[snip]

It was coming up on 1800 hours in the evening when the ship’s recreation hall manager, NChief Mellow opened a ship wide comm call =/\= Attention all hands! Tonight is bowling night with syntheol drinks for everyone above age. Prizes will be awarded for winners! It’s also date night among the spa and pool area so come on down with your friends, family and loved ones and enjoy!=/\= The NChief said.

CockRoach

Sharah was sitting in the science lab waiting on results from the samples she took off the shuttle. NE Elbbirt, “Hey Fayth! You coming?” Sharah shook her head, “I need these results.”
“Oh come ON! NE Ineverdoanythingfun will let you know when the test work is done. You never do anything! You play with your plants and then disappear.” She pointed out. Sharah shook her head. “Alright alright. But I’m NOT bowling.” She supposed, being the current ranking (and wasn’t that strange) science officer. She should make the effort.

She went in jeans and t-shirt and entered the bowling alley. She’d never been in one, another one of those experiences her mother was afraid to expose her to. She found a seat at the counter away from the lanes and sat down. She ordered an ice water and grilled cheese. Very few were there yet, so the mental noise wasn’t too bad, but it was still floating all around the ship. She could stay for a bit and then go home. She chatted with Elbbirt and laughed as the girl made comments about the few male officers in the room. “You know you could go talk to them instead of me,” Sharah pointed out. To which Elbbirt happily ran off to do.

En Fayth

As the NC Waiter came back with Fayth’s order of ice water and grilled cheese. Some of the other NE’s were forming off into teams to setup bowling contests. Others were pairing off in twos or threes to go swimming in the ship’s pool or relax in the hot tub spas. Still others were already settling down to some non-holographic card and board games while enjoying the effects of synthol. All the taste and such of real booze without the after effects.

As the groups got going some of the noise naturally increased, overall it was one of merriment and enjoyment. Into this throng Fayth soon picked up the familar tingle and sight of the ship’s Captain in a simple green and silver toned shirt and pants coming into the throng of people. She looked......well out of place was putting it mildly. It didn’t take even a powerful empath to realize she likely was here more for moral and such of the crew feeling ‘in touch’ by their Captain then her own likely enjoyment. Truly being a ship’s Captain was never a truly relaxing time.

Drudoc smiled and spoke politely to a few of the groups as she passed and entered the large recreation hall, before ambling over to the nearby food and drink bar. Waiting her turn she soon came away with a small bucket of fried crispy chicken tenders and some kind of red sauce and a large synthol based iced tea with sprigs of herbs in it. She looked about for a place to sit likely on her own but mostly failed in that effort without taking up a bigger table then needed, so as fate would have it when she saw Fayth sitting off on her own by a smaller table she came over. “..Mind if I sit with you Ensign? Feel free to decline if you prefer being alone.” She said and truly Fayth could tell she was open in this case to decline the Captain’s company if she wanted.

Drudoc Andone CO

Sharah had seen the captain enter and greet several of the crew. Sharah felt for the captain. She’d earned her spot as a fleet captain, but it was obvious that the work never finished. And suddenly Sharah felt very guilty for interrupting her lunch with her daughter. Tel’eck had been happy for the guest and had said the Cpt. didn’t have company often. But Sharah felt as if she had encroached upon one of the few quiet moments the captain had to just be herself and a mother. And then the captain had talked with her, talked her though processing her own guilt and feelings about Ashlyn and her family. Sharah watched for a moment as the captain greeted several groups of people as she made her way to get food.

Sharah turned back to her food, enjoying the hot sandwich. “Hey Fayth, come bowl with us?” it was Anette, one of the civilian arboretum staff. She shook her head, “Thanks, but I’m going to eat first.” The room’s mental chatter was already loud and Sharah could already see herself dropping a bowling ball on herself or someone else. She waved to a few people she knew. The last time she’d been in a social gathering like this…well it had been a pleasant surprise and a gift beyond compare. But tonight, she did it for work. Part of being a starfleet officer was stepping up to do what needed to be done, and the science department was struggling with the loss of both the CSO and aCSO. And maybe it was a bit selfish. They were looking for leadership and were at a loss. So using her rank let her, at least a little bit, but order to chaos and made it easier to work.

Sharah looked up at the Cpt. and smiled. “By all means, Captain. Please have a seat. I would welcome the company.” And really it was true, Sharah was surprised to find. Usually she was nervous, and she supposed she still was, but she liked the captain, both as a person and a commanding officer. Searching for a topic, “How is Tel’eck’s programming project coming?”

En Fayth, Science

Drudoc inclined her head in thanks and took a seat. “..It has gone well. The code is surprisingly clean that she wrote. I get the feeling she may decide to pursue something more in depth for bonus credit with her friends.” Drudoc said. After a bite and swallow of her chicken tenders she continued, “..How have you been Ensign?” she added.

