anderson
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Registered: Apr 23, 2024 7:05:24 GMT
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Post by anderson on Mar 31, 2006 5:57:06 GMT
Joan was busy as usual, just barely having time to visit the Black Hole. Lucky for her, she could bring what she was working on with her. She had just sat down, and noticed Tom was coming over. She couldn't help but smile.
"Hello, Joan, good to see you. The usual?" He asked, and she shook her head. "No way dude, I have done some reading, and you aren't a waiter. Do have a seat though," she said motioning for the seat across the way. He sat down a bit daze. A waitress came, and took Joan's order, leaving seconds later.
"Joan, I think we need to talk. I know things are busy with you lately, and I understand that. You are a Federation officer, and that is an important job. I don't think I could ever be an officer, not with what happened, but I don't want to talk about that. I want to talk about...." he started to say, and was cut off by the beeping of one of Joan's padds. She sighed and looked down at it, and then became really excited.
"Tom, I'm sorry, but I have to go. My mom is around, and that is a very rare thing around here. Can we talk about this another time?" she asked not wanting to ignore him. He sighed.
"Look, I like you, a lot, Joan. I was hoping I could see you some time," he said, and looked a bit red in the face. She could tell he was blushing and bad. A smile slowly stretched across her face. She got up, and he did the same. She collected her padds quickly.
"I would like that, and I hope you will call sometime this week. Evenings are best," She said, and then placed a kiss on his cheek. She left in a hurry, and forgot one of her padds. He picked it up, and put it in his pocket meaning to return it later.
Joan hurried to the bakery where she expected her mother to be already. She chuckled when she found she wasn't there just yet. She took a seat, and placed her order. She was anxious to see her mom, and wondered what the admiral knew of her recent activities.
(oh admiral mom)
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Karynn McCormick
Fleet Admiral
For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream. -van Gogh
Registered: Apr 28, 2003 8:05:07 GMT
Posts: 1,185
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Post by Karynn McCormick on Apr 1, 2006 5:15:37 GMT
Karynn crossed the umbilical and breathed in the stale, starbase air. “Ahhh, it’s good to be home.” Though SB47 was a nice enough place, it didn’t feel like she belonged there. Sure, she groused to the higher-ups about having to travel between her two offices, but, truth be known, she enjoyed coming back to the Academy and did it as often as she could. She especially enjoyed her visits with Joan… and a certain chocolate confection.
The thoughts of Tante Maria’s double chocolate éclairs danced in her brain and McCormick felt the familiar call. She walked for several steps with eyes closed, imagining the smells and tastes of her favorite vice. She snapped her eyes open just in time to avoid colliding with a fresh-faced cadet. Though not at fault for the near-collision, the cadet apologized profusely and the more Karynn tried to take the blame, the more nervous the cadet seemed. Ultimately, she smiled warmly and acknowledged the cadet’s erroneous apology and continued on her way.
With her craving intensifying, Karynn thought up the perfect cover. Arriving at her office, she sent a message to Joan, hoping she wasn’t engaged in some activity she couldn’t get out of… and quickly.
The delicious smells filled her nostrils and Karynn neared Tante Maria’s. Like Pavlov’s dog, the promise of éclairs yet-to-be-consumed made her mouth water.
Looking up from her task of refilling a display case, the elderly Andorian woman smiled as McCormick entered. “Admiral, it’s been a while. I had heard you were here and thought I’d see you.” She gave a subtle wink in Joan’s direction.
“You know me, Tante, I can’t stay away from your temptations for long. I’ll start with just one and we’ll see if I can stop there.” McCormick quickly searched for Joan as Tante Maria retrieved a large, double chocolate éclair, slipped into a paper wrapping and handed it to the confection’s biggest fan. The Admiral’s eyes spoke all the gratitude the Andorian baker needed.
“Enjoy, Karynn.”
“Thank you, you know I will!” McCormick carefully guided her treasure to Joan’s table and sat down. To her credit, she did lay the éclair aside momentarily to give her adoptive daughter a huge hug. “So good to see you, dear!”
“I’m not sure who you’re more interested in seeing… me or that éclair!” Joan joked.
