Heeding the words of Ari, Ethan left the others in the outer cabin and walked into the bedroom. Closing and locking the door behind him. He then strode into the bathroom, where he could hear the water running.

"Dylan, babe, its me. Are you okay? I think we need to talk."

Hearing Ethan's voice, Dylan silently reached out and turned off the water, stepping outside the shower and grabbing a towel which he wrapped around his waist then another to dry his dark hair. Stepping out into the bedroom he said evasively "What about? I really do need to work on some stuff tonight."

"I know, but you do, you wouldn't lie about something like that. But I've known you a long time. And when you left, there just seemed to be something wrong. If I'm mistaken, then just tell me and I'll go back out there."

Dylan's shoulders slumped and he sighed. "It's just this whole thing with your mum." he flopped down on the bed and said "You're the son of a man and a woman who just jumped ship with their sexuality part way through their lives and I guess I'm just feeling insecure that one day you'll dump me for some gorgeous woman." He looked up at Ethan with a pained look in his eyes.

Ethan moved quickly to his lover' side and sat down on the bed next to him. "Dylan," he said putting a hand on the other man's shoulder, "Look I have to admit, I am still getting my mind wrapped around the fact that my mother is sleeping with a woman now. I mean I have a tough enough time thinking of her sleeping with anyone other than my dad.

But they're them and I'm me. I'm not going to dump you for a gorgeous woman or another guy."

He took his free hand and put it on Dylan's chin turning his face so they were looking into each other's eyes. "Look at me dear, you're the only one now and the only one forever."

"I'm sorry." Dylan replied as he held Ethan's gaze, "It's just I guess, after everything that's happened I'm just insecure." then he sighed and pulled away a little as he added "Plus, given the fact that your mother doesn't like me, I just have visions of her working to split us up." he added reluctantly. They were being honest after all.

"I don't think its a matter of her not liking you, she does. I think she's just being overprotective and maybe thinks I'm thirteen not thirty. The whole thing of my being kidnapped and tortured really bothered her and she's afraid. Maybe she doesn't trust you to protect me. But I trust you and that's all that matters.

And whatever she feels for you, she knows that I love you and she would never try to ruin that for me."

"I'll have to take your word for it." Dylan sighed, "Because I'm just not getting warm and fuzzy vibes from her that's for sure."

"Well if you want warm and fuzzy vibes, I can give you those and I did lock the door." Ethan said.

"You did huh?" Dylan managed a slow smile as he grabbed Ethan behind the waist and pulled him closer.

Ethan's legs found themselves wrapping around Dylan's waist as he was pulled closer, "Yes, I did."

"Then why don't you show me what you have in mind?" Dylan replied as he nipped Ethan's lower lip.

"I love when you do that," Ethan replied as his hands wrapped around Dylan's neck. "Why don't we start with this." then he gave his lover a deep, passionate kiss.

"Works for me." Dylan sighed happily before flopping back on the bed, pulling Ethan with him as he deepened the kiss.

Ethan had to unwrap his legs of Dylan's waist, as he was pulled down on top of his lover, but he didn't mind. As he deepened the kiss even further, he began to loosen the towel Dylan had just put on.

He let his hands begin a slow exploration of territory that was imminently familiar, but that still sent little sparks of sexual energy up his arms, to the nerve centers of his brain.

Smiling against Ethan's lips as his hands wandered his body, Dylan whispered "I'm hoping that no woman ever gets this kind of a reaction out of you."

"Not in a million years," Ethan responded, "and just for the record, no other guy is either."

"Good." Dylan replied, "Because once I put that ring on your finger it's going to be until death do we part." he smiled up at him.

"Well then I guess we're going to be together a very long time." Ethan said and he bent down and kissed his lover again.

"I'm not planning on going anywhere anytime soon." Dylan breathed as their actions became more hurried and more passionate.

Their talking stopped for half an hour as they continued making love. After they were done Ethan rolled onto his back. "Feeling better?" he asked.

"You could say that." Dylan sighed happily as he rolled onto his side and looked at Ethan with a huge grin on his face, "But then...you know that you're the best."

Ethan's hand almost of its own volition sought Dylan's. "You complete me, there is no one else, there will never be anyone else.'

"Right back at you gorgeous." Dylan squeezed his hand and looked over at him, "Now how about we set that date for our wedding? I want us to be committed to each other for life."

With his free hand Ethan traced Dylan's jawline, "Sooner rather than later, how about my parent's anniversary, it's in about three weeks Would you be okay with that?"

"The sooner the better." Dylan replied with a smile as he playfully nipped Ethan's finger.

'You play dirty, Mr. Santiago, or maybe I should call you Mr. Santiago-Chaparral."

"We're taking on each other's names huh?" Dylan grinned, liking the sound of it.

Ethan shrugged his shoulders, "That's what I was thinking, it feels right to me, but if you have a different idea, I'm okay with it."

"I'd love to take on your name." Dylan smiled, "Kind of adds to the fact that we belong to each other." he added before kissing Ethan again.

Ethan smiled against his lover's lips, "we do belong to each other don't we?" he asked contentedly.

"Forever and a day." Dylan sighed happily as he held Ethan, finding it hard to believe that in just three short weeks they'd be joined for life.

Ethan settled in a little closer to his lover, "Sooooooo, "he teased, "do you really have to go to work now, because if you don't....."

"Well, I could always do it later I guess." Dylan grinned wickedly as he rolled over to face Ethan.

"Good," his lover returned with an equally wicked smile, "Because I was kind of planning on both of has taking a turn."

A joint post by

Lt. Commander Ethan Chaparral
CMO

Lt. Dylan Santiago
Chief of Intel

In order to preserve Miril's cover, it was important that no one else figured out who she really was. So once she'd heard that Miril was out of surgery and feeling well enough to make her appearance, Angel had gone down to the transporter room and let the transporter operator on duty have a break. He'd looked at her a bit oddly but had happily left once he realized that she was, in fact, quite serious, about relieving him for a while. She swore she heard a shout of joy from the corridor as he practically skipped off, probably in pursuit of coffee and a snack. Taking her time to cover her tracks and falsify the transporter data in a manner that operations and engineering would be unlikely to detect, she locked onto Miril's biosignature in the hidden medbay 13 and energized the transporter, simultaneously sending a code packet to New Sydney to trick their transporter system into thinking that Miril had beamed aboard from there.

Looking around, then stepping off the transporter pad, Miril smiled softly to Angel. "Miril Sa'Vvn, reporting as ship's chef."

"Welcome aboard, Miss Sa'Vvn." Angel smiled a bit, stepping out from behind the transporter console and picking up a PaDD she had lying there. "You'll find your cabin assignment and expected duties on this PaDD... probably best to just tack your name on the door to your cabin though, rather than trying to remember specific intersections. It's a big ship." She handed the PaDD to Miril, inviting her to proceed into the hallway. "You'll be working in our mess hall, obviously. Pretty straightforward except we've banned a lot of Andorian spices. Apparently there are allergies."

Looking the PaDD over, Miril nodded as she stepped out into the hall. "Ah yes, that would make sense. Better to avoid the allergens rather than bog down sickbay. I assume on a ship this size there are quite a few people that have issues with replicated food. I'm also betting they'll be my main customers. Am I correct?"

Angel nodded. "I personally don't have a problem with replicated food, but I like a home cooked meal just as much as anyone else... plus real food is better for sharing with someone you love." She subtly directed their path toward the turbolift, trying to make it seem like she was actually leading Miril through the ship. "And if you can get your hands on real coffee... I'd come in just for that."

Miril looked up and smiled at Angel, shifting to how she was being directed and falling half a step behind. "I think I can get some fresh coffee beans on the orbital station. I will endeavor to keep a good supply in stock."

"That would be great. I'm pretty sure Sinek thinks I'm crazy, but replicated coffee... I just don't know how people drink it without cringing." Angel wrinkled her nose a bit as she called the turbolift car. "I don't think he drinks coffee though, so he just might not understand."

"I have to agree. Replicated versions of most drinks just miss something. Normally it's flavor and even when it has good flavor, it's so uniform in that flavor, it's repulsive." Miril said as she stepped into the opening turbolift. "What deck are my quarters and the galley on again? I hope they're close to each other. A Nebula class is a lot bigger than a freighter." she asked, glancing back down at her PaDD.

"Main galley's on deck 9. Civilian living quarters..." Angel had to stop and think about that for a moment, not entirely certain. "Deck... 13 or 14, you should be on 13. Not terribly close, but not half the ship's distance either. All of those decks are saucer section only."

"Destination unclear," the computer interrupted. "Please state destination."

Angel sighed and rolled her eyes. "Deck 13, residential quarters." As the turbolift began to move, she turned her attention back to Miril. "Once you're settled we'll get you a commbadge and make sure the computer recognizes your voice commands."

Rubbing her fingers lightly against her throat where the doctor had tweaked her vocal chords, Miril cleared her voice just before the turbolift doors opened. "It should easily be able to recognize my voice though, right? Federation systems tend to be good at that."

"It should, but you know how technology can be. I swear, sometimes the terminal in my own office doesn't know who I am." Angel shook her head slightly as the turbolift stopped and opened its doors again. "Luckily we haven't had any serious computer issues with the Hera, so it shouldn't be a problem."

"That's good to know," Miril said as she peered out of the turbolift doors. "Is this the right deck?"

"It should be..." Holding the turbolift door back with one hand, Angel stepped far enough into the corridor to tap the bulkhead panel next to it, looking for the deck number notation and the section they were in. "Cargo bays? Not funny, Hera." She knew there was another turboshaft opening on this deck closer to the civilian residential quarters. Maybe it was in use. "Well, it's not such a long walk from here. We're on the right deck, about half the deck away from where we meant to come down but not terrible."

"At least it's the right deck," Miril mumbled as she stepped out of the turbolift. "I'll review your prior chef's notes and logs tonight and start my first meal in the morning, if that's ok. What happened to them, by the way? These gigs tend to be extremely long term."

"That's quite fine. And it's an interesting story." For a moment, Angel struggled to maintain a straight face as they talked. Luckily no one was around to see it. "We were having some issues with someone passing information to a third party... got the ship in a lot of hot water. Couldn't believe it when it turned out the be the chef..."

"Ah, so they're in the brig then." Miril assumed.

"Uh... no. She's dead. Captain Telvan didn't take too kindly to her actions and vaporized her. Saw it happen... was not pretty." Angel shuddered just a bit remembering how real that had looked.

"Oh..." Miril said, walking in silence for a few. "If it comes time to terminate my contract, I hope it isn't so... Final..."

"Unless you're secretly spying on us for the Obsidian Order or something... you'll be fine. This way." Angel guided Miril around a turn to the right, and they found themselves in the residential section. "What's the cabin number on that PaDD?"

Looking down at her PaDD, Miril checked the room number. Now this was too ironic... It was the same room she was in as T'pel. That made things easier yet more difficult. "Three three eight," she said, barely managing to keep the smirk from her face. She wanted to ask if anything was left in the room, but she'd find out soon enough.

That was ironic, considering they'd just cleared that cabin of T'Pel's belongings. Angel managed not to react to the news, looking for the 300 block of cabins. "I didn't realize we had so many residential cabins down here."

"It is a big ship. Lots of people need quarters. I just hope it isn't too hard to find." Miril said as she checked the room numbers on the doors they passed.

"Shouldn't be too hard... it's right... here." The proper door was easily found, newly stripped of the name of its former occupant. Angel tapped in the code to unlock the door, quickly followed by the code that would assign this cabin to Miril. The door readily slid open, revealing an empty cabin waiting to be filled.

Miril entered the cabin and sighed as she looked around. "Very spartan," she said, unable to hide the hint of sadness in her voice.

"They tend to be that way." Angel followed her in, waiting for the door to close and then grinning just a bit. "I swept the cabin for bugs earlier... it's clean. Anything you want from your old belongings, we can get it." Peeking at the PaDD she'd given to Miril earlier, she tapped a tiny icon in its corner, bringing up a menu for the transporter buffer she'd hidden the more personal things inside. "Anything that's not in this buffer is in storage. Considering 'T'Pel' is dead, it's in general storage so you can easily get it back. We haven't let anyone look through it yet, so it's all still there."

That brought a smile to Miril's features. She didn't have much and a lot of it was replicated junk but she did have a few personal items she had hoped she wouldn't have to part with. Tapping a few of the items in the buffer, she handed the PaDD to Angel. "These are all I want to keep. Thank you again, Commander. I owe you and the Captain my life. If there's anything I can do for you, please just ask."

"There is one thing." Angel took the PaDD, still grinning a bit. "I know you probably don't know how to cook Vulcan food... but you must know some vegetarian recipes in general. Sometimes Sinek and I want to eat at home but I don't want to always rely on the replicator... and I've never cooked a meal in my life. Terrible, isn't it?"

"Very terrible. I happen to actually be quite good with Vulcan recipes, actually. They're one of the simpler races to cook for - it just takes patience. Just let me know when you'd like it, and I'll have a homemade Vulcan meal for two ready for you, properly reduced plomeek broth and all." Miril said assuringly.

"That would be great!" Angel had never considered herself to be a 'hug-gy' type of person, but she hugged Miril anyway. "And maybe sometime you could teach me a recipe or two. Just so I can cook something?"

Hugging back, Miril nodded and accepted the request. "In that case, come down to the galley when you can and I'll give you some cooking lessons. I won't make it easy on you though."

"I will when I have some free time... and I wouldn't expect you to make it easy." Angel laughed a little. "I'm taking some leave time over the next few days, so I might pop in."

"Stop by any time," Miril replied.

"I'll keep that in mind." She'd barely slept at all with all the work involved in hiding Miril's identity, and Angel couldn't help yawning. "Sorry. It was a long night... maybe I can still sneak a few hours in before anyone expects me to file reports or settle disputes..."

"Get some rest then, you look like you need a few days off." Miril said as she headed towards the replicator. "I'll be here or in the galley if you need me."

"I need a few years of vacation. This ship's going to be the death of me," Angel replied with a theatrical sigh and a bit of a giggle. That was it, she was going to sleep whether anyone needed her to do something or not. "Let me or Enalia know if you need anything and we'll get it for you. I'll see you later." With a brief wave, she headed for the door to go home.

Vitor took his place on the phaser range. Following Hadren’s instructions he set up the dismantled phasers across the bench.
He set up the targeting program as he waited for the XO to arrive. He glanced again at the phasers pieces on the bench, eager to assemble them and fire. It has been too long since he done it last.

He shrugged and since he was waiting he thought it best to give a shoots in the targeting range. With the type two he carried on the transfer in his hand, he set up the random target program and started shooting.

When he finished he got 94 per cent on target, 76 of them dead center. The years learning archery from his wife payed off.

"Not bad," Angel comment from the doorway. "Your aim wanders a bit, but that's nothing a little practice can't fix. Seen a few security chiefs with much lower scores though, so I'd say you're doing pretty damn good." It took a lot of mental fortitude and awareness for her to remember that Vitor was only following orders, but it was fairly apparent - even with her relatively pleasant attitude - that she wasn't looking forward to the certification. Not because it was difficult though... more that she didn't want to explain that no, she wasn't cheating. Or no, she hadn't started practicing the moment that she'd heard that the new chief was running the entire staff through it. She'd just taken the thing so many damned times she practically had it committed to memory.

Vitor arched an eyebrow as he turned and smiled at the Commander. “Thank you, it’s just like fishing, you never forget it.”

"Fishing? Isn't the phrase about riding a bicycle?" Angel knew that not all cultures shared the same idioms, but that was one she hadn't heard before.

“Actually that depends on what part of Earth your ancestry is from. In my place it was easier to fish than ride a bike.” He holstered his phaser and walked next to the Commander helding up his hand. “Vitor Tito, newly assigned Tactical and Security Officer. Thank you for taking the time for this, I am sure it will be chicken soup for you.” He winked “Or piece of cake if you prefer.”

He gestured to the bench, pointing to the phasers. “I believe you know the drill Commander. Let’s begin with the Type one if you please.”

"Chicken soup." Annoyed as she might be about running the certification again, Angel couldn't help being amused by the new phrases she was learning. And she liked chicken soup better than cake anyway. "All right, I hope you're watching." The type one phaser was so familiar in her hand when she picked it up, the weight perfectly balanced for easy shooting under duress. And it was so easy to take apart. Within seconds of picking the weapon up, she'd dismantled it, pausing just long enough for Vitor to register that it had been fully taken apart before she re-assembled the weapon and checked its alignment. Knowing she had plenty of time to spare, she took her time leveling the weapon at its assigned target and fired, as close to center as could be expected in such a time crunch. "If I were to guess that Enalia was first for this and she treated it like a game, would I be close to correct?"

Vitor smiled and shrugged. As he expected the Commander's first run was well above average. "I don't know how well the Captain performed, but needless to say you started well Commander. I assume you are quite familiar with the Security department?"

"I ran the security department until I was promoted after the death of our prior executive officer." Angel laid the type one phaser back down on the table, mindful of the rules of the certification and not picking up the second weapon until told to do so. "So I might not know all the new people who've come aboard, but the department itself... I know it pretty well."

"I suspected that. Whenever ready Commander, the type two please."

A little bigger, but same basic design. Angel was more familiar with it than others might be; the type two had often been her choice of phaser pistol for away team duty. True, she didn't often take them apart in the field, but she'd done it often enough at her desk when one had malfunctioned. Within a few seconds of how long it had taken her to dismantle and re-assemble the type one, she slapped the type two's cover back in place, aimed, and fired at the second target. The shot landed just left of center, barely off the bulls-eye.

"Very good Commander." Vitor added the notes to the PADD and looked at the rifle on the bench. It has been a few years since he used one and if it wasn't for the Commander's certification he would have taken it to fire a few shoots, just for old time sake.

"When ready you can start with the phaser rifle."

Angel had a soft spot in her own heart for rifles of all types, and she couldn't help grinning at the look Vitor gave the one lying on the bench. This was the only weapon that as she picked it up and began to disassemble it, she handled it with a loving - though still lightning quick - touch. The rifle was also the one she took the longest to put back together, though she was still well within her assigned time limit as she brought the reassembled rifle up to her shoulder and fired, exactly dead center on the designated rifle target. "There's a reason I like the rifles best," she quipped as she lowered the weapon and laid it back down. "Maybe they're not always the right tool, but they sure are more fun." And easier to aim, though she kept that bit to herself.

Vitor nodded. He also had a soft spot for the rifle, even if most of times he used them it didn't went well. He finished the evaluation on his PADD moving forward from those memories. "I also like the rifle, it's been too long since I fired one..." He looked again at it and shook his head as he offered a forced smile to the Commander. "I am sorry, I don't mean to waste any more time then you already have Commander. Congratulations, consider yourself certified."

"Hey, you're just following orders." Angel smiled a little. "Go a few rounds with the rifle before you call your next certification down. Doubt your boss will mind you getting a bit of practice, and part of the joy of working security is playing with the toys once in a while."

Vitor laughed. "I agree, but I prefer to call them tools." Shaking his head. "I will practice later. It was a pleasure meeting you Commander."

Ensign Philby pressed the chime to the ready room door. He was nervous because he had screwed up with the TRs because he forgot to tell the captain. She was sure to flay him alive... He took a deep breath to steady himself.

"Enter," Enalia called, looking up from her desk terminal.

Philby entered and the Trill captain was waiting there. He was relieved that she wasn't snarling. Yet.

"Yes? What can I do for you?" Enalia asked the nervous Ensign, not sure of who he was or why he was here.

Philby shuffled his feet, then stepped forward and handed her the padd. "This is the report you wanted, ma'am. We have one thousand fifty-seven phaser rifles, eleven hundred type II phasers--"

Taking the PaDD with one hand, Enalia held up her other hand to silence the Ensign as she looked over the report. Leaning back in her chair, she pulled out her own antique phase pistol from her desk drawer and checked the serial number against the one listed on the report. Everything looked as thorough as it could be. "Thank you. Was there anything else?" she asked, setting the report on her desk and looking up at the young man.

Philby shook his head a little too vigorously, then said, "No ma'am. Please don't kill me."

"Why would I kill you? For not notifying me upon receipt of arms and weaponry? Nothing was stolen, nothing is missing. I'm upset but not enough to disintegrate you here in my office." Enalia said as she leaned back in her chair, more curious than anything.

Philby shuffled from foot to foot, uncomfortable now. "Yes ma'am, I mean, no ma'am, I mean...I'll shut up now."

"A mistake was made. Do you feel that you've learned from it?" Enalia asked with a seemingly deadly calm.

"Yes, ma'am, very much, ma'am." Philby's voice rose an octave.

Enalia smiled politely. "Good. I trust it won't happen again. If there's nothing else, you're dismissed."

Really?Philby thought. He backed away slowly, then turned and left the office. Leaning against the bulkhead, he let out his breath. Pushing himself away from the wall, he made his way back to the Security Offices and toward Lieutenant Doom.

Daln was waiting for LCdr Sinek to arrive for his phaser certification. The man would probably do very well, considering that Vulcans took efficiency to a level that Daln envied. It would be nice to have things work that smoothly... He looked up as Sinek walked in.

"Pleasant day, Commander."

"Greetings to you, Lieutenant," Sinek stated without emotion. He looked at the table before him. As a scientist, that studied the beginnings of worlds and the life it contained, Sinek found conflict in using something that could take life. Fortunately, the phasers could be set to stun. However, the stun level had to be adjusted depending on the constitution of the race.

