Winds of Change Part I"
By: Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]
Teilani Dane, Chief Medical Officer, [PC]
Jeff Westfall, Tactical Officer, [PST]
Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]
Melissa Jarvis, Chief Security Officer, [RNPC]
Patia Zoei, Chief Counselor, [PC]

Stardate: 58207.30 1130

--Observation Deck--

After the Zion's senior staff settled into their chairs the Captain stood up.

"As everyone is aware, the crew has been recalled. I know we were supposed to have shoreleave for one more day, however a matter of urgency has occurred and we are the only ship available."

Hunter walked around to the back of his chair and pushed it in toward the table.

"At a security council meeting this morning, the council received information that some high ranking Klingon officials maybe working with the Breen."

Hunter paused to let the ramifications of the situation sink in.

"At 0930 hours Worf hastily left the council meeting," said Commander Wright, "threatening to take matters into his own hands. Five of the Klingon Honor Guard left with him."

Hunter broke into the murmuring of chatter which had erupted, "we have been ordered to pursue Worf and lend our assistance to help resolve this situation as quickly as possible."

Hunter turned to Northrop, "Northrop has some additional details," he said then sat down.

Alyssa nodded at Hunter, "In the past several months, we've lost a total of 32 ships to the Breen. As a result, Intelligence sections have been monitoring all communications going into and coming out of Breen territory using our listening posts in the area.

During the investigation, several unusual patterns emerged....which were eventually decoded to reveal direct communications between the Breen Leadership and flagship of the Klingon Fleet, the IKS Ghos'tah. We've come to the conclusion that the crew of the Ghos'tah is funneling the Breen information on Maquis ship movements and locations."

Alyssa scowled a bit, knowing that the information wouldn't sit well with her crewmates. Gods knew that it didn't sit well with her. The Klingons were, afterall, supposed to be their allies...and here they were....selling out the Maquis.

Just then the doors of the observation deck opened and a portly Klingon with a highly decorated uniform entered.

We will also be transporting the Klingon ambassador," said Hunter as their guest arrived and made himself comfortable.

"Worf has a 3 hour head start on us, it is believed he is moving to intercept the Ghos'tah, the Klingon flag ship where Gowron himself is believed to be aboard."

Hunter looked at a padd and gleaned it of information. "At maximum warp, we will intercept the Ghos'tah in 7 hours 20 minutes," he said.

He looked at Silvo, "Chief, what is Engineering's status?"

"All systems are online and functioning," replied Silvio. "Engineering is ready to depart QulTuq Station on your command."

Hunter turned to Westfall, "is tactical prepared?"

"Aye Aye Captain Hunter, all Ships' weapons and combat arms have been resupplied, all weapons systems have been serviced, tested, re-calibrated and are at combat ready status"

Captain, if I may ask, what is the nature of our deployment, and what means are authorized to halt Captain Worf's 'wayward action'? I'd like an idea to plot counter-measures, he's an able Commander.

I don't think we should necessarily expect him to just "Stand Down" even with the Ambassador aboard to issue the order. He's an Officer who believes highly in his principles, and above all, his Honor is at stake here."

Hunter folded his arms across his chest, "Officially, Maquis Command is treating this as an internal matter of the Klingon Empire. We will be under the authority of M-Command and not the Klingon Ambassador."

Hunter looked around, there where no other questions.

"How about security?"

"The ship's crew have all responded to the recall Captain. The only person who has not returned as of yet is Sarik. He has responded to the recall and is on his way back but probably will not make it before we leave."

"Okay, leave word that we'll return to pick him up when we return."

Hunter looked over at Dane, "Doctor, what is the status of the medical department?"

"All systems are green and we are fully restocked Captain." Teilani replied.

Hunter turned toward Patia, "Counselor, your report?"

"Supplies and personnel are either on board or waiting to board. The counseling department is ready at your order, Sir," Patia nodded.

Hunter nodded, "excellent."

He turned toward Commander Wright, "Commander, please make the ship ready for departure in all respect. We'll depart at 1400 hours."

"Yes Captain," replied Wright.

Challenges #7"
By: Craig Witmore, Engineer, [RNPC]
Giuseppe Silvio, Chief Engineer, [RNPC]

Stardate: 58207.30 1130

"Oh Man, why am I always the one who has to go down the tubes," Craig was moaning.

"Hurry up Brubacker... give me that induction spanner." Craig was sitting curled up in one of the Zion's Jeffries tubes. As the ship was speeding along, the engines were strained to the limit and some EPS conduits were burned out.

