The ragged trio entered my ready room as I was going over the various PADD's on my desk. Some were ship daily reports, others were requests. I was totally sick of PADD's at this point. My mood was normal, however, when the cleaning trio entered I turned more solemn and stern than any had ever seen. I motioned for them to sit down on the couch against the far wall. My inner calm was working overtime. I remembered a time back on Vulcan when I was in school. I was taking a test along with many others. There was a half human half Vulcan boy in the class that everyone picked on constantly. I actually liked him, he tried so hard to maintain the Vulcan part of himself and was always very good at maintaining control. On this day, during this test, he lost it. I think he actually exploded in a rage like I had never seen. Security came in and dragged him out and off to the medical facility. I finished my test shortly after and went to inquire about him. I had asked the instructor where security had taken him. His response was cold and unfeeling as was expected but his destination was the mental ward. They decreed he had to be locked up. I inquired if it was possible for me to visit him. It took time but I was granted access to him. I remember the run to the medical facility and arriving on the floor that had him locked away from the rest of civilization. I asked to see him and was shown to a room. There he was almost completely naked, shivering in the cold room that had no furnishings. I immediately wrapped my jacket around him and tried to comfort him. He reached for me as an infant reaching for his mother. I held him for hours while he sobbed. My hidden anger at his treatment was buried so far down inside that all I could do was sit there and hold him. I began to plot ways of getting him out of there immediately. Of course that never happened and is really a story all of it's own for another time. Needless to say we ended up lifetime friends. My anger at the trio in front of me had subsided upon reminiscing about my friend.

"So, how was your shift scrubbing the cargo bays?" I inquired.

The 'leader' stood up to address me. "Sir, I speak for all of us and apologize for our tardiness. There is no excuse and it will never happen again." He said. I could feel his sincerity.

"Good, I expect my bridge officers to be shining examples to the rest of the crew." I stated.

"Yes sir" they replied in unison.

"You are now C-Shift and must earn your way back to be included in A-Shift again. I trust you will all work hard and regain your status in time. You'd better get some food and rest as your shift starts in 4 hours. I will be working the shift with you this time. Dismissed." I ended the conversation by leaving my ready room with them following behind quickly.

I entered my quarters after having some dinner and walking though engineering. It seemed like a quiet time on the ship. I preferred to do my 'inspections' with no notice and was pleasantly surprised that all was ship shape, to use an old Earth phrase. I had about 20 minutes to clean up and redress for bridge duty.

They also are going to have a presence at gaymer x this weekend I believe, so kudos EA

Close? It IS a punt. They were forced into this by receiving really bad publicity for not acting on promises made to the community from the beginning. But if it makes them include the content to a greater extent in future updates, I will take it as a minor down payment.

Yes but this is close to a punt. :unsure:

EA may get alot of flak as one of the super evil companies but when it comes to same sex stuff they are one of the companies taking a lead. It may not be as much as we like but it is better than nothing at all like alot of other companies are doing.

Ah, thanks for that info.

Narciso sat on the edge of the foot of his bed, facing towards the dark windows. His head hung low as his mind drifted out to deities only know where. He was still, not really moving save for a slight swaying on his head. There was music playing softly in the background, a gentle violin sung a melancholy tune, almost bittersweet in its nature. Narciso raised his arms, his hands gently rubbing at his eyes. As he seemed to come back from daydreaming, the Pallas Helena turned just enough to allow a nearby star to come into view. It washed Narciso’s quarters with its light. His room blazed with a golden hue. Noticing the star, Narciso arose from his seat, the tears that he had been shedding were hidden by the darkness. But with the sudden emergence of this stars’ light, they sparkled and gleamed like diamonds as they fell onto the fabric of his clothes. He took his steps slowly and came to stand behind the small sofa he had within his bedroom. He gazed out to the star and he finished wiping away his tears. With the reflection of the light flooding his room, Narciso was able to see his own reflection in the window. He wore a formal robe, one that was elegantly decorated. It was layered, and a deep purple in color which contrasted perfectly with the light brown of his hair. The hair his mother allowed to grow out to lengths upon lengths as he grew up. He pinned his hair from the top of his head behind his head with a comb, jeweled with pearls from the Opal Sea of Betazed. His grandmother, Lilionia had given it to him. It was her own grandmothers’ keepsake; a true heirloom, one could call it. From there, his hair bubbled down in curls, joining the free curls of the back of his head. The entire length went down, just reaching the bottom of his shoulder blades. As with the normal of his attire; the top of the robe was tight around his chest and waist, and draped loosely past that point. Around his hips, Narciso wore a golden sash from Vulcan. It was usually worn on the waist, but putting it there annoyed Narciso’s movement. He raised his hands and touched the armlets he was wearing over his bare skin. They were gold with a relief of a peacock who’s tail feathers rose up and around his arm without touching him. When he got it he wasn’t even entirely sure what the animal was, he just thought it was beautiful.

