<USS Avalon> Returning to the Avalon

 
Returning to the Avalon 
2007:03.16 
Starring: Captain Skyler, Captain Adrian Phillips,  Lieutenant Moreya, Lt. 
James Henderson, Ensign Sera Teryn, Ensign Delaney Scott,  Yeoman Francher and 
Tavi 

Having finished her talk with Ms. Francher,  Skyler decided it was time to 
assemble the away team to return to the Avalon-B  and gather up what had 
hurriedly been left behind. Entering the bridge, she  stood next to Moreya. 
"Well, 
Lieutenant. We have been cleared to return to the  Avalon-B for one last time. 
Gather whatever gear you may  need and remember that whatever happens we do not 
want to bring over  anything that would contaminate this ship. You will need 
an EVA suit as will  everyone else.  I will gather the rest of the  team."

Skyler tapped her comm badge. "Will the following please report to  the 
shuttle bay for an away mission. EVA suits are required. Yeoman Francher,  
Captain 
Phillips, Lt. Henderson, Doctors Cazook and/or Mahler, Ensign Teryn or  Lt. 
K'etrall, and Ensign Delaney Scott. We will meet in 10 minutes.  Skyler  out."  
She already knew that Tavi was going
to want to go along, so she  was going to have to make sure she was safe. 
Before leaving the bridge she  looked at Lyta, who was at Helm. "You have the 
bridge." With that she  turned to return to her quarters to gather Tavi and 
what 
other supplies she  would need.

"Phillips here, be ready to meet you at the shuttle bay in  5." Adrian's 
voice spoke as he moved from his desk to the security locker and  began to get 
the 
necessary items he needed for the journey. He imagined the need  for a 
security officer was more of a formality then anything else since they had  
cleared 
the ship, but no matter he was called in and should prepare  accordingly.

Moreya went quickly to the main Science labs, picking up the  equipment she 
had arranged to have ready for this mission:  a bio sampling  kit, portable 
analysis gear, and some extra life support packs for her EVA  suit.  Anything 
more than a cursory analysis of the neuro-gel packs that  were the guts of the 
Avalon-B's computer systems was going to take some time,  and the risk of 
bringing samples aboard the new Avalon was high.  Better to  try and do the 
work 
aboard the Avalon-B. As she headed down to the shuttle bay,  gear in tow, she 
made a note to ask one of the assigned engineers about the  possibility of 
getting some of the Avalon-B's own analysis gear  running. 

Skyler walked into her quarters and found that indeed Tavi  was ready. "I 
take it you heard my announcement over the comm system. Do you  have everything 
you need to return to the Avalon-B? I have asked Yeoman Francher  to join us as 
you requested. She may be of some assistance after all." She  noticed that 
the door to her room was open and that Tery had apparently  left.  I wonder who 
is going to show up for engineering? Tery or  K'etrall?

Changing into another uniform, Skyler gathered up the  PADDs she had brought 
with her from the Avalon-B. Going back was going to be  somewhat traumatic 
considering all that had happened aboard her, however things  had changed for 
the 
better now that they were on the new ship. All that was left  was to gather 
left over items and purge the data banks. She just hoped she  didn't have to 
destroy the B. But...if needed she would do it.

Looking  around she did one last pass of the room.  "Hey Tavi, let's get a 
move on.  We don't want to be the last ones to arrive. Move along cadet.  
Time's 
 a-wastin." Hurrying along Tavi caught up with  Skyler. She was excited at 
the prospect of going back to the old ship. She  still had a few things she 
wanted to get. "Once we get on the ship is it alright  if I go with Ms. 
Francher? 
I don't want to be in the way."  


"You won't be in the way, but sure. Go ahead and hang  out with Ms. Francher. 
Just don't stray too far from her. Understand?" 

 
Chuckling Tavi saluted, "Yes Ma'am." The two made their  way to the 
shuttlebay. The excitement showing on Tavi's face. She would be able  to find 
the stuff 
left by the engineer. 


