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| - Kel'Xin sat in his quarters contemplating the days events. He had the lights dimmed as to better appreciate the stars. His azure skin seemed to glow in the low lighting, and his crimson hair seemed more maroon in these conditions. His face was thin, displaying high cheek bones, coming down to a pointed chin. Leaning forward, his amber orange eyes shifted to gaze at the blue Starfleet uniform that was laid out on the table before him, with a single solid pip and his combadge. Kel'Xin was the first Du'Cri in Starfleet, and probably the first alien species to have joined the federation within five terran months after first contact. Standing to his full height of seven feet and eight inches, he'd move to stand in front of his window. "Computer, open personal log, and create new entry." The computer beeped in compliance and again when it began recording. "Personal log, stardate 64292.14. I feel rather accomplished with my graduation from Starfleet Academy. When the vessel Sho'Kar first came into contact with the USS Saggiterius, little over two years ago, I had an immediate admiration for Starfleet and the United Federation of Planets. Ever since I wanted to serve as a Starfleet Officer, now I get my chance." Kel'Xin paused, trying to gather his thoughts before continuing. "I have been offered, by Captain Miyumi Kurosaki, the chance to serve aboard the USS Kepler, service number NCC-94918, despite only being an ensign. Knowing Captain Kurosaki's reputation as incredibly selective about senior officers, I eagerly accepted the invitation. I report for duty at o-eight hundred tomorrow. End Log." ***** Kel'Xin reported for duty on board the Kepler right on time the following morning. There to greet him was a species he had never seen before, it stood at an estimated six feet and seven inches, with arms that were more like wings with taloned hands and feet. Even under the yellow uniform, it was obvious that it was covered in the same emerald plumage that was on it's winged arms and head, which had a very prominent beak. If one had to judge the gender of the being, it would have been difficult, but Kel'Xin was leaning towards female." "Welcome aboard the Kepler, Ensign." Her voice was soft and held a melody like that of a song bird, which caught the Du'Cri off guard. "I am Commander Avina Torra, Chief of Security here." "Pleasure to meet you, Commander." Kel'Xin was struggling to maintain a professional tone in his voice. "I am Ensign Kel'Xin Taroq." A sime rose on Avina's face. "Ah, yes... the 'cadet' that Captain Kurosaki was bragging about." This made Kel'Xin turn a deeper shade of blue before he realized he was still standing on the transporter pad. Avina chuckled and continued. "The captain would have normally welcomed you aboard, Ensign, but she was in a discussion with Admiral Picard. If you will follow me, I'll show you to the captain's ready room" Avina lead Kel'Xin out of the transporter room and down the hall. "I thought I was going to be late," mentioned the Du'Cri, in an attempt to start conversation. "Another few minutes and you would have missed the ship entirely, Ensign." This made him silently thank the stars that Punctuality had been "programmed" into his species. Curiosity prodded at Kel'Xin like an old man stoking a fire on a cold winder night. "If you don't mind me asking, Commander, what is your species called?" Avina smiled kindlike as she answered, apparently happy that someone was willing to ask questions about her. "I am a Xindi Avian." Kel'Xin paused, stunned... He had read every report ever made about the Xindi... "That cant be... The Avians went extinct over three hundred years ago." Avina, too, came to a halt, and though he couldn't see it he was sure her warm smile had changed into an expression of grief and sorrow, which was confirmed by the sound of her voice... "We did ensign," she said sternly. "My people died out because of inferior technology compared to the other Xindi..." It sounded as if she was fighting back tears at this point. "Before you ask, no I am not a clone... I am able to be here... I am able to exist because of a damned temporal anomaly that brought me to this time after the destruction of Xindus... So I would highly appreciate if you never spoke of my people again." Before Kel'Xin could respond, Avina continued leading him to the bridge, ending the conversation despite how often he tried to apologize. The bridge was, at least in appearance, the standard for any Federation ship, but Kel'Xin couldn't help but note that the layout wasn't quite as he had studied in the academy. Few of the bridge crew had already reported for duty, among them was a female Vulcan medical officer, a male Andorian engineer, and a male Tellarite operations officer. Everyone else must be completing some project calibrations, Kel'Xin thought. Making his way to the door indicated by Avina as she took her station, Kel'Xin pressed the buzzer to alert the captain of his presence. He was vaguely aware of the crew discussing him as he waited. Only when he heard the word "enter," did he do so. Miyumi Kurosaki sat in the chair behind the desk rubbing her temples. Her appearance confirms that she is of Asian descent. Her ebony hair fell down to shoulder length and curved inward towards the bottom. Putting her hands down, she looked at Kel'Xin, who was standing at attention, with dark brown eyes. "At ease, Ensign." Her voice betrayed none of the frustration that was evident on her face, which helped the Du'Cri to relax. "Tell me Ensign, how do the chronometers on a starship stay synchronized with Starfleet Command, even after a few days of traveling at let's say, warp six?" Kelzin didn't understand what had brought this about, but answered anyway thinking it was a test. "From my