Hope Rings Eternal
Episode Name: Hope Rings Eternal
Written By: Starfleet
Cast: Balin, Belgarath, Dakin, Duncan, Edwards, Foster, Haven,
Hrisvalar, Jiasha, Jolvan, Leah, MacAllister, Nevaren,
Niel, Nilee, Randal, Ranyo, Stewart, Takamura,
Thomas, Turtledove and Tyler.
Produced By: Starfleet
Directed By: Starfleet
Aired On: Sun Dec 15 18:18:34 2002
Stardate: 52854.2
Time: Sat Dec 14 21:01:44 2002
Stardate: 52852.1
A Bolian pulls a bar trick on a Pakled, leaving the Pakled rather amazed.
Somewhat nervous fingers rise to tuck a stray lock of hair behind an ear as Haven shifts on the stool. Green eyes remain on the crowd and near her feet rests a medical kit.
Turtledove nods quietly to Foster, smiling, as she stands up. She bids him farewell, and makes for the general direction of Duncan's table at a leisurely pace, stepping easily through the growing crowd.
Duncan glances up from working at several PADD's and remembers there's more to life than work. He puts the PADD's away and takes another sip of his tea while observing the crowd.
Turtledove stands and leaves The bar.
Leah turns around on her stool, leaning her back up against the bar. "Bo-ring... Is this a morgue or a bar? ... I mean, I could have sworn we won a war a few days ago." She glances around her, shaking her head.
Duncan, noting Turtledove's approach, he stands courteously and offers her a seat. "Join me?"
Niel waits for one of the waiters to come near him before he places an order for a drink. He sits looking out and about at the bar area quietly, seeming to be thinking to himself.
Edwards strolls through the entrance, being fashionably late by two minutes. Oh yeah. He glances around at those gathered as he hangs near the doors for the time being.
MacAllister frowns heavily as she looks towards the ensign who is commenting on the status of the party. The nurse clears her throat and makes a comment, as she is within close proximity to the young woman. "Perhaps everyone is just feeling that this war has been too costly to engage in wild partying."
Ranyo arrives from the mall, the entrance's double doors sliding silently closed behind him.
Ranyo has arrived.
Turtledove's mouth quirks gently, her eyes regarding Duncan warmly. "I'd love to. Good to see you, Agent Duncan. How have you been doing? Not working too hard, I hope." She grins as she slides into the offered seat and places her glass on the table in front or her.
Turtledove sits down at square table.
Duncan glances almost guiltily at the stack of PADD's he'd been going over then pushes them to the side, "Not too hard, but some things cant wait and have to be finished, though a few hours isnt going to make much if any difference to the outcome, so I'm free for a bit."
"We've been mourning forever... This is supposed to be a party... I mean... why bother throwing a party if all we're going to do is sit here and boo-hoo," Leah replies to the nurse, smiling a toothy smile. "We did win. Yes, it cost a lot, but we won... we'll survive. /And/, we needn't wild party... but we should be merry."
Several Starfleet Ensigns make their way out, heading back on duty.
Apparently the notice of a party has indeed hit throughout the station, perhaps even bringing newcomers. A new face not seen in The Neutral Zone walks in. The Grazerite ensign is in his full dress tonight, and despite the look of fatigue surround his bovine-like face, the shimmering light of excitement still flickers in his amber eyes. Ranyo gazes all around the room, his thick hands behind his back, taking in the surroundings of salvaged material that have been reformed as furnishings for this bar.
Turtledove smiles at Duncan's response, her eyes following his collection of PADDs with an amused twinkle as he puts them away. She glances around the room briefly, her attention flitting from person to person, as she responds, "It's hard to gauge the general mood here, tonight." Her attention turns to the newly arrived Ranyo, and rests there, her eyes taking on a curious shine.
Niel smiles as his drink comes back with one of the waiters. He notices his sister and smiles at her briefly before turning to his red and white swirling drink.
The clink of glasses can be heard from a far corner.
Edwards makes his way toward the bar, looking over those he passes. Once he sidles up to it, he comments neutrally, "Happening place."
Leah raises a hand, motioning to Edwards as if to say, 'see I'm not the only one who thinks so.' She smiles over his way.
Foster had somehow disappeared into the backround of the establishment, quietly sipping from a tall glass of yellow liquid. The glass now empty, he stands and looks to be about to leave.
Ranyo 's eyes turn to Turtledove as he enters, offering her a small smile, his eyes side glancing to the Jem Heddar alert indicator. Furrowed brows rise in surprise at something so unusual. But then again, this is not exactly what he is used to.
Tyler arrives from the mall, the entrance's double doors sliding silently closed behind her.
Tyler has arrived.
Duncan glances out into the room noting the new arrivals, then leans over to Turtledove indicating one of them and asks. "Friend of yours? Invite him over?"
Edwards looks to Leah and flashes a smile in return. A second later, he opts to sidle on over to her and be friendly, "Ensign Leah. How are things going with you?"
Tyler steps into the Neutral Zone wearing civilian clothes. She takes a brief look about before taking a deep breath. She starts to make her way toward the bar.
Yay! Conversation. Leah beams a smile Edwards' way, "Peachy... now that the foreseeable future looks so much less gloomy. Would you have guessed Rann was working when the news came. /I/ had to tell him. You should have seen the look on his face."
The lights on the jukebox flash.
Niel looks up briefly to notice Tyler entering the Zone. There's a face he hasn't seen for a while. He just continues to work on his drink, looking out and about still.
Turtledove smiles quietly back at Ranyo, giving him a polite nod before turning back to Duncan. "Hrm? Him? I don't know him at all, actually." She grins. "That's probably why he caught my eye." Her voice lowers somewhat, perhaps at a volume where those around would have a hard time hearing what she's saying. "And to be honest, I haven't seen many Grazerites in person either. It's my curious nature, I suppose. It can be troublesome." She grins, and perhaps a bit self-conciously.
"I'm sure it was quite a sight." Edwards replies, grinning. "I remember hearing the news myself. I almost didn't believe it, but official reports don't lie." He spares a glance toward the entrance, making note of Tyler's arrival.
Turtledove quirks an eyebrow at Duncan, her brown eyes twinkling quietly as he says something to her in conversational tones. She responds in similarly low-volumed words.
"So... Did you want to dance, Commander?... I feel like dancing," Leah asks. Then with a goofy lop-sided grin and a knowing wink, she adds, "Or sing...? We should be happy, right? No more war. No more daily or weekly or monthly casualty reports..."
Foster heads out and into the Mall.
Foster has left.
Ranyo chuckles, overhearing Turtledove, and approaches her table at a respective distance. "It would appear that my people do not get around much. There is a joke that I have heard that the only time anyone sees a Grazerite is when the President appears on a news program." Smiling at his own joke, he introduces himself. "I am Ensign Corvin Ranyo, the new Assistant Diplomatic Attache."
Milara makes a sneering face at a patron who is getting a little too friendly.
Tyler says as she approaches the bar, "No singing. The Federation has had enough, hasn't it?" She offers a smile to Edwards, and another to Leah.
Turtledove looks up as Ranyo wanders over and gives him a smile. "Ensign Tera Turtledove. I'm with the s-419 Rapid Response Team."
Edwards agrees with Tyler, "Oh god yes." To Leah, he adds, "I'd offer to dance, but then I'd get in trouble after I broke your feet." Yes, he's a man of no talents.
"I think you'd find you'd have a lot of trouble breaking my feet... but just as well, I'll wait for Rann... He said he'd be here," Leah smiles a greeting Tyler's way. "I swear if he doesn't show and I find him curled up at that desk of his..."
Tyler hitches up her shoulders but bobs her head in ascension to Leah. She tucks some hair behind her ear less from need and more from habit. "Aaron's on duty tonight, so I had to come alone, myself. I hope Lt. Dakin makes it," she says to Leah.
