super nova

[nova-diaz]

maverick-reynolds·:

Maverick knew all too well thedifference of opinions on board this ship. Hell, he lost a brother and a leg in the process of trying to get fromunder The Alliance’s thumb.  At somepoint though, he accepted defeat because he had a family he needed to returnhome to after the war.  Although he stillheld a lot of resentment towards The Alliance, he knew most of the crew onboard did not fight in the war.  Everyonewas just trying to make it in one form or another, something he couldn’t holdagainst them.  “I know what you mean; Iwas a bit shocked myself.  But I guess itmakes sense given her military background and the fact he wants to try andcombine all of us.  Give us a leader in asense.”  He nodded.  “I mean, she is really great and easy to getalong with.  I’m sure people will comearound over some time.”

It was a nice thought- and something that Nova had already come to realize was a common thing for Maverick. He seemed to like to hope for the best in their situation. But truthfully she wasn’t entirely sure. With the way Nova’s crewmates acted you would think on her way out of the Alliance? Ophelia had slaughtered an entire regime. Yes, she understood why they felt betrayed but she didn’t necessarily think she was evil. Misguided and perhaps a little dishonest with the people she knew but not evil. Of course, since she hadn’t known the woman personally? She was also speaking as an outsider. She couldn’t completely understand what had happened. Or feel the emotional impact of it. And she couldn’t judge those who had for their feelings. “I didn’t know her back then but from what I heard? She was top of her class in everything at the Academy. Rumor has it she was even better than the captain in most things- but I’m not sure how true that is. I don’t doubt her skills. I don’t think Captain Queen would have done that if she didn’t have what it took. I’m just unsure any of my crewmates will ever…accept her as the Commander.”

[nova-diaz]

maverick-reynolds·:

Wrapping his fingers along his own glass, he lifted it up andbrought it to his lips to take a sip.  Asilence filled them for a moment at her question.  Maverick knew all too well about the feelingbefore the storm, it brought him back to the war when things grew quiet betweenboth sides.  A moment when you thoughtyou had a chance to breath then just moments later it was raining downterror.  “Yes, I know that feeling.”  He simply responded.  As she continued he nodded in agreement.  “Things are tense, a lot of different peoplestuck on this ship together.  There isgoing to be some growing pains.”  Heshrugged.  “Just surviving,” hecommented.  “At this point, there is noneed for me to make enemies.”  A bithypocritical given his stance with his brother, but bad blood ran deep.

“I don’t know that anyone is intending to make enemies. Sometimes it just happens. We have some very…polarizing opinions on things within the people on this ship right now.” Not that Nova felt as though she had to broaden on that. After all, they all knew how many people from the Themis were either anti-Alliance or straight up sided with the Browncoats during the war. And while Nova had remained loyal on the outside to the Alliance and what her family held dear? She had always sort of sided more with the Browncoats in that regard. Not that she would admit it out loud. Especially not being a member of the Alliance still. “I am both surprised and not so surprised the captain named Blackwell as Commander. I think he had to know that it would make some people from his crew very unhappy. Tactically it makes sense, of course. But I’m sure many of the people here were a little…upset by that. Though I suppose it works well for you. I doubt you travelled on her ship without getting along decently with her.”

[nova-diaz]

julietcovington·:

Despite all the things that everyone had to worry about on the ship, Juliet’s stress levels were as low as could be expected. Her own life was relatively unaffected by everything going on around the ship. As long as the two crews didn’t physically fight, she cared little about the tensions between the Themis and the Virtus. She treated everyone the same no matter what crew they had come from, and the biggest change was having another doctor by her side which was more helpful than anything with the huge extra work load that needed to be compensated for. When it came to the fact that she might never see her home planet again, well, there wasn’t much lost there either. There wasn’t anything there that was all that precious or dear to her. All her close friends were either on the ship or elsewhere, if there was anyone she could even consider a close friend. No family. Her house was small and not worth much since she rarely stayed there for long. Nothing on the ship was something she couldn’t handle.

