Episode 18


Ship Leave


Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11

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Chapter 1

{After the meeting}

Jaquelle hung back with Priscilla as the rest of the officers filed out, then she looked at the Captain. "Might I suggest something?"

Priscilla chuckled once. "Of course, you know you don't have to ask."

"Perhaps we should set up some kind of Ship Leave."

"Ship Leave?"

"Yes. It's like shore leave, but on board ship. From the sound of things, we won't be putting into port anytime in the near future. The crew is definitely going to need ways to get away or simply relax. No one's taken a vacation in several months, for some people it's been at least a year." Jaquelle let that last statement hang to make a point of including Priscilla in that count.

"I do believe you are calling the kettle black," Priscilla retorted with.

"Perhaps," Jaquelle replied. "But some people naturally don't need vacations as frequently as others."

Priscilla acquiesced, for the time being. "Ship Leave sounds like a wonderful idea. We should also check if anyone has any friends or family they wish to see on the ships arriving to join us, before we are all spread out again. I think we can arrange for a few days visitation."

Jaquelle nodded. "I'll get right on it."


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Chapter 2

Jaquelle sat up abruptly out of an otherwise pleasant sleep. Something wasn't right. She had come to have a feel for the engine, after all they had a living part to them. But these engines were not the Griffin's. This was not the first time she had this sensation, she had it about three years ago. At that time she had no idea what was happening. But now she was more aware of what being El-Aurian meant. She understood that while others may not be aware of changes in the time space continuum, she would be.

Jaquelle had prepared herself since the last time to not be dismayed whenever if she ever felt out of phase again. So this time she was intent on calmly flowing with the experience and trying to enjoy it.

"Light's," Jaquelle said gently. The room around her illuminated softly. Indeed it was not her quarters, at least not the ones that she had on the Griffin. These were more prodigious while also being more stark. It was as if she was just visiting or possibly had not had time to decorate. As she wandered out of the sleeping room into the living space she noted that it, too was vast and simply decorated with some great works of current art. But there, center on the small table in front of the sofa was a small replica of the USS Griffin with a sprite sitting on it dressed in a uniform with commander pips. Clearly this was at least temporarily home.

"Computer," Jaquelle asked, "what ship am I aboard?"

"The Cumon'Vo," responded the computer.

"I am not familiar with that ship," Jaquelle said aloud.

'The Cumon'Vo is a Quadrant class starship built at the ship yard on Ch'Havran. It was commissioned on stardate 156040.2. It has slip stream engines and is captained by Camilla La Forge. It has...'

"Computer," Jaquelle interrupted, "what is the current star date?"

"158653.8," the computer answered. Jaquelle had realized all along that she might not be quite in her own time but by the classification and the commission date of the ship she wondered just when she was. It took her by surprise that she was over a century in the future.

Jaquelle went into the bathroom to look for a mirror. It too was big enough to live in. As the lights automatically brightened the room she simply stared at the mirror. She didn't look much older than she had remembered. She had often wondered how long her life span might be given that she was only half El-Aurian. Apparently, it is still uncertain.

She went back to the bedroom and opened the closet. Much could be derived by the type of clothing worn. There were no uniforms, only flowing clothing of soothing colors, and big hats, much like her grandmother's and aunt's on her mother's side wore. It was the traditional clothing of El-Aurian women of a certain age. Apparently Jaquelle was now of that age.

"Computer, do I have a rank or position on this ship?" Jaquelle asked wondering that if she were not an officer, what was she doing on this ship.

"You are Ambassador Jaquelle Daem Crawford. You are heading to fluid space in an attempt to broker a peace treaty between the Borg and Species 8472," answered the computer.

The computer's last statement just hung like stale air. Jaquelle reflected on the information. The Borg had killed most of her El-Aurian ancestors, and now she would be the one to broker their peace?

"Computer, why was I chosen for this mission?" Jaquelle asked.

"You brokered the peace between the Borg and the Federation."


