Printable View
Graham can't help but smile reading Nia's message.
Hardbitten.
I wouldn't call myself hardbitten....but...yeah, well.
What is she getting herself into? he asks himself--realizing that the answer is one he himself ought to be able to provide, but isn't, at least not yet.
"Oh come now Dr. Brold. Most people are well aware that planets can be detected by radio astronomy, if only from the emitting of energy gathered from a local stellar body." Rangin says light heartedly. "If there is a planet there, it may be hidden by that red giant. Then again, there may be nothing at all. The good news is that the sensor is working well."
Rangin steps back to give room. "It is early days though, let's see what else we can find. "
No further useful data comes from the prototype - for now, at least. Brold and Veled intend to study the complex readouts more closely.
The rest of Graham's patrol goes uneventfully.
The watch comes to a close, and you all go off-duty. Lt. Thalen drops by the Communications Center. "Thanks for the report, Ensign," he says. "It's just what we needed." He looks carefully at her and encourages her to get some rest, given her recent troubles. She has still not found the answers she seeks, though, as to the alien transmissions.
Science Officer Roble sends a text to Rangin: In keeping with your BCDO studies, I have a chance for you to stand a watch on the Bridge starting at 2300 tonight, if you wish.
It is now 1600 hours.
Kylah almost jumps when she sees Thalen by her side. She thanks him for his support and listens to his advice.
"If you do not mind, sir," she says, glancing back at her readouts--her console is a mass of datapads--and then returning to her supervisor, "I would very much like to stay here longer, with your permission."
She is not sure Thalen is convinced, so she adds quickly, "I assure you the task is not tiring. Not at all. I find it fascinating, working with this language. It is like a code, and I wish to know what it contains, should I be able to. Why," she says in wonder, "possibly history is written in these garbled and unknown words, if I can more conclusively connect them with Ancient High Caitian.
"Just think: even the Starfleet database does not know the true origin of their civilization. And now, maybe I have been privileged to hear the voices of their distant forefathers... or at least, the language they would have spoken. Besides, I do so want to be here if the signal appears again. Please, sir?"
Collins rises from her chair and starts to leave the bridge when her attention is drawn to Lieutenant Nia Onn and a thought strikes her: Maybe Onn can teach me a few things, like how to know what questions to ask of who. Snap decisions are easy. It's the thinking that I have trouble with.
As those coming off watch make their way to the turbolift, Collins taps Onn on the shoulder. "Lieutenant, would you like to get a beer or something?"
The older woman turns, mild surprise widening her eyes. She hesitates for a few seconds--just long enough for Collins to wonder if the invitation was a bad idea. But then Onn continues: "Sorry, just trying to remember my schedule for tonight. I have plans for dinner, but until then I'm free and up for anything. Is this just us, or are you getting a group together?"
"Just us this time," Collins replies. "I ..." she pauses "I thought it'd be nice to get to know my watch-mates, one at a time," she lies. If I told her the real reason right out, I'd deserve whatever ribbing she'd dish out.
"Not surprising. You newcomers have been kept pretty active since joining--not much time for 'welcome aboard' activities." Onn enters the turbolift and waits for Collins to join her, which she does. "Any ideas where you want to go? How's Rec Room 3?"
Collins agrees, and the two head toward the lower deck. Soon they're comfortable at one of the tables in the fairly crowded lounge, Collins with her beer, a dark lager reminiscent of those from home, and Onn with some icy fruit drink. "A squashed strawberry and lime freeze," Onn says when asked. "I don't synthesize alcohol, it's wasted on me." She grins like the Cheshire Cat. "I find other ways to let my hair down. So, Collins--you mind if I call you Jeremi? I'm Nia, either way--how are you acclimating to the ship?"
"Good, fine," Collins says, sipping her beverage. "I've made a friend or two so far," she smiles, half to herself, thinking about Ben Cooper, "and I haven't gotten lost yet. Of course, it helps that before this, I served on the Enterprise. Still, I keep seeing faces of people I don't know, and I want to change that. How long have you been aboard, Lieu... uh, Nia?"
Collins notices that when she mentioned making friends, Nia inhaled as if she was about to speak, but then just smiled in return. Now she responds, "Two and a half--no, almost three years now, my anniversary is coming up in just a couple of months. And frankly even though I've met most of the crew, and even served with a few of 'em on other ships, I still see people I don't recognize. So don't feel bad."
She stirs her drink with the straw provided, then sips. "Mmm. I wish I could transport whole vats of this drink down to my home planet. They wouldn't believe such a thing is possible. Want a taste?" Collins sees a gleam in Nia's eyes. "I don't mind sharing."
"Thank you." Collins accepts the glass and takes a sip. It is cold and sweet and tasty. "Mmmm," she says with a smile as she hands the glass back. "I'll have to remember that one for another time." She holds her beer toward Nia. "This is more savory in flavor. Have a sip."
The lieutenant accepts and drinks. "Oof," she says, laughing and shaking her head. "No no no no nope. I'm afraid that suffered a bit from my having something so sweet first. I'm sure in other circumstances I'd probably like it. Thanks, though." Nia returns the glass and watches Collins with obvious curiosity. "So... if you don't mind my asking, did you invite me at random, or was there any particular reason you picked me today?"
"Actually, yeah. I want to make sure you're cool with me being made BCDO instead of you, twice now." Collins says earnestly. "and maybe you can teach me a few things about being a better leader - things not found in the texts."
