Ariada was annoyed----and she felt she had every right to be. Sometimes enough was enough. Maybe her family had been right all along and joining Starfleet was a mistake. She got along well with the male members of the science department. Very well in fact. It might have been because she happened to be female and a Deltan, but she preferred to think it was because they liked her. As a person.
She had been prepared for the effect she had on most immature species, and it hadn't even bothered her. Until recently. Just last week, a crewman from Security had joined her in the messhall, uninvited, and proceeded to regale her with tales of his tactical prowess in a clumsy attempt to win her interest.
And yesteday, a lab technician from geophysics had made a lewd remark as she passed him. But she told noone-it was wiser to keep these things to herself. She particularly didn't want Daniel to think there was a problem. And now, here she was, alone in the messhall because the women in her department had gone to a dance club on the 'Base tonight and hadn't thought to invite her. Or, worse yet, she was purposely being excluded. It had always been difficult to make friends with women--they all semed to see her as a threat. A rival. They knew she had taken a vow of celibacy when she entered Starfleet--they behaved like adolescents just the same.
Fuming silently as she stirred her offee, she didnt see Daniel until he was at her side.
"Oh!" she blinked, startled.
"Sorry." he said sheepishly. "I didnt mean to scare you. What are you doing here anyway? I thought all the girls went out."
"They did."she sighed moodily.
He hesitated, and then, "Is there something wrong?"
Surprising even herself, Ariada slapped a hand down on the table. "As a matter of fact, there is. I'm sick and tired of being seen as a sex object." she announced.
And to Daniel's surprise, the woman he had never known to raise her voice did so now--to quite alarming volumes.
"My family warned me, but I didnt listen. I thought it would be different,but apparently they were right." she said bitterly. "Do you know how hard I've had to work to be respected for my knowledge as a scientist by non-Deltans?" Ariada demanded, yet did not pause for a response. Not that one would have been readily available. Daniel would have loved to mutter an excuse and run away rather than listen to her speak about THAT particular issue, yet he seemed to have temporarily lost the power of speech.
"I'm just a Deltan--noone seems to be able to look past the pheromones! I'm a person too." she nearly shouted in frustration.
Immediately after her ill timed outburst, Ariada turned a becoming shade of scarlet, horrifed by what she had said. She might have irrevocably damaged her relationship with her supervisor. Mortified, she avoided his gaze, the silence in the room growing louder by the moment.
Daniel regarded her silently, his expression thoughtful, as if debating something. At last, not quite looking at her, he said, slowly, "It's not true Ariada. That none of us can see past the pheremones. I can."
He finished the sentence quietly, then turned on his heel and retreated from the messhall, leaving her staring speechlessly after him.
***************
Colin strode down the corridor, frowning as he noted the averted gazes of passing crew members. * They ask for a transfer, yet they dont have the guts to look me in the face. Starfleet's finest, my ass.* Things seemed to be continuiing a downward spiral, as usual. His CEO was obviously unhappy--he'd heard about her little outburst in engineering earlier today. Colin wouldn't be surprised if she was next in line to request a transfer. He was sure Mark O'Conner wasn't far behind her--he'd most likely wait until the last minute just to irritate him.
Stabbing at the turbolift button, he was surprised to see it slide open so quickly. It's sole occupant noted his appearance and seemed to shrink against the wall in response.
"Dr. Keset." he greeted her as he stepped in, making sure to head for the corner farthest from the CMO.
The doctor would likely ask for a transfer as well. Guiltily, Colin realized he hadn't exactly been warm in his welcome to her. To make matters worse, he had no good reason for his dislike. No, that wasn't the word. Discomfort. That was what he felt. The fact that she was part Betazoid compounded it, but it wasn't the only reason. There was something about Dr. Keset specifically. And so he had avoided her when he should have been trying to build a working relationship. All that time at Mars Colony Psychiatric had wreaked havoc with his people skills, he thought ruefully.
"Are you enjoying your shoreleave, Doctor?" Colin surprised himself by asking. He had evidently surprised her as well, because she stiffened and eyed him warily.
"Yes, sir." Mirana answered cautiously.
"Good."
The 'lift stopped and the doors slid open. Thier eyes met over the protracted silence that followed.
"Good night, sir." Mirana finally said.
Colin nodded and began to walk away, aware of her gaze following him. Unexpectedly, he paused, turned, and looked back at her with slight hesitation.
