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I
"Lieutenant Commander!" The insistent voice belonged to a Lieutenant she recognized from the security department. He rushed to catch up to Naeve, a PADD in his hands.
Naeve reluctantly slowled her stride. "Can't it wait? I'm needed in transporter room 1." she asked impatiently.
'This'll only take a moment. I need your approval for these requisitions and I'll be out of your hair." He thrust the PADD at her and she scribbled her signature after a careless perusal.
"There you go." she handed it back to him dismissively.
"Thanks." he paused and then ventured a query. "Will you be going to the gym later?"
Naeve gave him a slow smile. She had seen him there several nights last week and had noticed, and appreciated, the way he looked in his offduty jump suit. She wasn't quite sure of his name--something Allenby.
"Maybe." she said casually.
He returned the smile and stepped back as she started past him again.
"Then I look forward to maybe seeing you there." he called after her.
Naeve grinned, but did not turn around, continuing instead to rush down the corridor at a brisk pace. Things were finally starting to settle down on Prometheus, into a pattern of normalcy. It had been several weeks since the discovery of sentient life on Aries, and the rumors about Captain Becker were starting to die down. Naeve was glad. They had been thrown into one situation after another since he had taken command and there hadnt' really been time for everyone to adjust to the ship, its unorthodox captain, or each other. The atmosphere had been full of tension and doubt, but now the faces she saw looked much more comfortable, more relaxed. They had needed these weeks of uneventfull assignments more than she realized.
After a brief stop at Deep Space 2, they had escorted two Federation convoys to a colony near the Cardassian border, and ferried an archaeological team to Zeneb IV to conduct a survey of the ruins recently discovered there. Some of the senior staff hadn't liked the dull assignments, she noted their disappointment at each mission briefing, but she knew the crew needed the down time. They had all had a bit too much excitement recently.
This latest mission would most likely be simple as well. They were currently in orbit over Aurel III, a small M class world 1/4 the size of Earth, to which they would be delivering much needed food, medicines, and mechanical parts. Aurel III housed a fledgling Niridian colony, barely a year old, attempting to survive on the new world below. The Niridians were the newest members of the Federatiion, having recently achieved warp capability, and were scattering colonies liberally throughout neighboring star systems.
Naeve didn't mind Prometheus' temporary role as a cargo transport--she secretly suspected Starfleet was giving them such assignments on purpose--and welcomed today's opportunity to hone her diplomatic skills.
She hurried out of the turbolift and into the transporter room, focusing her thoughts on the task at hand. Mark O'Conner was already waiting on the transporter pad, along with Turek, and two members of the science department she didn't recognize.
At her appearance, Mark glanced pointedly at his chronometer, and shot her a disapproving glance. Naeve ignored it, and him, as she stepped onto the pad next to Turek.
"Now that we're all here, Ensign Lire, you can proceed. Beam us down."
Naeve barely had time to frown at Mark's tone before she felt the tingle of dematerialization.
*************
"Thank you, Commander." Governer Lacq Jiin said gratefully, as the last of the foodstuffs and supplies were beamed into the large storage room reserved specifically for them.
The Niridian had been polite and almost effusive in her praise and appreciatiion for Prometheus' arrival and her 'gifts'. She faced Mark now, a grateful expression in her violet eyes, her hands hidden deep within the folds of her bright orange robe. When she smiled at him, she looked almost human aside from the pronounced bony ridges over her brows and the purple tint to her skin.
"We're glad to offer a helping hand to one of the newest members of the Federation.'" he grinned.
Although Aurel III had an abundance of plant life, crops grew with stubborn slowness in its soil, and the Niridians had been left to fend for themselves with only the minimum of technical support. While he and Naeve Sevril had coordinated with the governer, Turek and the science team had met with Aurel III's scientific community and offered suggestions on bioengineering hardier crops, adding nutrients to the soil, and increasing the colony's productivity.
During the tour which followed, Mark noted that the colonists had done well so far---constructing agricultural buildings, a science center, and even a school for thier children.
The world they inhabited was a rocky one with interspersed plant life, growing almost as an afterthought. He noted the buildings were carved out of an opaque quartz, and shiny obsidian stones seemed to be prevalent everywhere they went. Naeve had even pointed out the black stones were popularly worn as jewelery or sculpted and sold as artwork.
They had been paraded through the local markets in hopes of attracting new customers, and the members of the away team dutifully made several purchases. The tour had ended in the governor's office where they now sat, drinking a local beverage made of plant roots. The pale yellow liquid had a bitter aftertaste and distinct odor; both Naeve and Mark struggled not to grimace as they sipped at it circumspectly.
The view from the window was beautiful, Naeve noted as she wrinkled her nose at the pungent scent wafting from the cup of h'la in her hand.
The pink sky was streaked liberally with clouds and the tops of the quartz domes sparkled in the sun. Multi colored stones interspersed with onyx glittered like crushed glass in the streets. Aurel III's soil might be harsh and inhospitable to crops, but one look at the landscape and she understood why the Niridians had been willing to settle here.
