3.6 - All the Fun of the Fair

[Deleted]

Cyle sat by himself away from the main table. He had a plate of food in front of him, but he wastn eating much. He kept looking to the team he had set up in and around the table, watching for anythign to happen. Most of them were pretty good about enjoying themselves. Cyle on the other hand wasnt much for socializing.

He looked at the others talking amongst themselves and thought about his past, which made him less hungry. His past was not a happy one, and this place was different. If he stayed long enough he might actually began to like it here.

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

Zhuk relished social gatherings such as this. Not that he cared to party. It provided the opportunity to view the social skills of individuals. Also some of their inner selves.
Spending time like this was a good way to learn of one's crew. Now that Zhuk had become First Officer, it was more important for him that he learn and remember some of the different quirks and nuances everyone had. Strengths and weaknesses, if you will.

The senior staff was made up of fine Starfleet officers, each an expert in their field. Mr. Frek Thelev, superb pilot of a starship. Zhuk thought of himself of being pretty good behind a starfighter and wondered if Frek was as good with one of those as well. He did have a penchant for causing bodily harm to himself.

Dr. Lorre Melain, a doctor like no other. The last mission had proven that. Her refusal to take arms no matter what the threat, and there was the temporary adoption of the deaf Dradrian child. Zhuk was sure that it was going to be permanent. He could not see Melain giving up that child, no more than Zhuk would give up Theel'zhiin.

Counselor Grace Mitchell. Now there was one that Zhuk was still trying to get to know. She is quiet and keeps to herself much except for when duty calls. It was obvious to Zhuk that she is quite the diplomat when it comes to the Klingon race.

LtCmdr Roman Vicente had been with the crew for awhile, but effectively he was still new given his coma situation shortly after boarding the Nevada. Along with their new COO, Lt Jamey Parker, and their new Marine officer, 1Lt Cyle Johnson, these three Zhuk was still going to have to observe a bit more, before making any conclusions about them. He did trust that they were good officers as well, and that the Nevada was shaping up to be one of the best ships in the fleet.

Seeing the fellow marine, it was apparent that he wasn't quite enjoying himself. Zhuk remembered when he first came on-board the Nevada, fresh from the academy, feeling a bit out of place and having been put in charge of a whole marine platoon. Of course he had a slight advantage of having served in the Imperial Guard before, but starting over was still daunting at the time.

Zhuk excused himself from the main table. "Captain, Ambassador, if you will excuse me. As a marine I become weary if I am idle for too long. I must check on a few things." Harrias gave his approval with a nod.

Zhuk walked on over to 1LT Johnson to give them both the opportunity to get out of here. "Lieutenant, let's go to the marine deck. I'd like to hear how things are progressing. I understand there might be a few concerns with a couple of the troops, but I'm sure that between you and the Gunnery Sergeant things will be hashed out."

Together They exited Ten Forward while Cyle was giving his views and concerns of the marines and various other things.

<Cyle>

[Deleted]

Melain finished of the plate of Glagst and chased it down with the last fo her tea. The party was beginning to slow down as some crewmembers down for the morning shift began to filter out. As Melain watched Lieutenant Toledo leave she wonderd idily whether or not he had been born on Bajor, Rachel would probablu know, she seemed to know a great deal about the crew.

Just as the doors to ten forward slid closed, the opened again and in stepped a Trill Melain barely recougnised. She'd seen him at the Breifing for the last mission, he was the pilot of the USS El'Salvador, but what was he doing here?

The Trill, whome Melain now recougnised as Mr Parker, stopped to talk to the Captain and Grace after visiting the buffet. Melain flagged him down once their conversation was over. "I hadn't realised you where coming along, welcome to the Nevada."

Lieutenant Parker laughed. "I just got transferred over so I should be here awhile."

Melain looked over at Frek, a look of mock horror on her face. "Oh no, They've finaly down it! Their sending you to the loony bin!"

Danara laughed, but Frek only looked confused. "I'm not sure I understand what Ancient Canadian coinage and birds have to do with this predicament, this is horrible!"

Melain groaned. "It's an old earth saying, it means they are sending you to the mental asylim."

Lieutenant Parker quickly recoverd the situation. "Don't worry, I'm on Opps. You aren't going anywhere."

"And I was lookin forward to it, how could you bring my hopes up like that." Danara replied, a devilish smile on her Cardassian face..

"Let me introduce us." Melain said, realising that no introductions had been made on thier first encounter. "My name is Lorre Melain, I'm the ships CMO, This if Frek Thelev the CNO and resident cluts, fool etc. And this is Danara our assistant Tactical officer. We all went to the Academy together."

<Tag Jamey Parker>

[Jamey Gaz]

Lorre finished introducing the three as Jamey remembered them, "Yes, I remember you graduating just one class in front of me. It is good to meet you all again ... however, I don't think we really talked much as you were getting ready to leave the base for your assignments." Looking at Frek, Jamey continued, "I hope I didn't scare you ... my transfer was sudden ... so fast in fact that I didn't have time to swap out my reds for gold uniforms ... however the Captain has assured me that there is plenty of piloting that needs to be done ... so I don't think there is any threat of your spot." Jamey did have a grin on this face while Frek was pulling on his dress uniform. "You know, you may want to check into having your dress uniform lined ... it makes sitting through these type events", looking around the room, "more bearable," Jamey suggested.

