After Mission One Before Mission Two

[T-Prime]

TK was getting out of the shower after his appointment with the Captain on the squash courts. He was actually pleased to learn she knew her way around a racquet far better than she did a battlefield.

He sat at his desk and was about to start in on the latest tactical reports when he noticed a message waiting. A ship wide message, from...

"The helmsman?" TK asked himself. What could he have to say that could possibly interest everyone?

Blah blah blah Party. Gibberish gibberish nonsense. Some hippy crap about celebrating life.

TK immediately dismissed the message and went back to something important. He hesitated before opening the report. Parties usually had snacks and alcoholic beverages. And he did have the late shift tomorrow.

The sparse message didn't specify a dress code so he threw on something business-casual and trekked down to the mess. As TK had hoped, the serving line had been hastily converted into a fairly serviceable bar/snack table.

"What can I get you, Lieutenant?"

"A pint of your finest lager Carl." TK ordered, "And if you try to slip me any of that synthetic crap, I'll burn down your kitchen."

"On a ship it's called a galley. Terrence." The cook-slash-bartender shot back as he filled the glass. The kid-gloves were clearly off now.

"If it doesn't stab, shoot, explode, or have a delightfully bitter aftertaste I couldn't care less what it's called right now."

Carl handed over the filled glass and TK nodded in appreciation. He had won this round of banter, but he would have to find a way to let Carl get the upper hand by morning or breakfast could be a little rough.

TK leaned back against the wall, silently sipping his beverage and observing the assembled masses.

[Amanda Rose]

If there was one thing that Cindy loved more than anything else it was a party. She loved to party! And she hoped that her presence wouldn't cause anyone to act stiffly. She wanted, more than anything, everyone at the party to act like themselves and to have fun! A party was a time to let one's guard down and really get to know people (sometimes a little too well). Why should this be an occasion for anything different?

She looked over the room and immediately noticed Nav and Luke. Cindy gave an involuntary gasp and noticed that they had met and were talking! She could hardly contain her excitement. Crossing the room with all alacrity, she maneuvered right up to what she hoped would be love birds. Excitedly, she said, "Nav! I see that you met Luke! Isn't that wonderful?"

tag - Nav, Luke

"Oh, and Luke, great to see you, too. I'm so happy that you found Nav. She's really an amazing person. I was telling her that you both should meet!"

tag - Nav, Luke

[Cmdr Phil]

A party. They had escaped death more by luck than judgement and they were celebrating with a party.

Phil sighed. In his world, they would have been in a wash-up review session, going over the incident frame by frame and working out what they could have done, or should have done - not putting on their glad rags and having a knees-up. All he could do was thank his lucky stars that it was taking place while he was minding the shop.

Cindy had wanted as many people as possible to have the opportunity to join in, so the duty roster had been bent out of all recognition. Most of the key positions were being manned by people who, like Phil, were considered to be party-poopers, whereas others were being covered by people who were watching the clock so they could get away and join the fun - albeit later - while at the party itself, their counterparts were preparing to play CInderella, by running out on the event when their own clock struck time.

He looked around the Bridge - wondering what he had left to work with…


tag - anyone there, or is everyone at the party?

[Sjet]

TK people watched.
Cindy mingled.
Nav and Luke got to know one another.

And Ensign McGuffin floated a foot and a half off the deck. To be fair he didn't look all that impressed by his feat of self levitation. In fact from the way he kept looking back over his shoulder, speaking to someone behind him, he was less enthusiastic about floating as he was with holding the palm front out to his left.

"Is this really necessary?" asked the young Red Shirt who always seemed to get stuck with stupidly dangerous assignments. Go search that jefferies tube for the genetically engineered flesh eating Tribble, Ensign McGuffin. I'm sure this newly discovered M-Class world will have a derth of brain eating parasites, Ensign McGuffin. Would you mind watching the brig for a second whilst I go grab a coffee, Ensign McGuffin.

Dad was right, he mused with a sour look on his young face, I should have become a septic tank engineer.

