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Mission: Going Dutch
Day 3
Stardate: 2408.12.05
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(USS Boudicca - Admin - Lieutenant (jg) Denise Lebranski & Crewman Shadow to
Sretalles - 0617) 

Shadow came into Admin tail lightly looped. She'd picked up the latest round
of PADDs from the department head's Yeomen. She still wasn't quite sure how
she ended up in charge when she under-ranked them all, but she supposed
being an assistant to a Captain outranked being an assistant to a chief.

She slowed down as she passed Denise's desk. Denise had her head down
between her crossed arms, forehead against the desk.

"You smell worse than last night," Shadow observed, dropping off Denise's
share of the PADDs.

Denise looked up, giving the felenoid the hairy eyeball, "How did I smell
last night?" she feared she'd contaged B.O. or something.

Shadow's tail looped. "Frustrated."

"Oh. That." Denise flomped head back onto desk with a dull thud. "He's a
*gentleman*" she moaned.

Shadow blinked at this, not sure what to make of it.

Fortunately for the Captain's Yeoman Denise was happy to elaborate, "He's
old fashioned. He's a gentleman. I finally find a man I want to.." she
trailed off, not sure how graphic to be in front of a girl who was certainly
her junior for all that she was twinning tails with the mountain of muscle
Parrr'Z..

"..Invite into your tent?" Shadow suggested a little too innocently.

"Yeah, sure, I finally find a man who I want to invite into my tent.. and he
won't accept the invitation!" Denise sat up and thumped her desk with a
fist. It was probably quite fortunate her coffee mug already had several
slurps out of it so it didn't jump and splash its contents onto her work. "I
even wore the 'hubba hubba' dress and everything!"

Shadow shrugged, "I have no advice. I have had two mates, one has my
children, the other does not understand me or my culture."

"But is trying." Denise said, defending Parrr'Z who *obviously* thought
Shadow hung the stars, for whatever reason. Maybe it was the paradox of a
helpless girl who could eviscerate an attacking grizzly bear.

"Yes, he tries." ~Sometimes he tries to understand me, sometimes he just
tries my patience. But if I did not care for him, would my patience be
strained? Or would I just ignore him completely?~

"How did you get him naked?" Denise asked before she could help herself.

"We went hunting." Shadow answered. She'd never really understood the
furless' issues with mating. You did it or you did not. You did not need to
make a play about it and involve your neighbours. Well, unless you were
inviting your neighbours, but that was a whole different matter than what
what was on the table. She was pretty sure it was, anyway.

"Uhm." Denise wasn't sure if Shadow was answering her literal question or
her figurative one. She also wasn't sure if she *really* wanted to know.

Shadow's tail looped as Denise's scent changed to chagrin and curiosity. "He
removed his uniform to hunt. We hunted. We got the blood and hormones
running." She blinked big green eyes at her coworker, "Perhaps you should
take Chief Bob for a hunt?"

"Oh yeah, that only hunt I'd want to do is shopping.. and I can't see him
getting to twisted up about an uber-whatsit-scanner or a pretty blue dress."
Denise sighed. "I tried cooking for him. I tried painting for him. I've
tried TALKING with him. I've tried being sexy. I've tried everything I can
think of and he's driving me up the wall!"

"So try not trying?" Shadow asked as she finished sorting the PADDs into
database order.

"What?" Denise asked.

"Do not try. Do not do. Be. I *tried* to be what I thought Parrr'Z wanted
from me, I was wrong, I made a mess. Maybe you should not *try* and just
*be* and you will have good success with Chief Bob like I do with Parrr'Z
now?" Shadow asked.

Denise stared at the teenager open mouthed, "Bloody hell, you're a genius."

"Thank you," Shadow said, not really knowing what she'd just been
complimented on.

"Do or do not, there is no try." Denise muttered. "Be myself. Good advice."
She got up, "Engineering's reports got scrambled. I'll have to go get the
chief to authorize me to reform them from his personal notes."

Shadow's brow furrowed, she wasn't quite sure that came under the heading of
legal procedure. She didn't protest however as Denise stalked out of the
office, obviously on the hunt. 

She would never, ever, understand the furless. She paused in mid data-entry,
she wasn't quite sure she understood the furred either, for that matter.

(Reply None Necessary)
(Posted by Lorna)

*********

(USS Boudicca - Turbolift - Lieutenant (jg) Denise Lebranski - 0620) 

Denise let her thoughts whirl about her head as the turbolift seemed to stop
at every deck to let crew and off. Was everyone on the ship running late or
was her mind just churning in overdrive? ~The only thing worse than a man
you can control is one you can't.~ she thought to herself and couldn't help
but burst into a smile.

~That's why he's driving me nuts and why I like him. I can't sort him, order
him around, categorize him or manipulate him. I should just relax and go
with the flow.~

"Morning Lieutenant," A man in gold said getting into the turbolift.

"Morning," she replied cheerfully enough as the lift whirred back into
action. ~And train a whole new load of clue that they get beaten with a
waffle bat if they call me by rank!~

The turbolift opened its doors to main engineering and she stepped out,
~Relaxing and let it be, should be simple as pie, right??~

(posted by Lorna)

*********

(USS Boudicca - Engineering - Lieutenant (jg) Denise Lebranski - 0625)

"Good Morning Sir Chief," Denise said with a smile as she knocked on the
bulkhead to gain attention.

(Reply Lorimar)

"The Captain assigned me as your aid in the mudslide of paperwork that has
become your joy as second officer." Denise tapped a PADD against her palm,
"And I was thinking I can just follow you around on your repairs and discuss
this as we go. It's not hard work, just tedious for the average person."

(Reply Lorimar, any)
(Posted by Lorna)

********

(USS Boudicca – Quarters- ACSMO Basil Candle - Day 3 - 0917)

Basil needed to prepare for his first work day, Beta shift, but yesterday’s events still kept coming back.  Basil was no stranger to death, even murder but it was the unknown qualities that bugged him.  What lurked in his mind like a hidden incessantly buzzing insect was the need to know why the events had occurred.

He had time before he was due to start his duty so he hit his comm. badge,

=/\= Ensign Candle to Lieutenant Trei.  Lieutenant Trei sir, is there somewhere we can meet?  I would like to ask a question, sir =/\=

(Reply Trei, Any)
(Posted by Warren Simkins)

********

(USS Boudiicca - Trei's Office - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG)  Detron Trei - 0918)

Detron sat in his office making entries in his PADD about the painstick incident when a call came through his COMM badge.  Ensign Candie requested to meet Detron to discuss a murder on the station.  The last thing Detron needed was a murder investigation on a station with little Starfleet presence and having to deal with the investigating officer.  Detron tapped his badge.

"Trei here.  I am in my office.  We can discuss this there.  Trei out."

~This ought to be fun.  NOT.~

(Reply Candie)
(Posted by Edward)

********

(USS Boudiicca - Trei's Office - ACSMO Basil Candle - 0927)

=/\=Trei here. I am in my office. We can discuss this there. Trei out.=/\=

~Excellent~ thought Candle. He made his way through the ship still mulling over the day before.

He arrived outside the office and buzzed to enter.

The door opened to show Detron Trei, the Klingon sitting behind his desk. As always, with Klingon's, Basil felt initially intimidated due to their size but Trei's body language was completely different any Klingon that Basil has met.

"Thank you for seeing me, sir"

(Reply Trei)

"What I have come to see you about is whether you can do a bit of investigation into the background of someone, a Kaldor Hexe. I am hoping you have contacts in Starfleet marines or security services and so would be able to give me a more ...... rounded profile. Will you do it?"

(Reply Trei)
(Posted by Warren Simkins)

*********

(USS Boudicca - Trei's Office - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 0930)

Detron heard Candle explain why he wanted to talk with him.  Candle asked Detron if he knew a person named Kaldor Hexe.  He had little knowledge of marines in his short time in starfleet, but he was willing to help Candle any way he could.

"I have not heard of this Kaldor Hexe , but I will help you investigate the incident on the station.  Be warned that the station investigator will not be very pleased that we are questioning his investigation.  I actually went to starfleet academy to be a counselor until late in the four year instruction I was set on the path of security.  I heard that a Ferengi was killed in the incident.  My experience with Ferengi is they have no honor and can not be trusted.  That being said, I will handle the case as I always do and make judgments on facts rather than opinion.  Tell me what you saw and experienced in the incident then we can work from there.  We can visit the Rat Market when you are ready."

~Fantastic.  A Ferengi was killed now I have to deal with a grumpy investigator.  Greaaaaaaaaaaaaet.~

(Reply Candle)
(Posted by Edward)

**********

(USS Boudicca - Trei's Office - ACSMO Basil Candle - 0933)

"I have not heard of this Kaldor Hexe , but I will help you investigate the incident on the station. Be warned that the station investigator will not be very pleased that we are questioning his investigation. I actually went to starfleet academy to be a counselor until late in the four year instruction I was set on the path of security. I heard that a Ferengi was killed in the incident. My experience with Ferengi is they have no honor and can not be trusted. That being said, I will handle the case as I always do and make judgments on facts rather than opinion. Tell me what you saw and experienced in the incident then we can work from there. We can visit the Rat Market when you are ready."

Basil was taken aback,

~Good Lord the gossip on that station is phenominal. How did he find out so fast?~

Then Basil thought for a moment

~ Well he is security .... it is his job to know these things~

Instead Basil said "Woah, slow down there, I appreciate where your going with this but as soon as we start poking our noses in we'll be hailed up in front of the captain faster than you can swing a Batliff. "

(Reply Trei iyw, any)

"Look I'm not very good at this, all I was considering was finding out more about Kaldor Hexe, as he was there and knows more about this. I did not consider that he could be an investigator."

~I could kick myself for not thinking of that - hmm this guy is good~

"Look Kaldor was following the Ferengi, the deceased, when I spotted someone else trying to shoot Kaldor"

~Trei probably knows all this already~ Basil thought but knew that the reason he was saying it was for his own benefit not Trei's.

"I warned Kaldor and tried to stop the .... person but I was .... thrown away"

Basil blushed, for some reason under the scrutiny of the officers eyes lurking below Trei's heavy klingon brow, he felt ashamed that he was easily dealt with,

"Unsure what happened after that but the person that I fought had escaped and the Ferengi that Kaldor was following was dead, shot. What do you make of that?"

(Reply Trei)

"Look if you ... we were to look into this, is there an official route or would we have to be a little more ... subtle?"

(Reply Trei)

"On a more personal note even though I have basic combat from Starfleet it was just not enough to restrain whoever it was. Can you help?"

(Reply Trei)
(Posted by Warren Simkins)

********

(USS Boudicca - Trei's Office - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 0935)

Detron thought for a moment on how to respond to Candle's questions.  Detron then said in a calming manner,

"Easy now.  I might look like I will bite your head off but I have now intention to do so.  My appearance as a Klingon tends to project much more intimidation than I need to show.  For that I am sorry you feel that way towards me.  As far as figuring out what happened on the station, we can be as subtle as you want to be.  I can help you with your fighting skills as best as possible.  The best course of action will probably  be to go to the station in the intent of a personal investigation asked by you for me to clear up any questions you had over the incident.  Fighting most likely will not take place, but I can give you some pointers in that regard.  Are you ready to do that Mr. Candle?"

(Reply Candle)
(Posted by Edward)

**********

(USS Boudicca - Trei's Office - ACSMO Basil Candle - 0937)

“………..Are you ready to do that Mr. Candle?"

“Definitely, and please call me Basil.  I suppose the person that threw me almost seemed to take no effort in doing so and I felt I was a minor annoyance rather than a trained Starfleet officer.  So anything that you can teach me would be a benefit.

As to the investigation I think we should tread lightly, don’t want to draw too much attention but I would like to know what happened.  If we go now, perhaps we can have a look at the market, as you suggest, and I can make it back to start my duty.  Is there anything you need to know before we go?” 

(Reply Trei)
(Posted by Warren Simkins)

*********

(USS Boudicca - Trei's Office - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 0938)

Detron listened to what Basil Candle had to say and nodded on his concern to tread lightly in the situation.  Detron intended to teach Basil some basic hand to hand moves before going over to the station.  Detron motioned Basil to face him out from his desk and proceeded to show Basil a few basic moves.

"Very well Basil it is.  Now watch closely at the moves they will give you a chance to hold your own in a confrontation or for self defense.  Good.  Now practice when you have a chance.  Lets go to the station now.  As far as what to know before going, It would be helpful to know what the problem was at the time so I have an idea how to handle the market when we get there.  Lead the way Basil."

~Good lord he needs help with fighting for himself.  God bless him.~

(Reply Candle)
(Posted by Edward)

*********

(USS Boudicca - Station - ACSMO Basil Candle - 0951)

Trei was like Basil's hulking shadow as they walked through the station. The contrast between the Klingon's more honed body, a combination of heritage and training, and the thin stooped frame of Basil was distinctive. Only Basil seemed to notice noone else they passed ,on their journey back to the location of the Rat Market, paid them any heed.

After the brief demonstration of fighting techniques Basil had lead Trei to the stairs he and the Doctor had entered yesterday. Expecting the smell of food and smoke, instinctively Basil sniffed but there there was only the sterile tang of metal, no sign that anything had happened from the floors below.

"Okay, " Basil whispered, unsure why but it seemed appropriate," I had seem the Ferengi looking ... um more shifty than usual being followed by Hexe. They came here and this was when I sensed the first signs of the market."

~ Though from the fact I cannot sense anything but that makes seome sense the nature of a Rat Market is its transitory. If there's trouble they will go ... for a time at least~ he thought to himself

"I didn't know why Hexe was following the Ferengi but he wasn't trying to catch him, just keep him in his sights. What to carry on?"

(Reply Trei)

After a while the two men reached the large room where the rat market was. There were remnants of what was there before, broken stalls from stampeding people, rags, blankets and a few scorch marks from where there were fires.

There was no sign of any guard activity, in fact the place was very quiet down here. Basil noticed even the overall hum of the station was muted in this room.

"So now we are here what do you want to do?"

(Reply Trei)
(Posted by Warren Simkins)

********

(Lastekens Station - Rat Market - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei  0955)

Detron was led to the Rat Market on the station.  Detron smelled the meat but didn't see anything worthy of being investigated.  Detron felt like Basil's bodyguard.  The feeling was less than acceptable for the Chief of Security on a starfleet ship.  Detron looked around for something to lead him to the next clue.  When he found none, he turned to Basil.

"Well Basil.  Perhaps those at the bar will have the information we seek.  We will ask the bartender then anyone who will offer information to us.  Lead the way Basil/"

(Reply Candle)
(Posted by Edward)

********

(Laestekens Station - Bar - ACSMO Basil Candle – 1002)

"Well Basil.  Perhaps those at the bar will have the information we seek.  We will ask the bartender then anyone who will offer information to us.  Lead the way Basil"

“Unsure where the bar is was planning to go yesterday but got there in the end, though shouldn’t be too difficult to find”

They headed back to the main concourse, Basil musing over what to do next.  For some reason he felt he was missing something, a nag lurking in his brain that shifted now and again to remind Basil it was still there.

Upon their arrival at the bar, Basil looked around at the assembled customers and was surprised to see Kaldor Hexe sitting at a table, drink untouched in his hand. 

The sight of Hexe suddenly sparked Basil’s brain into life, memories flashed swiftly and he remembered.  Briefly stopping Trei from entering the bar Basil said in a low tone,

“I just remembered that the dead Ferengi came out of another Ferengi’s stall that has dodgy holo-vids on sale.  We’re at the scrag-end of nowhere so there can’t be that many Ferengi on this station.  To make matters worse Hexe is sitting on that table two to the right of the ones with the insectoid aliens.

(Reply Trei, any)
(Posted by Warren Simkins)

********

(Lastekens Station - Bar - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG)  Detron Trei - 1005)

Detron was told by Basil that he remembered a Ferengi leaving another Ferengi's stall at the Rat Market.  The Ferengi leaving was shot dead.  The Ferengi's stall was selling shady holo devices.  The part about selling shady goods didn't surprise Detron.  Basil pointed out Kaldor Hexe sitting with some insectile beings.  Detron made a call.

"OK Basil its show time.  Go over to Klador's table and say you need to ask him questions about what you saw in the Rat Market.  Say the questions are ordered by me to clear up loose ends.  If he is resistant, I'll handle it.  If he is elusive with his answers, I will know he is lying for he does not know I am half Betazoid.  Good luck Basil."

~Now it should get warm.~

(Reply Candle)
(Posted by Edward)

********

(Laestekens Station - Bar - ACSMO Basil Candle – 1007)

"OK Basil its show time. Go over to Kandor's table and say you need to ask him questions about what you saw in the Rat Market. Say the questions are ordered by me to clear up loose ends. If he is resistant, I'll handle it. If he is elusive with his answers, I will know he is lying for he does not know I am half Betazoid. Good luck Basil."

"Okay" Basil nodded and walked into the bar, ignoring the urge to see what Klingon TAc/SC was up to."