<Tag>

Jamey asked, "How are shifts set up on the Nevada?"

[Deleted]

"I'm not sure how it is for everyone else, but I usually work during the day, but remain on call during the nights in case there is an emergancy. My staffis more then capable of handling things when I'm gone. Although over the last mission I grabbed sleep where I could, having hundreds of sick refugees on board kept me very busy." Melain replied.

"I used to work the night shift, but the CTSo we had took ill and had to take an early retirement so I've taken over. But with Colonal Hrisavalor's tactical experiance and now the Marines it's more of a formality. I work days now." Danara added, she did not seem very happy about the situation.

"What about you Mr. Thelev?" Jamey asked.

<Tag Frek>

"I've got to get up early tommorow, the medical team's meeting for a final debreifing on the last mission and it would be very bad if I where late." Melain excused herself.

On the way back to her quarters she swung by sickbay to pick up Massally, who it turned out had been sent to Melain's quarters by Rachel. She'd sleep on the couch till Melain could get another bed installed.

[Deleted]

"As far as i know sir, everything is fine down in the marine deck, no one has come up to speak with me." Cyle said as he thought things over in his head.

The marines and security seemed to be doing just fine, Alpha team was at the banquet as they spoke, the rest were doing daily routine duties.

Cyle looked at his superior officer and waited for him to say something.

[fthelev]

lorre said:

This if Frek Thelev the CNO and resident cluts, fool etc. ....."

Frek stared at Melain. The resident cluts and fool! Where did she get those ideas from? Okay, he might be a bit unlucky at times, but that’s something completely different. He sighed as she stood up a left for her quarters.
“See how they treat me Mr Parker,” Frek said in a sad tone, “And those are supposed to be my friends.”

lorre said:

"What about you Mr. Thelev?" Jamey asked. “When does your shift starts?” "

“Tomorrow morning,” Frek replied sourly. “Way too early.”

lorre said:

Jamey asked, "How are shifts set up on the Nevada?" "

“It’s divided in three eight hour shifts,” Frek replied, “Senior crew has the day shift from eight till four.”
He emptied the remainders of his glass. “And of course always on stand by for emergencies.”
“Fortunately we won’t see any of those on this ride,” he continued with a big smile.
“Yeah, I came on board at the right time I guess.”
“Yep, finally an easy, sweet trip. I mean, what can ever go wrong attending a New Years party?” A few days later he would remember those words, with a bitter taste in his mouth.
“I’m off too,” Frek said to Parker and grimaced, “Else I won’t be able to get our of bed tomorrow.”

[gracemitchell]

Grace excused herself from Harrias and Ambassador Vekra and walked over to where Melain, Frek and Danara were speaking to Jamey. "Hello, Jamey! Welcome to the Nevada. Are you enjoying yourself so far?"

<Tag, Jamey>

"I understand, completely. I have been to a number of affairs like this and sometimes they can be somewhat dull. But, this one is turning out to be a very enjoyable affair, at least for me. Then again I always enjoy Klingons."

Frek gave Grace a startled look and exclaimed "Grace, you enjoy Klingons, why?"

"My first commanding officer on the Nevada was a Klingon, who had a great sense of humor." At a look from Frek Grace continued with a smile "Really, Frek, he did have a sense of humor. On one mission he had been captured and was being drowned. I was able to contact his mind, when he returned to the ship some of the senior staff gave him a hard time about 'swimming and leisure fun' and he took it in stride and joined in."

Melain hazard to ask "Grace, I don't believe you've ever spoken about the previous times you were stationed on the ship. What other interesting people did you serve with?"

Before Grace could answer Melain, Jamey askes her "You haven't been on the Nevada continously?"

"No, Jamey. This is my second time on the Nevada-A and my first tour was on the original Nevada. I witnessed it being destroyed." A shadow passed over Grace's face when she mentioned the destruction of the Nevada.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to bring up sad memories." Jamie said.

"Quite alright, Jamey. I remember the Nevada fondly, but the events leading up to it's destruction were, all in all, a sad mission. As to some of the others who served this ship. Well, they were a wonderful crew, like all of you are."

Frek reiterated "But what other species have you served with?"

Grace smiled again "Hmmm, A Klingon commander, a Vulcan first officer, a borg, and a Bolian commander, and a Joined Trill. There was another Klingon, who happens to be one of my 'ghosts'. "

Jamey, alittle shocked "What 'ghosts'?"

"When I returned to the Nevada, this time I was visited in by some crew who had passed while serving on this ship, but don't worry, Jamey. I am the only one who can see them or talk to them. And they only appear in times of trouble, they help me."

Jamey was obviously trying to process the concept of ghosts, when Grace excused herself and left Ten Forward to return to her quarters for teh evening. She felt the need to write a letter to an old friend or two before turning in.

[Deleted]

Melain awoke suddenly during the night with the terrible idea that she had forgotten something, yet had now idea what it was. She quickly ran through her daily ritual in her head, nothing seemed to be missing... By the Prophets! she had it, but surely she would not have forgotten.

She glanced over ernestly at the PADD by her bed, her psersonnal calender. It was on there. Tommorow, or by now it was today, was the beginning of the Time of Cleansing. Had she already broken her fast? NO she'd left the party at 11 hundred hours, she was okay.

