Ceremony After Party: Part 2

Posted on Fri Dec 21st, 2018 @ 2:31pm by Captain Horatio Refelian & Commander Abigail Prescott & Captain M'Mira & Major Sam Braddock & Lieutenant Calista Aereen MD & Lieutenant JG Shannon Cosantior & Telhas thu'S'Terion Sa-Shasol'kor t'Cheleb-Khor & Lieutenant Shorish & Nevala thu'S'Terion Ko-Shasol'kor t'Cheleb-Khor

6,985 words; about a 35 minute read

Mission: Mission 2: Into The Breach
Location: Function Room, Diplomatic Hub
Timeline: MD03 - 2030 Hours

M'Mira heaved a sigh of relief. All of her painstaking arrangement seemed to have worked. She would hear more later, for certain but now, her job was mostly done. Though, it would behoove her to remain a good host. She started looking around for people who might be bored or needing some TLC. After this, she would have some quality time with Mint and pamper that woman who was going to have some old man's baby. There definitely was no accounting for her taste but she was her best friend and her sister had exquisite taste in nail designs!

Lieutenant Shorish had missed all the speeches. However, his shift in Engineering did not end at the proper time for him to attend. But, he was able to make it to the party after, engineering being handled by others. Although he did wish his brother were here, nearly all of the security staff was on duty and very few of them were here. Attempting to make the most of the time, for the both of them, Shorish started to linger around the area, soon spotting another Caitian whom he could only assume was the second officer, M'Mira. A sly smile crossed his face as he made sure his copper bands on his tail were in just the right place before going over. "Good evening, Commanderrrrr."

Caitians were not uncommon in Starfleet but nor were they normal either. She noticed the copper bands on the male Caitian's tail. Hm. Not gold but that's definitely trendy. Nice grey coloring, too. Probably married or poor.... Best to be polite so nothing gets back home. "Good evening, Lieutenant. Did you enjoy the cerrrremony?" She noticed the label of Engineering. Worse, he works in the wrong department.

"I had to miss the cerrrremony. Finishing some worrrrk." Shorish could tell that the Commander did not seem to interested in him, likely because of what he'd heard of her dealings with engineers. "Howeverrrr, I did hearrr that the parrrty was just starrrting. Would you carrre forrr a drrrink?"

Not seeing a reason not to be served, M'Mira responded, "Surrre. How about a White Rrrrusian with extrrra crrream?"

Having not tasted that before, Shorish gave a small nod and went in search of the drink. Shortly after, he returned, but seemed to have misunderstood the 'extra cream', as there was cream towered a bit high. "I am sorrrry, Commanderrrr. I don't think this looks rrrrrright. I asked for the White Rrrrrusian with extrrrra crrrream, but I believe I did not tell them to stop on the crrreeam soon enough."

Laughing at the tower of cream, M'Mira took the drink and allowed her tongue to lap up the cream. When it got to a reasonable height, she said, "No, it was not rrright but the crrream is well rrrreplicated. What did you say yourrrr name was, again?" she asked, allowing curiosity to get the better of her.

Ears perking slightly, Shorish gave a slight bow. "Lieutenant Shorrrrrish. Worrrrrk down in engineerrrrring, night shift mostly."

"That would explain why I have not seen you," M'Mira answered. "Tell me about yourrr family, Shorrrrish." She lapped up some more of the cream and then gently swished her drink. "And tell me why you arrrre not drrrrinking anything."

"Family? My fatherrrrr is a merrrchant, he owns his own shipping company. My motherrrrr sadly died, I did not know herrrrr." Shorish lowered his tail slightly at that comment. "As forrr not drrrrinking anything. I just arrrrrived and saw you and came to say hello."

"A shipping company, you say?" Suddenly M'Mira's attention was rapt. "Which one?" Hurriedly she continued, "I am sorrrrry about your mother." Hearing that he came to say hello to her and did not get anything to drink made her smile. Maybe this one is worth some of my time. He is cute. We need to work on his rings, though. If he's wealthy, they really should be gold, not copper.

Ensign Shannon Cosantior wasn't entirely sure why she'd decided to come to the after party. Part of it, she supposed, was curiosity about others she'd be serving with. Other reasons she wasn't sure but here she was. She stood in a corner, holding a glass of water. Eyes skimming the room as a polite face hid any awkwardness.