He walked over to the bar first, catching a glimpse over in the direction of Hexe's table. The two insectoids had left Hexe's table and returned to their own, chittering and clacking in their language as coloured smoke drifted off from many long thin sticks, newly lit, in each of their claws.

~Hmm seems like they only wanted a light~ thought Basil

"...drink?"

A bar woman was asking the question,

"I'm sorry," replied Candle, "what was you asking?"

"Would you like a drink?"

"Ohh .. yes, " he blushed slightly, " can I have a coffee?"

Basil waited, absently watching the bar woman getting his drink, questions to ask Hexe rustled through his mind as he sorted them in at least some semblance of importance.

"Once his coffee arrived he grabbed the cup and walked over to the table where Hexe was relaxing, one foot planted firmly on the table.

The chair closest to Basil moved slightly forwards, pushed by the other booted foot of Hexe's

"Sit!" it wasn't an invitation.

"I've been asked to talk to ..."

"Shush! Scientists full of annoying questions. I will tell you what I know, that should answer some questions but if your pet Klingon even twitches in the wrong way then you will learn nothing, understand."

(Reply Trei, iyw)

Basil opened his mouth to say something but was shushed with a large gloved hand by Hexe. His other took out a sort of padd from Hexe's padded leather top and slammed it toward Basil.

"I'm a Bounty Hunter, that is who I am after.", indicating the padd, Basil saw information scrolling along the screen, "Name is Guillem Yost, kidnapper, extortionist, robber, mercenary and killer. Recently the eight year old daughter of a rich merchant was kidnapped, five bodyguards highly trained constant companions, now very dead. Yost wanted payment but for what ends I don't care. As the ransom was paid the local security from the merchant's home planet tried to spring a trap, they failed, the girl died and Yost escaped with the ransom.

He was arrested in this region of space, why? politics, nearby mining colonies payroll, terrorism, again don't care. He was lounging in cells as 'diplomats' argued where he should be held for execution when he escaped. He had help, as he always did, his crew."

Hexe tapped the padd and the screen showed more information with some grainy pictures. Pointing to a greyish picture of a woman that even in the harsh conditions of the picture she seemed striking,

"That is probably who shot the Ferengi and definitely threw you around like a rag doll in a hurricane, bloodthirsty little minx. My contact led me to believe she is here for some arrangement involving a package. Don't care what the package is but they used the Ferengi to organise the delivery.

Now I was using the Ferengi as bait, hoping to flush out Yost's crew, it worked until you and your Doctor girlfriend stepped in to mess things up. You owe me Candle. Everything I know about Yost's crew is in that padd, use it, gine me something to find them."

With that he stood up walked away from the table heading for the bar exit.

(Reply Trei, any)
(Posted by Warren Simkins)

********

(Lastekens Station - Bar - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1010)

Detron saw Candle order a coffee before walking over to Kaldor Hexe's table.  Kaldor shoved a chair out with his boot and told Candle to sit down.  Detron could sense some tension from Hexe not a good sign as if he would clam up if any quick moves were made.  Detron took this as a reason to chill and let Candle get the information on his own.  Detron saw Hexe hand a PADD to Candle.  Candle read the contents while listening to what Hexe had to say.  Detron sensed that Hexe was telling the truth and a level of stress directed at Candle.  The stress level was not high enough to take action but Hexe was certainly disappointed  over something.  Candle came back to Detron,

"Well Basil.  What did you get?"

(Reply Candle)
(Posted by Edward)

********

(Laestekens Station - Bar - ACSMO Basil Candle – 1012)

"Well Basil.  What did you get?"

“Earache and the distinct impression that I’m being played.  I’ve bartered with many types of traders and Hexe, despite all his assertions of truth, is reminding me of some of the worst ones.”

Basil checked the time; his impeding duty was almost upon him,

“Sir, thank you for your time may I ask for one final favour?  Hexe gave me this padd, it has details of some nefarious types, one of which Hexe says was behind the murder of the Ferengi, the woman in that list.  Would it be possible to check to see if the information is correct?  From the sounds of things these people have been busy and not been subtle about it.  Unsure where we stand if we know of wanted criminals in the sector whether we can convince the Captain to help?

I have my duty to do – how about we meet up here, in the bar, later today about half 6 to 7 in the evening?  I’ll probably be here anyway – I’ll need a drink after today”

(Reply Trei, any)
(Posted by Warren)

**********


(USS Boudicca - FO's office - FO/CDR Dorga 'cha Nooras & Lieutenant (jg)
Denise Lebranski - 1022)

Denise stuck her head into the XO's office, "You busy, boss lady?"

Dorga looked up to the open door and saw Lieutenant Lebranski peeking in.

"Door is open, that means I'm available. Why don't you come in and sit
down? Is this a formal call or a friendly visit?" The FO replied.

"I want to change jobs." She said with no real lead in as she took the
offered chair. "I don't know a thing about being a protocol officer and
my job seems to be to pick fights with the Captain in Starfleet's
favour, and frankly, I hate it. I like the Captain, I'd rather be on her
side than against it. I've spent the time since I came aboard abusing my
position to yeoman to Sasha, supply the ship with fun and goodies and
basically being at loose ends. The Quartermaster wants a transfer to be
with his kids over on Starbase 273, and I want his job."

~ As Quartermaster her ability to provide the ship with special items
would be a lot easier. ~ Dorga pondered, ~ perhaps we'd get more! ~

Sitting back in her rocking/swiveling/reclining and extremely comfortable
chair, the FO entwined her long fingers over her stomach and regarded
the Protocol Officer.

Face impassive, not betraying her thoughts, Dorga nodded her usual curt
once. "I see but what about our second officer? I thought the captain
had personally asked you to be his yeoman recently? Are you going to
abandon him to mountains of paddwork? And has it not occurred to you
that the CO may already have a replacement for the Quartermaster's
position?"

Denise would have thought the little red dress in sickbay would have given
the first problem a boot right off. "I'm romantically involved with Bob.
While I'm happy to help, I'm not sure how appropriate it is for me to act as
his Yeoman full term," she shrugged, "Though, I'm fairly confident I could
do both positions. He's not exactly a stern task master."

"I wasn't aware that you were romantically involved with Lieutenant
Lorimar." Her left eyebrow rose in surprise.

~ They do say opposites attract and they are certainly very unlike each
other in temperament. ~

"If you are professional, your relationship with the second officer
shouldn't affect your efficiency as his Yeoman, surely you won't be
romancing the man during working hours?"

"No, but I thought you should be aware is all." She had been sorely
tempted to make a smart ass remark, but she didn't really want a
Dorga sized fist bonking the top of her head.

"As far as the CO goes, I'm assuming she does have people or persons
in mind, but if I don't throw my name in the hat, how do I get? It's my
understanding department deposition is the XO's job, which is why I
knocked on your door." She suddenly grinned, "Well, that and saying I
don't want to fight with the Captain on a daily basis *to* the Captain
would sound an awful like a suck up."

Dorga leaned forward and placed her hands, fingers still entwined, on
top of her desk.  "Very well Lieutenant Lebranski."  She used Denise's title
to let her know that this was now without a doubt, a formal visit. "Tell me
why exactly I should consider you for the position and why you are
the best person for the job?"

~Oh. Crap. Well, I did ask for this!~ Here was hoping Dorga wasn't as good
a body language reader as every other counsellor ever trained as she
wracked her thoughts together.

She took a deep breath, "We currently have 279 crew members aboard,
with a capacity for 500, standard load is 300. For that we are assigned.."
she delved into the mathematics of people, their supplies replicated and
none. She faultered after getting out of the hard core facts, "I'm a good
trader, I don't play preferential treatment, and I know which crew prefer
replicated foods to the non. I like Arania and I think we could work well
together to keep QV stocked to the optimium. I'm good at logistics of
people as well as supplies." After all, the Quartermaster was more than
just getting pigs in blankets for a morris dancer presentation!

~ Pigs in blankets?  Morris dancers?  What do pigs and dancers have in
common, the blankets?   This woman is decidedly unusual. ~

"I come from the enlisted ranks so I'm familiar with both sides of the
supply fence," rumour had it the best QM's were once CPO's, but she was
hardly old enough to have made it past PO. Not much she could do there.
"And most importantly, I LIKE the job, so you won't be going through this
with someone else in three months. Well.. unless BuPers burps, but I can't
control that."

Mulling Denise's reasons over in her mind, she could understand why she
didn't enjoy the Protocol Officer position, even Dorga would hate that, and
the FO had to admit that Denise *was* good at procuring items that were
hard to attain.  Of course she also wondered why she had ever accepted the
position in the first place, still that was neither here nor there.  As 
far as
Dorga was concerned Lieutenant Lebranski would be considered for the QM
position, though normally a former Chief Petty Officer would get it.

Again Dorga gave one nod.  "Put in a formal application and I will endorse
it with my recommendation that it be given serious consideration.  I 
will also inform the captain of your request and give her my verbal
recommendation. That is the best I can do for you, Lieutenant, I cannot
guarantee you will be our new Quarter Master."

"Thanks, Commander!" Denise stood up and snapped off a perfect salute, "More
than I'd hoped for! I thought you'd tell me I was insane for even trying!"

She got the heck out of the office before Dorga, counsellor supreme, could
say she was insane regardless of job applications.

(Reply any)
(Written by Sal & Lorna.)

*********

(USS Boudicca - Admin - Lieutenant (jg) Denise Lebranski - 1125)

Denise was finished with the limited collection of paperwork Bob had to deal
with and had been twiddling her thumbs until she decided to take an early
lunch. A container of peach yoghurt and a spoon had her eating at her desk.
Shadow had twitched her whiskers at the scent but not looked up from her
own, much larger, pile. Denise wondered if the girl had talked to either
Captain or Chief Counsellor yet, but as she seemed the queen of
procrastinators when it came to her own good and future, Denise figured
probably not.

And thinking of Captains and futures, she turned her attention back to the
screen for her formal application of wanting the job of Quartermaster. The
Captain was more than aware of how Denise had ended up as an officer and in
this position, having been Shanghai'd by an admiral Rivers had pissed off
after Sash had played high handed. Surely that had to count for something?
Wouldn't the Captain be happy to reverse the job description even if she
couldn't be convinced to decommission her?

Actually, she wasn't quite sure she actually wanted to be decommissioned.
She may think of herself as enlisted still, and she may spend the majority
of her off duty time with the enlisted of the ship, but she kind of liked
the perks that came with the pips. Well, not the whole ordering people
around and responsibility stuff, but the large quarters were nice. The much
larger communication allotment was pretty cushy too. It wasn't as if she
hadn't applied to the academy, and it wasn't like she didn't want to see the
stars. Maybe Sash had been right, but still, he'd been pretty darn
tyrannical about it. 

She didn't think there was anyone on the ship who was better suited to the
position, and it would certainly get her out of the senior morning meetings!
She probably would miss working in the same room as Shadow, she was a 
pretty good kid, but having her own office would be pretty sweet; even if 
that office was the size of a space station's closet. And quartermasters never
got stuck in the hot chair. Denise liked command of a handful of people,
more than that and she was an unhappy camper. She was a junior officer
darnit, she shouldn't be responsible for the continued breathing of
hundreds!

Though, she would miss the red uniform, it went with her skin tone so nicely. 
Ah well, superficial sacrifices had to be made, she supposed. And it wasn't like 
the departmental chief of Ops was hard to work with! It was like the woman 
was a ghost on the ship sometimes. She might be a royal stick in the mud, but 
at least you *always* knew where you stood with her and that was a very good 
thing in Denise's books. 

Checking over the application for the fifth time, Denise finally was satisfied and 
forwarded it to the Captain's inbox with Dorga's approval attached.

The multitasking Felenoid would get too it soon enough, Denise was going to
take her lunch break and get a bit of exercise in before returning her butt to 
chair.

(Reply any)
(Posted by Lorna)

********

(USS Boudicca - Transporter Room -  SPC OPS Ensign Cattia 'Kit' Spero - Day 3 - 1126)

Kit took a look around the room as she materialised. It was, as she'd expected, larger than the Mithrandir's transporter room but then again the whole ship was larger than the Mithrandir by quite a lot.

She stepped down and handed her PADD to the transporter operator.

"Ensign Cattia Spero reporting on assignment to the USS Boudicca," she said formally.

The transporter operator looked at the list on her own PADD, then marked 'Spero' as having arrived.

"Welcome aboard, Sir. You're to report in to Captain Rivers, she's probably on the Bridge or in the Ready Room, if not then someone there will tell you where she is."

"Thanks," Kit said, a little ironically. She dumped the heavy bag she was carrying down on the floor beside the operator. "Can you see that gets to my quarters?"

"Yes Sir, I will."

Kit gave a brief nod of thanks and then left. Outside the room she paused by the nearest display screen in the corridor and requested directions to the Bridge.

(posted by Liz)

*********

(USS Boudicca - Admin - Crewman Shadow to Sretalles - 1135)

Shadow had a system of mixing the new with the backup so things (sort of)
got processed when they came in. Her teacher had called it paperwork triage.
She was glad she hadn't been a Yeoman when paper was used for the transfer
of information. The amount of information she shuttled around in a given day
would break her arms. As it was she seemed to be carrying PADDs here and
there to poke forgetful people into filling out what they were supposed to
have already filled out.

She was halfway through reviewing Denise's request of position change when
it sank in who it was from. She scrolled back up, wide-eyed, to re-read what
she'd already half-processed in her hind-brain. Why did Denise want to leave
administration?? Wasn't she happy here?!

Well, obviously not if she was asking for another job. She could see how the
woman would be happier in dealing with people's things rather than people on
a continual basis. Denise seemed to have a hundred casual friends and only
one really good friend. Shadow couldn't really understand liking someone
without being close to them. It was like Denise wanted to keep the important
parts of herself locked away from everyone. 

Shadow supposed she shouldn't judge, it was just another example of how she
didn't understand the people of her life in the stars. She *tried* to
understand them, but she was really quite glad that she wasn't a counsellor!
You had to understand people to help them heal their hearts and minds. The
thoughts of counsellors reminded her she'd said she'd talk with the new
chief counsellor, but the fact of the matter was Shadow didn't want a new
counsellor. She liked Dorga and she trusted Dorga. Why did Shadow have to go
and train another counsellor in the ways of her people and the ways of her
heart and mind? Couldn't she still see Dorga on the sly?

Chewing on her much abused whiskers, Shadow forwarded on Denise's request to
the captain's terminal and turned back to the backlog from the night before.
She'd have less of a backlog if the doctors didn't insist she get so much
unnecessary sleep!

(Reply any)
(Posted by Lorna)

********

(USS Boudicca - Ready Room - SPC OPS Ensign Cattia 'Kit' Spero - Day 3 -- 1136)

A quick glance at the Bridge as she stepped out of the turbolift had shown Kit that Captain Rivers wasn't there, since the command chair was occupied by a male officer. Kit made her way directly to the Ready Room, aware of various sets of eyes following her. She supposed that being docked at the station meant that Bridge duty was particularly boring; there certainly seemed to be merely a skeleton staff of junior officers there.

She sounded the doorchime and the Ready Room doors opened. Stepping through, Kit saw a woman with decided Bajoran features and a determined look to her which made Kit glad they were now on the same side. The woman looked up enquiringly as Kit approached the desk.

"Ensign Cattia Spero reporting, Sir." Kit said coming smartly to attention before presenting Susan with her PADD. "I've been transferred as Operations Officer."

The Captain nodded. "Sit down, Ensign," she said, flicking through the PADD. Her eyebrows raised as she reached the former commanding officer's assessment. "I see you have a good report from Captain Stakes," she said. "That goes a long way with me, Ensign. I see you did not request the transfer, and Captain Stakes writes that he is sorry to lose you. I hope that you will settle in here soon."

Kit regarded the other woman for a moment. "I hope so too, Sir," she said formally, a little on her guard. This Captain Rivers was known to Kit by reputation only; they had been on opposite sides during the Civil War and she hoped that Rivers and her crew would not hold that against her.

"What's past is past, Ensign," the Captain continued, startling Kit as she seemed to read her mind. "You are as welcome here as any other officer. The other officers and crew are mostly a friendly bunch, I'm sure you'll have no problems settling in."

"Thank you Sir."

"We're currently at Laatstekans for a week's R&R, I suggest you settle in to your quarters and then get to know your department a little, before taking some shore leave."

The console beeped, indicating an incoming message, and the Captain glanced at it. Her eyebrows rose again for an instant, then she looked back at Kit.

"Report to Lieutenant Lebranski; she is as of now acting Quartermaster, pending confirmation. You will probably find her in the Admin Centre. "

She tapped a few orders onto a PADD and handed it to Kit. "Give her this, and ask her to show you to your quarters. Unless you have any questions for me?"

"None at this moment, Sir."

Rivers nodded. "Welcome aboard, Ensign. I hope you'll be happy here," she said, holding out her hand.