Craig's comm badge chirped and the voice of Chief Engineer Silvio said,

"What is the status of those EPS conduits?"

"I am working on it Chief, shees I am not a miracle man." Craig responded and he rolled his eyes at Jason Brubacker. Who remained in the background and tried to hide his grin.

"That is obvious Witmore," snapped Silvio, "considering that you were assigned this job more than two hours ago and it is still not done. Finish up there and report to the waste recycling centre. There appears to be some contamination in the sterile matter tanks. Silvio out." The comm link went dead.

"Aye drill sergeant," Craig muttered and finished the repair. "You know Jase," he said as they both crawled to the exit. "I hope that one time in my life I would see the Chief smile or at least say thank you Craig or fixing stuff."

***

Silvio watched as the Zion's massive warp core throbbed and pulsed. The captain was sure shaking out the kinks, he thought as he made his way into his office. So far they had fixed several small glitches, and few large ones.

He looked around the main engineering bay and noted that the majority of his staff looked unfazed by the increased work load. In fact, he would gauge the general mood had light hearted and happy. Silvio figured it was due in large part to the shore leave they had just had. Everyone seemed to be happy...everyone except Craig Witmore that was.

Silvio stepped into his office and sat down at his desk. He has sent Witmore down to the Waste center a while ago and had not heard from him.

"Silvio to Witmore, WHat is your status?" asked Silvio activating the ship's communication system.

"Almost done with the disposal units Sir," he responded.

"When you are done down there please report to my office," said Silvio.

"Aye Chief." Craig responded. Brubacker patted him on the shoulder. "Way to go Craig.... seems you have mocked something up again.

Craig shrugged. "I haven't done anything wrong that is." Then he chuckled, I only work hard you see. Perhaps he wants to give me a ribbon or so."

Brubacker grinned as he closed the toolbox. "Craig, your funny, and keep on dreaming." He started to walk away.."Oh Craig, don't forget Friday is our poker night alright?"

"I will be there." Craig responded but in the mean time he doubted. The only time he got called to Silvio's office was when he had made a mistake or when something was not right.

Silvio tapped the keypad of his console and brought up Witmore's file. He was surprised to find that during their recent shore leave Witmore had not only worked his assigned Zion duties but he had also taken a few shifts with QulTuq's engineering department. The Zion's chief engineer was not sure how that had gotten by him. He suspected that Mister Witmore was burned out.

Silvio closed Witmore's file just as the door chime to his office rang. "Come in," he said.

A bit hesitantly Craig entered Silvio's office. He nervously rubbed his hands against the side of his pants.

"Ah, Craig," said Silvio with a smile. "thank you for coming, please sit down." Silvio gestured toward the chair opposite him at his desk.

Now Craig knew definitely that there was something wrong. But he kept his comments and sat down as requested.

"How are you doing?" asked Silvio.

"I.... I am doing fine Sir." he said with a small hesitation. "Did I do something wrong Sir, I mean if its regarding the repairs, I am on schedule you see. I also fixed the disposal units." he stated very quickly. He was pondering his mind to see if he had forgotten something.

Silvio smiled, "You have not done anything wrong," he said, "I am just concerned about you. It is taking you far longer than it should to complete your tasks and sometimes your comments seem a bit disrespectful." Silvio paused and then continued, "It just doesn't seem like you Craig. I just wanted to make sure there was nothing wrong."

Craig let out a deep sigh.. "I am sorry Chief, I just didn't have a good day that’s all. I... surely didn't mean to be disrespectful you know." He let his head hang and slumped in the chair.

"This is about more than a bad day," observed Silvio, "perhaps you should visit with the ship's counselor?"

"I know I should be talking to Ms Zoei about it but, well you know she is a woman.. and there are somethings you can not discuss with women." Craig now stated softly.

Silvio nodded, "Well, you should at least have an initial meeting with her. She can possibly refer you to someone else or perhaps a medical doctor if you are worried about your health."

He shook his head. "I just wonder what to do with my life you see? I don't want to stay an engineer all my life. Don't get me wrong that is something I am pretty good at even if I have to say it myself." Craig tried to grin. "It's like I am stuck..... It's... well you know...

"I notice that while we were on QulTuq, you worked extra shifts for the station," said Silvio. "With that and your duties to the Zion it does not seem like you got much time to relax."

Craig nodded. "It kept me out of trouble Chief." he responded. With the extra work he had tried to forget the message he got about his parents. Unable to verify the correctness of it, the message had left a nagging feeling in his mind, one he tried to forget by the extra work. Not only that but the extra work meant he stayed out of trouble.

