S3:E8 BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS

[Olivia Briggs]

[The Briggs' Quarters - Deck 7]

Kyle nodded in agreement and added over Liv's comm.

"And as soon as we're done with that, I'll get with base Security, Ma'am."

The link closed and they began cleaning up from dinner. "Think we should be worried about this surprise the twins are planning?" Kyle asked with a smile.

[The Briggs' Quarters - Deck 7]

As Kyle added his comments over her comm, it took all of her resolve, not to tickle him. Although there would be plenty of time for fun stuff later as she was now looking forward to dinner, with Elijah already fed.

" If they're anything like their sister, then yes we probably should be worried, but until they arrive, what would you like for dinner?".

Of course she expected a cheeky response, knowing her husband and his playfulness.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Shuttlecraft Onizuka NCC-40117]

Lek was startled by the comm signal as he was not expecting to hear from anyone. He told the computer to pause the movie 'The Shadow of the Thin Man' to listen to the message from Captain Sigurdsdottir. He composed a short reply as the captain was prone to being talkative, and he figured if he didn't indulge her, he could get back to his movie with minimal delay.

"Lek to Captain. Please let the twins know that I am sorry I missed their visit. So far, things are nice and quiet, which I appreciate for a change. I'm to rendezvous with the USS Healy within the next 36 hours for the rest of the trip to Ba'ku. I will relay your regards to the wedding party on my arrival. Best wishes with your own nuptials I hope that you and your intended will be happy. Lek out."

Lek hoped his message was sufficient and after stopping at the replicator to refill his bowl of tube grubs, he settled back in to finish his film.

[Captain's Quarters - Deck 2 - USS Challenger]

Ruth smiled as the answer came back from Lek.  She sent back a simple  Sigurdsdottir to Lek.  Thank you.  Enjoy your leave!  Captain out!  she wouldn't bother him now until he was due back.  She knew that his Assistant Chief Gianetti was more than capable of handling anything until the curmudgeon of a Ferengi they loved really was back aboard.

[The Briggs' Quarters - Deck 7]

After sharing about her day, Liv was just content to stay in Kyle's embrace for a few minutes longer, before they decided on dinner. Elijah had soon finished with his and had proudly showed his parents his empty plate, which they praised him for, as Liv then handed him, his bowl of fruit.

She loved seeing him content and happy, which was just one of the reasons why she enjoyed being a Mother. However as she was about to speak to Kyle, the beep of their respective commbadge's, alerted them to the message from Ruth.

Liv listened and smiled, making a mental note to save Lek some cake, as their friend continued, both with the request to meet with the twins, as well as wanting to see them both at her ready room, the following morning.

Having no issue with meeting with Ruth's sisters, especially as they had a final dress fitting the next day and wanted this wedding to be as special as possible. Although realised how simple and stress free, her own wedding had been in the process.

" I'll suggest that they come here, so we don't have to worry about getting a sitter, then we can just take him to daycare before we meet with Ruth tomorrow".

Liv then tapped her badge and opened a channel.

Liv to Ruth, acknowledged, have the twins call by our quarters after dinner, we'll be free then

[The Briggs' Quarters - Deck 7]

Kyle nodded in agreement and added over Liv's comm.

"And as soon as we're done with that, I'll get with base Security, Ma'am."

The link closed and they began cleaning up from dinner. "Think we should be worried about this surprise the twins are planning?" Kyle asked with a smile.

The response from the Briggs came through soon after.  She had been more than happy with Kyle's work since he came aboard and having stepped up to effectively be doing the work of an XO while Will was in sickbay. It was reassuring to know considering the ship would be in his hands while she and Will had a brief honeymoon.  Liv... it went without saying that she was beyond grateful to her friend.  Half the wedding preps wouldn't be done if it hadn't been for her, and professionally, well Maggie York had said she'd stay until they'd concluded the Leyton issue, but the Captain had no qualms about Liv taking over once Maggie transferred to Innominatum for good.

Acknowledged, oh and by the way, they're here for a week beyond the wedding before they have to go back so if you two want some date nights, you have free, very good, babysitters who are more than willing to sit as long as you like so long as they have access to pizza and soda in the replicators and some good holo movies! Ruth out! 

Closing that she contacted the twins via the console.

Ruth to Siggy Twins... Liv and Kyle have kindly said that you can go down after dinner, we're having a late dinner so maybe liaise with them what time is best for them.  I've got some business to conduct and you're responsible adults, so you can work this out yourselves! I'll get Lahr to sort your commbadges. Ruth out.   the console would chime and they'd get a voice message along with the console code to let them communicate with other consoles in the ship like a sort of reception board.

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - corridor outside the Shuttlebay

Lahr was biding his time. The shuttlebay crew would get lax at some point, and when they did that would be Lahr's opportunity to slip.  However before that happened, Lahr was startled out of his 'stakeout' why his comm badge sounded.

It was loud enough to draw the attention of more than just one person in the shuttlebay.   Lahr gave an animate smile and wave to those inside the shuttlebay as he drew away from the door he'd been peeking in, and turned away to acknowledged the call.

"Lahr to Captain Sigurdsdottir. Always happy to make time for my Captain, ma'am.  I'll be up there in minute." Lahr double tapped to close the connection then set off towards the turbolift.  He'd just come back down later.  He had time and if need be, he could always call in a favor with one of his security buddies to help him clear the shuttle bay.  He hoped he didn't have to do that, but he would if he needed to.

The turbolift ride up to the second Deck was quick and Lahr was soon standing outside the Captain's personal quarters.   It felt weird.  Almost taboo.   He'd never been in the Captain's quarters before.  He wondered how much larger they were than his junior officer quarters.

The Andorian liked the better accommodations he got when he became a Petty Officer.  The size of the room hadn't changed much though the layout and the number of people he shared rooms with had.  He'd gone for 4 to a room down to 2.   He even liked his room mate - Petty Officer 2nd grade Grelek, despite the Vulcan's habit of practicing his hobby of Vulcan monk chanting while in the shower.

Lahr' palmed the door chime and then waited for the permission to enter.

