Posted by Civilian Char’les Harv (Officer’s Mess Chef) in CIO’s arrival. . . . .

Posted by Commander Shedda Mal’athar (Executive Officer) in CIO’s arrival. . . . .

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Sebastian d’Aramis (Chief Intelligence Officer) in CIO’s arrival. . . . .
Posted by… suppressed (25) by the Post Ghost! 👻
After receiving clearance to dock, Sebastian pulled his personal shuttle into the hanger bay of the USS Manhattan. The trip had been long, considering he had to meet up with the ship in the Delta Quadrant.

As he shut down the engines, he thought about this new posting. The Manhattan was an explorer ship, not an intel ship, which is what he was used to. Many science ships didn’t have an intel officer aboard, but Starfleet Command decided it was prudent, based on the ships location. So, he was ready to make the best of it.

He exited the shuttle with his duffel over his shoulder. After locking everything up tight, Sebastian turned to face the crewman approaching. “Lt. Cmdr. d’Aramis, I’m crewman 3rd class Bellboy. I can take your things to your quarters right away so that you can do your checks.”

“Here, take this one and only this one,”the Intel Chief answered while tossing the crewman the duffel.. “That’s just my personal stuff. I’ll move all of my Intel toys myself. Don’t need anybody messing with that stuff.”

“Of course, sir. Your check-ins are scheduled on this Padd. Medical, 1200 hours. Psych eval, 1400 hours. After that, it’s Captain Cochrane and Cmdr. Mal’athar.”

“Mal’athar, she’s Orion right? Is she as hot as most Orion females?”

The crewman stammered. “Uh . . . uh, I’m, I’m not at liberty to say, sir.”

“Okay.” Sabastian leaned in closer. “Off the record, crewman. I can keep a secret.”

Bellboy looked around the hanger bay and grinned. “Smokin’ . . . sir.”

Sabastian nodded and clapped the crewman on the shoulder. “I didn’t hear it from you, mate.” He looked the padd and began making his way to Sickbay.

Lt. Cmdr. Sebastian d’Aramis
CIO-USS Manhattan

Crewman Bellboy swallowed hard over d’Aramis shoulder as the shuttlebay doors opened and in walked the object of their discussion. Seeing the look on the crewman’s face and his hasty retreat, she knew what they were talking about. Hmmm, maybe she should have let Alex beat her to this one. The man hadn’t been on board 5 minutes.

“She’s right behind me, isn’t she, crewman?” Bellboy gave a slight nod, then turned away.

Her demeanor was welcoming and open nonetheless as she strode toward them. “Lt. Cmdr. d’Aramis welcome to the Manhattan. I’m Cmdr Mal’athar.”

Cmdr. Mal’athar, XO

He spun around sharply and with a pleasant smile, said, “Cmdr. Mal’athar, a pleasure to meet you, and thank for the personal welcome. I’m looking forward to working under you . . . under you command. . . .and the captain’s . . .command. I’m also excited to learn more about the Delta Quadrant and all she has to offer.”

Mal’athar stood there calmly as he stuttered through his explanation. She didn’t know the man well enough to know for certain it was fake, but a man like him, that made it through intel training didn’t fluster easily. She reserved evaluation for further observation. “The Delta has much to offer every type of explorer.”

His gaze shifted to Bellboy who was quickly exitng the hangar bay. “That’s okay, I’ll get the rest of my gear later. . . .you probably don’t have the clearance to handle most of it anyway.”

She laughed quietly. Bellboy wasn’t running because he didn’t want to work, he was afraid he’d get caught for gossip. “Our previous Intel officers taught them well to stay far away from their equipment. However, if you need help carrying it, do let us know.”

“Now, commander, what can I do for you?’ I’d like to do a lot for you, he thought, but kept it to himself for the time being. . .

Lt. Cmdr. Sebastian d’Aramis
CIO-USS Manhattan

“At ease Lt Cmdr. I’m here to provide you a tour of the ship, unless you would prefer to forgo it. It’s a tradition Cpt Cochrane started and I’m happy to assist.”

Cmdr. Mal’athar, XO

Sebastian looked the Padd and smiled. “Lucky me, that you showed up first. I’ve got time before my boarding physical. Please lead the way, Commander. I’ve never served on a Manhattan class, but I did do some studying of her schematics. Still, I learn best when I can get my hands on what it is I’m studying :)”

He stepped aside and motioned for Shedda to lead the way. . . .

Lt. Cmdr. Sebastian d’Aramis
CIO-USS Manhattan

Mal’athar smiled politely and stepped through the doors. “Not luck. Captain Cochrane and I always make sure new arrivals have time to settle before having to report. We make sure that one of us is always available to meet new arrivals and provide a tour.” It was a bit of good natured competition to see who showed up first. And by the looks of the ops officers exchanging small ‘items’ the betting pool was still going strong.

