"Heading for the Big Time"
By: Sikara - Chef
Ensign Mason Farrell - Operations Officer

Location: Risa; USS Sulu
Stardate: 57907.16 08h00

***

Sikara was almost levitating. He was so excited. People that he knew looked twice at him as he jogged along the streets; no one had ever seen him so happy, not even himself.

Four hours ago, the moment he had waited for arrived. Mason Farrell contacted him via his eye-piece phone and had informed him about the dinner party. He had held his word; all Sikara needed to do was to impress at the dinner. All the senior staff were going to be there, and as long as he wowed them enough, the empty chef position could possibly be his, and he would leave his planet behind.

Sikara ended his levitating and came to a stop at a main tourist attraction. It was the location that most transports for this area of Risa occurred. Many transport enhancers were scattered around the area, enabling orbiting ships to get a clear view of whomever they were transporting. It wasn't a necessity to transport to and from here but a lot of people did.

Sikara picked out his eye-piece phone out of his pocket and attached it to its place over his right eye, waiting a few impatient seconds as the slightly old piece of technology interfaced with his brain. Thinking his way to the number for Mason Farrell on the Sulu. After a few minutes, an operations officer appeared.

"This is the Starfleet Vessel Hikaru Sulu, how may I help you," came the young male voice

"I need to speak to Ensign Mason Farrell, is he on board?" Sikara asked

"Please hold," the young man responded and his face clicked off Moments later the image of 'No visual available' appeared and the eyepiece slipped from his eye, but the voice of the operations officer of the Sulu sounded in the speaker.

"Sikara," said Mason, stretching the word affably. "Ready?"

"Hello, Mason, I am in position. How long until I can be transported?" the Risan chef replied

"We'll bring you up right now."

"Excellent," Sikara said, as the ice-colored energy took him.

"Glad you could make it," Mason said as Sikara appeared on the transporter pad. "Ready to impress?"

Sikara walked up to Mason, and bowed. Sikara didn't do anything this formal unless he held great feeling for why he would do it. Straightening again he said, "You can never know how much gratitude I have toward you for my chance. And I shall do my best to impress your superiors."

"Good, because you've got your work cut out for you," Mason chuckled. The pair left the transporter room and began walking down the corridors of the intrepid-class vessel.

"Where shall I be cooking?" Sikara asked.

"The holodeck," Mason said.

"It is held on a holodeck?" Sikara asked. "Does the starship not have a dining room of some sort?"

"It does," Mason nodded, "but in this case we're gunning for ambiance, too. Don't worry, you'll be using real ingredients. You'll just be working with holodeck appliances. They'll function exactly as you're used to them functioning."

"I see. Where is the ship's chef currently?" Sikara asked.

"Petty Officer Nebbs will be assisting you in the kitchen. He's looking forward to having a partner in there. He's been getting more and more irritable working by himself."

"I look forward to meeting this Nebbs," Sikara said, looking around the corridors as they walked.

"How long until the starters need to be served?" Sikara asked, finding another question. He was pretty full of them at this moment.

"About ten hours. Plenty of time. You got the list I sent you, right?"

"Yes, some interesting dishes there, I'm sure it will prove to be a challenge to me," Sikara replied.

The pair arrived in the turbolift and Farrell ordered the lift to deck two.

"So have you enjoyed your ship's stop at my planet?" Sikara asked his friend.

Farrell looked dourly at Sikara, and shook his head with a rueful chuckle as the turbolift doors closed.

---

"First Date"
By Lieutenant (J.G.) Arthas Hex - Deputy Chief of Security
And Ensign Cecily Torsten - Yeoman

Location: Arthas Hex's Quarters, USS Sulu
Stardate: 57907.16, 16h30

***

Cecily smoothed her hands down her dress for what must have been the third time since she had left her Quarters. The outfit she wore was a soft yellow dress made of a silk chiffon material. It stopped just past her knees and covered both of her shoulders but left her left arm bare; the other arm was covered by a long yellow sleeve, the end covering her forearm in a type of shawl. On her feet she wore white sandals, and her hair was gelled and styled away from her face.

She smiled as she continued walking. A large part of her was nervous but the other was excited looking forward to spending this evening with Arthas. If she hadn't known better her head was still swimming thinking of the kiss they shared on the Holodeck. Having finally reached Hex's Quarters, Torsten reached out to ring the door chime and then patiently waited.

Arthas smoothed out his shirt as he heard the chime of the door. He was in the main area of his quarters at the time, and quickly dashed into the sleeping area and looked at himself in the mirror.

He was wearing black trousers made of a Trill material that weighed heavily on his legs. He wore a navy blue shirt of a Terran style, which had proved quite popular on Trill - it was collarless and it sported extravagant buttons with a Trill symbol design.

His hair had been specially messed-up the way he liked it. He felt his cheek and cursed slightly as once again he had forgotten to shave the light stubble.

***Arthas Hex's Symbiont***

Very sexy, Ashly Hex spoke.

Thanks, Arthas replied.

Very smart, Craz spoke.

Thanks again.

Go get her, champ, Clavain said.

Why are you being so nice to me? And why didn't you react when I kissed her? Arthas asked, as he walked to the door in his quarters.

Close relationships are personal, Arthas, Gredala informed him. We will be polite and will not get involved, or even observe anything which occurs today.

Or tonight, Clavain chuckled.

Thanks, he replied. See ya.

Good luck, Gredala said.

***Back in Arthas' Quarters***

Arthas opened the doors and let his eyes feast on Cecily. She looked stunning.

Smiling broadly he said, "You look divine."

Cecily blushed under Arthas' gaze. "Thank you, you look great," she stated, returning his smile. Stepping into his Quarters she showed off her outfit. "Y-you really like it?"

Arthas laughed. "How could I not? Honestly you look brilliant."

He walked to the small table in the middle of the room. Pulling back a chair he said, "Milady."

She practically beamed at Arthas' comment. Following him to the middle of the room she took the proffered seat and sat down. "Thank you, my good sir," she stated, chuckling.

Arthas pushed the chair in as she sat and walked to her side.

"Anytime," he said, giving an exaggerated bow.

Walking over to the Replicator he asked, "Drink?"

Smiling, she replied, "Surprise me." Chuckling, she then added, "Well, nothing too potent...but your pick."

Arthas laughed. "If you say so."

Ordering the two a Trill alcoholic fruity mix drink he returned to the table. Setting the drinks down on the table he said, "Rikalic Fralangan."

Cecily looked the beverages over carefully. Picking up one of the glasses she took a tentative whiff noticing the drink had a fruit like smell. "What's in it?" she asked, gesturing to the drink.

Arthas laughed. He was walking back to the Replicator, but he turned and smiled at Cecily.

"Let's just say that Rikalic Fralangan was the cause of my first real hangover." Arthas laughed. "But don't worry, it's fine in small or large quantities, but if you drink a couple of liters of it, then you're in trouble. It's made from seven fruits found on 'Pilot' and some alcohol from Trill. It gave all the people on Pilot a taste from home while giving us a national drink. Unfortunately I'm hooked."

"How interesting." Holding the glass to her lips Cecily sniffed the drink faintly before she took a cautious sip. Setting the glass down she smiled to Arthas, "It's very good. I can see why one could become easily addicted."

Arthas smiled, "I'm glad you enjoy it. I'm going to get my glamorous assistant here" --he indicated the Replicator-- "to make some of my old favorites from school. I'll let you choose which one you want to eat."

"Okay, what do you recommend?" she asked, chuckling at his comment towards the Replicator.

Arthas turned around and asked the Replicator for two dishes, starters as they were, and moved back to the table. Holding the two dishes on his forearms he described each.

His left-forearm held a dish which was basically a salad, but without any ingredients Cecily recognized. And his right forearm held an almost-pizza like base, with various seasonings and a reddish sauce.

"They certainly don't look like any dishes I have seen from Terra before. What are they?" Cecily asked as Arthas returned to the table.

"On my left arm is 'Kibbee Salad' which I can actually make myself believe it or not. And scalding my right arm is 'Mjderah base', which is basically bread, but with some really delicious tastes added to it," Arthas explained.

"They both look great, if anything. Don't burn your arm though!" she remarked, chuckling.

"Here," he said, giving her the Mjderah base.

He sat opposite her and picked up the cutlery. "Enjoy."

Nodding, Cecily eagerly cut into the 'Mjderah base' and began to eat. As she ate, Cecily looked around the room briefly, taking in the décor.

The room itself was meant to hold two crewmen, but seeing as though Arthas was lucky in the sense that he didn't have a roommate yet. His bits and bobs littered the rooms. It seemed not to make any logical sense, an old clock here, a strange Trill artifact there. Arthas had obviously made an effort however; the usually slightly untidy falls were spotless. All of the table-tops were polished clean, and all of his dirty washing had been washed and put away.

Taking another bite of her food she swallowed before asking Arthas, "You're here all by yourself? No room-mate or anything?"

Arthas swallowed the mouthful of the starter that was in his mouth and replied, "No, I haven't been sentenced with one yet. Although I think that there aren't many rooms left with only one person in. I think I'll end up with someone sooner rather than later. Do you have a roommate?"

Cecily couldn't help but wonder if Arthas ever felt lonely in his Quarters all by himself. Then again that did seem somewhat ridiculous as he wasn't really alone if you counted the Symbiont and its hosts. "Me? I have a roommate, though I've never met her yet. I think she has a late shift. She's either out when I'm in my Quarters or fast asleep like she's in a coma." Cecily chuckled. "From what I hear she's supposed to be nice, I think she's Bolian."

"I don't think I've ever met a Bolian before," Arthas commented, as he took another bite of his food.

A slight silence filled the room as the pair of them enjoyed the food. Arthas, always a quick eater, finished before Cecily, and was content to sit and watch her eat.

Cecily finished eating and smiled at Arthas as she wiped her mouth with her napkin. "Thanks, that was really good. I enjoyed it."

"Ready for the main meal?" Arthas asked politely.

"Yes, I'm ready."

Arthas stood, and took both plates back the Replicator. He asked the Replicator for the main meal, having pre-programmed the computer with what he was planning on making.

He returned to the table with two steaming bowls of what appeared to be water. Setting down a bowl in front of Cecily and himself, he sat back down.

"This is something that I found surprising when I sampled Terran cuisine," Arthas said, grabbing a spoon and fork. "You never had any Bowalic food."

Cecily shook her head. "I can't say that I ever had. Did you say this dish was Terran?"

Arthas shook his head also. "No, it is Trill again. But what I meant was that your culture never made any Bowalic foods. Most other cultures have. The closest I have found have been soups. But it's not quite the same."

He put his spoon into the bowl and retrieved it. On it was a strange black piece of something that was unmistakably meat. The water-like liquid also followed the food into Arthas' mouth.

Arthas smiled at the taste, as if it reminded him of something, but he opened his eyes. Looking at Cecily he said, "Go on, have a go. Make sure to get the liquid too."

Carefully Cecily dipped her spoon into the bowl and took in a piece of meat along with the water-like-liquid and then proceeded to taste the food. She savored the taste as she ate; it definitely was not like anything she had tried before, at least from Terra. "Delicious. What is this called?" she asked after swallowing.

Arthas smiled broadly. "It's called Tupitella. I had to program the Replicator with it myself, but it's my favorite food."

"I can see why, it's quite good," she replied, chuckling.

Arthas buried himself in his meal, relishing every scoop of the food. Once again his fast-eating enabled him a good few minutes of watching Cecily once again.

Finishing, Cecily smiled at Arthas. "Thank you for sharing that with me. I wasn't too sure if I'd like it at first, but it was good."

Arthas stood and nodded at the two-seater sofa in front of the long thin windows. "Take a seat; I'll be with you in a little while."

"Okay, will do." Standing, Cecily walked over to the sofa in Arthas' Quarters and she sat down.

Arthas cleared the table, and replaced the furniture back to where it had been before he had gotten the place ready for the dinner. Returning to the Replicator he asked, "Would you like a drink? Perhaps one of your preference this time?"

Her mind was adrift briefly as she gazed out at the stars until hearing Arthas ask his question. "Please, I'll have some Chiraltan tea."

"Two Chiraltan teas," Arthas ordered the Replicator.

He arrived back at the sofa with two steaming cups, giving one to Cecily he sat down next to her. Placing the cup in one hand on his leg, he followed her gaze.

"Thanks." Cecily took the warm cup of tea from Arthas, instantly feeling the heat from the mug filling her hands. Sipping the tea she set the cup on the table and wrapped her arms around Arthas' waist. "I missed you yesterday..."

Arthas winced as the awkward position resulted in some of the simmering tea falling out of the cup and onto his trousers.

"Ow!" he laughed, instinctively standing up and brushing his now very hot and wet crotch.

Cecily laughed as she stood, her face red with embarrassment. "I'm so sorry, Arthas. Are you okay? You want me to get a towel?" she asked, touching his arm.

Arthas laughed even harder.

"No, no. I'll be fine!" his face red with laughter. "Although I think spilling in that area is particularly painful for me."

Cecily blushed despite continuing to laugh. "Okay if you say so. Maybe you should take your pants off..." She blushed brighter, realizing what she said. "I-I mean g-go c-change! If it hurts y-you so much!" Cecily looked away, clearly embarrassed.

Arthas laughed louder. "Well, if you insist." He winked. "I'll take the second option. Be right back."

"O-okay." Cecily waited until Arthas left to go change and she nervously wrung her hands together. What was she thinking saying something outright like that? She opted to go sit back down on the couch and wait for Arthas to return as she was left with her thoughts.

Arthas took his trousers off and replaced them with a pair of shorts he used for training that sat next to his bed, awaiting his morning exercise. Looking at himself in the mirror, he silently laughed again at what had just happened, and grabbed the dirty trousers.

He walked back into the main area, where the still embarrassed Cecily sat on the sofa.

"Before you say anything, don't worry about it; it was as much my fault as yours, and trousers are easily replicated."

"Okay. Again though, I'm really sorry...I didn't mean to burn you on our first date...I'll be more careful," she remarked, smiling shyly.

He threw the trousers over the back of his chair, near his desk and returned to the sofa. Sitting down again he frowned and said awkwardly, "About yesterday. I don't know what came over me. I didn't even know I had such emotion pent up like that. I suppose, well, I suppose that you just seemed like someone I could talk to."

Scooting closer to Arthas she rested her head against his chest as she looked up at him. "It's okay, Arthas; I know you didn't mean to yell at me like that, I really do. Have you ever really not talked to anyone about it, even a counsellor?"

Arthas shook his head. He stroked Cecily's hair. "No. I don't like counsellors very much; I suppose it is a side-effect of having a lot of talks with their type when I was younger. And, to be honest, before the outburst yesterday I didn't know anything was there."

"Really? Wow, with the Symbiont and all the focus you have been putting into trying to adjust to being Joined, you think you unknowingly pushed the memories from your youth behind you? I meant that being the reason for not knowing anything was there?"

Arthas frowned. "Perhaps. I don't know. My life has been a total mess until very recently. Better out than in, somebody once said to me."

Out of Cecily's sight, Arthas' jaw clenched once again.

Snuggling closer to Arthas, Cecily then replied, "Well, if you continue to have troubles, and I know you said you don't like counselors that much, consider talking to them or at least me, okay?"

Arthas smiled. "Don't worry, I will. Anyway, enough about me. Tell me about you. We didn't quite get around to it. I know you're human, very female and very caring. But not a lot more."