When the doors opened, Lahr stepped in and smiled at the Captain, snapping to attention giving her a 'Benny Hill' salute.

"DJ Lahr, reporting for pre-mission briefing, ma'am." he called out in joke, then relaxed and looked around the Captain's room.  "Nice quarters.... maybe I should have gone commissioned after all."

He grinned towards the Captain then got down to business.  "May I have access to your computer ma'am?  I have my playlist saved on the ship's server for now."

The Captain grinned at the salute "Please don't ever change or ask to transfer, Lahr!" she smirked. "I'd miss you, and I always hurt inwardly if your antennae are droopy because I want all my crew to be happy... they don't lie..." she said with a quick nod to the said antennae.  "As for my quarters, well I'd be more than happy to recommend you if wanted to become commissioned, you've more than proved that you could do it, if now... well, there's ways and means to make sure you got some bigger quarters and you're allowed to decorate as much as you want.  As Assistant Chief of Ops you're due some better quarters anyhow, you're a department head, or at least a joint one.  Will, obviously will be moving in here with me, you can't have the XO's quarters, he needs them for when he metaphorically speaking would be sleeping on the sofa!..."

She grinned to indicate she was just joking but Lahr would know that.

"But seriously, I don't see why you couldn't have rooms on this deck if you wanted, I've got the twins here and they'll be gone in a week and a bit, but there's still probably another dozen rooms you could choose from!  Since the Briggs share quarters there's not 2 separate for the Chief of Sec Tac and the Chief of Medical... although Maggie is still in her quarters for now, but those quarters will be vacated soon too... you you see, plenty room for you even if you aren't commissioned, you have a right to be on this deck by dint of you being the Assistant Chief of Operations... so take your pick, and if you want to become commissioned... just say!  I'll make it happen, anyhow, music... yes of course here..."

She moved and unlocked the console so Lahr could get to whatever interface he wanted.  Certain files would still be locked obviously but he could do what he liked otherwise.

"I know I've invited you to dinner but can I get you a drink or a snack? And off topic, would you be able to sort out some commbadges for the twins, or key theirs into our network please." she asked.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Siggy Twins Room - Deck 2 - VIP Quarters, USS Challenger]

The console beeped and the twins got the recorded message.  Carefully looking down the list of console numbers they found the one for the Briggs Quarters and sent a message.

Sigurdsdottir Twins to Briggs.

We have been requested to contact you direct since Ruth is busy with business.  She's invited us to dinner at 8 in the Officer's Mess, we understand she didn't invite you as she knows you wanted some family time with your son.  Sorry to intrude on that!  The dinner is scheduled for 8pm, we don't know what time you call 'after dinner' so if you could give us a time we'll work around that.  Don't worry we have this all prepared and it'll take about 10 mins to explain.

Arya and Katya 

[Kyle Briggs]

[The Briggs' Quarters - Deck 7]

As Kyle added his comments over her comm, it took all of her resolve, not to tickle him. Although there would be plenty of time for fun stuff later as she was now looking forward to dinner, with Elijah already fed.

" If they're anything like their sister, then yes we probably should be worried, but until they arrive, what would you like for dinner?".

Of course she expected a cheeky response, knowing her husband and his playfulness.

"Mhmmm. Well. There isn't time for dessert first so......how about something quick and light since I still need to go over to Innominatum and handle some security details?" he recommended as he stood up and headed over to the replicator. Typically, he and/or Liv would cook together but seeing as duty called, he let the ship handle it tonight.

"How about a nice roast beef with veggies?" he asked as he keyed in the request knowing she would agree.

As he was placing the plates on the table, the comms chimed.

[Siggy Twins Room - Deck 2 - VIP Quarters, USS Challenger]

The console beeped and the twins got the recorded message.  Carefully looking down the list of console numbers they found the one for the Briggs Quarters and sent a message.

Sigurdsdottir Twins to Briggs.

We have been requested to contact you direct since Ruth is busy with business.  She's invited us to dinner at 8 in the Officer's Mess, we understand she didn't invite you as she knows you wanted some family time with your son.  Sorry to intrude on that!  The dinner is scheduled for 8pm, we don't know what time you call 'after dinner' so if you could give us a time we'll work around that.  Don't worry we have this all prepared and it'll take about 10 mins to explain.

Arya and Katya 

"Twenty?" he mouthed to Liv ho nodded in agreement.

Welcome aboard, girls. Give us twenty minutes and come on over. 

If he was to be honest, he had to admit that he was getting a little excited. There had been a while there when he thought Will and Ruth would never take the plunge. He was happy for two of his oldest and dearest friends.

20 minutes later

The door chimed sounded the arrival of the twins just as Kyle was placing the empty plates into the recycler.

"Punctual as usual." he said with a grin to Liv. "Come in." he called out.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Deck 2 - Captain's Quarter's]

[Captain's Quarters - Deck 2 - USS Challenger]

The Captain grinned at the salute "Please don't ever change or ask to transfer, Lahr!" she smirked. "I'd miss you, and I always hurt inwardly if your antennae are droopy because I want all my crew to be happy... they don't lie..." she said with a quick nod to the said antennae.  "As for my quarters, well I'd be more than happy to recommend you if wanted to become commissioned, you've more than proved that you could do it, if now... well, there's ways and means to make sure you got some bigger quarters and you're allowed to decorate as much as you want.  As Assistant Chief of Ops you're due some better quarters anyhow, you're a department head, or at least a joint one.  Will, obviously will be moving in here with me, you can't have the XO's quarters, he needs them for when he metaphorically speaking would be sleeping on the sofa!..."

She grinned to indicate she was just joking but Lahr would know that.

"But seriously, I don't see why you couldn't have rooms on this deck if you wanted, I've got the twins here and they'll be gone in a week and a bit, but there's still probably another dozen rooms you could choose from!  Since the Briggs share quarters there's not 2 separate for the Chief of Sec Tac and the Chief of Medical... although Maggie is still in her quarters for now, but those quarters will be vacated soon too... you you see, plenty room for you even if you aren't commissioned, you have a right to be on this deck by dint of you being the Assistant Chief of Operations... so take your pick, and if you want to become commissioned... just say!  I'll make it happen, anyhow, music... yes of course here..."