Spotting someone else nearby, Shorish looked over for a moment and gave Cosantior a polite nod before looking back to M’Mira. “I am surrrre you have hearrrrd of it. Merrrraki Merrrcatorrrr. Merrrraki was a close frrrrriend of my fatherrrrr, helped him starrrrrt the business. He named it afterrrr herrrr.”

M'Mira's eyes widened and her tail stood up straight and started to swish slowly from side to side, contemplating this new information. Heard of it?! Who hasn't? OK, this one has potential. Turning away slightly, playing coy, M'Mira answered, "I have hearrrd of it. Why arrre you not in the family business?"

"Fatherrrr was not happy about Starrrrfleet, wanted me in the family business. We still arrrrrrgue often about it. Howeverrrrrr, he has rrrrrespected the decision." A smile crossed Shorish's face, seeing how M'Mira was moving.

"I see," her tail drooped a little but swished slowly and cautiously, feeling out the situation. "Why did you enlist, then?"

Noticing the tail droop, Shorish shook his head and his tail swished a little. "Wanted to explorrrre the starrrrs beforrre taking over the family business. A frrrrriend talked me into it, and I happen to be good with my paws."

"Good with yourrr paws?" M'Mira asked skeptically. Was that purposely meant to be an innuendo? M'Mira wondered. If so, I can just get rid of him here and now. "This is harrrdly explorrring," M'Mira replied with a slow swish of her tail that started to curl around her waist. She stroked the tuft of her tail and said, "Though, therrre does seem to be quite a grrreat deal of activity."

"Therrrre was explorrrring prrriorrrr to my assignment herrrre. But, therrrre was a need forrr an engineerrrr, so I decided to step in." Shorish's own tail lowered, "Honestly, I don't think I'm completely cut out forrrrr the family work, though I might go back to help my fatherrrr at some point."

"Why do you not believe you arrre cut out forrr the family worrrk? And what would make you go back home afterrr being in Starrrfleet?" Curiosity was getting the better of her.

Shorish's ears lowered a bit this time. "To make amends with fatherrrr. I fix things herrrrre, in Starrrrfleet, and then trrrry to fix things at home. Fatherrrr isn't too happy about my leaving."

"One's clan is the most imporrrtant thing that therrre is," she admitted. "Unforrrtunately, therrre is still much to fix herrre." Unprompted, she told him, "You should at least check in with him and make surrre everything is alrrright."

"You arrrre rrrright, Commanderrrr. Perrrhaps I will check with him tomorrrrow afterrrr my engineerrrrring shift." Shorish's tail perked up a bit. "And you arrrre rrrright about therrre being much to fix herrrre."

"You should do it soonerrr rrratherrr than laterrr," M'Mira responded without knowing what else to say.

Shorish nodded. "I plan to. He sleeps earrrrrly, and will be at worrrrrk while I am. Tomorrrrrow night will be the best time to catch him." He curled his tail a little and was curious what to talk to the Commander about.

"Well," M'Mira replied feeling awkward. "I suppose that I should continue to mingle. The Captain depends upon it."

"Of courrrse, Commanderrrrr." Shorish stated with a small bow, though his ears and tail perked up again. "If you wish to find me again, I will be arrrrround and in engineerrrrrring."

Wish to find him? That's not how it is supposed to work. Well, it was too much to hope for. Before M'Mira could say anything more, a communication came in. =^= Commander M'Mira, we have another ship arriving. Were you still supposed to be notified? =^=

M'Mira responded, =^= I will be therrre in a moment. =^= She then turned to Shorish and said, "Please excuse me. Duty calls." She let go of her tail and it began swishing behind her as she walked off to see who the new arrival might be. She knew that nobody else was scheduled to be at the party, at least she thought not.

Nodding to M'Mira as she left, Shorish went in search of a drink. Maybe he'd mingle somewhere, though he was really no good at it.

Sam was sitting at the bar nursing a tumbler of an aged Faltan whiskey. It had a smooth taste with a hint of sweet citrus. Swirling it around and watching the ice cube clink around on the inside of the glass, he glanced around the room and saw everyone mingling. No matter how many years he served in the Corps, he had never been a social butterfly. Setting the half filled glass down on the bar, Sam started to make his way towards the door.

Candy got to Sam well before he could actually get near a door. "Were you looking for me, handsome? We never did get to finish our talk." She pressed against him, not so much to be scandalous but enough to let him know that she would not refuse his attentions.

