Season 4 Episode 4 - A Diplomatic Song and Dance

[Volskene]

[Tholian Cruiser Acrux] Eydis would tilt her head a little at her station on the command bridge. "I'm aware of the individual in question. Science caste Member Volskene you will await my arrival and join me in addressing this issue with the command caste of the starbase. . Your repairs on the cruiser as most satisfactory. As to diplomatic caste member being needed. I disagree with your evalution Science caste member  Volskene, Perhaps this individual Mabel Henriksen should meet with a warrior caste member.  . "   Eydis looks down to her console and begins to Hail the starbase

  Cruiser Acrux under the Command of warrior caste Member Eydis. I seek a address of Grievances against Science Caste member Volskene.  It was a brief and curt message from Eydis but not overall aggressive as her first communication had been with the starbase. Her Cruiser had shift its course to bring it with a 50 km orbit of the starbase.

[Volskene's quarters]

The reply drifted to Volskene, resonating within his thoughtspace. He had been in the midst of preparing a report for the Primary Scientific Castemember, the humanoid aboard the station with whom he had (often relucantly) worked closely during the intensive research on what the humanoids referred to as a "spider ship". The vessel's rather novel methods of propulsion were a major topic of the presentations which he gave both to the Assembly's scientific caste and the galactic scientific community at large. He worked on his communiqué as he responded to Eydis telepathically.

"Thank you. Service to the Assembly is my first duty. If you should require any more help, please inform me at once." The thoughtcolors within shifted from gold to crimson as Volskene began to discuss the Pooper Scooper castemember's taunts. "I will admit the transgressions to be quite serious, but would open hostility not invite further scrutiny of the Assembly at large? Perhaps the diplomatic caste may yet be able to prevail."

Volskene continued to commune over the Lattice, sensing Eydis beginning to speak to the crew of her vessel. His thoughtspace returned to a triumphant gold as he wrote the message to the Primary Scientific Castemember.

Primary Scientific Castemember,

I require that we meet immediately to discuss developments regarding the novel propulsion systems aboard the mysterious vessel which was stationed here long ago. Developments on the technology should be placed into production.

"Computer, route this message to the Primary Scientific Castemember."

"Please specify.

"You must understand my meaning by now.. The Primary. Scientific. Castemember."

Volskene jabbed a claw at the keypad, quickly realizing that he had inadvertently just sent the communication to the entire scientific caste on the station. The Tholian whistled shrilly and clicked out a series of swears. One way or another, the Primary Scientific Castemember would receive the message now...

[Descant to-Harmony]

***

[NPCs - Slate to-Allanien & Estelle Roth - Primary Sickbay]

"For [spoiler]fuck[/spoiler]'s sake, it's an eye exam, not a scuba-diving trip. I don't need to be babysat," Estelle kvetched as her Sivaoan caregiver dropped her off at the relevant waiting room.

"Professor Eastman told me to make sure you don't, in her word, 'ditch', the appointment, Your Honor," Slate replied, courteous as ever towards the difficult Elder.

"And if she told you there was a treasure in your tuchus, would you go digging?" Estelle protested.

"You did attempt to go hide in the arboretum," the Sivaoan disagreed.

"Just go. Go fly a kite. I'll get through this," the jurist snapped, and so the Sivaoan left her to her eye exam. It was rather peculiar, babysitting an elder like that, but for some reason, she allowed that indignity, and despite her "kvetching", as she termed it, never seemed to actually want him to go away.

So Slate walked away, heading towards the staff lounge, where he was permitted for some reason - perhaps connections. There, he saw someone he wasn't expecting to see.

Sneaking up on the Healer Descant to-Harmony, the only one of his people on the station so far, he opened with a tail-hug.

[Primary Sickbay]

Descant had just pulled her juice from the replicator when the tail curled around her waist. She jumped slightly, but immediately recognized the grey stripes. Hello, Slate to-Allanien. What brings you to sickbay today?

She took a sip of her juice and turned to face the other Sivaoan, her tail coiling happily at his presence.

