ST:TTV306 | "Pilgrimage"

Stardate 94876.9

The Valley Forge's civilian computer expert prepares to depart on a journey to reconnect with the lost culture of her people........

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Keelah@crystyll FX | The lounge is buzzing with an upbeat atmosphere and relatively full with all the senior staff and many junior officers & civilians all enjoying themselves and most holding glasses of champagne Keelah@crystyll: (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpBWUv_91ho )) Charlie@drcrippler is working diligently, on the Junayd reports *holding a glass of champagne Keelah@crystyll FX | Some familiar faces from DS13 may also be spotted among the crowd, such as Mischa who is once again back and playing with the band Eunha@turtles#8407 Pokes Keelah in the back and acts innocnet Keelah@crystyll turns with a smile, "Eunha, glad you could make it!" Keelah@crystyll goes to hand her a glass of champagne but pauses and instead pours a water which she offers instead Eunha@turtles#8407: "Glad I did as well, thought I was going to be late just getting my hair re dyed as it was starting to fade." happily accepts the water Charlie@drcrippler sips the champagne and carries on working Keelah@crystyll looks around, "In impressive turnout all things considered. Now all we miss is the guest of honour" Eunha@turtles#8407 Waves at Kazra "Indeed I wonder where she had got to." Charlie@drcrippler 's Kazra senses tingle and he turns around to spot the Trill Keelah@crystyll: "Oh don't fret, I wanted to ensure we got everyone here first so haven't called her yet!" Eunha@turtles#8407: "Oh is this a surprise then?" she waves at Silvestrie whose on the other side of the room as well Charlie@drcrippler doesn't have Silvestrie senses so doesn't react Keelah@crystyll: "Yes and no. She was eager to make sure she got opportunity see bid everyone farewell, but I haven't told her we were making an occassion of it" Eunha@turtles#8407: "I will miss her little quirks I must admit." Silvestrie comes over to the pair Keelah@crystyll leans in a little, "Honestly Eunha, it's as much for the crew as for Mana. With all the negativity around the fleet of late, I wanted to really try and give everyone cause to smile" Eunha@turtles#8407: "Look at the little counsellor in you." she winks at Keelah then looks at Silvestrie Keelah@crystyll: "William" she smiles as he approaches, smirking slightly as she Kazra meander through the crowd towards Charlie Eunha@turtles#8407: | Silvestrie "Eunbi did you let one of your counsellors take over my holodeck when I was running a program yesterday?" Charlie@drcrippler stands to face Kazra. "Commander," he states Eunha@turtles#8407: "I may have done why do you ask?" she smirks Keelah@crystyll quirks a brow as she listens to the conversation, her gaze drifting towards Mia who she sees sittling oddly quiet at the end of the bar, "Excuse me" Eunha@turtles#8407: | Silvestrie "I reserved that slot it's the only time I get to hul...I mean relax." Charlie@drcrippler: [Kazra] "Ensign," she states Keelah@crystyll looks across to Jez as she approaches, the mutual look saying all that is needed Eunha@turtles#8407: "Sorry William but Counselling takes presidence i'm sure you can run your hula hooping session another time." Keelah@crystyll: "Counting the bubbles?" she asks teasingly on her approach Charlie@drcrippler and Kazra have a rather intense standoff Eunha@turtles#8407: | Silvestrie almost internally combusts and covers Eunha's mouth with his hand "Don't say it so loud!" after that he runs off to another side of the room Keelah@crystyll | Mia turns to face Keelah, "Oh, mon Capitaine! We..." she sighs, staring back at her glass as Keelah rests a hand on her shoulder Keelah@crystyll: "It's ok Mia, I'm going to miss her too" Eunha@turtles#8407: | Yoona comes up behind Eunha and scares her making Eunha drop her water every where "Oh you bitch." she laughs Keelah@crystyll | Mia looks up again with a forced smile, "Do not worry, we intend to