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[Vice President Gavoath]

Gav nodded, his whole body seeming to move forward in a motion of concurrence.

"Agreed. After you, Mr. President."

==I am ok with ending the scene..==

[Peter Powell]

==58 Potter Close - Basingstoke - Hampshire - England==

It had been months since Peter had started looking after his gran at home along with his girlfriend Jess and things had been going surprisingly well.

He had been correct in thinking that he would be needing help in able to look after his gran as there had been times when at the beginning he didn't feel comfortable doing things to help is gran, but with Jess's help he had gotten over most of them and now was doing things that he never even considered doing before.

During the time that he was having some rest time or when Jess was helping out, he had managed to keep up with any changes in technology, so that he didn't feel completely left out of the loop and he didn't let his engineering style brain to diminish in use.

Every 2 or 3 days there would be a call from his father or mother to see how things were going and have a catch up, it seemed strange to have regular contact with his parents as since he left school he hadn't had been able to find the time except for letters and the odd chat.

He liked knowing that if there was any issues he was unsure about he could get double advice about sorting it out as Jess could find out from Doctors at the local hospital and he could also get his mothers advice on it.

It was about 2130 hours and Jess had assisted in getting his gran into her bed and had returned to the living room where Peter was sitting reading another document about advancement in fleet technology.

As she entered Jess looked at Peter and rolled her eyes at the sight.

He is always reading them blooming engineering PADDS, I know he misses being an engineer, but does he have to make it so blatant.

Moving over to him, she grabbed hold of the PADD and pulled it out of Peters grip.

"That enough of reading that, it's time that you spent time doing something else" she said as she throw it onto a chair and climbed onto his lap.

Bending forwards Jess planted a kiss on his lips and that was enough to indicate the way in which the night was going to go.

==Next morning==

Peter awoke the next morning and shifted slightly as he seemed to be laying in a position in which his muscles found to be uncomfortable, however he was unable to do so as Jess was laying half in him and he noticed that she was still asleep and he didn't want to wake her up.

He found that his right leg was free and if he moved it slow enough then he might be able to stretch it out without waking her up, he had only moved his leg about 15 to 20 centimetres when he felt Jess move.

Bugger......I was hoping that I wouldn't wake her.

Jess stretched a bit and turned her head and looked up into his face and grinned at him.

"Morning...That was an interesting night and I think we both needed it" Jess stated.

She did have a point there hadn't been many occasions for intimacy in the past month, so when they were able to be closer they certainly did enjoy it.

"Morning sexy" he replied. "I'm glad you enjoyed it and yep I think we both needed it'

Turning slightly to firstly get more comfortable and also so that he could look over at the bedside cabinet and the time piece that was on it and noticed that it was 0800 hrs.

"Think I need to go check on gran, she is normally awake by now" Peter said as he got out of bed.

He didn't want to leave the bed and Jess laying there, but it was later than he had expected and his gran would probably be slightly annoyed with him about not checking on her earlier as she was normally a early riser.

After putting on some lose clothes, he exited the bedroom and headed down the extremely familiar hall and when he reached the door to his grans bedroom, he knocked and entered.

As expected his gran was awake and was looking out of the window at the garden.

"Morning gran, hope you slept well and sorry for the lateness of getting you up, we seemed to have over slept" Peter said with a grin.

Turning her head Phyllis looked at her grandson and a little smile creeped onto her lips, she then turned to the computer terminal that they had been teaching her to use and she used her eyes to type out a message, which would then talk out what was written.

[That's ok Peter. I hope you had a good night.]

Peter couldn't believe what he was hearing and tried really hard not to redden in the face as he had hoped that when Jess and him had some fun the sound didn't travel.

"It was ok" he answered her as he moved towards her bed. "I'm thinking that you need to use the facilities"

He grabbed the edge of the duvet that hey used and gently pulled it off and then moved his grans wheelchair into place, he then gentle lifted her off from the bed and into the chair, before pushing her to the connected bathroom area for her to use the facilities.

==More later==

[Peter Powell]

==58 Potter Close - Basingstoke - Hampshire - England==

The day had gone really well and they were getting less and less, it may have been because the weather had been really really nice and they had spent most of the day in the garden which is where his gran loved to be.

It was also nice that Jess had been scheduled for a day off and had been there to assist Peter in looking after his gran.

He knew that it would be hard being a career for a disabled person and especially when it was a loved family member, but after the months which he had been doing this he had started to really miss being amount the stars and being an engineer, it was one thing to read the technical manuals and upgrade which were coming out of companies but it was nothing like putting things into practice and seeing if they did actually work.

[This is going to sound really bad on my account, but I'll be glad to reenlist one day and get back out among the stars, as I'm missing the adventure and the traveling.]

Peter was glad that he hadn't said that out loud as it wasn't something that he would want to admit to others and especially not to his gran.

The three of them had taken lunch and dinner in the garden and now it was early evening and even though the sun was slowly setting the weather was still warm and they could tell that it would be a really clear night in which they would be able to see the stars and planets of the Sol System.

They had been sitting well after the sun had set and enjoying the night when Phyllis activated her chair computer and asked for help in order to get ready for bed and then to go to bed as she was getting tired.

Jess could see that Peter was completely relaxed in the chair and was looking up at the stars studying them and she knew what he was thinking.

"I'll help you Phyllis" Jess said as she got up from her chair.

Peter would have help getting his gran into bed, but he was pleased that Jess had volunteered as he was enjoying sitting there looking up at the stars and going through the name of the stars in his head.

Time was moving faster than he was thinking it was, as the next time he turned his head and looked at the time piece that was located on the outside wall it was reading 2200 hours and Jess had returned to her seat.

"Ahh finally your awake, thought you were going to be sleeping there all night" she said with a grin.

Smiling back he was pleased that she had answered the question that was running around his head about what he felt was a time jump.

"Question...." Jess said as she watched Peter turn his head in her direction. "Why did you agree to become your grans career as I know perfectly well that you miss being..." She stopped again and looked up at the nights sky, "out there among the stars and planets"

He thought that he had already explained to her why he was doing this , also he thought that he covered it well and especially knowing that she had grown up practically living with him and his grandparents.

"You know that I moved here when I was 5 years old and my grandparents looked after me like their own son and they gave me everything that I needed and supported my when I wanted to do something and especially when I put in my application to join StarFleet. After granddad died I was prepared to come back then to help gran, but she said that she would be fine here on her own..." He had wondered if he had been here then gran wouldn't be in the situation that she now found herself, as she would have been found sooner. "So after I found gran unconscious there was no argument in my mind that after they had looked after me during my childhood, I would be the one whom would now be looking after her." Peter answered.

To him it was logical and a good enough reason as family always came first in any situation.

Jess knew that this would be Peter's answer as he had always been his answer when someone asked him why he gave up a highly decorated career in StarFleet to look after his grandmother.

She had noticed that as well as Peter starting to wilter, but Phyllis has started to get worse, her physical movement had become less and less and she had also stared to be less talkative and more withdrawn.

There might be an occasion soon when she will have to have more care than what both we can give her and that will destroy him not to be able to look after her.

==More later==

[Boislevesque]

==Cape Kiawanda State Natural Area - Cloverdale - United States - Earth==

The conversation between Harrison and the rest of the Boislevesque family last a good six hours in total going through all the different places which they had put on the table as somewhere to do for their holiday.

There had been suggestions from just relaxing on a relaxation resort to an adventure holiday walking thought the Australian outback, the thing with doing the latter was that Harrison had been the only one of the family to go through survival training and he was really glad that he had managed to talked the family out of it.

They had finally settled on both a mixture of rest and sunshine and entertainment for the kids, there was a resort on the American Continent near a small town called Cloverdale, which was in Cape Kiawanda State Natural Area.

The resort had loads of entertainment for all ages, this included actors which put on all types of shows from children's story's to historical plays from famous writes like William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens to Jane Austin. There were loads of holodeck entertainment for the older children where they could participate in anything from history or indulge their own personal fancies.....well to a point.

There were crèches that they would be able to get Robin looked after while they had some personal time as they had since her birth, lost some of the passion which had been in their relationship and as the resort backed on to the Pacific Ocean then they knew that they could lounge out on the beach and get enough time and space to see if they can get back some.

Before they left the ship for their vacation there had been a message sent out that there would be a celebration of the 352nd anniversary of First Contact and it was open to all those wishing to attend. Harrison had discussed this with Jemima, but they both agreed that it would be covered well by FSNN and that they could keep up with event in the evening while they relaxed in their hotel room.

The family had packed their bags and beamed directly from the Copernicus's transporter room to the foyer of the Hotel Atlantis and was meet by a smartly dressed doorman who offered to load their bags onto a trolley and then follow them to their room once they had booked in.

Even from this moment Harrison knew that they had chosen correctly on their location as he could feel what stress he had start to dissipate and knew that by the end of the 10 days he knew that he would be relaxed and ready for the next mission that they would be sent on.

Walking over to the desk, Harrison booked in the family and after signing the padd to register and watching the lady which had served him pass the key to the porter, he and the family the followed the porter to the turbolifts which would lead them to their room.

"Sir and Madam you are your family are based on the eight floor, room number four." The porter explained.

Harrison nodded to indicate that he had heard the porter and stood patiently as the lift ascended from the ground floor to eight floor, the good that we he knew that it wouldn't take long.

==Hotel Atlantis - 8th Floor - Room 4==

The porter opened the room and as they stepped into the large living room area both Harrison and Jemima knew that they had selected the correct hotel after the porter had shown them around and departed they opened the balcony door and stepped out onto a view which would be in the top 10 of the most spectacular view they would ever see.

There was a beautiful looking sandy beach which would be really nice to lay on and sun bath in natural sun rays and then the Pacific Ocean looked absolutely wonderful and something that Harrison would be using on numerous occasions and he figured that Jemima and Tallulah would also swim in the sea, however he wasn't sure about Lafayette and of course Robin was way way too young to even venture close to it.

As he was enjoying the view he started to hear raised voice from where the kids bedroom were located and the voices sounded familiar.

What are them 2 kids fighting about now.

He forced his eyes away from the wonderful view, turned and headed towards where the kids bedroom area.

As he pushed the door control to the kids bedroom their voices became louder and the words were slightly more distinguished as well.

"YOUR ON MY SIDE OF THE ROOM AND YOU KNOW THAT YOUR NOT ALLOWED ON MY SIDE WHEN WE HAVE TO SHARE" Tallulah shouted.

Harrison rolled his eyes and walked further into the room.

"Tallulah don't shout at your brother like that." He said in a sharp tone.

Tallulah dropped the trousers which she had been holding and Lafayette nearly fell over in shock as it seemed that neither of them had heard their father enter the bedroom.

"What in the world are you two arguing about" he asked looking at his son.

The look on Lafayette face was classic and it looked as if he hadn't expected his father to ask him questions, especially as it was his sister whom had been shouting when they had been interrupted.

"She accused me of stepping onto her side of the bedroom and disrupting her calm and peaceful area" Lafayette answered his father.

He figured that something like this would happen during the holiday especially as they had to share the same bed room, but he was so so hoping that it would be the back end of the holiday instead of within the first day.

"Look you two, this is the first real holiday that we have had as a family since I was reassigned and I would really appreciate it if you two decided to act like me and your mother have been tried to teach you." Harrison didn't want to shout at his kids as it might escalate the whole thing and he also didn't want to bring himself down to that level. "Now I would really like for you too not to wake up your sister as your mother would be putting her down for her nap and also I would really like to relax during this holiday as that last mission was really stressful."

Turning he walked our from the kids bedroom and headed over to the replicator and ordered himself a large amaretto over ice.

He then walked over the the table and chairs which were on the balcony and started to enjoy the view again.

==More late==

[Lt Samantha Rae Fritz]

The second Samantha Rae had started to de-materialize, she could smell the sharp North Carolina air. The recycled air on the Dauntless was nice, but it was bland. Plain. Tasteless. From where she stood, Samantha Rae could smell hay, wheat grass, various animal excrement, and from perhaps five miles away, a skunk.

 

“Well, well!” An elderly lady's voice carried across the acre. “If it isn't little Samantha Rae!” There was no mistaking that Southern twang; head equestrian at the farm Wanda Orlando was calling towards her. An old lady of about seventy by now, she had taught Samantha everything she knew about horses, and was now employed at the farm, to take care of what the Chief Medical Officer could not while she was away.

 

“Hello there, Miss Wanda!” Samantha called back, crossing the field. She noted that the grass was a bit too long; they hadn't done the mowing yet. Where she transported down was about an acre away from the main farm; she hadn't wanted to spook any animals if people had to be coming and going.

 

“Everything's set up for you, Samantha Rae.” The old woman was feeding the pigs: smaller, pink and black creatures that honked at their owner as she approached. The caretaker took no mind to a small all-black piglet that had fallen asleep on her boot. Samantha smiled at it. “Get up, Bacon.” Wanda croaked, nudging her shoe out from under the piglet.

 

“Oh, that's terrible.” The CMO smiled as she said it. She took a moment to appreciate the musculature. “Is that one going to harvest?”

 

“Maybe.” Wanda replied. “But don't let them hear you say that.” The caretaker hitched a thumb up towards the sky. “They like everything replicated. No real meat on their bones, I tellya. Little Bacon's dad was a nice roast. They don't know what they're missing.”

 

“It's my pig,” Samantha replied, her voice with a cross edge to it. “And I'll do what I want.” The owner and the caretaker smiled at each other at their agreeance with one another. The former did not have to delve into the latter's mind in order to read it. “Anyway, I'll have to transport to Texas in a few hours -ship's business, if you will- so we'll only be getting reacquainted. I'll come find ya when I'm back.” Her accent was starting to kick back in to full swing now that she was talking to someone with the same dialect she grew up with.

 

“Oh, I'll know you're back, sweetie.” Wanda insisted, moving away to refill the hog's water. “Belle's not the same horse when you're gone.”

 

Not needing to say a formal goodbye, Samantha nodded at Wanda, and set off a hair quicker towards the big red barn that housed her horse. As she approached, she could see the deep brown coat of her favorite mare, tossing her head and eating the sweet grass in the shade.

 

Samantha whistled, bringing the horse's head up. She looked for a moment as if she wanted to jump the fence to reach Samantha, but the Betazoid quickly slipped into Belle's mind. It was rare for Betazoids to do this, as they disliked the way animals' minds felt – especially larger ones. Samantha's head was immediately filled with the taste of grass, the crunch of apples, and the firm feel of hard ground on her hooves.

 

She shook her head. Samantha Rae did not have hooves. She had hands. And feet. And this is why most Betazoids do not communicate with animals. She reminded herself. The species as a whole did not trust that the animals' minds would not overpower their own. Animals were too concerned with eating, or playing, or rolling around in the mud. It would not do for an intelligent species to be discovered rolling around in a field of fleas.

 

“Hello, my muktok...” she spoke softly to Belle. Indeed, as she called the horse her pet name, Samantha spied a new garden of the said flower native to Betazed popping up on the side of the barn. The horse was indeed saddled, and looked uncomfortable with it. Knowing that remembering past times riding the horse would transfer into the animal's mind and scare her, Samantha was careful to keep her mind clear as she mounted the horse.

 

Just a quick ride... Samantha thought, carefully to keep her words inside her own mind. Animals did not speak and think the same way their humanoid counterparts did. And then I'll bring a bag of popcorn to Texas, and watch Starfleet officers try to chase chickens...!