“The Manhattan class is built on a gutted Dreadnought platform. Instead of combat, it was redesigned specifically for scientific research. The Manhattan is the flag ship of her class. She has a length of 700 meters with a beam of 350 meters and a height of 700 meters. With 24 decks we have a complement of 600 officers, up to 130 visiting personnel at any given time. Our maximum evacuation limit is 12,500” Pride was evident in her voice. The commander’s stride measured to his as they moved down the corridor.

“She’s equipped with Type X sensors capable of seeing 5 light-years out from the ship on a high-resolution scan, and 17 light-years on low-resolution. The sensor suite includes the ability to perform multiphasic scans, as well as multiphase buffers to enhance the sensors’ information-gathering abilities. We are also the first to receive any prototype upgrades on top of what our own engineers and scientists develop.” They continued along the corridor. As they passed various crew members, Mal’athar greeted them all by name and spoke briefly to them.

“Decks 4-8 are dedicated to the science department and their various labs and equipment. Deck 4 is dedicated to the study of flora. Deck five for fauna. Deck six is for chemistry and general physics. Deck seven is dedicated to Astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology. And deck 8 for planetary sciences, such as geology, meteorology, and hydrology. Deck 17 holds our mechanical sciences labs, and computer sciences are on Deck 13.”

Here she paused and nodded toward a door that said sickbay, “Medical facilities are all here on deck 3 along with shuttle bay one, 2 transporter rooms, and the hidden gem of the ship,” she said with a slight quirk at the corner of her mouth. “That’s this way,” she gestured down the hall toward the foreword section of the deck.

Cmdr. Mal’athar, XO

“She is definitely fancy ship, no doubt about. Don’t keep me in suspense. What is behind door number one?”

Fancy was one way of putting it. Manhattan was a marvel of the scientific prowess of the Federation. She was beyond the wildest dreams of any scientist. Shedda had followed the development of the Manhattan class every step of the way. When the opportunity came to try for her XO position, she’d jumped at the chance. Mal’athar raised an amused brow, “We’re almost there, patience, and you’ll see.”

As they continued down the corridor, Sebastian slowed his pace slightly. “Science vessels don’t usually have and Intel officer on board. At least not very often, so, could you enlighten as to why Capt. Cochrane requested one for his ship?”

Lt. Cmdr. Sebastian d’Aramis
CIO-USS Manhattan

She matched his pace quietly. “We are the only Federation ship in the Delta, Cmdr. There are a few small ones at Event Horizon working on the construction, but other than that we are out here on our own. Other than our own experiences, the only data we have to go on, are Voyager’s logs. All the information we could usually request from Intelligence simply isn’t there. It has to be gathered and collected. There are nuances in play that can’t be gathered through traditional diplomatic conversations.”

Cmdr. Mal’athar, XO

“Aha. That’s where I come in. Handling the not-so-diplomatic angles. The ones where a little stealth and subterfuge play a bigger role then diplomacy.”

Sebastian gave a short, quick whistle. “That means I’ll have to set up a whole new network of intel sources.” He met Shadda’s glance with a smile. “Unfortunately, that’s not going to leave me with a lot of down time to enjoy the finer things this ship has to offer.”

Lt. Cmdr. Sebastian d’Aramis
CIO-USS Manhattan

“Not completely from scratch. We have had Intel officers before. In fact the previous XO was the Intel officer. There are files waiting for you in your office. They will at least give you a place to start.”

They stopped in front of another door. “This is one of the finer things on the ship you can enjoy. The officer’s mess.” Mal’athar stepped through the door. It was not quite full, and the aromas that wafted through the space were mouth watering. There was not a disappointed face in the crowd. “We are lucky to have Chef Harv to cook for us. He’s an outstanding cook and the hidden gem of the Manhattan. He’s exceptional. His best dish is his signature seafood chowder and fresh baked bread. He always has that available, in addition to whatever else he has on the menu.”

As soon as the doors opened, Sebastian was assaulted by the various scents of foods available in the mess. “Oh my lanta!! I’m going to have to sample at least one of everything this chef has made. Everything, and I mean everything, in here smells wonderful!!”

She moved across the room toward the counter, where several carafes and cups sat. “He keeps freshly brewed coffee ready.” She picked up a carafe labeled ‘decaf’ and poured a cup. “Would you like one?”

“I’m not much of a coffee drinker, but I’ll give it a shot.”

After she gave him a cup, Sebastian took a taste and was pleasantly surprised by the taste. “Oh, MUCH better than replicated!!”

“Best advice I can give you, never bring replicated coffee in here. Chef Harv will be very offended. He has permission from the captain to kick anyone out, and he will. Besides,” she lifted the coffee to her lips after snapping a lid over it, “No one makes coffee like Chef Harv.”