Silvio thought about Witmore's predicament. It was clear to him that this engineer was burned out, he suspected there were other issues in the man's life as well, but he was not a counselor. "Craig, I am going to clear you off the duty roster for two weeks. During that time you are to take advantage of the Zion's recreational offerings. Unless there is a call to battle stations you are not allowed to set one foot in engineering."

"But Chief... you need me here," Craig said. "There is nobody faster then me fixing stuff," he pleaded.

"Craig, you are burned out and burned out people make mistakes. I am sure you understand what can happen when mistakes are made in this department."

"Yes Sir."

"I would also suggest that you visit, at least once, with the ship's counselor. She might be able to help you focus on what career direction you want to follow. You are not the first person to want change."

Craig slumped even more in the chair. "But Sir she is a woman... I can not..." he said. On the other hand perhaps he should talk to a woman. They normally had a different view on things.

"All I ask is that you go at least once," said Silvio. "I am confident that she can help you Craig."

"I understand." he replied while pushing him self out of the chair.

Silvio watched as Craig got up to leave. He regretted having to give his next order but he felt it was best to remove all temptation, "Craig," said Silvio.

"Yes Sir?"

"Please leave your tool kit with me," he said. Silvio knew that it would be hard for him to give up his tool kit. It would be hard for any engineer. "I will take good care of it."

"My tool kit, but Chief... what if something happens?" Craig said, his eyes wide open. Frankly without his toolkit he was lost. It was like taking candy from a baby.

"No arguments Mister Witmore," said Silvio. "Your time will be spent relaxing."

With a sigh Craig looked at the kit in his left hand. He carefully placed it on Silvio's desk. He looked at Silvio. "Sir, not even a coilspanner, in case the replicators fail?"

Silvio forced a very stern look upon his face and shook his head.

Craig frowned as he stepped back and turned towards the door again. "Two weeks Chief?" he asked again. Two weeks of doing nothing, he knew it would drive him crazy.

"Not nothing! Two weeks of relaxing Witmore," replied Silvio. "Try a holonovel, or the gym. Relax..."

My Name is Sahril "
By: Teilani Dane, Chief Medical Officer, [PC]
Sahril, Yeoman 3rd Class, [RNPC]

Stardate: 58207.30 1300

The door to sick bay opened. Sahril stepped inside. Her entrance did not go unnoticed.

Dr McIntyre paused to regard the sleek female form that had just entered. Her hair was fastened into a bun which hung down slightly on her neck. Her pointed ears and Vulcan features were hard to miss. She was very attractive by the standards of any race or culture. Her uniform fit tightly, accentuating her female features.

He turned to Doctor Dane, "I think your patient is here," said McIntyre turning his head back to Vulcan, "and she doesn't look like a dog." McIntyre winced at his words, "Erm, Antican...I meant Antican," he said correcting himself.

Teilani smiled. "Close your mouth James, before you start drooling on my desk."

"Vulcans aren't my type anyway," he said with a smirk.

"Thats what all men say." Teilani answered with a chuckle.

She walked out into the main sickbay. "Hello, you must be new, I am doctor Dane. How may I help you?"

"Yes Doctor, My name is Sahril, I have just come on board and as protocol dictates, I am reporting to you," she handed Dane an Isochip with her orders and medical data. She stood attentively before them with her hands clasped behind her back.

"By the way this is my assistant Doctor McIntyre."

McIntyre extended his hand to which the Vulcan turned her head slightly as she returned the customary human greeting. "Pleased to meet you," said McIntyre.

The Vulcan responded with just a nod of acceptance and resumed her attentive posture.

Teilani took the chip and inserted it in the console next to main sickbay.

"That will be all James," she said at McIntyre.

"Oh, right..." said James as he turned to go.

"Why don't you hop on the biobed so that I can check your health?" she said a Sahril.

Without saying a word she turned and lifted herself up.

"Is this your first assignment on a starship?"

"Yes Ma'am," she answered quietly

"What you think of it?"

"I have only seen my quarters so far and now sickbay. It seems," she said tilting her head slightly, "satisfactory."

Teilani looked over the medical data. "It says here that you had an accident when you were little.?"

SahRil arched her brow, "Oh, yes, I did."

Seeing her response didn't seem to satisfy the Doctor's question she promptly added, "My arm was broken when I fell from a ledge in the L-langon Mountains during my kahs-wan.

