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[[Observation Lounge - SBC]]

[Observation Lounge - SBC]

Derek showed a confused look on his face. Did he love her? he thought to himself. They'd only known each other a few months.

"Listen. Listen. It's fine. We can still do a movie." he promised. "But you can't leave just yet. Some of our Ferengi hosts are arriving." he added.

He watched as a couple of them walked into the Observation Lounge. He glanced back at the young Cadet to gauge her reaction and when he looked back at the door that she apparently was unware of, the Ferengi had disappeared.

"What the hell is going on here?" he said aloud to no one particular.

[Observation Lounge - SBC]

Luby relaxed momentarily when Derek said that they could do a movie, but her mind then momentarily wondered why the hell she'd be going to a movie with someone she didn't know... but then he was rather sexy so she didn't care too much.

Then he had to spoil it and mention Ferengis...

At his question she looked up.  "I'm afraid I have absolutely no idea Lieutenant."

[OOC she's seen you get a promotion it seems! ]

[[Observation Lounge - SBC]]

[Observation Lounge – Deck 1]

Derek had grabbed a glass of champagne and lifted it as well but something was gnawing at the back of his head. He would have sworn he had read a file about Commander Hawke. A male Commander Hawke. Well, he was just an Ensign. What did he know.

"To the FERENGI ALLIANCE!!" he joined in.

Before he could take a drink, he was asked a question by a young female cadet.

Derek thought for a moment. He wasn't sure of his reply at first. Hadn't he just arrived?

"I'm sure there are." he finally answered with more confidence. "I mean, we are one big alliance. Why else would you have their insignia on your uniform." he pointed out.

"As far as seeing your brother, I haven't a clue." he added as he took a drink of Romulan Ale from the glass in his hand.

[Observation Lounge - SBC]

Luby looked down and resisted the urge to tear the badge from her chest.  Instead she just cried quietly.

"But... you do still love me don't you, you promised we'd watch a holo-movie together!  And now you've been flirting with other girls too..." she said almost hiccoughing.  "And there's still nasty Ferengis out there, the...the teeth.." she said trying to look around Derek but hide at the same time.

[Observation Deck]

Hawke listened as she appeared to be looked scared of the Ferengi's he was not sure since they have lived under their economy for centuries.  The Chief of Engineer did not understand but it was not his job to deal with politics.  It was his job to make sure the Station and the ships were running up to order.

It was not until long that he heard a message coming in.

Hawke was confused for a second as he remembered the term Command Caste Hawke, but would not have reason to remember it.  It was like he was in between two worls in which he remembered this person and the same time remembered also the current state.  For a second, he thought they lived in the a world in which the Federation was independent.

Hawke took a second and pressed his comm "Acknowledged,  thank god we are all under the Ferengi Alliance  .  As Hawke finished he wondered how it would be like if the Tholians were not under the control of the Alliance.

He took a sip of his drink and he finished the toast.   As wondered how different life would be.

As he mentioned that he took a second as he looked out the window.

The cadet started shaking again as Hawke mentioned being under the Ferengi Alliance again.

"I think I'd better go and lie down, but... I was sure the door was over there, now where is it?!"

[[Observation Lounge - SBC]]

"Commander Hawke, Sir. Ensign Derek Rodwell reporting for duty."

[Observation Lounge – Deck 1]

The Chief Engineer walked around as he observed.  The surroundings seemed to be changing constantly from what he remembered.  At first, confused believed he was an executive officer but know he remembered the was the Chief Engineer of the Station.  As he walked with gold outfit he listened to the Medical Cadet.

James smiled and said "Yeah, it seems strange for some reason, I believed that Vulcan had the first contact with humanity and not Ferengi.  Can you imagine how different would it be if we would not have made those deals with the Ferengi? I might be losing my mind...maybe I need to get my head checked" .  Hawke responded as she wanted a drink.  For some reason in the back of his mind, things were changing.

Hawke, your Mom is on the line

Hawke stood there for a second and stood silent.  "I'll call my mom back in a while.    Hawke said as he remembered that his mother died in Child Birth.  He walked a little and was kind of confused.   He remembered that his twin sister and father hated him, but now his Twin Sister helps him as a Starfleet Officer.
As Hawke finished, he observed another person coming into the event.

Hawke arrived and walked to approach the Ensign.  He walked to him and said "Ahh...Ensign Deus, welcome to the Columbus my name is Comm....  He paused for a second as he corrected himself.  It appeared he felt he was used to to say the word commander.  "Lieutenant Hawke, Chief Engineer of the Starbase, just thought to organize the meet and greet for all the new people.  Can you tell me a little about yourself?" .   As Hawke asked the question.  He observed another officer come in.