Although he didn't make a practice of using the phasers, he preferred hand-to-hand with the nerve pinch his preference to stun, Sinek knew the details of the weapons. He knew how to disassemble and reassemble them. His suppression of emotions enabled Sinek to remain calm and make smooth shots.

"You understand, Lieutenant," Sinek referenced, "The phaser is not my choice of action. I do not wish to take life as long as there are alternatives."

Daln nodded. "Yes, I do, sir. You still need to take the certification, though. If it matters to you, I usually keep the phasers set to heavy stun on the ship, and only change it on away missions." He shrugged. "Might as well take precautions."

"I understand," the Vulcan replied. "It is logical."

Daln understood Vulcans didn't like to kill, however that wasn't always possible. "Here are the parts for a type II phaser and a type III phase rifle. You have 30 seconds to put together the type II phaser and aim and fire it at the target. Start...Mark."

Sinek calmly and methodically pieced together the phaser. Thirty seconds was plenty of time; it was an easy logic puzzle. Each part was precisely designed to fit a specific place. Even with the steady pace, Sinek had it together well within the thirty- second timeframe. He aimed and fired at the planned target.

It wasn't exactly on target, but pretty damn close. "Very good. You now have sixty seconds to repeat the process with the phase rifle. Begin...Mark"

Again, Sinek worked methodically. He had the blue prints of the rifle etched in his memory, thanks to it being photographic in nature. He could glance at something a few seconds and it would be etched there for eternity. He took apart the rifle and pieced it back together well within the allotted time. Calmly, he held the rifle to his shoulder, aimed through the sites and fired at the target.

Hadren nodded. "Excellent. Computer, begin program Hadren-Sigma-Tango-3" A whirling of colored dots appeared over the dark walls. "Try to hit as many as you can under 90 seconds with the type two. Begin...mark."

Sinek didn't allow himself to feel rushed or pressured. He moved with as little effort as needed, yet precisely with fluid movements. He knew many security personnel might shoot from the hip, but Sinek was sure to aim. The only way to face multiple enemies was in calmness. It would be chaotic enough with phaser firing from several. Without emotions, Sinek's aim was more sure and true. He fired at as many as he could in the ninety seconds keeping an even steady pace.

Hadren looked impressed. "Eighty-nine out of one hundred. Not bad for a science geek. That's it for phasers, thank you for your time, and thank you for not blowing anything up," he said in jest.

Sinek raised a brow. "That would not have been logical, Lieutenant."

Sinek placed the phaser on the table before him. "Thank you for your service." He then purposefully strode from the holodeck, ready to do some work.

Daln shook his head and looked at the next name on the list. Time for the next victim.

OFF:

Lt Daln Hadren
Chief Sec/Tac Officer
USS Hera

LCdr Sinek
Chief Science Officer
Second Officer
USS Hera

The Nausicaans were boarding the ship. They were pirates who didn't mind killing, and sometimes actually took pleasure in it. The job of the security personnel was to contain them and prevent them from killing the crew. The first Nausicaan came around the corner and Bart snarled at him, pulling at the leash. Then another Nausicaan came around another corner, trying to come at them from two sides. The one on the right fired at Tito.

Vitor turned just in time and raised the rifle to fire back. His shot landed on the pirates chest but another one took his place and Vitor saw two more behind that one. He fired again as he shouted to Jenny.
"DON´T LET THEM CORNER US, PUSH FORWARD." If they were cornered the bigger and stronger Nausicaan's would have the upper hand.

Jenny fired at the Nausicaan trying to corner them from the right, releashing Bart's leash. The dog raced forward and grabbed the foremost pirate by the arm, dragging him down, making him easily shot by one of the other Starfleet personnel.

Ensign Tartleton fired at the Nausicaan in Bart's teeth. Finally they saw an end to the Nausicaans. Hadren was in another part of the program, ensuring that the Engine Room was secure, as other personnel were ensuring with the bridge. Daln wanted to know if they could coordinate well with each other in different areas. Daln fired his phase rifle at the last Nausicaan in engineering and tapped his combadge.

=A= Hadren to Tito. Engineering is secure, as is every deck below deck 5. What is your status? =A=

Vitor moved quickly pointing to the last intersection before the turbolift. "Check those corners." He tapped his combadge to reply. =^=Tito here, clear decks 4 and 3. Finishing the sweep on deck 2, we... =^=

Disruptor blasts began to target the foreward team as Vitor moved in.

A beam of light hit Tito and he was beamed away from the holodeck outside. A beam fired at Bart, but he leaped at the man the moment he pressed the trigger and took his arm in his maw. Jenny fired at the man and scored a shot on his shoulder. "ENSIGN!" The chief beside her punched a Nausicaan and then killed him.

Daln came up behind the Nausicaans killed two of them. In the program there were five left, the five in the room with Jenny and Tartleton. Bart snarled as he tried to get another Nausicaan in his jaws, but the man kept him back. Schmitz, a young crewman, fired at another Nausicaan, but two were converging on Jenny. She holstered her phaser and hit one in the face with the palm, striking upward, swung around and hit the other in the chest, and was about to throw one onto the ground, but the one she just hit took her neck and she disappeared from the program. Tartleton shot the one in front of him, then took out the ones that had cornered Jenny, while Daln and Schmitz killed the other two.

Everyone was breathing hard, adrenaline coursing through their veins. Daln took a couple breaths to steady his heart.

=A= Computer, end program. =A= Daln tapped his combadge. =A= Hadren to the control group, send in the others. =A= Tito and Thorne walked in along with a very young Vulcan crewman.

Vitor frowned as he entered. It wasn't the first time he was 'killed' in a simulation.
This one hit him harder. He was already feeling out of shape, a little rusty, but he wasn't expecting to get down so quickly. Being a former Security Chief himself he guessed what would follow.
Shruging he tried to disguise his mood as he walked close to Hadren.

"Dead man walking. I made a bad call, it's my fault Sir."

Hadren's expression was not one anyone in Starfleet wanted to see on their superior's face. "Tito, I know you can do better. You were a security chief. This should be a slice of pie for you." He looked at the other two. He knew for a fact that they had excelled under the last chief. "All of you can do better."

"I kept pushing so they couldn't corner us. In close range they have a slight advantage.
My mistake was in not securing that T section slowly." Vitor tilted his head. "We should have consolidated before heading there." Vitor frowned. "I was afraid I was rusty, but I didn't think it was that bad."

Daln nodded, trying to keep his temper in check. When he didn't, others tended to get pissed along with him, but for no reason they knew. "Just...work on it." He looked at everyone else. "Alright, everyone, hit the showers. Tomorrow we're doing evacuation drills"

Vitor nodded and slowly began to walk to the door. He turned his head and saw Thorne near him. "Good work Thorne, sorry for my screw up."

Jenny smiled at him, proud of herself and of Bart. He rubbed his ear, telling him he was a good boy.

Daln shook his head. "Okay, dismissed.

Vitor scratched his bearded chin. Not the best way to impress the boss. I really need to get back in shape... And quickly... Taking a deep breath he walked out and let the thought's rest on the back of his mind. He smiled knowing that in a few minutes he would be on his quarters in the arms of his wife.

Daln was walking a little gingerly towards the turbolift with Nexi, to head back to the security offices. "You mentioned you don't mind training together. What time did you want to do it?"

"Well, apparently I gotta wait a few days," Nexi grumbled. "Why, what time's good for you?"

"How about next week, same day and time?" Daln was starting to like this girl. She was strong and secure, and he liked that in women, both as lovers and as friends. "Would you like to get something to eat in the lounge? I hear the chef makes a great venison steak, and I'd like to get to know some of my coworkers."

"Yeah, sure," Nexi said with a nod in response to both queries. "Hey Kiddo, you wanna come with or can you find your way back to our quarters?" she asked Aewia.

"I think I might want to come with you," Aewia said mysteriously, glancing again over at Daln. She was still convinced he worked at a pet shop.

"Suit yourself," Nexi said, although she was curious what this connection was to Daln...

They headed to the lounge, and took a table and sat down. Daln waved over a waitress and looked at Nexi and Aewia. "Ladies"

"Ooh, I'll have some of that mixed fruit cocktail juice you keep behind the counter." Aewia requested innocently. They made it for any kids that stopped by but it was still some delicious stuff.

Nexi ruffled Aewia's hair with a chuckle. "And don't skimp on the cherries this time," she warned the waitress. She ordered water for herself, not dumb enough to order any alcohol when she still felt a little funny from cracking her head on the floor, then cut her eyes at Daln. "So, why is my sister convinced that you worked at a pet shop?"

Daln ordered a Vulcan Spice Tea, then looked at Nexi. "Um...keep in mind I was young and stupid, okay?"

Nexi cast him a suspicious glare, a brow raised in curiosity. She said nothing, simply stared expectantly for him to continue.

Daln cleared his throat once, twice, then said, "I met her in a pet shop and told her that if she let me look at her...um, well...then I'd buy her the pet she wanted with all the supplies." He looked extremely embarrassed. "I got in huge trouble for it, too, and I deserved it."

"Uh huh..." Honestly, she expected worse. Aewia had been cogent back then and capable of making her own choices, so Nexi could live with this. Though if he thought he could pull the same stunt again now, then he was gonna lose his nuts. "Anything else happen besides pet shop peep show?"

Daln looked extremely uncomfortable. "Well, we started dating for a bit, and I have to say, I wasn't good to her. I'll just leave it at that." Their drinks came and Daln eagerly reached for the tea, hoping to keep his mouth too busy to answer any more questions.

Aewia sipped at her drink thankfully, enjoying the refreshing juice. This sounded like someone she might have been into just to rebel against her parents.

"Right....." Nexi eyed him a moment longer, taking a sip of her water. She broke her intense gaze just long enough to accept her glass of water from the waitress, then returned her attention back to the Security man. "Well, ain't happening now. As you can probably tell, Aewia ain't quite right anymore. She was in Intel and the Romulans got a hold of her, cut out parts of her brain. She's far too impressionable to be with someone who ain't gonna take good care of her," Nexi stated firmly.

Daln nodded. "I understand. Honestly, I think I was a bit of a petaQ back then, too." He shook his head. "I would never take advantage of a woman like that now." He looked at her. "And honestly, she's not the sister I'm attracted to anymore." He didn't know if Nexi was empathic, but if so, she definitely would have picked up on his attraction. He liked a woman who could kick his ass.

Maybe it was something about Nexi's Brekkian heritage which seemed to react in strange ways with her Betazoid blood instead of diluting it, or maybe it was simply that Nexi had worked hard to exercise her telepathy so that she was strong enough to be a full telepath; whatever the reason, Nexi's telepathy was very strong, so she was aware of Daln's interest in her.

'Oh, I'm quite certain that if Aewia wanted to she could still kick your ass' Nexi 'said' to Daln just to tease him. After all, all those skills were still buried within her sister's mind, even if she wasn't consciously aware of it. But Nexi had no interest in tag-teaming Daln with her sister and she let him feel that his intent was indeed reciprocated.

"You seem to accept that we're sisters easily enough," Nexi said more seriously, "but that's information we'd rather not leave the ship. The rest of the crew who know of our connection know not to talk about it. Our family, or what's left of it, don't know that I even exist. If it ever got out that Senator Larani had a bastard kid out there, it could cause problems."

Daln nodded. "It was pretty easy to pick up on your emotions and a few 'shouted' thoughts. And for the secret, I'd say it's safe to assume a few nobles know about it. Like my mother." Daln grimaced. "She is the biggest gossip I know."

"My mother never breathed a word about who my father was. I only found out about Senator Larani when I found some letters she left for me. And I've been very careful to keep it a secret. Aewia and I ain't been reuinited for long before we got sucked through time, so the chances of anyone outside the Hera knowin' is pretty slim," Nexi said. "And I'd like to keep it that way. Aewia's got enough problems, she don't need me making trouble for her claiming her inheritance or sullying what's left of our father's good name."

Aewia had finished her juice and was leaning back in her chair, losing interest in the conversation at hand. It was just too hard to focus on. "Inheritance?" She asked, picking up on that word at least.

"Don't you remember us talking about this?" Nexi said, wondering if Aewia had forgotten about their dad. "Your parents died, you're the sole legitimate survivor of their House. Didn't your mom have titles and stuff to pass down to you?"

"Oh yeah..." The memories of talking about it hit Aewia hard, but she did her best to remain strong for her sister. "I remember now. I don't think I want to deal with any of that yet."

"It's alright, kiddo, there's no rush," Nexi said, ruffling her sister's hair. "Betazed's already been informed of your condition, they got people lookin' after what's rightfully yours until you're able to claim it." There was a sadness in Nexi because she knew there would never be any lands or Houses or titles for her. Not that she really wanted that sort of thing, but it felt hollowing to be excluded because she was illegitimate.

Daln felt it and empathized. He was the eldest heir, but he and his only sibling were both male. That meant it wouldn't pass to him, but rather to his wife. "My mom was always upset because she didn't have a female heir. As you know, on Betazed everything passes through the maternal line. It stops with my mom, unless some girl is willing to take the name Hadren."

"Keh, ain't it a little soon to be proposing, lover boy?" Nexi shot back with a grin. Not like it would have mattered, that wasn't the life for Nexi. Not like they would have accepted her with her history.

Daln chuckled. "No, I was just trying to tell you I could relate with how you were feeling."

"I'm just messin' with ya," Nexi said with a snicker, but it was weak-hearted attempt to hide how much this topic was bothering her. "But seriously, could you imagine someone like me with title and influence? Fuck, I'd give them stuffy people something to talk about!"

"I think you'd do wonderfully. After all, don't most of them have secrets just as bad, if not worse?" Aewia asked, staring into her empty glass, a hint of her old self rising to the surface for a moment in a sort of zen-like moment of clarity. "Besides, I'm of half a mind to give you the inheritance anyway. Not sure I have any more than that to think with now and I know you can put it to good use."

"Aewia, don't think that way... You're getting better every day, and even when you're not entirely lucid, you're still doing so much better than you were when we first rescued you. You have more self-control and awareness; just give it time, we'll get you back to rights..." Nexi wasn't very good at all this stuff and it was making her really uncomfortable, especially in front of an 'audience', but she didn't let it show.

Just then, the waiter walked by and delivered a slice of chocolate cake to another table. Aewia immediately perked up and waved the waiter over. "Cake please!" she said cheerfully, her moment of lucidity completely passed and completely missing Nexi's discomfort. "With cherries and chocolate. Oooh, yeah, bring us each a small plate of cherry chocolate mousse cake like the Bolians make. That is soooo good."

The energy in Nexi's eyes dimmed somewhat as she watched her sister regret yet again. Sometimes she could stay lucid for long periods, sometimes not so long, and it hurt watching her taking steps back like that. But Nexi put on the best smile she could and at least tried to enjoy that at the very least Aewia was all smiles. Her smiles were always so infectious...

Daln picked up on Nexi's mood and said nothing, but put a hand on hers. If you ever need to talk I'm here he said to her. As the waiter put a piece of chocolate cake in front of him, he balked. "Ah...not sure I should eat chocolate right now."

"Why, too close to your bedtime? Will it keep you up at night?" Nexi asked teasingly. She took the cherry from atop her cake, placing it in her mouth with a sultry grin and tugging on the stem.

"I'm Betazoid. I get aroused."

The stem of Nexi's cherry popped off almost comically and she swallowed the cherry whole with a choked laugh. Damn, she had forgotten about that! She really didn't care much for chocolate so she never really experienced much in the way of the Betazoid chocolate arousal, but it really did give new meaning to 'keeping him up at night'.

"Nice," was all Nexi managed to say once she stopped laughing.

Aewia was unphased, eating her cake slowly, enjoying every bite. Unfortunately she had lost most of her sensitivity to chocolate but she still did her best.

Daln frowned at her, still smiling, and shook his head. "It doesn't make you aroused?"

Nexi shrugged. "Never really developed a taste for chocolate," she said, then took a bite of her cake. "But then again, my meals growing up consisted of bugs- I was raised by a Ferengi... So chocolate was an indulgence that I never really got into, too sweet. I just eat all the sweets now because Aewia orders it and it makes her happy." Nexi looked over at her sister enjoying her cake with child-like innocence.

"I don't remember getting aroused in years," Aewia replied innocently. "In fact, I really don't remember what it's like."

"I don't wanna think about my baby sister gettin' aroused," Nexi said in a flat tone.

Daln laughed at the sheer innocence of the statement; it seemed so logical and yet completely wrong at the same time.

'Now you see why I was trying to blow off steam in the gym,' Nexi said to Daln as she continued eating. 'I'd do anything for Aewia, but it does get tiring after a while...'

Daln nodded. Well, like I said, I'm here if you need a friend. Aloud, he said, "Would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow night?" he asked, taking a sip of his water.

"Well, I gotta get down to New Sydney for... stuff... But I think I can make time for dinner," Nexi said with a nod as she thought about it. "Yeah, I think I could make time for dinner."

"I think I have another visit to sickbay tomorrow. One of the long ones too." Aewia remembered that the last one she had felt a lot more whole afterwards so was looking forward to this visit.

"You gonna be okay with me down on the planet?" Nexi asked Aewia. "Who's looking after you when you get done at Sickbay? Did you ask Angel?" But that meant that she'd be able to have dinner alone with Daln before heading down to New Sydney. fun fun!

"They'll have someone go home with me and make sure I'm ok." Aewia replied.

"Well don't be afraid to ask Angel to keep you company if you get bored. I'm sure she wouldn't mind the distraction." Nexi looked at Daln with a grin. "Looks like I'm free for dinner. Your place?"

Daln grinned. "Sure. My mother was very traditional and insisted my brother and I learn to cook. I can make a very good uttaberry tart."

"Never had uttaberries before," Nexi said. "But I ain't one to turn down free food, so I'll be there." It was a good thing he wasn't expecting her to cook or they would end up eating rations.

Daln's grin widened. "I'll see you there." He finished his water. "I need to get back to work. It's been a pleasure, ladies."

Nexi simply nodded and rose to return to her quarters with Aewia. This had certainly been an interesting day...

Ethan woke up from his drugged sleep. The last thing he remembered was Dylan proposing to him and promising to be there when he woke up. When his eyes fluttered open, Dylan wasn't there. In his place was a woman he didn't recognize. Part of his mind knew he was safe and in sickbay. But that was the rational part of his mind. But fear and panic overrode the reason.

His heart thundered in his chest, color drained from his face and his eyes grew large. He curled into a fetal position, "This rescue was all a hoax an illusion. I see it now. Well you're still not going to get me to talk. So... so just kill me now and get it over with," he said in a pleading tone.

Ellery inhaled slowly and took a few beats to consider the events unfolding around her. She'd learned through experience that when confronted with other people's heightened emotions, it was especially important for her to take a few moments to calm herself and considered the best way to respond. People in crisis had a tendency to mirror the behavior of those they interacted with, even subconsciously.

Recognizing the trauma induced fight or flight reaction for what it was, Bretton kept her tone certain and even. "Ethan, my name is Ellery Bretton. I'm a psychiatrist aboard the USS Hera, where you are currently safe. Take a few moments to steady your breathing and look around to be sure for yourself." In the meantime, Ellery took the opportunity to glance at the monitors nearby just to be sure Ethan showed no signs of physical distress. The repairs to his body were just beginning, but were already extensive, and the last thing she wanted to do was add to the trauma his body had endured and reduce his immune system response. Regardless of the advanced technology available today, infection was still the enemy whenever amputation was involved.

Dylan, his anchor, was not there, but he knew he couldn't be far away, and he knew where he was in the Hera's sickbay, he recognized it. He let out a long breath and slowly uncurled. His heart rate started to decline, though it was still higher than normal. "Where's my..." he hesitated, unsure what title he should give Dylan, "my fiance. He was supposed to be here."

"He's not far," Emery reassured him. "He'll be by to visit you shortly. I just wanted to introduce myself and check on you briefly before letting you get some rest. I know you've been through a lot physically and emotionally, and you still have a long way to go to recover, but I want you to know, you are safe here and I and the rest of the medical staff are doing everything we can to help you heal."

Ethan uncurled from his protective ball, if only slightly. "Ar...are you sure. I, I do don't feel safe."

Emery nodded and moved a bit closer, but she was careful not to get too close so as not to alarm him. "Keep taking slow deep breaths, Ethan. It's natural to be anxious and very confused right after a trauma followed by surgery. Your body's probably fighting the sedatives and the painkillers because you're still in fight or flight mode. I know you know what I'm talking about, but you don't have to be a doctor now. We'll take care of you."

Ethan uncurled a little more, "He asked me to marry him. All this time away, all this time apart and he asked me to marry him."

"I hope you said yes," Emery offered with a smile. "Long-awaited proposals are the best kind. You have someone to get better for, Ethan."

"Of course I said yes. I never stopped loving him. He's the only man I've ever really loved, except for Kyle, my first, but he died."

"I'm sorry," Bretton replied sincerely. "I'm glad you'll have someone special to support you through your recovery. In the coming hours and days, you may be tempted to push him away because you're angry, hurt, or just don't feel good enough. All of those feelings are normal and to be expected, but resist the temptation to isolate yourself as much as you can. We are all here to help you, and you don't have to do this alone. You're not weak just because you can handle this by yourself."

