Stardate:2406.10.01
(USS Nimitz, CO's Quarters, Captain Vanyssa Winters, 2005)

It had been a long day for Vanyssa, first her early morning promotion, the
long meeting with the Admiral and a few of the other Captains, and then
meeting with some of the crew members that she was taking from the Nimitz to
the Mystique. Katie had taken over her packing of the Quarters, with Jennah
and the new Governess working on that.

Devan had wanted to give her a farewell reception, but Vanyssa had declined.
It had been too long a day for her, and her emotions had been running the
gamut from excited to anticipation to sadness, and she just couldn't take it
anymore. As she neared his Quarters, she heard singing.

She grinned to herself and rang the chime.

Sash had a mixture of feelings. He was so proud of of Nessa, and yet sad
that she was going. In some ways it would be easier. He would be able to
resist her wiles better from a distance. But he also realized that he would
miss her. She was the first person he thought of in the morning and the last
one he talked to at night. They were best friends.

He knew she wished it could be more. There were times that he wished the
same. But he knew his responsibilities to the Nimitz would always take
precedence.

As he prepared his meal he let his mind wander. Cooking always seemed to
relax him. It wasn't long before he started humming, and then singing. He
didn't sing often. He didn't think he had a very good voice for it. But
Lynda, she had a beautiful singing voice. This was one of her favorite
songs. The sound of the door chime interrupted him and he stopped. Still
wearing his apron he went to the door to open it.

Vanyssa grinned at the look of Devan Sash in his apron. "Is that Alfredo I
smell?" She asked, moving forward and giving him a kiss on the cheek and a
hug. "I didn't realize that being a Captain meant so much WORK!"

"And you have yet to scratch the surface my dear," Sash replied, allowing
her to pass. She looked very good in her uniform, with a full load of pips
on the collar. She looked radiant. "Yes it is alfredo sauce, and no, for the
hundredth time, I will NOT give you the recipe. If you want more you'll just
have to come back and get some."

"Any time I can." She said, ducking under his arm and into his Quarters with
a smile. She turned around with a radiant smile and asked, impishly, "So
what does Starfleet Protocol say about two Captains spending time together?"
And her eyes twinkled with devilment as she asked, lightening the mood a
little bit. She was tired, and moreover, a little bit depressed. The elation
of the last couple of hours was coming, predictably, down and the reality
that this was her last night on the Nimitz hit her very hard.

Sash smiled and shook his head. "Oddly enough," he said, "no. There are no
regulations against captains spending any kind of time together. So, as far
as I can tell, we are free to behave as we see fit."

"Starfleet rules and regulations are truly bizarre."

She looked up at her best friend and said, in a very small, young voice.
"I'm not really sure that I want to go."

Then she looked into the kitchen. "How long till dinner is done ?" She
didn't really want this night to end, at least not for a very long time.

"Oh not long," he said, his mind wandering. "So why don't you want to go?"

He disappeared as he went on with his cooking, just listening on the verges
of his subconscious for her reply. He had made something special for her and
didn't want her to see it until it was time.

She wandered over to the couch and tucked her legs under her. "A lot of
different reasons. I'm scared. I don't know if I'll do well. It's so much
responsibility. I had so little time as a First Officer, what if I just fall
flat on my face? What if I get us into a situation I can't get out of? How
can I send someone to their death?" She got the major ones off her chest,
then went on.

"And I don't want to have to leave you." She said, which to her, might have
been the most important one of all. "I've just found you, and I want you. I
want to be near you, I want to be a part of your life. I love you, a lot,
and I don't want that love to disappear."

Sash came walking from his kitchen area holding a plate of appetizers. He
put the plate on the coffe table and sat beside Nessa. His hand covered
hers. "Let me give you the same advice someone once gave me, a long time
ago. Trust your people to do their jobs, and most likely they will. You're
job is to make sure they know you're watching them, and that they are doing
a great job. And, of course, to let them know when they're not."

"I know you Nessa," he continued, "you WILL do what is necessary to preserve
your ship and your crew. Don't make me come out there and rescue you.
Again."

He stopped to let that sink in. "And as far as us.." he leaned over and gave
her a little peck on the lips, "we have what we have, and make the best of
the time we have together."

He could feel her reach for more but he turned and headed back to the
kitchen with an evil laugh, "be right back."

"I'm just worried that I'm not strong enough to do what is needed." She
said, watching Sash's quite cute backside from her vantage point on the
couch. "I mean, how do I maintain discipline? How do you do it? And who will
I turn to when I have a hard time? My First Officer has only been a Third
Officer for about 2 months, and he's so young. He's going to make mistakes,
I'm going to make mistakes and...I mean, how do you discipline your first
officer when he makes big mistakes? How do you do that and preserve the team
that you have, and preserve the friendship? How do I hold myself aloof from
the crew ? Will they respect me?" She asked, voicing all of her doubts. "I
don't think I got enough command training." She said, putting her head on
her knee and pouting.

Sash came out of the kitchen again, this time with a glass of wine. He
handed it to Nessa. "You learn from your mistakes, as Belinia will. Mistakes
and how we deal with them is what makes us better leaders, better people.
Discipline and respect is something you earn. Set the example you expect of
others."

Sash stood over Nessa for a moment. "You know, you worry too much. You
always did. Remember the entrance exams to Starfleet. I think you worried
the main computer. You checked for the results every hour, on the hour for
three days."

Vanyssa looked up at Devan and frowned. "It was important!" She said, then
broke out of her pout and giggled. "Just like this is important." She then
decided to be a bit impish and asked, "So, old man, how does it feel to be
present at both when I entered Starfleet and now when I'm being promoted to
CO ?" She grinned wider and said, "Hmmm?"

Sash sighed deeply, "I feel old." He leaned back in his seat. "Maybe I'm
just a little to old to serve you any dinner right now. Maybe I should take
a nap first."

Vanyssa giggled, feeling younger and snuggled against her Sash. "Do you
really feel old right now?" She breathed into his ear, nibbling on it a bit.

Sash could feel the energy surging through his body, he turned to the woman
beside him and looked at her. His eyes bore into her as if he were searching
for something. What he saw amazed him. In his minds eye he watched as a
"cute and perky" Vanyssa Winters grew up before him. It was as if the child
melted away, and what was left was this beautiful, sensual, and apparently
eager woman. He finally allowed himself to let go of the child and accept
the woman.

"No," he said seriously, "for the first time in a long time, I do not. I
feel..." He put his hands on either side of her face and pulled her in for a
kiss. Not just any kiss, but a long, warm, passionate kiss that drove his
very soul into Nessa's.

Finally he pulled his mind and his lips from her. "Does that help show how I
feel?"

"Mhmm hmm." She said, relaxing and purring under his hands. Then she smelled
something. "You know...alfredo really stinks when it's burning." And she
giggled at the look on his face. She leaned forward and kissed him, "After
dinner."

The smell of the sauce overcooking made Sash jump from his seat and ran to
the kitchen with a curse. "I can save it," he called out. After a few
minutes of pot rattling and muttering under his breath he came back out
looking as triumphant as a gladiator holding the head of his opponent. Only
he was holding two plates of food.

"Dinner... is served," he announced and placed the plates on the table. They
sat and ate, talking of command and Nessa's new ship. He was amazed that she
knew so many of the ships stats already. Then again, he remembers being the
same way when he took over the Endeavor. Her excitement was contagious and
he became excited for her.

Vanyssa grinned at him as they talked about her new ship. "I'm really
excited about the possibility of doing research missions." She began. "I've
seen so much battle recently, and I really don't want to see anymore. The
Admiral says he's going to do his best to keep us away from the front
lines." She chased the last of the alfredo around her plate and leaned back,
stretching like a kitten and making a sound almost like a purr. "Would you
believe that I'm sleepy ?" She said. "And where did you learn to bake bread
at?"

In his usual style, Sash had made quick work of his food. He enjoyed cooking
for others, but to him, food was food. He really enjoyed watching Nessa eat.
To her eating was such a sensual pleasure. Just watching her enjoy the food
was well worth the effort.

"Ah, well," he replied, "there was this little baker on the outskirts of the
Rigel System who I did a ... a favor for. In return he gave me his baking
secrets. I'm glad you enjoyed it."

He rose and began to collect the plates. "Why don't you go sit on the sofa
and I'll bring you some coffee and dessert."

Vanyssa nodded. She curled up on the couch, and fell half-asleep in blissful
happiness.

Sash took the plates away and returned moments later with a tray. On the
tray were two cups of coffee and two pieces of fresh strawberry shortcake.
He laid the tray on the table and sat beside Nessa.

She felt a nudge in her side and opened her eyes lazily. Then she saw
strawberries and made a feral grin. "Mhmmmmmmmmmm." She said.
"Strawberries." She leaned in closer to him and kissed his nose. "I know
something much sweeter."

Sash smiled, "Really Captain Winters. If I didn't know better I'd say that
was a line." He held up a Strawberry to her lips and watched as she bit
through it and swallowed the sweat fruit. He followed the strawberry up with
a light kiss, tasting the strawberry still on her lips.

"A line?" She said, licking his fingers then returning the kiss with
interest. "Oh I don't know about that." With the next strawberry, she nipped
his fingers. She curled against him, ignoring the strawberries for a moment,
hugging him tight. He'd always understood her, even when he pretended not
to. She burst into tears, sobbing into his shirt. "I don't want to go." She
said again. "I don't care about command, about anything. I don't want to
leave someone I love again to die."

Sash put his hands on either side of Nessa's face and pulled her away from
him. He looked into her eyes and gave her a caring smile.

"Hush now," he admonished. "It's too late for this. The situation in the
universe is too dire for our personal wants. We've been called and we've
answered that call. You have a responsibility now, we both do, and it would
be wrong to be selfish now. What we do now, is make the best of the time we
have together. And promise to have as many times together as possible."