Ranyo tilts his head, his smile immaculate. "A pleasure, Ensign Turtledove." He looks to his neatly pressed uniform, smoothing it out and stretching the tiny flaws caused by a rush to dress. "Forgive me for my appearance, but I was told that there was a celebration of some sorts, and I thought that maybe I should take a break from moving furniture in my quarters." Pursing his lips, he looks around, noticing the slight quiet around the room.
The clink of glasses can be heard from a far corner.
Edwards seats himself on an empty stool as he looks between the two ladies. "Lot of people have decided to forego the celebration, it seems. Whether required or not." he comments idly.
"Maybe it's still too soon?" Leah offers up, looking to Edwards and then Tyler, "Aaron always works so hard... I'm sorry I won't see him here... he and I haven't spoken since... jeese, the infirmary on Dulcais after I got shot."
Haven seems to come out of her funk and blinks a few times. Turning on her stool, she takes a drink of her tea then glances back at the crowd.
Turtledove quirks an eyebrow at Ranyo, a gentle expression of surprise at his apparent meticulousness. "You... look fine to me. Besides, it appears that anything goes tonight." She smiles and glances at Duncan. "Have you had a chance to meet Mr. Duncan, ensign?" She indicates Duncan with a sleight motion of her hand.
Duncan smiles up from his chair to Ranyo, "Pleased to meet you ensign, care to join us?"
A Bajoran starts arguing about the Cardassian occupation with the man he is sitting near.
Ranyo turns his head to observe Duncan. "I have not had the time to do so," he explains to Turtledove. "Nice to meet you Mr. Duncan, and I would be honored to join you all. " It would appear that this party would come to use afterall.
Tyler smiles to Edwards at his comment, then asks to Leah, "That was... the incident with the Commander's wife, wasn't it?"
Takamura arrives from the mall, the entrance's double doors sliding silently closed behind him.
Takamura has arrived.
Turtledove smiles as Ranyo takes a seat at their table. "So, I take it you haven't been on the station for very long?"
Leah nods, gaze flicking quickly from Tyler to Edwards, then back again. Smiling weakening some, she says, "Yeah, that was it... Found out I was pregnant too. /Quite/ a week."
Edwards remarks dryly, "That was a fun time, let me tell you."
Thomas arrives from the mall, the entrance's double doors sliding silently closed behind him.
Thomas has arrived.
Ranyo takes his seat at the table, shaking his head. "No, just for a day. But I have spent most of the time trying to get my quarters and reports in order." A waitress approaches, asking him if he would like a beverage. The fatigued Grazerite definately takes advantage of this situation, "A bloody mary, please." His words indicates that he is perhaps familiar with the beverage, but nonetheless there is a tone of amusement at the gaudy name for tomato juice and pepper sauce. But after all, Grazerites are herbivores by nature.
Milara serves drinks to a group of loud Klingons.
Niel looks out and about, not really hearing much of what is said, he reflects quietly, and appears to be holding something in his hands, besides a small padd sittin on the table in front of him
Takamura strides into the hustle and bustle of the Neutral Zone, trying to find a familiar face. After a few moments, he notices Turtledove and Duncan sitting by the viewport, and heads in their general direction, pausing at the bar long enough to get an Endilev.
Tyler smiles at Edwards' response. "It came out okay. Just like the war." She shifts her weight from one foot to the other. She smiles to Leah. "I'm happy for you," she says. "Your babies will know peace. Yours too, Commander."
Leah shifts in her seat, grinning over Edwards' way, "So when are they due, sir?... Have you been preparing yourself?"
MacAllister heads out and into the Mall.
MacAllister has left.
Duncan catches Takamura's eye and nods a greeting across the room.
Jolvan arrives from the mall, the entrance's double doors sliding silently closed behind him.
Jolvan has arrived.
Edwards chuckles some and responds, "She's due on January 2nd, according to our esteemed medical officers, and I was born prepared for anything life throws at me."
Thomas looks around the bar from just inside the door. He walks over to the bar and orders an Endilev ale and a shot of scotch. Scanning the room from the bar, he finds a couple of familiar faces over by the viewport and starts heading in that general direction.
Haven peers over at Edwards as Bela's due date is mentioned. She's seen so little of her friend lately. A soft sigh and another sip of her drink and she shakes her head.
Turtledove looks up at the waitress, smiling as she places an order after Ranyo. "I'll have... the same." She turns back to the group, catches Duncan's glance across the room, and follows it. And look! It's Takamura. Her eyes light up immediately as she watches him approach. She, meanwhile, responds to Ranyo, "Adjusting to station life can be interesting if you're not used to it."
Jolvan looks around the room then heads to a table.
Jolvan sits down at square table.
Leah looks to Tyler, smirking, then turns that expression on Edwards. She gives him a wink and says, "Right... So... Let me know if there's anything I can do. I understand it's a personal thing, but... I was thinking perhaps I might be there for the birth... I mean... not like, /right/ there, but close by... I have some medical background, so I'm sure I can help out, and I'd like to get an idea of what I'm facing..."
Duncan takes a long sip of his tea and freshens it from the small porcelain teapot sitting next to it.
Takamura smiles and waves to Tera and Duncan as gets to the table. He pulls out a chair and sits down. After placing his mug on the table he extends a hand to the Grazerite and says, "Hello, I'm Hiroshi Takamura, Tak to my friends." He gives Tera a wink.
A Bolian pulls a bar trick on a Pakled, leaving the Pakled rather amazed.
Edwards raises an eyebrow, "You let him get you pregnant without having an idea as to what you're facing." He shakes his head and asides to Tyler, "Now that's a brave soul."
Nevaren slips into the 'Zone, passing a few outgoing patrons. He *smiles* few passing crewmembers, obviously happy which is a turn of events for him. He casually pulls open his collar to denote he is going offduty. The albino half-breed swings by the bar, ordering pint of Bajoran Ale from Milera who eyes him suspicously but desn't say anything about his lighter mood. The half-romulan engineer nods happy thanks to the her and saunters across the room towards his usual table in the corner of the establishment.
Niel finishes the first drink brought to him, and he flags down a waitress to get him a refill.
Tyler grins to Edwards and blushes at the intimacy of the talk. "I, uh, don't think I should be hearing this."
Turtledove grins back at Takamura as she sits back and lets Ranyo respond to her out-going team-mate.
Ranyo nods, leaning back in his chair. "So I have heard. But as I always say one must be open to change." Quite an ironic axiom during a war. Noticing Takamura's arrival, he in turn offers his hands. "Corvin Renyo, Assistant Diplomatic Attache. Nice to meet you, Mr. Takamura."
Thomas arrives at the table where Takamura, Ranyo, Duncan and Turtledove are gathered. "Hey, Tak, Tera. How're you guys doin'?"
Nev's order seems to make Haven wince for a moment. "Oh! This is ridicules!" she states, more to herself then the other occupants of the bar. She shakes herself as if she's shaking something off then slides her tea mug across the bar. "Milara, Bajoran Ale when you've a moment, please."
Takamura sits down at square table.
Ranyo sits down at square table.
Tyler turns to look about at the gathering sea of faces. When she spots the RRT officers and Agent Duncan, she gives them a wide smile and a nod.
Tyler sits down at The bar.
Edwards sits down at The bar.
Duncan nods back to Tyler and smiles in return.
Nevaren stops halfways to his table and looks over his shoulder at Haven, an ebeybrow raised.
Leah blushes a bit herself, "Now, now... I knew what I was getting into... I just..." She sighs, "It's not like I don't /know/ what's going to happen... Dr. Clough went over it with me, too... I just thought practical experience might be a good thing."
Haven meets Nev's look with a questioning one of her own. "What?"
Edwards admonishes Tyler, "You're an adult." And when she looks away, he looks in the same direction, then quickly returns his attention to the matter at hand, "Well, I guess you'll have to talk to Bela and her doctor. I don't mind, personally."
Ranyo stands and leaves square table.
Takamura shakes Ranyo's hand, then reaches for his drink taking a sip. "Nice to meet you." He notices Tyler's greeting and raises his mug to her returning the smile. Then, hearing Thomas's voice, he looks over his shoulder and grins. "A lot better after our talk, Cody. Pull up a seat."
