This concludes our second week of December. Great job everyone. Redid the time stamps on the Garret/Angeni story because the times ran together at one point. Compile summary Your adoring FO ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique - Conference Room - Conn- Herkimer 78- 0955) (USS Mystique, Conference Room, OPS, Lt (jg) HHril, 0957) (USS Mystique - Conference Room - Ensign (jg) Mason Garrett - 1001) (USS Mystique, Conference Room, CEO Lt.(sg) Sarouk, 1020) (USS Mystique - Conference Room - CO Captain Vanyssa Winters - 1030) (USS Mystique - Conference Room - Ensign Travis Keswick - 1031) (USS Mystique - Conference Room - CSO Ketal - 1036) (USS Mystique - Conference room - LT. JG Jason Dema - 1044) (USS Mystique, Conference Room, 2O, OPS, Lt (sg) HHril, 1045) (USS Mystique - Conference Room - CO Captain Vanyssa Winters- 1050) (USS Mystique - Conference Room - CSO Ketal- 1051) (USS Mystique - Ten-forward - Ensign Mason Garrett - 1126) (USS Mystique - Ten-forward - Ensign Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere-1128) (USS Mystique - Ten-forward - Ensign Mason Garrett -1130) (USS Mystique - Ten-forward - Ensign Angeni O. Windsong Trommashere -1133) (USS Mystique - Ten-forward - Ensign Angeni O. Windsong Trommashere - 1134) (USS Mystique - Ten-forward - Ensign Mason Garrett -1135) (USS Mystique - Ten-forward - Ensign Angeni O. Windsong Trommashere -1136) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Begin compile Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique - Conference Room - Conn- Herkimer 78- 0955) Herk walked into the conference room to find the others waiting. S/he smiled at the captain. Ever since their evening together it felt as if she had been avoiding hir. S/he didn't take it too personally. Even though it may have bee a bit indiscrete, they were both professionals, and surely the captain knew that it hadn't precluded anything more. Although it was pretty darn good. S/he took hir seat and waited for the meeting to begin. Winters began by explaining about the missing FO. Getting a new FO as always a big deal. COs and FOs had to mesh. It seemed that the captin and Commander Belinia had their differences. Then she informed them of the situation with the Nimitz. There was a moment of silence for the loss of one of their own. Then the captain went into promotions. Herk sat and listened as the crew recieved their promotions. Hir mind began to wander a bit until s/he heard, "And finally, Mr. Herk. I promote you to Lt. Commander, and award you the combat action ribbon." Herk went to the front of the room and recieved the two boxes. S/he didn't know what to say, say s/she said nothing. "Congratulations." "Thank you captain," Herk replied and returned to hir seat. Reports were given, and when it was herks turn, hirs was mostly positive. "The nav/com is back to its fully functional status. I think we've worked out all of the bugs now. Of course, it wouldn't hurt to take her out for spin before we have any dangerous missions to go on." As the reports concluded, Herk noticed the captain's attention waning. Apparently she was recieving some information over her PADD. "It appears that our orders have changed,"Winters announced. "We are to meet the Nimitz tomorrow afternoon." Vanyssa stated. "We are to recieve supplies and personnel from them, then proceed on to Phoenix where we will be picking up the command crew of the Spectre while also taking on additional personnel. I don't know where LoDona is getting them." Winters looked around the table at each of her officers before continuing. "Ops, arrange quarters as well as duty shifts for additional personnel. I'll get you manifests as soon as I can. We'll be meeting them in a week. While they are on board, I want you all to make friends, treat them like a permanent part of the crew. I don't quite know why they are coming here, but I do know Captain Remae... He is a man of honor, and quite loyal to LoDona. Continue with the repairs, we set sail soon enough." The captain paused for a moment, as if she were thinking about her next action. "I order all of you off-duty for the rest of today. Go and rest and leave the repair work to your respective departments. That is an order. Dismissed." Herk stood up with the others. Make them feel welcome? Just how welcome did the captain want them to feel? With the remainder of the day off Herk wasn't sure what to do with hir time. After the past days of craziness, s/he was still pretty wound up. Perhaps a little work out in the holodeck would help hir relax. Herk headed for hir quarters to change into hir workout clothes. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique, Conference Room, OPS, Lt (jg) HHril, 0957) HHril entered the conference room with three minutes to spare. Everyone else was already there, which did not surprise him. He had purposefully arrived last as to avoid having to make small talk. "I'd like to start this meeting with something that has long been overdue, promotions." began the CO. "But first, some of you may have noticed that Commander Belinia is not present. He has been reassigned to Strategic Ops, under the command of Captain Lee. He will be missed." She allowed for a short pause before she continued on. "We will be meeting the Nimitz at Phoenix and picking up our new First Officer from her. The Nimitz is already at Phoenix, undergoing repairs." She shot a glance at the officers who had served aboard the Nimitz with her. "I'm told that the only senior staff casualty was John Wilson." There was a silence that swept through the senior staff following her words. HHril had not had the privilege of meeting the deceased, but by the reaction of those who had, he could tell that he was a good man. "Now, promotions." offered the CO as a way to bring them all back to the present. "First, I would like to recognize Mr. HHril for his outstanding work over the last couple of days. HHril, I promote you to full Lieutenant and Second Officer of the Mystique. I also give you the Starfleet Achievement Medal." HHril stood and approached the CO. She handed over the box with the full pip, signifying his new rank. She then handed him the box containing the medal and held out her hand. "Thank you, Captain." he said with a smile and a stiff handshake and then turned and retook his seat. HHril watched as each of the members of the senior staff