Nia's eyebrow arches and she sits back, cradling her drink with both hands. "I've spent plenty of time in the big chair over the years," she says, her fingers tapping the glass's stem. "Bound to be someone else's turn now and then, especially since the Captain does enjoy encouraging multi-skilled officers.
"I admit I like sitting there, and appreciate the honor and responsibility. Whenever Vargas or the Captain gets up from the conn, my heart gives a little leap of expectation. But I'm hardly the only full L.T. being passed over. Easier to handle rejection as long as it's spread around."
With a grin, Nia shrugs and sips before continuing. "It has been notable how often you've been chosen for the gig lately--as well as placed in multiple missions--over the heads of more experienced officers. Seems clear you're on the fast track, and that someone wants you there, presumably because they see potential. You should feel good, Jeremi. You're being groomed for something." She hesitates, then leans forward a bit. "But if I may speak frankly... you don't feel good, do you? You seem uneasy. Hope you don't mind my saying so."
"You're not wrong," Collins admits, wondering just how much to reveal. "My mistakes come back to bite me, and I'd really, really, like to know how to avoid that. And how to ask the right questions. Put me in a life or death situation and I'm in my wheelhouse. But, not so much when it comes to making everyday decisions."
Nia nods. "I understand that. What's important--particularly when it comes to leadership skills, but this is really true in everything we do--is to juggle multiple balls in the air and not forget any of them. That skill will come with experience." She smiles encouragingly, then goes on in a quiet, thoughtful tone. "For now, the one piece of advice I'd give is... slow down.
"Making fast decisions can be vital, but not as often as you think. It took me a while to learn to consider before you speak or act. When you're presented with a problem, never be afraid to say two things: 'Let me think about that' and 'what do you think about that?' And then I calculate everything from every angle."
She puts her drink down on the table and leans forward again. "When I was younger I thought showing uncertainty made you weak as a leader, and others wouldn't trust me. But that's a dangerous precept. Look at it from your own experience as a junior officer. What makes us trust our superiors? I know that personally, I respect those who take some time before they answer questions. Gives me confidence to know they're paying attention and showing proper consideration to the problem, y'know? And if they ask for advice, even better.
"So when I'm on the other side of things, in the leader role, taking time before I act or speak really helps me look at the situation with a cooler, more objective--and more flexible--mind. Even in an emergency, when I've piloted shuttles and been under fire, I tried to keep as cool as possible so I could think. There's obviously much less time to ponder all angles, but there's always some split-second decisions are extremely rare and almost always very, very dangerous. Even spending an extra five seconds on a problem can and very often will save a life."
Sighing with some memory, Nia shakes her head. "If nothing else, playing it cool really does make you look calm and self-assured. Only someone with a lot of confidence allows herself to ask for time and assistance from others. Seems counter-intuitive but it's really very true." Nia shrugs and gives Collins a tilting smile. "That'd be my first and most important lesson. For what it's worth. Does that help at all?"
"Yes, it does," Collins says thoughtfully. "I have to let it all sink in. Hopefully I'll be able to incorporate it next time. I like to think that I'd have thought to ask Rangin if we should full stop or not, but truth is, I don't know if I would have. Thank you for jumping in."
Collins takes a sip of her beer and looks into the glass as if searching for something, then looks up at Nia. "You know, as long as we're here, I hear you and Booker Graham have started seeing each other. I feel it's my duty to make sure you're good enough for him." Collins flashes a big smile, then lifts her glass in a toast.
Nia's eyebrows rise again, but she raises her glass too. "I hope I've lived up to your standards so far," she says with light acerbity and sparkling eyes. "If not, I'll do my best to prove myself. Um... if you don't mind my asking, why are you his guard dog? Do you and he have some kind of history? If so I may need to correct the shipboard rumor mill, which pegs you as hot and heavy with one of my colleagues at the Helm."
"Me and Booker?" Collins laughs. "No, I just think of him as my bearish big brother. Plus he's a good friend." she sips her beer. "And if you mean Ben Cooper, yes, I've been seeing him. He's pretty great, and we have a lot of fun together; we also have a lot of fun," Collins winks slyly, "together."
"I imagine so. Coop is a... fun person." Nia takes a long sip of her drink, seemingly very interested in the contents of her glass. When finished, she sets it down with a clink. "The important thing is that you're happy, Jeremi. And I appreciate your loyalty and willingness to keep an eye out for Booker. I've got a couple of friends like that too--I mean, people who I'd be willing to wrestle a slime devil for."
After a moment's pause during which Onn toys with her napkin--the first time Collins has seen the other woman fidget--she inhales deeply. "Not to be presumptuous, but, well, you mentioned you don't know that many people on the crew yet, so I just wanted to say... if you ever want another woman to talk to--something your 'bearish big brother' might not be right for--I'm more than willing." Her crooked grin flashes brightly. "Call me your 'lizardish big sister' if you want."
"Heh. Sounds good." Collins smiles at the other woman, and takes another sip of beer. "Am I mistaken," she tilts her head slightly, "or were you going to say something else about Ben?"
"Oh, generally I think it's wiser to avoid swapping war stories with my crewmates' girlfriends. Assuming that's an accurate label," Nia says, tilting her head. "But it you have any specific questions now or later... like I said, my door's open. I don't mean to push you on the big sister thing. Wouldn't want to force a connection if you don't feel it."