Cmdr. Mal’athar, XO

“One thing I’ve learned in my years is that there are two groups of people to respect and become friends with First, maintenance people. If you’re friends with them and treat them respectfully, your broken stuff gets fixed a little bit quicker. and B, the people that are making your food. Never ever upset them either!!”

Lt. Cmdr. Sebastian d’Aramis
CIO-USS Manhattan

“A valid conclusion.” She sipped at her coffee for a moment. Her eyes scanned the crowd, “Will you excuse me just a moment.” She stepped away toward a table and leaned down to speak to one of the officers sitting there. After she spoke, the man’s posture relaxed immensely and he smiled up at her. Mal’athar set a hand on his shoulder a moment before returning. “My apologies. Shall we continue?” She waved toward the door, taking her coffee with her.

Cmdr. Mal’athar, XO

The doors to the kitchen actually swung open and a Bajoran man wearing a white chef’s frock with an apron covering his legs stepped out carrying two bowls of something. He looked at Mal’athar and said “You know the rules, Commander. You bring a newb in my Mess, you gotta eat.” He looked at the new CIO, made some kind of judgement, snorted slightly derisively, and walked over to an empty table. He set one bowl down rather harshly, a bit of the contents spilling onto the tablecloth, in front of one chair and said “James Bond sits here.” He then set the other on the opposite side, albeit much more softly. “Commander, this is for you.” and he nodded once towards her. He then looked back at the CIO. “Bread’s comin’ out. Siddown.” and he turned and walked into the kitchen.

Harv - Chef

Sebastian chuckled at the Bond comment. “Believe it or not, I’m aware of the reference. Very astute, sir. I am the ships ‘secret agent’, Sebastian d’Aramis.” He left the rank out on purpose.

Shedda burned her nose with coffee that almost shot out with startled laughter. It did not luckily. Harv was in a mood today it seemed. “Thank you, Chef.” Moving toward the table she said, “Well, it appears we are eating. Have a seat d’Aramis. As you said, it is always best to respect those who make your food.” She sat, “Luckily I know your schedule allows for some leeway.”

Cmdr. Mal’athar, XO

He took the offered seat and caught a whiff of the soup “Not that I’m NOT going to dig in, but I am curious as to what kind of soup this is. It smells wonderful.”

Lt. Cmdr. Sebastian d’Aramis
CIO-USS Manhattan

Shedda glanced at the bowl. “That is his specialty. Risan seafood chowder.” Mal’athar’s bowl, however, was filled with something else. She picked up her spoon and slowly swirled it through the bowl. If she was surprised at having something different, it didn’t show. “Try it. It is outstanding.” Which was evident by the number of people who were currently eating the seafood chowder around the mess.

Cmdr. Mal’athar, XO

The chef came back out with a wooden tray. He walked to the table and set it down: fresh baked black bread and fresh butter. “Here. Eat. Put the butter on before you dip it in the chowder.” He looked at the XO and said “I remember you said it didn’t have your dad’s special ingredient. FYI, I asked the Skipper to contact him on my behalf. It took some doing, but I got some. Lemme know if I got it right.” and he spun around and walked back to the kitchen.

Harv - Chef

“I’ll do that Chef,” Shedda said. Her father gave Captain Cochrane is secret ingredient for Chef Harv? Not likely. He hadn’t even told her what it was. Oh she guessed, she was a science nerd after all. She’d done all kinds of tests to figure it out, but her father never told her.

Sebastian took a deep whiff of the bread.

“You’re the boss, chef. MMMM-mmm. I love the smell of freshly baked bread. Butter, dip, got it!!”

Lt. Cmdr. Sebastian d’Aramis
CIO-USS Manhattan

Shedda reached for the bread and the knife sitting beside it. With quick, efficient movements she sliced two pieces off. She quickly buttered a slice and then flipped the knife around and offered it, handle first to d’Aramis. “There you go.”

“So tell me, what made you accept a position out here in the Delta?” She stirred the chili slowly, letting the steam and aroma escape and then scooped a spoonful up and put it in her mouth.

Cmdr. Mal’athar, XO

He accepted the knife and began putting the spread on his bread.

“A couple of things, actually,” Sebastian paused and took a bite. “First off, my Intel work has put me in a number of undercover, deep cover scenarios. Suffice it to say, that work upset a lot, and I mean a lot of people. Rumor has it there was even a bounty on my head. That could’ve put a lot of friends, crew mates, and other ‘relationships’ in jeopardy. It was time to make a new start and remove the risk from those peoples’ lives. What better way than to be stationed on a ship in the Delta. One that incidentally needed a chief of Intel as well.”