He lifted her chin up and kissed one of her tears. The salty taste lingered
on his lips and tongue, then he kissed her again, on her cheek. Then again,
on her lips. His kiss lingered, gently, yet passionately.

Vanyssa's tears gave in to his gentle love and her mood changed again. It
had been doing that a lot recently, changing from one mood to another. She
kissed him harder and then harder again, savoring the moment. She'd never
been one for foreplay, but.... he seemed to make an art of it.

~Sometimes it's nice to feel wanted.~ She thought as he kissed down her
neck.

His eyes closed as he felt her breath on his neck. It felt amazing. There
was more to it than the physical contact, it was the almost reckless
abandon. He had half a mind to wrestle her over and take her there, but he
wanted this to last. He wasn't sure when the next time they would get would
be, and he wanted this to be memorable.

He began to kiss at Nessa's neck. Then he caught a piece of flesh between
his teeth and gave a little bite. She gave out a little cry and Sash smiled
at her. They looked into each others eyes, then he kissed her again, this
time with more force. His hands began to run down her back, then stopped at
her buttocks, giving them a firm caress. Leaving one hand there the other
came around and cupped her breast.

She moaned under him, her hands running over his body, and under his uniform
~Now what is it about a man in uniform that makes him so darn sexy?~ She
wondered, then lost her thought as he bit her again. She realized that she
liked being bitten. She reached down and tilted his face up to meet hers.
She cared for him so much.

He looked into Nessa's face. She was so beautiful, and the look on her face
made her even more so to him. He picked up a strawberry and bit into, then
kissed her again, so they could both enjoy the taste of the same fruit. Her
hands made his body stir. Slowly he began to undo her clothing, kissing each
bare section, as it appeared.

She shivered under his hands and briefly wondered about whether or not the
couch was the right place to be doing this.

Then she gave herself over to the sensations. Sash abandoned his straw
berried, his desert, and just about everything else to his passion.

(reply none)
(posted by Al Muir and Melinda Martin)

Stardate:2406.10.01
(USS Nimitz, CO's Quarters, Captain Vanyssa Winters, 2005)

It had been a long day for Vanyssa, first her early morning promotion, the
long meeting with the Admiral and a few of the other Captains, and then
meeting with some of the crew members that she was taking from the Nimitz to
the Mystique. Katie had taken over her packing of the Quarters, with Jennah
and the new Governess working on that.

Devan had wanted to give her a farewell reception, but Vanyssa had declined.
It had been too long a day for her, and her emotions had been running the
gamut from excited to anticipation to sadness, and she just couldn't take it
anymore. As she neared his Quarters, she heard singing.

She grinned to herself and rang the chime.

Sash had a mixture of feelings. He was so proud of of Nessa, and yet sad
that she was going. In some ways it would be easier. He would be able to
resist her wiles better from a distance. But he also realized that he would
miss her. She was the first person he thought of in the morning and the last
one he talked to at night. They were best friends.

He knew she wished it could be more. There were times that he wished the
same. But he knew his responsibilities to the Nimitz would always take
precedence.

As he prepared his meal he let his mind wander. Cooking always seemed to
relax him. It wasn't long before he started humming, and then singing. He
didn't sing often. He didn't think he had a very good voice for it. But
Lynda, she had a beautiful singing voice. This was one of her favorite
songs. The sound of the door chime interrupted him and he stopped. Still
wearing his apron he went to the door to open it.

Vanyssa grinned at the look of Devan Sash in his apron. "Is that Alfredo I
smell?" She asked, moving forward and giving him a kiss on the cheek and a
hug. "I didn't realize that being a Captain meant so much WORK!"

"And you have yet to scratch the surface my dear," Sash replied, allowing
her to pass. She looked very good in her uniform, with a full load of pips
on the collar. She looked radiant. "Yes it is alfredo sauce, and no, for the
hundredth time, I will NOT give you the recipe. If you want more you'll just
have to come back and get some."

"Any time I can." She said, ducking under his arm and into his Quarters with
a smile. She turned around with a radiant smile and asked, impishly, "So
what does Starfleet Protocol say about two Captains spending time together?"
And her eyes twinkled with devilment as she asked, lightening the mood a
little bit. She was tired, and moreover, a little bit depressed. The elation
of the last couple of hours was coming, predictably, down and the reality
that this was her last night on the Nimitz hit her very hard.

Sash smiled and shook his head. "Oddly enough," he said, "no. There are no
regulations against captains spending any kind of time together. So, as far
as I can tell, we are free to behave as we see fit."

"Starfleet rules and regulations are truly bizarre."

She looked up at her best friend and said, in a very small, young voice.
"I'm not really sure that I want to go."

Then she looked into the kitchen. "How long till dinner is done ?" She
didn't really want this night to end, at least not for a very long time.

"Oh not long," he said, his mind wandering. "So why don't you want to go?"

He disappeared as he went on with his cooking, just listening on the verges
of his subconscious for her reply. He had made something special for her and
didn't want her to see it until it was time.

She wandered over to the couch and tucked her legs under her. "A lot of
different reasons. I'm scared. I don't know if I'll do well. It's so much
responsibility. I had so little time as a First Officer, what if I just fall
flat on my face? What if I get us into a situation I can't get out of? How
can I send someone to their death?" She got the major ones off her chest,
then went on.

"And I don't want to have to leave you." She said, which to her, might have
been the most important one of all. "I've just found you, and I want you. I
want to be near you, I want to be a part of your life. I love you, a lot,
and I don't want that love to disappear."

Sash came walking from his kitchen area holding a plate of appetizers. He
put the plate on the coffe table and sat beside Nessa. His hand covered
hers. "Let me give you the same advice someone once gave me, a long time
ago. Trust your people to do their jobs, and most likely they will. You're
job is to make sure they know you're watching them, and that they are doing
a great job. And, of course, to let them know when they're not."

"I know you Nessa," he continued, "you WILL do what is necessary to preserve
your ship and your crew. Don't make me come out there and rescue you.
Again."

He stopped to let that sink in. "And as far as us.." he leaned over and gave
her a little peck on the lips, "we have what we have, and make the best of
the time we have together."

He could feel her reach for more but he turned and headed back to the
kitchen with an evil laugh, "be right back."

"I'm just worried that I'm not strong enough to do what is needed." She
said, watching Sash's quite cute backside from her vantage point on the
couch. "I mean, how do I maintain discipline? How do you do it? And who will
I turn to when I have a hard time? My First Officer has only been a Third
Officer for about 2 months, and he's so young. He's going to make mistakes,
I'm going to make mistakes and...I mean, how do you discipline your first
officer when he makes big mistakes? How do you do that and preserve the team
that you have, and preserve the friendship? How do I hold myself aloof from
the crew ? Will they respect me?" She asked, voicing all of her doubts. "I
don't think I got enough command training." She said, putting her head on
her knee and pouting.

Sash came out of the kitchen again, this time with a glass of wine. He
handed it to Nessa. "You learn from your mistakes, as Belinia will. Mistakes
and how we deal with them is what makes us better leaders, better people.
Discipline and respect is something you earn. Set the example you expect of
others."

Sash stood over Nessa for a moment. "You know, you worry too much. You
always did. Remember the entrance exams to Starfleet. I think you worried
the main computer. You checked for the results every hour, on the hour for
three days."

Vanyssa looked up at Devan and frowned. "It was important!" She said, then
broke out of her pout and giggled. "Just like this is important." She then
decided to be a bit impish and asked, "So, old man, how does it feel to be
present at both when I entered Starfleet and now when I'm being promoted to
CO ?" She grinned wider and said, "Hmmm?"

Sash sighed deeply, "I feel old." He leaned back in his seat. "Maybe I'm
just a little to old to serve you any dinner right now. Maybe I should take
a nap first."

Vanyssa giggled, feeling younger and snuggled against her Sash. "Do you
really feel old right now?" She breathed into his ear, nibbling on it a bit.

Sash could feel the energy surging through his body, he turned to the woman
beside him and looked at her. His eyes bore into her as if he were searching
for something. What he saw amazed him. In his minds eye he watched as a
"cute and perky" Vanyssa Winters grew up before him. It was as if the child
melted away, and what was left was this beautiful, sensual, and apparently
eager woman. He finally allowed himself to let go of the child and accept
the woman.

"No," he said seriously, "for the first time in a long time, I do not. I
feel..." He put his hands on either side of her face and pulled her in for a
kiss. Not just any kiss, but a long, warm, passionate kiss that drove his
very soul into Nessa's.

Finally he pulled his mind and his lips from her. "Does that help show how I
feel?"

"Mhmm hmm." She said, relaxing and purring under his hands. Then she smelled
something. "You know...alfredo really stinks when it's burning." And she
giggled at the look on his face. She leaned forward and kissed him, "After
dinner."

The smell of the sauce overcooking made Sash jump from his seat and ran to
the kitchen with a curse. "I can save it," he called out. After a few
minutes of pot rattling and muttering under his breath he came back out
looking as triumphant as a gladiator holding the head of his opponent. Only
he was holding two plates of food.

"Dinner... is served," he announced and placed the plates on the table. They
sat and ate, talking of command and Nessa's new ship. He was amazed that she
knew so many of the ships stats already. Then again, he remembers being the
same way when he took over the Endeavor. Her excitement was contagious and
he became excited for her.

Vanyssa grinned at him as they talked about her new ship. "I'm really
excited about the possibility of doing research missions." She began. "I've
seen so much battle recently, and I really don't want to see anymore. The
Admiral says he's going to do his best to keep us away from the front
lines." She chased the last of the alfredo around her plate and leaned back,
stretching like a kitten and making a sound almost like a purr. "Would you
believe that I'm sleepy ?" She said. "And where did you learn to bake bread
at?"

