Departure

Posted on 08 Nov 2017 @ 12:48pm by Commander Allyndra illm Warraquim & Commander Aren Ban & Lieutenant JG Gideon Nicols PhD & Lieutenant JG Olivia Matthews & Lieutenant JG Tris Shizn & Ensign Mimi & Ambassador Soral Varro

3,688 words; about a 18 minute read

Mission: Episode 15 - Emanation
Location: Ryn/Akkadia
Timeline: MD 69, 0800 hrs

ON:

--Ryn--
HG had finished her reports and filed them and now looked over the small camp. Some of the structures would be left for the next group though she wondered if there would be much left. They would be taking down the force fields and those giant cow like creatures if they got a mind to do so would probably put paid to the place. Turned out that they had incorporated quite a bit of silica into their hides and hair and phaser had not phased them much until really high. That was one thing, but like the cape buffalo back on Earth, they were dangerous game as well. They remembered and they would charge or track a hunter. She had also gotten some shots of the squid like creature using a drone and they were downright scary. The scale of things were past gigantic. Well, she thought, at least some of them were going to get some of their names attached to the classification. They had 'found' them first so they would get to name them.

The trip had been interesting and enlightening to say the least. Aren had enjoyed working with Lieutenant Nicols and even enjoyed the sample gathering with the animals. He had just received the last of the sample data from Lieutenant Nicols and was finishing up the last of his report about some the wildlife and fauna and finished packing what little he had brought with him. They wouldn't be on the moon much longer. He rubbed his eyes and looked around the small habitation shelter that he was occupying and decided that he needed to stretch his legs.

He couldn't help but notice HG as she looked out over the camp. He made his way over to her. "Looks like it was a pretty successful mission, we made some interesting finds." He said as he neared her, trying to make some conversation.

"Indeed, we have." HG looked up and then waved a hand at a camp chair across from the desk. "The genetics of the animals, or what we managed to gather do not match. I am guessing the ancient Akkadians must have seeded this place with life from elsewhere and it has run rampant since then." She put her stylus down being a bit old fashioned in making actual written notes rather than just dictation.

"I bet you will be glad though to get back. Not much of a command for someone of your status. Still thank you for coming."

Aren couldn't help but smile. "Someone of my status." He said to himself, shaking his head. "You are most certainly welcome. I am just glad that Starfleet was able to let me loose to assist you." He looked out over the camp. "I would happy to assist you again like this in the future, so please don't hesitate to send a request for me in the future."

"I will keep that in mind. I suspect though that the Fleet will be re-staffing ships soon enough. Sometimes Fleet treats us civilian scientists as more of nuisance then anything else. Still," HG stood part way up and reached over a hand. "It was a pleasure sir."

Aren took her hand, shaking it. "Likewise. And as a civilian, you don't need to call me sir. Aren is perfectly fine, but if you feel you need to a more formal, Commander works as well." He said with a smile.

"Well that is nice, I have always had a bit of problem with formality, but learned to deal with that with Fleet types. Well, again thank you Aren." HG nodded. She spotted Olivia.

Up on the hill near the base camp Mimi sat on the rock that had become her favourite spot during her time on Ryn. She watched as more of the suns light gradually came to bathe the moon as it passed more and more out of the shadow of the gas giant, the runabout would be arriving soon so there was little time left to take in the view for one last time.

John made his way up toward the figure on the rock. His job was pretty much done now. Things being disconnected or powered down. Ops would be taking over deciding what to leave and what to take.

"Thought I might catch up up here ma'am." He said and came up to stand by her."

"Good morning John." Mimi said. "I am just enjoying this view one last time before we leave."

"It is something. As I understand not too many close circling suns like that." He watched and bit and scuffed his boot on the tough grass. "Ummm....so ma'am...got any orders after we get back? I got a bit of leave after this."

Mimi shook her head. "Nothing yet, I am hoping they will keep the crew from the Galileo together though, we have been through some hard things together."

"Well....ma'am," John looked back over his shoulder but they where the only two out here but he would keep the formality just the same for discretion, "if'n you are free would you like to take a little trip down to Georgia with me? Show you the country around my old home of Vidalia. Mama and the rest of the clan might like to meet you as well."