 

The Chief Medical Officer proverbially shed her skin as the horse took off at a measured gallop, her rider laughing as the wind hit their faces.

 

 

>>Off to visit Texas for a bit!>>

[Boislevesque]

==Cape Kiawanda State Natural Area - Cloverdale - United States==

One of the good things which came with this holiday was the fact it was fully inclusive which meant that neither him or Jemima didn't need to do any sort of cooking or think about main food items for anyone except Robin.

They had settled in ok and between Harrison and Jemima they had managed to put away all the families clothing into their correct place either in the draws or hanging up in the closet and as expected both the kids were now saying that they were starting to get a little hungry and to be really honest so we're both of them.

"Ok then guys, let's go and find the restaurant and see if they are serving food." Harrison suggested.

So the family exited the lift and after arriving at the lift area for their floor they looked at the floor plan and noticed that there was 2 restaurants for this hotel, one being located on the ground floor where the guests could eat outside or there was one of the very top floor so that the diners could have a wonderful view of the beach, sea and the horizon.

"I'm in favour of going to the upper restaurant, what about you lot" Harrison asked.

It was often that he got a saw in where they would be eating, so he was glad to get in the first suggestion.

Jemima understood why Harrison wanted to go up stairs to the restaurant as she knew that he was enjoying the view from their balcony, but she knew that what the kids had finished eating they would want to go off exploring the lower floor of the hotel.

"How about we use the ground floor restaurant, so that when we've finished we can venture out and see what is in the area" Jemima said.

She had worded that way as she knew that Harrison would see the logic in her suggestion and it worked again as he nodded and as they entered the lift he ordered it to take them to the ground floor restaurant.

==more later==

[Capt Daniel Brooks]

== San Francisco, The Man on The Moon Restaurant  ==

 

A few streets away from the Academy was a medium size restaurant just off the main drag. 

 

The doctor had arranged to meet Lunori here. 

 

As Daniel stepped inside the door the smell of food hit him. Making him feel ever so hungrier than he was a few minutes earlier. 

 

He took a look around. It was a strange situation being back here all these years after. It was rare coming to San Francisco on shore leave but it was the first time he attend the celebration of first contact day. Dan had made sure that he had taken the chance to see the new President which the CMO had been looking forward to seeing. 

 

His mind fluttered back to the days of being a Cadet and sometimes hanging out here with a few friends. He wondered what happened to some of them as once they graduated you seem to slowly loose contact. 

 

There was a waiter heading in his direction "Can I help you Sir?" he said looking Dan up and down. 

 

Daniel was wearing a blue cotton shirt, black trousers and shoes to match. His hair was now spiked up instead of being swept back like it was when he was on duty.  

 

The doctor smiled politely and nodded "Yes, I have booked a table for two, under the name Brooks." 

 

The waiters face changed to a smile and said "Follow me." 

 

As Dan followed him they arrived at a table by the window as requested by Daniel. He turned to the waiter and said "I remember this place being a small cafe. When did it change into this?" 

 

The waiter said with a shrug of the shoulders. "It's been like this for the last three to four years Sir." 

 

Daniel nodded as he took a seat at the white clothed table. The waiter asked "Would you like anything Sir?"

 

Brooks looked out of the window and wondered weather Lunori would turn up or weather she wouldn't.

 

"Yes please, can you get me a vodka and coke." he said the waiter nodded and scuttled off. Giving Dan to the chance to really take in his surroundings. 

 

The restaurant had changed a bit but not much. There was a big counter at the back, with days specials displayed. The color scheme was now a pale green and cream. There was around ten tables. All different sizes with different amounts of chairs around them. There was only a handful of beings in the restaurant with him. A Klingon officer who was talking in low voices with another officer. Looked like they had the same idea as Brooks to come here, they seemed to be something to do with StarFleet Headquarters. 

 

In another corner on their own was a vulcan. It always fascinated him how they were so logical with no emotion. 

 

His eyes went back round the room, noting that all the tables were covered in white, it seemed as if they had gone retro in look. 

 

Then the waiter arrived with his drink and placed it on the table in front of him "If there is anything else I can get you just asked." said the waiter as he moved off as Dan nodded. 

 

Sitting back he took a sip of his drink. He felt a little nervous about seeing Lunori again. She being a Betaziod could read his mind if she felt like it, it some how unnerved him for some reason. Brooks couldn't really believe he had suddenly took the plunge and asked her out on this date as she called it. 

 

Dan could deny it but there was a niggling thing in the back of his mind that said there was more to this then he really cared to admit to himself. 

 

It was then he noticed the menu placed in a holder on the table. Picking it up he gave it a quick scan. Dan was surprised they had extended their menu with a range of different foods to the old burger and chips, or the full english they used to offer. 

 

However, it made the Doctor more confident that he made the right decision in coming here. He just hoped Lunori would think the same.

 

Taking another sip of his drink, he remember his Vulcan friend he made at the Academy, they happened to sit underneath the same tree in the garden of the Academy while they were revising for their tests. It began to bug Brooks that he couldn't remember his name. But, he could visualize him. Dan then tried not too chuckle to loud to himself when another incident popped into his head. 

 

When he was a Cadet, him and three other medics had been hanging out in the cafe which was now a restaurant, when one of them started to annoy a Klingon. A fight ensued and when everything was finished, there was more food and drink splattered on the walls then on the plates.

 

"No wonder they changed this place." he muttered under his breath.

 

 ==Tag Lunori==

[Lt Mori Lunori (ZenZin)]

== San Francisco, The Man on The Moon Restaurant  ==

 

Mori had left her apartment, it was located in San Francisco she shared the place with her sister Ki'sa. her sisters grandfather arranged for the two girls to have a place to stay when they had time to go shore leave on Earth.

 

The Betazoid Engineer, wore a long white dress it was quiet relieving, lunori's shoulders and back where left bare,the dress it self was made of the finest silk only found on Betazed, gold patterns where embroded on the side of the dress it self,, and she also wore high heels which where decorated in gold trimmings which complimented her dress, now Mori left her hair down normally when she was on duty she would leave her hair up because it seemed more practical.

 

Maybe this was a Human prank...maybe he wont be there.... Thought Mori as she leaned on her apartments door. Maybe I should leave it I doubt he even liked me.... Lunori was about to open her door again but something in the back of her mind told her to go to the restaurant. ''Well if he's not there I can always visit the Academy....''she said before walking down the road.

 

It had taken Mori around 20 minutes to walk to the restaurant, she was feeling rather Hungry, she had not eaten all day due to being so nervous, Mori stopped walking once she saw the Restaurant came into her line of sight, with a gulp she walked towards the entrance and waited for the waiter to show her to her seat.

 

Looking around she noticed a man walking up to her as she was looking around the entrance.

 

''May I help you madam?'' said the Waiter

''I am here for a Mr Brooks?'' she said nervously

''This way'' replied the waiter as he led Mori to Dan's table

 

''Your guest sir has arrived.'' said the waiter

 

Mori smiled when she saw Dan sitting there on his chair. ''Hi stranger.'' she said in a cheeky tone.

 

==Tag Brooks==

[Capt Daniel Brooks]

== San Francisco, The Man on The Moon Restaurant  ==

 

Daniel's thoughts where interrupted by the waiter who said  ''Your guest sir has arrived.'' in a rather monotone voice. 

 

Brooks looked up to see Lunori. 

 

Wow. 

 

He stood up as she said ''Hi stranger.'' in a cheeky tone.

 

"Hello Mori, first off may I say your looking very er... lovely and I am so pleased you arrived." Dan said leaning in to give her a peck on the cheek. 

 

His icy blue eyes couldn't help but check out her outfit as he moved around and pulled a chair out for Lunori to take a seat. Once Lunori was seated he said 

 

"Forgive me my mind was else where just then." as Dan moved back round before retaking his seat. 

 

Dan then said to the waiter, "Could you please get the young lady what ever she likes to drink and we will call you over when we are ready to order." 

 

There was a slight twinge of nervousness creeping in and out of his voice when Daniel spoke. He never really felt comfortable in these kind of situations. Handling anything in Sickbay was easy, but trying to figure out a woman of any species in this type of setting was always difficult. Daniel didn't know if it was just him or weather this kind of thing went through every man's head as he was sat opposite this stunning young woman. It was one of those things Dan wished he did some research on. 

 

==Tag Lunori==

[Lt Mori Lunori (ZenZin)]

== San Francisco, The Man on The Moon Restaurant  ==

 

Mori blushed 50 shades of red when Dan kissed her cheek, her knees wobbled like jelly, it was strange how he had this effect on her. ''I umm...Tank you...erm thank you...you look very lovely to..'' she said trying hide her nervous nature.

Lunori gazed at Dan's face, she loved looking into his eyes his lovely blue eyes, she was always so curious as to why Humans had different coloured eyes and deep down she wished that her eyes where colorful to.

''There is nothing to forgive Commander...'' she was unsure if she should of used his name or not but she did feel relief when she sat down her legs still felt like jelly but at least now she did not have the urge to faint as much...

Mori could sense that Daniel was nervous to so she placed her hand on his as he spoke to the waiter. ''Don't worry I'm nervous to'' she said reassuring him

The Betazoid Engineer then ordered a class of berry wine, she then glanced at the menu, ''I have no idea what half of these food items are...what would you recommend?'' she said looking at Dan with a smile


==Tag Brooks==

[Capt Daniel Brooks]

== San Francisco, The Man on The Moon Restaurant  ==

 

''There is nothing to forgive Commander...' said Lunori which Dan raised an eyebrow that she called him by his rank. 

 

As he spoke to the waiter he felt her hand rest on his then she said ''Don't worry I'm nervous to'' reassuring him before she ordered her drink. 

 

Then she took a look at the menu and said , ''I have no idea what half of these food items are...what would you recommend?'' looking at Dan with a smile. 

 

Daniel was looking at a menu to and he couldn't help but silently agree that the menu wasn't easy. 

 

Looking back at Lunori he said "First things first. We aren't on duty now so call me by my first name... and I have to agree with the menu. The last time I was here was as a Cadet at the Academy and well... it seems to have changed a lot since then. It was a little cafe but now it's this restaurant which even I wasn't expecting." he laughed as Dan turned the page of the menu.

 

"On this page there is a mixture of what I would class as normal looking food. Or it depends if you are feeling more adventurous." he said with a grin.

 

The waiter returned and placed Lunori's wine down in front of her as Dan looked through the menu again said "How about you pick a dish from Betazed and I pick one from Earth so then we could try a bit of both cultures. If you like or we could gamble and have some Klingon type meal."  

 

Picking up his drink he took a sip as he studied Lunori face. 

 

This telepathy thing can be rather strange. It's something I have to get used to I guess.

 

==Tag Lunori==

[Lt Mori Lunori (ZenZin)]

== San Francisco, The Man on The Moon Restaurant  ==

 

Looking back at Lunori he said "First things first. We aren't on duty now so call me by my first name... and I have to agree with the menu. The last time I was here was as a Cadet at the Academy and well... it seems to have changed a lot since then. It was a little cafe but now it's this restaurant which even I wasn't expecting." he laughed as Dan turned the page of the menu.

 

'' Umm...Alright...D-Daniel...'' Mori hid her face from behind the menu her face was turning to bright, it felt so odd to call him by his first name it made things more intimate maybe.

 

"On this page there is a mixture of what I would class as normal looking food. Or it depends if you are feeling more adventurous." he said with a grin.

 The waiter returned and placed Lunori's wine down in front of her as Dan looked through the menu again said "How about you pick a dish from Betazed and I pick one from Earth so then we could try a bit of both cultures. If you like or we could gamble and have some Klingon type meal." 

 

''Mori peeked up from her menu. ''My my aren't you brave Daniel, asking  a Betazoid to eat Klingon food..'' she said with an evil grin. ''Oh waiter I am ready to order. ''I will have the Honey roated tree bark with berry source from the Betazoid menu section and no skipping on the moss.'' she said while looking at Daniels reaction.

 

==Tag Brooks==

[Capt Daniel Brooks]

== San Francisco, The Man on The Moon Restaurant  ==

 

Mori peeked up from her menu. ''My my aren't you brave Daniel, asking  a Betazoid to eat Klingon food..'' she said with an evil grin. ''Oh waiter I am ready to order. ''I will have the Honey roated tree bark with berry source from the Betazoid menu section and no skipping on the moss.'' she said while looking at Daniel checking out his reaction. 

 

Daniel raised an eyebrow at this meal she ordered and commented "Interesting" 

 

The waiter looked at Daniel awaiting his order "I will have the Salmon on en croute please." shutting the menu and replacing it in it's holder in one swift movement. 

 

"Very good Sir, Madam." said the waiter before moving off. 

 

Brooks looked back at Lunori, "So..." he said with a small pause. "I haven't done anything like this in a long while. I think we shall just wing it." he grinned. 

 

Taking another quick sip of his drink he looked out the window then back to the lovely young Betaziod before saying 

 

"One the last few times there was a fight here which turned into a food fight. No wonder why they redecorated in here." he chuckled. 

 

"I think the less said about that the better. So... Do you always eat random bits of tree?" he asked with a glint in his eye. 

 

==Tag Lunori==

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Lt Mori Lunori (ZenZin)]

== San Francisco, The Man on The Moon Restaurant  ==

 

 

The waiter looked at Daniel awaiting his order "I will have the Salmon on en croute please." shutting the menu and replacing it in it's holder in one swift movement. 

 

"Very good Sir, Madam." said the waiter before moving off. 

 

Brooks looked back at Lunori, "So..." he said with a small pause. "I haven't done anything like this in a long while. I think we shall just wing it." he grinned.

Mori smiled at Dan, ''Don't worry I do not bite...much'' she said with a wink

 

Taking another quick sip of his drink he looked out the window then back to the lovely young Betaziod before saying 

 

"One the last few times there was a fight here which turned into a food fight. No wonder why they redecorated in here." he chuckled.

''What is a food fight?...how do you fight with food...they are not weapons?'' she said looking confused

 

"I think the less said about that the better. So... Do you always eat random bits of tree?" he asked with a glint in his eye.

Mori smiled, ''It's not tree as in one of those in the ground.'' she said pointing to a tree outside the Restaurant. ''It is a fish called tree bark, because the fishs scales look like a tree, and the moss is fried seaweed covered in berries.'' she said with a grin

 

==Tag The all mighty Doc Brooks ==

[Capt Daniel Brooks]

== San Francisco, The Man on The Moon Restaurant  ==

 

 

Mori smiled, ''It's not tree as in one of those in the ground.'' she said pointing to a tree outside the Restaurant. ''It is a fish called tree bark, because the fishs scales look like a tree, and the moss is fried seaweed covered in berries.'' she said with a grin

 

Daniel returned a smile and said "I am very pleased to hear that, I wouldn't want to take you for a walk in a park and have you running to the nearest tree for a nibble." 

 

Brooks didn't really taste many other culture foods unless of course they had a diplomat on board then it was customary to.

 

The waiter returned with their food and placed each dish in front of them before exiting with a nod. 

 

Daniel then asked "What made you choose Engineering as I have met a few Betaziod's within the medical field."

 

He was going to pay her another compliment but thought it be to cheesy of him so he decided to keep that to himself for now. 

 

Brooks then said "Shall we cut these meals in half and swap them between us." 