In his usual style, Sash had made quick work of his food. He enjoyed cooking
for others, but to him, food was food. He really enjoyed watching Nessa eat.
To her eating was such a sensual pleasure. Just watching her enjoy the food
was well worth the effort.

"Ah, well," he replied, "there was this little baker on the outskirts of the
Rigel System who I did a ... a favor for. In return he gave me his baking
secrets. I'm glad you enjoyed it."

He rose and began to collect the plates. "Why don't you go sit on the sofa
and I'll bring you some coffee and dessert."

Vanyssa nodded. She curled up on the couch, and fell half-asleep in blissful
happiness.

Sash took the plates away and returned moments later with a tray. On the
tray were two cups of coffee and two pieces of fresh strawberry shortcake.
He laid the tray on the table and sat beside Nessa.

She felt a nudge in her side and opened her eyes lazily. Then she saw
strawberries and made a feral grin. "Mhmmmmmmmmmm." She said.
"Strawberries." She leaned in closer to him and kissed his nose. "I know
something much sweeter."

Sash smiled, "Really Captain Winters. If I didn't know better I'd say that
was a line." He held up a Strawberry to her lips and watched as she bit
through it and swallowed the sweat fruit. He followed the strawberry up with
a light kiss, tasting the strawberry still on her lips.

"A line?" She said, licking his fingers then returning the kiss with
interest. "Oh I don't know about that." With the next strawberry, she nipped
his fingers. She curled against him, ignoring the strawberries for a moment,
hugging him tight. He'd always understood her, even when he pretended not
to. She burst into tears, sobbing into his shirt. "I don't want to go." She
said again. "I don't care about command, about anything. I don't want to
leave someone I love again to die."

Sash put his hands on either side of Nessa's face and pulled her away from
him. He looked into her eyes and gave her a caring smile.

"Hush now," he admonished. "It's too late for this. The situation in the
universe is too dire for our personal wants. We've been called and we've
answered that call. You have a responsibility now, we both do, and it would
be wrong to be selfish now. What we do now, is make the best of the time we
have together. And promise to have as many times together as possible."

He lifted her chin up and kissed one of her tears. The salty taste lingered
on his lips and tongue, then he kissed her again, on her cheek. Then again,
on her lips. His kiss lingered, gently, yet passionately.

Vanyssa's tears gave in to his gentle love and her mood changed again. It
had been doing that a lot recently, changing from one mood to another. She
kissed him harder and then harder again, savoring the moment. She'd never
been one for foreplay, but.... he seemed to make an art of it.

~Sometimes it's nice to feel wanted.~ She thought as he kissed down her
neck.

His eyes closed as he felt her breath on his neck. It felt amazing. There
was more to it than the physical contact, it was the almost reckless
abandon. He had half a mind to wrestle her over and take her there, but he
wanted this to last. He wasn't sure when the next time they would get would
be, and he wanted this to be memorable.

He began to kiss at Nessa's neck. Then he caught a piece of flesh between
his teeth and gave a little bite. She gave out a little cry and Sash smiled
at her. They looked into each others eyes, then he kissed her again, this
time with more force. His hands began to run down her back, then stopped at
her buttocks, giving them a firm caress. Leaving one hand there the other
came around and cupped her breast.

She moaned under him, her hands running over his body, and under his uniform
~Now what is it about a man in uniform that makes him so darn sexy?~ She
wondered, then lost her thought as he bit her again. She realized that she
liked being bitten. She reached down and tilted his face up to meet hers.
She cared for him so much.

He looked into Nessa's face. She was so beautiful, and the look on her face
made her even more so to him. He picked up a strawberry and bit into, then
kissed her again, so they could both enjoy the taste of the same fruit. Her
hands made his body stir. Slowly he began to undo her clothing, kissing each
bare section, as it appeared.

She shivered under his hands and briefly wondered about whether or not the
couch was the right place to be doing this.

Then she gave herself over to the sensations. Sash abandoned his straw
berried, his desert, and just about everything else to his passion.

(reply none)
(posted by Al Muir and Melinda Martin)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz- Transporter Room 1- Captains Sash and Winters - 1100)

It hadn't been easy but Sash had managed to get word out of Vanyssa's
promotion and her impending departure the next day. He had made sure that
everyone understood it to be utmost secrecy, and Winters was not to hear of
it. His next job was not so difficult. All he had to do was keep Vanyssa
busy until everything was arranged.

Last night was easy, however today was a little more difficult. However,
Vanyssa had arrangements to be made and her daughter to get packed and ready
to leave. He knew that would take a bit of time. Monitoring her activities
carefully, he let her go about her business of preparing to leave.

Finally he went to her quarters to pick the two Winters girls up and escort
them to the transporter rooms. Jennah did not look very happy. He knew she
would be sad, and miss him, but he also knew she was young and would get
over it quickly. Sash picked up their travel bags and they walked to the
turbo lift in silence.

The only words spoken were Sash's as he ordered the turbo lift to move. It
was a very uncomfortable ride, and Sash could only imagine how much more so
for them. This was, perhaps, their last ride on this turbo lift. But once
the doors opened something most wondrous met their eyes.

The corridor was lined with crewmen and officers, and even the children from
the school. They were holding banners and cheering for the new captain. This
was Vanyssa's moment. He could tell that she was taken aback by the show of
support. He stepped back to allow her and Jennah
to walk their gauntlet alone.

There were pats on the backs and hugs from all sides. Cards were put in
their hands and one of the children, the Klingon boy, gave Jennah a Klingon
necklace he had made himself. It wasn't until they were around the corner
before Sash, himself left the turbo lift. Walking behind the throng of well
wishers.

Finally Vanyssa disappeared into the transporter room. Sash had finally
decided to have himself STS to the room, so that when Vanyssa and Jennah
entered he'd already be there waiting for them.

Vanyssa turned around to see Sash standing there, with her bags. ::Did you
do this ?:: She demanded of him, half-laughing and half-crying. She then saw
Katie standing beside him and threw herself in her best friend's arms.

::Kat....:: Vanyssa sent.

::Shh! It's not seemly for a Captain to be acting this way.:: Katie
admonished, kissing Vanyssa on the cheek and giving her a huge hug, before
handing her back to Sash.

"I love you." Vanyssa whispered into Sash's ear, the laughter having given
way to tears, of joy and of sadness. "I love you so much." She held him
close.

Sash looked over at the transporter chief, who tried hard to be
inconspicuous. With a sigh he turned to the crewman. "You may be excused ,
chief."

"Uh, yes sir," he replied and bid a hasty retreat from the room, with Katie
Troi.

Now alone with Nessa and Jennah he relaxed a little. He turned to Jennah
first. "My little one, I want you to take good care of your mother. She's
going to need your help more now than ever before. I will expect, at least,
a monthly report. I don't know what I'll do without my Intelligence
Officer."

Jennah nodded. She loved her dear Captain Sash. She didn't want to leave him
either. Then he hugged her, and it made her feel like she had a Daddy again.
He always did that.

He picked up the girl and held her close. The last time he did this with his
own children he never saw them again. He had a hard time putting her down.
~Lords, I hope I get to do that again. Keep them safe.~ He walked her up to
the transporter pad.

Then he turned to Nessa, who stood looking expectantly at him. It was a sad,
solemn occasion, but he couldn't help but smile at her. He held open his
arms and she fell into them, holding on tight. He had a little trouble
breathing.

"You take care of yourself out there Captain," he offered. "Don't make me
come and rescue you."

"Or me rescue you. Or both of us rescuing each other." She hugged him again.
"If I don't go, I never will." She whispered in his ear. She kissed him
again, and stood up on the transporter pad. Her voice was almost clear and
hardly wavered as she said, "Permission to depart?" She took Jennah's hand
and held it.

Sash stepped back to the controls of the transporter, and fought back his
own tears. He set the coordinates to send them to Admiral LoDona's ship,
then he looked up.

"Have I told you that I love you," he said softly.

Vanyssa ran forward and hugged him again. "I always knew." She said, giving
him another kiss. She went back to the transporter pad.

"Safe journey Captain Winters. I love you."

"I love you too." She whispered as the beam enveloped her.

Jennah rolled her eyes as they started to disappear and said, "I just don't
get it."

(reply none)
(posted by Al Muir and Melinda Martin)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz- Transporter Room 1- Captains Sash and Winters - 1100)

It hadn't been easy but Sash had managed to get word out of Vanyssa's
promotion and her impending departure the next day. He had made sure that
everyone understood it to be utmost secrecy, and Winters was not to hear of
it. His next job was not so difficult. All he had to do was keep Vanyssa
busy until everything was arranged.

Last night was easy, however today was a little more difficult. However,
Vanyssa had arrangements to be made and her daughter to get packed and ready
to leave. He knew that would take a bit of time. Monitoring her activities
carefully, he let her go about her business of preparing to leave.

Finally he went to her quarters to pick the two Winters girls up and escort
them to the transporter rooms. Jennah did not look very happy. He knew she
would be sad, and miss him, but he also knew she was young and would get
over it quickly. Sash picked up their travel bags and they walked to the
turbo lift in silence.

The only words spoken were Sash's as he ordered the turbo lift to move. It
was a very uncomfortable ride, and Sash could only imagine how much more so
for them. This was, perhaps, their last ride on this turbo lift. But once
the doors opened something most wondrous met their eyes.

The corridor was lined with crewmen and officers, and even the children from
the school. They were holding banners and cheering for the new captain. This
was Vanyssa's moment. He could tell that she was taken aback by the show of
support. He stepped back to allow her and Jennah
to walk their gauntlet alone.

