Star Trek: Season 3 - Shore Leave

[Jen]

Sevryll and her children were ushered through the parlor and into a library where Nathan and Jerrad Quinn sat, sharing stories and sipping coffee. The room was hugged by bookshelves that stretched from the wooden floor to the vaulted ceiling. Every surface in the library was filled with heirlooms or photos. A pair of stain glass windows colored the world outside and added to the comfortable ambiance of the room they found themselves in.

It was a quaint and comfortable house, despite the chilly weather outside. Autumn in San Francisco was upon them, and the cool conditions warranted a small fire in the fireplace. This encouraged Sevryll, for San Francisco had always felt cold to the Vulcan native— even during the summer. The flames from the fire cast a soft, orange glow on the two men as they stood to welcome the new guests.

"Jerrad, this young lady is Nathan's First Officer: Commander Sevryll." The Vulcan arced an eyebrow at Mrs. Quinn's introduction. Sevryll was sixty years old—she was youthful by Vulcan standards, but not many outside her homeworld would have referred to her as "young".  Yet, Mrs. Quinn was El Aurian, it was possible she had seen many centuries come and go in her lifetime.

"Welcome Commander," said Mr. Quinn in a deep baritone. "And who might these youngsters be?" he asked with a wink.

N'Vall, as always, was quick to presented himself. When M'rynn failed to do the same, he volunteered his sister's name as well.

"I'm glad that you came to see us," replied Mr. Quinn with large grin.

A Boarder Collie slipped into the room unnoticed, and approached Sevryll. The Vulcan woman jumped as the dog pushed a cold wet nose into her hand.

Mrs. Quinn chortled, "that's just Jack, he won't bite. He's just introducing himself to you."

Nathan stifled a chuckle as Sevryll made an awkward attempt to pet the persistent dog, then discretely wiped her hand upon her robe. He motioned them all to the couch near the fire, as he lifted his coffee cup to take a sip of the freshly brewed Espresso.


Jack walked over to "introduced  himself" to the children as well. The twins turned to their mother for permission—she nodded her approval. Both children giggled as they stroked Jack's silky, black and white coat. He wagged his tail and licked their faces in excitement. He pushed N'vall to the floor, but the boy continued to giggle despite the slobber Jack left on his tiny pointed ear.

Nathan smiled as Sevryll sat down next to him. "Captain, we..." Quinn interrupted her, "Please, call me Nathan.  We are on shore leave." Sevryll was taken aback, yet skillfully hid her surprise. "Of course... Nathan. I want to express my appreciation to you and your parents for allowing us to stay at your home."

Anashta Quinn entered the room carrying a tray of what looked to be Betazaid Anellian cookies. "Don't be silly dear, it is no trouble at all. Jerrad and I are all alone, in this large house, since the children have left." Anashta laid the cookies on the table and quickly exited the room in a busy shuffle. Sevryll turned her gaze from Anashta to Nathan, "I do not wish to be an inconvenience."  She looked back at her toddlers who were chasing Jack around the room. Quinn laughed, "are you kidding?  My mother is so excited to have little ones in the house again."

Anashta  re-entered the room carrying another tray with glasses and a large picture of lemonade. She smiled at Sevryll "Oh by the way dear, I invited your mother over for dinner on Friday. We work together at the Academy... she was very surprised when I told her that you would be staying with us." Though Sevryll suppressed her emotions, for a split second Quinn could feel panic in his first officer.

The Vulcan was speechless but she managed a nod to Anashta, in a false gesture of gratitude. Nathan knew all to well the reason for the brief dose of raw emotion he felt Sevryll push away. Only a few days ago, they had discussed the relationship she had with her mother—it was part of the reason he had invited her to his parents' home. He had no idea Anashta had extended an invitation to Sareth and he was more than a bit embarrassed, to learn that she had done so.

