Compile Index: Mission: Wagon Train Amongst the Stars Day 14 (USS Mithrandir – Deck 02, "Hard2Port" – ACEO Ensign j.g. Elith Rejal – 2103) (USS Mithrandir – Deck 02, "Hard2Port" – ACMO Ensign jg Ava McGregor – 2110) Day 15 (SS Wanderlust - Civilian sector 44 - ATac Ensign Ben Soma-1952) (Freighter Anemoi, ATac Ensign sg Sanok, 1954) Day 16 (USS Mithrandir – Engineering Design Area – ACSO Martzia - 0333) (USS Mithrandir – Engineering Design Area – ACEO Lanista - 0334) (USS Mithrandir – Martzia's Quarters – ACSO Martzi - 0630) (USS Mithrandir – Ship Counselor's Office – ACSO Martzi - 0800) (USS Mithrandir – Hard2Port– AOPS/CONN Stone - 1301 HRS) (USS Mithrandir – Hard2Port– ACSO Martzia - 1304 HRS) (USS Mithrandir Two-Port Bar Manager Mei Ling Hikaru - 1305) (USS Mithrandir – Two-Port – ASCO Martzia - 1306) (USS Mithrandir – Two-Port – AOPS/CONn BJ Stone- 13 13:07) (USS Mithrandir – Hard2Port – ASCO Martzia - 1325) (USS Mithrandir – Hard2PPort – AOPS/CONN BJ Stone - 1326) Day 17 (USS Mithrandir - TwoPort - YEO Esmerelda Stakes and Bar Manager Mei Ling Hikaru - Day 17 -1028) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission Wagon Train Amongst the Stars Stardate 2408.06.20 Day 14 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<  (USS Mithrandir – Deck 02, "Hard2Port" – ACEO Ensign j.g. Elith Rejal – 2103) "Gagh?!" Lani' said, raising her bowl with both hands to very near Elith's face. "Yes, it is." Elith said, taking a small step back. ~The infamous Klingon dish. It's not that bad, from what I remember.~ As he was about to say something else, Ava said, "Ignore her, come and sit by me," Ava patted the seat next to her, "Lani is such a messy eater, you sit next to her you'll end up with Gagh in your hair." ~I would be very surprised if that happened.~ "Okay." Elith said as he sat down. He briefly looked back to Hawke, who seemed to be vividly telling a war story to an unwitting patron, before turning back to the two women. Obviously, they knew each other from the Academy, based on how comfortable their brief conversation was going. To tell the truth, he would rather be working or resting right now instead of this social interaction, but he felt that it would be a good idea to at least be familiar with his shipmates. He would have preferred to do this after the mission was over, though. "Sooo, Elith," Ava said, trying very hard to make the young male officer feel comfortable, "How have you been finding the Mithrandir so far, settling in?" "I haven't been on the Mithrandir very much, as I started working on the freighters shortly after coming aboard. So far, it's far less spartan than similar Cardassian vessels, to use an Earth term." ~She's trying to make me feel comfortable. She looks like the type. She doesn't really need to try, since I'm not really uncomfortable. I'm sure the idea of a Cardassian in a Starfleet uniform fascinates her, though.~ Elith thought, getting a feel for her character by his observations. Even though he was a Starfleet officer now, he couldn't ignore his education in Bamarren, essentially the Cardassian "spy school". "From what I've heard, you've been even busier than me, Ms. McGregor." (Reply Ava/Lanista/Any) (Posted by Matt Kirk) (USS Mithrandir – Deck 02, "Hard2Port" – ACMO Ensign jg Ava McGregor – 2110) "From what I've heard, you've been even busier than me, Ms. McGregor." Perfectly shaped eyebrows rose a fraction of a millimeter at that, ~Ms? Do i look like Jean Brodie?~  "Please," The Doctor assured with the slightest of smiles, "Ava is fine. We're all Ensigns, you don't need to be so fuddy-duddy with me."   (Reply any)   "And as for being busy," Ava wrinkled her nose, "Rushed off my feet more like," Her expression relaxed and she smiled, "But loving every minute of it."   (Reply Lani/Elith)   (Posted by Jodie) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission Wagon Train Amongst the Stars Stardate 2408.06.21 Day 15 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<  (SS Wanderlust - Civilian sector 44 - ATac Ensign Ben Soma-1952)   While Ben waited for the Mithrandir to get back to him with the details he decided to check in with Sanok. His friend would have all the information he needed about the freighter he was on and may be able to speed the search up a little. Lanista was present so he had no worry about anyone bothering young Durean, seemed like everyone was content to give her a wide berth. He was glad she had followed him, even though he didn't realize it until they entered this area. She was no more pleased then he was about the way Durean had been treated.   