She moved and unlocked the console so Lahr could get to whatever interface he wanted.  Certain files would still be locked obviously but he could do what he liked otherwise.

"I know I've invited you to dinner but can I get you a drink or a snack? And off topic, would you be able to sort out some commbadges for the twins, or key theirs into our network please." she asked.

Lahr laughed when his cheeky salute earned a laugh from the Captain.  His head nodded and his antenna bobbed in agreement to her request to 'never ever change or ask to transfer',  thinking all the while that there was no need to transfer when he was obviously one of the Captain's favorites.  He was smart enough to recognize when he was getting preferential treatment  - and he loved it!

Her pointing out that his antenna telegraphed his emotions and 'never lied', had him brushing a hand over them in mild embarrassment.  So he was thankful when she moved onto talking about the possibility of getting him new, larger quarters since she had plans to make him joint Department Head.   He didn't know if he really believed that was going to happen.  It seemed rather redundant given the Commander held the role.  But then the Commander might be off ship often on Away Missions... so having the authority to issue orders, even to officers that out ranked him, would be cool.

"I was just joking about the switching to commissioned, ma'am.   I'm content where I am for the moment.  Grelek would be lost without me - but I'll let you know if I ever change my mind."

When the Captain moved to her personal computer console and unlocked it, Lahr followed and slid into the seat once the Captain moved aside.  He quickly tapped on the touch-screen, moving through various folder and sub-folders until he eventually called up the wedding day playlist.

"Since I wasn't sure if you were going for any specific theme or era of music I've got 3 separate lists that I can pull from.  They don't intermix easily so if you want all three I may announce the shift in themes.  We've got traditional Norse music - mainly instrumental some vocals that probably you and the twins are the only one that will understand without the use of a Universal Translator.   Then I have wide selection of Earth Classic Rock ballads from late 1900's for slow-dancing to and Rock and Pop Classics from the late 1900's to early 2000's, since that seemed to be your style.   Lastly I picked out some contemporary wedding music from across the Federation to appeal to the masses if they are seeming to not enjoy the Classics.  The Betazoid stuff has a nice beat... and sounds like it could be okay to dance to. "

He stepped aside to let her take a look over the lists.  "As for the commbadges, I can get that set up right away."

[Olivia Briggs]

[The Briggs' Quarters - Deck 7]

"Mhmmm. Well. There isn't time for dessert first so......how about something quick and light since I still need to go over to Innominatum and handle some security details?" he recommended as he stood up and headed over to the replicator. Typically, he and/or Liv would cook together but seeing as duty called, he let the ship handle it tonight.

"How about a nice roast beef with veggies?" he asked as he keyed in the request knowing she would agree.

As he was placing the plates on the table, the comms chimed.

"Twenty?" he mouthed to Liv ho nodded in agreement.

Welcome aboard, girls. Give us twenty minutes and come on over. 

If he was to be honest, he had to admit that he was getting a little excited. There had been a while there when he thought Will and Ruth would never take the plunge. He was happy for two of his oldest and dearest friends.

[The Briggs' Quarters - Deck 7]

" Quick and light sounds good to me and I guess we'll just have to make up for dessert later" Liv replied playfully, before agreeing to the suggestion of roast beef and veggies, which was a favourite of theirs. Given the time restraints and the importance of what Kyle still had to do, using the replicator was the best idea and it did come in handy, when they didn't have time to cook like they would normally do.

When Kyle then handled the message from the twins, Liv brought a bottle of wine to the table, along with a glass of milk for Elijah. Agreeing with her husband as they then settled down to eat.

[The Briggs' Quarters - Deck 7]

20 minutes later

The door chimed sounded the arrival of the twins just as Kyle was placing the empty plates into the recycler.

"Punctual as usual." he said with a grin to Liv. "Come in." he called out.

[Twenty Minutes Later ....]

With Kyle handling the empty dishes, Liv had cleaned up Elijah and was in the process of putting his pyjamas on when the door chime sounded. This prompted their son to become excited at the prospect of visitors as Liv finished getting him changed.

" Just like their sister" Liv said, grinning back as Elijah sat on his Mother's knee.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Deck 2 - Captain's Quarter's]

Lahr laughed when his cheeky salute earned a laugh from the Captain.  His head nodded and his antenna bobbed in agreement to her request to 'never ever change or ask to transfer',  thinking all the while that there was no need to transfer when he was obviously one of the Captain's favorites.  He was smart enough to recognize when he was getting preferential treatment  - and he loved it!

Her pointing out that his antenna telegraphed his emotions and 'never lied', had him brushing a hand over them in mild embarrassment.  So he was thankful when she moved onto talking about the possibility of getting him new, larger quarters since she had plans to make him joint Department Head.   He didn't know if he really believed that was going to happen.  It seemed rather redundant given the Commander held the role.  But then the Commander might be off ship often on Away Missions... so having the authority to issue orders, even to officers that out ranked him, would be cool.

"I was just joking about the switching to commissioned, ma'am.   I'm content where I am for the moment.  Grelek would be lost without me - but I'll let you know if I ever change my mind."

When the Captain moved to her personal computer console and unlocked it, Lahr followed and slid into the seat once the Captain moved aside.  He quickly tapped on the touch-screen, moving through various folder and sub-folders until he eventually called up the wedding day playlist.

"Since I wasn't sure if you were going for any specific theme or era of music I've got 3 separate lists that I can pull from.  They don't intermix easily so if you want all three I may announce the shift in themes.  We've got traditional Norse music - mainly instrumental some vocals that probably you and the twins are the only one that will understand without the use of a Universal Translator.   Then I have wide selection of Earth Classic Rock ballads from late 1900's for slow-dancing to and Rock and Pop Classics from the late 1900's to early 2000's, since that seemed to be your style.   Lastly I picked out some contemporary wedding music from across the Federation to appeal to the masses if they are seeming to not enjoy the Classics.  The Betazoid stuff has a nice beat... and sounds like it could be okay to dance to. "

He stepped aside to let her take a look over the lists.  "As for the commbadges, I can get that set up right away."