Of course, his mother had only the best intentions and if she had been aware of the discord between the two, she would not have invited Sareth at all. But the deed had been done—all that Nathan could do now was act as damage control.  Anashta exited the room a third time, to bring out the Vulcan Spice tea that Nathan mentioned Sevryll enjoyed. Her son excused himself and followed his mother out of the room. He intended to inform her of the Vulcan hairball she created, which would soon be coughed up all over her nice wood floors.

[moyer777]

Suder smiled and extended the walkway to the transport.  Both the Dr. and Counselor Margon stepped up and into the cabin.  As soon as they sat down in the tan seats the seat belts crossed their chests and snapped into place.  The Dr. looked at Margon, and then at Suder. 

"I assume you will take it easy on on us Andrus" he smiled ever so slightly.

"You got it boss", said Suder.  He put a finger up to his sunglasses and pulled them down, peering over the top of them. "Ok Blue guy, where to?"

The Counselor pulled out a data pad and said, "To these coordinates Mr. Suder" he clicked on the pad and the information transferred to the helm of the transport craft.  The engines whirred to life and the pod lifted from the ground quickly.  Dust pushed around the craft as it lifted above the palm trees. 

"I'm hungry said Suder" he winked at Margon, "I hope this little adventure includes lunch."  The counselor laughed out loud as he touched the pad once again and then the holographic panel in front of him. 

The replicator next to the counselor activated and three bowls of a steaming substance materialized.  The dr. stared at the bowls and made a funny looking face.  Sniffing the air, he said "What is that?"  it smells... like.....

"Cheese!" Andrus exclaimed.  "Why counselor, how did you know?"

He didn't respond to that comment considering the empty bowls he had cleaned up recently that Suder had left in his office.  The Bolian pulled the bowls of food out and handed them to each of his friends.  "It's called Macaroni and Cheese, and it's supposed to be comfort food." 

"You rock" said Suder, putting the spoon of yellow macaroni in his mouth. "Exfulent!"  he said chewing with his mouth open.

The Dr. looked at the food and slowly brought it to his lips.  Taking the first bite he bit down and instantly relaxed.  The next bit came quickly and soon before he even realized it, half of the bowl had been eaten.  "I don't think this is the best nutritionally, but wow, this is good" he chuckled.

"I did a little research on Suder's eating habits" said Margon, tonight we have dinner where the Dr. wants to eat.

"And where exactly is that?" asked the Dr.

The Counselor smiled and opened his mouth, "Computer, reveal destination"

There was a chirp and the computer said, "Destination Hollo World, New Florida, Western Hemisphere"

The Dr. raised an eyebrow, and Suder grinned.  "I've heard of that place- it's supposed to be the best of both worlds, holo and real, combined technology with the real world" 

"Yes my friends, and wait till you see what I cooked up for us, it's better than macaroni and cheese"  he rested back into his chair and Suder turned up the music. 

The Dr. looked a tad bit uncomfortable as he took his medicine.   The counselor couldn't decide if it was physical, or if the prospect of going on this adventure was turning his stomach.  He could tell that that Dr. didn't like the music so loud, but figured they all needed to live with each other.  Suder liked it.  So it would be o.k.  Besides, it would only take them twenty or thirty minutes to arrive.

[Bryancd]

K'arath stood on top of the highest point on earth and contemplated hi slife in the universe. Well, not really, Klingons were not pre-disposed to such inter-reflection. No , as he stood their triumphant with his chirpa guide, he was thinking of his ship, and the crew that would soon be heading back into the unknown. Quinn was an honorable man, though prone to useless human emotional hyperbole. Servyl, for a female AND a Vulcan was a complete mystery to him. The fact that her children were on board was a source of constant irritation for him. They have no place on a vessel like the Tiberius, he mused.

His engineering staff had proved adept dring their last mission and he hoped to see how much they had grown from the experience. As always, he expected more new additions to his division while on leave, his department being the most labor intensive. As the snow swirled around his face and stung his eye's, he gazed up towards the heavens, now 29,000 feet closer and wished to return to the place in orbit he now called home.