Tapping his commbage again he said, "Soma to Sanok, would a Margena Durean be present on the Anemoi? I have a young man here who says she is his sister and they were separated. He is worried she was left behind."   Thinking back to the riot that occurred in a camp on the planet before they began the evacuation Ben moved off from Durean and Lanista so the young man would not here his next question, "Is it possible she was the young girl who was killed in the riot?"   (reply Sanok) (posted by Milo) (Freighter Anemoi, ATac Ensign sg Sanok, 1954) Sanok was in the makeshift office that had been provided for him on the Anemoi.  Taking a short break from his duties, which had been as hectic as he'd imagined they'd be, he got a call from Ben on the Wanderlust. =^= Soma to Sanok.  Would a Margena Durean be present on the Anemoi?  I have a young man here who says she is his sister, and they were separated.  He is worried she was left behind.  Is it possible she was the young girl who was killed in the riot? =^= "Sanok here.  To answer your second question, the answer is no.  Margena Durean is not the girl from the riot.  I will need to search my records before I can give you the information you need.  I'll contact you, as soon as I know.  Sanok out." Sanok found the PADD that had the names of all the colonists that had been transferred to the freighters, and which ones they were on.  There turned out to be no Margena Durean registered. He wondered if it was possible she was missed.  It could have happened, but the people in charge of the evacuation had been meticulous about registering the names.  The suspicious part of him considered there may be a reason for not registering her, but until there was evidence for that, he tucked it into the back of his mind.  There had to be a logical explanation, and for now, Margena Durean being missed, or left behind, was the most logical. After ten minutes, Sanok called Ben. "Sanok to Soma.  I was unable to find Margena Durean in any of the records of the colonists." (Reply Soma, Any) (Posted by Bob) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission Wagon Train Amongst the Stars Stardate 2408.06.22 Day 16 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<  (USS Mithrandir – Engineering Design Area – ACSO Martzia - 0333)   "Hummm, Hard2Port?  Sounds like just my kind of place.  Have you ever tried light-sailing?"  Martzia replied as Lanista pointed toward the door.  She followed the lead and they left as the conversation shifted from science and engineering to other interests and escapades.   As they approached the restaurant they could see that it in fact was open.    It seemed the place wasn't as quiet as she expected.  There were a few people sitting at scattered tables most were in either deep thought or working through some project.   It seemed that whoever ran the establishment knew how to help people feel at home, or at least there was one group of lively crewmen enjoying themselves in the far corner.   There was a comfortable feel to the place.   The two entered the establishment and a small hush went over the room.  Martzia was use to this when going somewhere new it was not noticed by most but she could feel it as well.  This time however she couldn't tell who the hush was for her or her new friend.  It picked up again, when they were across the room.  That signaled normal curiosity, this was a good sign. If it had prevailed it would have been a signaled an entirely different situation.     They took up places at a table and began looking over the menu PADD. At this hour it would surely be self serve or have only one attendant.   (Reply, Lanist)   After Martzia had keyed in her order she looked up at Lanista. "So what brought you to join Starfleet?" Martzia asked sparking up a new conversation in a new direction.   (Reply, Lanista) (Posted by Ber) (USS Mithrandir – Engineering Design Area – ACEO Lanista - 0334) "Hummm, Hard2Port? Sounds like just my kind of place. Have you ever tried light-sailing?" Lanista and Martzia had reached the social hub of the ship before Lani' admitted, "I'm not sure I know what that is." She entered Hard2Port with the shifter and held her right hand above her eyes like a visor. Looking at the mostly empty room, Lani' said, "You think we'll be able to find a seat together?" (Reply Martzia) After ordering from the replicator, Martzia asked, "So what brought you to join Starfleet?" "My grandfather, the DaHar Master, who now celebrates eternal victory in Sto-vo-kor, thought it would be a good idea. I enrolled before the Doenitz War actually turned as hot as the blood of the warriors involved in it. I