Of course, the same couldn’t be said for others. Juliet fixed up her regular coffee, got her utensils for her meal, and sat down across Nova. She smiled in greeting, though it seemed the other woman might be too out of it to notice. “I seriously doubt you’ll find many people who can’t agree with your sentiment on some level. Are you having trouble sleeping? Obviously I don’t expect anyone to be perfect with everything going on, but if it’s something that might be able to be fixed I can see if Dr. Zidan or I have something open.”

“I’m sure sleep will come easier once things settle down a little,” Nova assured her, finally glancing up at Juliet and offering her a smile. Normally she greeted people the moment they sat down but the stress on the ship leading to lack of sleep had done a number on her manners it seemed. Luckily most of Orion’s people knew her well enough to know she wasn’t the type to ignore people without reason so she hoped that there would be no hard feelings.

“You and Dr. Zidan don’t have to worry about me. A little sleeplessness won’t hold me back. I think we’re all losing some sleep these days.” Some people had to deal with roommates they didn’t know and don’t trust; everyone had to deal with the melding of two ships and the shift in the social order. And of course, everyone had to worry that they wouldn’t find their way home any time soon no matter how hard they were all working on it. Especially anyone involved in the flight crew. Orion and Lilith seemed to be driving themselves up a wall trying to get themselves home and Nova couldn’t say that she wasn’t right there with them. Unfortunately there was no magic answer or shortcut to fix their situation. They just had to hope for the best and keep on trucking through. “How are things going in the med bay? Not too busy for you two, I hope.”

[nova-diaz]

maverick-reynolds

Luckily for Maverick, working as one of the bartenders he got to see a different side of the crew. ·Yes, most people came by when they got off their shift and were exhausted, but it gave him opportunities to chat among the different people and even forge some new friendships with some of The Virtus crew. ·“Yes, it is exhausting.” ·Spencer admitted. ·Spencer reached down and grabbed a bottle of whiskey and poured both of them a glass. “Is there something troubling you?” He inquired. ·He knew it was a loaded question, but it seemed she might need someone to talk to and well he was the only one here.

“Nothing really,” the brunette responded, tipping the glass slightly towards him in thanks as she lifted it up and took a sip, swallowed, contemplated her answer. It wasn’t quite a lie, wasn’t quite the truth but lived somewhere in the mythical in-between of the two. “Do you know that feeling right before a storm? That eerie calm where you can almost feel the electrical energy crackling along your skin making your hair stand on edge? That’s the feeling on the ship right now. Like something is going to happen soon. I’m just not sure what.” Nova definitely didn’t believe that either of the combined crews wanted anything terrible to happen, that they wanted to be battling and fighting with each other. She believed that they were all trying to make the best of a terrible situation. And yet…it didn’t seem like things were destined to run smoothly. “But you seem to be finding your place on the ship pretty easily.”

[gangstavibes]

[nova-diaz]

maverick-reynolds

The night was early and Maverick had several hours left on his shift.  Although, he felt fortunate that he managed to snag one of the civilian jobs on board the vessel at times it sucked when the majority of his friends were working different hours than him.  Only blessing was when they would take the time and down a few drinks and converse with him.  Speaking of which, he noticed a familiar face bringing out a smile from him as he leaned up against the counter.  “You look beat,” he stated.  “What can I get ya?”

“Tension is exhausting.” Of course, so was everyone working on trying to find a way home. It was a goal that they all had in common and yet one that seemed maddening. Deep down she was sure everyone wondered if going home would ever be possible. It was almost an unspoken fear. But beyond that tension? She knew there was some in the bartender’s life as well. Nova had seen the incident with Travis at the mixer though she refused to comment on it. It wasn’t her place- and she didn’t want anyone to feel pressured to discuss their persona life. She was naturally curious- but sometimes keeping curiosity at bay was necessary. “What’s the strongest thing you have?”