*****

[station]
Fells could see Ryahs face light up when he called her name, which wasn't the expected reaction but a pleasant one.
"I like it when you call me boss." He smirked because he was well aware that they had been of the same rank before.
"Hope you enjoy staying on my team with these two knuckleheads." He gave both Tominsa and Petriel and friendly nod.
"Good to have you back, Tominsa. Are you fully recovered?"
"Mostly, boss." Tominsa answered after his month of down time.
"We'll go to where the action is....I hear that's the arboretum."
Coincidentally his family would be there, too.

Not too much later the four of them were dressed in light underarmor. They had their weapons concealed in order not to spook all the festival guests and were coming up to the entrance where the crowd was waiting to be let in.

[Security Station --> Arboretum]

Ryah chuckled at Fells' joking and suited up along with the others. She was curious what this festival was about, so it was nice that she'd be in the thick of things.

Her phaser was a familiar weight in the small of her back, and she walked with her hands clasped behind her to be able to access it quickly.

[James A. Hawke]

[NPC – Sasha Barrows]
[Chief Science Officer's Office]

As Sasha finished her statement, she was slightly uncomfortable as she stayed in the room waiting for the Commander's response.  She knew that both Commander Hawke and Commander T'Prina were in a relationship, but normally it did not involve anyone else.  In this situation it was different, they were in the center of Ops and the situation on the Starbase. '

[CSO's Office - Deck 313]
"Pardon, a moment here. Commander Hawke is ordering me to move in with him?" Her eyebrow shot upwards, as she read the PADD that confirmed Barrows words.

"Is that supposed to be... humorous?" The Vulcan shook her head, the end of her long braid slid snakelike over her shoulder with the movement. "I did not even want to make an official request for new quarters, but I had to in order to get engineering to work on mine." Her words were more directed at herself, as she reasoned aloud.

She set the PADD down and rubbed at her forehead, between her brows. Somehow, she'd also already emptied the large mug of coffee without realizing it. With a sigh, she sat down on the edge of her desk, and addressed the lieutenant.

"Lt. Barrows, I apologize that you had to be involved in this. If only the three of us know about this, it is only a small matter. Certainly Commander Hawke means well, but likely did not think this though. I have my own matters handled well enough without his good intentions. However I will speak with him, in regards to how unnecessary his order is. The meeting with the delegates has yet to begin, correct?"

T'Prina figured the ops officer would likely know Hawke's schedule fairly well. She didn't envy the younger woman her job of trying to keep James in line, and up to date with paperwork. Luckily, the man was talented in ways that didn't involve timely, well ordered reports.

Sasha listened to the first officer and remained silent for a second.  She knew that Commanders Hawke orders where not malicious.  It probably was him tryingto host someonee temporarily displaced but the execution was poor.  The Officer responded "I'm afraid it's no joke, Commander T'Prina".  She stood silent as she appeared tbe uncomfortable with the situation.

As the Commander mentioned that she was apoligising she gave a slight bow.  She nodded at the Compander and responded "Only the Ops officers in the meeting this morning.  And everyone that read the report.  Which I doubt Commander Hawke did."  She finished as he was certain that Commander Hawke did not know who the person was.

She then nodded "I will leave you to speak to Commander Hawke, Commander T'Prina, knowing the Commander he would be on the Prominade looking after everything.  After all, he often speaks of being a common folk"  As she finished she left the ackward conversation.

[Promenade]

Commander Hawke observed as there was an increase of activity in the area.  He could tell that the station was crowded.   And walk the corridor alone.

[Leanna Mazal]

[Arboretum]

After a slight detour to see Brooke about a cake order, which involved the inevitable catch up, with promises to catch up at the Festival. Lea and Ari made their way to the Arboretum, instantly picking up on the happy emotions emanating from those waiting to go in. Sharing that connection with her unborn son and Ari, who was eager to go inside.

" Mama, look there's Daddy Fells and can we go in?".

Sure enough Ari had managed to spot Fells, along with Ryah, Tominsa and Petriel. It was good to see Tominsa back on his feet, following his injury time off and acknowledged the group with a wave, as they moved towards the entrance.