was the engineer on my father's ship. I had to be ... innovative ... on a daily basis, just to keep components not meant to fit together working together. The opportunity to work with systems designed to be operated together is something I greatly enjoy. Starfleet has no ships cobbled together from salvaged vessels. And you? There aren't many of your sort in the Fleet. What's your story?" (Reply Martzia, any) (Posted by Frank) (USS Mithrandir – Martzia's Quarters – ACSO Martzi - 0630)   Martzia rose from her brief sleep of two hours, it would get her through the day with a bit of prayer. ~It is going to be a full day but are they not all when aboard a starship. ~ Martzia thought as she finished dressing for the gym. She stood in front of the mirror pulled her waist in just a bit and adjusted a few more things. ~Yes, a good workout was definitely in order. The shuttle trip took a bit of my tone.~ She laughed at the idea. Then she played at a few muscle exposing poses in the full mirror, exaggerating a bit here and there. She laughed at herself, naughty girl.   [You have been scheduled for an 0800 visit with Alosar.] The computer sounded.   She had softened its voice and given it a lilt to match her own voice so it sounded familiar to her. She liked having no bunk mate and guest it was probably best. Most humans and many many other species were suspicious of any that could shift shape or appearance.   "You think you could give me a bit more notice?" she said out loud as if the computer was alive.   [Please, adjust the programming selections if you want more notice.] It replied.   "Yes, yes, yes." she grumbled in play at the voice.   After working through her morning ritual and finding her inner peace, Martzia drank a full glass of water and then walked to one of the crates she had brought on board.  From it she pulled a piece of dried fruit, followed by a few more. ~Nothing like dried dates and figs for an energy boost.~ Walking to the replicator she asked for a cup of Israeli tea. The cardamom smell filled the room. Finishing her bit of morning breakfast she exited her quarters and headed for the gym.  She ticked off her schedule for the day as she walked.  ~Then to make a round of the science labs before heading to the counselor's office...~  It was her secondary routine.   (USS Mithrandir – Ship Counselor's Office – ACSO Martzi - 0800)   She wasn't sure what to expect of this session. She had read the files and been to counselors before and never found it stressful but a Vulcan counselor? That would be another entire experience altogether. She just couldn't figure out what a Vulcan who fought to even possess emotion would want to talk about emotions for a career. Well, she would certainly try and find out. It was to her … another series of questions needing answers. She exited the turbo lift and found herself at the office door.   (Reply, Alosar) (Posted by Ber) (USS Mithrandir – Hard2Port– AOPS/CONN Stone - 1301 HRS) BJ stopped in at Hard2Port for a quick bite.  This was supposed to be a general gathering place for the crew and BJ looked forward to putting names to all of the new faces on board.   It seemed like he'd just stepped into the room when a female ensign of dark complexion with beautiful copper-colored eyes and feathers for hair approached him with a friendly smile.   "Hello, I am Martzia you want to share a table, lunch and a bit of conversation.  I am new here and could use the company."   BJ smiled back and offered his hand in greeting.  "Hi back," BJ said with a smile.  "I'm Barnie Stone - BJ to friends - and I'm new to this ship also." "I am pleased to meet you.  Over there, I think I just spotted and open table."  Martzia pointed to a table next to the window.  "Not a bad view either."  They wondered over and took seats.  It was a nice view, you couldn't see the ship behind them but she knew they were there.  She was too busy to inquire as to the condition of the people but she knew it wasn't all good.  There were always a few pirates among colonists there was no escaping it.  The percentages might not be high but it only took a few to cause problems.    She refocused on the positive view and sighed. "So, tell me about yourself.  What do you do on the Mithrandir?" She began.   BJ laughed at the refreshingly direct young officer across from him.  "Welllllll," drawled out BJ, "before Starfleet I was with the Free Traders Society - of the Stone family.  I was orphaned fairly young when my parents’ ship, the SS Coin was lost to Pirates.  I served aboard a few of the family ships until I realized my calling was to join Starfleet and help protect civilians.  