"Actually, before I turn in, I was planning on stopping in the messhall for a light dinner. Would you care to join me?"
Dumbfounded, Mirana blinked at Colin. Her first instinct was to decline, but an excuse was slow in coming.
"Certainly." She found herself agreeing, her mind racing as she followed him out of the turbolift, self consciously tucking unruly strands of auburn hair behind her ears.
************
Ariada peeked into the observation lounge, her eyes anxiously searching for a familiar figure. The computer had said she would find him here.......and there he was. Daniel leaned against the wall, gazing out a large window, his hands thrust deep into the pockets of his navy jumpsuit. He was so deep in thought that he seemed unaware of her presence.
"Daniel?" she said softly, hesitant to disturb him.
He turned in the direction of her voice, surprised, and smiled. "Feeling any better?"
Ariada blushed. "Yes. I'm sorry. About earlier. What I said was inappropriate. I was just so angry. I didnt mean---"
He cut her off with a shrug. "It's OK. Forget about it."
"I dont want you to think I'm unhappy or---"
He interrupted once more. "I dont think anything, Ariada. I'm sure it's frustrating. You're allowed to get angry once in a while. Don't worry about it."
"Thank you for listening." she sensed his discomfort over thier previous conversation. Or was it embarrassment? It was obvious he didnt want to discuss it further.
"Do you want company?" she ventured.
"No. Thank you. I like the solitude once in a while."
"OK. We're going to the 'base again in the morning. Want to come?"
"Maybe." he grinned. "We'll see."
"Ok. Maybe I'll see you tomorrow then." she stepped back out in the hallway and frowned at the door. She ignored the urge to go back in, sighing as she retreated.
***************
Mirana stared at her plate--a cold, oddly shaped mass that didnt look the least bit appetizing. The cook had assured her it was a delicacy on Teraket III and she thought it would be impolite to tell him she wished the recipe had stayed there. She poked cautiously at the dish with a fork.
"I guess you're not thrilled about tonight's menu." Colin commented with a hint of amusement.
"How'd you guess?" she grinned. "I'm particular about what I eat. I cant help it."
"It's really quite good." he said, in the midst of swallowing a mouthful of the gelatenous substance.
"I'm sure it is. But I think I'll stick with the Kessel soup just the same." She smiled again, reaching for the bowl.
As their eyes met, she felt suddenly self conscious and averted her gaze to her soup, which, at the moment, held a new fascination for her.
For the second time in the past fifteen minutes, Mirana wondered why the Captain had asked her to join him for lunch. She no longer thought he hated her---but she was still very much aware that she made him uncomfortable, particularly her empathic abilities. She didnt know how to put him at ease, and so she had avoided him all this time, certain he was doing the same.
When she raised her eyes again, Colin was watching her intently and for a brief moment, she felt that odd, unexplainable connection to him. But the feeling vanished as quickly as it had surfaced.
Putting her spoon down, she asked quietly, "Captain, did you ask me to join you for dinner for a particular reason?"
"Well," Colin began, looking across the table at her. "I feel we may have gotten off on the wrong foot." he explained, but in a softer tone than she was used to hearing from the captain of the Prometheus. "I thought I could take some time to get to know you better. You're one of my senior officers, after all."
He noted a bit of discomfort in her reaction and quickly added, "you and your department have been doing an excellent job. I wanted to make sure you knew that."
"Thank you, sir." Mirana smiled, pleased. It was the first time he had acknowledged her efforts since she had come aboard.
Throughout thier conversation, she had been subconsciously loosening her mental barriers and as she glanced in his direction again, she had to catch her breath . A barrage of emotions flooded her senses, as before, and she struggled to force them out, slapping them with her mental shields.
"Doctor?" Colin noted her silent struggle, but unaware of its cause, he touched her forearm in concern.
Colin's turbulent subconsciousness assailed her as before, but this time she was prepared and her shields remained strong as she pulled away.
"I'm sorry." she managed to stammer, realizing her hands were shaking.
She remained silent for several moments as she composed herself and now looked at him uncertainly. Colin's face was a mask and she could see him withdraw from her. He knew. He knew she had sensed something she shouldnt have and was now....embarrassed? Angry?
"What did you see?" he demanded in a clipped tone.
She shook her head.
"What did you see?" he repeated, more harshly this time.
"Nothing. I didnt see images, just bits and pieces of your feelings" Anger, suppressed rage, fear, all barely below the surface.
"Are you alright?"she asked softly.