Ranyo sits down at square table.
Nevaren chuckles and shakes his head. "Nothing, Loni.. I just never heard you so exhasperated for a drink."
Haven oo's softly and shakes her head. "It's not really the drink.. "
Turtledove nods a greeting to Thomas, then flicks a glance at the bar (after seeing Tak and Duncan look that way). She raises her eyebrows quietly, smiling brightly back at Tyler.
Milara darts among the dirty tables, cleaning them up.
Nevaren says, "Hmmm? Then what is it?"
Thomas pulls up a chair to the table and sits down next to Takamura. "I'm glad to hear it, big guy..."
"I'll ask her then... thanks..." Leah bobs her head and idly taps her nails on the bartop. Idle tapping leading to idle thoughts (and a change of subject), she looks back to Edwards and Tyler, "Can you imagine all the celebrations back on Earth?... And Alpha Centauri?..."
Ranyo discovers a sigh of relief as the drinks arrive. Tall glasses of bloody marys are placed infront of Turtledove and the Grazerite, each glass topped off with a tall stalk of celery. He takes a sip of the spicy drink, sighing in satisfaction but apparently unaffected by the spices of dried pepper that is infused into the drink. Looking up from his glass with a smile, he begins to notice something: The pacifist is in the company of those few, proud RRT members.
Hrisvalar arrives from the mall, the entrance's double doors sliding silently closed behind him.
Hrisvalar has arrived.
Turtledove turns her attention from the bar, regarding her newly-arrived drink with an expression of mild curiousity. She flicks a glance at Ranyo, watching him briefly before turning back to her own drink. She lifts the glass for a sip. And seems surprised. Smacking her lips quietly, she notes, "That's spicy." She grins at Ranyo, regarding him with quietly twinkling brown eyes.
Blutox escorts an overly drunk patron out the door, then returns.
Niel smiles as his drink arrives and he take a huge sip from it. Thank you he nods to the waitress, and spends a minute making polite conversation with her.
"I can't imagine that a lot of people on Earth are in a very celebratory mood." Edwards remarks, regarding Leah, "But on Alpha Centauri? Sure. And all over the Federation. I just hope everyone realizes that we're celebrating because the killing has stopped. Not because we 'won'." JOBS: New REQ job # 448 submitted by Jhanni: Bajorian meditation
Jolvan leans back in his chair gazing out the viewport
Ranyo smiles, stirring his drink with the stalk. "I became fond of Indian food during my Academy days. I was also lucky enough to share a dorm with a gentleman who's father happened to be a bartender for a terran city that I believe is called 'Atlantic City.' "Smacking his snout-like maw, he wipes his mouth with the napkin. "I hope that my beverage choice is not too adventurous?"
Takamura quirks an eyebrow at the red drinks. He shakes his head and looks at Duncan. "So how have you been doing Agent Duncan?" He takes another sip on the golden ale.
Duncan takes a sip of his tea and chuckles. "Working on some equations that caught my attention recently. Its turning out to be interesting in that it's...(goes off into a description of some equations and their permutations that would give most people who understand it a pretty bad head ache) "but seriously its all reletive."
"I can't say as I agree with everything you just said, but... that last part, you're right on... No more worrying about getting boarded by those damned Jem'Hadar. No more having to kill them because they won't surrender..." Leah's voice gets soft and her gaze drops to the bar. "Time to go back to exploring... Finally."
Thomas drops the shot of scotch in the glass of Endilev and chugs it, slamming the mug down on the table. "Tak, my liver wants to kick your ass..."
A group of Orion traders start a drinking song amongst themselves.
Tyler's comm badge chirrups and squawks, "Lieutenant Tyler, you're needed on board the Aegis." She pulls the badge out of the pocket of her shorts and taps it. "I'm on my way." She taps it again to silence it and offers an apologetic smile to Leah and Edwards. "Pardon me, sir." She gives Edwards a nod and turns for the door.
Tyler goes Out of Character.
Tyler has left.
Turtledove smacks her lips quietly. "Not at all. I like surprises." She winks at the Grazerite, while licking her lips. "It's very... stimulating." She lifts her glass for another sip. Her eyebrows ascend gently as she does so. She grins, smacking her lips quietly again. She tosses a curious look at Thomas as his internal organ challenges her team-mate.
Edwards watches Tyler take off, then returns his attention to Leah, "Yeah. I'm just sorry about what had to happen to bring the war to end. Hundreds of millions of Cardassians dead..."
Duncan notes Lt Tyler's departure, takes out one of his PADD's and keys in something quickly then puts it back away again.
The albino halfbreed, Nevaren, sits at his usual table in the darkest and lonliest corner of the establishment. His collar open to denote he is off duty, he sips at a glass of Bajoran Synthale as he queitly reads and takes notes on an old Occupation Era Cardassian Area military issue pad, worn slick and dull smooth with use and age.
Takamura looks at Thomas incredulously. "You sure you want to do that? I mean it took an Andorian and two Scots to drink me under the table the last time." He looks to the rest of the table, chuckling. "Do you believe this guy?" He nudges Cody playfully with his elbow.
Thomas rolls his eyes. "That's not what I meant, Tak. My liver wants to kick your ass for introducing me to that drink..." He gets Milara's attention and orders a glass of iced tea. "Back to normal..."
Duncan grins at both Thomas and Takamura, "from what I've seen, ambassador Lux could put you both down if he didnt have medical riding him to be good all the time."
Ranyo smiles to Turtledove, his brows furrowing in a playful suspicion. "Then perhaps you should try a curry dish or two from your replicator program sometime." Sliding his attention to dueling drinkers, he removes the celery stalk from the glass and bites into it, savoring the flavor like a wine as any good herbivore should. "Scotch? Should be thankful that it is not bloodwine. The first diplomatic dinner I attended was with Klingons. I had to take two days of medical leave the hangover was so atrocious."
Leah breathes out, "Sad... that... even Rann... I think was a little put out." She shakes her head as if to ward off all the depressing thoughts, smile returning full force, "So... Bela's doing well? I heard something about zero-g in your quarters... or something like that?"
Edwards makes a face, "Yeah. She's supposed to keep off her feet. Apparently zero-g is the next best thing. I hate zero-g."
Niel turns to look at his sister, and tries to motion her over.
The din of the bar gets strangely quiet. Then someone laughs, and the silence is broken, returning the Zone to a counterpoint chorus of voices.
Haven snorts, "So do I" she says softly.
Leah mock-gasps, "But... Zero-g is so much /fun/." More seriously, but with that same smile, she says, "I love it... My third date with Rann was in zero-g. We went EVA-ing on Luna."
Dakin arrives from the mall, the entrance's double doors sliding silently closed behind him.
Dakin has arrived.
Takamura shrugs. "I'm sorry, Cody. But I'm not forcing you to order it everytime you're around me." He gives him a wink and a grin. Turning to Duncan, he replies. "I'm sure Lux could. But I don't want to try. I need to keep my wits about me. Plus, I don't want to have to spend another night passed out on someone else's floor, like the night the news broke."
Duncan nods sagely. "I understand all too well."
Edwards comments, "Romantic." Not really. He did just say he hates zero-g. "Still, sacrifices must be made from time to time."
Turtledove grins and sips her drink quietly, appreciating the flavor apparently. "Yes, I've heard stories about that, Tak." She winks. "I'm sorry I missed it."
Randal arrives from the mall, the entrance's double doors sliding silently closed behind him.
Randal has arrived.
"It /was/ romantic... we looked at the Earth and everything," Leah says happily. "And we tried bouncing around... lots of fun. Not quite /zero/ g, but I can't convince Rann to go out and do that much. Always /so/ busy."
Dakin steps into the Zone and looks around at the throng of people. Adjusting the collar of his uniform, he slowly beings to make his way inside, smiling in greeting to those who say hello.