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Chapter 3

{Vosch’s Quarters}

Terri and Vosch returned back from Ten Forward. It was obvious to Terri that something was bothering Vosch. She had tried everything to cheer him up but nothing was working. In their chess match, she was victorious three times, when normally she would have been happy with a stalemate. Vosch wasn't eating and the biggest red flag of all rose when she noted he wasn't asking questions. Those thought provoking, mind numbing, make you go "hmmmm" questions that he was known for asking.

As Vosch was about to answer, Terri finally inquired, "Vosch, what is troubling you? You are not acting like yourself."

He turned and faced her. She could sense that he wanted to just let it all come out. She called it her sixth sense. Even though she was about as empathic as a jellyfish, Terri didn’t need to be Betazoid to know something was amiss. Vosch breathed heavily and said, "Nothing." With his response, Vosch turned and entered his quarters.

As the door closed behind him, Terri stood outside and sighed, mumbling to herself, "You are not telling me the truth my dear friend. You need to talk to someone." She then turned and headed down the corridor towards Ensign Sandraian’s office. "Maybe the councilor can help you."

Meanwhile back in Vosch’s quarters, he slipped out of his suit. His normally pale complexion had a reddish tint to it. To those not of his race would hardly notice or give it a second thought. He stared in his mirror, he knew what was happening, and it scared him to death. He didn't have anyone of his own to confide in. He tried to contact his parent, but could not reach him. (The time is coming. I won't be able to keep it a secret for much longer,) he thought to himself. (Maybe Ensign Dumas would be a good fit... I wonder if she would be willing... what about the other shipmates and what will they think... Maybe I can just fight it off...) Vosch sighed and spoke aloud, "I will curse you to the day I die, Butanen."

Vosch was about to lie down on his bed when a voice came from the mirror. Was it him speaking or was it someone else? Whoever it was, it spoke clearly, "You won’t curse me, dear brother. I am too much a part of you, and yes… I do think Ensign Dumas should be the one."

Without realizing it, Vosch fell asleep.


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Chapter 4

{Solasho's quarters}

Aiden rolled out of bed, careful not to disturb Lieutenant Syn'natha. She was every bit as charming as he had hoped. When he had spoken of the dark cloud he felt lingering over himself, she had laughed just so, and the sun broke through. What followed had progressed rather quickly, even for him, but he had no regrets, and no cause to suspect that she harbored any either.

He slipped into a quilted robe that had broken in so well during his days on Andoria and lit a candle at his meditation altar. Deep breath in... measured release... slow mental decent into the other place of clarity....

A soft rustle of bed linen poked at his mediation less than a minute in.

"It's a good thing I like it cool, Aiden, or you would be in so much trouble right now."

"I was just readying myself for... what was that colloquialism... the next inning...?" He rose, savoring her attention as he floated toward the bed. Her platinum blonde hair pooled around her just so, uniquely her and yet replete with hints of other fond memories from separate times and places as well. That had nothing to do with how well she understood him, or how seamlessly they clicked, but it didn't hurt either.

"So... what was that game you wanted to play later...?" she asked, drawing him the rest of the way into the bed with her.

"I have some more holodeck time coming--"

"And you have an affection for combat sims..." she whispered, eyes laughing while they danced over his weapons racks even as her visage held her amusement to the kindest of smiles.

"If the thought appeals... I am accredited to teach several of the styles I practice."

"We'll have to see how this lesson goes..." she teased, calling for the lights to dim....


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Chapter 5

{Bridge, 0135 hours}

"Commander," Zosin broke the silence of the night shift. "Starfleet vessel approaching at warp 5." Davidson turned to look at the Cardassian. "It's the Ticonderoga, sir," Zosin soon added.

Davidson nodded. "How soon will she be here?"

"About five hours."

"We won't wake the Captain until then. I know she'll want to greet the Ticonderoga's Captain when the ship arrives though, so be sure she gets called in time."

