T'aral

We Love Kent!

... also a MAJOR "Mirror Universe" fan. I'm getting the Alternate Realities DVD set, mostly so that I can have all the Mirror Universe episodes from all the different series. They should be awesome - especially the "Enterprise" two parter. Tholians ... Oooh, I love Tholians!

Sees something ... Rant ... rant rant ... rant rant SCREAM rant rant SCREAM rant rant rant rant rant ... ... ... SCREAM rant. Hmm ... I do feel better. Not much better, but better. -------------------------------------------------------------- In happier news: I'm going to be getting the Star Trek: Alternate Realities DVD set in a week or two.

Predictions for the upcoming 'V': 1) More moral ambiguity. 2) More gore. 3) More sex. Grows even more nostalgic for the 1-hour stories of TOS.

Hello; I have just arrived. Hopefully I will be able to attend Academy tomorrow. I have a variety of insights on matters technical, scientific, psychological, and philosophical. A fellow cadet suggested that I consider myself a ... model of a modern Major General. :o I regret that I do not understand. ------------- OOC: I have not run across an indication of which era is being played - TOS, ST-M, TNG?

Ah, 'MacBeth'. I thoroughly enjoyed the play, though my English teacher was totally clueless. She tended to repeat the same plot points over and over ... day after day ... sucking the joy and interest out of the story. Worse, she thought the play's experience could be enhanced by playing somebody's folk-filk song based on the story. The song was really, really bad.

I'm trying to remember what movie or show it was: somebody caught a huge stone or piece of debris right in the cassaba, and kept running as if nothing happened. It was on MST one time ... Anyway: I hope nobody thinks I feel there *shouldn't* be TNG roleplaying. I get lost in it easy because I didn't follow the later shows, but lots of people love it. I just really have a love for round nacelles, big flat discs, and boldly going where no one in his right mind has any business hanging about.

Oh yes: definitely points for the burgundy uniforms - arguably the best outfits of all of them.

Sooo ... what'd you get?

I really do hope this was the HINI, since that would mean he's beaten back this year's Big Bad Wolf rather handily. Now if he'd just take it easy without me having to bunge-cord him down to the futon, I'd be able to read a day without fever off of him and then I'd be able to send him back to school.

Has a 2nd interview ... and a son who's been hit by the HINI. He should be fine soon: he's already eating again.

This Saturday ( 10/31/09 ) I will probably not be available. It is my birthday, and that with my son getting out for trick-or-treating probably means I will be elsewhere. Take care, all!

After confirming that the Starfleet Spectral Virus Innoculation was effective on New Vulcan, T'Aral authorized further medical rotations. Having completed her own rotation, the Medical Officer took an afternoon off - in contact with the Comanche Creek, but not remaining around the medical tents. Travelling to the outskirts of the settlements, T'Aral reviewed the various reports. Marius Caproni was forbidden the injection he was requesting: both T'Aral and other Vulcan medical practitioners disapproved of the use of preventative antibiotics, with the position that it merely fosters more resilient bacterial pathogens. Instead, Marius was checked over three times a day over the next two days to assure that he had not contracted any disease from his unfortunate task - and reminded that such activities should be performed wearing suitable bio-protective equipment. Administrator Sarel was advised of the water concern. He immediately approved notifying the colony and initiating additional individual purifying measures. Medical was advised regarding monitoring for specific necrotic bacterial infections, as that was the most immediate concerns when facing a situation of this nature. Captain Calestorm's care was noted in a secure log, with T'Aral intent on monitoring the matter carefully. There was a concern that if the captain relied on injections, she may become dependent on them. A curious choice, given that an hour under Doctor Rogers' care followed by two months of steady progressive therapy from T'Aral would permenently solve the matter - a situation she would have to some day face, or be crippled. T'Aral would have to follow up with the captain regarding her views on away-team assignments. If she was a 'Vanguard Captain', leading her crew in dangerous situations, then T'Aral would have to recommend reconstruction much more urgently. All other concerns she had were suddenly set aside as she arrived at a stony outcropping on the far side of a jagged mountain. There T'Lar had established a small collective of priests with the focused purpose of providing spiritual foundation to the Vulcan colony. While a most challenging proposition given the rigid discipline of logic, it was not impossible. Belief in the spiritual was not illogical - it was easily acceptable given certain premises; premises that simply could not be proven. T'Aral stripped off the trappings of a Leutenant and medical officer, taking on the robes of a priestess adept. She sat in silence, allowing the small circle she was joining to discuss a most important matter: the Koon-ut-kal-if-fee. There were several younger members who insisted that some other means of dealing with undesirable pairings was needed, while the older generation insisted that the traditions be maintained - better to die as a people than to give up who they were. T'Aral noted that T'Lar had remained conspicuously silent ... and suddenly she noted the woman was staring right at her, as if she was supposed to put an end to the deadlocked conversation. While it was possible that she was wrong, it would be illogical not to act. "What if a compromise could be established?" Master Sarden turned to T'Aral, his face betraying none of the incredulity behind it. "How could that be possible? We are discussing a challenge to the death." T'Aral paused, unable to fully restrain the nervousness inside her. "The issue is the Kal-if-fee, and the need to resolve the Plak Tow successfully. My research into the ritual indicates that the blood fever ceases once the victim is either decisively victorious or defeated. The process invariably leaves the loser of the challenge unconcious for a few precious minutes before death. If the offical invokes the Kroi-kah in a timely manner, a trained medical responder may be able to act quickly to save the life of the vanquished. "This would satisfy all requirements: the preservation of Vulcan life, our traditions, and our need to resolve biological imperatives." T'Aral eased back into her robes, hoping that no one would speak to her again. The discussion continued for several hours, and at length T'Aral's communicator chimed - she was being recalled to the Comanche Creek. As she left the group and returned to her Starfleet garb, T'Lar stepped outside to meet her. "You are to be thanked: you have saved our spirit again. The discussion will continue for days, but already there is little doubt that your compromise will be acceptable." T'Aral bowed to her mentor. "I am honored." T'Lar then turned serious. "And yet you will not stay? You have a balance to your mind which is needed among us." T'Aral continued in her preparations. "If I am needed here, then I am needed more elsewhere. While stubborn in their ways, our people are logical, and in you they have an excellent guide. The people on the ship make decisions which are irrational and most illogical. They have need of someone to give them balance, and who will advise them on their own care without the burden of emotional concerns." T'Lar nodded, then saluted T'Aral. "My thoughts shall be with you, may you be sustained in tranquility among the chaos you encounter." T'Aral nodded and saluted in reply, deftly avoiding the human tendency to smile. "Live long and prosper, my teacher." Snapping her communicator open, T'Aral signaled the transporter station. "T'Aral to Comanche Creek - lock on to this signal: one to beam up."