The older woman's gaze turns sober. "In fact, that's some more good advice I can share. And it's kinda related to the earlier batch, too. Don't let anyone persuade you to make a commitment before you're good and ready. You're a strong young woman, from what I've seen and heard. I'm sure you wouldn't allow anyone to take advantage or emotionally manipulate you."
Nia's expression lightens. "But that sorta talk goes poorly with such a frothy drink," she says while tapping her nails on her empty glass. "Just saying, I'm glad you and Ben are doing well."
With a raised eyebrow, Collins is about to speak when movement by the doorway catches her eye. "Speak of the devil..." She waves to Cooper to call him over.
Starring anyrose as Collins and choie as Nia Onn
Rangin congratulates everyone there on the test being successfully run, with the added bonus of it picking up at least something in the area. However, he feels satisfaction and a certain amount of vindication in his pushing for the test run.
After gathering up the data for the bio-sensor, he can starts to think about what steps to take next when he receives Lt. Cmdr Roble's text. A small hum of interest escapes his lips, he wouldn't often get a chance to be on the Bridge, with so many LT's in Science, so any opportunity should be taken...just like this test was. Besides, if it's a quiet shift in the middle of the night, he can have a chance to go over his readings, let alone those from the prototype.
Feeling pretty good, he sends a message back accepting, before realising he still has things to do that evening, before he gets some shuteye for a late watch. Taking a deep breath he drops off a note to Kylah:
Kylah. Thank you for the info, all went well. Looking forward to see you at 18:00. Where would you like to meet? Velir
Still in a good mood, he heads off to grab a bite to eat and work out what on earth he is going to ask her this evening or even how to start talking to Kylah. But so far, so good today and Rangin hopes he can keep it going for the rest of the day.
Lt. Bennett is now the BCDO.
Thalen looks dubious at Kylah's request, but then smiles. "All right, if you insist, but only on condition that you take an hour or two off for a meal and/or a nap... and that you report to me on the Bridge after that."
Cooper's eyes widen a little when he sees Onn and Collins sitting together. He almost - almost - looks as if he's considering turning right around and leaving, but he gamely makes his way through the crowd and comes over to their table. "Uh... hi!" he says.
Acknowledged, Roble replies to the young Coridanite xenobiologist. See you then.
"Hi, sweetie." Collins says, as she takes hold of his hand and pulls him towards her for a kiss. Then asks "You okay?"
Nia, about to leave herself, settles back when she notices Cooper's discomfort. She hooks her arm over the back of her chair casually and aims a serene smile toward him. "Yeah, Coop. You look a little green. Everything all right?"
Collins notices the change in Onn's demeanor and looks at her quizzically.
Cooper returns Collins's kiss with a bit less than his usual fervor. "Yeah, thanks... I'm fine." He sneaks a concerned sideways glance at Onn before smiling uneasily at Collins.
Rangin realizes that Zweller has fallen into step next to him. "Mind if I tag along for dinner?"
Graham's watch passes without incident, but as time passes his otherwise good mood is soured somewhat by his own internal debate.
What is she--Nia--getting herself into? he thinks.
That depends on you. That's the problem.
Get your goddamned head screwed on straight, Booker, he thinks--but in this case, that simple mantra seems to be not quite suited to the task at hand.
Nia's eyes sparkle with mirth. "Fine, are you? Good to hear." She lifts her glass and drains the remnants of the sweet flavored ice at the bottom, then sets it down. Although enjoying herself, she doesn't want to make the other woman uncomfortable. Coop, yeah, but not Jeremi. "So, two's company, and all that. I'll let you two alone. I have my own tete-a-tete later on that I need to prepare for."
She stands and nods pleasantly. "Jeremi, thanks for the invite, it was a great idea. Glad we did this--maybe we can make it a regular thing? I'm always up for some girl talk." Unable to help herself, she flicks a knowing--or maybe warning--glance at Cooper, then returns to her new friend. "And remember, if you ever need any advice or anything, just ask. See you around, kiddos."
With a hand raised in a half salute, Nia smiles genuinely at Jeremi, then cools it ten degrees when she sends it to Cooper. Her gait is smooth and unrushed as she walks from the rec room.
Once out in the corridor, she walks faster and starts to chuckle to herself, but stops when her lungs turn the laugh to a wheeze. What the hell, this early? Nia scowls, more annoyed than worried, and stops to catch her breath. The coughing spasm over, she looks at her chronometer and sees it's actually a little later than she'd estimated. Okay, that's more like it.
It should just take an hour or so to get her through the rest of the night, certainly through her date with Booker. Unfortunately it can't be an all-nighter, but maybe that's for the best.
She flips open her communicator and taps away as she walks--more slowly than before--to the turbolift.
Booker,Nia grins, walks into the Turbolift, and is about to send the message when she hastily adds:
I've got to take care of something for a couple hours, but from 19:00 till midnight, I'm all yours. So, what time and where? I made the plans the other night--tonight, you get to lavish me.
That's lavish, with an l.
...But no gifts! You're enough for me, mister.Sending the message, she takes the Turbolift to her deck, then exits and finally reaches her quarters. Her uniform is shed in fifteen seconds, and not ten seconds later she's grabbed her respirator and tank from under her bed. She crawls under the covers and fits the mask over her mouth. One inhale and everything clarifies--the room seems a little brighter, the details sharper.