There were pats on the backs and hugs from all sides. Cards were put in
their hands and one of the children, the Klingon boy, gave Jennah a Klingon
necklace he had made himself. It wasn't until they were around the corner
before Sash, himself left the turbo lift. Walking behind the throng of well
wishers.

Finally Vanyssa disappeared into the transporter room. Sash had finally
decided to have himself STS to the room, so that when Vanyssa and Jennah
entered he'd already be there waiting for them.

Vanyssa turned around to see Sash standing there, with her bags. ::Did you
do this ?:: She demanded of him, half-laughing and half-crying. She then saw
Katie standing beside him and threw herself in her best friend's arms.

::Kat....:: Vanyssa sent.

::Shh! It's not seemly for a Captain to be acting this way.:: Katie
admonished, kissing Vanyssa on the cheek and giving her a huge hug, before
handing her back to Sash.

"I love you." Vanyssa whispered into Sash's ear, the laughter having given
way to tears, of joy and of sadness. "I love you so much." She held him
close.

Sash looked over at the transporter chief, who tried hard to be
inconspicuous. With a sigh he turned to the crewman. "You may be excused ,
chief."

"Uh, yes sir," he replied and bid a hasty retreat from the room, with Katie
Troi.

Now alone with Nessa and Jennah he relaxed a little. He turned to Jennah
first. "My little one, I want you to take good care of your mother. She's
going to need your help more now than ever before. I will expect, at least,
a monthly report. I don't know what I'll do without my Intelligence
Officer."

Jennah nodded. She loved her dear Captain Sash. She didn't want to leave him
either. Then he hugged her, and it made her feel like she had a Daddy again.
He always did that.

He picked up the girl and held her close. The last time he did this with his
own children he never saw them again. He had a hard time putting her down.
~Lords, I hope I get to do that again. Keep them safe.~ He walked her up to
the transporter pad.

Then he turned to Nessa, who stood looking expectantly at him. It was a sad,
solemn occasion, but he couldn't help but smile at her. He held open his
arms and she fell into them, holding on tight. He had a little trouble
breathing.

"You take care of yourself out there Captain," he offered. "Don't make me
come and rescue you."

"Or me rescue you. Or both of us rescuing each other." She hugged him again.
"If I don't go, I never will." She whispered in his ear. She kissed him
again, and stood up on the transporter pad. Her voice was almost clear and
hardly wavered as she said, "Permission to depart?" She took Jennah's hand
and held it.

Sash stepped back to the controls of the transporter, and fought back his
own tears. He set the coordinates to send them to Admiral LoDona's ship,
then he looked up.

"Have I told you that I love you," he said softly.

Vanyssa ran forward and hugged him again. "I always knew." She said, giving
him another kiss. She went back to the transporter pad.

"Safe journey Captain Winters. I love you."

"I love you too." She whispered as the beam enveloped her.

Jennah rolled her eyes as they started to disappear and said, "I just don't
get it."

(reply none)
(posted by Al Muir and Melinda Martin)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Transporter Room 1- Captain Sash and Lt. Commander Troi- 1200)

Sash stood in the middle of the transporter room looking at the space where
Nessa had been. He couldn't believe she was gone. There was an empty feeling
beginning to grow in the pit of his stomach. It had taken them years to find
each other, and then months to finally come to terms with his feelings
towards her.

Now he had told her how he truly felt, and the likelihood of ever seeing her
again was all but remote. Who knew what fate had in store for them. But with
this quasi-civil war, he felt doomed that his heart would get torn to shreds
again.

Sash had really never gotten over his wife. When she died, part of him died
as well. He never let anyone get close again, until he met Kestra Troi. As
much as Nessa would have hated to admit it, if it weren't for Kestra, what
they had would never have happened. He still smiled at the moment they had
together. He also knew that it would never have happened if she hadn't been
shipped off to Boudicca. Or would it?

Thanks to Kestra, he was able to open himself up to Nessa, and now they both
were gone, and he was alone again. It was quite depressing.

Suddenly there was a beep on the comm.

=^=Message from Command, sir=^=

"Put it thorough here Ensign," Sash replied and then tapped the comm board.
"Captain Sash here, go ahead."

=^=Captain, we have your FO to beam over.=^=

Sash knew that a new FO had been selected for him. None of his crew were
ready or qualified, or willing. He had no idea who had been selected, but he
was not really in the mood to meet anyone new.

With a deep sigh he addressed the comm panel. "We're ready to receive your
officer."

=^Energizing now.=^=

Kestra had wanted to send Sash a message to see what he thought about her
coming back to be his First Officer. She just was too afraid of what he
might say or what she might find out since she had left. Vanyssa and Sash
had a lot of issues with each other and she had interrupted that until she
had left. How had their relationship expanded since she had left them, she
really did not want to find out, but, she had to.

With Vanyssa taking the command of a new ship that was about to be launched,
she wondered how the two of them would or if they would, keep a relationship
together. She had counted every second until the time she would be able to
set foot on the decks of the Nimitz once more. Then she could see just where
her and Sash's relationship was at or was it now only Sash and Vanyssa.

Standing on the transporter pad all her thoughts centered on the next few
minutes as she nodded at the transporter chief to begin transporting. She
had traveled via the transporter hundreds of times and had never been afraid
until now. She felt the transporter beam start to dematerialize her entire
being and fling them over to the Nimitz transporter. She could see through
the haze of the transporter beam as she started to shift from the Boudicca
to the Nimitz. Suddenly, the transporter room on the Boudicca shifted and
the transporter of the Nimitz was in view. Standing there in the room
watching and waiting was Sash.

~Does he know that I am coming to replace Vanyssa?~ Kestra thought to
herself nervously, ~He had to have known that they were sending me. Why had
he not contacted me if he was happy that I was coming back?~ She just stood
still on the transporter pad after she had materialized. Neither of them
said anything for what seemed an eternity, then she spoke up.

"Captain?" She said nervously, then just over a whisper, "Sash?"

Sash looked up at the pad as his new FO finished transporting, and he
couldn't believe his eyes. he just stared at her for a moment. "Kestra? What
are you..., you're my new FO?"

Kestra's look changed to one of non comprehension as he should have known
that it would be her coming to replace Vanyssa. It seemed to her that maybe
Admiral LoDona was playing a cruel joke on the both of them and maybe didn't
even know it. She looked over at the transporter chief, "Sir permission to
come aboard!" She did not want to air what she and Sash had had together in
front of the crew, so, she changed things to professional attitudes.

The chief nodded and she stepped down from the pad to stand in front of
Sash. "Sir, Your replacement First Officer, Lt. Commander Kestra Troi
reporting for duty." She said in answering him.

Sash was staring at Kestra with his jaw a little loose. The Angossian was
never a man of many words, but for the first time in a long time he was at a
loss for anything to say. He shook himself if waking up from a dream. The
way he felt just moments ago was lost somewhere between surprise and
confused.

Suddenly he burst into a smile. "Kestra!" He pulled her into a bear hug.

He looked over his shoulder at the transporter chief, who was conspicuously
looking at his readouts. Sash stepped back and cleared his throat. "Ah, yes
indeed. Welcome aboard Lt. Commander. And congratulations on your promotion
to First Officer."

The hug that Sash had given her was like an answer long overdue, but, was
over before she could really enjoy it. "Thank you Sir, should we retire to
your ready room and discuss what has been happening on the Nimitz since I
had left? To bring me up to date?" Kestra said as she started walking toward
the door, assuming that Sash would with her.

"Absolutely," Sash replied. His emotions were running rampant. His change of
mood left skid marked on his cerebral cortex. He was so happy to see Kestra,
yet his longing for Nessa remained. He focused on where he was and who he
was with, compartmentalizing the rest for later.

He followed Kestra into the hallway and then to the turbo lift. "Bridge."

He looked over at Kestra, feeling a little goofy. The memory of their last
day together began streaming through his mind. He smiled at her. "It's good
to see you again."

"Your thoughts betray you somewhat Captain and yes it is good to see you
again also." Kestra could feel the pull that Nessa had on Sash and she did
not know what to do about it. She decided then for the time being that she
was the new First Officer not a replacement lover because the desired one
had left.

The turbo lift stopped and she walked out onto the bridge, a familiar
bridge, more familiar than most on in at the time including the captain. She
paused a moment to look around and to let Sash precede her as it was his
ready room.

As they entered the ready room Sash turned to Kestra, "Before we start in
need to be certain you are staying out of there." He pointed to his head. "I
know that my emotions are pretty evident right now, but I'd rather not have
to concentrate on shielding my thoughts right now. Especially from you."

"I had not needed to enter your mind to see what your surface thoughts were.
It also is not against starfleet regulations for surface scans. Even though
I had not intended such." Kestra replied stoically, but, continued. "I will
endeavor to remain in compliance with Starfleet regulations sir."

Kestra was not enjoying what she was doing, but, she did not know what or
where she stood with him at he moment. She could not but help read his
surface thoughts earlier about his feelings about Vanyssa and her leaving
him. All her fears had materialized in front of them and she hurt for it,
then she felt she needed to know what, if any, was his feelings for her.

"Sir, permission to speak openly" She looked at him for the first time since
leaving the transporter room.

~Sir is it now?~ Sash suddenly resolved himself to being the CO again. He
sat in his seat behind his desk and took a deep breath. "With me Kestra,
always."

Kestra could barely hold her excitement any longer, she had been holding it
ever since she found out that she was promoted and was going back to the
Nimitz. She got up and moved toward him then stopped to just look at him.
"Devan," She started to tell him how she loved him and wanted to get back
into the relationship that they had started, but, for some reason it just
did not feel like the right time,",,,, I need to get into the feeling of
being your First Officer. The crew needs to see that they can count on me
when they need to and,," smiling at him she hoped that what she was about to
say would not be taken wrong as she really wanted to be with him, " as we
started out as friends we will continue to be so no matter what. I hope you
can understand that." She reached over and ran her fingers softly along the
side of his face remembering the time they had together then pulled away.