make this an enjoyable memory to saved!" Keelah@crystyll glances over at the counsellor-kerfuffle and chuckles. Mia laughing as well Charlie@drcrippler: [Kazra] "Truce?" Eunha@turtles#8407: | Yoona "Oh my bluebi you're so easy to scare, you and Tiffany." she laughs Keelah@crystyll: "Anyway, I think now is a good time to summon the guest of honour, wouldn't you say? I will be right back, Mia" Charlie@drcrippler: "Scared Commander?" Keelah@crystyll steps outside away from the noise to comm Mana Eunha@turtles#8407: "Just you wait Yoona, I've got Hyoyeon on my side." she smirks Keelah@crystyll: <C> Se'Lai to Mana; could you please join me in the officers mess?" Mana@anncarise: <C> Mana is on the way! Keelah@crystyll: <C> Excellent. I'll see you there. Se'Lai out Charlie@drcrippler [Kazra] scoffs "I have lived many lives, and none of them were ever scared of a Vulcan," Eunha@turtles#8407: | Yoona: "Oooo scared." she laughs and wonders off Keelah@crystyll returns to Mia's side, "Mana will be along immintently" Eunha@turtles#8407 Steps over the water and moves over to Keelah "I really should discipline Yoona more." she chuckles Keelah@crystyll | Mia immediately perks up and starts buzzing around the room, "She is coming everyone, remember; 'bon voyage'!" Charlie@drcrippler: "Very well," he picks up his PADD and glass and moves over to the other side of the room Keelah@crystyll: "Eunha, if we discipled people every time they snuck up on someone and made them jump... you'd be busted down to crewman by now and scrubbing plasma manifolds" she chuckles Charlie@drcrippler [Kazra] does the same Eunha@turtles#8407: "But when I do it's funny." Keelah@crystyll: "Aww come now..." she smirks, "That was kind of funny too" Eunha@turtles#8407: "It was." she laughs Mana@anncarise steps inside as the lounge doors open... Keelah@crystyll turns around with a broad smile as Mana enters Keelah@crystyll | Mia chirps up, raising her glass to mana as the band pauses playing, "Bon voyage!" Charlie@drcrippler keeps one eye on Kazra, the other on Mana Mana@anncarise: "Hello Captain Kee- Oh! Everyone is here!" Charlie@drcrippler: "Bon voyage!" Keelah@crystyll raises her glass with Mia's lead, "Bon voyage!" Eunha@turtles#8407 Would raise a glass but thanks yoona "Bon voyage." Charlie@drcrippler: [Kazra] "Bon Voyage!" Keelah@crystyll joins Mana, holding an arm around her shoulder, "You did say you wanted the chance to say a proper goodbye to everyone. And we all wanted to give you a proper sendoff" Mana@anncarise smiles at Keelah, "Mana thanks Keelah for gathering everyone! Mana appreciates the sentiments!" Charlie@drcrippler whispers to his Ensign friend. "Who's Mana again?" Keelah@crystyll gives her shoulder a little sqeeze, "Come, this is your party; enjoy!" she gestures towards the bar where Mia bounces eagerly Mana@anncarise steps over to the bar, "Mana has never been to a gathering dedicated to Mana before..." Keelah@crystyll chuckles, "Then it is our honour to be the first to throw such a gathering" Mana@anncarise: "Mana thanks everyone for doing so! Is...Mana expected to do something as well?" Keelah@crystyll shakes her head smiling, "Just enjoy yourself, I'm sure everyone here will be happy to steal a moment of your time to express well wishes" Charlie@drcrippler [Ellie] stares at Charlie. "Wow, Intel, great work..." nudges him in the ribs Mana@anncarise: "Mana is sure Mana will do so!" Charlie@drcrippler: "Seriously though, who's Mana?" Keelah@crystyll: "I'll leave you in Eunha's capable hands" she smiles again to Mana, moving across the bar to catch up with Kelly Charlie@drcrippler [Ellie] points to Mana. "The one next to the Captain," Charlie@drcrippler: "That's... our head counsellor..." Eunha@turtles#8407: "How are you feeling Mana?" Charlie@drcrippler [Ellie] slaps him on the head. "You almost had me you dunce!" Charlie@drcrippler: "Point for me," he remarks Vulcanly and taps his PADD Mana@anncarise: "Mana is very excited to see the New World and the preserved Arshai culture there!" Eunha@turtles#8407: "I'm glad, you got everything ready for your trip?" Mana@anncarise: "But Mana is also sad to have to be away from everyone on the Valley Forge for some time." Mana@anncarise nods, "Mana is ready. Mana does not have many possessions to carry." Keelah@crystyll | Mia hangs close to Mana, chatting more happily with Jex behind the bar Charlie@drcrippler [Ellie] scoffs, taking the PADD away and undoing his score. "That does not count," Eunha@turtles#8407: "How long will the journey take?" Eunha@turtles#8407: | Yoona goes over to annoy Mischa Keelah@crystyll looks to Kelly as she approaches her table and glances back to Mana, "She's a far cry from the girl who first joined this crew. I suspect in farther since you first encountered her" she smiles Mana@anncarise | Kelly: "Well, technically Mischa first encountered her. I met her not long after, but it was Mischa and Captain Lazard who was there for the first contact!" Mana@anncarise: "Mana is not sure. Mana knows the New World is a long distance away but Mana has not been given the exact coordinates yet." Charlie@drcrippler takes the PADD back. "That has sensitive information on it," Keelah@crystyll: "Aah of course, still... you and Eunha have known her longer than most of us on board. It must be strange to seeing her setting out on her own journey now after that beginning" Mana@anncarise: "Mana is also unsure how long Mana will stay. That will likely depend on how much Mana likes the planet." Charlie@drcrippler: [Ellie] "Does it?" she smirks Keelah@crystyll | Mischa smiles warmly at Yoona's approach, excusing herself from the band briefly so she can welcome her with a hug Eunha@turtles#8407: | Yoona basically catches Mischa up on a bunch of random stuff Mana@anncarise | Kelly: "That it is! She always intended to return to her people, but we always thought that would be with the EereE Order." Keelah@crystyll smiles back towards Mana thoughtfully, "I am proud of her" Charlie@drcrippler looks at the PADD and frowns at the wallpaper Mana@anncarise | Kelly: "Me too. If the New World is anything like the Colonial Fleet claims...there's a long way still for her to go when she gets there." Charlie@drcrippler: "That is... not funny," he says flatly Keelah@crystyll: "Oh of that I have no doubt!" she chuckles Mana@anncarise: "Mana will try not to be gone too long though! But Mana suspects the journey and visit to the New World will take at least one Earth cycle." Charlie@drcrippler: [Ellie] "And I love you too," she laughs Charlie@drcrippler looks at her with quirked eyebrows. "I have never expressed such an emotion to you," Keelah@crystyll | Fisher slides up beside Mia at the bar, taking her hand and whispering to her. She chuckles and stands to join him for a dance Eunha@turtles#8407: "I hope you enjoy it there." Keelah@crystyll watches, shaking her head in disbelief, "Every time, Fisher..." she chuckles Charlie@drcrippler: [Ellie] "Got you again!" she pokes his nose. "Oh look at that, I'm in the lead! And who's that at the bottom?" Mana@anncarise: "Mana hopes so as well. Mana does not agree with the Colonial Fleet's sentiments of overthrowing the Overseer, but the one named Caeru ensures Mana that the sentiment is not shared with the entire - Mana@anncarise: - New World." Eunha@turtles#8407: "I will pretend to understand that and just say good." Charlie@drcrippler: "Me," he says flatly Mana@anncarise nods, "New World politics is apparently very complex." Mana@anncarise: "But regardless of politics, Mana cannot turn down the opportunity to learn about Mana's culture." Keelah@crystyll FX | Fisher & Mia enjoy a nicely platonic dance in which she only has to readjust his hand up to her lower back once. or twice... Mana@anncarise: "Or...proper Arshai culture, as Mana was not raised with such an environment." Eunha@turtles#8407: "It does sound all very confusing." Keelah@crystyll holds a hand on Kelly's shoulder to pause their conversation, "I should get this bit done with while everyone's still here..." Mana@anncarise | Kelly