something, so it is not to worry." He grins uneasily and looks down at the man's drink. "What did you get?"

Harris shakes his head at Park. Harris whispers to Park, "Not unless they changed something recently. Maybe a problem with the inertial dampeners?" His gaze lingers on the bar for a moment more, and then he glances around -- looking for something else, apparently.

"Not sure," Randal replies, lifting the glass. "It's green, at any rate." He takes a drink.

Takamura smiles faintly at Donavon. "Swing isn't my sort of dance, Meg. But, if it will make you feel better, I was heading over towards the bar." Though, along the way to the bar, he makes a detour towards Harris and Park.

Park nods slowly as he listens to Harris' response. "I'll be back in a second. I'm going to check in with the bridge.", he says, then moves just outside the door.

Donavon flashes another smile. "Hm. Must have mistook a horn blast for a cough." Chuckle before she nudges Takamura. "Stall that husband of mine. We're going to have a slow one come up." And just then she weaves towards the band. "Hey boys, bring it down a notch? Requesting Witchcraft." Sly smirk formed, she locates Harris in the crowd, eyebrows waggled.

Lopez drums her fingers against the corridor's wall paneling. "-pues, tz tambmen," she says in response to the computer, reading over the information. Crew of twenty, ship automated large by runabout in dock... She begins to tuck the device away again.

The Tholian stands suddenly on its six legs, looking back and forth before it makes its way toward the window. The whole way, it chimes softly at the Gorn -- and the translators render it as, approximately, "Something does not feel right." This, of course, causes the Gorn to join it at the window.

Dovoro straightens up again, and heads for the door -- his smile having faded.

Dane is blissfully unaware of the tention in the room as she's yet again pass between the young offices and a few daring civilians. She's having the time of her life and is starting to feel a little tried. A few moments later she frowns and looks around, but shrugs as nothing seems to be amiss to her.

. o O Lopez thinks, "Back to the... what *IS* that?"

Park goes only as far as the corridor before hailing the bridge. "Bridge, this is Commander Park in the Recreation Room. We're feeling a rather significant vibration down here."

The band, meanwhile, launches into the slow song that Donavon requested.

Harris shakes his head at Meg. "Incorrigible," he offers, grinning lightly, before glancing at Tak as he approaches. "You feel it too?" he asks softly.

Takamura nods his head, smirking at Harris. "Sure do. I take it that this isn't normal for one of these ships?"

Lopez still has her back planted against the corridor wall, and so the odd shakes come from behind as well as below. She eyes Park, making the hail to the bridge, listening in.

Donavon smiles as everyone continues to dance and she approaches Harris with a come-hither stare. "Mister Harris, do you sense what time it is?" Appearing relaxed and in a teasing mood, possibly for the crowd, she hooks an arm around his waist. "A visit to the Core, hm? Your dream doll is rattling too much."

"Bridge here," It's Garza's voice, and he's apparently not terribly concerned. "We've got an ion storm that just spawned out of nowhere at severe force nine. The shields should be able to handle it, and we're trying to plot a course around, just in case. Nothing to worry about, save for some minor bumps ahead."

Kran'dok hears the change in tempo and looks back at Randal. "Excuse me, but I need to be going." The Romulan nods politely and makes his way on to the dance floor. Suddenly he notices something odd about the ship. He shakes his head slightly and shrugs it off as he comes to a stop next to the Trill Doctor and her dance partner. The Romulan towers over the pair, but smiles politely and asks the woman, would you mind if I stole you for a dance?"

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "She had better not mind me cutting in on this little whelp."

Randal nods as the Romulan moves over to the dance floor, then frowns suddenly, looking around. "What's the deal. Are the inertial dampers wigging out on us or something?"

Park nods, seemingly satisfied. "Very well, Captain. I'll pass that along. Park out." A glance at Lopez. "What are you doing out here, Ana?", he asks, pausing at the door.

"Not unless they've changed something," Harris replies before he grins at Meg. "A trip to the core, hm? Didn't we leave that on the station?"

Lopez crosses her arms. "What can I say, Sir... the earth moved for me."