She giggled. "As you know, I never really knew my real parents; I'm adopted by Jeremias Torsten and Johannes Torsten. Both of them are from Joensuu, that's a city in Finland on Terra. My father is an advisor in Law back home; my mother, she teaches Science and that sorta thing..."

The two continued to talk for what seemed like an hour more; both had been so engrossed in the conversation with one another that they seemed to have lost track of time. Cecily yawned as she rested against Arthas tiredly. "I'm sleepy. What time is it?"

Arthas said, "Computer, Time."

"The time is 18:45," the computer replied.

"Wow it's late, I should probably get going." Turning to Arthas she asked somewhat tiredly, "Walk me home?"

"Sure." Arthas smiled. He stood up and offered his arm to Cecily to help her up.

He, used to Beta shift rather than Alpha shift, had only been up for 6 hours, and wasn't tired. But Cecily had been on duty all day and he understood how she must have felt.

Taking Arthas' arm Cecily stood, leaning against Arthas. She then remarked, "Lead the way."

Arthas smiled. "Of course, Milady."

---

"The Busiest Chef in the Land"
by Sikara
and Ensign Malcolm Nebbs [NPC+]

Location: USS Sulu, Holodeck One
Stardate: 57907.16 17h55

***

Sikara walked around the Holodeck, which had already been set up for the forthcoming dinner, and surveyed the premises. It must have been a Villa of some sort, definitely Terran, due to the strange artwork on the walls and the odd statues that seemingly littered the hall.

He entered the large dining room, where the tables and chairs were all set out already for his food. This was Sikara's big chance. His big chance to get off of Risa, his chance to get into space and start living.

The only way he could do this however was to impress tonight. And impress he would, impress he most certainly would.

Sikara headed to the kitchen. When he got there a human stood in the small room, he was about 5"10" - a little taller than the Risan and he stood with a chef's hat atop his blond-haired head.

The human offered his hand. "Sikara, I believe. I am Malcolm Nebbs, Ensign Malcolm Nebbs. I am the chef on-board the ship."

Sikara shook his hand. "Good to meet you. Do you know what is happening today?"

Malcolm nodded. "Ensign Farrell explained. You want to be the head chef on board and have a chance to impress today."

Sikara frowned. "You wouldn't have a problem with me becoming head chef?"

Malcolm laughed. "Not at all, Sikara. I am an ensign, I joined Starfleet to be on the bridge or something, not in the kitchen. I would still help of course but having the responsibility of running the kitchen taken off me would be excellent. Therefore I am here to offer my help in getting you on board."

Sikara smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Nebbs, thank you very much."

"Just Malcolm, please," Nebbs replied, smiling also.

"Right, let's get started. I have the menu here," Sikara said. He laid down a PADD that Mason had handed to him before leaving Sikara on the Holodeck.

Accessing it he said, "Give me a few minutes and I'll order it into how long it should take and when we should begin preparing and cooking it."

It took Sikara more than five minutes to order the pretty long list.

Many different cultures were at the feast, and each had requested a dish from their own culture. Scanning it Sikara could only see one dish he hadn't prepared before. Lieutenant M'Lira, Assistant CMO according to the list, had requested Sautéed M'nemaka filets and Vina'tai salad both of which Sikara hadn't heard of before. Flagging them for research he ordered the rest of the meals into some kind of order and placed the PADD on the table once again.

"I had better get started on the sauce for the Hasperat, ordered by Lt. K'Tal and Commander Lyrr; it takes quite a while," Sikara said, then he looked at Nebbs. "Prepare any of the starters in the 'blue group,' they must be prepared and ready to be placed in the oven in 20 minutes."

Nebbs nodded and got to work.

Sikara smiled. He would do this, he would do this, he must do this. And he would do it with style.

---

"Black Tie, RSVP"
By: Ensign Taylor Bennett; Security Officer
Ensign Nathalie Gui; Communications Officer
Ensign Annabelle Larkin; Science Officer [NPC]
Lieutenant j.g. Giles McKenzie; Chief Helmsman [NPC]
Captain Matthew Salinger; Commanding Officer
Lieutenant Brennyn Scott; Chief Counselor
Lieutenant Benedict T'Kal; Chief Security Officer
Lieutenant Xayella Tagliesh; Chief Science Officer
Commander Lyrr Tayla; Executive Officer
Lieutenant Mark Thaine; Chief Engineer

Location: USS Sulu, Holodeck One
Stardate: 57907.16 18h25

***

The Operations Staff of the USS Hikaru Sulu cordially invites you to dinner Celebrating the return of Captain Salinger Holodeck One Stardate 57907.16 18h30 RSVP +1 to Ensign Mason Farrell, Operations Black Tie please

***

"Did you even brush your hair?" Xayella sighed, and much like an overly fastidious mother, she took one hand and smoothed down an errant strand of hair that was sticking straight up from his head. It refused to be flattened, but some saliva on her fingertips did the trick during her next pass. "You'd be completely lost without me," she teased.

Matt was staring at Xayella's hand with a shocked expression and nearly ran into the wall. His mouth worked soundlessly for a moment before he finally shook his head. "I can't believe you just did that," he said. "You just...spit on my head."

Xayella shrugged dismissively, then moved her hands to the white collar of his dress uniform for adjustment. "I did not spit," she replied defensively. "It's just...you have such unruly hair sometimes! Would you rather I let you go to an important dinner with your hair all mussed?"

"I'd rather replicate a brush," Matt said with a laugh. "Now, I'm going to an official dinner with my chief science officer and date's saliva in my hair. Just be glad Saavar isn't going to be taking DNA samples at the meal."

"Oh, you prude," she teased. "They already know we're an item. What's the problem here?"

"I don't want everyone to know you lick my head though," Matt answered with a grin. "There are some things that should remain private."

Xayella chuckled, then kissed his cheek. She was in the process of licking her fingers to wipe clean the lipstick left behind, but at Matt's narrowed gaze, she thought better of it and left him be. "If you prefer to be caught wearing make-up instead of saliva, so be it..."

Matt grinned at her, raised one eyebrow, and then pulled a handkerchief from a hidden pocket in his dress uniform. He presented it to her as a magician would while performing a magic trick. He then proceeded to wipe the smudge of lipstick free, then with a flourish, slipped the handkerchief away. He could see the amusement in her eyes, and knew his own were dancing with it as well.

***

As the Holodeck doors closed, reabsorbing into the simulation, Lyrr Tayla left Risa behind completely. The distant hum of the ship's EPS conduits was replaced with the distant burble of water in a fountain and the sound of stringed instruments coming from elsewhere in the building.

She was standing in a villa of some sort, a cool evening breeze wafting through the high-ceilinged colonnade. Art adorned the walls of the hall--tapestries and statues and paintings, with frescoes on the ceiling above. It was a paradise of the old school, when humanity raised great and beautiful buildings, celebrating aesthetics over all.

Ensign Gui stood to one side of the arch dressed in black: she was clothed in a black sleeveless knee-length dress, with a pair of black dress shoes on her feet. Her long brown hair was pulled neatly away from her in a low ponytail. Smiling, Nathalie stepped forward.

"Welcome. My name is Nathalie and for tonight I shall be serving as your hostess." She gestured to the area around her. "We'll gather here in the main hall while everyone arrives. May I interest you in an hors d'oeuvre or cocktail?" She indicated a discreet bar to one side, where two crewmen in tuxedos were putting the final touches on a platter of appetizers and setting up glasses. Lieutenant McKenzie was already there with Ensign Larkin from Science. Lyrr looked away as they clicked together two glasses of champagne.

Lyrr glanced around at the holoprogram with one side of her mouth curled up in distaste and puzzlement. Her gaze returned to the Ensign before her, and she took in the girl's outfit with even more aversion. "What is all this?" she asked. "I thought this was supposed to be a formal dinner, not a spectacle." Lyrr craned her neck to gaze up at the high ceiling, and more specifically at the nude models painted onto it in various poses that were made intrinsically lewd simply by the subjects' state of undress alone. Her face contorted into an expression of disgust as she spat, "Is this a brothel?"

Counselor Scott entered the holodeck sans escort just in time to note the XO's disgust and outraged question. Inwardly she felt sorry for the junior officer before her, who obviously was not sure what to do or say, but was smiling bravely. Scott had not yet been formally introduced to Lyrr, but immediately she understood Mason and Tagliesh's point of view. It was quite...disconcerting. "Actually, on earth it is considered art. The human form was the subject of quite a few pieces in early history and was considered to be the pinnacle of all of the Creator's - whomever one considers that to be - efforts." She smiled, her creme colored dress following her turn toward the Bajoran officer as she offered her hand and a sidelong glance to Gui. "I don't believe we've met, Commander, I'm Brennyn Scott. It's nice to finally meet you."

***

Xayella laughed softly and leaned lightly against him as they continued on down the corridor towards the lifts. They'd received the invitation two days earlier, and although Matt still wasn't too sturdy on his feet, she'd encouraged him into attending, mainly by motivating him with the dress she now wore. It was red in colour and simple in design, but it was the manner in which it followed her curves that had won Matt over. Both arms were left bare while two gauzy strips of red material - attached to the silken fabric of her dress at the bodice's hem - wrapped around her neck and was tied at her nape. Her hair was drawn up into a bun to bare her long neck, and the loose ribbons of the bow at its base fell down her exposed back and barely touched the dress where it dipped low to the small of her back.

Her chest, as well, remained scarcely covered as the neckline plunged dramatically in a V-shaped opening that left the swell of her breasts bared, but just covered the essentials. Balancing her highly exposed torso, the skirt of her dress was without slits and extended to her shoes, which held a slight heel to elevate her high enough that she could kiss Matt without reaching. She knew Matt would be proud to have her on his arm.

"Are you going to give a speech?" she asked after a time. "I mean...this is all for you, after all."

"I hate speeches," Matt answered with a smile. "Maybe toward the end I can...but...you know me and speeches. Tayla can give a speech, I'm sure."

"But it's your party," she told him, giving his hand a squeeze. "It'll be good for morale."

Matt laughed and returned the squeeze. "Very well," he said with a mock-resigned sigh, "I'll give a speech for morale."

Xayella grinned, satisfied, and carried on down the corridor with Matt. "You're going to be fine for the evening aren't you?" she asked with slight concern. "The minute you get tired, tell me. I don't want you pushing yourself just yet."

"I'm sure I'll be fine," Matt said. "But, I'll be absolutely certain to let you know, as long as you don't lick me with your hand again."

Xayella sighed impatiently. "I didn't lick you," she protested. Then, she grinned slyly and leaned in towards his ear. "But I can later if you're up for it."

"I like the sound of that," Matt said with a laugh. "Do you suppose anyone would mind if we...took an extra-long turbolift ride to the party?"

Stepping into said lift, Xayella gracefully arched an eyebrow at Matt. "I don't suppose they would..." she mused. "Are you planning on being a naughty captain, Captain?"

"When I'm with you? But of course, my love," Matt said with a grin. "Though, we should probably hold up the turbolift car after the party. They've gone to all this trouble, and I'm certain we shouldn't keep them waiting...especially if they have anyone telepathic there."

She chuckled as her arms wound around his neck and her body pressed in close to his. "Oh, they won't need a telepath to know we were misbehaving in the turbolift, especially if you wear that grin you always do when I've been a very good girl."

"It would be fun to see if we could make Mr. Viraj blush one of these days," Matt said as he leaned in to her and brushed his lips against hers.

She pulled her head back and smiled at him with a hint of mischief. "I thought you didn't appreciate my licking you, Matthew Salinger? Have you changed your mind, then?"

"I guess it really depends on how you're licking me," Matt answered. "Or where."

"Or where," she echoed and met his lips again to share a far more impassioned kiss this time around, hoping he preferred this manner of licking to the former. She found it much to her liking.

***

Lyrr nodded her head in greeting to the counsellor, after momentarily sizing her up. "It's good to have you aboard, Counsellor. I hope your stay will be a longer one than our previous chief counsellor experienced." She smiled as her eyes gestured up at the ceiling. "Call me uncultured, but it still looks like an obscenity to me."

"As another who prefers not to kiss and tell, I understand." replied Bree with a smile, then acknowledging the greeting, nodded toward Lyrr and turned toward the rest of the group. "I'm very pleased to be aboard the Sulu, and I appreciate the warm welcome I've received from everyone. I plan to be on the Sulu for as long as you all will have me." And she meant it. The Terra Nova had given her experience, but she never saw herself as part of a larger family. Although she'd only been on Sulu a relatively short time, she could really do some good here and not get all tangled in Fleet bureaucracy.

Nathalie, having dodged the bullet of Lyrr's ire, simply smiled again before turning to face Mark Thaine, the ship's CEO. "Welcome, Lieutenant Thaine, can I interest you in a cocktail or some hors d'oeuvres?"

Thaine blinked once in surprise, and then shook his head. "No, no thanks." He fidgeted uncomfortably in his formal attire, obviously unused to it. In fact, it looked as if he'd put on his suit in something of a rush; it was slightly crumpled in odd places, and wasn't quite straight in others. Here was a man, it could easily be decided by even the most casual of observers, who Did Not Like formal occasions.

Lyrr sighed, and greeted the lieutenant with a wan smile. "We're the first ones, I see." She glanced behind him, then added, "Decided not to bring anyone as well?" She nodded in complete understanding. "Better to spare someone from this than gain an enemy by inviting them, at least that's how I see it."

Thaine lowered his voice, making it sound somehow deeper, as he stepped slightly closer to her, making sure the others were well out of earshot. "I'm here for the food...nothing else... Truth is, I hate these things."

Lyrr smiled and nodded conspiratorially. "Me too," she confided. "If this weren't a dinner for the captain, I would definitely be anywhere else but here. But," she added with a heavy sigh, "we're here now. Shall we have a drink, Lieutenant? You can update me on how the repairs are coming."

Thaine just looked plain relieved. "A drink sounds good to me," he said. "You think we can get anything less fancy than cocktails...?"

***

The turbolift doors opened, and a startled eep came from the other side of the threshold as Ensign Gainsborough stood there with padd in one hand and sample kit in the other. "Oh," she said quickly, glancing between them both and then averting her eyes before she could see more than she was supposed to. It wasn't a good idea to peep on your superior officers. "I'm sorry, sirs. I was just...labs. And...I'll take the next lift."

Xayella grinned at the girl. "You've got the best luck, don't you, Ensign? It's a good thing you don't have a drink in your hand this time around."

Monica nodded, remembering the last time she'd run into the captain and chief science officer in the midst of something naughty. In fact, she was surprised she still held the padd and sample kit in her hands. "Yes, sir," she said. "I'm really not trying to spy on you, sirs. I just...I have strange luck, I think."

Matt laughed. "It's alright," he said. "And, I think this is our stop anyway, so the car is yours."

"Thank you, sir," Monica said, knowing that the first thing she did when she reached the lab was going to be ordering a double-raktajino.

"We'll be needing another in a couple hours," Xayella mentioned offhand as they strode out and Monica, in. She smiled at the girl and added, "Try to make yourself scarce, just in case."

"Of course, sir," Monica answered before the door could close. "After this, I'll use the Jeffries Tubes, sir. You won't be needing them, right?"

Xay shot the girl an enigmatic, yet impish grin, then chuckled as the doors closed behind them. Gainsborough appeared especially flustered. "Nice kid," Xayella noted as she and Matt started for the holodeck. "I think she's got a crush on you."

"Well, I do have this roguish charm," Matt said as he flashed a holo-star smile.