Narciso lowered his arms and walked away from the window, finally noticing the wash of gold over his quarters. He slowed for a moment to admire it and then continued his pace, coming to the door exiting his quarters. It slid open, but Narciso stopped, placing a hand on the wall and glancing over his shoulder. “A bird in a gilded cage. But is it my cage that’s gilded… or the space it’s located in?” He lowered his gaze and placed a hand over his abdomen, breathing in deeply. He left and door slid closed behind him.

Narciso came to the doors leading to fourteen forward. He looked through the glass which had the emblem of the Federation printed on it. He saw his Grandparents there. They were sitting at a table with Reaver, who just so happened to be dressed up formally too. They must have invited him to eat with them. He hesitated, the thought of turning around and leaving came and left him in an instant. He walked through the doors that slid open and as he did so he was met face to face with Theo.

“Narciso. You look amazing! What’s the occasion?”

“My Grandparents like it when everyone dresses to eat dinner.”

“Ah.”

“At least we don’t eat naked… Then again, according to them a wedding isn’t far off.”

“Oh? Who’s the lucky couple?”

“No one’s engaged yet. We’re not even pre-engaged.”

“Oh. OH!” Theo stood stiff as he realized the ‘couple’ was Narciso and Reaver. “Well, I’m here if you need me.”

“Thanks Theo.” Narciso spoke as he gave a pat to Theo’s shoulder then walked past him. Theo turned and watched him go, loving it but hating to see him leave. He quickly returned to the bar so as to not be standing alone and staring.

“Ah, Narciso!” Lilionia exclaimed as the young Counselor approached. “look at you! You remembered tradition! I’m glad.”

“I’m not one to break tradition.” Narciso looked towards Reaver. “I didn’t know you’d be joining us. Don’t you have to finish up on the Databug?”

“It’s all finished. Besides, it’s my pleasure. You know how much I love hearing your Grandparents story. Now, have a seat. Lilionia was telling us the story of when you were born.”

“Oh Deities…” Narciso whined to himself as he sat down, taking a napkin and placing it on his lap.

“Where was I… AH! Imagine the shock we got when our son came back with his wife and a newborn child! Agu’Sti was thrilled, of course. As he held Narciso for the first time I went ahead and beat the living Hell out of his parents. I scolded them for not even sending us a transmission to inform us! But oh, Narciso was a beautiful baby! When I held him for the first time he cried! Can you believe it!? He actually cried! He wouldn’t shut up either until his Grandmother Nezita and I sang to him. Then he got real quiet, gave us a strange look, and he started ‘coo’-ing! He was doing so along with our song. We knew right then and there that he would be a singer. But instead he became a Starfleet officer! Tell me Reaver, you’ve heard his singing right? Of course you have, you think he should be a singer right?”

Reaver had to really focus to take in everything Lilionia spoke. “Ah, yes I think he should.”

“See there, Narciso?” Lilionia cut in again. “You should sing for us right now!”

“No Grandmother. I don’t think-”

“Hush up child and sing!”

“I think it’s a great idea.” Reaver stood up and moved towards a piano that had been left in fourteen forward for decoration. Reaver faced the busy area and called out. “Everyone! Hey, listen up! Our Narciso is going to sing for us! Give him a hand yeah!” Reaver began clapping and instantly the place was filled with applause. Narciso didn’t move from his seat, however. He only did so when his grandmother jabbed him in the leg with a fork. Then he jumped up with a whelp.