"Kestra, that is the most understandable thing I've heard said on this ship
in a very long time," Sash sounded relieved. "I believe our friendship
definitely stands on its own. Anything else would ... complicate matters."

Kestra smiled knowing that, yes it would complicate matters, at least for
now. She turned from him with a lot of effort not to reach out to him again.
She walked over to the couch and motioned for him to join her.

Now more comfortable with some ground rules that seemed to set themselves,
Sash joined Kestra on the sofa. "I really am glad to have you Kestra. How
was life on Boudicca and Sevant?"

"I am really glad to be here, Devan. I don't know how much I can tell you
about what happened there, but, let's just say that being on a ship made for
battle is not boring." She replied with a little forced chuckle as she
remembered all the crew that had died during that battle against the spider
things. She looked away so that maybe he would not notice that she had seen
things that she would like to forget, but, knew that she would never. Maybe
one day they could talk about what happened, but, she knew that the reports
had not become known yet to the captains.

"Uh," she almost forgot that he had also asked something else, "The Boudicca
is the Boudicca, but, I like it here better. Sevant has made a really good
Captain as I always knew he would and the crew follows him without
question," she again chuckled, "most of the time." She remembered Major
Straton and her way of doing things.

"How has it been here since I left?" She asked wanting to change the
subject.

"Oh, same old thing," Sash sasi, "spies on board, trying to blow up the
ship, a boring mission to shake down our recent upgrades. We have a new SFI
officer, Lt. Commander Wilson, who I'm still not sure what side he's on."

Kestra chuckled to the way Devan played what he said as if it was just
another day at the office and nothing to worry about. "This Wilson, what was
Vanyssa's take on him? She should have been able to determine friend or
foe."

"She did not trust him. Nor his assistant that he brought. A Brikarian,
named Dru Tagon. Do you know him?"

Kestra thought searching through her mind to see if she had any information
of the two and could not come up with any. "No, but, if you want I can see
if they are on our side or not." She would use her abilities if it meant
that the two could be a real danger to the ship and it's crew.

Sash knew what she meant, and he was not prepared yet to ask her to break
that regulation, although he knew she would. "I don't think we need to go
there yet." He emphasized the yet. "But let's just continue to keep an eye
on them. There's already been a murder on board that I blame on them. I
don't want any more."

She smiled at him knowing that he wanted to save her career in not letting
her find the information they could have used and accepted it. "Well I will
make it one of my duties to keep an eye on him and this Dru Tagon. Why do we
have a SFI agent on the ship by the way? We did have Nishi, but, in a way
that was different, we knew where he was from and he helped us a lot. If it
had not been for him, some of the information that Aragorn had gotten about
Doenitz we would have not been able to get and some people would not be here
today. The Nimitz also may not be here today if it weren't for him."

"Nishi resigned, to go back to Earth. Wilson was assigned to us, and I'm
still not really certain as to why. But his orders were cut and signed by
Admiral LoDona, so he stays."

Kestra looked at Devan for a few moments then accepted that he had done what
he could to verify it. Also, she knew that LoDona would not have sent him to
the Nimitz without a good reason. "Well, I guess we will just have to accept
that and keep an eye on him. I think I need to have a face to face with him,
since I am the New ... First ... Officer" she said it slowly and with a
large smile on her face.

"That would be a good idea," Sash agreed.

Then after a moment of silence Sash stood. Well I suppose this is as good a
time as any to introduce you to the crew as the FO." he turned from her for
a moment and hit his comm badge. "Sash to all senior staff members. There
will be a general staff meeting in conference room 1 at
1300 hours. Please have all status reports ready at that time. Sash out."

He nodded at Kestra and took a step towards her. "Now before we become CO
and FO again, can I get a hug? I have really missed you." She said as she
stood up and looked at him wantonly.

Sash smiled and wrapped his arms around her. He could feel that familiar
tingle in the back of his mind as the warmth they provided each other grew.
Then he could hear that all too familiar laugh, even further in the back of
his mind, and let her go.

(reply none)
(posted By Al Muir and Frank Rogers)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Transporter Room 1- Captain Sash and Lt. Commander Troi- 1200)

Sash stood in the middle of the transporter room looking at the space where
Nessa had been. He couldn't believe she was gone. There was an empty feeling
beginning to grow in the pit of his stomach. It had taken them years to find
each other, and then months to finally come to terms with his feelings
towards her.

Now he had told her how he truly felt, and the likelihood of ever seeing her
again was all but remote. Who knew what fate had in store for them. But with
this quasi-civil war, he felt doomed that his heart would get torn to shreds
again.

Sash had really never gotten over his wife. When she died, part of him died
as well. He never let anyone get close again, until he met Kestra Troi. As
much as Nessa would have hated to admit it, if it weren't for Kestra, what
they had would never have happened. He still smiled at the moment they had
together. He also knew that it would never have happened if she hadn't been
shipped off to Boudicca. Or would it?

Thanks to Kestra, he was able to open himself up to Nessa, and now they both
were gone, and he was alone again. It was quite depressing.

Suddenly there was a beep on the comm.

=^=Message from Command, sir=^=

"Put it thorough here Ensign," Sash replied and then tapped the comm board.
"Captain Sash here, go ahead."

=^=Captain, we have your FO to beam over.=^=

Sash knew that a new FO had been selected for him. None of his crew were
ready or qualified, or willing. He had no idea who had been selected, but he
was not really in the mood to meet anyone new.

With a deep sigh he addressed the comm panel. "We're ready to receive your
officer."

=^Energizing now.=^=

Kestra had wanted to send Sash a message to see what he thought about her
coming back to be his First Officer. She just was too afraid of what he
might say or what she might find out since she had left. Vanyssa and Sash
had a lot of issues with each other and she had interrupted that until she
had left. How had their relationship expanded since she had left them, she
really did not want to find out, but, she had to.

With Vanyssa taking the command of a new ship that was about to be launched,
she wondered how the two of them would or if they would, keep a relationship
together. She had counted every second until the time she would be able to
set foot on the decks of the Nimitz once more. Then she could see just where
her and Sash's relationship was at or was it now only Sash and Vanyssa.

Standing on the transporter pad all her thoughts centered on the next few
minutes as she nodded at the transporter chief to begin transporting. She
had traveled via the transporter hundreds of times and had never been afraid
until now. She felt the transporter beam start to dematerialize her entire
being and fling them over to the Nimitz transporter. She could see through
the haze of the transporter beam as she started to shift from the Boudicca
to the Nimitz. Suddenly, the transporter room on the Boudicca shifted and
the transporter of the Nimitz was in view. Standing there in the room
watching and waiting was Sash.

~Does he know that I am coming to replace Vanyssa?~ Kestra thought to
herself nervously, ~He had to have known that they were sending me. Why had
he not contacted me if he was happy that I was coming back?~ She just stood
still on the transporter pad after she had materialized. Neither of them
said anything for what seemed an eternity, then she spoke up.

"Captain?" She said nervously, then just over a whisper, "Sash?"

Sash looked up at the pad as his new FO finished transporting, and he
couldn't believe his eyes. he just stared at her for a moment. "Kestra? What
are you..., you're my new FO?"

Kestra's look changed to one of non comprehension as he should have known
that it would be her coming to replace Vanyssa. It seemed to her that maybe
Admiral LoDona was playing a cruel joke on the both of them and maybe didn't
even know it. She looked over at the transporter chief, "Sir permission to
come aboard!" She did not want to air what she and Sash had had together in
front of the crew, so, she changed things to professional attitudes.

The chief nodded and she stepped down from the pad to stand in front of
Sash. "Sir, Your replacement First Officer, Lt. Commander Kestra Troi
reporting for duty." She said in answering him.

Sash was staring at Kestra with his jaw a little loose. The Angossian was
never a man of many words, but for the first time in a long time he was at a
loss for anything to say. He shook himself if waking up from a dream. The
way he felt just moments ago was lost somewhere between surprise and
confused.

Suddenly he burst into a smile. "Kestra!" He pulled her into a bear hug.

He looked over his shoulder at the transporter chief, who was conspicuously
looking at his readouts. Sash stepped back and cleared his throat. "Ah, yes
indeed. Welcome aboard Lt. Commander. And congratulations on your promotion
to First Officer."

The hug that Sash had given her was like an answer long overdue, but, was
over before she could really enjoy it. "Thank you Sir, should we retire to
your ready room and discuss what has been happening on the Nimitz since I
had left? To bring me up to date?" Kestra said as she started walking toward
the door, assuming that Sash would with her.

"Absolutely," Sash replied. His emotions were running rampant. His change of
mood left skid marked on his cerebral cortex. He was so happy to see Kestra,
yet his longing for Nessa remained. He focused on where he was and who he
was with, compartmentalizing the rest for later.

He followed Kestra into the hallway and then to the turbo lift. "Bridge."

He looked over at Kestra, feeling a little goofy. The memory of their last
day together began streaming through his mind. He smiled at her. "It's good
to see you again."

"Your thoughts betray you somewhat Captain and yes it is good to see you
again also." Kestra could feel the pull that Nessa had on Sash and she did
not know what to do about it. She decided then for the time being that she
was the new First Officer not a replacement lover because the desired one
had left.

The turbo lift stopped and she walked out onto the bridge, a familiar
bridge, more familiar than most on in at the time including the captain. She
paused a moment to look around and to let Sash precede her as it was his
ready room.