nods and smiles. Charlie@drcrippler [Ellie] hugs his arm gently. "Don't worry, we'll play a prank on Kaz together," Keelah@crystyll moves to the centre of the room, tapping the side of her glass as one does to call for attention at these things Mana@anncarise turns to Keelah. Keelah@crystyll FX | *tink* *tink* *tink* Charlie@drcrippler glances up Keelah@crystyll brings her arm down to her side, looking about the room with a warm smile, wandering a little as she speaks Keelah@crystyll: "Crew of the Valley Forge; friends... family..." Keelah@crystyll: "It still seems like just yesterday when we merged two crews into one here; that of the Valley Forge, and the Gainsborough" Keelah@crystyll focuses a smile and a raised glass to select individuals within line of sight as she speaks of each origin Keelah@crystyll: "I remember thinking that it would be hard to say goodbye to that past ... and I was right - it is hard. Keelah@crystyll: "And so here we are again today; to say goodbye to Mana-Arshai Dos Sndoi'Ihaie'Vaie Nos Indoi-Ihai as her voyage parts from our own" Keelah@crystyll: "Yet I consider myself fortunate to have met such a special person ... a person that we care so much about ... that it makes saying goodbye to her so hard now" Keelah@crystyll pauses as she shares some smiles with more members of the crowd Keelah@crystyll: "As we say goodbye, we remind ourselves that farewells are not forever, nor are they the end. They are simply words to say that we will miss you dearly and that we will remember you fondly." Mana@anncarise smiles back to Keelah. Charlie@drcrippler [Ellie] detaches herself from Charlie when she sees someone else enter the room. Whispers something into his ear and slowly moves out. Keelah@crystyll turns to Mana, "Although we may be separated by time and distance in the interim, nothing will diminish the important role that you have and always will play in our lives." Keelah@crystyll: "We wish you happy adventures, fantastic new friendships, amazing experiences and the journey of a lifetime." Keelah@crystyll: "Mana-Arshai Dos Sndoi'Ihaie'Vaie Nos Indoi-Ihai..." she raises her glass to Mana Keelah@crystyll: "...May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. Bon voyage" Mana@anncarise realizes she doesn't have a glass... Mana@anncarise | Kelly does and raises hers as Keelah does! Keelah@crystyll tilts her glass to Mana to complete the toast before taking a sip Charlie@drcrippler does not know this custom so his glass does not raise Eunha@turtles#8407: | The counselling staff raise their glasses Keelah@crystyll FX | Glasses are raised across the room as folks echo the 'bon voyage' Keelah@crystyll | T'Pia squeezes through to Keelah's side, "Great speech mum!" she smiles up, giving her a hug Mana@anncarise: "Mana thanks Keelah for the sentiments, and everyone else for gathering for Mana." Keelah@crystyll hugs TP back and whispers, "Thank the archives" and winks Keelah@crystyll tilts her head slightly, brow quirked as she eyes the glass of champagne in TP's hand. She turns to quirked look to TP Mana@anncarise: "Mana promises Mana will return to the Valley Forge again in the future." Keelah@crystyll | TP: shrugs and smiles innocently, "It is a celebration..." Keelah@crystyll rolls her eyes, "Fine, it's not like it's mint or anything. Just don't make a habit of it..." Charlie@drcrippler seems slightly distracted Keelah@crystyll | Mia (having prized Fisher away) bounds across to Mana for a big hug, "And we look forward to your visits Ms. Mana!" Mana@anncarise hugs Mia back, "Mana looks forward to when Mana is able to visit as well! Mana will try not to be away too long!" Eunha@turtles#8407 Points at Fisher and beckons him over Keelah@crystyll | Mia, "We understand Ms. Mana. Oh! And we have successfully applied our latest update now, thank you again" se smiles Keelah@crystyll | Fisher grins, knowing that the show of his dancing prowess has now got the ladies queueing up as he strides over to Eunha, "Counsellor" he greets smoothly Mana@anncarise: "Mana is glad to assist as always! Mana hopes there were no issues with the update?" Keelah@crystyll | Mia shakes her head, "None at all!" Mana@anncarise: "Mana will ensure any issues are addressed before Mana leaves!" Eunha@turtles#8407 Fixes her hair "Feeling alright tonight Malcom?" Mana@anncarise: "Nothing with any of Mia's systems aside from the update, yes?" Keelah@crystyll Fisher: "Just taking the opportunity to unwind a little" he smiles Eunha@turtles#8407: "That's good, that is good. Your unwinding involves alot of flirting I see." Charlie@drcrippler watches Ellie and the newcomer idly whilst he plays with his drink Keelah@crystyll | Mia offers a reassuring smile, "Worry not Ms. Mana, we are operating at peak efficiency and thanks to your update package, have increased self-maintenance capacity exponentially!" Keelah@crystyll | Fisher glances to Mia and back to Eunha, "What, that? Nah, that's just our thing!" he laughs Mana@anncarise smiles, "That is very good! Mana hopes Mia will continue to stay safe and happy with the Valley Forge!" Eunha@turtles#8407: "Oh good." Keelah@crystyll: | Mia: "We will do more than that, Ms. Mana; we will help to keep everyone else safe and happy also!" Keelah@crystyll | Mischa finishes a song and steps away from the band to join the bar crowd, "Mana" she greets with a warm smile and friendly hug Mana@anncarise hugs Mischa back, "Hello Mischa!" Eunha@turtles#8407: | at the back Yoona can be seen getting very close with a young lieutenant Keelah@crystyll: | Mischa, "I just wanted to tell you how very pleased I am for you to be seeing your once distant dream come to fruition. You've made quite the impression around here, and we're all going to miss you" Mana@anncarise nods, "Mana will miss Mischa as well. Mana will be sure to find and visit Mischa when Mana returns!" Eunha@turtles#8407: | Yoona and the ensign mouths seem to be touching Eunha moves in and pulls Yoona away "Not in the officers lounge!" Keelah@crystyll | Mischa grins, "I'll be sure to make sure I'm around when you do get back" she looks her over thoughtfully, "Keelah was right you know..." Eunha@turtles#8407: | From the way Yoona and Eunha are acting this seems to happen alot Mana@anncarise: "Keelah was right about?" Keelah@crystyll: | Mischa: "About how it feels like only yesterday we first brought your pod on to the Gainsborough" Eunha@turtles#8407: "Yoona controlling you in public is like letting a dog off a leash." she laughs Charlie@drcrippler watches as Ellie and the other officer depart. Brings his PADD up to his mouth before he stops and realises what he's doing. Eunha@turtles#8407: [Yoona] You never let me have any fun! she laughs Keelah@crystyll FX | Charlie's train of thought is suddenly interrupted by a hearty slap on the back. Looking back he'd be welcoming by the broad grinning blue face of Chag Mana@anncarise nods, "Mana does feel like Mana has much more to learn about Federation culture and people. But Mana has learned so much already in Mana's time here that Mana will not forget." Mana@anncarise: "And hopefully Mana will be able to pass down what Mana believes will work for the Arshai to help improve the New World as well." Charlie@drcrippler looks at the man impassively. "Yes?" Keelah@crystyll | Mischa nods, "Mana you are a fine ambassador for your people; I know your presence will only serve to benefit the New World, and you" Eunha@turtles#8407 Continues to pretend to tell Yoona off but Yoona seems to be distracted by Fisher and heads on over to him "Lord give me strenght." Eunha laughs Mana@anncarise: "Mana hopes so! Mana will try to continue learning as much as Mana can of Federation people, but Mana cannot miss the opportunity to learn about old Arshai culture either." Keelah@crystyll | Chag laughs, "Come on now Ensign, you look bluer than, well... than me!" he laughs, "So close yet so far, eh...?" he asks, looking off towards Ellie's last direction Charlie@drcrippler: "I do not know what you imply. Proximity wide, everyone is close on this