Bridge - Deck 1

Mike stood up from behind the Science Station and walked to the center of Sutherland's Bridge so he could be seen and heard more easily. He knew Capt Adonis through Como Carpathia and thought of him as a friend since they first met at the Commodore's residence in California.

Lt. Commander Joffee: First, I'd like to say to the Commodore how sorry I am that his close friend of so many years is gone. I first met Captain Adonis through Commodore Carpathia. We had dinner together at one of the Commodore's dinners and I had a great time with him. The Captain was very good at telling his stories on how the universe would be if he ran it all. He also loved to talk about the anime movies he collected, as well as all his comic book collection. He was a good friend with mutual interests and I shall indeed miss him greatly.

The Chief Science Officer returned to his station on the Bridge of Sutherland and wiped away the tears welling up in his eyes. Capt Adonis always told Mike to call him by his first name when they weren't on duty. That's how much he considered the Captain to be his friend. Space was feeling a little more empty now that Treasar was gone.
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Lt. Commander Michael L. Joffee
Chief Science Officer, USS Sutherland

Stepping around from the Sec/Tac Station and moving to the center of the Bridge, Jared spoke about Capt Adonis who he had only known through the parties at Como Carpathia's residence back in California and on SB34. He found the Captain to be an interesting person to know, even though he seemed to lack contention. He always had a gripe to complain about and rarely saw the positive in any situation. Nevertheless, Capt Adonis was always interesting to chat with and also played the old style video games with Jared.

Lt. Commander D'Shoua: I met the Captain through Commodore Carpathia and always enjoyed listening to his view which was often quite askew on how the universe should work if he were God. Captain Adonis often made valid points but I would play counterpoint with the Captain and explain to him that his view was out of balance and often just seemed to focus on his wants and needs. Naturally, this made the Captain upset, so I would just concede to his argument and continue playing the video game with him. I'm going to miss our debates and will be sure to engage in a toast to him at our next dinner party at the Commodore's residence. Rest in peace, Captain.

Jared returned to the Sec/Tac Station behind the seats where Cmdr Kee and Counselor Elbrun were seated. LtCmdr D'Shoua continued to monitor the area for any intruders, which at this time only showed the abandoned vessels, the tow ships and Sutherland in the vicinity of the Zathura System. If anything did enter the system, Jared would alert the Acting CO immediately...
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Lt. Commander Jared D'Shoua
Chief Security/Tactical Officer, USS Infiniti

Addressing everyone from the 58th Squadron's status display at the rear of the Bridge, LtCol Carrera thought he should represent himself and the Marines under his command that served aboard Whitestar while Capt Adonis was their CO.

Lt. Colonel Carrera: Captain Adonis was an honorable man, who kept the lives of all those under his command a priority in his decision making. Never would he leave his Marines behind in search of glory just to save on the amount of time it would take them to reconvene aboard the ship. That is purely bad form, something the Captain never displayed. He will be remembered with honor in the hearts of the 58th Squadron. Captain Adonis, the Wildcards salute you.

The Marine Detachment Wing Commander saluted the viewscreen from where he stood behind the status display console in the time honored tradition of Earth's military. Rafo knew he and the other members of the Wildcards would be having drinks in the Main Lounge aboard Whitestar when they returned in honor of their Captain whose life was cut short by a blast from the Mega-Monster's eyes in the Deltauran Realm. They would drink to his memory and his courage to do the right thing when it came to the preservation of the lives of his officers and crew. LtCol Carrera recited the sonnet by seventeenth-century English poet, John Donne, in the back of his mind...

Death, be not proud...
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Lt. Colonel Rafael L. Carrera
Marine Detachment Wing Commander, USS Whitestar

Sickbay - Deck 12

Even though Jansen was sitting in Sickbay watching over Tootie Ramsey, he was able to see the memorial for Capt Adonis on the monitor by the BioBed. Listening to members of Whitestar's crew speak about their Captain was very touching. The Yeoman was also one of those that knew Capt Adonis personally from being around Como Carpathia so much. Jansen played numerous games on the console systems the Captain always brought with him. They had lots of fun together, even his constant teasing of the Yeoman for being so short or Jansen teasing Capt Adonis for having hairy feet like a Hobbit. The Lieutenant thought about these fond memories with a warm place in his heart.