Melain lay back in her pillow and groaned what a time to have to fast and abstain from worldy pleasures, the ship was headed for a party!

She had a temple program somewhere, she'd have to fish it out. Although she prayed and meditated daily, she rarely attended services because Star Ships didn't exaclty come with Monks. At least there where other Bajorans on board.

She did however have to attend the celebrations on Beta XXIA's as an ambassador from the federation. She'd have to talk to Captain Harrias about that, why do these types of things have to come at the worst times!

[Harrias Jira]

The morning was business again as usual for the crew of the Nevada. They only had a short journey to Beta XIIA, but due to a few recent tears in subspace, travel had been restricted to Warp 3, which resulted in the journey length extending by a fair margin. Hence, the journey had turned into one that would take a few days, and the crew were still enjoying something of a party mood. Although strictly speaking there was no night on board a starship and it was always running, security had been called to a few locations to disperse noisy crewmembers.

Jira had got quite an early night once you took into consideration the atmosphere. Although it had been later than he would usually have turned in, given the occasion he had decided that a couple of hours wouldn’t make much difference in the grand scheme of things. After he had accompanied Vekra back to her quarters and politely declined a drink, he had gone onto to the holodeck where he had heard a few crewmembers planning to meet up. Although they were surprised by his presence, they soon took it in their stride, and he enjoyed himself immensely for the few hours there.

The only slight regret that the Captain had was the large alcohol intake he was now feeling the consequences of. His head hadn’t experienced a hangover of this calibre for a few years, and he would be the first to admit that it was a feeling that he didn’t want to have again for the same period of time again, at least.

[Deleted]

When Melain awoke she recalled her revelation during the night and spent half an hour in meditation and prayer before heading to the mess hall.

The Mess hall still showed signs of last night's celebrations, although the officers had been in Ten Forward, some of the Junior crewmembers had set up partying here. The chef was grumpy and had cancelled any hand made meals that day as a result, so the line up for the replicators was long.

When Melain arrived at the front, she struggled to find something plain enough to satisfy her fast's restrictions. This was always so much easier when she was at home. "Mazo Stalks and a glass of water." She ordered, she'd have to take nutrient suplements to keep herself balanced, her mother always knew what to cook during the Time of Cleansing. She headed toward a table where Frek was already seated with a mug and PaDD.

"That looks exciting," he said sarcastically "I hope you aren't going to make me eat that too."

"You aren't fasting." Melain replied.

"You can't be seriose! I don't thnk that's very healthy how could a Doctor do somethng so bad." Frek commented.

Melain rolled her eyes. "It's only unhealthy if you don't take the proper suplemennts, in fact some research has shown it can be healthy to abstain from rich foods."

"And you are fasting why?"

"It's the Bajoran month of Cleansing, I just rememberd last night." Melain replied as she took a bite of her bread stick, it tasted chalky.

"Can't you move it over a month, We are going to the biggest party of the year, without you I'll be stuck hanging around with...gulp.. Danara." Frek squeked.

"No, I can't. One it's tradition, and two after the last mission I could do with a bit of cleansing, or did you forget about how I fought you, accused you of being a traitor and almost ruined the entire opperation." Melain pointed out.

<tag Frek>

[gracemitchell]

Grace stopped by Ambassador Vekra's quarters to offer to have breakfast with her. Vekra accepted and they went to the mess hall, only to discover that the chef was 'on strike' to coin and old Earth saying. When Grace said this to Vekra, the Ambassador gave Grace a severe look. Grace quickly explained about her past, after which Vekra accuately gave her a sympathethic look.

"Ambassdor, please don't think anything about. I accepted my situation years ago, and frankly embrace the few memories I have a just that memories."

"Yes, Grace, but it still can be sad. Klingons have a vast amount of honor but we do have feelings toward ourselves and others. I am impressed with your knowledge of Klingon, and would feel honored if you would use my name, Vekra, rather than Ambassador. I noticed the majority of your crew call you by your first name."

"I have never been comfortable being addressed by my rank. Counselor is less formal, but I feel it helps the crew confide in me if they consider me a friend."

"I would like to consider you a friend as well, Grace."

"Very well, Vekra is what I will call you. Now since our chef is refusing to cook, perhaps I could interest you in some home cooked food in my quarters. I happen to bring my own kitchen with me whenever I am on board. I find it relaxes me, and I think I could make some good old fashion Klingon breakfast if you would be interested?"

"Actually, I was hoping to get some Earth food. Years back I discovered a taste for someting called 'waffles'."

"Wonderful, Vekra! I have everything I need to make waffles. It is one of my favorite foods to eat for breakfast. Have you ever tried some raspberry preserves and ice cream on top. It is something to try."

As they left the mess hall, Grace and Vekra ran into Lani on his way in. Grace introduced the two and gave Lani the news that the chef was refusing to cook today. "The Ambassador and I are on our way to my quarters for some waffles."

"With raspberry preserves and ice cream?" Lani asked with an envious look.

Vekra couldn't help see that look on his face "Do I understand that look on your face to mean that you have had these raspberry preserves and ice cream on your waffles before, sir? And I take it you think they are very good?"

"Yes, Ambassdor. They are simply beyond words, and I'm a Martian."