“I’m looking forward to see what they come up with. She showed me the game she was playing and it’s impressive.” Sharah laughs, “Not that I would know. Computer science was never my thing. If the computer can’t do it for me I can’t program anything. I picked up a little bit while I was on Earth. I was lucky I had a team of excellent computer science experts to help me write it.” Sharah takes a sip of her water. “I’m doing well. I’ve started setting up one of the smaller arboretums for research purposes. > That way anything dangerous or hazardous isn’t where families, small children, or pets can get to them. We’re waiting on the results of the tests from the shuttle samples I took. It’s taking some time, but we should have results some time tonight, I hope.”

”..Good to hear, Ensign. I approve of you taking the lead on your project and our own needs in science..” She said taking another bite of her chicken tenders

Sharah was still a little surprised to be having a casual conversation with the captain. She despite her awkwardness, she decided to simply accept that compliment rather than try to explain that keeping busy was the best thing to help her ignore the noise around her and that she always had some type of project or research she was working on. “Thank you, Captain.”

Hayley entered the Rec Hall and had a look around to see what was happening so far. She wasn’t much for bowling, but was looking forward to a bit of socializing. The last while she had been busy settling into her role as CMO and navigating through the upheaval caused by Dr. Suder’s demotion and her subsequent promotion. Her emotional state was somewhat confused at the moment. She wanted to feel good about her promotion but at the same time she felt bad for taking Dr. Suder’s place. A little distraction from her duties was exactly what she needed. She perused the food and drink bar, selecting a synthol based lemonade along with some old style Nachos, and stood feeling somewhat awkward and looking for somewhere to take her food.

Jr. Lt. Marshall, CMO

Sharah saw another familiar face and smiled. She had some vague memories of meeting Hayley when she’d arrived and checked in on Challenger and then sharing a couple of duty shifts. She waved to the empty chair at the table with her and the CO.

Teams were beginning to form and some of the strangest names appeared on the scoreboards making Sharah laugh. Laughter and the sounds of joviality filled the area. The smell of deep fried foods wafted through the air. Bowling balls landing on the lanes and then crashing into the pins began to punctuate the noise as more people arrived.

En Fayth, Science

Drudoc looked to where Fayth waved, “..Indeed Lieutenant Marshall feel free to join us.” Drudoc said in invitation.

Drudoc Andone CO

En Fayth, Science

Once Marshall made their choice of where to sit with them or not, Drudoc returned her attention to Fayth. “..So Ensign, where do you see yourself in five years time?” She asked off hand.

Drudoc Andone CO

Sharah was thinking about the sample she’d given Hayley and was eager to ask her how it had worked for her. Chemically she knew it worked, and of course it did on the holodeck, but that was simulations. More she was eager to find out what Hayley had been doing since she left Challenger. She looked back at the captain, she’d let her mind wander, but she’d still heard what had been said. “Oh, five years. Well before I arrived here, I would have said that I was expecting to be a senior doctor, or maybe an Assistant Chief Medical Officer by that time. I hadn’t anticipated switching departments before I was offered this position. The last couple weeks I’ve discovered that there are a lot more options. I plan to continue my research, there is so much there that hasn’t been investigated yet. I would like to expand my areas of expertise. There are many fields I have knowledge of and even skill, but many I don’t. Having talked with some of the other science officers, I’m intrigued by many of them. In five years I would hope to be a lead in one of the sub-departments, maybe even working towards being a chief science officer, eventually. I don’t know if it’s realistic to think of being a CSO in five years, with all the different areas covered. But then a good leader knows their people and picks experts under them. Not necessarily being an expert in them all.” Sharah paused, realizing she was running off with her thoughts again.

En Fayth, Science

There was a quirk of a smile to the Romulan Captain’s lips. She seemed about to say something in reply when Marshall finally spoke up.

Hayley made her way over to the table and took a seat. She smiled and nodded at each of them, not wanting to interrupt their conversation. At the next pause she glanced at the Captain and spoke. “Speaking of Assistant CMO’s, I have been meaning to ask if you had any objection to me appointing Dr. Suder as mine. His experience far outweighs my own and I could only benefit from having him in a position to offer advice and feedback. Not only that but I think it would be good for the department as a whole. The medical staff already see him as a leader and obviously feel he has been unfairly treated. As a result, the atmosphere in medical has become somewhat tense and uncomfortable. This could go a long ways toward clearing the air as it were.”

Jr. Lt. Marshall, CMO

Drudoc gave her more serious attention to Marshall then. “..You have my approval for that. My orders were he had to be removed from my senior staff, but nothing is stopping you as the ship’s department head to appoint shift leaders.” Drudoc replied.

Sharah was glad to see that the med staff was supporting Trax, even though it wasn’t coming out in a positive way. She hoped that Hayley would be able to get it ironed out without Trax having to divulge his personal affairs.