Greetings. Your request for a preventative antibiotic injection is denied. The application of preventative antibiotics leads to the premature development of resistant bacterial strains, which are not desired - especially on a newly forming colony. We will monitor your condition and provide immediate care for any condition which begins to develop. You are reminded that there are protocols recommending the use of bio-protective equipment when performing sanitation tasks such as you have carried out. In the future, we strongly recommend you take the extra time to acquire and equip yourself with said materials when facing similar situations. Your continued health is our foremost concern. T'Aral - Chief Medical Officer, USS Comanche Creek ( :blink: )

Might have a new job soon. They were supposed to call today - maybe they'll call tomorrow.

( Part 1 : First Thoughts ) T'Aral left the briefing satisfied with her department's direction, though curious about the emphasis that seemed to be put upon security. Perhaps it was merely her perception, but those charged with security seemed to be focused on the movement of contraband into the new colony. T'Aral had trouble with the idea that such a focus was necessary: the colony was Vulcan - the desire for any kind of illicit substance was minimal. For her own part, T'Aral was much more concerned that the colony receive the supplies directed to it. As she saw the situation, it was far more likely that smugglers and thieves would see an opportunity to obtain expensive power generators and other materials for black-market resale, or in other ways extort money from the colony for needed resources. Surely greater attention was needed there ... Within a turbolift, T'Aral's head twitched as she cleared her thoughts. She was a medical officer and a priestess: she had no experience in security matters. There were, no doubt, factors and matters that she was not familiar with. Her superiors were experienced and the security staff were skilled in their jobs - while she felt the need to speak her mind, it was inappropriate to interfere further. She had her own assignments, and needed to focus on that.

( Part 3: Encounter ... ) "Excuse me: I am looking for Leutenant T'Aral." The calm, even voice was the CMO's first indication that a long-awaited visitor had arrived. Stepping out from a back room, she nodded to dismiss an attending nurse. "I am T'Aral." With that simple statement she gestured to a back room, where the visitor followed. T'Lar of the Vulcans was not one to be guided lightly. Due to their circumstances, she was one of the few members of the priesthood remaining. Of them, she was one of the most senior. "You honor me with your presence. I was expecting an attendant." T'Lar walked about without facing T'Aral directly. "As much as I trust those who are on this journey with us, in these times it is best not to court temptation." She stepped over to a simple box. "Is this it?" T'Aral nodded. "A stone of Seleya: it's authenticity is carefully documented." Documentation was not needed for her: she had taken the stone from the mountain herself. However, she had felt it would be beneficial to have a tricorder record of the event. Now she was a keeper of an artifiact, if only for a brief time. Yet as soon as it had begun, her time was over. The stone would go with T'Lar now; an icon for their people to keep in rememberance of a world now gone. As T'Lar gathered it up, T'Aral felt a moment of hope - perhaps she wouldn't ask ... "So, T'Aral: you have resigned your comission?" T'Aral sighed: she had asked. "No, T'Lar, I have not." The priestess looked as if T'Aral had tweaked her nose. "Surely Starfleet can find another doctor? You are one of the few of our order remaining." T'Aral was grateful that T'Lar had remained calm. "Perhaps not. My training is not of a typical level for a chief medical officer, but due to an absence of qualified canidates I was given the position. For me to leave would be to cause my captain difficulties: complications which she does not need, and which would create problems for Starfleet. Under the circumstances we should avoid conflict with Starfleet, agreed?" T'Lar nodded, but remained firm. "Your position is logical, as is mine. We will need to debate this at length and in privacy. Will your captain allow this?" T'Aral relaxed slightly. "I believe so. I have put my staff on a rotation: soon I will have free time I will contact you." As T'Lar nodded and left with the stone, T'Aral leaned against a corner to rest. The conversation went better than she anticipated, but it wasn't over ... not in the least.