 

 

==Tag Lunori==

[Lt Mori Lunori (ZenZin)]

== San Francisco, The Man on The Moon Restaurant  ==

 

Daniel returned a smile and said "I am very pleased to hear that, I wouldn't want to take you for a walk in a park and have you running to the nearest tree for a nibble." 

 

Mori laughed, ''we name our foods in strange ways to trick off worlders it's rather funny...sometimes'' she said

 

Mori was not used to this sort of thing, she felt awkward and her words felt clumsy at best.

 

The waiter returned with their food and placed each dish in front of them before exiting with a nod. 

 

Daniel then asked "What made you choose Engineering as I have met a few Betaziod's within the medical field."

 

''I was studying to become a scientist, but then I switched fields I find fixing things to be more rewarding....'' she said almost bitterly

Mori tried her best not to use her Telepathic abilities but it was killing her not knowing what Daniel was thinking.

 

Brooks then said "Shall we cut these meals in half and swap them between us." 

''sure it be interesting to taste Human food for a change.'' Mori cut her fish in half she then placed it gently on Brooks plate with some berries and seaweed.

 

==Tag Brooks==

[Capt Daniel Brooks]

== San Francisco, The Man on The Moon Restaurant  ==

 

Mori laughed, ''we name our foods in strange ways to trick off worlders it's rather funny...sometimes'' she said

 

Mori was not used to this sort of thing, she felt awkward and her words felt clumsy at best.

 

The waiter returned with their food and placed each dish in front of them before exiting with a nod. 

 

Daniel then asked "What made you choose Engineering as I have met a few Betaziod's within the medical field."

 

''I was studying to become a scientist, but then I switched fields I find fixing things to be more rewarding....'' she said almost bitterly

Mori tried her best not to use her Telepathic abilities but it was killing her not knowing what Daniel was thinking.

 

Brooks then said "Shall we cut these meals in half and swap them between us." 

 

''Sure it be interesting to taste Human food for a change.'' Mori cut her fish in half she then placed it gently on Brooks plate with some berries and seaweed" 

 

==Sorry about repeating most of previous post==

 

Daniel grinned "I am sure it be just as interesting eating tree bark." he teased 

 

The Doctor took a bite of this Betaziod meal and turned his nose up slightly "I think I will pass on the sea weed don't like that very much." he said "But the fish itself is good." 

 

Taking a sip of his drink he said "So how come there isn't a Mr Lunori as I believe Betazoid custom is the man takes the woman's surname?" Then followed it up with "As I don't know how someone as beautiful looking as you can be single."

 

Daniel didn't want her thinking that he was thinking of marriage right now. He was in fact just curious about her culture as it seemed the reverse of his. The way different cultures operated always fascinated him. Dan could have people talk to him all day about their culture backgrounds. He lapped it up. 

 

Maybe it was because Dan was an only child and it used to take him back to when his Uncle Sean used to come back and tell him tells of what was out there beyond the sparkling night sky. 

 

==Tag Lunori==

[Lt Mori Lunori (ZenZin)]

==No worries ==

 

Daniel grinned "I am sure it be just as interesting eating tree bark." he teased 

 

The Doctor took a bite of this Betaziod meal and turned his nose up slightly "I think I will pass on the sea weed don't like that very much." he said "But the fish itself is good." 

 

Taking a sip of his drink he said "So how come there isn't a Mr Lunori as I believe Betazoid custom is the man takes the woman's surname?" Then followed it up with "As I don't know how someone as beautiful looking as you can be single."

Mori took a bite of Brooks dish she tasted it and smiled. ''Wow it has so much flavor so different from what I had at the Academy.'' she then paused when Daniel asked about her being single. ''Umm well, I Never found how do you Humans say Mr sight?...'' she looked out the window and looked up at the sky wondering if her mother even noticed that she left Betazed.

''You know I could ask the same of you, your handsome successful and you seem to know your left from your right, I'm surprised Human girls aren't falling at your feet.'' said Mori with a smile.


==Tag Brooks==

[Capt Daniel Brooks]

== San Francisco, The Man on The Moon Restaurant  ==

 

Mori took a bite of Brooks dish she tasted it and smiled. ''Wow it has so much flavor so different from what I had at the Academy.'' she then paused when Daniel asked about her being single. ''Umm well, I Never found how do you Humans say Mr sight?...'' she looked out the window and looked up at the sky as Brooks gave a small stifled chuckle at her saying Mr sight.

 

As he carried on eating she responded with

 

''You know I could ask the same of you, your handsome successful and you seem to know your left from your right, I'm surprised Human girls aren't falling at your feet.'' said Mori with a smile.

 

The Doctor blushed slightly at this as he never thought of himself as handsome. Even if women were falling at his feet then they would have to do it very blatantly as Brooks never really got the signals. As for successful, maybe as a Chief Medical Officer but one day hopefully a FO position would be ideal. 

 

He looked across at Mori and said "I am useless at noticing the signals of women being interested in me. That's why I plow my way into my work. Sometimes I wish I could have your ability of being telepathic. Then at least I might have a clue." he gave a grin

 

The doctor finished his meal and Lunori had finished hers. 

 

"That was an interesting meal. I did enjoy your fish as well as my own. I never been one for seaweed through." he grinned the waiter returned and cleared the table. He returned with a refill for their drinks. 

 

The waiter then passed them the dessert menu. 

 

Brooks was pleased that it wasn't as large as the main menu list. 

 

The waiter returned to take their orders, once he gone to get them Brooks asked "So what do you like to get up to when your not whizzing around in space?" 

 

==Tag Lunori==

[Lt Mori Lunori (ZenZin)]

== San Francisco, The Man on The Moon Restaurant  ==

 

The Doctor blushed slightly at this as he never thought of himself as handsome. Even if women were falling at his feet then they would have to do it very blatantly as Brooks never really got the signals. As for successful, maybe as a Chief Medical Officer but one day hopefully a FO position would be ideal. 

 

He looked across at Mori and said "I am useless at noticing the signals of women being interested in me. That's why I plow my way into my work. Sometimes I wish I could have your ability of being telepathic. Then at least I might have a clue." he gave a grin

 
''That's funny I wish I was more Human being Telepathic can be a pain care to swap?'' she said with a grin

The doctor finished his meal and Lunori had finished hers. 

 

"That was an interesting meal. I did enjoy your fish as well as my own. I never been one for seaweed through." he grinned the waiter returned and cleared the table. He returned with a refill for their drinks. 

 
''I look forward in sharing more meals with you in the future.'' Mori almost choked on her drink when she realized what she had said. ''I mean umm ermm oh look pudding

The waiter then passed them the dessert menu. 

 Lunori looked at the menu she did not have much of a sweet tooth like her sister did, ''I will pass on desert thank you''

 

The waiter returned to take their orders, once he gone to get them Brooks asked "So what do you like to get up to when your not whizzing around in space?"

'' well I mostly concentrate on my work even when I'm off duty, I rarely go out like this and meet other people, but when I do relax I like to paint and play the Violin how about your self?''

==Tag Brooks==

[Capt Daniel Brooks]

== San Francisco, The Man on The Moon Restaurant  ==

 

''I look forward in sharing more meals with you in the future.'' Mori almost choked on her drink when she realized what she had said. ''I mean umm ermm oh look pudding

 

The waiter then passed them the dessert menu. 

 Lunori looked at the menu she did not have much of a sweet tooth like her sister did, ''I will pass on desert thank you''

 

The waiter returned to take their orders, once he gone to get them Brooks asked "So what do you like to get up to when your not whizzing around in space?"

 

'' well I mostly concentrate on my work even when I'm off duty, I rarely go out like this and meet other people, but when I do relax I like to paint and play the Violin how about your self?''

 

Daniel knew what she meant about concentrating on work. Sometimes he even found it hard to relax 

 

"Cool, one day maybe I could see your paintings. I wish I could be creative like that." he said before adding "I like to play the drums. I have a holodeck program where I go and have a play. I also enjoy swimming a lot. I won a inter-planet swimming contest when I was sixteen. Also like to horse ride. Pref it at home on the family farm through......" he stopped suddenly as Dan thought he might be going on a bit too much about himself. 

 

Taking a look at the menu he thought for a moment and turned to the waiter. "Thank you for bringing this over but I think we are both full from your wonderful main. We will drink up our drinks and could you get us the bill please." 

 

The waiter nodded and headed off to get the bill. 

 

Brooks said "I didn't know if you wanted to take a walk as I got to get my shuttle back to my ship. It does feel as if we are cutting this a bit short but I guess that is the fate of the life we lead." he said with a small smile which showed his reluctance to end the meal. 

 

The waiter returned with the bill and handed it to Brooks. The doctor paid before Lunori could interject or try to pay. 

 

"You will offend me if you try to pay for this. If I ask someone out to dinner I pay." he stated giving her a look  as the waiter took the money and left them to it. 

 

He picked up his drink and took a long sip as Dan looked out the window. 

 

His mind drifted slightly back to the Academy days before coming back to the present. 

 

==Tag Lunori==

[Lt Mori Lunori (ZenZin)]

== San Francisco, The Man on The Moon Restaurant  =

 

Daniel knew what she meant about concentrating on work. Sometimes he even found it hard to relax 

 

"Cool, one day maybe I could see your paintings. I wish I could be creative like that." he said before adding "I like to play the drums. I have a holodeck program where I go and have a play. I also enjoy swimming a lot. I won a inter-planet swimming contest when I was sixteen. Also like to horse ride. Pref it at home on the family farm through......" he stopped suddenly as Dan thought he might be going on a bit too much about himself.

''I wish I could hear you play the drums, but umm maybe it's not a good idea......drums are a very umm intimet instrument in my culture'' said Lunori blushing
 

 

Taking a look at the menu he thought for a moment and turned to the waiter. "Thank you for bringing this over but I think we are both full from your wonderful main. We will drink up our drinks and could you get us the bill please." 

 

The waiter nodded and headed off to get the bill.

 

Brooks said "I didn't know if you wanted to take a walk as I got to get my shuttle back to my ship. It does feel as if we are cutting this a bit short but I guess that is the fate of the life we lead." he said with a small smile which showed his reluctance to end the meal. 

 

''when dose your shuttle leave because the last ones leave in about 20 minutes....'' said Mori looking shocked
''Mori finished her drink she wanted to say something but Brooks cut her off rather quickly'
 

The waiter returned with the bill and handed it to Brooks. The doctor paid before Lunori could interject or try to pay.

 

"You will offend me if you try to pay for this. If I ask someone out to dinner I pay." he stated giving her a look  as the waiter took the money and left them to it. 

 

He picked up his drink and took a long sip as Dan looked out the window. 

 

His mind drifted slightly back to the Academy days before coming back to the present.


''you are a real gentleman Comand...umm Daniel...'' she looked at him and smiled

 

==Tag Daniel==

[Capt Daniel Brooks]

== San Francisco, The Man on The Moon Restaurant  =

 

 

''You are a real gentleman Comand...umm Daniel...'' she looked at him and smiled

 

Daniel grinned back, "Thank you I try to be. I maybe an only child from a farm but I have been brought up right." before adding "I have enjoyed your company immensely."  

 

The CMO finished his drink "You said twenty minutes before the last shuttle, I best get moving." he said 

 

Standing up he said "Thank you Mori for such a wonderful and interesting time. I hope we can keep in touch." 

 

Daniel moved into give her a peck on the cheek, taking a long look into her eyes before adding "I hope you had as much as a good time as me. I am so pleased you turned up. I thought I would end up sat here on my own but I have had a fantastic time."  

 

He knew long distance relationships never worked. The last time he had one of them it didn't end well. The chances of them seeing each other again was very slim due to being on different ships and different fleets. So the best they would be really hoping for was a card on a birthday or Christmas if the other remembered. 

 

The only experience had been refreshing for Daniel, from seeing the President speaking to when Lunori went up to see how the VP was doing. This was just an added bonus as Brooks hadn't planned spending a dinner date with such a lovely lady. 

 

==Tag Lunori==

[Lt Mori Lunori (ZenZin)]

== San Francisco, The Man on The Moon Restaurant  =

 

 

Daniel grinned back, "Thank you I try to be. I maybe an only child from a farm but I have been brought up right." before adding "I have enjoyed your company immensely."  

 

The CMO finished his drink "You said twenty minutes before the last shuttle, I best get moving." he said 

 

Standing up he said "Thank you Mori for such a wonderful and interesting time. I hope we can keep in touch."

Mori blushed she knew they would most likely loose all contact after this Mori was no one special and long distance relationships where not really her thing. '' I would like that'' she said

 

Daniel moved into give her a peck on the cheek, taking a long look into her eyes before adding "I hope you had as much as a good time as me. I am so pleased you turned up. I thought I would end up sat here on my own but I have had a fantastic time." 

As Daniel moved in closer the gap between Brooks and Lunori began to close and as Mori moved her head she accidentally kissed Daniel on the lips she did not realize he was moving in so closely, she stood still like a statue nervous and unsure of what to do, then she recalled something and broke away. ''Shuttle...'' she said her face bright as a traffic light

 

==Tag Brooks==

[Capt Daniel Brooks]

== San Francisco, The Man on The Moon Restaurant  =

 

Some how the kiss that was meant to end up on Lunori cheek ended up on the lips, 

 

Daniel pulled back with surprise on his face and even he flushed a bit red as Mori said ''Shuttle...''her face bright as a traffic light.

 

He said "Ermmm yeah.. Shuttle." 

 

Brooks then moved towards the exit of the Restaurant, he opened the door and indicated for Lunori to go first. 

 

Once they were out in the street Dan said 

 

"Well, I guess this is goodbye for now. It was lovely happening to bump into you. Hope we might be able to meet up again soon." he said giving her a broad grin and trying to indicated that he wasn't upset or embarrassed by the accidental kiss. 

 

==Tag Lunori==

[Lt Mori Lunori (ZenZin)]

== San Francisco, The Man on The Moon Restaurant & Apartment building =

 

Some how the kiss that was meant to end up on Lunori cheek ended up on the lips, 

 

Daniel pulled back with surprise on his face and even he flushed a bit red as Mori said ''Shuttle...''her face bright as a traffic light.

 

He said "Ermmm yeah.. Shuttle."

''Yes Shuttle....'' said Lunori again  I think we established that you idiot  Lunori mentally kicked her self

 

Brooks then moved towards the exit of the Restaurant, he opened the door and indicated for Lunori to go first. 

 

Once they were out in the street Dan said 

 

"Well, I guess this is goodbye for now. It was lovely happening to bump into you. Hope we might be able to meet up again soon." he said giving her a broad grin and trying to indicated that he wasn't upset or embarrassed by the accidental kiss.


''Safe travels and umm thank you for today it was fun'' Lunori watched Brooks walk off towards the shuttle transports and she made her way to her apartment, by the time she got home it started to pour down with rain. ''Let the fun times roll'' she muttered to her self.

As soon Mori got inside her apartment she flopped down on her sofa she looked up and saw the rain pouring down on the city as she  watched the rain she sighed. ''I'm never going to see him again might as well forget about what happened today.''

 

 

==Tag Brooks==

[Capt Daniel Brooks]

== San Francisco, The Man on The Moon Restaurant, Shuttle port & Apartment building ==

 

As the Doctor walked away down the street towards the shuttle port from the Restaurant he didn't dare look back. 

 

It was a feeling in him that was a chance encounter and he wouldn't come across it again anytime soon. 

 

 

==Shuttle port==

 

As Dan arrived at the shuttle port he saw they were just about to close the door, "Hey....I got my boarding...." before he could finished the transport officer cut him off "Sorry Sir, you are too late. The gate closed five minutes ago." 