received their promotions and assorted medals. It was a very precious moment to witness, and HHril sat quietly taking it all in with a smile on his face. Finally, when everyone had received their new ranks and/or medals, the Captain turned the meeting back to business. "Now that is done, I need Departmental Readiness Reports. Who wants to go first?" HHril listened intently as the other members of the senior staff went through their reports, one at a time. There was not much different now than had been reported to him in the morning reports, but it was good to see them all together. At a pause in the conversation, HHril took his opportunity to act as Chief of Operations. "As evidenced by the various departments here," he said offering a quick glance around the table. "Most systems are now functional. We are currently running without many of the redundancies that we normally have, but repairs would best be left to Phoenix base for completion. As for a more detailed analysis of where the OPS department lies, I will, as a final task in his duties as assistant Chief of Operations, leave that to Mr. Garrett." HHril looked to the former aOPS. In the short time that they had worked together in the same department, he had known him to be a very efficient, intelligent, and valuable member of his team. "OPS is in good shape." began the newly appointed aCEO. "All personnel have recovered from their injuries and are back to work. All priority repairs are completed. The navigation, cloaking and shield systems have been purged of computer viruses and the intrusive programs are being analyzed. The circuitry junction for the holo-emitters on decks four through six are being repaired and should be on-line again by tomorrow. I've logged a listing this morning of spare parts we will need to restock at Phoenix. Repairs after the attack brought our in-house stock of some items dangerously low." "In short, Captain." continued HHril, "we are in good enough shape to make the trip back to Phoenix. The Engineering teams worked minor miracles to get things back to where they needed to be. They should be commended for their work. To sum up, Captain," he added as he shifted in his seat, "Defensive systems are online and warp power has been restored along with most of the primary systems. The computer core will require a purge, and offensive systems will need bolstering." HHril sat back as the remainder of the reports were given. At one point, he noticed the CO's gaze shift from her staff to her PADD, and then back up to the staff. "It appears that our orders have changed." she said, following the last of the reports. "We are to meet the Nimitz tomorrow afternoon. We are to receive supplies and personnel from them, then proceed on to Phoenix where we will be picking up the command crew of the Spectre while also taking on additional personnel." There was a short pause. "I don't know where LoDona is getting them." The last statement was offered up with an undertone of sincerity that you did not need to be an empath to catch. Much would need to be done to prepare for these changes. "Ops." she said, her gaze aimed directly at HHril. "Arrange quarters as well as duty shifts for additional personnel. I'll get you manifests as soon as I can." "Aye, Sir." replied HHril, making a note on his PADD. An audible sigh escaped the CO before she continued. "We'll be meeting them in a week. While they are on board, I want you all to make friends, treat them like a permanent part of the crew. I don't quite know why they are coming here, but I do know Captain Remae... He is a man of honor, and quite loyal to LoDona. Continue with the repairs, we set sail soon enough." HHril watched as her gaze flowed throughout the room and fell on each and every member of her command staff. "I order all of you off-duty for the rest of today. Go and rest and leave the repair work to your respective departments. That is an order. Dismissed." HHril rose from his seat, as did the other officers. "Lt. HHril," came the voice of Ensign Dema. "You got a moment?" HHril turned to face the young officer. "Of course, Ensign." he said with a smile offering his right hand. "Congratulations on your promotion in rank." he said as the pro-offered hand was taken. "Now what can I do for you?" "Thanks for standing up for me Sir." came the reply. HHril smiled at the young officer. "You are most welcome, Ensign. But I did nothing more than any other senior officer would have done in my place. Innocent until proven guilty. You had given me every reason to trust you, and none not to. I am just sorry that it took so long to find you." He offered another smile to the young officer. "If there is nothing else, Ensign, there are a few things that require my attention before I am able to follow the Captains order." (reply Dema, iyw) "It is good to have you back." he finally offered with a slap on the shoulder as he headed past the aTAC/SEC and out onto the bridge. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique - Conference Room - Ensign (jg) Mason Garrett - 1001) The captain looked her staff over with apparent approval, moving her gaze across each one in turn. "I'd like to start this meeting with something that has long been overdue, promtions. But first, some of you may have noticed that Commander Bellinia is not present. He has been reassigned to Strategic Ops, under the command of Captain Lee. He will be missed." Vanyssa paused for a second before continuing. "We will be meeting the Nimitz at Phoenix and picking up our new First Officer from her. The Nimitz is already at Phoenix, undergoing repairs." Vanyssa looked at the crew that had been stationed there before. "I'm told that the only senior staff casualty was John Wilson." A reverent silence fell over everyone like a weight. Though Garrett had never met Wilson personally, the idea of losing anyone... The captain broke the silence after a few minutes. "Now, promotions. First, I would like to recognize Mr. Hhril for his outstanding work over the last couple of days. Hhril, promote you to full Lt and second Officer of the Mystique. I also give you the Starfleet Achievement Medal." (reply Hhril) "Mr. Garrett, for your incredible work and knowledge of engineering, I transfer you to Engineering, promote you to Full Ensign and make you The Assistant Chief of Engineering. Mr. Sarouk has agreed to undertake