[X]

"Exiting warp," the soft female voice of the computer said as the Aurora exited warp. Due to the maneuverability of the vessel, she was able to exit warp far closer to Earth than available to standard ships. Early twenty-first century Earth music played throughout the craft as Aeric sat at the helm of his vessel.  " We have entered the Sol System. USS Tiberius is with sensor range."

Via Aeric's connection to the computers, he mentally entered in an impulse course for Earth. He was now well into hailing range to the USS Tiberius and now was as good a time as any to get introductions out of the way. With a few thoughts, hailing channels opened and then spoke softly.

"This is the Starfleet Warp Shuttle Aurora to the USS Tiberius." Aeric stated. "I am transmitting my transfer orders and request permission to dock in a secured shuttle bay. I am also requesting to meet with the captain or any available command staff regarding my assignment."

Aeric ended the message and waited. First the sensors would scan her then the questions on what she was would surely follow. It would have been much easier to just phase her into the main docking bay, but there would more than likely have been people there and shutting off the phase when they were still interacting was ... messy. It was also not the best way to make an impression.

He was here to help in flight con, but there was more to his mission. He needed a place that could continue to give opportunities to test the systems of the Aurora. He also needed a place to access the ship to make modifications and upgrades. A shuttle bay was needed for that.

Aeric had yet to review any of the available logs of the crew, but when he was given a list of ships, the Tiberius called to him. He was born on the day that a great man died and both he and the ship shared in the nature of being named after him. Both of them had heavy boots to fill. Perhaps together they could do such a thing.

He also knew that there were more issues involved than just reporting to his new captain. He was attached to the Aurora by command. He wasn't chosen for the ship by the captain. He would more than likely have to prove himself. He would also have to make sure that Aurora's technology wasn't shared with the Tiberius before it and her crew was ready. The last thing he need was to have to explain how his baby killed a starship because he rushed and missed something important.

  It was out of his hand now. Either he would function well with the crew, or he wouldn't. He would do his best to fit in and hope that was enough. Now he just needed someone to respond to his hail.

[Bryancd]

K'arath sat at the engineering consoul on the bridge of the Tiberius monitoring...well, not much as the ship slowly orbited earth, Having returned from his shore leave, he found the ship relatively empty as the crew enjoyed their extended stay. He was currently in command as the Captian and First Officer were planetside, but he loathed the pretense of sitting in the captains chair, he harbored no such vanities.

The communications officer turned towards him, "Sir, we are recieveing a hail from an inbound vessel," he said. K'ararth tunred to face the Ensign and had no idea what his name was as they were so deep into the back-up crew rotations.

"On speakers!" K'ararth commanded, somewhat rattling the young ensign.

"Aye sir," he responded and a clear voice issued forth.

"This is the Starfleet Warp Shuttle Aurora to the USS Tiberius. I am transmitting my transfer orders and request permission to dock in a secured shuttle bay. I am also requesting to meet with the captain or any available command staff regarding my assignment.”

K'arath's brow furrowed at this abrupt and unusual request. He wasn't aware of any new crew additions, but he had not had time to discuss any ship matter prior to Quinn's departure for earth. He was intrigued by the request for a secure shuttle bay. "On screen!" he bellowed. The navigator on duty nearly jumped out of his uniform. What he saw on the screen looked like no other shuttle craft he had ever seen before. Unwilling to give the pilot the satisfaction of his suprise he kept his head clear and offers a challenge.

"This is Lt. Commander K'ararth, we have recieved your transmission and I shall relay your reuest to the Captain who is not aboard ship. I am the Chief Engineer and currently in command Lt....," he scanned the tranfer orders on his screen looking for the name, "Aeric. Shuttle Bay 2 is currently available. When you are within range, we will engage automatic flight control to bring you aboard. As commanding officer, I shall meet you and discuss your assignment to this vessel. Tiberius out!"

