From voyager@massmed.org Tue Jun 23 19:31:56 1998 Date: Sun, 7 Jun 1998 18:57:46 -0600 From: "Michael A. Natale, MD" To: INDIGO FLEET List Serve Subject: [INDIGO] [DANTEXF] SB ALIGHIERI: Casualties of War [The following text is in the "iso-8859-1" character set] [Your display is set for the "US-ASCII" character set] [Some characters may be displayed incorrectly] ---OFFICIAL INDIGO FLEET TRANSMISSION--- Date: Sun, 7 Jun 1998 20:53:20 -0400 From: "Michael A. Natale, MD" Subject: [INDIGO] [DANTEXF] SB ALIGHIERI: Casualties of War Location: SB ALIGHIERI, DS-230 Stardate: 100608.0310 GMT FMD: 5.1730 Scene: Ops, SB ALIGHIERI The destruction of the MOBILE had just taken place moments before and everyone was still stunned by the event. Before her destruction, the MOBILE's captain had taken out what had been presumed to be the Dalriada supply ship. As they watched the blips on the tactical display re-arranged themselves to indicate the remaining Dalraidan ships. "The Dalriada are pulling back to their original position, sir," and Ensign called out to Yssar and Mirtox, who had already deduced that from what they saw on the display. "I don't know what their next move will be, but it looks like we've gotten a temporary reprieve, and I want to take full advantage of it, "barked Greyclaw. "Let's get an estimate of the damage and repair crews to the most critical areas ASAP." Tao walked over to one of the operational consoles and began reviewing reports from all over the station. The station had taken quite a beating, and many decks were without life support or power. Structural integrity fields were holding for the moment, but another attack could cause them to fail, opening the station to the vacuum of space. The extra shielding Merlin Roebuck had instituted in key areas, like Ops, had prevented the damage from being worse than it was. So far the station was still there and would survive and rebuild if they could just make it through this war. *Even if the Dalriada left tomorrow,* Tao thought, *we still have to contend with the Kraggons and whatever other dangers this system holds for us.* Suddenly two messages scrolled across Tao's screen that jolted him back to reality. He couldn't believe his eyes as he read the messages to himself. After the initial shock wore off, Tao walked over to Greyclaw and gently placed his hand on Yssar's shoulder. The giant Caitian looked down at his XO and said, "What's wrong, Tao?" Tao cleared his throat and answered, "Ariana and Ryan have been taken to sickbay. Seems they were both caught outside protected areas during the attack." Yssar's eyes went wide at the news as the wind was knocked from his sails. Turning to Mirtox and Ulfsson, he said, "Gentlemen, Tao and I need to go to sickbay. If you'll exuse us, we'll be back as soon as possible." Taking Tao in tow, the two entered the turbolift and headed for sickbay. ************************************ FDM: 5.1745 Scene: Sickbay ************************************ The doors to sickbay opened before Greyclaw and Tao, revealing the riot inside. Injured were scattered about on every available biobed. Those with minor injuries sat on the floor in the triage area, awaiting their turn. Dr. LeBeau walked briskly past, his arms and hands covered in blood. Yssar reached out and took hold of the doctor's shoulder. "Dr. LeBeau, we are looking for two crew members." "So isn't everybody. Take a number and have a seat," he barked as he pulled free and walked toward a young man who had lost a leg. A nurse walked over and said, "Can I help you, Commander?" Yssar looked at her and said, "We are looking fro LCDR Ariana Basek and LT(jg) Ryan Heath. We were told they were brought here." The nurse nodded and took them toward the back of sickbay. Lying in an area marked ICU, both Ryan and Ariana could be seen occupying beds. Tao turned to the nurse and asked, "How are they?" She lowered her head and answered, "LCDR Basek was seriously hurt but will survive. I'm afraid there is nothing else we can do for LT (jg) Heath. His injuries were too extensive and severe. He won't be around much longer." "May I see him?" asked Tao. The nurse gave a quick nod and left them alone with their friends. Tao walked over to Ryan's blistered body and placed a hand on the young man's arm as tears welled in his eyes. Ryan's eyes fluttered as he awoke. He tried to lift his head but Tao placed a restraining hand on his forehead and said, "Rest, my friend." Ryan managed a smile and said, "Tao, I knew you'd come see me before it was too late. I'm dying, aren't I?" he asked. Tao could speak but managed to nod a yes as Ryan convulsed from a wave of pain. "I'm not afraid of dying, Tao. Really I'm not. I just wish it weren't so painful." Tao wiped the tears that were now flowing freely down his face. "I can take away your pain if you want," Tao stuttered as he tried to maintain his composure. Ryan shook his head yes and closed his eyes as Tao placed a hand on both sides of his head. Tao reached out with his mind and joined with Ryan's mind. Instantly he could feel the pain his friend was suffering and used his mind to weave a mental barrier around the pain, blocking it from Ryan's consciousness. In his mind he could hear Ryan ask, **How much longer do I have, Tao?** **Not much longer, my friend,** he answered. **Stay with me,Tao,** Ryan pleaded. **Until the end, my friend,**Tao said as he felt Ryan's essence slowly slipping away. As Ryan's soul passed over to another existence, Tao could hear his last thoughts echo in his mind. **Don't give up, Tao. The Federation wil prevail. A part of me will always be with you, my friend.** Then there was silence as Ryan's body gave up its soul to a better place. Tao withdrew his mind back and opened his eyes. He looked down at the still form of his lost friend, grabbed the covers and pulled them over Ryan's head. Then he stood up, said one last silent goodbye to his dear friend, and walked over to check on Ariana Basek's condition. NRPG: The human side of the attack, from Tao's perspective. And a way to pass the reigns of the Science Department to Saevok. Eric: Let me know if you want to RP Saevok taking over the Science Department. All: This was hard to write. We do get attached to our NPC's. Timeline: FMD: 5.1730 Disturbing News for Tao Mike N FMD: 5.1745 LT(jg) Ryan Heath (NPC) dies Mike N Respectfully submitted, LCDR Tao Windstar (aka Michael Natale) XO, SB ALIGHIERI, DS-230 voyager@massmed.org ***This message sent by an official member of Indigo Fleet*** Are you also posting your message to the newsgroup?!!! ---END TRANSMISSION---