Talking at warp speed, Karynn answered, “Oh, surely you know that you’re more important than a sweet, delectable, delicious, one-of-a-kind, not to be duplicated in the known universe, double chocolate wonder such as this.” She swiftly took her first bite and her eyes rolled back in mock ecstasy. After a few more dreamy bites, she finally managed to ask, “So tell me what’s been going on with you lately?”
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anderson
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Registered: Apr 23, 2024 7:05:24 GMT
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Post by anderson on Apr 1, 2006 5:32:49 GMT
Joan was engulfed in a hug, and had to beg to be let go because of lack of oxygen.
"I'm not sure who you're more interested in seeing... me or that eclair! Oh and have you been working out?" Joan joked, liking to tease the elderly woman. Joan watched her mom for a few minutes then took her eyes away to find her drink, taking a few sips. It was still very hot, but so good she didn't want to wait for it to cool. She looked up and found the admiral looking at her. Joan tried hard not to laugh.
"Hmm... To tell or not to tell, now that is the question," Joan said laughing very hard at what she saw. The admiral was definately enjoying the eclair, and Joan knew because some of it was on the admiral's nose, and some was on her left cheek. Joan almost fell out of her chair laughing.
(Karynn)
Joan couldn't stand it any longer, and picked up her napkin reaching across to wipe the chocolate off. "I know you probably wanted to save that for later, but I think it better if you just enjoy it now." Joan said not being able to help it when it came to teasing her mom about this.
Once the question was asked, Joan felt a bit guilty. She wondered how much of a report her mom was given on Joan's activities, but didn't ask. She looked down to the floor.
"Ok, now what have you done to break my promise?" The admiral said, and Joan almost wanted to cry.
"I broken it once, I was dumb for doing it too, although not on purpose." Joan admitted in a voice that was ready to break. She didn't like to admit this, but she knew she must or she would never be able to face her mom again.
"I don't know what your sources told you, but I got myself into medical trouble. After Dr. Black left, I felt so alone, and I didn't know what to do. I thought about contacting you, but I figured you were very busy. I just started to work extra hard, and one thing lead to another. Before I knew it I had worked several shifts too many and hadn't eaten or slept in a couple of days. I passed out, and woke up in sickbay. I got lucky that someone found me." She admitted, but wouldn't even look at her mom.
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Karynn McCormick
Fleet Admiral
For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream. -van Gogh
Registered: Apr 28, 2003 8:05:07 GMT
Posts: 1,185
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Post by Karynn McCormick on Apr 1, 2006 21:06:13 GMT
"First of all, I want you to know that no matter how busy I may be, I always have time for you, Joan." Karynn reached over and tipped up Joan's drooping chin. She wanted to make sure this was understood. "Did my message get through or was there too much self-pity jamming my frequency?"
"No, Mom, I got the message," Joan said, squirming a bit.
"And as for the rest, well, of course my main concern is for your health. However, your actions were very self-centered. Did you even once consider the rest of the crew?"
Joan was stricken. Why was her mom calling her obvious self-sacrifice selfish? Her attention was riveted as the Admiral went on.
"You see, Joan, if you want a command one day, you have to start thinking like a commanding officer long before you are one. Your taking yourself to the brink of exhaustion jeopardizes everyone on your ship. A crewman who's too tired makes mistakes, reacts poorly, thinks irrationally and endangers the lives of everyone aboard. You weren't just hurting yourself with your carelessness." Karynn finished her words and wanted nothing more than to gather her daughter in her arms and tell her she didn't mean what she said, but the lesson of this moment was far more important. The sting Joan felt would reap a greater impact in Joan's mind and heart, possibly preventing her from doing this again.
Joan didn't speak for quite a while. Silently, the Admiral munched on her remaining éclair, which didn't seem as tasty now. Karynn worried she had upset her too much but she relied on her experience and told herself that even if Joan didn't heed her words, she would think twice next time. "Being a parent is no fun at all," Karynn thought.
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anderson
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Registered: Apr 23, 2024 7:05:24 GMT
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Post by anderson on Apr 1, 2006 23:30:10 GMT
Joan felt every word her mother said. The color drained from her face immediately. She hadn't thought of the others on the base, and she felt like a fool. Joan didn't touch the remainder of her treats, she suddenly didn't feel like eating them any more. This was suppose to be a wonderful visit, and instead it was turning into a sour one. Joan felt horrible, and realized this was how it was suppose to feel when her mother scolded her. She hoped that it would never happen again.