James nodded for a second and said   "Ahh Ensign Welcome to the Columbus.  Sadly, I am not a Commander but a Chief Engineer.  Commander Hawke is my sister.  But thank you for the promotion Ensign. .   Hawke mentioned with a smile.  He then looked down for a second and said "You know what's weird...the computer tell me I am a Luitenant, but I feel like a Commander.  It's strange,". Hawke commented.

He took a second and picked up a drink from a nearby waitress.  He stopped and said to everyone.  "All right I would like to make a quick toast to everyone in the room.  Welcome to the Columbus.  I know some of you are surprised to be here.  But I hope you all like your stay here.   Now if you join me to our Mandatary Toast. 

Hawke raised his glass and said "To the FERENGI ALLIANCE"

[Observation Lounge - SBC]

"Ferengis..." whimpered Luby quietly from where she had found to sit wringing her hands and looking tearful.

She spotted the Ensign in gold and tried to attract his attention.  "Excuse me, Ensign... are there really lots of Ferengi on this base?  I-I... um... Ferengi scare me.  It's the teeth and the ears, even when they smile at me it... ugh." she shook in fear at the thought of all the little sharp teeth.

She noticed how attractive he was but it did little to assuage her fears.

"And I'm not sure where my twin is...have you seen a guy looks like me but um... shorter hair?"

[[Observation Lounge - SBC]]

[Observation Lounge]

As Hawke listened to Wentock he looked down for a second and looked down to his shoes.  He was slightly alarmed that he was wearing regular shoes when he thought he would wear dress boots for work.  Which was more practical.  Hawke looked at them and said " I would have sworn I wore dress boots earlier today, Cadet"

Hawke commented as she mentioned that he appeared shorter.  It was no unusual for him to wear shoes, but it appeared to be changing.

James looked at the banner as he changed and said "Nah, that's impossible.  It's probably our mind playing trick on us.  But yeah, if you need to go to ops and find out what happening then you are dismissed Lt. Commander"

He mentioned as he answered her.  He just could not believe that things could change.

Hawke looked down for a second and then looked up as he was distracted.  His shoulder Padd were now Yellow and he looked and felt his command pips instead of three yellow he had 2.  He was wearing a Lt. Uniform.

He thought he was a Commander but his uniform say otherwise.

"Computer Identify Me" Hawke ordered

The Computer Responded

"Lieutenant Hawke, Chief Engineer of Starbase Columbus under the leadership of the Ferengi Alliance"

He turned to Stratton and asked "Ferengi Alliance?  Do you remember them taking over the Federation"

[Observation Lounge - SBC]

Luby blinked twice.  "I think I was mistaken Commander, my apologies.  I don't think shoes or boots would make a significant difference but you seemed like 6" shorter.  And I didn't realise you were a Trill."

The Cadet smiled and looked at her boots.  "This wasn't at all what I was expecting..." she muttered to herself.  "...and I'm a bit scared of Ferengis, I don't know why."

The last had just come to her, she started shaking, more like she was acutely terrified of Ferengis rather than just 'a bit scared'.

"I think I'd better sit down, could someone get me a drink?"

[[Observation Lounge - SBC]]

James smiled at the Cadet as he listened to her story.  He smiled and chuckled at the joke.  "I see, I am sorry to hear that your first plan of finding someone to fit your needs might be harder than having two degrees.  But, you're in luck I am sure that Columbus have rich bachelors around.  I happen to know several Ferengis that might be interested".  Hawke smiled as he shot back at the humorous answer.  He looked around as he heard her story.  "I'm sure Commander T'Prina would be a good teacher, and if I might brag for a second we have a Tholian Warp Specialist, which is probably a once in a lifetime opportunity. .

Hawke looked around for a second as she asked about the event.  Hawke then responded "Of course Cadet, this was all for you" .  He smiled for a second as he hopes she got the sarcasm.   He was being friendly, but maybe it was a little bit much.  "Actually there has been some major reshuffle in the personnel for several ships in this sector.  And I wanted them to meet their new First Officer, in a social setting instead of a formal meeting...as  Hawke was talking in Mid Sentence when be observed Mondo approach.    "If you excuse me.".

Hawke already knew that  T'Prina was aware this was typical of him to try and do several things at once. However, he felt the new Cadet might need to get used to him trying to address several things.

James approached the Hupryrian  and extended his hand.  "Petty Officer Nari, it's a pleasure to meet you.  I read your record and read about your skills we are lucky to have you.  It's good to have another tactical mind around the station in these times of ...uncertaintly" .  Hawke commented.   As he walked to the man he would point to the place where they were gathering.  As he walked he stopped for a second and he realized he did not introduce himself.  "I'm sorry that was rude of me...I'm Commander Hawke, First Officer, please take a second and enjoy yourself for a second.    I know change can be hard for a lot of people, but at least we can build a community here." .  Hawke finished his statement as he observed another person coming in.