 

"Blast." said Brooks under his breath as he watched the shuttle move off. 

 

Turning around he debated what to do. Normally he would book in somewhere but due to the events of the First Contact day every where was full and he had checked out his hotel room earlier in the day. 

 

As he exited the port it began to tip down with rain. 

 

"Oh just GREAT, thank you very much." The Doctor said looking skyward. "Not only do I missed that DAM shuttle now you decide to do this." 

 

He went and sheltered under a door way for a minute or two while he gathered his thoughts. The only person he knew in the city at this moment in time was Lunori. 

 

Would she be willing for him to crash on the sofa tonight? Is it being a bit forward??

 

Daniel would have to make up his mind soon as he was getting drenched. 

 

Going over to a computer terminal he said "Computer, can you give me the address of Miss Mori Lunori?" 

 

[Sorry, that information is only available to emergency personal]

 

Brooks gave a smile "Computer, Doctor Daniel Brooks, USS Copernicus request address of Miss Mori Lunori, medical issue. Code clearance Brooks Alpha Zero Bravo." 

 

The computer displayed the information for thirty seconds long enough for him to get the address and then it wiped the screen clear. 

 

==Apartment==

 

As Brooks arrived at the apartment a person was coming out, taking the opportunity Brooks held the door and slipped in.

 

Making his way up to Lunori's apartment he couldn't help but feelings of butterflies and nervousness but he was soaked right through. 

 

He arrived at her door looking like a drowned rat. His hair that had been all neat earlier was flat and dripping water. Dan's blue cotton shirt was now clinging to him showing off his muscular physic.

 

Daniel stood there for a moment or two wondering how was best to introduce himself so he didn't look like a stalker.

 

He rapped on the door and said "Lunori it's Brooks, are you in? Open up?" 

 

==Tag Lunori==

[Lt Mori Lunori (ZenZin)]

==Apartment==

 

As Brooks arrived at the apartment a person was coming out, taking the opportunity Brooks held the door and slipped in.

 

Making his way up to Lunori's apartment he couldn't help but feelings of butterflies and nervousness but he was soaked right through. 

 

He arrived at her door looking like a drowned rat. His hair that had been all neat earlier was flat and dripping water. Dan's blue cotton shirt was now clinging to him showing off his muscular physic.

 

Daniel stood there for a moment or two wondering how was best to introduce himself so he didn't look like a stalker.

 

He rapped on the door and said "Lunori it's Brooks, are you in? Open up?" 

 

 

Mori was about to doze off when something woke her up, she heard banging sounds and yelling, she got and walked towards her door, as she opened it she was shocked to find Daniel knocking on her neighbors door, she watched as the door opened and the old lady showed up holding a cane. ''my my what a handsom young man you are, here to see little old me hmm lets get you out of those clothes and warmed up young man.'' said the old lady she then pressed her cane on Daniels chest. ''I hardly ever get gentlemen callers anymore how about we have a nice cup of tea and see how things go hmm?'' Mori let out a small laugh as she saw the awkward encounter unfold in front of her she then stepped out from her apartment and smiled. ''Sorry Mrs Grogery he is with me.'' she Lunori trying her best to hold back the laughter.

 

''Hmmp'' was all the old lady could say before she slamed the door shut. ''I'm surprised to see you here you must be the only doctor that still dose house calls.'' said Mori she looked at Brooks and she blushed his clothes where damp and well his chest was seethrough. ''I guess you should get in before you catch your death in those clothes.'' Lunori walked with him to her appartment and then she shut the door.  ''The Replicator is there you can umm replicate some new clothes....'' she said trying not to look.

 

 

Mori went into the Kitchen the house was completely modernized and it had the open planned structure on the walls there was several images of starfleet personnel, one of which was of Mori's sister and some friends from the Academy and some of Mori holding some sort of certificate. She was in the kitchen for several minutes when she walked into the livingroom holding two cups of tea, she actually used a ketel instead of using the replicator.  ''Sorry all we have is here is tea'' said Mori as she placed the cups on the glass table. ''What are you doing here I thought you where heading for your shuttle?''

 

==Tag Brooks==

[Capt Daniel Brooks]

==San Francisco, Apartment==

 

Daniel was a bit shocked and surprised for when the door opened a little old lady came at him with a cane.

 

 ''my my what a handsom young man you are, here to see little old me hmm lets get you out of those clothes and warmed up young man.'' said the old lady she then pressed her cane on Daniels chest. ''I hardly ever get gentlemen callers anymore how about we have a nice cup of tea and see how things go hmm?''

 

There was a laugh to which Dan recognized, he turned to see Lunori stood in her doorway.

 

Lunori then stepped out from her apartment and smiled. ''Sorry Mrs Grogery he is with me.'' even through she trying her best to hold back the laughter Dan could see by her face. 

 

"Ah, Yes, I'm very sorry..." he said as the little old lady "Hmmp'' was all the old lady could say before she slammed the door shut. 

 

Daniel blinked twice then rubbed the back of his neck "Pheww, get a load of that." he said.

 

''I'm surprised to see you here you must be the only doctor that still dose house calls.'' said Mori she looked at Brooks and she blushed his clothes where damp and well his chest was seethrough. ''I guess you should get in before you catch your death in those clothes.'' Lunori walked with him to her appartment and then she shut the door.  ''The Replicator is there you can umm replicate some new clothes....'' she said trying not to look.

 

Daniel said "Oh yeah thanks." as he moved over to the replicator he noticed the pictures on the walls, there was what looked like could be a sister in a pic and one with Lunori holding some kind of certificate. 

 

She headed off into the Kitchen as Daniel replicated a white linen shirt, some trousers and underwear. Due to the fact he was soaked right through. He also replicated a towel to dry his hair. 

 

While Mori was gone Dan quickly stripped out of his damp clothes and put on the clothes he replicated. 

 

Daniel was pulling up his light brown colored trousers as he heard Mori make her way back into the room. He was lucky he had turned his back in the direction of the kitchen. 

 

 ''Sorry all we have is here is tea'' said Mori as she placed the cups on the glass table. 

 

Daniel gave a laugh, "You make that sound as if it's a bad thing. I am British we are brought up on tea more than anything else."

 

''What are you doing here I thought you where heading for your shuttle?'' she then asked as he turned to face her, Dan hadn't managed to put his shirt on yet as he was busy towel drying his hair. 

 

Dan looked at her and said "I don't know if you believe it but here it goes." 

 

He paused for a second while slipping on the white linen shirt. 

 

"Well... I got to the port and the shuttle was literally closing it's doors, the transport officer wouldn't let me get on. When I exited the port the heavens decided to open and drenched me to the bone. I had booked out of my hotel so there was no way I would get booked back in where it's First Contact day and all the celebrations around it. I was stranded in a city where I didn't know anyone apart from you. I took a rough guess, went to a computer and here I am." 

 

Daniel suddenly felt bad as he thought he should have spoken to her first to see if it was okay to come here. 

 

I must be mad to have done this, what was I thinking. How stupid am I??? OMG?? Your a twit, you need to get out of here before you embarrass yourself any further.

 

The doctor quickly added "I hope I haven't inconvenienced you at all? If I have now I am dry I can try and make other arrangements? I will have the tea and go?"

 

Dan felt like he had way overstepped the mark and with her being a Betaziod he hoped she could tell his intentions where just honorable. 

 

The doctor moved over towards the cups of tea, his shirt flapping open as he moved over to the table and picked one up, smelt it briefly and said "I hope this isn't another strange betaziod drink?" he gave a smile as he his face was beacon red. 

 

==Tag Lunori==

[Lt Mori Lunori (ZenZin)]

==San Francisco, Apartment==

 

"Well... I got to the port and the shuttle was literally closing it's doors, the transport officer wouldn't let me get on. When I exited the port the heavens decided to open and drenched me to the bone. I had booked out of my hotel so there was no way I would get booked back in where it's First Contact day and all the celebrations around it. I was stranded in a city where I didn't know anyone apart from you. I took a rough guess, went to a computer and here I am." 

 

Daniel suddenly felt bad as he thought he should have spoken to her first to see if it was okay to come here. 

 

I must be mad to have done this, what was I thinking. How stupid am I??? OMG?? Your a twit, you need to get out of here before you embarrass yourself any further.

 

The doctor quickly added "I hope I haven't inconvenienced you at all? If I have now I am dry I can try and make other arrangements? I will have the tea and go?"

 

Dan felt like he had way overstepped the mark and with her being a Betaziod he hoped she could tell his intentions where just honorable. 

 

The doctor moved over towards the cups of tea, his shirt flapping open as he moved over to the table and picked one up, smelt it briefly and said "I hope this isn't another strange betaziod drink?" he gave a smile as he his face was beacon red. 

 
Mori looked like she was listening to what Brooks was saying she was nodding but she was also transfixed on the fact that he was topless....  she did try to resist looking at his very well toned body and his hair was so thick and silky looking she just wanted to run her fingers through it, but she snapped out of the trance and looked at the tea pot. ''Hey hey don't freak out on me Daniel, everything's fine you..umm...m more than welcome to sleep in my be..ermm couch sofa....couch.....'' Mori's hands started to shake a little bit.

''Tea?'' Mori looked up slightly confused. ''Tea yes it's tea....Human tea...no umm no Humans in it I uhh....'' Mori blushed again and she then sat down on the sofa trying to think of something to say.


 

==Tag Brooks==

[Capt Daniel Brooks]

==San Francisco, Apartment==

 

''Hey hey don't freak out on me Daniel, everything's fine you..umm...m more than welcome to sleep in my be..ermm couch sofa....couch.....'' Mori's hands started to shake a little bit.

 

''Tea?'' Mori looked up slightly confused. ''Tea yes it's tea....Human tea...no umm no Humans in it I uhh....'' Mori blushed again and she then sat down on the sofa trying to think of something to say.

 

Daniel just suddenly let out a hearty laugh.

 

He gave a broad grin and said "What we like, we are like two giddy kids." 

 

With that the doctor plonked himself next to her on the sofa.

 

The doctor looked back into her eyes as he said "So the pictures on the wall, I guess they are you and some friends but that other pic looks like you put different. I believe that is a sister?"  

 

It was Daniel's way of trying to calm himself down from his panic knee jerk reaction to being there. Her comment about sharing her bed indicated she was surely feeling the same way.

 

==Tag Lunori==

[Lt Mori Lunori (ZenZin)]

==San Francisco, Apartment==

 

Daniel just suddenly let out a hearty laugh.

 

He gave a broad grin and said "What we like, we are like two giddy kids." 

 

With that the doctor plonked himself next to her on the sofa.

 

The doctor looked back into her eyes as he said "So the pictures on the wall, I guess they are you and some friends but that other pic looks like you put different. I believe that is a sister?" 

Mori narrowed her eyes, ''Yes Ki'sa my half sister or at least used to be my sister....stupid house rules...'' Lunori had taken a sip of her tea and she tried to look at something else other than Brooks.

''I will uhh get you your blankets are you can sleep here...'' Mori put down her tea and as soon as she tried to get up she tripped on the rug that was under her foot, she tried to get her balance but she fell, and boy did she fall right on top of Brooks.  When the commotion was over and done with Mori opened her eyes and she instantly saw that her face was close to his and she blushed. ''I am so flipping sorry....'' Mori tried to get up but the sofa gave way and collapsed leaving the two officers on the floor with bits of broken sofa laying everywhere. ''Nuts'' 

 

 

==Tag Brooks==

[Capt Daniel Brooks]

==San Francisco, Apartment==

 

Mori narrowed her eyes, ''Yes Ki'sa my half sister or at least used to be my sister....stupid house rules...'' Lunori had taken a sip of her tea and she looked away from him.

 

I'm pleased I'm an only child.

 

 

''I will uhh get you your blankets are you can sleep here...'' Mori put down her tea and as soon as she tried to get up she tripped on the rug that was under her foot, she tried to get her balance but she fell, and boy did she fall right on top of Brooks.  When the commotion was over and done with Mori opened her eyes and she instantly saw that her face was close to his and she blushed. ''I am so flipping sorry....'' Mori tried to get up but the sofa gave way and collapsed leaving the two officers on the floor with bits of broken sofa laying everywhere. ''Nuts'' 

 

Daniel grinned "Looks like the sofa has had better days." he commented as he gazed into this beautiful young woman's eyes. 

 

It was then something came over the doctor. Since that brush of the lips in the restaurant earlier there seem to some kind of connection between them. 

 

He moved his head forward slightly and planet his lips on hers even through very briefly..... Dan pulled away not sure what her reaction would be.......

 

==Tag Lunori==

[Lt Mori Lunori (ZenZin)]

==San Francisco, Apartment==

 

Daniel grinned "Looks like the sofa has had better days." he commented as he gazed into this beautiful young woman's eyes. 

 

It was then something came over the doctor. Since that brush of the lips in the restaurant earlier there seem to some kind of connection between them. 

 

He moved his head forward slightly and planet his lips on hers even through very briefly..... Dan pulled away not sure what her reaction would be.......

Mori was taken aback she looked directly into those bright blue eyes for what seemed like forever, she moved her head forward leaning in ever so slightly then she plated a big slap across his face followed by a kiss, she quickly moved away and blushed. ''I uhh...'' was all she could say

 

==Tag Brooks==

[Capt Daniel Brooks]

==San Francisco, Apartment==

 

First Brooks was taken aback by the slap. Then even more so by the follow up kiss. 

 

Talk about mixed signals!

 

Lunori quickly moved away and blushed. ''I uhh...'' was all she could say

 

Daniel got up from the floor and dusted himself down from the bits from the sofa. 

 

He then said "Sorry Mori, I seemed to have offended you and some how miss read the signals. I should have known better." 

 

The doctor's face showing concern as he started to try and clean up the mess made by the collapse sofa. 

 

If he hadn't come here no of this would have happened. Dan wondered if he had made a big mistake..... 

 

==Tag Lunori==

[Lt Mori Lunori (ZenZin)]

==San Francisco, Apartment==

 

''Co...Daniel....'' Mori placed her hand on his shoulder she then looked up at him with concern on her face. ''I'm sorry I thought that was how Humans showed affection...I guess my hand book was wrong...I'm sorry...'' Lunori  let go of Daniel, but when she touched him she felt a spark there she really did but her screw up probably made him think that she was some kinda of an insane Alien. Way to go Lunori.....

 

Mori sighed she turned around and she was trying to figure out how she was going to fix the sofa or explain to her sister how it broke. ''I'm so stupid....'' whispered Mori as her hair fell on her face

 

 

==Tag Brooks==

[Capt Daniel Brooks]

==San Francisco, Apartment==

 

''Co...Daniel....'' Mori placed her hand on his shoulder she then looked up at him with concern on her face. ''I'm sorry I thought that was how Humans showed affection...I guess my hand book was wrong...I'm sorry...'' Lunori  let go of Daniel and turned away from him.

 

The doctor gave a puzzled look for a moment as she whispered something that he didn't quite hear. 

 

It dawned on him it was crossed wires so he put his hand on Lunori shoulder. "I dread to think what handbook you been reading." he said then added "Sounds like you need a doctor to show you the correct handbook." 

 

==Tag Lunori==

[Lt Mori Lunori (ZenZin)]

==San Francisco, Apartment==

 

''Co...Daniel....'' Mori placed her hand on his shoulder she then looked up at him with concern on her face. ''I'm sorry I thought that was how Humans showed affection...I guess my hand book was wrong...I'm sorry...'' Lunori  let go of Daniel and turned away from him.

