Posted by Lieutenant Commander Richard Marsh (Person Who Keeps The CO In Line (XO)) in Surprise Attack at the Pet Emporium (Tag XO)

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Brenna Neenna Atoded (Chief of Pets & 2nd Officer (COP)) in Surprise Attack at the Pet Emporium (Tag XO)
The Pet Emporium on the Constellation was a unique situation. The Connie, as it was affectionately called, had gained the attention of several ‘people with influence’ at command among the various departments. And so Brenna had been sent, with a new program, that was honestly being researched, but being the ‘chief of pets’ was NOT her main job here.

The Emporium opened with an outer door that would open to a small entry way and once the outer doors closed the inner ones would open to allow a visitor to enter. The area was large and set up with several divided spaces, all housing several animals. It was a massive area allowing for the animals to have room to run, play, sleep, eat, and socialize. The central area was open and had areas to sit, lots of toys, and different pet furniture about the room. To the far right side was a small area, surrounded by a half wall, to keep the animals from over running her desk area.

But this was not her real office. Well concealed in a plain looking wall panel was a very high end security system, that when activated would open a hidden door and let her into her real office. Brenna was also the Intel officer on board. This inner office, allowed her to do all those things she needed to do without prying eyes. She’d finished going over the daily reports sent to her and then locked that office up tight.

Down the short corridor she could hear Rhyolite cooing and squashing rocks in his ‘nursery.’ Zarcal had work he had to do today so she was and ‘Little’ Tony were getting to baby sit. Brenna had other happy goings on that day though. With her long wavy blonde hair pulled back in a high pony tail she shooed and toed the small devils back from the habitat door so she could sneak in. The puppies had been born just a week before and it was important for them to get used to people and for the momma to get used to the babies being handled. They were starting to show their coat colors now and of course Geri and Freki and Fenris had to come in too. They loved the puppies and would let the little ones climb all over them. She sat down on the floor and was soon ambushed by not only 8 small wiggling bundles of doggie love, but all the adult dogs as well. Once she was done playing she’d move them and the mother back to their own room.
Lt Cmdr Atoded, CoP

Rick pulled up his fly after finishing urinating for the fourth time in the past two hours. The recent increase in water consumption for his latest diet had him feeling like a ninety - five year old man with the increased frequency of hitting the head and feeling like his bladder was the equivalent size of a Sugar Glider’s. He glanced at his reflection in the mirror and sighed for a moment while he washed his hands with soap. While drying his hands with a towel he spoke to the ship computer, “Computer, Locate Lieutenant Commander Atoded.” A grin was evident on his face as he awaited the answer to his question. He could not wait to surprise his ex-girlfriend in regards to his promotion to Executive Officer and the fact that they would be working together on the U.S.S. Constellation.

The computer responded, “Lieutenant Commander Atoded is located on Deck 21.” Rick clasped his hands, rubbed them together, and set out on his journey to meet with Brenna for the first time in eight years. He was dressed in his duty uniform with command red colored on his shoulders. He was clearly handsome, tall, fit, had broad shoulders, and muscle-wise the man was literally the definition of what it means to be jacked. After a hop, skip, and a jump to Deck 21 he arrived at Lieutenant Commander Atoded’s location. As he entered Brenna’s magical pet kingdom, Rick followed the sound of high pitched feminine laughter that was vaguely familiar. After a quick search, there lo and behold was Brenna being mobbed by puppies with her back turned to him at the time.

Brenna heard the door open and of course had the vague ‘impression’ of a humanoid but other than that nothing. At the sound of the door she started shoving the puppies and adults away with very little success, but she wasn’t really trying. Fenris was the first to turn his attention to the new comer and appraise him. He stood up, front paws resting on the half wall, and then Geri and Freki joined him. Brenna took note of the behavior but the didn’t appear or ‘feel’ agitated so she wasn’t worried.

Rick cleared his throat to get her attention, “Do you ever have a shortage of suitors Commander Atoded?” A bright smile spread across his face. “Those pooches are all fighting tirelessly for your love and affection. The competition here is fierce.” He chuckled briefly and awaited her response.

• Lieutenant Commander Marsh, XO

That voice. It was slightly deeper, richer, carrying the weight of experience and years on it now. But she’d not forget it. Her mind raced through the possibilities of who would know her well enough to play such a practical joke. It wasn’t funny. She stood, lithe and lean and with grace, man handling several puppies that attempted to cling to her as she stood. She gently set them down, still keeping her back to whoever it was. She was all for a good joke, but this was cruel. She began herding the puppies and the momma into a separate room off to the side. “Their affection in genuine but I am easily replaced,” she placed the last puppy in and shut the door turning, “by whoever brings treats.......” Richard

She stood there quietly, speechless, but her mind running but only landing on one question. She’d read the personnel report this morning there was no Richard Marsh listed. The words came out a whisper, more a voiced thought than an actual attempt at conversation, “How did you manage to get here without me knowing?” Other thoughts of…is their puppy kibble in my hair, or dog fur all over my uniform, and he grew up into an impressive specimen of a man. But it was his eyes that grabbed her-always had. And then the realization that she couldn’t ‘hear’ him. He’d gotten very good. The only indication he would have of her mood was the slight twitch of a smile at the corners of her mouth.
Lt Cmdr Atoded, CoP