As the music is toned down a little, Dane's just about to move into a more close position with her current partner when their approched by the Romulan. With a little smile and a wink at her partner she says. "Sorry hun, your getting cut." She then holds out her hand to Kran'dok and smiles up at him. "With pleasure. " She says.

Donavon pokes her husband's ribcage. "Funny ha-ha. I know you're dying to see this lady's heart and soul." Eyes gesture to the ship. "They're shorthanded. Might mingle on through to offer a hand?"

Park waves her back. "Oh, no. If /I/ have to be in there making nice and putting on a happy face, so you do.", he says, but it is good natured in tone.

Beyond the window, sparks of light -- rather like lightning bolts -- start to flash. The vibration doesn't increase, though, and the Gorn and the Tholian have front-row seats for the display happening outside.

Takamura hmms softly with as he listens to Harris' reply. He's happy that Meg intends to dance with her husband instead of him. As he begins to continue towards the bar, he notices the light show and changes course for the windows.

Kran'dok grins with relief and takes the woman's hand then wraps an arm around her back. "I am glad to hear it. I could not very well stay away when a song like this came up." He looks around the room one last time before firmly fixing his attention on the Trill, grinning happily. The Romulan moves with a prescision and confidence that suggests he might know a little something about dance.

. o O Takamura thinks, "Alright, I /know/ that the fireworks aren't scheduled for now. So, what the heck is going on out there?"

Lopez snorts explains to Park, "The difference is, I do it better because I am sincere, Aaron. I wanted to poke around a bit... you know, about this delicately rigged up old maid." she lowers her voice, and peeks back into the rec room, but does not reenter. "Do you know, most of its complex functions aren't even being done BY this ship?"

Dane lets a hand curl around the Romulan's waist and the other goes to his shoulder as she sways in time to the music. "I'm surprised you left it this long. " She says smiling up at him. "Your not one to share often. " She adds glancing towards the window. "Strange. " She mutters.

Harris shakes his head, turning toward the door. "I thought I retired," he replies softly to Meg as he walks slowly toward the door. "Besides, I don't think it's too serious."

"The fireworks starting already?" Randal says wryly, stepping toward the viewports to join the Tholian and Gorn in their observation of the phenomenon. He doesn't seem overly concerned.

Park holds up a hand. "Hold that thought.", he says. "I need to go inside for a second before I sneak out again." With that, Aaron moves back into the room and up to Harris. "The Captain says it's just an ion storm that popped up. They're plotting a course around, but they said the shield will hold."

Donavon wrinkles her nose at him. "Who else on this jury-rigged vessel knows her systems better? Retired or not, you're itching." She brushes against his side on the way out. "Besides, I'm curious to see history up close."

A bright flash of light appears beyond the window, and a long, shuddering vibration ripples through the deck. As it does, the ship's computer comes over the intercom. "Yellow alert. Yellow alert. All hands, general quarters."

The Tholian stops chiming -- in fact, it almost seems to wail softly at the Gorn. "It's not right!" the translator renders.

The band valiantly keeps playing, refusing to let a bit of turbulence stop them.

Kran'dok chuckles good naturedly. "No, not usually, but I am trying to make an exception tonight. Besides, how could I interrupt you fun," he says sincerely. His attention seems fixed on the woman and flow of music, not paying the rest of the situation any notice.

. o O Kran'dok feels relieved and happy, much at home.

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "Well at least she does not seem to mind too much. Let those who are allowed to do something help. We would just get in the way and are only passengers today. Besides ...... Oh crud, just when things were getting nice we go to alert."

Dane eyes go front again and she nods her head. "It was find, I had my fun. " she says stepping closer and not paying any attention to what's happening outside.

. o O Lopez thinks, "No puede ser serio."

Randal frowns, looking over at the Tholian. "It's just ion storm," he comments, although the increased vibration lends a shakiness to his tone, in more ways then one. "Though... maybe it wouldn't hurt to clear off from the window."

. o O Lopez thinks, "You have GOT to be kidding me."

Harris shakes his head. "I'm a pilot, not an engineer," he replies to Meg. "But, hey, I'll see what I can do." So it is that he exits the recreation room.