understanding of the warp field captain, it warps space in such a way, capturing the local space and expanding the space behind it, and shrinking the space in front of it, so that time dilation isn't even a factor." "Is it possible to create a stable wormhole around a black hole and still escape it's gravitational pull?" "With the right calculations and as long as we do not fall into the event horizon, yes. However I wouldn't recommend it unless the situation was dire." A smile flickered on Miyumi's face. "You've given me another reason as to why I should make you my chief science officer. When you are given a problem you are quick to answer with sound mind, solid logic, instincts and emotion... I spoke with your instructors before I offered you the position. They said that despite always being the first person to finish the work they assigned, no matter how difficult, you always had high marks. I take only the best on my senior staff, Ensign. You have the potential to go far in your career in Starfleet, I want to see where it takes you." Kel'Xin turned a deeper blue at the praise from both the Captain. "Well enough of that," Miyumi continued as she stood up and walked around the desk. Let us go to the bridge." Kel'Xin nodded with an "Aye, Captain," and followed Miyumi to the bridge. A male Ferengi at the helm shouted "Captain on deck," at which everyone stood at attention. "As you were," Said Miyumi before continuing. "We have been ordered to the Delta Quadrant." As the bridge burst into life with questions and comments, Miyumi raised her hand to silence the crew before speaking. "The only explanation I was given is that we've been reassigned. We are to rendezvous with our new fleet admiral on Astos IV." She looked over at the ferangi helmsman. "Lay in course and engage." The days following their departure, Kel'Xin spent as much time as he could to try and get to know his crewmates, that is when he wasn't being dragged into groups of gossipers who seemed to make it their mission to figure out why they were being sent to the Delta Quadrant. After a week on board, Kel'Xin was confronted by the same Vulcan medical officer who was on the bridge. "Oh, Doctor Takal..." Takal's appearance was average for a Vulcan, save for her dark skin, which diminished none of her demeanor, as expected from her species. "You've been avoiding me, Ensign. You were supposed to report to sick bay after we disembarked." "Was I?" Kel'Xin knew full well what he was supposed to do, he just had a strong dislike for sick bays and doctors. When Takal was about to confirm her statement, Kel'Xin interrupted. "You know, Doctor, I've been really busy, and I have many more things to do. Tell you what, I'll come see you when it's all done." With that, Kel'Xin would have walked around Takal, if she hadn't used the vulcan nerve pinch causing him to fall to the ground unconscious. When Kel'Xin woke, he found himself on a biobed in sickbay with his shirt off, revealing what he had shown no one since joining Starfleet: a growth-like symbiote that covered his torso apparently further below the belt. It was smooth to the touch, as if it had no texture, and moved like a second skin. It's color would have made anyone concerned, like a a black slick that would remind anyone familiar with the reports of Admiral Picard's troubles on Vagra II. Miyumi's voice came from a few meters to Kel'Xin's left. "Is it a threat to him or this crew?" Looking over, the ensign saw the captain talking with Takal. "It is uncertain at this time, Captain." "Speculate, damn it! I need answers now!" By this time, Kel'Xin was sitting up and spoke before Takal could even open her mouth. "It's a risk to no one... Not unless you tried to remove it." Miyumi jumped to look at him, while as expected, Takal did not. "What do you mean, Ensign?" The Captain's concern was clear. "The creature is a symbiote, my people call them Munii. Without one a Du'Cri would die in twenty hours, even a newborn. The reason is because of how our people were altered." Takal raised an eyebrow at this but did not interrupt, allowing the Du'Cri to continue. "There are reasons that I've kept it hidden, and I would like it to remain so. I'll give you details, if you insist, just not here." Miyumi and Takal looked at each other before looking back at Kel'Xin. Takal was the first to speak. "This should prove to be a... fascinating story." Miyumi nodded. "I agree... Meet me in my ready room in one hour... Both of you." Relieved that they had seemingly agreed to his conditions he simply nodded and said "Aye, Captain," before putting his shirt on and getting ready to leave, at least until Takal stopped him. "I wasn't able to finish your physical before calling the captain here." After a thorough physical examination, and a bite to eat at the Ten Forward Lounge, Kel'Xin headed to the bridge where he would make his way to the the Captain's Ready Room. Once there she would look away from the console on her desk and greet him with a nod. "Ensign, Takal should be here shortly, she has a knack for punctuality." Kel'Xin nodded nodded an acknowledgement. "In that case, Captain, may I use your replicator to get something to calm my nerves?" Turning her head back to the console, she would say, "Go ahead Mr Taroq," before continuing to read whatever was on the screen. "Thank you, Captain." Going over to the food slot, he'd say "Tea, herbal blend, orange and spice, hot." A few seconds later, a glass of the orange colored drink materialized. Taking it, Kel'Xin moved to sit on a chair in the corner, where Miyumi had arranged a sitting area. It wasn't even five minutes later that Takal walked in, nodded her greeting to them both, and moved to join Kel'Xin in the sitting area. After a few moments, Miyumi looked away from the console, got up and moved to join them. "Now