As they entered the ready room Sash turned to Kestra, "Before we start in
need to be certain you are staying out of there." He pointed to his head. "I
know that my emotions are pretty evident right now, but I'd rather not have
to concentrate on shielding my thoughts right now. Especially from you."

"I had not needed to enter your mind to see what your surface thoughts were.
It also is not against starfleet regulations for surface scans. Even though
I had not intended such." Kestra replied stoically, but, continued. "I will
endeavor to remain in compliance with Starfleet regulations sir."

Kestra was not enjoying what she was doing, but, she did not know what or
where she stood with him at he moment. She could not but help read his
surface thoughts earlier about his feelings about Vanyssa and her leaving
him. All her fears had materialized in front of them and she hurt for it,
then she felt she needed to know what, if any, was his feelings for her.

"Sir, permission to speak openly" She looked at him for the first time since
leaving the transporter room.

~Sir is it now?~ Sash suddenly resolved himself to being the CO again. He
sat in his seat behind his desk and took a deep breath. "With me Kestra,
always."

Kestra could barely hold her excitement any longer, she had been holding it
ever since she found out that she was promoted and was going back to the
Nimitz. She got up and moved toward him then stopped to just look at him.
"Devan," She started to tell him how she loved him and wanted to get back
into the relationship that they had started, but, for some reason it just
did not feel like the right time,",,,, I need to get into the feeling of
being your First Officer. The crew needs to see that they can count on me
when they need to and,," smiling at him she hoped that what she was about to
say would not be taken wrong as she really wanted to be with him, " as we
started out as friends we will continue to be so no matter what. I hope you
can understand that." She reached over and ran her fingers softly along the
side of his face remembering the time they had together then pulled away.

"Kestra, that is the most understandable thing I've heard said on this ship
in a very long time," Sash sounded relieved. "I believe our friendship
definitely stands on its own. Anything else would ... complicate matters."

Kestra smiled knowing that, yes it would complicate matters, at least for
now. She turned from him with a lot of effort not to reach out to him again.
She walked over to the couch and motioned for him to join her.

Now more comfortable with some ground rules that seemed to set themselves,
Sash joined Kestra on the sofa. "I really am glad to have you Kestra. How
was life on Boudicca and Sevant?"

"I am really glad to be here, Devan. I don't know how much I can tell you
about what happened there, but, let's just say that being on a ship made for
battle is not boring." She replied with a little forced chuckle as she
remembered all the crew that had died during that battle against the spider
things. She looked away so that maybe he would not notice that she had seen
things that she would like to forget, but, knew that she would never. Maybe
one day they could talk about what happened, but, she knew that the reports
had not become known yet to the captains.

"Uh," she almost forgot that he had also asked something else, "The Boudicca
is the Boudicca, but, I like it here better. Sevant has made a really good
Captain as I always knew he would and the crew follows him without
question," she again chuckled, "most of the time." She remembered Major
Straton and her way of doing things.

"How has it been here since I left?" She asked wanting to change the
subject.

"Oh, same old thing," Sash sasi, "spies on board, trying to blow up the
ship, a boring mission to shake down our recent upgrades. We have a new SFI
officer, Lt. Commander Wilson, who I'm still not sure what side he's on."

Kestra chuckled to the way Devan played what he said as if it was just
another day at the office and nothing to worry about. "This Wilson, what was
Vanyssa's take on him? She should have been able to determine friend or
foe."

"She did not trust him. Nor his assistant that he brought. A Brikarian,
named Dru Tagon. Do you know him?"

Kestra thought searching through her mind to see if she had any information
of the two and could not come up with any. "No, but, if you want I can see
if they are on our side or not." She would use her abilities if it meant
that the two could be a real danger to the ship and it's crew.

Sash knew what she meant, and he was not prepared yet to ask her to break
that regulation, although he knew she would. "I don't think we need to go
there yet." He emphasized the yet. "But let's just continue to keep an eye
on them. There's already been a murder on board that I blame on them. I
don't want any more."

She smiled at him knowing that he wanted to save her career in not letting
her find the information they could have used and accepted it. "Well I will
make it one of my duties to keep an eye on him and this Dru Tagon. Why do we
have a SFI agent on the ship by the way? We did have Nishi, but, in a way
that was different, we knew where he was from and he helped us a lot. If it
had not been for him, some of the information that Aragorn had gotten about
Doenitz we would have not been able to get and some people would not be here
today. The Nimitz also may not be here today if it weren't for him."

"Nishi resigned, to go back to Earth. Wilson was assigned to us, and I'm
still not really certain as to why. But his orders were cut and signed by
Admiral LoDona, so he stays."

Kestra looked at Devan for a few moments then accepted that he had done what
he could to verify it. Also, she knew that LoDona would not have sent him to
the Nimitz without a good reason. "Well, I guess we will just have to accept
that and keep an eye on him. I think I need to have a face to face with him,
since I am the New ... First ... Officer" she said it slowly and with a
large smile on her face.

"That would be a good idea," Sash agreed.

Then after a moment of silence Sash stood. Well I suppose this is as good a
time as any to introduce you to the crew as the FO." he turned from her for
a moment and hit his comm badge. "Sash to all senior staff members. There
will be a general staff meeting in conference room 1 at
1300 hours. Please have all status reports ready at that time. Sash out."

He nodded at Kestra and took a step towards her. "Now before we become CO
and FO again, can I get a hug? I have really missed you." She said as she
stood up and looked at him wantonly.

Sash smiled and wrapped his arms around her. He could feel that familiar
tingle in the back of his mind as the warmth they provided each other grew.
Then he could hear that all too familiar laugh, even further in the back of
his mind, and let her go.

(reply none)
(posted By Al Muir and Frank Rogers)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS NIMITZ - Bridge - CSO Saleke - 12:30)

Saleke was running a diagnostic on the science console to make sure of its
effectiveness when his combadge beeped, he tapped it and listened closely as
Sash's voice came through.

"Sash to all senior staff members. There will be a general staff meeting in
conference room 1 at 1300 hours. Please have all status reports ready at
that time. Sash out."

After the diagnostic was done the Vulcan immediately downloaded the
departmental reports to the PADD he was carrying and waited for the right
time to leave.

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS NIMITZ - Bridge - CSO Saleke - 12:30)

Saleke was running a diagnostic on the science console to make sure of its
effectiveness when his combadge beeped, he tapped it and listened closely as
Sash's voice came through.

"Sash to all senior staff members. There will be a general staff meeting in
conference room 1 at 1300 hours. Please have all status reports ready at
that time. Sash out."

After the diagnostic was done the Vulcan immediately downloaded the
departmental reports to the PADD he was carrying and waited for the right
time to leave.

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Ensign O'Neill's quarters - ACEO Ensign (jg) Miles O'Neill -
12:30)

Miles was in his quarters, reading a novel on a PADD. So far, he had worked
on the warp core for the most of his time, and when he finally finished his
part in repairing the core, well, he was pretty happy. He was enjoying his
novel, when the combadge beeped and said, =/\=Sash to all senior staff
members. There will be a general staff meeting in conference room 1 at 1300
hours. Please have all status reports ready at that time. Sash out.=/\=

Miles quickly put the PADD down, made sure that his uniform was in order,
and left his quarters.

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Ensign O'Neill's quarters - ACEO Ensign (jg) Miles O'Neill -
12:32)

Miles was in his quarters, reading a novel on a PADD. So far, he had worked
on the warp core for the most of his time, and when he finally finished his
part in repairing the core, well, he was pretty happy. He was enjoying his
novel, when the combadge beeped and said, =/\=Sash to all senior staff
members. There will be a general staff meeting in conference room 1 at 1300
hours. Please have all status reports ready at that time. Sash out.=/\=

Miles quickly put the PADD down, made sure that his uniform was in order,
and left his quarters.

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Counseling Department - Ship's Counselor - Ensign John
Harrison - 1234)

Harrison was sitting at his desk, flicking through the previous counselor's
records of the senior staff, when the announcement came.

=/\= Sash to all senior staff members. There will be a general staff meeting
in conference room 1 at 1300 hours. Please have all status reports ready at
that time. Sash out. =/\=

He finished reading the profiles he was looking at, picked up his PADD and
made his way to the turbo lift.

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Conference room 1 - CSO Saleke - 1250)

Not wanting to arrive too early the Vulcan waited until 12:45 to leave the
bridge and took the turbolift to the Conference room deck. Seeing that the
Captain and a Betazoid female wearing commanders pips were already there he
greeted them as he entered.

"Good day Captain." He then turned to the female. "And good day to you
Commander, it is an honor to meet you."

(Reply: Captain Sash and Kestra Troi)

After the two had answered he took a seat at the far side away from the door
to allow later comers to find a seat more quickly then began studying the
Captain and Commander out of the corner of his eye, it was obvious the two
knew each other very well and in a very intimate fashion. Saleke wisely and
logically declined to interrupt their conversation. When the others began to
trickle in the conversation lessened then stopped and the Vulcan began
concentrating on matters at hand.

(Reply: Devan Sash and Kestra Troi, Any)
(Posted by Charles)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Sickbay - CMO - Ensign (sg) BigWill Kinkaid & Nurse Janet
Sanders - 1252)

The medical department has been through a lot the past few months. Kinkaid
was going over the medical performance reports of his staff. The amazement
that came over Kinkaid's face was hard to believe. He has never, since
becoming the ship's chief physician, seen a performance report that could be
compare to any other. The medical emergencies that had occurred aboard the
ship have been challenging and adventurous.

While in deep thought, Kinkaid's computer terminal on his desk activated. It
was a priority message from Captain Sash. There was to be a staff meeting in
Conference Room 1 and staff heads were to report immediately no questions
asked. Kinkaid gasped for air. The urgency of the message caught Kinkaid off
guard and out of breath as if going through another chocking episode like
the one that occurred in Ten Forward a few months back. Kinkaid has never in
his tenure as chief doctor been unprepared for one of the captain's staff
meetings. Kinkaid was stressing. He did not know what to do or say.