From behind Ensign McGuffin crouched Keth, who for reasons best left unknown and un-knowable by the rest of the universe, had seemed this a most sneaky and clever plan. Obviously he couldn't leave the brig to go to the party because TK, super cool Starfleet ninja and new best friend, had said he needed to follow the rules. 1+1=2: so far so good. When McGuffin had taken over for the brig officer's caffeine addiction, Keth had lamented his want and lack of options.

The young human had then said something that had forced Keth's brain to look back at his mental calculation: 1+1 could equal 11, if you wiped out the addition.

So Keth had carried McGuffin under one arm to the party, so that he could report to TK that he had been requested by Keth to join the party. Knowing TK, because they were besties now (duh), would let Keth out to go to the party he avoided the mental paradox of being told not to leave the brig and still doing so! Keth was not only following orders, but he was also helping people follow their own orders. Keth was being very helpful today.

Keth was also enjoying the snack table that had plates )some might say platers) of teeny tiny sandwiches on them. Thus far he had concluded his jaw could hold twenty seven and two fifths of those sandwiches into his mouth at one time. We shall call this both progress and soon to be dietary distress.

"Its all kinds of necessary!" Keth said quiet, so that people for ten metres in any direction could hear him perfectly "TK's enjoying himself, and I'm sure we don't want to interrupt him whilst he's having a good time. So we'll just be over here, having fun."

"Oh yeah." McGuffin said, as Keth jostled him about slightly like a poorly animated puppet "This is tons of fun."

"I knew you'd agree!" Keth squeaked delightedly,. and hold up the now denuded platter of sandwiches bearing a single survivor "Care for a nibble? There are some pork lozenges down here on little sticks, those are kind of crunch."

"You're meant to remove the toothpick from the sausages first!"

"But that's the best part!" Keth gushed, pulling the plater down and removing one more morsel from the universe. Being helpful was hungry work, and Keth had missed second and THIRD breakfast. Then Keth then held up a bottle "Here, have a drink! Its nearly empty since I opened it, but it sweet and clears the palate."

McGuffin's eyes went wide as the nearly empty bottle of schnapps was placed into his line of sight. He then began a mad semaphoring of his arms, praying for intervention for the arrival of cavalierly.

"Thats the spirit!" Keth beamed back, as he held up the human with one arm who was dancing most oddly. A cross between 'The Robot' and 'Thriller', if Keth was any judge of human choreography.

TAG-Anyone

Ensign Keth Soban
Soon To Be Red Shirt
USS Legacy

&

Ensign McGuffin
Put Upon Fall Guy
USS Legacy Department of Replaceable Acting Doubles

[T-Prime]

Ensign McGuffin, being wholly inadequate as concealment for the much larger Huani, was also completely inept acting as camouflage. In short, TK's casual scanning of the crowd easily spotted the odd pair.

Should have stayed home. TK complained to himself. The smart move would be to ignore the situation and hope someone else dealt with it. Or simply leave before the inevitable trouble began. Unfortunately he didn't put much faith in the capabilities of much of the crew, and the ones he did think were competent were not trained to handle this kind of situation. So instead of avoiding the problem, he waded straight into it.

You idiot! His internal monologue chided as he approached the terrified Ensign.

"Ensign." He greeted cordially. Then he gestured toward Keth with his free hand and wore an expression that clearly said 'Explain this bullshit immediately.'

[Sjet]

“Sir I can explain!” McGuffin began to say, before Keth decided to step in and do the explaining for him.

“Ensign McGuffin is very kindly escorting me to this function so that I might formally hand my request for transfer to Dr Vodden, and have it counter signed by the Captain. Seeing as this is a formal gathering of the ships personnel I assumed she would be here along with the Doctor, allowing for a rapid progression of paper work before returning to the brig.” Keth said “Upon the successful competition of this task I will return to the brig to await judgement. But for now I am being very quiet and circumspect so I might observe human mating and cultural forms.”

McGuffin starred dumbfounded at Keth, who merely looked levelly at TK and held out the computer pad on which was the standard personnel transfer form, signed and annotated with Keth’s somewhat grandiose signature taking up the lower third. To help McGuffin get through this geological shift in perspectives, Keth handed him the nearly empty bottle which he finished off in one swig.

“What he said Sir.” McGuffin said once he’d finished off the last fifth of schnapps “I’m just the corsage to this rolling disaster.”