that we are safe from prying ears, tell us your story, Ensign." Kel'Xin set his glass, now three fourths empty, down on the the coffee table that sat between them. "I'll start with the truths you know... It is true that the Du'Cri do not know the location of our original home world. It is true that we were quick to accept help from, and join, the United Federation of Planets. It is true that what you see when you look at me, is not what I was meant to look like. Now before I tell you what links these points, I need you both to promise that what I reveal will stay in this room..." Miyumi sighed in exasperation. "Ensign, I--" "Please Captain..." Caught off guard by her subordinates begging, she nodded. "I promise, and I am certain Takal will make sure it falls under doctor/patient confidentiality." When Kel'Xin looked at the Vulcan, she simply stated, "A doctor must respect the wishes of their patient, no matter how illogical they may be." Though the Ensign could have sworn that Takal only believed that to a point, otherwise he wouldn't have been forced to sickbay. Satisfied, Kel'Xin continued. "The connecting line to all of those points is a species who called themselves Yizu. Generations ago, the Yizu made it their mission to abduct an entire species and make slaves out of them... My people were the unfortunate bunch. Do keep in mind that we were primitive at the time, we haven't even entered an industrial age, like many of the other worlds in the Federation has... So when we began to panic about the disappearances, they moved to abduct larger and larger groups... They succeeded in getting everyone off the planet... "Once every member of my people were on board their vile ships, they sent every man, woman and child, through a machine that altered our genetic structure and physical appearance... It even stripped us of our natural immune system, which is why they gave us the Munii, that would later become an absolute requirement for any Du'Cri to live... All in all, it was a painful and agonizing process... The one thing that they left alone was our learning process... In their mind's we would learn what they wanted us to know, or they would beat it into us... Needless to say we are fast learners, which I had proven in the Academy, and this is what lead to their downfall. "They 'forced' us to make their phasers, disruptors, blades, and other hand-held and shipboard weapons... They 'forced' us to make their shields, both for the ships and personal devices... They 'forced' us to build their ships, shuttles, transporters, and replicators... In the end, our men were responsible for all production, while they raped, beat, and tortured our women... Sometimes the woman's lover was forced to watch the atrocities just for the Yizu's twisted pleasure... This only increased the need for a rebellion, and our resolve to bring it about... We continued to play along, letting them think we were helpless... "Since it eventually got to the point where our arrogant captors didn't check our work, we began putting subtle design flaws into their weapons personal shields, and replicators, while we stashed the working ones for ourselves... In a few weeks time we stashed enough weapons to arm our men, women, and children, as well as protect them with working personal shields, cause a mysterious fire in the armory during a storm, thus destroying all of their working weapons and such, and supplied the entire Yizu population with flawed equipment... "When we finally revolted against our oppressors, to reclaim our freedom, it was a planet wide massacre... Their weapons wouldnt fire, and if they did, it didn't harm us... Their shield's didn't protect them... And since we refused to take chances, because we refused to fall into servitude again, every Yizu was slain, regardless of age or gender... If there were any survivors, they were off world when the revolution happened... Five generations of Du'Cri were born slaves... Three Generations died as such... Out of seven generations to be oppressed by the Yizu, I am of the sixth, and I lead the revolt in their captle..." Kel'Xin took a deep quivering breath to try and calm himself. Reliving these memories was difficult for him. "When we had taken back our freedom, we boarded a number of the ships we constructed and set out in different directions to find our home... "In the process we found a family... I was on the ship that made first contact with the Saggiterius five years ago... They showed us the ideals, the principles the Federation lives by... That is why my people vowed to keep our ordeals a secret, we were afraid we would be rejected... After the Saggiterius helped us find a suitable world to colonize, and named it Shamballa, a name out of Earth's mythology, we began the process of becoming a Federation Member as the rest of our ships were informed of our new home..." Miyumi had a stunned expression on her face and Takal seemed to be considering the implications of such a tale in her logical mind. After a moment, Miyumi finally regained her composure. "That certainly is a cause for concern, Mr. Taroq, but it's not like you will be expelled from the federation for what happened before you joined... Though it certainly makes me glad we live by the Prime Directive... In any case, I will not say anything about it, but do know that if Command comes asking, I will have to tell them." Kel'Xin nodded. "Aye, Captain..." Miyumi gave the ensign comforting smile, showing him that she understood how uncomfortable he must of been reciting the troubling events... "We will talk more another time. You are free to go, Kel'Xin. I need to speak with Takal for a bit." With a nod, and an "Aye, Captain," Kel'Xin got up, placed his glass in the replicator to be recycled, and left the room.
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