Nurse Janet Sanders saw the commotion her boss was in. It did not look good
from where she was positioned. She knew that Kinkaid was always on top of
things, but could not understand the predicament her boss was in at that
moment. Janet without hesitation entered Kinkaid's office. Knowing how her
boss overreacts to the oddest things, Janet rendered a helping hand.

"Doctor, I believe you may need this PADD for the captain's staff meeting."
Janet said with thoughtfulness and sincerity to calm the anxiety stricken
beast in her boss.

Kinkaid was about to loss his mind, but his rage stopped suddenly when he
heard Janet's sweet harmonic voice. "Ahh Janet, you know what to do and say
every time an unpredictable situation happens to me." Kinkaid felt kind of
rude and unprofessional when he spoke those words. Life without Janet
Sanders by his side would be tragic and chaotic. He would not know what to
do with himself. Kinkaid had to make it up to her later with dinner or
something. It was not like him to be in this manner.

"BigWill, I like to say good luck and wishes of perfect tranquility at the
staff meeting." Janet said knowing in her heart that Kinkaid really needed
was a sweet kiss of inspiration from her to ease his overdrive will power.

Kinkaid's comprehension level was a bit strung out, but felt a sense of
passion for Janet's words of hope. With his PADD reports in hand and Janet's
words of prosperity in his head, Kinkaid was on his merry way to Conference
Room 1 as the sickbay door slid shut behind him causing Janet tear up with
emotional confidence that everything was going to be alright.

(Reply, None)
(Posted by Nathan M. Williams)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1 - CMO - Ensign (sg) BigWill Kinkaid - 1257)

Making sure his PADD notes were in order, Kinkaid finally made it to the
meeting place, Conference Room 1. It seems that most of the department heads
were a bit off guard as he was by the sudden urgency of this meeting.
Kinkaid made his way to an empty seat at the conference table.

Kinkaid was a bit confused as he sat in his chair with the present of Kestra
Troi. The last time he remembered her was not to long ago when he came
aboard the Nimitz for the first time as the new assistant chief medical
officer straight from the Academy. As Kinkaid gazed upon Kestra's collar, he
saw that she was now a Commander. The wheels of thought in Kinkaid's mind
were started to get a bit stressed from the constant impulses of remembering
the past.

Kinkaid sat by waiting patiently for the awesome Captain Sash to speak his
great and all powerful words of wisdom.

(Reply, Anyone)
(Posted by Nathan M. Williams)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1- Captain Sash -1300)

Sash and Kestra walked into the empty conference room together. They had
spent the last hour going over the PADD that LoDona had given him at the end
of the Captain's Conference. The middion they had been assigned was not
going to be fun, but it was very important that it succeed.

Usually Sash liked to take a moment to collect himself before staff meetings
but since he had Kestra with him that was not to be. His mind still reeled
from the conflicting emotions going on inside him. His feelings for Nessa
Winters, and her sudden departure, and now Kestra, the only other person he
had..., anyway, and now she's here. Fate is a might strange person.

They sat at the table and waited to watch the crew arrive. It had become,
sort of, a competition to see who could be there before Sash. Of course it
was pretty rare that anyone ever did. Sash was sure that Falthgood had sent
out the challenge. He would.

Sash knew that many captains liked to show up at the last minute, showing
how busy they were. His belief was that his peoples time was more important
than his and he did not want to keep them waiting. He also had made it clear
that he begins when he begins, and don't be late or you'll miss out. The
sooner he begins the sooner the meeting is over.

He wasn't surprised to see that Ensign Saleke, the CSO, was first to arrive.
If Sash were to look at the statistics he would bet that Saleke was first
most of the time.

"Good day Captain." He then turned to the female. "And good day to you
Commander, it is an honor to meet you."

"Ensign Saleke," Sash stood, "I'd like to introduce you to Lt. Commander
Kestra Troi."

(reply Troi)

Saleke then went to take his seat at the far side of the table.

(reply the rest of the crew)
(posted by Al Muir)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1 - ACEO Ensign (jg) Miles O'Neill - 13:01)

Miles arrived in the Conference Room to find a few people already there,
Captain Sash was one of them. "Hello everyone." Miles said and went to sit
down in a chair.

(Reply any)
(Posted by Matt Kirk)
Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1 - Ensign John Harrison - 1302)

The doors slid open and he already recognized the Captain at the head of the
table. Being new, he didn't recognize anyone else, such as the Vulcan at the
far side of the room and the woman next to the captain. Judging from the
pips on her collar, he assumed that this was the new first officer.

"Afternoon, Captain," he said politely, "Afternoon, ma'am"

(reply Sash, Troi)

He took the closest seat and turned to the Vulcan. "Hi," he said.

(reply Saleke)
(posted by James Batchelor)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1- SFI - Lt.Cmdr John Wilson -1304)

John stood just beyond the conference room; it was a most distasteful thing
to have to remain present in a staff meeting when officially you weren't
member of staff. John threw that thought and looked at the door, pausing for
an in take of breath John walked through. Immediately the captain glared
down at him, pausing for a moment he looked at the other faces that to were
not displaying much pleasure at seeing him.

As John located a seat as far away from the other officers as possible he
lowered himself into it and attempted to straighten his uniform. His
uncomforted was totally visible and no extent of training could hide it. As
he glanced the faces one last time her eyes latched onto him. Shuddering he
looked at the eyes obviously hiding her anger. He had wanted her to come
with him to the Nimitz however things were different now. The last events
had proved one thing emotional attachment resulted in problems. The main
problem that was coming out of this was how did he sever all attachments.

Bridging his fingers he considered how he was going to break it to a woman
that he was meant to care about that for the foreseeable future she would
have to mean nothing to him. Waiting for the CO to begin John attempted to
look like he wasn't deep in thought. People were already suspicious enough
of his motives and purpose.

(Reply Any)
(Posted By Richard)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1 - CO Captain Devan Sash- 1305)

Sash looked around the room as his crew entered. He was always impressed by
their punctuality. After Saleke came was Zzt, the CEO. Sash smiled at the
huge walking teddy bear. He was one of the best engineers he had seen, and
had the best disposition. But Sash had also seen him angered, and would hate
to be at the recieving end of those deadly claws with 1200 lbs behind them.

Then Dr. Kinkaid came in and nodded at everyone. He looked, as usual, a
little lost. Sash had decided that the doctor was just the absent minded
professor type. They nodded to each other as Kinkaid sat.

Miles O'Neill arrived in the Conference Room and sat in the chair next to
Zzt. "Hello everyone." he said.

"Good afternoon Ensign," Sash replied.

Finally the new Counselor, Ensign John Harrison came in and took his seat
between Kestra and Saleke. "Afternoon, Captain," he said politely,
"Afternoon, ma'am"

"Counselor," Sash smiled and nodded. A conversation began up, but it was
time to start. He was wondering wher his security staff had gotten to. The
door opened and in walked Dru Tagon, representing SFI. He was also wearing a
familiar yellow uniform. He had been offered his position as ASC after
saving Sash's life.

"Sorry I'm late sir," he appologized, "I had trouble with my... uniform."

Sash nodded, noticing that his uniform did seem a bit stressed and indicated
for him to take a seat. Instead he stood by the door where he was most
comfortable. He could se the whole room from there, and was the first one to
make contact with people a they came in.

Sash stood and prepared to speak when John Wilson came in. He took a deep
breath waiting for hiim to take a seat. He prepared to speak a second time
when he noticed a couple of officers talking. Sash glared at them.

"If we might get started," Sash said to quiet the group. He hated getting a
late start. It set a bad precedent. "I would like to start this meeting by
introducing some new members of the crew. First I'd like to introduce our
new councilor, Ensign Harrison. Some of you have had an opportunity to know
him..."

The door opened and a woman entered. She tried to be as inconspicuous as she
could, leaving a PADD on the table by him before sitting down. He heard
Kinkaid say something, and Sash looked over at them, silencing them with the
look.

"As I was saying, some of you have already gotten to know him. I'd like the
counselor to get to know you all. Counselor, do have anything you'd like to
say?"

(reply Harrison)

Sash looked down at the PADD briefly as Harrison spoke. He looked at the
name and the duty station and nodded. It seemed that Admiral LoDona was
looking at this mission having a need for more medical staff. When Harrison
finished Sash continued.

"One of our late comers is our new ACMO, Dr. Michaella Kirien. Although I
haven't had a chance to welcome you properly, let me take a moment now to
welcome you to Nimitz. Perhaps we can meet briefly after this staff
meeting."

(reply Kirien)

Sash looked up to see yet another late comer enter. The other ASC, Ensign
Slytherwald. He sat down next to Harrison and whispered to him. "So, what I
missed?"

"You missed the beginning of the staff meeting Ensign," Sash replied
harshly. "I will talk to you about punctuality afterwards." This stopped the
conversation between the two men.

Then Sash turned his attention back to the group. "Finally, as you all know,
our FO was promoted yesterday, and has gone off to her own ship today.
Admiral LoDona has seen it fit to send us a new FO. Many of you already know
Lt. Commander Troi. Some of you don't. You will all get the opportunity over
the next few days."

Sash took a deep breath. "Before we do anything else I need Lt. Commander
Troi to stand."

He looked down into the eyes of his new FO, and his friend. "It is my honor
to do something today, that you earned elsewhere. Before this meeting I
received a communique from Captain Sevant stating that you left before
something could happen, so I get to do it. It is my pleasure to promote you
to the rank of Commander."

Sash pulled out a small box and openned it to show a gold pip. He replaced
the black one with the gold one and handed Kestra the box. "Congratulations,
Commander Troi."