"Then, I think I will have to try them. Lead on Grace and perhaps you can show me how to make them."

"Only to happy to Vekra. Good-bye, Lani, unless you would care to join us if the Ambassador doesn't mind!"

"Not at all, Grace" Vekra replied "I am enjoying this Martian's company."

Lani looked a bit un-sure but the thought of home cooked waffles was too much for him to give up "If I wouldn't be imposing, I would like to accompany you and perhaps I will offer to wash dishes?"

"Good enough for me. I don't like washing dishes. I wish I would of had room for my dishwasher."

The three of them headed to Grace's quarters and Lani did wash dishes. Grace gave Ambassdor Vekra, her recipe for Raspberry Preserves Ice Cream waffles and a waffle iron as a present.

[fthelev]

The antennas on his head swayed in disbelief. If you want to do some cleansing use a washing machine or a shower. But come to think of it, Bajorans have always been a little weird. He took a swig and looked at Melain over the rim of his mug. Perhaps it was best not to tell her that, he decided.
“That wasn’t really your fault, is it? It was that virus. Besides, whatever you did, I forgive you,” Frek said giving her a warm smile. “But seriously, can’t you just fast without depriving yourself from all that’s good?”

“Things you eat aren’t good for you Frek,” Melain lectured, “A little bit of fasting might be good for you too. Clean your entrails a little bit.”

Frek made a face if she said something obscene, almost saying something obscene himself at the suggestion. “No thanks. If I want to clean my entrails I’ll take a laxative. Much faster and
I don’t have to starve myself.”

Melain simply sighed. “Perhaps we’re lucky and have another part mission next month.”

“If we only we were so lucky,” he replied. Okay, it could be possible, after all, there’s almost always the turn of the year on some planet, but somehow it seemed doubtful they were going to be there.

“I’m pretty sure next time we’ll get chased and shot at again. That’s becoming a very unhealthy routine for us.” He took a look at her plate. “But surely you can have more than just breadstick and water?”

[Jamey Gaz]

"Hello, Jamey! Welcome to the Nevada. Are you enjoying yourself so far?" said Grace.

Jamey, glad that people were talking to him, smiled and answered, “I’m enjoying this unquestionably. I have had a rough past couple of weeks and having the time to sit, even through this is an diplomatic affair, is revitalizing to me; even if I’m starting a new position on a new ship full of new people.” Jamey was now looking at Grace and her eyes … they were attentively watching him. He wasn’t accustomed to that.

Grace went on to talk about her past tours of duty on both the Nevada and the Nevada-A, along with the different race of people she has served under. She even talked about ghost. ‘Ghost,’ Jamey thought, ‘I don’t know if I understand all I know about that,’ he continue to think with a furrowed brow.

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

Later, after everyone had left Ten-forward, Jamey stayed just to sit and look out of the windows into space. His mind was on the past month and all the events that had took place. ‘Funny that two joined Trills would end up on the same ship,’ Jamey thought as a distant star warped by. ‘I wished I could have talked with the Captain more about this last mission.’ A waiter walked up to him and asked, “May I get you something Lieutenant?” Jamey almost jumped, “Sorry to startle you sir,” the waiter said. “Don’t worry about … and please … just call me Jamey. Yes, I think I will have a Black Hole … if you have those…” The waiter looked down at his PaDD and said, “Yes, sir … I mean Jamey, we have that”

The waiter left to go get the drink and Jamey was left looking around the room, even more people had seemed to leave. He didn’t want to go back to his room, but he didn’t know what else to do. He didn’t want to seem to forlorn just sitting in Ten-forward, alone.

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

cylejohnson said:

"As far as i know sir, everything is fine down in the marine deck, no one has come up to speak with me." Cyle said as he thought things over in his head.

The marines and security seemed to be doing just fine, Alpha team was at the banquet as they spoke, the rest were doing daily routine duties.

Cyle looked at his superior officer and waited for him to say something.

"Well, as I said, I'm sure it'll all be okay."

Zhuk had listened intently to Lieutenant Johnson about his allocations on the duty rosters between the marines and the security teams, while they were walking through the marine deck for this informal inspection. After the tour was done, Zhuk was satisfied that this new marine had things well under control.

"It all looks and sounds good, Lieutenant. Again, I welcome you aboard and we're glad to have you."

***************NEXT DAY*********************

Zhuk rose from his bed to prepare for this next day. Theel'zhiin had briefly gone 'between' for his morning business, only to return with a large appetite. After Zhuk got cleaned up and dressed, they were together on their way to the Captain's Mess.

Upon entering the small dining room they were greeted by a less than enthusiastic Harrias. Zhuk couldn't help but wonder what kind of night his Capatin had. "Good morning, Captain...I think. By the looks of it, maybe not?"

"Not exactly. I had a... repeat of some of my wilder academy days. It turns out that alcohol is still as killer in the morning as it used to be."

Zhuk just smiled at the revelation. "You know there is a reason Synthahol was developed." It was more of a snide remark as he had intended. "Maybe a good breakfast will help your after-affects?"

"Yeh, I think a proper breakfast might be in order."

They went ahead and placed their orders to one of the cook's stewards from Ten Forward that was assigned to the Captain's Mess for today's duty. Theel'zhiin was of course awaiting a few slices of raw bacon to satisfy his hunger and craving for food.

