Posted by Gamemaster Narwhal the nefarious (GMT) in [AE] - Nursery

Posted by Lieutenant Cara Esmé Mardusk (Counselor / Education Specialist) in [AE] - Nursery

Posted by Gamemaster Narwhal the nefarious (GMT) in [AE] - Nursery

The ships proximity alarm sounded as a huge wave of an unknown energy surged towards the Atlantis.

Babies cried out in confusion as the wave approached, and caregivers hurried to soothe them, toddlers poked and prodded asking question about things they didn’t even understand. As the wave slammed into the ship, the nursery shook with the force of the impact. Mobiles swayed precariously above cribs, and toys scattered across the floor. Caregivers clung to the cribs, doing their best to shield the infants from harm amidst the chaos.

Narwhal the nefarious
GMT
USS Atlantis

Cara had been in the main arboretum with Hall and Oats (the red and black paired targs that Lord Noggra had gifted Gravel and her with when they married) giving them some much needed exercise. It was also imperative that they get used to seeing people around the ship and interacting with them. She decided to do a walk of the family quarters because those areas were a bit more chaotic in their activities than the rest of the ship. Royo was somewhere about, her ever faithful shadow.

That had been touch and go for a bit. The first time Royo had joined her when she had the targs with her, they thought Royo was stalking her or something. She’d had to go all the way down to the security office with them. Cara managed to stop them from hurting Royo, but she didn’t know all the commands yet, and she didn’t want to give them the wrong one.

They were walking along deck 15 when the ship suddenly pitched and shook. Cara was thrown off her feet into a bulkhead and then flung across the corridor. She landed on something hard, and judging by the squeal it was Hall or Oats. She rolled again as the ship continued to be shaken like a rag doll. When it stopped she opened her eyes to pitch blackness. There were some sparks, but no emergency lights. The ship was silent, eerily so. She did a very quick mental inventory. She felt banged around, but not too bad. She didn’t think she’d landed on any targ spikes. “Hall. Oats.” She heard the clop of eight hooved feet move toward her and then porcine noses snuffling over her. She reached out in the dark and patted them both reassuringly. “Good boys.” She let them check her out and then went to sit and cursed as sharp pain raidiated from her hip down her leg and up into her ribs.

“Lt? Cara?” Royo’s voice came from the dark. “It’s alright Royo. I think I bruised the bone in my hip, maybe fractured it. I’ll live. What about ya?” She heard him grunt as he stood. “I was in a cross section, more room to be tossed around. Just a bit winded.” She heard the pop of a panel and then there was light. Royo had retrieved a flashlight from an emergency supply locker. He moved toward her, and helped her stand. The pain was pretty bad, but she’d live. “We’ve got to check the corridor. Power seems to be totally out.”

“Emergency family shelters. We need to move people there. There will be medical supplies, emergency generators, and food.” Cara went to step and Royo had to catch her. “I don’t think you’ll be helping much, counselor.” Then they heard the wailing. “The nursery. Come on Royo, I’ll make it that far.” They made their way the short distance, with a lot of help from the security officer. Hey was able to force the door open. They stepped in and Cara looked at the targs, “Qam.” She pointed at the children and teachers, “Jup’a,” then she pointed to the side of the door, “Ba!” Hall and Oats moved to the door and sat obediently. Cara scanned the room in its dim lighting, “Ms Pullam?” she called out to the lead teacher.

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

“Oh, Counsellor, it’s good to hear your voice,” responded Ms. Pullam, relief evident in her tone, as she emerged from the nursery with two children in tow, one clutching each of her hands. “What happened?” she asked, her concern palpable. “We have some bruises here, but fortunately, the Captain’s suggestion to have the nursery separately reinforced was one well taken.”

Gamemaster Narwhal the nefarious
GMT
USS Atlantis

“No idea. Power is out, comms down. Somethin’ shook us like a rag doll.” Royo righted a chair and helped Cara sit in it. “Ya have an emergency supply lockers. Let’s get the med kits out. We’ll take care of the bruises. Are least ya have back up power.”

“We need to look at your leg too, Counselor,” Royo said.

“I will, but the children first.” She turned to Royo. “Go check the corridors. Help anyone ya find. Check the emergency civilian shelters.”

Royo nodded and left. Cara looked at the children. “Then how about a story?”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

The children’s faces lit up with relief as they saw Lieutenant O’Farrel approach, though traces of shock and anxiety still lingered in their expressions. However, one by one, they began to nod, a silent acknowledgment of the comfort and reassurance her presence brought them.