Keth nodded in agreement “So when are bringing out the cake with the human females in them? I am told that is a common Federation tradition with gatherings of the males of your specie. There is drink, food, and yeast baked goods with females in them. I’ve been meaning to ask where that tradition of quazi cannibalism came from, but I didn’t want to offend anyone.”

TAG-TK, bears of cakes...

Ensign Keth Soban
Between Straitjackets
USS Legacy

[Amanda Rose]

A party. They had escaped death more by luck than judgement and they were celebrating with a party.

Phil sighed. In his world, they would have been in a wash-up review session, going over the incident frame by frame and working out what they could have done, or should have done - not putting on their glad rags and having a knees-up. All he could do was thank his lucky stars that it was taking place while he was minding the shop.

Cindy had wanted as many people as possible to have the opportunity to join in, so the duty roster had been bent out of all recognition. Most of the key positions were being manned by people who, like Phil, were considered to be party-poopers, whereas others were being covered by people who were watching the clock so they could get away and join the fun - albeit later - while at the party itself, their counterparts were preparing to play CInderella, by running out on the event when their own clock struck time.

He looked around the Bridge - wondering what he had left to work with…

Manning the science station was a familiar woman, Lieutenant Junior Grade, Chao Bird. She was the very same woman that Ensign Keth Soban had mistakenly knocked unconscious and refused to prosecute Keth, claiming the situation had been her fault. She turned to the Commander and told him with her lisp, "Nice and qwiet, Commander. Anyting you want to watch for?"

tag - Phil

[Amanda Rose]

As soon as Williams left the briefing room and the door closed behind him, she shook her head and asked, "Phil, what am I going to do with him?"

"Let me see..." Phil leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled to indicate deep consideration. "The last time I crossed paths with someone with a similar combination of defiance and desire to make improvements, I had the same quandary - whether to space them, or recommend them for promotion...." He winked.

Cindy playfully slapped Phil on the shoulder. "Oh, come on! I was never THAT bad! Besides, if you had made your class more interesting, I would not have had to suggest improvements."

"Cheek!" he replied. "But the point stands. He's the smart kid in the class who isn't being stretched enough and gets fractious. He has enough leftover brain to pick holes in the teacher's content and disrupt the class. So - make use of it. Push him. Give him a taste of what he needs to master if he wants to be somewhere he can legitimately move and shake from."

"I get the impression that he would prefer to be where he's at. He doesn't have a lot of desire to move up but at the same time he takes great delight in causing mayhem. He knows more than everyone, so he thinks. I swear to God, I'd better beat his brains out at squash or I'm going to scream."

"Cindy," now Phil turned serious, "I don't think Starfleet has the luxury of overlooking talent right now, even if that talent doesn't have the ambition to match. We need to encourage him to stretch himself to the best of his capabilities. If it's possible to make a future command officer out of him, we need to."

Cindy sighed. "I swear, between him and Vodden.... They're going to be the death of me." She gave Phil a playful look. "What? Do you think I would look good with grey hair?"

Phil chuckled. "It might help give you more gravitas. Have you considered dying it?"

"Do you think I would look better that way? Or as a red head, perhaps?" she asked curiously.

He squinted at her, having problems trying to imagine her with anything other than her customary blonde mane. "Maybe you could 'borrow' the 3D imager from Stellar Cartography - scan yourself and then play with the palette..."

Cindy's eyes narrowed slightly, wondering why Phil couldn't voice an opinion on this matter. "So, you think I would look better in a different color?"

"Different," he countered hastily. "Different is not necessarily better... or worse... just... well... different." He shrugged.

Cindy pursed her lips lightly at that. Phil was waffling and she had no idea why. "So, do you think that different would look good on me? Or should I stick with my natural color?"

Phil cursed inwardly. He was going to have to look into the problem the Captain was having relating to Vodden - she needed a female she could have this kind of discussion with.

He rubbed his bald spot self-consciously. "I am probably the least qualified person on this ship for discussing hairdos with," he pointed out. "With the possible exception of Ensign Arana - you know, the Deltan in Accounts."