The din of the bar gets strangely quiet. Then someone laughs, and the silence is broken, returning the Zone to a counterpoint chorus of voices.
Randal wanders into the bar himself, a smirk on his face as he glances around at the gathering of people. He decides to make his way to the bar, rapping on the countertop to get the attention of the busy bartender.
Edwards catches sight of Dakin and points him out, "Look who's decided to come pay us all a visit."
Ranyo takes a few more sips from his drink commenting sarcastically, "Sounds a lot like like my quarters on my cadet cruise. Leave it to me to open a recovery program for waywards on leave."
Nevaren looks up from his padd a moment. He spots Dakin enter and waves.
Leah brightens even more (is that possible?) as Edwards points out her hubby. Sitting up some on her stool, she waves her hand, trying to get Dakin's attention. "Honey... over here!"
Dakin tosses a wave towards Nevaren just as Leah's voice penetrates the room's general buzz of sound. He looks over and smiles as he starts to weave his way over through the crowd.
Edwards rises from his stool and straightens his uniform absently, "I think I'll leave you two. Should head out anyway. It was nice talking to you, Ensign."
Randal sits down at The bar.
Leah flashes a smile at Edwards, "And you too, sir... Say hello to your wife for me? Good night." And then she awaits Dakin's arrival at the bar.
Turtledove takes a cue from Ranyo and pulls her celery out for a quick munch, while she listens to the conversation at her table.
Dakin finally manages to get within social distance of his wife, nodding a greeting to the departing Edwards. "Prophets, this place is packed..."
Duncan smiles at the goings on around him and sips his tea.
Takamura looks over to Turtledove, somewhat surprised. Not really. "Oh, have you now?" He says to Ranyo, "Do you still offer that service? If so, I'll know where to drop off the drunks when I'm pulling Security duty." He grins at him.
A group of Orion traders start a drinking song amongst themselves.
Niel frowns and tries to wave his sister over again.
Edwards replies to Leah, "Will do. Good night." He nods to Dakin, then makes his way toward the exit.
Thomas smiles a bit and takes a drink from his iced tea.
Leah wraps her arms about Dakin, pulling him closer to herself and her barstool. "I was about to come and find you... "
Turtledove grins back at Tak, munching her celery happily without a word.
Edwards heads out and into the Mall.
Edwards has left.
Dakin hugs Leah in turn. "Sorry, Starfleet Command sent me a last-minute briefing on postwar resistance pockets. Luckily, they're all outside our sector. How's the party thus far?"
Ranyo snorts, holding his mouth against the napkin. "Uh, I don't think that would be necessary," he says, taking a sip of his drink. "Grazerites have a sort of balm for the hangovers, kind of like humans and their idea of beer and tomato juice. It mostly consists of a tea made from razor grain, mixed with a bit of heavy dark ale, like stout. Just a suggestion, but I don't know if it would be good for the upholstry to turn my quarters into the drunk tank," he states with a chuckle.
Leah let's her gaze drift purposefully around at the rest of the bar's patron before settling back on her husband. "Dead... And there were some depressing people here earlier. I just don't get it..." Smile fading some, she whispers something to Dakin. Shaking her head, she asks, a bit louder, "/Please/ dance with me?"
Leah whispers to Dakin, "They take one look at me and think ... well... she obviously didn't suffer much during the War, so she doesn't know what she's talking about."
Takamura chuckles also, then sips his Endilev. "I guess not. Oh well, I'll just have to keep on taking them to station security." He glances over to Cody, grinning. "You haven't been telling Tera about my escapades, have you? You'll get me in trouble with my 'big sister.'"
Dakin frowns a little and looks to the crowd somewhat cursorily, but the frown fades after her request. "Nulara, it would be my pleasure."
Jolvan stands and leaves square table.
Jolvan heads out and into the Mall.
Jolvan has left.
A Bolian pulls a bar trick on a Pakled, leaving the Pakled rather amazed.
Nevaren heads out and into the Mall.
Nevaren has left.
Nevaren arrives from the mall, the entrance's double doors sliding silently closed behind him.
Nevaren has arrived.
Thomas says, "No, I haven't... Wouldn't want to get you in trouble... think you can't handle your big sister?"
Presumably getting Dakin's help down off her perch, Leah grasps his hand and makes her way through the crowd, pushing and nudging gently where she has to. When they're at the jukebox she asks, "Any songs you think are appropriate?"
Dakin shakes his head. "You'd know better than I would... my taste in Earth music doesn't largely lend itself to slow-dancing..."
Turtledove grins and places her mostly-chewed celery stick back into her glass. She raises an eyebrow at Thomas' question, then flicks a look at Tak, letting him answer that question.
Duncan grins at the byplay and continues to glance around the room absorbing the happenings.
Niel sighs slightly as his Haven still hasn't noticed his attempts to flag her over. He looks back down to his table, between the padd and the box he has with him
Leah 's lips purse for a moment as she goes over the selections. One in particular stands out to her, apparently, as she taps the button. She looks over to Dakin for his approval.
Haven tosses back the rest of her ale and orders another round for herself. This time she does notice Niel's gestures and she rises, taking her drink with her. "What's up?" She asks as she drops into a chair at his table.
Haven stands and leaves The bar.
Haven sits down at square table.
Ranyo finishes his drink, yet the half eaten stalk remains to be savored. "So tell me, Ensign Turtledove," he says in an attempt to strike up conversation. "Might I inquire as to where you are from?"
Dakin chuckles and takes one of Leah's hands in his. "Perfect choice."
Enter Jiasha, stage left. She moves from the back room, and slips behind the bar briefly. She picks up a few PADDs, and slips away again out of sight for the moment. And in a sort while, is coming out again, striding along while gathering her hair up in a ponytail.
A Bajoran starts arguing about the Cardassian occupation with the man he is sitting near.
Niel sits down at square table.
Takamura catches Tera's glance and looks directly at Cody, shaking his head. "There's no thinking about it. I know. She nearly cleaned my clock the last time we sparred. And there's no way I'm going near her with Utlara in her hand."
Leah smiles and reaches with her free hand to hit play. As 'Fly Me to the Moon' begins, with Bobby Darin (or Frank Sinatra, take your pick), she gently and slowly leads Dakin to a relatively clear spot in the room and slips up close to him.
Balin arrives from the mall, the entrance's double doors sliding silently closed behind him.
Balin has arrived.
Duncan glances over towards the door as Balin enters, and nudges Turtledove to one side and Ranyo to the other side.
Niel smiles at Loni, "You looked kinda lonely. I thought we could talk and such."
Dakin is with Leah over in an unoccupied portion of the bar, slow-dancing with his wife to a recording of "Fly Me to the Moon" playing on the bar's jukebox. "Precursor to tonight's _other_ activities..?"
Turtledove looks back at Ranyo, mildly surprised by his question. "Where am I from? Well. I'm from... a lot of places. Star-born, as they say. So, basically, I'm not from anywhere specific, but I have fond memories of a wide-variety of colony worlds. How about you?"
Haven shrugs, "What's in the box?"
Turtledove tosses Tak a wink before glancing back at Ranyon, and waiting for him to respond to her question.
Randal resides at the bar, quietly nursing a Saurian Brandy but keeping an eye on the bustle of celebratory cheer that fills the Neutral Zone.
Niel smiles slightly to Haven and opens the box, showing it only to her.
Nevaren notices that his Ale is empty. Standing, he leaves his table and saunters to the bar for a refil, humming to himself the entire way.
Haven perks a brow sharply and leans forward to whisper her question.
Ranyo responds, "Vacca III, however, I have traveled to Earth as well as Vulcan." The nudge comes at a surprise as he observes Duncan and his glances, his eyes turning to the newly arrived Balin.
Haven whispers to Niel, "Is it for our little mother?"
. o O Takamura feels happy to be celebrating with his teammate, but wishes that Ciara could be as well.
Leah murmurs back to Dakin, laying her head on his chest. "Depends on what kind of activities you have in mind.... Were we going to stay long?"