"Aye."


{Sickbay, 0424 hours}

"Doctor?" Vosch called out, a bit strained. His sleep had been deep, but short. Vivid dreams, not quite nightmares, but not all together pleasant, had roused him from the much needed rest. He couldn't stop thinking, and knew he wouldn't be able to until he had put his suspicions to rest.

A very alien looking female wearing an Ensign's rank appeared. "I'm sorry, all the doctors are off duty at the moment. I'm Nurse Aici Ryh Phan, may I help you?"

"I, um...," Vosch looked around a moment as he pondered his situation. "No, thank you. It's not an emergency or anything. I just wanted Doctor Stone to confirm something for me. I can come back."

As he turned to start to leave, the nurse lightly took his arm to stop him. "If it's important enough to keep you from sleep, are you sure you want to wait?"

Vosch sighed. He was pretty sure he knew what was going on, he simply wanted to be certain before taking action. But he wasn't sure he wanted to tell just anyone. It was hard enough not having his own kind around to help him though this time. He thought other races might find his condition disconcerting, and he didn't want to have to deal with their reactions in addition to this. But did he want to wait?


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Chapter 6

{Sandraian's Quarters}

She hated when she felt someone mentioning her name. Vosh.. it was always Vosh these days. There was something going on with him and well darn it she needed to figure it out. Like always when she was confused or bogged down by something she usually ended up painting. So there she was in her quarters covered in paint. When Terri pinged her office, the computer reported that Ensign Sandraian was in her quarters. Terri found her way to the young Ensign quarters and pinged her.

She had been waving a paint brush around. "Enter." She tried to tuck some of her hair back in so it looked somewhat neater.

Terri saw her and let out a laugh. "Ensign you have paint on your nose."

Alexandria blushed several shades of red. "You can call me Dria." Squinting her nose, she looked at Terri. "Having problems."

Terri squinted her nose back at her. "No fair you cheated," she said to the Betazed.

"Didn't need to. Work problems or man problems?"

"Man problems. Vosh is being sooo difficult."

Ensign Sandraian blinked. "Vosh is always difficult." Terri laughed. Alex blinked. "Tell me I'm wrong." She thought to herself, (He's keeping a secret that is upsetting him and it is driving me bonkers.)

She blinked. Terri was staring at her painting. "Ensign Sandraian... Why do you have a painting of a Vosh pregnant?"

Alex blinked. "Good question. I have no idea."


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Chapter 7

{Next Morning}

Priscilla look at the PADD in her left hand as her other one traced the rim of a cup holding too hot green tea. The PADD told her the U.S.S Berlin was scheduled to arrive in three hours to join the task force. She read the words, but she didn't really understand their meaning. Her mind was definitely elsewhere.

She had left her meeting with the Ticonderoga's Captain, a Ralph Doewer, only to be pulled aside by the Counselor. Alexiandria had been concerned, and asked for a formal meeting with Daem and herself. Priscilla, having a few minutes at the time, had the Counselor join Daem and her in her ready room.

---

"It's a personnel matter," Alexiandria began, motioning that was why she had wanted to speak to Daem, "but I knew you'd want to know as well, Captain."

Alexiandria then told Priscilla and Jaquelle that she believed Karenek was pregnant. She said she did some research into his species, which wasn't easy with the ship's limited data on them, but in Vosch's medical records she had discovered the Gorgelonari were an androgynous species. She said she had already spoken to Doctor Stone, asked him to approach Karenek from a medical position to confirm her belief. Then she told Priscilla she was concerned because she could sense Karenek was distraught over his condition. And beyond that, Karenek's best friend had come to her convinced he needed some sort of help, but wasn't letting anyone do so.

"If he is pregnant, his duties will need to be adjusted," Alexiandria finished, looking at Jaquelle. "Beyond that... I'm not exactly sure how to proceed with the situation. If he doesn't come to me, I'm worried he doesn't feel he has anyone to lean on here. He's the only one of his kind here, it's going to be hard for him."

