Star Trek: Season 10

[X]

Joint post by Jen and Just X

"They sure know how to throw a party," Aeric James said aloud as he and Sevryll moved through the crowd of noble, dignitaries and starship command staff. He adjusted his uniform jacket as his eyes drifted across the courtyard. Outside of the Arabella and other Starfleet vessels, this station would serve as their home away. Before the start of the gala, Aeric had managed to visit the officer's quarters in the imperial sector. It was a collection of suites assigned to the fleet officers, when time permitted their stay. While some of the senior officers of the fleet were given permanent quarters, a majority of the available suites were designated to lower ranking personnel for shore leave purposes. The only anomaly in the sector, was the permanent suite assigned to a civilian aboard Arabella—Ms. Cyra Fredrick.

Sevryll arched a brow in agreement as she straightened the cuffs of her crisp white dress uniform; its high collar, baring four bands of gold, framed her slender neck. Her sable hair was worn high in a mound of loosely bound locks, but at that moment a single strand fell limp against her cheek. She absently pushed it behind a tapered ear and moved her dark eyes to meet the waiter who stopped to offer them drinks. With a slight nod of her head, Sevryll politely refused, but Aeric removed one of the fluted glasses offered on a guilded platter, took a sip and smiled his thanks to the Romulan. The Vulcan captain took her husband's arm and together the approached a lingering group of Romulans and Starfleet officers.

"Aeric! Sevryll! You're both looking well. How are the children?" asked Thelora, the Andorian captain of the Bell and long time family friend. She had been one of the first captains to sign up for the extended mission. Thelora had expected both of her friends to command their own ships, but wasn't all that surprised when Aeric turned down command of the Naegling to be closer to his family. The loss of their son still factored into their decisions even decades after his death. The Andorian woman was one of Aeric's trusted friends in the academy and it was a trust and friendship that quickly extended to Sevryll, shortly after meeting her.

"Our children are well, thank you. Aria is here...somewhere." Said Sevryll as she glanced around the room. "She is with Counselor Margon's son, Brex."

"So she's run off with some boy?" Thelora mused. "Hopefully she's more like her mother than her father."

Aeric shook his head and chuckled. "She's not on a date. He's just a friend."

"I sometimes forget that you didn't really grow up like a normal boy, but young boys aren't friends to attractive young girls without ulterior motives," the blue hued woman smiled. "I would keep an eye on him if I were you."

"Have either of you had time to review the transfer lists to the station? If we hadn't been ordered to overfill our crew, I would have been concerned at the amount of requests."

"Yes. There have been a number from the Arabella. None are department heads," said Sevryll.

Thelora nodded slowly, "Scuttlebutt has suggested that commander T'Priel, the XO on the Naegling, was offered a position on the station. It seems that they have a Spectre Class ship attached to the station and are trying to put together a crew. From what I gather, she and the commander have been bumping heads on how to get things done. I think things would run much smoother on that ship if someone had taken a promotion and the ship they were offered."

Aeric grunted, "I like going on away missions."

"Despite published reports," Thelora said with a smirk, "that regulation is a guide that can easily be overridden by a determined captain."

"Not when you have me as an XO." Aeric replied.

"Well, let's be glad I wasn't foolish enough to do something like that."

Sevryll found Aria and Brex in the crowd. Thelora's warning had stuck in her mind and she heard none of the conversation her husband carried on with their old friend. Their daughter was accepting a cup of brightly colored punch from Brex. The girl smiled, then her eye was drawn to her mother's and she let it fall and donned a more stoic expression.

"What is she drinking?" The Vulcan inquired.

"A damned good question," Aeric muttered under his breath and turned his attention from old friend to eldest daughter. Aeric waved the two over. It wasn't that he didn't trust the children, but the were in a place where the cultural norms were different. The punch could very well be Romulan ale. Aeric's eyes shifted to the cup as they drew closer. "Are you having a good time?"

"Yep ," said the Bajoran boy.

"Yes sir," said Aria. "This punch is very good, father. You should have some."

Aeric nodded to Aria and drew his gaze to his wife.

Thelora chuckled lightly as Sevryll took the cup and sniffed it. There was nothing immediately suspicious so she lifted it to her lips and took a sip. The beverage was fruit punch, nothing more. The Bajoran boy smiled up at the Captain and she inclined her head to him as she handed the cup back to Aria. "How are you Brex?"

"I'm good, thanks Captain."

Aeric smiled at the children while trying to keep himself from laughing at the results of Thelora's comments. "The Romulan drinks, aren't what you are use to. Be careful. We expect you to set an example for the other children on the ship."

Thelora was enjoying the situation almost too much. "So which of you is the trouble maker and what plot did we interrupt?"

"Plot?" Aria inquired with an upraised eyebrow.

Brex's smile broadened. "My father would kill me if I did."

"Aria, Brex, this is Captain Thelora," said Sevryll.

"Hello," said Aria. "Father has told me stories about you and Admiral Johnson."

"I've also heard much about you," the Andorian replied. "If you're anything like the stories, I think that Starfleet will be lucky to have you in a few years. This mission will look great on your application to the academy."

She reflexively smiled then schooled her expression.

Thelora's antenna twitched at the girl's reaction, "You have a beautiful smile. I don't think that the present company would object to seeing it more often."

"Thank you..." She said, trailing off.

Aeric, seeing that the conversation had lulled, attempted to shift to a new topic, "Has anyone seen Oryn? I wanted to congratulate him, but he seems to have slipped away."

[Feathers]

Joint post by Feathers and Jen

Lieutenant Galdar was pulled up short as he entered the Imperial Courtyard of Quirinus Station, struck by the many trappings of empire displayed around the large open space. The contrast with his home planet of Ferenginar was stark and for a moment, almost despite the differences, a pang of homesickness tugged at his stomach. Irritably, he shrugged it away and resumed his progress into the room, determined to take pleasure from the day and his unexpeted presence at such an historic event in such a significant location.

As was their habit, he and his companion were 'fashionably late' and the gala was already in full swing. From the look of it, this had been the case for some time although the waiting staff were doing a creditable job of keeping the guests supplied with drinks and small crunchy things that Galdar was determined to try should he get a hand on some. A number of species were represented in the throng that flowed around them. Some were familiar while others were decidedly less so. To his mixed delight and chagrin he quickly realised that he was not the only Ferengi present at this particular ball, even if he was the only one in starfleet dress whites...with his relatively new full lieutenant's pips prominently displayed. If nothing else, he thought, the uniform sets my orange skin off nicely.

As a junior bridge officer he was invited to staff meetings aboard ship but had not received an invitation to this event. The only reason he was here was because he'd arrived on the arm of his best friend and the Arabella's recently promoted Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ryla Drett.