"I don't want to lose Dylan, like I lost Kyle," he said seemingly not hearing the counselor, "it was my fault Kyle died, all my fault and now I'm afraid, I'll be the cause of Dylan's dying."

Ellery decided she needed to engage his professional thinking for a moment to prevent him from spiraling down any further. His anxiety was understandable, but it was clear he was not really hearing her. "Doctor, what would you tell a patient who was worried about an outcome that hadn't happened yet?"

There was a long pause. "I guess, I would tell them that worrying about it won't change the outcome, might even make whatever they're worried about happen, psychoanalytically. I guess that's what I am doing isn't it. But you know I've never told Dylan about Kyle."

"Perhaps Kyle isn't really the issue at all," Ellery offered. "Given what you've just been through, I think it's only natural that you'd be worried about loss in the future and that you'd be thinking about losses from your past."

"I., I don't want to think about loss at all, but it's all I can focus on," the doctor replied.

"Healing physically and emotionally is going to take time," Ellery offered with a nod. "What you're feeling right now is completely normal. The important thing is not to judge yourself too harshly or push people away in the coming days. There is no right way to feel about what you've been through, and while it will be difficult to trust everyone, it's important that you accept support from someone. I'm here for you. You don't have to figure all of this out right now or by yourself."

He ran his good hand through his hair. "I will need you. Right now, even with Dylan, I don't see how I am going to get through this. Without him, well without him, I wouldn't want to."

Ellery was a bit concerned about how much he was focused on Dylan, and more specifically focused on how much he loved him as well as Ethan's past romantic history. Bretton understood the ACMO was looking to focus on something positive in his life, but she also noted all routes of conversation led to Dylan and their love. It was as if Ethan had a one track mind and could focus on nothing else, or had something to prove. It was one thing to have something else to focus on, but quite another to use it to avoid discussing what he'd been through and his associated feelings. "Right now, I'd like to focus on just you and how you're feeling right now."

There was a long silence, while he just looked at her. Then, finally he admitted, "I feel terrified, I don't want to be alone and I feel like this is my fault. If I'd been more careful. If I hadn't gone to meet Ian, none of this would have happened and I'd still be whole."

"Or maybe he would've found you anyway," Ellery allowed. "From what I gathered, Ian was quite the determined individual." As much as she knew his self blame was inaccurate, she knew it was better not to press him too much on that point for now. He'd been traumatized, and blaming himself, however irrational, was his way of trying to make sense of what happened. At least he was actively trying to process the trauma and not avoiding it altogether. "In time, I believe you'll come to see this was not your fault, but in the meantime, do you think you can try and cut yourself some slack as a doctor? Your body's been flooded with adrenaline and I'd be worried if you weren't terrified right now. I'll stay with you as long as you need, and if you'll indulge me, I think some slow deep breaths will help you feel a bit calmer."

Ethan made an effort to calm himself, and did as he was told. He took several slow deep breaths. It didn't help much, but it helped a little. He was pretty sure that no how much time passed, he would continue to blame himself, because it really was his fault. If Ian had come after him, there would have been witnesses. Someone would have seen, but he'd allowed himself to be seduced by a pretty face and a big dick.

The fact that he'd been turning back before the meeting was supposed to take place really didn't occur to him at the time. But he didn't want to discuss that with the Counselor, or Dylan or anyone else for that matter. Not now.

So instead of saying what he really felt he said, "maybe you're right. I just know I'm scared and don't want to close my eyes."

Ellery recognized a brush off when she heard it, bur for now, she decided to deal with the immediate need. "That's ok. I'll sit with you as long as you like."

"Can you give me something to help me sleep, something where I won't have any dreams?"

Ellery considered his request for a moment before replying, "I'll have to clear it with your primary physician, but a sedative wouldn't be out of the ordinary right now." Bretton knew the priority was for Ethan to rest and for his body to recuperate, but she also knew eventually, his psychological recovery would require him to face those dreams and memories, and not avoid them.

"Well I guess my attending would be my boss, the new CMO, but I don't know that he's officially aboard yet. Right now talking to you, I'm okay. Well not okay, but you know what I mean. And when I talk with Dylan, or any of the staff here I can handle that. But I can't handle being alone.

When I'm alone I see him wit.. I see him with his knife and his torch an..." his voice trailed off as his eyes once more filled with fear. "Please, you have to help me get him out of my head."

"I will," Ellery reassured him sincerely. "However, your psychological healing process is going to take time, and I don't want to tax your body and mind with too much while you're still healing physically. That said, and like to teach you something called grounding, which will help you manage the flashbacks and intrusive memories. Whenever you find yourself seeing or reliving something traumatic, I want you to tell yourself to focus on the present and what you can notice using your five senses. Feel the bio bed against your back and the rest of your body. Notice the lighting shining down on your face. Hear the sound of the bio bed monitors beeping. Will you practice that with me?"

"I'll try," Ethan said. He turned so he was laying flat on his back instead of on his side. He didn't think he'd be able to sleep that way, which was fine by him. Keeping his eyes open, he made an effort to feel the bed beneath him, to hear the beeping of the monitor the light now shinning into his eyes.

He didn't exactly relax, but a little of the tension he was feeling ebbed out of his body.

"Good," Ellery encouraged. "Focus on what your senses tell you and take slow deep breaths."

Nexi yawned. Staking out a house could be so incredibly boring, and yet this was part of the job Nexi actually liked. Sometimes it could drag on for a long time and then the stake out would start to lose its luster, but she hadn't been sitting outside the house long enough for for that to happen just yet. She was still at the point where thinking of the plans laid made her giggle with glee. No, wait, she didn't giggle, giggling was for wussies! That thought alone had Nexi snickering like a moron.

So, she had been sent to New Sydney by the Captain to retrieve a Trill artifact, a long lost teacup that had been acquired by some non-Trill and recently sold on auction. Very recently, as in she lost the bid less than an hour ago and was now staking out the guy who had won it so she could steal the cup. He was taking his sweet ass time coming home. But that was okay, that had left her enough time to sneak away and return with a little… something. Now Nexi was really giggling this time. She had done some pretty weird things out of revenge, but this one… Oh, she couldn’t wait for this fat ass to come home with the cup!

The sound of a transport vehicle coming down the driveway had Nexi on alert and she peered down her field scope to see who it was. The windows were tinted so she couldn’t see who it was, but she had a guess, one which was proven correct when the car stopped at the front of the estate and the driver stepped out to open the door for the passenger, and lo and behold Baron von Stick-up-his-ass stepped out. Finally! Nexi wasn’t yawning anymore! If anything, her blood was racing as she watched ‘Baron’ enter his house.

Nexi turned on the scanner to activate the bug she had placed on the fine wooden case the teacup was stored in. It pinged before her on her field scope, meaning the bug hadn’t been discovered and removed. She followed the little blip on her scope through the house to the room she had marked as the trophy room and there it stayed. Perfect! She had already secured her way in while waiting for the guy to come home, now all she had to do was wait for the guy and his staff to go to sleep…

More waiting, but her heart never stopped racing, the thrill of the impending heist really excited her! It was like she had been made for moments like these, and the excitement in the air was tangible. Slowly, the lights in the house started going out, indicating that people were turning in for the night. All except the light in the trophy room. Hmmm, this could be a problem… Was he staying up to admire his new acquisition? But so long as the rest of the house was at rest, then this would make the heist a little more challenging, but not impossible. Might even make it more fun. Hell, she might even do this one for free! Ok, maybe not, she liked getting paid.

Nexi waited a while longer to be certain that the house staff were out of the way, then she slowly removed herself from her tree perch where she had been watching the house. Once she reached the bottom, she retrieved a bag resting at the base of the tree and hefted it over her shoulder. Her little ‘surprise’ for the ‘Baron’. And she was fairly certain that Enalia’s reaction to seeing this on the bill was going to be amusing. She checked that her personal cloak was still concealing her despite the added bulk of her surprise, then she headed for the house.

A good sneak was more than just having a personal cloaking device. It was about having soft footing and being aware of one’s surroundings, hugging corners and making use of shadows and natural blind spots. Even with her cloak, Nexi moved as though she wasn’t wearing it, remaining ever vigilant for anyone that might be able to spot her or anything that might accidentally give her away, and in truth she could do this job without the cloak, but she liked the added precaution. She rounded the house for the back door where she had already disabled the locks. It amused her how secure people thought their homes were; she rarely ever had trouble disabling locks and getting in. She eased the door open and checked for any additional systems that may have been activated for the night. Nope, no more security, she was good to go! Slowly, she made her way through the house and to the trophy room, treading carefully so as not to accidentally wake anyone. Even a cloaked person could make noise. On that note, she should probably get the noise dampener fixed...

Finally, Nexi made it to the trophy room and she extended her awareness into the room to get a ‘peek’. The guy was awake, doing some cleaning and restoration on one of his other acquisitions of the night. The cup was nearby, he was going to work on it next. And he was alone, perfect! Carefully, she set down her bag and moved. The doors flew open and before the guy had a chance to call for help, Nexi hit him with a hypospray containing a sedative to knock him out. As he slumped in his chair, she gave him an extra dose so he would stay asleep long enough for her to deliver her surprise, then she paused, waiting and listening to make sure the sudden opening of the doors hadn’t startled anyone awake. The house staff remained blessedly asleep so Nexi dropped her cloak and got to work.

First order of business was the teacup. She picked up the box and opened it, inspecting the cup to ensure it that it was in fact the cup Enalia wanted her to get. Satisfied that it was the right cup and that it had not been tagged by the ‘Baron’, she activated her ship’s transporter to take it away, then she went back to the hall for her bag. She dragged it into the trophy room and opened it, revealing a number of tubs of mayonnaise. And a paint brush. Nexi grinned wickedly and looked around the trophy room, wondering what she should start defacing first. This was going to be fun...

Enalia pressed the door controls for the small shuttle, tossing her duffel in on the bench as she waited for the heavy door finished opening. Finally, it was and she entered, immediately starting the pre-flight checks. It looked like this was a perfectly brand new shuttle - the plastic was even still on the chairs. She'd have to talk to her new ops chief about that later.

Finishing her pre-flight checks, she still had a few minutes before her official launch and as it was well scheduled, others might be joining her. It would be a surprise to anyone joining her that the captain herself would be the pilot.

Vi knocked on the shuttle's door and entered. "Knock knock," she said looking at the empty shuttle. "Am I intruding, captain?"

"Not at all! Just waiting for any other takers before the scheduled departure time." Enalia said with a smile.

Vi smiled back. She hadn't really gotten the chance to know the captain and this would be the perfect opportunity to do so. She could also probably gain a new friend on this new ship. She entered the shuttle and took a seat. "So who else is joining you and where were you planning on heading, sir?"

"It's ma'am when we're on duty, please. As far as I know, you're the only one that opted for shuttle services rather than the transporter. We'll be docking on Platform 3 of the orbital station right near the spa houses. I'm going to spend as much time as I can there. What are your plans?" Enalia was relaxing, the countdown to departure still not for a minute or so.

"I actually really hadn't made any official plans si--ma'am," she said, quickly correcting herself. "I haven't been to a spa since I was a young girl. I'd love to go with you."

"Excellent!" Checking the ship's chrono, Enalia hit the door controls, sealing them inside. "Close enough to launch time. Shuttle 33-A to control, we're leaving now." The controller started to protest as the shuttle rose from the deck and headed out the huge hangar bay doors but Enalia slapped the comm panel, silencing any incoming radio chatter. "Boring conversation anyway..." she muttered as she banked just enough to inspect the bottom of the pod as they passed under it.

Pointing out a window, Enalia wasn't too happy with what she saw. "The paint is still scratched all to hell from a workbee smashing into the ship during refit. Remind me to let the Ops Chief know."

Vi listened to the captain. She seemed extremely laid back to be a commanding officer for a ship. It actually kind of worried Vi because maybe this was a sign that she didn't follow rules and regulations. "Yes sir, I certainly will."

"Ma'am... I have boobs. Call me sir again and I'll prove it." Enalia said as she levelled out their flight path and headed towards the station. "ETA to arrival, 7 minutes," she said, logging it into the flight recorder.

Vi smacked her face with her palm and sighed deeply. "I'm incredibly sorry si--ma'am. It's just that on my last ship my captain was also female and she was very strict on her crew calling her sir instead of ma'am...she quite a bit of a feminist if I might say." She smiled at Enalia. "But proof won' be necessary."

"I'm a feminist as well, but I guess a different sort of one. I take pride in being a woman - especially since I came up through the ranks in a male dominated pilot field. Nevermind the slug in my belly flip-flopping with every barrel roll.." Enalia replied as she relaxed for the easy part of the trip.

Vi frowned. She was a little confused. "Slug in your belly?...Ma'am, are you pregnant?" It came out before she could even control herself. "Sorry, forget I said that." Vi had always had this problem of being socially awkward.

Enalia had to laugh. Pregnant? It felt like it sometimes. "No, no... My symbiont. I'm a joined Trill."

She growled to herself. Idiot, she thought. "Sorry ma'am. I've yet to read the crew manifest. It's something I planned on doing this shore leave."

"It's fine. And if that's your idea of fun, then by all means. Don't let me stop you." Enalia replied, checking the controls to make sure they were still on course.

Vi nodded to herself. "So um, captain, what do you like to do in your spare time?"

"Relax and try not to worry about everyone and my ship," Enalia quipped back. "I'm hoping to at least do the former for a day at these spas. What about you?"

"Well, Commander Sinek wanted me to think about the assistant chief science officer position, which I don't think I'm ready for. I want to read a little. Work on my Basotile, and meet some new people."

Enalia was slightly surprised at this. "You have a Basotile? I heard the Rodulans were keen on getting them all back some time ago."

"Sir, I am Rodulan," Vi replied, wondering when they'd arrive at the spa. "I need it to help me with my telepathy."

Enalia had to facepalm on that one. "Sorry, I forgot. I guess memorizing over seven hundred personal files, I'm bound to get a few people mixed up. And again, it's ma'am."

"I completely understand MA'AM," Vi said, enunciating the last part. "How long until we reach the spa?"

"We're beginning docking procedures now, actually," Enalia said, pointing out the window to the station docking bay growing larger in the window. "Tractors just locked on and we should be there in a few minutes." She wasn't about to forget anything about this woman now, what with her proclivity towards the word 'sir'. The candy-pink hair would help as well. "So... I hope your flight has been a comfortable one. I apologize for the lack of an in-flight movie and drinks, but hopefully it was short enough that the conveniences weren't missed."

"I could have used peanuts but the flight was acceptable si--ma'am." She stood and grabbed her things. She gestured to the door. "After you?"

As the shuttle settled down, Enalia locked down the controls and shut the shuttle down. Then she grabbed her own things and headed out of the now open door. "Indeed. The first spa I'm hitting is supposed to be straight out of the hanger deck, past the information desk on the right side. Are you heading there as well then?"

"I'm right behind you!" she said, following Enalia. Hopefully spending time at the spa would give her the time to get to know her captain on a personal level, if she was willing to opening up.

[ON]

Lieutenant (JG) Karina Sha'ha'zen walked the corridors on her way to sickbay with an unusual hop to her step. The Norway-class USS Valkyrie was a patrol boat compared to the much larger and versatile USS Hera, and she hadn't realized just how big it was until she reached deck eleven. After all, the Hera was as big as a city, with thirty decks and more than a thousand men and women serving aboard her.

Karina wondered aimlessly, curious as to how long it would take her to fully explore the entire ship. And then as she rounded a corner, she felt that 'hop' come to a resounding halt as something in her way had stopped her and prevented her from going any further. Raising her hands in defense, she closed her eyes and her freckles flushed brightly. Whatever she'd hit wasn't a bulkhead. It was soft... like a uniform.

Opening her eyes, she had to look up to see exactly who it was that she'd run into. "Excuse me," Karina apologized, although there was a drip of annoyance in the tone of her voice, as though she'd be perfectly willing to assign blame to someone else if at all possible.

Ethan had just put his PAaD in his pocket, when he rounded the corner. It had been hectic day and he just wanted to get back to his cabin, his and Dylan's cabin, and he just wanted to crash. Eat and go straight to bed.

When the woman coming the other way at a rather furious clip ran into him, it was all he could do to remain upright.

Shrugging his shoulders he said, "It's okay, but you might want to pay closer attention next time."

There was something about being accused that made Karina want to lash back, regardless of whether or not she was in the wrong. After all, who was this guy to tell her what to do? "Says the walking wall in front of me," she replied before her brain caught up with her sense of discretion... or lack thereof. Karina pointed at where they were in the corridor. "You're walking on the wrong side, anyways."

"The wrong side?" he asked not bothering in hide his incredulousness, "I didn't know there was a wrong side.Besides what does it matter what side I was walking on, you're the one that ran into me, not the other way around."

"Haven't you ever watched traffic on the street?" Karina asked skeptically. She pointed to one end of the corridor, "You stick to the right of the direction you're heading; not the left. And I only ran into you because I couldn't see you around the corner."

"Look, you just bumped into me, it wasn't like it was a hover car accident, no one was hurt, no one was to blame. Why don't we start over. I'm Dr. Chaparral, what's your name?" Ethan said favoring her with a smile.

Karina was about to blow a huff of frustration, and her purple freckles were glowing rather vibrantly as was, but in the last moment she decided not to start causing any hull breaches just yet... particularly with the man she was just on her way to see. Her freckles faded rapidly. "Karina Sha'ha'zen, Chief of Operations..." she said, counting the fact that he could see the pips on her uniform so pointing out rank was unnecessary.

"Well, welcome aboard the ship," he replied oblivious to the fact she was still somewhat frustrated, "can I help you with something?"

The Hiigaran shrugged. "I was going to check in and get my physical, she said, generally avoiding eye contact where she could. She'd look at his shoulder, the bulkhead past him, even at the ceiling or the floor. Eye contact made her feel like she was staring.

"Well, you're almost to sickbay now, but it is up to you. If you want to wait, that's fine too." He wondered why she was failing to look at him and almost added, "I don't bite," but at the last minute restrained himself. "What would you like to do?"

"Better to get it over with now, I guess." Karina said, finally looking up.

"Well, let's go then, and you can relax. It's just a physical. I've done hundreds of them, there's nothing to be afraid of and there's nothing to be afraid of from me either. I'm harmless."

Karina started to follow him down the corridor towards sickbay. "Said every doctor ever," she pointed out, letting a wry grin corner one side of her lip. As they walked, she peered over in his direction. At least he'd forget about most of the poor first impression provided she kept her distance for a few days. More than manageable.

True to his word, sickbay was just a short walk away. The stepped up to the doors and the swished open, "Once inside he pointed to the nearest biobed. Just have a seat up there an we'll get started." he told her.

Karina did as she was told. Sitting alone on a bio-bed was never a joyous experience; it made her feel like an animal at the zoo. "Sounds like a plan," she added, keeping an eye on him while absently looking around the room. Sickbay was clean, the doctor's instruments tidy and arranged in a way she presumed to be efficient. "So how long have you been the Chief Doc?" She asked.

"About a week," he replied as he picked up tricorder and approached her, "but I was the Assistant Chief before that. where were you stationed before coming to the Hera?"

"The Valkyrie," Karina answered. A Norway class, it hardly held up to standards of even an older Nebula-class design; the Hera, even when considering just a small area like its sickbay, was a hell of a lot more spacious than on the Valkyrie. "And I guess a congratulations is in order," Karina said next, referring to his apparent promotion.

"Thanks, " he replied, "but I'm actually more excited about my impending marriage than the promotion. Not that I am not thrilled by the promotion you understand."

"Of course," Karina said with a rather lopsided grin. Marriage on board a Starship wasn't something that happened often; frequently, Starfleet Officers went through entire careers before learning to settle down before it was too late to. "So who's the lucky girl?" She asked.

Ethan grinned, "Dylan Santiago, but I think he might object to your calling him a woman. And trust me he doesn't have any of those parts."

The Hiigaran flushed, and not just by her freckles. "Oh, sorry." She added sheepishly. It was probably the first time she'd demonstrated even a lick of humility around Ethan. "I guess that's what I get for assuming."

"It's okay," he told her, "Most people that didn't know us would probably assume the same thing."

"I appreciate it," Karina admitted. She let Ethan run his scanners over her a few times, and wondered just how much of what they were discussing she wanted to add to one of her 'public logs'. Typically, she kept her logs extremely detailed as a way to compensate for the memory-altering effects of her pheromones. But there was usually a time or two that she decided to omit certain things.

Periodically, while Ethan continued to run his scans, it would occur to Karina to say something -- anything to get a conversation going. But nothing sounded right, and given how... direct... she'd been when they'd first bumped into each other, she wasn't sure if she should.

"You're starting to make me think there's something wrong with me," she finally mumbled after a moment, feeling as though he'd been scanning her for much longer than it had actually been. Looking up to the silvery device with blinking lights in his hands, the Hiigaran found it hard to concentrate on the pattern in which they blinked. It was too random... and bright.

Ethan sat the tricorder down and gazed at the woman, "You're fine, " he reassured her. Just fine. Everything checks out. Why, do you feel bad?"

Karina shook her head, glad that the blinking had stopped. But she was now dealing with the ghost that often accompanied looking directly in a light. Knowing that they too would pass, she looked to the doctor and smiled. "I feel just fine, thank you."