Lopez lurches with the shudder, hand to the wall in case a balancing act needs to take place.

Captain Garza's voice comes over the intercom. "Attention all hands, this is the captain speaking. We're currently encountering an uncharted ion storm of severe force nine. It's going to cause a few bumps, but nothing that Lexi can't handle. Please remain calm, in your present location, and we'll get through this together. All Starfleet personnel, stand by to assist civilian passengers as needed. Garza out."

Park glances over at the Tholian, considering something for a moment and then moves in his direction. "I'm sorry, sir, but what do you mean, it's not right?", he asks.

Outside the Rec-Room, Meg's good mood shifts to on-duty mode, serious minded as her lips settle to a thin line. "Rob?" she inquires, obviously requesting verification to Garza's announcement. "What are the chances?"

Kran'dok glides almost seemlessly with the shudder and does his best to hold tightly on to the Trill to keep them upright and together. "Well, it seems like everything will be alright, though dancing is a bit difficult. I do love a challenge though," he says with an impish grin. "You are Starfleet here, so I will follow your lead and directions when you are ready. For now I am enjoying the show." He nearly stumbles again with another shudder, but manages to slide it into a dance move.

When the ship goes to yellow alert, Takamura looks around the room. "Yes, please stand back from the window, just to be safe." Mark your calendars. Takamura just agreed with Randal.

The Gorn looks toward Randal and Takamura. "I have never ssseen him sso agitated," he remarks softly, apparently referring to the Tholian.

The Tholian just wails again, its legs clicking on the deck plating. "-It's not right-!" it repeats, clearly shaken now.

Dane looks up as the captain speaks and looks a little worried when she's bumped around alittle. She smirks at the Romulan and shakes her head. "I'm still on leave remeber. " She says a little bitter, though she does seems to enjoy this part of her leave.

GAME: Park spends a courage point.

GAME: Park contests his Xeno Bioscience+A vs Challenging and Dramatically Fails.

"Of?" Harris asks as he turns toward the nearest turbolift? "Riding out an ion storm? These ships are meant for worse punishment than that."

Randal peers over at Takamura. Of course, now that /he's/ suggested, Randal gets that defiant expression that seems to indicate he's not going to move. He glances to the Gorn after a moment. "I wouldn't know. I've never seen him before, period," he comments. "But yeah, he sounds pretty riled about the storm."

Donavon lifts a hand to Lopez. "What are you doing out here?" Shrugging, she dismisses the question. "Want to join us? Heading for engineering."

Lopez is still outside the rec room. "The odds of what, L-T?" she asks. "Meg, got a PADD on hand?" she asks, fishing hers out again.

Donavon digs her PADD and tricorder from their concealed spots. "Sure. Got specifics for a scan? You seem to know something I don't," is said in soft amusement, but curious all the same.

Kran'dok continues gently swaying and flowing with the music even as the ship shudders beneath them. "Maybe, but you are still an officer and one that outranks me at that," he adds before letting the subject drop. He continues to enjoy her company for a while longer before looking up to double check that everyone is indeed alright.

Harris pauses, glancing back over his shoulder at Donavon and Lopez. He doesn't seem to be worried, either.

Takamura sighs softly, shaking his head at Randal's sudden defiance. Looking to the Gorn, he suggests, "Maybe he's sensitive to the vibrations of the ion storms?"

Lopez lifts a shoulder, and cues up the transmit of the information she's gotten from the computer, hers to Donavons. "I'll pass on that field-trip. I'd be as useful as a brick in a bowl of tapioca. But interesting tidbits... May come in handy, while you assist your civilian. I've got my combadge."

"Not right how, exactly, sir?", Park presses, digging a tricorder out of his jacket pocket and pulling out the diagnostic wand, running it from the Tholian's head to his toes. Or what passes for a head and toes on a Tholian.

Donavon raps her combadge from its hidden spot before glancing at her PADD. "Huh. Very interesting." Smile as she stows away the tricorder. "Want to take a detour to this?" Rap on the PADD.

GAME: Park contests his Personal Equipment/Tricorder vs Challenging and Fails.