" It is and yes sweetheart, we'll be in there soon".

[Alexa Costa]

[Judith Eastman(-Williams) - Counseling Suite]

As Judy quickly went to the next room to retrieve the beer, there was plenty in the room for the young patient to see. There were numerous bookshelves, almost sagging with the weight of written words in many different languages, spanning numerous genres. A few books seemed to jut out, a sign they'd recently been touched.
There was also artwork - mostly landscape paintings from the planet, painted by skilled amateur Max Williams.
There was a relatively modest wooden desk, tucked away in one corner, with a large monitor and a few framed photos of Judy's family.
There was the standard Jewish fixture, a Mezuzah, on each doorway, for Judy was a person of faith.
The room as a whole was less pretentious than some of Judy's other spaces: there was no koi pond, no newfangled gadgets she didn't know how to use, not even a pennant from any of her prestigious schools.
What was evident was that this wasn't Judy's office - the diplomas on the wall, massive desk, and the corgis' bed weren't there. This room was dedicated to one purpose.

Promptly, Judy returned, beer in hand and two corgis trailing her.

"If you'd prefer, I can send the two of them out," Judy told Costa as she set the beer and an opener down on the coffee table. "I know that psych evals can be a bit like colonoscopies of the mind, if you'll pardon the expression: invasive and unpleasant episodes you'd much rather skip. Anything that makes the experience less uncomfortable for you, just ask."

The dogs, oblivious to the notion that they might be temporary guests, began to sniff curiously at this unfamiliar presence in their territory.

"That said, Hawke sent you my way, didn't he?" Judy asked rhetorically as she sat back down.

[Lex Costa - Counseling Suite]

Costa hadn't realised that her requesting a beer would mean that the older lady would have to leave the room, but as soon as she was gone, she was back on her feet, taking a closer look at certain objects. The room was mostly filled with paper books, which Costa found ridiculous, and religious artifacts, which were of no interest to her. She glanced over the photographs, but moved quickly back to the armchair when she heard Judy return.

She stared at the two dogs that were trailing the woman for a few seconds, her expression still blank as they started to sniff her. She remained silent, but opened her hand up so that they could get a proper scent. "Nah, s'fine," she eventually told the counselor regarding the dogs. It the woman wanted to conduct evaluations with pets present, Costa didn't see how that was any of her business. When Hawke was mentioned, she looked up from observing the lap dogs.

"Ya. Bit hypocritical, y'know. Dun wanna go himself, but thinks it's okay ta send me."

She leaned forward then and plucked the bottle and opener from the coffee table. She cracked it open, the bottle cap bouncing off the surface. "Cheers." She took a long draught, her gaze not wavering.

[Judith Eastman]

[Lex Costa - Counseling Suite]

Costa hadn't realised that her requesting a beer would mean that the older lady would have to leave the room, but as soon as she was gone, she was back on her feet, taking a closer look at certain objects. The room was mostly filled with paper books, which Costa found ridiculous, and religious artifacts, which were of no interest to her. She glanced over the photographs, but moved quickly back to the armchair when she heard Judy return.

She stared at the two dogs that were trailing the woman for a few seconds, her expression still blank as they started to sniff her. She remained silent, but opened her hand up so that they could get a proper scent. "Nah, s'fine," she eventually told the counselor regarding the dogs. It the woman wanted to conduct evaluations with pets present, Costa didn't see how that was any of her business. When Hawke was mentioned, she looked up from observing the lap dogs.

"Ya. Bit hypocritical, y'know. Dun wanna go himself, but thinks it's okay ta send me."

She leaned forward then and plucked the bottle and opener from the coffee table. She cracked it open, the bottle cap bouncing off the surface. "Cheers." She took a long draught, her gaze not wavering.

[Judith Eastman(-Williams) - Counseling Suite]

Judy picked up the bottle cap and neatly set it aside, without giving much sign to her displeasure about that.