Lt. Panettiere: I'm going to miss you, Bilbo Baggins.

The Yeoman said quietly, as to not wake up the sleeping Tootie. Jansen wondered when the next dinner party at the Commodore's place would be and if they would still play the console games together to honor the memory of Capt Adonis. One thing he knew for sure was that they would be having the fried boneless chicken breasts they all enjoyed along with the Captain. It was one of his favorite things Como Carpathia would make for them all to eat at his residence either on SB34 or back on Earth in California. Lt. Panettiere thought he might suggest having a huge dinner party in the Main Lounge aboard Whitestar when everyone was back and invite everybody that knew the Captain in one form or another. That way they could all share stories about Capt Adonis with those who didn't know him so well. Jansen figured Treasar would really enjoy that. Plus the Captain's urn would be present, so it would feel like he was there among them.
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Lieutenant Jansen R. Panettiere
Yeoman, USS Infiniti

Bridge - Deck 1

James never met Capt Adonis but he felt he should say something on behalf of the crew of Sutherland who didn't have a chance to speak up. The Acting CO also thought that the absence of Capt Marino was going to be noticed by now so something needed to be said to the Flag Officer Staff about him being deceased. James rose from where he was seated and moved forward towards the viewscreen.

Cmdr Kee: I'm sure I can speak for the officers and crew of Sutherland when I say that we're all sorry for your loss, Commodore. From what we've heard through the testimonies of those who knew Captain Adonis, he was a really interesting person to know. I regret not having the opportunity to get to know him personally.

The Commander took a few seconds to ponder what he had to say next. James was glad Dr. Jovic was on the Bridge with him so she could certify what he had to say next.

Cmdr Kee: At this time, it is unfortunate that I must inform you that Captain Marino has passed away. It appears that he choked to death from a large blockage of marshmallows that he was eating in his quarters while entertaining a survivor he rescued from one of the abandoned vessels out here. An actual autopsy has yet to be performed since this just happened within the hour and the Doctor hasn't had the opportunity to get to the Captain, plus we haven't had the chance to speak to the survivor yet who is asleep in Captain Marino's bed. I'll have Dr. Jovic send her report as soon as she completes the autopsy. I'm really sorry to have to add another death of a Commanding Officer to an already sad situation. I know he was a friend to you as well, Admiral Arayuss. You have the condolences of everyone here aboard Sutherland.

The Acting CO returned to where he was seated when the memorial began. James would've preferred speaking to Adm Arayuss privately about the death of Capt Marino, considering the circumstances surrounding the Captain's passing. But the Commander felt he needed to inform them right away in the event their mission parameters may have changed. James knew he would be hearing from either Adm Arayuss, RAdm Martinelli or Como Carpathia once the memorial aboard Whitestar had concluded. Now that the tow ships were in the process of bringing the abandoned vessels back to SB34, Cmdr Kee knew they wouldn't have to remain in the Zathura System much longer.
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Commander James L. Kee
Executive Officer, USS Oriskany

When Cmdr Kee announced that Capt Marino was dead, it became news to everyone aboard Sutherland. Michaelangelo hoped the officers and crew wouldn't take it too hard since nobody on the ship knew the Captain all that well. With Adm Arayuss ordering them to return to SB34 with the last of the abandoned vessels, the Acting XO knew they would be returning to their normally assigned vessels. When the memorial ended and the broadcast was terminated. Michaelangelo wondered if Cmdr Kee wanted a channel to remain open to SB34 or should he close it down for now.

Lt. Commander Boffi: Commander, the broadcast has ended. Would you like me to keep a channel open to Starbase 34 or should I close it for the time being?

While waiting on the Acting CO's response, LtCmdr Boffi monitored the tow ships' removal of the abandoned vessels from the orbit of the Class J planet in the Zathura System. During the memorial, several ships had already been removed and were on their way back to SB34. Michaelangelo scanned the vicinity for anyone else in the system and at this time there was nothing to report. Other than Sutherland, the abandoned vessels and the tow ships, they were the only ones in the area.
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Lt. Commander Michaelangelo A. Boffi
Chief Operations Officer, USS Oriskany

Hearing the Acting XO, James thought for a moment and decided the channel to SB34 can be closed for now since Dr. Jovic would need time to perform the autopsy on Capt Marino, as well as question the girl sleeping in his bed. The Acting CO answered LtCmdr Boffi as well as gave some instructions to the Doctor for her to begin the autopsy. James also made a request of LtCmdr Elbrun regarding the sleeping child in the Captain's Quarters.

