JDL - LtCmdr Dhej, LtCmdr Rinehart - "Merry Meet, merry part"

Posted on 241407.27 @ 11:16pm by Commander Tierney Rinehart

Late.

For the first time in her life, Tierney was late for something -- and this time it was important. She'd been saddled with the Executive Officer, a handsomely built Trill who's name played off the tongue like soft buttercream -- and she was late to cater to him, to walk with him on his exploration trek around the station. It wasn't bad enough that the crew of the Enterprise deplored her simply because of her title and former affiliations, now she was just giving them reason to cement it.

A heavy sigh blew from her lips as she jogged towards the rendezvous point a full five minutes after their set meeting time. "I'm sorry," She called out when she was five paces away, dropping from her jog to a walk and offered the Trill an apologetic smile. "I had to walk the crew of the Figaro back to the Enterprise." At least she had a good excuse.

Karim looked up from the bench he had been sitting on examining a padd, and said "It's ok Commander. I was catching up on my reading". Slipping the padd into his pocket he added "Please sit, take a breather for a moment."

"I was..." Stopping as soon as she began with her explanation, Tierney tilted her head at the odd and unexpected request. "Alright, thank you." She nodded, doing as she was asked and planting herself down on the bench beside him. In a way she was truly thankful she wouldn't have to explain, or lie by omission, about how she'd had to stuff her heels in Fabla's arms and her feet back into her boots in order to run. The piece about tripping over her own untied laces would have been particularly dicey, especially since the incident lead to further delay by making her actually tie the damned things.

Stealing a glance his way, she drew a breath, "I honestly hope I didn't offend you back during the briefing." She said as she let it out, shrugging as she continued, "I was taken by surprise. No one on that ship trusts me, I'm the pariah and yet... Here you are."

Shaking his head, Karim replied "I wasn't offended Commander. Over time you'll learn that I'm probably going to be different then other officers you've served with. Before Captain Rhodes offered my the XO position, I was a medical researcher, so I may not have some of the 'baggage' that other pure command officers may have."

"Fair enough, then I assume you can appreciate when I say I'm not like any other intelligence officers you've ever served with." The star-child countered, running her palms down the fabric colored length of her thighs, brushing away lint as she went. The idea that he was a researcher both intrigued and worried the young officer -- anyone with a genetic secret to try and conceal, especially when compounded by the general unsteady political atmosphere surrounding their survival, would have quivered just at the thought.

Sensing a bit of nervousness in her, Karim smiled and said "Well I guess we'll get along well then Ms. Rinehart. Girls like us need to stick together." Blushing, he quickly corrected himself "I mean, people, sorry. As you may or may not know, I was only joined with Dhej 6 months ago, so I still have a hard time using the correct pronouns sometimes."

it was Tierney's turn to smile, brightly as if all the worries of the universe were suddenly lifted from her shoulders. The joined Trill had offered her something not many had; a clear view at the chunk missing from their armor, a display at how perfect they were because of their imperfections. The Executive Officer was not unlike the crew of the Figaro in that way. "We do." She agreed, tilting her head as she listened, "Male, female, it's all relative I suppose. Doesn't define you as a person."

Nodding, Karim took a moment to compose himself and said "Thank you for the kind words Commander. Hopefully we'll be able to get to know each other better. It would be nice to have a friend to talk to." Pausing, he added "So now onto the mission. Where do you want to start? This is a big station, and from what I can see it has some interesting inhabitants. Do you have any ideas as to what we should be trying to find first?"

"I share that hope." Tierney nodded happily, pleased that she'd discovered yet another kindred spirit. It was becoming highly likely that she wouldn't have to hide herself away with the freighter crew in order to feel accepted by more than just Scarlet. "I had the chance to explore it a bit earlier, the options are limitless so I suggest hunting by priority." Suddenly, it was back to the basics, back to being an Officer and not the fair young woman who tried, in vain, not to wear her heart on her sleeve.

