A Snake in the Grass

 Episode Name:  A Snake in the Grass

   Written By:  Grey

         Cast:  Arzt, Caeli, Casya, Donavon, Foster, Grey, Krylow, Lopez, McKenna, Mulwray, Neya, Nilee, 
                O'Rielly, Soral, Tshaya and Vimes.

  Produced By:  Starfleet

  Directed By:  Grey

     Aired On:  Fri May 27 00:43:47 2005

     Stardate:  54998

Time: Wed May 25 18:26:09 2005

Stardate: 54994.9

Nilee briskly steps into the Core a few seconds beyond Casya apparently. He moves with ease navigating the light crowd already in the coffee shop. He maneuvers his way through the few tables and people between him and the counter and pulls up it just after Casya places her order, "Coffee, with two shots of espresso."

Casya has just recently arrived in the 'Core herself, it appears, as she is just in the process of sitting down at the counter, carefully setting down a tall glass jar containing a blue candle before calling out an order to the barista. "Raktajino, please. Double sweet."

Krylow comes into the coffee house at an easy pace, and pauses to glance around those poresent. Finally he makes his way towards the Viewport nook and the table nestled in there, sliding easily into a seat.

Casya offers the barista a hint of a smile as he delivers her Klingon coffee, one hand reaching to lift the durasteel mug, while the other fiddles absently with the jar containing the candle. As she hears others enter behind her, she swivels around nonchalantly, glancing around to see who's here. She offers Krylow and Nilee both a nod as she lifts her coffee to her lips.

Neya steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Neya has arrived.

Neya comes bounding into the Core, apparently in her usual good humor.

Krylow sits down at viewport nook.

Nilee accepts his own coffee as it's offerred to him, and he slides onto a seat, lifting the mug to his lips tentatively as he returns Casya's nod of greeting with a smile partially hidden by the mug.

Krylow returns Casya's nod with one of his own, and a small wave. As he sits he settles a PADD near his elbow, but for the moment simply watches the coffee house quietly.

Casya takes a long, slow sip of her coffee, watching the entrance of the coffee house over the rim before slowly setting it down on the counter beside a tall glass jar containing a blue candle. She smiles as she sees Neya and offers the other Orion a wave of her fingers. "Long time no see, Neya... how are you?" she asks when the other woman gets close enough. "Or should I ask... how are you and Jim?" she adds, nodding toward the ring on her finger.

Neya's attention is everywhere at once, eyes bright. "Galen!" she calls, raising a hand. "Casya!" A squeak and the Orion seems drawn to the other Orion. "I'm doing well, and how are you? Jim and I are doing wonderfully. He wishes to plan the wedding and I keep putting him off. I have not seen you in forever! Tell me how you are?"

Nilee turns around as Casya speaks the framiliar name and his eyes lock onto the other framiliar Orion with a smile, he offers a slight wave of response with one hand, but lets the two women greet each other uninterrupted for the moment, well he quietly sips his coffee.

As Krylow sits and watches, finally a server makes her way to his table. He places a quiet order with her, before she wanders off on her rounds. For his part Alek returns to watching quietly.

Casya offers the other Orion woman a genuine, happy smile. "I'm glad to hear it. I'm so happy for you, Neya... I wish the two of you every happiness." she says softly. Then, at Neya's question, her smile falters just a little, her gaze flicking quickly to the candle on the counter before returning to the former slave, her smile returning. "Oh... you know me. Nothing can keep me down for long. I'm... managing just fine. Working at the 'Edge, now, you know."

Neya glances over toward the candle briefly, head cocking to the side. "Mr. Randal is putting new things out in order to try and get more customers?" she asks. "I could give him a few ideas of other things to do. I do not think the males of the station will like blue candles on the counter while they drink. You are working at the Edge? I was hoping to get a job there, but James, well, he keeps me rather busy." Her smile falters just a little, almost a mirror of Casya's. "I am afraid that I...worry about James. And I'm worrying him. I...I have a problem, Casya. Do you know of someone I could speak with about it?"

Arzt steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Arzt has arrived.

Nilee shoots a quick glance over towards Neya and Casya, worry evident in his brow for just a moment before he looks away. It is, after all, not a conversation he's involved with, and he's trying not to listen in. He lifts his coffee and takes a sip, tilting his head towards Arzt as he spots her entering.

Casya glances back toward the candle again, shaking her head slightly. "Ah... no. I just... did some shopping, on the Mall, and decided to stop in for some coffee and conversation before I head back home." Her brow furrows a bit as Neya expresses her concerns, murmuring, "James...? Oh! You mean Jim. Heh. Yeah... I'll just bet he's quite a handful, isn't he? Starfleet men tend to be, you know... But well worth the effort."

Neya hesitates and glances around for a moment, cheeks darkening a little. She can't help but grin at Casya. Yes, it's one of those knowing little smiles, woman to woman. "Ahhh, very well worth the effort, yes," she says softly, darting a glance toward Nilee. It's only a brief one, and then she's looking back to Casya. "May I join you?"

Nilee sits down at counter.

Caeli steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Caeli has arrived.

"I, ah..." Casya hesitates, gaze flicking toward the candle again as she reaches for her coffee mug and takes a quick swallow. "Sure, Neya... we've got some catching up to do, after all. Have a seat."

Neya sits down at counter.

Mulwray steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Mulwray has arrived.

Arzt comes walking into the Warp Core, dressed down for her evening off. She gives Nilee a shy smile as she makes her way to the counter.

Neya carefully wriggles herself onto a stool, trying to remain demure in a dress that epitomizes scandalous. "Thank you, Casya," she says, relief in her eyes. "It has been too long, and I find I'm in need of advice from another Orion lady. We are few and far between on the station." She leans in a little closer to Casya, voice dropping. Casya has Neya's full attention.

At her place, Neya's words are quiet, a thread of worry slipping through them. "You are right, Casya. It's...James. I don't know what to do."

At her place, Casya frowns slightly, reaching out to touch one of Neya's hands sympathetically, though the other Orion doesn't quite have *all* of Casya's attention. Her gaze flicks watchfully around the coffee house as she sips her coffee, leaning in toward Neya to ask, "What's wrong, hon? What's happened?"

Caeli enters into the Core alongside Jim Mulwray, speaking to the human. Zip sports a nice but not quite formal outfit in the traditional Bolian style. "So then she falls into the water, right off the side of the yacht, and starts shrieking, thrashing, everything. You /might/ think she was drowning. Except the holosuite stopped her sink about, oh, six inches down. Took her till I started laughing to notice."

Casya frowns slightly, reaching out to touch one of Neya's hands sympathetically, though the other Orion doesn't quite have *all* of Casya's attention. Her gaze flicks watchfully around the coffee house as she sips her coffee, leaning in toward Neya to murmur a soft question.

Tshaya steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Tshaya has arrived.

"...Christ, Zip," comes Jim's chortling reply - he's cackling, the enormous man, a very mountainous Mutt to Caeli's Jeff. "You'd think you'd give a lady some help - cackling like that? You're lucky she didn't cut your processor privileges for a year after that." In they come, casual as you please. Two buddies on the town. God help you all.

At her place, Neya dips her head in and sighs softly, shoulders sinking a little. "I...I'm hurting James, Casya, and I don't mean to. He wishes for us to be married, and I keep putting him off. It...he tries not to be disappointed. I WANT to marry him, Casya. But...But I've researched, and I can't find out how to plan a wedding that would be WORTHY of him." She pauses then perks up. Like a homing beacon, she's heard Jim's voice.

Nilee continues sipping his coffee, eyes darting around the room. He watches Arzt for a moment, and then flicks his gaze to the door again as more people enter. Giving a few of them a nod as they come in, specifically Zip and Jim.

After a few minutes Krylow's steaming cup arrives at the table, and he wraps both hands around it. After moment he lifts it to take a small sip, before resting it on the table.

Neya's shoulders sag as she murmurs to Casya, but then she suddenly perks up, head swivelling around, eyes searching the coffee house, hopeful. Yes, she's looking for something - or someone.