Joan sat in silence for several minutes waiting for her feelings to pass, they never did though. She finally got the courage to look back at her mother, the color still hadn't returned.
"How are things with you and the admiral?" Joan said finally finding her voice worked again. She hoped to hear good news.
(admiral)
"Oh, you sneaky woman," she said and chuckled at the question. "Yes, I have moved on from the last one, and found another. At least I hope another, not much has happened between the two of us," Joan said, a smile curling her lips and the color finally returning to her face. She picked up the pastry and took a bite finding it only okay being a bit cold now.
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Karynn McCormick
Fleet Admiral
For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream. -van Gogh
Registered: Apr 28, 2003 8:05:07 GMT
Posts: 1,185
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Post by Karynn McCormick on Apr 7, 2006 7:11:58 GMT
Joint Post by Karynn McCormick and Duke Nova:
Nova planned a visit to Starbase Conqueror to review the newly formed fighter group knowing that Admiral McCormick would also be on Conqueror at that time. With the high volume of cadets on the Starbase, Duke sometimes entered the station via the back door to avoid attracting unwanted attention. It did, however, require him to go through a recently installed high-security transporter system. The system could lock-on to any combadge within the station and transport you to that location. A unique feature incorporated into the transporter was a DNA scanner. If you were not encoded on the authorized list of users you would wind up in a security holding cell instead of your desired destination.
Nova also brought along a disguise he often wore when he wished to maintain a low profile. The hat, overcoat and half mask of the old earth character “The Shadow”. It allowed him to walk freely through the corridors of the Starbase virtually noticed.
As he entered the bakery, the air was thick with the scent of chocolate. Looking around he spied the back of his target, Karynn McCormick. From his vantage point, it appeared that she was speaking with someone. Duke slowly approached her from the back and picked up the faint scent of the perfume he’d bought her and, by mistake, he’d bought the men’s cologne instead of the women’s version. She had laughed at his mistake and swore she’d wear it anyway because it was the thought that counted. As he closed on her position he could now see who she was talking to and overhear some of their conversation.
“You know, Joan, I thought there really might be something between myself and Nova. But, I haven’t heard from him in months." Karynn sighed a little and picked at the remainder of her éclair. Joan instantly knew it was a sign of deep emotional reflection. For her mom to leave an éclair partially uneaten was unprecedented. "I’m pretty sure I was mistaken that he ever had an inkling of a thought about me,” she said with a light laugh.
Nova realized that he was still wearing his unneeded disguise and quickly removed his hat and mask which caused the eyes of Joan McCormick to grow somewhat large in appearance.
Unaware of Duke behind her, Karynn went on. “It’s definitely for the best. Like I said to you a while back, if anything would have come of it, I'd constantly be torn between playing him with my countless womanly charms and wondering if I'd just eighty-sixth my Starfleet career!"
“My dear Joan, you look positively pale!" Karynn said with concern. "Are you feeling all right?”
All the younger McCormick could do was stare upwards over Karynn’s left shoulder. It was then that Karynn got a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. “He’s right behind me, isn’t he?”
Joan slowly nodded. Karynn closed her eyes and swallowed hard. She waited for what seemed to be minutes but in reality were seconds before turning around. She hoped he would speak first and perhaps pretend he hadn’t heard… then she could pretend she hadn’t said it and all would be right in their worlds.
“I had heard that your womanly charms were countless. It’s common knowledge throughout the galaxy,” he spoke playfully, his deep resonant voice trying to sound serious.
Karynn screwed her face into a forced smile and faced her foe, and her faux-pas, squarely. “If you wouldn’t frequent those type of places in the galaxy, you wouldn’t have to hear such lies about me.”
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anderson
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Registered: Apr 23, 2024 7:05:24 GMT
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Post by anderson on Apr 8, 2006 6:56:40 GMT
Joan felt for her mom, and was about to say something when Nova took off his disguise. She found her voice suddenly didn't work at all. She had felt faint at being near someone of such importance. She tried to pull herself together, but was having trouble.