Sitting in her office, K'etrall's head was pounding.  Bobby had been correct; 
she was paying for trying to forget. Live and  learn.  She really had no 
desire to go on an away mission.  Then in  the pain a thought protruded -- the 
Captain had given her an out. Tapping her  comm badge she spoke calmly, "Ensign 
Teryn report to my office at once."   She should be willing to go.  From what I 
could sense she would enjoy  spending more time with the captain.
Tery had been in Engineering, working on recalibrating an  ODN relay when the 
call had come from the bridge.  Her heart leapt at  Skyler's voice speaking 
her name, even if it was over the comm  and totally related to business.  That 
did not matter to her heart.   But she covered quickly and finished the 
recalibration, gathering her  tools.  She would find the chief and offer to go 
in 
her place.  Now to  find K'etrall...

K'etrall's  call to her answered the question of where the chief was.  Tery  
touched her comm badge and headed toward the office as quickly as she could  
without running over other engineers in the process.  "On my way."   She 
answered, only moments before reaching the door and tapping the  chime.

Upon hearing the chime K'etrall slowly lifted  her head. She had discovered 
that if she raised it too fast it hurt more. Once  she was presentable she 
answered the chime with the simple command, "Enter  Ensign Teryn."

Tery thought she sensed something in the other woman, but  she let it go.  It 
was not her place to question her superior officer,  after all.  Besides, 
that was not why she'd come here.  She entered  and stood in front of the desk, 
keeping her tongue by sheer force of will - she  wanted so badly to just ask to 
go - and waited for K'etrall to speak her  mind.  She had, after all, called 
Tery in here.

"Ensign I have an  assignment for you, if you are interested? I need you to 
grab an emergency  engineering kit and an isolation chamber of some kind. There 
is an away team  leaving immediately returning to the Avalon-B to gather 
items that were left  behind. We may have to bring back one of the infected gel 
packs. It is  of utmost importance that you keep it isolated. We don't need to 
infect this  ship as well."  
Getting up K'etrall slowly walked over to her  replicator and got herself 
some juice. Once she had returned to her desk she  took some pills from her 
desk 
and swallowed them. Damn I wish this headache  would go away.   "Also I need 
you to bring back anything from  engineering that might be important. We've yet 
to put this ship through its  paces and any extra parts would be great. You 
will need to grab an EVA suit and  meet the away team in the shuttlebay. Think 
you are up to this  assignment?"

How fortuitous could this be!  Tery had  hoped to come in here and persuade 
K'etrall to allow her to go, but instead  she'd come in to be asked to go!  Of 
course, she was up to  it! 

 
"Of course, chief,"  she answered, holding  back a grin by sheer will.  "Is 
there anything specific you want me to look  for besides the corrupted 
gelpack?" 



 
Trying to decide what would be of importance K'etrall  remained silent for a 
moment. "I am going to trust your judgment. If you find  anything you think is 
important bring it back. If you are concerned or don't  know for sure ask 
Captain Skyler. She has the ultimate vote. You better get  going or you are 
going 
to miss the away team."  


 
Tery nodded. "Thank you, Chief."  She  offered, turning then and leaving the 
office.  First, she gathered the  tools she might need and strapped them to 
her tool belt.  Then she went to  claim an EVA suit and headed for the 
shuttlebay.  The fact  that the chief trusted her judgment said a lot to Tery.  
She 
determined not  to let that faith be misplaced. 


 
Dr. Mahler, already headed towards the turbolift from  Sickbay, with other 
ideas on his mind, stored them, made a quick halt and headed  back to where he 
could pick up a med kit and headed once again to the 'lift. An  EVA suit? he 
thought. He tapped his comm badge. "Mahler, on my way to the  shuttle bay."  He 
entered the turbolift. "Shuttle bay." He watched as the  doors closed and 
wondered what lay  ahead.