There's another flash of light and a long, rolling rumble through the superstructure of the ship. The Gorn steps back from the window, still watching the Tholian with some concern. "Perhapsss," it allows. "But I have never ssseen an agitated Tholian. Have you?" There's a note to his voice that seems to imply this is a rare event.

The Tholian wails again. "-EVERYTHING-!" As if to make its point, it stabs a leg toward the window. "EVERYTHING!"

Randal steps back, more so from the Tholian than from the viewport. "I have now," he mutters to the Gorn, watching the Tholian with an eye of concern.

"Best place to go is probably the bridge," Harris replies, glancing at the corridor walls. "So, I'm headed up there." Without further ado, he heads for the turbolift once again.

Takamura shakes his head at the Gorn. "This is the first time I'm seen a Tholian in person, so this is all new to me." Glancing to Park, he inquires, "What's bothering him, Doc?"

Kran'dok's attention is caught by the Tholian making a scene as he continues to dance with the Trill. He holds on almost tightly for fear of her falling or being torn away. The Romulan still manages to follow the music fairly well despite the shacking of the ship.

Park snaps the tricorder closed and replaces it into his pocket. "I have no idea.", he admits. "All I /do/ know is that Tholians don't get agitated. I don't like this." A quick glance around the room. "Where did the the rest of our group go? The Captain ordered everyone to stay put."

Randal rolls his eyes. "Does it really matter that everyone stay for the entire reception, especially given the change in weather?" He comments to Park with no small amount of sarcasm. "Besides, they're probably safer than in a large room on the outer hull." He glances around. "Maybe we're just over-reacting here, huh? I mean, it is only an ion storm."

"Any asks," Meg begins, "I'm protecting a civilian." Half amused, she chews her bottom lip to re-consider the PADD's information. "How many ion storms do you recall being between the Station and Dulcais? First turbulent ride I've had there."

The Lexington suddenly jerks upward, like a prize fighter taking one directly on the chin, while another bolt of light -- quite possibly one of the brightest things anyone's seen recently -- erupts beyond the window. The red alert klaxon sounds, along with the coolness of the computer's voice. "Red alert, red alert. All hands to battle stations. Repeat, all hands to battle stations."

People go flying about the room, save for the Tholian, whose wailing rises to a high-pitched squeal. "NOW YOU WILL SEE!" the translator spits out after a moment.

GAME: Donavon spends a courage point.

GAME: Takamura has the merit of Athletic Ability at 2.

GAME: Kran'dok contests his Coordination/Reaction vs Challenging and Dramatically Succeeds.

GAME: Donavon contests her Coordination/Reaction+A vs Challenging and Fails.

GAME: Harris contests his Coordination/Reaction vs Challenging and Succeeds.

GAME: Donavon contests her Fitness/Vitality vs Moderate and Marginally Succeeds.

GAME: Takamura contests his Coordination/Reaction+A vs Challenging and Succeeds.

GAME: Randal contests his Coordination/Reaction vs Challenging and Succeeds.

GAME: Park contests his Coordination/Reaction vs Challenging and Fails.

GAME: Dane contests her Coordination/Reaction vs Challenging and Fails.

GAME: Park contests his Fitness/Vitality vs Moderate and Fails.

GAME: Dane contests her Fitness/Vitality vs Moderate and Succeeds.

When the ship jerks, Takamura scrambles to maintain his footing on the shifting deckplates. While the red alert klaxons sound, he looks about the room to see how everyone else faired.

Raggedy Anne Donavon flops at the sudden jerk, causing her to bounce off the bulkhead. Hands against the wall, she scans out for Rob, chewing off a curse. "Some storm. You okay?"

Harris keeps his feet, glancing back over his shoulder. "Yeah. You? Ana?"

. o O Harris thinks, "One -hell- of a storm."

Randal drops to a couch as the deck bucks beneath him, leaning into the pitch in order to keep himself upright as he skids across the deck a bit. "Did we hit something?!" he shouts over the din.

Apparently, being behind the Tholian isn't the place to be. Nothing to hold onto, so Park goes flying, literally, across the room. Thankfully, the tables are bolted to the floor, which arrests his flight at the cost of a sickening 'crack' as his chest slams into the side. This, though, has the unfortunate effect of folding the man in half and cracking his head on the table top. Park slides off the table and onto the ground, conscious, but bleeding from a gash on his forehead.