His left brow rose slightly, "If you say so," he said, not quite sure if he really believed her. "at any rate you check out and I will approve you for duty."

Sliding off the bio-bed, Karina straightened out her uniform. "Terrific," she said. Tilting her head to the side, she studied the doctor more closely. She felt her cheeks and the freckles contained within flushing doses of the pheromone responsible for sealing memories of her within a chemically dependent timetable. "Anything else?"

"No, you are free to go," the doctor said.


A joint post by


Lieutenant Karina Sha'ha'zen
COO
USS Hera
&
Lt. Commander Ethan Chaparral
CMO
USS Hera

Enalia was impressed with how fast the crew had converted the main hangar deck to a dance hall complete with a band, a DJ, and several disco balls and lighting effects. There was even a set of portable replicators for drinks along one edge of the party area. Stepping out into the growing crowd, Enalia did her best to blend in with them, having opted for a bright red sundress that thankfully wasn't the most outlandish outfit she'd seen so far.


Ethan had come straight from sickbay. He had taken a change of clothing with him. He was getting a little old for skinny jeans, he supposed, but they still fit., and he didn't even have to alter the size. The jeans were a faded indigo and his rather snug fitting muscle shirt was purple. He stepped inside the hanger bay waiting for his fiance.

Daln came in next, looking for Nexi. If it has been another type of function, he might have worn traditional Betazoid attire, but as it was, he opted for jeans and a t shirt with his motorcycle boots. He hoped to ride Lia on the planet. He moved through the room, searching for Nexi.

"Did anyone ever tell you that your ass looks amazing in those trousers?" Dylan whispered, in Ethan's ear as he came up behind him.

Ethan smiled at the compliment, turning to face his lover,"Well I could be a smart ass and make up a long list of names, but I'll be good. For now anyways. Later, well later I can't make any guarantees. And you're looking mighty fine yourself, babe."

"Well I've got to make sure that my fiance only has eyes for me don't I?" Dylan winked at Ethan. The Spaniard was wearing form fitting black trousers and a red shirt which was loose and flowing and tucked in at the waist.

Ethan's eyes widened as he gazed at Dylan. He couldn't help but stare openly and wantonly. It didn't matter how many times he saw Dylan, he was still enraptured by his looks,his charm, everything about him. "Red looks really good on you," he said, then lowering his voice, he added, "and it will look even better off of you later."

"Well then, the minute it's acceptable to leave, we're out of here." Dylan took Ethan's hand and let him over to the bar.

"Sure thing," Ethan replied as he followed him, his fingers comfortably entwined with Dylan's. As they were waiting in line, he asked, "Should we mingle together or separately?"

"Definitely together." Dylan replied as he flagged down a bar man, "Doesn't hurt people to see we're a couple." he shrugged.

"Well then I guess it couldn't hurt them to see this," he replied leaning in and stealing a kiss.

"Guess not." Dylan smiled against Ethan's lips before kissing him deeply.

Ethan was aware that others were around, some of them watching, but he didn't care. He wrapped his arms around Dylan's neck and deepened the kiss still further.

"Keep this up and we'll be leaving sooner than you'd think." Dylan rested his forehead against Ethan's as the kiss broke.

"Well, while that sounds like an excellent idea, I think it would be bad form, to leave before the party really even got started. But just consider that as a down payment for later." Ethan responded.

"Consider it noted." Dylan patted Ethan's posterior, "Let's get a drink, I'm gonna need it to get through this." he chuckled.

"Sure thing, anything you say." then with a rather mischievous smile he added, "oh and anything you say goes for later too."

"I'm gonna hold you to that." Dylan chuckled before ordering their drinks and heading off to mingle.

Alex was more of a workaholic but it hadn't stop him from venturing down to the hangar bay. He didn't know anyone there when he got there and dressed in black slacks and a teal blue tunic he felt like a faceless entity in a crowd of people who already knew each other.

Franklin came in dressed almost identically to Alex, the only difference was that his shirt was forest green instead of teal. "Hey bro, try to, you know keep it in your pants while we're here, " he joked.

Alex looked around, "Yeah, no promises." He teased his brother.

"There are lots of single women here," Franklin countered, "I know you're not shy. Just try to avoid the worst of your pickup lines. And remember we're both dressed as civilians now, try not to ruin my reputation while you're at it."

Vitor and Seras entered holding hands. He raised an eyebrow and smiled as he leaned to her in a whisper. "It looks like I chose the perfect outfit."
Vitor was wearing a white suit with a black unbuttoned shirt, very similar to one he saw when he researched the theme. The only thing missing for him to be a Travolta look alike was the white vest. "Ready to party?"

"I suppose," Seras said, feeling uncertain about this whole thing. "Are you sure I am dressed appropriately?" she asked him, looking down at the full, green skirt she wore. She also wore a simple white shirt and a neck scarf in the same green and black polka dot pattern as her skirt, and she'd never worn anything quite like this before.

Vitor smiled as he held her shoulders and kissed her forehead.
"You look perfectly, now shall we dance or do you want to mingle? After all we haven't meet most of the crew."

"I do not think I can do this kind of dance," Seras said, watching the gyrating bodies on the dance floor. "Perhaps we should mingle?"

Vitor smiled and nodded. He took her by he arm and slowly they began walking to one of the replicators.

"Let's do that, but first I think we can enjoy a drink."

Lieutenant Commander Sinek arrived with Commander Fairchild. Most of the crew were not privy to the fact that the two were a couple as of yet. There were rumors because of the amount of time they had spent together. However, there was nothing in public that would have shown they were a couple. At this event, it became publicly known. The two had just returned from leave and had not strayed far from each other's side.

Sinek looked at the gyrating bodies with a raised eyebrow. He then looked to Angel as if he didn't understand what was happening. Hopefully she could shed light onto his confusion.

"They're, uh, dancing. Sort of, anyway." Angel could understand Sinek's confusion the dancing wasn't what she'd consider appropriate behavior, particularly when multiple cultures were present.

Sinek was about to ask Angel if she wanted a drink, but was distracted by a man who was dancing By spinning his hands in front of him then pointing in the air with his right hand. He brought his hands back and spun them before himself again, then pointed in the air with his left hand. Sinek tried but couldn't see anything of worth up toward the ceiling.

He pointed and asked, "What is he pointing at?"

"Nothing. It's a dance humans used to do on Earth in the twentieth century. Looks a bit silly, doesn't it?" Angel chuckled a bit.

Vulcan's used music as a logical form of communication. The mixture of emotions and music together didn't make sense to him. The scientist in him felt like he was observing the mating call of different species.

Turning to Angel, he asked, "I am not certain I can do that."

"Then don't," Angel replied sweetly, giving him a peck on the cheek even though they were out in public. "I'm not much of a dancer either."

"May I get you a drink," Sinek asked.

"Sure," Angel replied cheerfully. "A Midori sour, if they have it."

Doctor Mingenbach was dressed in a slick short black casual summer dress. She had her pink hair in a pony-tail. Of course there would be a party, something she wasn't good at because of her social awkwardness. But she couldn't help it. Her childhood had prevented her from having any social interactions because of her damn father. When she walked in, seeing all of the crew. She went to the replicator to get a drink and watched everyone have a good time.

Ellery arrived wearing a plum colored sundress of her own and sandals. She smiled at those who met her eyes but headed for the replicators as well to grab a drink and just center herself for a few moments. She spent a great deal of time talking with the crew professionally so even though she had changed out of her uniform, it still took a bit of time for her to mentally transition into a different role. Ordering a refreshing glass of strawberry lemonade, she turned and noticed Dr. Mingenbach. "Mind if I hang here with you for awhile? I need some time to unwind."

"No," she said. "I don't mind at all." She smiled at Ellery. She sipped from her lemonade. I uh, like your dress."

"Thanks," she offered with a grin. "It was the only decent comfortable piece of civvie clothing I had," she added. "I like your hair," Bretton continued. "It looks good on you. I'm not sure I could pull it off."

Vi smiled. "Thanks. One one of my assignments I actually had to dye it black. Some captains don't like bright pink hair."

Nexi wasn't usually one to show up at one of these things without a reason to attend, and this time she had a damned good reason. Two reasons, actually. The Brekkian woman strolled onto the hangar deck wearing a sexy, off the shoulder black top and black leather pants that might as well have been painted on. When she had researched the theme for this party, she had grinned when she saw this outfit and replicated it right away. As she strolled through the dance floor, she twisted and turned with the other dancers, looking as though she was thoroughly enjoying the festivities. She wasn't, she hated these things, but she didn't show it. She just wanted to deliver the teacup she'd acquired on New Sydney for Enalia, then find Daln and look for any reason to escape back to her ship for a more private dance...

Enalia had been hoping Nexi would show up and while she herself was enjoying the dancing, she broke off from the group she was currently shaking her groove thing with to move over towards the black clad woman. Still dancing, Enalia called out over the music to her, just loud enough for Nexi to hear. "Welcome back. How did your vacation go?"

Mmmm, Enalia was wearing that dress! Nexi gyrated closer to Enalia, almost suggestively closer, grinning as she shamelessly drank in the sight of the buxom Captain getting her groove on. "Went great. Had some fun, even got a little artsy; I indulged in a little... creative expression," Nexi said as she and Enalia moved together on the dance floor. "I got you something. Were you good while I was gone?"

"Mmm... Wickedly good..." Enalia replied as she danced closer, her tongue darting out and touching Nexi's cheek, they were that close. "Shall we find a secluded place for a few?"

"Just a few minutes," Nexi said with a nod, "there's a certain Security Officer I don't want to keep waiting..."

"Then we best hurry," Enalia said with her best seductive smile as she took Nexi's hand in her own and led her off towards the express turbolift.

Nexi cast a glance back towards the party one last time to see if she could see Daln. She could feel him so she knew he was there, but she had yet to see him. She sighed; she would have to find him later, she had to finish this deal then she would be free to play.

As the small turbolift doors closed, Enalia noticed that look and she knew what it meant. It meant that Nexi had someone on her mind and that it wasn't Enalia. While she was happy that the shady woman had found someone, she couldn't keep her heart from realizing that another of her potential love interests had vanished out from under her. Punching in their destination into the express turbolift controls, they were soon in Enalia's quarters, a semi-hidden panel sliding aside to let them out.

Nexi had felt the pang of loss and regret with Enalia and she couldn't help but feel sorry for her. "I'm sorry, Enalia," Nexi said as they entered the Captain's quarters. "I don't know what's going on between me and Daln, but... I'm sorry, I don't mean to lead you on..." But it was kind of her way...

"Not your fault," Enalia said as she headed over to her desk and stood there looking down at it for a moment. "I shouldn't let my heart lead me on like that in the first place." Recomposing herself with a bit of difficulty, Enalia sighed and turned to face Nexi. "So do I want to see the teacup or the bill first?"

Nexi didn't know how to handle this situation. She'd never cared for people before, so it never mattered if she hurt them. Nexi was attracted to Enalia, she definitely cared if Enalia got hurt, but she was drawn to Daln too... With a bit of difficulty, her cold, distant demeanor was back in place and it was business as usual. "Weren't that bad. I tried to buy it legit, but some ass outbid me, so you saved a ton with me stealing it," Nexi said, handing over her small Ferengi PaDD with the list of expenses.

Enalia took the PaDD and looked it over. "This looks a lot cheaper than I expected. Do I want to know why you needed that much mayonnaise? Or should I be asking why it didn't have olive oil in it?"

"Lets just call it an experimentation in artistic expression," Nexi said and left it at that. "I just need your thumbprint to accept responsibility for the charges, but no rush in paying me. I know you 'Fleeters don't exactly get paid like the rest of the 'verse."

Pressing her thumb to the PaDD, Enalia handed it back. "Thanks. I promise to still not charge you for maintenance, repairs, docking fees, deck rental..." The Trill woman was grinning wryly as she listed off things she was sure Ferengi would have charged Nexi for. "Now where's the teacup?"

"Aewia's medical fees?" Nexi added in playfully as she worked out some things on her PaDD. "You know, I wouldn't blame you if you did start charging me for all that shit, but for what it's worth, I don't charge you hardly anything compared to what I charge others." And it was because the Hera crew helped take such good care of Aewia that Nexi paid it forward by charging in slips of latinum when she could be charging in bars. A few more commands on her PaDD and suddenly the fine wooden box with the teacup inside appeared on Enalia's desk in a shimmer of blue light.

Lifting the lid off of the box, Enalia looked inside and smiled. That was the teacup, along with a certification. "Starfleet doesn't charge for the care of its own or others or for its services. I suppose we could ask for anti-matter donations, but we have solar arrays producing that by the ton so no need there either. Things like this teacup are about all we can often truly value. Now let's get back to the party before anyone misses us."

"Ain't I 'in your service'?" Nexi asked. "I always thought that's why you never charged me for maintenance and rental." She tucked her PaDD back into her pocket and headed for the concealed lift entrance with Enalia.

Punching in the code for the main shuttlebay, the small lift closed and headed back at breakneck speeds. "True, but as a civilian, you can say no to anything with little or no repercussions. You'd still have a place to live and a place to park your ship."

"I'd never say no to free maintenance. 'Star has never run better," Nexi said with a grin. that right there was more than enough to make Nexi waive the fee she had charged Enalia. That ship was her life and without it she couldn't act with the freedom she did. "This job was on me, we're even," Nexi said. With as close as they had become, even in a non-romantic sense, Nexi just couldn't remain cold and distant with Enalia anymore. Leaning in, Nexi kissed Enalia as the lift came to a stop and the doors opened. She wasn't trying to lead Enalia on, but rather to get her fired up. "You look so sexy. Go own that dance floor," Nexi implored with a grin.

Enalia revelled in that kiss, delighting in it more than she had a right to. "At least let me know if there's anything you want or need that isn't in ship's stores. Now go find that someone you were looking for earlier," she said with a wink and a smile before heading back out onto the dance floor.

Nexi simply grinned and disappeared back into the throng of loud music and dancing bodies in search of Daln.

Daln looked back from the bar just in time to see Nexi slip among the dancers. He grinned and, taking his drink with him, headed over towards her. He slipped behind her, a hand on her waist, and whispered in her ear, "Behind you, Nexi." When she turned to look at him, his smile widened.

"Mmmm, you kinda resemble someone I'm looking for," Nexi said playfully, pulling him closer by a belt loop as her hips swayed seductively in time with the music. "I'm surprised your dance card ain't full dressed as you are."

Daln laughed. "Jeans and a tee shirt? You're kidding right?" His hands slipped up to her back and pulled her closer, their legs intertwined as they danced crotch to crotch. He reached up and pushed a lock of hair behind her shoulder, exposing the skin behind it. He really liked legs and shoulders.

"Yeah, but in the right jeans..." And Daln was definitely wearing them. But then again, Nexi preferred the casual look over all the frippery. Though Nexi had come to this party dreading it initially, it had been a good day so she let the beat of the music move through her as she danced with Daln.

Daln ran his fingers very lightly up and down Nexi's spine, liking the shirt on her, but he had never been much of a fan of leather...still with the way they fit, they were growing on him.

Calm.

Cool.

Collected.

Ensign Eames Eldritch felt in complete control of himself as he got up out of his seat in the Tsavo-class shuttle's passenger compartment, and reached up to retrieve his carry-on bag. The trip to rendezvous with the Hera had been pleasant, peaceful, and — apart from a relatively minor hijacking attempt from a handful of Vaalian terrorists — entirely without incident. Eldritch pulled down his rucksack and turned to see a female Ekosian Starfleet crewman watching his every movement warily. The blonde Ekosian woman's ice-blue eyes glanced at the hours-old blood stains upon the aisle surrounding Eldritch's seat, then looked back at him in both apprehension and accusation. The young Betan ensign gave the leery Ekosian lady a courteous nod, with the same slight smile on his serene face that he always had. Poor creature, thought Eldritch to himself as he walked casually past the fearful blonde and through the aft hatch toward the shuttle's transporter room. No doubt she's still in shock. After all, I daresay it's not every day that a group of violent extremists is killed in front of you. Ah, well.

Upon reaching the transporter bay, Ensign Eldritch found himself looking into the troubled face of the Bolian female who served as the Tsavo-class shuttle's captain. The blue-skinned Bolian woman appeared to have been waiting especially for Eldritch to arrive. After a tense moment of silence, the Bolian spoke:

"Look, Ensign ... about what happened ..."

Eldritch nodded in understanding, that thin plastic smile he wore never wavering in the slightest. "Yes," agreed the young Betan ensign. "Bad bit of business, that. In my experience, ma'am, sordid affairs such as these are best put out of mind as quickly as possible, you know. Best not to dwell on it."

The Bolian fell silent, but still seemed hesitant to let the matter drop. Eldritch had hoped the shuttle's staff and remaining passengers would not feel the need to harp upon the events that took place during the attempted hijacking. He honestly felt badly about their inability to simply move past it.

"I do apologize for making an utter mess of your shuttle's passenger cabin," continued Eldritch, hoping that a polite concession might assuage the Bolian captain's worries. "I would be happy to cover any cleaning or maintenance costs you may have incurred —"

Eldritch stopped mid-sentence as the Bolian female held up a hand. The poor dear appeared visibly shaken as she seemed to search for the right words for a moment.

"Please don't misunderstand me, Ensign," said the Bolian captain, at last. "It's not that I'm ungrateful for your assistance earlier. Those terrorists ... it's obvious that they meant business. If you hadn't stopped them when you did, I'm positive they would have detonated that portable tri-cobalt device and killed us all."

Eldritch gave the most sympathetic nod he was capable of. "Please, ma'am. I just did my duty. Anyone in my position would have done the same."

"I ... I'm not so sure that's true, Ensign," answered the female Bolian. "Those men ... they look like they've been butchered. I understand there was a need to neutralize them. I even understand why deadly force was required. It's just ... the way you did so was so ... violent. Maybe ... maybe even unnecessarily so." The Bolian woman looked away, suddenly unwilling — or unable — to make eye contact with the tall Betan male. "I just ... it troubles me."

Eldritch remained silent for a moment, hoping to convey the appearance of letting the Bolian's words sink in; or perhaps, that they were, in fact, weighing quite heavily upon the young ensign. Eldritch wished that he could ease her conscious by simply stating: 'Ma'am, I truly am sorry if my actions today have added to the trauma caused by our would-be assailants.' An honest enough sentiment, if not entirely heartwarming. Eldritch let out a soft little sigh, and decided that there probably wasn't anything to say that would quickly help her get over what she witnessed today.

"As I said, ma'am," Eldritch said softly. "Bad bit of business. Best not to dwell on it."

The female Bolian looked up at him, searching his devilishly handsome features for a hint of remorse, or fear, or even elation; but found nothing but that same placid, plastic smile. The Bolian could not help but visibly stifle a shudder. If the Betan ensign observed her reaction, he did not show it. Instead, Eldritch took the captain's lack of a verbal response as his cue to make a gracious exit.

"Well. Captain, I would like to thank you and your crew for expediting my arrival to the Hera. I know coming out this far deviates significantly from your normal flight plan. I am in your debt. Once again, if there is anything at all I can do to make up for any inconvenience I might have been party to, I beg you, do not hesitate to ask."

With a final nod to the Bolian captain, Eldritch stepped up onto the shuttle's transporter pad. As the gentlemanly Betan disappeared in a shower of coruscating particles, into the transporter room stepped Eldritch's last remaining fellow passenger: the blonde Ekosian female Starfleet officer. The Bolian captain glanced over to the Ekosian officer, and noticed the stunned expression on the blonde woman's face. Once the particles that used to be Ensign Eldritch disappeared, the Bolian turned to regard her Ekosian passenger.

"You don't ... you don't think we need to be ... worried about him ... do you?" asked the Captain.

The Ekosian officer kept silent for a moment. Memories of the shocking events that transpired only hours ago flashed briefly before her eyes. She remembered clearly the look on Eldritch's face when he stabbed the first Vaalian terrorist to death in the middle of the aisle with the man's own combat knife. She remembered how Eldritch showed neither anger nor hatred when he threw the Vaalian's blood-stained knife down-range to strike the terrorist leader in the throat. She remembered how Eldritch's expression never changed when he then wrestled the terrorist at the rear of the cabin to the floor, and quickly, fluidly snapped the Vaalian's neck.

He'd worn the same plain, pleasant expression on his debonair features the entire time.

The Ekosian female officer shook her head slightly. "I ... I honestly couldn't say, Captain.

"I honestly couldn't say ..."

---

Post by

Ensign Eames Eldritch
Yeoman

USS Hera

Enalia stared at her desk terminal a bit longer, slightly aghast at what Command had sent her. They had new orders and she had mixed feelings about them. This needed some discussion with her XO, but for now at least, she marked them as received and understood and fired the message back to Admiral Thiesen, their new Intel Liaison for Command. "Computer, please inform Commander Fairchild that we have new orders and that I need to discuss them with her at her earliest convenience." She said, seemingly relaxed. Her mind was reeling though. They were putting something dangerous into her reach without knowing what she would do with that knowledge.

Angel's computer terminal beeped, and she glanced at the message. Earliest convenience? That was Fleet code for 'now', and she sighed a bit, taking a moment to tie her hair back and put on her uniform jacket for the short walk to Enalia's ready room. Once she arrived, she tapped the chime to announce her arrival.