Mark took a deep breath and gulped his h'la, draining it quickly and politely declining the offer for more. Although he hid it well, he had had enough of diplomacy and was eager to return to his duties aboard Prometheus.
"Our science team is nearly finished here and all the supplies you requested have been transported rto the surface. Is there anything else you require before we take our leave?"
Lacq Jiin hesitated before replying. "There is something more, but I do not wish to trouble you."
"What is it? If we can help, I'm sure Captain Becker won't mind providing further assistance." he pressed.
"We've been noticing random mechanical failures in some of our systems. The equipment is old and occasional failures are not unexpected, but we can not seem to find and repair all of the glitches."
"I can beam down a team to consult with your technicians and engineers." Mark offered.
"I do not want to inconvenience you, Commander."
"It's no inconvenience." he assured her. "Perhaps they will be able to upgrade some of your systems."
Lacq Jiin regarded him with undisguised relief and gratitude. She clasped her hands and performed a formal bow, her long black hair spilling down over her orange robes.
"Thank you, Commander. We are in your debt."
************
"I carry only the finest of jewelery." The peddler assured Lira Toket as he swept his hand over his wares, a motley collection of trinkets, crystals, and religious items. His violet eyes glinted as he anticipated a lucrative sale to the group of offworlders.
Guiltily, the Bajoran glanced in the direction of the agricultural dome across the busy marketplace, hoping her disappearance hadn't been noted. She had somehow convinced Ensigns David Penrose and Jareth Aken to come with her to investigate the market, a prospect she found infinately more appealing than staring at old, outdated circuit boards all afternoon.
"What are these?" she asked curiously, pointing at a piece of quartz crystal, smooth and oblong in shape, with a swirl of color in its center.
"It is a worship stone." he said immediately, picking it up to offer her a better look. "It channels our prayers to the mother goddess. It is also used for adorning the home. I can give you an excellent price." he added slyly.
Lira eyed it wistfully and fingered the credits in her pocket. She couldn't afford to spend them all here- not after losing so many in last night's pool game. She sighed and shook her head, her attention falling instead on a shiny polished black stone on a silver chain.
Noting her interest, the peddler was quick to point out, "It's hand crafted."
Somehow, several minutes later, Lira found herself the owner of that chain wrapped in a bundle and tied with string, her credits gone. The peddler had wheedled her into a sale. But she wasn't the only one--David held a replica of a shuttle made of thin slivers of bronze colored metal, and Jareth had obtained a small figurine of the Niridians mother goddess carved in translucent green stone.
Armed with their wares, they weaved further through the market stalls. David glanced in the direction of the agricultural building for the third time in as many minutes. Reluctantly, he suggested, "Maybe we should go back. I don't want anyone to notice we snuck out."
"Alright, alright." Lira reluctantly put down a bracelet of glittering obsidian, to a merchant's obvious disappointment.
Although she would have preferred to look around some more, the last thing she wanted was trouble with grouch old Pointy Ears. David was right. She didnt need Rhianna Jorrell to discover she had gone shopping instead of working.
"Let's go, guys." she sighed.
****************
Rhianna scowled as she repeated a level one diagnostic at the console in front of her. She hadn't seen equipment this ancient since her first year lab classes at the Academy. Whe the NIridians had warned her thier computer systems were very basic, they hadn't been exaggerating. Not at all. It was taking her twice as long to repair each system and install upgrades using the primitive codes and musty old manuals she had been supplied with.
To top it all off, she had been issued an 'assistant' against her will--a Niridian who hovered anxiously over her in an effort to be helpful. But Shei Niin was more of a hindrance than a help.
Crouching down to peer underneath a console, Rhianna stepped back--colliding with her assistant.
"My apologies." Shei Niin said quickly, blushing to a deeper shade of purple that spread to the roots of his dark hair, which was pulled back in a tight ponytail. He bowed formally, his brown robes sweeping the floor.
"It might help if you don't stand so close." Rhianna said sourly. "Why don't you stay right where you are--and find me a tool that looks like this." she held up what looked like a wrench.
Shei Niin was eager to comply, digging through her tool kit to retrieve what she had requested. Within moments, he had handed her the tool, and solemnly returned to watching her work.
"May I make an observation?"
Rhianna sighed and shrugged carelessly. If he wasn't bumping into her, he was staring and asking inappropriate questions or making pointless 'observations.'
"I find you to be quite fascinating. Our home star system is isolated and my people are still unaccustomed to seeing beings of other races. Although I have studied about the other members of the Federation, you are the first Vulcan I have seen."
Rhianna did not comment, choosing to ignore him as she pushed herself further beneath the console, methodically ripping out circuit boards layer by layer.
"Please hand me my tool kit." she said tightly.
"Certainly." he complied, kneeling beside her. "I am curious, why did so many of your race join StarFleet?" he persisted.
"I have no idea. Vulcan was a founding member of the Federation and its people are prevelant throughout Starfleet and the galaxy." She crawled back out from under the panel, but remained on her knees, dusting off her tricorder.
"I have heard of Surak. Are his teaching difficult to follow?"