Kit shook it. "Thank you Sir," she said, then rose and came to attention again.

"Dismissed," the Captain said, and Kit left the Ready Room.

(posted by Liz)

*********



















(USS Boudicca - Admin - OPS Ensign Cattia Spero - Day 3 - 1157)

Kit entered the room and saw two people in there, one felinoid and one humanoid. The humanoid was the one wearing the Lieutenant's pips so Kit surmised that she was the Lieutenant Lebranski she had been ordered to find. However, she couldn't be sure so she stood just inside the door and asked, "Excuse me, is Lieutenant Lebranski here? I've been ordered to report to her by the Captain, who also gave me this PADD for her?"

(Reply Lebranski, if present, Shadow, any)
(Posted by Liz) 

*******

(USS Boudicca - Admin - Lieutenant (jg) Denise Lebranski & Crewman Shadow to
Sretalles - 1158)

"Excuse me, is Lieutenant Lebranski here? I've been ordered to report to her
by the Captain, who also gave me this PADD for her?"

Denise looked up from the game of Go she was playing on her terminal. She
wasn't quite sure how Rameriz was cheating since she was pretty sure she'd
finally found a gambling game he didn't know, but since he was kicking her
ass, he must be cheating. Somehow.

"That's me, Ensign." Denise said holding her hand out for the PADD.

(Reply Spero, iyw)

"Not sure why she'd send you my way.." Denise mumbled as she pulled up the
screen. "Woohoo!" she said completely unprofessionally and the blushed and
coughed, "Sorry, new-Chief. Just found out I got out of a job I hate and
into one I think I'll love." She jumped to her feet with a grin.

Shadow hadn't been paying any attention to the goings on until Denise
suddenly yelled, sending Shadow diving off her chair and under her desk to
grab her collapsible spear. She got back to her feet with a grumbling growl.
"Do not do that!" she hissed at Denise.

"Sorry Shadow," She said looking appropriately apologetic, "Ensign Spiro,
this is Shadow to Sretalles, the Captain's Yeoman."

(Reply Spero, iyw)

Shadow nodded to the lady in yellow, "Welcome aboard the Boudicca." She
said, stopping to lick her fur down. Humans, didn't they know not to make
battle calls when there was no battle?

(Reply Spero, iyw)

Denise pushed her chair back under the desk and headed out of admin, "Lets
go bug Lieutenant Kowalski and tell him he can be with his kids by
Christmas. I'm thinking you'll get the quarters on deck three, section C
that are open, but best be told by the master right?"

(Reply Spero)

Shadow watched the two leave and turned her nose back to her work now that
she could be undisturbed. She didn't think the average furless knew just how
loudly they breathed. She stretched, put paws to keypad and her terminal
chimed and shut down, informing her it was lunch time. Shadow cursed out the
terminal in three languages, but it refused to cooperate.

Well, at least Rameriz wouldn't try to sucker HER into a game while she was
at lunch, HE knew full well she'd remember what the board was before he
changed it to his favour, unlike one Lieutenant who didn't pay attention to
anything four moves past.

(posted by Lorna)

************

(USS Boudicca - Admin - SPC OPS Ensign Spero - Day 3 - 1159)

Slightly bemused by the lieutenant's reaction, Kit watched in amazement as the feline dived under her desk when Lebranski whooped.

"Sorry, new-Chief. Just found out I got out of a job I hate and into one I think I'll love," the lieutenant said blushing and grinning at the same time as she leapt to her feet.

"Do not do that!" the feline hissed.

"Sorry Shadow," apologised Lebranski, "Ensign Spiro, this is Shadow to Sretalles, the Captain's Yeoman."

"Pleased to meet you," Kit said smiling. "But it's Ensign Spero, not Spiro." She grinned at Denise. "Though I guess I can excuse the mistake in your excitement. You can both call me Kit if it makes things easier?"

"Welcome aboard the Boudicca." Shadow said, licking her fur smooth again.

"Thank you, Shadow to-Sretalles," Kit said. Before she could ask anything else, Lebranski swept her out of the Admin office to meet another lieutenant, Kowalski, to be assigned her quarters. Kit only had time to smile her goodbyes to Shadow as she was borne along in Lebranski's wake.

(posted by Liz)

*********

(USS Boudicca - Admin - Crewman Shadow to Sretalles - 1200)

Shadow wondered if the Chief of Ops would find herself caught in the wake of
an enthusiastic Denise at full throttle. She tapped claws against desk for a
few heartbeats while she debated how to get around her lunchtime lock out to
update the new Chief of Operations' name in the database. There didn't seem
to be any obvious manner. She sighed and settled on a plas-sheet sticky and
attached it on her terminal's screen. She never forgot anything, but
sometimes she needed a reminder to access the knowledge. A blank piece of
plas-sheet probably wouldn't mean much to anyone else, but she'd know what
it meant.

She got out of her chair and decided it was time to beard the dragon in her
lair.

(posted by Lorna)

********

(USS Boudicca - Admin - Lieutenant (jg) Denise Lebranski & NPC Lieutenant
Mike Kowalski - 1205)

"Hey QM, you're being replaced." Denise said walking in the door of the
quartermaster's office.

"Yeah, by this dame?" He asked, looking up through bloodshot eyes. Which
really, really, clashed with his blue skin.

"Nono, by ME. This lady, one Ensign Cattia Spero, is taking over the zoo
that is Ops. She needs the usual welcome aboard presents and I guess the
first step in MY training to take over your job is learning what that is." 

(Reply Spero)

"Lucky you." He seemed to mumble to both of his vistors at the same time.

(Reply Spero, any)
(Posted by Lorna)

**********

(USS Boudicca - Admin - SPC OPS Ensign Kit Spero - Day 3 - 1206)

Kit watched as the whirlwind that was Denise Lebranski dealt with Lieutenant Kowalski who contrary to Kit's mental image had blue skin and rather bloodshot eyes.

"Pleased to meet you, Chief," Kit said pleasantly when there was a brief lull.

"Lucky you." Kowalski mumbled ambiguously. Kit wasn't sure whether he was talking to her or to Lebranski or to both of them.

"Umm, thanks," Kit replied. "So which of you do I need to speak to about furnishings, if I need to?" she asked. She didn't travel with a lot of belongings, a habit picked up during the war.

She was longing to ask if there were any good poker games aboard but not sure that ought to be the first thing she asked about. Perhaps here one had to wait to be invited?

(Reply Lebranski, Kowalski, any)
(Posted by Liz) 

*********

(USS Boudicca - QM's office - Lieutenant (jg) Denise Lebranski - 1207)

"Umm, thanks," Kit replied. "So which of you do I need to speak to about 
furnishings, if I need to?" she asked. She didn't travel with a lot of 
belongings, a habit picked up during the war.

"You take it," Kowalski told Denise, "I've got to see a man about some
transfers.."

Denise shrugged, "Okee Dokey boss." She turned back to Kit, "Since he trusts
me to completely screw everything up on my first day, why don't we go see
your quarters and you can start sorting through the replicator's library. We
have the holo projectors up, so you'll be able to sort through fit and colours 
before you order up what you want. I'd think I should have everything 
fabricated and assembled by dinner." Getting it moved was probably the easiest 
part if she couldn't manage to shanghai one of the large replicators. 

(Reply Spero) 
(posted by Lorna)

*********

(USS Boudicca - FO's Office - Crewman Shadow to Sretalles - 1210)

Shadow stuck her tail in the doorway to identify herself. She wiggled it a
few times to make sure the First Officer could track the movement and let
her know when she'd be welcome to enter.

(Reply Dorga?) 

Shadow entered Dorga's new office with nervousness, scenting the air. The
incenses the counsellor seemed to like weren't yet in evidence and her
replicator probably didn't have fifty different types of tea. Shadow didn't
like change. She knew she probably looked like someone trying to work up the
nerve to cross the river on a cloth bridge.

(Reply Dorga) 

"I do not want to go to the new counsellor!" She finally said, sounding like
the petulant teen she was, "I like *you!* You understand me and my people!"

(Reply Dorga, Any)
(Posted by Lorna)

*******

(USS Boudicca - FO's Office - FO Dorga 'cha Nooras - Day 3 - 1211)

The tuna fish and mayo sandwich was halfway to her mouth when a movement caught her eye.  For a second or two she watched *it* undulate before her eyes like a worm on a hook before it registered that it was in fact, a tail, and more specifically it was Shadow's tail.

Dorga put her sandwich down on the plate and smiled.  "A simple knock on the door would suffice, Shadow!  There's no need to do a tail dance first."

Shadow entered her office sniffing the air.  She looked like a cat expecting a shoe or worse to come sailing out of the blue at her, at any moment.

"Come in, come in, I don't bite!  Usually... What can I do for you?"  Dorga said, watching the felinoid closely as she ventured further into Dorga's lair...err office.

"I do not want to go to the new counsellor!" She finally said, sounding like a petulant child, "I like *you!* You understand me and my people!"

Dorga chuckled at that and waved at a stool she kept for those of the crew with tails, for Shadow to sit down.

"I see, well then you had better sit down and tell me why you need to see a counselor."

Suddenly remembering her sandwiches she shoved the plate forward, "here, have some tuna fish.  I was just getting a bite to eat and there's plenty."  She offered as she pressed a key to close and lock the door of her office and then picked up a sandwich to eat.

Munching happily, she listened to her furry friend.

(Reply Shadow, Any)
(Posted by Sal)

********

(USS Boudicca - FO's Office - Crewman Shadow to Sretalles - Day 3 - 1212)

"I see," said counsellor Dorga,  "Well then you had better sit down and tell
me why you need to see a counselor."

She then shoved a plate of sandwiched forward, "Here, have some tuna fish.
I was just getting a bite to eat and there's plenty."  She closed the door
as Shadow took a sandwich and sniffed.

She was very happy to smell the tunafish. She wasn't quite sure the human
fascination with grain and bread and things, but she liked the stuff
inbetween and the outside didn't disagree with her, so it was all good. She
decided she better answer the question before she inhaled the food, however.

"I don't *need* to see a counsellor," she protested, air of the injured
teenager, "It's just if I *do* I don't want to go see a stranger and have to
explain everything I've already explained!" 

(Reply Dorga)

"Records aren't the same as friends." Shadow muttered and took a rebellious
bite out of the sandwich to chew with pointed teeth enthusiasm. 

(Reply Dorga)
(Posted by Lorna)

********

(USS Boudicca - Officer's Quarters - Lieutenant (jg) Denise Lebranski -
1212)

Denise was surprised to find the quarters empty - normally there were the
basic boring furnishings to send back to their atoms before you made the
place home. Perhaps the quarters had been assigned to someone with special
needs before hand and it hadn't been brought up through the queue yet. 

"Where are you transferring in from?" Denise asked as she convinced the
computer to bring the replicator and quarter's systems online.

(Reply Spero)

"Their loss is definitely our gain, welcome to the Bouddy." She stepped back
as the boot images came through on the holo projection unit. It flipped
through landscapes, to a table, to a news program before going into
stand-by. "Okay, I think that's the replicator ready for orders. Food, drink
and small services should be online. What's next I can help you with?"

(Reply Spero)
(Posted by Lorna)

********

(Laatstekans Station - Food Court - ACEO Ens.(Sg.) Anton Gesar - 1213)
 
Anton was once again sitting in the same chair he has now been sitting in for the third day in a row at about this time.  Perhaps he was a glutton for punishment but he found something amusing in trying to see if this time the Pakleds would get his order right.  Besides, he was in a very good mood these days.  This ood mood usually begins right after he checks himself in the mirror before leaving for duty.  While Anton realized that this was only the first step, it still felt good. 
 
The last two days have been pretty quiet.  Yesterday he decided not to attend the FO's shindig in the Holodeck.  It seemed a very personal event, and being new on the ship he did not feel comfortable attending.  Other than that he has been enjoying some quiet time in engineering.  It is an opportunity for him to get familiar with the ship.  So far he has reviewed three years worth of engineering logs.  Major repairs, replacements, upgrades, things that were done to the engines in emergency situations and such.  It was important to know how the ship handled itself in such situations. 
 
Perhaps for the first time since he arrived the food tray was not unceremoniously slammed in front of him.  He looked up to see the back of the Pakled who was already walking away.
~Perhaps they're warming up to me,~ Anton mused as he noted that they got the order wrong again.
 
The girl was gone too.  Or at least Anton had not run into her since the day he followed her.  He sat in the dark hallway outside the room she walked into for three hours, trying to see if she or who else would come out or in.  But no one did.  Getting tired and deciding that the adventure was over he headed back to the ship.  And it's been quiet since then.
 
Digging around the plate with his fork Anton decided that yet again he would fail in determining the mystery food on his plate.  Taking a careful bite he decided that it was not terrible.
 
(Reply from None, Any)
(Posted by Oleg Kislyuk)

*******

(USS Boudicca - FO's Office - FO Dorga 'cha Nooras - Day 3 - 1213)

Dorga shoved a plate of tuna sandwiches towards Shadow, she'd just had them sent up from QV and the smell of them was making her stomach rumble, she wanted to eat so offered some to Shadow knowing that the young Yeoman liked fish.  She closed the door as Shadow took a sandwich and sniffed at it.

Shadow gave Dorga the impression she was happy about the kind of sandwiches from the way her tail was gesticulating.

"I don't *need* to see a counsellor," Shadow protested.  "It's just if I *do* I don't want to go see a stranger and have to explain everything I've already explained!"

Dorga gave her one nod.  "Ohhhh, I understand, but you should know if nobody else does that Commander ManyHorses has your records so there's no need to explain everything you already have."

She took a big bite of the sandwich and her face crinkled with pleasure as she tasted the delicious fish.  ~ By Kahless, Arania's food always tastes like it is fit for royalty, even the humble tuna fish. ~

"Records aren't the same as friends." Shadow muttered and took a snatching bite out of the sandwich, almost as if she had to kill it before eating it.

Dorga grinned at Shadow, enormously pleased that she called her 'friend'.

"How can I refuse for that is what friends are for; to listen to your woes and joys and everything in between."  She brandished the half eaten sandwich in her hand, "and to share your lunch with too."  She added and then took another big bite of her sandwich, chewed and swallowed.

"Bye the way, Shadow, I want to thank you for what you did for Rivers last night.  You were there for her when /she/ needed a friend too."

(Reply Shadow)
(Posted by Sal) 

**********

(USS Boudicca - FO's Office - Crewman Shadow to Sretalles - 1214)

Dorga grinned at Shadow her. "How can I refuse for that is what friends are
for; to listen to your woes and joys and everything in between."  She
brandished the half eaten sandwich in her hand, "and to share your lunch
with too."  She added and then took another big bite of her sandwich, chewed
and swallowed.

"By the way, Shadow, I want to thank you for what you did for Rivers last
night.  You were there for her when /she/ needed a friend too."

"That's what friends do," Shadow replied licking bits of tuna off her
fingers, having inhaled the sandwiched. 

She finished licking her fingers clean and looked thoughtful, "Okay.. I may
not have been *totally* truthful." She said, watching her tail flick,
"Denise thinks I should talk to the new Chief Counsellor about becoming a
diplomat or something. I think it would be a good 'eventually' task.. but I
am happy here."

(Reply Dorga)

"Though.. a promotion would be nice." She said with her attempt at a smile,
"then I could pay for the holo-tree out of my own work instead of the
Captain paying for it for me!"

(Reply Dorga)
(Posted by Lorna)

*********

(USS Boudicca - FO's Office - FO Dorga 'cha Nooras - Day 3 - 1215)

Shadow licked bits of tuna off her fingers and then looked thoughtful while Dorga continued to munch happily, waiting for Shadow to continue speaking, as that is what she looked like she was preparing for, gathering her words or debating  whether or not to actually say what she was thinking.

"Okay.. I may not have been *totally* truthful." She finally said,  tail flicking, "Denise thinks I should talk to the new Chief Counsellor about becoming a diplomat or something. I think it would be a good 'eventually' task.. but I am happy here."

Dorga nodded and took another bite of sandwich, she usually knew when to be quiet and speak, something learned from many years of counseling.

"Though.. a promotion would be nice." She said and her lips drew back from her sharp white teeth.  "Then I could pay for the holo-tree out of my own work instead of the Captain paying for it for me!"

Sandwich suitably disposed of, Dorga sat back in her chair and folded her hands over her stomach, fingers entwined together while regarding Shadow thoughtfully.

"I believe you are supposed to be scheduled to meet with Commander ManyHorses on a regular basis are you not?  Haven't you started those meetings yet?"

(reply Shadow)

"Well, once you get to know him better after a few meetings, I think you'll find that Commander ManyHorses is a very pleasant man and I know for a fact that he's been a counselor in Starfleet as long as I have been, plus he's a shaman of his tribe, I bet you didn't know that did you?  You could learn a lot from him and you may come to trust him enough to be counseled by him if the need should arise," and then added so as not to have Shadow think she was trying to fob her off on Jerome.  "But of course I am here if you need me any time."