Cmdr Kee: Go ahead and close the channel, Michaelangelo. Dr. Jovic, if you could start the autopsy, that would be great. Counselor, if you would come with me, we need to wake Alana Thompson and find out what she knows about Captain Marino's death. Thank you all for doing your duty and helping to get this mission closer to being completed. You have the Bridge, Mr. Boffi.

The Commander began walking to the Turbolift and waited for Counselor Elbrun to join him. James figured Dr. Jovic would be joining them on the ride down to Sickbay so she could carry out her task of finding out precisely how the Captain died. As soon as both women joined him in the Turbolift, the three of them proceeded to Deck 2 where Cmdr Kee and LtCmdr Elbrun exited and walked together to the Captain's Quarters while allowing the Doctor to continue on to Deck 12 where she would enter the ship's Morgue where Capt Marino was secured in a Stasis Pod. Once there Dr. Jovic could begin the autopsy process.
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Commander James L. Kee
Executive Officer, USS Oriskany

Captain's Quarters - Deck 2

Kestra entered the Captain's Quarters with Cmdr Kee and walked quietly to the bedroom to see the heavyset girl sleeping in Capt Marino's bed. The young Alana seemed to be in a chocolate induced coma judging from all the residue around her mouth from the s'mores she was consuming with the Captain. But now it was time to wake her and get to the bottom of what she knew about Capt Marino's death.

Lt. Commander Elbrun: Alana? Wake up please. We need to talk to you.

The girl groaned as if completely annoyed by the Counselor speaking to her. Alana sat up in the bed and scowled at LtCmdr Elbrun.

Alana Thompson: Why did you wake me up, I was having a great dream! Leave it to a Betazoid to interrupt a person while they're sound asleep! Couldn't you sense I was happy while I was sleeping? You must be the most useless Counselor in Starfleet!

Kestra's timid exterior vanished and she became quite stern with Miss Thompson over her crass behavior in light of the Captain's death.

Lt. Commander Elbrun: Look! I woke you up because Captain Marino was found dead on the floor in the front room and I want to know what you knew about it! Don't bother lying, I can sense it if you try! So start talking!

Alana rubbed her eyes in disbelief at the way the ship's Counselor spoke to her. She must not know about her title of 'Princess' and was in a divine position to where Alana asked questions and demanded answers, it wasn't the other way around.

Alana Thompson: I don't think you know who you're talking to! I am a Princess! I am to be treated with respect! I am not subject to your interrogation!

The girl went to slap the Counselor across the face, but Kestra sensed it coming and deflected the slap with ease. LtCmdr Elbrun debated slapping this so called Princess across her face as a show of authority, but with Cmdr Kee standing there, Kestra decided against it.

Lt. Commander Elbrun: If you try slapping me again, I WILL slap you right across your face, do you understand me? You were the last to see Captain Marino alive, tell us what happened!

Alana felt wholeheartedly offended by what the Counselor said, but she was not about to test the Betazoid woman on her resilience by trying to slap her again. The portly girl's eyes welled up with tears as she thought about what happened to Capt Marino when she went to sleep in his bedroom.

Alana Thompson: We came to his quarters to eat some s'mores and I was so hungry that I started stuffing marshmallows in my mouth. The Captain started doing the same to imitate me and faked that he was gagging on them. I figured he was just putting on a show for me like a clown would. When Captain Marino fell on the floor, I still thought it was part of his act. So I made myself s'mores while he laid there faking to be asleep, or so I thought. After I was full, I was tired and went to sleep. I walked right passed him and I thought I heard him making snoring sounds, so I just laughed and went into the Captain's bedroom. That's all I know about it. I'm sorry he's dead, I had no idea he was choking for real.

The young chubby girl started crying and Kestra looked over at Cmdr Kee. The Counselor's senses told her Alana was telling the truth as best she knew it.

Lt. Commander Elbrun: Thank you, Alana. I'm glad you told the truth. Well, there you have it Commander Kee. Captain Marino died from pure ignorance and negligence, he was more interested in impressing Alana than chewing the food in his mouth. What would you like to do now?