“Fine, fine. I’ll sing.” Narciso walked towards the piano and stood before it as Reaver sat down testing the keys by playing a quick melody. He then started a slow paced song, and Narciso looked over to him through narrowed eyes. Reaver only shrugged and kept playing. Breathing in deeply and releasing to prepare his airflow, he took in a rapid yet deep breath, the air instantly filling his lungs to the brim.

“There are worse things I could do, than go with a boy or two. Even though the neighborhood thinks I'm trashy, and no good, I suppose it could be true. But there are worse things I could do…” Narciso sang very softly at first, and not very loud either. This caused everyone to try and be as quiet as possible so as to listen. Even the bartenders stopped, so as to not make noise with the glasses or bottles.

“I could flirt with all the guys, smile at them and bat my eyes. Press against them when we dance, make them think they stand a chance, and then refuse to see it through. That's a thing I'd never do.” A small smile was evident on Narciso’s face as he locked eyes with Theo, who was still seated at the bar. Theo only returned the smile with a gigantic one of his own.

“I could stay home every night!” Narciso’s voice finally began to have volume. For a guy on the slightly smaller size, he could belt out extreme volume. “Wait around for Mr. Right.” His voice echoed and he began to close his eyes and tilt his head back, allowing himself to be taken by the music on an emotional level. “Take cold showers every day, and throw my life away, on a dream that won't come true…” His eyes glanced at Reaver, who smiled as he played, not looking up at Narciso. A tear formed in the corner of the Counselors’ eye.

“I could hurt someone like me… out of spite or jealousy. I don’t steal and I don’t lie!! But I can feel… and I can cry… A fact I'll bet you never knew… But to cry in front of you, now that's the worst thing I could do…” As Narciso finished, his voice had lowered to a whisper with the final lines. Reaver struck the last note and stood up as the place applauded once again. As they clapped he walked over to Narciso and trapped him in an embrace. Narciso returned the hug, but his eyes once again landed on Theo. His eye-lock was only broken when Reaver took his hand and began leading him back to the table to finish eating dinner with his grandparents.

The meal lasted a sort while. As it came to an end, Narciso’s grandparents rose from their seats and declared that they would retire for the rest of the evening. After they left, taking all the eyes with them as they passed through the doors, Reaver looked to Narciso. “You have the rest of the evening off right?” He placed a hand over Narciso’s. “Want to spend it together?”

“How can you be… so nonchalant about everything?” Narciso’s voice was soft yet sharp. He retracted his hand from under Reaver’s and stood up, slamming the napkin he used on his lap onto the table. “I still… I still haven’t forgiven you Kenneth.” Narciso then stormed out of Fourteen Forward, his pearl comb falling out of his hair in his huff. Reaver stood up and was hurt, but he seemed to expect the outburst. He was amazed it didn’t happen sooner. They haven’t even talked about the accident. When one of them wanted to do so, the other always rejected the conversation. It caused a serious strain in their relationship that prior to these events was nothing short of perfection. Reaver glanced down and looked at the small trinket he held in his hand. He opened it and it played a melody. Inside, however, was hidden a ring: An engagement ring. He snapped the small music box close and began to storm out himself. As he went on he noticed the pearl comb and immediately recognized it as the one that belonged to Narciso.

Narciso practically ran through the corridors. He took a turbolift and then continued to run again. He found himself before a door, that when slid open revealed Theo on the other side…

“Narciso…”

“I… I’m sorry, I should go.”

“No wait!” Theo reached forward and grasped Narciso’s arm, gently pulling him back. “Wait, don’t go.”

Narciso returned and looked up at Theo’s face. Theo moved aside and gestured into his quarters. “Please, come in.” Narciso walked in with a slow haste, almost hesitant.

“I just… I saw you smiling as I was singing.”

