"First Contact?"
[Previous Post: Dawn's "Some Things Never Change"]
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Stardate: 61036.1245
Derek turned from his station, as the rescue party, and the rescued, climbed out of the turbolift. Part of his mind was running calculations and wiring diagrams in his attempt to devise a way to block and find the cause of their power problem. Yet still a part of his multitasking ability was immediately turned toward the arrival of Lieutenant Mei. The only outward appearance of his pleasure was a slight rising of his eyebrow. Moving without seeming to be in a hurry, he quickly and smoothly managed to separate the young woman from the group.
"A word with you Counselor… please." The Vulcan asked.
Susan turned at the sound of his voice which in the absence of the normal sounds of the bridge seemed louder than it should have been, as she answered... "Congratulations on your promotion Lieutenant."
The FCO hesitated but only for a moment, "And on yours Counselor, you are well?"
The young woman had heard of Stormwind’s recent change in attitude, his embracing of his Vulcan side. They had not spoken since IRRAJ nor had they had a reason to in the normal course of their assignments. Looking carefully at the newly frocked Lieutenant she was not sure his change was for the best, either for him or the ship.
"Yes, thank you. How can I help you Mr. Stormwind?" she asked as she continued to study the dark haired male before her.
"Would you mind taking some concerns to the Captain for me? I do not believe my presence would be welcome just now." Derek answered not going into the recent exchange between him and the red headed officer.
Susan glanced at the group of officer's on the other side of the bridge. "I am sure Captain Rikar would welcome your input at this time, but I will do what I can." She answered in measured tones.
It was obvious to her that the FCO truly felt to be an outsider when it came to the ships commander. As much as it may twist her feelings she felt that she would need to speak at length with Derek very soon before his problems escalated out of control… for him.
"Thank you," answered the half human, he than proceeded to outline his concerns about the state of their food and water supplies and how long he estimated that certain member species of the crew could last without their special dietary needs being met, not to mention those human crew members with special food requirements. He also mentioned the need to verify the ships integrity since they were currently floating in a liquid environment, and the most important problem… they had no defensive weapons, except hand to hand.
All the time Derek was speaking in measured tones to Susan, his mind build up her image. Noticing the little things, the tilt of her head, the smudges on her uniform, and her eyes that shone in the muted light of the sun. As a Vulcan these were just interesting little facts, but in the library of his mind, he was adding all he noticed into the only human book left… only the name… Susan… on its cover.
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Lieutenant JG Derek Stormwind 2006 post #250
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Brian Matthews (dragonsslayer@excite.com)
FCO
USS ANUBIS NCC-18501