your training. I also award you the Combat Action Ribbon." Ensign Garrett stood accepted the award thankfully and reseated himself. He noticed Angeni's warm smile and returned it. Maybe she had cooled down. Their last parting, two days hence had been — memorable — but highly unpleasant for both. The captain called Dr. Mias to step forward next. After Mias it was Angeni's turn to step forth. She stood up nervously and went to stand before the captain. "Dr. Windsong-Trommashere, I promote you to Full ensign, and award you the combat action ribbon for your valient efforts in keepting this crew alive. Also to Dr. Markstein, I award the combat action ribbon." The captain gave a hug to each of the women and handed over the boxes. They deserve it Garrett thought to himself. Angeni was almost glowing from Captain Winters adulation. She even turn to smile at him again. That was encouraging. Maybe he should try to approach her now. Names were called from around the room as staff members received their promotions and awards. Finally the captain called for Departmental Readiness Reports. Garrett listened to each of the others as they gave their reports. When it came around to him, he stood to deliver his brief synopsis. "Ops is in good shape. All personell have recovered from thier injuries and are back to work. All priority repairs are completed. The navigation, cloaking and shield systems have been purged of computer viruses and the intrusive programs are being analyzed. The circuitry junction for the holo-emitters on decks four through six are being repaired and should be on-line again by tomorrow. I've logged a listing this morning of spare parts we will need to restock at Phoenix. Repairs after the attack brought our in-house stock of some items dangerously low." He reseated himself. The reporting continued around the room until all had spoken. The conference broke up soon afterward. Garrett watched Angeni leave. He wanted to speak to her at his first opportunity but he had to approach the captain first. The doctor wouldn't be hard to find. They were on a starship afterall not in a planetside station. Most of the senior staff filtered out of the conference room quickly and their was only a small gathering left when Garrett approached the Captain. "Captain, may I speak briefly" Garrett said approaching the Mystique's commanding officer and awaited her recognition. (Reply: Winters) "Captain, although there are many onboard the ship who deserve recognition for their performance during the Marine boarding, I feel obliged to emphasize Ensign Darson's presence and actions aboard the runabout. She dealt with the enemy and took control of the runabout after I was incapacitated. Without her help, that effort would have been completely unsuccessful." (Reply: Winters) "Yes mam." With that said, he turned and moved briskly toward the door and to find Angeni. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique, Conference Room, CEO Lt.(sg) Sarouk, 1020) Sarouk had sat silently listening the meeting, taking mental notes of the proceeding, when the Captain looked at him and spoke. "To Dr. Weir, whose baby has decided to join us, I award her the Ribbon of Sacrifice. Mr. Sarouk, please see that she gets it, and congratulations on the baby girl. Have you thought of a name for her yet?" "I shall do so Captain, and yes we have," Sarouk said simply, as if they were discussing a trivial matter. He folded his hands before him waiting for the meeting to continue. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique - Conference Room - CO Captain Vanyssa Winters - 1030) Vanyssa listened to the various departments speak. She looked down as something flashed on her PADD, her orders had changed. She was to rendezvous with the Nimitz, TOMORROW??? "It appears that our orders have changed. We are to meet the Nimitz tomorrow afternoon." Vanyssa stated. "We are to recieve supplies and personnel from them, then proceed on to Phoenix where we will be picking up the command crew of the Spectre while also taking on additional personnel. I don't know where LoDona is getting them." Vanyssa said sincerely. She looked around the table at each of her officers. "Ops, arrange quarters as well as duty shifts for additional personnel. I'll get you manifests as soon as I can." Vanyssa sighed, one more headache. "We'll be meeting them in a week. While they are on board, I want you all to make friends, treat them like a permanent part of the crew. I don't quite know why they are coming here, but I do know Captain Remae... He is a man of honor, and quite loyal to LoDona. Continue with the repairs, we set sail soon enough." Vanyssa looked around again, seeing exhaustion etched onto each of her crew member's faces. "I order all of you off-duty for the rest of today. Go and rest and leave the repair work to your respective departments. That is an order. Dismissed." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique - Conference Room - Ensign Travis Keswick - 1031) "It appears that our orders have changed. We are to meet the Nimitz tomorrow afternoon." Vanyssa stated. "We are to recieve supplies and personnel from them, then proceed on to Phoenix where we will be picking up the command crew of the Spectre while also taking on additional personnel. I don't know where LoDona is getting them." Vanyssa said sincerely. She looked around the table at each of her officers. After hearing that Travis become a little uneasy. "Ops, arrange quarters as well as duty shifts for additional personnel. I'll get you manifests as soon as I can." Vanyssa sighed, one more headache. "We'll be meeting them in a week. While they are on board, I want you all to make friends, treat them like a permanent part of the crew. I don't quite know why they are coming here, but I do know Captain Remae... He is a man of honor, and quite loyal to LoDona. Continue with the repairs, we set sail soon enough." Vanyssa looked around again, seeing exhaustion etched onto each of her crew member's faces. "I order all of you off-duty for the rest of today. Go and rest and leave the repair work to your respective departments. That is an order. Dismissed." "Understood captain Travis sead as he stood up and made his way to the door. As the officer filed out of the room Travis caught Dr Trommashere out of the corner of his eye and gave her a smile as she left. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique - Conference Room - CSO Ketal - 1036) Ketal watched as Vanyssa did a doubletake at her PADD then looked up with a slightly surprised look on her face. "It appears that our orders have changed. We are to meet the Nimitz tomorrow afternoon." she stated. "We are to recieve supplies and personnel from them, then proceed on to Phoenix where we will be picking up the command crew of the Spectre while also taking on additional personnel. I don't know where LoDona is getting them." She looked around the table at each of her officers. "Ops, arrange quarters as well as duty shifts for additional personnel. I'll get you manifests as soon as I can." Vanyssa sighed once."We'll be meeting them in a week. While they are on board, I want you all to make friends, treat them like a permanent part of the crew. I don't quite know why they are coming here, but I do know Captain Remae... He is a man of honor, and quite loyal to LoDona. Continue with the repairs, we set sail soon enough." Vanyssa looked around againat the group.Unlike the rest Ketal had had rest forced upon him by his injury and subsequent healing trance. "I order all of you off-duty for the rest of today. Go and rest and leave the repair work to your respective departments. That is an order. Dismissed." Ketal stood to his feet as the rest began leaving the room, greeting those who walked by with a nod as he waited to get the Captain's attention. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique -Conference room - LT. JG Jason Dema - 1044) Jason asked Hhril if he had some time, he had something to tell him, for wich he hadn't had the change to do yet, Hhril turned around, and faced Jason. "Of course, Ensign." Hhril offered his hand, and in reaction Jason shook his hand "Congratulations on your promotion in rank, Now what can I do for you?" "Thanks for standing up for me Sir." Jason was a bit unsure, he didn't know how to thank someone that stood up for him. "You are most welcome, Ensign. But I did nothing more than any other senior officer would have done in my place. Innocent until proven guilty. You had given me every reason to trust you, and none not to. I am just sorry that it took so long to find you." "Don't be sorry Sir, at least I was found, that's what is important." "If there is nothing else, Ensign, there are a few things that require my attention before I am able to follow the Captains order." "Well, if you ever need anything, just give a shout, and I'll be the first player in the game to get the match back on our side." "It is good to have you back." Hhril tapped Jason on the shoulder and then passed by. "It's good to be back Sir." Jason said with a smile, but the smile dissapeared directly as his face still hurt a little from the punishment those marines gave him. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique, Conference Room, 2O, OPS, Lt (sg) HHril, 1045) "You are most welcome, Ensign." replied HHril. "But I did nothing more than any other senior officer would have done in my place. Innocent until proven guilty. You had given me every reason to trust you, and none not to. I am just sorry that it took so long to find you." "Don't be sorry Sir," replied Dema. "at least I was found, that's what is important." "It most certainly is, Ensign. And dare I say, I'm certain Ensign Nevada would fully concur." HHril winked at the Ensign. "Take some time to rest up and get strong. And perhaps to show her your appreciation." (reply Dema) "If there is nothing else, Ensign, there are a few things that require my attention before I am able to follow the Captains order." "Well, if you ever need anything, just give a shout, and I'll be the first player in the game to get the match back on our side." "It is good to have you back." HHril tapped Jason on the shoulder and then passed by and onto the bridge. "It's good to be back Sir." replied the Ensign with a smile which was quickly replaced by a grimace. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique - Conference Room - CO Captain Vanyssa Winters- 1050) Vanyssa watched the scene play out between Hhril and Dema, and shook her head slightly. THen, once the room was empty, except of Ketal, she got up and walked over to him, to hug him. "I've missed you so much." She whispered into his chest, as she held onto him tighter, hoping that he just wouldn't let go. The last couple of days had been stressful on the Captain, she was tired, she was emotional, and she was exhausted. And she still had a meeting with Riven this afternoon to work on dealing with her projection problems. And dealing with Jennah. Vanyssa couldn't believe how much she had hurt her daughter in such a short time. It was the last thing that she had meant to do, and somehow she had managed to do it very very badly. She looked up into Ketal's face, searching it for some sign of something. "What is it?" She asked, looking him over closely. "What's wrong?" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique - Conference Room - CSO Ketal- 1051) Ketal held her lightly in his arms as she clung to him, her head against his chest and spoke. "I've missed you so much." He looked down into her face as she lifted her eyes to him. "What is it?" She asked, looking him over closely. "What's wrong?" "Nothing is wrong Vanyssa." He said as she continued to frown at him. "You mentioned that your officers are on leave for the rest of the day. Might I ask what the Captains plans are for this evening?" The evening they had shared had been after he had had his emotional and mental controls had completely been broken down by the link but here he was with her in his arms and his face was a tight mask of control. It was sure that the distance that those controls put between them was what was worrying her. "It was in my mind that if you are free and off duty we might perhaps go to Ten Forward and have lunch and talk. It has been a day since I returned to the ship and I have not had an opportunity before now to speak with you." (Reply: Captain Winters) He inclined his head slightly and nodded at her. "I apologize for worrying you. My emotional controls will have to be let down gradually and it is not something I prefer to do in public. After I arrived in my office and found out the ship had been heavily damaged I was gratified to learn you and Jennah had escaped harm. Will you accompany me?