Cindy flipped her hair back and laughed jovially. "I don't think bald would look good on me. But," she stopped herself from going further. After a few moments hesitation, she merely said, "you always know how to help. Glad you have always been there for me."

"And will continue to be... until you find some younger, fitter model to replace me with," Phil grinned.

"Oh, yeah! You're sooooo old!" Cindy responded to Phil sarcastically. "Clearly you need all kinds of age reduction therapy at the ripe old age of thirty-five. God! I should be so old in five years. Oh, wait, I will be...."

"Thirty-five, going on fifty," Phil grumbled. "Honestly, have you seen the kids they've given Enterprise to? And you wonder why I feel old..."

"They're, well, inexperienced, as you said. Though," Cindy said with a pout, "Williams should know better," her mood souring after coming back full circle to the original topic. "They have the knowledge, though."

"Or just blind luck. There's a lot to be said for luck," observed Phil. He wasn't sure he believed in it as a concept, but there were individuals who seemed to pull off the amazing against impossible odds.

"So, you're saying that I was lucky in dealing with the Romulans and Klingons?"

"Luck, tactics, politics, knowledge - a good captain needs the full package. One isn't enough," Phil replied.

"Nice save," Cindy said laughing, throwing her hair back lightly and patting Phil on the shoulder with her hand. "It doesn't hurt to have the best XO in the fleet and a great tutor."

Phil blushed, "Oh, I hardly think I'm the best... but I'll do."

"You're too modest. You could be and should be a captain. I'm very lucky and grateful you said yes."

"Let's wait and see how many of our people we can bring home safe and sound at the end of the tour of duty before we get too congratulatory, eh?" Phil warned.

"Oh, you worry too much, Phil! We lost none with the Klingons and Romulans and from now on, we should be on a mission of exploration!" Cindy exclaimed excitedly. "What could possibly go wrong? Just finding new and exciting discoveries! Imagine the things we can find!"

"What could possibly go wrong..." Phil muttered, shaking his head.

"It is a grand adventure! The days of insane future Romulans and such are gone. Now we can see what's out THERE! It is exciting!"

"All we need to do is persuade our own crew not to kill each other or themselves and the galaxy is our oyster," Phil smiled wryly.

"Well, usually I am good at that but right now I seem to be at a loss." A pout again started to appear on Cindy's face.

"Well, maybe in a more social atmosphere you can catch them with a different perspective. Isn't there some sort of party on tonight?"

"The party will be fun. I'm looking forward. You going to come, too?"

"Someone has to mind the shop," Phil reminded her. "Don't worry, I'll let you know if anything exciting happens."

"I'm sure that you will. I'm just waiting to see what our favorite Admiral thinks of all of this."

"Oh him," grunted Phil. "I somehow doubt that we're ever going to delight him. He'd probably rather we died in a blaze of glory."

"That might be giving him too much credit," Cindy responded with a laugh.

Phil frowned - there had been a thought nagging him since Williams had mentioned it that he wanted to get to the bottom of...

"Do I have your permission to check back through Williams' records? I'd like to see what suggestions he proposed. Get a feel for whether they were practical or not. Maybe I can help him find a way to phrase his ideas in a more palatable way."

Cindy was pleased with this thought. Anything that could make Williams more pleasant was a great idea in her book. "Of course you have my permission, Phil. You really didn't have to ask."

"I wouldn't want to be doing it behind your back... Who knows, maybe I'll find a diamond in the rough."

"Phil, I trust you without reservation. If you think something needs to be done, then do it." She then changed her tone slightly and a smirk appeared on her face, "And as to finding diamonds, one might be forming in Williams' ass. I think it is stuffed with coal."

"Put coal under enough pressure and at least you can get industrial-grade diamond," observed Phil with a chuckle.

"At this point in my life," Cindy said laughing back, "I doubt I will ever have a diamond of any kind. I'm married to this job and ship, now. No complaints about it, though."

"Diamonds are overrated," Phil mused. "Peridot would suit your eyes better."

Cindy gave Phil a look of wonder. For a rare moment, she was at a loss of words. She decided that Phil could not have meant anything serious by it and after the pregnant pause said, "I've often heard that a mood ring might be better for me." She laughed. "Not to mention Peridot is an august stone and I'm born in June. However, it is very pretty...." Her voice trailed off and her eyes twinkled a bright green as she answered.