(reply Shadow)

The FO rose and went to her replicator to get Shadow an iced tea to drink and a refill for her iced cappuccino then returned to her seat.

(Reply Shadow)
(Posted by Sal)

*******

(USS Boudicca - FO's Office - Crewman Shadow to Sretalles - 1216)

"I believe you are supposed to be scheduled to meet with Commander 
ManyHorses on a regular basis are you not?  Haven't you started those 
meetings yet?"

"Noooo.." She admitted. She didn't want to go see some new counsellor. She'd
told Dorga that. She was so totally unfair!

"Well, once you get to know him better after a few meetings, I think 
you'll find that Commander ManyHorses is a very pleasant man and I know 
for a fact that he's been a counselor in Starfleet as long as I have 
been, plus he's a shaman of his tribe, I bet you didn't know that did 
you?  You could learn a lot from him and you may come to trust him 
enough to be counseled by him if the need should arise," and then added 
so as not to have Shadow think she was trying to fob her off on Jerome.  
"But of course I am here if you need me any time." 

"What's a shaman?" Shadow asked. She was pretty sure a tribe was like the
camp you were born into.

The FO rose and went to her replicator to get Shadow an iced tea to 
drink and a refill for her iced cappuccino then returned to her seat.

Would the interloper know she likes to drink from straws rather than
straight from the slippery glasses humans seemed to like? Would he
understand the mom stuff? Could he comprehend being stuck inbetween 
two societies and being truly accepted in neither? Could he understand the
importance of names? Not that Dorga seemed to understand earning your 
name anymore than anyone else, but, she understood all that other stuff.

(Reply Dorga)
(Posted by Lorna)

*********

(USS Boudicca - Personal Quarters - CO, Captain Susan Rivers - 1755)

Susan looked at herself critically in the full-length mirror in her bedroom. She had selected her outfit carefully - a long, high-necked Chinese-style tunic in dark green, embroidered with gold dragons. The sleeves were three-quarter length and on her wrists she wore several gold bangles which gave a soft musical 'clink' as she moved her arms. Her legs were clad in black footless leggings and on her feet were gold-coloured mid-heeled sandals whose straps were set with tiny stones which looked like emeralds but came from the replicator. She had swept up her shoulder-length hair with gold combs, again set with green stones, and in her ears she wore small emerald studs which glinted as they caught the light.

She nodded at her reflection. She didn't want to look 'available' but she did want to look nice. This was the first time in a long time that she had been out with another adult and she was looking forward to it. She liked Jerome's company, and an evening off-ship would be a novelty, especially after the excitements of yesterday evening.

She sighed and glanced down at the ring on her finger. It was a while since she'd heard from Leonal and she was beginning to wonder where their separation left them both. Sasha had given up his career to be with his family but Susan had realised early on that was something she was not prepared to do and because of that she wasn't prepared to ask Leonal to do the same either. She supposed they would come to some arrangement about Luisa in time, if circumstance/Starfleet didn't bring them together again. For now though, she felt herself a bit in limbo. She would tell him about her dinner with Jerome, of course, next time she sent him a vid-letter - she told him as much about her life as she could in an attempt to keep the relationship going, but wasn't sure how successful she was at doing that, either for him or for herself. Something else to sort out later, she supposed.

Picking up a small gold clutch-bag, she left her room and headed for the living area to await Jerome. Seeing her mother enter, Luisa clapped her hands and smiled. "Pretty!"

"Wow, you look nice Auntie Susan!" Shun said, looking up as he was momentarily distracted from whatever piece of equipment he was currently taking apart.

Loren looked up from her book. "Very nice," she added. "Who's your date?"

"It's not a date," Susan replied. "Just dinner on the station with a friend."

"Who?" Shun asked curiously. He rather hoped it might be Lieutenant Lorimar as he had some questions about his current project. Like how to get it back together again and have it work.

"Commander ManyHorses."

"Oh right," Shun lost interest.

Loren looked at Susan consideringly for a moment, then smiled. "Have a good time, Aunt Susan. You deserve a night off."

"Thank you," Susan said, momentarily wondering if *her* Loren had suddenly been replaced by a mirror-universe Loren.

Then the doorchime sounded.

"Enter!" she said, already smiling in anticipation of her evening out with Jerome.

(Reply whoever is at the door, Any)
(Posted by Liz)

**********

(USS Boudicca - Deck 3 - ACSO Ensign Davris Maxon - 1759)

Maxon's first day aboard had gone smoothly. He met the captain, the CSO, toured the ship. But it was a ship on leave, and by his second day, he had to give in to the holiday atmosphere.

He'd met a few people, and was headed to the station with one, an Ensign Sokar. Maxon liked Vulcans. He had never known any growing up, so they were a source of fascination for him. He found that viewing the universe through a Vulcan's eyes gave him a very distinct perspective from any he arrived at on his own. He was more naturally prone to see the lighter side of things, the easier, bigger picture. Vulcans, as a generalization, made keener observations about their surroundings. It was a vantage point that appealed to Maxon's scientific side, encouraging him to approach the world with his own keenest sense of observation. He looked forward to an evening of people watching with his new friend.

Walking down the corridor toward Sokar's quarters, Maxon vaguely hoped he wouldn't get the wrong room. His first class on the first day of undergrad had been in room 143, which was next to room 145, and he'd walked there chanting '1-4-3' so he didn't get them mixed up. When class was about to begin, he wondered why the other students looked a little older, and why none of them had the same first day jitters that plagued him. It was because he was in room 145.

Maxon sounded the doorchime.

He heard a voice that was not Sokar's call "Enter!" from within, and before he could wonder who it might be, the door slid open, and there stood a gorgeous, gold-embroidered, sandaled, up-swept, bangled, bejeweled, possibly a little incredulous Captain Susan Rivers. 

Maxon's jaw dropped in shock.

"Oh! Uh, Cap--" His eyes were very wide, and the nervous sweating began immediately. "Captain! Good evening," he said lamely, one hand self-consciously smoothing the casual material of his shirt. Not only was he out of uniform, he was in short sleeves.

(Reply Rivers)

"I'm sorry, ma'am, I..." Maxon took a deep breath and tried to recover. He did his best to be comical. "You're not Ensign Sokar, are you?" It came out a little flirtatious, a little more 'wink and smile' than he'd intended. Not appropriate for a captain, especially a captain under whom he'd only served a day. He kicked himself inwardly, and it wasn't gentle.

(Reply Rivers)

"Ma'am, I apologize. I've come to the wrong quarters, got the numbers backward, I think."

(Reply Rivers)

"I am a bit of a klutz sometimes," he admitted before he could stop himself. He hoped she didn't translate 'klutz' to 'moron.' He noticed the kids behind her, staring at him. "Hi," he said to be friendly, waving. Then he kicked himself inwardly again, fearing what the captain would think of him now, taking liberties with her children.

(Reply Rivers, ManyHorses?, any)
(Posted by Brian)

********

(USS Boudicca - CO's Quarters - CCOUNS/CDR Jerome ManyHorses - Day 3 - 1800)

Decked out in his finest black three-piece western style suit, underneath which he was wearing a western shirt with a boot-string tie that had a beaded thunderbird clasp on it and a fine pair of black cowboy boots polished to a mirror shine; his hair was long and loose with a slim braid on each side of his head to keep it out of his eyes.  In one hand he carried a large box of exquisite chocolate liquers.

As Jerome arrived at Susan's family quarters at precisely 1800 hours, he found to his surprise that the door was wide open as if waiting for his entrance.

One thing he had learned about Susan was that she was predictably unpredictable, and that he should try not to be surprised by anything she said or did, or at least not show it if he could help it.

So, Jerome walked right in.

Before him was a vision of loveliness that stole his breath away.  She *was* even more beautiful in civilian attire than in her uniform, and he could tell she had gone to great lengths to achieve her heart-stopping effect.

~ Oh Great Manito, you came as close to perfection in the making of her as you could, she is so beautiful! ~

Standing before her was a young man whose body language denoted some embarrassment and uncertainty.

"Ma'am, I apologize. I've come to the wrong quarters, got the numbers backward, I think."

~ I suppose he can't read the name on the side of the door either? ~ Jerome thought.

(Reply Rivers)

"I am a bit of a klutz sometimes," the young man stated and then said,  "Hi" to the children who were standing behind Susan and waved.

Jerome walked right past the young man and stood beside Susan, he turned and looked at the young fellow, recognizing him as one of the recent arrivals.

"Well young man, you won't find your friend standing around here.  I recommend you ask the computer to light your path to the correct door."  He stated, wishing the guy would just go away so their date could begin.

(Reply Rivers, Matrix, Any)
(Posted by Sal) 

********

(USS Boudicca - COs Quarters - CO, Captain Susan Rivers - 1801)

When the doorchime sounded Susan assumed it was Jerome, but to her surprise when the door opened, it was Ensign Maxon who entered, dressed (as indeed was Susan herself of course) in civilian clothes. The new ACSO's jaw dropped open, and he seemed as taken aback as Susan was herself.

"Oh! Uh, Cap--" he began nervously, then found his voice. "Captain! Good evening," he said one hand brushing his shirt.

"Good evening, Ensign," Susan said. "How can I help you?"

"I'm sorry, ma'am, I...You're not Ensign Sokar, are you?" he said with what seemed to be an effort at a joking tone

"I wasn't the last time I looked in the mirror," Susan replied dryly.

"Ma'am, I apologize. I've come to the wrong quarters, got the numbers backward, I think."

Susan felt a little sorry for him, he was obviously very embarrassed. "I believe Ensign Sokar's quarters will be found on Deck 9," she said, "That's where most of the junior officers are quartered, at any rate."

"I am a bit of a klutz sometimes," Maxon admitted, then looked as though he wished he hadn't said that.

By this time both Shun and Loren were staring at the newcomer in fascination.

"Hi," Maxon said, noticing their stares, and waved in a friendly manner.

"My wards, Loren and Shun Toral," Susan introduced them, and added pointedly to the two of them, "Who seem to have left their manners in their rooms. And this," she indicated Luisa, who was busy trying to fit a square peg in a round hole on a board, "Is my daughter, Luisa."

Hearing her name, Luisa looked up, her antennae swivelling towards the stranger as she stuck a thumb in her mouth shyly.

At that moment, Jerome walked in through the open door, and came to stand by Susan, a little proprietorially she thought, unsure whether to be flattered, amused or annoyed.

"Well young man, you won't find your friend standing around here.  I recommend you ask the computer to light your path to the correct door."  he stated.

"Ensign Maxon already apologised for his mistake," Susan said to Jerome, with a very slight hint of reproof in her voice. "And I think we can forgive an error to someone who has only just arrived yesterday, don't you?" She smiled at Maxon. "But the Commander is right, Ensign," she added kindly. "The computer will light your way there, just ask to be guided to Ensign Sokar's quarters. Unless of course, " she added with a straight face, "you'd prefer to volunteer to look after the children whilst the Commander and I go out for dinner?"

(reply Davris)

Susan put him out of his misery. "I've already arranged for a sitter from Child Services," she said. "But now if you'll excuse us, the Commander and I should be leaving for the station."

(reply Davris)

Once the Ensign had left, and the door had closed behind him, Susan looked at Jerome and chuckled. "If you could have seen your face when you walked in and saw him there," she teased him. "Just like Pangur Ban with a piece of chicken that he thinks someone wants to take off him!"

(reply Jerome iyw)

"Now let's get out of here before the rest of the crew arrives," Susan added, smiling at him as she tucked her hand through his arm. "I'm really looking forward to an evening off, and with such a smart escort too!"

(Reply Davris, Jerome, any)
(posted by Liz) 

********

(USS Boudicca - COs Quarters - ACSO Ensign Davris Maxon - 1802)

Talk about a square peg. Maxon felt as out of place as a Ferengi at a charity drive. Luisa, abandoning her toy, gave him a sweet smile, all the cuter for her tiny wrinkled nose, and he couldn't help smiling back and giving another little wave.

"She's beautiful," Maxon commented on the captain's little daughter. "Makes me think of my niece back on Trill. I just learned my sister's expecting another little one --" He suddenly clammed up, adding needless rambling to his list of offenses. He'd already imposed, embarrassed himself, and got her curious wards in trouble. Captain Rivers was terrifically gracious, but he suspected she would be very happy to see him gone immediately.

Shooting the two older children an apologetic look, Maxon moved toward the door. He began to apologize again to the captain for the intrusion, when suddenly there was another presence moving past him into the room.

"Well young man, you won't find your friend standing around here.  I recommend you ask the computer to light your path to the correct door."

The man was tall, handsome, and overall so imposing that Maxon found himself taking a step backwards. Despite their comparable height and build, Maxon felt immediately like it was twenty years ago, and he was being yelled at for some childhood offense.

He tried to form a response, but Captain Rivers spoke first.

"Ensign Maxon already apologised for his mistake," she said, "And I think we can forgive an error to someone who has only just arrived yesterday, don't you? But the Commander is right, Ensign. The computer will light your way there, just ask to be guided to Ensign Sokar's quarters."  Maxon was glad to have her stand up for him, but felt even more embarrassed to need her defense. The pit in his stomach grew a little deeper. Obviously, his mistake had been a very stupid one. 

"Unless of course," the captain added, "you'd prefer to volunteer to look after the children whilst the Commander and I go out for dinner?"

"Oh, geez, well.. I do get along with kids pretty well..." His hand was again nervously interested in his shirt. "I mean, if you really need--"

The captain stopped him from going on. "I've already arranged for a sitter from Child Services," she said to his relief. "But now if you'll excuse us, the Commander and I should be leaving for the station."

~Oh great, he's a commander,~ Maxon thought, turning a deeper shade of red that would soon drown out his spots. "Yes, of course, Ma'am. Sir," he added, nodding to the Commander apologetically. He threw the children one last look that said "Yikes!" then made his exit as fast as his feet would carry him.

Outside, he stopped and let out a deep breath. If the captain and her handsome, physically threatening escort were headed for the station, Maxon didn't want to be anywhere near it.

"Maxon to Ensign Sokar," he said to his comm.

=/\=Sokar.=/\= the ensign answered efficiently.

"Listen, buddy, I don't think the station's a good idea today. If you need me, I'll be in QV. Hiding my head in a bucket," he muttered.

(Reply any)
(Posted by Brian)

********

(USS Boudicca - COs Quarters - SPC CCOUNS/CDR Jerome ManyHorses - 1803)

"Ensign Maxon already apologised for his mistake,"  Susan said, almost sounding to Jerome as if she were scolding him, "And I think we can forgive an error to someone who has only just arrived yesterday, don't you?"

~ Not really! ~  Jerome thought, but wisely did not say.  He remained silent while Susan continued talking - to Maxon this time.

"...But the Commander is right, Ensign. The computer will light your way there, just ask to be guided to Ensign Sokar's quarters.  Unless of course, you'd prefer to volunteer to look after the children whilst the Commander and I go out for dinner?"

"Oh, geez, well.. I do get along with kids pretty well..."  The young man's hand toyed nervously iwith his shirt. "I mean, if you really need--"

~ Surely she's not serious? ~  Wondered Jerome.

"I've already arranged for a sitter from Child Services," she said, and his relief was obvious in his expression. "But now if you'll excuse us, the Commander and I should be leaving for the station."

~ He'd be easy to counsel, his face is like an open book. ~  The CCOUNS thought with a smile of amusement, as he saw the look that Maxon displayed at the mention of Jerome's rank.

Ensign Maxon blushed.  "Yes, of course, Ma'am. Sir," he added, nodding to the Jerome apologetically and then hastily made his exit.

Once the Ensign had left, and the door had closed behind him, Susan looked at Jerome and chuckled. "If you could have seen your face when you walked in and saw him there," she teased him. "Just like Pangur Ban with a piece of chicken that he thinks someone wants to take off him!"

Jerome laughed, "I believe that is exactly how I felt, especially when I got a good look at you.  Mmmm you look wonderful."  He lifted her right hand and pressed his lips to it and when he relinquished it, he looked over at the children, who appeared to have lost interest in what was going on.

(reply Susan iyw)

"Now let's get out of here before the rest of the crew arrives," Susan added, smiling at him as she tucked her hand through his arm. "I'm really looking forward to an evening off, and with such a smart escort too!"

"Ohh, I almost forgot!"  Jerome replied, feeling like a teenager picking up his girl for the Prom. He offered her the large box of Liqueurs.  "These are for you, apisis mahikan."

NRPG: apisis mahikan means little wolf in Cree
RPG:

(Reply Susan)

Once Susan had put the liqueurs away, Jerome tucked her hand through his arm again, placing his other hand over hers.  It felt really good feeling her warmth at his side.  He was a proud man as he escorted her out of her quarters and walked her down the corridor towards the turbolift and was eagerly looking forward to having her all to himself for a few hours.