"If you excuse me...one second"  Hawke said as he pointed towards T'Prina and Cadet Wentok as he tried to have him socialize.

He left the crew and tried to approach the crewman.  The person introduced himself formally.  Hawke as a first officer appreciated the formality of the situation.  As he expected a situation like this to happen.  He was not known to be the best formal officer but he could appreciate the discipline.

"Relax Crewmen, it's James, I'm the first Officer" .  Hawke then extended his hand to greet the Crewmen.  He had his plan to talk to him in Ops if there was anything he needed to be aware.  James did not want to waste much time.  "As you are aware, the crew merger of the Columbus and the Shran.  It's going to be hard for a lot of people.  I need you to be my eyes and ears when it comes to the crew of the Shran, personalities and morale.  In sort, I want you to be my communication about the day to day life and you will have complete access to myself.  Can you do this?" .  Hawke asked the man.  He knew his request was unusual but also he knew that he did not have the same merits and trust as their former Captain.

Commander, this is Ops the Tachyon Pulse  Radiation is making contact with our shields.  Also, Commander Eydis is requesting authorization to dock" 

James then smiled and said "Duty Calls.  Once Second, Crewmen" .   Before he could listen to his answer Hawke walked away from the crewmen to seek more privacy. Commander Hawke to Commander Eydis,  welcome to the Columbus.  You are more than welcome to observe a social gathering from Starfleet as you might want to observe them and report it back to your government.  .  The First Officer was not sure if the Commander was going to fulfill their request.

Hawke to Ops, Permission granted. .

As he finished the message.  He looked at the banner and saw something different.

As he looked at the banner he looked at it "I would have sworn that it was different" .  Hawke said to himself.

He pointed at the Crewmen as he wanted him to approach the group with everyone.

He was approached by Doctor Kane and Hawke extended his hand to the Doctor.  "Dr. Kane, Commander Hawke.  I had the chance to read about you.  We are lucky to have you in Medical.  Follow me for a second, if you please" Hawke then pointed out to the group.

"Doctor Kane, this is Cadet Wentock, we will be working with you in Medical under the guidance of Dr. Lunn, which he is quite a ....character".  Hawke mentioned as he wanted to be diplomatic.  "Speaking of which, I might need to have my head scan, I would have sworn that the banner was different. "  Hawke made the comment as he asked everyone "Can I offere anyone a drink"

[Observation Lounge - SBC]

"Ah hi, Doctor... guess you didn't think you'd get a minion the minute you set foot on base!  But here I am.  Luby Wentock at your service.  And Commander, if you need your head scanned, so do I, or maybe my eyes."  Luby said giving John a smile.

"And Ferengi's not my cup of tea as hubby material, Sir, no offence.  They'd need to shell out too much GPL to keep me in a manner to which I'd like to be accustomed!" she added with a chuckle.

[LtCmdr. T'Prina and NPC ANaLYN - Observation Lounge, Deck 1]

T'Prina linked her arms behind her back and raised an eyebrow. The medical cadet was certainly spirited. Hopefully it'd serve her well.

"Dr. Lunn is a talented surgeon, but he can be... difficult. You seem to be possessed of a strong mind and sure of yourself. I am sure both will see you through whatever the future holds in store. I myself specialized in medical research for a time. Particularly bacteriology. However I now find much of my time monopolized by the meetings and paperwork that come with managing the science department. The privileges of rank, Cadet Wentock." She gave the younger woman a small half smile, and considered the room. More guests were filing in. At least James wouldn't have to worry about no one showing up. The man had enough on his plate as it was.

"I'm sure I'll find out in due course.  He sounds like my..." she hesitated seeing as she was actually talking about James Wentock rather than Antonin Kolev her biological father.  She decided to hedge her bets but be truthful at the same time and say "...mother's husband.  He can be quite... difficult to get along with at times.  I'm sure I'll manage but thank you for the forewarning, Ma'am."

"My mind is playing tricks, not just the banner, but you seem shorter, Commander.  This is... disturbing." the cadet said with a worried look on her face.

[[Deck 1 - Observation Lounge, SBC]]

[Deck 1 – Observation Lounge]

It was quiet as the first officer stayed alone in the lounge.  He was in the center quietly gathering his thoughts.  He was uncomfortable as he was not sure about the command decisions.  He had no control over the admiralty and their choices and especially those who would be in command.  It was not his crew; it was Naira's and Felicity's crews, and without them, there was little reason for them to follow him.  He hoped that some newcomers would come, which is always a relief for him.   The First Officer had an easier time working with the new crew than transfers.