 

The doctor gave a puzzled look for a moment as she whispered something that he didn't quite hear. 

 

It dawned on him it was crossed wires so he put his hand on Lunori shoulder. "I dread to think what handbook you been reading." he said then added "Sounds like you need a doctor to show you the correct handbook." 

 

Mori blushed. ''Do you think you know of any Doctors that could help?'' Mori said looking confused. ''Maybe they would like to see my one it also says that Humans head butt each other it's called kissing sounds painful though....'' Mori stopped talking for a moment. ''Sorry I ramble when I'....m nervous...and umm....'' Mori placed her hand around Daniels face where she had slapped him she ran her fingers around the reded area hoping it was not to painful.

 

''Tell me...what are you thinking right now?'' she said looking into his eyes

 

 

==Tag Brooks==

 

==Tag Lunori==

[Capt Daniel Brooks]

==San Francisco, Apartment==

 

Mori blushed. ''Do you think you know of any Doctors that could help?'' Mori said looking confused. ''Maybe they would like to see my one it also says that Humans head butt each other it's called kissing sounds painful though....'' Mori stopped talking for a moment. ''Sorry I ramble when I'....m nervous...and umm....'' Mori placed her hand around Daniels face where she had slapped him she ran her fingers around the reded area hoping it was not to painful.

 

''Tell me...what are you thinking right now?'' she said looking into his eyes

 

Daniel gave a little smile and said "First things first, no head butting. I don't know where you heard that from." 

 

The doctor paused for a moment, "Don't worry, I must admit I'm just as nervous to...." 

 

Dan looked around the room as he feeling a bit warm from the nerves and the burning in his cheek. 

 

"How about we try the kiss again... this time without the slap."  he said in a low voice......

 

==Tag Lunori==

[Lt Mori Lunori (ZenZin)]

==San Francisco, Apartment==

 

'Tell me...what are you thinking right now?'' she said looking into his eyes

 

Daniel gave a little smile and said "First things first, no head butting. I don't know where you heard that from." 

 

The doctor paused for a moment, "Don't worry, I must admit I'm just as nervous to...." 

 

Mori smiled. ''I guess there is no need to be nervous...''

 

Dan looked around the room as he feeling a bit warm from the nerves and the burning in his cheek. 

 

"How about we try the kiss again... this time without the slap."  he said in a low voice......

 

Mori did not hesitate she went on her tippy toes and leaned in for a kiss, and this time Lunori could actually feel her heart racing. ''I don't normally do this with every guy I bump into...'' she said with a smile.

 

==Tag Brooks==

[Capt Daniel Brooks]

==San Francisco, Apartment==

 

Mori did not hesitate she went on her tippy toes and leaned in for a kiss, Daniel could feel his pulse quicken as she kissed him.

 

''I don't normally do this with every guy I bump into...'' she said with a smile.

 

Daniel smiled and replied "I don't normally do this either..." 

 

There was something in the air between them, some kind of spark. Dan didn't want to push his luck but he couldn't help himself as he grab hold of her hand and gave her a longer more passionate kiss before pulling away....

 

==Tag Lunori==

[Lt Mori Lunori (ZenZin)]

==San Francisco, Apartment==

 

Mori did not hesitate she went on her tippy toes and leaned in for a kiss, Daniel could feel his pulse quicken as she kissed him.

 

''I don't normally do this with every guy I bump into...'' she said with a smile.

 

Daniel smiled and replied "I don't normally do this either..." 

 

There was something in the air between them, some kind of spark. Dan didn't want to push his luck but he couldn't help himself as he grab hold of her hand and gave her a longer more passionate kiss before pulling away....

 

 

''Daniel...'' Mori had no idea what she was doing she only new that she felt something for the man that was in front of her maybe it was not love more so of an infatuation? she held his hand and led him to her room and they did not leave until the morning.

 

==Tag Brooks==

[Capt Daniel Brooks]

==San Francisco, Apartment==

 

''Daniel...'' she said,  Lunori held his hand and led him to her room and they did not leave until the morning.

 

==Next Morning==

 

Daniel slowly opened his eyes, blinking them slowly he looked around the room. 

 

For a brief moment there was a confusion.

 

This don't look like my hotel room

 

It was then as Dan turned his head his eyes landed on Lunori. She was half laying on his arm. 

 

It dawned on him all of a sudden what had happened. 

 

​OMG... What have I done... this is embarrassing.... this was a silly thing to do.

 

Slowly and carefully Daniel removed his arm from under Lunori hoping not to wake her. He didn't. 

 

Slipping out from under the cover Dan found he was starkers, quickly he scanned the room, finding his shirt over the dresser and the rest of his clothes by the bedroom door. Carefully and quietly he got redressed and move out of the bedroom. 

 

Dan unlocked the front door and slipped out. Heading back down the apartment stairs, he got outside with a pang of guilt inside of him. 

 

Maybe I should of said goodbye.... but I won't be seeing her again.  It's for the best. Saves any awkwardness.

 

==Shuttle Port==

 

The first shuttle arrived and this time Daniel was first in a queue. He boarded and was gone.

 

==Tag Lunori==

 

==Merged into timeline before the events of the current Copernicus Mission==

[RAdm Kinziri Jal]

== Tullich Kirk, Fife, Scotland.==

 

== Stardate 21701.25. 2300 hours. Burns Night. Freezin' cauld. Naw a' wee, sleekit, cow'rin, tim'rous beastie tae be seen, until... ==

 

In the moonlight, a dark slender figure could just be seen slowly picking it's way carefully through the rubble of the ruined building. It stopped still at the faintest sound at the edge of hearing.

 

"Skelton. Keep your hands where I can see them, take out your weapon and drop it on the ground." said a voice somewhere up the slope in the gloom.

 

The figure remained still and raised it's hands slowly.

 

"Jal?" the figure asked, in a suspicious gravelly male voice.

 

"Just do what I told you." the voice in the dark ordered.

 

The figure slowly reached one hand inside a jacket and brought out a phaser held between thumb and forefinger. The weapon was held out before being dropped with a clatter on the broken stoney ground.

 

"Jal I apologise for the choice of location for meeting, but I commend you for scouting ahead to get the drop on me." said the now unarmed figure.

 

A narrow flashlight beam suddenly lit up the figure and he blinked in the bright light, his breath hanging in the cold air. His greying hair and lined face told of a long and tough career, but then the intelligence business was tough by definition. The grey in his hair suggested that he was quite good at his job to have lived so long. Still, he'd been ambushed.

 

"Why did you message me? What do you want?" asked the voice behind the beam of light.

 

"Can we be a bit more civilised with this? You know I'm unarmed, how about you come down here and we have a quiet conversation. Believe me you'll want to hear what I have to say, and won't want me to shout it to the world, Doctor. Do I call you that? I mean, 'doctor' was your persona for Starfleet Science division, but I know you have as many faces as I do. Am I saying this loud enough?" 

 

There was a pause as if the owner of the other voice needed to weigh up their options before coming to a decision.

 

"Very well, but leave that phaser on the ground." the voice cautioned.

 

From where he stood in the centre of the ruined church, the gravel voiced man could see a figure up at the top of the pile of rubble, beside the crumbling line of a fallen wall, it nimbly ducked beneath the arch of a broken window, stained glass long gone. The ghostly silhouette picked it's way much quicker than the gravel-voiced one had, implying either prior knowledge of the terrain or perhaps vision enhancing technology. It was clear even in the dim light that the ghost held a rifle and that it's aim never waivered.

 

Once the spectre was close, the low light showed it to be a woman, her dark hair tied back, dark clothing that resembled the uniform of many special forces and militia, practical, comfortable, tough, and non reflective.

 

"Very good Jal. I can see why my superiors have been trying to recruit you for so many years. So you got me. Now how about lowering that rifle and we get this conversation over with huh?" said the man identified as Skelton.

 

The weapon was slowly lowered, but would easily be raised on impulse.

 

"Alright, what do I call you this time? Skelton was it last time? What now? And make it quick, I have places to be."

 

"Ah yes, your lovely family, your husband Jhesev, son Jihan, he's a wonderful boy. Yes, but you can call me Thomas if you wish."

 

The woman audibly growled. "Get on with it Skelton."

 

"Alright. I am here to tell you that you are going to be given a new assignment. One that you are inclined to decline, knowing your motivation to pursue previous leads in your little obsession with a certain individual."

 

"What? Cut to it. What do you mean? New assignment? I'm a civilian, not in the Fleet anymore. I can't be given an assignment."

 

"You will be recalled." said Skelton. "But I'm here to tell you that it would be in your interest to take the assignment. Your quarry is closer to hand."

 

There was a pause as Jal took this in. "Parette is close to hand? Here in this Quadrant?"

 

"Closer, in this system. You handed your research on "the device" to the Science Institute. Parette knows this."

 

"What? How do you know all this?"

 

"You need to ask that question Jal?"

 

Another pause.

 

"Why don't you apprehend Parette yourselves if you know where he is?" she asked.

 

Agent Skelton replied with a smile and shrug. "That's for me to know and you to find out."

 

"You know where he is? Give me his location then."

 

Skelton carefully ran the fingers of one hand through his greying hair and slowly shook his head. "Can't do that. Not right now at least."

 

"When then?" Jal demanded.

 

"We'll be in touch."

 

The rifle was levelled and muzzle pressed against the intelligence agent's chest.

 

"What's stopping you telling me the location right now?"

 

Skelton smiled again, almost apologetically.

 

"My friends up there." he said with a jerk of the head up and behind Jal.

 

Without taking the rifle from Skelton's chest the woman glanced in the direction he had nodded. Back up in the broken arched window frame there was a dark figure bearing a rifle. There was another silhouetted atop the pile of rubble that had been a wall, and another and another further along. Skelton hadn't come alone.

 

"You are pretty good Jal, for a scientist, but this is my career and I've been doing it a long time. Now you are going to lower your weapon and stand here for about sixty seconds. Myself and my friends here, we'll make ourselves scarce. Two minutes from now you are free to leave."

 

Angrily, Jal pressed her rifle harder against the agent's chest. She knew she was outnumbered, flanked and had no chance against the other intel agents. She was forced to capitulate.

 

"Remember, take the assignment. We'll be in touch." Skelton said as he stepped back into the shadows.

 

Two minutes later, the thwarted Kinziri Jal was alone with her thoughts in the chilly night. Tapping the back of one gloved hand she initiated transport up to her privately owned orbiting ship.

 

End scene.

[RAdm Kinziri Jal]

== Stardate 21701.28. Kyoto, Japan. ==

 

The air was cold as they walked along the ancient Philosopher's Walk, although it was mid afternoon, and a chilly breeze made Kinziri pull the replicated fur collar of her winter coat tighter around her neck and face. The narrow canal that ran alongside the path was frozen over. At intervals along the other side of the footpath were charming little shops selling locally made art or clothing, a typically out of place jazz cafe doing good business. It was interesting to see the diversity of traders and likewise the diversity of people visiting from all around the quadrant, adding more colour to an already colourful locale. 

 

This wasn't her favourite time of year to visit the city, which was one of her favourite places on the whole planet, every season had its appeal, but she preferred the spring time above all. 

 

She didn't have the luxury of picking the most favourable time for this visit though. It happened to be when the people she worked for wanted her on Earth to present an update and summary of her research. She had to give presentations at the Star Fleet Science Institute in Seattle, on the North American continent, but with instantaneous cross planetary transportation available to any city or major town on the planet, she could base her stay anywhere she liked.

 

As it happened, during the period of her visit, her adopted daughter was graduating from Starfleet Academy, and so she had taken some vacation time to bring her whole family together for the occasion. Her husband Jhesev, their son Jihan, Calico of course, and even her sister Kendri had been able make time. The Trill sisters and human Calico wore thick winter clothing, but Jhesev, being Aenar, wore a thin jacket and a broad smile in the frosty climate that reminded him of home on the planet Andor. Jihan, being half Trill and half Aenar was clothed somewhere in between his parent's levels of comfort. None of them really paid much attention to the weather though, not when their surroundings were so interesting, charming, and beautiful.

 

Kinziri did love Japan though, and Kyoto was beautiful, if cold, in January, covered in a blanket of snow which made the historic gardens quite magical. The layer of snow covering the Golden Temple, Kinkaju-ji, along with the reflection in the water in front of the temple, made for a magical sight.

 

Prior to descending down to the Philosopher's Walk, they had also visited the Kiyomizudera Temple ancient monument. Little Jihan's eyes had been wide in wonder at the strange and fascinating statues of mythical creatures and interesting shaped buildings. Along the hillside the beautiful Kiyomizu-no-butai hall offered great views across the low lying city of Kyoto. 

 

Another monument, much more modern than the Kiyomizudera Temple, was the Kyoto Tower, the tallest structure in the city, yet only a hundred and thirty metres tall. The steel tower contrasted from the ancient wooden temples, and the tower's obervation deck gave it a 'pin' shape with a spire on the top. The tower reminded Kinziri very much of a similar structure across the globe in Seattle, where she would be presenting her research to the Star Fleet science officials.

 

Her mind distracted from her surroundings, Kinziri thought about the implications of presenting Star Fleet with her findings. The experiments she had been conducting while on board the USS Dauntless had been successful. On one occasion an unexpected combination of chroniton particles had created some... unusual results, and she still hadn't thought of a good description of the creatures that had rampaged through the laboratory that day. Such results could never have happened 'by chance' if the lab were based on a planet, but on a starship involved in a mission, the lab, and ship, had been back and forth in time via a singularity and some questionable use of temporal mechanics. It had only been through the swift actions and good aim of Security officer Zan that the incident in the lab had been contained. Zan had been sworn to secrecy to the details of the experiment, in return for promised tutoring in how to get in touch with her symbiont's previous hosts experiences.

 

Now on Earth, Jal had handed Starfleet with working technology that could be used for terrifying acts if it got into the wrong hands. She just had to believe that she'd given it to the right hands.

 

Her son slipping his hand into hers brought her out of her thoughts and back to the present. She smiled down at Jihan and gave his hand a little squeeze.

 

"We'd better get back to the ryokan. We have time for a hot chocolate for you Little One, and maybe your father and I will have some Amazake before we all get ready for Cally's party." she said.

 

"Party!" exclaimed Jihan with a huge grin on his face.

 

End scene.

 

>> Starfleet Academy. Graduation Ball >>

[Lt Mike Hobritz]

The Firewater Bar

 

London, England.

 

 

The previous couple of weeks had taken their toll on Mike, he hadn't bothered to shave in over a week, nor had he bothered with his once immaculate hair.

He'd returned to Earth with Eden and of course attended the funeral.  But all of that had been a week previous, since then he'd just lulled about the place where his beloved had come from.  They'd planned to visit her Father at some point, during one of his leave schedules.  Hobritz had met Damien Roth and the meeting had been anything but pleasant.  Mike was still blaming himself for her death and more than likely her Dad was too.  The thought had occurred more than once, that if he hadn't kissed her on graduation day and confessed his love for her, then she would be still alive and happy.  Also the thought that he could have saved her was present, if he hadn't have been such an idiot and stayed with her, then would she be dead?  There was no way of knowing either way, but with things as they were everything looked black to him.