[gracemitchell]

Grace was giving Ambassador Vekra a tour of the ship. They approached one of the holodeck's and Grace had programed the holodeck in advance with a program she thought Vekra would like. As the doors opened, and Vekra walked in to the Klingon home world, her face lite up with happiness

"This is amazing! How did you know I was missing my home?" Vekra asked Grace. "Did you read my mind?"

"No, Vekra, I did not read your mind. I just thought you would enjoy the seeing your homeworld, again. Most people do. This program is an old shipmate of mine, whom I knew would not mind you using it."

"Thank you Grace. Do you ever miss your home?"

"Whether people want to admit it or not, everybody misses their home. A holodeck can't replace you home but it can help you feel just a little better. Yes, I have times I miss my home, but the home I miss is in the past. I have many programs in the computer that are all times in Earth's past. When I use these programs I feel a little less displaced. It helps."

"Grace, would I be permitted to use this holodeck anytime?"

"Of course you will be permitted. I saved the holodeck for last, Vekra. I thought you may enjoy some time alone here at 'home'. If you want to program anything else in the computer, I would be happy to help you, then I will leave you alone."

"Thank you, Grace. I appreciate your offer but I think I can do that myself. I also appeciate your williness to leave me to myself."

"Just a reminder, Ambassdor, you are dining with the Captain this evening. Enjoy!"

Grace left Vekra in the holodeck and went to her office for the days appointments.

[Deleted]

fthelev said:

“I’m pretty sure next time we’ll get chased and shot at again. That’s becoming a very unhealthy routine for us.” He took a look at her plate. “But surely you can have more than just breadstick and water?”

"This is just brekfast silly, The point of cleansing is to cut off your dependance on wordly things, like alcohole, partying, excess eating of rich food..."

"Coffee, tea." Frek added. "Did you think about that?"

"I've been doing the cleansing ritual annually since I was a baby Frek, I think I know what I can and can not do. Coffee must be plain, same with tea and I only let myself have a mug a day."

"Your parents did this to you when you where a baby! That's horrible." Frek yelped.

"My mom did yes. It's not abuse Frek, it's religion and you could probably do to believe in something too." Melain replied flatly. she probably shouldn't be too harsh, but she was trying hard to forget about what she learned about her "father" over the past week. "Look, I've got to get to check on Massally and start my day okay. See you around."

"What about my meal, aren't you going to get me something to eat?" Frek asked.

"Oh, yeah. I'll transfer half myreplicator credits for this month into your account. You can do with them what you need to, after al I'm not going to need them." Melain replied.

She stayed true to her word, when she got back to her quarters she transferred her replicator credits to Frek before waking up Massally and heading to sickbay.

[gracemitchell]

While Grace was waiting for her appointment to arrive, Grace's thoughts turned to their last couple of missions. It was beginning to feel like the whole crew were needing someone to talk to, which helped Grace feel more useful.

Grace really enjoyed being a counselor. Listening to people talk about their troubles and worries was usually the easiest part of her job. This time around the majority of the crew were looking forward to arriving at Beta XXIA and some fun. It was just what the Counselor ordered for the crew.

Grace wasn't looking forward to this mission as much as everyone else was, and for two reasons:

The first one was for diplomatic reasons. It's not that she minded being on all diplomatic missions, but she was feeling the need to relax, as it were, and probably would not be able to on this mission like the majority of the crew.

The second reason was her feeling of foreboding. Grace couldn't help this nagging feeling that something bad was going to happen. Grace had never been able to predict the future, but she had had feelings like this before, and can not ignore it this time either.

She knew she could not bring her feeling up to either Harrias or Zhuk, they would put it down to their Counselor being jittery and insist she take it easy on this mission. She decided to keep quiet about it but watchful, hopefully all this worring would be for nothing.

Grace spoke out loud to herself "Besides, they wouldn't like me to tell them 'I told you so'! Hmmm, I wonder how the Ambassador is enjoying her holo program?"

Just then, the door chimed, and Grace's next appointment entered.

"Hello Jamey! I'm glad you could make it!"

"Hello Grace. I was wondering why you wanted to see me?"

"I was just concerned as to how you were getting along on the ship. I also wanted to find out if you and your symbiot are having any after effects after your seperation in the last mission?"

<Tag Jamey>

[Harrias Jira]

As the smell of the food wafted into the Captain’s Mess, Harrias’ stomach rumbled slightly. He smiled, and wondered if his first officer noted the small discomfort he took in this minor motion. He decided that he didn’t care much. His first officer was one of two people on the ship that were meant to know the captain through and through, and he found the military man much easier to talk to than the ship’s counsellor. That was no disrespect to Grace, she was a great officer and had certainly rescued him from enough situations that he respected her, and trusted her. However, Colonel Hrisvalar seemed to work along the same basic wavelength as Harrias.

In fact, the trill found that link somewhat unusual. Harrias had spent his childhood been pampered in every way possible, and he had then entered Starfleet and taken a route through the science department, never receiving anything more than a rudimentary training in weapons handling. Until he was fast tracked for the command line, he had a poor mind for battle tactics, and during red alert situations he had originally felt ill at ease. But he had always had someone there to assist him with that. Maybe, that was why he found Hrisvalar such a logical person to get along with; that he always had had someone with him like that. He glanced up at the andorian, wondering how much his early life had differed from that of his own.