Arzt makes it over to the counter and orders before everyone that's just arrived can monopolize the server, "Ummm, large cafe latte please." She pulls herself into one of the seats at the bar.

Arzt sits down at counter.

Casya ahhhs softly, reaching out to give Neya's shoulder a soft, reassuring squeeze as she spots Jim and Zip. She offers the two men a smile, even going so far as to add a wink toward the pair as she leans in to murmur to Neya again.

Caeli offers up a two-fingered wave to Nilee. "Evening, Galen," he greets as an aside. "Fair tidings." Jim just earns a sort of shocked look. "If by some stretch of the imagination she had managed to start /drowning/" and he lets out a derisive snort at the very thought "in six inches of water, believe me, I would have been there in a flash. Her knight in a shining Hawaiian shirt."

Tshaya strides into the Core with a cheerful smile, her gaze sweeping the patrons in a show of appreciation for them all. Heading toward the counter, she pauses to chat quietly at a table full of customers.

At her place, Casya says "Oh, honey... of all the things to get all worked up over! Don't worry so much about that, Neya...it's not the ceremony that's really the issue. Oh, I'm sure he's got some ideas in mind of what the 'ideal' wedding would be... but when it all comes down to it, it's *you* he wants as his wife, and I'm certain he'll take you in any way he can get you, whether it be some elaborate Terran religious ceremony or a quiet little ceremony in Captain Balin's office--though I must say, I wouldn't recommend going to the Captain.""

McKenna steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

McKenna has arrived.

Soral steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Soral has arrived.

Donavon steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Donavon has arrived.

Casya sits at the counter next to Neya, talking softly with the other Orion and sipping from a mug of raktajino. Sitting beside her on the counter is a tall glass jar containing a blue candle.

Neya can't keep her eyes off James for a moment, until Casya starts to speak. The Orion looks to the other green woman, considers her for a moment, then darts in to kiss the other woman's cheek. "We will talk more later, yes? I...James. James is HERE. With Zipoc! I don't know where the Great Bird Rann is, and need to ask!" Like a hyperactive Golden Retriever puppy, the young Orion practically levitates to her feet, stopping JUST shy of wriggling. She just barely keeps herself in check, from flying across the coffeehouse at the Man Mountain and his Bolian companion. It's a sedate sway, really. Done at triple-time. "James! You are here!"

"I still can't believe you /wear/ all that." Jim just laughs, shaking his head - making eyes Casya's way. Well. Not Casya's. Neya's. He doesn't say a word to his wife-to-be, simply grinning at her - offering an arm. "Hi, sweetheart," he rumbles at yon charging green lass. "Damn, you sound like you miss me or summit." Yes. Joking. Feel free to kick him in the kidneys, green lady.

Soral moves into the Core, quiet as usual, with the obligatory PADD locked in his hands behind his back. Look left, look right. Proceed to the counter.

Arzt picks up her latte that's just arrived and takes a sip, continuing to quietly watch the others there. She does notice James enter and offers McKenna a little wave in greeting.

Tshaya laughs softly at a comment from the patrons she's chatting with. She glances around again, her gaze hovering on this person and that, from the bar to the viewport nook to the various tables, before nodding and gracefully withdrawing from her conversation.

Vimes steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Vimes has arrived.

Casya laughs softly at the other green girl's enthusiasm as she watches her go with a bemused expression. "Sure, Neya. Stop by my quarters sometime, and we'll talk."

McKenna makes his way in, yawning just a little. He waves back at Arzt, amiably, and heads for the counter.

Krylow lifts a hand when McKenna slips through the doors, waving to the quartermaster from his seat. Long distance greeting down he lifts his cup for another sip.

Caeli steps off to one side a meter or so, folding his arms with a grin and making quite a show of watching Mulwray's exchange. "S'quite the welcoming committee you've got there, Jim."

Nilee just watches the scene before him, relaxing markedly after a moment, he smirks and then turns into the counter after returning Zip's greeting, "Hey Zip." He replies, taking a drink of his coffee.

Soral settles into a place at the counter, waiting for Tshayas attention patiently yet already occupying the time useful by pulling out said aforementioned PADD to rest it next to him on the counter.

Vimes arrives into the coffee house, looking about for a moment before raising both brows and grinning as he spots Caeli and Mulwray, making a bee-line to join them.

Soral sits down at counter.

Donavon hooks her thumbs through her pant's belt loops as she moseys into the Warp Core. A perimeter survey of the room locates a friendly face or two. Boot falls later, she arrives at the main counter and proceeds to knock to gain the barista's attention. Cue smile.

Donavon sits down at counter.

Arm? ARM? Neya eyes Jim's arm for a moment with something akin to indignation and then simply launches herself at Jim. She was restrained - at least somewhat - and waited until she was within five feet of the Security officer before going airborn. "Miss you? MISS you? I haven't seen you since lunch," she complains. "And you left me asleep on the bed." She pouts, prettily, tilting her head back to look up at Mulwray. "I was just talking with Casya about wedding plans and why I have not set a date yet. She is going to help me be the perfect bride for you. But we cannot marry with the Captain. She'll tell me why, later, when we're alone in quarters. I think it's a girl-only secret." The Orion is talking at about Warp 4 and stops only to give the man she's currently barnacled to a sound kiss on the lips, and then she looks over to Caeli. "Who did you try to drown, Zipok? And she survived, yes? You cannot drown in the holodeck. Galen taught me that." A hand lifts from its death grip on Mulwray's neck and waves in Nilee's direction. "He took me sailing for our first date."

McKenna orders himself some coffee, and glances around, taking a moment to leisurely study the room and its occupants. The counter all full up, he wanders away from it, heading Krylow-wards for lack of any better ideas. He pauses briefly to blink in amusement at Neya's hyperactive state, grinning.

Caeli's eye, trained as it is, catches sight of Vimes as the human makes his approach, turning to grin broadly at the young Command officer before shaking his head. "I didn't try to drown anyone, Neya; not to worry. She fell off the boat." A pause, and he looks wryly to Mulwray, assuring the human, "It was an accident."

Casya chuckles at Neya, shaking her head slightly as she finishes off her raktajino and pushes the mug back across the counter. To Tshaya, she says with a smile, "When you get a chance, could I get another raktajino, please? Double sweet."

Tshaya resumes her course toward the counter, only to pause near it, her gaze moving over Casya for a moment before she smiles. "Sure thing. That's a lovely candle you have there. Where did you get it?"

Good Jesus God. Jim looks positively poleaxed from this insane burst of energy on the part of Miss Neya - catching the incoming greenette and pulling her up in a squeeze, only to let her let fly with all the words. Yes. Poleaxed. And then, if you please, there's a kiss - which he can deal with, as it brings him out of his reverie. "Ah...uh. Did he, now." Nilee gets a grinning nod, with the expression of slight long-sufferance that only a man whose lady is very chatty about past boyfriends can bear. "Well. Let's go have a seat, then, all right? Oi! John! This way, eh?" And thus does he proceed to haul miss lady along with the rest of the caravan.

Arzt glances over at Meg and gives her a shy smile, "Hey, how are things going?" She bites her lip and then asks, "Do we have another SSC meeting soon? I hate to admit it but because I've been wrapped up in projects, I've sort of lost touch of when our next meeting is."

Donavon drums up her usual cup of coffee, sipping and relishing with delight. She tugs out a PADD to re-verify times before stuffing it back on her belt. A grin follows towards Arzt. "Tonight. 2000 hours if everyone can spare the time." Another grin. "Why so busy?"

Nilee smirks ever so slightly at Neya's comment, and just shakes his head, returning Jim's nod. He's still just silently enjoying his coffee, though.

Neya squeaks in outrage and gently pokes Jim in the side. "James, you have not even asked me how my afternoon was. You will be buying me something to drink to make up for that, yes? Since you did not give me the chance to have a proper lunch, I also require food." And there's the thousand-watt smile. She peers at Vimes for a moment, then looks to Caeli and Mulwray as she's swept along. "Perhaps Galen can teach her how to sail properly, Zipok? He is excellent with that, and lonely. We need to find him a good woman to cook for him since I am now cooking for James." The Orion contents herself with holding to Jim's arm for the moment, but leans in, as if to confide to the Bolian, "James does not like me to cook for other gentlemen. The last time I did, he turned the strangest shade of purple."