ship," Mana@anncarise: "This exchange may serve to benefit both peoples in the end." Eunha@turtles#8407 Looks to Keelah "I've lost control of my counselor." Keelah@crystyll: | Mischa, "Of course not Mana, it's a prime opportunity for you! I simply look forward to hearing all about it when I see you again" Keelah@crystyll & TP look to Eunha, then past her to Yoona, and back. She chuckles, "Well you were debating discipline earlier..." Eunha@turtles#8407: "When it comes to guys...and girls... well anything that has a pulse there is not stopping that woman." Keelah@crystyll | Chag rolls his eyes at Charlie, "Whatever you say, Romeo! But if you want my advice; tell her your feelings before someone else beats you to it" he winks and disappears again into the crowd Mana@anncarise: "Mana will be sure to tell Mischa all about the New World when Mana returns!" Keelah@crystyll: "It is a party after all, Eunha. Honestly with all your girls have done to help people here and on the station of late I think you all deserve to let your hair down a little" Charlie@drcrippler: "My name is Charlie," he states after the man. "And I did not want your advice," he sips his drink Eunha@turtles#8407 Laughs "Don't worry about that Captain me and the girls let our hair down alot. Have you ever been to one of my counselling meetings?" Keelah@crystyll | Mischa smiles and hugs her once more, "Damned straight you will!" she chuckels, "Enjoy the gathering Mana, I should get back..." Keelah@crystyll: "I... am not sure I want to break the illusion I hold dearly to" she chuckles Eunha@turtles#8407: "You should come along one day it's alot of fun." Mana@anncarise smiles and hugs Mischa back, "Mana wishes the best for Mischa!" Keelah@crystyll | Chag meanwhile returns to a table with T'Quila and Vrolmacht. Keelah@crystyll | Vromachet laughs heartily, while TQ simply shakes her head at Chag with a distinct 'I told you so' look Eunha@turtles#8407: "We do, do our work and discuss all the things we need to of course...while we watch a movie....on my couch....in our PJs with loads of snacks." Charlie@drcrippler looks up and slightly panicks when he can't see Kazra. Keelah@crystyll narrows her eyes slightly wondering briefly if Eunha's pulling her leg, then decides she doesn't want to know the answer Keelah@crystyll smiles honestly, "Exactly the illusion I don't want to break by actually sitting down and seeing you sitting around the table" Eunha@turtles#8407: "Come to the next meeting, we're going to watch an old film called Final destination." Charlie@drcrippler finally spots her and a certain chief getting close. Nods. She is occupied so therefore, cannot attack. Eunha@turtles#8407: "I promise whole heartedly that we get work done." Keelah@crystyll | TP's brow quirks just like her mothers, "Is it about transportation?" Mana@anncarise exchanges a few words with Kelly before joining TP, Keelah and Eunha. Eunha@turtles#8407: "None of us know we just have the computer select a random film from the database." Keelah@crystyll | Mia resists staying glued to Mana's side and joins TQ, Vrolmacht & Chag for a spell Keelah@crystyll: | TP: "Oh! So it's like a lucky dip!" Mana@anncarise: "A lucky dip?" Eunha@turtles#8407: "Exactly. The films help us focus more, plus it's a good for our mental health to just relax and work dealing with mental of health of others can be quite the exhausting process." Mana@anncarise: "That is an...interesting strategy!" Keelah@crystyll: "There is a certain... logic to that assertion" she smiles Eunha@turtles#8407: "Okay I may have lied a little bit, we don't sit in our PJs on my couch but we do watch a movie and eat snacks while in the meeting." Keelah@crystyll pouts as the little cartoon cloud over her head that help the mental image goes pop Mana@anncarise looks to T'Pia, "And Mana has just realized, the next time Mana sees T'Pia, T'Pia may be a cadet or even designing ships already like T'Pia desires!" Keelah@crystyll: *held Charlie@drcrippler finishes his drink, stands and departs Mana@anncarise: "How soon can T'Pia join Starfleet Academy?" Keelah@crystyll | TP beams, "I hope you aren't gone /that/ long Mana! And..." she looks up to Keelah who simply nods, "...well, I'm allowed to take the entrance exam for next semester if I choose to!" Keelah@crystyll: | TP: "But I doubt they'll let me design new ships right away!" Mana@anncarise: "Then Mana may very well see T'Pia as a cadet when Mana returns!" Mana@anncarise: "Mana will probably not be gone long enough for T'Pia to already begin designing ships. But Mana looks forward to seeing that day!" Keelah@crystyll | TP hops up and hugs Mana, "I'll miss you Mana. You've been such a great help, thank you for everything!" Keelah@crystyll smiles a mothers smile as she watches Mana@anncarise hugs TP, "Mana will miss T'Pia as well! And T'Pia has done very well too. Mana recalls the parasite incident, T'Pia helped solve the situation like a Starfleet Officer already!" Mana@anncarise: "Mana is sure the Academy tests will be no challenge for one of T'Pia's skill." Keelah@crystyll | TP flushes sheepishly, "I just tried to help..." Keelah@crystyll pulls TP into a hug of her own, "You did more than that sweetheart; you saved us all that day!" Mana@anncarise: "Indeed, T'Pia's performance was very impressive!" Keelah@crystyll: | TP: "Aww, muuuum!" she squirms at the focused attention causing a chuckle from keelah as she releases the hug Keelah@crystyll glances Mia in the corner, "How did she take the news...?" she asks, turning the question back to Mana Mana@anncarise: "Mia will miss Mana as expected, but Mia is excited for Mna being able to see proper Arshai culture." Mana@anncarise: "Mana has provided Mia with a method of contact. This will be infrequent, but not impossible." Mana@anncarise: "Mia should be able to explain and provide direction if necessary." Keelah@crystyll nods slowly, "Don't worry, we'll take good care of her" Keelah@crystyll: "And that's good to know" she smiles Mana@anncarise: "Mana is sure Starfleet will! Kelly and the engineering crew is confident about being able to keep Mia in good maintenance." Keelah@crystyll: "She grows more independent and confident with each passing day; I bet she'll soon be providing them with improvements to her maintenance schedule!" Mana@anncarise: "Mana has no doubt! Mia has come a very long way since Mana constructed the drone." Mana@anncarise: "And Mana looks forward to seeing how Mia continues to grow!" Keelah@crystyll: "As do we all" she smiles glancing Mia's way again Mana@anncarise: "Mana is curious to see how everyone will improve the Valley Forge as well! Mana does not expect any major refits again...but even in Mana's time many smaller changes were made." Mana@anncarise: "Mana hears the memorial hall will be kept?" Keelah@crystyll nods, "It seemed only right" Mana@anncarise: "Mana agrees. But Mana hopes Mana will not have to see many more names on the wall when Mana returns." Keelah@crystyll: "A hope we all share no doubt" she nods, looking between the others in their group Mana@anncarise: "Keelah has done very well commanding the Valley Forge and keeping the crew safe, and Mana is sure Keelah will continue to do so admirably!" Keelah@crystyll dips her head, "Not well enough Mana; we've had our share of losses too; and not all good ones like this..." Keelah@crystyll | Mia crosse the room behind the group and looks to whisper something to Mischa Keelah@crystyll | Mischa nods and smiles before... handing Mia a microphone... Keelah@crystyll FX | The band changes tune as Mia works through the room with a smile Keelah@crystyll: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0ks5_TnF2c Keelah@crystyll blinks in surprise as Mia first opens her mouth, smiling proudly and hugging TP as they watch her sing to the room and work her way over to Mana Keelah@crystyll & TP gently sway together in their hug Mana@anncarise looks surprised as she turns over to Mia as well. Keelah@crystyll | Mia smiles brighter than ever as she sings for Mana, focused solely on her following the