Gamemaster Narwhal the nefarious
GMT
USS Atlantis

Ms Pullam took out their emergency med kits and Cara was grateful she had basic medic training. The other teachers kept the kids entertained while Cara checked them over for anything more serious than bruises, and healed the worst of them. (OOC: Does she find anything other than bruises?)

Her own hip was killing her, and she was starting to feel the bruises and sore muscles from where she’d got thrown around. She’d have to check herself later. Cara looked across the room and the books showing on the shelf and spied one and grinned. She got up to retrieve it, took a step and gritted her teeth. Instead she sat down and asked one of the children to get it for her. That worked much better, as it got them all excited for a story, and was quite a point of importance to get the book for the counselor.

“Alright, if everyone is ready, come sit and I’m going ta read you one of my favorite stories. It’s also a really old story.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

The children’s faces lit up with relief as they saw Lieutenant O’Farrel approach, though traces of shock and anxiety still lingered in their expressions. However, one by one, they began to nod, a silent acknowledgment of the comfort and reassurance her presence brought them.

Ms. Pullam took out their emergency med kits, and Cara was grateful she had basic medic training. The other teachers kept the kids entertained while Cara checked them over for anything more serious than bruises and healed the worst of them.

As Cara settled back into her seat and announced the story time, excitement bubbled among the children. They eagerly gathered around, their eyes sparkling with anticipation. When one of them was asked to fetch the book, they eagerly volunteered, eager to be helpful and curious about the tale Cara would share.

“Alright, if everyone’s ready, come sit, and I’ll read you one of my favorite stories,” Cara announced, her voice warm and inviting. “It’s also a really old story.”

The children nestled closer, their faces aglow with anticipation as Cara began to read. With each word, their imaginations ignited, transporting them away from the chaos of the shuttle bay to a world of adventure and wonder. And as they listened, the flicker of emergency lights above and the gentle flow of fresh air into the room served as reminders that even in the darkest moments, there was still a glimmer of hope.

Gamemaster Narwhal the nefarious
GMT
USS Atlantis

OOC: Jake are there any serious injuries or problems in the nursery, other than Cara’s very fractured leg?

Cara opened the book and began to read. It had been a favorite of hers as a child and it always made her laugh. “I was walking down the road, and I saw…” she began.

OOC: This is the funniest reading of this story I’ve seen. It will help set the mood for what’s going on in this reply.

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

I think it can be assumed that there will be a few bumps and bruises, being the nursery I wanted to show a different area of the ship. Maybe some destroyed or damage tables etc etc

Gamemaster Narwhal the nefarious
GMT
USS Atlantis

After a while the comms crackled and a general message came through from the XO .. =^= All hands. Report in through your comm units - name, location, injuries and whether you are mobile =^=
- Jen, XO

The children were laughing over the outrageous wonky donkey in the story, and how Cara seemed to keep getting tongue tied over the list of increasingly outrageous attributes of said donkey. Hearing the ship wide call, the children suddenly remembered that something significant and scary had occurred. They began to ask for their parents, look for comfort items, show signs of distress, and crying. The crying of the older children started the infants crying, so when Cara activated her comm the bridge could hear the commotion loudly through the comms.

=/\=Lt Mardusk here, Cmdr. I’m in the nursery. The children have some bumps and bruises, but we were able ta use the emergency med kits for most of them. It wouldn’a hurt ta have someone from medical check them when they have a chance. None of us have more than first aid trainin’. Mr Slovenski has a bad cut on his head and some swellin’ and is disoriented and confused. I think he might have a concussion and pretty sure I fractured my hip. NE Royo (sec) was with me when it happened. He’s gone ta check the decks and escort anyone he finds to emergency shelters. So far all back up power for the nurseries and school rooms are workin’ and we’re pretty secure on that front.=/\=

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

The Atlantis groaned and shuddered as if being gripped by an invisible force, its metal frame creaking and protesting under the strain. In the tense silence that ensued, the crew exchanged uneasy glances, their senses on high alert. The dim emergency lighting cast eerie shadows across the bridge, heightening the sense of foreboding that hung heavy in the air. With each groan and shudder of the ship, the feeling of unease intensified, as if the very fabric of reality itself were being warped.

As the mysterious force continued to press against the Atlantis, its systems flickered and faltered before settling again. But the silence was shattered by the unmistakable sound of metal scraping against metal, emanating from the outer edge of the ship’s hull. Whatever was out there, whatever unseen entity was attaching itself to their vessel.