Casya's smile falters just briefly as Tshaya questions her about the candle, then returns as bright as ever. "Hmm? Oh, the candle. Thank you. I picked it up from one of the little kiosks up on deck 18."

Krylow nods to McKenna as the man draws close and gestures to a seat at his table. "Please, have a seat James," he says, looking away from the Core in general towards the arriving quartermaster.

"Hey now," Jim says with a grunt and squinting down at his green miss, "I said I didn't mind now. You talked sense into me, remember?" A bit of a bearish sound and he squeezes the girl against his mountainous side. "Right. Okay, you lot go to your table, and I'll get something for Neya." Yes. Detach. Make for the counter. Where the sandwiches and such are.

Vimes nods in response to Mulwray, "Sure thing. Let me just grab a coffee here, and I'll be right with you." before making his way to the espresso machine. A few tugs and twists of the knobs later, the metaphorical monkey on his back is quieted down.

Arzt gives a little shrug, "Well it goes in spurts really. I've got this long term project I'm working on that's being coordinated with Engineering...let's just say that I've been hurrying up so I can wait." She gives a little laugh, "I think you know what I mean."

Caeli asks pointedly of Neya, lowering his head, conspiratorial. "Well, then who's supposed to cook for me? Or John, for that matter?" He turns to follow his pinkskin counterparts, but diverts to the other end of the counter. "Megan Rose Donavon-Harris!" he announces with a broad grin. "Look at you. You look like you could outsneak a Vulcan."

Perhaps for the better, Neya's little comment about Galen gets lost in the hum of the crowd this time, and he returns to his coffee, completely naive of her conspiratory remarks. He finally turns back around the survey the now very busy coffee shop quietly.

Donavon's grin lopsides, eyes impishly gleaming. "I believe I do, Ensign Arzt. Have you reached the impass yet? Waiting on -1- count it ONE person who i--" all words cease to be on a proclamation. Her head cranks to the left, peering over a shoulder. In the sincerest Vulcan imitation, she deadpans, "That would be illogical, Lieutenant Caeli."

McKenna sits down at viewport nook.

At his place, McKenna takes a seat. "Thanks. Place is pretty crowded tonight. Must be one of those things where all the shifts are aligned and the full moon is out," he jokes.

Tshaya arcs an eyebrow at Casya's reaction, and glances around. "Well, in that case, I should peruse the kiosks more often. I do love burning candles. That's my favorite past time." An eyebrow lifts. "Double sweet, you said?"

At his place, Krylow chuckles softly and shakes his head a little. "I suppose, though there are a couple of important shifts that didn't get aligned properly."

Casya's brows lift in return, and she manages a wry grin. "I'd never have pegged you for a pyromaniac, Tish." she answers with a soft chuckle. "Yes, double sweet. Please."

At his place, McKenna quirks an eyebrow. "How so?" he asks curiously.

Krylow gestures around the Core with a hand, before saying something to McKenna at their table.

At his place, Krylow says "Well, I don't see Barana or Tay here."

Yes. And so it's over to the counter goes Jim! Down a few from yon Casya and her friend, and all the comments about incendiaries - lingering along, rubbing at his nose and waiting for the server there to come chat with him. Coffee. Sandwiches. Don't forget now, Jimmy boy.

At his place, McKenna nods. "True, that. Too true. But now we have an opportunity to talk about them behind their backs," he says brightly.

At his place, Krylow laughs softly at that. "I suppose so. Well, since its your idea you can start."

Tshaya laughs softly, rounding the end of the counter to head for the rak'tajino urn. "Obviously you have never seen my quarters. I have a bonfire in the center. Fake, of course, but it's the best I can do under the circumstances." A cup is delivered to Casya, before Tish flashes Mulwray a wry smile. "Yes?"

Coffee in hand, Vimes finally gets over to where Caeli is at, lifting his mug for a quick sip as he looks around at everyone else gathered and then leans in to speak with the Bolian.

Vimes whispers to Caeli, "Who?"

"Uh." A beat. "Can I have a watercress and cream cheese sandwich?" Because Jim KNOWS all about bland. "And raktajino, please. Ma'am." Is this a possible heartthrobby moment, with the staring and the stumbling on the tongue? For shame, Jim Mulwray. For shame.

Arzt takes a sip of her latte and nods to Meg, "Yes...it's back in engineering, but I'm hoping after this round the project will stay in the Science Department and I can finally get it finished."

Caeli shouts over towards Mulwray as soon as Vimes is done murmuring. "Jim wants those ridiculously small cucumber sandwiches. With no crust! And some peanut butter. Good thinking, John."

At his place, McKenna grins wryly. "Nice way to turn it back on me. Hmmm. I'm fresh out of ideas."

Casya nods her thanks to Tshaya, chuckling softly. "Well then, you should definitely check out that kiosk. They've got candles galore. Just... y'know. Try not to set the station on fire."

At his place, Krylow returns the grin and nods. "I figured. You're just trying to get information on Tay out of me, aren't you?"

Neya watches Jim, Caeli and John for a moment, shaking her head with a warm smile to all three. Someone's amused. "Those are for ME, Zipok," she says, nose in the air a little. "I read somewhere that those are eaten by ladies on Earth." And then she's heading toward the counter again, wriggling in close next to Casya. She tilts her head, studying the candle for a moment. "You know, you are right. I think that Mr. Thorne might like that here. Blue candles are my favorite, you know. There's something about the color, so peaceful. Of course, Mr. Randal might start greeting all his patrons with his tongue out, and that would create many bad feelings with his patrons."

Tshaya's eyes narrow a bit at Mulwray and his babbling. "Watercress and cream cheese. Certainly." She bustles behind the counter to make the aforementioned sandwich, and fetches the raktajino as well, delivering both to Mulwray. Her eyes go from him, to Caeli, to Vimes, and she smiles faintly before turning her attention back to Casya. "Try /not/ to? You're no fun at all," she teases.

Donavon's brows knit together, puzzled by Mulwray's order. She looks between Arzt and Caeli. "Is he headed to a mother/daughter tea party? If so, he forgot the flowery hat." A shrug follows with a coffee slurp. "Need for me to prod Krylow until he gets it done? Oooor," eyes glint with mischief.

. o O Tshaya thinks, "Since when did this become Security's gathering place? I know I have plenty of donuts, but /still/..."

At his place, Soral works quietly on the work he brought with him. Only very seldom does he look up and into the round.

At his place, McKenna tries, and fails, to look innocent. "How else can I find new and interesting ways to surprise her?"

Casya grins wryly at Tshaya. "What can I say? I /like/ having oxygen to breathe."

Caeli counters to Neya, "We're not on Earth, so swap out your creamed cheese for peanut butter. You won't regret it." He shrugs as an aside to Donavon, "My last real night out before my transfer. Late night is at the Zone."

. o O Caeli thinks, "Don't be Neya. I don't want Jim to have to do that. Hells, I don't want to do this."

At his place, Krylow says "Well, maybe I could be bought."

Donavon snorts dismissively, eyes rolling, before her grin fully cracks. "Is this your way to double duty the Security Department? How many folks are going to wind up on the couch tonight?" She waggles her brows as her elbow comes to rest on the counter. "Don't expect me to drink that sugary sweet concotion you call liquor."

Yes! Sandwich! They are claimed, and Jim turns to cart the dubious muncies off toward a table - stopping to inform Neya, "Got your dinner, here." Then? Back to Caeli's table.

At his place, McKenna grins. "With vodka?" he offers, by way of an opening bid. "I might just have a spare bottle hidden in my underwear drawer."

. o O Donavon thinks, "Bolian Whiskey and Alek's Piss Water..not liquor"

Tshaya presses a hand to her chest, and grins at Casya. "Imagine that." She glances to the others at the counter. "Anybody need a refill?"