-- Nia
Nia sets her alarm for one hour, closes her eyes, and continues to take deep, even breaths, letting Sidonia's nearly unique Bilitrium compound refresh her system and work its magic. At least, until tonight, when hopefully she and Booker Graham will make some magic of their own.
Kylah is slightly disappointed by Thalen's conditions under which she will be allowed to work a second watch, but of course she agrees to them. "Yes, sir. Thank you, I will do as you say."
Turning around, she stares at the datapads she has compiled and monitors she has commandeered. She feels proprietary of her work and almost wishes she could ask everyone to keep away. But that is neither professional nor appropriate--nor practical. What if the signal does return? Someone must be around to catch it.
She sighs and reluctantly removes her earpiece, setting it down at her station before leaving the Communications Center. It is strange; her body is tired, still not 100% after the beating, and yet her mind is whirring with activity. Something about this signal has captured her imagination and she cannot let it go.
Perhaps I will just grab a soup from a lounge replicator and find another library computer. I should be able to do some research on the Caitians, and I might hear back from the Caitian museum and university resources. Then I can go back to listening--
Blinking, she stops short. No. Of course she cannot. How could she forget?
Even though no one could possibly know her thoughts, she blushes guiltily and looks around like a child caught stealing a piece of Ikarian Delight before dinner. Then she hurries to a nearby alcove and pulls out her communicator. About to contact Velir, she discovers that he sent her a message just moments ago--and she was so focused on Thalen she did not even notice. Utterly unlike her. Her face is now even hotter.
She starts to type back but then changes her mind and lifts the device to her ear. "Kylah to Rangin," she begins. Then, more softly: "Velir, are you still on duty, or are you free to talk?"
Rangin looks across to the Ensign walking alongside, "Hi. Yeah a meal sounds good. I've got plans for later on, but I'm hungry now." Chatting about the sensors as he makes his way into the Mess Hall, Rangin then grabs a tray of food, piling it high as he realises how starving he is, before taking a seat opposite Zweller.
No sooner as he sat down, then he feeling the communicator go off. Rangin puts the cutlery down and pulls the device out. "Excuse me for a moment," he apologises wondering who it is.
As he hears the voice, he forces himself to relax slightly, "Hi Kylah, yes, I'm fine to talk, just give me two secs," Rangin puts his hand over the mouthpiece, "Sorry about this, don't wait for me," Rangin gestures to Zweller's plate before holding the communicator up again. "Hi there," he says cheerily to Kylah, "did you get my message?"
Kylah leans against the wall and holds the communicator with both hands, closing her eyes. She can actually feel Velir through the connection--something she has almost never been able to do. His comforting presence seems to surround her. How can this be? Is he nearby? Maybe just a deck apart?
She ignores the whys and hows and just focuses on Velir, enjoying the warmth and goodwill she senses in him. "Yes, I just saw your message now. Thank you, I am so pleased what I sent was useful. It seemed so vague; I only wish I had been able to offer you more. But were you able to find any--no, I shall wait until I see you to ask questions." Kylah inhales contentedly. They will see each other, and he sounds friendly and polite. Almost like normal, like before everything happened. Why, what changed his mood? I must not question it. I will ruin things.
"I just needed to ask a favor. Would you be able to see me earlier than we planned? I am returning to duty tonight, to monitor the signal. But I have some time before I do, and I thought if you were available we could possibly meet in a half-hour? Or an hour, about 17:00? Please do not be angry," she hastens to add. "I do not mean to sound as if I am treating our... our conversation as unimportant. It means a great deal to me. But I had no idea that I would discover this signal--these signals, I should say."
Rangin listens to Kylah's voice from the unit and a wry smile forms on his lips, it seems things are going his way today. He can meet her earlier and they can chat for a bit longer and he can get some more sleep before his next watch. "No, 17:00 would be fine. I'll look forward to it, you can tell me more about the signals you found as well. How about one of the crew lounges in Deck 13, they're normally quieter, unless there is somewhere else you'd prefer?"
Kylah still seemed so nervous over the comm link and Rangin hopes she manages to relax slightly before they meet.
"You got it." Collins tells Onn as the older woman leaves."Have fun tonight" She turns to Cooper as she motions for him to sit "What was that about? Anything I need to know about you two? Because I think I've picked up that you and she had a thing going in the past. How serious was it?"
"No, anywhere you wish is fine," Kylah says, nodding her head as if Velir can see her. "I will be there, in the first lounge near the turbolift. And I look forward to it too." She bites her lip to prevent herself from saying anything more fervent. The last thing she wants is to seem as desperate as she feels; he might think she is trying to manipulate him.
A suddenly dismal thought strikes her: Will I ever be able to speak my mind without fearing some negative consequence?
But all she finishes with is a simple "Goodbye, Velir." And when he finishes their conversation, she closes her communicator gently and returns it to her belt.
Hurrying as quickly as her tired body will allow, she heads straight to her quarters to wash her face, change to a fresh uniform, and do what she can to make herself look... well, better than she has over the past four days. Or, really, longer. She styles her hair so the front is pulled back and braided, and then goes to get her favorite clip.
...Which is, of course, gone. Her mother's barrette was among the things stolen back on Anubis.
The stab of regret hurts her anew as she stares at her dresser drawer, now missing the ebony jewelry box with its filigree silver design. It is gone. I must get used to that. Instead she pulls out a red silk ribbon and uses that to tie the end of the braid. She returns to the bathroom mirror and looks askance at the loose curls that are too short to fit in the braid and thus fall around her face in thin tendrils.