Xay chuckled and nuzzled her nose to his cheek. "And the ego to go with it," she quipped.

"Well, Miss Gainsborough will just have to be saddened by the knowledge that I'm already happily committed to another. So, shall we not keep our crew waiting any longer?"

"Our crew?" she repeated with a broad grin. "Oh, I do like the sound of that, Salinger."

Matt grinned as well. "Yes, it does sound nice, doesn't it? Come on, let's go give them what they've been longing to see. The captain and his girlfriend."

"Correction: The CSO and her boyfriend." Xay laughed lightly, and leaning in close to Matt affectionately, the two started down the corridor to Holodeck One.

***

As the holodeck doors parted and she was escorted inside, Taylor Bennett moved tentatively forward. She wore a dress uniform, and unlike most people enjoyed the fit of the garment. The collar was slightly stiff, but it helped to force her into a more formal posture, as was fitting for an engagement such as this.

Benedict T'Kal was dressed similarly in his Dress Whites. He had been a little surprised at Taylor's choice of dress, but she looked smart, and he couldn't blame her for choosing the standard dress uniform. At least it seemed more appropriate under the circumstances. He ushered her in, one hand almost touching her back but keeping to the absolutely formal level of politeness. They stood together for a moment as the doors slid shut behind them. Benedict searched the faces of those already arrived as indeed they looked toward him and his companion.

When she noticed all eyes on her, Taylor used a trick her mother had taught her when she was still young and battling a case of shyness that would have put a Meskyrian Sand Beetle to shame. A room filled with gawkers and she, in the company of the ship's Chief of Security put those tricks to the test, but she managed to only blush slightly at the attention. After a moment, her smile had returned and she manage to move with unfaltering steps. She glanced around at the room and realized that there weren't actually that many people there, but when they all looked... She smiled again, amusement flashing in her eyes at her own reactions.

Benedict leaned a little closer and said, "I'll get drinks." He gave her a smile and wandered toward the bar. He saw Commander Lyrr, typically in uniform talking to Thaine and didn't catch her eye. As the two senior officers were discussing something that Benedict immediately assumed was work by Lyrr's intent gaze and Thaine's hand gestures, he didn't intrude. He realized that Lyrr had not sought to invite anyone, and it made him feel a little uncomfortable. He'd assumed that she would do as he'd done. But then, Lyrr was Lyrr.

He accepted two glasses of champagne from the waiters and cast a glance across the room at Nathalie Gui. She looked stunning in black, and he smiled as she looked his way. He nodded and went back toward Bennett who was making her way around the room, looking at the ornate frescoes like a kid in a candy store.

Taylor started on a circuit of the room, amazed and delighted at the decor...though, perhaps it was slightly risqué for a formal engagement such as the captain's party. Though, it was still in the spirit of Risa. The scantily clad statuary brought a smile of amusement to her lips. Get it out now, I guess, before we're off alone in the Gamma Quadrant.

"Captain on deck," Nathalie called out as the doors opened on Salinger and Tagliesh. All eyes turned to the couple, and all waited for a word from their leader.

Matt Salinger glanced around the room and laughed. "Well," he said with a bemused smirk still lingering on his lips. "This is quite a turnout, and I'm touched. I think one of my greatest fears, while I was lying in the Risan hospital, was that I was somehow letting down the Sulu and her crew. I see I was wrong." He glanced around at everyone once more and nodded. "At ease. We may be wearing our dress uniforms, but let's ease up on protocol a little and just enjoy ourselves."

Everyone eased a bit, and the Captain began the usual circuit, shaking hands and trading compliments.

Bree regarded the handsome couple with a trained eye. Matt and Xay looked happy enough if not a bit chagrined by the formality. Bree focused her attention on Salinger a moment, looking for any sign that things were amiss. She imagined Salinger was still recovering physically and couldn't help but wonder how he was holding up emotionally beneath his captain's exterior. It was her job to find out, and yet, she wondered if she should give Salinger more time to adjust. Scott had yet to formally meet the man who was to be her captain since she had come aboard shortly before the stabbing, and she was loathe to have their first meeting center around the attack. She decided she'd play it by ear, knowing full well that she wouldn't be satisfied until she had least asked indirectly about his well-being. Smiling, she knew she wouldn't be a counselor if she did anything less.

After a short time, Nathalie spoke up.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, please follow me to dinner."

---

"Party of Two"
by Ethan Storm
and Shyla Lynn Moreau

Location: USS Sulu, Ensign Storm's Quarters
Stardate: 57907.16 18h33

***

About the same time the formal senior staff party was kicking into another gear on Deck Two, a more intimate gathering was taking place down on lucky Deck Thirteen.

After making vigorous love for more than an hour, Ethan Storm and Shyla Moreau collapsed into a mixed heap on his tiny bed and lay there, naked and sweaty, waiting for their breath catch up to them. Ethan cradled her in his left arm as he laid on his back while Shyla spooned that side of his body, one leg draped over him. Her head rested on his rising and falling chest and the sound of heartbeat filled her ear. Of course, any other sound in the room caused her to twitch with discomfort and instinctively tug at the sheet under Ethan.

"I secured the door, Shyla," Storm said, looking at the ceiling and favoring it with a smile. "No one is going to see you naked besides me. And I'm rather enjoying it so...no sheet, if you please."

"Can we turn the lights back off anyway?" she asked, knowing the answer. Her sex life had changed quite radically in the last week and she wasn't accustomed to it just yet.

"Enjoying it," he reminded her. "Let me have some fun while I still can."

There was silence while Shyla traced invisible patterns on Ethan's chest with her fingertips. "Are you sure your roommate is off the ship, at least?" she finally asked. She had to ensure privacy to relax.

"For good, I think," Ethan affirmed. Steele had left Storm a final message: J.R. had transferred to the Rushmore and Jenara had accepted an assistant chief engineer position on the same ship. The message ended on the hopeful note that the two officers were planning on seeing one another. Steele had also apologized for not following through on the piloting instruction they had planned. Curiously, Steele also had some harsh words about Captain Salinger, saying that he wanted away from him more than anything. The anger seemed a bit misplaced, given what the Captain had been through of late and Storm didn't quite get it.

"Are you going to miss him?" Shyla asked. She continued to rub her hand over his smooth chest.

"No," Ethan admitted but without a trace of his former coldness. "I didn't really know or understand Steele," he added, sounding almost sad.

"What's not to understand?"

Ethan shrugged even though she could only feel the motion. "The guy had all this energy focused on this one girl, she was all he wanted. I don't even know if she was worth all that attention."

"Ah, I can identify with that." Shyla started to giggle at her own joke.

Ethan kept looking to the ceiling but began to chuckle too. "You're a lot spunkier than you were at the Academy, you know."

She laughed again. "Begging your pardon, sir but I was always this spunky." She poked an index finger into his chest. "You just weren't paying attention."

"Well, I'm not sure I like it." The way he said it while smiling and stroking her long hair said quite the opposite. She cooed under his touch and nearly dozed off in bliss.

"So, how long is it going to be, all told?" she asked after a few silent moments, when she snapped back to the realities of the time and place.

Ethan exhaled. It was a vague question but he knew exactly what she was asking about. It had been a topic of conversation for the last few days. "It depends. From the time I leave the Sulu with the Ambassador to the Spector should only be five to six days, provided they've stayed in that same sector. Then we continue on to Deep Space Nine. Should be about a three day trip from 11-G."

"Eight or nine days," she said, sounding like it was that many months. "It'll be tough."

"Yeah," Ethan agreed. "If I come back and find you in line for Mason Farrell..."

"Mason Who?" Shyla asked sincerely before the name and the face matched up in her head. She pushed herself up and looked Ethan in the eye. "The Ops officer? Why'd you say that?"

"He's supposedly getting a reputation as a bit of a lady's man," Storm said dismissively, unsure how much truth there was to it. "Hopping from one woman to another. I don't really know details."

"What do they see in him?" Shyla asked, as her head sunk back down to its former position. She wasn't overly impressed with the behavior, assuming that Ethan had characterized it correctly.

Ethan shrugged again. "You tell me."

Shyla rolled over, folded her hands on his bare chest, and rested her chin on them. "He's handsome, I guess...in a boyish kind of way. He seemed pretty easygoing at Cris's surprise party. Affable."

"That can have a certain kind of appeal," Storm agreed. "If you like that sort of thing."

"I guess," Shyla said, gaining a smile. "Me, I like them all handsome and angry and surly with just a bit of outlaw mixed in just so you have no clue what they're going to do next."

"There's that spunk again," Storm said, chuckling at her teasing.

"Get used to it, Mister."

She hugged him tight and they lay in silence for awhile before Ethan asked "Do you wish you were at that party?" Shyla had played a key role in the battle with the Ryuck and Ethan felt she deserved even more recognition than she'd been given.

"I'm only a Crewman, Ethan," Shyla said, as if that answered the question. "Senior staff parties aren't for people like me."

"You'll be an Ensign before I'm a JG," he stated firmly, believing it. "Hell, you may be a JG before I'm a JG."

"Don't swear," Shyla suggested before asking, "What about you? Are you feeling a little left out?"

"There's no place I'd rather be than here right now." Ethan said it almost as if it were a mantra. "Besides, I prefer this dress code to that one." He grabbed her bare flank and pulled her closer.

"I know, I know." Shyla no longer had any doubts about his feelings. "But you're an officer at least. Wouldn't you liked to have been invited?"

"Well, Commander Lyrr did ask me to be her escort," he asserted with a straight face.

Shyla went pale at that until she noticed the smile creeping across his lips. A mock blow from her sent his laughter free and he pulled her to him while she struggled against his strong arms. He continued to laugh throughout her thrashing.

"That's just mean, Ethan!" she exclaimed, not too terribly upset but hitting and kicking anyway. "I have the meanest boyfriend on the Sulu, she announced to the otherwise empty room. After a few more playful blows, she sunk her head back into his chest and sighed, her hair spilling everywhere.

"You do like her, don't you?" she asked, not sounding particularly threatened. More than anything, she sounded concerned.

"Yes," he answered, probably quicker than he should. "If Captain Salinger is the head of the ship, then Commander Lyrr is the heart. I don't want to disappoint her again."

The was a long silence while Shyla worked up the energy to ask: "Why did you disappoint her this time, Ethan?"

Another shrug. "I wish I could explain it. I guess I wasn't thinking about her."

"That's a comfort at least." Shyla smiled wanly. "Did talking to the counselor help?" she asked, referring to his appointment the day before.

Storm considered the question. "I don't know yet. Ensign Chambers is tough to read. You know counselors."

"Nope," Shyla disagreed. "I'm completely well adjusted. My mind is virgin pure."

"At least something still is," Ethan said, a bit crudely but honestly. He started to laugh again.

"Filth," she said slapping her hand on his rocking chest and smiling. "She's very pretty. Counselor Chambers."

"Yes," Storm agreed. "So is Crewman Moreau."

At that, she snuggled in tight with a satisfied sigh and both were silent for a long time until Shyla felt a stir. She leaned up in bed again and looked at Ethan, her expression a mix of excitement and incredulousness.

"Again?"

Storm started laughing. "It's your fault. You know that talk about being 'virgin pure' does it. I think you did it on purpose."

"Well, it better be that and not Counselor Chambers," Shyla joked without her expression reinforcing it. Storm leaned up in bed and pushed her long hair back from her face. She smiled at him briefly before biting her bottom lip.

"It's you, Shyla." He cupped her cheek in his hand and they shared a long kiss. When they pulled apart, his grin had became wicked. "Lights on or off?"

Shyla tilted her head and looked at him skeptically through her eyebrows. "What do you think?"

Ethan laughed. "Computer. Lights off."

---

"Dinner is Served"

Captain Matthew Salinger
Commander Lyrr Tayla, First Officer
Lt. Sam, Operations Manager
Lt. Benedict T'Kal, Chief of Security
Lt. Mark Thaine, Chief Engineer
Lt. Xayella Tagliesh, Chief Science Officer
Lt. Brennyn Scott, Chief Counselor
Lt, j.g. M'lira, Acting Chief Medical Officer
Lt, j.g. Giles McKenzie, Chief Helmsmen [NPC]
Ensign Mason Farrell, Operations Officer
Ensign Nathalie Gui, Operations Officer
Ensign Viraj, Operations Officer
Ensign Taylor Bennett, Security Officer
Ensign Annabelle Larkin, Science Officer [NPC]

Location: USS Sulu, Holodeck One
Stardate: 57907.16 18h38

***

Around a mahogany table of exquisite workmanship were arranged eleven chairs, each before a masterful place setting, eight pieces of silverware flanking a set of fine china, accented with beautiful crystal wine glasses. In one corner a string quartet was completing Orpheus. A discreet bar sat along one wall, next to which stood Ensigns Farrell and Viraj, complete in tailed tuxedos and white gloves: the perfect waiters.

Nathalie turned to face the Senior Staff. Clasping her hands behind her back she then stated, "Please be seated."

Like a perfect gentleman, Mason Farrell came forward and pulled out Brennyn's chair. Offering an impish smile and a bemused, "Thank you," Scott gracefully took her seat, making sure to keep her feet together as she did so. Occasionally her years of being on display, not to mention weeks of lessons on etiquette, actually proved useful. She had to admit, this Mason was a far cry from the slick charmer she had met days before in her office.

Lyrr cast a wary gaze at Viraj as he moved around behind her chair, but after watching Farrell do the same for Counselor Scott, who graciously accepted his aid in being seated, Lyrr sighed and relented. She thanked the Ensign dourly and stiffly pulled her tunic straight by its hem. Glancing aside briefly, she noted Matt doing the same for Lieutenant Tagliesh, who furtively touched a hand to his as it rested on the back of her chair. Lyrr looked away quickly and clenched her jaw to alleviate her discomfort.

Benedict offered the same service to Taylor Bennett as she was seated. He caught the look on Lyrr's face as he sat himself and wondered why she felt so uncomfortable in this setting. He cast a glance along the table, seeing the faces of a new ship's senior crew and not really knowing anyone but Lyrr. He hadn't even met the captain on an unofficial basis yet.

Farrell waited until everyone was seated before approaching the table.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he drawled slowly, his hands clasped lightly. "Thank you all for coming this evening. May we get you something to drink while appetizers are served?"

Viraj was still standing near enough to Lyrr to first go to her. She requested a water with ice, then returned her attention to the empty plate in front of her. She hated dinner parties, mainly because she hated being served and fussed over. She had yet another reason to despise Ensign Farrell: for organizing it.

Benedict looked at Taylor and smiled. "You okay?" he asked easily. He kept his voice very low so that no one overheard. He could see that the presence of the senior officers was making her uncomfortable. From his position, Lyrr was in line across the table and he noted the way she was trying hard to be civil to those around her. She really did have to relax - a good XO had to have a good relationship with all the senior officers; she was actually making her job harder by resisting the attempts of the crew to get to know her. He was almost caught staring as she turned back toward him and he flicked his eyes back at Taylor as she answered him.

Taylor had been about to answer when she noticed that, even though Lieutenant T'Kal was looking in her direction, his attention was not focused on her. Security training as well as a Vulcan mother who was nearly fanatical about mental exercises brought the conclusion that the lieutenant was gazing at Commander Lyrr. As his attention snapped back to her, she concluded that the commander had started to glance in his direction and he didn't wish to be caught. She smiled. "I'm doing fairly well, sir," she answered. "I'm just feeling a little out of place here at the table. However, it is fascinating to see this side of the senior officers." While her words could very well have been spoken by a "true" Vulcan, her tone belied her heritage. She enjoyed being an emotionally mercurial person; it kept people interested and intrigued. She felt she had found a balance between her Vulcan and human halves. "Thank you for inviting me here, sir. Despite my discomfort, I believe I will have a fun time tonight."