Arzt gives Meg a little shrug, "I don't know who in Engineering is handling it. At least no one has contacted me about it...I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing."

Caeli tugs once at Donavon, having secured his coffee. He grins to the human. "Come on, you. I've got stories I've been saving from when you'd just set foot off an Academy shuttle." He makes his way back to his own table, letting Donavon follow or no.

Neya turns from Casya, laughing quietly at Jim. "Peanut butter or cream cheese, as Zipok suggested? And do they have any Bolian specialties? I need to learn to cook Bolian, you know." She heads for the table, trailing after the food like a starving cat after fresh fish.

Vimes can't help but start to laugh at the mental image of Mulwray in a flowery hat. So much so that he has to set his coffee down onto a table due to being doubled over, visibly shaking from the peals of laughter going through him.

Nilee @emit Ahh, people watching. That's about all Galen's doing this evening as he continues to nurse his coffee quietly. His eyes pass from one group of people to another, occasionally glancing to those nearby as he catches bits and piece of conversation over the drone of noise in the room.

At his place, Krylow says "A bottle? Only one? Apparently Tay isn't worth much to you. I can't /imagine/ assigning a worth of /one/ bottle to Barana."

Donavon tilts her hand in a so-so manner. "Good or bad. If you don't hear anything in a day or more, I'd follow up. Wouldn't hurt." Eyes scant to Blue Boy when he tugs. Sheepishly, she grins at Arzt. "Duty calls. Can't deny my ol' superior. Catch you at the meeting." With that, she stands to veer towards the table, coffee in hand. "What horribly lucid stories does Zip have today?"

Casya stiffens just slightly, nearly choking on her raktajino as she takes a sip of it. Reaching for a napkin, she dabs at her lips, looking sidelong at Neya for a long moment. "I... I only buy blue candles." she comments softly, turning her gaze to study the other patrons casually. "...they match my couch."

Arzt pulls out her PADD and sees the time. She finishes up her drink and then starts to gather herself so she can head off to that meeting.

Arzt stands and leaves counter.

Caeli grins at Donavon's approach. "None come to mind right off, but I'm sure if you sit down and stay a while we'll figure something out." Caeli rises, setting down his mug, and pulling out a seat for his onetime protigi.

Donavon stands and leaves counter.

At his place, McKenna shakes his head, tsking. "May camels infest your nether regions. How could you even dare suggest Tay's worth so little to me? Consider the fine quality of the vodka, the expense of getting it from Earth, the trouble of keeping it safe. Why, one bottle is a king's ransom to some people. And all I want is information. Now, were I asking for the entire woman, and luckily she can negotiate on her own behalf, I would have to bankrupt the Federation. But for mere words, my offer is reasonable. But you have something else in mind, so go on, suggest your counterbid. Make me laugh." Who replaced the Quartermaster with a Ferengi?

Sandwiches. Here we set them down on the table, and turn around to look Neya's way - and then Casya's, as she's apparently snorting fluid. "Cream cheese and watercress," replies the Mulwray, tapping the chair at his side. "Have a seat and try some, honey." As for himself, he's happy to just stand until she gets settled.

No refills? Tish cheerfully moves to do her coffee house duties, checking on urns, making sure enough donuts fill the trays beneath the glass counters, and such.

. o O Casya thinks, "No... oh, gods, no... Not her. It... it has to be a fluke. It /can't/ be /Neya/..."

Neya bounces to Jim's side, beaming up at him for a moment. "Thank you, love," she says, leaning up on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. Then she looks over her shoulder at Casya, eyes a little wide. "Are you alright, Casya? And I didn't know you had a blue sofa. I don't think I've ever been to your quarters. What colors is it? Maybe I can bring some fabric samples so we can make throw pillows, with flowers to match. I've been learning about interior design."

Donavon for once accepts the seat without argument. Plop. Coffee mug, then, is lowered to her knee. "Lure me with stories, then claim you have none." Grin. "Why did I fall for this rouse?" She chuckles, coffee sips, and sighs. "Have you prepared a speech?"

At his place, Krylow laughs softly. "Camels infesting my nethre regions? Come now, its not mere words. If I give you good advice then it will reward her with happiness, and like reward you in enjoyable ways."

. o O Mulwray thinks, "All right...Casya...don't make a bloody fool of yourself. Don't want to twist the head off the wrong person, now..."

. o O Mulwray feels a sudden thrill of pleasure as Neya kisses his cheek - a bright spark amongst the storm of grim tension he's bottling under that cheerful facade of his.

Caeli resumes his previous seat. Looks between Mulwray, Donavon, and Vimes. "Speech? Great Bird, no. Isn't that all of your jobs?" He takes a long drink from his coffee, looking about the table expectantly, and reaching, hesitantly and with a sort of 'may I?' look to Neya.

Neya stands and leaves counter.

At his place, McKenna sighs mournfully. "May your cat have fleas in an inauspicious place, you bargain basement haggler. I can offer two bottles, but no more, for I'd not be blamed for turning one of Starfleet's finest into a common drunkard. You will have to seek other forms of payment for the knowledge I want cracked out of your head."

Casya looks from Neya to Mulwray, her amber gaze locking on his face for a long moment before sliding back to Neya. "Of course... I'm fine. Just... got coffee down the wrong pipe, that's all." She clears her throat softly, then continues, "I... my quarters are mostly done in red and black right now, but... I thought blue would be a nice... ah... accent color." she finishes lamely.

Caeli sits down at hexagonal table.

Donavon sits down at hexagonal table.

At his place, Krylow says "Did I ever mention I wanted vodka?"

Tshaya comments, passing Casya's spot at the counter as she bustles, "Sets off your coloring beautifully too."

McKenna seems to have embarked upon a strange discussion with Krylow, involving earnest tones, mournful sighs, and even some elaborate gesturing. Much like one might find in the better back alley of a Ferengi bazaar. All in good fun, it would seem.

Neya's nose crinkles a little at Casya's reply. "Red and black? Those don't do well with your skin tone, Casya," she admonishes gently, still leaning against Jim's side. "We'll look at fabric patterns." There's a pause and she looks a little confused. "Why would a blue candle go with a red and black quarters and couch?" Then Zip gets her attention and she blinks again. "You'd like to try a watercress sandwhich? Of course! I'll share." She beams a smile at him.

At his place, McKenna taps his nose. "Aha, so you have something else in mind?"

At his place, Krylow grins a little. "You're the quartermaster. I'm waiting on something interesting from you."

Arzt was about to walk out the door, but seeing that Meg is waylaid and doesn't seem to be leaving any time soon, she makes her way over to James' table, giving a little smile as she watches his gesturing.

"Need to get me something," Jim says with a grin, leaning down to kiss Neya's temple - off toward the counter he goes, smiling to Tish and Casya as he bellies up to the counter. "Another raktajino, please?"

Bellies up next to Casya, that is.

Vimes recovers from his outburst of laughter at Mulwray's expense, clapping the man on the back as he wipes away a tear. Once that's done, he pulls out a chair at the table being occupied by Caeli and Donavon, taking a seat of his own with them.

Vimes sits down at hexagonal table.

Donavon taps her boot to the table's leg. "Oh. I have a speech. It's about a guy, much like yourself," she gestures to Caeli, voice teasing, "who instead of drinking it up, spent his last day playing," her tone pitches to a prim, proper English Lady, "tea and nibbling on watercress sandwiches. How isn't that wonderfully enchanting? I simply *must* RSVP for that tea." Dramatically, she taps her chest before placing the back of her hand to her forehead. "Oh, what a honorable time that is." Cue wink followed by an impish grin at Vimes.

Tshaya catches Mulwray's request in the corner of her ear. "At this rate, I'm going to need a direct pipeline from the Klingon Empire!" she grins, and retrieves the rak'tajino pot to fill another cup, the latter being slid onto the counter in front of the Security officer.

. o O Mulwray thinks, "...okay...so where the Hell is the spilled coffee?"

Mulwray sits down at counter.

Casya swivels around as Zip diverts Neya's attention, her own attention seemingly turning toward her coffee mug.