Her mom noticed, and she only nodded in response to the question still not being able to speak. She did remember to breath, but barely.
Joan watched their little meeting, and she wondered if she should leave to give them some privacy. She moved to leave, and found her mother giving her an evil eye. She tried not to laugh, and found it very hard. She thought about something.
Leena, I need some help. Please link me and my mother's minds. She thought to Leena, wondering what the stare was for exactly. She didn't want to just out and ask, just in case it was suppose to be between them.
Ok, Joan, done, oh and if you two wish it, I can help to make this more permanent, just in case my services aren't around every time you wish this. You might consider asking her if she would like this. Let me know, and let me know when you are done. Leena thought, and then laid back down for a nap, since her latest prowling had worn her out.
Thanks Leena. She thought to Leena, then focused on her mom. Hey, mom, a couple of things. What was that evil look for? The second, I was thinking with Leena, and she says we could do this on a more permanent basis, but only if we both want to. What do you think of this idea? Joan thought, and hoped that this would work. She liked the idea of being able to talk to her mom like this. She wondered how far the range would be, and realized she would have to be careful when contacting. She wouldn't want to interrupt her mom in an important meeting.
She got a kick from under the table, and made it looked like she was just readjusting herself. She found her vocal chord seemed to work again. "Hello, sir, what brings you to our little neck of the woods?" She said not sure what else to say to him.
(Nova, admiral mom)
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SA. Duke Nova [Ret]
Section Admiral [Ret]
Former Section Admiral
Registered: Jun 2, 2003 21:01:34 GMT
Posts: 610
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Post by SA. Duke Nova [Ret] on Apr 11, 2006 15:23:31 GMT
“Unfortunately my job tends to take to many unpleasant places where I hear more than I care too at times,” Nova said with a sheepish smile.
It seems I always stick my foot in my mouth when I come near to Karynn, Nova thought. I have never had a women affect me in this way as far back as I can remember or is it just because I am getting old, he wondered?
Duke’s attention was altered to Miss McCormick when she spoke.
“I have come to hi-jack your mother’s attention over dinner, if she will accept and duty requires that I visit the new fighter group here on Conqueror. It seems that when we are on Starbase 47 together, I am completely bogged down with paperwork, reports and meetings that I never seem to find the time to see her there. Perhaps you could join us for dinner if your mother sees fit to accept my offer?” Duke said hoping to pry a yes response from Karynn.
(back too you both) ;D
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two
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Registered: Apr 23, 2024 7:05:24 GMT
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Post by two on Apr 12, 2006 0:48:31 GMT
-- Academy Commandant's Office --
Left in command of Academy operations while Commodore ONE was away on the USS Black Tulip, ECH TWO was holed up in the Commandant's office doing paperwork most of the day. The rest of the day he wandered around the starbase, checking up on things. But today was different. Not four hours ago, TWO had received a subspace communication that the Section Admiral would be visiting to check up on the new fighter wing. "Very interesting," TWO thought aloud. "Yesterday Ms. Karynn McCormick visits, now Mr. Duke Nova follows? Coincidence?" He chuckled lightly.
TWO decided he ought to go greet the Section Admiral personally. TWO had never met the SA, though ONE knew him fairly well. "Computer, locate Section Admiral Nova."
"Section Admiral Nova is on Deck 24, Section 23."
"The bakery? Gee, I wonder what he's doing there?" TWO said sarcastically. Knowing the Admiral's negative view towards TWO's 'false' ranks, he removed his four gold pips and set them on the desk. He walked out to the outer office and spoke to ONE's receptionist, Petty Officer Lenart: "I'm going out to meet a guest, hold my calls." He tapped a few buttons on a wall console, and he and his mobile emitter disappeared, reapearing outside the bakery with a light blue shimmer.
Straightening his uniform, TWO entered the bakery and walked up to Admiral Nova, whom he instantly recognized from personnel records. "Welcome to the Starbase Conqueror, Admiral Nova." He stuck out his hand and grinned charmingly, trying to make a good first impression with the Commanding Officer of the whole section.
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anderson
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Registered: Apr 23, 2024 7:05:24 GMT
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Post by anderson on Apr 12, 2006 14:39:52 GMT
Joan wasn't surprised by his answer. She could see why her mom liked the guy. She smiled, and looked to see if her mom had any answer yet.