"I'm fine." he responded tightly.
Before she could pursue it, his commbadge buzzed and Colin exchanged a few words with the ensign on watch, irritation laced in his tone. Once the discussion had terminated, he rose abruptly.
"I'm needed on the Bridge." he explained, unnecessarily, his eyes a wintry blue. "Doctor, my mind is my own. Stay out of it." Not giving her a chance to respond, he curtly excused himself.
Within seconds, he was gone, leaving her staring regretfully after him. She had handled the situation badly. Quite badly. but she hadnt been thinking clearly--hadnt been prepared for the things she had sensed--things she had no business knowing. She'd done it again. And she had no idea how to fix things this time.
*******
Mark raised a finger, indicating his glass was empty, and a lithe Orion woman materialized out of the semidarkness to refill it. He barely acknowledged her. He was too intent on watching the figure in the far corner of the bar through the smoky haze. The woman laughed at something her partner had said and flashed him the same devastating smile that had worked so well on Mark months ago. The man who sat with her now was the fourth to aproach, but the first to be invited to join her. And from the looks of things, he would most likely have a successful evening.
Mark frowned as she laughed again. He swirled the pale yellow liquid in his glass and took a swallow, ignoring the fire it left in his throat. The Orion woman approached, but melted back into the shadows at Mark's subtle shake of the head. He would have liked another drink, but it had been so long since he he'd had anything but synthehol, that he forced himself to proceed with moderation.
The woman stood up suddenly, joined by her companion, who slipped an arm casually over her shoulder as he tossed a few credits on the table. Together, they weaved through the crowded bar towards the exit.
Mark watched Naeve Sevril go, surprised and more than a bit annoyed, by how much it bothered him. He turned away from her retreating back, making eye contact with an attractive brunette at a nearby table.
She smiled at him as she raised her glass to her lips, a clear and open invitation in her eyes. Smiling back, he decided he would be a fool not to take her up on it.
***************
Naeve frantically pulled on her pants, her long blonde hair spilling down her back as she reached for her tunic. Glancing at her chronometer and then at the sleeping form huddled beneath the sheets, she finished dressing in hurried silence. She was supposed to have met Mirana for breakfast aboard Prometheus and she was already late. Very late.
Carelessly, she gathered her unruly curls into an elaborate braid and pinned it atop her head. Straightening her collar, she silently let herself out of Commander William Daultry's quarters. Glancing at him once more before she shut the door, she promised to send him a note once back aboard ship.
As she stepped into the turbolift, she was surprised to see Mark O'Conner already within. His clothes were slightly disheveled and he seemed aware of this, for he tugged at his sleeves as he nodded at her in greeting.
Naeve narrowed her eyes. She knew that tousled morning after look. She'd seen it before. "I didnt expect to see you down here so early in the morning."
"I had a late night." he said lazily.
"I can see that."
As the 'lift opened, he smirked at her and said, "By the looks of it, so did you. Enjoy the rest of your shoreleave."
Before she could reply, he was gone.
*************
This time when he entered Rear Admiral Powers' office, Mark was immediately ushered into his private chambers. This time, there was no wait, no roundabout conversation, no beating around the bush. Powers motioned for him to sit as he leaned forward across his desk, another insincere smile pasted on his face.
"Forgive me if I dispense with the usual pleasantries, Commander, but I am a busy man." He patted a stack of PADDs as he spoke. "I'll get right to the point. You have thought about my offer." It was more a statement than a question.
"I have." Mark replied noncommitally.
It had kept him up most of the night, lng after his companion had fallen asleep, and he hadn't known what decision to make until this very moment.
"And?" Powers encouraged.
"I want to clarify something first, if I may."
"Of course." The Rear Admiral politely agreed.
"You would like me to keep an eye on Captain Becker? What's the timeframe?"
"Just until your transfer orders take effect. As I alluded to in our last meeting, I've already arranged for several choice openings you may be interested in."
Mark frowned slightly. Powers was evidently so sure of his cooperation, he was planning his billet already. Looking diectly at Powers, he continued. "And when you say you would like me to note my concerns, will you have access to my written observations, sir?"
Powers blinked, somewhat disconcerted by the intensity of the younger man's gaze.
"Naturally." he said.
"And you plan to use what I reveal against Captain Becker."
Powers nodded. "Only if he proves too unstable to captain a ship. your impressions of his odd behavior should prove useful."
"Thank you for clarifying that for me."