"To meet your family?" Mimi asked, she was fairly surprised by the suggestion. "That is a.....big step." she eventually said.

John shrugged. "Call it Southern hospitality more than anything. Besides, not much time most of the time. Think on it, there is no pressure."

"I will think on it."

Olivia neatly packed the few items she had taken out of her kit before sitting on the ground and drawing her legs up to rest her chin on them. She watched the equivalent of Ryn's sunrise as she contemplated whether or not she would write her father about this...adventure. If Cameron would even speak to her she would tell him in a heartbeat but she didn't even know where he was stationed. Sometimes she forgot how few people she had in her life and this planet, with its larger than normal sun that made her feel small, was doing a good job of reminding her about it.

HG wandered over to Olivia. They had not been able to explore the ruins as much as they wanted since the first time almost getting wrapped up in that monster. Still there had been bits and pieces so it had not been a total waste.

"Right, credit for you thoughts," HG remarked to Olivia.

Olivia smiled up at HG. "I was just doing some reflection," she gestured toward the large sun. "This was quite an interesting trip. Although, I can't say I will miss some of the local wild life."

"I can agree with that. Well, guess that is the last of report best we get packed up."

Gideon Nicols couldn't believe his time on Ryn had come to an end. He had fully immersed himself in the science and beyond that he had really gotten to know people. This was a good bonding experience, and he had found out that a lot of the people who were on this expedition had been formerly assigned to the Galileo. These people were easy to talk to and relate to and he knew that he could look back on this time with fondness.

He had also plenty of information and research analysis to bring back to the planetary science division that would keep them busy at least for the next year. Gideon wished he could spend more time on Ryn, but he was happy to be recalled as well. He had been waiting for weeks to get an assignment, and getting this notice meant he could move forward with his career. However, he would miss what he was able to do on Ryn, but it was a nice addition to his dossier. He had finished up packing without saying much to anyone, he had opened up while here on Ryn, but now he would end up back in his old ways. At least, that is what he assumed of himself, since it happened before.


--Akkadia--

Allyndra had made the final curtsy and again was leaving House Warraquim in other hands. She now turned to get into the Danube with the Andorian. She had briefly spoken with Tris and of course Mimi and her had a little adventure and certainly the story about not knowing about an Irsemia House had been almost enough to put her in stitches on the floor. It was no wonder she had 'fled' off to Ryn.

The hatch closed and she made her way forward and nodded to the Andorian. "Ready? Take us to Ryn so we can head on back."

Tris glanced over his shoulder and replied, "Yes Commander." He then proceeded and caused the shuttle to gently lift, turning slowly on a vector away from the facility, gradually increasing velocity as they gained altitude.

Tris was very grateful to the Commander for asking him to come and assist on this mission. He had experienced something he would never expect to do again in his life. He felt he neede to find the right way to thank her properly. And he also should ask about the hierarchy of that world and why she was called 'Mother', but this was definitely not the time nor place for such a conversation.

Allyndra took the seat next to him. It was only the two of them as the Ambassador and Eelim had another engagement and left earlier. The rest were on Ryn.

"So, tell me did you enjoy the visit or perhaps the little sky ship trip? I know to your eyes it must have seemed archaic," Allyndra asked the Andorian.

Tris kept his face forward as he smiled. He tried to suppress it, but it was hard. After a quick glance and again facing the controls Ens. Shizn replied, "Archaic . . possible, but definitely inspiring." They had cleared the atmospheric traffic area and Tris set course for Ryn and turned to the Commander. After a thoughtful second he said, "I have to thank you for this opportunity, especially for the time to meet Captain Alekelia and her Airship. The vessel was truly inspiring. It's made me think differently about how one can feel their way on a journey and not just use basic sensors in the process."

"I am glad, oh did she remember the voucher for the silk weavers?" Allyndra asked as the ship headed out toward the outer planets.

"Yes," Tris replied, "and thank you for that benefit. I traded for a scarf and picked out colors I thought my mother would like." He closed his mouth and looked away after realizing he said the word 'mother'. He still wanted to ask the Commander about the title of 'Mother', but still wasn't sure if this was the right time or place.