Kran'dok continues smoothly dancing as if nothing is going on. Suddenly the ship lurches significantly. The Romulan manages to keep his balance, but notices the Trill loosing her's. He deftly twists so that one leg slides out and he manuvers her into a deep dip. He gazes into the womans eyes for a moment, grinning proudly. "What do you say we go for a seat. It seems to be getting a little rough now. Maybe you could even help Doctor Park if he needs it."

Dane nods her head. "Well I do out rank you that's for sure, but not in smarts and tactics. " She says as the ships rock she's about to kiss the floor when the Romulan catchs her. "Thank, love. " She says smiling up at him. "And a seat would be a good idea. "

"You serious?" Donavon jesting in retaliation. "Takes more force to keep me down." Shaking off the mild numbness one feels upon collision, she approaches Lopez. "You whole?" Eyes, concerned, examine the female, with a slight dart to Harris.

"Mostly," says Ana with a wince.

As the Gorn pushes to his feet, a ship that resembles the Thomas Paine goes racing past the window behind him, purple beams criss-crossing behind it, before three Jem'Hadar Attack Fighters appear, apparently in hot persuit. The Lexington is nowhere near that nimble, of course, but she starts with evasive manuevers as well, considering the amount of corkscrewing that the stars do beyond the window.

Harris nods once, turning toward the turbolift again -- this time on the run.

"You heard the Capt'n," comments Donavon to Lopez. "All hands." She follows after her husband.

Park manages to grab onto the side of the table and haul himself up a little bit; one arm across his ribcage.

Takamura assesses the situation in the room quickly. Seeing Park down, he looks for Dane. "Dr. Dane, please see if who's hurt. Is there anyone else here that is medically qualified?" He asks as he move closer to the CMO. "Are you alright, Aaron? You took quite a spill."

Lopez limps a few paces on bruised limbs after Donavon before working up to a loping run. "I heard, I heard, don't wait for me," she says, going full tilt after the pair.

Randal turns toward the viewport as the view has undergone a rather drastic change. "We're under attack!" he remarks. He stands up, and jogs toward the corridor exit.

Kran'dok manuvers over to the table Park just fell on. He supports the Trill woman on the way and goes over to the Doctor. "Do you require asistance sir? I will do what I can to help you," he says looking slightly concerned as he hovers over the Doctor.

. o O Takamura thinks, "Just great. Now Randal is going to try to run amok about the ship."

"Feels like I cracked a couple of ribs.", Park replies as blood begins streaming down his face. "If we're going to battle stations, I should be in the Infirmary."

Kran'dok nods resolutely, full of determination. "So should we then. Give me your arm and I will help you there," he says as he reaches out for the man. "I may not be a doctor, but if we are boarded some one will need to be in the infirmary."

The ship suddenly rocks with a staccato of hits, the lights flashing on and off. Beyond the viewport, the Paine blots two of the fighters from the sky, coming about rather abruptly and wiping the third from the sky before rocketing back toward the Lexington. It grows extremely large, filling the view -- then apparently rockets past, perhaps with scraping paint off the hull.

Harris slams up against the turbolift call button because of the impacts, then pushes himself off the wall. "Should go on vacation more often," he grumbles. "I really need to learn to keep my mouth shut."

. o O Harris is extremely irritated.

Park allows the Romulan to help him to his feet, though it is accompanied by a wince and sharp intake of breath before he actually makes it. "Tak, contact the bridge and see if they need any help. Advise them that I'm heading down to the Infirmary and will be able to start treating as soon as I'm taken care of." To Kran'dok, he adds, "I guess there's no time like the present. Let's go."

Randal, meanwhile, clears into the corridor, shouldering the wall opposite the door to keep his balance against the rumbling of battle. "Mind if I join you?" He calls to the gathering at the turbolift. "I understand this ship is short on crewmembers."