"Excellent. Than you have made a decision." Powers' expression was one of triumph.
"I believe I have."
"And?" Powers asked impatiently.
"Sir, I must be honest with you. As I told you yesterday, I dont like Captain Becker. I dont agree with his methods. But until he proves humself unfit for duty, and as long as I serve under him, I have an obligation to support him."
Powers' insincere smile faded. "You would pass up an opportunity to serve aboard the flagship?" he asked incredulously.
Mark managed to suppress his distaste. "Sir, if I am ever given the opportunity of an assignment on the flagship, I want it to be because I earned it. Not because you pulled some strings." he said evenly.
"Would you risk your career to protect Becker?" Powers voice was suddenly hard and unpleasant.
"Is that what I am doing by declining? Risking my career?" Mark's tone was mild, but his eyes were cold.
Powers offered a brittle smile. "Of course not. Declining is your perogative. But if you were to allow Becker to continue to command Prometheus doubting his mental fitness, a JAG court may not see you in a favorable light."
"I see."
"I cannot deny that I am disappointed by your decision. But there are others who will assist us if you do not." he shrugged his shoulders casually. "I will continue to watch Colin Becker very carefully."
"Of course, sir. I would expect no less."
Powers leaned forward again, his eyes narrowing as he spoke. "And make no mistake, Commander." he said icily. "I will be watching you as well."
"I believe I understand, Sir." Mark said carefully.
"Good. Now get out of my office." Powers swiveled his chair around so that his back was to Mark. He did not acknowledge him again. Mark hurried out of the inner chamber, past the glowering secretary and into the hallway beyond. It wasn't until he had reached the welcoming lights of the promenade that he dropped his mask, his expression one of concern mingled with relief to be free of powers.
To his surprise, he had chosen Colin Becker, perhaps foolishly, over Powers and his allies. Only time would reveal the wisdom of his decision. But one thing was certain. He had made an enemy today.
*****************
Colin stole a covert glance at Rhianna Jorrell from beneath his lashes, averting his eyes quickly before she noticed. She looked exactly as he had expected, a mixture of fear and almost defiance in her blue eyes. She sat across from him, her face pale, her body tense and poised for flight.
His chief engineer was certainly a puzzle. Colin had fully expected trouble from the moment she had boarded Prometheus, yet she performed her duties flawlessly, if not always with sufficient enthusiasm. Her past record was full of accounts of her antagonism, belligerence, and lack of social skills. He had alread seen evidence of the last description. Shye kept to herself, avoided social situations adn had not makde any friends among the senior officers or anyone else for that matter. Her lack of charm and social grace didnt concern Colin--he could not criticize wqhen he shared her faults in these areas. She certainly couldnt be described as warm and friendly, but that wasnt a requirement for CEO either. Dedication and passion for her profession was, and she had bothl. Fromwhat little Colin knew of her, she seemed distant, remote; and preferred her own company to anyone else's. But she was also a damn good engineer and her personality defects hadn't affected her professional life. Until now. Commander O'Conner's report on yesterday's shenanigans was most disturbing. And, he grudgingly admitted, in keeping with her previous captain's remarks on her behavior. Which brought them to the matter at hand.
The silence had already stretched to the point of rudeness as Rhianna waited for an explanation for the summons. Apparently, it was not unexpected-Rhianna did not seem surprised to be seated across from him today.
There was no purpose in prolonging the confrontation.
"I need to speak with you, Lieutenant, about twhat occurred in engineering yesterday."
Rhianna's cheeks paled even further if possible, in stark contrast to the dark hair which framed her face. She pressed her lips together but did not speak.
"To be honest, I'm concerned."
"How so, sir?" The words came out harsher and more sullenly than she intended, but it was too late to take them back.
Colin raised an eyebrow reprovingly at her tone before contintinuing, "Correct me if I"m wrong, but i believe you invited the entire engineering crew to transfer off my ship."
"I suppose that's true."she admitted grudgingly.
"You informed them that you had not selected them for thier positions. And that you had not asked to be transferred here either. Is that accurate?"
Rhianna's cheeks suddenly flooded pale green with embarrassment, but her eyes conveyed a readiness to do battle.
"Yes. Sir." Her tone dared him to punish her for the admission.
"Leutenant, I cant have you causing upheaval in engineering. Morale is just as important to running a department as efficency is."
"Permission to speak freely?"
"Granted." Colin regretted it the minute the word left his mouth.