"Well, I don't know about her, but dinner sounds great," she said, but knew that it was totally up to her mom. She felt a kick under the table, and tried not to chuckle. She started to eat more of her pastry, and did her best not to rush any answers.
Suddenly TWO showed up, and welcomed the admiral. Joan hadn't expected to see him any time soon, and wondered where ONE had disappeared to. She didn't say anything, because she hadn't really met this person, and she hoped her fame hadn't proceeded her yet again.
It was only the other day she had heard rumors of her being notrious in the fleet. She hoped her mom hadn't heard about those, and also hoped it was just talk around the starbase. She didn't know what the rest of the fleet was saying about her, but she didn't care. It didn't matter if they thought of her as notorious, just so long as her mom didn't. She was curious to see if her mom had in fact heard these rumors, but she wasn't sure she should ask. She was tempted, but decided not to.
Just when she was sure nothing else would be happening, someone bumped into the back of her chair, making her almost spill her drink. She was glad she didn't, and had half a mind to tell the person off. She turned to see who in the world would bump into her chair like that, and suddenly found a pair of blue eyes staring back into hers.
"Well, hello there beautiful," he said, and she blushed and groaned at the same time. Tom had impecible timing, and to say something like that with her mother around. She wished she could just disappear at the moment, but she was happy to see him.
"I didn't expect you to be here, are you following me?" She said teasing him, and he chuckled remembering the day before when he showed up just about everywhere she was.
"Naw, I don't do that every day. Besides where is the fun in that, I just needed one of those bear claws, and felt it was high time to fill that craving. Do you mind if I join the group?" He asked looking for approval from the three of them. He hadn't a clue who the male and female sitting with Joan were. ~Any friend of Joan's is a friend of mine.~ He thought, and continued to smile.
"I don't mind, why don't you go get your pastry and come back. We should know by then if it is good with the group," she said hoping to be able to explain a little bit. There was a small line forming at the counter, and she hoped he wouldn't be able to get through it so quickly.
"Alright, be back soon, geez she has quite a line tonight. Oh well, I am sure she will be glad to see me," he said, and rushed off to get his pastry. Joan then turned back to the other two, and found her mom giving her questioning looks.
"That was Tom, be nice," she said realizing that it might turn into a moma bear verse the new guy who was interested. She didn't want things to go wrong here, and realized that Tom had no clue who she was sitting with. She wished she had time to warn him, but realized that there was no way to do so.
Tom was busy in line, and when he finally got to the front, found Tante Maria smiled when she saw him.
"Now there is a face for sore eyes. Where have you been, and don't tell me running that establishment of yours. I noticed when you came in you conversed with Joan. I didn't know you two knew each other." She said, and smiled warmly. He smiled and chuckled a little.
"Yes, Joan is a regular at the club, and no I haven't been spending all my time at the establishment. I spend some of it with this girl I have been seeing. She is a real catch, and I think you might like her aunty," he said, hoping she wouldn't ask too many questions.
"I would bring her by to meet you, but you already know her. Any who, I noticed Joan is sitting with a couple of people. Do I need to know who they are?" He asked, hoping the answer is a no.
"That depends on if I have picked up the right clues on your new, hope to be, girlfriend. Joan, huh? Well, good luck kiddo, and the woman she sits with is her adopted mom. I have to get back to my customers, don't be a stranger." Maria said, and got back to work after handing him his treats. Life was good, or so he thought. He returned to the table.
"So, what's the verdict?" He asked, being his usual quirky self.
(Nova, admiral mom)
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Karynn McCormick
Fleet Admiral
For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream. -van Gogh
Registered: Apr 28, 2003 8:05:07 GMT
Posts: 1,185
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Post by Karynn McCormick on Apr 12, 2006 20:04:03 GMT
Karynn sat back and watched the show. Tactically, she was immobile, studying the field and scanning for weaknesses. Two’s interruption had given her the advantage. She hadn’t made a response to Nova’s invitation and she found leaving him on tenterhooks was strangely enjoyable. To continue the anticipation was even more enticing. As it turned out, Joan’s new consort provided Karynn with another innocent stall. Joan prattled on about her new beau and Karynn successfully left Nova without an answer.
