Posted by Civilian Capall McKenzie (Colonial Intelligence Agent) in Earth - What Part of ‘Get On The Ship’ Do You Not Understand? (Tag Runa McKenzie)

Posted by Civilian Runa Siff McKenzie (Teacher) in Earth - What Part of ‘Get On The Ship’ Do You Not Understand? (Tag Runa McKenzie)

Posted by Civilian Capall McKenzie (Colonial Intelligence Agent) in Earth - What Part of ‘Get On The Ship’ Do You Not Understand? (Tag Runa McKenzie)
Posted by… suppressed (16) by the Post Ghost! 👻
snip

They had commandeered one of the smaller lounges and once everyone was settled in Runa got started. “Okay, we need to focus on infrastructure first. Shelter, water, food. For us and then the animals. Power comes after those things, but we do have generators to last us until more permanent energy is set up. You all volunteered, so tell me specifically what you are going to teach, and how many people you think you can handle per class.”

“Lady Runa, what about supplies to teach with.”

“Holodecks. We won’t have to use any of our cargo for this. Safer too incase anyone connects wires wrong and blows something up.”

Runa McKenzie

“Exactly. ” Capall said. “So what that means is that you are going to have develop a lesson plan that includes a list everything you will need to have to teach. I will write the programs from those. Once done, I will walk through the programs with each of you respectively, and we can tweak from there. So I need your lesson plans asap. Once we have them all, we can start teaching the next week.”

One of the men raised his hand and said “Wait a sec. You are telling me if w all hand you these plans today, you are gonna write.... what? A dozen separate programs? And you plan on having them ready in a week?” Capall shook his head and said “Oh no, sorry. I plan on having the base programs on line today, maybe tomorrow. I just need your plans so I can make the necessary adjustments, which I figure will take all of you a week.”

Capall McKenzie

Runa watched as it slowly dawned on some of them they were talking to Capall and exactly what that meant. They began to nod vigerously. Others were trying to figure out how he was going to manage it. Runa just smirked. “Okay next. Several of you share areas of expertise. Now I am all for having multiple points of view, but we don’t have the time for that luxury right now. So don’t teach the same things. Discuss it and decide. I will need to know how much time you need and roughly how many days or weeks. We can adjust, but I need that preliminary tomorrow.”

“Also, when making your lesson plans and lists for Capall don’t forget things like safety equipment, tools, work benches, the small things that are always around that you don’t think of. If you don’t they won’t be in the program.”

Runa McKenzie

“If it makes it easier for ya-” Capall said, “- and you have a vid or holo of your workspaces back on Earth, send it to me. I can just recreate all of that and save you some time.” The same person- Russell Leeds, and Englishman who had married a McKenzie woman and who was a very good if exceedingly arrogant electrician, - said “I have a holo of my shop, but it would take you weeks to get all the details into a holosuite program. Maybe we should start next month? Give everyone time to really settle in and get used to life on a ship.” There were a few nods and looks of tentative agreement, but then Capall looked at him. “One. You’ll do as Runa and I say. Two. You may be a great electrician, and ye are, but you know exactly jack and shite about computer programming. Three. If you try and slow this down one more time, I’m gonna pull you from i strutting and make sure your house is the first one connected to the power grid by the people you didn’t teach.” It wasn’t clear if it was the words of the look that had the effect they did, but effect they had. Leeds looked at Capall a moment and then swallowed hard and nodded and shut up. Capall looked around at the rest and said “I know some of ya may not like me, and are more than a mite pissed that Lord McKenzie put me in charge of this migration. But he did. And I plan on making sure that his decision was a good one… for him and for all of ya. You can work with us, or against us. With us will go a lot smoother for ya. Understand?” There was silence and then one of the Edman women, a mechanic by trade, said “Well, the Edmans back ya a hundred percent, Mr. McKenzie. If Runa married you, that means you are the best man around. If some of these stubborn Scots have a an issue with Lord Michael and Lady Revna’s choice on who manages this move, they should stayed back at home. Maybe they should just walk back before we are too far away?” There were a few blank stares and then some laughter started.