Sighing in disappointment at her appearance, she adds blush to give her cheeks some much-needed color and decides that there is no time for anything further--not if she is to get something to eat as Thalen ordered. Soon Kylah is out the door and in the Crew Lounge, a bowl of beef stew providing her with warmth and satiety. As she eats, she tries to imagine just what she will say to Velir--and what he will say to her.
"Sounds good to me. See you later Kylah." Rangin finishes up the conversation and puts the communicator away, before turning his attention back to Zweller. "Sorry about that, just arranging meeting up with someone on." Picking up the cutlery, he starts to dig in to the pile of food in front of him and takes a few large mouthfuls in a losing attempt to catch up with Zweller.
Settling back and taking a drink from the mug alongside, Rangin wonders what his dinner companion has been up to since the first year of the Academy. They had been acquaintances at the time but as time went on and studies changed, Velir had found himself with other people and other interests.
"I was going to ask what you've been up to in all that time since we joined the Academy at the same time, but I'm betting it's a sorry tale of posting after posting." Rangin grins across the table, "No, what I really want to know is: at that party in New Florence, halfway through the first year at the Academy, how did you manage to get that beacon on top of the fountain in Vedici Plaza?"
Graham is now off-duty and can do what he pleases.
Onn feels better now that she's back in her quarters and breathing Sidonian air. She soon dozes off.
Cooper blushes deep red and says, "We, uh... well, we dated for awhile. It was before you came aboard. I didn't know you knew her."
Kylah finds the beef stew to be excellent. She sees several people she recognizes in the Crew Lounge, but none come over to her table.
Zweller laughs. "Sorry, I was sworn to secrecy by Lt. Barnstaple. Starfleet Intelligence wanted to use that beacon trick and insisted I tell no one how we pulled it off." He has a thick slice of sausage-and-green-pepper pizza on his plate, and takes a bite. "I will say that the sky is literally the limit when you have an antigrav disc, a good sense of balance and no fear of heights." You chat for awhile and eventually he casually asks, "Did I hear you say 'Kylah' on your communicator earlier? That name rings a bell, somehow."
"You heard right, though I think it's a bit more common than Zweller." Rangin chuckles back. "She's in Comms, gave us the reason for the test we just ran."
Cutting through some of the vegetables on his plate, Rangin thinks for a bit. "Not sure where you would know her from though, she wasn't in our year at the Academy." He shrugs and goes back to his food.
"We've been on the same watch together a few times now." Collins replies to Cooper. "so I wanted to get to know her. And it's cool that you dated her, but why are you uncomfortable about it? I realize you had a life before I showed up." She smiles at him and squeezes his hand.
"You're probably right," Zweller says easily, taking a drink of ice water. "So. Do you like it here on the Yorktown?"
Cooper looks relieved, and squeezes back. "I know. It just... it could be a little awkward. It's a big ship, but not that big, you know?"
Graham lifts the heavy Claymore, a relic of his ancestors dating from the 15th Century, down from the hooks holding it on the wall of the quarters he shares with Mahmoud.
In workout pants and a sleeveless shirt, the scars he sometimes tries to hide bared to the world, he stalks toward the gym with the sword over his shoulder.
He can imagine encountering one of his colleagues on patrol, depending on what Vargas has communicated: “No, I’m not on my way to kill Rangin, I have other things on my mind.”
He knows the weapon will shred the heaviest bag available, but they can deduct that from my pay, he thinks without hesitation.
"Right, and we're all stuck with each other." Collins laughs."So, anything you want to fess up before Nia and I get into some serious girl talk?"
"Yeah, the Yorktown's pretty good, at least from a Science perspective. They're a good bunch and Lt. Cmdr. Roble is pretty on the ball. The rest are ok, but Security seems to have the run of the ship here. Already found out the hard way, which ones to avoid." Rangin puts his fork down thinking back over times past. "Actually that reminds me, though I'm betting you don't remember, I owe you one."
Before Zweller can react, Rangin holds up a hand to stop him saying anything. "When was it, oh yes, it was another party, towards the end of year just on campus. Arranged by a few of the seniors there. A couple of them thought that because I was from Coridan I could supply all the right sort of things to the party to give it a real swing. They were already out of it and probably not just on alcohol." Rangin can almost picture the two tall cadets looming over him, even though stupidly enough he had been older than them. "I remember them getting really shirty when I told them to get stuffed. If you hadn't turned up at that point, I'm pretty sure they were going to try a little more forceful persuasion. Don't know how you managed to talk them round and get them to leave me alone, let alone apologise for being idiots, but you did...and then you wandered off into the party. Never did get a chance to say thanks."
Rangin raises his glass "So, thanks," he says inclining it slightly in Zweller's direction, before taking a final drink. Putting the glass down, Rangin looks at the empty tray. "Well, I have some things to sort out, so I'll see you tomorrow afternoon, my watches have been re-arranged slightly. Besides Dr Brold has plenty of data to keep him occupied. We'll have to catch up some more."
Rangin gets up from the table and gathers his tray leaving Zweller behind and heads for the door. He has about twenty minutes to wind down before meeting Kylah, actually make that fifteen, it might be better to get there in advance with a cup of her favourite hot chocolate. At least they can start off the meeting in a reasonable fashion...Rangin just hopes it will stay that way.