“He owns the place – the Black Hole – my newest hang-out,” Joan said between nibbles.
“I’ve heard about it.” Karynn stopped short of saying what she’d heard, egging on her daughter’s comments soon to come. She didn’t have to wait long.
“Oh? So, what exactly have you heard,” Joan asked, leaning in.
Karynn was purposely antagonistic, knowing Joan would keep her on-topic and Nova would still be answerless. “Nothing bad, really. Just that it’s very dark… and the main focal point is a bar. Not the kind of place you’d prefer your daughter to be hanging out.”
“I don’t believe what I’m hearing!” Joan protested, “And this coming from the woman I found doing that… that lewd disco dance… what did you call it… the ‘bump’?”
“That was different.” Karynn glanced up and noticed Duke was intrigued by Joan’s reference to a lewd dance. Unfortunately, she couldn’t tell if his intrigue was positive or negative. ‘It’s already starting,’ Karynn thought uncomfortably, ‘I’m caught in the middle and don’t know if I’m being titillating or giving fodder for my upcoming court martial.’
“How was that different?” Joan was in high gear now. “Was it different only because it was you and not me?”
“I have to show my human side every once in a while to let everyone know I’m approachable. You, however, have my reputation to uphold. Whether you like it or not, you are always going to be seen as the Admiral’s daughter. And with that, comes a responsibility to behave above reproach.” Her words were true but her intent of creating a diversion from Nova was lost on her unsuspecting daughter.
Joan lifted a hand to gesture her heated response when Tom approached, bear claws in hand. “So, what’s the verdict?” he asked and plunked down beside Joan.
All eyes, except Joan’s, turned to Karynn. Joan looked away, her mood altered by the injustice she perceived. The decision, it seemed, was up to the elder McCormick.
Karynn milked the pause for as long as she dared. “Well, sure… ok... where are we going?” she asked, including the ambiguous holo-officer resembling the Academy Commandant.
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anderson
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Registered: Apr 23, 2024 7:05:24 GMT
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Post by anderson on Apr 12, 2006 21:35:03 GMT
Joan couldn't believe her ears. ~A BAR! She thinks its just a bar?~ Joan thought completely lost in this aspect.
"The Black Hole is much more than just a bar. It is a place where someone can get a drink and they don't have to worry about alcoholic beverages. The Black Hole doesn't even serve alcohol. The owner is against the whole aspect of those drinks. I don't know why, but he is. I would never just hang out at some bar, but the Black Hole, now there is a place to hang out and not worry about ruining my mother's reputation," she said hoping this would close the conversation for now. She hoped the point was made, and that she had gotten it across.
A little bit later after Tom came back, the admiral mentioned something about leaving. ~Where does she need to go? Wait she means all of us.~ Joan thought somewhat perplexed.
"He was asking to join our little group, unless you did have a plan to go somewhere, Tom?" Joan said a little lost herself.
"I was just wanting to join the group, and I see no one has any objects thus far," he said ploping down next to Joan. He thought about putting his arm on the back of her chair, but noticed the admiral was eyeing him and thought better of it. "If you guys and gals wish to go somewhere though, I'm game," he said, starting to eat his pastry.