When Laney had heard the summons from Captain Skyler,  she was initially 
stunned to have been included in the salvage party. Why would  the captain want 
her to go? she wondered. But then she shook that off and  thanked the older 
woman silently for the obvious confidence she was showing. The  talk they had 
had 
the day of her physical and now her inclusion in this mission  meant Skyler 
really was going to giver her a chance to prove she still had a  right to wear 
the uniform. Or at least, re-earn that  right.

Since it seemed that  there would be at least eight or nine crew members 
going over to the Avalon B  for the salvage operation, Laney decided to prep 
the 
Lancelot, the  Merlin, and the Arthur. The first two were Type 11 shuttles  and 
the Arthur a runabout, and all were capable of carrying ten  passengers plus 
crew. The larger passenger compartments meant that they would be  able to 
carry more stuff back from the other ship.  Two or three per  shuttle would 
work  
perfectly.

When she had  finished, on a whim she decided to prep Einin as well. Deltas, 
too,  could carry ten plus crew, and four shuttles could carry more personal  
belongings and equipment than three. Of course she would be flying her own 
ship,  and as she sat in the pilot's chair, she was surprised to find herself 
wondering  if the marine captain would want to crew with her. Laney shook her 
head  forcefully to dispel the thought. Adrian Phillips was a Marine, and 
captain. And  if he ever found out about her, he'd probably pull that weapon he 
kept  
strapped to his leg and shoot her in the face. There was zero chance for 
romance  with the guy.

Whoa---wait a  minute!

Laney sat  stock-still. Where the hell did that come from? she asked herself. 
  Romance? What had made her think about that? She smiled even as she 
answered her  own question. Um, hello, he's hot! And it really wasn't until 
that  
moment that she realized just how much she wanted romance in her life, how much 
 
she had missed not having it. Having been so structured early in her life  
because of her unique abilities, then occupied with her career, and then locked 
 
up in prison for so long after becoming a Changeling, romance and love hadn't  
really been things she'd had time or inclination to consider. Of course, she  
couldn't really consider it now, either. She was a Changeling, and the havoc  
they had caused the Federation before she even knew she was one of them had  
doomed her to a life of  solitude.

Delaney sighed and  finished prepping Einin for flight, refusing to 
acknowledge as she pulled an  environmental suit out of a storage locker in the 
back 
that the sigh had held an  air of sadness. Just as she refused to acknowledge 
the thrilling rush of  adrenaline when she exited her shuttle and saw Captain 
Phillips (and a  lieutenant she hadn't met before) waiting next to the Merlin. 
The shuttle bay was relatively quiet, just the low hum of  the shuttle as it 
sat there, powered up and waiting for the away team to take  her out. Adrian 
placed his rifle on the inside of the shuttle door and checked  the rest of his 
gear nearby and waited around for the rest of the team to  arrive. He didn't 
know who was planned to be there, but it didn't really matter,  he would just 
be sitting around waiting for something bad to happen either  way.

The Science Officer was the first to arrive, walking across the  shuttle bay 
with one bag slung over her shoulder and a large case on a small  anti-grav 
sled in tow.  "Good day, Captain Phillips," she said, offering  Adrian a 
friendly smile.  "A pleasure to make your acquaintance at  last."

"A pleasure indeed Lt. Moreya." Adrian replied to the woman in  front of him, 
noting the equipment behind her. "I know we are headed back for  recovery, 
but do we really need to bring along the lab with us?" He smiled and  looked 
around the room again, wondering if the ensign he met from before would  be 
around, though probably off shift.

"I'd like to do some analysis, to  find out why the bio-medium for the 
Avalon's computers failed, and it seems  better to do that over there, than 
risk 
transporting some sort of infection or  contamination to this ship," Moreya 
explained.  "And I wasn't sure how well  we'd be able to get any power to the 
existing lab facilities."