I've always been sort of a tinkerer - kind of a jack-of-all-trades so I jumped into OPS while at the Academy.  In fact, I'm sure I saw you about the Academy - you kind of hung out with the brainiac-click - didn't you?  Anyway - I'm serving as the Assistant Chief of Operations and as a CONN Officer.  Not a bad first gig for my snotty-cruise, wouldn't you say?"   BJ said the last with a happy smile on his face.  So that's my life in a nutshell - what about you?   (Reply Martzia) The waitress came up to greet them and take their order.  "I think I will have a large bowl of Hummus and Pita with a side of assorted salad veggies and falafel.  Could you manage a glass of strong dark unsweet tea?" (Reply, Mei Ling) "Thank you."  Martzia handed the floor to her table mate.  As she did so she noticed an odd creature that she didn't remember seeing earlier that morning in the establishment.  She sat and watched its actions as her new friend ordered his food. BJ smiled from where he sat and looked up at a beautiful human woman of Eurasian decent.  She had an air of possession about her in Hard2Port - as if she was in charge of the room.   "Hi, I'm BJ," BJ said while looking into dark brown eyes that seemed to twinkle with mischief.  "What is the chance of being able to order catfish, Cajun-style, with a side of brown rice, some soy sauce, and two slices of wheat toast?"   (Reply Mei Ling)   BJ caught Martzia's gaze focused on a small lump of fur with bat-like ears and his eyebrows shot up with surprise.   "What is that?"  BJ asked while nodding in the general direction of the moving furry creature.   (Reply Mei Ling, Martzia, any)   (Posted by Mike Barrett) (USS Mithrandir – Hard2Port– ACSO Martzia - 1304 HRS)   BJ said the last with a happy smile on his face. So that's my life in a nutshell - what about you?  The brief story hit an uncomfortable chord with Martzia. She knew no one had anyway of knowing and most likely they would not. "I, hum…, I was orphaned to you could say. Lived a pretty intense life and then made my way to Starbase 12 where I found my Father, or he found me. It depends on who you talk to." She looked down for a moment and then as if she wiped a clean a window, she looked up smiling brightly.   "I grew up on earth and then on my father's starship, the USS Dartmouth-B. He made me go to college, well not really but I let him think he did, it let him play stern father for a bit." She said it with a twinkle in her eye. "Then off to Starfleet and here." Continuing, she winked at the ensign, "Yes, I suppose some would say I am part of the brainiac crowd but I know how to play and enjoy life just as hard as I think." She laughed. "Speaking of which…" Her thought was interrupted when the waitress came up to the table.   The waitress came up to greet them and take their order. "I think I will have a large bowl of Hummus and Pita with a side of assorted salad veggies and falafel. Could you manage a glass of strong dark unsweet tea?" (Reply, Mei Ling) "Thank you." Martzia handed the floor to her table mate. As she did so she noticed an odd creature that she didn't remember seeing earlier that morning in the establishment. She sat and watched its actions as her new friend ordered his food. BJ smiled from where he sat and looked up at a beautiful human woman of Eurasian decent. She had an air of possession about her in Hard2Port - as if she was in charge of the room. "Hi, I'm BJ," BJ said while looking into dark brown eyes that seemed to twinkle with mischief. "What is the chance of being able to order catfish, Cajun-style, with a side of brown rice, some soy sauce, and two slices of wheat toast?" (Reply Mei Ling) BJ caught Martzia's gaze focused on a small lump of fur with bat-like ears and his eyebrows shot up with surprise. "What is that?" BJ asked while nodding in the general direction of the moving furry creature.   "I am not sure but it is a curious little fellow and strikes a nice chord." Martzia watched as the little creature went over to a table and snuck a piece of citrus type fruit. The lady at the table didn't notice at first and then was wrestling the fruit from it. "Don't order citrus. I am afraid you would be asking for unwanted attention." (Reply Mei Ling, Stone, any) (Posted by Ber) (USS Mithrandir Two-Port Bar Manager Mei Ling Hikaru - 1305) Mei Ling had observed the new ACSO and the new AOPS as they entered her domain. Percival had told her about his new superior, and Kit had filled her in on the new AOPS/CONN. Scuttlebutt had added a couple of other tidbits, but Mei Ling liked to judge people for herself. Allowing them time to settle themselves at their table, she looked again at Tommy's head. It was most puzzling, but there was a small, rather sticky pink quiff in the middle of it. "Tommy, what's that on your head?" she asked, putting her hand out to touch it. Tommy ducked and avoided her hand. "Nuthin'" he mumbled and grabbed a handful of nuts from his bowl on the bar before skittering off with them. Mei Ling sighed, if she didn't know better she'd say he was embarrassed but Tommy was not usually embarrassed by anything. ~He usually has more chutzpah than a herd of... chutz?