"Um, well, I'd better be heading for the bridge. Have a lovely party," Phil was in no doubt that she would.

"Have to beat Williams at squash first but yes, I will have fun at the party. When haven't I? It is a shame that one of us has to watch the bridge...." Her voice trailed off a bit.

"Such is the prestige, the privilege, and the burden of command," intoned Phil. "Joseph Conrad, Typhoon."

Playfully, Cindy stuck her tongue out at Phil. "Well, fine. You would probably prefer to be the stick in the mud, anyways. One day, I'll get you to party a little. It won't kill you. I promise."

"Not a risk I'm prepared to take... just in case," he replied.

"Very well, Phil. We'll just have to create a 2XO so you can get an occasional break, too." She moved to the door. "Well, wish me luck...."

"Good luck!"

[KendleRJ]

It's My Party - A JP between Cindy, Luke and Nav - Thanks Amanda Rose and Lucasauseums!

If there was one thing that Cindy loved more than anything else it was a party. She loved to party! And she hoped that her presence wouldn't cause anyone to act stiffly. She wanted, more than anything, everyone at the party to act like themselves and to have fun! A party was a time to let one's guard down and really get to know people (sometimes a little too well). Why should this be an occasion for anything different?

She looked over the room and immediately noticed Nav and Luke. Cindy gave an involuntary gasp and noticed that they had met and were talking! She could hardly contain her excitement. Crossing the room with all alacrity, she maneuvered right up to what she hoped would be love birds. Excitedly, she said, "Nav! I see that you met Luke! Isn't that wonderful?"

Luke hadn’t seen the Captain since the battle and for a moment the craziness of those moments flashed before his eyes. It was only a split-second or so but Luke managed to hide it well he thought. Exactly the reason why this party was a good idea, they all needed to unwind. Even the captain, maybe even especially her. Did she realise how close they had come to defeat if not for TK’s bold move?
That didn’t make her less attractive though, Luke found it difficult not to stare. Luke wondered if maybe the Captain made him do that on purpose...

"Oh, and Luke, great to see you, too. I'm so happy that you found Nav. She's really an amazing person. I was telling her that you both should meet!"

Ahh, Luke thought, so that is how it is… And it provided him with some explanation to Nav’s behaviour around him, it reminded Luke of his teenage years. Luke smiled a toothy grin, though more respectfully than before. He knew how awkward it could be to be put on the spot like that.

Nav smiled self-consciously, and wished she’d had something more to drink before she’d been pounced for lack of a better word, by the Captain. A blush crept up into her cheeks and she swallowed self-consciously. “Yes, Captain. We met….” She tried to take a step or two away from him to make herself a bit more comfortable.

Until of course, she said that they’d been talking about him. “I… need a drink…” she said and tried to take a step away.

“A drink?” Cindy asked happily. “Of course you do! We all do! It wouldn’t be a party without one. Do you want to get me one or should I help you pick one out?” Cindy asked wondering if she was going to corner Nav or Luke.

“I’ll get you one, I’m going that way anyway,” Nav said, moving more quickly than an Engineer should move. Calling over her shoulder she said, “What can I get you, Ca… Cindy?” and stepped closer to the line, wondering how long she could stretch out the errand.

Cindy grinned, “Oh, whatever is fine. I’m pretty easy that way.” She gave a flirtatious laugh, practically encouraging Nav to shoo for a few moments.

Luke watched her flee. The Captain sure had a way with people… Before she had a chance to poke him with what undoubtedly would be remarks on Nav’s cute Indian features, or her wonderful talent for this and that, Luke said in a friendly tone: “I see what you are doing, Captain.”

“Doing?” Cindy answered innocently. “Whatever do you mean, Luke? I am doing nothing except enjoying a party.”

Nav purposely took her time with the drink order, looking over the wide variety of items that she could choose. One look over her shoulder to look at the Captain and considered. Something sweet, tall, and with just a hint of spice. Hm…. Caesar. She knew the historical reference, but wasn’t too sure about the drink contents. It looked sufficiently complicated to suit the Captain just right.