 

Once again the wreck of an Officer looked into the bottom of a glass, he hadn't counted how many he'd drank that evening and really he didn't care.  The world was still for him and he doubted the future could ever be happy again.  Had he made the right choice in joining Starfleet?  Again with that thought in mind, it prompted another scenario.  What if he hadn't joined, then she'd be alive still?  Starfleet hadn't been all bad, he'd made friends, he'd reached out to Christian and heard nothing back from him.  No doubt his so called best friend was chasing skirt and generally making a fool of himself.  Grix had been the same all through the Academy, misadventure after misadventure.

 

"Hey, I'll have another."  Mike said gesturing to his empty glass.

 

The beefy barman approached and narrowed his eyes at Hobritz.  "Haven't you had enough?"

 

Mike gave a blank expression to the guy and blinked twice very deliberately.  "If I had, do you think I'd be asking for more?"  On that he put his right index finger on the glass and gently pushed it towards the barman.  "I'll have another, I'll tell you what Pal, make it a double."  There was some reluctance, but Mike's glass was topped up.  He in turned raised the glass and said.  "Cheers, to your good health."  With that he through his head back and necked the contents of his glass.

 

"Now you've had enough."  Insisted the barman.

 

"You reckon do you?"  Hobritz asked and seeing the serious expression in his hosts face.  "Very well, this place is a sh*t hole anyway."  He said standing a little unsteadily.  "Shan't come back here." The drunken young man added as he headed slowly for the door.

 

Once Hobritz had left the establishment, the chill of the night air cut him life a knife.  He fumbled but found his jacket zip and pulled it right to the top, it didn't make much of a difference, the cold was still getting in.  His lodgings weren't very far thankfully, just a simple room with a bed, a TV and an armchair.  But being that he was in a less than fit state, in terms of his walking ability, the room would seem a lot further away.  Walking like a zombie and staggering from side to side a little, Mike made his way towards shelter and slumber.  

He rounded a corner and left the street the bar was on, the area he was in was one of the older parts of the city and still maintained the look in some ways.  Probably for nostalgia value and a point of interest to visitors.  He hadn't got far from the corner, when he saw a lady leaning against a wall.  "Hi there are you looking for some company tonight?"  She asked.

 

Mike eyed the woman for a moment, she wasn't at all pretty, not even with all of the booze inside him.  The attire she was wearing was revealing, but did her no favours.  The presence of the lady of the night was a surprise, it was the first time he'd come across anyone on Earth like that.  Apparently it was the oldest profession in the world.  "I don't think so, aren't you ashamed of yourself?"

 

"What?"  The woman asked looking shocked at the blonde man's response.

 

"Hey, now that ain't polite."  Said a man's voice, who until then had stood in the shadows.  He stepped out gesturing for the woman to leave and moving nose to nose with Hobritz.  "No need for that was there chum?"  The man said in a broad gravely cockney accent.  He was about Mike's height, though he was broader and had was follicly challenged.

 

"I know, I don't know what the place is coming to."  Mike replied nodding in the direction the lady took. 

 

The man scowled and his shovel like hands grabbed at the front of the engineers jacket.  With ease Mike was pushed against a brick wall and his assailant was that much closer.  "I'd offer you a mint, but I haven't got any.  You might need a Dentist actually."

 

"You're the one who's gonna need a Dentist old son."  The man said moving back his right hand and balling it into a fist at eye level.

 

Mike showed no fear, either the booze had brought about new found braveness or more likely he simply didn't care about himself to stop what was happening.  "You reckon?"  Hobritz replied swiftly bringing up his right knee, the man groaned as his pupils seemed to focus on the tip of his nose.  Slowly the man dropped to his knees and gasped for air.  "Oooh did that hurt me old china?"  Mike asked with a passable cockney accent, he then brought back his own fist and right hooked the man's jaw.  As his would be attacked slumped holding his crown jewels, Mike ground his teeth and hissed at the pain in his hand.

 

Barely had the man gone down, when a pair of hands grabbed the unsuspecting Starfleet officer from behind.  He felt the sudden and sharp pain of something hitting the left side of his rib cage.  He was once again thrust against the wall, in time for his stomach to receive a blow.  Instinctively Hobritz raised his hands over his head and hoped to defend himself.  For a moment he was reminded of No Man's Land and defending the helpless Luka.  From what he could tell, two others had arrived, likely associates of the man on his knees.  A fist came up and struck the Ensign in the face, before his face saw the pavement coming up to meet it....

[Lt (JG) Jaxx Crandell]

==Crandell Trans Global Offices - Sydney Australia== 

 

 

Jaxx was hardly in the best frame of mind recently, he'd reported for duty at Area 42 and everything seemed to be going so smoothly.  That was until he was called to the administration block, there he'd been told.  "Sorry Ensign Crandell, there's been a mistake with your posting."  The whole situation had started off with a large amount of confusion, he'd done everything he'd needed to to get into special ops and then it was gone.  Despite his protests to the contrary, Jaxx was overruled and ordered back to Earth and Starbase Alpha. 

 

It wasn't until he was on the transport back that something clicked, his Father had always opposed his entry into Starfleet, believing his son was going through a phase.  More fool him for trying to push Jaxx into something he didn't want and that was to join the family business.  It wasn't that he didn't respect what the business was, how it'd come to be and how it'd made the family what it was.  It was just that the younger Crandell wanted something more, something for himself, something that was not Crandell Trans Global.  Adventure...

 

He walked along the corridors of the companies business HQ, the place was as pristine as always and decorated with awards and various objet d'art.  Jaxx stopped briefly and looked up at the portrait of his Grandfather 'Tyson Crandell', he always paid his respects to his late Grandparent when passing the painting.  Tyson had died eighteen years earlier and as such Jaxx hadn't had much time with the man, though he remembered him as being one of the most kind and supportive people ever.  A stark contrast to his son Alfred, Jaxx' Father.

 

A minute or so later he entered the outer office, which led to Alfred's office.  Veronica, the blonde busty secretary sat filing her nails, she was quite the stunner and Crandell suspected that was the only reason his Dad kept her around.  Crandell Junior couldn't recall ever seeing her actually doing any work.

 

"Tell my Father, I want to see him right now!"

[Lt (JG) Jaxx Crandell]

Jaxx stood and remained silent, balling his hands into fists when he heard the response.  "My Son is not here at the moment Veronica, I should know I sent him off to New York"  Crandell pressed his lips together and exhaled through his nose.  Clearly his Dad had incorrectly assumed it was Liam in the outer office, it sounded as though his elder Brother was sent away on business.

 

The doors to the main office opened and there stood the large frame of Alfred Crandell, as miserable looking as ever. "You"!  The atmosphere could have been cut with a knife, the animosity between Father and Son was very apparent.  "Make an appointment to see me, You do not have the right to demand to see me at any time".  The elder Crandell turned and went back into his office, Jaxx turned to face Veronica and held up his right index finger as a warning of 'Don't try and stop me.'  On that the Ensign entered the larger and very well decorated office.  He heard what Alfred had said.  "Well Jaxx had made his choices and if he thought he was getting bailed out of another mess then he could think again."  Which followed by a loud.  "Get the hell out of here"!

 

"I'm not going anywhere, you're going to tell what the hell you did and I am not going until I get an answer."  Jaxx began to pace the office, his nose twitched at the odour of the cigar, they smelled absolutely disgusting.  "I've never gotten into a mess I couldn't get out of myself, I don't need your help Dad with anything like that.  Like I said I just want to know what you did?"

[Lt (JG) Jaxx Crandell]

"I'll stand thanks."  Jaxx spat back bitterly, he stopped behind the chair pointed out by Alfred and stood akimbo.  The look his Father gave was returned by Crandell, his Mother had always said they looked the same when they were angry.  Both men were stubborn and ruthless when it came to the pursuit of what ever they wanted. 

 

Alfred just sat and puffed away at his cigar.  "So Jaxx, Just what am I being accused of this time"? 

 

Jaxx shook his head and gave a half grin, which gave the look of 'You're not fooling me.'  He then began to pace backwards and forwards.  "I don't know what the hell you think i've done, but if it involved you then I did not even know you had finished that damn space school".

 

Crandell stopped and dashed forward to the old desk and slammed both hands on the top of it.  His face was visibly angry.  "Don't treat me like a bloody idiot Dad, I know you've got buddies in the Admiralty and despite how enlightened we are meant to be in the twenty fifth, nobody is immune to bribery or a little palm greasing.  I know how you got a heads up about certain opportunities."  His eyes widened and he shook his head.  "So what did you ask for?..."  Jaxx shrugged his shoulders and resumed his pacing.  "Let me guess,....Make sure my Son doesn't get given anything too hazardous in terms of an assignment."  Jaxx pivoted on the spot and turned towards his Father, shaking with anger slightly.  "Well you got your wish, I got moved from.."  He had to stop himself, even though he'd been transferred from Area 42, he still wasn't at liberty to discuss it.  "I've been assigned to the first fleet, based in the Sol system.  I could have been out there and making a difference, why is it so tough for you to let me do what I want?"

[Lt (JG) Jaxx Crandell]

 

Earth, Sydney, Australia

 

 

Jaxx was a mix of excitement and sadness at the same time, he'd brought Odani to his home turf so to speak.  Exciting because it was always fun to show a lady the sites, sad because they were both scheduled to ship out very soon and he'd enjoyed the opportunity to get to know her.  But that was the life of a Starfleet officer, out on assignments and very little in the way of being social with anybody, anybody from a different base or ship that was.  However he would not dwell on the impending departure of the Gettysburg and the Sheridan.

 

The skybus eased down into its berthing and sounded like it let out a long drawn out sigh as it powered down.  A second later the seal around the hydraulic doors broke, allowing the hatches to rise and allow regular air to course through the transport.  Crandell closed his eyes and inhaled a good dose of Sydney air.  "I never get fed up of coming back here."  He declared looking across to Odani.  "It is better when the experience is shared and I'm glad you decided to come."  He said stepping down from the skybus and turning to offer his hand to Emer, in true gentlemanly fashion and smiled up at her beautiful features.  "My Lady."  He said with his smooth Aussie charm.

 

A slight breeze brushed off Jaxx, nicely regulating the warm air and giving him a strong sense of well being.  The sound of the ocean turning over gently, well that was so very soothing and he thought about the possibility of getting a recording of it.  That idea had come and gone before, usually if he struggled to sleep, then he would lay down and imagine lying on the beach and listening to the waves crashing down.  Usually that worked and saw him get a sound sleep.

 

For the evening, Crandell had opted to wear his grey suit and shaved of the designer stubble he usually had on his chin.

 

His hair as always was groomed to perfection and the rest of his preparation consisted of expensive aftershave and varying other applied manly scents.  "I though we could walk for a little while, then perhaps we could go to a place I know, serves the best food around here.  Especially if you like seafood, theirs is unbeatable on Earth, as far as I am concerned that is."  His boyish smile widened.  "But I'm happy to do whatever you want, you name it and we do it."

 

 

==Tag Odani==

[Lt (JG) Jaxx Crandell]

The idea of a walk and seafood went down well, Crandell nodded with a gesture for them walk along the waterfront.  No matter how many times he saw the site of the opera house, it never got old for him and he never imagined that it ever could.  Australia was in his veins and Sydney was where the heart for him.  Odani talked about how she would spend her time on the wharves, then about the food she loved to eat and things she liked to do when she was out and about.  A bit of a free spirit.  He thought to himself and there was nothing at all wrong with that, she was pure and honest, as far as he could tell there was nothing false about her.  She's a refreshing change to be around.  

 

"Yeah, it is a great place."  He agreed with his Aussie accent all the more prominent.  His attention left the opera house and his eyes met hers, right where they needed to be.  He nodded at her sentiment of the places beauty and the fact that it was unscarred.  He wasn't sure what to say about Ishtar and crater turned lake, the occupation had undoubtedly left Bajor with wounds that would never heal.  Not just to the world itself, but to the Bajoran people as a whole.  Crandell wasn't great when it came to Bajoran history, though he was aware of the occupation and the wormhole to the Gamma Quadrant and how the Bajor sector was part of the front line in the Dominion war.  "This might sound nuts Odani, but I would really like to see Bajor.  Some pretty great people came from there too."  He turned his head briefly and nodded towards the harbour.  "It's not the place I reckon, its the person and the choices they make.  You can make life whatever you want it to be, perhaps any greats that came from here were simply lucky."  His focus reconnected with hers.  "Perhaps we could arrange some time together and visit Bajor?  I mean not to sound ignorant or anything, but I am finding I would like to learn more about the Bajoran's."

 

Then came a fairly common place question, Odani asked why he had joined Starfleet.  He raised his eyebrows and looked to one side.  "Well that's a story in itself."  He took a deep breath.  "I wanted to be my own person I guess."  That would no doubt be met with a request for clarity.  "What I mean is....my family owns Crandell Trans-Global.  Don't know if you've heard of it, anyway it doesn't matter if you have or not."  Again he looked at Emer.  "The business has been in the family for..."  He paused and looked up, "About two hundred and fift...no two hundred and sixty three years now I think."  His gaze once again lowered.  "And basically it is expected, that Crandell's join the business."  His face gave a sour looking expression and possibly a look of distaste.  "Nah, that was not for me.  I wanted to be out there."  He said gesturing with his right hand towards the sky.  "Flying real ships and helping people in need...and of course meeting new and interesting people."  Jaxx blushed slightly and hoped he didn't look dumb.  "People like you."  He added softly.  "Anyhow."  Crandell shrugged his shoulders and thought about the day he'd told his parents, that he wanted to go his own way.  "It caused my Dad to drop his backside, he went absolutely bonkers with me."

 

As they traversed the edge of the waterfront, without thinking Jaxx took Odani's closest hand.  The evening was pleasant, the mood was brilliant and the company he had beat everything hands down.  "So tell about what brought you here."  

 

==Tag Odani==

[Lt (JG) Jaxx Crandell]

Odani was pretty much the same as him, in terms of how he'd come to join Starfleet and how neither of them had done what was expected of them.  He had to think for a minute about 'lightship', then he recalled pictures he'd seen of such a vessel.  If memory served Captain Sisko, of Deep Space Nine, had built one of the vessels and actually travelled in it.  Though his Bajoran history may have been faulty, as well as his recent history.  He nodded in agreement to being familiar with the tale.  There had been something of a hoohah about her design, her own people thinking she'd turned her back on them.  It was indeed a narrow minded view, since the Bajoran's were Federation members.  He looked forward, he flicked his eyebrows and rolled his eyes with confusion of that one.  Jaxx soon looked back at Emer, when she stated the man she loved had abandoned her, along with many others.  It was bad to have people turn their backs on you, but worse when it was a loved one, though he could relate to that with his Father.

 

"Strewth, he sounds like a right wombat!"  Crandell declared.  "If that was me, I'd be livid with myself and regretting it now."  He thought about adding, that if the other bloke had really loved her, then nothing would have come between them.  But it was better leaving it with what had been said.

 

From what he was gathering, Odani had been tinkering with mechanic since a young age and that was with her mother.  He smiled warmly as she took his hand and that made the scene perfect in his opinion.  She was very enlightened and had a not too complicated view of the universe.  The stars certainly had called them both.  For a second or so, Jaxx was confused about the Prophet, that had to be the name of her lightship.  His expression warmed when she mentioned the support of her parents, that was nice to know, having any support was all one could ask for.