(Reply Susan, any)
(Posted by Sal) 

********

(USS Boudicca - Sokar's Quarters - NPC ACSO Ensign Sokar - Day 3 - 1804)

Sokar was beginning to wonder why Ensign Maxon had not arrived to meet him.  They had arranged to meet at 1800 at Sokar's quarters and the young Vulcan officer was waiting patiently for the door chime to announce his new friend's arrival.

~ Perhaps he cannot find my quarters. ~  Sokar thought and then his commbadge signaled and he heard Maxon's message.

=/\= Maxon to Ensign Sokar, =/\=

"Sokar."  The ensign answered with Vulcan efficiency.

=/\= Listen, buddy, I don't think the station's a good idea today. If you need me, I'll be in QV. Hiding my head in a bucket, =/\=  Maxon muttered quite softly but Sokar heard what he said.

"I must ask why you would place your head in a bucket?  It does not sound logical nor does it sound practical.  Surely it would hinder your ambulation?  I would definitely advise against it."  Sokar responded.

~ Really, humans are a very illogical race. ~  He thought that he should go to QV in order to make sure his friend came to no harm while trying to walk around with a bucket on his head.

(reply Dav)
(Posted by Sal)

********

(USS Boudicca - Deck 3 - ACSO Ensign Davris Maxon - Day 3 - 1805)

=/\= I must ask why you would place your head in a bucket?  It does not sound logical nor does it sound practical.  Surely it would hinder your ambulation?  I would definitely advise against it.=/\=

Dav sighed. ~Why did I say I like Vulcans?~ 

"Not a literal bucket, Sokar," he said. "The bucket is figurative." He entered the turbolift and slouched against the wall. "It's figurative!" He sighed. "I'm sorry to cancel on you. Feel free to join in QV if you would like, okay?"

He thought about it further and decided a literal bucket might be alright, assuming it was filled with the proper liquid.

(Reply Sokar if you want)
(Posted by Brian)

********















(USS Boudicca - COs Quarters - CO, Captain Susan Rivers - Day 3 - 1805)

As Jerome lifted her hand and kissed it, Susan glanced over to the children. They both seemed enthralled in their work but she suspected that Shun's shoulders were shaking a little as if he were laughing. If he was, it wasn't possible to tell since his face was down looking at his PADD and he made no sound.

She retrieved her hand gently, he was a gracious man if a little old-fashioned, she thought, and suggested they leave before the rest of the crew turned up.

To her surprise, Jerome presented her with a box of liqueurs. "These are for you, apisis mahikan," he said.

"Apisis mahikan? What does that mean?" Susan asked. It wasn't a term familiar to her.

Jerome explained that it meant little wolf in his native language, and she smiled. "That's a nice compliment - I hope!" Susan said as she put the liqueurs away. "Now mind," she said to Loren and Shun, "You are not to touch these!"

The both promised, and Susan and Jerome then left for the station. 

(posted by Liz)

********

(USS Boudicca - Sokar's Quarters - NPC ACSO Ensign Sokar - Day 3 - 1806)

 =/\= Not a literal bucket, Sokar. The bucket is figurative...It's figurative! =/\=

Sokar heard the human sigh, possibly with exasperation.

=/\= I'm sorry to cancel on you. Feel free to join in QV if you would like, okay? =/\=

"I will consider it.  You are at times, most unfathomable...Farewell for now."

~ I will never understand humans! Why say he will do something when he has no plan to do it? ~

Sokar closed the link and stared at his image in the mirror without really seeing it, he was too busy remembering his first encounters with humans at the Starfleet Academy.  He had heard about their strange and often incredulous traits, about how illogical and emotional they were, but he had been confident that the tales had to be exaggerated, but learning about them up close was something else entirely and he had soon discovered that if anything, the tales about humans were grossly underrated, but somehow he had adapted and accepted them, and now he even called a few of them 'friend'.

If Vulcans sighed, he would have sighed.  ~ At times I do feel that having more Vulcans around would be entirely agreeable. ~

He considered whether to go to QV or not, his new human friend had not given any clue as to whether he truly wanted Sokar to meet him there.  Then again he could go alone to the space station.

~ Yes, that is what I will do.  Perhaps I will discover why Dav did not wish to go there at this particular time. ~

Having made up his mind, Sokar left his quarters.

(Reply Maxon, if you want)
(Posted by Sal)

********

(USS Boudicca, QV - aCSO Lieutenant (jg) Ayslin Rel - 1815)

Ayslin sat at her table by the window watching as shuttles moved
around the station.  QV was quiet a lot of people were on different
schedules, or spending time on the station.  She munched on her food
taking her time eating.  She looked up as she heard the doors open and
saw Davris walk through.  She thought for a second then waved, hoping
to catch his attention, she really didn't want to be forced to resort
to throwing a crouton at him to get his attention.

(Reply Maxon?)
(Posted by Patrick D.)

********

(USS Boudicca - QV - ACSO Ensign Davris Maxon - 1817)

If he had wanted to commit career suicide, Maxon couldn't have thought of a better way to start than barging in on the captain's date. He tried to think positively about the situation. Maybe he and Captain Rivers would have a good laugh about this. ~Or maybe she'll transfer me out tomorrow.~

He walked into QV for the first time, feeling depressed. How could he have been so stupid? Of all the klutzy mistakes he'd made in the last 29 years, this was one of the worst.

Dav scanned the room, and it didn't take long. There were very few people around, most were likely on the station if not on duty. One familiar face jumped out at him - Ayslin Rel. She seemed to hesitate a moment just as he saw her, but then she waved. He hesitated too. Did he really want to embarrass himself in front of his superior officer too? Then again, maybe it was better for her to hear about the incident from him before she heard it from the captain. And she was a friendly face, when he didn't really know anyone else. At last, he waved back and headed toward her.

"Good evening, Lieutenant," he said, trying not to sound too downbeat, knowing he had failed.

(Reply Rel)

Dav was in thought for a moment. "Hang on a minute," he said, not sitting down, aiming himself toward the bar. "Can I get you anything?"

(Reply Rel)

"Okay." Dav walked steadily to the bar and placed an order, which arrived quickly. Then he returned with it to the table.

He placed his glass on the table, which was really more like a bowl, not a very small bowl, with a sort of stem and base that were really more for show. Various fruit wedges and umbrella-like decorations appeared around the rim, circling the sparkling blue contents of the vessel. A wide straw emerged from the vegetation on one side.

Before Ayslin could ask what it was, Dav guessed her question and supplied the answer. "It's large."

(Reply Rel)

"I think I've made a very big mistake," Dav said, taking a big gulp of his drink. "Have you ever just wanted to erase the last hour of your life?"

(Reply Rel)
(Posted by Brian)

**********

(Laatstekans Station - Food Court - CO, Captain Susan Rivers - Day 3 - 1820)

They had taken a quick look at the shops, most of which were now closed, before heading to the rather elaborately-named Food Court to pick somewhere to dine.

Susan looked at the list of eateries, and then at Jerome. "Hmm, what do you fancy?" she asked. "There's the Last Resort place, it says it does Intergalactic Cuisine? Or the Vulcan replimat? Or we could take pot luck on the mezzanine?"

(Reply Jerome, any)
(Posted by Liz) 

********

(USS Boudicca - QV - ACEO Ens (Sg.) Anton Gesar - Day 3 - 1821)

"Well, --" he inhaled his exotic curse word, then leaned in for another large drink. "This could be my farewell party. The first thing they teach you in officer training - don't cross the counselor. I guess I could always go back to Daystrom," he said.
 
"I insulted the CEO on my first day of duty.  Inadvertently suggested that I didn't require his engineering expertise to solve a problem."  Anton spoke as stared into space sitting at the table next to Maxon and Rel.  He then turned toward Maxon, "But at least I didn't walk in on the Captain and her date.  ManyHorses doesn't strike me as the sharing sort, I hope he didn't think you were trying to move in on the captain."  Anton turned and took a sip of his drink to try and keep from laughing.
 
"And if this is your going away party I'd love to say it was nice meeting you but I do not believe we have actually been introduced.  I'm Anton."  Anton extended his hand to Davris as he approached their table.
 
(Reply Maxon)
 
"Lieutenant," Anton nodded toward Ayslin.  "Other than the big meeting during the last mission I don't believe we have been introduced either."  Anton extended his arm again.
 
(Reply Rel)
 
"I apologize for eavesdropping, but I realised earlier today that after a few days on the ship I have not really interacted with many people here.  Other than the CEO whom as I mentioned earlier I managed to insult on day one.  Well my appologies for the interruption."  Anton paused for a moment hoping perhaps to be invited to join.

(Reply Maxon, Rel, any)
(Posted by Oleg)

*******

(USS Boudicca - QV - ACSO Ensign Davris Maxon - Day 3 - 1820)

"Have you ever just wanted to erase the last hour of your life?"

"How do you want the list ordered, by date or severity?" Ayslin asked with a chuckle.  "I'm pretty sure we've all got things we'd like to have another chance at."

That was true. ~I'd like never to have not learned how to read a name on a door.~

"Mind if I ask exactly what you'd like to erase in the last hour or would you like to let the alcohol kick in a little first," Ayslin continued, leaning back and grinning.

Dav chuckled. "There's that look of mischief again, you have quite a streak of that, don't you?"

(reply Rel)

"Okay," Dav said, leaning in with the scoop. Why not go for it and tell her everything? "So, somehow, here's how much of an idiot I am." He explained what had happened with Captain Rivers in her quarters. "The only good thing is, I think the kids liked me," he concluded hopefully.

(reply Rel)

"I still don't know who the man was, but she called him Commander. I assume there can only be so many of those aboard? He was tall with long, black hair."

(reply Rel)

"Well, --" he inhaled his exotic curse word, then leaned in for another large drink. "This could be my farewell party. The first thing they teach you in officer training - don't cross the counselor. I guess I could always go back to Daystrom," he said, wondering for an instant if that's what he'd really have to do.
 
(Reply Rel, any)
(Posted by Brian)

********

(USS Boudicca - QV - ACEO Ens (Sg.) Anton Gesar - Day 3 - 1821)

"Well, --" he inhaled his exotic curse word, then leaned in for another large drink. "This could be my farewell party. The first thing they teach you in officer training - don't cross the counselor. I guess I could always go back to Daystrom," he said.
 
"I insulted the CEO on my first day of duty.  Inadvertently suggested that I didn't require his engineering expertise to solve a problem."  Anton spoke as stared into space sitting at the table next to Maxon and Rel.  He then turned toward Maxon, "But at least I didn't walk in on the Captain and her date.  ManyHorses doesn't strike me as the sharing sort, I hope he didn't think you were trying to move in on the captain."  Anton turned and took a sip of his drink to try and keep from laughing.
 
"And if this is your going away party I'd love to say it was nice meeting you but I do not believe we have actually been introduced.  I'm Anton."  Anton extended his hand to Davris as he approached their table.
 
(Reply Maxon)
 
"Lieutenant," Anton nodded toward Ayslin.  "Other than the big meeting during the last mission I don't believe we have been introduced either."  Anton extended his arm again.
 
(Reply Rel)
 
"I apologize for eavesdropping, but I realised earlier today that after a few days on the ship I have not really interacted with many people here.  Other than the CEO whom as I mentioned earlier I managed to insult on day one.  Well my appologies for the interruption."  Anton paused for a moment hoping perhaps to be invited to join.

(Reply Maxon, Rel, any)
(Posted by Oleg)

*********

(Laatstekans Station - Food Court - CO, Captain Susan Rivers & CCOUNS/CDR Jerome 'Hoss' ManyHorses- Day 3 - 1821)

To Jerome's chagrin, the majority of the shops that they'd come to
look around had closed at 1800 hours.  He wished he'd at least checked
but somehow he'd assumed that this station, although smaller than
most, at least would have services available 24/7.  Unfortunately he
was mistaken.

Now they stood at the entrance to the Food Court to pick somewhere
to eat.  At least they would dine together.

Susan looked at the list of eateries, and then at Jerome. "Hmm, what
do you fancy?" she asked. "There's the Last Resort place, it says it
does Intergalactic Cuisine? Or the Vulcan replimat? Or we could take
pot luck on the mezzanine?"

"Hmmm."  Jerome remembered a rumor he'd overheard in QV about
the Last Resort being practically a den of iniquity, and had made enquiries
of some of his clients about it.  "Have you ever heard of the angler fish?" 
He asked Susan.

Susan shook her head. "No, I can't say I have. I may have spent my
early years on Earth but Aunt Luisa was more inclined to discuss
ancient civilisations than natural history."

"Well, you might think it is a very strange name for a fish seeing as
Anglers catch fish however it is very appropriate."  He gave her a
bright smile and explained further.

"The Angler fish lives in the deepest of the deep ocean where the
creatures live in almost total darkness,  so the fish has evolved with
a little 'fishing rod' on its head that dangles over its mouth.  On
the tip of its 'rod' is something resembling a worm that the fish can
light up.  It wiggles that enticingly,"  Jerome cupped his hands,
wrists together, fingers parted and curled to resemble teeth, the
middle finger of the top hand sticking up and moving the tip up and
down.

"...A fish comes along to investigate and......BAM!"  Jerome snapped
his hands together quickly.  "The Angler fish snaps it up in it's big
jaws.  Hello dinner!"

He chuckled,  "Now you may be wondering what the heck this has to do
with our dinner so I will tell you.  The Last Resort's enticing us
with the promise of intergalactic cuisine, however it is, according to
several crew members, a place of ill repute.  Not the kind of place I
would wish to take a lovely lady."

Susan grinned. "Well not dressed like this at any rate. But I think
it's a place I'd like to explore some time, when dressed more
appropriately. It sounds like some of the bars on the Maquis bases.
Should be good game of poker going on, maybe even dabo and pool.
However, that's not what we came here for tonight, is it."

Jerome laughed softly, "No, not tonight but I agree, we may want to
investigate the place some other time."  Then he felt his face warming
as he realized he was taking for granted that she would want to come
out with him again.  "Ohhh,"  he said, "ummm, I'm sorry, I'm being a
bit presumptuous.  My apologies."

Susan's eyes twinkled. "Well, maybe you won't want to go out with me
again," she teased. "So you may not want to tie yourself down to
another trip before we finish this one. However, if we're both minded
to risk one another's company again at the end of tonight, I'd be
happy to have a poke around in the Last Resort another time. One
condition though," she added more than half seriously. "I am more than
capable of taking care of myself. If we go there together, it's not
because I need a protector, and as long as that's understood I'd be
happy to have you tag along for company. Agreed?"

"I think I can agree to your terms."  Jerome's smile grew, at least she
didn't mind him being presumptuous, and he'd make darn sure she had
a good time tonight because he already knew he wanted to see more of
her off duty.

"As for the other choices,"  he said, bringing the conversation back to
the important subject of dining, "I am all for ultra healthy food but I
can have that in QV any time, so the Vulcan place doesn't appeal to me
this evening.  As for the mezzanine..."  He looked around at the dozen
or so stall type food sellers and the communal seating area.  "I don't
think we got dressed up to dine there."

An idea popped into his head, perhaps they could have Intergalactic
food and a nice place to eat it after all.  "I have an idea."  He told her
and led her away from the food court back the way they'd come until
they found a place that was still open, that he had noticed earlier.

Susan followed curiously, wondering what Jerome had in mind. She had
an idea that it would be something out of the ordinary.

(reply Any)
(Posted by Liz and Sal)

********

(USS Boudicca - QV - aCSO Lieutenant (jg) Ayslin Rel - Day 3 - 1822)

"Mind if I ask exactly what you'd like to erase in the last hour or
would you like to let the alcohol kick in a little first," Ayslin
continued, leaning back and grinning.

Dav chuckled. "There's that look of mischief again, you have quite a
streak of that, don't you?"

"It comes out from time to time, still getting used to it," Ayslin
said with a shrug.

"Okay," Dav said, leaning in with the scoop. "So, somehow, here's how
much of an idiot I am." He explained what had happened with Captain
Rivers in her quarters. "The only good thing is, I think the kids
liked me," he concluded hopefully.

"Trust me it could have been worse.  I doubt you'll get booted for
that, it sounds like she was more amused than mad.  She's not the most
formal of people, so you might be ok."  Ayslin said, hoping she could
talk him out of his funk before the end of the evening.

"I still don't know who the man was, but she called him Commander. I
assume there can only be so many of those aboard? He was tall with
long, black hair."

"That would be Commander ManyHorses, Jerome ManyHorses.  He's the new
Chief Counselor, was a specially assigned Mission commanding officer
for the mission we're just returning from.  I honestly don't know what
your odds are with him."  Ayslin said.  "Not much you can do though,
just keep doing your job, it would take a lot more than that to get
you transferred."

"Well, --" he inhaled his exotic curse word, then leaned in for
another large drink. "This could be my farewell party. The first thing
they teach you in officer training - don't cross the counselor. I
guess I could always go back to Daystrom," he said.