[nova-diaz]

Where: Mess Hall Who: Open

To say that there was still tension on the ship? That would have been an understatement. For the most part Nova had tended to notice that the two crews had a habit of keeping themselves separate. When they had to work together they seemed capable of it but once work hours were over? They went to their own corners like opponents in a fight.

Watching the crews tiptoe around each other was, for the most part, exhausting. She had a habit of trying to talk to whomever she could on the ship but that was difficult when the tension was palpable. She supposed she understood. The Themis crew had lost their home, some of their friends, most of their possessions; they were thrown onto a foreign ship where they were subjected to the rules of the Alliance. And it was pretty clear that many of them? Well, there was no love lost between them and the Alliance. Tension was, unfortunately, to be expect.

Sleep had been hard to come by the night before, the worry of the unknown fate of their ship waking Nova up several times throughout the night. Fatigue eating away at her the navigator sat herself down at one of the back tables in the mess hall, coffee sitting in front of her and her mind struggling to clear. Being too tired would do no good where work was concerned. “Please tell me I’m not the only one half asleep today,” the brunette muttered as she heard someone approaching, her eyes still mostly closed. “If it’s just me I might cry.”

[legends-of-today]

[nova-diaz]

captain-orionqueen

Truly, it was nice to hear she didn’t question his decision.  Orion knew a lot of people were not thrilled with the fact he placed Ophelia in such high command.  A part of him could not blame people for doubting his judgment.  And he was okay with people questioning things, as long as it was not in a public forum.  To themselves, they were entitled to their opinion but to undermine and cause division was not okay.  “People have every right to be curious and have their suspicions.”  He sighed.  “Hopefully with time, people will understand my decision and why I chose her.  I know Commander Blackwell will do everything in her power to protect this ship and move us forward.”

He nodded at her comment.  There was a long road ahead, but he knew they were up for the challenge.  “It is a lot that is for sure.  However, none of us really have a choice in the matter.  We are all stuck out here far from home; we all have to work together. We do not know what threats are lurking out there or what we might find.”  A soft smile formed at the corner of his lips as he maintained his decorum.  “Thank you Diaz, I appreciate the sentiment.”

Would she really? It was a question Nova dare not voice. Not because she was worried that the captain would be angry- she knew by then if they questioned something he decided then he would rather they speak to him about it as long as they were respectful. But because it was natural to have her doubts. Nova could see clearly that the Themis people trusted their captain. Perhaps even loved her. So a part of the navigator had no doubt that at the end of the day Ophelia Blackwell would do what she had to for them.But would that determination also exist for Orion’s people? It was a question that she was sure was on the minds of most of the people there. And if the answer was ‘no’? Well, how could they have faith in her? It was a messy situation to say the very least.

“One thing I don’t doubt is that whatever we find, we can handle,” Nova assured him, a polite smile spreading briefly across her face. “I doubt that Commander Blackwell would have surrounded herself only with people incapable of handling the unexpected being thrown at them and your crew is always prepared. We may all wish smooth sailing until we are able to find out way home but I have no doubt if we get surprised by something? We’ll be able to do what needs to be done to keep the ship safe and going. We have this handled, Captain. No need to worry yourself too much.”

[nova-diaz]

captain-orionqueen

I do too, he thought to himself.  For someone who tended to be decisive when it came to Ophelia he had no clue.  All he could do was trust his gut in this situation and hope the woman would come around. That she would step into the role as second in command and help them in this journey.  “I do not blame them for being interested in Commander Blackwell; the woman is a force to be reckoned with.  You know I trained with her at The Academy?  All I can tell you is that she is someone you want on your side; she is fierce, intelligent and knows what she is doing.  I know a lot of people are questioning my decision.  But once they see the side I know, they will understand there was no one else that could take up the mantle.”  At the mention of Rufus, Orion sucked in a breath of air.  A few times the name has come up with him.  It was hard to know how to react when it came to the troublemaker.  He was trying to be lenient for now, but eventually he would have end the disrespect the man has shown to others.  “Blackwell inspires loyalty, as I said she is someone you want on your side.”