Sam’s ears became uncomfortably warm as he felt Candy press against his chest. “I wasn’t, actually but since you’re here, I guess we can finish that conversation if you wish.” He said, resigned to the fact that this woman wouldn’t leave him alone until she got what she came for, whatever that happened to be.

"Oh, you're such a sweetie!" She said giving him a playful pat on the chest. "Now where was we?" she asked in the most innocent and ditzy tone she could conjure.

Sam grimaced a little at this display of saccharine sweetness. Forcing himself to smile, he motioned slightly. “So what did you want to know?” He asked her

"About you. About what you are doing here. More than that generic stuff that you told me before." She allowed a finger to trace his neckline.

Sam raised a hand and gently pushed Candy’s hand away and cleared his throat slightly as his neck became as uncomfortably hot as his ears. “Like I said, I’m a fighter pilot by trade and I run the Aviation Squadron. If someone needs a ride or an air strike, they call me. Beyond that, I’ve told you everything that I can. However, if you’re interested, I’d be happy to take you on a flight, that is, if the Captain and my Commanding Officer approve.” He suggested.

Candy clapped her hands like a schoolgirl and excitedly jumped. "That sounds like so much fun! I can't wait! Please, do whatever is necessary and find me again. I may have to talk to some other people. You understand, right?"

Sam nodded and gave her a small smile. “But of course, ma’am. Don’t let me keep you.” He said

Captain Refelian wondered over to the group with a smile on his face. “Everyone having a good time?”

The moment that the Captain arrived, Candy decided that it would be a better time to talk to someone else. He knew her true personality and it simply would not do to have him blow her cover.

Giving the Captain a polite nod. “Yes, sir-“ he was interrupted by a chirping from his commbadge. “Excuse me, sir.”

“Of course, the job never stops.” The Captain replied with a smile.

While Telhas was at the bar getting them drinks, Nevala went to Aereen. The doctor seemed unoccupied and Nevala was curious. "Hi," she said with a soft smile, "you are a lieutenant, right? Medical department?" Before she could get a reply, she continued. "Sorry, I should have introduced myself first. Duchess Nevala e-T'Daran thu'S'Terion, wife of Ambassador Duke Telhas t'Cheleb-Khor thu'S'Terion. You may call me Nevala."

"Hello Nevala, yes I am a Lieutenant, but I'm also a medical Doctor so I usually go by that instead of my rank, Doctor Calista Aereen, Chief Medical Officer. You can call me Calista." She replied extending a hand.

Nevala took Calista's hand. "A pleasure to meet you, Calista. I am an architect, but actually most of my time is consumed by diplomacy and politics. The price you pay when your husband is an ambassador. And senator. I would have never thought it would change my life that much, but it is pretty interesting. I meet people like you, from other professions, other cultures and in places where I would never have been otherwise. How do you like Faltan so far?"

"It's a lovely world, I'll admit I wish our relationship with the locals was a little more hospitable, but hopefully in time they will see we don't want to take them over as their impression seems to be at the moment." Calista replied, "Did you have a say in the design of the embassy, I was in the area the other day and it's a very beautiful building."

Nevala smiled proudly. "It is my design. I have been the architect in charge. It should connect both, our history and our presence, and our people and Faltan station. I hope that my intention is visible."

"I don't think I know enough about Romulan architecture but I find the design very appealing, perhaps I would be able to get a tour at some point." Calista responded.

Nevala smiled. "If you wish I can show you around personally."

Refelian saw Telhas at the bar and made his way over to the Romulan Ambassador. “Ambassador, Thank you for coming.” Refelian said with a smile.

"Thank you for inviting me," Telhas replied with a friendly smile. "Actually, it seems it paid off already. Not only did I meet the Cardassian Ambassador, who seems to be a real lady, but it also seems I got a chance to re-fund the expenses I had after the bombing of my embassy. Whiskey?"

Harry nodded to the invitation of a whiskey, "Please." He added. "The Cardassian Ambassador is very feisty, but I'm sure she'll do an excellent job here."

"Diurachs' Own," Telhas ordered. While the bartender got the beverage, Telhas continued his talk with Refelian. "She seems to be an experienced diplomat. Plus she has a royal demeanor, which is something I hope is linked to an upper class upbringing. It helps a lot if one talks with an ambassador who also has much political influence at home. It makes decisions faster and more reliable." He knew pretty well what he was talking about. "And now, something totally different. Any idea what I could order for the lieutenant my wife speaks to?" He gestured at Aereen. "I think it looks rude if I bring my wife her cocktail, have my whiskey, and nothing for the person my wife talks to."