Graham and his sword get some startled glances in the corridors, but he makes his way to the Gym without incident.
Cooper says slowly, "I don't think so, but... well, it might be best not to ask Nia too many questions about our... relationship. What's done is done." He adds hastily, "We parted on good terms, but I'd just as soon not make things uncomfortable for anyone. OK?"
Zweller looks a little puzzled. "You know, I think I just barely remember that, but in any event, you're welcome. I went to a lot of parties and... well, anyway, no problem. Sometimes cadets can be stupid, and I'm Exhibit A." As Rangin leaves he says, "OK, thanks for dinner. See you around. I'm meeting a friend later myself."
"Okay," Collins says with a fake pout. "So, what do you want to do tonight after dinner? A movie, or something?"
Once at the gym Graham pauses and frowns. After his last ass-chewing from Vargas "destroying Starfleet property" seems a bad way to work off steam--at least compared to "logged extra time doing weapons training."
That gives him an idea. He marks off a suitable area with safety cones, and hurries to the nearest available place he can secure a tricorder. He sets it up to audio and video record his regimen.
While he warms up, he provides some context on the heavy, two-handed weapon. While it is designed to inflict powerful slashing blows, even the strongest person would quickly become fatigued if they relied solely on big, overhead strokes--especially compared to species like Klingons and Vulcans.
And without knowing how to pull it close in and use the pommel as an impact weapon, a skilled opponent with a knife could close and finish you off...
With a knife. Weapon instruction.... Graham remembers Kylah's statement that she did not feel able to defend herself and wonders if she would trust him enough to teach her to do so better...
Once he begins his demonstration, his body leads the way with muscle memory. His voice follows, explaining each movement and when it would make sense (or likely get you killed).
This leaves his mind free to wander, from...
Bennett, sitting in the Arboretum reading an old-fashioned book, who reminded him of...
Jane, peeking mischievously over a leather-bound tome at him, which reminds him of...
Nia...
Who doesn't otherwise remind him at all of Jane, except...
She'd be the first since who wanted to know anything more about me than whether our sexual organs were compatible. Mostly compatible.
Warmed up, he caps off the session with a series of moved that are his best guess at tactics that might work in hand-to-hand combat with Klingons equipped with some of their favorite heavy hand-held weapons.
The moves are combination of exaggerated withdrawal and caution and extreme exertion and aggressiveness. They assume you're facing an enemy more eager to kill you, less reluctant to die, and physically stronger, so constantly adapting the tempo is the only option...
That's what it feels like.
He looks forward to dinner, and maybe... more... But it feels like being ready to dance with a Klingon....to enter a different game...
Are you ready, Booker?
Realizing he's soaked in sweat, breathing heavily, and bruised and slightly cut in a few places, he ends the session so he can clean up before go time...
Cooper grins. "Whatever you like, Jer. The night is young, and I'm at your disposal."
Graham finishes his session and suddenly realizes that he's drawn a small crowd - he hadn't noticed before, given his intense focus. A half-dozen people good-naturedly applaud and then disperse. Among them is Bennett, in uniform, who comes closer, smiling dazzlingly. "We had a report on the Bridge of a strange man with a giant sword stalking the corridors and ending up here. I just had to come down to have a look."
With her soup finished, Kylah returns her tray and, after some thought, orders a single chocolate mint. The mint will ensure that she doesn't smell like beef, and the chocolate... well, it is chocolate. No further rationale is necessary, as far as Kylah is concerned.
Chewing and making sure none of the chocolate is on her face or fingers, she sits down and folds her hands on the table. She is anxious and still somewhat charged from the discovery of the signals.
...Which explains why her fingers are manically rearranging themselves and scraping her clear nail polish. Noticing this, she abruptly slides her hands down into her lap. This way she can fidget and tear at her nails all she wants.
Mostly, she just breathes quickly and wonders what she can possibly say to Velir to repair whatever remains of their relationship.
Or if nothing else... at least make him think better of her.
Rangin heads into the Crew Lounge five minutes early and picks up a coffee and a hot chocolate before heading to the area Kylah had suggested she would be in. Sure enough, she is sitting there looking nervous and watching other crew members go by. The only reason she hasn't noticed Rangin is because he came from the far end and she is watching the door. Getting closer he can see that Kylah is looking better than when he had last seen her, but he can see the little start as yet someone else walks by followed by that slight deflation as it turns out to be someone else.
"Hello Kylah," Rangin says softly not wanting to announce to all and sundry in the quiet of the Lounge, "I hope you don't mind?" he asks while sliding the cup of hot chocolate across to her.
Graham acknowledges the applause a little sheepishly--Bennett's comment even more so.
"Uh--I--" he clears his throat. "Uh, sword, ah yes," he replies, holding it point-down alongside his body. "But, ah--strange? Nope, couldn't possibly be me, must be some other guy. Ma'am" he adds with a shrug and obviously exaggerated attempt to look around the gym for some weirdo with a zweihander.
He smiles slightly, then becomes serious once more. "I, ah, hope it didn't cause any problems, Ce- Lieutenant."
Velir's voice, though gentle, reaches through Kylah's whirlwind of thoughts. She gives a start and then sees his offering, which makes her feel warm even before drinking it.
"Thank you," she says, her heart beating faster. She knows she must remain calm, but it is hard to do so when so much seems to be riding on this conversation. Wrapping her hands around the cup, she draws it nearer, almost protectively. "I am very grateful that you agreed to see me."