Benedict grinned. For a moment he caught a flash of deja vu; Taylor's profile with her pointed ears and impish smile reminded him of Teb and he clamped down on the memories that came with it. A moment of disconcert and he shook it off. "That's good," he managed to say. He nodded. "You know, you're probably more comfortable with this than most of the senior officers sitting at this table." He indicated toward the Chief Engineer who looked like he would prefer being anywhere else. Then there was Lyrr whose face showed open contempt for the whole thing. He couldn't help but grin at their obvious discomfort. Benedict actually enjoyed getting dressed up for dinner. "Just smile and enjoy yourself, but mostly - let's enjoy the discomfort of others." He gave her a laugh that showed in his eyes.

Brennyn requested a glass of red wine from Mason and while there would be waiters attending to their needs, she leaned over toward Lyrr and whispered inconspicuously, "That bad, huh?" She smiled. Dinner parties like this one weren't exactly her cup of tea either, but she chose to look at this as an opportunity to assess the captain and to get to know her colleagues in an informal atmosphere. She hoped eventually to make some friends.

Lyrr shrugged. "There's much work to do on board," she explained. "If this weren't a dinner for the captain, I would have declined the invitation."

Bree nodded in understanding. "I imagine you don't get much of an opportunity to relax in your position." Her smile brightened. "But I for one am glad you came. I've waited quite a long time to meet you. I imagine the two of us will be working quite closely. I hope I can get to know you and the others, so this will feel more like home."

Working more closely? Lyrr wasn't certain she liked the sound of that. "I hope, as well, you feel comfortable aboard the Sulu, Counselor," Lyrr replied diplomatically. Then she smiled tautly and looked away, hoping to avoid further conversation with the counselor. She simply wanted to sit out the rest of dinner in silence, praying for it to quickly end.

Brennyn smiled politely and turned her attention to her wine. Truthfully, she hadn't expected to get as far with Lyrr as she had, and she supposed this was the best she could ask for given what she knew of her and from what she'd observed earlier. The Bajoran acted tough, but Scott sensed it had more to do with trying to protect herself than it did with trying to push people away. Oh well, now was not the time for work. Maybe she should just sit back and enjoy.

"She keeps giving us disapproving looks," Xayella whispered to Matt, motioning her eyes towards Lyrr. "Though, the most amusing part is that while she's doing that, she's missing all the intense stares Lieutenant T'Kal is fixing upon her. Have you noticed?"

Matt chuckled. "I had noticed that, in fact," he said. "He looks like he's coiled and ready to strike, whether in violence or some other manner..." He frowned. "It's hard to say." He remembered reading the brutal report of T'Kal's fight on the surface. "He's definitely an intense person, isn't he? At least his date for the evening doesn't look frightened of him."

"She's part Vulcan," Xay reminded him. "They don't often feel much of anything." She smiled distastefully at Ensign Gui as the girl set Xayella's wine down in front of her. Ignoring her entirely soon after, she regarded Matt again and sighed. "So, who planned this thing anyway? It definitely wasn't Lyrr; she looks miserable just being here."

"Rumours indicate it was Ensigns Gui and Farrell," Matt said. "Though, I suspect an ulterior motive behind it. I noticed that the man doing the cooking here is the same one who was cooking at that party Markham and Reese threw. Though, we'll see. The flower arrangements are nice and the art isn't too far over the top as long as you're not a prude."

Xayella laughed softly and pointed at a scene in the far left section of the ceiling. "Hey...isn't that a position we tried once...."

"Oh," Matt said, as he gazed upward. "I don't think we tried it with our legs quite like that. Take notes..."

As Farrell made his way around the table taking drink orders, Benedict caught him by the arm. He leaned down as Benedict smiled and said, "Nice turn-out, Ensign. You wouldn't have a real bottle of Bajoran Summerwine would you? I've been hearing that you're the man to talk to." He grinned as Mason's face took on a false innocence. "If not, I'd like Japanese Sake - served hot. Two cups."

"I can neither confirm nor deny that I am 'the man to talk to,' " Mason responded in the even tone used by good waiters in fine establishments the galaxy over. "But I happen to have a fine Summerwine, in the Halil vintage. And for the good Ensign Bennett?" He gave Bennett a pleasant smile.

Taylor arched an eyebrow and glanced at Lieutenant T'Kal. "Unless my dinner companion is thirsty enough to consume the entire bottle, I believe I will be sharing the Summerwine." There was a flash of doubt on her features, as she gave Benedict a questioning look. She knew she was his date for the evening, but she wasn't quite certain if she was his date for the evening.

"Sure," Benedict smiled. He nodded at Mason Farrell and said, "That will be fine. Halil is one of the best vintages - something you just happened to have?" He grinned at the Ops officer. "Come find me tomorrow, Mister Farrell - I have a few requests of your talents before we leave for Bajoran space."

He turned back to Taylor Bennett. "It's a great wine - have you ever had any?"

"I haven't," Taylor answered. "There was a type of beer made on New Vancouver that was very good, though most of my alcohol consumption has been replicated. Between my physical regimen and duty, I never left myself much opportunity for it, though I am not adverse to drinking it." She looked around, then grinned. "And, I always relish the opportunity to try new things, even if it's a wine I have never tasted."

Benedict smiled, "You'll like it, I'm sure." He cast a look across the table and caught the eye of Brennyn Scott the Chief Counselor. He smiled and nodded a greeting; though he had avoided her since coming aboard he knew that eventually he'd get dragged in to see her on an official capacity. She was next to Tayla and Benedict made a point not to look in the commander's direction. He looked over at the Captain sitting close to Tagliesh and he could see that they were intimate. They were almost in a world of their own. For a moment it made him sad - he'd been that way once. He looked away and settled back.

Farrell was showing him the bottle of vintage wine and presenting it for his approval. With deft movements the bottle was opened with a flourish and he was given the task of tasting. It was fruity and light, perfect. Benedict smiled - it reminded him of home. "Perfect, Ensign," he said as he allowed him to fill the glass. It only took a moment and Benedict lifted his drink and touched glasses with Bennett. "To a good voyage," he said and drank deeply.

Glancing over at Benedict and Bennett, at the other end of the table Mark Thaine raised a hand to attract the attention of one of the waiters.

Viraj was placing an ice water in front of Lyrr when he noticed Thaine, and moved to his side to ask, "What's your pleasure?"

"Ensign," he said quietly, glancing around a little to make sure nobody was listening, and coming off even more suspicious. "You think you can get me..." He paused. "A cold beer?"

"Of course, sir," Viraj responded with a serious whisper, and backed away with poise.

The soup course arrived, brought on a cart by an additional crewman from behind the doors that apparently led into the kitchen. Bowls were set before the officers, and a pleasantly unique spicy aroma wafted from them.

"Gazpacho a la Bajor, ladies and gentlemen," Farrell said quietly, as bread was placed, drinks topped off, and the wait staff stepped back.

Though it was not necessary for any of his internal systems, Sam sampled the soup. He required no nourishment in the form of food or drink, though he had been equipped with the necessary programming to "appreciate" such things. "Quite flavourful," he stated after a moment. "The varying spices are quite complementary of one another. Were I capable of having an emotional response, I believe this would prompt one. As far as nourishment goes, I would rate this dish slightly above Tellarite Z948 Machine Oil with Mineral Decompositors."

There was a choking sound beside him followed by a quick gasp and the sound of drinking commonly heard from someone who has had food "go down the wrong pipe."

"Are you unwell, Doctor?" Sam asked.

M'lira looked at Sam, her eyes searching his expressionless face, and finally she laughed softly. "You made a joke, didn't you?"

"That was my intention," Sam answered. "I have not ever sampled Tellarite Z948. Though, this Gazpacho is indeed a pleasant tasting soup. Was my attempt at humour successful?"

M'lira chuckled. "Yes, Sam, it was quite successful. Now, eat your soup."

"Yes, Doctor," Sam said, and then returned to the chilled soup.

Sipping dainty spoonfuls of the appetizer, Lyrr intermittently glanced up, ensured T'Kal wasn't watching her eat, then focused on the pool of Gazpacho on her spoon. After her fourth pass, during which she grew increasingly self-conscious, Lyrr sighed as she set down her utensil and reached for her water. If she was going to continue being a source of interest for T'Kal throughout the dinner, or the counselor, or any other officer intrigued by her sullen ways, it was unlikely she would finish even one meal.

The soup was cold. Benedict ate it - barely. It was spiced, but not really to his liking. He made sure that he finished it, concentrating upon the task. Setting down the spoon he sat back and dabbed at his mouth with the napkin. "Not bad..." he said to no one in particular. What he really would have liked was a serving of Blood Crab - but Klingon dishes like that were served live. It might have been disagreeable for his dinner companions. He smiled thinking about it.

The soup bowls were whisked away, replaced by the fish course; plates of fish and other seafood in a wide variety of forms and cuts, accompanied by an array of sauces in a myriad of flavors. On each plate was a pair of slender matched sticks, lacquered black with tiny Starfleet arrowheads at their bases.

When the dishes for the next course hit the tables Benedict grinned widely and nodded. This was more like it. He picked up his chop-sticks and set to with vigour. He turned to Taylor and pointed to the Wasabe. "Be careful of that," he said with a grin. "It's a tiny bit warm...." He dipped a slice of raw fish into it and ate - relishing the burn.

The morsels of fish, and the variety of sauces displayed a fine range of tastes. Benedict dove in, enjoying it immensely.

Like T'Kal, Scott didn't care much for the chilled soup. Normally she didn't mind spicy foods, but she believed soup was a dish best served hot. Even Lt. Sam managed to join in on the commentary, something that made Bree smile. She'd readily admit she'd been a little uncomfortable about serving with what for all intents and purposes was a "simulated humanoid," but as she observed the android's interactions with other crewmembers, her curiosity had overcome her unease. After all, if Lt. Sam could make himself at home here, maybe there was hope for her after all.

Hope. That was a nice thought. All her life she'd been aboard starships, but she'd resisted making real friends, knowing they would leave her, or pass away. But deep in her heart, Bree knew she couldn't go through life that way, no matter how much she felt her job required that certain professional distance. Already she had started building relationships. Her session with Amy was proof of that. But she also knew she was opening herself up to the possibility of being hurt, disappointed, abandoned.

As she fiddled with her chopsticks and in so doing tried to fit in with the group, she wondered if she'd ever have the kind of relationships with this group as they seemed to have with each other. Would she have friends? Would she fall in love? Or was she destined to be the woman on the sidelines, everyone's cheerleader? Only time would tell.

She smiled awkwardly at T'Kal. "I don't suppose you'd care to show me how to use these, would you? I...I learned, several times, but I get a little too impatient."

Benedict grinned across the table at the Counselor. "You hold them like so...." He demonstrated, showing her his hand position and where the sticks went between what fingers. "You close them like so...." He demonstrated by clicking them in the air. Then he snatched up a small roll of seaweed wrapped rice. Dipping it into Wasabe he ate it with relish. "It's easy - and if you can't manage it." He grinned wider and stabbed another roll with the sharp sticks. "Just stab it." He laughed as she tried to copy him. He kept eating as he watched her. "You'll get the hang of it." She was quite attractive and he liked her smile. Dark eyes seemed to sparkle as she laughed at her own attempts to eat with the sharpened sticks.

After a couple more tries, Bree managed to capture a piece of shrimp, and although she knew at this rate it would probably take her years to finish what was on her plate, Scott was determined not to give up by asking for regular utensils. With Benedict's gaze on hers so intently, she was actually afraid doing so would disappoint him. Smiling to herself and tucking a strand of brown hair behind her ear, she dismissed the thought. Ben was attractive, but with one woman on his arm and another within his sights, she knew right away she didn't want to get personally involved in that situation, not even if her life depended on it. She smiled politely at the Bajoran. "Thank you."

Benedict gave her a small bow and grinned. He looked up and down the table, noting that none of the senior officers had invited anyone other than themselves. He looked over at Brennyn Scott and asked, "You didn't invite anyone from your department? It looks like I'm the only senior officer that took the opportunity to punish one of my subordinates." He laughed, showing he was joking in regard to the punishment as he looked at Taylor Bennett. "I thought it would be a good opportunity to get to know some of the people I'll be working with - as I know next to no one yet." He indicated Taylor and said, "I'm not sure if you've ever met Taylor Bennett." He introduced the Ensign to the Chief Counselor. "Taylor was good enough to consent to be my Plus One," he smiled. "I thought that everyone would have done the same.. I guess I was wrong."

Bree smiled diplomatically. "I figured the mere mention of dress whites would send them to the hills." She offered her hand in greeting to Taylor, her eyes sparkling. "Pleased to meet you, Taylor. I'm Brennyn Scott."

From across the table, gentle laughter cut through Bennett's response. When eyes glanced in their direction, Xayella had a sushi roll dripping with soy sauce trapped between the tips of her chopsticks, with which she was taunting Matt. As his mouth opened to accept it, she brought the morsel near and let it touch his lips before pulling it away, just as his mouth snapped shut. Xayella snickered and went in for another attempt.

Beside them, Commander Lyrr sighed and contemplated pulling the captain aside for a short talk regarding creating a spectacle of himself during a formal event. Instead, she took up her chopsticks and served herself a large portion of marinated bean sprouts. As the tangle of stalks were released expertly onto her plate, Lyrr contemplated the two wooden sticks she'd just utilized so adeptly and smiled to herself. She'd enjoyed dinner with T'Kal, as much as she had attempted to deny that. Casually, she hazarded a glance in his direction and was infused with disbelief and ire at the sight of Benedict demonstrating the proper technique for holding chopsticks to Counselor Scott. Had she really mistaken his innocent attentions as genuine interest? Or was he simply a scoundrel who made it a habit of luring in unsuspecting women with his charms? She'd been foolish to believe she appealed to him as anything other than a conquest.

As he smiled at the counselor with the same attractive smile he'd displayed to her, Lyrr smiled wryly to herself and calmly laid down her chopsticks, followed by the napkin she'd had draped across her lap. Not intending to cause a scene, Lyrr pushed back her chair smoothly and gracefully rose. She leaned over towards Matt to excuse herself, then departed ostensibly for a refresher at an even, leisurely pace. The air within the holodeck had become suddenly stifling.

Xayella watched her go with a curiously raised eyebrow. "Where's she off to?"

Matt glanced over to where Lyrr's gaze had drifted and then back to her retreating form. "The Little Bajoran's Room," Matt said softly. "I think something at the dinner disagreed with her." He reached down and picked up his chopsticks and then, with near expert skill, he snapped up a roll filled with rice and tuna and popped it into his mouth. He then grabbed one for Xay and held it out for her. "I'm sure she'll be fine, though I should check on her later."

Xay grinned and leaned forward to accept Matt's offering. "Later..." she echoed, then closed her lips around the roll and chopsticks as if they were something entirely different. After seductively pulling it free, she smiled and mumbled, "Yummy."

Brennyn took note of Lyrr's departure and wondered for a moment if she should follow. She hadn't a clue what was wrong and briefly contemplated going after her. Scott didn't want to pry, but she also couldn't help but be concerned anyway, and no one else seemed to be bothered by it. For all she knew, Lyrr was simply in the Ladies Room.