“I’m not entirely sure what the Doctor drinks. Maybe some wine or more champagne?” Refelian suggested. “Political influence at home are a big help. I wouldn’t mind going into that line myself in the future, maybe taking an Ambassador role or something.”

"Rosé wine," Telhas ordered the barkeeper, "Something worthy of an officer." Turning back to Refelian he continued his conversation. "Make sure to have a reliable network in diplomacy and politics if you do this. But especially, keep good relations with intelligence. One thing you can never have enough of is information. Ah, your whiskey." He smiled as he forwarded the glass to Refelian. "But you should also know the upper echelon guys. Do you know Secretary Temple?"

The Captain took the glass and took in the aroma of the whiskey before taking a sip. “I think I have a good amount of contacts within different areas to keep myself informed well enough. Secretary Temple?” He asked, the name rang a bell but he just couldn’t picture a face.

"Your Secretary of the Exterior," Telhas said while looking at the three drinks he had to carry, the wine, the blue cocktail for his wife, and his own whiskey. "We both served as ambassadors at Deep Space Twelve. Before he became Secretary. A cunning diplomat, and a good person. I just thought if you meet him you could greet him from me. But maybe I should send him a message that the Senate sent me to Faltan. Anyway," he looked at the drinks again. "Could you take my whiskey while I take the drinks for the ladies? Two hands and three very different glasses are a challenge I am not going to try now."

Refelian snapped his fingers on his free hand. “Of course! My mind went blank at the name but yes he was a very good diplomat and has turned his hand to politics quite easily.” The Captain replied as he took the Ambassador’s glass of whiskey while he gave the ladies their drinks.

"Here is your Swimming Pool," Telhas handed the cocktail to his wife, "And I hope wine was the correct guess for you, Doctor." He handed the wine to Dr Aereen.

"Thank you, my Love," Nevala smiled radiantly and took a sip of her drink. "Isn't he a wonderful husband?"

"Wine is usually always a good guess with me." Calista replied with a grin accepting the glass. "Ambassador I haven't had the chance to make your acquaintance. Doctor Aereen Chief Medical Officer. Calista if you prefer."

"Telhas t'Cheleb-Khor thu'S'Terion, Senator, Duke et cetera," Telhas grinned. He glanced at Nevala. "You may call me Telhas." He knew that she wanted him to be less formal. And until now she was right with this.

"Ambassador, Senator, Duke, and I find people have trouble dealing with Lieutenant and Doctor." Calista replied with a smile.

Telhas grinned. "The more titles you have, the more confusing it gets for everyone. But I typically try to use the right title for the right occasion. For now, it is no title."

"So, Captain," Telhas continued their talk, "Why I asked you about Secretary Temple. Do you agree that he is sometimes a little too optimistic? Do not take me wrong, I appreciate his optimism, but sometimes he seems to be a little too much optimistic. Or am I just too cautious?"

“I think both are reasonable. You can be over optimistic, which means things can go wrong. You are wise to be cautious of this. Why do you ask?” Refelian replied intrigued.

"I wonder if his invitation to open an embassy on Faltan came too early," Telhas said emotionless. "He invited us to open an embassy 'whenever we can spare the necessary resources'. The Continuing Committee asked me if I would like to become ambassador, and I agreed, plus I decided to fund the construction of the embassy. This put the date to 'immediately', which is why I arrived that early. In a brief talk with your Lieutenant Commander M'Mira she told me that she thinks we arrived too early, before the station was ready to host an embassy, and before the place was secure. I take her assessment serious. So the question is, is she right? Could all the trouble have been avoided?"

Before the Captain could respond, a curvaceous blonde woman with doe brown eyes walked up. Her ears perked at the Romulan Ambassador's words and she made an unhurried bee line for Telhas and the Captain. "M'Mira said that? Very interesting theory. I would definitely be curious to hear your thoughts on that, Captain, as well as your concerns Ambassador."

Realizing that she had not introduced herself appropriately, she greeted the Ambassador, "I am sorry to have been rude, Ambassador. That was not my intention. My name is Candy Templeton. I'm an FNS Reporter and I was sent to do a report on the opening of this station. I would be very interested in your concerns and those of the Romulan Empire." She offered her hand but doubted that the Ambassador would shake it.