"Well, I think just about everyone on the station could use some therapy," she replied, not slamming Hawke with anything near the full force she had.

"With that being said, you have been through a lot. Your artificial body part is a little more visible than my ticker."

Judy tapped her little medical bracelet, drawing attention to it, as well as to her left hand in general. That was the hand that bore both her class ring and her wedding ring.

"Is the arm something you'd like to talk about?"

***

[Primary Sickbay]

Descant had just pulled her juice from the replicator when the tail curled around her waist. She jumped slightly, but immediately recognized the grey stripes. Hello, Slate to-Allanien. What brings you to sickbay today?

She took a sip of her juice and turned to face the other Sivaoan, her tail coiling happily at his presence.

[NPC - Slate to-Allanien - Primary Sickbay]

"I escorted Judge Roth to a medical appointment. She is in need of new spectacles," Slate explained, as he made his way to the coffee machine. "I have noticed humans use them, but only very few of them, and mostly the elders."

He helped himself to some coffee, that curious human concoction which he had developed a taste for. He liked his coffee black and very strong, and Sickbay's coffee was some of the best he'd had - other than Judge Roth's coffee.

"How have you been, Descant to-Harmony?" he asked, as he took a small, cautious sip of the piping-hot drink.

[Descant to-Harmony]

[NPC - Slate to-Allanien - Primary Sickbay]

"I escorted Judge Roth to a medical appointment. She is in need of new spectacles," Slate explained, as he made his way to the coffee machine. "I have noticed humans use them, but only very few of them, and mostly the elders."

He helped himself to some coffee, that curious human concoction which he had developed a taste for. He liked his coffee black and very strong, and Sickbay's coffee was some of the best he'd had - other than Judge Roth's coffee.

"How have you been, Descant to-Harmony?" he asked, as he took a small, cautious sip of the piping-hot drink.

[Primary Sickbay]

I'm doing well, Descant answered, turning to lean against the wall. Quite busy with all of the extra people on the station. There are lots of little injuries and more illnesses than usual.

Yes, a very few people use glasses because there's a cure for most forms of vision impairment, but some are allergic to the compound. That's the case for Judy, but I'm not sure about her grandmother. There might be a genetic factor.

Descant's tail reached for Slate's, hooking gently around it and swinging lightly back and forth in affectionate camaraderie. How are you? Are you and Judge Roth planning to attend the festivities in the arboretum?

[Alexa Costa]

[Judith Eastman(-Williams) - Counseling Suite]

Judy picked up the bottle cap and neatly set it aside, without giving much sign to her displeasure about that.

"Well, I think just about everyone on the station could use some therapy," she replied, not slamming Hawke with anything near the full force she had.

"With that being said, you have been through a lot. Your artificial body part is a little more visible than my ticker."

Judy tapped her little medical bracelet, drawing attention to it, as well as to her left hand in general. That was the hand that bore both her class ring and her wedding ring.

"Is the arm something you'd like to talk about?"

[Lex Costa - Counselling Suite]

When the counselor said that everyone on Columbus could use therapy, she paused to consider the statement, and then gave a little nod as the corners of her mouth turned downward. It had been her experience since coming aboard that everyone was crazy. The base was nothing like any ship she'd ever served on, and that was both a good and bad thing. The best part of it was that her more unusual behaviours had gone largely ignored, because she was nowhere near the strangest creature in town.

Costa's eyes followed Judy's movements as she pointed to her bracelet. Then she shrugged a shoulder, and after another long, tasty swig of her beer, she merely responded, "S'just an arm."

She returned the bottle to the coffee table, its contents almost drained. "D'ya like talkin' 'bout ya ticker?"

[Judith Eastman]

[Lex Costa - Counselling Suite]

When the counselor said that everyone on Columbus could use therapy, she paused to consider the statement, and then gave a little nod as the corners of her mouth turned downward. It had been her experience since coming aboard that everyone was crazy. The base was nothing like any ship she'd ever served on, and that was both a good and bad thing. The best part of it was that her more unusual behaviours had gone largely ignored, because she was nowhere near the strangest creature in town.