Exasperated, Rhianna snapped at him. "I don't know. Ask a disciple of Surak. I dont happen to be one."
"Oh." Shei Niin was puzzled at her anger, but thought it would be wiser not to press her. He did not know why she seemed upset with him--perhaps if he complemented her, she would be pleased.
"Nevertheless, I find your ear structure to be quite fascinating." He smiled, apparently unaware of the effect of his statement. Rhianna's hands flew to her ears, relieved to find they were hidden beneath her hair. She glanced sharply in his direction, expecting to see ridicule in his eyes, a blush spreading slowly across her cheek.
Shei Niin looked back at her guilelessly. Gritting her teeth, Rhianna silently turned to the console again, and did not speak further.
"I am curious." Shei Niin continued. "Why did you become an engineer? Does it not bother your husband? Or is he unable to provide for you?" The traditional role of a Niridian female was in the philosophies, sciences, government--not in a physical occupation such as engineering.
"I dont have a husband." Rhianna answered shortly.
"I see." The Niridian looked at her with sympathy and understanding in his violet eyes. "It is always difficultwhen fathers cannot find a suitable mate for thier daughters." His voice was tinged with pity.
Rhianna almost lost her grip on her tricorder, her knuckles white from clutching it too hard.
"Where I come from, Mr. Niin, women are perfectly capable of finding their own mates." Rhianna's blue eyes darkened in anger and impatience and she could sense her temper beginning to get the best of her. Before she could say something she'd most likely regret later, a voice called from the other side of the room.
"Need a hand?" Ari Denyri stood in the doorway, watching her knowingly, amusement evident on his face. Rhianna was on her feet within moments. She didn't know how long he had been standing there, but he obviously had heard much of the exchange.
"Actually," she said quickly. "There's a subroutine I forgot to add to the environmental controls program. "I'd appreciate it if you'd finish up in here. I'm sure Shei Niin would be happy to help you." Without waiting for a n answer, she brushed past the startled Niridian and stalked across the floor to the adjoining room.
As Ari joined him at the half repaired console, Shei Niin shook his head in wonderment. "I did not realize how volatile her mood is. It was not my intention to offend."
"Don't worry about it. Women. You know how they can get." Ari shrugged, managing admirably to keep a straight face.
**************
II
"The Bolian and Caitan ambassadors will be awaiting us at Starbase 37 with thier entourage. Although we dont begin until we reach Lenor, both parties prefer to hold the mediations aboard Prometheus." Colin paused to gauge the staff's reaction to thier new orders.
After they had dutifully delivered supplies to the Niridians earlier today, Starfleet had wasted no time notifying Colin Becker of thier next mission. As he revealed the information to his senior staff, he found it a struggle to make thier new assignment sound interesting. It just wasn't. There was a mining rights dispute in a system claimed by both Bolian and Caitan governments and Starfleet expected him to help settle it.
"Lieutenant Commander, please arrange suitable accomadations and entertainment for our guests." he directed the comment at Naeve. "I have a feeling they'll be staying for a while." he added ruefully.
"Certainly, Sir." Naeve cheerfully assured him. His Ops officer was working out remarkably well, and she seemed one of the few members of his senior staff he felt he could establish a closer relationship with.
Unfortunately, the same couldn't be said for his next in command. His relationship with Mark O'Conner hadn't gotten any better in the past few weeks. It hadn't gotten worse either, for Mark had succeeded admirably in avoiding him both on and off duty. He was watchiing Colin now, the look in his eyes one of accusation. As if Colin was somehow responsible for the tedious series of missions they had been recieving. Infact, Colin felt his XO held him somehow accountable for anything and everything he didn't like aboard Prometheus. But that was obviously his problem.
His eyes settled on his CSciO, who was struggling to suppress a yawn. This next mission would likely have little, if any, effect on his department and was therefore of little interest. The same was true of his engineer, who sat quietly, chin resting on her hand, drumming her fingers on the table, eyes slightly glazed.
Turek sat stiffly, his spine in perfect anatomic alignment, his elbows on the table, fingers steepled. He held Colin's gaze without wavering. Although one could not accuse him of being warm or friendly, Colin didn't mind as long as he continued to expertly carry out his duties.
Pushing his PADD away, Colin sat back in his chair. "Mr. Turek, when we have arrived at the Starbase, please coordinate with the Ambassador's staff and bodyguards to ensure we provide adequate security."
"Yes, sir." Turek nodded in agreement.
"And Exec," Colin addressed his first officer without looking at him. "I'd like a report by 2100 tonight on the specifics of the mining rights dispute and the legal standing of each party's claim."
"Of course, Captain." Mark replied, his tone polite but neutral.
"Lieutenant Jorrell." Colin shifted his attention to his engineer.
"Sir?"
"What is our best ETA to Starbase 37?"
"26 hours at Warp 7." she answered without hesitation. "I wouldn't recommend stressing the ship unnecessarily by going faster."
"Very well. I'll have Mr. Kovos plot a course for us. Is there anything further?" When noone spoke, he pushed his chair back from the table. "You are all dismissed. We will reconvene apon arrival."
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