Telhas took her hand and shook it firmly, yet gentle. Although he did not like to be interrupted, her excuse made him forgive her. "Miss Templeton, I doubt that this is the right time and place to talk about my concerns or the Senate's concerns." To him, the Senate was the Romulan Empire.

"When exactly would the right time be, Ambassador? After all, would the Empire truly desire to hesitate in the face of an active threat, if one existed?" She gave a sly look at the Captain before turning back to Telhas.

Refelian bit his tongue as Miss Templeton spoke to the Ambassador. He resisted the urge to say something because she would no twist his words against him.

Telhas smiled politely. "There is no active threat to the Empire on Faltan. It has been resolved. In nearby sectors, however, we have threats which need to be watched. More important issues than an unimportant little planet which has a governor who thinks she is a match for any major power." He sounded snooty in the end of his reply. There was not much that made him believe that the Faltans were anything of importance.

"So, you're satisfied with the way that Nevala e-T'Daran thu'Sterion, Duchess of Cheleb-Khor's kidnapping was handled? You're just going to allow the Faltan government to flaunt this as a victory over Romulus? How very interesting! I would have thought that the Romulans cared more for their own citizens."

"Oh, without Starfleet I would have leveled this planet," Telhas grinned before he shot an icy look at Refelian. "But unfortunately, Starfleet made it very clear to me that they would not tolerate any punitive action against the Faltans. So my decision was between retaliation for the kidnapping of my wife, which would have let to war with the Federation, or staying peaceful. And currently the Senate is not going to start a war with the Federation, not even in vengeance for any harm to the Praetor himself. Of course I could have tested Starfleet's willingness to really go to war for a planet like Faltan, but only in violation of a majority vote of the Senate." He shook his head. "Well, I would never rise against the Senate. Against anyone, but not the Senate."

"I see. So, what you are saying is that the Romulan Empire is subservient to the Federation now. That is good to know." She let that sit with the Romulan Ambassador to see his reaction.

Candy then turned to the Captain and asked, "I am certain that you would cooperate with the Romulans if you had ANY evidence that would resolve this issue for the Ambassador, wouldn't you?"

"Sorry to interrupt you now, Miss Templeton," Telhas said politely, "but you said something very interesting. From your words I read that you would have preferred if this incident had started a war between the Federation and the Romulan Star Empire. Is it a majority of Federation citizens who share your opinion?"

Thinking back on her words, Candy reflected and said, "Very clever attempt to turn away the conversation and deflect. I have never suggested anything about war with Romulus. I merely observed that apparently you are not particularly concerned about your own citizens. One might conjecture that with such lack of concern with your own wife being the victim that you were complicit in it. However, that's mere conjecture. I merely find the situation rather intriguing."

"He just did what you do," Nevala said with a charming smile. "Take your words, turn them, twist them, bend them and add some purposely misunderstanding to make a story where everyone you are talking about looks stupid, arrogant or incompetent. Is that how all journalists are in FNS? Make a story for every price, even the story does not reflect the truth? Are you happy with that? Or do you want to write the truth? The real truth?"

"That would be an incorrect statement, Madam Nevala. I only report what I find. I do not twist words. You cut me to the quick. I am deeply offended that you look at me like that when you have only just met me. I assure you that all I ever seek is the truth."

"First of all, it is Lady Nevala," she replied with a glare, which then faded for a more friendly expression when she continued, "But if you are really looking for the truth, I make you an offer. Accompany for breakfast tomorrow, just the two of us. Seven o'clock in the embassy. No dress code, I will be in casual clothing anyway. There you can prove that you are trustworthy and honest, and really looking for the truth. It is your decision."

Telhas thought to interfere, but probably Nevala knew what she was doing. She was better with people than he was. Although he disliked the idea of being excluded from that interview. And he disliked the idea of talking any more to that reporter anyway. But this was Nevala's decision.

"Lady Nevala, I would be honored to attend you for such a discussion," Candy replied politely and formally. "0700, then, tomorrow morning." Satisfied that she got what she came for, she looked at the Captain and gave him a victorious smile. "Captain," she told him, excusing herself from the discussion.