Pressing the door controls on her desk, Enalia smiled when she saw that it was Angel already. "Please, have a seat. Care for a drink? We have new orders and I'd like to discuss them with you."

"Maybe something with ginger in it," Angel mused briefly, going over to the replicator and skimming through the options until she found a ginger soda with actual ginger in it. "What sort of orders?"

"Remember the Solstice? They dropped off the Temporal Investigations team." Enalia started, sipping at her own tea while Angel got settled. "Apparently while exploring the JFS47 stellar nursery, they came across a sort of distress signal from a large ship in orbit of binary neutron stars. They couldn't get close enough to investigate, but Command seems to think we can."

"Right... because we're totally equipped for that. Some admiral has a few screws loose." Sitting down, Angel took a few sips of her soda, contemplating just how the Hera might pull this mission off. "Seems impossible to me, Skipper."

"In theory, we can achieve the same orbit - we have enough mass, which the Solstice doesn't. The hard part will be breaking free before we're all crushed to death by the intense gravity. Not to mention the radiation that could incinerate us if we get too close." Enalia replied, spinning her monitor around to show Angel. "That's not the most interesting part though. The Solstice intercepted this signal just as they rediscovered the location of the Guardian of Forever. Navigation in that soupy stellar nursery is insane enough, but we now have the coordinates to not only get there, but the path to take so as to not confuse sensor readings. And coincidentally, the way to go to safely approach this distress signal."

"I don't like it. Has to be a trap." Angel traced the trajectory with her finger, shaking her head slightly. "Risky, even sticking to this path. Off by a meter and we're toast."

Enalia nodded, having come to the same conclusion. "I have a lot of faith in the Hera and her crew, but you're right. I want you to go over all this data with Commander Sinek and see what he thinks. If he gives it his approval, we go in. Otherwise, I might just take us to see the Guardian of Forever instead."

"All right, I'll go over it with him. Maybe he'll see something we're missing." Angel quickly sent a copy of the data to her own terminal before leaning back in her chair.

"Thank you," Enalia said simply, also leaning back in her chair, sipping from her teacup. "Which brings me to the second point. Command sent us the exact coordinates to the Guardian of Forever with these orders. They're dangling it in front of our noses like this. Your thoughts?"

"Seems a bit odd. We aren't supposed to use that thing, so why send us to it?" Angel shook her head slightly.

"That's what I'd like to know," Enalia replied, pausing a moment. "Hopefully, Lieutenant Santiago will know something about it. I'll get with him later though. For now though, I'm seriously considering pulling a Kerouac and visiting it to see if we can get back those four years we lost."

"Is this when I tell you 'no, Enalia you can't do that' and then you ignore me?" Sipping her soda, Angel smirked a bit.

"Depends," Enalia said with a hint of her quirky, demented, troll-captain smile showing through for a moment. "What kind of reaction can I get out of you if I do?"

"Well..." Angel hesitated. "Much as I might like those four years back, going back means we both lose rank... and we'll change things that have happened already..."

"This is true. Plus I wouldn't have a special teacup." Enalia said, sipping from hers again.

Angel grinned a little. "That too."

"So this brings us back to the mission at hand. The Solstice was able to get some readings of the ship in question." Tapping a few controls on her desk terminal, Enalia turned it back to face Angel. "It seems to be nearly 120 kilometers long and 40 times more massive than Earth Spacedock. It also seems to be ancient judging by the scoring on the hull."

"Okay, that's interesting. Any guesses as to what it might be?" Intrigued, Angel set her glass of ginger soda down on the desk, leaning slightly forward to see the terminal better.

"A ship? A station? Definitely artificial, whatever it is, judging from those arches and pillars we can make out as well as the heavy alloy composition that the Solstice's spectral analysis suggests." Enalia replied.

"So helpful." Angel regarded the image for a moment, trying to puzzle out what it could be.

"I expect we'll be able to take better scans at the very least," Enalia replied, sipping at her tea some more. "We also have thirty times the number of scientists aboard than the Solstice does. We're bound to figure something out."

Angel nodded slightly. "Well, I have to talk to Sinek about this then. Maybe he can get started on the analysis."

"Let me know when we have something then. I'll make sure everyone is back aboard from shore leave and get us on the way." Enalia said, spinning the desk terminal back around to face her and clicking it off.

"You got it." Happy to pretend she was only visiting Sinek for work, Angel cheerfully got up and slipped out of the ready room.

As soon as Angel had left, Enalia punched up the transport logs. It seemed everyone was now back aboard at the very least. That was good. Heading out of her office, she went straight to her Captain's chair and sat down in it, pulling up the status display on the arm. "Helm, lay in the course I'm sending you now and engage when ready. Also, please relay our departure to New Sydney control.

As final preparations were made, Enalia leaned back in her chair and relaxed. It wouldn't take long to get there, but she knew they couldn't relax once they had.

It was with a brisk, deliberate pace that Ensign Eames Eldritch stepped onto the bridge of the USS Hera. Only the briefest pause mid-step as the black-haired Betan glanced around quickly at his surroundings hinted at any outward show of surprise. The comfortable confines of Hera's customized bridge layout weren't what Eldritch had expected to find. As he approached the doors to the CO's Ready Room, the tall, dark & handsome ensign wondered what other surprises he could expect in his meeting with his new captain.

As soon as the chime rang, Enalia called out for whomever it was to enter, wondering whom it could be. Seeing the man that entered, she wasn't sure of who this actually was. "May I help you, Ensign?"

Upon stepping across the threshold, Eldritch smoothly came to stand at attention, and announced, "Greetings, Captain. Ensign Eames Eldritch, at your service. I'm your new Yeoman, Ma'am. Only just arrived aboard the Hera."

"Welcome aboard. Please, have a seat and tell me a little about yourself." Enalia said, motioning to the chair across from hers.

"Thank you," replied Eldritch. The young Betan ensign allowed himself an appraising look at his new boss. She appeared to be Trill, if the spots that trailed from her temples down the sides of her neck were to be believed. Taller than he had expected. Lean and long-legged. An attractive face framed by long black hair. The promise of mischief glimmered behind her dark-brown eyes. Eldritch's smile was little more than a slash across his debonair features as he slipped into the offered seat. A little mischief now and again could definitely be fun.

"Well, now, let's see," continued the young Betan, fixing his stone-grey eyes upon the Trill captain. "I'm 23 years-old. Fresh out of Starfleet Academy, where I graduated first in my class. I'm told I surprised more than a few people when I asked to be considered for a position as Yeoman rather than a Flight Control Officer."

"Especially since it's a position normally filled by cadets and enlisted." Enalia replied, leaning forward curiously. "Why did you request to be a yeoman?"

"Well, ma'am, it's really the one position that would allow me to 'shadow' you, so to speak. To learn from directly underneath you. I'm not really going to learn anything about command by sitting at the helm, despite how prestigious -- how sexy -- people regard such a role. I decided that I wanted a more administrative role. One that get's me involved in the day-to-day tasks and duties involved in being a Starfleet CO." Eldritch settled comfortably into his seat. "'One has to learn how to follow orders, before one is ready to give them.' An old saying, to be sure, ma'am ... but also a true one. I hope to become a decent leader, one day. And I hope to learn how, by serving you to the best of my abilities."

Enalia's eyebrows slowly raised in surprise at this knowledge. "You want to learn how to be a good CO from me? You might have been better off on another ship then."

"If you say so, ma'am," Eldritch allowed with a deferential nod. "However, from what I've been reading about the Hera's history under your command, I daresay you are being modest. If I can learn to be half as capable under such trying circumstances, I shall consider myself lucky." Eldritch paused for a moment before continuing. "But, perhaps I'm getting ahead of myself. For now, I think it's more than enough for me to concentrate on becoming a capable assistant. To that end, ma'am ... may I ask what you would like out of your Yeoman? I've heard that the position often changes to suit the needs and command style of the CO. Do you see me serving in an administrative capacity, like a secretary? Or perhaps in more of a stewardship role -- a sort of 'gentleman's gentleman', as it were? I am, of course, ready and willing to fulfill whatever role you require."

That was something Enalia hadn't thought much of since she had gotten used to not having a yeoman. "I tend to be able to take care of my own paperwork just fine and I prefer making my own tea... So I guess start with sorting out the paperwork I receive and let me know if there's anything I need to take care of immediately for now. I mean, it's not like I need a butler or anything. It would be nice, but that's not why you're here, is it? Also, first and foremost, keep your weapons training up. This ship has a tendency to run into the unexpected."

"Very good, ma'am," nodded Eldritch. "I shall schedule some range time at the earliest opportunity." After a moment's consideration, the Betan ensign stood and clasped his hands behind his back. "Well. If there is nothing further you require, Captain, then I'll take my leave. Still a bit left to do before settling in, as it were."

Enalia nodded, satisfied with her first impressions of the young man that was her new Yeoman. "If you need anything, let me know. Dismissed."

Ensign Eames Eldritch stepped out of the turbolift onto Deck 12, and nodded in the direction of an attractive female Argelian crewman as he made his way up the corridor towards Sickbay. The tall black-haired Betan moved with poise and purpose; his hands clasped behind his back as he walked. Eldritch reflected on his first meeting that day with his new CO, the Hera's captain, Enalia Telvan. Every first meeting was bound to have the odd rough spot that needed smoothing out, to be sure. Eldritch just hoped that he would be able to strike a rhythm with the unconventional Trill captain sooner, rather than later. All in all, though, an interesting start to things. As he came to stand in front of the Sickbay doors and awaited their parting to let him in, Ensign Eldritch wondered if this next visit with the Hera's CMO would prove as interesting.

Ethan had, had a busy day. There had been an argument that turned into a fight in the lounge and he's set a broken nose and treated two others for some minor cuts and abrasions. He'd had to use the osteoregenerator on one of the Simpson twins, the second time in three months and three crewman had come in for colds.

Now he was trying to relax. He was on his PAaD making wedding plans, well more specifically honeymoon plans. Risa, Paris or San Francisco it was kind of hard to determine and neither his mother, or his fiance were being much help. They were leaving the decision in his hands.

He looked up as the doors swished open. He sat the PAaD down and approached the younger looking Ensign, whom he didn't recognize. "Can I help you?" he asked.

"Good day, sir," replied the young Betan, a thin placid smile on his handsome face. "My name is Eldritch. One of the Hera's new crew members. Begging your pardon: I believe I am required to present myself to Sickbay for final medical clearance, before I can commence with my duties." Eldritch's stone-grey eyes glanced at the pips on the medical officer's teal-accented collar of the uniform. "Apologies, Commander, if I have interrupted anything terribly important?"

"No, not at all," Ethan replied, "just trying to make a decision on a honeymoon location. But I actually need a break. Why don't you climb on biobed five, its right behind you and to your right. And there's no need for formality Ensign, Ethan or Doctor will do."

"Thank you ... Doctor," nodded Eldritch, trying Chaparral's other title on for size. "Hopefully, this doesn't take up too much of your time."

Eldritch turned to watch Doctor Chaparral as he climbed atop the biobed and made himself comfortable. A good-looking young man, Eldritch opined. Human, by the look of him ... except for a certain something. The Betan ensign couldn't point to anything specific, but there was something in Ethan's clear, crystal-blue eyes -- something about the way he carried himself -- that made Eldritch wonder.

"You mentioned something about a honeymoon," said Eldritch, arching an eyebrow with a razor thin smile. "Does that mean congratulations are in order?"

Ethan gave the other man a smile that most definitely reached his eyes. "Well it isn't exactly new news, but yeah you could say that. Dylan Santiago and I are getting married.

If Ethan had been able to read minds, he would have been flattered that he was thought of as good looking. If he were single he would have at lest tried flirting with the Ensign who he found more than easy on the eyes. But that thought was quickly shoved to the side.

As he reached for a tricorder, he said, any injuries, or something that may have changed from your last physical?" he asked.

"Fortunately not, Doctor," answered Eldritch, his stone-grey eyes narrowing briefly as they regarded Ethan's medical tricorder. "I'm happy to report that I'm as fit as the proverbial fiddle." The Betan's eyes regarded Chaparral again as the medical officer went about his scan. After listening to the tricorder's chirping for a moment, Eldritch decided to ask his question.

"Forgive me for being so ... direct," the Ensign began, "but ... are you Human, doctor?"

Ethan chuckled slightly. "Half," he replied, "I'm also half Elasian and just to make things interesting my mother is on board."

"Ah, I see," nodded Eldritch. "You know, I've never met another person of Elasian descent before. In fact, the only thing I really know about Elasians ... involves that bit about being entranced by their tears." Something akin to devilish amusement appeared to play upon the Betan's slight grin. "I confess, I've always found the idea ... intriguing."

"What fascinates you about it?" he asked his grin twisting ever so slightly into a smirk.

"Oh, I don't know," sighed Eldritch, fixing Ethan with his gaze. "The idea of being enslaved by one's passions. Of losing one's self control. I suppose I find it all so ... delightfully wicked."

Ethan's grin widened, he couldn't help but feel fascinated by the other man, "Well there's nothing wrong with wicked. At least that kind of wicked," he said, restraining himself from moving any closer than he knew he should, even though there was just the slightest hint of temptation to do so.

"Well just so you know, I could cry buckets and you wouldn't be enslaved, except perhaps by my wit and charm. Seriously, it's only the women that can do that.

"I see," Eldritch nodded his understanding. "Well, I suppose that's probably for the best. Now, then ... back to the matter at hand. Do you think I'm ... fit enough to serve, Doctor?"

A myriad of thoughts passed through Ethan's mind, and he couldn't help but flirt just a bit more. Of course flirting is what had gotten him into a whole bunch of trouble, but he hardly thought he could be kidnapped and tortured a second time. And it was just flirting. It suddenly wouldn't amount to more than that.

With a hint of a smirk he said, "Well your readings are all normal and you look as if you are fit enough to serve under anyone. By the way, what position are you?"

"Didn't I mention?" asked the grey-eyed Betan, swinging his legs over the side of the biobed. "I am the new Yeoman. It would seem that I'll be ... serving directly under our dear Captain. Doing whatever she desires, I'm sure." Eldritch slid off of the biobed and came to stand up on his feet, probably closer to his good-looking half-Elasian doctor than was entirely necessary. "However, if I can ever be of any ... service ... to you, Doctor ... please don't hesitate to call."

Ethan's crystal blue eyes stared deeply into Eames slate grey ones, seeing something he couldn't quite place. He took a half step closer, coming into a dangerous no-man's land as he infiltrated the Ensign's personal space. He couldn't understand why, but he was flirting with doing the unthinkable. Then he shook his head minutely and took a step back, both mentally and physically.

In a serious tone he said, "How do you do that, how can you tempt to, well cross the line, when I barely know you?"

Eldritch blinked, and for a moment, the hungry look in his eye faded in a moment of clarity. His self-control was slipping ... again. First that business aboard the shuttle on the way here. Now here, with Dr. Chaparral in Sickbay. Eldritch stood up straight and clasped his hands behind his back, determined to rein himself back in.

"I apologize, Doctor," said the debonair Betan, as the thin plastic smile he wore somehow tightened. "I can sometimes get ... carried away. Believe me: I know all about temptation and 'crossing lines'." Eldritch wanted to say something about not intending any harm, about not meaning to flirt, to entice, to ensnare. But, he knew it would have been a lie, and just now, the ensign didn't trust himself to attempt such deception ... especially if the mask was beginning to slip. "Please, excuse me if I ... overstepped."

"It's as much my fault as it was yours. You are cute and I guess I was flattered, and a little tempted when you flirted back. But the last person I flirted with happened to be a very bad person who almost killed me. And that was before Dylan proposed.

So, if I wasn't in a relationship, a very serious relationship, then things would be different, but I love him and would never cheat on him. Thanks for understanding."

"Of course. No explanation necessary," nodded Eldritch, clasping his hands behind his back and arching an eyebrow. "Although, I'd be very interested in hearing more about this 'very bad person' you once knew. An intriguing conversation topic for another time, no doubt ... that is, if you were so inclined?"

Ethan, had, had, what he considered a momentary lapse in judgement in flirting with the Ensign, but he wouldn't make that same mistake again. He could talk with him again, in fact he would have to interact with him at some time, the Hera wasn't that big of a ship. Besides there had been a small anomaly on the tricorder. Well within normal range and it was probably nothing. Eames brain chemistry was just a tad off. It probably meant nothing, but Ethan planned to have a closer look just to make sure. Until then, he didn't want to concern the new officer.

"Sure, we can get together later, I'll tell you the whole story. Maybe even have you over to dinner so you can meet Dylan."

The thin slash that served as Eldritch's smile widened a bit at the prospect of meeting his new doctor's fiancee. Something playful glinted in the Betan's stone grey eyes as he considered the possibilities.

"Splendid," answered Eldritch. "I've got a 10 year-old bottle of Vulcan port wine that should loosen all our tongues quite nicely. Well, then. Now that I've been cleared medically, I should probably head out, sir. Still quite a bit to take care of on my first day. Until we meet again?"

Ethan held out his hand, "Yes until we meet again."

Eldritch took the handsome doctor's hand in his and shook it. After holding it for a touch long than was perhaps necessary, the young ensign clasped his hands behind his back turned and exited the Sickbay. His first day aboard the Hera was turning out to be very interesting, indeed.

---

A joint post by

Ensign Eames Eldritch
YEO
USS Hera

&

Lt. Commander Ethan Chaparral
CMO
USS Hera

The lighting was subdued, but substantial enough to allow Daln to see Nexi, and Nexi to see him. His table was set with a candle, dishes of food ready to be served on the two plates, and a bottle of wine from his family's own 'vineyards', though the Hadren family didn't just use one type of fruit, but several different kinds, even some from trees.

Daln himself was dressed in black slacks and button down shirt of a deep shade of blue that was bright, but not eye-watering. He blew out a breath as he waited for Nexi. Maybe he should have put on some Betazoid harp music.

Nexi approachd Daln's quarters nervously. She'd never been on a date before. Well, not for her own enjoyment, anyway. Anytime she'd been with a guy, it was usually as a decoy or to get information or to knock the guy out to get something from him, and sometimes she was outright paid for sex, so the concept to dating for mutual enjoyment was something entirely new for her. During a rare lucid moment while helping Nexi with her hair, Aewia had suggested that Nexi just be herself, but Nexi wasn't sure who that was anymore. It had become so easy for her to be whatever she needed for a job that she had forgotten how to just be herself and she suddenly found herself terrified that Daln may not like who she was.

But for as much as Aewia suggested that Nexi be herself, she managed to get the Bekkian woman out of her trademark leather jacket and heavy boots and into a nice, dressy shirt. it had lace on it, EW! Nexi didn't feel comfortable in this thing at all, but Aewia had sworn up and down that Nexi looked beautiful in it, the shirt's deep plum color accentuating the flame-like sheen in her auburn curls. she stood outside the door to Daln's quarters for what seemed like forever, tugging uncomfortably at the form fitting shirt, but eventually she worked up the courage and rang the chime.

"Come in," came Daln's voice. As she came in, Daln grinned. "You're gorgeous." Then he frowned. "I didn't think you the type to wear lace."

"I'm not," Nexi said with a frown. "Don't usually do this sort of thing, so I had to get help; Aewia said it'd look nice..." She looked nice, but she was also clearly uncomfortable in the shirt. Not that it was physically uncomfortable; the fabric was soft, the lace wasn't itchy, and though it was form fitting it was flattering and she had worn skimpier outfits without any discomfort. This shirt just wasn't her and she didn't like wearing it! Without any hesitation, she strode over to Daln's replicator, taking off the hated shirt as she went. She had a tank top under the shirt, so it wasn't like she was flashing Daln, but she couldn't stand to wear that damned thing any longer. She replicated a simple, form fitting, long sleeve black shirt and slipped it on. When she was done, she turned to look at Daln with a crooked grin and tossed the lacey shirt at him. "Here, I bet it'd look better on you than it did me."

Daln chuckled once and went to toss it on the pile of dirty clothes in his hamper. Coming back, he said, "I don't think I'm the lace type either. Would you like to eat now?" His face blanked for a second. "I forgot." He went into the bedroom again and brought out a vase of Andorian glitterling flowers. "These are for you."

"Thanks," Nexi said awkwardly, taking the flowers and holding them at arms' length like they might bite her. "What do I do with them?"

Daln's smile faded. "They...brighten your quarters with color and smell nice." His disappointment was palpable. He really was trying to woo her, but he was a nice guy and the humans had a saying: Nice guys finish last.

"Ummm, thanks...." Nexi was still holding the flowers awkwardly, wondering what she was supposed to do with them right now, 'cause she sure as hell wasn't going to spend her whole evening holding these damned flowers. Eventually, she settled for setting them on the table. "Look, I don't know what you've heard about me, but... I've never done anything like this before. Until recently, I've been a slave. I was given enough freedom to work off my price, but that didn't exactly leave a whole lot of time for doing stuff like this. I ain't all lacey and flowery. I start bar brawls for fun, I like getting dirty working on my ship, I enjoy the craftsmanship of a finely honed blade... Beer, not wine, and I'm perfectly happy with a bland bowl of stew. I don't know what you were expecting, but I don't think I can be it, not if I'm supposed to be myself," Nexi confessed candidly.