[Captain's Quarters - Deck 2 - USS Challenger]

"Whenever and if ever, Lahr!" Ruth answered referring to the commission transfer.  "Otherwise, you can expect to be made Chief Petty Officer in due course.  You're certainly heading that way though it took HQ long enough to approve your most recent promotion!  They do like to drag their feet over things!"

She looked over the lists of music.  "To be honest I was planning since I've got Sven... remember Lt. Aune, from the Athena?... he's giving me away so I'd like 'Hjarta Mitt er þitt Að Eilífu' ¹ To come down the aisle to, but otherwise, apart from requesting Journey's 'Don't Stop Believing' for our couple's dance, and I'll have to ask what Max Williams - Judy's hubby who's standing in for my Dad for this duty for the 'Father-Daughter Dance', what he would like to dance to for that, you're adept enough to slot that in... otherwise I think stick to the more popular rock stuff, the twins have asked to do 'something' they're sorting that out with Liv and Kyle... now..ish! So that might need to be announced, but I think I can leave it in your capable hands.  If we don't get many people up you can put Y.M.C.A. or the Timewarp on... they seem to get anyone of any age or dimension up at any party I've ever been to!" she grinned.  "If you put the Cheep Cheep song or the Macarana on I will personally demote you!" the Captain said on a laugh.

¹ 'My Heart is Yours Forever'

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[The Briggs' Quarters - Deck 7]

"Mhmmm. Well. There isn't time for dessert first so......how about something quick and light since I still need to go over to Innominatum and handle some security details?" he recommended as he stood up and headed over to the replicator. Typically, he and/or Liv would cook together but seeing as duty called, he let the ship handle it tonight.

"How about a nice roast beef with veggies?" he asked as he keyed in the request knowing she would agree.

As he was placing the plates on the table, the comms chimed.

"Twenty?" he mouthed to Liv ho nodded in agreement.

Welcome aboard, girls. Give us twenty minutes and come on over. 

If he was to be honest, he had to admit that he was getting a little excited. There had been a while there when he thought Will and Ruth would never take the plunge. He was happy for two of his oldest and dearest friends.

20 minutes later

The door chimed sounded the arrival of the twins just as Kyle was placing the empty plates into the recycler.

"Punctual as usual." he said with a grin to Liv. "Come in." he called out.

[The Briggs' Quarters - Deck 7]

" Quick and light sounds good to me and I guess we'll just have to make up for dessert later" Liv replied playfully, before agreeing to the suggestion of roast beef and veggies, which was a favourite of theirs. Given the time restraints and the importance of what Kyle still had to do, using the replicator was the best idea and it did come in handy, when they didn't have time to cook like they would normally do.

When Kyle then handled the message from the twins, Liv brought a bottle of wine to the table, along with a glass of milk for Elijah. Agreeing with her husband as they then settled down to eat.

[Twenty Minutes Later ....]

With Kyle handling the empty dishes, Liv had cleaned up Elijah and was in the process of putting his pyjamas on when the door chime sounded. This prompted their son to become excited at the prospect of visitors as Liv finished getting him changed.

" Just like their sister" Liv said, grinning back as Elijah sat on his Mother's knee.

[Brigg's Quarters - Deck 2 - USS Challenger]

[As NPCs Arya and Katya Sigurdsdottir]

"Hi, sorry to intrude on your family time but we wanted this approved sooner rather than later!" Arya said with a smile.

"You probably don't remember us but we have met, we were a lot younger back then though, it's almost 5 years ago and we were a lot shorter and chubbier at 12 to us now at 17!" Katya added on a laugh.

"Where should we sit and then we can put the proposal to you, it'll probably not mean a word to you but the Universal Translator will assure you that we aren't singing rude words. Would you mind if I play this?"  Arya took out her Earthen violin from the hard case that she had brought with her.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Deck 2 - Captain's Quarter's]

[Captain's Quarters - Deck 2 - USS Challenger]

"Whenever and if ever, Lahr!" Ruth answered referring to the commission transfer.  "Otherwise, you can expect to be made Chief Petty Officer in due course.  You're certainly heading that way though it took HQ long enough to approve your most recent promotion!  They do like to drag their feet over things!"

She looked over the lists of music.  "To be honest I was planning since I've got Sven... remember Lt. Aune, from the Athena?... he's giving me away so I'd like 'Hjarta Mitt er þitt Að Eilífu' ¹ To come down the aisle to, but otherwise, apart from requesting Journey's 'Don't Stop Believing' for our couple's dance, and I'll have to ask what Max Williams - Judy's hubby who's standing in for my Dad for this duty for the 'Father-Daughter Dance', what he would like to dance to for that, you're adept enough to slot that in... otherwise I think stick to the more popular rock stuff, the twins have asked to do 'something' they're sorting that out with Liv and Kyle... now..ish! So that might need to be announced, but I think I can leave it in your capable hands.  If we don't get many people up you can put Y.M.C.A. or the Timewarp on... they seem to get anyone of any age or dimension up at any party I've ever been to!" she grinned.  "If you put the Cheep Cheep song or the Macarana on I will personally demote you!" the Captain said on a laugh.

¹ 'My Heart is Yours Forever'

When the Captain mentioned a song title that not only did he not recognize but also couldn't pronounce, Lahr shooed her to the side so he could access the computer once more.  "Captain would you say that first title again for me?  Computer.  Song title search.." He nodded to the Captain to say the name again.

Once he had song on up on the screen, he double checked with the Captain that it was the right song before downloading it to his playlist.   He already had Journey's Don't stop Believing on his Classic Rock list, same with Y.M.C.A by the Village People and yes even the Timpwarp.  He was a bit disappointed that he had to remove the Macarena but this was the Captain's day after all.

Once the master list of songs was checked over, Lahr turned his attention to the task of setting the twins Academy comms to work with the Challengers system.  It was a simple task and easily done in under a minute.   "Arya's and Katya's comm will work now.  Anything else I can do?  If not when is this dinner happening?"

[Olivia Briggs]

[Brigg's Quarters - Deck 2 - USS Challenger]

[As NPCs Arya and Katya Sigurdsdottir]

"Hi, sorry to intrude on your family time but we wanted this approved sooner rather than later!" Arya said with a smile.