Priscilla hmm-ed. "Should we offer maternity-" she paused for a second at the sound of the word, then shook it off and continued, "leave to him?" She looked to Jaquelle. "So he can return home to be with his family?"

---

Jaquelle had said she'd help Alexiandria figure out details once Doctor Stone confirmed Alexiandria's belief. Priscilla had agreed and left everything to them. She had a lot of work to do with this task force, but Alexiandria had been right that Priscilla would have wanted to know. Priscilla thought of her crew not only as her responsibility but as her family.

But now she couldn't stop thinking about it. A baby! On her ship! Wouldn't that be wonderful? That is, assuming Karenek would want to stay on with his baby.... The Griffin hadn't had a baby in over five years. No one in the last three years had given birth, for a year before that the Griffin had been in dry dock for its overhaul, and it had been a year before that when little Amanda Elexia Hantwean had been born.

The Hantweans were still on board. That thought reminded Priscilla that Eliza Hantwean was about to celebrate her thirteenth birthday. A teenager at last! The girl was very much looking forward to it. Priscilla had promised to be at the party. She pulled up her schedule while she was thinking about it and made sure the time of the party was blocked out so she wouldn't have anything to keep her away.

That being done, her mind drifted back to the thoughts of babies, and her hand back to her tea cup. The tea was just about the right temperature now to be drunk. She sipped at it carefully, letting it sooth her. Her emotions were starting to run high, she could feel it starting. She wanted one of her own. A baby. A biological family of her own. She loved her husband dearly, and wouldn't trade their relationship for anything in the universe. But she wanted more than just him. The problem was... he didn't. He had always said "Someday, sweetheart, someday". But she wasn't so sure anymore he meant it. No, he didn't want children. Definitely not now. Maybe not ever.... What was she going to do!?

"He wants them," she assured herself aloud, though she didn't sound like she was sure. "He just doesn't know it. He's one of those men who don't know how much they want children until they have one." (So... how do you get one with him?) she asked herself, moving her conversation into her head. (The doctor on Starbase 10 recommended a surprise visit, so he wouldn't know to take a contraceptive before I arrive.) She sighed heavily. "Trick him?"

Priscilla leaned back in her chair and looked up at nothing. "Is it really coming to that?"

She spent the next hour wrestling with her thoughts and indecisions.


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Chapter 8

Jaquelle's shift on the bridge had been quiet. In fact for days everyone's shift on the bridge was quiet. Jaquelle reminded herself that quiet, or boring as those who weren't from a race of listeners or telepaths called it, was the norm for most days in Starfleet. But for most days, ships were usually going somewhere and at least new information could be gleaned from the surroundings that might stave off boredom. The Griffin was simply "on patrol" of this tiny part of the sector, waiting for a ship that may or may not appear.

Jaquelle found that the down time on the bridge was a good time to go over personnel files. After all she and Lt. Sandraian would have to meet soon to put together crew reviews and recommendations for the Captain. It was always Jaquelle's least favorite part of the job, and this year it was only natural that she should carry more of the burden since Lt. Sandraian hadn't even been on the ship for the entire year.

Jaquelle paused for a moment and her almost audible sigh turned to a smile. She was reviewing Lt. Maxwell's file. He had a sister aboard the Ticonderoga. Jaquelle had remembered that Captain Myst wanted to be sure that anyone with relatives on any of the arriving ships were given shore leave together. Jaquelle was amused by the thought that there was a female Vulcan out there as unusual as Maxwell. After all, she was in Starfleet, too.

Having been diverted from looking at her own crew files, Jaquelle decided to look at the rest of the crew aboard the Ticonderoga. Her smile changed to a stare when she saw the name of Jack Davidson, Jr. Her fingers quickly moved to call up the personnel files. If her suspicions were correct... and in a split second the computer showed that they were, Commander Davidson had a son in Starfleet who would now be not much younger then the Commander. Jaquelle pondered what type of shore leave that was going to be for both father and son.