"Oh, come on now," Jim drawls grinningly at Tish as she delivers the cup to him. "Stuff's like latinum! That's a pipeline I think would be /worthwhile/ in building."

At her place, Casya draws a deep breath, blinking her eyes rapidly and then flicking a glance up toward Mulwray. "Did... did you hear?" she asks in a whisper, her hands clenched tightly around her mug to keep them from shaking.

At his place, McKenna sighs, and shakes his head. "For shame. I suppose I could offer, and mind you, this hurts me more than I like to admit, letting go of such a jewel, a signed copy of the new edition of Quantum Dynamic Field Engineering, by... oh blast, who was that, you know the Vulcan...."

Apparently, the shere number of people in the Core is too much for the Vulcan. Soral raises from his seat, collects his Padd and moves away and out of the core without much ado.

Vimes snorts, "Indeed. I thought we would have at least gone out for steaks. Big, rare steaks. With baked potatoes that are overflowing with butter, sour cream, cheese, chives and bacon bits. But no...this is good, too. Really."

O'Rielly steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

O'Rielly has arrived.

At his place, Mulwray purses his lips a bit, still smiling at Tish. "No," he murmurs lowly. "Hear what?"

Soral moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Soral has left.

At her place, Casya swallows hard, nudging the candle toward him. "Neya. Jim... oh, gods. It's /Neya/."

Lopez moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Tshaya laughs, like the ring of silver bells, as she continues her busywork. "You're not the one that has to bribe Klingon officials, Jim."

McKenna grins as he looks up at Arzt. "Hey there. I'm just negotiating some things with the good Lieutenant here. But you can join us, if he doesn't mind."

Krylow gestures for Arzt to have a seat, after smiling to her. He turns back to Mckenna and grins a little. "That sounds interesting, James. Maybe, just maybe, we can trade for that."

Arzt sits down at viewport nook.

. o O Mulwray feels 's heart literally stops. Just for a millisecond. His blood turns to ice - but before he can react, that cold radiates from his blood to encapsulate his skin. His soul. His heart.

. o O Mulwray thinks, "We will see."

Arzt joins McKenna and Krylow at the Viewport Nook, giving a shy smile to both men, "Thank you."

At his place, Mulwray flicks a look down at the candle, cup in his hands - his face not having so much as twitched. "And how do you know?"

Mulwray grins across the way at Tish, nodding once at her - not really saying anything, mind. But then again, she's a busy lady.

Neya sighs as she watches Caeli and the others in the room, smiling just a bit. Her head tilts as she watches Mulwray, expression soft, loving.

O'Rielly steps into the coffee house and looks around. He does take one good sweep of the room before he heads to the counter to place a drink order.

Casya just stares expressionlessly into her raktajino mug, letting out a soft sigh as she lifts it slowly to her lips.

At his place, McKenna chuckles at Krylow. "I knew you could be reasonable."

At her place, Casya hides her lips behind the coffee mug as she murmurs softly, "She gave me the signal, Jim. /She gave me the signal/."

Tshaya pops back to her spot behind the counter, spotting another customer. "Good evening!" she greets O"Rielly brightly. "What can I do ya for?"

Foster steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Foster has arrived.

At his place, Nilee is quiet, seemingly distracted, but he glances over to Casya as she speaks, just briefly. Hopefully not long enough to be noticed, but he shifts his gaze back down to his coffee, taking a sip from the mug.

Caeli reaches over and picks up one of the little triangles. He looks questioningly to Neya. "What're they like?"

GAME: Mulwray spends a courage point.

GAME: Mulwray contests his Intellect/Perception+A vs Moderate and Fails.

Foster enters, whistling a chipper little tune quietly. The idea, of course, is to amuse the eleven-month child inside the front-carrying baby carrier crossed over his shoulders and back - like a backpack, but in front. He's also carrying a small duffel, probably full of baby supplies. Anastasia (the baby), for her part, is awake, blue eyes twinkling under her blonde-haired head, carrying (and playing with) a long, snake-like toy with a lot of bright lights on it.

Neya sits down at hexagonal table.

Neya settles down into a chair, nose crinkling just a little. "They're...odd. It's like eating a flavored houseplant," she says, eyes twinkling. "But a good houseplant." And then she spies Foster and her face lights up. "And there's Caleb! With Caleb-spawn!"

Tshaya is indeed a busy lady. Yet, she squeals happily upon spotting Foster and foster, moving out from behind the counter. "Oh, Lieutenant, she's so /cute/. And would little baby like some milk, hmmm?" is baby-talked at the aforementioned young one. "Maybe even in orange milk?"

. o O Caeli thinks, "It's both of them."

Donavon knocks the table to agree with Vimes. "Meat, potatoes, hearty food. Not this," her face scrunches in faint disgust, "wimpy dainty tea sandwiches." A shudder races up her spine before eyes set on Foster. She waves to her partner before leaning towards Vimes.

At his place, Mulwray frowns faintly - just a little - and eyes the candle. "Tell me specifically."

At her place, Donavon says "What do you say that we blow this popsicle stand before Zip gets all gooey and cooey over the baby?" She winks, laughing at her usage of ol' Earthian phrases."

O'Rielly smiles to Tshaya, "Vanilla Bean Frappucino today I think." He then takes a seat at the counter and looks over to Foster whose just entered and such.

O'Rielly sits down at counter.

Mulwray frowns the slightest bit, standing at the counter - eyeing the blue candle just a little bit whilst Casya sits next to him.

At his place, Caeli eyes Donavon. "Just because I /happen/ to get along well with Rann's children doesn't mean I'm going to completely abandon my purpose here."

At her place, Donavon eyes Caeli. "We're talking *babies* not kids."

At her place, Neya looks between those at the table, laughing quietly. "Children can be fun, but they're odd. James would like several, I believe. And what is your purpose here, Zip?"

. o O Mulwray thinks, "...no, this can't be right. But she's not lying. Is she? Or is my judgement cloude -- to Hell with this. I'm bringing them /both/ in."

At his place, Caeli spreads his hands, one still holding a mug of coffee. "Good coffee, mediocre sandwiches, and great company. Have to enjoy this before I leave."

At his place, Krylow smiles a little and nods. "I suspose that Icould be reasonable, yes. So is that a deal then, or are you still unwilling to give the book up?"

. o O Mulwray feels a grim resolve drawing down over him, hardening like a stone skin. His heart is a block of ice in his breast now.

At his place, Vimes shrugs, "I can't say I have anything against children. Just haven't really been exposed to many of them." and then nods in agreement with Caeli, "I'll have a steak after you leave, in your honor."

At her place, Casya eyes Mulwray sidelong for a long moment. "She commented that blue candles are her favorite." she whispers hurriedly. "Which is what I'm supposed to be waiting for. She also mentioned something about Randal, for the second time since she's come in here. I think that's the information she's supposed to be passing along." She takes a deep breath, followed by a fortifying gulp of raktajino, and pushes away from the counter. "I-- I'll try to find out."

At his place, McKenna waves a hand. "What need have I of such trifles, when I can enrich your life with it? The book for the information."

"Er," Foster responds upon hearing Neya's comment. He adds, "That's not exactly true..." But trails off when Tshaya moves out from behind the counter. "I think she could go for some milk, yes. But it should be warm, not cold." When it comes to milk, *he* is the one who prefers it cold. He waves in Donavon's direction.
Anastasia, baby-extraordinaire, replies to Tshaya, "Mk! Mk! Mk!" but continues to babble, making many different sounds that *could* be words, but also... might not be.

Arzt looks over at Tshaya, trying to catch her eye so that she can order another cafe latte. She doesn't add much to the conversation at the table she's sitting at, not really having much to say.

Casya draws a deep breath, takes another swig of her coffee, then swivels around to face Neya, smiling as she picks up her candle and slips down from the stool. "Neya, why don't you come sit with me for a bit... it's been so long since we've talked... we really ought to catch up." she says, carrying her mug and candle to a table near where Caeli and the others sit. "How about here, huh? So we can have a nice chat, and you can still moon over that big mountain of a man you call your fiance."