As they moved into the room, Galdar continued to gawp at the scenery while Ryla acknowledged and greeted a number of the other senior officers from the ships of the Seventh Fleet. They'd effectively been operating together for a while but the opportunities to meet in person had been few and far between. It was like watching the first meeting of people who felt themselves to be old friends, the Ferengi observed.

Eventually, with the social niceties completed, Drett snagged a couple of drinks from a passing tray and turned her attention to her friend.

"Here", she smiled as she passed him a glass, "I've no idea what it is but I'm fairly sure it won't kill you."

"Ha!", snorted Galdar, "Remember what happened the first time you said that?"

Ryla grinned unashamedly. "Weeeell," she drawled, "even Doctors are fallible. Anyway, you're still alive aren't you?"

"I guess so...no thanks to you.", he was trying to hold a pseudo-angry glare but it melted as she matched it with one of her own. "OK, OK", he said raising his hands in mock defeat. "It was thanks to you and only you that I'm still alive." He paused meaningfully before muttering theatrically, "I still think you slipped me the drink just to prove what a wonderful physician you are."

Grinning the, petite Trill punched him in the chest with her free hand before pointing across the floor at a distant orange figure dressed in gentle greens and browns. "Look, he's drinking one and he hasn't dropped dead yet. Go on, try it."

"He's probably taken something to protect him from the effects" the lieutenant quipped.

Raising his glass to his friend and grinning up at her, Galdar took a healthy sip. As the liquid washed down his throat, his grin widened and he forgot the pretense he'd been about to enact. "Hey! That's not bad!"

Ryla took an experimental drink from her own glass. "It's juicy..." She swished it around her mouth, "but I'm not sure it's a 'fruit juicy'. Maybe you like it because it's derived from insect guts." The Trill surreptitiously spat the drink back into her glass and as another waiter passed with a tray of empties, she quickly stowed it on the platter and donned a bright smile. "Desserts..." As gracefully as possible, she waded through the crowd, dragging her friend along with her.

Following in the doctor's wake, Galdar took another healthy mouthful of the liquid in his glass and smacked his lips in appreciation.

[Meds]

JOINT POST BY CRYSTAL AND MEDS

Joseph walked past several crewmen who said hello, he responded, but was distracted with checking over his bat, he had picked it up while he'd been pacing his quarters and he flipped it in his hand as he entered the lift. Thoughts of Shelby's announcement about leaving the Arabella for a posting on the Anzio; it annoyed him. Also he knew he had the celebration in a few hours but he needed to sort this out. What further haunted him was the fact that, once again, he had failed to tell her his true feelings but why should he; he growled inwardly. She had someone else and she was leaving.

Walking out of the lift, his thoughts continued, after all he had been slow to speak his mind in the Jeffries tube, the night before in his quarters and then the drink at the Afterburner had flamed out. This was the straw that broke the camel's back. He strode purposely into the holo suite. "D'Callan program Cricket-JDA" without a thought that the program was up and running already the Chief made his way onto the beautifully lush, green cricket lawn. He took his belt off, tossing it aside and raised his cricket bat. Nodding to the umpire he took his position at the crease.

The umpire turned and talked to the bowler and then looked at D'Callan "Left hand, spin"

Joseph nodded and waited for the oncoming ball. It bounced and spun only slightly to his left but he swung and cracked it just at the bottom of his bat; it soared into the air and cleared the boundary, a six. Looking down at the ground momentarily he lifted his hawk-like gaze back up to see the ball being thrown from player to player until it arrived back with the bowler.

D'Callan stood straighter; preparing for the next volley. "Why didn't I just tell Shelby how I feel?" The ball bounced in exactly the same position and Joe did a defensive stroke, "Damn it" , knocking the ball for a two run.

"I mean what is it with me?" he hefted his bat and checked the wood, twisting it slightly. "She was right there, all I needed to do was ask...."

Another ball came, higher this time and spinning to the right, he moved his leg and snapped it down the centre the bowler ducked as Joseph pointed the bat at him.

Shifting a little to one side; D'Callan readied for the next shot while he carried on counseling himself in a heavier tone.

"But what do I say?" he leveled the bat, "Shelby, I've fallen for you..." feeling it's weight in his hands, "a right more thans fair?"

The bowler scowled at him. "Aye...that I can't stop thinking about you...." Swinging at the ball as it ripped past him, Joe clenched the bat; constricting it.

Was that a splinter that slid into his flesh painfully just then? Ignoring it he glared at the bowler across the field from him, then he opened his palm to check his hand, nothing was there.

"That every-time I look at you I just want to run my fingers through that long midnight hair.." Looking upwards at the beautiful sky he took a deep breath  "and that sometimes I believe it's going to be the end of me..."

The bowler took his position.

"All that is standing between us..." While Joseph continued talking. "are...just a few simple words..."  He checked his footing, then spied the man across from him. "Hell, that's not true anymore....soon it's going to be even more..."  He said musingly.

The bowler flipped the ball up in the air and caught it, he rubbed the red leather against his leg and began to pace.

"So what do I say now?" Turning his fist tightly around the bat, Joe heard the squeak of his skin against the bat. "Don't go....I want you to stay with me Shelby"

The bowler lowered his head, his cold stare mirroring a bull aiming at a red flag

"See, it isn't that hard to just say those words" D'Callan said with irony coloring his words.

The bowler ran fast, he picked up the pace and headed towards the back wicket, jumping slightly he bowled a perfect straight.

It bounced just outside of the crease and curved in, but Joseph had it clear in his sights. "I just can't seem to say it to you!" He growled as he swung his bat with frustration. He shouted at the same time as the ball connected; as if using it for a release.

The ball cracked harshly into the air, while Joe ran to the far wicket, he eyed the ball, watching it bounce on the ground he shouted.  "I can get a two here" while he began to run back. The fields tossed the ball and when Joe wasn't looking the wicket keeper ran out, caught the ball then roughly knocked D'Callan onto the ground to his surprise. Followed by the keeper throwing the ball at the wicket. the chief landed on the door and he glared at the wicket keeper.

Narrowing his eyes he directed his ire towards the figure. "What the hell are you doing! Get a grip mate"

Whomever this was seemed to ignore the remarks hurled at them. Almost tauntingly, the player watched Joseph as they approached him; yet they remained silent.

[Shelby D]

JP By Meds & Crystal

Shifting his hard stare at umpire D'Callan yelled. "Right you are what'd'ya doing just standing there!" He demanded. 

The nemesis who had robbed him of his score was nearly to him when they unexpectedly stretched out a hand to Joseph without saying a word to him. 