"Sir--do you object to the skill of my department or the quality of my work?" she demanded, her jaw set as she scowled at him.
"No, of course not. I dont mean to interfere--"
"Then dont."she interrupted. "I mean this with no disrespect, but I wont tell you how to run this ship. Dont tell me how to run engineering."
A silence descended after the outburst. It was obviouisly an effort for Rhianna to remain quiet--a muscle twitched repeatedly in her jaw as her fists clenched and unclenched. Colin sighed painfully. He HAD given her permission to speak freely.
"Very well, Leutenant. Thank you for your...candor. IN the future , please try to be more conciliatory with your staff. This is not a request, Mr. Jorrell, but an order. Run your department as you see fit. But if I have to call you in here again for something like this, you will force me to implement disciplinary measures. Understand?"
"Yes." she acknowledged through clenched teeth.
"Are you unhappy here?" he asked gently taking her offguard.
"Unhappy?" Rhianna echoed the unexpected question. She was no more unhappy than she had been in her previous assignments. Same problems, different faces.
"Your transfer here was meant as a promotion. You must know that."
"I disagree. Sir." she said flatly. "My previous captain found me to be difficult to deal with. I believe this transfer was meant more for his benefit than mine.:
"I see." Colin replied uncommittally, but he could not deny the truth in her statement. "But I am curious. You invited your crew to transfer-- if you are unhappy here and clearly you are, why do you not do so yourself?"
Rhianna was unable to supress the momentary flash of anguish that crossed her face. Although she remained composed, Colin could not help but notice her clasped fingers twist in agitation.
"ARe you asking me to leave?" she asked bleakly. The moment she had dreaded from day one had obviously arrived.
Colin immediately regretted his previous question.Although he had mentioned it casually, he hadn't expected his suggestion to wound her.
"No, Mr. Jorrell. But I'm offering you an out if you'd like to take it." he continued in a gentler tone.
"No." she answered tightly. "I have no plans to transfer."
"Very well. Then you are dismissed. Please send Commander O'Conner in when you leave. He should be waiting outside."
Rhianna nodded as she stood up and nearly ran from the room. She barely managed to avoid colliding with Mark O'Conner, who stood directly in her path. Without bothering to acknowledge his greeting, she snapped,
"Your turn." and continued down the corridor without a backward glance.
"Ouch."Mark murmured as he watched her go. Stepping into the Captain's ready room, he shot Colin a look of undisguised curiosity.
"That must have been one interesting conversation."
"It was." Colin agreed, his demeanor betraying nothing of what had taken place just moments before. "Please sit."
When Mark realized Colin did not intend to discuss the chief engineer, he cleared his throat. In a more business like tone, he said,
"I've reviewed teh potential candidate4s to replace teh crew who are leaving. My suggestions are recorded here."
He produced a PADD and slid it across teh Captain's desk.
"Thank you, Commander. As always, your opinion is appreciated."
Mark frowned slightly, searching for a hidden meaning to Colin's statement, but there did not appear to be one.
Colin scanned the list of names. Mark had ranked each in order of preference and position, making it much easier for him to reference and make a decision. Mark was so quiet that Colin had almost forgotten he was there. Just as he was about to dismiss him, one look at his XO forced him to pause.
Although Mark's face remained as irritatingly impassive as usual, he was betrayed by the unconscious yet distinct tapping of his left foot against the carpet. If Colin didnt know any beter, he woudl swear the commander was....nervous.
"Dont let me keep you, Commander. You may go. Unless there is something further you wish to discuss?"
"No sir."Mark rose quickly and took a step in the direction of the door. He hesitated and glanced back at Colin, who watched him with bemusement.
"Yes?"
"Captain, I've made my decision about reassignment." he said abruptly.
"I see." Colin said casually, leaning back in his seat. "And?"
'I will not be requesting a transfer." he said evenly.
"Are you certain this is what you want? You know what I requre if you choose to continue in your current position."
There was a fleeting expression of something in his eyes, but it was gone before Colin could decipher it.
"I do."
"I must admit I'm surprised by your decision."
"As was I, sir. When I made it." Mark said wryly.
"I see. Thank you for informing me promptly." Colin said, once he realized that was all the explanation he was likely to get.
Mark nodded briskly, wished him a good day, and left.
Colin gazed thoughtfully at his XO's retreating back. He didnt know whether to be disappointed or relieved. The future would prove to be interesting indeed.