"I insulted the CEO on my first day of duty.  Inadvertently suggested
that I didn't require his engineering expertise to solve a problem."
Anton spoke as stared into space sitting at the table next to Maxon
and Rel.  He then turned toward Maxon, "But at least I didn't walk in
on the Captain and her date.  ManyHorses doesn't strike me as the
sharing sort, I hope he didn't think you were trying to move in on the
captain."  Anton turned and took a sip of his drink to try and keep
from laughing.

"And if this is your going away party I'd love to say it was nice
meeting you but I do not believe we have actually been introduced.
I'm Anton."  Anton extended his hand to Davris as he approached their
table.

"Dav." He shook Anton's hand. "Hi. Good to meet you."

"Lieutenant," Anton nodded toward Ayslin. "Other than the big meeting
during the last mission I don't believe we have been introduced
either." Anton extended his arm again.

Ayslin shook the engineer's hand, "Nice to meet you Anton.  My given
name is Ayslin."  Quite certain he already knew her last.

"I apologize for eavesdropping, but I realised earlier today that
after a few days on the ship I have not really interacted with many
people here.  Other than the CEO whom as I mentioned earlier I managed
to insult on day one.  Well my appologies for the interruption."
Anton said.

"No interruption at all," Dav said. "I'm only here two days myself,
and it's always a good time to make new friends. Who knows, I might
not be here anymore tomorrow," he added dramatically, taking another
drink. "Ayslin, you don't mind?"

"Not at all, the more the merrier."  Ayslin said.  "So, Dav, other
than the previously discussed, how are you settling in?"  Ayslin asked
once Anton was seated.

(Reply Maxon, Gesar, any)
(Posted by Patrick D.)

********

(Laatstekans Station - Rahma's Holodecks - Captain Justin Von Rache - Day 3 - 1823)
 
~How often and how many people ask themselves, "Is this where I thought I would be ten years ago?"~  Sky pondered to himself.  For he was still he.  He was still Sky Wolf.  It was the name he was born with, it was the name he was given by his parents.  It was the name he bore with pride when he graduated from Starfleet Academy, when he got his first assignment, when he was promoted to CEO, then 2O and even further.  He was captain now, but not the captain he wanted to be.  He's not even Captain Sky Wolf.  He is captain, Captain Justin Von Rache. 
 
History is not remembered, history is recorded.  And as a matter of record Justin Von Rache has a history.  The file isn't long, but it is indisputable that he was born, where he was born and when he was born.  Naturally it wasn't free.  Inserting someone into history is not an easy feat, nor cheap, but it can be done.  Even if one feels it should not have been necessary.  A fact so painful that on occasion it must be soothed with a large bottle and the time and drive to finish it.  It seems so long ago, the arrival of this necessity, and in truth could all have been skipped.  There were other choices.  They certainly were not as pleasant, but then incarceration never is. 
 
In retrospect, incarceration would have been the easier choice.  But not to try, not to act would have been cowardly.  Especially when someone hands you vengeance on a, not so silver plate.  What should a man do when he acts out of conscience until he has no conscience left?  What would drive such a man to continue?  There are still choices, inconsequential now but still choices.  Is it stubbornness that drives him to remain on this path to ultimate destruction?  Perhaps it is the notion that despite all he has done it was not all in the name of vengeance, but duty.   
 
And when there is no conscience left, when there is no hope left, where there is no sanity left.  There is one hope that putting aside the personal needs, it was all done in the name of duty.  Sky Wolf is no longer here.  Perhaps he is dead, hopefully he is in suspended animation.  But a single deed, a single deed could very well mean his death or life.
 
Justin stood in the holosuite.  He had ordered some sort of nature walk.  Hacking the system was simple, and he needed a private place to view the new data package.  Covering his tracks would be simple, no one will ever know he did anything other than take a nice hike up some hills.  The benefits of once being an engineer in Starfleet.
 
He had arrived on the station the day before and completed the deal quickly needing to meet with a contact.  He never knew who the contact was and made sure he was not observed retrieving the package. 
 
The deal went without any complications.  As usual he dealt through a middle man.  Some local smuggler who would fear his reputation and who could be easily dealt with should he try something.  Like trying to keep more than his fee at the end.  They don't always try something, but they always contemplate it.  So it is best to put the fear in them early.  The woman who wanted the data was rather attractive, but in the end she was just a customer.  Besides, there were easier ways to get that kind of entertainment.
 
He looked at his watch, it was 1823.  It took him 4 minutes to disconnect from the system and cover his tracks.  Justin walked out of the suite heading for the exit.
 
Perhaps it was shock at seeing such a familiar face in such an unlikely place.  Walking past him was Susan Rivers with a gentleman he never met being led to a holosuite by the Bolian he met at the counter.
 
"Hello Captain," he said as he quickly walked by and headed out the door. 
 
~Idiot!  Idiot!  Idiot! Wait, she did not react.  Perhaps she didn't hear me.  I hope she didn't hear me.... or recognize me.~
 
(Reply from Any)
(Posted by Oleg Kislyuk)

*********

(USS Boudicca - QV - ACSO Ensign Davris Maxon - Day 3 - 1823)

"ManyHorses doesn't strike me as the sharing sort, I hope he didn't think you were trying to move in on the captain."

Davris managed half a smile for the man at the next table. "I think she's probably out of my league."

"And if this is your going away party I'd love to say it was nice meeting you but I do not believe we have actually been introduced.  I'm Anton."  Anton extended his hand to Davris as he approached their table.

"Dav." He shook Anton's hand. "Hi. Good to meet you."

"Lieutenant," Anton nodded toward Ayslin. "Other than the big meeting during the last mission I don't believe we have been introduced either." Anton extended his arm again.

(Reply Rel)

"I apologize for eavesdropping, but I realised earlier today that after a few days on the ship I have not really interacted with many people here.  Other than the CEO whom as I mentioned earlier I managed to insult on day one.  Well my appologies for the interruption."  Anton said.

"No interruption at all," Dav said. "I'm only here two days myself, and it's always a good time to make new friends. Who knows, I might not be here anymore tomorrow," he added dramatically, taking another drink. "Ayslin, you don't mind?"

(Reply Rel, Gesar)
(Posted by Brian)

*********

(USS Boudicca - QV - ACSO Ensign Davris Maxon - Day 3 - 1824)

Once Ayslin, Dav and Anton were all introduced to one another, and Anton joined the two Trills, Ayslin turned to Dav.

"So, Dav, other than the previously discussed, how are you settling in?"

"Right, other than that. Well, until the unmentionable event, I was doing just fine. Everyone's been so welcoming, the quarters are comfortable. And the workload's light," he joked. "Of course, with leave, everyone must be thinking about home - it's been next to impossible to get a channel to my family on Trill. All the channels are booked up. I'm hoping to get an open spot some time in the wee hours of tonight."

(reply Rel or Gesar, iyw)

Dav turned to the engineer. "Anton, how long have you been aboard?"

(reply Anton)

"Where are you from?" Dav asked Anton.

(Reply Gesar, Rel, any)
(Posted by Brian)

*********

(USS Boudicca - QV - ACEO Ens (Sg.) Anton Gesar - Day 3 - 1825)

"So, Dav, other than the previously discussed, how are you settling in?"

"Right, other than that. Well, until the unmentionable event, I was doing just fine. Everyone's been so welcoming, the quarters are comfortable. And the workload's light," he joked. "Of course, with leave, everyone must be thinking about home - it's been next to impossible to get a channel to my family on Trill. All the channels are booked up. I'm hoping to get an open spot some time in the wee hours of tonight."
(reply Rel iyw)

Dav turned to the engineer. "Anton, how long have you been aboard?"

"About ten days now.  I got here in a middle of a mission and got thrown right into the madness as it were."
"Where are you from?" Dav asked Anton.
 
"Well, I'd like to say that I was from someplace interesting but alas I was born on Earth and spent pretty much most of my life there.  So far as I know, anyways."
 
(Reply Maxon, Rel, any)
(Posted by Oleg Kislyuk)

*********

(USS Boudicca - QV - ACSO Ensign Davris Maxon - Day 3 - 1826)

"Where are you from?" Dav asked Anton.

"Well, I'd like to say that I was from someplace interesting but alas I was born on Earth and spent pretty much most of my life there.  So far as I know, anyways."

"So far as you know...?" Dav thought that was an intriguing comment. But he let it go for the moment, if Anton didn't want to be more forthcoming. "I don't know," Dav said. "I thought Earth was very interesting when I was there. More interesting than Trill. But I guess it's different when you live somewhere. Not like there was much of Trill left for me to see by the time I left, and you can only look at one color sky for so long before you want to see another world's. When the weather was nice on Earth - wow, that was a blue sky. When we had leave from the Academy, I traveled to China, Wales, Kentucky... lots of places. I know it's cliched for a cadet to say, but I guess my favorite was San Francisco. Beautiful city. I would definitely go back. But I guess in our line of work, there's too much to be seen new before we get around to revisiting the old. The grand adventure," he said with a waving gesture toward the starview in the windows.

Dav took another sip of his oversized drink, then sat back from it. "Whew! Is this thing making me philosophical?"

(Reply Gesar, Rel, any)
(Posted by Brian Barrett)

********

(Laatstekans Station - Rahma's Holodecks - CO, Captain Susan Rivers and CCOUNS/CDR,Jerome 'Hoss' ManyHorses - Day 3 - 1826)

They walked in to a small area with just enough room for a counter and
a couple of benches.  Jerome asked Susan if she would mind waiting a
couple of minutes.

Behind the counter stood a middle-aged Bolian male who smiled a
welcome at Jerome as he approached.

"What can I do for you, Sir."  He asked, rubbing his hands together as
if anticipating payment.

"Do you have one free?"  Jerome asked and was answered with an eager
nod. "What programs do you have?"  Jerome asked.

The Bolian handed him a PADD.  "Just type in the category and it will
bring up the appropriate ones, then you can ask for sub-categories."
He explained.

With a nod, Jerome began to text in his requirements, showed the
result to the Bolian and made a few more quiet inquiries.  Once
everything was in order as he wanted it he pressed his thumb to the
bill authorizing payment and then smiling, pleased with the outcome,
he walked over to where Susan was just a few feet away while the
Bolian began feeding commands into his computer terminal behind the
counter.

"It's all set!"  He said, taking her hand and tucking it under his
arm, he surely hoped she'd like what he'd come up with.  "Come this
way if you please."

The Bolian lifted the end of his counter and the two walked through
and down a corridor with three sets of doors one either side, and one
door at the very end.  Each door was numbered with 1, 3, 5 on the left
and 2, 4, 6 on the right.  Number 7 was at the end and that was the
one Jerome had rented.

As they reached the door it slid open to reveal the program was
already in progress, just as Jerome had requested.  He released
Susan's hand so she could precede him through the door, for unlike the
ones in the ship, these holodecks only had one doorway.  He followed
her inside and the door slid shut behind him, adapting like a
chameleon to the surroundings.

They found themselves standing on a veranda overlooking a vista.  The
sun was just beginning to set casting a myriad of golds, reds and
oranges across the sky.  Before them on the large veranda was a table
already set for a three course meal,  with two chairs.  Standing
beside the table was a waiter complete with tails and bow tie who
bowed to them courteously.

When they got to the table, Jerome pulled out the chair for Susan and
pushed it in as she sat down, then sat down opposite her.  The waiter
handed them each a menu.

Susan looked at the menu and smiled broadly. "You, sir, are a genius,"
she said. "This place is perfect!"

He bowed his head, "thank you Ma'am, I'm glad you approve!"

The Waiter handed Jerome a wine list and once Jerome knew what Susan
wanted to eat, he pointed to his choice.

"Looks fine to me," Susan approved. Jerome's choice would go well with
the grilled fish she had ordered.

"Music!"  Jerome demanded, and a small quartet appeared on a low stage
in one corner of the veranda, a saxophone, guitar, keyboard and drums.
They began to play a sultry melody with the saxophone predominant.
"Would you care to dance?"  He asked eagerly.

"I'd be delighted," Susan answered. It seemed an age since she'd done
anything like this. In fact, it *was* an age. Months if not years.
This was turning out to be a most enjoyable evening.

Rising, Jerome walked around to Susan and pulled her chair out for her and
then taking her by the hand as she stood up, led her to an area in front of
the quartet where they could dance.  He circled her waist with the other hand,
raised the hand he was already holding in his and began to waltz slowly with
her.  How wonderful it felt to be holding her in this fashion, so close that he
could smell the scent of her and feel her warmth as they moved to the music.
One melody following another, all of them selected for slow, intimate dancing.

Before they knew it their meal was being wheeled to the table by the Waiter
and it smelled marvellous.

They finished their dance and walked back to the table where the Waiter had
poured a fine white Chardonnay to go with the fish dishes they both had
chosen, Jerome having chosen a platter of assorted sea foods along with some
Arctic Char, one of his favourite fish dishes.  He assisted Susan to
sit again and took his own seat.  The Waiter lifted the silver covers from each 
plate and Jerome spoke a prayer of thanks for the meal to the Great Manito 
before he began eating.

The food was very good as was the wine, and for a stretch of several minutes
they enjoyed it without speaking as the quartet continued to play in the
background.

As they ate the sun slipped down beneath the horizon in a magnificent display
of vivid colours before the purple-blue of night claimed the skies. Around them
flickering in the darkness, fireflies began their lazy dance.

Susan finished eating and took her wine glass in hand and watched the fireflies. 
"Amazing," she said, "What they can do in a holosuite with the right instructions. 
So tell me, Jerome, what brought you to Starfleet?"

"Spiritually it was a desire to help others outside of my reserve, realistically it was 
a compulsion to venture forth among the stars and see all that I could before I 
grew too old and had to settle down."

He sipped at the wine in his glass and savoured the flavour on his tongue, warming 
it in his mouth before swallowing.

"What about you?  What were your reasons?"  He asked, giving the
Waiter a nod to bring out the dessert and cheese and crackers platter
while he refilled both their glasses.

Susan smiled wryly. "Far less altruistic than yours," she said. "My
family is a Maquis one. My father was a former Starfleet officer, my
mother a Bajoran. I was born on one of their worlds, and at the age of
5 sent to live with my father's family on Earth because of the war
between the Cardassians and the Maquis. My parents thought it would be
safer and that I'd be happier. Happier," she snorted. "I never fitted
in on Earth, I was always the Maquis brat. And when I was 11 and the
war was over, they still didn't bring me home except for rare
holidays. And when I did go home I didn't fit in there any more
either. I was the odd one out no matter where I lived."

She sipped her wine in silence for a moment before continuing. "So, I
threw myself into my studies. I took up archaeology partly to please
my aunt and partly because it really does interest me. But at bottom I
knew that I didn't want to spend the rest of my life studying dead
civilisations. I returned home only to find that I still didn't fit in
there, not really. My father offered me a place on his ship but I
refused. I didn't want a place that was made for me, whether by my
aunt or by my father. I wanted my own place, one that I made myself.
So, I chose Starfleet because there it didn't seem to matter who you
were or what your background was, there are so many different people
in Starfleet that you don't stand out as being different yourself."

"Of course there was a huge row in the family. We didn't speak for
years, literally. It was only when it came to another war with the
Cardassians and we needed help from the Maquis that I made things up
with my father. Fortunately as it turned out, since he died in the
Battle for Bajor. It was only recently that I found out from someone
else that he hadn't turned his back on me all those years ago when I
joined the Academy. He'd followed my career there and even came to my
graduation, although I didn't know that."

She shrugged. "So there you have it. I guess you could say I joined
Starfleet as an act of rebellion. It wouldn't be that far wrong."

Jerome laughed, "And you have remained a rebel ever since, if the
rumours I have heard about you are true, apisis mahikan. You may be a
little wolf but your teeth are strong and sharp regardless and you
know when it is right to bite."

The waiter returned with the dessert, something he had acquired a
taste for when visiting a PowWow down in the southern regions of
America.  Shoo-fly pie with a hearty dollop of cream on top, and a
variety of cheeses and crackers.

Susan looked at the display with approval before selecting some blue
cheese that reminded her of a Bajoran speciality her mother had liked,
and some plain crackers and a few grapes. She then smiled at Jerome.

"Oh I know how to bite all right. And I will defend my pack to the
death if I have to. But it would be nice not to have to for a while.
The Civil War was more than enough for one lifetime, don't you think?
I'm not sure why we've been stationed out here but if it means that we
are not on the front line that is enough for me."

Naturally Jerome chose the shoo-fly pie.  He sat, fork poised ready for
attack and nodded at Susan.

"It wasn't what I had in mind - the Civil War I mean."  Then he chuckled,
"I doubt anyone did really but when I signed up it was the helping others
no matter what race or creed, broadening my horizons and meeting
new species that I was interested in, far too many of my tribe live and die
on the reservation never going anywhere, but I couldn't just resign and
turn my back when things didn't go as I'd planned.  It is true if nobody
objects to injustice then evil will prevail.  I am grateful that we did stand
up for what was right."