His engineering senses tingled.....what was this new vessel and exactly who was this new crew memeber? He smilled as he anticipated the response....

[X]

Aeric laughed to himself. Aurora's systems were specifically designed to counter external attempts to take control of her. Her command codes weren't listed in any computer system, another precaution against the Borg. Sure, she had an autopilot, but the Tiberius wasn't going to access it ... yet.

"Aurora, reopen channel," Aeric said.

Aurora appeared in the copilot's chair and started typing commands into the panel. "Channel open and visuals are ready."

"Lt. James to Tiberius. Due to software incompatibilities and the fact that your computers don't know the drive system, I respectfully suggest that I bring my shuttle in manually. Most of the system aboard are classified and to allow external control would be a breach of Starfleet regulations."

Aurora smirked to herself as she sent the message. Aeric was almost as protective of their home as he was. She wasn't sure what regulation he was speaking of, but chances are that there was some obscure regulation or protocol that her partner has uncovered in his zealous pursuit of knowledge. "Aeric, are you trying to give the engineer a complex? You just told him that you have classified technology aboard and then implied that he didn't have the clearance to mess with it."

"That wasn't my intention."

"Intention or not, you have probably increased his curiosity by several factors. I suggest an eyes only data burst that lists the systems aboard, not the actual specs, but the names of the systems. Perhaps this will allow for the Lt. Commander to understand why secrecy is necessary."

"Send the --"

"Data burst sent." Aurora said, cutting him off. She knew he would approve the idea as soon as the information was made available to him. "Do you think that they will approve quarters near or in the shuttle bay so that we can keep an eye on you?"

"Probably not. I'll mention your concerns to the captain when we meet."

[Bryancd]

Although thuroughly displeased, K'ararth turned back to the Ensign at Ops.

"Clear them for Shuttle Bay 2, manual approach," he ordedered. "Notify the Captain we have a new crew memeber requesting a meeting.....at the CAPTAIN's convenience. I'll be in Shuttle Bay 2, you have the con!" he bellowed as he strode towards the turbo lift.

[X]

Aeric tapped at the control and guided the shuttle into Bay 2. Aurora monitored the various distances and ranges as he slowed and finally landed the craft.

"Aurora, you have the conn," Aeric said as he made his way to the shuttle hatch. As he opened the hatch, he adjusted the jacket of his uniform. Having had to fill many roles in the testing of the Aurora, Aeric had been replicating solid black uniforms and had yet to take the time to make new uniforms.

Once the hatch was opened, Aeric looked out over the bay. "Lt. James requesting permission to come aboard."

The statement wasn't exactly necessary, but some traditions still have their place.

[iceman]

The doctor inhhaled his macaroni and cheese and helped himself to a second helping courtesy of the replicator. He then motioned to his comrades that he had a delectable treat for them.

The doctor punched in a code on the replicator and 3 nice sized pieces of new orleans style pecan pie appeared before him. He handed a piece to heach of his friends, and said. " I dont recommend this for your waist line, but since we are on vacation lets enjoy it, as their will be plenty of opportunity get rid of these calories once we get to Holo world."

The Dr. Watched his comrades eat their pie when the councellor the counsellor  smiled and said to the doctor with a big grin,

"This is the most unusual pie I have ever tasted, as the thick maple flavoured filling dripped from his mouth." were did you find such an exotic tasting creation. The Dr. smiled and replied

"this recipe dates back to the early 18th century period of New Orlenes , on earth and belonged to one of my anchestor of that period.

The councellor laughed and said. "Dr. You are certainly full of surprises arnt you.

Meanwhile, the shuttle they were in was fast approaching their destination of Holo World and the three starfleet comrads were like little children staring out their snow frosted windows at xmas time waiting for santa to come.