D'Callan took the hand and hefted himself to his feet, he was suspicious. Why would a holo-deck simulation behave in such a manner? Then a thought came to him which sent a chill through his blood. He stepped closer to the figure, he saw those eyes the stormy gray froze him in place. His bat tumbled out of his hand and onto the dusty ground below.   
 
Wearing the same uniform as the other players, which hid her features and hair, Shelby lifted her hand and removed the helmet, releasing her long dark curls' which tumbled downwards onto her shoulders. Words fell short, everything that had been rationalized out and through through was now irrelevant... Moving forward her exotic orbs held a different light towards Joe D'Callan. They both walked a delicate edge, she appeared to want to say something; she couldn't.
   
He looked at her "It appears you have caught me out, in more ways than one." his eyes fell down towards the bat on the ground, his stomache turned with embarrassment; she'd heard every word he had said. "and I've dug myself a right huge hole here and the groundsmen of this rather nice pitch will have aright moan over it" He smiled but his eyes reflected his nervousness.

Her hand slipped up and along his strong jawline, tickling the slight stubble which she found so roguishly handsome on him. She brought his eyes back to hers never faltering. She shook her head but she remained silent.

He looked at her, studying the differences in this manifestation of the woman, which nearly took his breath away and the woman whom he had been resisting all this time. His free hand unconsciously reached out and touched a errant ebony lock. His normal hard exterior broke, as he refused to look away this time.

"I'm so sorry not to have said it sooner. I should have told you when you said that you 'felt like you didn't belong anywhere'...that you do have somewhere to belong...here on the Arabella and.....He could see acceptance in her eyes. "....with me...I can't stop this time...I won't.....I'm opening myself up to you Shelby." 
 
"I don't want you to stop..." She whispered softly to him as she shook her head and stepped close enough for them to touch against each other.   

He raised his hand, touching the silky skin he had longed to touch,  she was so warm...he let his fingers trail lightly down her neck as she smiled and sighed contentedly....it was if all the stress and tension was melting away.

D'Callan smiled at her as he drew his face closer to hers, pausing for a moment, allowing himself the luxury of enjoying her like this. 

She looked up at him, letting her fingers slip into his dark hair. Not wanting to be interrupted again Joseph moved in and put his lip against hers. Her response was immediate as they held each other; neither of them ever wanted to stop. There was a heated electricity that flowed through them as they kissed, his heart exploded as he felt Shelby pressing herself even closer to him.

As they pulled back, her eyes, which reminded him of a stormy summers day, locked onto Joseph's while she stroked the nap of his neck.

Shelby felt at home here in this man's arms. This was who she felt right with no matter how much she had been denying it and forbidding herself to relate to it; this was who she wanted to be with. Raising up slightly to kiss him again his com-badge went off.

"Dunn to D'Callan."

Reaching up he tapped his badge. "D'Callan...go" 

"We're going to need to start processing the departing Romulans. So they can transfer to the station. Ive gathered a small staffing for it. Did you want to handle some of the more prominent members of the refugees?"

"I'll be there shortly...D'Callan out." His eyes went back to the woman and he stole a few more minutes away to be here with Shelby like this.

The rest of the world faded away as Shelby tightened her hold on Joe. 

"Always interruptions aye..." Joseph said in a husky voice as he kept his eyes on the woman who wrapped her arms around his neck while D'Callan drew his arms around her waist and he lowered to kiss her again.

[X]

Oryn t'Rllaillieu, the lost son of the emperor, quietly entered the imperial quarters on the station. His imperial quarters. Footsteps echoed on the hard stone floors of the entryway as he made his way across the low lit chamber and into the adjoining office. Sitting atop the an aged hard wood desk rested a bottle of ale and two ornate goblets.

Wasting no time and still weary from his recent decisions, Oryn filled both glasses with the green hued liquid. "I didn't want this."

"Never the less," the voice of an aged female echoed from the shadows. "this is your responsibility to bear cousin."

"Why me and why now?" Oryn asked as he brought one of the glasses to his lips and turned to hand the second to the woman who had stepped from the shadows.

Liviana Charvanek, niece to Emperor Shiarkiek and blood cousin to Oyrn accepted the glass. "I saved you from the plans of the Tal Shiar and placed you with a common family so that you could one day save our people. Now is the time to fulfill your duty Oryn. You are the heir of the emperor, but you know the struggles of the commoner. We must take a new direction if we are to rise from this."

Oryn shook his head, "I was fine being a commander. I did as to be a Preator or an Emperor."

"Must we discuss this?" Liviana, the former head of Romulan Security, mused. "You are a man of honor, you know your duties. Regardless of how you feel about them, you will do what is needed of you. I believe that your disinterest in the titles and the job is what makes you the most qualified to bear this burden."

Oryn drained his glass before turning his gaze back to his benefactor. She had helped to guide his career, but it was only after the fall of the homeworlds that he learned of his true parentage and the blood connection they shared. "Claiming a title is one thing, but how the hell am I supposed to bring together the people?"

Liviana sipped her drink and smiled at her youthful cousin, "You were born and bred to be a leader Oryn. The Tal Shiar went though great trouble to make sure the emperor had a worthy heir. I went though even greater trouble to make sure that you would be a man of the people. Donatra went through great trouble to make sure that you would have the resources available to complete your task. While we had some warning of a pending danger, it was far earlier than we had expected it to be. We couldn't save the homeworlds, but you can save the empire."

"I don't think I'm ready for this."

"Oryn, it's not something that you can be ready for." she offered. "You do what you think is best and you learn from the mistakes you make along the way. That's all that anyone can ask of you."

"Well, at least the ale is good." he replied with a smile.

"Just don't drink enough to forget the target that now sits on your back." she suggested. "I believe the perks are there to take away some of the bitterness of the threats. Your father was assassinated. Let us home that his son does not follow a similar path."

"Where should we start?" he asked.

"We? I'm too old for the politics Oryn. This is your fight." she said as she set her empty glass on the desk. "I would suggest that you rebuild the senate. With the senate chambers here, it will remind the people that this station is the heart of the empire."

"I have a frei-" Oryn started.

"I already know. A former head of Romulan Security does not forget the skills and allies that brought her to her position." Liviana interupted. "Emperors, Preators, and nobles are all allowed their distractions. You did well to give this Cyra Fredrick quarters in the imperial sector of the station. It and her federation ship will keep her safe while your new enemies reveal themselves."

Oryn nodded. His cousin understood him well. He gave her the quarters to keep her close, but also to keep her safe. He had refused to take a guard and did not wish to burden her with one, but he could use his power to keep her safe.

[Feathers]

Joint post by Jen and Feathers

The dessert table was full but not overcrowded and the two officers had little trouble getting access to the available sweets. A fair amount of damage had already been done by the assembled dignitaries but enough of the confections remained that the pair were presented with a difficult choice. Galdar, Ferengi genes coming to the fore, simply grabbed a plate and started to pile on samples of the different dishes working from the centre outwards.