He took a stab at the pie making sure a dollop of cream was on it and ate.
"This is really good, you should try it."  He suggested.

Susan shook her head. "No thanks, the cheese is fine for me," she
answered. "I do have a sweet tooth but at the end of a meal like this
I like something savoury." She smiled and added, "But Shun and Loren
would be happy with.... what is that called?"

"Shoo-fly pie!"  He informed her, "I'll have the waiter doggy-bag it to
take home for them."

The waiter who was within hearing distance waiting to see if they
wanted anything else, nodded and smiled then disappeared from sight
to return with a box in which he placed the leftover pie and cream,
leaving it on the table for Jerome who dismissed him with thanks for
his service.

Off in the distance, the mournful moon-song of a wolf could be heard,
soon joined by a chorus of replies.  Jerome smiled, remembering the
nights he would lie awake in his bed on the reservation, listening to the
calls of the wild wolves.  Whenever he heard it he would feel homesick.

"A beautiful sound don't you think? It stirs the blood and never fails to
reminds me of home."

They finished their meal and Jerome poured the last of the wine into
their glasses.  When the wine was gone he invited Susan to dance
more.

"Just one then," she said. "I really should be getting back soon. It
has been a wonderful evening though. Thank you! Its not often I get
away from everything."

"It was indeed a pleasure."  Jerome replied sincerely as they rose and
danced together once more, another waltz.

Jerome felt as if he was dancing on a cloud he was so happy to be with
her and wishing that the evening could go on forever, but alas all good
things had to end some time.

"Next time," Susan said, unconsciously assuming there would be a next
time, "It'll be my treat. OK?"

Looking down at her as they danced close together, Jerome had the
strongest urge to kiss her, but he really didn't want to be too forward no
matter how he longed to feel her warm lips beneath his.  He didn't want
to jeopardize this burgeoning relationship, so instead he smiled warmly,
just grateful that she thought there would be a 'next time'.

"You've got a deal."  He said.

The melody came to an end, Jerome reluctantly eased away from her and
gently took her by the elbow, heading to the table to pick up the pie.

"Computer show exit."  He ordered, not wanting the last thing they
remembered about this special evening to be the black and yellow walls of
a holodeck.

The door appeared and they walked out.

(Reply any)
(Posted by Sal  and Liz)

*********











(USS Boudicca - QV - ACEO Ens (Sg.) Anton Gesar - 1827)

"I don't know," Dav said. "I thought Earth was very interesting when I was there. More interesting than Trill. But I guess it's different when you live somewhere. Not like there was much of Trill left for me to see by the time I left, and you can only look at one color sky for so long before you want to see another world's. When the weather was nice on Earth - wow, that was a blue sky. When we had leave from the Academy, I traveled to China, Wales, Kentucky... lots of places. I know it's cliched for a cadet to say, but I guess my favorite was San Francisco. Beautiful city. I would definitely go back. But I guess in our line of work, there's too much to be seen new before we get around to revisiting the old. The grand adventure," he said with a waving gesture toward the star view in the windows.
Dav took another sip of his over sized drink, then sat back from it. "Whew! Is this thing making me philosophical?"
 
"A good buzz always makes people philosophical, no matter what your philosophy may be.  For example, my philosophy is to sit back and relax when enjoying a drink.  Yours seems to be to reminisce while discussing the future at the same time.  Other's have a philosophy of getting drunk and punching people.  I've met a few of those," Anton noded with a smile as he looked at his companions.  "So long as you choose to practice the more peaceful sort of philosophy, you are welcome to drink with me anytime.  Cheers." Anton raised his glass.

(Reply Maxon, Rel, any)
(Posted by Brian Barrett)

*********

(USS Boudicca - QV - ACSO Ensign Davris Maxon - 1829)

"Other's have a philosophy of getting drunk and punching people.  I've met a few of those," Anton noded with a smile as he looked at his companions.  "So long as you choose to practice the more peaceful sort of philosophy, you are welcome to drink with me anytime.  Cheers." Anton raised his glass.

"Cheers." Dav had learned the salute on Earth, one of several he'd picked up in his four years there. He tried raising his enormous glass, but it seemed too unwieldy. He left off trying with a friendly nod to the others. 

"I think we're on track to a good peaceful evening," Dav agreed, then turned to Ayslin with a grin. "Unless Ayslin is one of those punching types," he said to his fellow Trill.

(reply Rel iyw)

Dav was already beginning to feel the initial embarrassment of his run in with Captain Rivers and Commander Manyhorses wearing off, just talking with Ayslin and Anton for a few minutes. ~I'm glad to find so many friendly colleagues here.~ Maybe it was his bowl of synthehol, but Dav had a sense things were going to be just fine.

(Reply Rel, Gesar if you want)
(Posted by Brian Barrett)

**********

(USS Boudicca – QV – CEO Lorimar – 1830)

Strictly following Doctor Jahlen’s orders, Lorimar had made certain to limit his daily activity to ‘light’ duty. There was never any shortage of administrative work to do, so it was relatively easy to stay busy. It was not, however, his idea of an ideal day.

Thus, he found himself wandering into QV to have some dinner, and hopefully some pleasant company. The sweeping view out the observation ports always caught his eye, and no less so despite the fact they were docked at the station rather than underway. He noted his friend Ayslin Rel at a table along with Anton Gesar and an officer he didn’t recognize.

Feeling unusually social, Bob made his way over to their table, timing his arrival to coincide with a lull in conversation.

“Evenin’ folks… hope ah’m nae interrupting?” he ventured quietly.

(Reply Any)

He turned to face the very large officer whom he didn’t yet know.

~A Trill… ah’d surmise from the spots. Never seen such a large host before though! A new friend for Ayslin, no doubt…~

Extending his hand, he smiled and introduced himself. “Ah’m afraid ah’ve not yet had the pleasure. Bob Lorimar, Chief Engineer.”

(Reply Maxon, Any)
(Posted by Russ)

***********

(USS Boudicca - QV - SPCs Bar Manager Arania & CIV Cy Tudor - 1831)

Arania made a quiet noise that Cy had come to know meant she was delighted about something, whatever it was he had no clue until he looked in the same direction she was looking with a big smile on her face that briefly lit her sad eyes.

He chuckled and nodded to himself, ~ of course, Bob Lorimar!  She's pleased to see he's okay. ~

Cy had heard all about the painstick incident from his best friend Denise and the of course the grapevine.

It looked as if Lorimar would head towards the bar but he looked around and made his way towards a table where three other officers were drinking and conversing.  As Cy started out to go over and find out what Bob wanted, Arania halted him with a hand on his forearm.

"I will go."  She told him and bustled out from behind the bar arriving just as Lorimar was introducing himself to the others.

Reaching in to one of her deep pockets, Arania brought out a PADD to take orders and waited for the introductions to be completed before she asked if there was anything they wanted.

(Reply Any)

With a light touch that skimmed over the keys, Arania texted in the codes for the order which went directly to the kitchen, and then she turned a beaming smile on her friend Bob and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

"Is so good to see you are not harmed badly, Bob.  Worried I was, about you for you did not look healthful last night."

(reply Lorimar, any)
(Posted by Sal)

********

(USS Boudicca - QV - aCSO Lieutenant (jg) Ayslin Rel - 1830)

"I think we're on track to a good peaceful evening," Dav agreed, then
turned to Ayslin with a grin. "Unless Ayslin is one of those punching
types," he said to his fellow Trill.

Ayslin was enjoying sitting and listening to the two ensigns talk, but
it was time for her to speak up.  "Nope, I'm more likely to watch from
the back of the crowd while I finish my drink.  I leave it to others
to resort to violence."

They spoke only briefly, before Bob Lorimar approached the table and
asked to join.

"Evenin’ folks… hope ah’m nae interrupting?"

"Good evening!" Dav said.  Lorimar turned toward Dav and extended his
hand with a smile.

"Ah’m afraid ah’ve not yet had the pleasure. Bob Lorimar, Chief
Engineer."

"Ch..Chief--" Dav stuttered, then pulled himself together.  "Good
evening, sir. It's good to meet you. I'm Ensign Maxon, I've just come
aboard. I'm assigned to Lt. Rel in Science," Dav said.

"He doesn't want to admit it, but he's also the new Second Officer,"
Ayslin said with a grin to Dav before turning back to Bob with a
smile.  "Pull up a chair, Bob, or do I have to go back to calling you
sir now that your senior management?"  She said with a wink.

(Reply Lorimar iyw)

"Evenin' Chief.  Glad to see you are doing better.  You are welcome to
join us, we were just discussing first impressions."  Anton said with
a smile.

Just then, someone came from behind the bar, bustling over to them.
She asked if there was anything they want.

Ayslin smiled at Arania.  "If it's not too much trouble, a nice big hot 
fudge sunday, but with marshmallow sauce as well.  And a nice glass of 
cold milk."  Ayslin said.

"I'm not very hungry, but some desert sounds great.  Surprise me.
Something sweet and creamy, with...raspberries."

Dav ordered and after a comment to Lorimar the woman went on her 
merry way.

(Reply Lorimar, Maxon, Arania, Gesar)
(Posted by Patrick D.)

********

USS Boudicca – QV – ACSO Ensign Davris Maxon – 1833)

"Evenin’ folks… hope ah’m nae interrupting?"

Dav turned to see who was joining them. He knew the accent was from Earth. Few planets had regional accents as varied and distinct as those on Earth, where linguists dreamed of studying. Joining Starfleet had given Dav the opportunity to hear many of Earth's offerings first hand. This one was particularly nice.

"Good evening!" Dav said recklessly, knowing his eyes had begun to glass over from the synthehol, not thinking fast enough that this was probably someone Ayslin and Anton already knew.  The newcomer turned to him and extended his hand with a smile.

"Ah’m afraid ah’ve not yet had the pleasure. Bob Lorimar, Chief Engineer."

"Ch..Chief--" Dav stuttered, then pulled himself together. ~You'd think I could act more like an officer. How many superiors am I going to act like a fool in front of on my first week here?~ "Good evening, sir. It's good to meet you. I'm Ensign Maxon, I've just come aboard. I'm assigned to Lt. Rel in Science," Dav said, quickly reverting to calling Ayslin by her title. 

(reply Lorimar, any)

Just then, someone Dav did not know came from behind the bar, bustling over to them. She asked if there was anything they wanted.

(reply any)

Dav waited while the others ordered, then asked for tark bread with ramasa. It was good to share. He noted that he would have to speak with the bar manager later - she seemed very unique, and he still hadn't found out what the Q.V. stood for.

With a light touch that skimmed over the keys, Arania texted in the codes for the order which went directly to the kitchen, and then she turned a beaming smile on her friend Bob and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

"Is so good to see you are not harmed badly, Bob. Worried I was, about you for you did not look healthful last night."

This sounded like a personal conversation, so Dav turned away politely. ~I don't know why I'm acting like such a bundle of nerves around everyone I meet, but it could probably stop any time now. At least I'm making friends!~

(reply Lorimar, Rel, Gesar, Arania, any)
(Posted by Brian)

*********

(USS Boudicca – QV – ACEO Ens (Sg.) Anton Gesar – 1834)

"Evenin’ folks… hope ah’m nae interrupting?"

"Good evening!" Dav said.  Lorimar turned toward Dav and extended his hand with a smile.

"Ah’m afraid ah’ve not yet had the pleasure. Bob Lorimar, Chief Engineer."
"Ch..Chief--" Dav stuttered, then pulled himself together.  "Good evening, sir. It's good to meet you. I'm Ensign Maxon, I've just come aboard. I'm assigned to Lt. Rel in Science," Dav said.
 
(reply Lorimar, Rel)
 
"Evenin' Chief.  Glad to see you are doing better.  You are welcome to join us, we were just discussing first impressions."  Anton said with a smile

Just then, someone came from behind the bar, bustling over to them. She asked if there was anything they wanted.
(reply any)
 
"I'm not very hungry, but some desert sounds great.  Surprise me.  Something sweet and creamy, with...raspberries."

Dav ordered and after a comment to Lorimar the woman went on her mary way.

(reply Lorimar, Rel, Maxon, Arania, any)
(Posted by Oleg Kislyuk)

********

(USS Boudicca – QV – CEO Lorimar – 1835) 
 
"Ch..Chief--" Dav stuttered, then pulled himself together.  "Good evening, sir. 
It's good to meet you. I'm Ensign Maxon, I've just come aboard. I'm assigned to Lt. Rel in Science," Dav said. 
 
"He doesn't want to admit it, but he's also the new Second Officer," Ayslin said 
with a grin to Dav before turning back to Bob with a smile.  "Pull up a chair, 
Bob, or do I have to go back to calling you sir now that your senior 
management?"  She said with a wink. 
 
Bob gave Maxon’s hand a firm shake, then let his arm fall back by his side. He smiled at the young ensign. “Welcome aboard… yer in guid hands with Lieutenant Rel lad.” 
 
He nodded at Gesar and Rel and was about to take a seat when Arania approached. 
 
She planted a light kiss on his cheek, and he surprised himself by giving her an affectionate hug in return. “Ah’m pleased that ah was not harmed badly mahself,” he replied in answer to her voiced concern. He gave her arm a gentle squeeze and then took a half step toward the empty seat at the table. He waited as the others ordered, then addressed Arania. “Not tae spoil the theme, but ah’ve not eaten yet. Could ah trouble ye for a steak sandwich with mushrooms, and a coffee?” 
 
(Reply Arania iyw) 
 
He then took his seat, and smiled at Ayslin Rel. “Ah thought that ‘Second 
Officer’ thing was a secret?” he said with a chuckle. “Bob is fine, of course!” 
He lowered his voice to a theatrical whisper. “Unless of course someone is going to report me tae the Captain for being informal?” 
 
(Reply Rel iyw) 
 
He then turned his attention to his new engineering officer. “Mister Gesar… or 
may ah call ye Anton? What’s this about first impressions?” 
 
(Reply Rel, Gesar, Maxon, Arania iyw, Any) 
(Posted by Russ)

********

(USS Boudicca - Corridor outside CO's Quarters -  CCOUNS/CDR Jerome 'Hoss' ManyHorses - Day 3 - 2022)

Being an old fashioned kind of guy, Jerome ManyHorses had escorted
Susan back to her quarters after their wonderful time together wining,
dining and dancing in a romantic setting on one of Rahma's holodecks;
he'd reluctantly taken his leave of her, wishing that the evening had
gone slower so he could have enjoyed her company longer.  He had
lifted her hand to press his lips too and watched as her quarters door
had opened to admit her and closed behind her, then he had started the
trek back to his own quarters, suddenly remembering something that had
occurred earlier that had puzzled him, now that his mind wasn't filled
with Susan's presence.

He had completely forgotten about the stranger they had passed on the
way to the holodeck who had greeted Susan familiarly with the words,
"Hello Captain," as if he knew her and then had increased his pace as
he had walked past Jerome almost as if he was suddenly in a hurry to
leave, and by doing so he had raised the commander's curiosity,
especially as Susan had not replied to the greeting.

At the time he had wondered why Susan had not acknowledged the man and
why the man hadn't stopped to talk more as most people would have,
however  he chalked it up to it being possible that the stranger had
mistaken Susan for somebody else and realizing his error had been so
embarrassed that he'd rushed away.  Then Jerome had completely
forgotten about him in the enjoyment of his time with Susan.

But now.... Jerome's curiosity was refreshed.  He had seen the man's
face and was good at estimating height and weight...

~ Perhaps I can find out who he is. ~  He thought, stopping in his
tracks and heading for his office rather than his quarters.

He had just the program on his computer that might help him discover
if the stranger really knew Susan, thanks to his brother the detective
who had supplied him with it, more for Jerome's amusement than
anything else.  Now it would come in handy for a good reason.

~ And if he did know her, why had he hurried away?  Unless he didn't
want Susan to recognize *him*. ~

(Reply Any)
(Posted by Sal)

********

(USS Boudicca - CCOUNS Office -  CCOUNS/CDR Jerome 'Hoss' ManyHorses - Day 3 - 2042)

The Counseling Department had been closed and dark when he'd arrived, with the ship's crew being on R & R for the most part, he had given his Yeoman/receptionist most of the time off, asking that she come in to do a little work for a couple of hours every two days, because even with no appointments, there was always some paperwork that needed doing.

Now he sat in his office with the only light on being a desk lamp he'd brought with him when he first came aboard.  Jerome liked the dark, he was comfortable surrounded by it and would have preferred not to have the small beacon of light, but it was necessary to do his work.

He quickly brought up the program that his brother had given him and began picking out the features of the stranger he'd seen in Rahma's shop until a composite likeness was developed, he entered it together with the estimated height and weight of the man and requested the program search Starfleet records first; it seemed the logical thing to do seeing as the stranger had known that Susan was a captain.

While the computer was searching, he got up to get a drink from his replicator and as he turned back to his desk another thought occurred to him.  He sat down and added a direction to the program asking it to also show a computer generated picture of the stranger minus the beard, and should the first search not be conclusive, a secondary search with the new picture was to be done.

