[Paradise-IV] SD970227.03 Joint Log - RAdmL Vilqa, Capt Dharmajiva, Cmdr C. Blake, Cmdr T. Blake, LtCmdr Lox, LtCmdr Wilkinson, LtCmdr Cho'Lu, Ens VanBuren, Ens Iinuma, Ens Argo, Civ Gates, Civ Ms. Gaia
Paradise-IV Logs
[Outside the new Hospital, Civilian side]
Being tall had its advantages, it took Toby no time at all to wade through the gathering crowd to find his diminutive wife, and lead her towards the ribbon, where the Captain, Yim'Bar, the Commissioner and others were gathering waiting to cut the ribbon. "The sooner we get this done the sooner you can get back to work, in a better facility, at least it had better be." He tugged at the jacket of his formal uniform, "And I can go back to being swamped under civilian complaints and paperwork."
"The thought of something better makes wearing this monkey suit worthwhile." Cait tugged at her own dress uniform, noting it was actually a bit snug. She'd have to get another a little larger. By no means fat, motherhood and a decent diet had softened many of her sharp angles if not her famous temper.
Justin was there, in the crowd, keeping an eye on things. Looking out for issues that will need fixed.
The demi-cardassian Captain was standing in his finery trying his best to look the part, but a work-aholic recluse never seemed to fit in. This didn't stop the Commissioner, current in place government representative from busily chatting the Captain's ear off. Most of what the Commissioner said was inane drivel, small talk coming from someone who seemed to like the sound of his own voice. But, as one must do, one must do and Vin responded politely and appropriately as the situation demanded, even as far as fake laughter when the situation called for it.
The Captain surveyed all before him when he could, a large crowd was gathering in the one place, probably the biggest in the one area since the days of the quake. Pleased civilians and Starfleet members in there multitudes. It was pleasing to see an array of people coming to the one area to celebrate the opening of what promised to be one of the finest Hospitals established in a very long time. A marvellous feat arranged and orchestrated by his own Chief of Operations, Lieutenant Commander Jobel Lox. It appeared the engineer was quite good at town planning and had a knack for organising even civilian engineers into doing their work promptly, efficiently and hopefully without cutting corners.
Yim'Bar stood near the Captain. He was here to see the hospital but to also ensure everyone remained safe. He knew the Team were scattered about. They would ensure safety. He felt like saying something to the captain but chose to remain quiet. He scanned the crowd noting members of the Team present, incognito.
Ensign Argo moved slowly through the growing crowd for the ceremony with ease as she looked around. She was wearing the appropriate clothing for the function and still had her phaser on her side. From time to time she locked eyes with the various team members as she happen to make her rounds and gave a slight nod locking eyes with Yim'Bar briefly before continuing on her way through the crowd of people.
Jackson too, had come to the opening, though more by accident, in some ways, then design. After getting his gear situated, he didn't have anything immediate to do, so he thought it might be a good way to get to meet some of the others assigned to this badly named place. He wore his own formal uniform, as he moved through the crowd, doing some people watching.
Gaia stood nearby, she waited to help serve beverages and food. The staff at Bazinga's had made some finger-foods, mostly sandwiches and some special pastries and had brought them over. Anytime a new building was to open. It was something to celebrate in her mind. It was a generous donation, the food and service she would provide here in conjunction with what other items were brought and the El'Aurian Chef hoped that everyone liked the food and desserts so that they might come and visit her establishment.
The Admiral weaved through the gathering crowd dressed in formal attire, her long hair twisted and secured off her neck. She was there to observe from a distance and not interfere with anything pertaining to the event. The part Klingon was in fact preoccupied with a previous meeting she had with Vin and although was physically here her mind was clearly focused on events far beyond the scope occurring here on the planet's surface.
Drake had been present at this event for quite a while having arrived early wearing his finest civilian attire. An invitation had been extended to him by the civilian government, which he had humbly accepted. Of course, he had other motives for coming to this event. This was a momentous occasion undoubtedly, and it was the place to be if one wanted to learn about and interact with the people who held power on this planet. He had already socialized with a number of influential people, most notably the Commissioner. He was half-way through his second drink when he spotted Admiral Vilqa.
He quickly made his way towards the Commanding Officer of the Fourteenth Fleet. "Admiral Vilqa," he greeted as he neared the part Klingon flag officer. Her facial features seemed mostly human with only subtle traits of her Klingon physiology. There was an exotic air about her that Drake found nearly intoxicating and it was not sure if it was simply because of her beauty or it was a combination of that and the tremendous power he knew she wielded. "I do not believe we have had the pleasure to meet. I am Drake Gates, CEO of Drake Enterprises."