Zombieland Survival Rule #1: CARDIO!

Well, I agree that they're not good for putting up on a tree - but that's no reason not to get them. Set up a little shelf display and have a ball.

Saw Zombieland yesterday. One of the people I was with complained that there were a few too many silly parts of the movie. News Flash: the whole friggin' movie is silly! :P Ok: maybe not the whole movie. I counted exactly two parts of the movie which were honestly tragic. The catch was, you didn't end up getting brought down too far - since the whole rest of the movie was one goofy joke after another ... and well done ones, too. Ok: one goofy joke stretched believability :P , but other than that it was all pretty well covered. The rest of the movie was funny without stretching believability - once you believe in the whole zombie thing, that is. If you're ok with the decaying zombie body-eating gross-out factors, I'd recommend this one for a matinee laugh with a pack of friends, including one know-it-all survivalist ... that's what I did. :P

( Part 2: Preparation ) ... "Initial results indicate that the standard Starfleet full-spectrum viral innoculations are effective against this planet's native pathogens. Care should be taken, however, to minimize risks until that hypothesis has been thoroughly evaluated. I will be making the request of the Sciences department to follow up with this concern - your full cooperation is necessary. "Ground support for the colony's Medical facilities will be performed in shifts. One LNP and one attendant nurse shall be on the ground at all times. The surgeons will remain on board: if your skills are needed, they are best applied where your tools are established. I will be taking the first shift so that I can directly determine what further support can be provided. All medical staff are to carry emergency pharmecutical kits, a medical tricorder, and a communicator at all times during our stay. As of this moment we are on a constant state of on-call. "Are there any questions at this time?" Looking about, T'Aral noted an absence of inquiries. "Very well. Do not hesitate to contact me if clarification is required." With that the medical staff was dismissed, and T'Aral returned to her quarters to collect her travel pack. It was a small bag of clothing and needed items: anything needed professionally would be transported by the crew. There was also one separate item, and now that the Captain had ordered her to support planetside efforts, it could be delivered personally. With duffel, tricorder, kit, communicator, and a box in arms, the Vulcan made her way to the transporter. As she did so, she noted the stares that followed her while she walked through the corridors. So many eyes: some with sympathy, some searching for reactions, some just watching ... it would be good to be on the planet for a while, interacting with her own kind. The humans' response to the situation was to be anticipated, and T'Aral was not offended by it. All the same, they kept watching her; waiting for something that would make her stumble, for her to show her feelings. Feelings were irrelevant: being sad or breaking down under the strain would not bring Vulcan back. Shedding tears would not raise the dead to life. Far too many outsiders would be watching: expecting, even pushing to have the Vulcan race lose what dignity it posessed in the face of tragedy. How little they understood: if the Vulcan Way failed them now, the Vulcans would face far more than a simple matter of embarassment. They would revert to chaos, and the race would destroy itself in anarchy. As she stepped onto the transporter platform, T'Aral found herself in a state of peace. This would not happen: she had read it in her communications with T'Lar - there were enough of them who knew the truth. There were enough to remain dedicated to the Vulcan Way, and thereby enough to hold their race together. The colonists knew what was at stake, and what was needed of them. They would survive, they would grow, and once again the Vulcans would return from the brink of extinction. It had happened before, and they were saved through the discipline of Logic. Logic would save them again. "You may energize."

My son wants to play with the emoticons - his precious "happy things". This is as good a place as any. :) B) :wub: :P :P :P :ph34r: :o :( :) :P :P ( Yes son - the ninja does look startled. )

I wasn't aware that there were four versions of "Stand By Me", much less bad ones. I usually turn off the radio this time of year. If they're not willing to play White Zombie and Alice Cooper to get you in the mood for Halloween, I'm not interested in hearing "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer" five times a day for the next two months.

All the same - no, Xandra, you're not the only one who has a problem with crashing things into the moon.

Hi. I have computed that ( given the staff I have established ) I can get through at least 480 physicals by the time the ship reaches the New Vulcan colony. That should be more than enough to get through the crew. So: unless you're just dying to RP having a baseline physical, consider it done. Those wishing to RP their physicals can get in touch with me.