Gamemaster Narwhal the nefarious
GMT
USS Atlantis

Cara gripped her chair as the ship shuddered and she was jostled in the seat. Her leg was really starting to throb and there was a sharp fire like pain. It was distracting, which was concerning because she had a very high pain tolerance. The sound of creaking, crushing metal and the shudder of the ship erased what was left of the easy jovial atmosphere the book, The Wonky Donkey, had created. The children all stared around, hugging stuffies and other comfort items close. Some whimpered, some screamed, some began to cry in earnest. The teachers were equally concerned, but they were able to hide it for the children’s sake.

Hall and Oats stood up, glaring at the sound. They left their spot and surrounded Cara, grunting and snorting, pawing the carpeted floor with their hooves. Whatever it was, they were warning it off. Making sure to keep it away from her. She set a hand on each of their backs. “nogD. puqpu’. (Ease. Children.)” The two targs glanced around at the children that were staring at them with slight apprehension and instantly relaxed their posture.

“Ms Cawa? What awe does?” one of the little boys asked. She smiled at him. “They are targs, they are from the Klingon homeworld of Q’onos.”

“I saw ‘mander Mawdusk wif them. He said they help keep us safe,” one of the girls said.

“They do. They are very smart, and very brave. If ya want ta meet them, ya hold yer fist out like this, and let them sniff. Then they will let ya pat them between the ears.” Cara demonstrated and the children all dashed over, forming two lines to meet the beasts. Hall and Oats were intimidating even to those who had seen targs before. But they were calm and allowed the children to come close.

Ms Pullam put on music and set out crayons and paper. As the children finished they rushed the small tables and tiny chairs to scribble and color.

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

Two security officers, followed by a medic, appeared in the nursery doorway. The armed officers acknowledged the adults in the room before taking positions on either side of the door. The medic, Nurse Nariah, addressed the room with a warm smile.

Hall and Oats, the twin targs of Lt Cmdr Mardusk, stood and moved in the way as the door opened. They sniffed the air and recognized the two guards. They walked over to the counselor and vocalized a soft snorting grunt and then returned to their places near the children.

“Hello, everyone. I’m Nurse Nariah. Sorry to interrupt your story time, but I wanted to make sure everyone is alright. Darius and Vox are here to keep us safe.” She moved through the room, checking on each child. “Once I’ve ensured everyone is healthy, can I speak to whoever is in charge?”

Her tone was light and happy for the children, but a hint of anxiety seeped through her final comment.

Gamemaster Narwhal the nefarious
GMT
USS Atlantis

The children looked up, they were aware that something was very wrong now. Children were smart that way. “Have you seen my mommy and daddy? Where’s Loamik? I want to go home. What happened? I’m scared,” and the comments went on. Ms Pullam and the other teachers moved around the room, reassuring the children. Cara stood up to do the same. Doing her best to conceal the pain in her leg and the difficulty she had walking. Not out of any misplaced sense of ego, but to not distress the children any further. “That would be me, Nariah,” Lt Mardusk said as she helped one of the children find the crayon he was looking for.

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

Though nurse Nariah had impeccable bed side manners for the crew her experience dealing with children was not as impeccable, she focused on the lieutenant. “Is it ok that we step away for a moment? - There is some information I think you should be aware off and I don’t want to disturb the children.”

Gamemaster Narwhal the nefarious
GMT
USS Atlantis

Cara nodded. With the help of one of the teachers she stood. The pain in her hip was really starting to bother her now, but the only sign was a slight tightening at the corner of her eyes. The teacher took most of Cara’s weight as they made their way to the small office toward the back of the room. Cara sat as soon as she could and let out a long breath. “What is it Nariah?”

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

“An unknown force is currently breaching our hull. With our sensors offline, we can’t determine if they’re friend or foe. We’ve established defenses, and the nursery is one of our high-priority areas for security. I’m here to assist with medical needs, but we must be prepared for the worst.” She hoped it wouldn’t come to that.

Gamemaster Narwhal the nefarious
GMT
USS Atlantis

Bump

Gamemaster Narwhal the nefarious
GMT
USS Atlantis

Cara nodded, she stayed relaxed and unphased. She had absolute faith in Styxx’ marines and Gravel’s security. They would keep the crew and ship safe. “The nurseries, school rooms, and emergency family/civilian shelters all have backup power which is why we’re okay, and plenty of food for a week. The whole area is reinforced duranium all the way around, and we can enact emergency level 10 force fields. If we seal them all up, we’ll be safe enough. Decks 15, 16, 20, 21, 23, 24, 37, and 38 have either school rooms or emergency shelters. That’s 24 locations total and each houses 50 people. That’s enough for the whole crew compliment and a little extra. En Royo went to help clear the decks and get people to the shelters.”