It was rare to give a glimpse into his life before the war, before things went to hell.  He was not sure if he should divulge any more information on Ophelia and his personal lives.  Orion figured for now it was best left unsaid.  After all, anytime he discussed the matter with Lilith he had this ache inside him that would not go away.  Even to this day he felt there was something missing.  “Hopefully this conversation has inspired some hope.”

“I never doubted your decision making, Captain. I don’t think you would have given her the position if you weren’t a hundred percent sure she was the right person for the job. Her crew may not know this about you but all of us know you care about what happens to your crew and you wouldn’t risk them. So, I didn’t doubt that she was capable. Or that you believed it was the best choice. I just know that others are curious and cautious; they aren’t sure what to think and some of them are probably still scared. So much has changed in such a short period of time. And not knowing much of anything about the new Commander hasn’t put some of them at ease, I’m sure. And what they do know? Well…”Nova trailed of deciding not to point out that the knowledge they had was less than favorable. Her captain knew that all too well.

“Combining the groups will take a lot of work from everyone.It’s just a question of who is willing to put in the work. I do believe that once they get more acquainted with the people from the Themis and the new commander they will be slightly more at ease. The unknown can be frightening, especially given the circumstances. But hope? Hope isn’t the issue at all.” The brunette turned to look at Orion, head cocked slightly as her dark gaze fixed on his face. “Because I have faith in your choices.”

[nova-diaz]

captain-orionqueen

When it came to mentions of Ophelia, Orion tried to maintain the upmost respect for the woman, especially now that he made her second in command.  Many on board the vessel were not thrilled with his decision.  However, he thought it to be an opportunity to bring both crews closer.  Plus, he knew her training and how she out shined him in nearly all areas.  “I know, but she has her reasons.  She is still acclimating with everything taking place. Ophelia is a natural born leader. I know she will step up to the role in due time.”  At least he needed to tell himself that, because if he was wrong it just meant he would lose more respect from his officers and everyone else on board the ship with his poor judgment.  

Hearing Nova’s concerns, he sighed heavily knowing she had an excellent point.  He too was thinking the same things.  There had already been several incidents with crew members fighting.  “It is going to take some time for everyone all around. The sad truth of the matter is, we are all stuck together for a long time.  We will need to find a way to get along and work with each other.  Just like anything, there is going to be some growing pains.  However, I think Commander Blackwell and myself are up for the task.”

A part of Nova wanted to respond, to comment back but the truth was she didn’t really know Ophelia. She had seen her a few times back when the blonde had been a part of the Alliance and so she knew who she was,what training she had gone through. She was even well aware that she was now wanted by the very people she had once worked for. But other than that? Nova had no clue as to the woman’s personality. They had never spoken really, a polite ‘hello’to someone that you recognized more than anything. Ophelia and Orion had both been older and further in their careers than she had been when it all went down. But the captain? Well, he seemed to know Ophelia well enough to pass that type of judgment so who was she to disagree?

“I hope you’re right.” It was the only honest response that she could give him when it came to his opinion on their new second in command. Perhaps in time she would be able to form her own opinion on Ophelia and what she could or couldn’t do for their ship as a whole. Until she knew more about her personality however the brunette would reserve judgment and just hope for the best where the elder woman was concerned. “I do think some of the crew is curious about her though. Some of us don’t really remember her from before. And even I have to admit it’s a little interesting that she seems to be the only one that her one crew member listens to. What is his name?” Nova paused, thinking. “Right. Rufus.It seems all that someone has to do is mention her and he behaves a bit better than he had been. I suppose that must mean that she at least inspires loyalty among her crew.”

[nova-diaz]

captain-orionqueen

The usual serious expression upon Orion’s face shifted to a soft smile at the woman’s words.  It was nice to think he was not letting everyone down, but just by tonight’s efforts he felt it was another colossal failure in his books.  Lately, it felt as if there were numerous ones and he just could not seem to escape it.  All those years in the military academy, on the frontlines, did not prepare him these kinds of circumstances.  War he understood, he was a great solider in combat.  Now, he felt utterly lost.  Weird, the moment he captured Ophelia he lost all purpose and was not focusing all his efforts in the crew and getting home.  Something to stay focused.  “Thank you for the kind words.”