"Hmmm, ok cell count ok... lungs, heart.. good. Well according to your last check up you were in need of some vitamins. Lets see how that is now."

"I told the Doctor I was fasting, that didn't seem to matter," she said somewhat defensively.

Teilani ran her hand scanner along Sahril's slender frame. Making small adjustments as she went along.. "Ah.. yes..Well I can not find anything wrong with you this time. You are in good health Ensign."

Sahril sat up and let her legs hang over the bio bed. "Thank-you Doctor," she said.

"Live long and prosper Ensign" Teilani said raising her hand in the traditional Vulcan greeting.

She returned the gesture, "thank you Ma'am. I will report for duty now, excuse me."

Dane nodded and Sahril turned and turned and left.

Underway "
By: Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]
Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]
Giuseppe Silvio, Chief Engineer, [RNPC]

Stardate: 58207.30 1900

The captain emerged from his ready room and sat down in command chair. Commander Wright was already seated in his place. The ship had moved out from dry dock as last minute preparations were underway.

"Status Number One?"

"All sections report ready to go Captain," replied Wright.

Hunter look forward at the view screen and nodded, "Alright, we have a warbird to catch. Helm, set an incept course, maximum warp."

Hunter turned to Wright, "Oh, Silvio will love this."

Wright chuckled but said nothing.

The helmsman responded, "Course laid in Sir."

"Go," said Hunter.

The Zion turned and shot off in a wisp of light.

"Status?" asked Hunter

The OPs station responded, "We'll arrive at our destination in 36 hours Captain."

Hunter tapped the combadge, "Silvio, we're going to run pretty hard here for a bit, any problems with that?"

"You break it, you buy it Captain," came Silvio's reply.

Hunter arched his brow at Wright, "just put it on my tab," said Hunter with a smile.

First Day on the Job "
By: Sahril, Acting Chief Science Officer, [RNPC]
Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]
Kelly Forrester, Acting Operations Manager, [RNPC]

Stardate: 58207.30 1920

Sahril's entrance into the science department appeared to startle its only occupant, Alan Dewey. For a approximately 15 milliseconds Sahril thought she was in the presence of another Vulcan.

His dark hair, was neatly trimmed across the eyebrows which themselves seemed to be arched -- frozen momentarily in a state of surprise. And his eyes, dark in color, as well has his facial features added to her errant observation.

It wasn't just her physical observations that started her toward an incorrect conclusion, it was also the fact that she had expected to see Sarik. The Zion's Chief Science Officer.

Dewey stood up and straightened himself out, "Hello, we've been expecting you,"

Sahril arched her eyebrows in a stereotypical fashion and clasped her hands behind her back as she took a couple steps further into the science bay, looking around. "We?"

Dewey smiled, "uhm, yeah... we're a small department. The Zion hasn't been assigned any missions requiring sciences so we have just a skeleton crew operating down here."

She nodded, "I see. So, is Sarik here?"

"No, he wasn't able to return in time because of heavy local fighting."

Sahril concealed her disappointment, "I see," she said folding her arms.

"Yes, so we're down to just three again," he said.

She turned her head slightly, "So, what would you like me to do?"

Dewey smiled, "You're assigned to the bridge today," he said, "...you are bridge certified right?"

"Of course," she responded.

"Because of the lack of departmental resources, we're at war you know," he said making a quoting gesture, "the science station on the bridge has been mostly unmanned. They would like someone scheduled up there more often."

The fact was, Dewey hated sitting on the bridge all day. He'd much rather do nothing in the science lab than do nothing there.

Sahril nodded, "then... I will go to the bridge."

"Great," answered Dewey, "let me know if you need anything."

She gave Dewey a deep nod that was almost a bow as she excused herself and headed toward the bridge.

The turbo lift doors opened and Sahril stepped out onto the bridge.

She recognized the Executive Officer from her orientation material. He was sitting in the command chair.

She approached the chair and acknowledged him, "Science Officer Sahril, reporting for duty."

Wright looked up from the engineering report he was reading and looked at the young Vulcan, for a brief moment he was without words. "Umm..." Wright paused to collect himself. She had an uncanny resemblance to his late wife, albeit a much much younger resemblance. "Very good Ensign," said Wright shoving all thoughts of T'Pril from his mind, "Welcome aboard the Zion."

"Thank-you Sir," she said.

She paused for a moment as the XO resumed reading his reports.

She turned and stepped up to the Science station which was next to the engineering station. Sitting down she glanced at the officer sitting there and exchanged a subtle smile and a nod.