"You probably don't remember us but we have met, we were a lot younger back then though, it's almost 5 years ago and we were a lot shorter and chubbier at 12 to us now at 17!" Katya added on a laugh.

"Where should we sit and then we can put the proposal to you, it'll probably not mean a word to you but the Universal Translator will assure you that we aren't singing rude words. Would you mind if I play this?"  Arya took out her Earthen violin from the hard case that she had brought with her.

[The Briggs' Quarters - Deck 7]

To be honest Liv didn't know what Arya and Katya had planned for the wedding and of course there was an element of both intrigue and curiosity. But for the moment, she listened as Arya apologised for intruding, before Katya explained that they first met and her Kyle almost five years ago.

A brief look towards her husband as so much had happened since then, before Liv answered the twins.

" That's okay, with it being related to the wedding we don't mind and you'll have to forgive me and Kyle, if we don't remember as a lot has happened since then".

When Arya then asked where they should sit and spoke about their proposal, Liv felt reassured about the lack of swear words but as the violin was took out, she had an inkling as to what it would be.

" There's plenty of seats and we're both intrigued as to what you want to do, although the violin gives me an idea".

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

PO2 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Deck 2 - Captain's Quarter's]

When the Captain mentioned a song title that not only did he not recognize but also couldn't pronounce, Lahr shooed her to the side so he could access the computer once more.  "Captain would you say that first title again for me?  Computer.  Song title search.." He nodded to the Captain to say the name again.

Once he had song on up on the screen, he double checked with the Captain that it was the right song before downloading it to his playlist.   He already had Journey's Don't stop Believing on his Classic Rock list, same with Y.M.C.A by the Village People and yes even the Timpwarp.  He was a bit disappointed that he had to remove the Macarena but this was the Captain's day after all.

Once the master list of songs was checked over, Lahr turned his attention to the task of setting the twins Academy comms to work with the Challengers system.  It was a simple task and easily done in under a minute.   "Arya's and Katya's comm will work now.  Anything else I can do?  If not when is this dinner happening?"

[Captain's Quarters - Deck 2]

Ruth obliged with the pronunciation "Sorry, not everyone speaks Icelandic!" she chuckled.  "It means roughly 'My heart is yours forever!'... well Will's not yours.  I love you to bits Lahr, but not like that!" she grinned, a bit of the playful Ruth when she wasn't a Captain coming out.

"As for the dinner... 2000hrs, but we can wander up as soon as you're done here if you like unless you want to change, and chill over a couple of drinks.  Like I said it's nothing formal, and now that the twins commbadges are sorted I can summon them whenever! I'm gonna give that a trial run." the Captain added!

Captain to Cadets Sigurdsdottirs.  Your commbadges are now looped into our network, thanks to Mr ch'Verret.  We'll see you at dinner soon as you're done with your mysterious little project! Ruth out!

[The Briggs' Quarters - Deck 7]

To be honest Liv didn't know what Arya and Katya had planned for the wedding and of course there was an element of both intrigue and curiosity. But for the moment, she listened as Arya apologised for intruding, before Katya explained that they first met and her Kyle almost five years ago.

A brief look towards her husband as so much had happened since then, before Liv answered the twins.

" That's okay, with it being related to the wedding we don't mind and you'll have to forgive me and Kyle, if we don't remember as a lot has happened since then".

When Arya then asked where they should sit and spoke about their proposal, Liv felt reassured about the lack of swear words but as the violin was took out, she had an inkling as to what it would be.

" There's plenty of seats and we're both intrigued as to what you want to do, although the violin gives me an idea".

[Brigg's Quarters]

[NPCs Arya and Katya Sigurdsdottir]

Arya jumped as her and her twin's commbadge went off.  She tapped hers twice to acknowledge knowing both they and Ruth were busy at that time.

"Well basically it's this..." Katya said and Arya put the violin under her chin.

Katya's voice rang out for just over 9 mins accompanied by Arya's violin, the sweet melody something totally unexpected for the twins.

"I bet you weren't expecting that!" Arya grinned taking the violin from her chin.  "But trust us we wouldn't show up Ruth at her wedding!"

"Will... well that's another matter!" her twin grinned.

TIME JUMP 3 days later - Morning of the Wedding
[Morning of the Wedding - 0800hrs - Captain's Quarters]

Ruth was pacing. She'd been up since 4am as she couldn't sleep.  Finally when it was socially acceptable to wake up her Matron of Honour and the girls... the wedding wasn't until 2pm... she hailed them.

Sigurdottir to Dr. Briggs and Cadets Sigurdsdottir, I'm up.. bring teabags, cucumber whatever... my eyes look like pandas! Help!

[Innominatum Base - Grauman's Cafe - Early]

[NPCs Guuthash - Nausicaan, Marvial and Rosa - Angosians, Olga-Frid Thorsdottir - Human working for the Angosians]

Guuthash growled into his Ratkajino "So what's the plan? We intercepting their shuttle or what?"

Olga-Frid sighed the way only someone who had already explained the 'plot' 9 million times already said and took a large swig of her drink before answering, buying her some breaths to calm enough to answer steadily "No... and I'm not saying any more out here, just be ready!"

Marvial and Rosa nodded. "We're ready." Marvial nodded.  "Yeah just be normal wedding guests.  Grab a light breakfast because we'll be pigging out on wedding fodder later...." Rosa added.

"Or not.. we'll see how it goes, and for the love of Tribbles go easy on the alcohol, I've heard that in honour of Sigurdsdottir's ancestors it's not going to be synthahol." Olga-Frid mentioned.  "Actually, that might be fun... ply her twin sisters with that!"

[OOC: Feel free to play out scenes just use the time stamps necessary!]

[Stryker]

[Innominatum Base - Grauman's Cafe - Early]

Sven had just arrived back on the station the night before. Having been promoted to second officer he found quickly that his already sparse free time was even more, well, sparse. A strange station, different times, he found himself restless. And a few hours later he was going to give away his "little sister" to Will in marriage.