Movement  over to the side caught Adrian's attention as he looked over and 
noticed Delaney  coming out of her shuttle. He was taken back for a moment, he 
remembered hearing  her name but had just assumed that since she hadn't been in 
there at the moment  that she was off somewhere else. He smiled over and 
motioned for her to join the  duo.  "Are you coming along to join us on this 
assignment Ms. Scott?" And  she was looking good too, and that was saying a lot 
considering how flattering  those navy uniforms were. Maybe this trip won't be 
a 
waste after all, barring  any sort of hostile activity of course.

"As for the power on the  Avalon-B, we've restored some using the generators 
from the shuttles that the  marines took over, I'm sure we could power up a 
lab for a short amount of time  if necessary, it really depends on what Ms. 
Skyler wants from the computer  banks." Phillips replied to Moreya, looking 
back 
over in her direction while  still inviting Delaney to join them.   
"Yes, sir," Laney said, feeling a blush creep up as she  strode over to join 
Adrian and the lieutenant, whom she nodded at in greeting.  "I guess I'm going 
along to fly a shuttle and help carry stuff." Wanna fly  with me? she added 
silently, then chastised herself even though she hadn't  spoken the words out 
loud.  

Tery entered the  shuttlebay, grey eyes taking in those already gathered in a 
glance and  offering polite nods to the others.  She did not immediately join 
the small  cluster of talkers; however, as that would have been rude, 
interrupting  them.  But she did listen to what was being said for anything 
that 
might  serve her mission.  
 
Skyler walked into the shuttlebay along with Tavi, who  was more anxious than 
Skyler had anticipated. Upon entering she noticed Moreya  and Captain 
Phillips talking while off to the side she caught sight of Tery.  Approaching 
the 
group Skyler nodded to them all. "I see that nearly everyone is  here. Ensign 
Teryn would you please join us?" ~Please indeed. Do join  us!~ 


 
Tery smiled and approached the group.   Invited, she was no longer reticent 
to interrupt.  Anywhere you want me  to go, Skyler... she thought privately, 
listening to the rest of the  conversation carefully.  One never knew what 
tiny, 
seemingly useless, bit  of information might prove invaluable later, after 
all. 


 
"Ensign Scott I take it all the shuttles are prepped  and ready to go? I see 
you have quite a few shuttles here. Do you really think  we need them all just 
to retrieve a few personal effects?" 

 


Laney  turned to Captain Skyler. "Ma'am, if I'm not mistaken, more than 
personal items  were left behind when the crew was forced to abandon the 
Avalon-B.  
There's equipment, weapons, and cargo to retrieve as well. And while I'm sure 
 what's in the cargo bays can simply be transported to the cargo bays here on 
the  C, I think it fairly safe to assume that four shuttles is probably a 
reasonable  number when you consider all the small things we're going to 
retrieve. That's  even if we use all four of them," she finished, taking in the 
number 
of people  who were there. 


 
A thought  had occurred to her that she really wanted to voice here, but 
wasn't sure if the  captain would appreciate her opinion. She could feel all 
eyes 
on her, and then  Skyler said, "Is there something else, Ensign?" 


 
Laney  cleared her throat and straightened. "I was thinking, Captain, that it 
might be  more appropriate if we left the collection of personal effects to 
the crew  themselves, once it is deemed safe for anyone to be walking around 
without an  EVA suit on. Though I'm sure they'd understand, I'm also fairly 
certain no one  wants their stuff pawed through. Shouldn't we concentrate on 
collecting  equipment and restoring the atmosphere, so that the crew can get 
their 
things  themselves, even say a final goodbye in private?"  



 
"The only issue that would come up in this case Captain  would be that of 
time," Adrian said.  "Ms. Laney's idea is quite sound and  I'm sure the crew 
would be appreciative of the gesture," He nodded in  agreement in Laney's 
direction while surveying the new people who had  joined them. "It's just a 
matter 
that if we have enough time to allow  everyone their few moments on the ship to 
collect their items." 