Now, what horribly strong thing could she ingest? And not throw up… Sighing, she picked up a beer. It looked harmless enough, and she could nurse it or chug it equally. And use it as an excuse to leave. She nodded to herself and picked it up before realising that she forgot to ask what Luke might want to drink… Well, if he wanted either drink, it would be a great excuse for her to go back. Nodding, she picked up both and then slowly made her way back. The slower. The better.

Luke smiled knowingly. “At least you’re very open about it, It wouldn’t do for these things to go on behind my back… He appeared lost in thought for a while as he stared the Captain in the eye, those blue oceans of lust… Luke’s brain might’ve decided to cease any and all activities concerning a romance with the Captain, other organs were inclined to disagree.

He then turned to watch Nav coming back from the buffet. The Captain did have impeccable taste, Luke gave her that. Small and young, plus that her Punjabi looks were certainly becoming her, and that dress, my my my.

Still, Luke had a thing for women in power, women who were decisive, women who could argue. A woman with spirit. Like the Captain, but more balanced. Nav wasn’t in power, nor did she come across as particularly decisive. Although he was sure she’d be a tough opponent in an argument, she was after all, a woman.

And to sweet-talk her just to have a fling (with which Luke had had his fair share of) just wouldn’t do in this case. Luke respected her too much for that.

Cindy gave a light laugh at Luke and flipped her hair backwards. “You’re quite the match for each other, you know?” She gave Luke a winning grin. “And did you tell Nav congratulations? She was promoted, you know? To Assistant Chief Engineer and a Lieutenant Junior Grade, to boot. I expect big things from her, just like you,” Cindy added with a double entendre.

After a slight pause, Cindy said, “Perhaps I should just leave the both of you alone to work those things out, right?”

Watching Nav, Luke was still wrapping his head around the fact that his Captain was hooking up her own crew and doing it out in the open for everyone to see. What kind of Captain did she think she was? The woman had some serious boundary issues. And here Luke stood waving at the border signs, desperately trying, and failing, to keep her from crossing the line. Luke knew from personal experience what the dangers were of crossing those boundaries and he didn’t want to relive those moments, too painful. If only there was some way he could make the Captain see this. But inwardly he sighed, TK had tried, the Chief Medical officer, someone named Vodden, had given the Captain a verbal beating over the comm about it. Even Nav was all rattled up by the Captain’s meddling in their personal lives, poor thing.

But still the Captain bulldozed every hint and every complaint about it. How in the hell were they going to survive the next five years if she had everyone so worked up after only three days?

He turned back towards the Captain and was struck yet again by those beckoning eyes. Why couldn’t she just look like an old hag with a big black mole on her nose and teeth you could use as a bicycle rack? Honestly, it would make living on the Legacy a whole lot simpler.

He was about to say where she could stick her suggestion on him and Nav working things out when the Captain’s words hit home. “Assistant Chief?!”, he gasped, some people turned their heads around to see what the fuss was about. Had Nav heard? Quieter, but no less shocked, he added: “She only told me she was promoted to Lieu…” He had no words. And all that after one day!? He just… He couldn’t…. Bu….

WHAT ABOUT ME!? I FLEW THIS GLUED TOGETHER PIECE OF RECYCLED SCRAP! Oh for the love of…

Alright, breathe in, breathe out. You’re happy for her, she deserved it. You are totally not jealous at all. No, not even a little bit. He smiled. See? He wouldn’t smile if he was jealous now would he?
Nope.

And then the secondary meaning of those words broke through in Luke’s mind. Assistant Chief, huh? That made Nav jump up a couple of scales on his list of potential romantic projects (every man had one, those who said they hadn’t were vicious liars). Immediately this started off another train of thought. No! Oh Captain my Captain… For a little moment he couldn’t suppress his grin. Whatever her many faults were, the Captain had played this one out exquisitely. Mentally he saluted her.

Well-played, Captain, well-played.

But Luke wouldn’t be won over that easily, he decided. He wouldn’t give her that satisfaction. She was already in charge of his professional life, he’d be damned if he was going to let her take over his personal one as well.