His view was obscured as the waiter leant over and placed their meals on the table. Harrias had kalama’zhi, which was a breakfast that he had often had on trill. It was possibly considered a delicacy, but it was something that he had grown up with, and as such he never viewed it as such. It consisted of small chunks of fish that were cooked in a lightly spiced sauce. It was simple, as befitted a morning meal, but delicious.

- “Enjoying the anticipation of your food Colonel?”
- “Definitely. It has been a while since I have had time to relish my breakfast. There was always something happening.”
- “Oh that there has. I’m just hoping that this mission goes smoothly. There isn’t anything that could really go wrong.”
- “The ambassador could be kidnapped, the festivities could all be a kidnap ploy, the klingons could decide they want to take the planet, there could be some sort of natural disaster, the…”
- “Alright, alright, I’m sleeping badly enough as it is!” Harrias exclaimed, smiling slightly. “At least let me eat my breakfast in bliss.”

He took a spoonful of the kalama’zhi, making sure that he got a piece of the fish. As he savoured it, he glanced back to his first officer once more.

- “So tell me. How does Starfleet compare to the Andorian Imperial Guard?”

[fthelev]

The plates on the tray clattered a bit as they were shoved into the disposal unit. A steward cleaning one of the tables looked up a bit irritated. “Hey watch it, will you? I’m the one who has to clean it up if your break something.”
So much for respect for senior officers, Frek thought and opened his mouth to comment.
“This is not how…” But then he changed his mind. Judging by the bags under his eyes the poor man probably didn’t get much sleep. He shouldn’t be bothered with little futilities.
“You missed a couple of tables over there,” Frek pointed out. “You better clean those before the Klingon ambassador arrives for breakfast.”
The steward straightened his back and looked at the Andorian commander with a not-so-nice look. At the moment he probably would have loved to rip the antennas of Frek’s head. Frek ignored it and walk away, grinning inwardly.

“Good morning Captain. Colonel.” He passed his two superior officers walking out the messhall. It didn’t escape him the Captain looked a bit like mould cheese. You know the kind, the one with the blue speckles. Another one who had a rough time getting up. Perhaps he should turn of the inertial-dampers and create some ‘turbulence’. It might have an interesting effect on some of the crew. Only the thought alone brought a big smile on his face.
He was still smiling when the turbolift let him out on the bridge and relieved the nightshift CO.
“Have a nice watch commander,” Talla said as he prepared to leave. Now it was his time for some relaxation.
“I will,” Frek replied, “See you tomorrow.”
He turned his attention to the navigation console. Lieutenant Jennifer Paver, one of the navigation officers in his department was manning the helm. “Miss Paver, status please.”
“Still on direct course to Beta XXIA, we encountered no problems with the tears in subspace. Maintaining a constant warp 3.1. ETA in two days and thirteen hours, sir.”


**** Two days and eleven hours later ****

Frek was making his way to the bridge. Although his shift ended several hours before it was customary the senior crew was present on the bridge when a ship reaches its destination. He was walking next to Vincente. Seems they were both going to be a bit late.
“…and I’ve heard they’ve got these huge two stage firework rockets,” Frek explained to Vincente. “I hope I can get my hands on some.”
“And what do you plan to do with them?” Vincente asked somewhat suspicious.
Frek shrugged. “They’re rockets. You can do loads of thing with them.”
The two men stepped in the turbolift. Someone came running towards them.
“Hold the turboli…” the crewmember yelled.
“Bridge,” Frek ordered the lift. He didn’t notice the crewmember, completely absorbed in his thoughts about rockets and the endless possibilities.
Vincente still stood next to him with his mouth open pointing at the now closing doors.
“Did I tell you about my anti-grav jet powered skis?” Frek continued. “Perhaps I should make them rocket powered.”
“You think that’s wise?” Vincente asked doubtfully. “I think someone told me you fell off a cliff the last time you used them.”
“Just a little accident. I’m still here, aren’t I?”
“And that’s a miracle all by itself,” Vincente muttered.
“Hmm, sorry. You were saying something?” Frek asked, his thoughts disrupted.
“No, nothing. Nevermind.”

Most of the senior crew had already gathered on the bridge. Vekra, the Klingon, was standing next to Counsellor Grace Mitchell. Frek took his place and checked the instrument readings.
“Ready to drop out of warp in thirty minutes sir,” he announced.
“Mr Parker,” Jira continued, “Contact the authorities. Inform them of hour time of arrival and see where they want us to park the ship.”
“Aye sir.”

Thirty minutes later the starship dropped out of warp, the streaks of light replaced by a normal colourful expansion of stars and other celestial bodies. There was one star that was slight brighter than the others surrounding them. The star of the system they had as a final destination. The ship made a little course correction and with a slightly curved trajectory it made its way to planet hidden behind the star, Beta XXIA.

[gracemitchell]

Grace was standing beside Vekra as Frek and Vincente came on to the bridge, Frek seemed to have a slight far away look in his eye. Someting told Grace that he would probably end up in sickbay before the end of their first day on Beta XXIA.

The senior staff was once again in their dress uniforms, looking no more comfortable then before. "I really should tell them about my tailor." Grace thought to herself.