Costa's eyes followed Judy's movements as she pointed to her bracelet. Then she shrugged a shoulder, and after another long, tasty swig of her beer, she merely responded, "S'just an arm."

She returned the bottle to the coffee table, its contents almost drained. "D'ya like talkin' 'bout ya ticker?"

Judith Eastman(-Williams) - Counseling Suite]

Judy felt as though the question was targeted at her own question.
"Well, sometimes. I did bring it up, didn't I?" she replied calmly. "The puns are great, I'll tell you that. I'm literally heartless now."

She readjusted her position in her chair.

"Well, what do you want to talk about?" she asked Costa. "Can be anything."

Judy needed a bit of string to pull on, and so far, she had nothing.

***

[Primary Sickbay]

I'm doing well, Descant answered, turning to lean against the wall. Quite busy with all of the extra people on the station. There are lots of little injuries and more illnesses than usual.

Yes, a very few people use glasses because there's a cure for most forms of vision impairment, but some are allergic to the compound. That's the case for Judy, but I'm not sure about her grandmother. There might be a genetic factor.

Descant's tail reached for Slate's, hooking gently around it and swinging lightly back and forth in affectionate camaraderie. How are you? Are you and Judge Roth planning to attend the festivities in the arboretum?

[NPC - Slate to-Allanien - Primary Sickbay]

"Judge Roth isn't interested. She doesn't seem to think highly of the Casperians," Slate answered. "To be honest, she doesn't seem to think highly of many people."

He sat down at the table, resting his legs.

"I am curious about it, myself. What do you think of it?"

[Alexa Costa]

Judith Eastman(-Williams) - Counseling Suite]

Judy felt as though the question was targeted at her own question.
"Well, sometimes. I did bring it up, didn't I?" she replied calmly. "The puns are great, I'll tell you that. I'm literally heartless now."

She readjusted her position in her chair.

"Well, what do you want to talk about?" she asked Costa. "Can be anything."

Judy needed a bit of string to pull on, and so far, she had nothing.

[Lex Costa - Counselling Suite]

One corner of Costa's mouth tugged upward, as though on a hook, when Judy made her 'literally heartless' pun. She liked that. Not just because she was inclined to believe the older, crafty woman had no heart, but also because it was just clever.

Aside from that, she remained completely still, the only sign that she was still in the room the gentle rise and fall of her chest and the sporadic blinking of her dark eyes. She considered the counselor's next question, and found there wasn't much of anything she wanted to talk about. Costa wasn't great at small talk; she didn't enjoy others who spoke too much without saying anything at all, and so tended to avoid being excessively chatty herself.

She failed to think of anything that she and Judy would have in common to discuss. For some reason Costa didn't think she'd appreciate her repeating some of the filthy, but very funny, stories she'd been told at The Rising Sun the previous evening.

"Wanna discuss last week's operations report?"

Hawke hadn't read it, she wondered if it was available to the Eastman.

[Judith Eastman]

[Lex Costa - Counselling Suite]

One corner of Costa's mouth tugged upward, as though on a hook, when Judy made her 'literally heartless' pun. She liked that. Not just because she was inclined to believe the older, crafty woman had no heart, but also because it was just clever.

Aside from that, she remained completely still, the only sign that she was still in the room the gentle rise and fall of her chest and the sporadic blinking of her dark eyes. She considered the counselor's next question, and found there wasn't much of anything she wanted to talk about. Costa wasn't great at small talk; she didn't enjoy others who spoke too much without saying anything at all, and so tended to avoid being excessively chatty herself.

She failed to think of anything that she and Judy would have in common to discuss. For some reason Costa didn't think she'd appreciate her repeating some of the filthy, but very funny, stories she'd been told at The Rising Sun the previous evening.

"Wanna discuss last week's operations report?"

Hawke hadn't read it, she wondered if it was available to the Eastman.

[Judith Eastman(-Williams) - Counseling Suite]

Judy looked surprised at the question about the operations report. She supposed she should have expected it, but she hadn't. She chose to lean into that.