They were talking, and Luke was watching her. Nav took a deep breath and tried not to misstep. Her hands were solidly gripped on the drinks, and in that instant she decided that he was going to drink the beer she brought, and he would like it. Because, if she stood there for one minute longer, she might simply sink into the deck, or wish she could, or, in true Engineering form, try to figure out how she might be able to make that happen, and get distracted.

Somewhere between her drink decision and inner ramblings, she had managed to end up beside them again. She felt like a third wheel, and smiled politely. “Here you go, Cindy,” she said as smoothly as she could as her heart tripping a mile a minute in her chest. “And Luke,” she looked at him squarely in the face as she pushed the beer into his hand. “You didn’t mention it, but I assumed that this would be alright.” She let it go in the hopes that he would hold onto it, but turned quickly away before she concerned herself with that. “Now for mine,” she said more to herself, but meant as an explanation, and walked back to the line, knowing full well that she wasn’t going to rejoin that conversation anytime soon.

Another beer… that should do it. It was an easy grab and she stepped out and away and surveyed the room, refusing to rejoin the Captain and Luke; with the day she’d had, she didn’t feel like being the centre of anyone’s attention, especially Cindy’s, as she put on her matchmaking hat, and made her feel even more uncomfortable. That was something she simply couldn’t handle.

One beer, and she’d go. She made it to the party, she chatted with the Captain and sort of arrived with Luke but not really, gotten the drinks… very full evening so far. She had a lot to consider with her new role, her new rank and how she would still manage to appease her Engineering needs. Her mind had already started working out her schedule as she resolutely headed in the opposite direction, much closer to the doors.

Cindy took the drink that Nav gave her, looked at it and said, “A Bloody Mary? I wonder why Nav thought to bring me that.” She shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly and took a sip. “Not bad. Not bad at all.” Turning back to Luke, Cindy said, “She must really like you. She’s all worked up.”

At this moment, Cindy noticed that Nav was heading towards the exit. Cindy determined that Nav’s course of conduct at this point was unacceptable. She told Luke, “Excuse me one moment, please,” and headed immediately over to Nav.

Once there she told Nav, “I think you lost your place in line. I certainly hope that you were not thinking of working. This is a time to relax and have fun. Come now,” Cindy said putting her arm around Nav. “Let’s get you that drink.”

Lifting the glass, Nav sipped it slowly. “Only one beer, Captain, and I’m still nursing it, but thank you. I won’t be working until tomorrow… and I was just thinking of mingling. You and Luke seemed to be quite engaged in a full conversation without my being there.” The blush was still there, but her eyes twinkled just a bit.

“I’m glad that you were thinking of mingling,” Cindy said with a light laugh. “That means that you have plenty of time to mingle with Luke. I was only keeping him warm for you. After all, you were kind enough to get us drinks, though I do have to wonder why you chose a Bloody Mary for me.” Cindy slowly started escorting Nav back towards Luke.

Nav said, “It’s I think a Caesar? But a bloody mary… I’m not sure. I don’t drink the fancier ones.” She resisted the move for a moment, and sighed with resignation. “I’m sure he’s warm enough for you, Captain,” she said, and walked for a moment before raising her hand in a wave toward a knot of people on the other side of the room to have them all turn away almost in unison. ‘Bastards,’ she mumbled under her breath as she dragged her feet back to the original group. “Luke,” she said, and looked at Cindy. “How’s the beer?” She almost sighed, but refrained. If she could look any more out of place, she had no idea how.

Cindy wondered at what Nav meant by, “I’m sure he’s warm enough for you.” Cindy had made it very clear at their dinner that she had no interest in Luke and that she felt that Luke was a perfect match for Nav. Cindy wondered why Nav could not see this and determined that her shyness was getting in the way. Well, if that was the case, then Cindy determined she would have to act as the ice breaker.

She told Luke, before he could answer, “If you think that beer is good, you should taste what Nav gave me at our dinner last night. That and her cooking…. Quite amazing, really!”

What a spectacle this had turned out to be. Honestly, Luke thought, this would make a damn fine and spectacular beginning of a romantic novel. Too bad that this was his own life, not that he was some made up character from some role playing game that he used to write for in his younger years.