He maneuvered down the table until he was stopped by the bulky mass of the U.S.S. Boris Yegerov's Chief Medical Officer.

"Mr. Galdar," the man said in a deep, curt baritone.

The Ferengi gazed up at the officer and smirked, "Mr. Young."

Seeing the inevitable intersection, Ryla picked up her speed to head off the potential conflict. "Ah, Lieutenant Commander. It's been so long since we last met face to face. You're looking well."

"As are you, Lieutenant Commander Drett," he replied with a forced smile.

The silence started to stretch, neither party being willing to continue an exchange of pleasantries that no-one was particularly committed to. This mutual antipathy had began at the Academy and while time had done something to heal the rift, Galdar doubted that anything short of a black hole would be able to erase the events of ten or more years before.

Oblivious to the uncomfortable scene being played out, a figure emerged from the crowd to Young's left and curled an arm through one of his. "Hey you", it started, light heartedly, "I lost you for a moment...". Kate Young's voice tailed off and her lips thinned as she finally noticed who her husband was currently not in conversation with.

"Lieutenant", Galdar nodded politely at the new arrival, grinning slightly now.

"Galdar", Kate's head moved fractionally in the Ferengi's direction before she pointedly turned to face her husband. "Captain Selar asks if you could spare her a moment of your time sometime in the next half hour." She glanced meaningfully at the Arabella officers. "I think NOW may be a good time to accommodate her." So saying she let go of her husband's arm and stalked off, quickly losing herself in the crowd.

"Duty calls I'm afraid", Young smiled insincerely, "I can't tell you how nice it was to run into you both again."

"Lieutenant," his voice was almost a sneer, "Commander," he nodded at Ryla before turning away and following his wife.

"That was fun." Galdar observed with just a tinge of audible regret.

[Shelby D]

JP by Meds & Crystal

Joe had to know as the pair exitted the holo-suite and they walked towards the lift. "How did you sneak into the holo-suite? That was pretty good."

"I was already there." She said softly to him as she smiled and glanced over at him.

His eyes shifted suddenly. "You play cricket?"

"Well, not until I got posted here and I heard you were a player; I couldn't let you be the only one...now could I? So I decided to learn; found I had a knack for the wicket keeper."

Giving a smirk Joe smiled at her as he pressed the panel. "You never cease to suprise me Shel."

As the pair walked onto the lift, the doors shut again, Shelby's gray orbs shifted to D'Callan. "Good, and on that note...I finally get my wish."

A curious smirk slipped onto Joe's expression. "What is that?"

"I've been pondering what seeing you in a dress uniform might be like for a while now." A sly grin took over her expression. "Maybe I'll even see more."

Joe was about to retort when the doors opened and Shelby smiled.

"Looks like my floor." She said with a smile as she stepped out. Then she glanced back one last time to see D'Callan crossing his arms along his chest and watching her smugly as the doors shut.

-

Having the quickest shower of his life Joe stood outside of her quarters. Pulling his white dress uniform down and drawing his hair back as he pressed the door chime. Standing there for what seemed like ages he tapped the door with his knuckle and then started to worry that maybe she had gone without him. Suddenly the door opened.

Shelby looked stunning, the white uniform was a contrast to her midnight hair which she had pulled up on each side and then let drop in raven curls along her shoulders.  Her gray eyes sparkled as they
raked down D'Callan's form then she displayed an unexpected shyness towards him as she looked downwards.

He couldn't help but smile. "You look amazing." Walking in he put his arms around her waist, he leant in and kissed her as the door hissed shut behind him. Pulling back they looked into each others eyes, he took his thumb and caressed her cheek grinning, then Joseph suddenly remembered the time. "Come on we have to get going, we're late as it is"

Holding his arm Shelby stopped him "Wait, don't take this the wrong way, but I'm not sure we should let on that we're getting involved....I mean like a couple..I mean we are aren't we"

"I think so yes," Joseph laughed holding her closer. "Are you worried that as Chief of Security carrying on with one of his staff, that people would think you are getting extra privileges"

Shelby leant into him, his body was so warm next to her. "Well, I will be getting 'certain' privileges but we are in security....it's dangerous. I don't want anyone pitting us against one another because of this." she paused, letting the moment settle with her, then she lifted her eyes to him. "We should take this slow, we should be friends above all else, lets take it easy, well easy, outside "

Joseph nodded, he understood the importance of not letting any enemy know your personal life. Part of him wanted to walk into the party with her on his arm and a huge grin on his face, the other part of him rationalized that he didn't want any questions either.

"Ok so we go to the party together but pretend we're just accompanying each other; friends." He said soundly.

Shelby nodded. "Friends, yes, I think its best but before we leave," drawing him with her Joe easily gave into her wishes. Slender fingers traced their way upwards along the soft fabric of the uniform to the man's squared shoulders. "You do look good in that uniform" brushing off what he suspected was imaginary dust.

"Tell me something my young protege."  Canting his brow Joseph smirked, "You never did tell me if you'd have breakfast as well as the bed?"

"Ohh, you remember that."

"I do..." he said with a knowing smirk.

"Well, you're not going to find that out just yet.."

"Fair enough..." He said continuing his expression as he took Shelby's hand with his. Pulling her along towards the door, as it parted, he peered out into the empty hallway. Glancing back he walked out casually with the woman following close behind.

Making their way down the corridor to the lift there seemed to be an air of mystery that made D'Callan smile even broader. "This is like being on a mission" laughed Joseph.

"Behave yourself..." Daelen said while giving Joseph a wink as the two strode onto the turbo lift. After leaving the ship, it didn't take long for them to arrive at the party entrance. The station was certainly impressive and Joseph couldn't help but think that Commander Oryn had a task on his hands.

"Ok, ready to face the crowds" Standing at the entryway, slightly apart, yet just brushing against one another Shelby and Joe exchanged a secretive gaze. For just the briefest of moments, then the two officers smiled and parted company to either side of the room.

[Jen]

Joint Post by Crystal and Jen

How did you handle the situation with Daelen's tranfer? Aeric projected to Sevryll as they continued their conversation with old friends. With a thought she shared the outcome of the meeting had just prior to their tour of the station....



....Sevryll was standing at her ready room view port when the chime sounded. "Enter," she said in a dusty alto that failed to offer even the smallest morsel of emotion. As the door swept open, the light and sound emanating from the bridge spilled into the dimly lit room, momentarily washing its contents in long planes and sharp angles of brightness. It all abruptly diminished as the door closed behind the ensign.