Refelian gave the Federation News Service report a nod before she departed. The Captain then turned to the Romulans, “I must apologise, she can be very forward, even for a reporter.” He said, slightly embarrassed by what had happened.

"Not your fault," Telhas said.

"The price for your freedom of speech and press, is it not?" Nevala asked and emptied her cocktail.

“That it is. I was pleased when I heard the Federation News Service was sending someone here. I thought it would give the Raryan Sector Block a voice and put it on the map, but I’m not sure if Miss Templeton is the right person for that particular role.” Refelian replied, before taking another sip of his whiskey.

Telhas shruged. "She is ambitious. I can respect that. Although she should learn when it is better to hide her ambition and be more diplomatic."

“I think her ambition for a good story is her only driving force at the moment.” The Captain replied with a roll of his eyes. “Anyway, I best mingle. Have a good evening and thank you for the drink.” He said raising his glass to the Ambassador before heading off.

Shannon had nodded back at the officer and had thought to step forward and engage in discussion but before she had settled things in her mind enough to do so, the conversation had moved on with out her. With a mental sigh, she made her way to the bar to get a refill., "Water please." She told the bartender, who with a vaguely surprised looked provided her with the requested beverage.

She now remembered why she did not come to many of these. She could track a slave trader through three sectors, analyze reams of data faster than some people put on shoes, hack systems and make them dance. Put her in a social situation with a large group of people she didn't know? Well now that was awkward. She was currently debating on if she'd stayed long enough to leave politely yet even as her features were schooled into her 'polite face'.

Between the reporter, the Captain, and whoever else was around, Shorish now felt out of place with M'Mira off to see what was happening. He had been enjoying the conversation with another Caitian. But now he went in search of someone else to speak to. Seeing someone who seemed a little out of place, the same person he had nodded to before, he walked over and flicked his ears a bit. "Good evening, Ensign. Would you like some company?"

Shannon glanced over at the Caitian officer, unsure a moment but she knew she would never improve, or even make friends, if she didn't make an attempt from time to time. She gave a polite smile and nodded to the empty stool next to her. "Ensign Shannon Cosantior, Intel." She said remembering introductions.

Taking the empty seat, Shorish wrapped his tail around his waist. “Lieutenant Shorrrrrish, engineerrrrring. You seem to be sitting by yourrrrself overrrr herrrre. Thought you might like someone to talk to.”

Shannon gave a quiet smile, "I have not been assigned long and most of my time is taken up with work. I know more people through personnel records than anything else. Makes parties...interesting." She went with a light joke, trying to navigate the dreaded 'small talk' even as her words were carefully choosen. It helped she did actually have a geniune interest in certain others so generally didn't have to feign it.

“I underrrrrstand all worrrrrk and no play. I have been doing the same thing since I arrrrrived. Howeverrrrr, that must mean you know things about me frrrrom my file.” Shorish nodded to the one who came to take his drink order and ordered a red wine.

There was a slightly delay in reply, not because she was avoiding the question merely that he was new to her and she tended to choose words even more carefully. "True much can be learned from records, especially if one infers correctly with available data but without field research it is incomplete..." Her eyes had brightened briefly as though sharing something terribly interesting to her. Then her face tightened just as briefly before settling as she considered how it might be taken, her only external sign of discomfort, "Sorry, I do try to turn work mind off, it is difficult." She risked a small smile.

Shorish nodded. "It is no prrrrroblem. I look forrrr things to fix all the time, my worrrrrk mind is neverrrr off."

At that Shannon gave her first completely genuine smile of the night and she relaxed slightly, "Oh thank god, I worried for a moment." She said pleased to have found a kindred spirit. "What's your specialty?" She asked curiously. Most engineering officers tended to have one, study of warp theory, shield harmonics or some such.

“I am one of the few who do not have just one speciality.” Shorish took a sip of his wine. “Howeverrrr, I do love playing with engines when I have a chance.”

Shannon nodded with a small smile, "I can understand that, I have yet to meet an engineer who didn't want to see if they can go faster or make things more efficient. A tinkerer's lot, you are." She said but it was a gentle humor said in respect as she tried to relax a little more. "Never happy with what things are but always looking to how they could be." She took a sip of her water, "Not a bad trait to have in a fixer."

Shorish's ears twitched a little. "Then I am one of the few who do not carrrre about the speed. Morrrre about the efficiency of the engine, how it rrrrrruns."