Capall, McKenzie

Runa flashed Nuria her thanks. Runa could say it over and over, but a lot only saw her as love sick and defending her husband. Some had heard of her previous reputation. The Edmans knew her as loyal, the McKenzies saw her as dramatic. The Edmans supported her and Capall completely. Most of the McKenzies did. But that alone was cteatingvtension. Runa really wished Revna and Mike had chosen Seamus and Ragna to move the clan and let her and Capall go ahead. She hadn’t said so to Capall because he had enough on his plate. If Revna was there she would tell Runa she was being an idiot.

“Alright, anyone wanna take a walk?” There was a little more laughter. “Good. Now, I get this is stressful, but everyone here chose this. So let’s get to work. Life on the ship is temporary. Enjoy the novelty, but we don’t have time to consider it permanent. Any other questions or concerns?”

Runa McKenzie

There were nods and grumbling agreement and then Capall stood up and said “Good. Get me those plans asap. The faster we get started, the more time you’ll have to teach. And remember. The Clan will be relying on ya all to do what you know how to do. If ya don’t want to get swamped with work, make sure you have at least three or four folks you can trust help you do a good job.” The instructors nodded and filed out, a few stopping to ask clarification questions and the like. After the last had left, Capall looked at Runa. “And he’s English.” and he gave a shudder and then laughed.

Capall McKenzie

Runa couldn’t help but laugh. “He’ll learn or he will be miserable. If he is still a problem when we get there I will tell Revna. See if she can talk to him. He is probably feeling very out of place. There is a lot of intense clan pride on this ship. He will adjust, he has Marissa will help him.”

Runa glanced at the clock. “Okay, so do you remember that last group that joined on at the last minute with Mike and Revna’s permission? But no names and brought all their own supplies? We need to go meet with them. I meant to tell you yesterday, but you have this horrible habit of distracting me.”

Runa McKenzie

“I didn’t hear you complaining. Moaning and screaming, but not complaining.” Capall said with a smile. “Lead on. Let us go see to our new arrivals. What do you know about them?”

Capall McKenzie

Runa paused to kiss him. “I was not complaining.” Runa led the way down to the very last lift and to the very last habitat deck. “I know quite a bit. First, realize they know you already coming with me, but some of them will be amquite timid and avoid you. Not because you are ‘Capall McKenzie’ but because you are a stranger. Clan Edman has a reputation for taking in and protecting those that need it. We have a very ling history of it. Probably happened because we were the furthest west before you have to go to sea. Kirsten and Ada came to us that way, with their mother. She was escaping an abusive husband and father-in-law. Well several years ago Revna and I went to Da with an idea. He had this large unused piece of land. We call it The House. It’s a safe house, refuge, whatever you want to call it. But it is now filled with people. They maintain off the grid, grow their own food, maintain their own utilities, it is all self contained. For many years we provided everything from food to security to medical attention to anything they needed. Now they have become self sufficient. They are clan if they wish to be. Some stay, some get better and move on. Revna had this idea to start another house in Oed, so she contacted C’Rera, she’s Catian, and their spokes person, to see if they wanted to go. Some of them decided to come help. This is really huge for them. Some of them haven’t been away from the house since they arrived. They may or may not interact with everyone else. It’s up to them.”

Runa McKenzie

Capall thought for a moment. “Has anyone asked the Oed authorities if that is allowed? I love the idea. I hate the fact its necessary. But we are going to an entirely new planet. New government, new laws. I want us to hold onto all our traditions, but we are going to have to start by with cooperation and communication.”

Capall McKenzie

“Revna is looking into it. It’s not a commonly known thing. This is an escape, it’s mostly secret. Oed is till a Federation Colony though, so those laws apply. The house will be somewhere on our land. As far as that goes as long as we are not harboring criminals we should be okay. Revna will see to the legalities.”

He looked at her and then shook his head. “That… isn’t entirely true, from what I gathered in my job interviews.” he said quietly. No one outside of Runa knew Capall had been… ‘recruited’… by the newly established Colonial Intelligence Agency. His skills with computers was apparently just what they were looking for, and he had already begun work securing their networks and establishing cyber-security protocols. “When you talk to her, tell her to tread very carefully. Now isn’t the time to make waves.”

“I will tell her. Remember she is a diplomat, and this isn’t the first time we’ve set up a house. Federation rules might apply but we are all aware there are exceptions and uniqueness to Oed. She will be very careful.”

The reached the door of another set of connected mini suites and Runa pressed the chime. It was a minute before the door opened and a younf male Andorian opened the door. “Runa. Please come in. Is this,” his eyes flicked to Capall, his antenna drooped forward, “your husband?”