Daln grinned. "A woman who enjoys beer more than wine? I am not about to start a brawl, being a security chief, but the rest of it sounds fun. And nothing is wrong with enjoying good food. I didn't know what to expect, and that was the fun of it. If you don't like flowers, that's fine. I'm new here, and I don't know much about anyone. But I'm willing to learn. That is part of dating. Learning about each other."

"I'm fine with all that, just no more flowers," Nexi said, casting a wary glance over to the glittery flowers. "I'm sure they're nice and all, but... I guess I just don't see the point in it. I mean, shouldn't they still be in the ground where they can keep growing?" Nexi took a seat at the table, a clear indication that she was willing to see where this date went.

Daln shrugged and sat down. "Sure. No more flowers. Do you want me to kill the music too?" he asked teasingly.

Nexi shrugged as she reached for the bottle of wine on the table, pausing when she noticed it had 'Hadren' on the label. "It's not really doing anything for me, but it's not putting me off either. If you like it, I ain't gonna make you turn it off," Nexi said, pouring herself a glass of wine. She preferred beer and stronger spirits to wine, but she wasn't going to turn down free booze either. And concepts like decorum, table etiquette, and chivalry were all lost on her, hence why she hadn't waited for Daln to pour the wine for her. As she brought the glass to her lips, she did pause to inhale the scent of it. Since it was a Hadren wine, she'd give it a real chance rather than downing it quickly to get a buzz. She smelled hints of fruits other than traditional grapes, but it didn't smell 'fruity' or pretentious. It was rich and earthy. She didn't know the 'correct' terms to describe it, but she kinda liked it so far. A cautious sip evoked an appreciative hum.

"Mmm, this reminds me of this..." Nexi paused for another sip as if to help recall a memory, "a primitive brew of this colony in the Badlands. I was waiting at a bar for a contact to give me the details of a smuggling drop I was to pick up, and the locals had this concoction that was so good. This reminds me of it." Yeah, definitely not chugging this one.

Daln grinned. "Yeah, my family makes wines, but wines made from fruits other than grapes. Earth does make a lot of grape wines, some from other fruits, but the vast majority are grape. This one is made from uttaberries, Earth blackberries, and a very little of Bajoran kava. There's some other spices in it, but those are the base. We also make something called mead and something else like it. Mead is a 'beer' made from honey on Earth, but we altered it quite a bit. It's sweet and we add fruit and spices. Then we make something else with honey and kava. It's hard not to get drunk on that one because it's so good," he said with a smile. Taking a bite of his food he wondered if he should bring out the kava ale.

"Mead! That's what they called it. Don't know what all was in it, but this is taking me right back there..." After appreciative another sip, Nexi put the wine down and started on her meal, focusing mainly on the soup since it was something she recognized. After a moment, she paused, then looked over at him like she wanted to ask him something, then thought better of it and kept eating.

Daln picked up on the barest trace of the thought, wondering what it was about. "What?" he asked wiping his mouth.

Nexi opened her mouth to speak, but she found her voice was not immediately forthcoming. She'd never struggled with whether she should ask something or not, but she was finding it difficult to put together her thoughts on the matter. Eventually, she sighed and hung her head slightly. "What's it like to have a family?" she asked, her voice shaking a bit. She'd thought about asking Aewia, but she wasn't always coherent enough for that kind of conversation, not to mention she had trouble remembering a lot, AND her parents were now dead... It just wasn't something Nexi could ask Aewia.

TO BE CONTINUED

Lt Daln Hadren
Chief Sec/Tac Officer
USS Hera

Nexi
Infiltration Specialist
USS Hera

Daln tried to hide the pity he always felt when someone hadn't known their parents, knowing instinctually that someone like Nexi would not appreciate it. Tamping it down, he considered how to answer. "Well, during your childhood, it is really annoying to be told what you can and can't do by your parents, where to go, how to dress, who you can talk to, but when you grow up, you learn that they were just trying to raise you to be a good person. Only you never appreciate that until you're grown up and out in the world." He paused for a moment, thinking of his parents, and how he really should talk to his mother again. She had tried to contact him several times, but he had always put her off. "Sisters, I have no idea because I don't have one. I have one brother, and he was really annoying when we were kids. I was a few years older and he always wanted to play with me and my friends, but he was too little at first. Then he got bigger and more devious. I started getting interested in girls, our cousin Ranel started getting interested in guys, and when we're together we look like triplets." He paused a moment. "Our dads are identical twins and we happen to all look like them. But Vien would bring Ranel's boyfriend to where I was making out with my girlfriend, or my girlfriend where Ranel was making out with his boyfriend and we both just wanted to kill him," he said, laughing. "But no matter what, we always had each other's backs. It is nice to know you can count on someone no matter what."

"My mom died when I was little and our world was in debt so I was taken as a slave to help pay for my mother's debt. Sometimes I have trouble remembering what she looked like, but I've never forgotten her voice..." Nexi wasn't certain how that made her felt. She'd been without family for so long, it wasn't like she missed her mother, and yet somehow that made her sad because she felt she should miss her. "When I found out about who my father was, I looked him up and saw he had a life and a family that didn't involve me. I didn't want to cut in where I wasn't wanted, but I tried to keep an eye on them, make sure they were okay and stuff, but... Well, now Aewia and I are all that's left of our family..." She didn't know why she was sharing all this with him. Maybe it was because he'd shared so much with her or maybe it was simply because she finally wanted to share this with someone. She just hoped she wasn't trusting the wrong person with this.

Daln thought a minute about what to say. This was definitely not his area of expertise. He was a fighter, a protector, not a counselor. "I remember the accident. My family was sad to see them go. Even me, and your stepmom thought I was a delinquent. My mom was good friends with your dad, but I don't know much about him because I was usually out of the room."

Nexi could feel his awkward reservation and she stiffened up. She had gone too far... Dammit! "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have told you all that," she said, rapping her fingers against the table uneasily. Fuck, now she'd ruin the date with all this family talk! "Look, forget I said anything. Can we, I dunno, start over?"

Daln nodded. "If it will make you comfortable."

"Well, I thought I made you uncomfortable," Nexi said. "I'm just not used to this talking and socializing thing. I don't usually share stuff about myself. I think you know more about me now than anyone else I know." And that was saying something. She'd barely told Daln anything, which meant the people she knew knew next to nothing about her. Nexi sighed. "Really, I just wanna go back to my ship," she admitted in a somewhat defeated tone.

Daln nodded. "You want me to come? I'll grab some mead and the ale," he said with a wink. "It's really good."

"I guess," Nexi said with a hesitant nod. She didn't usually let people onto her ship and she was hella choosy when it came to the Engineers who helped her maintain it, but she'd let him tag along. She rose from her chair leaving her dinner barely touched. "I'm sorry if I've made a mess of things."

Daln stood, then looked down at his clothes. "Maybe I should change," he said self-consciously. "Maybe some jeans?" he asked. He disappeared into the bedroom and came out three minutes later in a black t shirt, dark blue jeans and boots. In his hands were two bottles and a couple of mugs. "Grab the wine and we'll go."

Nexi grabbed the bottle with a crooked grin; she was already feeling better about this. She led him through the ship, well away from the shuttle bays, to Cargo Bay 3. At first glance, it looked like any other cargo bay with the external doors, but with the Hera being designed for works in Intel, this cargo bay had a few secrets, one of which being Nexi's ship, the Wandering Star. She touched a wall panel that was keyed in to her biometrics and the wall opened up to reveal her ship there.

"This is my baby, Wandering Star," Nexi introduced to Daln as she led him up the ramp and into her ship. "She's Starfleet in origin, but a defect in her torpedo tubes found just after her launch had her mothballed. Picked her up a few years back second-hand and she's been my home ever since." She hoped Daln could appreciate what this meant for her to invite him in.

Daln picked up what it meant alright, and looked around the shuttle with interest. "Any special modifications that you made?" He grinned at her. "Sometimes people like to tweak things."

"Yeah, I tweaked her plenty," Nexi said as she led him inside through what used to be a small cargo bay but was now two holding cells. "I tend to work in bounties, so more often than not I'm hauling people around, so I put in holding cells that can put Starfleet standard issue cells to shame. Got a workbench over there," she pointed to her workbench nearby, "where I make my blades. And I turned the bunks into a bedroom." she led him into a sort of common area, whose original function had been a situation room/armory/med center, but was now a kitchen with table and a couch. "Cockpit is pretty standard issue, except I swapped out the displays with Ferengi displays. I don't read Federation Standard English all that well," she admitted sheepishly as she flopped down onto the very comfortable couch. Many a naps had been had on this couch, as evident by a spot or two of drool on one of the cushions. "Oh, and I managed to get my hands on an old Klingon cloaking device. One of the Hera's Engineers helped me restore it to better condition and it works like a dream!"

Daln looked at the brig cells. "Those look great." He came in to sit down by Nexi. "This is an impressive ship. I don't have a shuttle, but I do have a motorcycle."

"Of all the potentially dangerous things I have done, and I could probably set some records for some stupid shit, I have never ridden a motorcycle," Nexi admitted with a grin that hinted that she was now quite interested in his motorcycle.

Daln's radar perked up. "Really? I may have to show you next time I go to the planet. Nothing like riding a bike along cliffs. I'm trying to restore an old automobile, too, a classic 1963 Thunderbird hard top, but I can't just make a gasoline engine, you know? And cars are different than bikes."

"Thunderb-" Nexi started and then rolled her eyes. "Sorry, I don't know much about autos, or different vehicle models. Motorcycles have always appealed to me because they are fast and dangerous, but I'm rarely planet-side long enough to need transportation, and I still don't know much about them." But maybe they could load his bike onto her ship and they could go find a nice place for a ride.

Daln's smile widened as he picked up her thoughts. Let's go get Lia, then, he said to her. He led the way out, turned and held his hand out to her for her to follow.

"Lia? that is the name you have given your motorcycle?" Nexi asked as she opened the ramp for loading cargo on their way out. "We wouldn't happen to be lucky enough for your bike to be stored in Cargo Bay 3, would we?"

He shook his head. "Yes, Lia is her name. And she's in cargo bay 2, with Gretchen, the Tbird. But she is close." He took a chance and took her hand, hoping she would be okay with it. He left his grip loose so she could release it if she chose.

Nexi looked down at their hands for a moment. Unaccustomed to holding hands with anyone, she initially wanted to pull her hand away, but on a whim she let him keep hold of her hand. The warmth of his hand became... comforting, and she gave his hand a slight squeeze to signify her acceptance of this contact and continued on beside him. "Maybe you can get Lia stored in Cargo Bay 3 so we can take her out regularly?" she offered as they walked.

He looked at her, considering. Knowing how big a step holding hands was for her, he agreed. "Sure. We're above a planet for shore leave. You want to take her out now?"

"I thought that's what we were doing!" Nexi replied with a lopsided grin. She couldn't wait to see his motorcycle. She'd seen a number of vehicles and they all looked boring to her. Except motorcycles.

They entered Cargo Bay 2 and Daln led her over to where Gretchen was. She was candy apple red with a tan interior and she looked complete, but it was a lie: the engine was not even near ready. Around a corner behind the car was the motorcycle. It had a long black leather seat and was black, with thinner wheels than on newer motorcycles. He let go of her hand and pressed his thumb to a scanner hidden on the bike. The motor purred to life and she began to shake subtly.

Nexi smiled as Lia rumbled to life. She approached the bike and reached out to touch the body of the beast, almost lovingly. She could tell right away that he had put as much care and attention into this machine as she had put into her ship. This wasn't just a bike, it was an extension of Daln, just like 'Star was for her. "She's beautiful," she said simply.

Daln turned her off and, taking the bike by the handle and seat, kicked up the stand and backed her out. "Before we take her down, we should both get a leather jacket. We can replicate them from your ship this time, but they need to have a rod of metal down the back and a bit of padding to them. Road rash is very uncomfortable." They arrived at the shuttle and he set Lia up in the cargo bay.

"I got a jacket," Nexi said as she helped secure Lia in what was left of the Wandering Star's cargo bay. Nexi had a tendency to fly a bit haphazardly, so she wasn't taking any chances with Daln's bike and made certain is was secured. "If you already have a jacket then go get it. I'll warm up 'Star and get clearance to leave," Nexi added.

Daln gave her another smile and headed to his quarters. He grabbed his jacket and his two helmets, then ran back to the cargo bay. "Got it!" he said. He couldn't wait to take her on a ride.

Nexi closed up the cargo ramp and led him to the cockpit, sitting him beside her at the navigational controls. Everything had been cleared for their departure and 'Star was ready to go, so she carefully maneuvered her ship out of Hera's cargo bay, and as soon as they were a safe distance out, she went to damn near full impulse. Nexi was grinning like an idiot as the inertial dampeners failed to keep up with the sudden acceleration, but once they had it was smooth sailing. "Alright, pick us a good spot," Nexi said as she piloted the ship towards the planet.

Daln brought up a display of the terrain, and found a spot where cliffs wound along a sea, with the time in the afternoon. "Here. Take us in, Hot Rod," he said with a teasing smile.

"Hot... Rod?" Nexi asked as she took them into the atmosphere towards the coordinates he had picked out.

Daln shook his head, grinning. "Nevermind." They landed at that moment and Daln stood, putting on his jacket, a stupid grin on his face at the thought of fender fluff on Lia.

Nexi put her ship on standby and grabbed her own jacket. It wasn't her usual leather jacket, that was back at her quarters, but this one was a little better suited for what they were doing anyway, it was a little thicker and made to take a beating. she tied her hair back in a leather strap as she followed Daln to the small cargo bay and helped him unload his bike. "I heard you gotta lean on these things to turn?" she said, somewhere between a statement and a question, mainly just looking for him to confirm it.

Daln pushed the bike out towards the cliffs but still close to the shuttle so Nexi could shut Star and lock it. "Yeah, you lean into the turn. If you want to turn right, you lean to the right. It's the same for the left. Turn left and you lean to the left. Not too much, though, or we'll fall over."

Nexi nodded and locked up her ship, then joined Daln by the bike. Already her heart was racing in anticipation and she couldn't wait to give this a try!

TO BE CONTINUED

Lt Daln Hadren
Chief Sec/Tac Officer
USS Hera

Nexi
Infiltration Specialist
USS Hera

Daln grinned in excitement. He loved girls riding on his motorcycle. He mounted the bike then kicked up the stand and flipped open the switch to the print pad.

Nexi grabbed on of the helmets he brought along and mounted the bike behind him. Once the helmet was on, she put her arms around him and pulled herself flush against him. "Alright, show me how it's done!" she said. There was not enough latinum in the 'verse to make her wipe the excited grin off her face.

He put on his helmet and put his thumb to the pad. Lia revved up, like she was as anxious to get going as he was. Daln grabbed the clutch on the left handlebar, shifted it into first with his leg, then let go of the clutch and hit the gas. They sped away along the cliffs. Daln grabbed the clutch and shifted her into second, then third.

Oh the rush! Nexi had the biggest grin on her face as they flew along, learning pretty quickly without any instruction how to lean with Daln as they traced the edge of the cliffs. It was exhilarating, liberating; it almost felt like flying or that moment in high warp maneuvers when the inertial dampeners couldn't keep up and there was that moment of weightlessness, it made her insides all jittery, but in a good way.

Daln reached a point where he would have to turn sharply to keep going, but he didn't. Instead, he stopped the bike and gazed out at the sunset over the waves. Look at that he said to her.

He took off his helmet to see a vista that few would not stop for: a red sun setting over the water, with pink, orange and gold clouds set in a twilit sky. Dark was an hour away, but the sun was just starting its finale, humbling all who witnessed it.

Nexi removed her helmet as well; she wasn't usually taken in by the sight of a setting sun, aesthetics was never really a big thing for her. Maybe it was the rush of adrenaline from the ride or simply the company, but she found herself smiling slightly as the sky was painted in colors she could not name as the stars started twinkling to life in the approaching darkness. Then she just closed her eyes and leaned against Daln, listening to the waves crashing against the rocks and chirping insects beginning their nocturnal song. She'd never stopped to appreciate the little things like this, mainly because she'd never really noticed before, but she was noticing it now.

Daln felt the heartbeat of the woman next to him and sighed in contentment. Reluctantly, he said, "We should get back."

"Yeah, you're probably right," Nexi said with a sigh. With some reluctance, she put her helmet back on for the return trip, then put her arms around him. "We definitely need to do this again sometime," she said.

"Definitely," he agreed. They made their way back to the shuttle and from there, to the ship. "I'll see you again?" he asked, pausing with his bike in the cargo bay.

"Yeah, I'd like that," Nexi said with a lopsided grin as she leaned against her ship's ramp doorway. She didn't know what she'd been expecting with this date, but this hadn't been it, and yet she couldn't be more pleased with how the evening turned out. "I had a great time."

Daln smiled back at her. "I'll hold you to that." He wanted to walk her home, but he had to put Lia away. "I'll see you later," he said, then reluctantly walked Lia to her home.

Nexi remained at the rear entrance of her ship a moment longer as she watched him leave, a small smile playing across her normally sour features. Once he was gone, she turned and hit the button to close the ramp, then wandered back to her bunk. She couldn't wait for later...

END

Lt Daln Hadren
Chief Sec/Tac Officer
USS Hera

Nexi
Infiltration Specialist
USS Hera

Lieutenant Commander Sinek went straight to his quarters from the holodeck. He enjoyed their time by the river and looked forward to going planet-side with the female he chose to love.

Once inside, Sinek stripped his uniform off of himself,tossing it in the replicator for recycling. He went to a closet, which contained several robes. He chose a black one, with the Vulcan Trinity words embroidered in gold down the front lapel. This was over a pair of loose fitting black pants. He slipped on a pair of boots and headed to the transporter room.

When Angel had gotten back to her cabin, it had dawned on her that she had literally no idea what sort of clothing Sinek might regard as casual. After a quick consult with the computer, she decided denim might be too casual, and her closet was woefully lacking in much else. It was obvious from simply looking inside it that she hadn't often had the need for anything other than her uniforms! Instead, she had turned to the replicator, finding patterns for a loosely fitting pair of grey slacks and the sort of shimmery, blouse-like top she'd often admired but never actually owned. Unable to decide on a color for the top, she'd chosen at random and gotten a brilliant shade of pastel blue, which was eye-catching but not too much so. By the time she'd reached the transporter room, Sinek was already there waiting. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

Sinek held out a hand to her. "I have only just arrived," he admitted.

This was the first Sinek had seen Angel clothed in something other than her uniform. It was logic, though; they had always seemed to be on duty, being the First and Second Officers. The hint of a smile, just the corners of his mouth, showed on his face.

With one hand holding one of her hands and the other on the same side elbow to lend support, Sinek assisted Angel up to the transporter pad. "You look fascinating, Angel."

"Thanks. You look great too." Angel smiled at him, graciously accepting his offered assistance onto the transporter pad. "I didn't find any Vulcan restaurants on New Sydney, but I found an Indian place and a couple of Greek places... other than that, there don't seem to be many vegetarian options."

"Any place is satisfactory," Sinek relayed to Angel, "as long as you are there."

When they were both in position, Sinek nodded to the Operations crewman and said, "Energize." The two bodies faded, then disappeared from the pad.

"Well in that case... I prefer Indian over Greek, especially if it's a spicy curry. And Indian chefs... they do some amazing things with vegetables. I think you'd like it." After all, the meal he'd prepared for them had been well-spiced, completely shattering the illusions Angel had built up based on others' description of Vulcan food.

"That sounds delicious," Sinek admitted, although no one could hear any excitement in his voice. "You lead the way."

Grinning, Angel cheerfully pulled him onto the walkway that would take them down to where the Indian restaurant was tucked back off the main road, just far enough back to avoid the usual noise of people beaming in and shuttles landing. "It's about a five minute walk."

"For a bustling place," Sinek observed, "this is a quiet location."

"I promise not to discuss the Hera, Temporal Investigations, Court Martial, or anything else pertaining to work," he stoically intoned. "This will be our quiet time away."

"Fantastic." Happy to hear that there would be no talk of work, Angel couldn't help grinning as she continued to lead the way toward the restaurant she'd chosen.

"You are grinning like the Cheshire Cat from the ancient earth story," Sinek stoically expressed. "Do you have a secret?"

"Secrets? Me? Never." Angel chuckled at her own joke. "Okay, maybe occasionally I have a few. But not today... I'm just glad to be off the ship for a while."

Sinek momentarily reflected on what Angel had said. As much as routine and structure was necessary to keep chaos at bay, time away to learn about another culture also did well for the mind.

"I must admit," Sinek agreed, "it is good to be away from the routine of the ship. It is necessary from time-to-time."

"I never found it that necessary until I took over Aelyn's job," Angel commented lightly, spotting the entry to the restaurant and guiding Sinek over to it. "It was easier to relax when I had unfettered access to the shooting ranges and the other training facilities. Those were things I enjoyed, so I'd do them when work got to be too much."

It was not his ideal date, but it was something that Angel enjoyed. Sinek filed that in his mind for an idea of a future time with her.

Sinek's sensitive nose began to smell the spices being used in the kitchen. "The food smells good. What would you recommend for a Vulcan?"

"That kind of depends on your tolerance for spicy food. Personally I like tikka, which they can make from anything. Aloo is pretty good, and it's typically vegetarian unless the menu specifies some sort of meat addition. Or if you want an absolutely foolproof option, rajma chaval. It's a bean curry, and most places like this let you pick how spicy they cook it." She wasn't going to say anything about doing it, but Angel had done a fair amount of research on which Indian dishes were vegetarian or could be prepared that way.