Vilqa took a moment to study the man then reached her hand outward to shake Drake's. "Pleasure to meet you Mr. Gates." The Admiral; dealing with a civilian eased her usual demeanour, "Exciting times are here aren't they. A new hospital must be a relief considering the state of the previous location." The woman motioned for the pair to walk and talk, "Forgive my naiveté but what sort of business do you run?"
"Oh nothing to forgive Admiral," Drake replied as he fell in step besides the Admiral. "I would not expect a busy woman of your calibre to be familiar with a small businessman like myself. Drake Enterprises is a transport business. We focus mostly on cargo transport but we've done the occasional personnel transport. At any rate, we recently entered into a partnership with the planet to transport their mining goods off planet."
The part Klingon nodded as she approached the bar to get a gin and tonic, this was a day to celebrate after all, "That must be quite lucrative considering the mining resources are quite abundant." A quick nod in the thanks was given to the server, "So you say you recently entered partnership, does that mean you too are new to the colony?"
"Very much so," Drake replied. He gestured to the bartender that he would get the same drink as the Admiral. "I have only been here two weeks but in some ways it feels like forever. I must say that I am quite fascinated by this planet and the inhabitants. It is not every day one gets to witness and be part of the development of a planet. "
Justin overheard part of the conversation between Drake and Admiral Vilqa, and made a note to himself to find Drake later and speak with him. A transportation company would be a useful ally in what he had plans for.
The Captain was scanning the crowd for certain people, Justin definitely being one of them, though he was surprised to notice the Admiral there talking to Gates. Gates was almost flirty in his manner with the Admiral. A slight smile escaped the demi-cardassian's visage for he knew that what he was witnessing was a 'player' at work. He couldn't help but admire the man.
With a hand gesture though Vin captured the attention of the Chief of Operations and gestured for the Trill to make his way to meet him. They were a distance away so conventional language could not be heard, and yet it was unobtrusive enough that the Commissioner who was blabbing in the Captain's ear didn't feel offended for the slight interruption to their 'conversation'.
Ensign Iinuma had parked himself near the fruit punch, and sampled it. It was good, but lacked alcohol. He stood ram rod straight in the formal attire and while he felt it was a bit stuffy he thought he did look damned good, especially with the ever present sword at his side. It was not that he was expecting trouble, indeed he would have been packing serious fire power if he had, and it was more of an ornamental device at this moment even if it was still razor sharp. He spied a nice looking lady and decided that he should go introduce himself. Thus started the thing he hated most about gatherings like this, the senseless small talk about nothing in particular. But the uniform demanded it, and with a smile, so he delivered, and maybe consoled himself with the thought that this could be one of those moments where mundane proved to be useful.
"How do you like the spicy guava punch, Ensign?" Gaia asked as she turned from handing someone else a glass. "It is Ensign, correct?" The dark blonde was dressed in a lovely set of dark slacks and a dark turtleneck with a white apron wrapped around her slender waste and tied in the front in a large bow.
The Chef watched Ensign Iinuma closely to see if the spices actually had started to affect his pallet or not. It was a strange spice, made most fruit juices taste like a typical punch and then after a few minutes it kicked in a semi-hot spicy nutmeg flavor which added a warmth as if alcohol had been added to the punch.
Ensign Iinuma smiled, "Yes Ma'sm, it's ensign.", he drained the cup "This is excellent, but it could use a little bang. A bit tame for my taste, but it does have an interesting after effect. What is it? Cinnamon?" He shook his head, "No... Oh I'm not sure. I know operations, not culinary nuance." He happened to notice the Admiral was coming to the table, "Oh, nice talking to you." he said hastily as he slipped away to avoid the big brass.
Ensign Argo stopped at the punch table where Gaia was standing as she had watched Ensign Iinuma make a hasty retreat from and smiles at Gaia, "Pleasure to see you here Gaia. I completely enjoyed the very interesting dinner you had made for us the other night. I know the guys also enjoyed it. You have a very talented way with the culinary delights."
Gaia chuckled as she noticed and understood the rank of the woman she had met before with the big tall blue man. "Thank You, Ensign. I try to create new and exciting things with every day ingredients. It makes for delightful flavor's."
Ensign Argo chuckled a bit, "Yes it was a good challenge to try that red bat dish. I quite enjoyed it even if it was a bit strange at first. "I look forward to trying other delights at your place as soon as I can find the time to wander in again." and picks up a drink and sort of salutes Gaia with it before heading off making her rounds once more. She didn't expect trouble but then again one never knew when trouble would find them especially at a big opening like this one.
Kat arrived a few minutes late postponed by an emergency. She quickly straightened her dress uniform having not worn it since her last promotion ceremony. She glanced through the crowd spotting both familiar and unfamiliar faces. She'd been keeping busy with her shifts within the hospital ever since she'd been given her assignment. She hadn't even had the time to notice that Nick had up and disappeared again though more than likely he had family business to attend to again. She meandered through the crowd nodding to the Admiral when she saw her.