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Chapter 9

{Vosch's quarters}

Vosch lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling. He could feel his hormones rush. The heat had made things very uncomfortable for him, especially in his enviro suit. As he counted the dimples in the stucco design of the drop panels above, he longed for many things. He longed for the ease and simplicity of his academic life. He wished for a good game of Koo-boro, a card game very similar to the earthlings' pitch. He longed for the warmth of the Gorgelani sun and even a round about with a Tsarn youth. (Even that would be so much more pleasant then this,) he thought to himself.

As he lay, he thought of his parent. Vosch was told this day would come, maybe even twice if he was lucky. (Lucky?!?! Is that what I am right now? Maybe I don't want to be so lucky.)

Vosch's thoughts then drifted towards the ship and her crew. He so wanted to learn more and excel. This would keep him from doing that. He would never catch up to those who have already surpassed him. He was about to have another concern. A tear began to run down his cheek and he grasped his stomach. (Don't get me wrong little one, I will love you. I just don't know if I can do what is right for you. Maybe Terri can... at least... I don't know.) His thoughts paused momentarily. He wiped away the tear and began to think, (You old fool. Stop the self pity. It is the way of things and you will make them work.) This thought was accompanied by the vision of his parent, as if he himself said the words. Vosch then drifted to sleep.

The next morning, the inter-comm in Vosch's room chimed. "Lt. Karanek please report to Sick Bay for your exam." The voice was that of Dr. Stone, and the doctor seemed more stern then normal.

(I don't have a physical... or do I? Great, my memory is going too.) "I will be right there Doctor," Vosch responded.

Vosch got into his enviro-suit and worked his way to sick bay. He stopped long enough at the Science Lab to let all the appropriate people know that he would be late for his shift. (Hmmm, why are they all acting different. Even Terri is exuding undue concern.)


{Sick Bay}

The door chimed and Vosch entered. "You said I have an annual exam?" he inquired with a confused tone.

"No, I didn't say that," Doctor Stone chuckled. "I said you have an exam. You have a few people concerned, and I think it is time that you and I have a talk, at least. Your personality has altered lately, and so I am going to give you an exam upon the request of Counselor Sandraian." Dr. Stone gave a look as if looking over glasses where there were none. It reminded Vosch of his days at the academy when dealing with some of his professors. It actually made him feel a little more comfortable. "Now out of your suit and onto the table."

Vosch exited the suit and sat on the biobed. There were two very distinguishable facts that were noted. The first was an unusual reddish tint to what was normally a pale yellow to Vosch's skin, and secondly the normal aura of peace and contentment was lacking. "What is troubling you, Vosch?" asked Dr. Stone as he began the exam. Before Vosch could answer, Stone grasped a hypo and took a sample of Vosch's hormones.

"Doctor... it is nothing." Vosch replied.

"Vosch, do you think I just graduated medical school? I know when one of my patients is lying. Besides your body gives you away." Dr Stone said in retort. Dr. Stone went to his computer and started typing away and analyzed the hormone draw. "Well Vosch my friend, you are indeed, according to my calculations, pregnant."

"I know," was all Vosch said.

Dr. Stone sighed, "Why aren't you happy about this? Life is important to all races, and you can give life all by yourself, you should be pleased."

"I don't know, doctor." Vosch looked at Dr. Stone, "You aren't going to relieve me of duty, are you?"

Dr. Stone looked down and then up to Vosch. The look in Vosch's eyes almost resembled fear, s look he had never observed in this patient before. "No not yet. I am going to recommend 6 hour days and a one hour break though. And you are going to meet with Counselor Sandraian and discuss this. I will contact your Federation representative and get better medical details."

