Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Issac Forgrave (Chief of Security) in Lay of the Land - Corridors (Tag Forgrave)

(snip)

The lift doors closed, =^=Deck 15=^= “Really? Why is that? What’s down there?” she asked. “I’m just picking at random. I always go out of order. Otherwise it’s just an ordered list. Then I have to run through the whole list to remember where things are.” The turbolift doors opened and Bethany stepped out into the deck.
Lt Beathany Hadi, CNS

“I reckon you’ll find out in a moment; though it ain’t nothing dangerous.” Issac paused in thought, head cocked to one side. “Well… it ain’t dangerous ‘less it’s made ta be dangerous.” He unconsciously put a hand to his ribs as some unknown memory passed through his mind. “But I suppose that’s true for most areas of a ship - long as ya use common sense and are careful; you’ll be alright. But as the saying goes, common sense ain’t so common.”

As they exit the elevator, signs would reveal deck 15 to house visitors quarters, as well as holodecks 1-6.

Issac Forgrave, CoS

OOC: So if you want to know about the Dominion occupation: https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/The_Battle_of_Betazed
It is a pretty good summary without having to actually read the book.
IC:
Bethany noticed him touch his ribs, and wondered, but he was the chief of security after all. “Oh if only common sense was something we could hand out like candy, we’d all be okay.” Bethany stepped off the turbolift and read the sign and started laughing. “Oh I would say so Mr. Forgrave. It does indeed change every time you come down here.” Visitor quarters meant new people every time you came down here and the holodecks would ensure that the scenery changed every time. She laid her hand briefly on his arm. “I do believe you have a mischievous streak. I shall have to stay on my toes when you’re around.” And then she winked at him and started walking down the corridor.
Lt. Gadi, CNS

OOC: Thanks, that article is quite helpful!

IC: “I do enjoy making folks use their brains; helps me ta know who’s worth talkin’ to.” While his face remained a deadpan, there was a slight twinkle in his eyes; breaking the aura of stoicism. Issac froze slightly at her touch; it was clearly unexpected. He gently shook his head as she passed; chalking it up to a difference of background or culture - he still wasn’t quite sure what to make of the Betazoid Counselor.

Bethany, for her part, noticed his shock, or surprise at her touching his arm. She realized after the fact that she’d done it, being slightly flirtatious. She admitted that Forgrave was an attractive man and cut a striking figure. And maybe it was his accent that reminded her of home and that their homes had been so close. And after the day she’d had yesterday she was ready to meet someone friendly. He was mischievous and had a subtle sense of humor that she liked. But he seemed uneasy with the contact, and he had already said that her being Betazoid bothered him. She didn’t use her empathy on crew or team mates. In therapy sometimes, if her patient was having a hard time or requested it. But having grown up on Earth, she didn’t automatically rely on it like other Betazoids, despite her control of it. He seemed to play his cards close to his chest and she reminded herself to respect that. She continued to move down the corridor. Taking note of the visitor quarters and how they were laid out. She was likely to be called upon to visit any guests on board at some point or another.

Following her down the corridor, he asked: “So, what brings you to the Dresden? Happenstance, or design?”

Issac Forgrave, CoS

She considered his question. “Well I thought it was just lucky happenstance. I’ve wanted to be a ship’s counselor for a long time. I put my name into the hat, as it were, when the position came available, but after talking with the captain, she said it wasn’t her choice to have me here. So I’m not sure. I hope that it’s just happenstance and not something else.” She shrugs but, a keen observer would notice that the something else seems to bother her.
Lt. Gadi, CNS

“Hmmm.” Issac’s thoughts went back to a conversation with Captain Holloway; and his suspicions of Federation and Intelligence scheming. “I reckon it’s impossible to tell, without getting ahold of the Personnel department and asking ‘em. But I’ll admit ta wondering if ‘someone’ has some schemes in play.” Issac grinned mischievously at Bethany. “But then, I’ll freely admit to being a suspicious and paranoid fragger.”

His smile was infectious and she returned it. “Nothing wrong with being suspicious. It has its place.” It was a good trait to have for lots of people in lots of different positions. And after the problems with the Dominion and Breen, Star Fleet was finding that things needed to change. But turning back to the conversation, “Oh some people,” she glances over at him grinning, “even scheme when others are simply trying to have a pleasant conversation.” She points vaguely to herself, “But, hopefully I’ve been worth talking to.”

Issac noted her discomfort; and his tone changed slightly, now quieter, with an earnest undercurrent. “Seems like the idea of it might be troublin’ ya, though. I may be off base here; but I can understand that. Secrets and hidden motives just get under my skin; I can recognize the necessity of such; but damn if I don’t hate it. I reckon we’re stuck hoping that others are makin’ good decisions on our behalf.”

Issac Forgrave, CoS

“In the interest of honesty, Forgrave, I came from Intel, so there is no telling why I am here.” She rushed on before he got the wrong idea. “I was a counselor for them. Had to go through all the training so I could have the clearance levels. That way anyone who came to us could actually talk to us. Most I ever did was a couple of information gathering stints, early on. I won’t lie, when I first joined, Intel was what I wanted. I was young and idealistic. I figured out real fast that reality didn’t live up to my childhood fantasies. But this position came open and, like I said, I always wanted a position like this.” She paused thinking about it. “There were other positions, before, but I just couldn’t justify taking them knowing the people I was working with would have to start all over with someone new. My own career choices were unimportant after what they had been through.” She moved to the next turbolift and hit the call button. “I guess it troubles me because I’m a counselor first, and I don’t want anything interfering with that.” Bethany was enjoying the conversation, but after the welcome from Holloway and Revneer, she was fully expecting Forgrave to opt not to continue to walk with her.
Lt. Gadi, CNS