As she continued, Orion was not exactly sure how to respond.  The Captain felt there needed to be a common drive for everyone.  Something everyone could agree one and he thought if they had a singular purpose of making it back home, they would come together.  Maybe it was foolish on his end to be that optimistic. “I hope you are right Nova.  Maybe I set my standards too high and need to focus on the little things right now.”  He nodded, “no need to worry about Ophelia and myself.  We will be on the same page; we want what is best for everyone.”  He probably should not have said it, but if there was one thing he knew about that woman.  Ophelia loved her people, which meant she more than likely will do what was best and show a united front.

“If you say so, Captain.” It wasn’t so much that Nova didn't believe him. She was sure that Orion meant what he was saying and that even if it wasn’t the case? He believed it himself. But that didn’t make it the truth. Ophelia seemed to be determined to distance himself from their crew and even the captain himself. It was clear that there was some kind of history there but what it was? Well, she couldn’t venture to guess. Nor would she ask. Orion's personal business was his and his alone. If he ever wished to offer up the information that was one thing, but Nova would never push him to reveal more than he felt comfortable with to his crew. Everyone was entitled to their privacy even on a military vessel.

“I do think that Ophelia not being here isn’t helping,” the woman admitted though she wasn’t entirely sure how much she should say and how much she should put her opinion out there. It was known that their captain appreciated honesty but there was a line between being honest and being disrespectful.And Nova had always been really careful never to cross that line. “I’m sure that she has her reasons for not appearing, but I do think that it might not help her people feel comfortable. They might not feel at ease here. I can't imagine where their minds actually are at right now since I’m not in their position. But if their captain isn’t here and doesn’t appear to want to blend the groups? I’m not sure her people will want to either. But I could be wrong. It's just my opinion.”

[rcleplayer]

[nova-diaz]

captain-orionqueen

Possibly, not exactly the words the man wanted to hear. Regardless, he appreciated the honesty behind them.  It was something he always respected of the woman, her integrity and honesty.  Orion listened as she spoke about The Themis, giving a slight nod.  The woman brought up valuable reasoning as to be lenient with the new people until they adjusted.  He was not opposed to the idea, but it always teetered on the line. How could he justify being easy going on the new members and expect the original crew to maintain their orders? The situation was fragile and he truly wanted a solution.  “I am not arguing the situation is different on this ship and I respect there will be some challenges in learning the rules and adjusting.”

A sigh fell from his lips; he too wanted Ophelia and him to show a united front.  It was the reason he promoted her to second in command.  It was an olive branch.  Yet, he wondered if their past lives would always conflict despite needing to be the leaders the crew deserved.  “I think you are correct, just as everyone needs time to adjust Ophelia and I need time to straighten things out and adjust with the command of everyone. Hopefully we will not let everyone down.”

“I think at this point the only one you’re letting down, Captain, is yourself.” Perhaps it was crossing the line to say something like that but it was what she truly felt in that moment. And honesty had always been something she had offered Orion in the past. She wouldn’t change that now simply because the situation had gotten a tad more complicated in the last few weeks. She was still a part of his crew;she was still someone who would offer her opinion when asked. And perhaps it was also something the brunette felt he needed to hear.

“You have high expectations. And that’s a good thing. Its admirable even. To hope that the two groups can merge. That things can adjust quickly. But perhaps you set your expectations too high too soon.” Once more Nova let her gaze flicker across the group gathered there, each side mostly talking amongst themselves-Maverick bouncing from one place to the next and talking to anyone that he could which from what she had learned of him was no surprise. After a moment her gaze fell back on Orion. “You’ll disappoint yourself if you set your goals too high too soon in this situation. This will be a lengthy process. Even to get everyone adjusted. But you’re trying- I think even Ophelia’s people can see that. It just may take more time than you had hoped. That doesn’t mean anyone is being let down. It just means it will take a while. But you’re not wrong. If they don’t see the two of you on the same page? It will be even harder.”