When Nav handed him his beer he thankfully drank from it. Talking to the Captain had made his mouth go dry and he was way too sober still for this party. He would have loved to tell Nav how he felt about the beer but the Captain beat him to it with more match-making nonsense about Nav being a great cook. Outwardly smiling he inwardly condemned the Captain to the seventh tier of Hell. Luke liked a woman who could cook amazingly.

Damn her! Damn this evil Captain to the cold vacuum of space!

“Is it, now?”, Luke replied to both women, “well, I wouldn’t want to be a bother, honestly, Nav must be terribly busy now that she is -Assistant Chief of Engineering-”, emphasising it to let Nav know the Captain had told him of her little secret. He took another gulp of his beer. And another. Hoping Nav would agree. She didn’t like to be put on the spot like this and he just gave her the perfect excuse on a platter.

Surely she would agree.

Nav closed her eyes and silently cursed the Captain. There had been no reason to tell him that… it might have appeared that she was gloating. And she wasn’t. But of course… he seemed… flustered. She was more confused than anything and watched him gulp at the beer, only half-noticing that he had a mouthful or two left.

Why was it so hot in here?

Cindy smiled, realizing that her objective had practically been achieved. “I am certain that she, like me, needs to let her hair down, Luke. Work hard and play hard. It is a wonderful motto that I live by. From what I can tell, Nav does as well. Though, perhaps she could use more play and a bit less work.” Cindy gave a purposeful smile at Nav at the last statement.

“I leave her in your capable hands to make sure that she doesn’t work herself to death, Luke. If I find out she’s working too much,” she looked at Nav seriously, “then I’ll have to order her to have rest time.” Cindy gave the two a knowing smile.

Nav smiled politely and said, “Captain. While I’m sure that Luke, and certainly I appreciate your efforts to make sure that your crew are well taken care of, there’s no reason to imagine that Luke’s time wouldn’t be better spent mingling with the rest of the crew.” She looked at Luke and winked gently, trying not to be obvious or overt. “We’ve already met, but I’m sure being such a skilled pilot and with a charming demeanour, he’d find better company.” Anywhere else, she thought to herself. She glanced down at his glass, “And another beer.”

She clinked her glass against his and stepped deftly away. “I’ll leave you to your mingling, Luke. Thank you for walking with me to the party, but I’m sure your friends are waiting for you.” There was only a slightly meaningful glance at him as she turned to the Captain. “And you need another drink as well, Ca-- Cindy. I think tonight, one beer will be fine for me. I’ve got a full day in Engineering tomorrow, and I don’t think it would do for me to need to go to Sickbay before reporting in.” She laughed politely, the smile on her face as her stomach nearly dropped out from under her. “Not on my first day at least.”

Cindy again put her arm around Nav. “I would not worry about it. I’ll make sure that Lieutenant Whitney gives you a pass. Today, you should be celebrating. And don’t speak for Luke. You’re not married, yet!” Cindy playfully scolded Nav with a laugh and throwing back her hair. “I’ll tell you what,” she said definitively. I’ll leave the two of you alone. I would not want to intrude further. Besides, I should probably see how Williams is holding up after our squash game earlier today.” She looked over towards Williams and saw that Keth was there.

Cindy’s smile turned south a bit. “Um, or maybe I need to visit with Keth.” She quickly took a long swig of her Bloody Mary. “I’ve mingled here too long. Have fun you, two.” Implied in the statement, with a wink towards Luke was the unspoken comment of “I’ll be checking in on you both as soon as I can.” With that, Cindy gently nudged Nav closer to Luke and then moved beyond her towards the rest of the party.

Tags Everyone

[T-Prime]

TK closed his eyes tightly for a moment, but when he opened them again Keth was still there.

Damnit.

TK finished the remained of his drink in a single gulp. Keth was still there.

Damnit!

"Ensign. are you familiar with the concept of incarceration?" He asked, "It means you're not allowed to leave your cell. And since I'm pretty sure Ensign McGuffin didn't forget this fact, I forced to wonder how you got out in the first place."

He took the transfer request from Keth's grip.

"I'll pass on the paperwork. You go back to the brig before I'm forced to do something drastic."