 
Listening calmly to what was being said Skyler stood  with her arms behind 
her back. "That is all well and good Captain. Unfortunately  the majority of 
the 
crew who served upon the B are no longer aboard. Their items  will be shipped 
back to Starfleet where they can pick up at their own leisure.  Therefore we 
will pick up what we can along with any vital machinery and files.  I don't 
want us remaining on that infected ship any longer than needed. And I  
certainly 
don't want to bring the infection back to the C." 


 
Looking around to Tery, Skyler sent the  following:  ~Thank you for a 
wonderful evening. I am glad to see you  along for this mission.~ 

Tery listened to everything that was said,  but her mind was on two things.  
One was the beautiful Captain before her  with whom she had spent an entirely 
amazing night.  The other was the job  ahead of her.  She was making a list in 
her mind of things that she should  look for - and scan to be sure they were 
not corrupted - when they reached the  Avalon-B.  At the thought Send, she 
sent back, ~Thank  you.  I am glad I was allowed to go with you on this  one.~
 



"As soon as the last person arrives we should be able  to take off. The main 
purpose of this mission is to essentially retrieve any  useful equipment. 
Personal effects, although important, are not the main  priority. I believe 
most 
people were able to get what they wanted off when they  abandoned the ship. I 
know for a fact that my sister and her partner, as well as  Georgia Lewis were 
able to get the important things. In fact a few babies were  born before the 
ship could be completely abandoned." 


 
Looking around Skyler noticed the equipment sitting  next to Moreya.  "Moreya 
I see you have your gear with you. Why don't you  work with Ensign Teryn to 
determine the cause of the infected gel packs. As  usual you are way ahead in 
thinking than I am. It makes much more sense to work  on the Avalon B than to 
possibly infect the C."  She looked to  Tery.  "Ensign, I want you to assist 
Lt. Moreya in any way possible.  Hopefully between the two of you, you will be 
able to figure out what happened  and keep it from happening again." 


 
Yeoman Francher appeared in the shuttlebay and joined  the group. "Reporting 
as ordered Captain." 

 
"Welcome Yeoman. Tavi is going to be staying with you.  Just don't let her 
wander too far." Tavi moved over to the librarian. They  smiled at each other. 

 
Looking around at the group Skyler spoke. "Okay, now  that everyone is here, 
shall we get aboard these shuttles and get this mission  moving." 



At the mention of Tavi, Phillips looked over and noticed the child  for the 
first time. He thought to himself, well, it is a secure area,  hopefully she 
won't get into any trouble though, last thing we need is to bring  back a body. 
I've heard that she's quite familiar with the ship however, good to  know at 
the very least.  He turned to speak to Skyler. "Do you have  specific groupings 
for the shuttles Captain, or do you wish us to simply to pair  off?" Adrian 
asked as he hosted up his rifle and other gear, looking over the  shuttles in 
the area. He paused as he awaited Skyler's reply to heading off into  the 
direction of the Einin.



Tery nodded silently to  Skyler's request that she accompany Moreya.  Mostly 
because another person  entered, and then Phillips asked a very valid 
question.  Taking along a  child... is that wise?  Well, in all fairness I was 
in far 
worse places at  Tavi's age.  She offered the girl a small smile as she 
waited. 

 
Seeing the looks on some  peoples faces Skyler assumed they were concerned 
about Tavi's presence. She  needed to address that problem before they left for 
the "B".  "I'm sure  everyone is concerned about Tavi going on this mission. 
However she is aware of  the danger and knows the ship quite well. She will be 
with Yeoman Francher and  out of harms way.  I will  also assume 
responsibility for her.  Now as for the pairing up of the shuttles. Captain why 
don't you 
go with Ensign  Scott.  Ensign Teryn, Yeoman Francher and Tavi will go with me. 
Finally Lt.  Moreya why don't you go with Dr. Mahler. If anyone has any 
objections to these  pairs let me know now." 
 