Arriving at the Captain's request, Shelby entered the ready room, and immediately she got the distinct impression that this was not going to be a particularly pleasant visit. If the scene in the lift had been uncomfortable to say that this one put that one to shame was an understatement. Whatever had brought her here wasn't going to bode well. She stiffened though and kept herself steady and silent. She moved a bit closer to stand at attention and Shelby finally spoke. "Captain, I came as soon as I could."

The Captain continued to watch the small workpods as they moved about Arabella's docking port. She would accompany Commander James to the station to tour the facility, but first there was the matter of the Ensign's application. It would never manifest in her tone, or in her expression, but the Vulcan was unhappy to discover that the security officer (who she herself had hand picked) had chosen to apply for a position aboard another vessel without consulting her first. Sevryll's arched brow briefly defied the shadows as she slowly pivoted to face the much younger woman standing behind her. She tucked a long strand of raven hair behind her ear with one hand and with the other, raised a PADD to eye level.

"Your short career has fostered a small number of notable highlights." Sevryll shifted her gaze to meet Daelen's as she lowered the PADD once more. "These experiences earned you a place among my crew. " She handed the device to the Ensign and gestured to the large red chair near the entry as she drifted to her desk to seat herself. "Though your record is impressive, you are far from seasoned and as such you are not qualified to fill the position of Assistant Chief on any vessel within this fleet. The experience required for such postings may be gained during this mission, and I can help you to achieve that goal, but you have not reached it yet Ensign. I have informed Captain Brott and his Chief of Security, Lieutenant Commander Locke, of my decision to keep you aboard the Arabella." Sevryll folded her hands before her, seemingly oblivious of Shelby's concerned expression. The Vulcan took a slight breath then pause briefly before continuing, "I find it curious that you would bypass your captain and commanding officer to apply. Special discretion was taken to select you for the position you fill now. I am most displeased by your covert attempt to leave this crew."

If Shelby had not been able to stand there and remain unemotional, for the moment, over this situation she may have been hitting her head with her hand and calling herself stupid. In her haste to escape the issues she felt existed between she and D'Callan, Shelby had failed to follow a proper path and now any chance of leaving was toast. Taking a moment to measure her response she thought it through and then offered it. "Captain, I apologize for not following the chain of command. You are correct. My approach on this was inappropriate and ill-timed." Shifting her eyes to the Vulcan, Daelen continued. "I request that you please reconsider. I understand that you wanted me on this ship...I'm sorry there is no excuse for this, Sir."

Sevryll ignored the use of 'sir', which she vigorously discouraged amongst her crew, and allowed the silence to expand between them before replying. "Sit. You are in no position to request special dispensation, Ensign." The captain leaned forward slightly as the ensign lowered herself into the crimson chair. Even though she had always suppressed her own, Sevryll could read the emotions of others through their tone, body language and facial expressions; her bonding with Aeric James had seen to that. Daelen was abashed...and by the sound of her plea and the course of her previous actions... more than a little desperate.

"I think that in light of recent changes, this is the best course of action for my career and it is in the best interest of the ship."

"This mission, Ensign Daelen, is of higher importance to Starfleet than our careers, this ship or the Seventh Fleet. If you feel you cannot carry out your duty here... it would then be my duty to have you transported back to Federation Space. There you will no doubt find a less demanding posting, where promotion is easily gained."

This was difficult, the words were there but nothing came out. Shelby glanced downwards and tried to think of a way around being blunt but she found none. "I am not sure how best to say this." lifting her gaze she tried again. "What has occurred has taken me off guard in more than one way and in the end I know I have to decide what to do this just seemed to be the best answer to the situation. Because this will remove it."

"It?" Sevryll's brow arched with the utterance of the word.

"May - may I speak off the record to you Captain?" The visible tension that was building in Shelby was obvious.

The Vulcan inclined her head slightly, giving her permission.


"Lieutenant Commander D'Callan and I, as you know, have worked together before. I think in the past there was a measure of attraction between us...which has been building since I've been assigned here. I don't know if he feels the same; he might for all I know...but there are things to consider....he is my commanding officer....Taking that into consideration I feel it is a liability. That is why I am asking to leave the ship."

Sevryll considered her over steepled fingers for a long moment.  "A liability... " She paused once more before continuing. "I know Mr. D'Callan to be exceedingly competent officer. I doubt any disinterest on his part would prevent him from performing his duty." She studied the Ensign's face, the young woman wasn't being completely honest. "You do not believe him to be apathetic towards you."

"I would not presume to speak for J— the Commander..." pursing her lips, she stared at the Captain evenly.  

"Do you believe my relationship with the first officer makes me a encumbrance to the Arabella, Ensign?" She inquired in an even tone.

"Of course not..." Shelby only gave her head a slight shake from side to side. "I can't see myself seeking an answer from him on this though, Captain. I am not a Vulcan, I am half Romulan as you know, that makes this; with all due respect slightly different." Her eyes dropped and she seemed to pull her thoughts together. "He is a good man, I respect him, we don't always agree but we do work well together....I care for him." There she had said it. She breathed out as if it had been almost a relief to say aloud. "If I attempted to approach the matter with him and he did not reciprocate it would place both of us in a ....difficult position....especially with him being my immediate supervisor. It is a path I do not believe would be advisable to be on."  

"I see... Due to a theoretical 'difficult position' that your erratic Romulan feelings, and Mr. D'Callan's conjectural failure to reciprocate those feelings, would foster... it is your supposition that under those speculative circumstances, you could no longer perform your duties aboard this ship. " The Vulcan lifted a PADD from her desk and scanned its contents. "There are two Ferengi trade ships docked at the station. I will notify Starfleet Command of your discharge from the Seventh Fleet and will arrange for your transport back to Federation Space aboard one of the trade ships." She carefully returned the PADD back to the desk and rose from her chair. "If there is nothing more Ensign..."

Hearing this Shelby was reminded of being gut kicked, she gazed at the Vulcan, "I believe that we agreed this was off the record? Booting me off the Seventh Fleet is a bit much don't you think?"

Though Sevryll's expression remained stoic, her eyes were quite expressive and they flashed a dangerous look that reminded the Ensign she was still speaking to her captain. "This conversation involved your inability to work with my Chief Of Security. The reasons for that inability are off the record, Ensign. Did you not request a transfer? Your options are to remain on Arabella and deal with your conundrum or transfer from this fleet. Which will it be? I require a decision now."

"I never -- " About to retort, Daelen stopped herself, she didn't feel like she had said that she 'couldn't' work with the Chief. What she had been trying to impress was the impracticality of following such a course of action. As the impact of her words sank in Shelby gave an inward sign, despite this conversations path, she knew that the conflict in her about the man still existed. The edges of her thoughts told her she had disappointed and annoyed the Captain. Maybe she had told Sevryll about this problem, not just because she was the Captain, because she could have made any variety of reasons for wanting to leave but instead she finally said it to the Vulcan 'because' she was in a situation such as this.