[kourtwrites]

[nova-diaz]

captain-orionqueen

A lot weighed heavily on Orion, truly he just wanted there to be peace between the two groups.  It was all he ever wanted even during the war.  Yet, you can’t always get what you want.  Tensions were in the air and the way people side glanced each other, Orion knew there was a lot of work to be done before things would eventually smooth over.  Even if only a few people mingled with the other crew, it would be worth it.

When Nova came up to him, he offered a smile. For what it was worth, he always thought he had the best crew in the galaxy.  And she was one of his top people that he appreciated in the ranks. “I came to the mess hall to observe everyone.”  There was no point in hiding the truth about his intentions, he was not ashamed. Orion always struggled with the notion of being friends with the crew or not.  It was a lot harder to send someone you were friends with to battle, it could cloud his judgment.  “What do you think Nova?  You think eventually the two crews will meld into one”

Ah, to tell the truth or give a kind lie. More often than not despite her instinct to be kind and tell the captain what she thought he would want to hear rather than what she truly thought? Nova had a tendency to be honest with him. Not because she thought he didn’t deserve the kindness of a good lie. Quite to the contrary. It was because she knew that he would value the truth above the lie even if the truth wasn’t exactly what he wanted to hear. The crew, the ship itself couldn’t really run well on falsities and kindness alone- no matter how some may wish it could.

“Possibly,” the brunette finally replied after a moment, her eyes flicking across the room as she took in the two crews mostly keeping among themselves. “I think none of us are in a situation we expected. And I think the crew of The Themis aren’t quite accustomed to the rules we have here. Its probably very different than the rules on other ships. So they may need time to adjust to that as well.” Pausing for a moment to consider her next words she turned her attention fully to her captain, her expression kind though she knew her words might strike a nerve. “I do think it would help if they felt like you and Captain Blackwell were on the same page. A united front could go along way.” She was well aware that technically on that ship Ophelia Blackwell was no captain. But referring to her as such for the time being may put her crew at ease. Sometimes it was the small things.

[nova-diaz]

captain-orionqueen

Since the incident of the two crews integrating things have been hectic on The Virtus, The refusal to work with one another, the attitudes towards each other and many other things that have been making Orion’s life difficult.  Every day, it felt as if he had to put out a bunch of fires and deescalate situations.  Which brought him to tonight’s events.  Orion did not exactly remember who suggested a mixer for everyone to relax, but here they were trying this idea out.

After making his logs for the evening, Orion appeared in the mess hall where the majority of the crew was located.  It was clear; most people remained on their respected sides as drinks were flowing.  The man’s icy blue eyes scanned the area before settling in the corner with a glass of age scotch in his hand assessing the situation.

The best of intentions- well, you know what they say about those.Nova for her part had no idea who suggested the somewhat foolhardy idea of having the two groups merge in a mixer of sorts. She supposed it didn’t matter. At the end of the day neither group seemed too keen on spending time with the other-bonding, getting to know each other, whatever you wanted to call it. She supposed she couldn’t blame them. They hadn’t chosen to all be in the same place, to share quarters and rations and responsibility with each other. It had been thrust upon them quite accidentally but was causing a stir among them nonetheless.

She was, for her part, willing to at least attempt to be polite and friendly to their new shipmates but the two groups as a whole seemed to be determined to stay separated from each other. No matter. Eventually they would have no choice but to cohabitate. Still, it seemed strange to her that the leaders for both sides weren’t participating. Ophelia, their newly minted second in command, was nowhere to be seen. And the captain was, unsurprisingly,standing alone in the corner. Excusing herself from some of her shipmates the brunette made her way over towards her captain, planting herself next to him as casually as she could. “Not socializing yourself, Captain?” she questioned though her dark eyes remained fixed ahead of her.