Cara tapped her chin, “There should be a security locker on this deck somewhere. They don’t keep one in the school rooms. Send security out to get them. We’ll make sure we’re defended.” The Lt had a horrible sense of direction, but she could fight, and she would. In the meantime, they needed to keep the children safe and calm. She set a hand on Nariah’s shoulder, “We’ll be alright. Now, is there anything you can do about my hip?”

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

Security personnel quickly arrived on the scene, joined by a few more officers. The nurse finally smiled, “Of course, I’d be a rubbish medical practitioner if I couldn’t. Let’s take a seat and get you examined. Truth be told, I’m much better at this than protecting the ship from hostiles.”

Gamemaster Narwhal the nefarious
GMT
USS Atlantis

Cara smiled, letting out a small chuckle, “For me too. I can talk ta ‘em all day, but don’a ask me ta defend somethin’.” That wasn’t exactly true, but Cara was definitely not an expert. She sat and turned so her weight was on her right hip. “I slammed hard inta a bulk head when the ship felt like it was capsizin’. It feels like it’s grindin’. Afraid I might o’ cracked it.”

OOC: I’ll leave it up to you how hurt she is.

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

She guided Cara to a nearby chair, her demeanour professional yet comforting. She gently palpated the area Cara indicated, her fingers skilled and precise. “I see,” Nariah said, her voice soothing. “It sounds like you might have a rib fracture. Let me run a quick scan to confirm.”

Using her medical tricorder, Nariah carefully scanned Cara’s torso. The device beeped softly, displaying detailed readings of Cara’s injury. Nariah’s brow furrowed slightly as she reviewed the results. “You’ve got a minor fracture in your lower rib, Cara. Nothing too serious, but it does need attention.”

The counselor nodded. That’s what she figured. It wasn’t the first time she had cracked a rib or a bone, she was familiar with the sensation.

Nariah reached into her medical kit and retrieved a hypo-spray filled with a mild analgesic and a bone regenerator. “This will help with the pain and speed up the healing process,” she explained, pressing the hypo-spray against Cara’s side. The device hissed softly as it delivered the medication.

“Thank ya, Nariah.” The tension in her shoulders eases as the medication took effect. She rolled her shirt up out of the way for the bone regenerator.

She then activated the bone regenerator, a small handheld device that emitted a gentle hum as it worked to repair the fractured rib. “Hold still for a moment,” Nariah instructed, her focus unwavering. “This will take a few minutes.”

“No problem. I’m no goin’ anywhere,” the counselor laughed.

As the regenerator did its work, Nariah kept an eye on Cara’s vitals, ensuring everything was proceeding smoothly. “You’re going to need to take it easy for a day or two,” she advised. “No heavy lifting or strenuous activity. If you experience any more pain or discomfort, come back to see me immediately.”

Gamemaster Narwhal the nefarious
GMT
USS Atlantis

“Not a problem. Nothin’ physically strenuous about my duty schedule this week. And I’ll be sure ta let everyone pick up the wee ones.” She looked at Nariah, “Do we know where they breached the ship?”

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

“Something about deck 29, its all a bit odd they’re using cutting tools so while everyone thinks its the Romulans I think its our fishy friends out there.” She explained slowly packing up her things.

Gamemaster Narwhal the nefarious
GMT
USS Atlantis

That was a good guess. There had been enough confrontations with the Romulans over the centuries that they would know how to look for and breach a docking hatch. They would most likely beam over. Unless of course they were as damaged as they were.

Cara didn’t voice that to the nurse though. “Alright, well I feel much better. Thank ya. I think it’s time ta have security secure the emergency doors until we get the all clear from the bridge.”

Cara walked out of the back office and over to Ms. Pullman. Her side was tender, but she felt much better. “Why don’a ya get the children occupied with some messy art crafts. We need to let security seal the emergency doors.”

Once Pullman had the children in another room, distracted with the promise of paint, Cara told the two security officers to seal the doors.

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

The two security officers nodded and sealed the doors as indicated.

Gamemaster Narwhal the nefarious
GMT
USS Atlantis

=/\=Lt Mardusk ta the bridge. We’ve sealed off the civilian shelters, school rooms, and nurseries. We have security with us.=/\=

Lt. Mardusk, counselor