Sinek raised a brow; tahis was a lot of information for someone not to have spent considerable time eating this kind of food.

It was true that he enjoyed spicy food. Perhaps that was his same taste in women, for Angel certainly spiced things up in his life. He knew she had gotten testy with Temporal Investigations, and rightly so.

"Is Indian food your favorite?" He asked.

"One of my favorites," Angel admitted with a grin as she led him into her chosen restaurant. "I like spicy food in general, but I prefer the Asian spices over most others."

The corners of Sinek's mouth briefly turned upward. "No wonder you enjoyed the dish I replicated. Vulcans do enjoy the taste of spices. As much as we are accused of blandness, the Vulcan way of life is fulfilling and fascinating. We would not have been pioneers in space if blandness were a true quality."

"You know, that's a good point." Signalling to the waiting hostess that there would be two of them, Angel turned back to look at Sinek. "I think people forget that the Vulcans came to Earth... even set up an embassy and often sampled local foods. A bland person wouldn't have visited, let alone stayed a while."

"We would have never even ventured forth," Sinek agreed. "However, our logic drove us to pursue what was out there. And we found you."

Sinek never thought about what his life would have been like if the Vulcan's had never approached humans. The profoundness struck him at that very moment.

"I am...," he was going to say content, but decided that was not the appropriate word, "happy that we found humans. Otherwise, I would not have met you."

"Then it's a good thing Cochrane launched that rocket and proceeded to try getting his new friends drunk!" Despite a humorous grin, Angel blushed bright pink as the hostess signaled that their table was ready. "I'm happy your people decided to visit Earth. Honestly you're the first person I've dated who's been worth the time." Not once had Sinek ever made her feel like her time was being wasted, unlike the handful of men she'd casually dated at the academy and on her early assignments.

"You are a fascinating person," Sinek explained. "You are intelligent, attractive and beautiful person. I would not know why any logical man would not consider knowing you as valuable."

"Most men are not as logical as you, Sinek. Especially human men... they're some of the most irrational people I've worked with." A waitress laid menus on the table as they sat down, and Angel quickly flipped hers open, though it did nothing to hide how much she was blushing at being told how pretty she was.

Sinek lifted the menu before him, pretending he didn't notice the emotion Angel had shown. Inwardly, he suppressed the desire to grin as he realized Angel enjoyed the compliment. He stored this bit of information away for future reference.

Looking over his menu, he noticed there were several vegetarian options available. He decided to try one of the dishes Angel had recommended."

"None of them hurt you, did they?" The question carried an undertow of concern for her well-being. As experienced as he was with suppressing his emotions, he wasn't certain how well he could control them if someone intentionally hurt her.

"One of them did. He mysteriously wound up in sickbay with a broken arm. And a black eye. And bruised ribs." Angel gave him a bit of a sheepish look. "He only lasted that one date. No one else has dared try that again... I guess word got out about it." Selecting one of the vegetarian dishes, Angel set her menu down, and the waitress came back to whisk the menus away. "In all honesty, I didn't mean to hurt him. But he grabbed me pretty roughly... slammed me up against a chest of drawers. And my reflexes are pretty quick... I just went after him without thinking about it."

Sinek inwardly grinned as Angel related the story. It was one of the character traits he admired about her. Angel was strong and could handle herself effectively and efficiently in the face of danger. She even showed restraint in doing what little damage she had to the man.

Sinek lowered his head as he evenly and quietly spoke. "I am not certain if I would have been able to stop there when I face someone hurting you. I am slowly allowing myself to...feel emotions as related to us. Thus far, I have only known the happiness that you have brought to my life."

He reached over and gently took her hand. "I never wish you to think I do not care. I desire you to always know how I...feel."

He had never spoken to anyone about how he felt. It was new territory for him. The expression of feelings, that he only allowed himself to slightly feel, so he could relay those feelings to Angel, was as foreign to him as an neutron to a hydrogen atom.

"Sinek, I could never possibly think you didn't care about me. We've joined minds often enough for me to know how deep those feelings go." Angel squeezed his hand, offering him a bit of a shy grin. "Maybe it's weird, but I've been doing some reading, when I can steal a few minutes of time. Mostly about ways we can share those feelings without compromising your reputation as a Vulcan." It had sounded slightly less weird in her head, but Angel kept going anyway. "I didn't understand a lot of it. But something I saw repeated a lot was a telepathic bonding that would be more... permanent than the melding we've been doing. I don't know if it's even possible for us to do that, given the biological incompatibilities between humans and Vulcans. But... it could be worth trying."

"I am certain you are not speaking of the bond of Pon Farr," Sinek said with thought. "That bond give the mate the same symptoms and drive to mate, the emotions overwhelming our logic. Passion and lust ruling over love. There is also the Kunat So'lik, which is basically a bond of the marriage proposal. The mates are bonded to meet at a specific time and place if they are separated. The bond will drive them to be there for the ceremony of marriage. Is this what you are proposing?"

"I didn't realize it was that complex," Angel admitted sheepishly. She hadn't done extensive research, so she hadn't realized what she was reading about was the Vulcan equivalent of an engagement to be married. Knowing that now, she almost wished she hadn't mentioned it. She didn't know if she was ready for that big of a commitment. "It was just an idea. Maybe not a very good one, now that I think about it."

"It is a big step," Sinek agreed. "I have been on my own for fifty years. It would be a huge adjustment to live with someone again. Although, I am beginning to think that what I thought was not a possibility can actually come to pass. Do you see marriage in your future?"

"I didn't used to. But now? Maybe. I'm just not sure if I'm totally ready for it yet, if that makes sense." Angel didn't think it made much sense, but often Sinek understood better than she might expect.

"I do understand," Sinek replied. "The logic is not so simple with mixed feelings." The corners of his lips slightly turned upward. She had been the only one he had allowed to see him try to smile.

"As time goes and we grow, I believe those feelings will not be as mixed and logic will win out. But until then, they exist in both of us." It was true. With each passing day, Sinek found himself desiring her company. He loved her, enjoyed their communications and was getting so content with her presence. More and more, Sinek was realizing he didn't wish to be alone for the rest of his life. The first seventy-nine years of his life had been rather lonesome.

"Must be unusual for you to feel that way." Angel gave him a bit of an amused smile as the waitress returned and placed their chosen meals on the table.

"More feelings than I usually suppress. Although, I do let a few slip in our relationship."

"I've noticed. A smile looks odd on a Vulcan at first, even a very small smile." It might have been a touch strange to see at first, but Angel liked the slight outward expressions Sinek allowed through. Generally they were small enough that passers-by wouldn't notice, but she could see them. That was all that really mattered.

"In human relationships," Sinek began to ask, "does the bond of love grow as ours has?"

Everything about their relationship, Sinek was experiencing for the first time. It was almost as if he was awaiting the results of an experiment. Not knowing the answers was also an alien concept to him. Everything that he had read seemed to advise him to actively pursue Angel to romance her. The only issue was that Sinek had no idea of what romance was.

"Not in all relationships, which is why human relationships end." Angel paused as she ate a bit of her food. It was somewhat rude to stop in the middle of an answer, but she couldn't remember if she'd had lunch or not and she felt like she was starving. "But it's the general idea of what romance should be. Starts off with a small attraction and builds into something more complex."

As Sinek listened, he slowly ate, methodically chewing his food so that it easily digested. After swallowing, he asked, "How would you rate ours?"

He knew it rated much higher than a Vulcan relationship. In those, the one never really knew for certain just how the other felt. It was assumed that each cared for the other. However, that love and affection were never shown.

"Ours is... special." It was such a nondescript word, but Angel didn't really know how else to describe their relationship. "I can see and feel it growing, sometimes at a slow simmer and other times in leaps and bounds. To be perfectly honest, it took me longer to realize I needed you in the same way you needed me."

Sinek raised a brow at the irony. "It seems it should have been the opposite. I should have been slower to realizing a bond."

"Right, logically you should have been. But I admitted to you before that I had intentionally closed myself off from people. Not in the same way that Vulcans repress their emotions, but withdrawn enough to not notice subtle affections at first." Angel didn't think that made too much sense, but it was the only way she knew to explain it. She pushed her food around on her plate for a moment before taking a few more bites of it.

Trying to understand why one would intentionally isolate themselves now that he understood the importance of relationships, Sinek could only come up with a couple of answers: fear and/or distrust. Perhaps it was because she was previously associated with Section 31.

He took a bite of his food. Not knowing what to say, he simply took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. Then some words came to his mind.

"The important fact is that we are together now."

"Yes. Exactly." That brought a smile back to Angel's face as she ate some more of her dinner.

"You have a beautiful smile," Sinek confessed. "You should use it more."

"Thanks. I'll try to." Angel hadn't had many reasons to smile before Sinek had first asked her out. He was also the first to comment on how pretty her smile was, so she couldn't help blushing a tiny bit.

The corners Sinek's lips barely turned upward, "I just thought of something. According to the time line, we've been together four years."

"You know... that's an interesting point." Angel hadn't really looked at it from that angle, only focusing on the physical time they'd actually spent together. "To everyone who isn't on the Hera, we've been together practically forever, by human standards anyway."

Sinek understood that four years could hold an infinite number of possibilities. His hope was they would still be together in a bond as strong as duranium. However, the dangers that come up in their exploration could cause the to become separated in one fashion or another. Angel could possibly be promoted to command her own ship in that time. As Second Officer of the Hera, his expected duty would be to stay as the First Officer. He knew the unlimited possibilities, but wanted to know Angel's thoughts.

Sinek took the last bite of his meal. He chewed a number of times, swallowed, then reached and gently squeezed Angel's hand. "Where do you see us in four years?"

"I'm honestly not sure. I never expected to end up as the first officer of any starship... and here I am. For all I know in a couple of years Starfleet's going to start offering me a command." Angel sighed a bit, not much liking the thought of possibly having to leave him behind if they were still together at that point.

"It is logical," Sinek evenly replied. "You will make an excellent captain. But...," he hesitated as he look downward, still wondering what that meant for them. "...my question was about us. If we are still together, as I hope we are, do I stay or go with you?"

"I'd want you to come with me," Angel replied instantly. "Leaving you behind... that would be cruel. To both of us."

Suddenly, Sinek felt an impulse. At that moment, he wanted to hold Angel and bond with her. However, they were in public; it would be inappropriate here. He quickly suppressed the feeling.

"You will know when next we bond how happy you have made me," Sinek expressed. "I can only hope to have made you as happy."

"If you hadn't, I wouldn't want to whisk you away with me if they offer me a command," Angel replied honestly. She'd caught that quick flash of impulsive emotion before it was suppressed, and she grinned at it. "I appear to be a bad influence on you."

Sinek raised an eyebrow, "Not at all. You have enhanced my life."

Sinek had taken notice that Angel had finished her meal. "Perhaps we could retire to a more private location." It was a statement, not a question.

"That sounds like a very good idea to me." Angel wanted to kiss him, but it was an inappropriate public display for a Vulcan. She had to respect his culture and beliefs the same way he respected hers. "Shall we go back to the ship or find a private place here on the planet?"

"We came to have a break from ship duties," Sinek reminded her. "If we return to the ship, we will be sought after by the crew. I suggest we find a little hide away for just the two of us."

"Then let's see what sort of place we can find," Angel suggested brightly. "There has be some sort of lodging accommodation down here."

The corners of the Vulcan's lips slightly curled upward. He waited for Angel to get up. Them Sinek arose and followed closely behind. He had never seen himself close to anyone before, much less to love them. Sinek had thought his life would follow the cold paths of logic with no one, not even a mate seeming to be close. He was content that love was not truly the way Vulcan's envisioned it to be.

They soon found a place that overlooked the river. At one time this place would have been a lovely place to spend a few weeks, sitting on the balcony looking down over the river. However, with the buildup of pollution in the river, it took this affect from those trying to get in touch with nature. The inn was still well-kept, clean and orderly. Sinek wasn't as consumed about the external view as he was of being with Angel.

Once alone in their room, they bonded together in love. Sinek opened more than his mind to Angel. He also opened what most humans refer to as the heart - the home of the emotions. He shared all the happiness and joy she had brought into his life.

That night's sharing was deeper than when they had bonded before, and though Angel didn't often feel the need to share such feelings so deeply, she too opened the path to her heart, where the human jumble of joy and love was tangled with a wonderful sense of serenity she'd never had before.

18+ Adult Content.

Ethan watched Eames leave, frustrated with himself for what he had done. True, it really hadn't been that bad, just some harmless flirting and he had stopped himself, made it clear just how much he loved Dylan. But the fact that he'd even let it get as far as it had, was making him feel queasy.

He picked up the PAaD that had the possible honeymoon locations saved on it and made his way to the cabin he and Dylan shared, chiding himself all the way. Had he learned nothing after the incident with Ian. Would he always think with his little head instead of his big one? What would he say to Dylan? Should he say anything to the man he loved. Was being honest the right thing to do? Would keeping this to himself be the better plan? Why did Eldritch have to be so cute and, well, available?

He made it to the cabin without running into anyone or having the chance to make more of a fool of himself. Still wondering, what, if anything he should do about the situation he stepped inside. Much to his relief, Dylan wasn't there. At least not in the living room. So he decided to get himself a glass of wine. It would help him relax and think.

Tossing off his uniform jacket so he was dressed only in a tee shirt and black uniform pants, he went to the cabinet and poured out a drink, filling the glass to the very top.

Having gotten home ten minutes before Ethan, Dylan shut off the shower and wrapped a towel around his middle before grabbing another for his hair and wandered out into the lounge. As he dried his hair, he said "I thought I heard a noise." then he looked at the wine glass and added "Bad day?"

Startled, Ethan turned around, he'd not heard the shower running. It took a few seconds for him to reply, "Uh busy, that's all," he replied.

"Well...now you can relax." Dylan smiled as he walked over to his lover, "I missed you." he added, sliding his arms around Ethan.

'I missed you too," Ethan replied, pulling slightly away from Dylan and not really looking him in the eyes.

"Okay what's wrong?" Dylan asked with a frown, he knew Ethan like the back of his hand and he could tell that the other man had something on his mind.

Ethan let out a long sigh, "I did something really stupid," came the reply, "I can't believe myself sometimes."

"What did you do?" Dylan asked cautiously as he backed off, not sure that he was going to like was was coming.

"Well, we have a new crewman. His name is Eames, an Ensign and he came by for his physical.... And I kind of flirted with him."

"Flirted with him how?" Dylan frowned, trying hard to suppress the jealousy that immediately rose up in his mind, "Just in a casual way? Or something deeper?"

"No, just a casual way, mostly anyway. I even stopped myself when I realized how stupid I was being. But that's not even the worst part."

"What was the worst part?" Dylan asked cagily.

"I invited him to dinner. He wanted to hear more about Ian."

"You invited the man you flirted with to dinner and you want to talk about that bastard?" Dylan looked incredulous.

Ethan took a step back, as the color rose in his cheeks. "Yeah, I know. It seemed like a good idea at the time. I kinda got away from the flirting by telling him that the flirting was a bad idea because the last time I did it, I got myself in trouble. I'm really sorry." Ethan said as he took a drink.

"Well at least this time you're keeping me around I guess." Dylan had to concede, "That way I can make sure that no psychopaths abduct you ever again."

Ethan sat the glass down and said, "Well I hardly think that Eames is a psychopath, but I promise to be more careful. I don't know what I was thinking. I mean you do know i would never, ever cheat on you. Right?"

"I'm hoping so." Dylan replied, not sure what else to say given the way Ethan seemed to have a knack for encouraging other men lately.

"Just hoping so?" Ethan replied feeling the sting of his lover's words. "We're going to be married soon, you have to be able to trust me."

"I know." Dylan replied, "I guess I'm just the jealous type...which is weird considering how I led my life after we broke up the first time."

"I heard a little, rumors and all, I even tried to help you out a little I... I well I've never loved anyone else like I love you, not even Kyle. And this may not be the time for it, but if you ever want to talk about that time, I'm here for you."

"Your Admiral guy worked wonders back then." Dylan replied, knowing that he could still be holed up in some penal colony right about now if it hadn't been for Seth's intervention in the matter, "So thank you for looking out for me even back then." he added, truly grateful for what Ethan had done to save him from throwing his life down the toilet.

Ethan glanced down at the towel, the only clothing Dylan had on at the moment. He took a step closer to close the distance, his hand reaching for the towel, which he pulled lose, so it fell to the floor. "Well, "he commented, "I'm all for continuing our conversation, I really am, but there are other things we could be doing."

"Are you seducing me?" Dylan grinned at Ethan, his arousal already evident.

"It's no wonder your in Intel, you're highly observant,"Ethan said as he closed the remaining distance between them. He kissed his lover deeply and let his hand slide seductively down his chest.

"Quit teasing." Dylan growled playfully before kissing Ethan back with equal hunger, his hands moving to remove his clothes, "I want to feel you against my skin." he breathed as they came up for air.

Wanting the same thing as his fiance, Ethan wrapped his arms around Dylan and pulled him into a tight hug, his arousal just as telling as the other man's.

"Tell me what you want." Dylan murmured as he trailed kisses along Ethan's neck and along his collarbone.

"I want you, in me." Ethan replied, "and maybe flip later, or maybe I want you in me two or three times. I'll let you know."

"You always did like my stamina." Dylan smiled against his skin before nipping him playfully, "So where? Bed? Sofa? Over the kitchen counter?"


"Oh, you are being naughty tonight aren't you, "Ethan teased, "over the kitchen counter sounds like fun."

"Aren't I always naughty?" Dylan grinned as he backed them towards the kitchen counter, his hand grabbing a handful of Ethan's naked ass.

"That is one of the reasons I love you," Ethan said as he stroked Dylan's hard member.

"Turn around." Dylan whispered as they reached their destination, his breathing coming hard and fast as Ethan touched him intimately.

Ethan turned, moving his hand away from his lover, then putting both hands on the counter, "Is this better?" he asked over his shoulder as he bent forward slightly.

"Oh yeah..." Dylan said as he settled against Ethan and tenderly took him, thinking he'd never get enough of making love to the man of his dreams.

"Oh yeah," Ethan said, "please don't stop. Don't ever stop."

"Never." Dylan groaned as they began to make love, "I'll never get fed up of you." he added as he thrust into his lover.

Sex with Dylan never ceased to be amazing and this time was no exception. The location only made it all that much more amorous.

"You like being taken over the kitchen counter?" Dylan asked, smiling at the sounds that Ethan was making.

"Yeah," the doctor grunted, his breathing growing more rapid, "I like it a lot."

"Good because we're going to spend a lot of time doing it in fun places." Dylan leaned forward so that he could whisper in Ethan's ear as he wrapped his arm around him and began to jerk him off in time with his own thrusts.

Ethan wanted to respond verbally, but just didn't have the capacity. He was lost in the moment, a moment he wanted to go on forever and never end.

Feeling the familiar surge of emotion, Dylan moved faster, climax approaching fast as he made love to the only man that he knew he'd ever make love to for the rest of his life.

Ethan moaned loudly, climaxing just before Dylan did.

Collapsing forward against his lover, Dylan kissed Ethan's neck as they came down off their high and whispered "I love you Ethan."

"I love you too, " Ethan responded, grateful that he was leaning against the counter since he wasn't sure he could stand otherwise."

End

A Joint Post by

Lt. Commander Ethan Chaparral
CMO
USS Hera

Lieutenant Dylan Santiago
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Hera

Sitting in her usual place on the couch, Aewia was nibbling on some ice cream and watching some ancient video on the holo-entertainment projector she had gotten from the Captain a while ago. It was pre-loaded with a lot of the more entertaining early computer generated films and the one she was watching at the moment was something about feelings having feelings. It was a deep and confusing subject for Aewia, but it was entertaining none the less, her chocolate malt ice cream with butterscotch topping slowly melting in her bowl.

Nexi entered the quarters and noticed the look of intense focus on her sister's face as she watched some sort of 'animated' thing on a holo-screen. Nexi couldn't tell what was going on, she'd only just popped in on the flick, but it definitely seemed to be holding Aewia's attention. Nexi popped by the replicator to get a fresh bowl of ice cream to replace the growing puddle in Aewia's bowl, and a bowl of chips for herself.

"So, what are we watching?" Nexi said as she joined Aewia on the couch, removing the melted bowl of ice cream from Aewia's lap and setting it on the table, then offered the fresh bowl of ice cream.

Taking the fresh bowl, Aewia pointed to the screen. "It's something about feelings in people's heads having feelings of their own. It seems to have a lot of misguided old stereotypes, but something about it is... fascinating." Aewia said rather coherently.

"Oh yeah?" Nexi said as she started to watch with more interest. "Feelings having feelings... If that ain't existential, I don't know what is!" She watched for a few minutes longer, snacking on her chips until she looked over at Aewia with a smile. She was doing so much better today. In fact, she was having more and more lucid days, it was very encouraging. Nexi was proud of her sister, she had come so far. That whole 'tough as nails' and 'never giving up' thing seemed to run in the family...

After a few moments, Aewia had a feeling within a feeling of her own and she wasn't sure how to handle it. Her sister was smart though - she'd know what to do. Turning to Nexi, Aewia asked her most pressing question. "Do you think it might be possible for me to rejoin Starfleet? Or at least to do something on this ship that's helpful?"