"The operations report?" she asked incredulously. "I don't pretend to know everything about you, but I never pegged you for boring!"

There was a measure of intentional provocation in this, but a lot of genuine thinking too.

"If you're worried I'm going to say something condescending about 'kids these days' or something, don't, because I wasn't exactly the peak of propriety when I was your age. Believe me."

Perhaps this was the way to crack this tough nut.

[Fells Halgerdur]

[arboretum]
The place was too busy for Fells taste. Even if these people were here for a peaceful reason, there could always be spontaneous trouble.
"Look at all these freaks wanting to sing hippie songs to the trees."
He spotted Lea and Ari a little further over near the entrance where another security officer was greeting people.
Fells lifted his hand to greet them and then turned to Ryah. "And my family in the middle of it all."
He clearly wasn't a fan of the situation.
He pressed the button of his comm. "This is Chief Halgerdur. I'd like team 5 to join us at the arboretum."
"Copy that, chief...." Fells certainly wasn't used to the title yet.

With a quick pad of his own back he asked. "Did you bring the one with the lazer target finder?"

[T'Prina]

[NPC – Sasha Barrows]
[Chief Science Officer's Office]

As Sasha finished her statement, she was slightly uncomfortable as she stayed in the room waiting for the Commander's response.  She knew that both Commander Hawke and Commander T'Prina were in a relationship, but normally it did not involve anyone else.  In this situation it was different, they were in the center of Ops and the situation on the Starbase.

Sasha listened to the first officer and remained silent for a second.  She knew that Commanders Hawke orders where not malicious.  It probably was him trying to host someone temporarily displaced but the execution was poor.  The Officer responded "I'm afraid it's no joke, Commander T'Prina".  She stood silent as she appeared to be uncomfortable with the situation.

As the Commander mentioned that she was apologizing she gave a slight bow.  She nodded at the Commander and responded "Only the Ops officers in the meeting this morning.  And everyone that read the report.  Which I doubt Commander Hawke did."  She finished as he was certain that Commander Hawke did not know who the person was.

She then nodded "I will leave you to speak to Commander Hawke, Commander T'Prina, knowing the Commander he would be on the Promenade looking after everything.  After all, he often speaks of being a common folk"  As she finished she left the awkward conversation.

[CSO's Office - Deck 313 ~> Promenade]

T'Prina merely clucked her tongue, and pinched at the bridge of her nose between her eyes.

"Of course he did. That sounds entirely like him. Thank you for the information. You are dismissed, Lieutenant."

She kept her eyes closed as she heard Barrows leave her office, and did not see the look of relief on the other woman's face. What could have been a small private matter was now official business, and likely a topic of gossip. Dealing with ANaLYN and the aftermath of what she was now labeling 'The Catastrophic Cupcake Incident' had her stressed enough. She did not want to burden James with her troubles, she was handling it on her own. All she had to do was inform him of how unnecessary his order was.

Alone again, T'Prina stood up and sighed. She walked over to the replicator and tipped her empty coffee mug into the matter reclimator. For a moment she internally debated the idea of another cup of coffee. What she really wanted was to just curl up in the corner and grab a quick nap, but she needed to get this situation sorted out with Hawke. For that, she needed to be alert. Decision made, she got her large raktajino in a travel mug and made her way out of the office, locking the door behind her.

***********************

The Promenade was... unpleasantly crowded. T'Prina's delicate Vulcan nose wrinkled at the smell of many different species of people in close quarters. Not every planet had the same hygiene standards. Even after years of living on the Starbase, and on starships, her sense of smell was a sharp as ever. Not even the stench of her charred belongings that she'd been smelling for days dulled it.

Fortunately for her, Hawke was easily spotted. The crowd, either sensing an aura of authority, or more likely, noticing the pips on his collar, seemed to part as he walked. Maybe she lacked his gravitas, maybe she was just too short, but making her way over to him was a bit of a struggle. Once she reached him, she tried to put her free hand on his arm, above his elbow to catch his attention.