Niel shrugs his shoulders, "I'm not exactly sure yet. It's something I've been thinking about."
Turtledove looks to the door, too, apparently having missed Duncan's nudge. One bloody mary, and look at her. She regards Balin quietly as he enters.
Haven leans back in her chair and nods slowly. "I.. see."
Balin comes walking into the bar. He pauses at the door, evaluating the mood of the occasion and those gathered within. The Commander gives a satisfied smile at the officers and civilians engaged in the lives that they will take with them into the future. "A future of peace," he says to himself, before making his way toward the bar.
Niel says, "I've been trying to figure out... it's especially difficult in this case."
Takamura notices his tablemates' gaze and turn to look at the entering Commander.
Haven just nods, her eyes on her mug, her heart in her throat.
Jiasha dips behind the bar again. She mainly just helps wth some of the more mundane tasks in keeping the bottles tidy, nooks and crannies clean. Humming along and keeping a fairly cheery pace about it.
Dakin looks down and pats the back of his wife's head just as he notices and nods to the Commander. "I figure we're good here for a little while... you said it yourself, the chief of security ought to at least make a presence."
Blutox looks on the assembled crowd with a stoic expression.
Nevaren thanks Milera for the refil of Bajoran Ale and turns around, leaning back against the bar.
Niel looks curiously to his sister, "Something wrong?"
Balin bellies up to the bar. "A stout, please," he asks of the passing Milara. Spotting Jiasha behind the bar he gives the young woman a smile. "Good evening, Miss Havaris."
. o O Haven feels Mix disappointment and sadness in equal measure. A pinch of selfishness. Sprinkle with self loathing and bake in guilt until golden brown or until a mental break down is achieved.
"Good... I have a little something for you later... Remind me, won't you?" Leah asks as she and her husband continue to slow-dance. "There was a message from my parents earlier... the Commander was /smiling/. You'd never have believed it."
Dakin blinks. "Your father, smiling? Prophets, I hope someone called the Hall of Intergalactic Records..." he says with a wry smile.
Haven shakes her head. "Nothing.."
Niel looks to his sister, "You sure? You look, oh, I dunno, a little off."
Haven says, "Just tired, I guess."
Jiasha turns about, with a spin of a smile on the girl's face for the man to whom so much attention is directed. "Nice to see you come around. I was reading today, I think that hey saying was Romulan. A man who eats only bread gets fat and boring. I thought it was good, Reminder to get a bit of diversity in your life. Ah- oh.. do you know kocheck or the Terran hockeh?"
Niel nods slowly, "Oh, I see. I've been trying to figure out if it's right and all... with you know, the future."
There is a gale of hearty laughter from some of the traders near the bar.
Ranyo places the rest of the celery stalk back into his glass, standing. "Well, I hate to be such a stickler for leaving early, but I have a lot of work left in order to adjust from my arrival, along with catching up on rest." Observing everyone at his table with a smile, he concludes, "I look forward to another meeting soon."
Leah nods her head, "Did your parents call?.. Or your sister?... Are they alright?" She lifts her head to look into Dakin's eyes.
Haven sighs, "I think you better make sure you're doing it for the -right- reasons."
Balin chuckles and nods. "I know of it," he says to Jiasha as he takes his stout from Milara. He watches the pale brown head recede into the glass. "But I can't say I've ever played."
Niel looks curiously to his sister again, "Huh?"
Ranyo stands and leaves square table.
Ranyo heads out and into the Mall.
Ranyo has left.
. o O Turtledove feels mellow, in general. There is the ever-present unercurrent of optimism and faith running through her system, but in general she is feeling alright.
Takamura nods to Ranyo as he leaves the table.
Turtledove nods to Ranyo, smiling as she bids him goodnight. "See you around, ensign."
Thomas smirks at Takamura. "Remind me not to piss her off then..."
Jiasha offers a bright, broad smile. Fullup with teeth. She leans on the bar, now, deliciously amused. "Oh, did you know that Eignsin Takamura was such a good hockeh player that he was paid to do it as employment? He's going to teach me how to play it. You ought to come sometime. I have just learned to ice sk-ateh. And it's the most amazing thing-- you can move like you didn't have feet, just sliding as if wind was carrying you, and balance on these tiny metal peices." She squints, and pinches her fingers close to her face so as to appreciate the 'tininess'. "It's outstanding fun."
Dakin smiles. "Yes, I'd just received word from them not too long ago. Everyone's doing well, Rya's close to achieving prylar status. My father actually took the day off for the first time in years."
Several Starfleet Ensigns make their way out, heading back on duty.
Takamura chuckles and pats Thomas on the back. "Don't worry, I'll remind you." He flashes a grin to Tera. "You wouldn't hurt our friend Cody here, would you?"
"Did you tell them we'll be visiting sometime soon?" Leah asks softly as the song comes to an end.
Nevaren just listens to Jiasha and Balin converseing to teh side of him, smiling about the whole Kochek thing.
Randal glances down the bar, taking a little bit of interest in the nearby conversation about hockey. He takes a sip of his drink.
Duncan pours the last of his tea into his cup and sips it gingerly then smiles when he sees that its still hot.
Turtledove shifts her attention from Ranyo to Thomas. She raises an eyebrow at Thomas' remark, grinning cheerily. She flicks a good-natured glance at Tak. "Well, you know me. I try not to pick fights." She looks back at Thomas. "So, you have nothing to worry about unless you have a change of heart."
Dakin shakes his head. "It was a recorded message sent a couple days ago. I'll send one back as well as notify DS-9."
Balin smiles at Jiasha. "I think I'll pass, though it does sound like fun for someone with a better sense of balance." He gives her a wink and lifts his mug to her before taking a drink from it. He turns to get a better view of the room and his officers.
Thomas smiles a bit. "I was hoping you'd say that..."
Nilee arrives from the mall, the entrance's double doors sliding silently closed behind him.
Nilee has arrived.
Leah smiles at the mention of the station, pulling Dakin back over towards the bar. "Bet you can't wait to see the Celestial Temple..."
Nevaren sips his ale, enjoying it's flavour as he leans back against the bar, relaxing. He absently clips his cardassian padd to his satchels shoulder strap, done with it for now. No more work tonight, for him. Just the pleasant company of his peers.
Dakin gets led gladly. "You said it... I'd already left Bajor before it was discovered."
Jiasha scoops up one or two of the empty bottole and slips them away to get taken out to their new homes. And with everything else more or less tidy, she starts to move out. Until the point of hearing flashes of words like Celestial Temple. This causes Jiasha some pause. And she stops at the edge of the counter itself, just to see if she can glean anything more interesting news from home.
Takamura sips his ale and chuckles. He glances around the bar taking in the other patrons. "You know, I was expecting this party to be... a little bit more lively. It's pretty quiet for the amount of people here."
Niel sits down at square table.
"You and me, bucko... you and me," Leah says as she gives Dakin's hand a playful squeeze. She somehow finds an open seat at the bar again and takes it. "We might have to wait until after the birth..."
Nilee slowly slides into the very busy bar. For those who have had any contact with him the last week or two, his appearance has changed, his hair is once again neat, and the large bags under his eyes have disappeared, both of which have been replaced with a smile, though perhaps not one of his best, a smile nonetheless. He enters the bar at a moderate pace, attempting to not stir any attention at his entrance, he slides to the side quietly.
Milara makes a sneering face at a patron who is getting a little too friendly.
Dakin nods. "Works for me. Jacob and Ryasharra ought to see it for them..." He then pauses, then a smile appears on his face for some strange reason.
Thomas nods at Takamura. "That's what you get for thinking." He takes a drink of his tea. "Um, Tera, since you're not gonna pick a fight with me..." He squirms a little. "Would you consider going out with me?"
Haven nods slowly. "I see."
Niel sighs, "I feel that if I were to give it to her, she'd take it the wrong way and that'd ruin everything.
Niel sighs, "I feel that if I were to give it to her, she'd take it the wrong way and that'd ruin everything. (repose for haven just in case)
Haven nods, "Yes and that would ruin alot of things for us all, I'm sure."