You could feel the excitement build between the three members of the crew as they stepped off the shuttle and walked forward into a shoreleave full of unlimited possibilities that would be only hindered by the limits of their own imagination.

[Jen]

To ensure the desired potency, Anashta dipped the stainless steel ball, which contained the herbal tea leaves, into the cup a few more times. Mrs. Quinn then lifted the tray that held the cups of Vulcan Spice tea and smiled at Nathan as she started out the door again. Just as she passed him, her broad shouldered son took the tray from her and set it down on the kitchen counter.

"Did I forget something?" she asked, baffled by his action.

He stretched his lips thin and slowly nodded his head, "yes...you forgot to inform me of your plan to invite Sareth to dinner." Nathan hopped up on the counter and sighed heavily. "Sevryll and her mother haven't been getting along these days. Because of the contention,  Sevryll decided to avoid conflict and remain aboard Tiberius.  I couldn't just leave them there—despite what they might believe, Vulcans aren't immune to stress. I invited her here...to unwind.  I can't say more than that—I promised her I wouldn't," he remarked in a soft-spoken whisper.

"Oh.... No wonder Sareth was surprised that her daughter was staying with us. I've made a mess of things haven't I?"

Nathan smiled sympathetically, "I don't know that there's anything we can do now. Lets just hope that it will all blow over with no ill affects."

An hour later, the Quinns followed as the children chased Jack out the back door, and down a stone path, which led to their garden. It was fall and the Monarch Butterflies were migrating from the Rockies.  Hundreds of them drifted lazily on the air in search for autumn blooms amongst the flowerbeds. The songs of birds accompanied the harmonious laughter of M'rynn and N'Vall, as they explored the whimsical  garden in search of their new canine friend.

Sevryll received a communiqué from the Tiberius, which kept her in doors longer than the others. Ensign Took had forwarded an encrypted message to Sevryll...he also informed her that the Tiberius had a message for Captain Quinn as well. She downloaded the encrypted communiqué to her PADD and called to N'Vall from the back porch.  "Find Mr. Quinn—tell him there is a call awaiting him." The boy ran to located the Captain, leaving Sevryll alone on the back steps.

She watched him as he raced Jack through the garden, then she sat upon an old fashion porch swing and entered the code to access her communiqué. The commander frowned slightly as she read the peculiar text : "I have a message for you that I can only deliver in person. You will only be approach when it is convenient for me, and only when you are completely alone. Inform no one.—Mr. Smith" In the time it took to digest the information, the message inexplicably vanished from the PADD...

[Geekyfanboy]

Quinn's parents house was located on the outskirts of a vast forest, As a child Quinn would play with his siblings for hours and hours in the wilderness. He can remember playing hide and seek with them but of course having his abilities he could always find them hiding. As childhood memories flowed through his mind he heard a young voice from behind him.

"Mr. Quinn, Mr. Quinn" a rosy cheeked boy came running up to him. Quinn turned to see N'Vall, "What's wrong?", He quickly asked. N'Vall took a deep breath and said "You have a call from the Tiberius, Mother asked me to come get you." Quinn tosseled the young boys hair and gave him a smile.  They both headed back to the house. As Quinn entered the kitchen his mother replied "I thought you were on shore leave". He laughed, shook his head and sat down at the console and pressed the blue button. An image of Ensign Took appeared on screen, Quinn face broke into a wide smile. "Hello Mr. Took, how can I help you." Took smiled back, "Sir there is a Lt. Aeric James requesting permission to come aboard. He says he's the new nanotechnology specialist and warp ship designer. We have granted him permission to dock but he is requesting a meeting with you sir" Quinn thought for a moment, He wasn't suppose to arrive for another week... " very well, let him know I will meet him at 1400 hours in my ready room." Took nodded and gave Quinn a big smile as the screen went black. Quinn turned to his mother. "I'm sorry mother but I have to meet with a new officer for a few hours. I'll be back by dinner time." He gave his mom a kiss on the cheek and headed out the front door.