"Excuse me, James. Can I talk with you for a moment? It is regarding the orders you gave for an officer to move into your quarters." Before she could go into further detail, the chime of an incoming message came through on the PADD in her jacket pocket. Taking her hand off Hawke's arm, she reached into her jacket and pulled it out for a quick look.

Primary Scientific Castemember,

I require that we meet immediately to discuss developments regarding the novel propulsion systems aboard the mysterious vessel which was stationed here long ago. Developments on the technology should be placed into production.

"Just a second, please. I need to answer this." Her tone to Hawke was apologetic, but her mouth had tightened into a line.

The Tholian. It seemed the nap she wanted would have to be postponed a bit longer, since he'd sent his missive to the entire science department. There'd be no putting that off. Balancing her coffee in the crook of her elbow, she sent Volskene back a quick message.

Specialist Volskene,

Please meet me in my office 2 hours hence, and we will discuss your proposal. Also in the future, please direct your messages directly to "LtCmdr. T'Prina" instead of the entire science department. It may be shocking to you, but Federation Science Castemembers also have names. You are not unintelligent, you can learn at least mine to make these communications easier.

'Primary Science Castemember' LtCmdr. T'Prina

In her tiredness, her frustration seeped into her words, perhaps more than she would usually allow. But the message was sent. She put the PADD back in her pocket, and gave Hawke her full attention once more.

"My apologies, James. Science department business that I could not ignore. Back to what I said previously though. Were you aware that I am the officer in question?" She peered up at him, green eyes glinting through her long eyelashes.

[Descant to-Harmony]

[NPC - Slate to-Allanien - Primary Sickbay]

"Judge Roth isn't interested. She doesn't seem to think highly of the Casperians," Slate answered. "To be honest, she doesn't seem to think highly of many people."

He sat down at the table, resting his legs.

"I am curious about it, myself. What do you think of it?"

[Primary Sickbay]

Descant joined Slate at the table and said, I think it would be fun to go. I don't know anything about the celebration itself, but I miss our festivals. Maybe this one will be like them. Her tail looped happily as she sipped her juice.

=A= Healer Descant? Your next appointment has arrived early. Do you want me to ask them to wait?

No, thank you. I'll see them now. =A= Descant signed off and twitched her whiskers at Slate. I can leave after this appointment, so we can go to the festival when I'm done if you're free. She put her glass back in the replicator and straightened her harness before leaving the lounge to stop at the receptionist's desk and pick up the PADD with the records for her next patient. After a quick glance at the information, she looked up to see a sullen 10-year-old human male glancing at her out of the corner of his eyes with his arms folded tightly over his chest.

Descant's head tilted slightly as she watched him for a moment before saying, Are you Parker Standish?

The boy glared but nodded once.

Go on, his mother urged. You said you didn't want me with you.

Parker heaved a massive sigh and stood up, stomping over to Descant and staring openly at her now.

Descant glanced at the mother. This is a routine exam. It should only take a short time, Petty Officer.

She led the way to a biobed and patted the surface without a word.

The felinoid's silence was throwing off the boy's groove. He didn't want to get an exam. He was fine, but this giant cat wasn't reacting like most doctors he'd seen. Are you even a real doctor? She called you 'healer' out there.

Descant paused as she pulled her tricorder from its pouch. 'Healer' is what my people call a doctor. It means the same thing. Are you going to let me examine you? You know you can refuse, right?

Parker shrugged. Mom says I have to.

Well, it's a good idea to get checked regularly, but you smell pretty healthy to me.

Smell? he asked incredulously.

Descant tapped the black splotch that spread across her nose. It's not just for looks. My people use all of our senses. Smell can be very useful in discovering diseases or imbalances in the body.

You can tell what's wrong with me just by smelling?

Some things, if there were something wrong with you. I've learned humans well since there are so many on the station. The only thing I smell from you is that you need to wash a little better. Descant arched her whiskers forward in amusement as a shocked look came over the boy's face. If you let me scan you, we'll be done in two minutes and you can get out of here, she leaned forward to whisper conspiratorially.