With almost practiced ease, Nilee manages to navigate himself through the thick crowds of people between the entrance and the bar. He comes to a stop as he finds an empty seat at the bar, and turns around as he sits, to get a view of the rest of the room.
Turtledove, meanshile, has been listening quietly to the conversation, cheerfully of lost in thought, sort of swirling her drink gently, enjoying the sounds of ice-cubes clinking against the near empty glass. Thomas' request causes her eyes to shoot upward, not her entire head, just her eyes, glancing at the counselor with acute surprise. "Uh. What?"
Balin takes another drink of his stout and looks proudly out over at his assembled officers. He turns back to the bar and picks up a spoon, then turns back to those gathered. *clink clink clink*
Niel looks almost disgusted by Loni's response. "I hope you're not saying what I think you're saying."
Duncan turns to face Balin.
Randal's attention is drawn to the where Balin sits nearby at the bar. He watches with slight curiousity.
Nevaren hmms to himself and decides that this get together needs some music. Ale in hand, he strolls over to the jukebox, lenaing over it's display.. He is just about to choose a song when he hears the clinking. He turns away from the jukebox in it's direction.
Leah looks at her husband when he goes silent, smiling to himself. She gently nudges him, to prompt him onward... until Balin calls for attention and she looks his way.
Haven sighs, "Friendships, Niel. Friendships and trust." Then she falls quiet to look at Balin.
Takamura looks surprised at Thomas' question, then turns his head toward the clinking glass.
Dakin also lifts his head towards 419's CO.
Thomas says, "I said, Tera, would you go out with me?"
Niel sighs slightly, "I'm sorry Loni... I..." He just closes his mouth for a second. "I don't think that will be a worry honestly..."
. o O Turtledove thinks "Wow. Diplomacy. Diplomacy. Use diplomacy, Tera."
Milara darts among the dirty tables, cleaning them up.
Nilee sits himself down in a comfortable position at the bar, and begins to silently survey the rest of the room. The smile remaining present on his face, occasionally growing slightly as he spots various people that he recognizes.
"Thank you for your attention," the Station's Commander says. He straightens his shoulders and looks about the sea of faces. "I wanted you to know how proud I am of each and every one of you." Lifting his glass to the room, he says, "We have all sacrificed. But that sacrifice is not in vain. Our friends and families that have fallen will go on in our thoughts, our hearts, and their legacy shall not be forgotten on this hour of peace. Freedom and justice is triumphant, our way of life has been secured for another day. Be proud of yourselves. But never forget the memories of those we have lost. To the Federation."
Turtledove doesn't move, but she is, luckily, saved by the Balin. She smiles weakly at Thomas. "Uh." She tilts head toward Balin, smiles again, then looks at the commander.
Thomas looks up toward Balin.
Something seems to trouble the younger Havaris for a long moment. She stares out at the crowd, and then back to Balin, and back out at all the people out there. Frowns and wrinkles her eyebrows up together.
. o O Turtledove thinks "Thank-you thank-you thank-you thank-you."
Haven bites the inside of her lip, hard! But she raises her mug and echoes "To the Federation!"
Takamura raises his mug and lets out a hearty, "Here, here."
Randal smiles in a sad, earnest expression as a response to the Commander's dedication. He raises his glass.
Turtledove raises her empty glass, too. She flicks a furtive glance at Thomas, then looks back to Balin. "Here here."
Dakin nods and smiles to Balin in agreement, not having a drink with which to toast at the moment.
Nevaren grins and raises his Glass in toast of ale and calls out. "To The Federation!" As he takes a long draught off his pint, he nudges the jukebox which lights up and starts playing the selection he chose just before the speech. 'We are The Champions', By the 20th century Earth band known as Queen.
Balin downs the rest of his mug in three gulps and sets it down on the bar.
Duncan raises his cup, says quietly, "to the Federation." and takes a sip before putting it back down.
Thomas smiles. "Here here."
Leah smiles at the song selection by Nevaren, giving Dakin a nudge. But she remains quiet, in case the Commander has more to say.
Haven's brow knits as she sets her drink down, leaving it untouched. "I need to go" Loni whispers softly then rises to her feet and steps away from the table.
Niel raises his glass slightly and then looks to Haven. "Oh..." he frowns, "Okay then. See you later sis."
Stewart arrives from the mall, the entrance's double doors sliding silently closed behind him.
Stewart has arrived.
Takamura gulps down the rest of his Endilev and slams the mug back onto the table.
Dakin smiles to his wife and nods over to Nevaren in silent approval.
Balin appears to have put the punctuation mark on his speech with the downing of his beverage. "As you were," he says as an afterthought, since people are probably waiting for him to. But he continues to look on those assembled with pride on his features.
Haven heads out and into the Mall.
Haven has left.
. o O Takamura thinks "Wow, that's the first I've seen the Commander in here. But I'm glad that he showed up. Helps morale."
"So why'd you go quiet?" Leah prompts Dakin finally, giving him another gentle nudge. "I'm not a telepath, you know."
A Bajoran starts arguing about the Cardassian occupation with the man he is sitting near.
Thomas smiles. "So, Tera, you need me to repeat the question again?"
Dakin grins to his wife. "Well, I just got to thinking about our son's name... the Emissary's son is also named Jacob."
Nevaren chuckles, quickly typing a whole bunch of selections into the jukebox's queue, then walks back to the bar, draining his Ale. "Milera? Another please."
. o O Takamura thinks "Persistant, isn't he?"
"Must be fate," Leah declares happily as she gives her hubby a wink. "We'll try and meet the Emissary right?... Maybe we'll bump into his son?"
Dakin nods. "Sounds like a safe plan, Jake Sisko's a war correspondent on DS9... he actually wrote the articla announcing the war's end."
Turtledove glances back at Thomas, her eyebrows ascending nicely, and her lips sealed quite firmly shut. A full second pause ensues, in which the table might listen happily to the harmonic stylings of 20th c. Earth's finest (Queen), without verbal interruption. "Uh. Well. No. Cody." She almost grins. "I'm not really looking for a date. Really. You know?" Uh, yeah, that was smooth. "I'm... very busy. It's nothing personal." She grins. Right.
Thomas nods quietly. "Okay... thought I'd ask..." He drains the rest of his tea and then sits staring into the glass.
Stewart walks into the Neutral Zone, heading first to the bar to procure a beer, and then wandering out into the crowd, looking for a place to sit.
Blutox looks on the assembled crowd with a stoic expression.
Niel finally closes the box on the table and returns to his drink and his padd.
Takamura listens to the exchange at his table and sighs looking at the empty mug before him. "Well, I'm out of ale. Does any else need a refill?" No, he's not trying to change the subject and end the uncomfortable situation.
Balin moves for the door and pauses there, turning back to look over the gathering again. He gives a satisfied nod and, smiling, turns to walk out.
Turtledove smiles weakly, and settles back in her seat. She flashes Takamura a grateful smile and pushes her glass forward. "I need a refill. Please. And thank-you."
Randal polishes off another glass of Saurian Brandy, and promptly orders another one from Milara as he sits at the bar. The glassy look in his eyes suggest that he is approaching his limit, with the intention of crossing it.
"That was him?... He's good..." Leah comments as she tucks a stray lock of hair back behind her ear, a la Ms. Tyler. "Maybe we'll go to that bar there... the one with that bartender you mentioned. I can't imagine he'd be in a good mood, though."
Duncan raises a hand, "Me as well please, a saurian brandy please."
Thomas looks up. "I think I'll have some more tea, actually..." He looks back at the glass...
Dakin nods and sighs. "Actually, I talked to Quark a couple days ago. Apparently, he's decided to make his bar the last bastion of pre-reform Ferengi culture in the quadrant. I guess whatever mood he's in'll depend on how successful he's been."
Randal looks down the bar to Duncan, grinning. "Aha. It's nice to find someone else with refined taste." Although, judging by the slight inebriated slurring, 'refined' is somewhat subjective. "I'm Randal, by the by."