Adrian nodded his agreement. "Works for me, we'll keep  in contact once we've 
taken off, see everyone at the shuttle." He finished as he  nodded to those 
assembled and picked up his gear, heading off to the  Einin.
 

"All set here," replied  Mahler. He nodded at Moreya and grinned. I'm ready 
as I'll ever be, he  thought, now let's get this thing going. 

 
"Nothing here."  Tery answered with a smile.  ~Lead  on, and I will follow.~  
She Sent to Skyler with that  smile. 

 
Running into the shuttlebay Lt. James Henderson  finally showed up. Out of 
breath he reported in. "Lt. Henderson reporting as  ordered. Sorry I'm late 
Ma'am. My relief took forever to show up." 

 
Hands still behind her back Skyler looked at James.  "Well....at least you 
made it. Since you are here why don't you escort Dr.Mahler  and Lt. Moreya in 
their shuttle. Once we board the "B" I will give you your full  assignment. Now 
I believe everyone is here. Shall we get going?  Ensign Scott I assume you and 
Captain Phillips will be using your own shuttle. I  will take the Arthur, and 
Lt. Henderson, Dr. Mahler and Lt. Moreya will be  taking the Merlin."  Skyler 
started walking toward the Arthur with Tavi and  Miriam following behind. She 
also knew or sensed that Tery was close behind. 
Tery was indeed just  behind Skyler.  And it was a hell of a view.  Yes, her 
mind was on her  work, but she could appreciate the beauty before her while 
she did it.   Right?  She smiled to herself and continued to follow Skyler to 
the  shuttle, stowing her stuff when they boarded. 

~Enjoying the view Ensign? Too bad all I  can see is what is in my mind. Not 
that I am complaining!~  Entering  the shuttle Skyler stowed her gear, 
accidentally running into Ensign  Teryn.  ~mmm... Nice...very nice. ~  Once the 
gear 
was  stowed and she was sure Tavi and Miriam were seated, she moved up to the 
helm  control and began her pre-flight checks. She snuck a glance at Tavi who 
was  animatedly talking to Miriam and felt a rush of happiness flow through 
her. The  people she cared about the most were with her. Tavi was happier than 
she had  been in a long time. As was Skyler. Looking at the empty co-pilot seat 
she  realized she was all alone with no one to talk to. She sent a thought 
out hoping  Tery would catch it.  ~ It would appear I am alone up here. What 
can 
we  do about that? ~ 
 
 
Tery smiled to herself at Skyler's thought.   ~You have any doubt?~  She did 
not miss the "accidental" brush  either.  So when Skyler Sent again, she 
grinned and moved toward the front  of the shuttle, settling into the vacant 
co-pilot's chair.  ~Anything  you want...~  She grinned, knowing where that 
would 
send the other  woman's mind... and liking it.
 
"First thing you can do is assist with the  pre-flight checks." ~ Anything 
after that we can discuss later. I wonder if  there is anything of interest 
left 
in my old quarter's? Might have to check it  out. ~
 
Stowing his gear into the inside of the shuttle,  Adrian looked over at 
Laney. "Well then ma'am, are we ready for an exciting  trip?" He said with a 
wink 
as he headed into the shuttle and sat down in the  co-pilot seat. 
 
"Okay ladies and germs. Time to buckle up, put  your seat trays in the 
upright position and prepare for takeoff." She could hear  Tavi chuckling in 
the 
background. Tapping a button on the console Skyler called  the bridge. "Bridge 
this is the Arthur requesting permission to  disembark."
 
"Captain Skyler, you and the rest of the shuttles  are cleared for departure. 
Take care out there. Lyta out."
 
"Attention all shuttles. We have been cleared for  departure and will be 
leaving shortly. Lets head to the ship, do what we have to  do and return home."
 
~Home. Sounds good to me. A home with a  family. Tavi, you and myself. Think 
you are up to the two of us? ~




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