"I am glad. It was nice to be back, but the House and Council are a bit stifling at least to me. I can lay all that formality aside for a bit, but have to take up another. So tell me, if it is alright, your mother, she is still on Andoria?"

Tris listened to the Commander as she almost seemed to be babbling, which told him that she was desiring of someone to listen and care about her words. His early teachings were to either ignore her or encourage her, and since she was asking about him, he decided to assist her in her effort. "Yes, my mother is still on Andoria. And I think she will be thrilled by this gift." He then frowned slightly and asked, "May I ask a personal question?"

'THERE' !! He had done it. The egg was laid and the Andorian hoped it would not end up on his face.

"Of course, I have very few personal secrets," Allyndra replied.

Tris looked thoughtful for a moment, his antennae leaning slightly forward toward the Commander. He felt that she was being open and responsive, and probably would not simply dismiss his question. He then looked at her and asked, "Back on Akkadia, everyone treated you as royalty and referred to you as 'Mother'. What does that all mean?"

Allyndra chuckled slightly. "Mother is considered an honorific. We are a matriarchal society overall. Virtually any younger person in the household would refer to a female teacher as Mother, and yes there are not many male ones. There sir, is about the best. We consider mothers to be nurturers, teachers and guides so hence the title mother. Now as to why the other, technically I am Mother Named of House Warraquim. That is, I am considered to be the lead person of my entire guild. The old mother passed away and named me her successor, hence the moniker 'named'. Does that help?"

Tris had tried to follow the information she provided, processing it with the knowledge of other 'Matriarical' societies he was aware. He tried not to stare, yet not let his eyes drift too far either. After her explanation, his lips came to a line as he thought about the matter and then replied, "Yes. I think it does. I guess I was just concerned about . . ." He paused a moment feeling embarked for even thinking the situation. Tris finally finished, "If you were going to be needed to . . well . . help reproduce and replenish the species."

"Oh Twins Bless no! We are not like some hive structure. I could not imagine that!" Allyndra laughed. She became more serious. "Our Houses came from a time of great sorrow. A time when we almost killed ourselves and our world. It was decided to organize ourselves into the Houses and such that each was dependent on the other, each specializing in a trade. Along with that came the formality you experienced. A bit forced perhaps, but it keeps a certain amount of civility ever present."

Tris took on an approving expression. He rather liked that the idea of the Houses, focusing their energies on a particular skill or trade, and then becoming interdependent on each other, and the civility of it all. A grateful smile was expressed and the Andorian said, "There makes a great deal of sense in what you have described. Has it always been peaceful? I mean after the organization?"

"We have had no conflicts amoung ourselves. All is resolved through the Council when differences have arisen. We are all taught in every House that we nearly destroyed our selves and our home. Still it has not been perfect, and now that we have others coming and going, it has made some feel wide eyed and others feel uncomfortable. Technology was our downfall and yet some see others use and wonder why we gave up so much. Some see to try to steer a compromise between and that is where I stand now. I think we gave up too much but I can see how much our world is now something of an envied paradise."

"Envied paradise," the Andorian parroted as his eyes were cast to the side in thought of what the Commander had explained. He looked again to her and smiled, "So then, I would guess that you are trying to bring in some technologies that your world would benefit from, but with actual little change to the overall function and political system?"

"A bit yes, overall though we have been and kept ourselves isolated. The universe is encroaching and we need friends. The younger generation also sees much of what comes to our world and wonders why should we be so 'primitive'. They wish the stars as well and I cannot blame them." Allyndra sighed. "Have you ever heard of Icconian Gates?"

Tris grimaced slightly in thought, while his antennae angled forward the Akkadian. He knew about most forms of travel. He had never studied this intently, but knew of the rumors. The Andorian replied, "I believe that has something to do with instantaneous travel, similar to a wormhole, yet different."

"Indeed, one simply went instantly across vast distances. At one time according to the tales we had ships, Fold Ships they were called, that could do the same. Travel virtually instantly across the entire galaxy. All that was put away along with many other marvels if one can believe the stories."

Tris thought about her explanation while examining the controls before him, looking now a bit somber.

Allyndra noted the Andorian had gotten quiet and wondered if she had said something wrong or if he was bored or was just thinking. She sat back as the Danube headed out into the farther parts of her home world system.