Takamura nods. "Very well, then." He flags down Milara's help and orders the requested drinks for his table. "So, what's everybody's plans now that the war id over?"
Jiasha seems to mainly occupy herself in picking up snippets of conversation here and there. Hanging around with a goodly troubled lookin her face.
Niel reads over his padd and starts to mutter under his breath as he does so.
Leah makes a face, wrinkling up her nose some. "/Poor/ baby... It's about time those Ferengi /men/ got what was coming to them."
Nilee sits down at The bar.
Balin turns toward the door and heads out.
Balin heads out and into the Mall.
Balin has left.
Nilee sits himself down in a comfortable position at the bar, his back resting against the edge of the counter, he slowly passes his eyes across the crowd, the smile on his face remaining present, and even growing slightly as he spots a few people he recognizes in the room.
Dakin chuckles. "Well, last I heard, DS-9's promenade had a couple resturants and a jumja-stick kiosk so we have options for food and drink. Problem is Quark's bar houses the holosuites. Oh, and speaking of which..."
Stewart eventually heads over towards where Takamura and Turtledove are sitting, as well as the others. He waves as he approaches, and says, "Anyone mind if I join you?"
Turtledove grins, still weakly, avoiding eye-contact with Thomas. "My plans remain the same. Live, see where it takes me. Immediate plans, however, involve brushing up on my proficiencies." She pauses, then adds, "And possibly trying some Indian foods." She looks up as Stewart approahces, still grinning. "Of course not. Pull up a chair."
"What?" Leah prompts with a grin.
A group of Orion traders start a drinking song amongst themselves.
Dakin smiles. "Didn't we have some holosuite time blocked off for tonight...?"
Jiasha doesn't so much touch Balin, as put her ginhers close to his arm. It is a personal-bubble tapping. "It was nice to see you again, of course." She doesnt' sound completely convinced. Flighty, now, and wandering off for the fodls of the back.
Leah smirks slyly, "I do believe we did... Wasn't it moon-hopping night?"
Jiasha enters the back room of the Neutral Zone.
Jiasha has left.
Dakin grins and nods. "That it was. Shall we?"
Randal, having gotten up from the bar and making his way toward the pool table, hears Duncan place his order. "Aha. It's nice to find someone else with refined taste." Although, judging by the slight inebriated slurring, 'refined' is somewhat subjective. He grins, proffering the glass of amber liquid he carries with him by way of demonstration. (replaces previous pose due to player error)
Randal stands and leaves The bar.
Thomas smiles. "Well, staying in Starfleet... travelling a bit... learn how to play hockey..." He winks at Takamura.
Stewart sits down at square table.
Duncan looks up to Randal and nods approvingly. "Always a good choice for celebration, though it does tend to have a cost the next day."
Leah holds her hands out to Dakin, obviously wanting him to help her off the stool. "Let's."
Dakin takes his wife by the hands and carefully pulls her to her feet before releasing one hand and leading her over towards the door.
Takamura gives Randal the evil eye as he passes by, but returns to his happy self when Thomas mentions hockey. "Me, I'd like to take some time and get back to Sol and visit my sister on Mars. And establish a hockey team here on the station." He winks back at Cody.
Leah let's herself be lead out. "You'll have to do all the bounding around tonight... Unless we go zero-g this time."
Randal nods. "What's a celebration without the hangover?" He chuckles. He scowls at Takamura as he gets the unfriendly expression. Unfortunately, it seems to have prompted him into lingering, rather than moving on. "I'm Randal, by the way," he introduces.
Several Starfleet Ensigns make their way out, heading back on duty.
Dakin heads out and into the Mall.
Dakin has left.
Leah heads out and into the Mall.
Leah has left.
Stewart sets his beer down when he sits, asking, "So what has everyone been up to in the wake of the news? Aside from getting drunk, of course. And the various results thereof." And with that, he hoists his glass briefly, before replacing it on the table.
Duncan stands and reaches a hand over to Randal, "Mycroft Duncan, pleased to meet you, care for a game of pool?"
Randal grins. "Sure. I was just thinking the same thing." He offers his own hand, completing the handshake.
Duncan accepts his glass from Takamura and makes his way over to the pool table.
Duncan stands and leaves square table.
Thomas sits down at square table.
Takamura watches as Duncan and Randal head over to the pool table. He turns back to Stewart and answers, "Not too much, Jimmy."
Turtledove grins. "Duty shifts, training. The usual." Yeah, it's a party. Break out the party-hats.
Randal heads to the table himself, and begins to rack the pool balls. "You in Starfleet?" he asks to Duncan.
Thomas says, "Patient after patient after patient..."
Duncan shakes his head. "I work for the science council."
Stewart nods, "That's about what I figured. It's a good thing the war's over, but it's going to be rather boring now. For the most part."
The lights on the jukebox flash.
Takamura nods and gives Stewart and Turtledove a knowing look. "Right." He picks up his refilled glass and takes a sip.
Randal grins mischievious, "Figured you weren't," he comments. "You're skull's not thick enough." After the balls are lined up, he removes the rack and steps back, offering Duncan first go.
Duncan chuckles and picks up a cue "You'd be surprised at how reasonable some of them can be."
Niel finally gets up from his table, taking the small box and padd with him as he heads out.
Turtledove takes her refilled drink and sips too. "Nah, I'm sure there will be plenty of work for us. With the war over, people will be reverting to their old ways. Piracy will flourish once more. Etc." She grins cheerfully as she speaks.
Duncan takes a sip of his drink then sets the glass on one of the empty tables next to the pool table then lines up for a break.
Niel heads out and into the Mall.
Niel has left.
Stewart shakes his head, taking another sip. "You'd have to be an absolute moron to take up piracy now. Think of all the starships built for war cruising around out there. Every merchant vessel armed to the gills in case of Dominion attack. And people like us everywhere, without any distractions. If anything, piracy should go down."
Randal laughs. "Yeah, you're right. I was just making a joke. Though I do wonder if having a thick skull isn't a requirement of certain departments in Starfleet." He shrugs.
Blutox escorts an overly drunk patron out the door, then returns.
Duncan strikes the cue ball hard and scatters balls all over the table and watches as one solid manages to drop into a side pocket. "There are enough thick headed types throughout the galaxy, they usually tend to end up where they'll do some good. Ah, looks like I'm solid." and lines up another shot.
Takamura tries to ignore the comments coming from the pool table. "He's got a point there, Tera. It would be unwise to start up business again right now."
Randal grins. "I'd like to think that holds true, even for those who don't join Starfleet," he says as he awaits his turn. "So, what sort of science are you in to?"
Thomas says, "I'll get to keep busy... what with all the post traumatic stress cases..."
Turtledove shrugs. "What is that saying? Where the wolves are killed off, the foxes flourish. Besides... what's to stop the pirates packing their own vessels with high-powered ammo and guns? When your prey grows teeth, you learn to dodge better... or to get them before they can get you. Piracy won't stop. It will just improve."
Duncan takes his shot and just misses sinking the nine. "Physics mostly, I'm here to study that big blue blobbie out there." hooks a thumb at the anomaly shining through the viewport.
Duncan chalks up his cue and takes a drink while watching Randal line up his shot.
"Nahh... not with all the new and improved ships floating around right now." Stewart takes a sip, and then says, "You won't see the piracy spike for awhile now. It'll be when everyone's convinced it's a new golden age of safety, and they start selling their new armaments cheap so as to free up a little more space, and get their energy costs down that little bit more, that's when you'll see it spike. The pirates'll buy it up, and for a little while it'll be the foxes in the henhouse. And then it'll balance back off."
Randal watches sidelong the conversation at the table Duncan previously occupied with a noticable smirk on his face, but his laugh at Duncan's response indicates he is still paying attention. "Big blue blobbie. Is that the technical name for it?" He leans over the table, lining up a shot and taking it. The ball bounces off the sides, neatly avoiding corner pocket which Randal seemed to be aiming at. He frowns.