Caeli speaks up at his table, setting down the little bit of sandwich. "Why are we eating these when we can just have steak /now/ instead of /you/ having it /after/ I leave?"

Donavon elbows Vimes lightly and shoots a dirty look.

At her place, Donavon says "What a way to make a guy feel sad." A wink. "Mentioning *after* he leaves. Next social faux-paux Vimes, you get stuck on that," she points ahead, "stage to serenade ALL of US!""

Neya laughs softly at something Zip says, shaking her head, then looks up to Casya. "Of course, Casya," she says, eyes twinkling. "Are you alright? You look odd. Have you finished choking?" Eyes search for Mulwray, behind Casya.

Casya stands and leaves counter.

Casya sits down at square table.

Tshaya gives Foster a /look/. "I come from a long line of mothers. I know what's right for babies." But she grins anyhow, reaching out for a cootchie-coo at the baby. Somebody's clock is ticking. Chuckling, Tish moves back behind the counter, to prepare a bottle of warm orange milk, and a cup of hot orange coffee, and gestures Foster toward them both as she sets them on the counter. Then she gives O'Rielly a cheerful nod, moving quickly to prepare a cup of vanilla bean stuff, and Arzt's cafe latte, and soon those apear as well.

Mulwray turns around as well, cup held in his hand - and while his smile has returned it's not quite the same as it was. Thinner, for a moment. But when Neya looks for him, it blossoms anew and he's making for his lover and her company.

Foster sits down at counter.

"Thing is, I *don't*," Foster says, settling to a seat and placing the duffel on the ground. "So, I'm a little overcautious."

Nilee quirks a brow slightly to himself, humming quietly, he tilts his coffee mug back and finishes off his drink, placing the empty mug on the counter and then swinging around, watching Casya and Mulwray depart seperately for a couple minutes.

At his place, Krylow grins a little. "Deal, James. So, you wanted to know her favourite color right?"

"For the moment, yes. It wasn't nearly as exciting as I thought it'd be." Casya answers Neya's question wryly.

At his place, Vimes puts a had on Caeli's shoulder, squeezing it for a long moment, and still maintaining contact with the man, "Because I'm still in denial that he's leaving. It's not right. It makes me angry. I know that these are selfish feelings. I'm proud of what you've accomplished, Zip. And I wouldn't want you to be unhappy for anything in this world or any other. But having you as a friend has help keep me grounded. Helped me remember who I am, and what I am. With you leaving, there's a void here on this station that nobody will ever be able to fill to the same level as you have. You're one of a kind, Zip. I want you to know that as you go. I want you to remember that wherever you end up, and in whatever capacity you're serving, that here, you were a man who left an indelible and irreplaceable mark on me, and many others here. I regret not having said this when you were promoted, but I don't think I'd have been able to get the words out. I don't mean to cast a sad mood tonight, but it needed to be said, because it is all true."

GAME: Neya spends a courage point.

GAME: Neya contests her Intellect/Perception+A vs Moderate and Succeeds.

Neya looks back and forth, caught between wanting to console Caeli and wanting to sit with Casya. Her brow furrows just a little and she pushes to her feet. "If you all will excuse me?" she asks, smiling. "I want to make sure Casya's doing alright."

. o O Neya thinks, "Something...doesn't feel right."

. o O Neya is caught between love and apprehension.

At his place, O'Rielly glances down to Mulwray. "Keep steady lieutenant, I may be needing your assistance shortly."

At his place, Caeli purses his lips, returning the gesture to the human. "I'm quite honestly without words, John. And you know me, so you know how big an accomplishment that is."

At his place, McKenna pffts. "That, I know. Let's see. How about her favorite kind of music, and something she'd consider a guilty pleasure... you know, what she likes but never lets herself have."

. o O Mulwray thinks, "...and..../go/."

"That's quite enough." Jim has gotten off the counter, and there's a phaser in his hand - a cricket in his fingers, so tiny as to be nearly drowned in the pillars of his fingers. "Both of you ladies, if you will be so kind, will instead be coming with me." He nods, in one smooth movement, to Caeli and his tablemates.

Donavon slowly starts to softly smile, warmed at certain words spoken at the table.

Mulwray reveals his Type I Phaser.

Vimes is on his feet rather quickly as well, phaser in hand and pointed at both Neya and Casya, taking a few steps to the side to block access to the coffee house's exit.

Vimes reveals his Type I Phaser.

Tshaya nods with satisfaction as she delivers the various orders, then her gaze whips to Mulwray, and her brow furrows. "Waaaaaaaaaait a minute." Tish rapidly rounds the end of the bar. "What's going on here?"

Caeli stands and leaves hexagonal table.

Vimes stands and leaves hexagonal table.

Anastasia, effectively sitting in the lap of her 'uncle' Caleb, giggles up at Tshaya, continuing to babble words and other things that could be words, but might not be. Foster, for his part, brings both bottle and mug of coffee closer to the edge of the counter and then, perhaps strangely, says, "Get the bottle, Anastasia? Get the bottle?" Perhaps stunningly, that's exactly what she does. The baby reaches up to edge of the counter where the bottle is and pulls it down. And then begins to drink from it.
Foster frowns, first at O'Rielly, then at Mulwray, and carefully wraps a protective arm around the baby. One foot reaches down towards the ground, tensed either to bolt or at least turn so that his body is shielding the baby.

Caeli reveals his Type I Phaser.

At her place, Donavon wrinkles her nose at Vimes. "Show stopper."

Krylow chuckles softly at something passing between those at the table, before he glances suddently to Mulwray. The levity leaves his face and he watches the events unfolding with a neutral expression.

Caeli rises, his own phaser leveled at Tshaya in one hand. The other hand taps his compin three times in turn.

Arzt looks over at the commotion and gets a look of total confusion on her face. It's clear the Ensign has no idea what's going on.

Nilee blinks a few times and jumps from his seat as Jim pulls a phaser, eyes widening slightly he glances to his targets and grimaces visibly, and then he sees other phasers starting to come out. "What's going on?" He asks, his tone quite firm at this point.

Casya's jaw tightens as she looks up at Mulwray, then down at his phaser, before slowly turning her gaze toward Neya, her face expressionless. "You never told me your fiance liked it rough."

Donavon eyes all the weaponry being drawn. Questioning. "This better be a joke, gentlemen," she announces. "Hate to draw up the reports."

McKenna glances over, picking up on the change in the atmosphere and his tablemate's reaction. "Oh dear," he mutters in vague dismay.

GAME: Donavon has the merit of Sense Of Character at 2.

Caeli steps away from the table, moving towards the counter. "Come out from behind the counter, please, with both hands empty and visible."

Neya blinks for a moment, the smile slipping away into something more resembling confusion as she looks at Jim and the phaser. "James?" she says quietly. "What is going on? Why do you and the others have your phasers out?" Hands move slowly in front of her, backs to her thighs, palms facing out. She seems just as confused as Arzt. "He's normally not like this, Casya," she says softly. "I do not know what is going on. I was planning on paying for the sandwiches. I DO have some credits, you know." She seems a hint indignant.

O'Rielly is typing something into his PADD when he looks worried that Mulwray has started to do something already. He sighs and looks down to his PADD which beeps a moment later. He shakes his head. He stands up as well, setting the PADD down against his belt. He looks to Donavon, "It's alright Meg..." That's all he says as he starts to head for the door.

GAME: Tshaya contests her Sleight of Hand/Magic Tricks vs Moderate and Marginally Succeeds.

GAME: Donavon contests her Intellect/Perception+A vs Moderate and Fails.

GAME: Vimes has the merit of Sense Of Character at 2.

GAME: Vimes contests his Intellect/Perception+A vs Moderate and Fails.

GAME: O'Rielly has the merit of Sense Of Character at 2.

GAME: Caeli contests his Intellect/Perception vs Moderate and Fails.

GAME: O'Rielly contests his Intellect/Perception+A vs Moderate and Fails.