She takes a sip of the comforting chocolate, keeping her gaze on Velir. She longs to ask many questions, say many things, but for now she confines things to the most general and obvious topic. "How did the experiments go? Have you learned anything? And what is this device really like?"
Still smiling, Bennett touches Graham's arm lightly. "You're off-duty, and you're not making an official report - so please, it's 'Cecilia.' And don't worry, you haven't caused any problems. How'd you come by the sword, though?"
Rawlings enters the lounge and makes eye contact with Kylah. He nods and smiles, then heads towards the replicators.
Graham almost blushes at Bennett's touch. "It's a--well, it seems the Graham's have always tended to make a living that entailed swinging weapons, at least at times...I have an old nightstick that I can trace back to one Graham who was on the Boston police force in the 1900s. This..." He holds the weapon between them, pommel up, and then lowers it. "This I can't trace back to a specific ancestor--the Grahams weren't anybody important. But it appears we did do some sword fighting on behalf of important people in the 1500s."
He clears his throat. "Er--ah, mostly against the English, truth be told... no offense."
"Let's see what's playing," Collins says as she taps her datapad a few times. She also checks the live performance schedule in case the movie doesn't interest her.
"None taken," Bennett says. "We already discussed the English, the Scots and their sometimes-fraught relations, as I recall. I did a little fencing at Eton, as it happens, but never with anything that heavy - just the foil." They talk a little more and she says, "Anyway, while I'm here... I'll be taking my dinner break at midwatch, maybe three or four hours from now. Are you free?"
Collins checks the Lyceum events calendar for that night. There is a reading of Fomalhautian poetry already underway in Rec Room 1. At 1700, there will be a showing in the Ship's Auditorium of a popular movie from a few years ago, Add Three, Carry the Nine, Then Marry Me, a comedy about a math genius with a messy personal life. There are no other cultural events scheduled today.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fomalhaut
"Let's go see the movie," Collins suggests, then whispers "and we can sit in the back row and make out." In a normal voice, she adds "We can have dinner afterwards since it starts shortly."
"On the contrary, thank you for coming. I will admit, I wasn't sure what you answer would be." Rangin lifts the coffee cup to his lips and takes a quick sip before putting it back down. "First of all, thank you for the suggestion for the sensor." Rangin cannot hide the big grin that starts to cover his face while still feeling for all the world like a kid in a candy shop. "Not only did we get to put the new sensor through its paces, we may even have found something out there. But, before I get too overconfident in its capabilities, Dr Brold and his assistants are going to look over the data further to clarify whatever we might have find." Rangin tries to rein his mood in to be more appropriate. "It may still be a glitch in the system, we'll know for sure later. The other good part is that I got to put the bio-sensor through a few tests giving me something to look over on watch tonight."
"As for what it looks like, it's a big shiny box with wires coming out of it, pretty much like a lot of other sensors." Realising Kylah might mistake his tone, Rangin hurriedly continues, "No seriously, its not that different to most other sensors. It has a few more interesting parts within it and some few clever software backing it up. But, by and large, it's just another sensor."
Trying to recover slightly, and not give offence, Rangin thinks that perhaps he should be showing more interest in Kylah's discovery and trying to remember what she had told him. "Then again, without your discovery, we wouldn't have had the opportunity to use it. I'd really like to know about the signal you found? How did you find it and where does the High Caitian come into it?"
Kylah listens and watches Velir, struck by his enthusiasm and open demeanor. This sense of curiosity and quest for knowledge are two of the qualities that draw her to him, and it has been a long while since they shared such thoughts. And his genuine smile... she cannot even remember when she last saw him wear such an expression. Even if it is not directed at her, Kylah is just glad that he feels able to display such pleasure.
When he stops to ask her about the messages, she responds quickly to explain the process in locating and transcribing the signals. She adds, "The Universal Translator found a few words that bear some similarity to High Caitian. Not many, but a few. I wondered if this might mean that this distant... whatever it is, a planet, a moon, I do not know... is the origin of the Caitian species. They are not native to their planet, you know.
"Tonight my goal is to read back my own transliteration of the language and see if the UT finds any other matches--with the theory that any difference in pronunciation might resemble the inevitable drift in language, when a culture moves and evolves over time. I hope to hear more from the two sources--probably the one that is in motion, and which we ourselves might encounter in two days at our current course. I am a little concerned that the words speak of some kind of enemy. I sent the translation to the Captain and Lt. Thalen, but..."
Kylah shrugs slightly. "I know this could be pure coincidence. While the words may, as I believe, be related, they may actually be false cognates. Sounding the same but having no relation to one another in meaning. For example, in Terran languages such as English, say means speak, while in French c'est means it is. Yet in Elasian seii is our word for the stars. So I could be chasing a phantom link. Still, it is exciting and I hope my theory is correct. Honestly, I am just pleased to be useful in some way. Instead of a detriment or a burden."
At last she falls silent and just looks at Velir. If only they could spend more time like this, expressing their mutual interest in new species--on his part--and new languages, on hers. But she knows they cannot simply forget the terrible events of the last two weeks. After some moments she breaks their locked gaze to look down at the swirling froth of her hot chocolate.
