From: Matthew Cunliffe <M.J.Cunliffe@durham.ac.uk>
Date: Tue, 29 Jul 1997 09:42:48 +0000
Subject: USS CHESAPEAKE: Settling In

Stardate: 90728.2245
Mission Date: 14.1630
Scene: Shuttlebay

Ensign Lewis ran through the final checks as the shuttlecraft powered 
down.  "Commander Brennan apologises for not being here to meet you, 
but he is currently in conference with the Corellian and ShipOres 
delegations."  Lewis reported as she walked back to where Elanna was 
checking her luggage.

"That's okay,"  Elanna smiled.  "I'm used to low-key entrances."

Lewis returned the smile.  The new XO seemed to be quite friendly, 
although at times aloof.  "I'll show you to your quarters.  Senior 
officers are all billeted on deck six; your office is on deck two."  
Lewis grabbed two bags as Elanna picked up a slender, oblong box and 
another sack.

Leaving the shuttlebay, the two officers headed towards the nearest 
turbolift, curious looks thrown at them by others walking along the 
corridor.

~~~~
Scene: Elanna Miris' Quarters

"Thank you," Elanna turned to Ensign Lewis, putting down her bags.

"No problem, sir," she replied.  "I'm sorry there was no-one her to 
meet you.  With the Captain," Lewis corrected herself, "I mean, our 
previous Captain, Captain Bell, leaving so suddenly, everything has 
been in turmoil, not to mention the two delegations arriving 
yesterday.  I'm sure the Captain will meet you as soon as he can."

As Lewis left, Elanna turned to unpack her bags.  She had travelled 
light, reasoning that evening wear could readily be replicated.  One 
bag carried a number of strange garments, none of them modern.  
Picking one up, a white dress, pinched at the waist, and flowing 
outwards in plaits, the neckline low and lifted, she looked at 
herself in the mirror.  Swirling, she imagined herself dancing at an 
English country ball, sometime in Earth's early nineteenth century.  
Earth period drama fascinated her, and she never failed to use the 
holodeck to escape into some long distant past.

She stared at herself in the mirror as she put the dress down on the 
bed.  Unconsciously, she raised her hand to her hair, cut short in a 
fit of pique and frustration, anything to change her appearance.  
Elanna regretted it now, all those long, brown, almost auburn curly 
locks gone.  In time they would grow back, but now she looked almost 
like a boy.

She turned back to the long box, opening it to reveal an array of 
foils, each correctly balanced for her hand.  To play the part of a 
swashbuckler in a period drama, the mastery of the sword had turned 
her into a fencing fanatic, allowing her to vent her frustration on 
an opponent without serious damage.  From the crew evaluations, she 
had noticed that Commander Brennan enjoyed the sport too, and Elanna 
hoped they might have a chance to compete with eachother.

Placing nick-nacks around the room, Elanna's quarters gradually 
became more hers, although she missed the grand piano that she had 
had to leave behind.

The whistle of someone signalling at the door startled her, and she 
span around, her heart quickening, before she realised what it was.

"Come in."  At her voice, the door opened to reveal a tall man, who 
walked forward comfortably.

"Commander Miris.  I'm Commander Brennan." he smiled.

~~~~~
NRPG:

Takako:  I leave the rest for you when you're ready.

It's been so long since I fenced, I've forgotten most of it.  I'll 
have to dig into the recesses of my mind.

About the dresses and period drama stuff - Pride and Prejudice just 
happened to be on the tv when I wrote the bio.  Well okay, my 
favourite actress was in it, but you'll have to guess who!

Respectfully submitted,
Lieutenant Commander Elanna Miris,
XO USS Chesapeake, NCC 31813

~~~~
Regards,
Matthew

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