Twenty minutes later Quinn was sitting behind his Captain's desk when the door chimed. "Come in"

[Locutus]

   Peace, what is it good for?
                --  by Zoen Vearne, USS Tiberious

   The USS Tiberious, an Akira class Starfleet vessel. This ship is fast, sleek, and houses over 500 crew members. It glides through the starry reaches of space like a bright, white jewel against the silky black of night. Ostensibly, Starfleet and its glorious presence brings peace and prosperity to the Galaxy, waving the standard of understanding and community to those civilizations it deems unable or unwilling to promote the same on their own. Starfleet brings diplomacy to the less fortunate, those who have no voice in the galactic arena, and gives them that equal voice.

   Well, that's the theory anyway.

   The Tiberious really is a beautiful ship, smooth and fast. It has enough weaponry to hold it's own against a Romulan Bird of Prey. Of course, if the Federation were really dedicated to peace, would it have any weapons at all?

   Now, you might be saying, "But without the weaponry they would be at the mercy of all the hostile races out there." Would they? Could it possibly be that, if these ships were not so heavily armed, that many races would not feel threatened, and they would not be hostile to us at all? Would it not make sense to invest more in shield technology than developing new photon torpedoes or hand phasers? If the Federation is interested only in peace, why do hand phasers even have a "kill" setting? Oh, I know it's a "maximum" setting, but that's just semantics as the effect is the same.

   How many of these new member worlds would join if the Federation just sent a letter, or some other type of message? Instead, a huge warship orbits their planet with more killing power than they have even imagined, and asked if they would "like" to join this organization of hundred of civilizations with ships as big if not bigger than the one asking. What are they to think? Of course they say yes, with that sort of gunboat diplomacy who among us would say any different?

   The other night, I sat in the back of the room as the captain of the Tiberious, Nathan Quinn, handed out medals for "Bravery" and "Valor" as the crew and their families smiled and applauded. These medals were for acts of bravery and personal risk. Not generally the types of words you hear in connection with the word Peace. Other awards were given for heroism in action. Everyone really seemed pleased with themselves, after all, it's an accomplishment to come back after a long mission of this type of diplomacy.

   The only one to receive an award with the good sense to show any sort of humility was the ships doctor, Casey Peterson. He was given a Purple Heart, for wounds suffered during the unsuccessful attempt at saving the Security Officer's life, apparently during yet another "peaceful" fire-fight.

   Quinn gave a posthumous award to the mother of the security officer who was killed. The award was for heroism and self-sacrifice, and she was so pleased that she had to be helped back to her seat. She was probably thinking about how those medals won't ever get married and produce grandchildren, or take her out for a birthday brunch. Yes, I'm sure those medals will be a comfort to her in her old age, alone, in her care facility. And when the nurses ask why no one comes to see her, she can just point to the box, and know that if it wasn't for peace, her son would still be with her.

[PepperDude]

"Would you care for a snort, and a smoke before we head up the ship lieutenant?"

"I agree, we should celebrate this victory but not right now. Those goons may come back. Besides, we have to go back to the ship where the captain or the commander are waiting for us."

Lieutenant Manrique didn't feel like having a smoke for two reasons: the setting wasn't appropriate and he wanted to get some rest on this night.  Manrique would rather celebrate in a more festive, trouble-free place. He liked Lt. Tain including his humor though not as much Tain himself liked it.

"I'm done Lieutenant. We can go now." said Tain as he finished packing.

"Let's head out then.  So trouble follows you around like heat seeking missile huh?"

"That's right. Like a heat seeking missile."

"I haven't heard anyone mention heat seeking missiles before except at the Academy and holodeck programs of course."

"I know a little bit of Earth's war history. . .quite interesting."

"You know the first heat seeking missiles weren't very reliable right?"