 

"Well another good deed has come from those stars, if it weren't for their beckoned call, we wouldn't be here now enjoying the nice Sydney air together."  He said raising their clasped hands and kissing the back of hers quickly and gently.  "Also if I can help in any way, with the Prophet, I would be honoured to help you out Odani."

 

The next thing to be discussed was the Opera house and how Emer had seen it on a vid.  It was a pretty unique building and not so hard to forget.  She hadn't expected to see it in person and added that she was in such good company.  That caused his cheeks to redden and made the unsuspecting Jaxx swallow a couple of times.  He turned his face to meet her eyes.  She also added she would love to show him Bajor and how it still boasted its own unique places of natural beauty.

 

Crandell stopped as the breeze wafted through his hair, causing it to unsettle slightly.  He turned to where he was face to face with Odani.  "You're not kidding about natural beauty on Bajor, in fact their a nice piece of it in Sydney Harbour right now."  With his free hand Jaxx reached into his jacket pocket and removed a gift for her.  "I got this for you, I hope you like it."  He said holding up the jewellery between them.

"It's an Australian opal, absolutely stunning and I really wanted you to have one."  He said, probably sounding more than a little cheesy.  "The creature it represents is a turtle or a terrapin, not sure of the difference."  He said with a chuckle.  "But once I saw it, I thought of how good it would look on you.  Crandell held his gift a little closer, so his companion could take a better look at it.

[Lt (JG) Jaxx Crandell]

Jaxx looked down at the necklace, watching as Odani's delicate finger examined it carefully, he couldn't help but smile and noticed the silence that had befallen them.  In fact for a few moments, feeling more like an eternity, it was so quiet that a pin drop could be heard.  But it didn't feel awkward, it was one of the so called perfect moments and the sense of well being was uplifting to say the least.

 

He lovely green eyes showed emotion, there was the unmistakable glazed appearance to them, the sides of his own would have creased when they'd locked gazes.  A second later Odani closed her eyes and then made the distance between them disappear.  Their lips connected and the descriptiveness of how much better that perfect moment was, it was near on impossible to tell anyone else without their own experience.  Her arms gently moved around him, taking him into her embrace and pulling their bodies together.  His hands came up and cradled around Odani's jaw line, his thumbs gently caressed her warm and soft cheeks, while the tips of his fingers were caught in the flow of her sandy brown hair.  For a second he wondered what was touching the back of his hand, it was too heavy to be a strand of hair, then it came to him, of course it was her Bajoran earring.

 

Whatever was happening around them in the universe went by unnoticed by both of them, at that moment only she mattered to Jaxx and everything else would take a back seat.  Everything was so exciting for him, it was one of those times he would cherish and not want to end.  Though no doubt they both knew, that the time would come and they would find themselves apart.  So that meant they had to make memories that evening and see where thing would go from there.

 

The kiss came to its natural conclusion, Jaxx moved his head back to observe her beauty and smiled softly.  "I guess you like the necklace then?"  He asked with a bit of joviality and cheekiness mixed.  His right hand remained on the left side of her face, while his thumb slowly stroked back and forth.  "You're amazing ya know?"  On that he took Odani by the hand and continued their walk along the waterfront.  "Ooh look, that's something we should totally do someday."  He said nodding towards the water.

 

"Can you imagine it, just you, me and the open sea?"

[Lt (JG) Jaxx Crandell]

Jaxx grinned as he recalled the holodeck experience, his hands came down and rested gently on Odani's sides, just a little above her hips.  "Nothing holographic."  He agreed widening his expression.  The noise of the birds above caught their attention, his eyes rolled up and watched the large white birds squawking happily away.  One of them shot down with precision and made rapidly for the water.  "It's amazing how they can move like that, for such big birds too."  He remarked still looking up.

 

The sail boat had caught Odani's attention and she seemed fascinated by it, thus making him wonder of Bajor had similar water craft.  One day he was determined to find out and with some luck, with Odani at his side.  When she waved at the passing yacht, one of the two blokes on board waved and Crandell was also convinced he'd said.  'Sheila'.  His eyes narrowed at the two men and a slight scowl formed.  Yeah, eyes and hands off fella's.  He thought in way of a silent warning to the sailors.

 

"Yeah, Aus does have quite an history.  Don't know if you know this, but this old place was where the baddies went in the olden days."  His eyes met hers again, they went wide and a not so serious, yet serious grin appeared on his face.  "It was a penal colony, I'm probably descended from sheep rustlers or something."  He said chuckling at the notion.  "It might be a giggle to research it one day."  He turned his head back to the water and smiled.  "You're right though, we do owe a lot to those brave folks, we wouldn't be where we are now without their daring."

 

Once again his focus was where it needed to be, where it should have been more often than not, on Odani.  She talked of her friend Lydia and a smile twitched briefly onto his face, when she used the word Aussie.  It was really cute and funny at the same time, coming from a non-human.  Crandell held his head to one side and thought about what was said about Australia.  "Lydia is right to a certain extent, there is a lot of desert terrain out there."  His head straightened and turned back to her, his face lit up with another smile.  "The Outback."  He said correcting the slight error, though she wasn't a million miles out.  Though he chuckled inside at 'Out Behind', for some reason he imagined someone mooning.  "Yeah I've been out there, it's full of life and has some places that are magnificent to see and..."  He emphasized.  "And it's an experience best shared."

[Lt (JG) Jaxx Crandell]

With his hand that was clasped to Odani's, Jaxx continuously rubbed the back of her hand and enjoyed sensation of their connection.  Warm and delicate to the touch, to him her skin felt soft and velvet like, he wondered if she used moisturizing and other such skin care products.  Like a lot of Earth women did, either way it felt great and he could hold on to her hand forever. 

 

"That would be great."  He said warmly and softly.  "There are several things I'd like to show y....."  He paused and his mouth fell open, realising how his words must have sounded.  "Site's I mean."  He hastened to add and swallowed hard, hoping he hadn't made a disastrous blunder.  "Then of course there's Bajor, I would love to visit.  Plus there are so many other places."  Jaxx looked up to the darkening sky, the beautiful gems of light began to pierce the dark veil of night.  "Up there, waiting to be seen for the first time and places already discovered, that have yet to be seen by those of us who haven't seen them."  His gaze came down from above and reconnected with Odani's features.  "You know, I've never seen Sydney look so beautiful, not like it does at this moment in time."  He said bringing up their hands and kissing the back of hers.

 

The connection their eyes made sent his heart into faster pace and it thumped loudly in his chest.  She said dreaming like, that she could get lost in them and not find her way out.  Crandell brought them to a stand and once again turned towards her.  His right hand went around her slender waist, just above her left hip and his fingertips stopped over the small of her back.  From there he was able to pull her up close, it felt good with their frames close together and only one thing was left to be done at that point.  He placed his free hand behind her neck, once again obtaining the sensation of her soft hair running through his fingers.  He moved his lips closer to hers and stopping short, she would see his eyes curve and their edges crease betraying a warm smile he was giving.  "What's stopping you?"

 

Jaxx maintained the small distance and held onto her for as long as she would allow.  So many things were running through his head at that moment, he thought about what she said about jumping on the schooner and having to only to rely on wind and sail.  It certainly was an enticing offer, allowing random chance to lead them into whatever their destiny was.  But at the same time he didn't want her to make any rash decisions on his behalf, they needed to get to know each other more, before either of them could sit down and make long term plans.  Time and patience was were key, well for some things anyway.

[Lt (JG) Jaxx Crandell]

"Nor have I."  Jaxx replied, yes he was very comfortable around Odani.  She had the looks of the most beautiful oil painting, she was smart and her view of the universe around her was unique, but very special.  "Did you know you have baby hair at the back of your neck, it's so soft and delightful to the touch.  Soft and delicate."  With each passing moment he was discovering more about her and liked what was being revealed.  She wasn't like other women that he'd dated, if it could be considered as dating.  During his late teens and to just after his 20th birthday, Crandell had been something of a party animal and women had been there if required.  For the most part they'd been easy and not much of a triumph.  Now seven years later, there he was, a Starfleet officer and supposedly a gentleman.  Odani was different, she was special in more ways than one, she was not a happy go lucky sort.  She was an officer too and her brains were plentiful, Odani was what could be described as class.

 

"I'm all for learning Odani and I completely agree, our minds are their own little universe and I don't think we could ever fully know it."  His eyes widened at the request for his story, the thought to make up one occurred, but the truth was all he wanted to tell her.  Had he thought she wasn't very serious, he might have gone along with a fabrication of his life story, but no Odani deserved and was going to get the truth from him.  "I'll tell you whatever you want to know."  He said with his right hand sliding down from her face and resting on her left shoulder.  "I like the idea of planning journeys away together, as for keeping in touch."  His facial expression showed more happiness.  "We can talk on a comm channel whenever you like, I could get myself a camera and send you pics of the places I see?"  The smile turned cheeky.  "And a few selfies if ya like."  He added with a chuckle.  "Though I've never really been one for religion and I have to say I have no problem at all with it, but something put us together back on Bravo and brought us to where we're standing now."

 

"I want to know all about you too, but only whenever you want to share, I want you to feel comfortable around me."  His hand reconnected with her cheek again.  "So what do you want to know about me?"

[Lt (JG) Jaxx Crandell]

Jaxx held his head back and laughed at the request for lots of selfies, after Odani admitted to looking at his service picture several times, did he turn his attention back to her.  "Well I guess we're both guilty of that then, glad it's not just me."  As she pressed her side against his, there was an instant feeling of warmth and well being.  Without hesitation he removed his blazer and placed it over Odani's shoulders, further complimenting the affection with an arm around her shoulders.

 

My childhood?  Well that was a little unexpected and did he know he was irresistible?  "Well my childhood was, I dunno how to adequately describe it."  He paused for a moment to think.  "I spent a good deal of time in space, going from one place to the back of beyond and back again."  He gave a half smile as his mind wandered to years past.  "That was before Dad actually took over the company, Gramp's always sent him to get new contracts and such.  So off Liam and I would trot, here there and everywhere."  He bit his bottom lip for a moment, a sure sign that Jaxx was actually using his brain and thinking.  "Liam's my big brother by the way and now a V.P at Crandell Trans-Global, it'll all be his one day I suppose, after the old man pops his clogs."  A curious expression, to which Jaxx had no idea as to its origin, only what it meant.  "While we were out there, when not at boarding school, we would hear chapter and verse of the family history.  As much as I respect it and all, I did get bored of hearing it over and over again."  His focus moved to the front of them, when Jaxx nodded gently, another sure sign of the cogs turning.  "Dad wanted us to take over the business one day, but being out in space and seeing Starfleet ships buzzing about, I knew from a young age I didn't want to work for C.T.G.  I was a bit of a bookworm believe it or not."  It was an understatement, it wasn't often Jaxx didn't have his face in a book.  "History mainly, famous explorers and ship evolution.  I think it was reading a mission journal of Captain Spock, when he encountered the V'Ger probe and how it'd collected data from across the galaxy.  That was when I knew I wanted to be out in the wilderness, not back and forth on cargo runs or flying a bloody desk."  He looked startled for a second.  "Pardon the French, like I said before, my choices were not smiled upon to say the least."

 

Things had moved quickly between them, almost as if it was meant to be and like Odani had said before, it was like something was influencing their union.  Whether that was the Prophets, or a big bloke upstairs with a white beard, who knew.  But it was going seemingly well and long may it continue.  "It's my pleasure."  He replied in regard to reminding her about more to life.  "I'll tell you this much, I did have doubts about my choices, but standing her now.....with you, here."  He nodded across the fading lit harbour.

He allowed only a few seconds, for himself to take in the stunning sunset, before looking back to an even more beautiful flesh and blood site beside him.  "Those doubts are nowhere to be seen, they say everything happens for a reason and there is reason for everything?"

[Lt (JG) Jaxx Crandell]

Jaxx did as he was told and looked back up at the stars, when Odani gestured to a shooting star.  A smile crossed his face, partially revealing his top row of pearly white teeth, it truly was a spectacle to see a celestial object tear across the night sky.  "That is beautiful."  He said in a slow, yet still very definite Aussie tone.  The star passed from view very quickly, Crandell wondered where it might make landfall and how many people had just bore witness to its majesty.  "Tonight is truly a night filled with beauty."  

 

"Peter Pan."  He said warmly and with a tone of appreciation, his gaze left the stars and came to where he would see Odani once again.  "I'm sure we would have been."  He agreed to a more than certain childhood friendship.  "But never say never, is what I always say.  We're making up for lost time now right?"  He asked with his manner both questioning and jovial at the same time.  "Ah yes, the famous Montgomery Scott, Scott by name and Scot by nature."  His focus moved back to the water, where the ripples glowed beneath the shimmer of star and moonlight combined.  "Now that is a bloke I would have loved to have met."  He shrugged his shoulders and moved his attention back to his lady friend.  "Again, never say never."  He said with a chuckle.  It was unlikely he'd meet the famed Engineer, but it was not impossible, there were strange things in space, that caused various things to happen.  Time travel being one of them.  "A teacher?"  Jaxx asked questioningly, but not judgemental like, the revelation was surprising.  "I bet you would have been good at that too."  Not wanting to imply she wasn't a good engineer, she wouldn't have been where she was if she wasn't.

 

The topic didn't change so much, it remained on stars and of history, but changed its perspective to a Bajoran one.  "I can't wait to see it."  He said with genuine enthusiasm, definitely on my..."  He paused and thought about his next words for a moment.  "Our to do list, we should do it next time we're on leave.  We can look at it like, I've shown you mine, now you show me yours?"  He looked back up at the seemingly small white balls of light, that effortlessly pierced the night sky.  "I guess the stars have had the honour, of having the best seat in the house."  Crandell turned back to Odani.  "To watch history in the making.  Do you ever wonder about them, see we're looking up at them now."  Once again the stars were in focus.  "Ever wonder if anyone else is looking back at us, I know they say that its millions of years ago we're looking at, or something like that?"  It was probably a dumb question.  "And I agree, these are the best years of our lives and hopefully we will discover the as yet undiscovered.

 

"Naughty naughty."  He said playfully and without a hint of judgement.  "Sneaking out and about, snap."  Though he'd never thought about what she said next, Odani was quite right in what she was saying.  There were times in one's life, when you had to do things for your own reasons and not because someone else said so.  "That is really."  He paused again to think, his eyebrows rose as he did so.  "Enlightened."  He brought them to a stand and turned so they were face to face, with his firm arms he pulled her up close and looked down into her emerald eyes.  The left side of his mouth curved into a smile, her eyes sparkled with the specs of light above them both and gave off a complimentary shine to her eyes.  "I'm so glad I met you, even though it was clearly my turn on the holodeck."  He said with a wink, of course he was jesting, neither of them had booked if memory served.

 

Still holding onto Odani, his eyebrows lifted, when she asked what a wombat was.  "A wombat, uhm well, its.....like."  His head swayed left and then right.  "A big rat I suppose, I always thought they looked a bit like Koala bears."  Gently Crandell brought up his right hand and brushed back a strand of her hair, that had escaped from the rest.  "The word is also and expression of various things, my Brother would call me a wombat if I did something stupid.  Why do you ask?"

[Lt (JG) Jaxx Crandell]

"Did I?"  Jaxx asked curiously.  He pressed out his bottom lip and thought about it for a moment, he didn't recall saying that, but he didn't have the greatest of memories at times.  Usually when the company was good and thus required more of his attention.  Odani's company was more than good, at that moment the Aussie officer felt as though he had the ability to walk on water.  "Well I stand by my statement in that case."  He said grinning and turning his attention in the direction they were heading in.