It was an occupational ahzard of Grace's to quietly observe the crew, maybe it seemed to the staff that she was a bit stand offish. At that thought, Grace decided to let the Counselor side of her go and enjoy the festivities. "Have a cocktail, Grace, and let your hair down. Enjoy."

For some reason, the Captain was watching Grace's face during her thoughts. Perhaps it was Jira's connection to Grace on the previous mission or maybe Grace sending out signals without knowing it, but Harrias almost thought he had heard Grace talking. "Sometimes this gets too strange for me. " He thought. Harrias waited for a reply but one was not forthcoming. "Definitely strange."

Beta XXIA started to come in to view on the screen.

[Jamey Gaz]

Backposting in Grace's Office ...

Grace asked how the connection between Gaz and Jamey was after the last mission. Jamey thought she had to know that the El Sal didn’t have a counselor … and his record showed how long it had been since a counselor had talked to him. Jamey wasn’t that keen on talking about himself … but after joining, the life experiences of his past hosts had taught him the value in talking with others about life.

Jamey looked at Grace with a hesitant look, “The last mission was very strange … you know that. However, I don’t think I had it as bad as Captain Jira. My experience was not as big of a separation. You see, if you didn't know, a union between a Trill and a Symbiont is an equal or level playing field. Neither persona is lost … but a whole new person is created. It isn’t like a voice you hear inside you, as it is more of a thought. I simply know Gaz’s thoughts.” Grace was sitting there looking intently at Jamey; he wondered if she was really that concerned or if that was just a professional response.

<grace … if you want to jump in here … or not>

Jamey shifted in his seat and noticed the painting on the wall behind her … trying to refocus he continued. “As the crew started to change from their normal self to what ever the artifact wanted them to be … I started to have nightmares. At first, I just thought it was simple nightmares. But it grew into dreams that depicted my everyday life on-board the ship. Then, as I think you are aware from the reports, I had a horrid dream that the bridge crew was killed. Grace, it was so real … the colors, smells, even the pain!” Jamey shifted again in his chair … noticeably distraught. “From that point, to make this story a bit shorter, I started to ‘hear’ Gaz … talking to me. And that isn’t even the strange part! I started to do what Gaz suggested. Every action that I took was impulsive … from Gaz … and always to keep us out of danger. I still haven’t understood if it was just Gaz protecting me … therefore protecting self … or the whole crew.” Jamey was now starting to slump in the chair and running his hand through his hair.

<Grace>

“Well … no … I had never ‘felt’ Gaz. I mean I can feel him in my pouch, but I had never had singled-out thoughts … and defiantly not an audible voice from Gaz.” Sighing, Jamey laughed. “The really strange thing about it now … is … I miss it. I’m having hard bouts with loneliness. Just like my new post her on the Nevada, I am surrounding with hundreds of people … yet I feel alone.”

Grace looked at her PaDD and saw that it had been some time since Jamey … and Gaz … had been back to the pools on Trill. She looked up at the new COO with comforting eyes and started to talk …

<Grace>

***************************************
On the bridge ...

“Mr Parker,” Jira continued, “Contact the authorities. Inform them of hour time of arrival and see where they want us to park the ship.”

Jamey was sitting at Ops, left of the CONN, that felt strange to him; almost like he was sitting in the wrong spot and someone was going to tell him to move. Jamey replied back to the Jira, “Aye sir.” Jamey contacted the planet's flight ops and informed them of the arrival of the USS ... Nevada. Jamey had to correct his message ... El Sal...... came so natural. Jamey was sitting in a clean, new gold uniform that he wasn't sure went along with his blond hair. The reply came back to this station, reading it he informed back. "Sir, planet flight ops is suggesting a high, northern hemisphere orbit ... but other wise standard ... they have the equatorial orbit reserved for normal space traffic." Looking at Frek, he transmitted the message with the orbit instructions to the flight station. It was hard to just sit there ... and watch the ship go into orbit.

[Deleted]

Melain had spent the last few ays of the voyage in dutiful fasting and meditation, punctuated frequently by the basic duties of a ship's CMO and her quest to restore Massally's hearing.

So far she had determined that the Dradrian girl's hearing loss was due to a lack of ossicle bones, this seemed as though it would be easy to fix at first, but things got complicated. Melain had been unable to find a suitable replacement for the delicate bones, and incerting them would be very very tricky work. For the meantime she was content to teach the child to read and write Federation standard, which was a chore unto it's own.

When the ship arrived at Beta XXIA Melain left her work to visit the Bridge, stopping by her quarters to slip into her dress uniform, if she hadn't given so many of her replicator credits to Frek, she probably would have replicated another one since she'd be getting so much use out of it.

[gracemitchell]

Replies to Jamey's back post

"It's very interesting to me how you just simply know Gaz's thoughts. As you are aware after the last mission that I am a telepath, but unlike you I can know other people's thoughts if I open my mind to them." Before continuning Grace noticed Jamey had a slightly alarmed look on his face. "Rest assured, that I only open my mind to other's thoughts when ordered to. I don't invade people's privacy."

"When I look at a are the former host's of the symbiot."