Nodding, he looked around their immediate surroundings and said "I think we should first try to secure star charts of the area. From what I understand, this is an uncharted area of space, and our information on it is severely lacking. Do you see any of these shops that looks promising?"

"Way ahead of you." The plucky one grinned, getting to her feet "Bought a bunch of charts and texts regarding the area's history and the mythology of the races inhabiting the quadrant when the Figaro crew went on its walkabout. I can have copies forwarded to you as soon as we're back aboard the Enterprise." What she didn't say was that she'd also paid handsomely for a list of known supply routes and Federation bound freighter schedules.

Smiling, he said "Good work Commander. I appreciate it, and look forward to reviewing that information with the captain." Pausing, he added "I believe we should next look at engineering components. I understand we are in need of some raw materials and un-replicatable technology."

"My pleasure." She admonished and motioned for him to follow her, "That... I believe I can point us in the right direction. Nadik did some trading earlier."

Nodding, he replied with a smile "I will trust your directions Commander. Let's hope they don't lead us to an airlock or an overused waste processing unit."

Tierney nearly rolled her eyes at the Trill, shaking her head as they strolled along. "You're safe, sir. I'm relatively good at figuring out where I'm going." She grinned, dodging a small being who's race she couldn't quite name.

Letting out a chuckle, Karim followed the woman through the sea of ... beings on the station. He was hopeful the experience of being on the station would allow him to get to know her better as a potential friend, and also allow him to apply some of his command training.

The waves of people surged and ebbed as they managed to make headway. Without Tygelgor around, progress was slow. People had a way of wanting to move out of the big Nausicaan's way as quickly as possible, which, in turn, made Tierney's travels that much easier on the station.

After what seemed like ages of idle chit chat and bruise inducing shoulder collisions, they finally made it to the trader that had had the misfortune of haggling with Nadik earlier in the day. "See anything?" She asked, looking up at Karim.

Groaning slightly from a bruise on his left arm, he replied "I think that pile of metal over on the left may be some plasma manifolds. I must admit I'm a bit lost to figure out what exactly we're looking for, and when we'll know we've found it."

"I know next to nothing about engineering, so I'll have to take your word for it." The Commander shrugged gingerly and stepped over to the pile of discarded parts. "This is when I wish Nadik was here, he'd know everything there is to know about it." She mused, crouching to study it with interest.

A wheezing voice cut through the air as they were studying the piles of devices. "Why hello there young humans! Can I interest you in anything today?" The voice belonged to an insectoid being that looked like a very old praying mantis. Turning his attention to Tierney he said "Hello you to especially young female. Are you here with your mate to buy some shinies?"

Looking up at the insectoid, Tierney smiled warmly and shook her head. "Not quite," She responded, slowly standing to her full height. Even at her tallest, the insectoid had a good five inches on her and still she remained completely unafraid. The power of being an oddity herself left her without worry and the strangest of xenomorphs, even if they did come to stand between her and the executive officer, giving her no hope of a clean escape if something were to go pear shaped. "Can you tell me a bit more about this?" She asked, gesturing to the busted manifold.

An expression that could be interpreted as a smile crossed the beings face and said "Of course my dear! Old G'hek knows everything there is to know about shinies. The wonderful piece you are looking at is a plasma manifold from a Barrillian freighter. It can be adapted to any ship due to its simplistic design. Do you have any other questions I can answer?" While the exchange was going on, Karim stood to the side, ready to jump in if the situation got out of hand, but allowing Tierney to take the lead. She seemed to have caught the eye of G'hek and that could only work to their advantage.

The starchild only seemed pleased with his response, happily nodding along as he spoke. "Thank you, G'hek. And your price?" She asked, allowing her gaze to flit to Karim for a moment if only to check and see if he was still there. She didn't know the Trill, but she knew of his importance and could quietly feel his serene nature. A good person. Tierney's own relatively gentle nature was free to play on the station filled with others not unlike her; different... unknown... unfettered by the naturally suspicious nature of humans and mainline humanoids that failed to trust things that weren't easily categorized or defined.