~ Mei Ling finished the thought a little vaguely. She had heard one of the caterers on Geneva use the word 'chutzpah' but Mei Ling, although she had correctly deduced the meaning of it from the context hadn't been able to discover what a 'chutz' was. Or even if such a thing existed. Looking over she saw that the new officers had sat down and were chatting, so Mei Ling went over to take their order in person. "Good afternoon," she said with a smile. "Are you ready to order yet?" "I think I will have a large bowl of Hummus and Pita with a side of assorted salad veggies and falafel. Could you manage a glass of strong dark unsweet tea?" "Of course," Mei Ling said, noting the order down. It was of course too soon yet to know if this would be Martzia's 'usual' but in Mei Ling's experience people often went for the familiar the first time they ordered. "What kind of tea would you like? Assam, Darjeeling, Lapsang Suchong, Idanian Spiced, Bajoran Root tea, Russian lemon tea and Betazoid Ph'larka are our most popular varieties but if there's something special you would like instead, just ask. I'm sure we'll be able to accommodate you." (reply Martzia) Once Martzia had finished her order, Mei Ling turned her attention to the ACSO's companion, who smiled up at her. Tommy, having greeted one or two of his friends at another table, popped a few nuts into his mouth and sucked them thoughtfully. Mei Ling was talking to some new people, and new people could sometimes be inveigled to share delicacies like fruit if Mei Ling forgot to mention that Tommy wasn't to have citrus, which he loved. He unobtrusively slid the nuts back into his paw and rubbed them. It was always good to have something to offer new friends. "Hi, I'm BJ," he said. "What is the chance of being able to order catfish, Cajun-style, with a side of brown rice, some soy sauce, and two slices of wheat toast?" Mei Ling's eyes twinkled at him mischievously. "My name is Mei Ling Hikaru and I run Two-Port, also known as Hard2Port," she added with a grin. "Ensign Sanok would be able to tell you the exact odds on your order," she teased as she noted it down. "But I'd say the chances are pretty good. Mrs LeBlanc of New Orleans gave me the recipe herself." This was not strictly true; Ma LeBlanc had once served Mei Ling her famous Cajun catfish and Mei Ling had spent some time afterwards getting the exact same result. She was happy that she'd managed to do so, however. . BJ's attention was caught by Martzia staring at something and he turned to see what it was. His eyebrows shot up with surprise. "What is that?" he asked, nodding in the general direction. Mei Ling followed his gaze. "That's Tommy Tucker," she said. "He's my.. companion, I suppose you'd say. He's sentient, so not really a pet. My uncle left him to me. Which reminds me, BJ, Martzia, there is one really important rule here. Do *not* give Tommy citrus fruit or juice, it makes him drunk. And then he sings the most awful songs. Tommy!" she called to attract his attention. "Come and say hello to Martzia and BJ." Tommy, hearing his name, began to amble over to the two new people. Neither of them looked anything like as scary as The Captain, or Eva on the Boudicca. The man reminded him a little of Sasha on that ship, who occasionally slipped Tommy a slice of orange or lemon, and he bared his teeth in a broad smile, hoping for similar largesse when Mei Ling wasn't around to see. He held his hand out to the two sitting at the table. "Peanut?" he offered, his eyestalks swivelling from one to the other. (Reply Martzia, BJ, any) (Posted by Liz) (USS Mithrandir – Two-Port – ASCO Martzia - 1306)   "Do you have Israeli tea? It requires cardomon. If not I can give you the program at a later time." Martzia asked.   (Reply, Mei Ling)   "Thank you." Martzia handed the floor to her table mate. As she did so she noticed an odd creature that she didn't remember seeing earlier that morning in the establishment. She sat and watched its actions as her new friend ordered his food.   