"Now, Jamey your seperation was slightly different then the Captain's. Jira contacted me in orider to help the away team and his host. I imagine that if you had been serving on the Nevada for sometime before the mission Gaz may have contacted me as well, I don't know for sure. Jira didn't like being disconted from his host as I am sure Gaz probably didn't either. WHy don't you tell me about that experience?"

Jamey shifted in his seat and noticed the painting on the wall behind her … trying to refocus he continued. “As the crew started to change from their normal self to what ever the artifact wanted them to be … I started to have nightmares. At first, I just thought it was simple nightmares. But it grew into dreams that depicted my everyday life on-board the ship. Then, as I think you are aware from the reports, I had a horrid dream that the bridge crew was killed. Grace, it was so real … the colors, smells, even the pain!” Jamey shifted again in his chair … noticeably distraught. “From that point, to make this story a bit shorter, I started to ‘hear’ Gaz … talking to me. And that isn’t even the strange part! I started to do what Gaz suggested. Every action that I took was impulsive … from Gaz … and always to keep us out of danger. I still haven’t understood if it was just Gaz protecting me … therefore protecting self … or the whole crew.” Jamey was now starting to slump in the chair and running his hand through his hair.

"Even though you were seperated, Gaz was protecting you. You two are connected, it is for both of you to watch over, help and protect each other. Before a host and a symbiot are joined, I image there is a large amount of research to make sure the two will be compatable, therefore it is only a natural instinct for each of you."

"Jamey, do you ever 'feel' Gaz?"

“Well … no … I had never ‘felt’ Gaz. I mean I can feel him in my pouch, but I had never had singled-out thoughts … and defiantly not an audible voice from Gaz.” Sighing, Jamey laughed. “The really strange thing about it now … is … I miss it. I’m having hard bouts with loneliness. Just like my new post her on the Nevada, I am surrounding with hundreds of people … yet I feel alone.”

Grace looked at her PaDD and saw that it had been some time since Jamey … and Gaz … had been back to the pools on Trill. She looked up at the new COO with comforting eyes and started to talk …

"I noticed that you haven't been to the pools on Trill in quite some time, perhaps you could program them in one of the holodeck's to tide you over until you can get back to Trill? I imagine the Captain may have already done that, you could ask him or I could talk to him for you if you wish?"

"I don't know about using the Captain's program, Grace."

"I'm sure he wouldn't mind helping you out, Jamey. Perhaps, I could get away from some of my diplomatic duties on this mission, you and I could see some of Beta XXIA together with some of the other crew. Frek is a good one to be around, he's quite interesting and good for a laugh. I have always enjoyed his antics."

"I' have looked at some of the crew's service records and isn't Frek prone to acci..."

Before he finished speaking, Grace interrupted "I prefer to think of it more along the lines of antics rather than accidents. At least until a find a way to keep him from injuring himself accidentally." Jamey couldn't help himself he began to laugh. Unable to contain herself, Grace finished her sentence with a laugh. "Alright, your right, he is a bit accident prone."

<I'm leaving this a little open ended in case you want to add anything, Jamey>

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

*****************Captain's Mess, Some Two Days Ago******************


“So tell me. How does Starfleet compare to the Andorian Imperial Guard?”

Zhukarak separated some of the Andorian Hash, a paste like breakfast meal, added some Andorian Red Bat strips. After mixing this up and placing it on another plate, he pushed it over to the third chair where Theel'zhiin was expectantly waiting for his meal.

He took the time to take a bite himself of his hash while thinking about Harrias' question. "Well, I never really got to leave my homeworld system, exploring space as we are doing here. As you know from my service record, I belonged to the infantry corps, and spent many of my days on planet, in police actions if you will. That was part of the reason I had resigned my commission. There just wasn't enough excitement for me there. Don't get me wrong, I am proud to have served in the Imperial Guard, but I lost sense of what I was really serving and doing once I had made Eir Tolk, Commander of my company. Leading them along the same lines I had been led. I guess you could say I was longing for some type of an intergalactic conflict, but it was not to be during my time there."

Zhuk took a few more spoonfuls of his breakfast, while observing Harrias enjoying what seemed like fish. Harrias wiped his mouth quickly with his napkin before asking his question. "So it's a fight you're looking for."

"Now Captain, you of all people know that's not it. I was just longing for something different. I resigned and tried to continue with my family's ranch, but as you can see that didn't last long. Now I am here and am very happy for it. Although the Nevada is my first Starfleet assignment, every time we launch it seems like a new adventure. This is what I signed up for. Of course, if I may say so sir, it is also an honor to be serving with you and the excellent crew that we have gained."

Theel'zhiin let out a cooing sound as he sensed the true feelings that Zhuk was expressing. Harrias heard this for the first time and asked in wonderment. "What was that all about?" Zhuk was sincere with what he had said, but didn't want the conversation to be any more awkward. "He's just enjoying his food."

******************Orbiting Beta XXIA****************

"We orbiting at the designated coordinates." Frek announced as his hands were applying the finishing touches on the helm console.

Then Jamey chimed in. "I have just received word that we will be receiving a communication from our host in about fifteen minutes. They apologize, but he apparently was tied up with some local trouble."

Zhuk looked at Harrias questioningly, who in turn looked at Grace for answers. Grace just gave an assuring look at Ambassador Vekra who was by now noticing all of the surprised looks upon everyone's face.