The lights on the jukebox flash.
Takamura just sits there drinking his ale, considering the both sides of the discussion.
Thomas says, "Hey, Tak, how much longer, ya think, before we can start with hockey?"
Turtledove grins at Stewart. "You sure about that?" She seems rather impressed with the actual level of confidence that Stewart has in his own opinion.
Duncan sets his drink down and walks around the table studying angles and making some mental calculations. "Its as good a name for it as calling it an anomaly since even now its as much of a mystery as it has ever been." lines up his shot and drops two solids in a quick combination but misses his next shot.
Stewart nods to that, "Yep. I've put some thought into it. It's going to be quiet for a little while, and then things will get back to a more steady, if still slower pace. Course, who knows. We could be still be facing a last suicide charge. It'd break things up a bit, at least."
Takamura sets down his mug and glances over to Cody. "The ladies at the Dream Factory should have my new program ready in a few days. We can start practicing then."
Thomas nods. "Okay... Just kinda curious..." He stares down into his glass of tea.
Turtledove nods sagely to Stewart. "Indeed. It's so hard to predict the future." She drains her drink, and stands up. "Hockey... hrm." She grins. "That's an ice sport, right? Skates?"
Randal wields his cue stick again, and leans over the edge of the table. "Does it do anything except make pretty lighting effects and appear on the local postcards?" He sends the cue ball into a cluster of balls. One of the striped balls manages to fall into a pocket, although one might surmise it was more the work of chance than skill.
Takamura grins at Tera mischievously. "Why yes it is. Would you be interested in learning how to play and joining my fledgling team?"
Blutox looks on the assembled crowd with a stoic expression.
Turtledove hrms, her expression reflecting that she knows how much this means to her team-mate, otherwise she would NEVER consider doing it. Not at all. She grins at Tak. "Well. Let me think about it?"
Stewart asks Takamura, "How many do you have so far? And who are you planning to play against, once you've got your team together?"
Duncan watches Randal's shot and sips his drink. "Mostly she puts out pretty blue light, not much else is definable, a lot of weird random seeming sensor readings, things like that."
Randal chuckles. "I'm a bit suprised they'd build a station so close to it, if no one has any real clue what it does." He strikes the cue ball again. It misses his intended target (and a number of unintended ones), and drops into one of the pockets. "Ah, damn."
Takamura stands up next to Turtledove. He looks over to Stewart. "Well, right now, only Cody here and Havaris Jiasha have commited to playing. But Thaal and Lt. Poole also expressed interest. And Dr. Gorgha. After the team is put together, we were going to play against holographic opponents. At least until I manage to recruit enough people for a second team." He glances back to Tera. "If you'd like we can talk about it on our way back up stairs to our quarters."
Blutox glares at a patron who is getting overly friendly with Milara.
Turtledove smiles at Tak. "You know me. I'm not really into... competitive sports." She pauses, regarding her friend warmly. "Alright, let's talk." She nods to all at the table. "Goodnight everyone." She looks over her shoulder, waves to Duncan, then looks to Tak with a grin... and heads for the door.
Thomas says, "Night, guys..."
Stewart waves to the departing pair, and folds his hands onto the table. "Good night, and see you two around, of course."
Takamura waves goodbye to the table and Duncan, as he walks to the door next to Turtledove. "Good night."
Duncan nods as he walks around the table to pick the cue ball out of its resting place. "Its a scientific opportunity and besides, this would appear to be a rather important strategic place. Look at all the trouble we've had here even not counting the war." Duncan notes Turtledove leaving and gives her a quick smile. "Goodnight Turtledove, rest well." then lines up a shot which sinks and finds himself without another shot then he calls a safety and walks back around the table to his drink.
Turtledove heads out and into the Mall.
Turtledove has left.
Takamura heads out and into the Mall.
Takamura has left.
Randal tilts his head. "I'm not actually from this sector," he says, "so I'm not familiar with many of the notable happenings. I don't suppose you could give me an example?" He frowns as he examines the table, trying to decide on a good strategy.
Milara darts among the dirty tables, cleaning them up.
Duncan shrugs. "not too long ago there was a potential new member of the federation, there are a couple of races that appear to be learning to get along better instead of trying to blow each other out of the sky. The usual starfleet things."
Randal chuckles. "Oh. Any pirate activity?" he asks, with an oddly casual tone. He lines up shot that redistributes the locations of several balls, but fails to sink any. He retrieves his drink, and scowls into it accusingly. But he ends up taking a drink, anyway.
Stewart pushes himself up to his feet, noting to Thomas, "I should probably get moving too. Good luck with your likely influx of work."
Outside the viewport, a passing freighter is silhouetted against the bright light of the anomaly.
Thomas nods to Stewart. "Thanks..."
Duncan chalks up his cue and walks around the table looking for a shot. "I'd heard there was a ship that was attacked a while back that was bringing some refugee children in for sanctuary. I'd heard that the captain was pretty badly wounded if not killed.
Stewart stands and leaves square table.
Stewart heads out and into the Mall.
Stewart has left.
Duncan finds a shot takes it but misscalculates and scratches sending the cue ball rolling across the floor of the zone.
Randal glances up, sharply. "Attacked by pirates?" He asks, rather urgently. "Was it Captain Baird?" He seems totally oblivious to the errant cue ball, for the moment.
Duncan thinks for a moment. "Yes, I believe that was the name of the captain, as I remember he was pretty badly injured in the boarding."
Randal glowers. "Arrogant fool," he mutters under his breath. Out load, he responds, "Is he still alive? You seemed a bit indefinite about that."
Thomas drains the remainder of his glass and sets it down on the table. He stands up and heads toward the door, yawning.
Thomas stands and leaves square table.
Thomas heads out and into the Mall.
Thomas has left.
Duncan says, "I believe he is alive, though you should check with the infirmary to be sure. He saved a lot of children, so I wouldn't think he was exactly being arrogant." shrugs "too many children have been orphaned by the war.""
A group of Orion traders start a drinking song amongst themselves.
Duncan says, "I believe he is alive, though you should check with the infirmary to be sure. He saved a lot of children, so I wouldn't think he was exactly being arrogant." shrugs "too many children have been orphaned by the war.""
Randal sighs. "He knew he was going in over his head," the man comments. "I'll have to check up on him. What's this about children, though?"
Duncan leans his cue against the table. "He was apparently transporting some children out of a free fire zone. I'm unclear on the details."
Randal frowns. "But, why would pirates be attacking him if all he was transporting were refugee children? Surely they would have tried to scan his hold first, to confirm he had cargo with the risk." He 'hmms' to himself. "Unless what they were after wasn't in his hold..."
Duncan nods. "There is that possibility as well, or it may simply have been some kind of revenge attack."
A Human freighter captain, bereft of a Dominion war to bemoan, stews in silence for a new crisis to complain about.
Randal nods. "I suspect both of those possibilities are one in the same." His eyebrows raise, and he smiles disarmingly. "Not that I would necessarily have any real knowledge of either the pirates or Baird's mission," he comments. "I'm just... concerned about an apparantly like-minded colleague, of sorts."
Duncan nods sagely. "Understood. Who's shot is it?"
Randal tilts his head. "Well, I believe the cue ball went somewhere in that direction on the completion of your turn," he says, grinning. "But I'll concede the game to an obviously superior opponent. At least, given my current state of cohesiveness."
Duncan scans around for the cue ball. "Another game another time when we're both on an even keel I think."
Randal chuckles. "Agreed. Again, it was nice to meet you. I should be on my way, though... before I convince myself to indulge in another brandy." With a mischievious grin, Randal nods and makes his way to the exit after depositing his cue stick in the wall rack.
Duncan chuckles and takes a final sip of his own before going on a cue ball hunt. "Good meeting you as well, I hope your friend is well."
Randal heads out and into the Mall.
Randal has left.
Belgarath has arrived.
GAME: Belgarath is joining this location.