As he stood in the quiet of the room he heard from the distance a person come in.

He heard for a second a person approach him and the conversation abot cookies.  Hawke could tell from their voices who they were.  He smiled and looked down the ground as their concerned about a cookie.  As he remained silent he felt a hand gently on his shoulder as she asked for his thoughts.  "I don't know this is weird.....  Hawke responded quietly as he looked down.  He heard her hand for a second and said "I don't know with Starfleet changes if I am the right person for the job.  Only time will tell" .  Hawke responded quiet for a second as he heard the room come in someone coming in.  For a second he looked at a person, it was a young female human.  She was a brunette.
Hawke took a second and addressed the cadet in front of him.  "Ahh Cadet Wentock...I'm sure is unusual but you are in the right place".  Hawke looked around as he noticed the decorations and imagined that it would be unusual for a Cadet to be in a meet with greet with other officers.  He then said "Cadent Wentock, please meet your Chief of Science Lt. Commander T'Prina....T'Prina, please meet Cadet Wentock, she is studying medicine and is a medical technician from Starfleet Command.  She has an impressive resume, we're lucky to have her on the Columbus.  So tell us Cadet what you expect to get from the Starbase?"   Hawke genuinely inquired as he tried to see if there was something he could do to help the Cadet achieve her goals.

Before Cadet could answer he heard his pin chime.  "Excuse Me".  Hawke mentioned apologetically.  As he walks from the ladies for a second.

Commander

Hawke here.

Commander, the yellow alert has created some confusion with the new personnel, Orders sir?

James looked down and said "Inform all the new personnel that  things go as normal, once this event if over I am sure that Commander T'Prina would make some recommendations. Hawke out .  Hawke stood silent for a second as he wondered what to next.

Hawke to Stratton report to Observation Deck 1 .  Before their arrival Hawke did his duty as a First Officer and studied everyone personnel file.  The individual served on the Shran and was able to help him understand the crew better.  Someone had to tell the new crew what he wanted them to do and no one is better that one of their own.

As the conversation finished Hawke approached both the Cadet and the Commander.  He then asked "I apologize, did I miss anything?" .

As he asked the question his comm went off again.

Ops to Hawke...the Tachyon Particles are approaching us .

Understood, umm keep the yellow Alert and follow the Commande T'Prina's recommendation...keep me informed Hawke out .

Hawke smiled for a second and said "I apologize Cadet, things seemed to be busy at the Station, but I would like to get to know the new crew better" .

[Deck 1 - Observation Lounge, SBC]

"No worries Commander,.." Luby smiled, "..it gave me time to think and phrase my answer. "

The cadet figured that Commander Hawke looked like the sort of person who could take a joke, and if not.... well better to get any part of unpleasantness out of the way early in her career.

"I figured that I was unlikely to find a very rich man to keep me in a manner to which I am totally unaccustomed to marry me down on Earth so I figured I'd best do something with the degrees I have, hence joining the Fleet.  Specifically working on the base, or your support ship... well that's a simple matter of getting some 'hands on' experience since up to now it's all been classroom simulations unless you count fixing a fellow cadet's shoulder following a Parises Squares injury."

She gave him a mischievous look and added "Unless you happen to know any reasonably well off, drop dead gorgeous bachelors on this base?!"

She turned slightly to the Vulcan Science Chief and gave a small bow of the head.  "Commander T'Prina.  While I'm assigned to Medical I am doing classes in both Medical and Science at the Academy so it is likely that we'll cross paths a few times, I'm sure Dr. Lunn will liaise with you as to who has me on duty, where and when!  Pleasure to meet you."

Luby turned back to Commander Hawke.  "So..." she said gesturing at the decorations.  "...um I'm guessing this isn't all for my benefit?!" she said with an impish grin.

[[Deck 1 - Lounge]]

[Deck 1 – Lounge]

Hawke arrived in the Lounge area as it was filled with decorations and drinks.  On the Top near the ceiling there was a banner.

He walked in the room as he was alone.  He was gathering his thoughts hoping that everything would work.

[Deck 1 - Lounge]

"Um..." Luby began, wondering if she'd got the right place, and feeling very out of her depth.  "I was supposed to report to a Commander Hawke...have I got the right place, I hope I'm not intruding on a private party.  Cadet First Class Lucy Belle Wentock.  I go by Luby, Sir."

For all Luby was a 4th year cadet, she was also 25 years old, having finished her degrees on Earth prior to joining the fleet, she was also a stickler for the rules, so bar stowing her gear and getting into a fresh uniform to face 'the boss' for the first time... impressions count and all that... she had reported straight away.