Kran'dok takes the man's arm over his shoulder and wraps his own arm around under the Doctor's shoulder. He turns to look at Takamura. "Sir, I will be in the infirmary. Should some one need an extra security officer or wonder where I am, that is it." Without further hesitation the leads the two Doctors out the door and towards the Infirmary. "I hope you know how to get there sir," he says to Park.

Takamura steadies himself against the table as the ship makes more evasive manuvers. "Very well. I'll let them know." Tapping his commbadge, he says, "Lieutenant Takamura to bridge."

"We're Mister & Misses Action Duo. It's in our wedding contract, no R&R on vacations." Donavon teases to keep cool and lurches forward into the lift as it opens wide. Down to one knee, she smirks and attempts to push up. A glance over her shoulder pinpoints the other two. "Doozy of a last step." Then, she fishes for her combadge. "Might as well let the Captain know of our impending arrival."

Lopez thuds against the same wall as Harris, some several feet along, only just barely saving herself from going sprawling. "Yeah, what IS it with you? Break a lot of mirrors as a kid? You'd think, with your advanced age..." Lopez says, tossing herself into the lift, and bracing it against closing with her arm. "C'mon," she says. "Where are the rest?"

Harris hops into the lift as it opens. "Who knows?" he asks as he reaches for one of the handles. "Load up, they'll catch up with us. Bridge!"

"Bridge!" someone yells out of Takamura's commbadge, sounding very, very young -- and not like Captain Garza. "Cadet Montgomery here!"

The Tholian falls silent, finally, his leg lowering back to the deck.

Takamura says, "Cadet, Doctor Park is heading to the infirmary to take care of wounded. I am on my way to the bridge. Who is in charge up there?"

Donavon taps the combadge. "Lieutenant Donavon to Bridge." A hand clutches a bar in the lift, gripping harder to prevent being tossed.

Randal slips into the turbolift behind Harris and the others, trying to clear it before the doors close. "I'm coming with, if you don't mind," he remarks with a faint smirk.

The voice out of the communicator is filled with fear. "Captain's dead, sir. I'm all that's left up here." She pauses for a moment. "I don't know how much longer I can outrun them, sir."

Donavon's communicator cuts in right before 'I'm all that's left up here'.

Takamura rushes out the doorway to head for the turbolift. "Hang on a little longer, Cadet. Help is on the way."

Lopez lets go of the door track, no sooner does Randal make the number four. As it closes, she gives the panel a thump. "Your skin," she says, and also under her breath hearing the communicator, "Bridge, bridge, bridge, gogogo."

"Hold tight. Four enroute to provide assistance in T-minus 2." Donavon eyes the group, nodding to Harris. "Hiroshi, everyone good where you are?"

"The more, the merrier," Harris replies to Randal as the lift rockets upward. As the doors open on the bridge, it's clearly evident that at least part of the room's on fire -- and the only moving figure is the one solitary body hunched over the helm -- a brunette human female, crying as she tries to keep the ship moving. The viewscreen shows a raging battle in progress -- Dominion and Starfleet vessels pounding on each other, with the Starfleet vessels possessing the upper hand -- at least for the moment.

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "I hate to miss the action, but I will be damned if I am letting Mir out of my sight in a dangerous situation like this. She and Park both need help getting to the infirmary."

After a few moments, meanwhile, Kran'dok and Park reach the antiquated sickbay. There's already several bodies waiting, and Park throws himself into work, barking orders to what few blueshirts there are -- even through the blood running down his face.

"Oh God," Randal mutters, taken by the devastation wrought upon the bridge. Then he focuses on the viewscreen. "A Dominion attack? The ion storm was some kind of cover for an ambush?"

Takamura waits somewhat impatiently for the turbolift to return for him. "Park has some broken ribs, but will be alright. Everyone else has just minor bumps and bruises. What's the situation?"

GAME: Donavon contests her Search vs Challenging and Fails.

Donavon reacts to the scene. "Rob, helm. You're our best bet to fly out of this." She turns on heel to reach a console to verify tactical resources. "Lopez, Randal, there should be an extinguisher. I can't spot it through the haze." She coughs into her fist.

GAME: Lopez spends a courage point.