Instead the response which had been received was more like being knocked out a tree with a hammer. Right or wrong Shelby realized she had hoped for some sort revelation on what to do. There was none, except inside her and it was becoming apparent that she would have to chose. "I would like to request some time to think this through a bit more." Her gaze lifted again to the woman and she stared at her evenly. "You have my answer on your desk before the celebration begins; if you see fit to allow me this time."

"I see fit... you are dismissed." Captain Sevryll could not always be a close personal friend or a parent to her crew. And until her five-year-old children reached adolescence, she would never offer sage advice with regards to romance to anyone other than her own twelve year old daughter. In fact, the pragmatic woman expected her officers to be mature enough to deal with issues such as these on their own.

Apart from being a Vulcan, Captain Sevryll was also a war veteran; a military-minded, nonsense commander, responsible for the lives of the Seventh Fleet and the success of the mission it was tasked with. True...Sevryll's manner was very frank, but not because she disliked Ensign Daelen. Her approach was adopted to direct the young woman, without mothering her, to speak with D'Callan rather than flee any projected complications. Sevryll was well aware that Shelby wanted to remain apart of the mission and knew the option of leaving the Seventh Fleet would be rejected by the young officer.  As she noted the entrance of Ensign Daelen at the gala with Chief D'Callan, she knew Joseph's 'conjectural failure' to reciprocate Shelby's feelings, was indeed... conjecture.

[Bryancd]

Joint post by Shelby and Bryancd

Nalah was once again back to pacing relentlessly in her cell. The conflicting emotions tearing her up on the inside. Why? Why did he do this? Did he love me? Why did Shelby tell her? Her head was spinning and she couldn't focus. If this were true, her father was a great man who loved his people and his daughter and sacrificed himself to protect them all. She thought of him, alone on the Federation starship Enterprise, discovering the truth behind his betrayal. She thought of the despair he must have felt. He died with honor, but he died alone. The tears began to well back up in her eye's but she fought them back. A cold sense of purpose rose up into her. Her face flushed with rage and a single thought. Someone knew on this ship and she suspected she knew exactly who....Navash. She had to.....She looked around. She had to get out of this room. She walked over to the food replicator and opened a small panel. Pulling free a simple isolinear chip, she sabotaged the device and closed the panel.

Ensign Burne stood by the door, he waited and waited, the time was dragging. Most of the rest of his security detail was going to be taking shore leave on the Star Base and he was anxious to join them. A whole Star Base full of Romulans and he was stuck guarding one Romulan woman.

Nalah walked over to the door and knocked loudly. "Hello!" she called.

Ensign Burne sighed. "What is it?" he said, trying to not sound annoyed.

"The food replicator has malfunctioned. May I go to the mess to have a meal?" she said and held her breath. She needed to do this...quietly. Subterfuge would replace raw violence.

Rolling his eyes, Scott knew that some systems on the ship were acting funny, still he knew he had his orders. "I will have a meal brought to you." Tapping his combadge he called the mess and arranged for something to be transported into the room.

Nalah stared at the recently arrived tray with a covered plate. It smelled quit good, but she wasn't hungry and needed to get out. "Look, would it be so hard to just take me to the mess hall so that I could have a little company?" she asked through the closed door.

After some consideration, Burne checked his padd. There were no restrictions that said that the woman 'had' to stay in her quarters. She just had to remain with security at all times. "All right," pressing the door control he found the woman standing there waiting. "Let's go." gesturing towards the lift down the hallway the man walked behind her. Nalah walked behind the hulking man, her eyes darting around in an effort to commit to memory the layout of the ship. She would need to know all she could if she planned on evading capture once free of the security officer. After a brief ride in the turbo lift, as they neared the crew mess hall, a group of Starfleet officers exiting waved towards Burne.

"Hey! Burne! Where have you been? We waited for you!" one of the said. Burne stopped and looked at Nalah.

"Go ahead in, I'll be right there," he said and turned towards his friends. "Babysitting," he said, just loud enough for Nalah to hear as she entered the mess hall. Turning back to the Romulan woman he watched her walk over to the replicators. Once she was at a nearby table he stood there for a time but his buddies kept talking to him. Finally when he noted that Nalah was very wrapped up in her food he moved over to his buddies and began talking to them.

As soon as the mess hall door's closed, Nalah put her fork down and slowly stood up. With all of the Romulan's on board the ship, no one paid her any notice. She stood and moved back towards the door. It swooshed open as a pair of officers entered and Nalah could see Ensign Burne still speaking with his friends, his back to the door and his compatriots laughing at his story. A woman intently reading a pad walked by Nalah towards the closing door and Nalah dropped in behind her. As they entered the corridor, the woman turned left towards Burne and Nalah quickly turned left and walked quickly down the hallway. She was unsure how much time she would have, but it would have to be enough.

[Meds]

Joint Post by Meds, Feathers and Jen

Joseph walked straight towards the food tables giving a nod to Galdar and Ryla as he joined them near the desserts.

"Lt. Galdar, Doctor. How are you both?", he started. "It all seems to be going well so far."

Galdar and Ryla exchanged glances. The presence of the Youngs had soured things a little but not enough to ruin the day.

"It's actually been a little more...interesting than I'd expected," the Ferengi replied, "and the catering is certainly top notch." He raised his glass of beetle juice and took another large sip.

"Have you seen K'Tan anywhere?", the human enquired.

Before Galdar could open his mouth, Ryla spoke up quickly, almost defensively. "No why should I have? I mean not since the other day."

From the corner of his eye, Joseph watched Galdar tilt his head to one side as the Trill spoke. The expression on his face was unreadable but it looked as if he was listening to something other than the words the doctor was actually saying.

"Right, no worries I'll leave you two to your sweet plates" turning to leave, the security chief stopped as if struck by a sudden thought. "Oh, there's a couple of officers, a big fella and a woman standing over there. They seem quite intrested in you. The one keeps doing something with his hair. See you both later."

"Thanks for the tip off, sir", Galdar grinned at the Australian, "but we've got a handle on it."

Scanning the room, ever being watchful and yet still seeking K'Tan in the crowds, the commander's eyes reached the drinks table. There Joseph found himself staring at a small knot of women. Standing in the centre was Shelby. They locked eyes for a moment and then Joseph broke the gaze to get a beer.

[Feathers]

Joint post by Jen and Feathers

Ryla took a bite of what looked like a square green cookie, with some sort of blue and yellow cream swirled amidst the brittle composition. As soon as the morsel entered her mouth, the concoction seared her tongue. To her credit, she fought the desire to spit the contents into her hand and swallowed it heavily. "Gauuaahh... Oh...oh my...that was..." She choked as she looked for a place to leave the remainder.