 

The occasional couple would pass them by, to whom Jaxx would acknowledge with a simple nod or a "Evening."  The smile on his face beamed with pride, walking next to an extraordinarily beautiful lady, in one of the most beautiful places he knew, not that he was being bias of course, but Sydney was home and it was a truly magnificent place to see.  No matter how many times he would walk, or at times jog along the seafront, Jaxx would never grow tired of his place of birth.  In all likelihood it would be quite some time, before he would see the place again, he...they would both soon be off into the unknown.  

 

"An aquarium?"  Crandell asked with mild surprise in his voice.  "Actually yes."  He said nodding in the same direction they happened to be heading.  "There's the old sea life place."  He arched an eyebrow, Jaxx had never been to the place and if that was where Odani desired to go, then that was where they would go.

 

The stroll would take about ten minutes to reach the center, though Crandell for sure would certainly love every second of it with Odani.  Every moment was beginning to have that magical feeling and long may that continue.  His heart was fluttering quite a lot and had him thinking about what he would feel, after they had been apart for periods of time.  He could imagine excitement and long romantic hugs.

[Lt (JG) Jaxx Crandell]

"Yeah, it sure is a great place to be."  Jaxx agreed with his typical Australian drawl.  "It is hard to leave at times, but with the potential of what we could see out there."  He said gesturing to the sky again.  "That's got to offer some kind of recompense right?"  He asked turning his head back towards Odani, she looked to be thinking something over.

 

The subject changed very quickly and that was fine with him.  The barrier reef was meant to be a marvel of beauty, though in his 27 years of live, he had never taken the time to see it.  Of course he'd seen pictures in books and on programs and the like, but never experience the place first hand.  "I dunno really if it is the biggest living thing or not.  Though I suppose being from Oz, I should have an idea about that and well...."  He trailed off.  "Just something I was never interested in I suppose."  He smiled when she talked about an overactive imagination, he dismissed that with a shake of his head.  After all that's why they were both in Starfleet, to better themselves and explore.  "Not at all, in fact that's good."  He added to the head shake.  "As for diving, it's not something I've tried, but as I said before, never say never.  Perhaps its another thing for our 'To Do' list?"

 

It came to pass when they both left the water front and entered the main city itself.  It was buzzing with activity and the atmosphere was tasty, that was until something prompted Odani to reach into her pocket.  From there she pulled out a padd and looked at the contents.  They were her orders and the following day she would be off with the Sheridan.

 

"Oh."  He said simply, disappointment evident in his tone.  "I hoped it wouldn't be so soon, so I'm guessing we'd better make the most of tonight then?  So what do you want to do now?"

[Lt (JG) Jaxx Crandell]

Crandell's immediate concern was how his last words might have been received, like he was trying to push something, which was not his intent at all.  However Odani came up with an amazing response and a smile stretched across his features.  "Dancing, sure thing."  He replied.  "I guarantee my thoughts will be pretty much the same as yours, while we're apart, which hopefully won't be too long."  He was optimistic about them seeing each other soon, but they were both Starfleet officers and sacrifice was expected.  Sacrifice meaning any personal commitments usually, but that did not preclude the possibility of the ultimate sacrifice.  That actually was an interesting point and not something he'd thought much of, he really didn't know if he had the guts for such an occasion.  Hopefully that would not happen, after all he was beginning to see he would have a lot to lose.  

 

Something came from her mouth, which didn't sound to be complimentary and if he was right it was something in Klingon.  He grinned as she grabbed his arm and dragged him off into the city streets.  They laughed hard and moved just as much so, to the point where they began to lose their breath.  Jaxx was surprised about his breathlessness, he'd considered himself fit and took good care of his body, with whatever he ate and with physical exercise.  It had to be Odani, she was taking his breath away...

 

After a short run they arrived at a trendy looking place, it was an open top place and offered a majestic view of the stars above them.  It was the perfect setting for a dance, but before he could ask if she wanted a drink, Emer had dragged him onto the dance floor.  Quite a go getter, she know's what she wants.  Oh yes Odani was strong willed and that was good, her life seemed to be in focus and going where she wanted it for the most part.

 

There was the customary embrace for one of the dances, it was a slow and romantic number, which complimented his feelings at that point.  With his left hand, Jaxx gently traced her curves at the top of her hips and held his hand in place over the small of her back.  His other hand connected with Odani's left and that connection would lead the way in their dance moves.  There was no need for him to look and see where he was putting his appendages, his blue eyes were locked firmly onto her's of sparkling green.  The stars above and the lighting from the venue looked magic swirling around in her eyes, dreamy one might say.  The dance commenced with Jaxx leading the way, keeping a firm grip on his date and was beginning to battle the feeling of not wanting to ever let her go.  Temptation was starting to surface in him, with the idea of them both not turning up for their respective assignments and doing something like he'd suggested earlier, grabbing a yacht and disappearing out to sea.  "I hope tonight never ends."  He said somewhat lamely, but from his thumping heart.  Of course it would end in the physical sense, but on the mental plain it would hopefully remain forever as one of his/their most cherished memories.

[Lt Mike Hobritz]

<<2417 - Officers and Enlisted Party<<

 

The night sky and the winters cold was upon them, it was cold but not so cold it was unbearable to be in.  Mike walked arm in arm with Eliana, so that closeness offered some warmth for them both.  They'd been away from the ball for a short time and made it to one of the piers, it was amazing to the eye and a look of old had been maintained over the years.  More than likely it was to generate a romantic or even a nostalgic feeling.  A few people came and went, some were arm in arm and others simply walked together or were on their own.

 

"Is it me or is it a little quiet around here?"  He asked smiling to his companion.  At that point the distinctive hum of a shuttle grew louder and passed overhead, its direction of travel appeared to be towards Star Fleet HQ.  "I can't believe I've never been down here, then again with Christian as a roommate we didn't go site seeing that much.  Unless you could count women as sites."  He said with a chuckle.  "I wonder where the hell he is now."  With that he shrugged his shoulders and assumed wherever Grix was he was causing mayhem.

 

Once they'd reached a point with not too many people about Mike stopped and turned to face Eliana.  It was still cold and he'd had a drink which erased some of his inhibitions, allowing him to pull Eliana towards him into an embrace.  "So what is the matter Eliana, it's no good denying it I can tell something is bothering you."

 

==Tag McKenna== 

[Lt Aeryn Miller]

>> 2417 Officers & Enlisted Party >>

 

Walking arm in arm with Mike, enjoying the closeness and the view as she looked out towards San Francisco Bay made her forget about the cold then again it was nothing she couldn't handle especially as she fondly remembered her days at the Academy and the off duty sporting activities she indulged in yet this was different more peaceful and romantic and she fully embraced it even though she knew they had decided to remain friends and nothing more but then again you never knew what could happen. That thought was brief as Mike spoke to her just as a shuttle passed overheard and realised how much she missed flying one. 

 

" It is but its perfect and a nice change from the party " she replied once the noise of the shuttle had died down and smiled back at him before he went on to speak about how he had never been down here and spoke fondly about his friend Christian and could only imagine what he was like as she grinned at him and thought the same way when it came to some of her friends although was lucky to have Jaxx in her life again.

 

" It's a first for me too and I can imagine what he was like " she said " Most of my time was spent taking part in outdoor sports,hanging out with friends and getting to fly the odd shuttle " she added reminiscing happily. 

 

Then not long after they came to a stop where it was even quieter and looked into Mike's eyes as he then pulled her into his embrace and for a moment allowed herself to enjoy every second of it before he asked the question she had been dreading the most. " Your right and you always knew when something was and before I tell you I need to know did you receive my last letter?" she asked looking up at him.

 

== Tag Mike == 

[Lt Mike Hobritz]

Mike laughed and nodded.  "Yep certainly is, quieter and a lot less crowded, I can't really stand parties if I am honest."

 

He looked around their surroundings as Eliana spoke, the rush of the water sounded quite relaxing.  Even the chill held some appeal to him, especially holding onto a beautiful woman in such a setting.  It was a new one for him and not a scenario he had envisioned for himself.  Though he had played in the water with a woman, not quite the same, but the setting was somewhat similar and that seemed so long ago.

 

"A letter?"  He looked up and thought for a moment.  "Yes I think....yes I did...of course I did."  He chuckled but the mood changed as his expression showed one of concern.  "I'm sorry I didn't read it...its nothing personal you understand?"  Again there was thought, how could it not be personal?  "What I mean is that I kept it of course, it's in my quarters with my memories box.  I decided to move on and you know...leave things where we'd agreed to for the best."

 

He felt as though his explanation might not have sounded good, even to himself it sounded a little on the bad side though not intended to be such.  Smiling he looked deep into her sorrowful eyes and for a moment his emotions began to take control.  Without a doubt Eliana was beautiful and the urge to throw caution and progression to the wind nearly proved overpowering.  NO STOP, Don't do that to her or yourself.  The last thing Mike wanted to do was to get into a long distance relationship again, the last one was alright until a decision was made without his consultation.  That ultimately led to her death and his life had spiraled from there.  If a relationship was in his future then he wanted his partner close, the memories of Eden would like cause a breakdown and shatter what little confidence he had built.

 

 

==Tag== 

[Lt Aeryn Miller]

Her heart was hammering in her chest and if it wasn't for the fact that Mike was holding onto her, she would of easily passed out or collapsed at the thought of what he might say and from how he had been acting since he saw her had a horrible feeling that he hadn't read it. Trying to remain as normal as possible as he laughed and nodded and revealed that he wasn't that keen on parties. 

 

But before she could say anything to that he went on to speak to about the letter and inside she felt as though her heart was going to break into a million pieces but as he continued speaking of course she understood that it wasn't personal and why he hadn't read it. Although at least he hadn't thrown it away which was a good thing and yes she knew he wanted to move on and despite how she felt towards him had no issue with that or the fact he didn't want to continue their romance which at the time she agreed with and still did to this day. 

 

Maybe one day that would change if they ever got to be in the same fleet again but it made things harder for her with what she had to tell him hoping that it wouldn't be so difficult and honestly didn't know what to do but at the same time didn't want to lie to him.

 

" I'm glad you got it and that you've kept it Mike and I understand why you decided to move on and leave things how they were " she replied trying to keep it together as she paused then continued. " My feelings haven't changed but I know what we agreed on and I respect that..... it's just it included something else, something important that you needed to know and ..... she stopped talking at that point thinking she had said enough as she then closed her eyes and buried her face in his chest.

 

== Tag ==

[Lt Mike Hobritz]

Mike's brow flinched a little when Eliana talked about him keeping the letter and that she was pleased he'd kept it.  If he'd understood her correctly she was harbouring feelings for him and that was something that had not changed.  Though they'd agreed on how they'd gone from their time on the Gettysburg, he was beginning to feel like she was in fact regretting the decision.  The next part about something he should know was concerning and of course with such little information it would be so.

 

"Alright?"  Mike said cautiously.

 

With her face against his chest Hobritz looked across the shimmering dark water and wondered what it was she wanted to pass along.  His heart sunk a little and assumed the worst, she was dying and didn't have long to go.  But how could it have been that?, surely she wouldn't have written a letter about it if it concerned him somehow, as in it was something contagiously lethal.  Had something happened to her family?, though would he have needed badly to know that, not that he wouldn't have cared of course.  Truth be told he didn't have a clue what was going on with her.

 

Finally after a few awkward moments of silence and thought, the Lieutenant took a breath and spoke.  "I think you'd better tell me what it is, its a bit of a trek back to the Copernicus."

 

 

==Tag==

[Lt Aeryn Miller]

Eliana stayed like that with her eyes closed and hearing the gentle soothing sound of his heartbeat and feeling the warmth of his body against hers for a few more minutes not wanting to move and wished she could stay where she was without messing up and that everything was normal and she didn't have to tell him. But as she thought about the life growing inside her, she knew that she wouldn't change a single thing and her feelings for Mike would have to be buried deep so she wouldn't cause any more pain or awkwardness between them and yes she had admitted it to him but it seemed like the right thing at the time so he understood but that was where she would stop and not say anything else.

 

Hearing him speak she began to calm down a little as the awkward silence passed between them for a few moments until he spoke again and took a deep breath before looking up at him. This was it the moment she got to tell him that he was going to be a father and knew she had to be strong and not let the tears fall even though they were threatening too.

 

" Okay and believe me when I say, this wasn't how I imagined telling you but I'm pregnant Mike with your son" she said her voice breaking slightly as she spoke. 

 

== Tag == 

[Lt Mike Hobritz]

Mike was finding it pleasing to hold Eliana once again, despite what they'd agreed to, it was probably just Human nature to feel loved or even wanted.  Wanted by anyone other than family members that was, a loving upbringing was not something he had not got with his Grandparents.  When he was growing and not fully grasping what the life and death meant, death more so, he had at one point thought his parents were alive and well.  The logic in his younger mind was that they didn't want him, of course that was not the case at all.  His Gran later told him it was in some way wishful thinking and a coping mechanism for him.

 

During his life Hobritz had not been ignorant of tragedy and misery on a personal front, of course the loss of his parents was the first.  That followed by a hellish time at school and suffering at the hands of bullies, everything he had taken to heart.  Then there was Eden which was good, but again it ended with a tragic climax and from there he had found it hard to think of anything positive.  

 

However with what Eliana had just revealed about herself, or them both, that was something totally unexpected on his side.  His mouth dropped open slightly his jaw just hung there, no noises or speech was produced, for a moment only the two of them on the pier seemed to exist.  "A baby...."  Was all the Lieutenant could muster at that point.  A Son?  Gently Hobritz moved McKenna back and looked her in the eye.  "Pregnant?"  He asked with a wavy smile struggling to form on his face.  With that he brought his hand to her left cheek and spoke softly.  "Right....well I guess its not a choice anymore, it's...no he's happening.  I suppose we need to talk about this and what you would like from me?"

[Lt Aeryn Miller]

As the seconds ticked by since she told Mike that she was pregnant with his son a whole load of emotions ran through her as she waited for a response not sure how he would react to the news and thinking back to when she herself found out and how scared she was at first especially with them not being in a relationship and only sharing the one magical night together. Also how it slowly began to sink in after gaining advice from both Zephyr, Jaxx and then her family and how she began to look forward to experiencing everything that came with pregnancy and meeting her son. 

 

Not that she had forgotten about Mike through that thought process and wondering if he wanted to be part of his son's life or not and of course hoping that he would although had to be realistic that they may only remain friends and not necessarily resume their romance which she was okay with especially knowing what he had gone through when they met and his reasons for moving fleets. No she was happy just to have him in her life as well and being here with him in his embrace was more than she could of ever imagined.

 

Not wanting the moment to end in a way but it did feel as though it was just the two of them in the whole universe and then she looked into his eyes as his mouth dropped open and nothing came out. Almost holding her breath until he spoke and said one word, nodding as he then moved her back gently and his eyes met hers. Seeing the smile struggling to form on his face as she again nodded at his question, feeling the tears forming in the corner of her eyes. Managing a soft smile as his hand touched her left cheek, remembering his gentle touch well as he then spoke again.

 

Finding her voice as she answered him. " He is Mike and yes we can talk about the pregnancy and everything " she replied " Perhaps we can go somewhere out of the cold so we can do that". 

 

His reaction was more than she could of hoped for and getting to talk about it all took away some of the fear she had initially felt.