Deciding it was better to satisfy her curiosity now rather than to do so later while they were in the main course, Bree smiled at Mason, then politely excused herself, citing a need to "powder her nose" before dinner. Weaving her way past the other diners, Bree exited the holodeck in search of a place to wash her hands and Commander Lyrr.

Noting the purpose with which Lyrr had left the table, and the speed with which Brennyn had followed her, Viraj furrowed his brow in concern, and hurriedly, but casually, made his way towards Farrell. Viraj asked at a whisper, "You don't suppose Sikara gave them food poisoning, do you?"

Farrell smiled and shook his head slightly. "No. Lyrr's got a social disease," he quipped, just loud enough for Viraj to hear. "I just hope it doesn't get out of hand. Let's carry on with the sorbets. We've got to let the food loosen people up."

At first, Viraj was a little shocked with what he thought Mason was talking about, at such a formal dinner, but then he was glad that some humans were more open-minded than it originally seemed. Nodding, Viraj followed Farrell towards the kitchen, and remarked, "I never knew that sorbet acted as an aphrodisiac..."

---

"Our Work Here Is Done"
By: Counsellor Brennyn Scott
Commander Lyrr Tayla

Location: Public Refresher, USS Sulu
Stardate 57907.16, 18h45

***

"Here, let me help you with those chopsticks," Lyrr mimicked in her best baritone voice, though she realized she sounded nothing like T'Kal.

She passed her hands under the hand sanitizer mounted to the wall, which cast an indigo glow onto her flesh. Further mockery of T'Kal's disgustingly suave methods ensued as the humming device did its job, and finally a wry chuckle sounded as Lyrr chided herself mentally for allowing T'Kal to sway her. She knew better than to get close to a man, especially after Sean; they were more trouble than they were worth, especially those with wandering eyes and hands.

Lyrr pushed away from the wall and stepped in front of the mirror to straighten out her uniform. She grimaced at the unflattering sight of herself in a dress uniform, then proceeded to groom her hair with her fingers in an agitated manner. She definitely hated dinner parties for certain now.

Bree entered the Ladies Room, peeking her head around the door to see if she could spot Commander Lyrr. This was the closest public restroom to the Holodeck but Bree didn't know if the Bajoran was ill or just needed to freshen up. As it turned out, it was the latter. Scott was relieved but also felt a bit embarrassed. Still she couldn't shake the feeling there was something more going on. Her departure was rather abrupt, and no matter how much one hated parties, she would have expected her to grin and bear it. But Lyrr hadn't exactly tried to hide her distaste.

Scott walked over to the sanitizer beside Lyrr and looked over to her with a wan smile. "I thought maybe you got ahold of some bad fish or something. I just wanted to make sure you were alright, and, well, to get away from those damn chopsticks."

"Really?" Lyrr hid a smirk and quipped, "I thought you were rather enjoying those chopsticks."

"Not especially," replied Brennyn, noting the rather sarcastic edge of the other woman's tone. She finished cleansing her hands, but looked up to catch Lyrr's reflection in the mirror. "What made you think otherwise?" Scott asked, not exactly hiding her confusion.

Lyrr met Bree's gaze unflinchingly and answered forthrightly, "You were smiling. Does that not usually denote enjoyment, Counsellor?"

Scott was not sure what she had done to deserve the attitude she was getting from Lyrr Tayla, but she was not about to return the favor, at least not until she knew what the motives were behind it. "In this case, it denoted my embarrassment. Everyone else seemed to grasp the technique quite expertly. I was feeling a little out of my element."

Lyrr sighed and with a grudging smile admitted, "So was I. Formal dinners are sometimes necessary for anyone on the command track or in any position of some importance. Frankly, I think they're pretentious and tedious. A more casual setting would've been preferable." She shrugged and turned away from the mirror to regard the counsellor directly. "I admit, it's put me in an unpleasant mood. Forgive me, Counsellor. It's hardly the way to make a good first impression on one of the ship's senior staff members."

Bree dismissed the thought. "It's already forgotten, Commander, I completely understand what you mean. And please forgive my inquiry, I just wanted to make sure you were feeling alright." She smiled sheepishly, "I'm a nurse as well, and I was actually afraid I might have to treat you for food poisoning or an allergic reaction, but now that I see it's mood related, I can empathize whole heartedly. If there's anything I can do for you, just let me know."

"I will," Lyrr replied politely, but with no intention of taking her up on the offer. Or so she thought. "One thing, Counsellor.... I was wondering if you've had a chance to discuss with Lieutenant T'Kal what happened on the evening of Stardate 57907.10. He is required to attend a counselling session following such an incident; I wish to know if you and he have...seen each other regarding it."

"I have not yet had the opportunity, Commander, but I am aware of the incident and the counseling requirement. It would appear Lt. T'Kal is also due for his regular psych evaluation, but he seems to be avoiding me, at least professionally. I was thinking of approaching him about it after dinner where it will seem less threatening."

Lyrr nodded, satisfied. "He's a very intense man, Counsellor - I was there to witness it during the fight. There are certain...details from his past, that I cannot divulge to you, which make me slightly uncomfortable. I wish them to be resolved, or at least have you ensure they don't affect his duty aboard this vessel." She paused a moment in thought, then advised the counsellor, "That means if you have any intentions to become...more than friends with the lieutenant, then I suggest you set them aside at least until your future sessions with him are complete. Is that agreed, Counsellor?"

Bree's polite smile never left her. So that was what this was about? Lyrr had thought she had romantic designs on T'Kal? And she actually thought Bree would sacrifice professionalism and concern for his well-being for her own needs? Perhaps the lady doth protest too much. As far off base as Lyrr was, Scott wasn't about to make her romantic interests, whether or not she had any, a topic of conversation with someone she barely knew. "Sure thing, Commander." Her tone was polite, even upbeat, but her eyes betrayed her anger, and deep down, the hurt, at being so pre-judged. Taking a final look in the mirror, she suggested, "Perhaps we should get back."

"I imagine the next course is being served," Lyrr agreed. "Maybe this one will be without chopsticks." She smiled genially at the Counsellor and led the way to the exit. With confidence renewed and the counsellor subtlely warned, Lyrr could bear to be in the same room with T'Kal, no matter who he decided to flirt with next.

Ignoring the un-counselor-like possible uses for her chopsticks and Commander Lyrr, techniques now known to her thanks to T'Kal, Bree smiled sweetly. "Maybe I'll get lucky."

Lyrr could now bear to be in the same room with T'Kal no matter what. Unbeknownst to Brennyn, her work there was done.

---

"The Main Course"
By: Captain Matthew Salinger
Commander Lyrr Tayla, First Officer
Lt. Sam, Operations Manager
Lt. Benedict T'Kal, Chief of Security
Lt. Mark Thaine, Chief Engineer
Lt. Xayella Tagliesh, Chief Science Officer
Lt. Brennyn Scott, Chief Counselor
Lt, j.g. M'lira, Acting Chief Medical Officer
Lt, j.g. Giles McKenzie, Chief Helmsmen [NPC]
Ensign Mason Farrell, Operations Officer
Ensign Nathalie Gui, Operations Officer
Ensign Viraj, Operations Officer
Ensign Taylor Bennett, Security Officer
Ensign Annabelle Larkin, Science Officer [NPC]
Sikara, Chef

Location: USS Sulu, Holodeck One
Stardate: 57907.16 19h10

***

The next course was served. Lemon sorbet. A pleasant change from the spice of the previous courses, and a wonderful palette cleanser.

Brennyn made her way back to the table just in time for the main course. As she watched Lyrr take her seat, she smiled to herself. From their conversation in the restroom, Scott guessed that T'Kal must have done a number on Lyrr's heart for her to react to Bree as she did. Only someone hurting badly herself would want to inflict that kind of pain on someone else. Lyrr's implications had stung, since her job as a counselor was the most important thing in the universe to her, but she wasn't going to let it bother her. Scott had to be approachable to everyone, and she just might need to be there for Commander Lyrr Tayla in the future.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the main event," Farrell said, softly but pitched to carry. The crewman from the kitchen came out again with Viraj. Both carried broad trays, each laden with several covered dishes. Each diner had a covered plate placed before him or her, and the assembled waiters lifted the lids at once.

The aroma was exquisite, warm and hearty, spicy and rich. Each plate contained a gorgeous mound of pasta covered with a steaming meat and vegetable sauce.

"Stewed Ardaly Cheth'pri with Pappardelle," Farrell intoned as the lids were set aside and drinks were topped again. "Enjoy."

Lyrr blinked away stinging tears as the steam billowed up into her face, bringing with it the zesty essence of the dish. She smiled to herself and her salivary glands were triggered by what she anticipated as a dish that would satisfy even her spicy palette. Lyrr readily took up her fork and threaded its tines into the bed of pasta, then twirled the coated strings around her fork and raised it to her lips. The morsels of chopped ardaly tumbled down onto her plate, and the red sauce fell in thick droplets from the loose ends of the pasta until Lyrr consumed the forkful. The effect was instantaneous as the sauce came into contact with lips and tongue. It was initially a sharp tingle, then the real heat emerged and singed her flesh. Her eyes watered and nose ran as she chewed, savouring the underlying flavour that managed to speak through despite the overpowering spiciness. The burn carried down into her throat once she swallowed and left behind a delicious pain that had Lyrr smiling. "Extra spicy," she whispered to herself.

There was a an exclamation of surprise from across the table, where the Chief Engineer of the ship seemed to be discovering exactly how spicy 'extra spicy' really was. "Damned good," he declared, after downing more than a little water. "If you're gonna make hot food, it'd damned well better leave your eyes watering. And this stuff does."

Benedict caught the smile on Tayla's face and grinned. It was the first time he'd seen a true smile on her face and he looked away as his own dish was uncovered. The scent carried with it a hint of the heat the dish held in its taste and Benedict knew already that it would be really hot. He enjoyed spices and hot foods, Wasabe and some of the Bajoran dishes that could peel the laminate from a ship's hull. This was something else. The first taste was like a full spread of photon torpedoes wrapped in a warp core breach. He coughed. Then he spluttered. His hand grabbed the water jug and through tears and pain he managed to get a glass full of water. It didn't do a damned thing. "Holy shit," he managed to say as he leaned away from his plate. "Do we eat this - or use it as a weapon of mass destruction?" He looked at Taylor as she lifted her fork to her mouth, waiting for the woman's reaction.

After the fork had deposited its payload (and given Lt. T'Kal's reaction, she thought that a most accurate description) into Taylor's mouth, she raised an eyebrow as she began to chew. To say that it was spicy would be similar to saying that Warp 9 was fast. The dish had a unique flavor, and the additional spice seemed to both heighten and diminish the flavor at once. It was always tricky with making a dish spicy, too much could make it impossible to taste anything but the spice. Taylor gave a nod of approval. Sikara had done well with establishing a comfortable range of spiciness without vaporizing any of the flavor. A glance around her indicated that perhaps not everyone agreed with that sentiment, however. She turned to T'Kal and smiled. "It is quite flavorful," she said. "However, I would fear that left unattended it could melt its way through deckplatings."

Benedict laughed and almost choked. He glanced up at Brennyn Scott and saw her trepidation at eating. He grinned and turned to Taylor. "Damn, Ensign - how the hell can you taste anything? I thought Klingon food was rough...." He turned back to Scott and said, "Go ahead, Counselor - it's only marginally preferable to having a Klingon Pain Stick shoved down your throat!" He laughed as she looked at the morsel on her fork.

Brennyn observed the reactions of her fellow diners and wisely decided not to dig right in. But, not one to miss an opportunity to try something new, she twirled about a tenth of a bite on her fork and placed into her mouth. A moment later her eyes began to water, and although not as intense a reaction as the others', it was still not a terribly satisfying feeling for her. The dish had a nice flavor if one could get past the initial burn.

Wiping her eyes and taking a long drought of water, she smiled to her companions good-naturedly and in completely over the top sarcastic cheer asked, "Gazpacho, anyone?" Suddenly the chilled soup seemed like the best tasting appetizer in the known universe at the moment, and Bree, as she suspected was true for everyone else who hadn't cared for it, was ready to confess the error of her ways.

Benedict laughed and slapped his knee. The cold soup! As he looked down the table he saw the general reactions of the senior officers - it seemed the only one to truly enjoy it was Commander Lyrr.

From a few seats down, Xayella Tagliesh was guzzling her wine frantically to wash away the agonizing heat searing her tongue. With her glass drained, and the wine in her mouth being sloshed around to reach every crevice, Xayella waved her arm above her to summon one of the attendants for a refill.

Farrell and Viraj, clearly having prepped for this contingency, were at the table with soft rolls the moment Tagliesh raised her hand. "Here you are, sir," Farrell said softly to Tagliesh. "The bread helps draw off the heat."

Xayella snatched up the flaky roll and tore off a piece that was hastily stuffed into her mouth. The fire seemed to cool off marginally, enough to have Xayella sighing and smiling her gratitude to Farrell. "Thanks," she told him, then chewed off another piece.

Matt Salinger took one of the rolls and quickly took a bite to quench the flames produced by the spicy meal. "Good stuff," he said, his voice a hoarse rasp. "My compliments to the chef, though you might want to pass the word to Lt. Thaine. He'll want to check and make sure we do still have some plasma in the ship's systems after this meal."

Farrell gave a genuine chuckle. "We did wonder why the chef put 'Anti-Matter' on his ingredient list this evening." He leaned close between the Captain and Tagliesh then, and added in a volume pitched just for them, "Viraj taste-tested some of the Cheth'pri sauce earlier. We had to peel him off the ceiling. The chef pronounced it 'perfect.' "

Benedict pushed the plate away from him. There was no way he could eat it. It was just way too hot for his tastes. He drank a good mouthful of the Bajoran Springwine, but it seemed to sour the taste. His mouth was still on fire and his eyelids were sweating. His tongue was numb and his lips tingled. He caught Scott's eye and smiled at their discomfort. She looked away as if his smile made her feel uncomfortable.

The diners worked their way through the Pasta Cheth'Pri, some eating with gusto and reveling in the spice, some picking timidly and experimenting with the ratio of sauce to pasta. In time the main course wound down, and salad was served. In this case, the usual leaf-based course had been modified, replaced with a blessedly cool cocktail of sliced fruit in a variety only a ship in orbit over Risa could acquire.

Tayla, who was disappointed that the pasta course had ended, spooned a dollop of thick crème fresh onto the bowl of mixed fruit then raised a mouthful to her lips. The glaze on the fruit was sweet, but not overly so, and the minty undertones offered a refreshing flavour that mitigated the intense heat still lingering after the highly potent pasta dish. It was perfect, in Lyrr's mind. She took in another spoonful.

The assembled officers appeared thankful almost unanimously for the soothing fruit after the fiery Cheth'Pri. Conversation lulled a bit while they quenched their tongues. The course was over quickly.

"Dessert?" Farrell asked the assembly, as the course in question was brought out.

And dessert it truly was. On each individually chilled plate, garnished with strawberries, stood a cone constructed entirely of a chocolate lattice, resting in a small conical cup for stability. Within each cone sat a marvelous dollop of rich chocolate mousse.

Xayella stared down at her serving that seemed more art than cuisine, and frowned. "I don't remember Nebbs ever making anything like this."