"I'm not surprised--that's what usually happens with new weapons."

"Well, Lt. Tain, let's hope that those troubles that follow you around become unreliable like those first heat seeking missiles."

"Hahahaha.  Agreed lieutenant," said Tain as both Starfleet officers exited the hotel and continued ont their way to beam aboard the Tiberius.

[Rico]

      Admiral Talbot shut the door to his office at Starfleet Command HQ.  He moved with long strides across the room and sat down behind his large wooden desk.  Sirach rubbed the edges of the desk admiring the finished woodgrain and the way it felt under his fingers.  The desk had been a gift from his wife Lydia when he first became an Admiral.  She knew he had always enjoyed more natural type of furniture, even aboard the various Starships he had served and commanded on.  He felt it gave the rather mechanical and austere places some warmth and humanity.  He had picked up those traits from his father who had been a bit of an anachronism during his years as a diplomat to various worlds.
      Sirach let his mind wander over the past days.  The ceremony honoring the crew of the Tiberius had gone well he thought.  It was a good crew and a fine ship.  He had actually worked on some of the initial engineering design changes to the Akira class Starship and always had been fond of the ship's design.  Even though he had never had the chance to serve or command such a vessel.
      He opened the top drawer of his desk and noticed the small isolinear chip sitting next to a simple pad of paper.  He quickly recalled being passed that chip at the recent awards ceremony.  The gentlemen had simply asked him if he was in fact Admiral Talbot and when he confirmed that he passed him the chip.  With everything that had been going on lately he had forgotten he had dropped it in his desk after the ceremony.  Probably just another request to go to some damn conference and speak about his years in Starfleet.  Sirach had been getting quite a few of those requests lately and had been ignoring them.  He much preferred the actual doing of things rather than speaking about past accomplishments.  Even so, he pulled out the chip and slid it into the small computer terminal sitting on his wooden desk.
      "Working,.......Message for Admiral Sirach Dar Talbot.  Please verify identity."  The female computer voice spoke in a monotone voice to Sirach.
      "This is Admiral Sirach Dar Talbot, Starfleet Command.  Authorization code:  1A - 15 - 08 - Delta."  The Admiral said to the slightly humming machine.
      "Identity and voice print matched.  Standby to receive communication."  The computer quickly responded.  The screen on the terminal came to life and a familiar face appeared.
      "Hello old friend.  I hope this message finds you well."  Sirach's old Vulcan friend Krell spoke to him from the glowing screen.



 

[Duffster]

Tain and Manrique made their way to the base without incident. They entered the transporter pads and beamed up to the Tiberius.

"Well Lieutenant," said Tain, "thanks for the pickup."

He smiled slyly to the young Lieutenant.

"I don't know how much longer I could of held out against those hardened criminals in that cell."

Manrique chuckled and shook his head.

"I think it was probably the best thing for them that I did show up, you did seem to be enjoying yourself a bit much."

Manrique walked to the door.

"Wait here Lieutenant Tain and I will have someone sent down to show you to your quarters."

He paused and looked back at Tain.

"Ummm.. It would probably be best if you stayed in your quarters until the Captain talks with you. I will speak with you after that."

He smiled evilly back at Tain.

"Good luck fella."

Tain watched the door close and found himself more then a little nervous. What the heck had Manrique meant by that last comment??

Manrique tapped his communicator.

"Captain Quinn, this is Lieutenant Manrique. I retrieved Lieutenant Tain from the facility and we have arrived back on the Tiberius. I informed the Lieutenant that he should wait in his quarters until you were ready to see him"

Manrique couldn't help himself as he grinned.

"I think you will find him in a ..'receptive' mood. I don't necessarily think there is any reason to rush"

As Quinn acknowledged the communication and closed the channel, Johnny was imagining Lieutenant Tain climbing the walls in his quarters waiting for the Captain. He thought that it would be interesting to be a fly on the wall for that meeting.