BJ's attention was caught by Martzia staring at something and he turned to see what it was. His eyebrows shot up with surprise. "What is that?" he asked, nodding in the general direction.   "I am not sure but it is a curious little fellow and strikes a nice chord." Martzia watched as the little creature went over to a table and snuck a piece of citrus type fruit. The lady at the table didn't notice at first and then was wrestling the fruit from it. "Don't order citrus. I am afraid you would be asking for unwanted attention."   Mei Ling followed his gaze. "That's Tommy Tucker," she said. "He's my.. companion, I suppose you'd say. He's sentient, so not really a pet. My uncle left him to me. Which reminds me, BJ, Martzia, there is one really important rule here. Do *not* give Tommy citrus fruit or juice, it makes him drunk. And then he sings the most awful songs. Tommy!" she called to attract his attention. "Come and say hello to Martzia and BJ."   About that time the creature caught Martzia and BJ's gaze. He rambled over and Martzia could tell by his stride he had mischief on his mind. He had the gleam of a very smart strategist but she wondered if at times he actually liked getting caught. His smile was that type she thought.'   He held his hand out to the two sitting at the table. "Peanut?" he offered, his eyestalks swiveling from one to the other.   From early years of survival by wit; suspicion being her most valuable asset; Martzia automatically declined. "No thank-you Tommy." By calling him by name she let him know they had discussed him and he was too late to gain his most wished for items, not that they had ordered any. "Here, would you like to try one of these?" Martzia pulled out a dried fig with one almond tucked inside, from a hidden pocket. "They are fruits from my homeland."   "We can be friends, yes, Tommy?" Then after a moment Martzia looked around the room as if she was checking no one was looking.  She pulled something else out of her pocket, it was wrapped in a special green wrapper. She gazed at it like a fine treasure.  Do you know what this is my little friend?  "It is a special treat, they are grown on the Moshavim and Kibbutzim around my Grandmother's home. Medjool dates.  Not just any fruit but the choicest. It is like a taste of the sweetness of the land. I only give to friends that are … special." She held it back a little. "But are we true friends?" She held the moist stick treat in front of him and her expression was one of doubt.    (Reply Tommy, BJ, any) (Posted by Ber) (USS Mithrandir – Two-Port – AOPS/CONn BJ Stone- 13:07) "Do you have Israeli tea?  It requires cardomon.  If not I can give you the program at a later time." Martzia asked. (Reply, Mei Ling) "Thank you."  Martzia handed the floor to her table mate.  As she did so she noticed an odd creature that she didn't remember seeing earlier that morning in the establishment.  She sat and watched its actions as her new friend ordered his food. BJ's attention was caught by Martzia staring at something and he turned to see what it was. His eyebrows shot up with surprise. "What is that?" he asked, nodding in the general direction. "I am not sure but it is a curious little fellow and strikes a nice chord."  Martzia watched as the little creature went over to a table and snuck a piece of citrus type fruit.  The lady at the table didn't notice at first and then was wrestling the fruit from it.  "Don't order citrus. I am afraid you would be asking for unwanted attention." Mei Ling followed his gaze. "That's Tommy Tucker," she said. "He's my.. companion, I suppose you'd say. He's sentient, so not really a pet. My uncle left him to me. Which reminds me, BJ, Martzia, there is one really important rule here. Do *not* give Tommy citrus fruit or juice, it makes him drunk. And then he sings the most awful songs. Tommy!" she called to attract his attention. "Come and say hello to Martzia and BJ." About that time the creature caught Martzia and BJ's gaze.  He rambled over and Martzia could tell by his stride he had mischief on his mind.  He had the gleam of a very smart strategist but she wondered if at times he actually liked getting caught.  His smile was that type she thought.' He held his hand out to the two sitting at the table. "Peanut?" he offered, his eyestalks swivelling from one to the other. From early years of survival by wit; suspicion being her most valuable asset; Martzia automatically declined.  "No thank-you Tommy."  By calling him by name she let him know they had discussed him and he was too late to gain his most wished for items, not that they had ordered any.  "Here, would you like to try one of these?"  Martzia pulled out a dried fig with one almond tucked inside, from a hidden pocket.  "They are fruits from my homeland." "We can be friends, yes, Tommy?"  Then after a moment Martzia looked around the room as if she was checking no one was looking.  She pulled something else out of her pocket, it was wrapped in a special green wrapper.  She gazed at it like a fine treasure.  Do you know what this is my little friend?  "It is a special treat, they are grown on the Moshavim and  Kibbutzim around my Grandmother's home. Medjool dates.  Not just any fruit but the choicest. It is like a taste of the sweetness of the land.  I only give to friends that are … special.&quoot;  She held it back a little.  "But are we true friends?" She held the moist stick treat in front of him and her expression was one of doubt.  (Reply Tommy)   BJ watched Matzia talking with Tommy and sipped again from his coffee cup.  He almost smiled as he tasted the rich, full-body flavor of the coffee. ~Almost empty *sigh*!  I know this is not fresh-brewed but, can this Mei Ling make a cup of joe or what!~   BJ relaxed and waited for an opportunity to introduce himself to Tommy.  He looked up at Mei Ling, who was watching the exchange between Tommy and Matzia.   "So Mei Ling, where did you bump into Tommy?   (Reply Tommy, Matzia, Mei Ling) (Posted by Mike Barrett) (USS Mithrandir – Hard2Port – ASCO Martzia - 1325)   They had been eating and chatting for a while, when Martzia decided it was time to bring up the holo-deck question. "BJ, you know how you said I was part of the brainiac crowd.  Well, I need to talk to you about that in regards to scheduling two to three holodeck sessions. I know they are busy and I am sorry to have to ask. I have another Doctoral exam coming up and they have agreed to allow it to be held via Holo-graphic projection. If I could schedule the sessions and get that to them it would be great."   (Reply, Stone, any)   "It is with the Weizman Institute of Science. I have a Doctorate in Multi-Spacial Theorems and Particle Physics now but my last thesis would give me a Doctorate in Exobiological Physics. I picked up the work of Dr. Kila Marr and continued the research into the Crystalline Entity; my theory is based somewhat on her work but I was able to join my expertise in Multi-Spacial and Particle Physics with her work in Xenobiology. It really was blended perfectly."   (Reply, Stone, Any)   "My theories prove that perhaps it was not so much destroyed as restructured. Most of the shards would have died, as we know it, but when I looked at the multi-fractal dimensions and the analysis of the shard particles and residual particles, I found evidence that they may have simply restructured and possibly caused a multiplication process to begin. That is the best I can do without getting into theorem equations, data and particle analysis, and both my and Dr. Marr's work details. The work is ongoing but my initial thesis has been accepted." Martzia paused, looking at Ensign Stone to gauge his reaction.   (Reply, Stone) (Posted by Ber) (USS Mithrandir – Hard2PPort – AOPS/CONN BJ Stone - 1326) They had been eating and chatting for a while, when Martzia decided it was time to bring up the holo-deck question.  "BJ, you know how you said I was part of the brainiac crowd.  Well, I need to talk to you about that in regards to scheduling two to three holodeck sessions.  I know they are busy and I am sorry to have to ask.  I have another Doctoral exam coming up and they have agreed to allow it to be held via Holo-graphic projection.  If I could schedule the sessions and get that to them it would be great." BJ paused to swallow and then reached for his coffee cup for a quick sip of an excellent brew.   "There should be no problems in scheduling a few holodeck sessions.  And school or work will normally bump play if there is a time conflict."   BJ reached over and tapped his PADD for a current schedule of the holodecks and then turned it to face Martzia.   With another grin and while reaching for his coffee cup BJ said, "Why don't you select a few open times while I put finished to this excellent lunch; I haven't had Cajun like this since I was in New Orleans!"   (Reply Martzia - if you want) "It is with the Weizman Institute of Science.  I have a Doctorate in Multi-Spacial Theorems and Particle Physics now but my last thesis would give me a Doctorate in Exobiological Physics.  I picked up the work of Dr. Kila Marr and continued the research into the Crystalline Entity; my theory is based somewhat on her work but I was able to join my expertise in Multi-Spacial and Particle Physics with her work in Xenobiology.  