"Nebbs isn't really a dessert guy," Matt said. "He's...he prefers making food that people will eat and gain nutrients from, and while it's tasty, I don't think gourmet is really a concern. I could be wrong though. It may be that he just doesn't know how to make mousse."

"Then why are we having mousse?" Xay asked. She shrugged and dipped her spoon into the thick chocolate dessert. "I'm not complaining though...."

Neither am I, thought Bree as she savored a spoonful of the sweet pudding-like dessert, suddenly very glad she hadn't hastily filled up on bread or salad. As far as she was concerned, dessert should always come first. One never knew when one's life was going to end, or in the case of a Starfleet Officer, when one poorly timed Red Alert was going to shoot dinner all to hell.

Benedict grinned. Chocolate mousse. Terran style. If there was a choice of Terran dishes that hit the big time with T'Kal it was Coffee, Vanilla Ice cream and Chocolate Mousse...well...two out of three ain't bad, he thought as he contemplated the confection. He could tell by the sudden silence that the dessert drew their entire concentration. It was almost a shame to dig into it - it looked so good...almost a shame...it was delicious.

There was a lull in the conversation, and Farrell filled it. "Ladies and gentlemen," he spoke again, pitched to be heard. "Your chef this evening has been a Risan named Sikara. He was exceptionally excited about cooking for this assembly this evening, and while we bring out coffee he'd like to meet you. If that's amenable." Farrell looked to the captain.

Matt chuckled. "Yes, that's amenable. Go ahead and bring him out."

Farrell nodded and removed himself to the kitchen. Viraj began pouring coffee.

After a few moments, Farrell returned with a young man in a chef's apron and beret. "Captain Salinger," Farrell said, "assembled officers, may I present your chef for the evening, Sikara."

Sikara smiled his warmest smile at the assembled senior officers, and he said respectfully, "I deeply hope that you enjoyed your celebration and am truly honoured to have been the person to prepare it for you." The Risan bowed respectfully.

"I'm surprised Nebbs even let him near his kitchen," Xayella muttered to Matt.

Matt chuckled. "Well, I'm sure one night wasn't bad for him," he answered softly. "He got the night off to enjoy Risa one last time, rather than having to cook for whomever happened by his kitchen. Though, I don't think anyone could ever truly replace Nebbs, no matter how tasty their mousse." He then looked up to Sikara and smiled. "The food was excellent, Mr. Sikara."

Sikara bowed again. "Thank you very much, Captain Salinger."

Bree took a sip of her coffee and for a moment savored the soothing blend. Since entering the Academy, where she was known for her marathon cram sessions, Bree had abandoned coffee for the much stronger Klingon raktajino. Tasting this Risian blend, she was reminded just how comforting a nightcap could be.

She stood, smiling at the polite Risian chef, Sikara, her eyes sparkling with delight. "While I won't presume to speak for all of my colleagues, I want to thank you for all your hard work. Prior to coming aboard the Sulu, I was stationed on the Terra Nova, a Defiant class, and while we had access to our share of authentic ingredients, I can assure you our chef didn't have one tenth your imagination."

Sikara turned to the woman. "Thank you very much, madam," his eyes sparkled.

Scott turned to the captain. "As Chief Counselor, sir, I feel it's my duty to inform you that Chef Sikara could be an invaluable asset in maintaining crew morale." Her posture indicated the formality of her statement, but her eyes revealed her mirth. With Sikara onboard, Bree imagined her tour of duty would be more than manageable. She was anxious to give him a list of her favorite comfort foods. Maybe the rigors of space travel and Fleet life wouldn't be so bad after all.

Sikara's spirits hit the roof; it felt inevitable now, he would be able to join the magnificent ship.

Nicely played, Counsellor, Matt thought. To make that announcement in front of Sikara and the rest of the senior staff. How could such an offer be refused to him now? "I'm quite certain he would, if Mr. Sikara was interested in traveling with a Starfleet starship, following Starfleet rules."

Lyrr, too, rose from her seat and cast a glare in the counsellor's direction before addressing Matt. "Captain, I really don't think this is the appropriate venue to discuss such a thing...if that is what Ensign Farrell's intentions were for this dinner." Her gaze was on said ensign now, and by her expression it was clear she wasn't pleased.

Scott barely repressed a roll of her eyes as she caught sight of Lyrr's glare. The Bajoran woman truly needed to lighten up. At least the woman was an equal opportunity people hater.

Benedict stifled a groan. Tayla had 'that look' in her eyes that he was beginning to recognize. His convalescent conversation with Farrell came to mind and he looked at the Operations Officer - but the man was stoic as a Vulcan, giving nothing away in such a delicate situation. Having someone like Sikara on board was a good idea - and the counsellor knew it too - but Lyrr was only seeing Farrell's hand in it and assumed it was some machination to get to her. He shook his head slightly at the tone the evening had come to. The idea might come to nothing simply because Farrell had taken a part in it. There was the man's security clearance to consider too. Lyrr was correct in that this wasn't the venue - but to immediately jump to Farrell was ill considered, as it was the Chief Counsellor who erred. Given Farrell's methods as described in reports, he wasn't stupid enough to bring it up in this instance - he would have brought it up afterward - when all the senior staff had met Sikara and tasted his fares. Benedict looked at Lyrr Tayla with a stone face - he didn't want her to see his disapproval - but the chef was losing face here. Badly.

Sikara gulped. This woman, this Bajoran was trying to spoil it. His heart sank as he read her collar and saw a Commander's insignia

Farrell glanced unreadably at Lyrr, and then turned to the captain. "Mea Culpa," he said, the beginnings of a smile creeping onto his face. "While it was my primary intention to provide a fine meal to celebrate your safe return, mister Sikara's skills were a serendipitous find. To be honest, sir, Nebbs has been overworked in the kitchen. He expressed to me on a couple of occasions that he'd appreciate help. I met mister Sikara on Risa, and felt that he had something to offer the ship. Ops does oversee personnel, sir, as you well know."

Sikara looked from face to face, a hopeful look attempting to burst through the impassive look he attempted to portray. The last choice was the Captain's wasn't it? he thought. He looked to the captain.

"We can easily pick up another chef if Nebbs is so harried," Lyrr cut in. "There's no reason we need a man we don't even know, Captain. This is absolutely ridiculous!"

Benedict sighed. The poor man was standing in front of the entire senior staff and being reduced before their eyes. He would have thought that Tayla would have been more considerate of their guest - but all she could think of was her anger at Farrell. He was about to rise to the Risan's defense when a female voice stopped him.

Nathalie stepped forward and then remarked, "What's wrong with Sikara? He's posed absolutely no threat to the Sulu and her crew. I don't personally see what the problem is, Commander; just give the man a civil test."

Sikara started as he observed Nathalie perform what could be seen as insubordination. "Nathalie, don't..."

Matt swept a glance around the room. "This is not the time or place to have this discussion. If Mr. Sikara wishes to join this ship, the matter will be discussed tomorrow, in private. Don't think this is an indication of approval or admittance, it is just a delay of this conversation. Myself, Commander Lyrr, Lieutenant Sam, Ensign Farrell, and Mr. Sikara will be there. For tonight, this matter is closed."

Bree reached for her coffee cup and raised it to toast Sikara. "Then I'd simply like to wish Sikara the best of luck tomorrow." She winked at him and took a sip of her coffee. Casting a glance in Lyrr's direction, Scott couldn't help but think the Risian was going to need it.

The Risan looked back to Scott and returned the gesture, appreciative of her support.

Benedict looked at the Counsellor and wondered whether she realized that she had taken part in the total embarrassment of a man who didn't deserve it. She didn't act like she did. He looked at Sikara and felt disappointed that he hadn't been treated with respect - saddened that his meal had been ruined, and most of all ashamed for Lyrr's words. He knew that his position on the ship was relatively new, and his working relationship with Lyrr was on precarious ground, and now or even later wasn't the time to discuss this matter with her. She was exercising her command prerogatives, and as Benedict's senior officer he had no place to correct her bad manners. Instead he determined to make amends to Sikara in his own way. Before tomorrow came about he would have a security clearance determined for the man presented to the captain. If he was cleared. After that, Benedict would make personal amends to him in some way.

After a moment of silent congratulations and luck-wishing, Matt stood. "I would like to thank Sikara, and Ensigns Farrell, Viraj, and Gui for this meal. It was a nice way to end our time here on Risa. Thank you all for coming and showing your support. Unless anyone has anything further, dismissed. The holodeck will remain running for another two hours if you wish to mingle here. Good night, everyone."

There was brief, gentle applause for the captain, and for those who had planned the dinner party. Some clapped in gratitude for the conclusion of a grueling formal occasion, and others for pure appreciation of a delightful evening of food and socializing. Xayella clapped for both reasons. "Are we staying or are you going to help me out of this dress now?" Xay said against Matt's ear.

Matt leaned close. "Perhaps we should stick around for a little bit," he said. "Be the dutiful commanding officer and science chief for a little longer, and that way we let the anticipation build. That, and I want more of that mousse."

Xay chuckled and again settled down into her chair, with Matt doing the same. She dipped her spoon into the thick dessert and raised it to his lips. "Enjoy," she purred.

Matt looked deep into her eyes and smiled. "Always," he said, then opened his mouth for the tasty dessert.

---

"Invitation to Attend"
By: Lt. Benedict T'Kal - Chief of Security
Lt. Brennyn Scott - Chief Counsellor
Ensign Taylor Bennett - Security Officer

Location: USS Sulu, Holodeck One
Stardate: 57907.16, 20h05

***

Benedict T'Kal pulled the collar of his dress white jacket away from his neck as he stood from the table. He absently threw his napkin on the table and turned to Taylor Bennett. "Thank you for your company this evening," he smiled. "I hope it wasn't too much of an imposition."

Taylor smiled and shook her head. "Not at all, sir," she said. "It was an enlightening experience, to be sure."

"Forgive me, but I have to discuss a few things...." He indicated with a nod of his head in the captain's direction, who was in conversation with Xayella Tagliesh and Mark Thaine. Her answering nod and smile told him that she understood. "I'm sorry that no one else thought to invite someone from their department - I thought they would." He raised his eyebrow. "Stupid of me...."

"I heard no complaints of my presence here," she said with a smile, and then indicated her pointed ears. "And, I believe I would have if anyone had done so. It was an enjoyable evening, and I thank you for the opportunity to attend, sir."

"It was a pleasure Taylor," he smiled. He gave her a nod and moved away from the table.

The dinner was breaking up. Some of the officers were gathering in knots of conversation. It was close to midnight and Benedict had to be up and about in five hours and he still had to make arrangements with the Risan authorities about Sikara. He turned to make his way to the captain to introduce himself as he hadn't formerly met the man yet. As he made to do so, he ran into Brennyn Scott. She stood in his way and he smiled. "Counsellor," he said as if to make his way past her. As he looked up he saw Lyrr Tayla glance in their direction and quickly look away. Brennyn placed a hand on his arm and stopped him.

"If I'd known you were going to avoid seeing me this much, I'd have worn my tapdancing shoes." Scott looked up at him expectantly, and as usual, her eyes revealed her amusement. "I believe you owe me a conversation of a more professional nature, Mr. T'Kal."

Benedict stopped and smiled politely. "I wasn't avoiding you, Counsellor," he replied. "That was a nice piece of maneuvering you tried earlier." He waved absently at where Sikara had stood before the entire senior staff and been humiliated. "Pity it only served to humiliate an innocent man." He kept the polite smile, but it didn't reach his eyes and his voice was lacking any emotional content. "You should have had more tact, Lieutenant." If in doubt - attack, a good Klingon proverb that suited the occasion.

For the second time in mere minutes, Brennyn had to stop her eyes from rolling. What was it with this crowd? Did all old school Starfleet types have sticks up their asses? Scott was reminded just how much she hated how so called fleet veterans chose to thumb their noses at others through blatant condescension. She vowed never to resort to that, no matter how long she managed to serve. At least as a civilian no one pulling that crap would've been taken seriously.

Her smile was charming. "And you should have paid more attention, Mr. T'Kal... Sikara was smiling. A sign of contentment, or in this case, of gratitude," she added, matching his tone stride for stride. Scott shook her head. "I wouldn't recommend quitting your day job, Lieutenant." She turned to leave, then as an afterthought she added, "See that you arrange for your mandatory evaluation with myself or Ms. Chambers before the close of Gamma tomorrow." Without so much as another glance, Bree turned and made her way into throng of well wishers.

Benedict watched her go - counsellors: they were so damned superior. Scott obviously couldn't tell the difference between a smile of gratitude and a smile of embarrassment. He thought momentarily of seeking an appointment with Chambers, but that might give the impression that he was intimidated. He shook his head - great start! She would be dissecting his motivations and prying open his psyche for evaluation. He rolled his eyes at the thought.

He wanted to introduce himself to Salinger - but he was engaged in by-play with his girlfriend. Benedict scowled - the woman was acting like his mother! He couldn't believe a Starship Captain would let one of his department heads feed him at a senior officer's formal function like he was some kind of invalid. What did that do to the man's image? Did he care? Not by the looks of it - he was blind to the interest the junior officers were giving them.

He thought better of interrupting them and instead took a walk to the balcony to shake off his mood.

---

"A Slap on the Hand"
By: Ensign Nathalie Gui
Commander Lyrr Tayla

Location: Holodeck One, USS Sulu
Stardate 57907.16, 20h05

***

As the guests moved away from the table to disperse across the holographically simulated courtyard to mingle, Lyrr sidled out from behind her chair and marched directly for Ensign Gui, who was making her way towards the bar to retrieve a tray. She had no idea what had gotten into the heads of half the officers on board, but it seemed to have infected the young ensign as well. Tempering her anger with the suspicion that Ensign Farrell had somehow influenced her badly, Lyrr called to Gui with little fury lacing her voice. "May I have a short word with you?"

Nathalie felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up as she heard Commander Lyrr call out to her, anger evident in her voice. Gui placed the tray back on the bar and turned to face the Commander. Standing to attention Nathalie replied simply without emotion, "Yes, sir."

Lyrr smiled tightly at the girl, and crossed her arms over her chest as she stopped before her. "Shall I come directly to the point, Ensign, or would you care to anticipate what I'm about to say and apologize beforehand?"

"You have obviously come to speak to me concerning the way I acted towards the end of the banquet. I do not see what fault I have taken in my actions by believing that our chéf for the evening posed no threat to the crew, and that he is fairly entitled to take a civilian test." Nathalie looked briefly at Lyrr and then remarked, "Or it could be just the fact that you hold a certain disliking to Ensign Farrell and you wish for me to divulge to you any "dirt" on Sikara, seeing as I have worked with Ensign Farrell in the past."

"Actually, Ensign," Lyrr said pithily, "yet again, you're mistaken. This has nothing to do with Ensign Farrell or Sikara; this has everything to do with your inability to practice appropriate discretion while addressing a superior. You publicly undermined my authority and contradicted me after I specifically stated that the discussion of Sikara's admittance onto this vessel should be reserved for a more appropriate setting. We may not be on the bridge, Ensign," she told her sternly, "but that doesn't mean one abandons all sense of protocol and the chain of command, as you have this evening. 'Just give the man a civilian test'?" Lyrr shook her head incredulously. "Is it in your nature, Ensign, to give direct orders to your executive officer, or have you spent far too much time associating with Ensign Farrell?"

"My apologies, sir, but my comment directed towards yourself at the banquet was not meant to be perceived as an order but just as merely a suggestion. I'm sorry if you have interpreted it as otherwise."