He dressed, opting to wear a clean white button up shirt, a pair of slacks and a polished black shoes. Of course he wasn't going to wear that at the wedding. Ruth had all that picked out. And he was grateful for it.

He made his way into the cafe and the aromas of baked goods washed over him. But the one scent that stuck out was

"Coffee. Two sugar and two cream" he ordered from the friendly barista. A few minutes later he was pulling up to a seat at a bar like bench, pulling out a PADD.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Deck Two - Captain's Quarters]

[Captain's Quarters - Deck 2]

Ruth obliged with the pronunciation "Sorry, not everyone speaks Icelandic!" she chuckled.  "It means roughly 'My heart is yours forever!'... well Will's not yours.  I love you to bits Lahr, but not like that!" she grinned, a bit of the playful Ruth when she wasn't a Captain coming out.

"As for the dinner... 2000hrs, but we can wander up as soon as you're done here if you like unless you want to change, and chill over a couple of drinks.  Like I said it's nothing formal, and now that the twins commbadges are sorted I can summon them whenever! I'm gonna give that a trial run." the Captain added!

Captain to Cadets Sigurdsdottirs.  Your commbadges are now looped into our network, thanks to Mr ch'Verret.  We'll see you at dinner soon as you're done with your mysterious little project! Ruth out!

Lahr mocked a hurt expression when the Captain said she didn't love him in that way.  He clutched at where a human heart would be.  "How am I supposed to continue on now? I am devastated."  Then he grinned listening to her contact her sisters.

When she was done, he broached a subject that he'd been wanting to for a while.  "Hey Cap? Not to speak poorly of my Department Head or assume anything... but if Will ever treats you badly, you know you always have your trusted 'blue-man' talk to, right?   I could mediate problems between the two of you - I am kinda known as the Match-maker... and if that doesn't work, I know people that can arrange for a bit of non-violent pay-back.  Not that you and your axes can't defend yourself.  But you know what I mean, right?  You will always have my loyalty first."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Innominatum Outpost - Grauman's Cafe - Early]

[Innominatum Base - Grauman's Cafe - Early on the Captain's Wedding Day]

Sven had just arrived back on the station the night before. Having been promoted to second officer he found quickly that his already sparse free time was even more, well, sparse. A strange station, different times, he found himself restless. And a few hours later he was going to give away his "little sister" to Will in marriage.

He dressed, opting to wear a clean white button up shirt, a pair of slacks and a polished black shoes. Of course he wasn't going to wear that at the wedding. Ruth had all that picked out. And he was grateful for it.

He made his way into the cafe and the aromas of baked goods washed over him. But the one scent that stuck out was

"Coffee. Two sugar and two cream" he ordered from the friendly barista. A few minutes later he was pulling up to a seat at a bar like bench, pulling out a PADD.

Spending time on Innominatum when the ship was docked, was not something Lahr usually did.  There were just too many ghosts associated with the place from a year ago when he'd still been in Security and had to retake the station from Leyton's forces.   But today was not a usual day.  Everyone he usually would spend his Day-Off mornings with, namely Lek, Burke or Helga were either off-ship (Lek), on duty (Burke) or still pissed at him for something Lek did (Helga).

Lahr had gone to the ship's Enlisted Mess first, but the large room was disturbingly empty when the ship was docked.  Most preferred the variety of stores and cafe's available on the outpost.  It was only his closest friends that put up with Lahr's idiosyncrasies about not wanting to be on the station unless absolutely necessary.  The Andorian wasn't sure if he'd classify this as ABSOLUTELY necessary, but as he stepped into the cafe, the murmur of conversations, he found it was better than being alone on the ship.

Lahr had picked a cafe to frequent rather than the only other place he knew - The Pickled Pakled - mainly because he knew he would have to be sober for the Captain's Wedding in a few hours and if he went into the bar, there was no way he'd make it to the wedding, much less be able to DJ the Wedding reception and party afterwards.   No, today though he wanted an Andorian ale to start off this miserable day, he would have to make do with a coffee... maybe a raktajino - they seemed to be the Captain's beverage of choice.

As he looked over the room for a table to sit at he noticed a familiar face.  Well, okay, a somewhat familiar face.  He'd only really spoke to the man twice maybe...  Lieutenant Aune.   He was one of the Captain's dear friends - she had so many it was difficult to keep track of them all.  The Lieutenant had been briefly assigned to the Challenger... or was it Innominatum, back at the time of the assassination... and when Lahr was playing at being a drug-dealer in hopes of drawing in Hecate.

Wow, that seemed like so long ago.

The man was sitting alone... and well rather than have two people sitting alone taking up valuable table space...

"Good morning Lieutenant." Lahr greeted.  "I'm guessing you are here for the Captain's wedding?"  The Andorian smiled.  "Would you mind some company?"

(ooc yes I know he's got the rank wrong ...  but Sven was only a Lieutenant back when he was aboard Challenger a few short months ago)

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret

[Innominatum Outpost - Grauman's Cafe - Early]

Spending time on Innominatum when the ship was docked, was not something Lahr usually did.  There were just too many ghosts associated with the place from a year ago when he'd still been in Security and had to retake the station from Leyton's forces.   But today was not a usual day.  Everyone he usually would spend his Day-Off mornings with, namely Lek, Burke or Helga were either off-ship (Lek), on duty (Burke) or still pissed at him for something Lek did (Helga).

Lahr had gone to the ship's Enlisted Mess first, but the large room was disturbingly empty when the ship was docked.  Most preferred the variety of stores and cafe's available on the outpost.  It was only his closest friends that put up with Lahr's idiosyncrasies about not wanting to be on the station unless absolutely necessary.  The Andorian wasn't sure if he'd classify this as ABSOLUTELY necessary, but as he stepped into the cafe, the murmur of conversations, he found it was better than being alone on the ship.

Lahr had picked a cafe to frequent rather than the only other place he knew - The Pickled Pakled - mainly because he knew he would have to be sober for the Captain's Wedding in a few hours and if he went into the bar, there was no way he'd make it to the wedding, much less be able to DJ the Wedding reception and party afterwards.   No, today though he wanted an Andorian ale to start off this miserable day, he would have to make do with a coffee... maybe a raktajino - they seemed to be the Captain's beverage of choice.