Without looking up he asked, "Do you feel that the knowledge of the ' Icconian Gate' would benefit the Akkadian people?" He turned to look at the Commander with doubt and hesitation, while his antennae angled down toward his own forehead.

"No." Allyndra replied. "Why? The Gates were fixed points. The Fold ships could be anyplace and do the same. Even so, in this day and age with the reality of political landscape as I have come to know it, what would such a device have on that landscape knowing there is a ship that could appear and disappear instantly above any home world? As I said, it is best that such things be left in the past."

Tris nodded his head slowly, agreeing with her philosophy of the situation. He spoke with out really thinking, "I'm not sure if I would want any race or species to have such a technology. Even if their intentions were good. It could be so easy to turn something wonderful into a powerful evil in our Galaxy." He then felt he had said too much and turned facing the viewport.

"And so our A'ksu, the ones that came up with such things did not think ahead. They did not look beyond just creating at what the consequences of their inventions would be. Hence once we almost destroyed ourselves we swung in the completely opposite way, eschewing almost all advanced technology. I think there might be a happy medium though. Well, I am sure I have bored you to death with Akkadian history. So might I ask did you loose one of your pips?"

Tris was confused for a second, not understanding her comment. He reached up and touched his collar. A somber expression crossed his face before it changed to a smile. He glanced toward the Commander and spoke hesitantly at first to explain, "I . . ah . . well, ya see, I gave it to someone." He thought again for a second to use the right words, "As a momento of our meeting. I really had nothing else with me at the time." He cleared his throat, "I apologize for being out of uniform."

"Not at all, it was a kind gesture, here..." Allyndra took the dark pip off her own collar and handed it over. "Call it a privilege of rank that I can do that."

Tris accepted the pip and and felt very grateful to the Commander. He wasn't sure how to put into words the gratitude he felt. He looked down at the pip in his palm and thought about all it represented; in rank, in respect, in memory of journeys now and in the future. Tris wasn't sure if anything would top the new experiences he had gained recently. He felt it to be true, that he would seriously mis her company and leadership once he returned to the shuttle pilot duty at Starfleet Command.

She smiled and then nodded. "Looks like Ryn coming up, I will let the camp know we are here." She would not inquire further into the trip, but it was obvious that something more than a little trip had passed during the time. Well it was none of their business.

Ensign Shizn replaced the pip onto his collar as the Commander activated the Comm.

"Camp this is Danube Shadow we are arriving at your location in a few minutes."

"Excellent," HG's voice came back. "Got everything packed up just need to load on up and we can scoot."

Tris quickly reviewed the landing coordinates and any aerial traffic near the Runner. The Andorian took control of the Shadow as they approached closer. Without turning away from the controls or the viewport Shizn said, "Commander, if I do not get a chance later to properly . . " He cut off for a second needing to swallow then continued, "Thank you for selecting me for this mission. You have been more than kind during this journey. I will sorely mis being around you when it's over. That's all."

"One never knows what the Twins will bring, but just in case fair journeys Tris Shizn," Allyndra replied and the recited with almost singing: 'May breezes blow gently, may fair winds guide you, may the Twins bless and guide you and return you safely to shore.'

Tris had smiled at the Commander as she spoke, but then the smile seemed to fall as his jaw dropped slightly. The 'words' rung in his ears. He had heard those exact words before. Had they spoken? He shook the frown from his face and smiled again, realizing those words must have been part of their ritual or something commonly spoken.

Allyndra did not say anything more, but only nodded toward the waiting parties and series of materials to be loaded.

After watching the runabout touch down at the camp Mimi took one last look at the view then with John by her side headed back to camp.

OFF:

---
Cmdr Allyndra illm Warraquim
Medical Officer
Mother Named House Warraquim

PO3 John Hollenday
Engineer Mate
NPC Allyndra illm Warraquim

Cmdr Aren Ban
Executive Officer

Ens. Tris Shizn
Pilot - Danube Runner

Ensign Mimi
Operations

Lieutenant JG Gideon Nicols, PhD
Research Officer/Geophysicist

Lieutenant JG Olivia Matthews
Archeologist/Anthropologist

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