Donavon adds on the combadge, "All down save for the Cadet, Lieutenant. Main bridge is on fire. Attempting to defuse and checking tactical. Shields are at..." Cough.

GAME: Lopez contests her Search+A vs Challenging and Marginally Fails.

GAME: Randal spends a courage point.

GAME: Randal contests his Search+A vs Challenging and Succeeds.

Kran'dok nods with satisfaction as Doctor Park manages to get to the infirmary in one peice. "We should go to the bridge to see if anyone there needs help. It seems that the medical staff here has things under control." The Romulan begins to make his way towards the nearest lift.

GAME: Harris contests his Shipboard Systems vs Moderate and Marginally Fails.

"It's alright," Harris tells the cadet as he eases her out of the seat and replaces her behind the helm. "We're here now. I've got phaser control." His eyes trace the console for a few moments. "We're hurting pretty bad," he calls. "I think, at least. I don't speak engineer. Recommend running away."

GAME: Donavon spends a courage point.

GAME: Donavon contests her Shipboard Systems/Tactical+A vs Moderate and Marginally Fails.

Lopez puts her arm up against the stinging heat, the roll of smoke that tickles down her airway. She cuts right through the bridge area, leaving Randal to search the left. Whatever it is she says through the noise and the shaking-- well, its not intelligible, but it doesn't sound very nice. "Not over here," she shouts, coughing a few times.

Randal waves his hands to clear the haze from his eyes as he seeks out the extinguisher. He manages to find out, and starts spraying out the fire. "I can take engineering," he shouts, between burts of extinguishing. "Sort of."

The ship rocks violently once again, and the engineering console next to the turbolift explodes.

Cadet Montgomery, meanwhile, continues to sob. "I tried..." she repeats over and over again. "I tried."

. o O Lopez thinks, "And a Happy Federation day to you."

GAME: Harris spends a courage point.

Donavon coughs again as the ship lurches, hands clutched to the console. "Good going Randal. Assist the Cadet to Science. Get a read for Rob to assist in maneuvering out. Cadet, you did what you could." Head snapping, "Lopez," she orders, "make connection to the Paine. Inform them Harris is going to pull us out." She winces at the readouts and smacks the console. "Can't get a fix on shields and weaponry." She tries again.

GAME: Donavon contests her Shipboard Systems/Tactical+A vs Moderate and Succeeds.

Takamura braces himself against the bulkhead while the ship bucks again. As soon as the turbolift doors open, the Japanese man slips inside, grabbing one of the handles so he doesn't get jostled more. "Bridge."

GAME: Harris contests his Shipboard Systems/Flight Control+A vs Challenging and Marginally Fails.

GAME: Lopez contests her Shipboard Systems/Communications vs Challenging and Succeeds.

Harris keeps working the helm. "I can't shake them," he calls over his shoulder. "They're all over us, and we're a bloated cow in comparison." That doesn't stop him from trying, though, even as the ship shakes under another impact.

"Shield integrity at 17, Lieutenant, and severely dropping. We're left with fully charged phasers." Eyes glance again to the console and back at Takamura. "All torps are rigged as fireworks. We could fire 'em in the Jem'Hadar's path. Cause a distraction to buy Rob time to jerk the Lexington free of this melee." Donavon preps to fire upon command.

Ana plucks the ear piece from a downed officer (for the record, ew) and holds it near her face. She punches at the terminal, "Lexington to Paine, come in Paine, this is LTJG Lopez, LEXINGTON is severely damaged, repeat TOAST, all bridge crew down... Require assistance, over!"

Randal drops the extinguisher unceremoniously and steps over to the Cadet. "Come with me. We need you." He steps over to the science console with the Cadet and starts the scan. Likely, he'll end up doing the work what with the Cadet being in bad shape. "I can try and do something with to give you more speed in the engines in a bit..."

Takamura steps off the turbolift, heading for the command chair, using the railings to keep from being thrown too much. "Donavon, lay down some suppressive fire with the phasers first. If Thorne can get us that speed, we'll use the torpedoes to cover our escape."

Kran'dok manages to quickly make his way to the nearest lift. He grabs one of the hand rails. "Bridge," he demands authoritatively.

GAME: Randal spends a courage point.