As he looked over the room for a table to sit at he noticed a familiar face.  Well, okay, a somewhat familiar face.  He'd only really spoke to the man twice maybe...  Lieutenant Aune.   He was one of the Captain's dear friends - she had so many it was difficult to keep track of them all.  The Lieutenant had been briefly assigned to the Challenger... or was it Innominatum, back at the time of the assassination... and when Lahr was playing at being a drug-dealer in hopes of drawing in Hecate.

Wow, that seemed like so long ago.

The man was sitting alone... and well rather than have two people sitting alone taking up valuable table space...

"Good morning Lieutenant." Lahr greeted.  "I'm guessing you are here for the Captain's wedding?"  The Andorian smiled.  "Would you mind some company?"

[Innominatum Base - Grauman's Cafe - Early]

Sven had just arrived back on the station the night before. Having been promoted to second officer he found quickly that his already sparse free time was even more, well, sparse. A strange station, different times, he found himself restless. And a few hours later he was going to give away his "little sister" to Will in marriage.

He dressed, opting to wear a clean white button up shirt, a pair of slacks and a polished black shoes. Of course he wasn't going to wear that at the wedding. Ruth had all that picked out. And he was grateful for it.

He made his way into the cafe and the aromas of baked goods washed over him. But the one scent that stuck out was

"Coffee. Two sugar and two cream" he ordered from the friendly barista. A few minutes later he was pulling up to a seat at a bar like bench, pulling out a PADD.

[NPCs Guuthash - Nausicaan, Marvial and Rosa - Angosians, Olga-Frid Thorsdottir - Human working for the Angosians]

[Grauman's Cafe - Innominatum Base - Morning of the Wedding]

"Excuse me?" Olga-Frid said to the large male that had just come in and the Androrian.  "Are you of the wedding party?  Just we can't seem to find out where exactly the ceremony and the reception is being held and all the Federation types seem to be busy beyond busy so we haven't dared ask any of those and the civilians don't seem to have a clue other than they know some bigwig is getting married today and they're a bit pissed at there being about 5 million - as far as they are over exaggerating - extra people on the station!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Deck Two - Captain's Quarters]

Lahr mocked a hurt expression when the Captain said she didn't love him in that way.  He clutched at where a human heart would be.  "How am I supposed to continue on now? I am devastated."  Then he grinned listening to her contact her sisters.

When she was done, he broached a subject that he'd been wanting to for a while.  "Hey Cap? Not to speak poorly of my Department Head or assume anything... but if Will ever treats you badly, you know you always have your trusted 'blue-man' talk to, right?   I could mediate problems between the two of you - I am kinda known as the Match-maker... and if that doesn't work, I know people that can arrange for a bit of non-violent pay-back.  Not that you and your axes can't defend yourself.  But you know what I mean, right?  You will always have my loyalty first."

[Captain's Quarters - Evening, 3 days before the wedding]

Ruth giggled.  "You know Lahr, you were a friend to me from day one of me coming to the Challenger, I was rather thrown in the thick of it and I was able to rely on you, not just as a crewmember but yeah, as a friend.  And having dated an Andorian before I don't say this lightly... Andorians are amongst my top 3 favourite races, not least because the ones I've come into contact with are faithful to a fault.  Most aren't as jovial as you but they aren't a dour race, like say, Vulcans... not all Vulcans, but you know they have the more staid, stoic outlook generally.  Sukal could crack a joke now and then and wasn't above pulling pranks either let me tell you!"

When he mentioned about Will, she wasn't sure if she should reprimand him, but took it in the vein that it was meant, and she felt the tears pricking her eyes before she could stop them.  Dashing them away and sniffing, the Captain took a few deep breaths and then nodded reaching to take one of Lahr's hands.  She didn't admit that had Will not come back into her life, she might've considered a relationship with Lahr herself.  She believed he was trying his luck with Chloe Davis tho so she wasn't going to mess that up!

"Tha-that's kinda what I meant what I was saying about you being faithful.  That's why when we went into the Crimson Nebula and when the away team went onto the asteroid... I was scared.  But there were only probably 2 people on the ship at that time 4 people in total in the crew that I would have admitted that to.  You, Liv, Kyle and Will... Kyle and Will of course were over there.  And you showed what a friend you were at the same time as being a good crew member and allowing me to keep my head in the game... not telling me about Will until he was safely back on board! Well comparatively safe, his shoulder is going to be fine.  As for match-making... how's Helga and Lek getting on?  Yeah, I know about that one!"

She gave a smile.  "Thank you, Lahr, and since you like my digs, and have broken the ice and finally got your blue backside down here... might I be allowed to think that you'll grace these quarters with your presence a bit more often.  Will doesn't have a say in the matter." She grinned putting the tip of her tongue out.  "If he complains first I get you to lock the replicator codes for coffee so he can't order any coffee until I give the say so to unblock the lock... and then there's always the axes!"

She started giggling which then turned into a cough .  "Oh, yeah if you're in my Ready Room between now and I get back from honeymoon don't assume that I've been robbed.  The axes are in the Mjolnir... I intend teasing Will with them while we're away!  Aren't I evil!  So shall we go get some grub... you need to change?  Feel free to use my shower - there's real water in there if you need and replicate anything you need clothing wise.  I promise not to peak, there's towels in there and it's large enough to dress in so I won't see a thing!"

[Olivia Briggs]

[Brigg's Quarters]

[NPCs Arya and Katya Sigurdsdottir]

Arya jumped as her and her twin's commbadge went off.  She tapped hers twice to acknowledge knowing both they and Ruth were busy at that time.

"Well basically it's this..." Katya said and Arya put the violin under her chin.

Katya's voice rang out for just over 9 mins accompanied by Arya's violin, the sweet melody something totally unexpected for the twins.

"I bet you weren't expecting that!" Arya grinned taking the violin from her chin.  "But trust us we wouldn't show up Ruth at her wedding!"

"Will... well that's another matter!" her twin grinned.