It really was blended perfectly."  BJ nodded his head for Martzia to continue as he digested what she wasworking on.   "My theories prove that perhaps it was not so much destroyed as restructured.  Most of the shards would have died, as we know it, but when I looked at the multi-fractal dimensions and the analysis of the shard particles and residual particles, I found evidence that they may have simply restructured and possibly caused a multiplication process to begin.  That is the best I can do without getting into theorem equations, data and particle analysis, and both my and Dr. Marr's work details. The work is ongoing but my initial thesis has been accepted."   Martzia paused, looking at Ensign Stone to gauge his reaction.   "Wow, so in essence you are talking about reproduction via shattering the crystal matrix?  What actually causes growth of the crystalline shards?"   (Reply Martzia) (Posted by Mike Barrett) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission Wagon Train Amongst the Stars Stardate 2408.06.23 Day 17 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<  (USS Mithrandir - TwoPort - YEO Esmerelda Stakes and Bar Manager Mei Ling Hikaru - Day 17 -1028) "I invited the professor over for dinner this evening as a thank you for all the input he and his staff have had over the past couple of days... and well", Ava shrugged ruefully, "He's only gone and invited his entire senior staff and every semi important person that's crammed aboard the colony ships! That and every captain in the fleet and god alone knows who else." She shook her head and reached for a pastry. "I'm already getting complaints from people who's not received an invite... give it another couple of hours and the Captain will want to know what the hell is going on..and well, I would really rather avoid that right now," Ava finished with an apologetic glance at Esme. Esme grinned. "Quite understandable," she said. She pursed her lips in thought for a moment. "It sounds to me that what we need here is a kind of semi-official reception/social get-together. She looked at Mei Ling. "What are your thoughts?" Mei Ling said very distinctly, "*NOT* an ice-cream social," and caught Esme's eye. The two women burst out laughing, only managing to stop when they realised Ava had no idea why that should be so funny. "There was this 'small' ice cream social planned on the Boudicca just before the final push of the war," Esme explained. "Commander Zzt, one of the theoretical engineers planned it, and he invited Captain Rivers of the Champlain along. She invited a couple of her senior staff who had known Zzt well and also Captain Sash of the Nimitz as he had been Zzt's former CO. *He* invited his whole senior staff *and* the CO and senior staff of the Hades. Well, as you can imagine Ten Forward, even on the Boudicca, was crowded out. The full senior staff of three ships of the line, plus Captain Rivers and two or three of her senior officers. Commander Zzt got over excited (and if you've never met a Gerratlian then you can't imagine how an over-excited ten-foot tall ursine can disrupt things), there was ice cream everywhere and Tommy snuck a glassful of orange juice and got drunk. Da- Captain Stakes who was the FO of the Boudicca at the time got ice cream all over him, and there was something with some security guy on the Hades too but I never found out exactly what..." Esme frowned. Usually she knew everything, but this one thing her father had not discussed with her. She shot a glance at Mei Ling, who seemed to hear everything, but the bar manager appeared to be sipping her coffee and concentrating on which pastry to choose. "Anyway, Da- the Captain threatened to have Tommy shot," Esme finished. Mei Ling grinned as she set her mug down. "I had to point out that it wasn't exactly fair unless Zzt was shot as well," she said. "After all, not only was it his party but the fact that ice cream got everywhere was entirely his fault. He ran around the room with Captain Rivers under one arm, knocking people and ice cream flying all over the place. So in the end Tommy got a reprieve, but not before he had the shock of his life. He still slopes off if he sees Archibald come in," she added with a laugh. "Anyway," she finished. "*No* ice cream! I can cater for up to thirty people at a sit-down meal, a lot more if it's a buffet. With such short notice I can't really do specialty food, I'm afraid Lani will have to do without her gagh and there will only be synthehol available. How many people do you expect?" (reply Ava) (Posted by Liz)