GAME: Randal contests his Shipboard Systems+A vs Moderate and Succeeds.

GAME: Donavon contests her Shipboard Systems vs Challenging and Fails.

GAME: Harris spends a courage point.

Donavon nods to Takamura. "Rob has phaser controls, sir. Working on boosting our shields."

Montgomery continues to sob in her chair. She's pretty much worthless at this point.

GAME: Harris contests his Shipboard Systems+A vs Moderate and Succeeds.

Randal shouts, "Rob! Check out heading 216 mark 10," he calls out, peering into the sensor hood. "There's an opening in the Dominion fleet that we can use to get out of this furball." He looks around. "Engineering... which console's engineering?" He goes down the row of consoles along the bridge.

Dane is by the Romulan's side trying to keep balanced. "What's happening?" she asks quietly very confused and waoried it seems also for Park. "And why the bridge?"

GAME: Harris contests his Shipboard Systems/Flight Control+A vs Challenging and Succeeds.

Harris keeps his gaze in the tactical viewer. "Suppression fire, aye," he calls. "Evasive manuevers, pattern delta." As the ship veers around, he swallows hard. "Hang on."

Kran'dok looks back at the Trill Doctor. "Because it seems like the right thing to do. If Park needs your help, I will be here with you. Just give the word, bridge for possible casualties or helping in the Infirmary." He holds the doors to the lift open for a few moments waiting for her to make the right decision.

Dane nods her head. "Come on then lets see what's going on here. " She says slowly and steps out. "Did you get a medical kit?" she asks.

A Dominion ship spirals out of control after Harris' phaser blast, followed by two more. The Lexington rockets through the hole in the Dominion lines, darting into the safety of the Starfleet ships that surround them.

Meanwhile, on the speakers, there's a familiar voice -- an all too familiar voice, in fact. "I trust, Lexington, that you have a reasonable excuse for being here?" Akeen Ghorev asks over the communications channel.

Takamura manages to settle into the command chair just as Harris begins his evasive manuvers. He holds onto the armrests since there are no seatbelts on this ride. "Commander, we were on a routine passage from the station to Dulcais Prime. There shouldn't have been any Dominion activity in the area."

Kran'dok shakes his head negatively. "Not yet. I can help with triage, but I can not read your equipment. I only have a general Romulan Tricorder. Give me orders and I can perform genearl treatment." He hurries after the woman, smiling proudly at her.

. o O Kran'dok feels confident and hopefull.

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "This is the Mirantha Dane I love. She is so strong and confident when she wants to be."

Dane nods her head, she feel a little something stare inside her as she perpares to do what she was trained for a little excitment and a little worry fridges on her mind. "Is there anyone hurt." She calls, looking around ready to help those that are injured. "When we get back I'll teach you how to read our equipment. "

Randal scowls as he finally locates the right console. "Reasonable excuse? I've got your reasonable excuse right here," Randal comments, a little too loud perhaps, and sounding just a tad irate. "I'm going to see to the engines. Should I try to get us warp speed, or are we going to stick this out at impulse?"

GAME: Donavon spends a courage point.

GAME: Donavon contests her Shipboard Systems+A vs Challenging and Marginally Succeeds.

"I'm all for getting the hell out of here," Harris calls over his shoulder.

"Rob, does nav controls confirm the Captain's announcement? We did divert from our flight pattern to avoid the storm?" Donavon inquires while in the midst re-configuring. Then in a professional tone, meant to be heard by Takamura, she states, "Shields now at thirty percent. Attempting to reach full, sir."

The viewscreen slowly flickers to life, revealing Commander Ghorev, seated in the center chair of the Thomas Paine.

There are differences, though. The interior decoration is done in black, yet has a cushy look to it -- like the person who sits there is meant to enjoy his power.

Ghorev, too, is different, hair spiked, and a cruel scar running up his left cheek and underneath a black eyepatch. His uniform is totally black, save for the communicator on his chest -- a knife impaling a Starfleet delta.

"Your passage has been anything but routine, Mister Takamura," the man on the screen replies. "I'm afraid you're in far more trouble than you realize."

TO BE CONTINUED...