“I know. That’s why I smiled. Because in that crowded space, you saw me.” Theo walked up behind Narciso and put his hands on Narciso’s shoulders. His hands were warm and his touch soft. That was expected, as Narciso saw Theo to be a ‘gentle giant’ of a man. “I’m glad you’re here…” Narciso only nodded once, bowing his head slowly and shivering as Theo placed a kiss on his right shoulder. Narciso turned his head to the right, connecting with Theo’s head, leaning on each other. Theo raised his hand and clasped the armlet on Narciso’s right arm, and slowly lowered it down past Narciso’s hand, effectively taking it off. He repeated the slow motion with the left armlet, leaving Narciso’s arms bare. He then embraced Narciso, wrapping his arms around his waist, passing his hands over the Counselors’ abdomen. He then used his strength and moved Narciso around, picking him up in his arms and carrying him to the bedroom… The lights darkened. And they would remain that way until late into the morning…

Female Republic characters have the availability of a lesbian romance and Imperial male characters may romance the male Sith advisor. That is the extent of the Makeb romance arcs, although based on what EA has done with ME3 (Kaiden Alenko and Male Shepherd may develop a romance and they do go to bed together just prior to Shepherd heading out for the final part of the story) and their "promises" I expect more same gender romance arcs in the future.

What? That's a let down...

If you have any questions about insanely religious Catholics, I am the one to ask ;)

After all I study this stuff.

~Jeff Cisneros
PhD Candidate - Indiana University - Bloomington
"The Odyssey begins on August 19th!

You married Captain Rasilek's Ex. Break his heart and I'll break your face.

LOVE YA, COLBY! :P

Seriously, Great intro! Can't wait for the Kryptonite's first story.

S-

Thank you, Lorenius, for that brilliant post. I never 'got' that kind of stuff but now I am at least somewhat prepared for when my insanely religious Catholic brother comes home in a few days;)

*puts on academic hat*

There is an awful lot to unpack here. But before I get to it, I must say something. This event is decidedly not the same old "love the sinner, hate the sin" thing. If we believe that, we are only doing our own work on equality a grave disservice.

Pope Francis has deviated from his two papal predecessors in his approach to the papacy. Yes, some of it would be thought of ahead of time, but this pope is something different.

1. His approach is pastoral, not doctrinal.

2. He is the first moderate to hold the papacy in the post-modern era.

In keeping with his beliefs he has...made his own advisors, and those favored by Benedict very uncomfortable. In the space of a few short months Francis has:

1. Shown greater openness to including women a greater role of the religious. Do not mistake this as a sign that he will advocate openly the ordination of women into the greater priesthood, but it represents a major softening of the papacy toward the issue of women religious.

2. He has spoken with greater candor than both of his predecessors. His predecessor cannot be comfortable with the degree of candor Francis has shown. While Francis is not directly critical of Benedict, his actions and comments repudiate the "top down" magisterial rule of Benedict, his comments also sharply deviate from Benedict's policies.

3. He has acknowledged that there are gay priests (something we knew all along) but he has shown no sign of being inclined to defrock them or insult them.

4. Francis has acknowledged that the Church bears a responsibility to it's LGBT flock without using the "intrinsically disordered" argument. He has made it clear the Church must minister to everyone with compassion and dignity. This is where he deviates from his three predecessors sharply.

The Church never moves quickly on anything, but these actions indicate an urgency that the Church has been reluctant to acknowledge. Do not expect the Roman Catholic Church to bless same-gender unions overnight, that is completely unrealistic. But these changes heralded by Francis are unprecedented in the post-modern era...even if they are incremental in nature.

We can analyze these changes thusly:

A. Francis realizes the urgency of the Church's problems from the Pedophilia scandals to the IOR scandal to the "gay lobby" in the Vatican. To even acknowledge the gravity of these issues is not in keeping with the character of his predecessors. The "papal infallibility" doctrine is on the way out thanks to his ascension and Benedict's acknowledgement of his fallibility (frailty) and resigning.

B. Francis makes arch-conservative Catholics squirm. Washing the feet of the poor and including two women in that foot-washing during Easter runs against centuries of Catholic tradition. This action is a statement designed for his priests to see. Speaking warmly about his gay brother priests is not a move designed to enamor you of your conservative clergy who have spent a lifetime demonizing LGBTs in public, the public record is rife with examples of such scabrous remarks.

This analysis is not designed to let the Church off the hook for its behavior, Dolan and a number of the US (Arch)Bishops owe more than an apology to our community. Francis's remarks signal a softening of a hardline Church stance and his manner indicates that his idea of a Magisterium is not aloof, unfeeling, and wholly doctrinal in it's approach. Again, the Church is not going institute change at a million miles per hour or start marrying us overnight. Francis is moving carefully towards the middle of the road and letting his remarks signal slow and measured change.