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique - Ten-forward - Ensign Mason Garrett - 1126) HIding on a starship would be difficult unless one knew how to tap into the Main Computer and turn off the program that constantly tracks every living creature on the ship. When lunch time approached finding Angeni was not a problem. They had parted on less than friendly terms two days ago and Garrett decided to at least make the effort to mend their broken friendship. He needed to get back to Ops pick up a few items and report to Engineering. This transition was going to take up a lot of his time and he wanted to repair some damage in his personal life beforehand. After a quick stopover in his quarters to put his new Ensign pip on his collar and store his award ribbon in a "safe place", he proceeded to ten-forward. He had a mixture of emotions. He was elated about his new rank and his first award in Starfleet. Oddly, when he joined the service he didn't expect recognition for combat, but he didn't mind that. He was proud of his achievement. But now it was time to move on with his next challenge. The buzz of many private conversations stirred through out the expansive room. The bar was lined and tables were filled with people dining or just enjoying company. A quick scan of the room showed a familiar dark haired figure sitting alone near the forward view, drinking her white Russian and watching stars streak past. He didn't stop at the bar this time, but went straight to her table. Very direct. Going straight to the problem was another quality he'd learned from his adoptive race and it usually served him well. He approached her table and laid the white feather in front of her. "I thought you might want this back." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique - Ten-forward - Ensign Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere-1128) Angeni was watching the stars whiz by, cradling her third white russian in her hands. It was like someone had taken the joy of new experiences and challenges from her...and replaced it with fear and anxiety. Suddenly, she saw her white feather land infront of her on the table, and she heard Mason's voice ringing through her ears. She looked up, and smiled at him...a genuine sunny smile. She thought back to the first day she met him, and she couldn't help but to smile that way. She gestured to the chair across from her and cleared her throat, holding the feather in her hand. "Please...have a seat for a moment...I need to speak with you about something..." She waited until he was comfortable before she spoke. "I'm sorry Mason...about everything that happened. I never wanted you to think that I was suggesting anything too...hasty. I had wanted you to see some of the artifacts that I had brought from home. I had several different dream catchers and things that may have caught your interest...and I wanted you to see them...that's all I was suggesting. If my reaching out for your hand was the signal for me seeming to want more than you had intended...I am also sorry for that...I just thought it..." She almost let it slip that she wanted to hold his hand...~Oh how third gradeish,Angeni...you're much past that...act like an adult...~ "I just thought it was a nice gesture...Oh...and before I let it slip my mind...congradulations. You really deserve the promotion." She sat back in her chair, her eyes soft. Nothing about her seemed angry anymore...she just seemed...out of sorts almost. Then, using the liquid courage she had been drinking, she looked up at him, her words straight to the poit. "Also...if I haven't made too much of a fool of myself...may I extend the invitation for dinner at some point...maybe to...start over and try this again?" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique - Ten-forward - Ensign Mason Garrett -1130) Ensign Garrett approached Angeni's table and laid the white feather in front of her. "I thought you might want this back." The doctor looked up, a smile breaking across her lovely features at — a genuine sunny smile. She gestured to the chair across from her and cleared her throat, holding the feather in her hand. "Please...have a seat for a moment...I need to speak with you about something." She waited until he was comfortable before she spoke. "I'm sorry Mason...about everything that happened. I never wanted you to think that I was suggesting anything too...hasty. I had wanted you to see some of the artifacts that I had brought from home. I had several different dream catchers and things that may have caught your interest...and I wanted you to see them...that's all I was suggesting. If my reaching out for your hand was the signal for me seeming to want more than you had intended...I am also sorry for that...I just thought it..." She hesitated a long moment but obviously wanted to say more. Garrett waited. "I just thought it was a nice gesture..., " she continued. "Oh...and before I let it slip my mind...congratulations. You really deserve the promotion." "Thank you," he replied, and found he was very pleased to hear her say that. "So do you." Her mentioning old artifacts whetted his curiosity, but there would be time to pursue that vein, later. She sat back in her chair, her eyes soft. Nothing about her seemed angry anymore...she just seemed...out of sorts almost. Then, using the liquid courage she had been drinking, she looked up at him, her words straight to the point. "Also...if I haven't made too much of a fool of myself...may I extend the invitation for dinner at some point...maybe to...start over and try this again?" "You haven't and I would love to," Garrett told her, gentling his voice. "I jumped to conclusions I should not have." He took her hands into his to emphasize the point. "I was not being very rational. My own naivete in dealing with human women caused me to hurt you. And..." he didn't try to hide his chagrin or the pain he felt for the offense "...I am VERY sorry. I hope we can call it a misunderstanding between friends and set our course ahead." (Reply: Angeni) "If you can excuse me for a moment, I'll get something to eat and come right back." Garrett said. He hastily moved to the bar and asked for a bowl of mixed Vulcan vegetables and cold orange pekoe tea. He returned to the table a minute later. "I wanted to tell you also," he said after swallowing his first bite, "I haven't had a chance to get everyone together for that rock climb program. The invitation is still good. I can't set a definite day and time until I get settled into my new job." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique - Ten-forward - Ensign Angeni O. Windsong Trommashere -1133) Ensign Garrett approached Angeni's table and laid the white feather in front of her. "I thought you might want this back." The doctor looked up, a smile breaking across her lovely features at — a genuine sunny smile. She gestured to the chair across from her and cleared her throat, holding the feather in her hand. "Please...have a seat for a moment...I need to speak with you about something." She waited until he was comfortable before she spoke. "I'm sorry Mason...about everything that happened. I never wanted you to think that I was suggesting anything too...hasty. I had wanted you to see some of the artifacts that I had brought from home. I had several different dream catchers and things that may have caught your interest...and I wanted you to see them...that's all I was suggesting. If my reaching out for your hand was the signal for me seeming to want more than you had intended...I am also sorry for that...I just thought it..." She hesitated a long moment but obviously wanted to say more. Garrett waited. "I just thought it was a nice gesture..., " she continued. "Oh...and before I let it slip my mind...congratulations. You really deserve the promotion." "Thank you," he replied, and found he was very pleased> to hear her say that. "So do you." Her mentioning old artifacts whetted his curiosity, but there would be time to pursue that vein, later. She sat back in her chair, her eyes soft. Nothing about her seemed angry anymore...she just seemed...out of sorts almost. Then, using the liquid courage she had been drinking, she looked up at him, her words straight to the point. "Also...if I haven't made too much of a fool of myself...may I extend the invitation for dinner at some point...maybe to...start over and try this again?" "You haven't and I would love to," Garrett told her, gentling his voice. "I jumped to conclusions I should not have." He took her hands into his to emphasize the point. "I was not being very rational. My own naivete in dealing with human women caused me to hurt you. And..." he didn't try to hide his chagrin or the pain he felt for the offense "...I am VERY sorry. I hope we can call it a misunderstanding between friends and set our course ahead." She felt his hands take hers, and for a moment, she was lost completely in absentminded thought. Sh llooked down, grinning slightly, then she looked back up, trying to keep up with the chain ofconversation. As he apologized, she nodded and and gave his hand an extra squeeze, her voice soft,and compassionate. I hope we can shoot for the stars, Mason..." "If you can excuse me for a moment, I'll get something to eat and come right back." Garrett said. He hastily moved to the bar and asked for a bowl of mixed Vulcan vegetables and cold orange pekoe tea. He returned to the table a minute later. "I wanted to tell you also," he said after swallowing his first bite, "I haven't had a chance to get everyone together for that rock climb program. The invitation is still good. I can't set a definite day and time until I get settled into my new job." Angeni nodded and smiled, sitting back in her chair, running her fingers through her hair. She looked absent minded for a moment, then she returned her sapphire gaze to Mason, nodding slowly as she finished off her last drink. She leaned forward, resting her hands on the table, then she took the feather, spinning it around in her hand, then she reached forward, taking his hand, and she set the feather in the palm of his hand. "Keep this as sort of...I dunno...just...keep it. It's an eagle's feather from eath where I used to live. Great little thing...managed to bring me a bit of luck here and there over the years..." She ran a finger up the back of his hand, and sat back in her chair,smiling. "So Mason...tell me about your new job..." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique - Ten-forward - Ensign Mason Garrett - 1133) "Also...if I haven't made too much of a fool of myself...may I extend the invitation for dinner at some point...maybe to...start over and try this again?" "You haven't and I would love to," Garrett told her, gentling his voice. "I jumped to conclusions I should not have." He took her hands into his to emphasize the point. "I was not being very rational. My own naivete in dealing with human women caused me to hurt you. And..." he didn't try to hide his chagrin or the pain he felt for the offense "...I am VERY sorry. I hope we can call it a misunderstanding between friends and set our course ahead." She looked down, grinning slightly, as his hand touched hers then she looked back up. As he apologized, she nodded and and gave his hand an extra squeeze. "I hope we can shoot for the stars, Mason..." Her voice flowed with the same deep inner-caring he'd heard her use so many times. He almost hated to interrupt the conversation and her gentle touch but he did have only a little time before getting back to work. "If you can excuse me for a moment, I'll get something to eat and come right back." Garrett said. He hastily moved to the bar and asked for a bowl of mixed Vulcan vegetables and cold orange pekoe tea. He returned to the table a minute later. "I wanted to tell you also," he said after swallowing his first bite, "I haven't had a chance to get everyone together for that rock climb program. The invitation is still good. I can't set a definite day and time until I get settled into my new job." Angeni nodded and smiled, sitting back in her chair, running her fingers through her hair. She looked absent minded for a moment, then she returned her sapphire gaze back to him, nodding slowly as she finished off her last drink. She leaned forward, resting her hands on the table, then she took the feather, spinning it around in her hand. Then she reached forth taking his hand, and she set the feather in the palm of his hand. "Keep this as sort of...I dunno...just...keep it. It's an eagle's feather from Earth where I used to live. Great little thing...managed to bring me a bit of luck here and there over the years..." She ran a finger up the back of his hand, and sat back in her chair, smiling. "So Mason...tell me about your new job..." He could only make an educated guess at what his exact duties would entail. "A lot of it will be administrative, I suppose," he said. (Reply: Angeni) "How are your patients faring?" Garrett asked, then took another bite of his meal. "Did you release the Captian's daughter?" (Reply: Angeni) "I can tell you love your work. You must've wanted to be a doctor since you were a little girl." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique - Ten-forward - Ensign Angeni O. Windsong Trommashere - 1134) "Also...if I haven't made too much of a fool of myself...may I extend the invitation for dinner at some point...maybe to...start over and try this again?" "You haven't and I would love to," Garrett told her, gentling his voice. "I jumped to conclusions I should not have." He took her hands into his to emphasize the point. "I was not being very rational. My own naivete in dealing with human women caused me to hurt you. And..." he didn't try to hide his chagrin or the pain he felt for the offense "...I am VERY sorry. I hope we can call it a misunderstanding between friends and set our course ahead." She looked down, grinning slightly, as his hand touched hers then she looked back up. As he apologized, she nodded and and gave his hand an extra squeeze. "I hope we can shoot for the stars, Mason..." Her voice flowed with the same deep inner-caring he'd heard her use so many times. He almost hated to interrupt the conversation and her gentle touch but he did have only a little time before getting back to work. "If you can excuse me for a moment, I'll get something to eat and come right back." Garrett said. He hastily moved to the bar and asked for a bowl of mixed Vulcan vegetables and cold orange pekoe tea. He returned to the table a minute later. "I wanted to tell you also," he said after swallowing his first bite, "I haven't had a chance to get everyone together for that rock climb program. The invitation is still good. I can't set a definite day and time until I get settled into my new job." Angeni nodded and smiled, sitting back in her chair, running her fingers through her hair. She looked absent minded for a moment, then she returned her sapphire gaze back to him, nodding slowly as she finished off her last drink. She leaned forward, resting her hands on the table, then she took the feather, spinning it around in her hand. Then she reached forth taking his hand, and she set the feather in the palm of his hand. "Keep this as sort of...I dunno...just...keep it. It's an eagle's feather from Earth where I used to live. Great little thing...managed to bring me a bit of luck here and there over the years..." She ran a finger up the back of his hand, and sat back in her chair, smiling. "So Mason...tell me about your new job..." He could only make an educated guess at what his exact duties would entail. "A lot of it will be administrative, I suppose," he said. "Sounds interesting. I know how that goes. When I first started working back on Earth, all I did was sort through hundreds of medical charts a day...sixteen hours of that a day made me want to quit, but it was worth it in the end, most definately." "How are your patients faring?" Garrett asked, then took another bite of his meal. "Did you release the Captian's daughter?" Angeni nodded slowly, collecting her thoughts. She got lost again in the conversation, and she shook her long locks, trying to formulate a coherant answer. "Yes, once again sickbay is empty and lonely...Then again...that's how I like to see it. Honestly...I'd work in there every day and not want to see a patient ever again. I don't do this for the glory of saving sick or ill people...it's all about the little things...just the pursuit and study..." She stopped herself from rambling on, her cheeks bright red and she ducked her head a bit, scolding herself on the inside, then she looked back up, listening intently to him speak. "I can tell you love your work. You must've wanted to be a doctor since you were a little girl." "Not really, honestly. It interested me when I was a little girl, but at that point, I just wanted to be able to help people in any way that I could, and it just happened to be that medicine became my outlet. I love my work, yes I do. Sometimes I feel like I get too caught up into it, but then most of the doctors I worked with and were my mentors had that do or die philosophy. I hardly ever saw them miss a day, or complain, or anything of the sort. They'd be there from sun up to sun down, and at that time...that's what I thought it was all about...catching as many traumas or quirky medical problem. Now...I see the forest for the trees per se. I look at the patients and I learn from them...that's what medicine's truly about. Getting to express your love for helping people, by helping them through their problems..." Angeni stopped, staring intently at Mason. Thoughts were running through her mind faster than a jackrabbit on a hot date. She looked at her watch, then spoke softly but confidently. "I know you probably have to get going soon and all...as well as I. So...how about dinner tomorrow...say...1900?" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique - Ten-forward - Ensign Mason Garrett -1135) She ran a finger up the back of his hand, and sat back in her chair, smiling. "So Mason...tell me about your new job?"He could only make an educated guess at what his exact duties would entail. "A lot of it will be administrative, I suppose," he said. "Sounds interesting. I know how that goes. When I first started working back on Earth, all I did was sort through hundreds of medical charts a day...sixteen hours of that a day made me want to quit, but it was worth it in the end, most definately." "How are your patients faring?" Garrett asked, then took another bite of his meal. "Did you release the Captian's daughter?" Angeni nodded slowly, collecting her thoughts. She got lost again in the conversation, and she shook her long locks, trying to formulate a coherant answer. "Yes, once again sickbay is empty and lonely...Then again...that's how I like to see it. Honestly...I'd work in there every day and not want to see a patient ever again. I don't do this for the glory of saving sick or ill people...it's all about the little things...just the pursuit and study..." She