(tag group)
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Karynn McCormick
Fleet Admiral
For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream. -van Gogh
Registered: Apr 28, 2003 8:05:07 GMT
Posts: 1,185
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Post by Karynn McCormick on Apr 14, 2006 4:22:11 GMT
Joint post by Nova and K. McCormick
Nova’s attention shifted to the holo-gram as he entered the bakery and addressed him. He shook his holo-hand and thanked him for the wonderful welcome. Nova noticed that Commander TWO failed to wear his correct rank but dismissed it as perhaps the hologram didn't consider himself sentient. Nova certainly didn't. He was aware of his prejudice against holographic individuals but it didn't alter his thinking. Nova remembered the near fatal outcome of the last time a computer program was given control of a Federation starship; Kirk’s starship the USS Enterprise. Even Data, the android, was not infallible as was proven by his evil brother Lor. "I am not that fond of holograms used to replace flesh and blood people," he thought. "I am sure they might have some good use - as a training tool in the Academy, perhaps - but not in a real-life command where programming can never prepare you for the unexpected. A hologram could never have a gut feeling. Even Vulcans do not always follow their logic," he thought as TWO continued exchanging pleasantries. Duke watched the hologram interact with Karynn and the others and wondered if they also perceived being greeted by, what he referred to as, the equivalent of an old Earth answering machine, as rude. "Perhaps everyone else is less judgmental than I," he concluded and if Karynn could treat him like a person, perhaps he could too. "May I suggest," Karynn said, "Why don't we all try getting a table at The Geyser? I personally haven't eaten there in years." She coyly looked at Nova. "You're buying tonight, right?" "I wouldn't have expected it to be any other way," he shot back. If he was ruffled by her inviting everyone to what he intended to be a private dinner for two, he didn't let on. He turned to TWO and said magnanimously, "I assume you don't eat, but if you wish to join us for dinner then you are most welcome. As a matter of fact, you may invite all your holographic friends to come along." The twinkle in his blue eyes gave away his attempt at humor. "How generous of you to 'buy' dinner for guests that don't eat," Karynn said, picking up immediately on his joke. "Actually, I can eat all night," TWO countered. "It's impossible to fill up a holographic stomach." Nova let out a soft groan which only Karynn heard. She giggled slightly before she realized it and Duke looked up and smiled. McCormick, surprised by her own schoolgirl-like behavior, rose from her chair and darted over to Tante Maria for a friendly chat, mostly to get away from Duke's stare.
Nova turned to Joan and told her that Tom was welcome to join them at dinner as well, of course. "Great," said Tom as he shoved in his remaining sweet. "Two bear claws can't fill me up." Soon the group was on their way to the restaurant. While walking, Karynn managed to pull Joan aside. Nova and the rest pulled ahead of them. She spoke lowly into the girl's ear. "Dear one, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to upset you earlier. I thought you would understand I was diverting the conversation away so I didn't have to answer the Section Admiral's invitation to dinner." "Didn't you hear me trying to contact you?" Joan asked. Startled, Karynn asked, "That was you?" Her daughter nodded. "I thought it was my Borg nanoprobes acting up on me. I'm so used to suppressing the noises in my head I must have thought you were a stray internal status report." "Well, it isn't just a bar," Joan suddenly snipped, still stinging from her mother's accusations. "I didn't know. Joan, I'm sorry," Karynn said sincerely. Joan sighed and then smiled a tad. "Oh, I can't stay mad at you... I want to but I just can't." She hugged her mom then bounded ahead to catch up to Tom. She grabbed his hand before thinking, oblivious to the 'mom eyes' drilling in to her from behind.
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anderson
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Registered: Apr 23, 2024 7:05:24 GMT
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Post by anderson on Apr 14, 2006 14:47:32 GMT
They started to walk, and Joan noticed her mom's arm around her. She also noticed the group was getting away from them. The had started to talk a little about what had happened at the table.
"Borg nanoprobes? Are you going to share that story with me?" she asked right after the hug.
"That reminds me, Leena said there was a way to make it so we could talk telepathically any time we wish. It would be something irreversible, and I was wondering what you thought about this?" Joan said not sure what to expect next.
When they were done, they both caught up to the group, and Joan walked beside Tom. She took his hand, forgetting a little bit about who was behind her. Tom smiled and squeezed her hand, he looked like he was having a good time. Then she remembered something.
~Oh, Leena, I am done. We are no longer talking mind to mind.~ Joan said, and got no response from Leena. She figured her friend was deep sleeping at that point, and decided not to wake her in any way. She noticed her mom was looking her way, and she realized by the look what her mom must be thinking.
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anderson
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Registered: Apr 23, 2024 7:05:24 GMT
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Post by anderson on May 4, 2006 4:08:31 GMT
They arrived at the bakery, and Joan looked around not having been here before. She noticed none of the others looked around like she did, so she stopped doing so. They all sat at one table, with the admirals sitting together and Joan and Tom sitting next to each other. TWO sat in the middle of the four of them. Joan picked up a menu to see what was good.
"So, mom, what do you recommend?" Joan said trying to get rid of the silence a little bit. Tom reached over and put his hand out for her to take, and she did so placing the menu down on the table to flip through.
(tag group)
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