GAME: Mulwray contests his Intellect/Perception+A vs Moderate and Marginally Fails.

GAME: Arzt contests her Intellect/Perception vs Moderate and Fails.

Tshaya stumbles to a halt as she comes out from behind the bar, staring at Caeli with wide eyes. "What?" Staring down the nose of that phaser, she wrings her quite visible hands together, real panic in her expression. Then one hand darts out, and something hits the floor, and a bloom of smoke roils up in the center of the Warp Core. And Tish bolts toward the door.

GAME: Vimes spends a courage point.

GAME: Mulwray spends a courage point.

GAME: Mulwray contests his Energy Weapon/Phaser+A vs Challenging and Succeeds.

GAME: Vimes contests his Energy Weapon/Phaser+A vs Challenging and Fails.

Down goes the smoke pellet, up goes the smoke, bollowing out to cover Tshaya after a moment. Even as the smoke comes up though security phasers start to go off. One of the beams hits the fleeing woman, while the other cuts through the smoke. The smoke itself builds more to cover the door area, but after a few seconds four more security officers push through the now fading smoke and into the Core.

Casya remains seated right where she was, though her eyes widen as the coffee house owner attempts to flee, her expression stricken as she looks from Tish to Neya.

. o O Casya thinks, "Oh, s--t. Was I wrong? Was it /her/??"

Neya backs against the table next to Casya, visibly shaken, eyes wide. Fingers clutch the edge as she goes very, very still, moving only to look between Casya and James, clearly terrified, uncertain.

Caeli, as soon as the smoke billows, makes for the door at the same clip as his quarry, his free hand in front of him to ward off any smoke-concealed obstacles. He slows only as the phaser fire starts. "John, get to Neya." He taps his compin. "Caeli to Security; seal off mall levels eighteen and nineteen, and erect a forcefield around Level Nineteen, sections one through three."

Foster beats feet, pushing off the counter, leaving coffee and duffel where they are, and moving as far away from the interaction as possible.
The tension in the room seems to be triggering relative unhappiness in the infant Anastasia, which manifests as a number of choking sobs, winding up for one *heck* of a crying session. The baby doesn't know what the phasers are. She just knows that everyone seems angry and upset, and that her father/uncle is taking whatever it is seriously, since he's moving away from it.
As the smoke starts and phaser blasts start fighting, the ex-Timefleet pilot ducks into a crouch, moving behind one of the tables in order to use it as cover, should it be necessary. Not that anyone is going to have any doubt where he is: the moments the phasers start firing, Anastasia lets out a loud wail and starts crying.

Donavon inches her chair slightly backwards, arms raised to cross over her chest. O'Rielly's statement hits home though suspicious eyes wander towards the main counter. Surprise alights once Tshaya bolts, but she refrains from interference. Sure enough with a glance to the doorway, security has the situation in hand. Though her eyes slightly narrow, questioning O'Rielly at first.

And just like that, cold as ice, Jim's arm lifts up and away from the pair of green women. Without a word, without a glimmer of emotion or remorse, the enormous security officer conducts a sudden burst of rage through the nerves of his arm - riding it, straight through the chain of axons and neurons, into the button on the cricket. Red light lances, jewel-bright and hot as hatred through the smoke toward she who summoned it up.

. o O Mulwray thinks, "And this is what you get for making me think, for just a moment, that it could have been her. Bitch."

Arzt sits very still at the table, not moving an inch as fire erupts in the cafe. Her wide blue eyes watch as the owner runs out the door, and security arrives.

Nilee glances around, eyes shooting to Tshaya as she bolts and then to those shooting phasers, his lips pulled into a firm grimace, "What the hell is going on?" He mutters.

Tshaya summoned up hatred? So much for customer service. Tay doesn't even get a chance to cry out; she slumps to the floor in a heap without a sound.

As the phasers go off Krylow pushes out of his chair and onto his feet. He watches the action as he moves to the side and puts what he can of the counter between himself and the phaser fire. He gestures to McKenna and Arzt to follow him. Spotting Foster with the child he pauses and backtracks and tips a table over to place the surface towards Mulwray and Vimes. "Caleb, bring her over here," he calls out.

McKenna instinctively moves in his seat to try and gain some cover, staying well out of the middle of things. It's very close to diving under the table, but not quite. Adrenalin pumping, he's very much alert, and when Krylow presents a plan, McKenna follows without hesitation.

The smoke bomb caught Vimes off his guard. Still, as the woman makes her move for the door, he tries to get a bead on her, hesitating for a moment too long before taking his shot, for fear of hitting a by-stander. The red beam goes through the smoke, but manages to only leave a mark on the wall adjacent to the doors. At Caeli's order though, he trains his weapon on Neya, "Get your hands in the air, drop to your knees and then lay face-down on the floor with your hands over your head. Now."

Tish. /Tish/ goes down. yes.

O'Rielly stops in his tracks and looks down where Tshaya has landed practically at his feet. He now moves his hand down to his side and a moment later he has a type I in it. He steps towards the doors while looking at the establishment. His eyes do meet Donavon's glance, but the intel officers features betray nothing.

Neya's eyes are on Jim, tears welling, for whatever reason. It's no secret that the Orion is -terrified-. John, well, she looks at him, seeming a touch betrayed, but obedient. Still shaking, she drops to her knees, arms and hands up, then lays her hands on the deck in front of her, humiliatingly forward. She does what she can to protect modesty, but that's a bit difficult to do. The only sound is a soft, frightened whimper.

Arzt was completely frozen until Krylow motions for her to follow him. She jumps up from her chair and then follows McKenna and Krylow, doing her best to stay out of the line of fire.

Donavon scants suspicious and cautious gazes at the security officers but stands to stroll towards another table. "Seems the situation disfused. The place will be filled with security officers. Any of you wish to vacate the premises? Give these officers room to tidy and wrap up?" is asked mainly of the two junior officers, knowing full well Krylow and Foster aren't frozen or dumbfounded. "Partner, want me to take that cute bundle off your hands for a moment?" She grins at Anastasia.

Casya follows suit, since she's right there next to Neya and it's likely a bit hard to tell which of them he was shouting at. She slips down to the floor and raises her hands above her head, matching Neya's pose--though she does not quite seem to be as terrified as the other Orion woman. She's been through an awful lot lately, after all.

. o O Goodwin thinks, "Mulwray better know what the hell he's doing"

"Ladies." Jim puts the phaser in his pocket, looking down at Neya and Casya prostrate on the floor - his voice is stern, but has lost its stoniness and has grown somewhat kindly. "Ladies. It's all right, get to your feet. We need to go to the security office now." A pause. "We'll get this sorted out. Zip! Help me out here. James, throw that woman in the brig and get a medical officer to see to her."

Caeli nods once, keeping the Type I in his hand rather than putting it back where it came from. He leans down and reaches to take Neya by the elbow, guiding her up, and eventually towards the door. "Come on."

Neya makes a soft, quiet whimpering noise in the back of her throat. "Casya," she says, voice shaking a little, though she's trying to get it under control. "What is happening? What is wrong?" She's petrified, sounding almost like a scared child. As Jim speaks, Neya looks up, uncertain, looking between him and Vimes. As she's lifted, she goes easily, trustingly. It's Zip, after all.

Vimes nods once to Mulwray, "Aye.", keeping the phaser in hand as he moves towards the prone Tshaya. Once he's there, he taps his compin, "Lieutenant Vimes to Medical. I'll be needing a medical officer at station security to administer to an apprehended suspect who's sustained a direct phaser hit."

Foster waves off Krylow's call, then Donavon's, flashing a quick smile of thanks. As things seem to be calming down, he snaps off the belts holding the baby in the carrier with practiced ease and lifts her out of it, still crouched behind the table. Foster whispers to himself, "Shh, shh." He holds the baby against his shoulder, bouncing/rocking her gently. Foster whispers to himself, "It's all right, baby girl. It's all right. I've got you. Noone's going to hurt you. I've got you." Though whispered, his tone is even. Controlled. Calm. Gee, those Behavior Modification lessons come in handy in the *strangest* situations.