Drinking his iced white tea with lemon and honey, he scrutinized both pictures.  Just as he had thought, it was nobody he'd ever seen before.

Several minutes later, the computer was still busy searching, after all the Universe was a big place populated by trillions so Jerome transferred the pictures to a PADD;  he would see what had developed in the morning.  Tossing the glass into the recycler, he turned off the solitary lamp and left the office to head back to the station.

(Reply Any, but none necessary)
(Posted by Sal) 



==================
==================
Mission: Going Dutch
Day 4
Stardate: 2408.12.06
==================
==================


(USS Boudicca, Krolar Family Quarters Quarters - Master Chief Laurence
Krolar - 0730)

Laurence had been awoken by the sounds of happy children playing in
Olivia's room, and not long there after parents came by, one by one,
to pick up their children and get them ready for School.  Ashley had
breakfast with Laurence and Olivia and walked Olivia to school with
him as well.  She'd left him standing outside the school with a kiss
on the cheek a brilliant smile, and an appointment for lunch in his
Quarters.

He watched her walk away then scrubbed his face with his hands as he
turned and headed back to his quarters.

Now he sat on his couch looking at a picture of Abby and himself on
their honeymoon.  They looked so happy, hell, they looked young.
Laurence's reflection in the glass of the frame showed a face that had
seen too much sorrow and grief for a span of 13 years.  His hair was
graying and his eyes looked so tired compared to the picture.

"God, Abby, I miss you," Laurence said quietly, a couple of tears
falling on the picture.  He looked at that picture for nearly an hour,
and at that moment if someone had said they could give him Abby back,
he would have paid any price.

Eventually he put the picture back in it's place on his desk and
heaved a sigh.  He knew there would always be a piece of him missing,
a piece that hurt from that absence of Abby, but he also knew he
needed to let her go, to move forward.

~~Maybe Ashley is part of that,~~ he thought turning to look out the
window at the stars.  ~~Maybe.~~

(Reply None needed)
(Posted by Patrick D.)


===================
===================
Mission: Going Dutch 
Day 6
Stardate: 2408.12.08
===================
===================

(USS Boudicca – Shuttle Maintenance – CEO Lorimar – 0917)

Lorimar checked the last item on his PADD for the second time. He was doing an extended pre-flight check of the new runabout, which was required by both regulations and common sense. 

He turned the chair at the Engineering Console near the aft bulkhead of the cockpit toward the bow, casting a slow and appreciative glance at the beautiful work done by the Boudicca’s engineers. 

~Truly a beautiful wee ship,~ he thought with a smile. ~And a useful one she will be… at least ah hope so.~

All preparations were now complete, save the most important one: Crew selection for the test flight. Even as he had been assisting and supervising the loading of provisions and sundries for the test flight, he had been giving that very matter due consideration.

“Computer, locate Captain Rivers.”

[Captain Rivers is in her Ready Room.]

PADD in hand, he exited the shuttle heading for the Captain’s Ready Room.


(Posted by Russ)

********

(USS Boudicca – Ready Room – CEO Lorimar – 0925)

Bob knew the Captain was either alone, did not mind being disturbed, or some combination of the two. The door slid open at his approach, according to the modification made at the Captain’s own request when she had come aboard to assume command. Had she been occupied, the door would have remained shut and he would have needed to ring for admission.

Lorimar came to attention and addressed his CO in the correct and formal fashion. “Good morning Captain, may ah hae a moment of your time?”

(Reply Rivers)

He handed her the PADD which contained the flight plan, navigational waypoints, load out manifest and assorted pertinent information, along with requests for flight crew. In addition, it outlined the various objectives he hoped could be met on the test flight, most of which were actual performance evaluations and systems analysis of the shuttle. Once the empirical data was collected, he could compare it to the simulation results, and make whatever adjustments and improvements were needed.

“Ah’ll be acting as engineer and mission commander of course.” He gestured to the PADD he had handed her. “That should be fairly self explanatory, Captain, ah believe its fairly complete as well. Ah have a few comments by way of crew selection, if ah may?”

(Reply Rivers iyw)

He nodded and pressed on. “As ye know, we’ll need a pilot. Ah’m fully qualified on the design – if ah werenae that would be a rather sad commentary, ah should think – and so are a couple of the others, but a dedicated pilot would be better, in my judgment, both for constructive and detailed feedback, and also from a purely operational standpoint. Ensign Selek has been working with me in modeling and simming the control and flight software, so ah’d like him if ye have nae objection.”

(Reply Rivers iyw)

“Ah’d appreciate it if ye think Lieutenant Rel can be spared. Her ratings on the new sensor equipment are top notch, and she strikes me as verra level headed and analytical… tae say nothing of being patient. Patience will likely be key on a sixteen hour flight, as ah imagine we will be busy but bored for a great deal of that time.” 

He smiled at the Captain and went on. “As ye know, any flight test of this duration requires a medical officer, by both regulation and common sense. They’ll need tae monitor the environmental systems, and well being of the crew of course. Ah rather thought Mister Candle would fill that spot nicely. Ah ken that he is very junior, but according tae his service jacket he had previous experience in quite a few fields, and space time aplenty. Might be just the sort of lad tae take along on this trip.”

He briefly considered his next statement before he made it. Not being one to hedge or hold back, he was simply organizing his thoughts. In his experience the Captain appreciated directness, and had never been anything but supportive of her officers. He thought she might like the last part.

“Captain, for our fifth and final member, ah’d like tae have Yeoman Shadow wie us. Ah’ve been made tae understand that ye wish tae broaden her experience a bit. Personally, ah’ve found her tae be a very capable member of the crew, if a bit lacking in self assurance. Perhaps a wee jaunt off the ship might give her a bit of experience and boost in confidence. What dae ye think Captain?”

(Reply Rivers, Any, Room for more)
(Posted by Russ)

**********

(USS Boudicca – Main Engineering – CEO Lorimar – 0944)

Bob was pleased and hardly surprised by the nearly instant response from Ensign Selek.

~Vulcan efficiency is legendary for guid reason indeed!~

After his brief and totally businesslike reply, the next voice was that of Shadow.

=^=Me, sir? Skilled?=^=

He couldn’t help but smile at the hint of hesitation in her voice. He recognized something of himself in the not at all distant past. As he thought of that, his smile broadened even more. “Yeoman Shadow, the skills we all have are uniquely our own. They often hae little or nothing to do with the color of your uniform or the pips on your collar. We will be much stronger wie you along for the flight. Hae ye any other questions?”

(Reply Shadow iyw, Rel, Candle, Any, Room for more)
(posted by Russ)

**********

(USS Boudicca - QV - aCSO Lieutenant (jg) Ayslin  Rel - 1819)

"Good evening, Lieutenant," he said a little less chipper than he had yesterday.

"Evening, Davris, and please, Ayslin while we're in here."  She said
with a smile, getting the feeling he needed to see a smiling face.
"Care to join me?"

Dav was in thought for a moment. "Hang on a minute," he said, not
sitting down, aiming himself toward the bar. "Can I get you anything?"

"A Gondolian sunset," naming a sweet drink she was quite fond of."
She said with a nod as she picked at her food.

"Okay." Dav walked steadily to the bar and placed an order, which
arrived quickly. Then he returned with it to the table.

He placed his glass on the table, which was really more like a bowl,
not a very small bowl, with a sort of stem and base that were really
more for show. Various fruit wedges and umbrella-like decorations
appeared around the rim, circling the sparkling blue contents of the
vessel. A wide straw emerged from the vegetation on one side.

Before Ayslin could ask what it was, Dav guessed her question and
supplied the answer. "It's large."

"Very, are you celebrating or forgetting?" Ayslin asked, raising a
thin eyebrow at the question.

"I think I've made a very big mistake," Dav said, taking a big gulp of
his drink. "Have you ever just wanted to erase the last hour of your
life?"

"How do you want the list ordered, by date or severity?" Aysin asked
with a chuckle.  "I'm pretty sure we've all got things we'd like to
have another chance at.  Mind if I ask exactly what you'd like to
erase in the last hour or would you like to let the alcohol kick in a
little first," she said with a friendly, if mischievous, grin, leaning
her petite frame back in her chair, daintily sipping her drink.

(Reply Maxon, any)
(Posted by Patrick D.)

********

(USS Boudicca – Ready Room – CO, Captain Susan Rivers - Day 6 – 0926)

Susan looked up from the PADD she was reading as the door to her Ready Room opened and Bob walked in. He came to attention and addressed her formally, wishing her good morning and asking for a moment of her time.

"Of course, Bob. What can I do for you?"

He handed her a PADD he was carrying and she took it and read through it carefully, then looked up and smiled. "So you're ready to test the prototype," she said. "Good timing, we'll be here a few days yet, that should give you time to carry out your test run."

“Ah’ll be acting as engineer and mission commander of course. That should be fairly self explanatory, Captain, ah believe its fairly complete as well. Ah have a few comments by way of crew selection, if ah may?”

Susan inclined her head. "By all means. This is your project, Bob."

He nodded. “As ye know, we’ll need a pilot. Ah’m fully qualified on the design – if ah werenae that would be a rather sad commentary, ah should think – and so are a couple of the others, but a dedicated pilot would be better, in my judgment, both for constructive and detailed feedback, and also from a purely operational standpoint. Ensign Selek has been working with me in modeling and simming the control and flight software, so ah’d like him if ye have nae objection.”

"Selek seems like a good choice. Who else?"

“Ah’d appreciate it if ye think Lieutenant Rel can be spared. Her ratings on the new sensor equipment are top notch, and she strikes me as verra level headed and analytical… tae say nothing of being patient. Patience will likely be key on a sixteen hour flight, as ah imagine we will be busy but bored for a great deal of that time.”

He smiled. “As ye know, any flight test of this duration requires a medical officer, by both regulation and common sense. They’ll need tae monitor the environmental systems, and well being of the crew of course. Ah rather thought Mister Candle would fill that spot nicely. Ah ken that he is very junior, but according tae his service jacket he had previous experience in quite a few fields, and space time aplenty. Might be just the sort of lad tae take along on this trip.”

There was a slight pause, of the kind she was used to from Bob when he was marshalling his thoughts.

“Captain, for our fifth and final member, ah’d like tae have Yeoman Shadow wie us. Ah’ve been made tae understand that ye wish tae broaden her experience a bit. Personally, ah’ve found her tae be a very capable member of the crew, if a bit lacking in self assurance. Perhaps a wee jaunt off the ship might give her a bit of experience and boost in confidence. What dae ye think Captain?”

Susan smiled broadly. "I think that's an excellent idea, Bob. Get your team together and leave when ready. I only wish I was coming along. I look forward to seeing the results."

(Reply Bob, any)
(Posted by Liz)

*********

(USS Boudicca – Ready Room – CEO Lorimar – 0930)

He smiled at the Captain, pleased that she had accepted his selections. He chuckled lightly at her response. “Captain ye are more than welcome to come along… but somehow ah think Commander ‘cha Nooras might not be thrilled with the prospect.”

(Reply Rivers iyw)

“Mah intention is tae launch at 0700 tomorrow, if nothing changes between now and then. That should give the rest time tae finish whatever they might be working on. If there’s nothing further, Captain?”

(Reply Rivers iyw)

He came to attention briefly, and then headed for the door.

(reply Rivers iyw)
(posted by Russ)

*********
(USS Boudicca – Main Engineering – CEO Lorimar – 0940)

Bob had returned to engineering to finish the briefing file for the test flight. Essentially, it was the same as the Captain had been given, minus the personnel selections. In short, it contained the navigational information and test objectives for the flight, along with the baseline simulation results, in order that each member would have something with which to compare their actual results. Satisfied, he ordered the ship’s computer to transmit a copy to each of the designated crew. He followed that up immediately with a communication to them.

“Lorimar to Lieutenant Rel, Ensigns Candle and Selek, and Yeoman Shadow. Ye should all have just received a data packet from me. It’s a mission briefing; your skilled presences are respectfully requested on a test flight of the new runabout. We’ll be launching at 0700 tomorrow. If any of ye have any questions, comments, or issues feel free tae contact me, otherwise we will brief in the main shuttlebay at 0645.”

(Reply Rel, Candle, Shadow, Any)
(Posted by Russ)

*********

(USS Boudicca – Operations Office – NPC Ensign Selek – 0942)

When Selek received first the data packet, then almost immediately the follow-on voice message, his only outward reaction was the slight lift of one eyebrow. For him, that was practically an emotional outburst.

~It is most gratifying, and eminently logical that I have been selected. My personal familiarity with the design, and my piloting skill makes it so.~

 His reply was typically Vulcan, however; it was both immediate and logical, with no trace of his youthful excitement. He eschewed the unnecessary and typical human ‘tap’ of his commbadge. Rather, he simply spoke with the certainty that the computer would properly parse and route his message to Lorimar.

“Ensign Selek, message received.”

With that, he transferred the data packet to his PADD, and rose from the desk where he had been working. He spoke to whoever might be listening in the office. “I shall be in holodeck two if I am needed.”

(Reply Any)
posted by Russ)

*********

(USS Boudicca - Admin - Crewman Shadow to Sretalles - 0942)

"..and furthermore, you need to fill out the 21-F32S19 before you put
through the N62421U request." Shadow was explaining to one of the new
yeomans onboard. As the yeoman was both older than her and higher in rank,
she wasn't being taken too seriously.

At least the computer had burped at the Yeoman this time backing Shadow up
on proper procedure. So far the new yeomen had just ignored her as much as
possible.

She was saved by a communication from Chief Bob who gave the other yeoman a
chance to slink out muttering about power mad cats.

"Me, sir? Skilled?" she replied as soon as the channel was free.

(Reply Lorimar)

"Uhm. If you say so!" She wasn't going to argue with the adult, but
obviously he'd hit his head on the ground too hard when he'd been hit with
the painstick. Or the neurological damage in his back had affected his
brain, she wasn't quite sure how humans were wired.

(Reply Lorimar, iyw)

Shaking her head she pulled up the data packet that had been sent to her
terminal.

(reply Lorimar)
(posted by Lorna)

*********

(USS Boudicca – Holodeck Two – NPC Ensign Selek – 0949)

Fully capable of multi-tasking, the youthful Selek had time to peruse the data once, and was starting again during the brief trip from the OPS office to holodeck two. Additionally, he had checked to ensure there was in fact an open timeslot, and, when assured there was, he had ordered the computer to preload the simulation program he and Lt. Lorimar had been using, appending the relevant information from the CEO’s mission plan. Arriving at the entrance, he tabbed a control to check the status of the program.

[Program complete. Enter when ready.]

The doors parted with a quiet swish before him, and he entered to find exactly what he expected -- a blank matrix, with a full size recreation of the runabout sitting in the middle of the room.

He boarded the shuttle, taking the vacant seat at the pilot’s console. “Initiating engine start and pre-launch sequences,” he said aloud, just as he expected to in the actual craft the following day. He began to run through a time compressed version of the flight plan. The plan called for eight hours out, eight hours back. As he ran through it, he tried to logically anticipate any possible eventualities. Even as he did so, he reflected that so many random factors could possibly come into play that a truly accurate projection of events was nigh impossible…

(Reply Any)
(Posted by Russ)



===================
===================
Mission: Going Dutch 
Day 7
Stardate: 2408.12.09
===================
===================


(USS Boudicca - Main Shuttlebay - Crewman Shadow to Sretalles - 0640)

Shadow had a basket of goodies from Denise with her. The now assistant
Quartermaster had said Shadow's job was to be the sensible one and she was
to protect the officers from themselves. She hadn't been quite sure what
that meant, but she was pretty sure sandwiches and beverages could be
included somehow.

She hoped Bob wouldn't think she was a worry wart, but she'd brought her
favourite spear with her and her lyre. She figured that she was the closest
thing to security personnel going so she should be prepared to fight if they
ran into something ugly and that if something went wrong and they were
stranded they'd be happy for the sound of music. She'd learned some drinking
songs for Bob, Doctor Candle and Selek - engineers and doctors seemed to
like them, but she wasn't sure what Officer Rel would like, so she'd tried
to learn some Trill folk music and hoped it would be good enough.

She wasn't quite sure what Bob wanted her to do while everyone was working,
so she figured she could just try and stay out of the way as best as she
could. No one liked having their tail stepped on!

(Reply away team, any)
(Posted by Lorna)

********

(USS Boudicca – Main Shuttlebay – CEO Lorimar – 0642)

Lorimar walked into the spacious area where the Runabout had been moved the previous day while being prepped for launch. After a brief word with the Shuttlebay duty officer, he made his way over to where Yeoman Shadow was standing. He was pleased to see that she was he ever punctual self. He gave a glance at the equipment she had brought with her and then smiled a greeting.

“Shadow, what have ye brought along, if ah might ask?”

(Reply Shadow, Away Team, Any)
(Posted by Russ)


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