Yim'Bar leaned over to the captain. He had been determined to remain near him for the time being. "Sir could I get you and beverage or some finger foods?" Yim'Bar was starving but discipline would keep him for now.
Not only did being tall make it easier to spot people, it made it easier to spot problems, he walked up to Yim'Bar and the Captain in time to hear Yim'Bar's request. "I don’t know about food for the captain, Lieutenant Commander, but you could go have a talk with the Ensign carrying the sword. It is not part of the uniform, and should be in his quarters not on his person. Especially with the current climate with the civilians."
"Aye, sir." Yim'Bar said. He signaled his communicator in his pocket and began to send messages to Sing and Bullseye. Sing was undercover in the crowd, Bullseye was nearby watching the crowd in a counter sniper role. By signalling the two members of Alpha they would begin to focus on Yim'Bar adding to his personal safety. Yim'Bar had no idea what this armed officer had in mind. He hoped it was not someone from security or worse, an impostor. "Bullseye, find me a sword toting Starfleet Ensign. Yim'Bar to Argo, rally on me quietly please."
Jackson couldn't help but note that at least part of the center of gravity of the occasion had moved to the refreshments line, and so he headed there himself. On arrival, he collected a small plate of assorted goodies, some familiar, some not, and some punch. A single bite told him he'd found the best place to be for the ceremony, and so he hung about, still watching people, as was his way.
"Got him Blue, fifteen meters to your nine o'clock. He is speaking with the ladies gathered around the vegetable table. Looks innocent enough but I will stay on him til you get there." Bullseye reported.
Yim'Bar adjusted his stride and made his way nearer the Ensign. He spotted the newly minted ensign, obvious from the starch of the dress uniform. He looked sharp. He looked well trained but young. Yim'Bar approached the ensign sure that his team had his back. Sing gently slid into the vegetable table close enough to react on a non-verbal signal. "Good afternoon Ensign." Yim'Bar said. "Are you enjoying the party so far?" he asked moving as close as he could extending his hand for a shake.
Ensign Argo appeared just on the other side of the Ensign from behind him as her eyes meet Yim'Bar's as she picked up another drink being discreet about why she was there but obviously there to lend back up to Yim'Bar if necessary.
Back at the base of the hospital some sort of MC was making speeches and announcements, it was time for the Captain and the Commissioner to look pretty and do their thing. Everything had a great feel about it until they came. The protesters.
Yes there was an even greater crowd marching towards the Hospital, peaceful protesters against Starfleets involvement in Paradise. They had slogans painted on boards, they were chanting against Starfleet and they were making their way to the Hospital. Surely one could see that the Hospital was a good thing, but apparently not. These protesters decided that the publicity of the event would get their voice accross the galaxy.
It was apparent that the organisers were going to continue with the opening of the festival despite the protesters appearance. It disturbed the Captain enough to take his attention away from the imminent problem with the Starfleet personnel and the Commissioner to shoot a glance at the Chief of Security. The slight look spoke volumes, what one Ensign was doing was far less then what was beginning to form all around them.
Too quick, Vin acknowledged that between the look to the Chief of Security and the action of his team was too quick. It immediately cast doubt on what was to follow. The protesters, who were peaceful, and were only taking a place in sitting down before the crowd whilst continuing their chants was attacked. Gas and smoke seemingly came from more 'Starfleet' personnel. The protesters were being attacked.
The confusion that followed was immense, incited by the attack on them the protesters fought back poorly, but they did not have weapons but for what they could get their hands on. And dispersed amongst the civilian/Starfleet crowd, phasers with sound and colouring to make them seem federation in origin started shooting at the peaceful protesters.
Everyone was frantic and the Captain fought to retain control yelling out "Stand down! Stand down!" to any Starfleet member that would listen, a well thrown rock would end that yelling though as it clocked the Captain on the side of the head knocking him down.
Staggering slightly and not greatly hurt a rage threatened to take hold of the demi-Cardassian, but he managed to keep control. He grabbed the Chief of Operations, XO and XO’s wife and headed inside the hospital, trying desperately to signal the Chief of Security who was cut off from them. He hoped that Vilqa had her own entourage protecting her....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``
End Log
Part I
Rear Admiral Lower Half K`ylana Vilqa, CO-14th Fleet
Captain Vincent Dharmajiva, CO
Commander Caitlin Blake, CMO
Commander Tobias Blake, XO
Lieutenant Commander Justin Lox, COps
Lieutenant Commander Katerina Wilkinson, MO
Lieutenant Commander Yim'Bar Cho'Lu, CSec
Ensign Jackson VanBuren, Sci
Ensign Komori Iinuma, Ops
Ensign Lia Argo, Sec
Civilian Entrepreneur Mr. Drake Gates
Civilian Chef Ms. Gaia