Runabout Casablanca - II

Posted on Saturday, 23 May 2020 - 10:40pm by Captain Barret Stillwater & Warrant Officer Reza Jomiael & Commander Soral & Lieutenant Ryan Rose MD

Mission: Operation: Recall
Location: Vashti

Soral stood in the main area waiting for the rest of the crew. He knew that Ryan and Assisi had worked late so he did not order them woken. Breakfast was brought in and they would then head off to help people while he headed off to see if any information about Stillwater could be found here on Vashti.

Ensign Lu'Sura looked at Soral and nodded. She took her place near Doctor Rose. She felt more comfortable with with Doctor Rose, not so much with Soral. "Doctor, do you think we will be able to resupply Sickbay in a reasonable amount of time or do you think we will need to stop at a supply depot to make up for what we're giving away?"

"No, I think we'll be ok. The science department has been kind enough to help us with replicating those supplies that can be replicated. I wouldn't say no to a restock though, always better to be overstocked and safe, than to have the unexpected hit and not be prepared. I suppose it will depend on how long it takes to find Stillwater."

The ensign nodded. She definitely understood what the Doctor meant in more ways than one. "Hopefully, it will not be much longer. I do not know if we have it in us to keep poking about the galaxy for the man. He hasn't been heard from in three years. He may very well be deceased" she replied. She knew that the Vulcan First Officer's eyes were upon her. She looked at him. "I did not mean that we should not be here nor doing our mission" she said reassuringly.

"Indeed." Soral said diplomatically. He couldn't explain his own connection to these people but he felt home here as at home as on Vulcan.

Her focus shifted back to the Chief Medical Officer. "I'll work with Lieutenant Kingsley, Doctor, and see to it we have the chemicals aboard or at least the ability to replicate those that can be in order to start mixing up some medicinal supplies. We could make use of a science lab for some botanical based medicines" offered Ensign Lu'Sura who was a chemist herself, and currently enrolled in a Starfleet Medical Academy distance program as a pharmaceutical student.

Ryan nodded. "That's a good idea. I wonder if there are any holistic resources. The nuns probably know on any local medicinal plants." Ryan saw that everyone else at the table had a plate, so he grabbed himself breakfast while he and Lu'Sura talked. Being in a strange environment had him unconsciously falling back on old habits. He ate more quickly than polite, but without it being a crude affair.

"Yes, my thoughts exactly" she replied. "If not the nuns then at least someone on the planet. In some cultures it was often the outcasts with a reputation for being strange that had great knowledge of medicinal properties of plants, but the nuns likely have some of this knowledge" she added. "If they would be willing to share some plants or at least the seeds, I am sure Lieutenant Kingsley could male an effort to grow them in their respective conditions or an approximation of such."

The nuns were scattered about but the team had eaten mostly alone at their own table. The head nun once again appeared and greeted the group. "Good morning. I hope that all was well with your sleeping." She said to Ryan and Assisi knowing Soral had slept little. He'd meditated upon his return. She could say that this was the first time she worried for the young Vulcan in all her time knowing him.

While they were enjoying their breakfast there some commotion outside, nothing that caused immediate alarm for concern until a strange suddenly came in interrupting their breakfast; however, the nuns did not seem bothered by the man's sudden arrival. "So, the rumors were true" the stranger said shaking his head and grabbing a piece of fruit from the breakfast set up. He took a bite of the sweet fruits, its nectar dripping down his chin as he swallowed the piece. His eyes met Doctor Rose's for a moment and then the Caitian ensign. "Federation has made an appearance once again of Vashti. What is it this time?"

The head nun, Lali, stood. She walked over to where she had noted Soral was just about to stand. This man was known to them and though a Vulcan she had no doubt Soral would have his guard up. She turned to the man and said, "Indeed they have."

Soral stood slowly noting that nobody seemed to be alarmed. He still had his doubts. "We have come to deliver medications and supplies to the people of Vashti." He said.

"How very... generous" replied Reza. "Some of the locals have begun to get unruly and there was mention of Federation here. I thought I would come see if the rumors were true." He was a bit standoffish, but he did not seem to be a problem.