Shannon nodded, "That is the case too, to each their own." She replied agreeably. There was a pause as she mentally struggled with something else to say. "I don't doubt it's in good hands." She meant it too, from what she recalled from various records this was a solid crew and she was rather interested to serve with them.

"Hopefully everrrrrything we fixed stays worrrrrking prrrrroperrrrrrly. We have otherrrrr tasks that need completing, and the repairrrrrs hold us up." Shorish looked to Shannon. "Possibly the same for intelligence? Things must work prrrrrroperrrrly to do yourrrrr job?"

Without warning, a woman with long blonde hair that cascaded around her face and beyond her shoulders approached. She had dark brown eyes have a come hither look about them. Looking around twice before she interrupted the Caitian and the human talking, Candy was pleased to see that the Captain was otherwise engaged.

Feeling bolstered, Candy introduced herself. "Hi! I'm Candy Templeton! FNS reporter! I was hoping that I might have a few words with both of you...." She then looked at Shannon and said, "You look oddly familiar...." She started snapping her fingers, hoping that something would come to her.

Looking to the woman, Shorish’s ears flicked around and his tail curled tight. “Candy Templeton? I was not awarrrrre we had a rrrrreporrrrter on the station.” He did not like her barging in and simply stared at her.

"I just arrived yesterday," Candy happily reported. "Doing a report on the station. It is one thing to talk to all the top brass but, you two," she looked meaningfully at the junior officers, "have such a different perspective. Do the higher ups even talk to you? Have your duties been heavy or light? I would like to know anything that you want to tell me about the station and its operation."

Without pausing for air, Candy told Shorish, "You're one of the few Caitians I have seen here. There's quite a lovely one who is second in command, Commander M'Mira. Does she know about you? I bet you would make a lovely couple."

Ears going straight up, Shorish would have blushed if he could. "I have met the Commanderrrrrr, ma'am. She had to go after we spoke. As you stated, she is the second in command of the station, and is verrrrry busy." He did not know what to say about the 'lovely couple' comment, so he didn't.

"And you didn't chase her? Inquire where she was going? Offer to accompany her?" Candy shook her head sadly. "I think you need some serious lessons in the art of courting, Lieutenant." Curiously she asked, "What was your name again?" Looking over at the Ensign she asked, "And yours?"

Shannon, when the other woman came up and started talking quickly, looked obviously uncomfortable and slightly panicked briefly before public mask took over. Fortunately the woman zeroed in on the engineer, and to be fair Shannon did feel bad about that so while she could have made good her escape she hesitated. Loath to leave a crewmate in need until she was sure he was fine.

And just because her little sister poked into other peoples lives for a living, though to be fair so did Shannon in her own way, didn't mean she liked being the one pounced upon. She glanced at the Lt. as the more senior officer and one who was asked first as she considered how to deal with this new situation.

Realizing Shannon's nervousness, Shorish spoke up first, though did not like this new woman who had appeared. "Lieutenant Shorrrrrish, engineerrrrr. And I do not chase when someone has duties to perrrrrforrrrrm."

"How chivalrous of you, Lieutenant," Candy replied with a tinge of sarcasm at Shorish. "It appears that despite not knowing much about courting women, you at least know how to occasionally treat them." She smiled warmly at the Caitian and then at the Ensign. "I do not bite, Ensign." She then laughed. "Well, I might in certain situations and you're certainly not my type, so you should have not worries. Please, relax and tell me you name, Ensign and if you can, tell me why you look familiar to me."

She stiffened slightly at the sarcasm instinctively wanting to go to the Lt.'s defense she forced herself to relax. "Ensign Shannon Cosantior" She finally replied polite but cautiously, "And I couldn't be sure why I would be familiar." Well she had an idea but she wasn't sure, so not a lie. Not for the first time she wished her sister had been drawn to another line of work but the outgoing younger Cosantior would not be dissuaded. Unfortunately she and her sister, Juliet, looked related especially if one met both of them in person.

Holding back an eyeroll, Shorish's ears showed his annoyance with the comments that this Candy was making. "What is it you arrrrre wanting out of us, Ms. Templeton?"

"Nothing in particular, Lieutenant. As I said before, I am interested in your perceptions and opinions on the station, its operation, the officers, or anything you want to tell me. I'd also like to know why Ensign Cosantior looks fam...." Candy paused and then smiled. "Wait! Do you not have a young sister that's a reporter? I think she changed her name when she got married...."