Galdar watched her with mild curiosity. "Awful?" He asked. Ryla nodded in response, still looking for a place to deposit the dessert. "Here," chuckling, he raised his plate, "give it to me..." The Trill almost tossed it from her hand then brushed her fingers together to remove any trace of crumbs. As she did, her eye was drawn to two more familiar, unhappy faces. Senator Nevash and the merry woman who had broken the doctor's wrist on one occasion and attempted to strangle the life of her on another, glared at her from across the room. Before Ryla could comment, a band began to play and Galdar quickly stashed his dish of sweets and took Ryla's hand to haul her away. "Lets dance!"

"Aha..." the Trill laughed, "I don't know how to dance to this music. It doesn't seem to have a recognizable beat."
 
"Well, improvise! How hard can it be?" Galdar pulled her to the edge of the floor and together they watched the brave souls who had dared to be the first to join the dance. Mainly Romulan, all of the species represented were native to the empire and seemed to have an innate understanding of the hidden beat and rhythm constructed into the music. As they watched, the Starfleet officers began to discern it too, finding the complexities masked beneath some of the arrhythmic measures overlaid on top of the arrangement.
 
Galdar looked at his partner, sensing the moment when the doctor locked onto the well hidden beat and together the two moved out into the open area. A murmur of conversation (and not a little surprise) rippled round the Romulan contingent in the room as the crowd took note of the first white uniforms to attempt to conquer the dance, dying down as the two moved into the flow with little visible effort.
 
"This is harder than it looks." Galdar muttered through gritted teeth as he avoided Ryla's toes for the seventh time. "The movement is clever but the co-ordination is murder to maintain. It's about as easy as flying through an asteroid field that's being sucked into the gravity well of a binary black hole!"
 
"The 'Chicken Dance' is less awkward looking... Ahg," groaned Ryla as she attempted to follow Galdar.

"As long as we don't have to keep it up all night!"
 
As if on cue, the music changed and a familiar tune began to drift across the Imperial Courtyard. A wicked, toothy, Ferengi grin spread across Galdar's face and as more Federation species moved to the dance floor, he looked into his partner's glinting eyes. "Remember how we used to dance this at the academy?" he asked with an almost evil laugh. "I think I'm still up to it...and as Danny and Kate are here, I'd love to give them a replay just to see if the lieutenant commander would dare to throw fruit again!"
 
"I doubt Danny would risk our retribution a third time." Ryla laughed. "I'm game if you are."
 
"I just hope you haven't put on too much weight!" Laughing aloud at the CMO's outraged expression, the lieutenant pulled her into the opening motions of the dance they'd learned so long ago and, together, they lost themselves in the familiar moves as the music rose and fell around them.
 
As it had at the academy, their performance garnered some attention and Galdar grinned as he spun his taller partner with a still practiced hand. From the corner of his eye, he caught sight of his captain and first officer regarding them from across the room; Aeric James, with a grin, saluted then with a raised glass while his wife regarded them neutrally, one elegant eyebrow raised in an almost quizzical expression.
 
As the music reached its crescendo, the Ferengi sprang over the Trill and turned to take her for the final dip. They held the pose for what seemed like an age, waiting for the strike of ripened fruit but when nothing was thrown, they recovered their feet, acknowledging the guests who toasted their efforts and as the music transitioned into another Romulan piece, retired to a quiet corner of the room.

Coming to halt beside an ornate flowering shrub of some sort, Galdar stopped to recover himself. "That was...tiring. Remind me to work out more often.", he muttered between labored breaths, hands on his knees and head hanging from his shoulders.
 
Not quiet as winded, Ryla put an arm around her Ferengi friend and laughed, "I've been trying to get you to join me in the Sock Hop sim...but you've been finding time for any and all programs but mine. I'm starting to think you're avoiding me," she teased.

"Well, that was MOST interesting to watch", a strange but familiar voice observed sarcastically. "Is this how Staaarfleeet 'officers' are taught to handle themselves at these functions?"

The Ferengi's head snapped up at the comment, a look of utter and complete shock immobilising his features as his eyes sought out the face of the individual who'd addressed him and his hand sought Ryla's forearm to steady himself.

"Hello Galdar." A familiar orange figure stood in front of him, an almost visible aura of disapproval radiating from every pore.

"Hello father."

[X]

Joint post by KC and Just X

Thin slivers of starlight danced over half naked romulan flesh as Oryn slipped free of the weighty covers and the warmth within. The soft scents of flowers and wilderness from the homeworld, now extinct, still wafted in the air from candles extinguished hours ago. The comforting aromas were muted by the sweet smell of his companion's hair that still lingered in his nose, a scent that had come to mean more than the imitations from his lost world. Large and ornate windows held the image of a clear night sky of Romulus as seen from the imperial palace. It was an illusion that could be replaced with the sky of Phaestus with a simple command, but Oryn had been having troubles letting go of that illusion. He could not help but wonder what thoughts that his parents had dreamed under those very stars.

Dark black pants made of romulan silk covered his lower half as he reached for a robe of the same material that would cover his now bare chest. Oryn slipped the loose fitting robe over his shoulder and glanced longingly back to his sleeping guest. Were it his choice, he would have remained in the opulent bed and luxuriated in the heat and the closeness of his companion, but duty conspired to make his choices very limited as of late. The weight of an empire rested heavily and squarely on his shoulders. An empty bottle of Terran wine lay on it's side on the night stand next to empty crystal glasses created on one of the many romulan protectorates. It was a reminder of the conversation and private celebration from only a few hours ago.

Despite the best efforts of the engineers, he could feel the pulse and hum of the station lightly rumble through the soles of his feet. The cool stone was a perfect contrast to the heat of the bed. Outside of the quite of his chambers, the celebration raged on and gave his people a much needed release. A softly flashing jade light from the communications terminal confirmed that messages awaited him. Without looking, he knew that those messages would measure in the dozens and part of him hesitated on the rush to deal with the paperwork of his position.

Standing at the window, Oryn's heightened sense of hearing alerted him to a change in the rhythmic pattern his companion's breathing. Moments later, Cyra shift in the bed as she noticed the void created by his absence. The delicate strap of a ruby colored gown highlighted the hue of her jade tinted skin where the cover didn't shield her. He couldn't help himself from just watching her sleep and breath. Their relationship had always been complicated and recent days only exacerbated that fact. Both had come a long way from the clubs and bars of Earth that gave them their first meetings. It was their shared zest for life and rejection of their heritages that gave them a common ground. Years later, that common ground had evolved into a very intense friendship.