He extended his hand to Soral "Reza Jomiel" he said introducing himself. Reza was not Romulan nor anything of the copper blooded sort. "I'm a friend, not a foe" he added.

Soral hesitated but then shook his hand firmly, "Define friend."

"Define Starfleet" countered Reza. "Do you still consider yourselves honest, true, and good humanitarians or have you finally realized you are 'exploratory' branch of a politically driven and often misguided coalition of worlds?" added Reza. "I was a cadet in Starfleet before everything went to hell in a hand basket."

Soral paused. "To be completely correct the Starfleet I joined was the first of what you say but what it is now...I cannot speak for everyone but I would say the second at the moment. I am hoping we can find our way to the first again."

"So do I" replied Reza lifting up the sleeve of his shirt to show a tattoo on his forearm. The symbol was recognizable and it was legit. "Fenris Rangers used to watch over the Qiris system, and Vashti in particular. With all the piracy and raiding going on...our numbers dwindled. The rangers left Vashti, well most of them. I did too for a short while, but I came back."

Soral gave a nod. "That was the honourable thing to do. These people need care." He studied the man. "Perhaps you wish to join our .. merry band."

Reza had left Starfleet for reasons. "The rangers are scattered and numbers thin. I don't know how much good I am here on Vashti. So, I will consider it, but I am not the biggest fan of Starfleet as you can tell."

"Neither are a lot of people. Let me ask you something. In your travels and times here did you ever come across a man named Stillwater?"

"Lost one of your own?" He asked without answering the question. "The Federation types aren't really welcomed here outside of the nuns. My being here isn't always met with the greatest appreciation, but the mark of the rangers keeps the peace. Your friend wouldn't last here."

"Ohhh he's not Starfleet anymore. He left. He felt about Starfleet similar to what you feel and what so many feel. We're here to bring him back to lead us." He said.

"Shepherd of a flock of black sheep" replied Reza. "And what would my role be in all of this? The loyal hardworking sheepdog?" Reza shook his head. "You will not find him here on Vashti, but a few days away at high warp is the Triangle Sector. You may have better luck there. I occasionally go there to get additional supplies for the people here."

"A shepherd yes to the lost sheep." He looked at Reza. "Are you sure you will not come? Perhaps you can be part of the honourable rebirth...assist in security."

"Oh I'm coming. It's a free ride off Vashti. I may not stay, but I'll gladly take the lift to the next station or planet you go to" Reza replied. "There are a bunch of hungry families not far from here. You in a charitable mood?"

He gave a nod. "Indeed." He turned to Assisi and the doctor. "I trust you can handle things that are medical in nature. Meet at the shuttle in four hours we will depart." He looked at Reza. "Lead the way."

Ensign Lu'Sura's tail flicked each time the newcomer spoke. She was highly suspicious of him. "Sure, you and your ranger friend go do that. Doctor Rose and I will handle medical matters. If you are not punctual and at the Runabout on time, we will assume the worse and return to Fontana."

Soral turned. "You forget your place Ensign. I will make the call as to what time we leave." He walked up and stared her down. "Do not forget your formality or your rank compared to mine."

Lu'Sura hissed at Soral. "Yes, I know, Lieutenant Commander Soral" she replied. "I forgot humor often goes over your head."

"Indeed, a most illogical endeavour, humour, that is."

Lali sighed. "Alright enough. I swear you two are like children. " She pointed to Soral. "Go on. We'll be fine here."

Soral turned and kept himself from growling. "Shall we go?" He asked Reza.

"Sure....but part of me wanted to see her claws come out" replied Reza.

Soral stopped and turned. He looked at Lt'Sura. "Now that is humour. Perhaps he will teach you." He turned and left before she could answer feeling oddly satisfied about it.

The Caitian ignored the Vulcan. "Alright, Doctor. Let's get to these medical supplies."

Ryan had wanted no part in the little spat, Soral and Lu'Sura clearly had some differences of opinions. He was quick to get his medical bag, happy to focus on the mission at hand. "Ready Ensign." He gave a cautious smile.