(reply Troi)

"When Kestra was seated Sash continued. "As you know we have had a
restructuring of the command staff recently. With Lt. Commander Wilson, now
acting as 2nd officer," this was the first time Sash had announced it, and
he could see the reaction across the room, "I still feel a need to complete
a command staff. So..., Ensign Saleke, please come forward."

Saleke looked surprised, or as surprised as a Vulcan can look. "Ensign
Saleke, yo and I have had conversations about the structure of command on
this ship, and I hearby promote you to the position of 3rd officer. While yo
will continue your duties as CSO, you will also receive command training.
Also, I hearby promote you to the rank of Lt. (jg) and bestow upon you all
of the privilages and responsibilites of your new rank."

He pulled out another small box and place a gold pip on Saleke's collar.
"Congratulations Lt. Saleke."

(reply Saleke)

Sash had one more box on him. He looked out to the group, "I'd like Ensign
Kinkaid to come forward."

Kincaid made his way to the front and stood quite rigid. "Ensign Kincaid, I
recognition of all you have done for the medical welfare of the ship, I
hereby promote you to the rank of Lt (jg) and bestow upon you the privileges
and responsibilities of your new rank. Congratulations Lt. Kinkaid." He
place the pip on his collar.

(reply Kinkaid)

As Kinkaid sat down Sash looked out across his crew. Now that they were all
there, and all paying attention, he could see they were a crew to be proud
of, even if some of them were a bit of misfits. "I do have two more
announcement before I get onto the mission briefing. "First, as you all
probably have noticed, Lt. Tagon has agreed to rejoin Starfleet, and join
our crew as part of our security department. I believe with him and with Lt.
Zzt, that we now have the largest crew in the fleet. I can't wait for the
annual tug of war contest at the picnic."

There was a moment of silence as he realized nobody got his little joke, so
he pressed on. "Also, since the loss of Ensign Tannasg, we are working
without an ops officer. So I may be asking some of you to pull some duty
time at the ops station."

He gave that a moment to sink in. Most of the senior staff knew about
Tannasg, and what happened, but not everyone. There was a bit of a hubub
that Sash let go for minute, before starting the mission briefing.

(reply all mentioned)
(posted by Al Muir)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Conference Room - Ensign Saleke, CSO - 1310)

Saleke looked up as two young men entered the room nearly simultaneously,
the first was the engineering officer he had seen when he had ventured down
to see Lt. Zzt, Saleke had still not gotten the chance to meet him but
remembered his name, Miles O'Neil.

The man looked at the three of them then said "Hello everyone."

"Good day Mr. O'Neil." Saleke replied politely as he moved to a chair.

Saleke had seen the next man several times though he had not gotten a chance
to speak to him and knew him to be the Ship's counselor. After greeting the
Captain and new FO he took a seat close to the Vulcan and said, "Hi."

The Vulcan turned to the fair-haired man and said. "Good afternoon to you,
if I am not mistaken you would be counselor Harrison would you not?"

(Reply: John Harrison)

"Mr. Harrison I apologize for not making your acquaintance sooner but I have
been very busy."

(Reply: John Harrison, Any)
(Posted by Charles)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1 - Ensign Harrison, COUNS - 1312)

He took a seat close to the Vulcan and said, "Hi."

The Vulcan turned to the fair-haired man and said. "Good afternoon to you,
if I am not mistaken you would be counselor Harrison would you not?"

"That's me," he replied, now trying to remember this Vulcan's name, "You're
Saleke, aren't you? The Chief Science officer? I saw you on the bridge."

"Mr. Harrison I apologize for not making your acquaintance sooner but I have
been very busy."

Harrison chuckled. "Not a problem. I've been busy too; settling in and
getting lost! Still, there's an easy way to remedy that. Fancy a drink in
Ten Forward this evening?"

He'd been on the Nimitz a day, so he ought to start to get to know his
crewmates.

(Reply: Saleke, Any)
(Posted by james batchelor)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1- ACMO Dr. Michaella Kirien -1313)

Michaella ran full-pelt down the hall, which was hard to do since she was 5
months pregnant. She had been glad to shake the dust of Geneva from her
skirts, so to speak. She was not, however, looking forward to seeing John
again. The bloody bastard hadn't contacted her the entire time she was on
Geneva, through her break down, and her subsequent recovery. She was very
glad to not be a COUNS anymore. She was tired of being one, it wasn't suited
to her.

The transporter tech had told her to hurry, since they were having a senior
staff meeting at 1300. She waited outside a moment, catching her breath, and
walked in as the Captain was talking. She walked up to him and waited a
moment, putting her orders down beside him, then taking one of the available
seats. She purposefully did not look at John Wilson.

She looked down at her hands, then up at the Captain.

(reply Sash, any)
(posted by melinda :-)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Conference room - Ensign Saleke, CSO - 1314)

Harrison chuckled."Not a problem. I've been busy too; settling in and
getting lost! Still, there's an easy way to remedy that. Fancy a drink in
Ten Forward this evening?"

Saleke nodded his head. " At 19:00 hours I will meet you in ten forward then
Mr. Harrison assuming the Captain has no instructions to the contrary."

(Reply: John Harrison if desired, Any)
(Posted by Charles)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1 - CMO - Ensign (sg) BigWill Kinkaid - 1315)

As the Captain Sash began the staff meeting, the doors to the conference
room slid open. A tall, very beautiful blue eyed female wearing a standard
Starfleet issued maternity uniform entered the room. From the looks of the
huffing and puffing she was producing, Kinkaid thought that the new
crewmember was about to deliver the bundle of joy at any moment.

Kinkaid quickly stood up from his seat and went over to aid the new member
to the Nimitz family. "Greetings, I'm Dr. BigWill Kinkaid. May I be some
assistance to you?" Kinkaid said offering his medical services to the crew
member.

(Reply Dr. Michaella Kirien, Any)
(Posted by Nathan M. Williams)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1 - TAC\ASC Ensign (jg) Tom Slytherwald -
1316)

As Tom entered Conference room, everyone was already there. ~Oops, I'm
late.~ Tom though

Captain looked him with a big questionmark on his face. Tom felt terrible.

Tom took a seat near Ensign Harrison, nodding to him in the process. Tom
looked at Brikar, wondering how can he sit on so 'small' chair. He saw also
a new face between them, blue eyed, tall female officer.

"So, what I missed?" whispered Tom while looking at Ensign Harrison

(Reply from John Harrison)
(Posted by Edward M.)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1 - COUNS Ensign John Harrison - 1317)

Tom took a seat near Ensign Harrison, nodding to him in the process.

"So, what I missed?" whispered Tom while looking at Ensign Harrison.

"Well," the counselor grinned, "so far we've picked which seat we're going
to sit in. Other than that, we've been watching who's turning up." He looked
around. "How many people are we waiting for now?"

(reply Tom)

Harrison now saw the look of embarrassment on the man's face. "Don't worry,"
he smiled, "Turning up late isn't as bad as how I met the captain!"

(reply Tom (if you want), any)
(Posted by James Batchelor)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Conference room 1 - Ensign Saleke, CSO - 1318)

Saleke watched closely as one by one the members of the staff entered the
room, he noticed Commander Wilson enter, the man seemed very ill at ease and
kept glancing at everyone there as though seeking a trusting face, the
Captain meanwhile did not seem pleased to see him. Saleke tried
unsuccessfully several times to get the Commander's attention without
success, despite what the man no doubt thought the Vulcan did not look upon
him as an enemy, merely as a pawn in a corrupt game.

The ship's doctor made quite an entrance, as Saleke had assumed he was
indeed a flamboyant personality, his regaling of the pregnant female who
entered about helping her reminded him of a man upon the stage.

After a time the Ass. Tac/Sec ensign entered and took a seat next to the
Ship's counselor who had seated himself beside Saleke and began speaking in
a whisper that was highly audible to the CSO's sensitive ears.

"So, what have I missed?"

"Well," The Counsellor said, "So far we've picked which seat we're going to
sit in. Other than that, we've been watching who's turning up."

"How many people are we waiting for now?" Mr. Slytherwald asked.

Don't worry, turning up late isn't as bad as how I met the captain!" The
Counselor answered as though trying to soothe the man.

Saleke was not the type to eavesdrop on purpose and he was unfailingly
polite but he could not help but lean over and reply to Mr. Slytherwald's
question.

" Unless there are more coming of which we are unaware." He looked over at
the Betazoid female who would no doubt take the FO's place. "I believe
everyone is here except the CEO Lt. Zzt." He looked around the table that
was becoming crowded and said.

"And it is doubtful he will fit at the table."

He left the two men wondering if a Vulcan of all people had cracked a joke.

(Reply: Any)
(Posted by Charles)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1 - TAC\ASC Ensign(jg) Tom Slytherwald - 1319)

Tom took a seat near Ensign Harrison, nodding to him in the process.

"So, what I missed?" whispered Tom while looking at Ensign Harrison.

"Well," the counselor grinned, "so far we've picked which seat we're going
to sit ...." -Captain broke their conversation.

"You missed the beginning of the staff meeting Ensign," Sash replied
harshly. "I will talk to you about punctuality afterwards."

Tom looked down to the floor with visibly worried face. Then he continued to
listen Captain's speech.

Captain was talking about Nimitz's new First Officier, Lt. Comm. Troi.
Captain then promoted her to Commander.

Then Captain promoted Ensign Saleke to Lt.(jg), Ensign Kinkaid was also give
rank of Lt.(jg).

~Ok,ok, all this promotions are fine, but I'm shure that's not the primary
reason why are we here. Hmm, I wonder who is that Brikar!~ though Tom while
looking at the Tagon.

(Reply from none)
(Posted by Edward)