"I believe I've interpreted it as it was meant to be interpreted, Ensign," Lyrr retorted. "And I would suggest, if you wish to go far in your career, you practice better judgement and restraint." She leaned forward and confided, "And choose better friends."

"Duly noted, sir. I will see to it that in the future I do not behave inappropriately," Gui replied without inflection as she stood ramrod straight as she waited for Lyrr's final answer.

"Good," Lyrr nodded. "You're just beginning a new phase in your career, and it would be a pity to see that go to waste because you've fallen in with the wrong crowd. Now...I'll let you get back to work. And hopefully this is the last time I need to reprove you, Ensign." Her smile masked the warning tone of her voice.

"Understood, sir."

"Then have a nice evening, Ensign." Lyrr inclined her head at the woman, then turned and became the first one to leave the party as she strode through the parting holodeck doors.

The moment Lyrr left the holodeck Nathalie breathed, suddenly realizing she had been nearly holding her breath earlier. Lyrr certainly seemed to enjoy living up to the role of ship's executive officer. As Nat gathered the tray, she couldn't help but wonder if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

---

"Look Mom, No Arm Twisting!"
By: Lt. Brennyn Scott, RN - Chief Counselor
Captain Matthew Salinger - Commanding Officer

Location: USS Sulu, Holodeck One
Stardate: 57907.16, 20h15

***

As expected, after the incredible dinner everyone was anxious to offer their best wishes to the guest of honor and commanding officer. Though it was clear early on that Matthew Salinger had very little patience for the formality associated with this special dinner, Bree smiled as she observed that he seemed to have no such distaste for interacting with his crew. If he was uncomfortable or fatigued, Bree decided, he hid it extremely well.

The only sign that Bree thought might be an indication Salinger might not be one hundred percent was the slightly exaggerated deliberateness of his gait, as if he were trying to remind himself not to move too quickly. But for all Bree really knew, that could've been the way the man moved all the time, seeing as how she had never actually had the pleasure or the opportunity to meet the person who would be depending on her to see to the emotional well-being of the entire crew.

Scott smiled to herself as she took a glass of sparkling cider from one of the waitstaff. This was one hell of a way to meet one's captain. Yes, sir, it is a pleasure to meet you. So sorry someone tried to assassinate you. By the way, how're you coping with that?

She sipped her cider. It was exactly what she needed to know, not for the sake of stimulating dinner conversation, but because it was her job. And the God's honest truth was that she cared. She didn't know him well enough yet to care for him per se, but she cared about Sulu and wanted the best for her crew, including its captain. After serving in Starfleet on several starships and finding her niche as an adult, Scott was finally beginning to feel as though she were ready to make a starship her home. And she hoped the Sulu was to be that chance.

She spotted Salinger staring at a painting. He had escaped the throng of people and even Xay appeared to be occupied elsewhere. Whether Salinger was lost in his own thoughts or he was genuinely interested in the artwork, she couldn't tell. She almost felt guilty for disturbing him, but Bree also knew that having a reluctant Chief Counselor was not good for business, and that she wouldn't feel better about Matt Salinger's well-being until she inquired herself. "A beautiful piece," commented Bree quietly, making sure not to startle him.

"If you'd believe it, reminds me of home," Matt Salinger answered. "The ice rink I used to go to when I was a boy had a painting similar to this. Of course, it very well could have been someone trying to do something similar to this. According to Ensign Farrell, all the artwork here is authentic replication from pieces from this era on earth." He turned and smiled. "I've always enjoyed looking at art, regardless if I know what I'm actually looking at or not."

Bree smiled. "Not me. My parents liked to go to galleries and such all the time, and of course they'd always drag me with them. It wasn't until I went to the Academy that I realized how calming art could be. Prior to that, I was always too frustrated at my inability to make sense of it to actually appreciate it." She stared at the painting a moment longer before turning to Salinger, hand outstretched. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, sir."

"And you, Counsellor," Matt said as he took her hand. "Risa kept me indisposed for most of the time, but I'm glad to be able to spend time with the crew and get to know them now."

Brennyn smiled wanly. "I suppose that's one way to describe it," Scott allowed.

She paused, seemingly giving in to something. "Forgive the lack of subterfuge, Captain, but you'll find that I tend to be rather direct about things. I realize the lack of probing and calculating inquiries shows a lack of creativity on my part, but it certainly saves time. How are you, sir?" The way he regarded her indicated he knew what she was truly asking. The only question now was whether he was going to tell her or whether he was going to hide behind politeness.

"As far as I can tell," he began, "I feel fine. The pain is there from time to time, and the occasional doubt. On the whole, though, I feel as if I'm doing well."

Bree appreciated his honesty. It certainly wasn't what she expected. "Physical pain or emotional pain?" She had never been able to speak with such candor with a CO before. Her eyes searched his, conveying a simple message: You can trust me.

"Mostly physical," he answered. "I've had a lot of support from Xayella and others, so there isn't as much emotional pain."

Scott nodded. "I can imagine it helps to have a few hundred people in your corner. But still, getting stabbed is one hell of a way to conclude one's mission." She considered him a moment. "Are you sleeping ok?" Thinking of Xay, Scott quickly amended, "Any nightmares?" She wasn't used to conducting a trauma evaluation in a holodeck amongst several people, but if Salinger was fazed by it, he didn't express it.

"Sometimes," he answered. "They come and go. Rationally I know that no one is going to beam onto the ship... I think it happens more often when I'm...when I'm alone in the bed. But...yes, every once in awhile."

Bree pursed her lips. "I appreciate your candor, sir, and if you're willing and think it might be helpful, I'd like to arrange a time to speak with you someplace more private, perhaps address some of those doubts you spoke of earlier. Would you be amenable to that, Captain?" Scott knew she was probably appearing the nag to her commanding officer, but she also knew any counselor worth her salt wouldn't do any less.

"I believe I would," Matt said. "I know after what I went through, it's good to talk through things. And, the more resistant I am, the more persistent you'll be."

At this Bree actually laughed, feeling some of the tension from earlier leave her. "That's very astute of you, Captain, very astute. Just let me know when it would be most convenient for you to meet with me and I'll make room in my schedule to see you." It was not something she agreed to often, commonly finding that officers given control of when to see their counselors for mandatory meetings would conveniently forget to arrange them.

Scott was amazed at Salinger's attitude and found it refreshing. One would have thought his junior officers would choose to follow the example set by their Commanding Officer, but Brennyn was beginning to see that the biggest problem Salinger's crew had was a lack of respect for Starfleet authority, an irony Scott was sure God himself found hysterical. Hell, if she were still a civilian, Bree was confident she'd be sending the Big Guy her compliments on his handiwork. Now that she was a Starfleet counselor, she didn't find the situation at all amusing.

Matt gave the counsellor a smile. "I'll contact you tomorrow morning," he said. "I don't think it'll be too terribly difficult to come up with a time that works. Good night, Counsellor." With a pleasant smile, Matt turned away and found Xayella. There was still enough of the night left for them to have personal time, among other things. Yes, he decided, he felt good. Despite the grim dread that seemed to lurk in the background now. He wouldn't let it stop him, or else the assassin would win.

Brennyn wished her Captain a good night and exited the holodeck a few minutes later feeling much more relaxed than she had just an hour ago. Sleep came easily to her as it always did when she had a lot of work ahead of her.

---

"After Dinner Minute..."
By: By: Commander Lyrr Tayla
Lieutenant Benedict T'Kal

Location: Deck 2, USS Sulu
Stardate 57907.16, 22h15

***

Benedict frowned as he walked away from Counsellor Scott. Their rather short conversation gave him pause to think. He walked out onto a balcony - part of the hologram scenario set up by the Operations officers who had arranged the senior officers' dinner. He stared out at the stars, contemplating the coming counselling session. He'd noted the change in behaviour of Counsellor Scott when she had returned from the refresher with Commander Lyrr - she had been guarded, and Lyrr had been a little smug. Was that a coincidence with her 'invitation' to attend counselling?

He saw Lyrr - stiff-backed, walking away - heading for the exit of the holodeck. He decided to take it up with her. Had Scott been ordered to make him attend sessions? He didn't know what to think about Lyrr Tayla. She confused him. One minute she was cold - the next.... He remembered the way she looked on Risa - the shared moment in the hotel room and again he was half drawn to console her and half wanted to slap her out of her own self-pity. He remembered his dream too. There was something in that vision. It tugged at his mind - an itch he couldn't scratch.

Then of course he was aware of how she made him feel when she had looked at him over dinner in his quarters. The moment when his hand had touched hers and she had snatched it away as if he'd offended her - but the look in her eyes had said something else. Was she attracted to him - as he was to her, or was she messing with him? The last thing Benedict wanted to do was get involved with a senior officer. He only had to look at the absurd behaviour of Tagliesh and Salinger to be turned away from that spectacle of public exposure.

He was attracted to Lyrr Tayla - there was no denying it. He just had to ignore it. He was already following her out the door before he realised it. She was retreating down the corridor and he quickened his step to catch up.

As they drew level with the turbo-lift he said, "Commander, may I talk to you for a minute?"

Lyrr fixed him with a sidelong gaze and wondered just how much the counsellor had told him. She'd watched them surreptitiously after dinner broke, as the two spoke of matters Lyrr had no knowledge of, but her incident with the counsellor in the refresher came to mind. "I was on my way to my quarters," she responded. "Is it urgent, Lieutenant?"

He nodded. Looking into her dark eyes: "I'd like some advice...." He looked serious. "Could we go somewhere more private?" He looked along the corridor pointedly and back to her dark eyes. There was no trace of humor, only an intent violet gaze that drilled into her. "Perhaps holodeck two is vacant."

As Lyrr stared up at him in silence, the turbolift doors parted and waited for her entry. She kept her gaze fully on his as she deliberated between taking the lift, or agreeing to the private meeting. Lyrr's mind made itself up quickly enough. "Alright," she sighed. "But only for a little while. It's been...quite the night." Lyrr smiled tightly at her own understatement, then brushed against him as she started down the corridor.

Her contact was intentional. He hadn't moved an inch and she'd brushed against him as she turned away. He watched her for a moment, before starting out after her. He remained behind her, making sure that there was adequate space between them. No one would consider them anything but two senior officers making their way in the corridors of the Sulu.

He tapped his commbadge. "Computer reserve holodeck two now," he said promptly.

"Holodeck two is currently in use," the computer replied.

"Computer, terminate session, authority T'Kal Alpha nine one."

"Authorisation accepted. Security Termination of holodeck session underway," the computer replied. Benedict didn't like kicking someone out of the holodeck, but he wasn't going to waste time either.

By the time the two senior officers arrived the holodeck was clear. Benedict tapped on the interface console and brought up his personal program menu. He chose one of his running trails fashioned on the Janrik Province on Bajor. A simple trail that wound through meadows and treelands. He set the time as late afternoon so that it wasn't hot, nor too bright. The computer opened the doors. All the while he had not looked at Lyrr Tayla, but was acutely aware of her scrutiny of him.

He gave her a slight smile and gestured for her to enter. As they did so, the doors closed and the program surrounded them. He set off at a leisurely walk, unfastening the top two clasps of his dress white jacket. The trees were a verdant green, yellow and gold. The sunlight slanted through the foliage and cast beams that picked up dust motes and wild flowers on the ground. The trail meandered through it all, only bird song and a slight cooling breeze stirred the air.

He turned to her slightly and said, "This reminds me of home." He gestured at the trees. "I love this time of year. I miss it." Japanese custom according to Benedict's father dictated that discussions of import always began with trivialities. It allowed the easing into any subject and also allowed each person to have time to consider responses. Benedict had always followed his father's advice - even though he'd been dead for a long time. He wondered what was going on in Lyrr's mind. The way she looked at him was uncertain. Benedict was used to women acting differently around him - he was a curious mix of handsome, dark and dangerous that seemed to draw women to him. He usually ignored it.

"My province looks nothing like this," Lyrr commented, running her fingers across a passing shrub. "It was ravaged during the Occupation and nothing seems to grow anymore." She shrugged at the memory of her foster father slaving away in their field, trying to coax the seedlings to sprout. They seemed to listen for the most part. She chuckled to herself and shook her head. "I don't understand what all this is for, Lieutenant. I thought you had something to discuss."

Benedict nodded. She wasn't having any time to discuss trivia. So he got to the point. "Counsellor Scott has asked me to meet with her tomorrow to debrief over the incident with the Ryuck. Was that at your suggestion?" He looked right at her as he asked, pausing to wait for her answer.

Lyrr nodded without hesitation. "I believe it's routine for all officers involved in potentially traumatizing incidents, as was our encounter with Minister Viata." She glanced up at him, and asked, "Is that a problem, Lieutenant?"

"I wanted your advice..." He turned away and started walking slowly so that they weren't looking at each other directly. She kept using his rank to keep distance. His boots crunched grass and dry twigs, the scent in the air was Star-blossom, a white wild flower that was native to his home province. He remembered his mother used to wear it in her hair and he smiled to himself at the memory. "I've been to counsellors before," he said softly. "Starfleet knows most of my history, from Bajor I mean. It's no secret. It's all in my file. My time in the Maquis isn't. I told you about that...it was before I entered the Academy. I was a Bajoran citizen, fighting an enemy of my people. It had nothing to do with the Federation - and I never took part in anything against Federation assets." He looked at her then, gauging the wary look in her eyes. "I don't know why I told you..." He paused again and looked into her dark eyes. "I want...I'd like..." He seemed lost for words for a moment. "I wanted to believe that we could be friends." He held her eyes with his violet gaze. "Friends are honest with each other...."

"Yes," she agreed, "they are. At least, they're supposed to be." Lyrr furrowed her brow, confused fully by T'Kal's ambiguity. She halted again on the path and gently gripped his elbow to stop him as well. "You said you wanted my advice. About what?"

"About how I'm beginning to feel about you..." He said it softly.

Lyrr's gaze faltered under the intensity and boldness of T'Kal's. Her cheeks warmed and her body physically took a step back to clear some distance between them. She was allowing him to affect her again, even after his antics at dinner that alerted her to his intended manipulation and deception. Lyrr kicked angrily at a scattering of drying leaves and glared up at T'Kal. "Feel?" She smiled wryly. "You don't feel anything for me, Tikaru. That's who you still are, isn't it? He appealed to the weaknesses of the oppressed Bajorans and took advantage of those to gain their loyalty and urge them to follow you into battle." Lyrr, this time, stepped closer to T'Kal, studying his eyes deeply. "Just as he preyed on them to achieve a goal, you're trying to prey on me," she whispered. "I saw you at dinner tonight...with the counsellor. You tried the same thing on me the other night. I was stupid and vulnerable, and I almost fell for it. But...that was your plan all along, wasn't it?" She shook her head slowly and narrowed her eyes. "What are you trying to accomplish, Tikaru? Tell me."

"Don't confuse the image with the man, Tayla." His gaze never faltered as she spoke. His words were just as gentle. "Tikaru was an image to frighten Cardassian children - I did what I had to do to win. I killed those who deserved to die. I walked away from that life and joined Starfleet." He held her eyes without moving; he could have been made out of stone. "I've been fighting battles for other people - for revenge all of my life. How hard is it to leave it all behind, Tayla? Can you tell me you've done it?" He shook his head, his words still soft and full of pain. "You feel the past eating at you the same as I do. But I need to leave it behind. I need to find a way to walk away from it. Before it kills me." His gaze faltered and he looked away as he said, "Before it kills someone else I care about."