Dr. Stone motioned for Vosch to go back into his suit so he could return to his post. As Vosch was about to leave, a softer, much more amicable bedside manner came out of the doctor. "Vosch you are not alone you know. You may wish to talk with the Captain or the XO as well as the Counselor." He continued after a momentary pause, "or maybe Terri? She is the one who is concerned the most."

"Thank you, doctor. I will consider the options." With that Vosch turned to leave. As he walked out the door he heard Dr. Stone update his log with special notations for Captain Myst and Councilor Sandraian. Vosch then proceeded to his post trying to act as if nothing was different, even though he knew there was something very different. Was it wonderful or devastating. In Vosch's mind, it could be both at the same time.


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Chapter 10

{Holodeck}

Syn'natha stopped, out of breath, one ledge below the "rally point" that was her objective. Aiden was standing there - or perhaps posing would be the better word - as if he had been waiting for a little while. His hair was mussed, but he wasn't even sweating that she could see.

"Okay. That's it. Now I know you're cheating," she huffed.

"You've looked at the playbacks every time, me'asana. Besides, why would I seek to enrage you as these losses so obviously do?" Despite his intention to be apologetic, obvious in his use of a Cygnan endearment usually reserved for one of much longer acquaintance, he couldn't wipe the smile off his face.

"How can you fight your way up here faster with a knife than I can with a phaser rifle, then?"

"I've studied martial arts since I was small. That, and you are still too cautious."

"How do you figure that?"

"How many rocks did you hide behind, looking for a shot against beings with no ranged weapons?"

'Nat blushed, broadening Aiden's smile still further.

Playfully infuriated, she growled, "I bet it would be different if they could shoot you." She folded her arms over her chest, daring him to try it under lowered lashes.

"Computer, enable ranged opponents, level six." He winked at her. "What are we playing for this time?"

"Double or nothing, of course."

"Are you up for that much work on our next shore leave?"

"I'm not going to lose again... cheater...."

Aiden shrugged, returning to his place, laughing softly. Her competitive streak, while frightfully attractive, was going to get them both into trouble.


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Chapter 11

{Griffin Main Transporter Room}

"Transport complete, Ticonderoga," Chief Windsor said as she cycled the transporter down, "we have her."

"Acknowledged, Griffin," came the reply, "tell Shannon we'll miss her. Ticonderoga out."

Windsor regarded the tall half-Vulcan woman as she stepped down from the pad. She stood at least five foot ten, and looked to be in excellent physical condition. She stood at her full height, and her pale green eyes seemed to have already sized up her surroundings and the woman at the transporter controls. Windsor wasn't sure she liked the assessment she seemed to see there; the severity of it made her a little uneasy.

"Is there a problem, Chief?" Shannon asked, catching Windsor trying not to stare at her.

"No, Sir," she squirmed, withering slightly under the phaser-like intensity of the Lieutenant's unwavering gaze.

"I assume that my brother Tovaal has been informed of my arrival?"

She was about to answer when the door slid open, and the Griffin officer in question walked in.

"Tovaal," Shannon nodded in greeting. It was answered with his trademark warm smile. She let herself be hugged with obvious discomfort, clearly only humoring her brother.

"Hello, Shannon. You are looking well."

"As are you." She indicated the door. "Shall we?"

Tovaal stood aside and indicated that she should precede him out. "Of course. Your quarters are ready."

"Excellent." She made her way to the door, stopping just short and turning to Windsor. "One thing, Chief?"

"Sir?" she jumped slightly.

"You are way to jumpy." Shannon laughed, unable to hold it in anymore. "Try and relax a little."

And with a wink, Shannon Maxwell was out the door, taking a smirking Tovaal with her. Windsor shook her head as she watched them walk down the corridor. "You really should stop doing that to people?" she heard Tovaal say as they turned the corner.

"Wonder how many more of them there are??" she mused, mostly to herself.