"Velir," she murmurs. "Before we... talk. I must thank you again for all you did to find me. I am sure you would have done it for anyone, but considering all that had passed between us, and what you felt about me... it could have crossed your mind to let me remain lost. Not that you would have wanted me to die, but--but you could not have known I was in danger when you were searching for me. You never wanted to see me again, yet nevertheless searched for me. I owe my life to your sense of duty, and I am sincerely grateful."
Graham fidgets slightly. "Oh--that's, ah, very, uh, nice," Graham stammers in response to Bennett's invitation. "I would but--anytime--but I'm busy tonight. I mean I actually have dinner plans already--not just, uh, washing my hair or sitting around polishing my sword."
Internal alarm bells start to go off. Could be for any number of reasons, but the most rational one is I am pushing it on time...
"Uh...in fact I'm afraid I'm in danger of being late, Cecilia--so I'd better, ah, get going."
He starts to back away and turn to leave, but then pauses to add "But I'd be happy to have dinner...or lunch...or for that matter fence, if you're willing to spot me some kind of handicap, I suspect you'll have a serious advantage with an epee."
Bennett shows her disappointment for just a moment, then smiles and says, "Of course. Sorry for the late notice. Have fun, and I'll catch you another time." She leaves, presumably to return to the Bridge.
Graham hustles back to his quarters, where he is alternately shocked, relieved, and alarmed by the message from Nia waiting for him.
On the one hand, I have more time than I thought...on the other, why? And on yet another: "lavish." What can I do to match the other night?
Graham directs a personal message to Mahmoud. "Faisal, I'm totally screwed, need your help: I need a picnic basket ASAP, you know, for like a--romantic picnic. Do you know anybody who has one? PS if you have one I need it, but you'll never hear the end of it. Booker."
Nia's eyes blink open from her brief nap; the added Bilitrium compound has revived her rather than helping her stay asleep. She stretches and reaches an arm out to her night table, where her communicator sits.
The chronometer indicates she's been napping for under an hour, which explains why the alarm hasn't woken her--it hasn't even gone off. More of a surprise is that there's no message from the man she's supposed to be seeing tonight.
Hope nothing's wrong, she thinks with a yawn and another languid stretch of her nearly naked body. Probably just busy. Or he's planning to ambush me in my room, using some Security access code to sneak in and fake a ravishment.
Grinning at the thought, which is not at all unpleasant--but such roleplaying doesn't seem a bit like Booker Graham--Nia lifts off her mask and breathes in slowly. The habit is second nature to her now, a necessity when going from this synthesized version of her planet's breathable air to the ship's. She needs to get used to the Class-M atmosphere again. As usual, the first couple of inhales are rough and unsatisfying--like breathing through a damp rag. But soon she's ready to stand and feels much refreshed. A little Bilitrium goes a long way.
As she stoops to pick up her dropped uniform, Nia catches the scent of the water lily by her bed. She straightens just enough to take another deep breath, drinking in the flower's sweet perfume, before smiling and heading to her closet. First she tosses the uniform into the laundry area, and follows it with her underwear. Before long she's submerged in her shower, the suds from her exfoliating cleanser sliding down her skin. What does he have planned, she wonders, her eyes closed as she smiles into the pouring water spray. Good food, good conversation, and... Anything else we feel like doing, she thinks with a contented sigh while rinsing.
Whatever else happens... if anything else happens... it'll be good with him. Nia knows it: she knows men, she knows the chemistry she's felt with some and not others. And Graham is one of the some.
She hopes he feels the same way.
After a few minutes Mahmoud replies, OK, working on it. I'll get back to you. Ten minutes later he adds, Got it. I know a guy who knows a gal who knows a guy etc. etc.... well, I've got your basket. Should be at our cabin soon. Less than a minute later, the doorchime sounds. Graham goes to the door and finds a man in blue Science coveralls holding an authentic, by-gods antique woven wicker picnic basket. "Booker Graham?" he asks, grinning. "Joe Peller. I hear you were looking for this...?"
Collins and Cooper settle into seats at the back of the Auditorium, and the lights dim for the movie.
While listening to Kylah, Rangin is drawn by the insight and inquisitiveness she is showing. He can only remember a few moments in the short time he has known her that she has looked so engaged. Indeed, most of the time has been an ongoing disaster punctuated all too briefly by a few moments of happiness. Then when she mentions rescuing her, he also looks down at the coffee in front of him, not feeling comfortable enough to face her, but nodding at her thanks.
"I don't know what to say, other than it wasn't just duty. It never crossed my mind to just run some nominal scans to find you." Rangin takes a deep breath and steels himself, "Actually, it was worry about what had happened to you, at that time I just wanted to see you safe and sound." He shakes his head thinking about the scans. "You know what's ironic, I found you by playing your zither. I couldn't find you with a normal scan, but your zither is ...was a little unique in composition. The scan was designed to make it resonate and pick up the response."
Rangin looks back up to Kylah wondering what she is thinking but continues on. "About what happened on Anubis, I do you an apology and I shouldn't have reacted as harshly as that, or made the insinuations I did. What I don't understand is why you didn't tell me the truth?"
Rangin settles uncomfortably back into the seat waiting nervously to see what Kylah is going to say and do. He wants to try and understand what happened, but wonders if he will get the chance to do so.
Collins leans in towards Cooper, allowing him to put his arm around her; she nestles in to the crook of his shoulder and rests her hand on his leg.
Cooper puts his hand lightly on Collins's, and kisses the top of her head.