She touched the console and attempted to access the LCARs but could not.

After trying again she stood up and approached the command chair and cleared her throat, "Sir?"

Wright again looked up from his report, "Yes Ensign?"

"I don't seem to have proper authorization for the bridge science station."

Wright looked at the Vulcan and then over to Ensign Forrester, "Ensign Forrester, can you make sure that our new science officer has the proper clearances."

Forrester looked up from the OPs station, "Yes Sir," she said as she stood and walked toward the Science station, "she wasn't scheduled to start until tomorrow," she added. Sahril followed her.

Accessing the command functions, Forrester instructed the computer to recognize her and grant her security access.

"Thank-you," said Sahril, as she took a seat. She immediately accessed the station and began reading bringing herself up to speed.

She paused a moment to look up from her work and study the bridge. She suppressed the urge to smile, cocked her head slightly and returned to her study.

Drinks Miranda Style "
By: Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]
Maxine Lucinda Tapert, Computer Specialist, [PC]
Miranda, Lounge Manager, [RNPC]

Stardate: 58207.30 2200

John Wright entered Miranda's and took a seat at the bar. The crowd was small just as Wright had expected it would be. The hushed tones of people carrying on conversations trickled through the room.

Wright's gaze locked onto one of the many large windows that looked out into space. It was a breathtaking display. He always liked looking out into space while the ship was at warp. The distorted color of numerous stars flashed by as the Zion moved. It had an almost memorizing quality, he thought.

He paused for a moment reflecting on his surprise meeting with the new Vulcan science officer. For some reason it had unsettled him. She held a slight resemblance for T'Pril but not so completely that he should be rattled. Wright decided that he just needed to shake it off, and he did just that; shoving aside thoughts of the new crew member and welcoming memories of his late wife.

A smile slowly crept across his lips as he remembered the time he had taken T'Pril to a ski resort on Earth. He was all set to teach her the finer points of skiing, however, as it turned out she was a natural. Wright assumed it had a lot to do with her being raised on a planet with heavier gravity. At any rate, it was not long before she was challenging him down the mogul run."

"What can I get you Commander?" asked Miranda bouncing Wright from his thoughts.

Wright looked at Miranda who now was deeply tanned. She had set a small glass on the bar in front of him and held a large bottle made of dark blue glass, making it impossible to see what color the liquid was inside. The bottle had a long fluted neck and was Stoppard with a clear glass stopper.

Wright flashed her a smile and said, "You tell me."

Miranda chuckled, "I thought you might say that." She set the glass bottle on the bar in front of her and then retrieved a smaller clear glass decanter. She carefully pulled one drop of the clear liquid it contained into the glass in front of Wright. "This is a drink native to my own people," she said. "My mother made it for my birthday."

"Is that it?" asked Wright a blank look crossing his face.

Miranda shook here head. "No, but you have to be ready to drink this one," said said.

"Ok," said Wright a bit hesitantly.

"I am serious Commander," she replied, "put your hand on the glass and as soon as I am done pouring, drink the whole thing. Do not sip it."

Wright nodded and grabbed the glass with his right hand. As soon as Miranda started pouring he felt the glass begin to chill. As soon as she stopped he threw back the small glass and drank the entire thing. To his surprise it was not cold at all. As a matter of fact it was hot. The rich flavor of milk and chocolate exploded inside his mouth. It was probably the best hot chocolate he had tasted since... since the very ski trip he had just been thinking about. After their first day at the resort they had shared a hot chocolate. "How in the world..."

"It's good isn't it?" she said.

"It tasted just like..."

Miranda held up her hand, "Nope! Don't tell me what it tasted like for you. It is bad luck."

"You mean it tastes different for each person who drinks it?"

Miranda nodded, "It works with your thoughts and feelings. Chances are the next time you have this it will taste completely different."

"Amazing," said Wright.

Max cleared her throat and smiled at Wright and Miranda. She'd stepped closer to them when she overheard what they were saying. "Excuse me.. would it be alrioght if I tried it?" she asked as she slipped into the seat next to Wright. "If y'don't mind, that is, sir.." she paused in mid-sit, waiting for his approval.

Wright smiled at her and then looked at Miranda; still smiling. "What Do you think?"

Miranda nodded, "Sure thing," she said setting another glass on the bar in front of Max. Once again she put just drop of clear liquid in the jar. "Are you ready Lieutenant?"

"Oh, yes ma'am," Maxine grinned and nodded as she finished sitting down and watched her pour the single drop into the glass. She wiggled a little to get situated in her seat and then looked up at Miranda. "M'ready."