Runa stepped in and smiled. “Yes, Ashran this is my husband, Capall. Capall, Ashran.”

“Is everyone settled in?”

Ashran sighed and pinched his nose. “We are trying. Kelsey is not doing well. I have never seen her panic that badly. There were some engineering hiccups and having the ship’s crew here upset some of the younger ones. They are currently distracted building a…pillow? fort in the back room.”

Runa McKenzie

Capall’s jaw clenched. He wasn’t happy this hadn’t been discussed. He was even less happy this hadn’t been handled properly. But that was a discussion for another time. He looked at Ashran and said “Next time, let one of us know. We can move everyone to an unoccupied area so they won’t be so uncomfortable. But everyone needs to keep in mind, the needs of the crew to maintain the ship is the priority for as long as we are on board. We can try to work around, but sometimes we simply won’t be able to.”

Capall McKenzie

Ashran gave a firm nod. “I appreciate that, Mr. McKenzie. We would never consider getting in the crew’s way. It is just an adjustment, and we must make it, or we have no business being here.” His antenna waved slowly noticing the clenched jaw. “Am I correct in assuming you are upset over something Mr. McKenzie? We will not cause any problems. You have my word.”

Ashran

Capall looked at him and said flatly “Yes. I am. Your group’s… situation… should have been a point of discussion and planning. Not because you are a problem, but because we could have provided better for you. For instance, this crew has more than a few female members. We could have requested they be the only ones to work in the area. We could have had Clan engineers do it. We also could have set up in a better position so you weren’t stuck all the way down on the last deck of the ship. And finally, we could have invited you to be a part of the Clan’s activities and preparations. Not because you would be required, but because it could help you. Give your group some needed skills and knowledge. Or just even expand your circle of friends. The Edman’s established your group, but now the Edmans and McKenzies are one… so you are part of us now as well. And we care for our own, dammit.”

Capall McKenzie

Ashran frowned in confusion. “Y…yes. We understood that. We may be quiet about it, but we are all very excited for the Edmans and McKenzies to be one and to be part of that. We did not mean to cause offense. P please sit.”

Runa gave him a reassuring nod. “You did not Ashran.” He walked with a pronounced hunch and a slight limp and lowered himself into a chair. “All those things you mentioned…I, we thought that was why you are here. We would like to try to be active members. I am afraid it took us a long time to decide to come. It was decided at the very last minute. C’Rera and I discussed with everyone at the House for many days. That coming would mean being more..i..involved. That we would have to work and contribute like everyone else. In the end o…only 5 of us and 6 children were ready to make that change.” He made a circling motion to indicate the room. “The accomodations were our request. We asked for somewhere connected so we could be together and separated from the main group. It is my hope that the months on the ship will help the others change that mindset. That when we reach Oed, they may be nervous, but ready to live with the rest.”

Ashran

Capall sat and said “You did not cause any offense, Ashran. The offense I take is that this was not discussed before hand so that we could have made the transition as easy and comfortable as possible. But let us set aside the recent past for a moment, shall we? And focus on the future.” His mind raced as he tried to devise a plan for the new additions on the fly, and a plan was forming.

Capall took a breath and then said “Your group is in a unique position, I think. One that could be of great benefit to us all. You have lived completely off the grid and self-sustained for a long time. Your skills and knowledge could be of great benefit to the Clan. Then land we are going to live on is barren and lifeless now; but Sir Seamus McKenzie has a plan for it. And while we will be building modern infrastructure like power, plumbing, communications and the like; we will need some help before all that is in place… and if those systems should fail.” He thought again for a moment and then said “Would you and your group be interested in designing and teaching people basic skills like fire building, water purification, sanitation, and such? Granted, many of the Edmans already possess such knowledge, but a good number of rhe McKenzie side do not. Especially the children. Maybe we could start with them?”

Capall McKenzie

Ashran nodded, “Yes of course, anything. We want to help. I can’t say it will be easy. I have much training from when I was in the Andorian Imperial Guard. There are woods near the house where we used to take the children camping. Marissa is good with details, she could help make a holodeck program? Kelsey is an excellent cook…”

“Thavan!” There was the sound of small feet pounding toward them from another room. Ashran’s face lit up and he pushed himself to standing. “In the main room Susie. We have more company.” The steps slowed to a jog as they neared the door and a mop of messy black hair collided with Ashran and despite his stoop and limp he lifted the girl, about 8 but small, up into his arms. She looked at him, “Eat?” Then she saw Runa and hid her face. Ashran moved over to another couch and set Susie next to him. “You remember Ms Runa, and this is her husband, Mr McKenzie. Can you say hi, my shri’za?” Susie peeked at Capall and waved, but would not look at Runa. Ashran gave the girl a small squeeze and a smile.