Once done she returned her attention to Fayth. “..I’m glad for you to see your own goals. I’m afraid though it’ll have to perhaps happen a little sooner than you may expect.” Drudoc said. Standing then she rung a nearby game chime and raised her voice to get everyone’s attention. Once quiet had fallen to a murmur, she spoke. “..Sorry to interrupt everyone’s fun this evening but I felt given the avenue of attendance to relay a bit of promotional news to everyone.” Once the raised murmur of excitement had died down again she continued. “..I want to highlight the achievements of Ensign Fayth, a promising botanist in our science department. In the short month or so since her arrival her she has taken proactive charge of our arboretums, the science department as a whole and more. This proactive leadership and effort can not be ignored. It is with this in mind as of this moment I am granting a field promotion to lieutenant junior grade and the position of chief science officer of the ship’s science department from here on out. Join me in congratulating junior lieutenant Sharah Fayth!” She said raising her glass of iced tea as a round of cheers and clapping filled the room. With that Drudoc turned and slid the junior lieutenant pip from her side pocket to give to Fayth.

Drudoc Andone CO

At first Sharah was a little bemused. Thinking the captain was simply referring to the fact that the science department was short staffed. As she continued to talk, Sharah was appropriately stunned and surprised. It was a heady feeling, for any officer, for the captain to notice their work and speak so highly of that person. A promotion in rank and position? So soon after her transfer. She was giddy and excited, but it didn’t last long. With no warning about the announcement, for the captain had excellent shields, Shara was unable to prepare for the sudden increase in the noise around her. Instead of attempting to surf the increase of noise she was suddenly drowning. If she had been able to process rather than react, she would have been surprised at the well wishes and thoughts of those around her. Especially the science staff, as some of them had been there long before her. But they were all happy for her.

Sharah steadied herself against the table. She attempted a smile and waved, briefly, around the room in the direction she heard her name called. She took a bite of her sandwich, using the texture, taste, and aroma to ground herself back to the room. Then, suddenly, it wasn’t just disorientation, but pain. Sharp, loud, seeing spots pain. She looked up around the room, and before her was a Vulcan.

Soval had quietly navigated the room as the Captain spoke and seemed to appear suddenly at the newly promoted woman’s side. “May I have the honor?” Addressing both the Captain and the new department chief as he extended his open hand.

LC Soval

Ever since she’d visited Vulcan when she was 10, Vulcan minds were horribly painful for her. She sank her own thoughts deep into the sea of noise bombarding her mind. She just got promoted-she’d lose that and her commission if she started yelling at this Vulcan to turn his mind off and be silent. She saw him extend his hand and she fought the urge, perhaps not as successfully as she hoped. She noticed his rank and realized this was probably the new first officer. Instead she held up her hand, in the Vulcan salute: holding the palm of one hand outwards while placing the fingers in a “V” shaped by separating the middle and ring fingers, while keeping the others together, with the thumb extended. Then, speaking in perfect Vulcan, “DIf-tor heh smusma.” (Or Live Long and Prosper). Sharah was going to end up with migraine in no time if she couldn’t get away from the man’s mind.

Dinui walked in quietly looking forward to getting another chance to go bowling with the crew. She had enjoyed the previous encounter and with luck tonight would be just as memorable. She smiled as she passed by some of the others already there.

• Dinui xi’Indra, Doctor

En Fayth, Science - CSO

Seeing the young woman’s distress, Soval nodded and took a step back. “My apologies, I did not realize.” As he clamped the shutters closed on his own mind and added further distance wild scanning the room for a member of the medical team.

LC Soval

The pain lessened, Sharah could only stare for a moment, and then her grateful thoughts reached the Lt. Cmdr, ‘I apologize, thank you, Sir.’

Hayley stood and placed a hand gently on Sharah’s shoulder and spoke softly. “May I?” She collected the pip from Captain Drudoc and pressed it into Sharah’s free hand. “Congratulations my friend.” Hayley offered a gentle smile. “Why don’t we make a quick trip to your quarters so you can put that somewhere safe. You wouldn’t want to lose it before your next duty shift.”

Jr. Lt. Marshall CMO

She nodded gratefully at Hayley. Sharah looked at the pip in her hand. Catching sight of her ring, the memory steadied her momentarily, helping to quiet some of the noise. She certainly could not refuse the new XO’s offer. It would be rude, and just because her ‘condition’ made her ill was no reason to be rude. She placed the pip on the table in front of the XO. “I’m honored, Cmdr.” She waited for the commander and then nodded at Drudoc. “Thank you, both.”

She looked Hayley and nodded, ready to go and follow the doctor’s orders. The pain was getting worse. Some days, she simply hated being herself.

En Fayth, CSO

“No Mr. Fayth, I have no intention to cause you further discomfort. Perhaps we will give our Captain the honor of pinning you herself. At a later date I would suggest you, Doctor Marshall and I have a conversation and explore our options.” The brief contact with the Vulcan’s mind was all the more disturbing buy the unusual intensity his calm exterior hid.

LC Soval.

Drudoc seemed sympathetic to the disruption she had caused poor Fayth. “..My apologies Lieutenant.” She said using the new CSO’s new rank. “..I had gotten caught up in the moment that it slipped my mind how such applause may cause you discomfort.” She stated.

Once Fayth had gotten tended to Drudoc allowed the party to resume its earlier motions and hub bub as she took her seat again now alone with Fayth and Marshall having left. “..Will you be joining the festivities, Commander?” She asked.

Drudoc Andone CO