broader intro. One hand holding the other mic while the free hand gestures with her vocals Keelah@crystyll | Mia draw an exhilterated breath as she concludes and looks to Mana with her sweet smile Keelah@crystyll FX | Every cheers heartily for the unexpected serenade and the band soon returns to it's background entertaining Mana@anncarise hugs Mia, "Mana knew Mia could hum but not sing this well!" Mana@anncarise: "Mia has come a long way indeed!" Keelah@crystyll | Mia beams proudly, "We have been practicing for a long time! It helps having full design authority over our own vocal processors" she chuckles Mana@anncarise chuckles, "Mana expects that will be a good help!" Keelah@crystyll | Mia then simply takes Mana's hands in her own, "We... just wanted to give you something special to say farewell; a reminder that we will always be there for Ms. Mana" Mana@anncarise smiles, "And Mana will always be there for Mia!" Keelah@crystyll | Miadrone: 'bweeoop-beep'! very enthusiastically in the affirmative Mana@anncarise: "Mana hears the New World has preserved ancient Arshai musical tradition as well...with an entire guild springing up from the old bards!" Mana@anncarise: "Perhaps Mana will learn music when Mana is there so Mana can sing for Mia when Mana returns!" Keelah@crystyll | Mia hugs Mana again, "We look forward to it Ms. Mana". The others would see her teary eye & warm smile combo

View Log Entry

Personal Log | CAPT K. Se'Lai | Stardate 94876.9

In the light of recent events for the fleet - or rather, under the shadow of them - it was apparent that everyone on board was feeling the burden catch up to them. It was easier - I think - in a way for many, to press ahead with the focus of caring for the evacuees on board. But with them gone, so was the focus; leaving no outward direction for it to follow. And though my announcement that the Deck 7 memorial would remain a permanent fixture, it did not feel enough to lift the spirits of the crew...

This is why I am glad that we were able to turn news of this most recent (and at least, planned) departure into a joyous occasion. Despite my own sadness to see Mana leave the Valley Forge, I know it is only temporary and the resulting atmosphere among the crew in the wake of her leaving party is alone testament to the benefit of such a gathering for the whole crew. I firmly believe we did the right thing there, and that the opportunity to relax and enjoy themselves for an evening - whilst celebrating a colleagues focus on continued exploration - is just what the crew needed to bolster their moral and resolve.

It was a commendable effort from all involved; to create such a vibrant atmosphere and present Mana with a farewell she will never forget. Commander Leveson-Scott even returned to us once again to graciously provide the evening's entertainment, though I think even she must have felt upstaged when Mia surprised everyone by performing a beautiful song for Mana to conclude the evening!

But as crew rotate out, they also rotate in. Keira Laski has now joined us, though I am yet uncertain how long it will be until she is fit to take her post... most extraordinary circumstances the poor girl has been through prior to her arrival with us, and we are all as yet uncertain how - or if - we will be able to help her live with her 'condition'. Further to this latest arrival however, I have also received news that the proposed officer exchange with the Forged Earth colony has been approved. It came as no surprise to learn that Ms. Baelai was indeed their chosen candidate, and the Valley Forge her determined assignment. Honestly, I welcome her pending arrival; not least for the unique learning opportunity presented to our resident historians and anthropologists, but also for the potential tactical advantage her presence gives - and that of her interceptor - which I have agreed to being a part of her assignment here. She is a fighter pilot after all, it would not be prudent to bring her aboard simply to fly the occasional shuttle mission...