"I bet you could," Nexi said with a small smile. Yep, they were definitely related... "I'd rather you didn't rejoin Starfleet, but I won't stop you if it's what you want. But I sure as hell ain't letting you work in Intel anymore. Big sister's gotta draw some lines somewhere!" Of course, they'd need to get Aewia to where she was reliably self sufficient first, but at the rate she was going it wouldn't be that much longer... and that made Nexi think about what she would do once that day came. What would she do?

Aewia easily picked up on Nexi's worry about what she would do and just blurted out what she wanted. "Later on... I'd like it if we went and claimed my inheritance and lived there. I'm sure we can come up with something to spend our time doing. If... If you'd be ok with that, that is. And you're right - no more Intel for me. I think I could help out in other ways though."

"Maybe after the Hera is done with their work with neutron star thingy, we can go take a field trip in my ship. I'll take you back to Betazed and get everything squared away and then you can decide what you want to do with your life," Nexi suggested.

Aewia nodded and smiled, happy with that answer. "Something with you," she said, nibbling on her ice cream some more.

"Well, I still do some pretty dangerous work, kiddo. But I'll see if there's something we could do together," Nexi said with a thought nod.

"Something with mayonnaise?" Aewia asked slyly. She'd picked up on that from Nexi's dreams, her empathy growing stronger every day.

"Hey, that prank was funny! You woulda laughed too," Nexi countered with a grin. Although, now this meant she was going to have to be more careful with her thoughts around Aewia.

"It was a funny dream," Aewia said with a slight chuckle, spooning at her ice cream. "You know I'm no stranger to danger. I also know you want to protect me. And I can't blame you..."

Nexi put an arm around Aewia, pulling her closer. "I know, kiddo, but some of the things I've done, it's more than what would be acceptable by your Starfleet. I'm try'na clean up my act, though..."

Snuggling tightly with her sister, Aewia set aside her bowl of ice cream for the moment. "Like torturing a Ferengi involved with illegal Romulan espionage in order to infiltrate his client's ship, then killing him and feeding him into a replicator when you promised to let him live?" she asked, looking into her sister's eyes.

"You did that?" Nexi said, looking at Aewia more than a little impressed. "Good girl," she added with a chuckle and a pat to the head. "I bet the bastard had it coming..."

"Let's just say he didn't have the Federation's best interests in mind." Aewia said with a hint of a wicked grin. "It's funny how I can't remember my time at the academy but I can remember my prior missions."

Nexi grin proudly at her sister. "Hey, you'll remember what you remember. I know it's gotta suck to have a gap like that in your memory, and maybe that stuff was important and maybe it wasn't, but you've got a whole brain of other memories you're remembering, and a whole lot more space for more senseless stuff, like watching feelings have feelings," Nexi teased, giving her sister a playful squeeze.

"This is true. And the doctors here have been using methods that are regrowing the missing parts of my brain." Aewia said with a wide smile. "They've even used their limited stock of biomimetic gel on me."

Nexi smiled at her sister. The Doc had even taken some samples from Nexi's brain to try to help. The sibling connection coupled with Nexi's unique ability to generate an electrical charge was supposed to help jumpstart this remarkable regeneration in Aewia. At least, in theory. Although, to look at Aewia now, it looked to be working... "You remember how you thought you'd be weak and helpless forever? Look how far you've come. Won't be too much longer and you'll be ready to put on a uniform again!"

Aewia nodded happily. "And it's sooo good to have decent food again too. And to be able to appreciate it... I think that's their greatest gift so far."

Nexi grinned. She could definitely appreciate the availability of good food. She grabbed Aewia's bowl of ice cream and set it back in her lap. "Well, appreciate it, don't let this one melt."

Nodding and smiling happily, Aewia dug into the bowl of ice cream, savoring the flavors. "Whatever I do though, I want to do it with you, ok?"

"We don't have to do the same things," Nexi said, ruffling Aewia's hair, "but wherever you go, I'll be there."

Captain Enalia Telvan sat in her chair on the bridge of the USS Hera, staring at the viewscreen. It wasn't every day one saw a pair of binary neutron stars, let alone got this close to them. Any closer would put the ship at risk of being sucked into them but alas, they needed to get a whole lot closer. The ship that the intermittent distress signal was coming from could barely be seen orbiting this pair of gravitational nightmares, presumedly unable to escape but not having been sucked in just yet. From what sensors had shown, this thing had been in that same stable 23 minute orbit for hundreds of millions of years, as unlikely as that seems.

"Magnify that ship," Enalia said, standing and taking center stage on her modified Galaxy series bridge. As the ship came into clear view, it was obvious that it was artificial - no known natural phenomenon could create a white metallic hull like that. It was covered in arches and even had a recognizable engine array of at least a dozen horizontal pillars scattered around the cathedral-like main body. Glancing at the Operations display, her jaw dropped at the computer's estimation of her size. "Lt Sha'ha'zen, is that readout correct? This thing is over two hundred kilometers long?"

Karina had been working on determining just that. Her fingers traced tiny lines over her console, sending sensor pulses out to the massive vessel ahead, to have them bounce back in order to be studied and analyzed. All attempts confirmed near-identical results. The Hiigaran tilted her head to the side as she worked on how to confirm the Captain's belief. "Uh, yes, ma'am. Two hundred, thirty-seven kilometers long from bow to stern." Unbelievable she added mentally. Even the Federation Starbase at earth capped at 6900 meters!

"Whomever built this..." Captain Telvan mused for a moment before refocusing on their task at hand. "Plot a course to bring us alongside that thing. Maximum transporter range. I don't want those stars crushing us if we can help it."

"Well I can officially say that I've never seen anything like that." Dylan commented from his station as he gazed at the viewscreen. One thing was for certain, whoever had built that thing had an eye for artistic design.

Ellery normally didn't spend an extensive amount of time on the bridge, as her clinical work kept her quite occupied. That said, as counselor, she knew the command staff needed her to be available to offer guidance concerning their missions, whether such guidance was diplomatic in nature or had more to do with the crew's overall state of mind. And sometimes? Sometimes the happenings were so unusual, so unexpected, they were worth witnessing in person. "I hope no one's hurt over there," Bretton remarked softly.

Daln was at the tactical station, working with his console. "Captain, their weapons are partially online, but I can't read their shields. They're too close to the stars."

"I want the age of that ship confirmed. The Solstice estimated several hundred million years, but I find it hard to believe that even these stars have been around that long." Enalia demanded as the ship slowly worked her way in closer, the image on the viewscreen growing.

Daln shook his head. "I can't confirm exactly how old it is, but I can say that it is older than anything I've seen before." He looked towards the science console. "Commander, can you confirm?"

Sinek pinched the bridge of his nose. The headache caused the readout at his terminal to blur, then it became double-vision. He fought the pain off, then stated, "The ship is of considerable age. I am running it through a database of known races. Apparently, it was too large for its engines to pull it away from the gravitational pull of the binary star." He gasped as pain shot from his forehead back to the his brain stem then recollected himself. "Sensors are not picking up any known life forms."

"Captain, three minutes until we're in transporter range." The Ensign at the helm said, paying close attention to his console.

Enalia nodded and headed towards the turbolift. "I need volunteers for an away team to meet me in transporter room seven in EV suits. I'm going over there myself but this is risky - I'm not going to order anyone to head over there with me."

Sinek heard the Captain and gave a somewhat loud and stern, "No!" Regathering himself, he evenly added, "I must advise against it Captain. The gravitational pull of the twins could bring that ship down any minute."

"Are you insane?" Angel hissed at Enalia, following the other woman into the turbolift. "If you think I'm going to let your crazy ass go over to that... thing, I've got news for you, and you're not going to like it!"

"Captain's prerogative." Enalia said simply, smiling to the surprise occupant in the turbolift.

"Yeah well my prerogative is to keep you from doing stupid things and getting yourself killed," Angel growled back, crossing her arms over her chest. She knew Enalia wasn't going to actually obey her recommendation to stay on the Hera, but she could damn well try.

Unaware that the ship was in any immediate danger, Ethan had decided to bring Dylan some chocolate chip cookies. But of course he couldn't just bring them for his fiance, he had to bring them for everyone on the bridge, He was just about to get off the turbo lift and onto the Bridge when the Captain walked into the lift besides him. "Volunteers for what?" he asked.

Enalia smiled brightly as she looked at her doctor. "To join me for a jaunt on a planet sized ancient ship in an EV suit on the verge of being sucked into binary neutron stars."

Ethan smiled, shrugging his shoulders. Oh, is that all? After some of the crap I've been through that doesn't sound half bad. I'll volunteer." Ethan wasn't sure what Dylan would think of the idea, but he didn't care too much. Dylan was constantly putting himself in danger, it was Ethan's turn. Not to mention the fact that Ethan found the whole thing fascinating.

"Excellent. You can tell us what kind of beings built this thing."

~I am an epidemiologist,not a xenoarchaeologist~ he thought to himself, but then with more confidence than he felt said, "I'll do my best. Er, is Dylan volunteering?"

"I don't know. We're meeting in EV suits in transporter room seven." Holding the turbolift door open a little longer, she looked Sinek over worriedly. "Commander, if that ship has been there for as long as sensors indicate, I think it'll last a few more hours while we investigate. Also, are you ok? Do you need Doctor Chaparral?"

Ethan cut his eyes between the two, wondering if Sinek would share that the pair had already met and waiting to see his reaction, so he could asses the situation. If Ethan felt his condition posed a danger to the crew, he wouldn't hesitate to use his authority to bench him.

"I'll go." Dylan commented, glaring at Ethan as if unable to believe that he'd volunteered.

Ethan felt his lover's intense gaze and knowing Dylan as much as Dylan knew him, was instantly aware that the other man was not happy. He couldn't help but be amused by the irony of the situation. While he was inclined to glare back, instead, he just smiled.

There was something decidedly off about the way Sinek was acting, and Angel found herself torn between whether she should continue trying to make Enalia listen to her or stay on the bridge and figure out just what was wrong with him. She'd had a distinct feeling that he was hiding something, and looking at him now she had a vague idea of what it could possibly be. She might not be any sort of expert on Vulcan physiology, but there were certain biological quirks that were rather well known.

Being the chief of security, Daln was dead set on going. "Hadren to Hernandes, meet me in transporter room seven. Bring Tito with you."

Sinek look at the others volunteering. Normally, he would be there himself. The curiosity he had in this instance was no different. However, this time logic told him different. If he were to go in this state, he knew he could put other's lives in danger.

Sinek glanced at the sensor display. His vision became blurred by the pain in the lobes of his brain. Slamming a fist down on the panel, he called the on call officer to the bridge. Gathering his composer, he looked at the others' startled faces and announced, "I am not well; I must retire to my quarters."

"You need my help?" Ethan asked,"Are you going to be okay?"

Before Sinek could answer, Dylan chimed in "Guess this means you won't be able to go on the away team." He looked pointedly at Ethan.

Ethan took a deep breath, not wanting to display his growing anger in front of the others, "If he needs me, it means that and I'll gladly stay. If he doesn't need me then I'm going. Do you have a problem with that?"

Sinek turned a glare full of daggers toward lieutenant Santiago. He didn't care to be placed in what seemed to be a lover's quarrel.

"No problem at all." Dylan replied as his eyes met Ethan's defiantly.

"The Captain may need you more than I," Sinek responded to the Doctor. He was not certain how the Doctor could help. At this point, he wasn't certain if it was physical. ~ It cannot be Pon Farr; it is too soon. Perhaps some meditation will help. Besides, he was Vulcan and unaccustomed to asking anyone for personal help. The Vulcans were a proud race, although they would never admit it.

Ethan fought hard not to roll his eyes now that the shoe was on the other foot, and he was mostly successful. Keeping his face as neutral as possible, he said, "Good, then there is nothing more to talk about is there." Then he turned his back on his fiance and started walking towards the turbolift.

"Yeah...let's save it for later." Dylan replied under his breath before heading off after Ethan to join the rest of the away team.

If Ethan heard his lover, he gave on indication of it.

What in the name of the universe was going on today? Angel looked at Enalia, Ethan, and Dylan and then back toward Sinek. It would be irresponsible for both her and Enalia to leave the ship while Sinek was apparently unable to command in their absence. And she knew Enalia was dead set on going to that ship. "Be careful, Enalia. If you'll excuse me, I believe I have a personnel issue to address."

Enalia was having second thoughts about going herself at this point but she knew that she couldn't show it. She had faith in her crew and that's what she had to portray right now, even if she was worried as hell.

The headaches were intermittent and dull when they had first begun. Now, almost a week later, it seemed to be one continuous pain. The pressure seemed like a huge Nausicaan squeezing his head until it was going to explode. Added to that, Sinek felt hot. Usually, Sinek found the air aboard the Hera to be on the cool side. However now, as he peered into a mirror, Sinek noticed sweat trickling down the side of his face from his temple.

The pain was unbearable. Holding his head, Sinek uncharacteristically hurried to sick bay. Entering the swishing double doors to the infirmary, he spotted Doctor Chaparral. He hurried over to him, grabbed him by the collar of his scrubs and, with all his Vulcan strength lifted the doctor off the floor, pinning him against the wall.

"I need something now for pain," the Vulcan screamed into the doctor's face. His hair was now soaked; streams of sweat rolled down his face.


Ethan had been relaxing after a hard day and looking forward to going back to his cabin and having Dylan fix something for a change. Not that Dylan didn't cook and didn't cook pretty well, its just something that Ethan usually enjoyed doing. But it would be a nice change of pace. He'd been about to send a message to Dylan's PAaD when Sinek burst into his office.

To say that he was surprised and in shock by the Vulcan's actions would have been an understatement of historical proportions. Sinek's actions were so abrupt and so fierce that the breath was knocked from his body and it took him several minutes before he had recovered sufficiently to start breathing again.

He coughed and sputtered at first. "Si.. Sinek, yo... you're choking me, I...I ca...can see you're hurting, bu..but you have to put me down first."
~I sure as hell hope this isn't Pon Farr,~he thought to himself.

A look of confusion overcame the Vulcan's face, as if he didn't understand the doctor. He paused to think it over. As he did his face showed more calm as logic began to take over. Sinek slowly lowered Doctor Chaparral to the floor and released him.

Sinek shook his head, clearing cobwebs that had formed in his mind. "I am sorry, Doctor." He raised his hand to his head and winced. "The pain is unbearable; I'm beginning to lose control."

Now able to breath again, Ethan's professional nature took over. "Take a seat on the biobed there,and tell me what's going on. When did this start?" As he talked Ethan took a tricorder and began to scan the Vulcan.

Sinek pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to focus his thoughts. "They started about a week ago. At that time, I was able to dismiss them. Now," Sinek winced again, "I am not able to control them." His voice began to escalate with anger, "My logic is being overcome."

"Okay," Ethan said, "I'm going to give you something to ease the pain, and help get things under control Then we can get to the bottom of this."

Sinek eyed the hypospray with suspicion. He looked at the doctor and suddenly grabbed the wrist of the hand that held the medical tool.

Ethan bit down on his lip, so he wouldn't grimace in pain,wishing Sinek had grabbed his prosthetic arm instead of his natural one. "Commander," he said evenly but as firmly as he could, "I am not trying to harm you. Remember the memories we shared in our mind meld?" Ethan looked him in the eyes as he spoke. "Please let go of my hand. I know what your problem is."

"I have a problem?" came Sinek's heightened reply.

It was then Sinek looked and saw the same eyes he looked into during the meld. Memories of the fear he felt temporarily paralyzed his actions. He released the wrist and began to back away. The primal instinct of fright, flight or freeze began to overcome him.

Ethan put the hypospray carefully down on the biobed. Then slowly he held up both hands. "It's Pon Farr, you need to try to fight it. But don't fight me and don't run away. I can help."

Sinek focused his mind. It hadn't been a full seven years since his last Pon Farr. What the doctor was saying wasn't computing.

"It cannot be; it is six months too soon." Suddenly Sinek had a concerned look. He wondered what Angel would think if she saw him in his full fledged Pon Farr, emotion and desires running wild.

"Well, I'm not sure what caused this premature onset, but the facts are pretty clear. I can give you something to ease the pain, help you think more clearly, but there's not much else I can do. Medically speaking, you need to get laid."

"I admit, the symptoms are the same," Sinek confessed.

How would Angel react to this? He had shared more of himself with her than he had with anyone else, even to allow her to know his emotions concerning their relationship. Would she accept this side of him - the primitive animalistic desires that would come along with Pon Farr.

Almost immediately the thought turned memories of the scent of her hair and the curves of her body. Sinek stolid face suddenly had a grin - his body a yearning. Could he allow himself to put Angel through this? Sinek fought the urge and regained control.

Slowly he said, "I must go to my quarters to meditate. Perhaps I can get through it."

His intentions were good, but he wasn't sure if he could overcome. He had been through six of these; each one seemed stronger. Sinek knew he could actually die.

Ethan looked at him with a skeptical eye, "Maybe, but maybe not," he said, "look Sinek, you helped me before, You kept me from going crazy. So I owe you one. I'm here for you and feel free to use me anytime." He paused realizing his words could be taken out of context-though he doubted the Vulcan would actually think along those lines, "I mean use me as a sounding board, or you know, whatever. I mean we have done a mindmeld, maybe doing another one with me would help."

"Thank you, Doctor," came Sinek's response. "However, I will retire to my quarters to meditate."

It was hard for the Vulcan to admit he needed help. Emotions or no, the Vulcans were a proud race. They were made a practice not to involve others in private matters.

Ethan watched as Sinek turned to go. "You call me if you need me, I am your friend you know."

Sinek turned as he walked out. His face acknowledged what the Doctor said as truth. He nodded in affirmation, then headed for his quarters.


A joint post by


Lt. Commander Sinek
CSO; Second Officer

& Lt. Commander Ethan Chaparral
CMO

Daln had received an urgent call from his cousin, Trei, who needed his expertise to get Daln's cousin and Trei's brother, Ranel, out of trouble.

They were discussing it now. "He screwed up, Trei, I don't think he's going to get off as lightly this time," Daln was saying.

Trei was not happy about it. "Daln, there has to be something we can do. He's gotten off before--"

Daln cut him off. "Yes, and because of those times before he's not going to get off easy this time. He's done it once too often and they are not going to go easy on him. I wouldn't if it was someone on this ship."

"Damn it, Daln--" Trei began, but a beeping started on his console. "It's Naila. She just transferred to another ship."

Daln's shoulders relaxed a bit. "Bring her in."

A Betazoid woman with long dark hair, black eyes, and a certain resemblance to both of the men in the call. She smiled at them. "Hey, guys," she said.

Trei smiled at his older sister. "Hey, Naila. I was just talking to Daln."

Daln grinned. "Hello, Naila." Daln didn't have a sister, but if he could have one, he wanted her to be like Naila. He loved Naila like she was his sister, even though she was just his cousin. He could also read her even with hundreds of lightyears separating them. "You're in a good mood," Daln observed.

"Yeah, Naila, tell us what has you so happy this morning," Trei agreed. He had that teasing light in his dark eyes that he sometimes got when he was going to make a joke at someone's expense.

Naila shook her head at her youngest brother. "I was promoted to chief medical officer of the USS Niagara."

Daln's grin widened. "Great job, Cousin."

Trei's eyebrows had shot up. "I'll say! You're the first in our family to make it!"

Daln acted a little miffed, even though he wasn't. "What are Vien and I, neighbors?"

Trei shook his head. "You know what I mean. She's the first of the Jansum family to be a department head."

Daln grimaced. "And the last if Ranel doesn't stop sleeping with his bosses."

Lanaila's smile faded. "Oh, no, not again! This is the third time!"

Daln made a face. "I know." He grunted. "If he was on my ship, I would have had to place both him and his superior in the brig for fraternization."

Now Trei was mad. "You'd do that to your own cousin?"

Now Naila stepped in. She had done it before. Trei was just a shade too loyal to family to be a security officer, in Daln's opinion. "He wouldn't have a choice, Trei," Naila said. "Daln's right. You can date someone in another department, but not your own."

Trei scowled. "I know. It's just..."

"Family," both Lanaila and Daln said at the same time. "I know," said Lanaila. "I feel the same. But Starfleet can't just ignore it."

Daln nodded. "He's probably going to be reprimanded this time. How, I don't know, but he probably will be."

Lanaila looked down for a moment and then shook her head. "I need to get ready for tomorrow, guys. I'll talk to you after my duty shift."

The two men nodded.

"Bye, Naila," said Daln.

"See you tomorrow, Naila," Trei said.

The screen went back to just a video of Trei. "You will try to help him, won't you?" Trei asked.

Daln mouth tightened. "I can try, but I don't know what I can do. I'm just a security officer, and not a very well connected one either."

Trei nodded. "I understand. I was just..."

"Hoping," Daln finished. "Yeah, I know. I need to go too. I have fight training for my staff."

Trei grunted. "And I have to check the weapons locker."

"We'll talk again soon?" Daln asked.

"Absolutely," Trei agreed. "See you later, Cousin."

"See you." The screen went blank then showed an image of Starfleet Security's emblem. He tapped his commbadge. "All non-essential security personnel, report to the gymnasium for fight training!" He needed to work off some stead and he knew just the victim, um, person to help him...