OFF: Well, here goes :) my first real post... you guys who've posted so
far are just great, thanks for the good reads...

ON:

:: After beaming aboard Excalibur from the meager apartment she was vacating
on Earth, Ensign Beth Koptuka deposited her belongings in her new assigned
quarters, then paused for a quick look around at her new home before she
would report in to Commander Tolbin. She admired her view of the stars (her
bread and butter) then... ::

[Computer chimes]

Tolbin: Ensign Koptuka.

Koptuka <a bit surprised, wondering if she had been standing at the window
longer than she expected, stands at attention even though the communication
is audio only> : here, sir.

Tolbin: I was just checking to see if you're aboard yet. When you're ready,
please report to the bridge.

Koptuka: yes sir‹right away sir. Koptuka out.

:: Ensign Koptuka was flushed from the brief stress just experienced, and
when Kimtonnans get flushed, their purple eyes are clouded over by an extra
lid‹a membrane‹that involuntarily is extended for protection. Koptuka tried
to calm herself, and hoped her odd appearance wouldn't offend her CO. She
continued to calm herself as she made her way through Excalibur's corridors
to the bridge. ::


Location: The Bridge

:: Commander Tolbin and Commander Ford were conferring on some matter when
Ensign Koptuka stepped onto the bridge. Koptuka approached, and... ::

Koptuka: Pardon the interruption, sirs. Reporting for duty, Commander
Tolbin.

:: Each officer had a look of surprise, but Koptuka wasn't sure if their
expressions were caused by her interruption, or by her appearance. ::

Tolbin: No Problem. <to Ford, smiles> Catch you later. <to Koptuka> in the
Captain's Ready Room, Ensign.


Location: Ready Room

:: Koptuka stands at attention, but says the Commander, ::

Tolbin <she scoots behind the desk> : At ease, mister. The Ready Room's
replicator is finally online... would you like anything?

Koptuka: Some Chamlee tea, iced, if it's in the database, sir.

Tolbin: It is, but so is most everything... <to replicator> Chamlee tea,
iced.

:: Tolbin hands Koptuka a glass of iced tea ::

Tolbin: Have a seat, Ensign.

:: Koptuka seats herself in front of the Captain's desk. ::

Tolbin: The Captain hand-picked you from a list of recommendations provided
by Starfleet Command, so you can see the pressure is on you to live up to
his expectations. Make sense?

Koptuka: Yes, sir. I'll certainly do my best.

Tolbin: I don't doubt you will. I was a bit puzzled, though, when I noticed
your age, and then when I noticed this is your first commission. But to look
at you in person... are Starfleet's records of your age incorrect? I'm
afraid I have no experience with your species.

Koptuka <smiling> : Fifty is my correct age. The average member of my
species lives to be 280 years. I ended my teaching career for want of
something different in my life. I wanted to explore, as one does on a
starship.

OFF: See you all until next time, everyone!

Beth Koptuka
Ensign, Astrometrics Specialist
USS Excalibur, NCC-2997