{Ten Forward, 20 minutes later}

Shannon sat across from her brother at the window table that was his favorite, engaged in an animated conversation about some of the things that were happening in her life onboard the Ticonderoga. Karen, the waitress that Tovaal had met his first day onboard, had brought him his Warp Core Breach and carrot cake, at which Shannon instantly wrinkled her nose. Hence having determining the younger Maxwell wasn't a fan of carrot cake, Karen had suggested she try something that it turned out she'd never had....

"Here you are, Lieutenant... one chocolate brownie, with ice cream."

Shannon poked at it with her fork for a moment before proclaiming, "It doesn't look very healthy."

"I assure you, it is completely ruinous," Tovaal said, "you will love it."

With a raised eyebrow, she took a bite, thinking it over. "I will require another one. Strictly for comparison, of course."

"Of course..."

"Enemies of the Federation can strike any time, with any weapon; how can we be sure that chocolate brownies are not just some sort of elaborate deception, meant to bring our guard down so that they can attack us when we're too full to make it to our stations?"

"Because chocolate brownies have been around longer than the Federation," he chided her lightly. "Now stop braying on like a paranoid tactical officer, and eat the silly thing."

It was three more before she was done.


{Tovaal's quarters, two hours later}

Shannon sat at Tovaal's view screen, studying everything the Griffin had managed to glean about the Caramani vessel. She also had PADDs with the information from his notes from the Kitty Hawk, as well as tactical data she had transcribed from memory about the gate they had destroyed and the Caramani ships the two of them were personally familiar with. Not much on either front, admittedly, but something was always better than nothing.

"That particle distortion that your Lt. Aiden found is a match for those we recorded for the first gate the Kitty Hawk destroyed," Shannon was saying. "But as you recall, there was no way to cloak it when it was functioning, as it took so much power to operate it."

"And the ships that went through had to be close to it in order to be in the radius of the transport field when it activated," he replied. "But neither of those things appears to be the case here, which is why I suspect that this particular gate is not in this system."

"Perhaps, but it does have to be in this sector of space; otherwise, that Caramani ship would not have been able to escape you." Something in the way she looked at him when she said it....

"Would that be the empirical 'you,' or me in particular?" It had been no secret aboard the Kitty Hawk about Shannon's estimations of Tovaal's ability to pilot a starship; she had regaled more than one of her fellow officers with tales of how he had managed to miracle his ship into and out of various dangerous circumstances, and how he'd probably saved the day more than once during the Dominion War. She believed he was the best pilot in Starfleet, and for some of the people who knew him, it was hard to prove her wrong.

"This ship and the galaxy-famous 'Wings' Maxwell?" she offered with a lop-sided smirk. "The fates must have conspired against you."

He sat down on the couch and allowed his usually perfect posture to slip, sagging into the cushions and getting comfortable. He gestured for his sister to join him, which she did.

"Fate had little to do with it, dear sister. The Caramani smell blood in the water, and they believe that now is the time to strike."

"Be that as it may, brother," she leaned into him, pausing her thought for a moment to call up some music, "Starfleet has defeated them before, and we can beat them again."

"Yes, we beat them; and it cost us the Kitty Hawk." He let a rare moment of bitterness creep into his features, remembering waking up in the escape pod a second or two before the ship exploded; the crew had needed to actually sedate him to get him to safety... otherwise he would have stayed there and died with his captain.

"Caramani involvement has never been proven; there were a lot of ships on the field that day. The Ferengi who told you that was probably trading in lies, as they do not have a great deal of love for the Federation either. Nor do the Uridians, the Breen, or any number of people you could care to name. From everything I have heard, the Griffin is a good ship... she will not follow the fate of the Kitty Hawk."

Tovaal smiled at that as he put his arm around her.

"Certainly not with the Ticonderoga at her back, she won't."

With that, the conversation turned to lighter things, and the two of them spent a good deal of the night catching each other up on the intervening year that had passed between them. Eventually, Tovaal drifted off, and Shannon covered him up and kissed him goodnight before heading off to her own quarters, where she had another brownie.

This time, with chocolate chips.


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