stopped herself from rambling on, her cheeks bright red and she ducked her head a bit, scolding herself on the inside, then she looked back up, listening intently to him speak. "I can tell you love your work. You must've wanted to be a doctor since you were a little girl." "Not really, honestly. It interested me when I was a little girl, but at that point, I just wanted to be able to help people in any way that I could, and it just happened to be that medicine became my outlet. I love my work, yes I do. Sometimes I feel like I get too caught up into it, but then most of the doctors I worked with and were my mentors had that do or die philosophy. I hardly ever saw them miss a day, or complain, or anything of the sort. They'd be there from sun up to sun down, and at that time...that's what I thought it was all about...catching as many traumas or quirky medical problem. Now...I see the forest for the trees per se. I look at the patients and I learn from them...that's what medicine's truly about. Getting to express your love for helping people, by helping them through their problems..." Angeni stopped, staring intently at Mason. Thoughts were running through her mind faster than a jackrabbit on a hot date. She looked at her watch, then spoke softly but confidently. "I know you probably have to get going soon and all...as well as I. So...how about dinner tomorrow...say...1900?" Garrett nodded as he sipped from his glass. "Sounds very good. I'll be there. I would like to see those artifacts you mentioned also. I imagine there's any number of stories behind them." (Reply: Angeni) "Technically, we're both off duty for the rest of the day, as per the captain's orders, but I'm going to spend a little of my free time getting acquainted with my new job," Garrett said. (Reply: Angeni) "As a matter of fact, unless Mr. Sarouk needs me for something this evening, I'm going to go rock climbing on Vulcan. This is spur of the moment, but can you come?" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Mystique - Ten-forward - Ensign Angeni O. Windsong Trommashere -1136) She ran a finger up the back of his hand, and sat back in her chair, smiling. "So Mason...tell me about your new job?"He could only make an educated guess at what his exact duties would entail. "A lot of it will be administrative, I suppose," he said. "Sounds interesting. I know how that goes. When I first started working back on Earth, all I did was sort through hundreds of medical charts a day...sixteen hours of that a day made me want to quit, but it was worth it in the end, most definately." "How are your patients faring?" Garrett asked, then took another bite of his meal. "Did you release the Captian's daughter?" Angeni nodded slowly, collecting her thoughts. She got lost again in the conversation, and she shook her long locks, trying to formulate a coherant answer. "Yes, once again sickbay is empty and lonely...Then again...that's how I like to see it. Honestly...I'd work in there every day and not want to see a patient ever again. I don't do this for the glory of saving sick or ill people...it's all about the little things...just the pursuit and study..." She stopped herself from rambling on, her cheeks bright red and she ducked her head a bit, scolding herself on the inside, then she looked back up, listening intently to him speak. "I can tell you love your work. You must've wanted to be a doctor since you were a little girl." "Not really, honestly. It interested me when I was a little girl, but at that point, I just wanted to be able to help people in any way that I could, and it just happened to be that medicine became my outlet. I love my work, yes I do. Sometimes I feel like I get too caught up into it, but then most of the doctors I worked with and were my mentors had that do or die philosophy. I hardly ever saw them miss a day, or complain, or anything of the sort. They'd be there from sun up to sun down, and at that time...that's what I thought it was all about...catching as many traumas or quirky medical problem. Now...I see the forest for the trees per se. I look at the patients and I learn from them...that's what medicine's truly about. Getting to express your love for helping people, by helping them through their problems..." Angeni stopped, staring intently at Mason. Thoughts were running through her mind faster than a jackrabbit on a hot date. She looked at her watch, then spoke softly but confidently. "I know you probably have to get going soon and all...as well as I. So...how about dinner tomorrow...say...1900?" Garrett nodded as he sipped from his glass. "Sounds very good. I'll be there. I would like to see those artifacts you mentioned also. I imagine there's any number of stories behind them." Angeni blushed hard and nodded, her smile growing all the way across her face. It was an accomplishment...small to some...tremendous to her. She ran her index finger across the smooth surface of the table as she spoke quietly. "I believe they do. Some of them are very old, most are things my mother, grandmother, and great grandmother made me years and years ago..." "Technically, we're both off duty for the rest of the day, as per the captain's orders, but I'm going to spend a little of my free time getting acquainted with my new job," Garrett said. "I'm just trying to keep myself busy, so I thought it would be a good idea to re arrange the hypospray vials...again...well...since I just did it yesterday..." "As a matter of fact, unless Mr. Sarouk needs me for something this evening, I'm going to go rock climbing on Vulcan. This is spur of the moment, but can you come?" Angeni's eyes flew wide open, and her blush spread all the way across her face, and down her neck. She nodded slightly, and she started talking, babbling slightly. "Sure! I mean...yeah...that sounds nice...to go rock climbing...with you and have a change of terrain for once...you know...on Vulcan...I've never been to Vulcan, is it nice?" She thwapped herself in the forehead, sighing softly. "Okay....I'd love to go with you, and I'm guessing a uniform change is in order?" (Reply David) "Alright...I'll meet you at the holodeck." She bowed her head slightly, and then she started to leave Ten Forward. She turned around and smiled back at him, and then she kept walking onward to her room. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ End compile