Capall waved back with a smile and said “Lady Susie, it is my honor to meet you.”

Susie grinned and then hid her face again, but kept peeking at him. Runa took her shawl, folded it and used it like a bandana to cover her hair. Susie still wouldn’t look at her but it seemed to make the girl relax.

“Kelsey is a very good cook. She does a lot of cooking with our solar oven. Would that help?”

Ashran

Capall looked at him and said “Yes… to all of that. I will be designing holodeck programs for all the instructors. If this… Marissa, is it?… if she wants to assist me and is comfortable doing so, I will appreciate the help. And cooking will be a strong need when we arrive… and on large scale as well.”

Capall McKenzie

Ashran patted Susie’s back, “Will you go ask Marissa to come?” Susie whispered something, “Yes I will ask. Go get Marissa.” Susie slipped off the chair with another grin and a wave for Capall and disappeared. Ashran watched her go with a smile. “She wants to know if they ate going to school with the other children.”

Runa nodded, “If they want to. The classes will be very big though, but the children are wonderful and welcoming.” Runa tapped her fingers on her knee. “Ashran, do you think the children might want to help youbteach the camping program? Smaller groups and they would get to meet everyone before going to classes?”

A woman came through the door, light brown hair and a complexion that looked like she was in the sun a lot, but a huge smiled, “Lady Runa!” She took a deep breath and walked over and hugged Runa, and then looked at Ashran, “Susie said you asked for me.”

Ashran waved a hand, “This is Lord…Mr? I am sorry I did not catch the title. Capall McKenzie. Lady Runa’s husband. We have an idea that he couldnuse your help with. Marissa took a seat on the opposite end of the couch from Ashran. “How can I help?”

Runa

“Mister is fine by me.” Capall said. He looked at Marissa and said “I am going to be designing some holodeck programs for the instructors. Ashran says you have an eye for detail and thought that might be something you are interested in. If you would like to assist, I would welcome the help.”

Capall McKenzie

Marissa nodded. “Of course. I’m happy to help. I haven’t done more than play around with programming, but I used to be a program tester. I’m pretty good at spotting things others might miss.”

Marissa

Capall nodded. “Good. We are starting as soon as the instructors get me their requirements. When they start arriving, I’ll let you know and meet you in the holodeck. That work for you?”

Capall McKenzie

“Yes, thank you.” Marissa started to get up.

“We are going to teach the children camping skills. Can you help Mr McKenzie recreate our campsite?” Ashran asked.

“Oh I think so. I have some pictures from our trips too if that will help.” Marissa paused looking concerned. “This won’t be saved anywhere else will it? It could be used to identify location if we make it exact.” She looked at Ashran, “similar setting would be okay? We are safe, but people back home…”

Ashran reached over and patted her hand. “Similar will be fine. I am more concerned with the equipment and environment than recreating home.” Marissa nodded and the tension dissipated. “Yes I can do that.”

Ashran and Marissa

He nodded and said “Absolutely. But just so you are aware, I have isolated and locked down all Clan records and systems from the outside. You can create anything you want. The only people that can access the files are us, and you have nothing fear from anyone on this ship. I promise you that.”

Capall McKenzie

Runa nodded, “If he says it’s secure, I promise it is. He is kind of brilliant at it.” Marissa gave Runa a half smile. “Old habits. We are ready, or we think we are, but I think it will be harder than we thought.”

Runa thought it would, “Who all came?”

“Myself, Marissa, Kelsey, Paul, and Caitlyn for the adults. And then Susie, Aiden, Oyne, Krezik, Polly, and Tamara for the kids,” Ashran listed off.

“Susie looks good, Ashran. How are you two doing?” There was an hint of an ache there. “We are making our way together. I miss Janna every day, and Susie does more so. But we have each other.”

“Mr McKenzie would you be willing to let one of the children help? Aiden is really, well I don’t know if he is good with computers and programming, but he likes them. He prefers them to people.”

Runa