Miranda waited until she put her hand around the glass in the same manner that Wright had and then poured the mysterious beverage.

Maxine shivered as the glass between her fingers began to chill, and as soon as Miranda was finished pouring, she tossed back the entire thing just as she'd seen Wright do. She hadn't known what to expect, and surprise was written clearly on her face as the sweetest ambrosia she'd ever tasted burst inside her mouth. Never had she tasted anything so utterly heavenly. It was like a field of the sweetest honeyed blooms had just opened up and released their nectar on her palette.

"Ooooooo....." She blinked and looked from Miranda to Wright and back again. "Oh, that's like... Heaven!" she exclaimed as she ran her finger around the inside of the glass and licked off every last drop of the strange drink.

Wright chuckled, "That must have been very good." Wright could still taste the drink he had just had. It seemed that this wonderful drink had a long aftertaste. Wright was not about to complain though.

"Oh, aye sir. It was...... well, 'yummy' just doesn't do it justice," Max told him with a grin. Then she ran her finger around the inside of the glass again just in case there was some she missed.

Wright looked at Maxine and then to Miranda, "Another round?"

Miranda put the stopper back into he bottle. "Sorry. No more of this for either of you." She walked over to the shelf behind the bar and placed the bottle on the very top shelf.

Wright felt an initial pang of disappointment, "I could order you to give me another drink?"

Miranda returned to stand directly in front of Wright. She fixed him with a stern gaze. "You could try," she said, a smiled slowly spreading across her face.

"She sounds pretty confident that y'won't, Commander," Maxine watched the two of them. "Either that, or she's darin' y'to," she added with a grin.

"No way," said Wright, "I know better than to challenge my elders." Wright returned her smile.

Miranda pretended to be upset and glared at Wright.

Wright continued to smile warmly at her, "I'm just teasing Miranda. How was your shoreleave? You look like you got some sun."

The smile returned to her face, "I went to Risa and had a very enjoyable time. How about you two, did you do anything exciting?"

"Oh, *I* did," Maxine nodded. "I got to indulge a fantasy," she told them. "I'm still excited about it." Although she didn't specifically say anything about Rahw or the Pegasus. "How 'bout you, Commander?" She turned to smile at Wright.

"I spent my time in a small village on Bajor. I tried to find a nice quiet spot to relax," he said.

"Did it work?" Maxine asked. "Finding a nice quiet spot, that is."

"Not exactly as I had planned," replied Wright, "but it all worked out in the end." Wright paused a moment and then glaced at Miranda, "How about a Synthahol then Miranda. Can I have one of those?"

Miranda thought about it for a moment and then said, "I suppose. Would you like anything?" she asked Maxine.

"Yes ma'am. I'll have the same thing as the Commander," Max nodded.

As Miranda left to get their drinks Wright put downt the empty glass that he was surprised to find still clutched in his hand. "So, you indulged in a fantasy huh?"

"Yes, sir," Maxine turned to face him more fully. "It was work, but still a fantasy. Well, more like a dream come true, actually," she admitted with a smile.

"Work huh?" he said, "Did you do anything for fun on your shoreleave?"

Maxine blinked at the question, and for a moment looked stumped... Then her face brightened and she nodded. "Uhhh... Yes, sir," she grinned. "I worked! Uhh... On my dream come true," she added.

Wright chuckled, "There must be something that Maxine Tapert does just for fun, that does not involve work," said Wright as Miranda delivered their drinks. "Thanks," he said as he took his drink.

"Ohh... uhh..." It was clear she was having to think about it. "Thanks," she smiled as Miranda handed her the drink. "Puzzles," she turned back to smile at Wright. "I like puzzles. And rock climbing. Well, bouldering actually," she corrected herself.

"Bouldering?" he asked, "What is that?"

Free-climbing on big huge boulders," Max told him. "It's not so high, but still quite difficult. Good exercise," she explained with a smile. "What do you do for fun, Commander?" she asked.

"Me?" Wright chuckled, "I am into holo-novels." He looked at her, "This boudering sounds interesting. How about you show me how it is done sometime?"

Maxine grinned at his chuckle. "'Ow 'bout we work a trade? I'll show you boulderin' and you show me a holo-novel," she counter-suggested.

Wright reached over and held his hand out to her, "You have a deal."

"Smashing good fun, sir," Maxine grinned at him as she took his hand and shook it.

Log Index | Go to Stardate 58208.01