As the Counselor waited on Cmdr Kee to respond, she sat on the side of the bed and put an arm around the sobbing girl. Kestra could sense that Alana was blaming herself for Capt Marino's death. The Counselor knew the Princess was going to need some therapy after this kind of trauma. It was a good thing LtCmdr Elbrun volunteered on this mission. It was the reason Kestra was aboard.
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Lt. Commander Kestra Elbrun
Counselor, USS Infiniti

It didn't take much time for James to process what Alana had said regarding how Capt Marino died. Choking to death while the girl remained oblivious to it really annoyed the Commander to no end. How could somebody be so self-absorbed? James thought to himself. The Acting CO didn't think it would be appropriate for Miss Thompson to remain in the Captain's Quarters so he thought it best they bring her to a guest room where she could mourn over what she allowed to happen.

Cmdr Kee: I think it best to movie the child to Guest Quarters until we return to Starbase 34. I'm sure she wants to clean up and perhaps get more rest. Will you kindly see to that Counselor? In the meantime, I'll be in the Morgue with Dr. Jovic if you need me.

The Acting CO walked out of the Captain's room and returned to the Turbolift where he took it to Deck 12. Walking down the corridor, he entered through the Morgue doors to find Dr. Jovic at work on Marino's body. James stood there quietly and let the Doctor complete her autopsy of the Captain. Cmdr Kee knew better than to interrupt Dr. Jovic while she was working, so letting her continue undisturbed was the best option at this time.
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Commander James L. Kee
Executive Officer, USS Oriskany

The Counselor escorted Alana to where the Guest Quarters were aboard Sutherland. Kestra knew by the way Cmdr Kee instructed the child to remain in this room until they reached SB34, that she was to remain under observation. LtCmdr Elbrun wasn't needed anywhere else at this time, so she decided to stay with the young girl while she got some sleep. As they entered the guest room, Kestra motioned towards the comfortable bed.

Lt. Commander Elbrun: That bed should be very comfortable for you, why don't you lay down for a while. I'll remain here with you that way you're not alone. If you want to clean yourself up, the lavatory is right over there.

Alana was a lot less high and mighty now that she knew her lack of observation caused the Captain to lose his life. Cleaning up before lying down on the bed seemed to be a very good idea, so Alana walked into the lavatory and thanked the Counselor before closing the door.

Alana Thompson: Thank you, Counselor. I think I'll go clean up before I lay down.

The Counselor watched Alana enter the restroom and close the door for privacy. A few moments later, Kestra could hear the shower water running and the sounds of a body in there getting clean. LtCmdr Elbrun went over to the Replicator and made a nightgown for the child to wear. It was a pretty pink one that had a regal look to it. Kestra took it from the Replicator and placed it on the chair by the lavatory door. The Counselor had a feeling Alana wouldn't want to wear the same clothes she was wearing with chocolate drippings all over the front after a relaxing shower. Kestra called out by the door to Alana while she was inside washing her hair.

Lt. Commander Elbrun: Alana, I made a nightgown for you to wear when you come out of the shower. It's on the chair just outside the door waiting for you. I'll be in the sitting room waiting for you to see how it fits.

Alana was able to hear the Counselor through the door and it put a smile on her face. She was very happy at the thought of wearing a nightgown to bed, she had been in the clothes she had been wearing for quite some time. After all that happened, Alana never wanted to wear those clothes again.

Alana Thompson: Thank you, Counselor! That's very kind of you!

Kestra smiled when she heard Alana's gratitude for making her a nighty to wear. Back when she was much younger, living on Betazed, the Counselor had a nightgown that was very similar to what she replicated for Alana. Kestra had high hopes the child would be fond of the design as well.

Lt. Commander Elbrun: You're welcome, Sweetie!

The Counselor walked out of the bedroom and sat down on the sofa in the sitting room and picked up a PADD and began filling out a report on Alana's psychiatric condition. Surely there was somebody back home who would be concerned about this child's welfare. Kestra didn't mind that Alana was taking her time in the shower, she was sure the child felt really dirty after being alone on the SS Mariquita for so long. LtCmdr Elbrun just waited patiently for Alana to emerge from the bedroom wearing the nighty that was made for her judging by the child's size. After all, there was nothing else either of them were needed for during the remainder of this mission.
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Lt. Commander Kestra Elbrun
Counselor, USS Infiniti