"Ms. Templeton, I believe that is enough questioning forrrrr the Ensign." He might have just met Cosantior, but Shorish knew when someone was getting on someone else's nerves, even if only slightly.

She'd opened her mouth to reply when, unexpectedly, the Lt. came to her defense. She appreciated that even as she wasn't quite used to it. She tossed him a look that said 'thank you' even as she turned to Candy resignation flittered through her mind. Oddly enough Shorish's defense giving her a kind of social strength to reply properly.

This was also the cost to having a sister whose byline graced reports from all over the Federation despite her younger age. Known as an 'up and coming' reporter, she had a reputation for intelligent investigation and a dogged persistence.

"My sister has always been smoother in the public eye." She by way of confirmation. Besides 2.5 seconds with any computer would give Candy that information. "There are others who I think could better articulate what you wish to know as I am new and have not yet developed the answers you seek." She said politely with a small smile, not wanting to be rude but not as comfortable talking to reporters as others. She did make a mental note to call her sister to find out if she'd met this one.

Shorish listened but didn't speak up again for the moment. He did not have a place to say anything, so instead he took in all of the information. He now understood why Cosantior seemed nervous when the reporter came over.

Candy ignored the overprotective Caitian and concentrated on the Ensign. "Not everyone is meant to be on holo, Ms. Cosantior. It is a difficult life, especially when many," she gave a small head nod towards the Caitian, "think the worst of you. All I ever try to do is find the truth. Now, I realize that you are new to the station but there are perspectives that you offer that nobody else can. They overlook things as normal. But, to you, Ms. Cosantior, everything has a new sheen. You have more things to talk about than most. Please...." Candy replied soothingly, hoping that the Ensign would now talk.

"I appreciate your kindness." She replied politely, thinking quickly now, "I don't feel I have been here long enough to form an opinion in much depth. Everyone certainly seems highly competent and I look forward to the opportunity to serve with them." She replied, her face guileless and polite even as another part of her mind considered emergency exit strategies.

"And what about the Station itself?" Candy pressed politely. "Have you been able to see much of it? What do you think of its operation?"

Though still annoyed with this Candy person, Shorish had an idea, though was not sure it would actually work, given how this woman was. "If you would like, Ms. Templeton, I can give you a tourrrrr of the engineerrrrring hub and surrrrrounding arrrrreas."

"Perhaps a bit later," she said trying dissuade the Caitian. "I know that Commander M'Mira had promised me similar tours...."

An actual frown crossing his face, Shorish still stayed where he was, more in an attempt to keep the Ensign out of Candy's grips than anything else.

Shannon nodded, "That actually better beyond everything seeming standard and well run I have not seen as much of the station as some of the crew who have been here longer." She said sending a mental prayer of thanks to the Lt. who seemed to be trying to deflect the persistent reporter.

If this didn't work she may take the Lt. up on a tour herself if just to get out of the immediate area.

"I see," Candy replied flatly. "Well," she said in her bubbly, ditzy manner, "I suppose I should get going for now. Lots of people to meet and interview! Thank you for your time!"

“Hopefully you enjoy the rrrrrrest of the parrrrrty, Ms. Templeton.” Shorish stated politely as he put a paw on Shannon’s shoulder. “She doesn’t seem like a fun perrrrrson.”

"Thank you, Shorish. I plan on it." With that, Candy left to find some new information, her hips swaying and body bouncing as she walked.

After Candy left, Shannon breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Shorish, "My sister is a good journalist so I know they exist but that doesn't make being on the receiving end anymore pleasant. Thank you for your assistance." She said sincerely.

Shorish flicked his tail a bit. "You arrrre welcome, Ensign. I do not like seeing anyone uncomforrrrrrtable. She makes me uncomforrrrrtable, so I can only assume she did the same forrrr you."

"She is likely perfectly fine, I'm just not one for center of attention from people I don't even know." She said. She appreciated the show of support, though not usually a touchy person. It also made her feel less ackward that he also shared her view.

She moved naturally so that the paw would fall away but he didn't seem threatening to her so she smiled feeling him a bit of a kindred spirit, "I have some training in non classified equipment perhaps you know of someone who would be willing to give refreshers?" She asked not wanting to presume upon him.

"I might be able to help you with that once schedules clearrrrr. Still worrrrrrk to do forrrrrr us engineerrrrrrs."

 

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