Karim could sense the situation becoming uncomfortable and calmly walked up to Tierney. Gently putting an arm around her waist, he whispered in her ear "Play along please." Then turning his attention to G'hek he said "Hi there, I see my mate has found something shiny. You know how females can be right? Always want the nicest plasma manifolds and fastest processors. We can haggle about pricing later." Pulling a padd out of his jacket he handed it to G'hek and said "That's a list of what we need for our little ship. It was a gift for the love of my life. I know, I favor her too much." G'hek's expression changed to one of comfortable banter and he replied "Oh I know what you mean by good mammal! I've had 4 mates myself! I'll take a look at your list while your female finds some trinket to make her happy." Karim hated being a chauvinist, but he wanted to move negotiations along, and help the situation remain controlled. Also he fought hard to snap at G'hek when he called them human. Perhaps he thought all humanoids looked the same?

The Trill's touch violated Tierney's personal space, she was quick to stiffen and lifted her hands to rest them on his chest, ready to push him away until his lips at her ear explained his intentions in part. With a small smile, her touch became soft, smoothing make believe lint off the XO's chest and craned her neck to bat her lashes at him. The role she played didn't sit right with her, but she listened and let herself come across as the quintessential brainless housewife. "My big wonderful Giraffe knows what I like. Don't you lover?" She purred, up at him as the Insectoid poured over the list.

~Giraffe?~ Karim thought and was about to say something when G'hek said "I should be able to get you most of this list. A few of the items are a bit ... unique, and I have to admit I haven't heard of them. Now to a price. What do you say to 40,000 credits for the lot?" Karim pretended to think about it, then turned to Tierney and said "I don't know about that price. That seems a bit high doesn't it honey? Weren't you saying you saw another shop selling parts for almost 30% cheaper?"

"Uh huh." She nodded, toying with the tips of her hair, "I definitely did." A smile played across her delicate features as she rested her head on his shoulder, mindful of the bruise. "But he's so nice, sweetheart, maybe we should agree to 20% cheaper just as a show of good faith? We'll be good customers. I like shiny things."

Smiling, Karim said "If you say so my sweet." Turning his attention back to G'hek, he said "So how about it my friend? 20% off your price so we don't go to your competitor? I know a smart business owner like you wouldn't want it going around that you are too expensive. Am I right?" G'hek let out a sound similar to a sigh and said "Fine you drive a hard bargin, but 20% off." Thrusting the padd back to him and entering the order into his console with his other appendage, he said "It will take a few hours to get everything together, but I can have it delivered to your ship and process the payment then. How does that sound?" Karim nodded and said "That sounds good my friend. Have everything sent to the Enterprise care of Karim Dhej. They will get your payment to you at that time." Turning back to Tierney he said "Now that all that hard work is done dear, did you want to go look at some pretty shiny stuff?"

"Uh huh." Tierney chirped brightly, turning so that her back was to the insectoid when she rolled her eyes, "They say diamonds from Earth are a girl's best friend. I want some." She bubbled, lacing her fingers with his and beginning to tug him away from the stand.

Smiling at her he called over his shoulder to G'hek "Thank you for the help G'hek. Good day to you. I would love to stay and chat but I need to make the little lady happy." As soon as they were out of his view, he let go of her hand and said "I'm sorry Commander. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"You very likely saved my six back there. Normally I'd be offended, but in this case I'm impressed." The plucky little Commander grinned as they strolled along through the promenade, turning to walk backwards to regard the first officer. "Besides. Us girls have to stick together, remember?"

Laughing, Karim replied "That we do Commander, that we do. So where to next?"

"To infinity." She threw up her arms, spinning back around, "No, seriously. It's like there's no end to this place."

Smiling, they continued walking, eager to see what else the station had to offer.

=/\=End Log=/\=
Lieutenant Commander Karim Dhej
Executive Officer
USS Enterprise, 1701-F

Lieutenant Commander Tierney Rinehart
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS ENTERPRISE 1707-F

G'hek (NPC apb Cliff)
Merchant