*academic hat off*

~JC

Caveat lector: I am a pagan that was raised Roman Catholic.

Quote by Paladia

Luckily, I was logical enough to say 'screw that' and became an atheist. All the fun people were atheist, Pagan, or Jewish anyway.

Two things...

1. A very logical use of the phrase "screw that". Nice!
2. Since I'm pagan, does that imply that I'm a fun person? Lies and fabrications!

Yeah, this is the same stuff I was told in my Catholic high school... you can be gay and that's fine, as long as you remain single and celibate. I was also told that cisgender heterosexual married couples who use birth control are bad because they aren't being 'fully open about their sexuality.'

Luckily, I was logical enough to say 'screw that' and became an atheist. All the fun people were atheist, Pagan, or Jewish anyway.

Also, this is my alma mater. A BRILLIANT school all around.

I agree with Vidan on who should have went home. That dress was a complete disaster. But then again, the prior week I thought Timothy's dress was by far the worst of the three. I suspect that we're seeing certain people with strong personalities get passes because of the drama potential they bring to the show. They probably don't want them eliminated right at the start, especially when there are less interesting people also in the bottom three to choose from.

On a positive note, at least Timothy is allowing his model to wear make-up now. Maybe next week, he'll even let her hair be styled!

The crew of the Los Angeles stood at attention and had been that way since the doors to the shuttle bay closed. I purposely held them at attention for 15 minutes after which I put them at ease, restored life support through out the ship and sent out a search party for any missing crewmen. There were only 3 missing and by the look of it they were headed this way. As they were brought in to the cargo bay I informed them of their new duties but not when they were to report to the outer hull to begin scrubbing. I wanted them to sweat a little. It turns out that the 3 crewman were in fact in the Gym at the time of the order and were late as they had to clean up and dress. I was planning to cut them some slack until one of the young officers requested 'an audience' with me in private. I granted him a few moments and we stepped outside the cargo bay.

"Sir, I apologize for our tardiness but cutting life support, sir, that was a foul trick." He stated.

"Yes, Yes it was. However it showed me a couple of things. 1) this crew is only as efficient as it's weakest crewman. 2) you are more concerned with your appearance than you are of your orders. This could be disastrous in a crisis. 3) There were 3 of you that were in the same place at the same time and all 3 of you failed to meet the orders." I bellowed. "Please go retrieve the other two and bring them out here.

As ordered he brought the other 2 tardy crewman out with him. All 3 were in fact Lieutenants and Bridge officers.

"Sir, I do have to add that the 3 of us acted together as a team, and that we work this way together, as a team." He said.

"I appreciate that" I commented, "since you are a team I think now is a good as time as any to give you your new orders." I tapped my combadge, "Byte and Bastion please join us." Bastion and Byte met us in the hallway outside of the cargo bay. "Bastion, inform me of the 3 Lieutenants current duty schedules.

Bastion began, "All three are currently assigned to bridge duty during A shift, sir"

"Not anymore" I interrupted. "They will now be on C shift indefinitely and when they are not sleeping they will be scrubbing the cargo bays."

"Sir?" Bastion began to query, "They are...."

"Not getting out of it!" I said calmly. "Get to work boys, your not sleeping so get in there and start scrubbing!"

I returned to the Cargo Bay and gave the crew the run down of our mission. In order to find Singh we needed to get to work. I had Bastion hand out the pre-drafted assignments and requested applications for A shift Bridge crew. I then dismissed them all to begin their day as it was now 0600. As the cargo bay emptied out I walked over to the cleaning crew.

"Come to my ready room at the end of your shift." I ordered.

I really don't see this as anything different from the love the sinner but hate the sin stance that other churches have taken. Still bigotry based on a two thousand year old book of fables that have been translated and retranslated for centuries.

I did not like the person that was sent home. I wanted to see more from this person and learn more about their background as well. I am so over Timothy. That fabric choice and design were awful. There had to have been better fabric in the trash bin! :-)I liked the Russian dudes dress. It had a great architectural look.



I love that they have to watch their money this season. I also love that Tim has a bigger role. It's nice to see him out with the judges. Also love that the judges get to take a closer peek at the top and bottom looks.