. o O Nilee thinks, "What the hell does Neya have to do with this?"

Casya nods up at Mulwray and Caeli and slowly rises from the floor, shaking her head slightly in response to Neya's question. "That's... that's what I'd like to know." she murmurs. "I'm sure we'll find out soon enough."

McKenna keeps safely out of the way, by Krylow. He may not understand what's going on, but he certainly doesn't like it, frowning as he ponders through a myriad of possibilities. "So much for a quiet night," he mutters.

It's the rest of the squad here that Jim's addressing next; he moves to the head of the unit, addressing the officer with his expression again grim. "Seal this place off," he states grimly. "Get statements from everyone - I want a team in here to search this place from top to bottom. Now get on it."

GAME: Neya has the merit of Shrewd at 1.

GAME: Neya contests her Intellect/Perception+A vs Moderate and Succeeds.

Caeli starts to walk Neya towards the door, not saying anything. The weapon is still out, looking decidedly out of place with his semiformal attire.

Arzt is also standing by Krylow, looking as if she just really wants to leave. But when she hears Mulray state they need statements from everyone, Arzt resigns herself to be stuck there for now.

The officers nod to Mulwray and two remain by the door, one moves to the side and begins to look over the counter. The last hails security, requesting more officers to help search and interview those in the coffee house.

Donavon reaches across to lightly nip Anastasia's nose between her knuckles. "Hey dimple cheeks. Your Da singing to you?" she coos before breaking off to seriously regard the officers. "Hopefully, they'll make this short and sweet considering we aren't likely to jump station anytime soon." She smirks but exchanges a look with Krylow and Foster, slightly off put by the situation.

Krylow glances over to McKenna and smiles thinly. "Now it will be a quiet night, while we wait," he says as he stands and moves back to his seat. He does keep a watch on the coffee house as he does.

GAME: Vimes spends a courage point.

GAME: Vimes contests his Search+A vs Routine and Succeeds.

Casya follows quietly along behind Caeli, then pauses after a moment and turns back, grabbing the candle that started this whole mess before quickly following after the blue security officer.

O'Rielly turns and heads back for the doors. He looks to the officers at the door and says, "You'll get my statement later, for now I have a duty to attend to."

Nilee narrows his gaze as he looks at Mulwray and listens as he speaks, grimacing, he stays where he is for the moment, taking a few more moments to glance around, eyes collecting images quickly, pausing as he looks towards the door and watches Neya and Caeli.

With this all done, Jim is now turning again to Casya and Neya - marching straight toward Casya and her candle. "I'll take that," he announces grimly, extending a broad hand to the Orion woman. "Give it here, Ms. Cross."

The two officers by the door stop O'Rielly and anyone else not lead by Caeli and Vimes. "Sir, you can't leave."

Arzt quietly moves back over to her seat, looking rather sober as the fun of the evening has been completely sucked away. She watches Mulwray confiscate the candle and just shakes her head, not even close to figuring out what's going on.

Anastasia's wailing cries slow to sniffles and then hiccups as Foster continues to bounce her gently, and murmur quietly, this time not as much whispered words, but just comforting sounds. He just nods at Donavon, most of his concentration being on baby Anastasia. Dedicated he is. This is probably because if he wasn't, Lanie would draw and quarter him. Especially in this situation.

Casya shrugs slightly and hands the candle over to Mulwray. "Take it. Now that I think about it, it doesn't really go all that well with my couch, after all."

Vimes crouches down next to the unconscious woman, poking and prodding at her pockets, her sleeves and the cuffs of her pants. Nodding a few times, he reaches into his own pocket and draws out a simple handkercheif, covering his hand with it as he begins to draw out a few items from Tshaya, "I'm going to need some evidence bags here, gentlemen, as well as some assistance to transport the suspect to station security."

. o O Foster thinks, "Man. I am *not* looking forward to explaining this to Kaitlyn."

Neya stays close to Caeli, trusting, though also stays as close as possible to Casya. "Casya," she says again. "Please...what's happening? Why did they pull their phasers out? What's going on?" Eyes go from Casya to Jim, almost pleading, confused.

Donavon unexpectantly takes a chair by yonder table and leans in towards Arzt. Her PADD is recovered and tilted for easy viewing.

Donavon stands and leaves hexagonal table.

Taking the candle, Jim eyes Casya faintly...and looks Vimes' way. "Lieutenant, this room is yours - make sure it's taken care of." Then he looks to Neya, face grim, but his voice again gentle. "I'll explain in a few minutes. Just come with us."

O'Rielly looks to the officers at the door, "You're really going to interfere with a Starfleet Intelligence officer from seeing the second officer of this station on an urgent matter. I see." And with that he taps his combadge.

O'Rielly taps his com badge. "Lieutenant JG O'Rielly to Lt. Commander Goodwin."

Nilee's com badge chirrups. "Lieutenant JG O'Rielly to Lt. Commander Goodwin."

McKenna settles back down at his table, sighing with quiet resignation.

Nilee taps his com badge and terminates transmission.

O'Rielly's com badge clicks as Nilee drops off channel. The channel closes.

Nilee resets his com badge.

Vimes nods to Mulwray once more, "Aye." and then to the officers by the door with O'Rielly, "Lieutenant O'Rielly is cleared to leave, gentlemen. We'll acquire his statement later. Lieutenant, you're free to go."

Over O'Rielly's com badge, someone says, "Ops here. Report."

Arzt looks down at the exposed PADD and gets a little smile on her face as she has something to distract her, "Oh yes...thank you Meg."

Into his com badge, O'Rielly says, "Nevermind about what I was going to say Commander, but I'd like to meet with you immediately."

The guard OR addresses nods to Mulwray and company. "I'm following my commanding officer's orders, sir." As Vimes' word the guard smiles to OR and steps out of the way. "With clearance, you are free to go."

O'Rielly nods to Vimes, "Thank you Lieutenant." And with that he makes his way out the door.

O'Rielly moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

O'Rielly has left.

Caeli waits for Mulwray to give the order to move out, still holding Neya by the elbow. Not hard, to be sure, but it's evident to both that she's not going anywhere easily.

. o O McKenna thinks, "What an officious twit."

Casya just remains quiet and follows along with Caeli and Mulwray, looking down and letting out a long, low sigh.

Donavon cracks a returning grin. "It'll be a bit before they reach us. What do you think of this? There's a lass who makes baked goods for the Warp Core. Uses Twilight's kitchen and makes a fantastic apple pastry. They would be tasty to serve."

Arzt looks down at the list and bites her lip. It's clear that Jenell isn't very crazy about the woman but she reluctantly admits, "Oh, she does make good pastry."

Donavon acknowledges the look with a brief notation to the PADD. "I've yet to poll the current personnel pool for cooks. I probably could weddle Rob...maaybe Mo if I was mischievous enough." She winks at Arzt.

Neya moves along easily with Caeli, as if she trusts him. Right now the Orion who's not Casya is doing baffled and terrified quite well. Anger apparently hasn't ocurred to her.

Arzt looks a little sad at the mention of Mo's name and then tentatively asks, "Meg...I don't know if you can tell me anything but is Mo going to be okay?"

Donavon taps down the PADD to plaster on a stronger smile. "Mo? He'll be fine." She lightly waves dismissively. "He's been in toughter situations but if you really are wondering," she starts to whisper.

"All right." This all handled, The Man In Charge (that'd be Jim) conducts this wild and crazy carnival out into the hallway and down to Security. Tra la.

Donavon whispers to Arzt, "Speak with Andrews, the JAG officer, in charge of his case. He can forward any message to Mo."

Neya moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Neya has left.

Casya moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Casya has left.

Arzt nods, "Umm, okay...I will." She gives Meg a brighter smile, "If there's anything I can do to help let me know."

Tshaya moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Tshaya has left.

Mulwray moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Mulwray has left.

As Mulwray, Vimes and Caeli escort out Neya and Casya and carry out Tshaya, the guards continue their duty. They pull double duty to work on interviewing those gathered and soon enough everyone has been interviewed and are free to leave.