“The other reason, I’ve already mentioned–relationships. It’shard to build a truthful serious relationship when you’re life is full of lies. I figured if I leave field work and get a ship assignment, I can be more truthful when it comes down to it. That’s with anyone, off ship . . . .or on.”

As he said the last, Sebastian locked his eyes with Shedda’s electrifying blues

Lt. Cmdr. Sebastian d’Aramis
CIO-USS Manhattan

Shedda ate quietly while he spoke. She wiped her mouth with a napkin before speaking. She held his gaze coolly as she replied. “It sounds like your work has been isolating. This ship, this crew, we’re family, every single one of us. We have to be. We are too far away from anything and everything familiar. We look out for each other, keep each other safe. Not just from the physical risks of space exploration. From the mental and emotional risks as well. Captain Cochrane and I have an open door policy. Everyone knows that, and knows it isn’t just lip service. It’s vital to our success here.” She lifted her coffee taking a sip, natural cutting off the her gaze.

Cmdr. Mal’athar, XO

“That’s definitely good to know. Don’ be surprized when I come by to check out that open door,” he replied with a grin.

Mal’athar nodded, “It’s always open.”

“But I hear you. Being in Intel gives a person a certain type of . . . image. Secretive, stealthy, mysterious, with all that covert work. I’m hoping to get away from that out here. I mean, I’ll still do that if the mission calls for it. It would be a waste to not use those skills I’ve developed over my career, but I’m hoping to be more open, and inviting to the people I work and live with, and use more of the mental skills and less of the physical.”

Not that I don’t plan on being physical. Physical is fun and all and I want to use it more for fun than work.”

Lt. Cmdr. Sebastian d’Aramis
CIO-USS Manhattan

Mal’athar smiled. If she understood the inuendo and her opinion on it was indiscernible. She was on duty. “If that’s the case, I suggest training sessions with Cmdr. Fayth. Well they aren’t all with him, he rotates out teachers based on skills and who is best. There is always tactical training with Captain Cochrane. But if you are looking for something more recreational, there are several teams on board. Basketball, volleyball, sparing tournaments, parisi’s squares, hockey. I’m sure there are more. I believe there is a small group that gets together to do rock climbing and kayaking in the holodeck as well.”

Cmdr. Mal’athar, XO

He smiled at her avoidance to his innuendo.

“What about baseball? I love baseball. Could’ve possibly gone pro. . . .I’m well-versed in a number of martial arts styles and philosophies, jeet kune do, jujitsu, sinanju, kendo, kama sutra, to name a few. . . . and I train in them on a regular basis. The sparring sounds fun, though. What about you, commander? Do you like to spar?”

Lt. Cmdr. Sebastian d’Aramis
CIO-USS Manhattan

Mal’athar’s eyes narrowed and her voice lowered. “Lt. Cmdr. d’Aramis, I don’t know if your comments are some kind of weird intel attempt to see if I’m fit for my position, or if you actually think these inappropriate innuendo’s are attractive. Let me make a few things very clear. One, I am your executive officer. Two I worked hard for where I am. I didn’t do it on my back. Three, and most importantly, I am a person, an individual. I am not the color of my skin and your misconceptions of my up brining. Your behavior is not only unbecoming an officer, it’s disrespectful on a human level.” Her voice stayed low, but clear the whole time. Her voice didn’t carry, she wasn’t out to embarrass him in front of the crew. “You have a medical check to get to, and I have actual work to do.”

She stood, “And to make my self perfectly clear. I am not interested in sparing with you in any fashion.” She collected her bowl and coffee and walked both to the counter.

Cmdr. Mal’athar, XO

Sebastian sat there in stunned silence, wondering what the hell just happened?!?

They had been sitting there enjoying a nice meal, with playful verbal sparring. Shedda had seemed to not enjoy it. Then, all of a sudden, a switch flipped and she became hostile.

Apparently, she had a chip on her shoulder about being Orion. . . .he didn’t give a rat’s @&& about her being Orion, and began to feel offended that she would think the only reason he wanted to get to know her was because her often misunderstood Orion stereotypes.

The door to kitchen swung open and the Bajoran chef came through. He walked to Mal’athar and took the bowl and coffee from her. “I got ya, Commander. No worries.” He gave d’Aramis a look that could only be described as ‘utterly hostile’ before walking back towards the kitchen door. As he reached the doorway, he said over his shoulder “Welcome aboard, Commander. Sorry we don’t have a sauce for the foot you stuck in your mouth.” and he laughed as he walked into the kitchen.

Harv - Chef

Sebastian stood and began moving toward the xit. “Shove it, Harv,” he replied while dumping his bowl into the replicator.

“And, by the way, that chowder was anything but Risian. In fact, I think it’s given me a bad case of rot-gut. Good thing I’m heading to sickbay, anyway.”

Lt. Cmdr. Sebastian d’Aramis
CIO-USS Manhattan