Slowly, almost reluctantly, Cyra lifted herself up from the comforts of her pillow and looked up at the Romulan through squinted, tired eyes. "You moved," she said.

"Darlin', I didn't mean to wake you," he offered apologetically and returned to sit on the bed beside her. "That was the best I've slept in a long time. I know it's selfish to want you to stay, but I'm actually quite comfortable with that."

Quietly, he placed his hand on her still covered thigh and met her eyes with his, "You have quarters here and a majority interest in one of the main bars. I know you've made a life on that ship of yours, but I don't want you to leave. Since I found out who I was, the time we've spent together is the only time I've felt happy or didn't feel lonely. I don't want you to think I'm bribing you, but I can if it helps. Once the gala is over, I'm pretty sure that your ship will return to their mission and I don't think that holo-presence communication is going to be enough."

Before Cyra could reply, the chime of the communications system pierced the silence. A glance to the terminal revealed it to be a live communication from the Federation Executive Offices. Oryn grumbled softly as he rose. "I need to get that, but we should finish our talk afterwards."

[Bryancd]

The corridors of the Arabella were alive with activity as crew and Romulan refugees moved back and forth from the Starbase. She came around a corner near the docking connecting tunnel and ran squarely into a group of refugees making their way towards the exit door. She had no difficulty joining them, her head bowed and eye's averted as not to be seen by any of the security personal at the hatch. She held her breath as she cleared the threshold and entered the connecting tunnel. The now familiar scents of the Arabella began to mingle with air from the Starbase, which somehow reminded her of home.

The station was massive and she could easily blend into the local population but she had no doubt that once she was discovered to be missing, security will be looking for her. Shelby would be looking for her. She felt a pang of guilt for putting her new friend into such a difficult position and she harbored no illusions that she would be found. But she had to accomplish a task first. She felt the old and familiar feelings of rage return to her heart like a warm blanket.She must find Navash.

[Shelby D]

JP by Crystal, Bryan & Meds

Social gatherings such as this weren't a strong point for Shelby as she picked up a drink of something purple in a short glass and nearly gagged on it. It reminded her of the dry dust that one finds on a windy road in the desert. Setting it aside on a passing waiters tray she walked the perimeter, glancing on occasion Joe's way. Only to find him in deep conversations or walking the room himself.

The urge to meet up with him by 'accident' was strong but the trappings of it kept her away. After some time at trying to mingle herself the young ensign relegated herself to a marvelously panoramic window view of the Arabella where she simply stood by and admired the beauty and grandeur of the ship; all by herself.

In the reflection of the glass, she saw a man movie towards her, a large pint glass in his hand, for a moment she thought it was D'Callan. She turned and saw the broad smile of Lt. Dunn, looking a bit awkward in his dress uniform. "A penny for your thoughts," he said with a grin.

Pivoting slightly, Shelby gave the man a smile and then shifted her attentions back to the breathtaking view before her. "Lieutenant," she said glancing over at him as he moved in beside her. "sure why not."

The pair talked for a bit exchanging thoughts on the fact that she wasn't going to be leaving the ship as well as talking about doing some holo-suite programs together after things settled down. They were about to hit the banquet table when Shelby's comm-badge went off.

"Burne to Daelen."

Reaching up and excusing herself, Shelby tapped the badge and said quietly, "Daelen. Give me a moment."

Shifting her gray eyes around the room, Shelby said a final good-bye to Dunn for the time being with a promise to return. As she walked though, she was getting a bad feeling about this call, it couldn't be good. There was a distinct sense that something was off. Easing her way towards the door, Daelen eventually navigated the room and the people then she slipped out the door with one final look.

As she did so, she caught sight of Joe, he looked happy, currently he was laughing at some joke which a clear-brained alien was obviously telling him. This made her smile a bit as she walked into the corridor and away from the party.

Her stride was long as she hurried towards the lift, tapping her comm-badge as she moved. "Daelen to Burne. What's going on?"

"I'd rather not say Ensign I just need your assistance. I'm sorry I disturbed you at the ceremony." Reaching the lift Shelby turned away from the doors as she pressed the button and turned to ensure she wasn't being followed.

"I'm on my way." Rolling a little on her heels as she waited. "Bloody slow thing..." she said, then an ironic chuckle escaped her; D'Callan was rubbing off on her. Her amusement was brief and practically melted from her expression as the doors parted with an electronic hum to reveal the Cardassian:

Rayon.

[Meds]

Joint post by Crystal and Meds
Unreadable in her emotions Shelby stepped past the alien with a ever so brief acknowledgement, then to her displeasure she discovered a change of direction in the Cardassian's path. Evidently he had decided to remain in the lift with her.

Rather than address this, she placed her hands behind her back, then she pressed against the wall accompanying this with a facade of stoic silence which curtained everything but her call for the level which would allow her to reboard the Arabella.

"Going somewhere nice?"He asked smoothly. When she didn't respond he tried again. "Off to see more of your people and their false smiles and even worse....false lives?"
 
Shelby ignored him but as she stood there, she became aware of his movements; he seemed determined to get much closer to her than she felt comfortable with.
 
He continued his baiting. "...or possibly you are off to see that strapping human. What's his name...D something...or another..." Each word he spoke was dripping with a detectable sarcasm.
 
This completely encouraged Shelby's imagination to wander; the thought of decking the alien then stuffing his unconscious form into a remote storage access room for the interim came to mind. Her attire, the white dress uniform, fought against the temptation.
 
Leaning in even more to the Half Romulan, Rayon smirked and spoke conspiratorially. "I've seen how he looks at you, all doe eyed and pathetic."
 
Shelby took a head-clearing breath and turned slightly to stare at him "If you don't mind, Sir, I am busy"
 
Taking a moment to let things settle in the lift as it moved, he peered around her shoulder lecherously and this time he edged in quite clearly and deliberately in order to invade her personal space. Then he breathed out and into her ear "I could help you get rid of all that tension..."
 
Closing her eyes so very slowly, Shelby pivoted and slipped her hands onto the cardassians shoulders and she gave him a longing gaze. "Really? You think so?" Taking a step which brought her closer to him she parted her lips seductively and scanned the alien up and down.  Anyone who knew Daelen would have known to watch out as that dangerous glimmer sparkled in her eyes.

Rayon though didn't know her that well, in fact he blindly returned her words with an expectant smirk.

Seconds  before contact was made between them the security officer grabbed his shoulders tightly then before he could react she drew her knee straight up and with such a force she felt the vibration throughout the lift as it contacted with him.
 
In slow motion, the Cardassian slid down her body, crippled with pain, Rayon choked back the tears while Shelby raised a eyebrow in an almost Vulcan stance.

The lift slowed and the doors parted, "I hope it was as good for you." With a polite smile Daelen exited and headed for security.