Parker glanced at the non-standard scanner she now held in a paw and nodded.

Descant's tail looped happily as she began scanning the boy.

Why's your tail do that? Parker asked curiously, all traces of resentment gone from his tone.

That's how I show I'm happy, and I can do this, too. The tip of her tail suddenly nudged the boy's arm.

He jumped, then laughed out loud.

All right, you're done. Tell your mother I said you're in perfect health. She can call later if she'd like the details.

Parker nodded before hopping off the biobed and heading back for the reception area. He stopped just inside and turned. Your fur is really pretty, he said, then ran out the door.

Descant's ears flicked back in surprise, but her tail also coiled with pleasure as she made her way back to Slate.

*****

[arboretum]
The place was too busy for Fells taste. Even if these people were here for a peaceful reason, there could always be spontaneous trouble.
"Look at all these freaks wanting to sing hippie songs to the trees."
He spotted Lea and Ari a little further over near the entrance where another security officer was greeting people.
Fells lifted his hand to greet them and then turned to Ryah. "And my family in the middle of it all."
He clearly wasn't a fan of the situation.
He pressed the button of his comm. "This is Chief Halgerdur. I'd like team 5 to join us at the arboretum."
"Copy that, chief...." Fells certainly wasn't used to the title yet.

With a quick pad of his own back he asked. "Did you bring the one with the lazer target finder?"

[Arboretum]

Ryah couldn't see who Fells waved at, but assumed it was his family. She'd have waved if she thought Lea might see her, but there were too many people milling about.

She raised her eyebrows at the chief's call for more security, but then bobbed her head. The people might be peaceful; they might not. Better to have enough security and not need it.

When he asked about her weapon, Ryah shook her head sadly. Unfortunately not, she said regretfully. It adds just too much bulk for me to conceal with the laser attached. These uniforms don't led themselves well to concealed carry. Do you think the captain would go for a small modification of adding cargo pockets? They'd work much better for me. Even as she spoke, Ryah's eyes scanned the crowds, ignoring the occasional smirks from people as they realized she was one of the security guards.

[Naira]

[Ensign Bnada - Ops Center]

Bnada didn't know why the XO had commandeered all of the other Ops people when there was a festival and diplomatic meetings going on. She also didn't know where Costa was. She wondered how the uncouth officer wrangled getting the morning off. She must be sleeping with someone important... The K'tarian thought uncharitably.

She was pulled from her unfair thinking by the Captain's call.

She fell all over herself to be the first to answer. She couldn't get promoted if the Powers That Be didn't know who she was.

"Ensign Bnada here, Captain. Refreshments have been prepared and laid out for the representatives, I saw to it myself. They arrived approximately 70 seconds ago."

[Turbolift to meeting room]

"Thank you, ensign. That was very thoughtful. I expect Ops is keeping you busy with all the extra visitors on the station, if you find yourself needing more assistance inform your department head that you can use some help. Everyone is on call right now while play host." 

Naira stood by the door shaking hands and greeting the representatives as they arrived.

*******

[Arboretum]

The Arboretum was alive in a colorful display of music, dance and a wide assortment of exotic fruits and flowers from a number of different worlds. Thin strips of cloth dangled down from the branches of the trees. A number of Casperians either sat beneath the trees tuning their stringed instruments or practicing a melody on wooden flutes or handmade drums that looked to be made out of some hallowed out gourds. Many of them were flowing robes or skirts of a single shade of color that varied from one individual to the next.

A number of woven rugs had been laid out, as had a vast number of pillows and cushions to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for all. However, nothing looked overly organized when it came to this festival and most of the Casperians seemed to be going about their own thing, they were happy that there were those on the station eager to join them, and they were glad for that, but they also appeared just as content to go about signing and dancing beneath the trees even if no one else attended.

"Please do join us," a wrinkled elderly Casperian called out to those forming a line outside the Arboretum. "All are welcome to join us as we ask for peace. All we ask is that you keep an open mind and leave all negativity at the door. "