Lyrr sighed, deciding upon a gentler approach this time. "How can you just abandon the past?" she asked softly. "The past makes us what we are today. Why deny it? If I'd attempted to ignore what I've been through, I wouldn't be half the woman I am today." Lyrr leaned her head to one side to find T'Kal's eyes. "You wouldn't be who you are. And is that such a bad thing?"

"Yes it is." He held her gaze. "I don't want to live in the past anymore. I need to find a future, and I can't do that when everything brings me back to that past. I look at you and see your pain, Tayla - and all I want to do is kill the bastard who did it to you. To take on another quest for revenge. As if I haven't had enough of it. Do you know why I left the Windsor? No...." He shook his head, looking away. "I left so that I could find the man who killed my fiancée. It's been five years and I can't forget. I've lived for the day I find him. Is that all I am now? I can't do it anymore. If it was only my own life, I wouldn't care - but I know that it won't be. It never is."

He looked back at her. "I don't really know why I feel the way I do. But I do feel... I'm not trying to take anything from you. I would never do that. I'm not trying to accomplish anything - and I don't know what it was you saw at dinner with Scott - but it wasn't what you think. If you tell me to forget it - I will. My duty to the Sulu comes first - you are my commanding officer - and I can never forget that. I can't put you in the same position as Tagliesh and Salinger - I won't compromise you or your duty. If we are to be friends, Tayla, then that's all it will be."

Lyrr swallowed hard. "Are you saying you want more than that?" she asked uncertainly. "You say you know about my past.... Do you believe I'm capable of even friendship? The Cardassians--" She stopped short and closed her eyes, struggling with the memories. Lyrr took in a calming breath and again gazed up at T'Kal. "Do you believe either of us are capable of...whatever it is you want this to be?"

"I don't know what I want this to be, Tayla. I don't know what you want this to be. If you're not capable of even friendship - then the Cardassians won didn't they? They broke you, but you can't see it." His tone was gentle, his eyes intense. He reached out to touch her cheek but stopped. "What good is your life if you can't live it?" he asked. "What good are either of us to anyone?" He smiled sadly. "But maybe we can be good for each other. I want to help you and maybe you can help me...that's all. I don't want anything from you that you can't freely give. That's all. Both of us faced death - I'd like to think that we can take hold of that and start again. Start living the way we are supposed to."

Lyrr smiled wanly. "And how's that, T'Kal? How am I supposed to know how my life should've been, if all I've ever known is what it has been?" She searched his eyes to ensure his sincerity, yet wasn't certain what she saw in them. T'Kal was closed off to her, even as much as he was attempting to reach out, and it created a hesitancy in her. "So...I'm to be your salvation," she said slowly, "and you're to be mine? Will that really work?"

Benedict laughed softly, shaking his head. "Right now I can't think in those terms. I don't think you're my salvation." He shrugged. Then he smiled sadly. "But you can understand me...not many people can." He looked back at her. "I think the same goes for you. I understand - at least I think I do...and that can make a difference. I'm not asking for anything but I'd like to offer you something - I want us to be friends." He grinned. "You can start by calling me Ben when we're alone...if you want to. Of course - you can always tell me to go to hell..."

Lyrr grinned slyly. "Yes, I can," she mused. "Though...not just yet. That would hardly be the way to treat a potential friend, after all." Her features sobering, she regarded the billowy clouds scuttling across the blue sky past T'Kal's shoulder, and sighed. "I'm difficult, I know; but it's easier to keep others at a distance that way." Her haunted, brown eyes looked aside at him again. "And as much as you think you understand me, you don't, Ben. You don't know anything about me, and I doubt I know much about you. I imagine the Occupation has generated many detached survivors, like ourselves." She touched briefly the memories of Oresh always lingering in her mind, and gritted her teeth viciously. "It's only made us stronger," she whispered distantly. "And I thank them for that."

"I know. I think that you depend on what they did to you to prove yourself, when all along, Lyrr Tayla, you should be proud of who you are for what you are. They didn't make you. They hurt you. They scarred you, and in many ways they twisted you - and for some reason you want to hold on to that as if it's a reason for being who you are. That's not true. All they did was allow you to show your own strengths. You did that. You made it here - like I did." He smiled at her. "A long time ago my father told me to practice peace as ardently as I practiced war. He spoke of balance and the Way of the Warrior like a Klingon. I came to understand what he was talking about. War can twist you - take away your balance. If you allow it to." He grinned at her to take the edge off his words. "So...let's take a walk. It will do you good to look at this place - it always does for me."

Tayla chuckled quietly and started off again, with her arms clasped behind her back. Their booted feet cleared a path through the fallen leaves, and Lyrr smiled at T'Kal as he ducked every so often to avoid low-hanging branches. The fiery hue of the Bajoran sun lined his profile in an orange glow that seemed to reflect the intensity within his soul she'd often witnessed. It was that quality she feared, and also respected. After a long, peaceful silence, Lyrr sighed. "I'm sorry for sicking the counsellor on you. If you'd prefer to be assigned counselling sessions with someone else so...you can pursue your interest in Counsellor Scott, I'll allow it."

He openly laughed at that. "What the hell gives you the idea I have interest in Counsellor Scott?" He shook his head and still laughed. "I met her for the first time at dinner tonight - and I showed her how to use a chopstick...because she asked me to." He shook his head, "I think I spent more time looking at you than anyone else in that room." He gave her a sidelong look. "You do look good in that uniform you know." His voice held a teasing quality.

Lyrr was incapable of controlling her body's reaction to his flattery and knew her cheeks were glowing red. "I hate this uniform," she admitted. "And you seemed to be enjoying your training session with the counsellor." It was her turn to tease. "You smiled at her, and gave her that look." She cast a playfully accusatory gaze in his direction. "You know the one...."

"That Look?" He laughed heartily. "So...you were watching me!" he accused. "I smiled at the woman - and that was all it was." He stopped and turned to face her. "I promise never to smile at another woman." He held his hand over his heart. His violet eyes held hers and for a moment they were very serious. "And any 'looks' I have will be reserved...."

Lyrr arched a single eyebrow at him and chuckled. "For me, you mean?" She smiled and added, "Don't. There are no attachments between us...." Lyrr glanced down as her smile grew sly and she leaned forward to whisper, "And I was only looking to decide if you really do wear that dress uniform as well as I initially thought when you walked in." Her eyes flashed up towards his. "You do." Their eyes remained locked far too briefly to create an overly uncomfortable moment, but long enough for the underlying suggestion in her words to take hold. She smiled with self-satisfaction, and moved past T'Kal again. She never imagined she was so accomplished at playing the aloof, hard-to-get female. It brought up a gentle laugh from within her.

"Thank you, ma'am," he nodded and for a moment watched her retreating back. "But perhaps you presume too much..." He waited until she turned to look at him. "I'll reserve my looks...as much as I'll reserve my judgement." He raised a comical eyebrow and added, "I have a particularly tyrannical executive officer who throws me to a Counsellor at the slightest whim - especially if she thinks I'm giving another woman a 'look'...." He started toward her with his hands behind his back, a frown on his face. "I did wonder what you might have said to the Counsellor when you were away from the table. She avoided looking at me - and you went from being grumpy to all smiles after you got back..."

"I simply told her what any executive officer would tell her chief counsellor," Lyrr explained innocently. "I informed her that if she wished to pursue a relationship with you, she should wait until after her sessions with you were over." She shrugged. "Would you not have done the same?"

It was the seriousness of her answer that stopped him cold. He looked at her again and his frown deepened. "You didn't actually say that to her did you? I mean...you really thought that? You gave her that impression..." He was a little stunned. "No...I don't think I would have...." he said in answer to her question. "I would have based my assumption of an intended relationship between two people on more than a smile and a brief description of how to eat with chopsticks over a crowded dinner table at a formal function."

He crossed his arms in front of him and stared at her - definitely reproving in his expression, and just before she thought about exploding he said, "Now if it had been a very private dinner in personal quarters, with a lot of very personal conversation and a lot of rice wine, with a very attractive woman, then I might think that constituted something to worry about...but then.. there aren't any attachments between us are there?" He gave her a hint of a smile. "You actually suggested she give me counselling - and then you warned her off didn't you?" He grinned and watched her face.

Lyrr stiffened and gently cleared her throat as she raised her head high. "I did," she replied forthrightly. "And what's the difference between instructing a woman in the use of chopsticks at a formal dinner and doing so at a private one?" She stubbornly looked away and muttered, "I don't see the difference at all...." Relenting, Lyrr sighed and abandoned her stolid stance for a more relaxed one. "But...we have no attachments to one another, and that's why it was wrong of me. And I apologize."

He grinned. "Apology accepted," he said stepping a little closer. "I find it most flattering that you chose to protect my honour." They were close enough that he could have touched her by slightly raising his arm, but he didn't. They stayed firmly clasped behind his back. He just stared in those dark eyes and smiled - in fact he was blushing. He could feel his cheeks burn. "There's a great deal of difference," he said softly.

Lyrr nodded slowly, but held T'Kal's gaze even with as powerful as the urge to look away was. Normally, she would have brushed him off with cold indifference, or put on a stern front; now, she only trembled imperceptibly and was plagued with indecision. This was another reason she'd remained alone for so long - relationships were too harsh on the nerves. "T'Kal," she began, "I know there's some...attraction between us, but..." Lyrr paused, finding it difficult to express her feelings after having never done so before. She owed it to T'Kal in the very least. "You never met him, I don't think - his time aboard was brief - but I knew him long before that: Dr. O'Shea." Lyrr smiled ruefully. "And... loved him. It was hard to do that with my past, but I did, and I was left disillusioned and saddened when he picked up and left for the second time. I never did tell him, of course, since I never really learned how to, and besides, I don't think I was ready for what that entailed." Her eyes were still fixed to T'Kal's, and she found they lulled her into a sense of comfort. She had never experienced that before. "Ben, I don't think I'm ready for that now, either. That means we can be friends...but if you're expecting anything more, then I can't give it to you yet. It's only fair that I let you know that."

He kept his eyes on hers, the silence broken only by a bird singing and the breeze as it stirred the fallen leaves around their feet. He smiled. "I loved someone too," he said softly. "Being friends is the best thing we can be right now. It's been a long time for me...." His gaze faltered at the image of dark eyes that came to mind. He knew that he would never be able to forget her, and her memory lived within him. He looked back. "I don't take relationships casually, Tayla, and I have to be in love with a woman before it goes beyond friendship...." He held her eyes again and smiled. "I like you, Tayla. I'm attracted to you - you're a beautiful woman. You have an inner strength to you that I respect. I want to get to know you, and I want to be your friend. I think that's a good enough beginning for both of us."

Lyrr sighed then emitted a brief chuckle. "I'm very relieved," she told him. "I didn't want to just go from...whatever this is to not being able to speak to you again without some awkwardness. I enjoyed dinner the other night," she admitted. "I think...I'd like to do that again." She smiled. "As friends."

He nodded. "As friends...." He smiled. "I'd like to do that again too." He chuckled, "You could teach me how to eat with a fork this time...I never could get the hang of it."

"Of a fork?" Lyrr asked quizzically. She laughed to herself. "Maybe I can teach Counsellor Scott too," she teased.

"That's okay by me," he grinned. "She's no competition." He looked at her sideways. "Is she? Maybe I should warn her off...." He shook his head and chuckled. "I still can't believe you did that! What must she think? She's the senior counsellor...she'll be hunting for motive...and I have to face her tomorrow!" He gave Tayla a mock frown. "I can imagine what she's thinking, and that's all you need!" He turned to her and his face grew serious.

"You know we'll have to be very circumspect," he said. "I can see what's happening to Salinger with his open relationship with Tagliesh. It's not good for his authority - not to be so open. It wouldn't be good for you either. I won't do anything to undermine your authority - duty comes first."

"I would lose all respect for you if you did," Lyrr answered. "But I know you won't. And that's why," she added with a smile, "would you care to join me for a game of springball someday soon? I've been looking for someone to play with for a while."

He grinned. "I'd love to play with you," he said playfully, holding her gaze. "What about first thing in the morning - I think we can skip the breakfast we've never had." He laughed. "Zero six hundred?"

"How about 05h00?" she countered, then smiled facetiously. "That'll give you enough time to replicate a glove and outfit. We can also grab something to eat if you'd like."

"I already have a glove and an outfit," he replied with a grin. "And 0500 I'm usually here" --he waved his arm to encompass the holodeck-- "either running or training, but a game of springball will get me warmed up enough." He smirked. "Are you any good at it?" he asked in the same facetious manner, knowing full well that anything Lyrr Tayla did would be driven toward perfection.

She was like Benedict in that way - he could tell. Their reactions to things were the same in many ways - and he thought of Ensign Storm and the look they had shared in the instant the ensign stepped out of line. They had felt the same. Benedict demanded perfection from his security detail and nothing less was good enough. She demanded the same of the officers under her - and that suited Benedict well. They both knew about duty and both held to it. He knew that there would never be the same difficulties between them that Benedict foresaw for Salinger and Tagliesh. They were both professionals and that would always come first.

She smiled at him enigmatically in response to his jesting question. "Am I any good?" Lyrr shrugged as she turned away. "You'll just have to see, now won't you?" Then she again set off down the path, strolling on light, buoyant steps and wearing a curious smile. He knew far too much about herself and her past that keeping distance between them would prove a liability. Allowing him to remain close allowed her the control she required to keep her secrets safe. And in the meantime, she'd put him to shame in a one-sided game of springball. All in all, their new arrangement would work out well, at least until their interests conflicted - T'Kal with his desire to change her, and she with a need to keep her past safely hidden. In the end, perhaps they could be friends after all.

He laughed. "Why do I get the feeling you're hiding something?" he asked rhetorically as he followed and fell into step with her. He caught the smile on her lips and the way she was walking and nodded to himself. "I guess I'll find out in the morning...."

The sun was arching down in the sky and the heat of it was diminishing with the day. The sky was cast in orange and gold and grey as the sun sank toward setting. The trees were endless in this part of the program and the trail began to drop into the difficult hilly region that was good for endurance and strength running. Benedict knew that there was a waterfall and large lake further down - he'd swam in it often enough, but it was getting late. Already past midnight, he knew that he'd need a good sleep before the game she'd planned.

He turned to her and waved a hand absently at the trees. "You're welcome to use this program anytime you like. I'll put you on the access list...and if you want to come running...you know where I'll be." He smiled. "It's late." He stopped. "I'm glad we had this talk. Thanks."

"I think we needed this," she answered. "It's certainly released some of the tension that existed." Lyrr sighed as she took a last glance at the orange sky behind T'Kal, where the sun was nearly set. "It is late." With a grin, she added, "If I were any other woman, I'd ask you to escort me to my quarters. But I think we should part ways here."

He nodded and smiled. "I think you're absolutely correct," he said. "Computer end program." The holodeck returned to its natural state - grey and yellow grids. As he spoke he fastened the collar of his dress white jacket. "I'll see you in the morning then. It wouldn't do for anyone to see us walk out of here either." With a sharp tap on his comm-badge he said, "Computer, T'Kal Nine One One. Execute." The shimmer of the site to site transport materialised and took him.

The pre-arranged emergency code transported Benedict into the Sulu's Armoury, leaving Lyrr Tayla to walk out of the holodeck on her own, and causing a couple of security crewmen near heart failure as T'Kal pulled another surprise inspection.

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