Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Issac Forgrave (Chief of Security) in The Return

(snip)

“Well, if I ever turn down a cup ‘a coffee, you’ll know I’m the imposter!” Issac chuckled; no matter the time or situation, he was always up for coffee. “Well, I do try ta keep an eye on things; I know we miss stuff, but as it goes… well, I reckon Store’s liquor still ain’t high on my list of concerns…” He shook his head; “I figure there’s always gonna be trouble; way I see it, it might be best to let them get away with the little stuff. And hopefully try ta keep an eye on it!”

“From a counseling stand point, a little bit of trouble is good for venting off the steam and pressure that builds up. We agree on that point. Did you ever come up with a good use for that security system? Oh by the way, there’s a newer version on my shuttle. Fair warning.” Luna was making the rounds, or as far as she could get anyway, getting attention from just about anyone. She had been a regular site before Bethany left and she was glad to see her antics brought smiles to those around the room. “Okay so I know there is a decent coffee in this system somewhere, but no one ever told me which one it was.”

Issac couldn’t help the exasperated sigh, or the resigned grin. “Yeah.... it’s ‘Forgrave’s brew’. And that ain’t hubris; Stores developed the recipe based off of coffee I brewed, and despite my best efforts; well, the name remains.”

Bethany turned away to hid the grin on her face and quietly ordered two of “Forgrave’s brew” from the replicator. She turned back, sipping the coffee, looking almost relaxed for the moment, she passed Issac the other one. Luna was hopping around making herself known to everyone and Bethany dropped the leash so she could wander a bit further.

Self-admittedly, Issac wasn’t the most observant man; at least when it came to such things as feelings or emotions. But he thought he could sense some trepidation in the returned Counselor. “Ya know, pardon me fer mentioning it, but ya don’t seem quite as thrilled ta be back as I mighta expected. Not that I think the sun shines outta my backside or nothing! But uh; I reckon you didn’t exactly get the warmest of welcomes when ya first came aboard, ta be honest.”

-Forgrave, CoS

Bethany covered her mouth quickly as she started to laugh. “I think we’d have a problem if the sun did. But I couldn’t have asked for a nicer welcome back escort.” She looked around the room, nodding to several people. As far as the lower ranks and enlisted went, Bethany had a good repour with them. “Ah don’t mine me, I’m just a bit maudlin. It was a hard trip away; it didn’t end well. My first go round was rough, no doubt about it. Too many people ill at ease.” She turns a smile his way, “I’m tougher than I look. It will all work out, and truth be told despite my rocky acceptance, there are certain things that make coming back to Dresden well worth it.”
Lt Gadi, CNS

“Well, I’m glad ta hear it; I know the crew’s been looking forward to your return; I think we’ve all been looking for some stability. And if nothing else, Luna’s damn good for softening any rough starts.” He grinned at the aforementioned lapin’s antics. “And though I can’t say I’m all that well versed in any other ships… well, the Dresden does seem special. Maybe that’s just her lineage or history, as uh, bloody as it may be… Not like that’s unique, but I reckon fer good or ill, violence brings people together.”

Forgrave, CoS

Bethany nodded. She knew all about the Dresden’s history, having been briefed by those that had actually served on her, directly. “Violence does do that, near death as well. Brings people closer, but isolates them as well.” She laughed as Luna drew a small crowd that was now feeding her lettuce, carrots and fruit. She had a better way of distracting the masses than Bethany did. “She almost seems to understand, doesn’t she?” Bethany sipped the coffee again, she had no idea what the specific recipe was, but it was good.
Lt Gadi, CNS

“Hey Bethany!” a crewman over near Luna’s crowd called, “You got those treats she likes?” Bethany pulled a small square wallet looking container out of her pocket and tossed to the crewman. He proceeded to take several out and hold them out for Luna. She took the first one, but after that the crewmen attempted to get her to do tricks, and Luna was having none of it. She stomped her foot impatiently but refused to perform for the man. Her stubbornness brought more laughter from the small crowd. Apparently there was only one person she was willing to do tricks for.

Issac was never able to resist the antics of critters, and Luna was no exception. He managed to stifle a guffaw, but a chortle still escaped. A few of the crew gave him a bit of side-eye; he had developed a bit of a reputation for seriousness. “I always figured critters are a bit more attuned ta emotions; them being non-verbal and all. Words don’t carry meaning ta them, so they gotta pick up on posture and whatnot. End of the day though… well, I reckon they’re almost as good as a Betazoid; ‘least compared ta some.” Issac’s brain caught up with his mouth a moment later; and his face colored. “Er, no offense meant, of course!”

-Forgrave, CoS

Bethany side-eyed him herself, but with a slight grin, from where she was standing beside him against the wall. She had to agree with him. It was one reason she brought Luna to her office. She had a way of giving comfort and calmness to the people who stepped into her office. And sometimes it was easier to talk to someone who was incapable of telling your secrets. Her grin turned bigger at his slip and not really thinking about it she bumped her shoulder against his in shared laughter. “No offense taken, I’m not much of a Betazoid anyway.” Bethany could only sense very strong emotions and if anyone had the mental discipline to simply think about wanting to keep their thoughts and feelings private, Bethany would read a thing. She felt herself lucky to be half human and having grown up on Earth. Her lack of talent was looked down upon on Betazed.
Lt Gadi, CNS