[The Briggs' Quarters - Deck 7, 3 Days before Wedding]

The surprise at their commbadges going off, didn't seem to last long, before the twins revealed what they had planned with the violin. Listening appreciatively as the worked in unison to play something that reminded Liv of the times her and Kyle had spent in Ireland. She loved traditional music and songs, after all she still played the piano on occasion, but this resonated within, as she looked to her husband with a happy smile on her face. Even Elijah kept still, before joining in with the applause as the twins finished and spoke to them.

" No we weren't but that was beautiful and Ruth will love it, I know you wouldn't do that to her and as for Will, well, I agree that's different".

*******

[The Briggs' Quarters - Deck 7, 3 Days Later- Morning of Wedding]

The last three days had been relatively quiet and when she wasn't tending to wedding stuff, such as the final fitting for her maid of honour dress and overseeing the last details. Not to mention ship stuff , she had made sure to also spend some R&R with her husband and son, both on the ship and visiting the station below. However today was the day and with Elijah up at the normal time of seven am, Liv was just finishing breakfast when the call came through from Ruth.

Sigurdottir to Dr. Briggs and Cadets Sigurdsdottir, I'm up.. bring teabags, cucumber whatever... my eyes look like pandas! Help!

Remembering her own wedding day and the excitement at the thought of marrying Kyle, Liv was sympathetic to Ruth's plight. Thinking of various remedies, for being awake earlier, as well as make up tips to cover the so called panda eyes, assuming it was that bad, before she tapped her badge to respond.

Briggs to Ruth, I'll be there shortly with help, I just need to see to Elijah first

Closing the call, Liv then cleared away the breakfast things and after cleaning Elijah up, began to get him dressed, deciding to stay in her shorts and top, since there wasn't much point to get dressed properly, with hair, make up and all sorts to do, before they had to be at the ceremony.

[Stryker]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Deck Two - Captain's Quarters]

Lahr mocked a hurt expression when the Captain said she didn't love him in that way.  He clutched at where a human heart would be.  "How am I supposed to continue on now? I am devastated."  Then he grinned listening to her contact her sisters.

When she was done, he broached a subject that he'd been wanting to for a while.  "Hey Cap? Not to speak poorly of my Department Head or assume anything... but if Will ever treats you badly, you know you always have your trusted 'blue-man' talk to, right?   I could mediate problems between the two of you - I am kinda known as the Match-maker... and if that doesn't work, I know people that can arrange for a bit of non-violent pay-back.  Not that you and your axes can't defend yourself.  But you know what I mean, right?  You will always have my loyalty first."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Innominatum Outpost - Grauman's Cafe - Early]

Spending time on Innominatum when the ship was docked, was not something Lahr usually did.  There were just too many ghosts associated with the place from a year ago when he'd still been in Security and had to retake the station from Leyton's forces.   But today was not a usual day.  Everyone he usually would spend his Day-Off mornings with, namely Lek, Burke or Helga were either off-ship (Lek), on duty (Burke) or still pissed at him for something Lek did (Helga).

Lahr had gone to the ship's Enlisted Mess first, but the large room was disturbingly empty when the ship was docked.  Most preferred the variety of stores and cafe's available on the outpost.  It was only his closest friends that put up with Lahr's idiosyncrasies about not wanting to be on the station unless absolutely necessary.  The Andorian wasn't sure if he'd classify this as ABSOLUTELY necessary, but as he stepped into the cafe, the murmur of conversations, he found it was better than being alone on the ship.

Lahr had picked a cafe to frequent rather than the only other place he knew - The Pickled Pakled - mainly because he knew he would have to be sober for the Captain's Wedding in a few hours and if he went into the bar, there was no way he'd make it to the wedding, much less be able to DJ the Wedding reception and party afterwards.   No, today though he wanted an Andorian ale to start off this miserable day, he would have to make do with a coffee... maybe a raktajino - they seemed to be the Captain's beverage of choice.

As he looked over the room for a table to sit at he noticed a familiar face.  Well, okay, a somewhat familiar face.  He'd only really spoke to the man twice maybe...  Lieutenant Aune.   He was one of the Captain's dear friends - she had so many it was difficult to keep track of them all.  The Lieutenant had been briefly assigned to the Challenger... or was it Innominatum, back at the time of the assassination... and when Lahr was playing at being a drug-dealer in hopes of drawing in Hecate.

Wow, that seemed like so long ago.

The man was sitting alone... and well rather than have two people sitting alone taking up valuable table space...

"Good morning Lieutenant." Lahr greeted.  "I'm guessing you are here for the Captain's wedding?"  The Andorian smiled.  "Would you mind some company?"

(ooc yes I know he's got the rank wrong ...  but Sven was only a Lieutenant back when he was aboard Challenger a few short months ago)

[Innominatum Outpost - Grauman's Cafe - Early]

Sven was enjoying the aroma of the coffee. It usually brought on feelings of happiness for him. The cafe was nice, for something on an outpost. He was reading a report from the JAG office when a slightly familiar face appeared.

"Oh, hi ShranLahr." he said with a jovial, but tired smile. "It's been awhile hasn't it? I never did apologize for that nasty business with the Klingons. You really took one for the team there didn't you?" he set his PADD down. "By all means." he motioned to the empty chair. "It's better than sitting all along. And you guessed it. Here for Ruth's wedding. Not sure how I feel about it. I don't know this Will fella well. Then again, it isn't my choice I suppose." he didn't bother to correct Lahr on the ranking. It wasn't important.

A short while later a few people that had been in the cafe approached.

[NPCs Guuthash - Nausicaan, Marvial and Rosa - Angosians, Olga-Frid Thorsdottir - Human working for the Angosians]

[Grauman's Cafe - Innominatum Base - Morning of the Wedding]

"Excuse me?" Olga-Frid said to the large male that had just come in and the Androrian.  "Are you of the wedding party?  Just we can't seem to find out where exactly the ceremony and the reception is being held and all the Federation types seem to be busy beyond busy so we haven't dared ask any of those and the civilians don't seem to have a clue other than they know some bigwig is getting married today and they're a bit pissed at there being about 5 million - as far as they are over exaggerating - extra people on the station!"

"Oh. Yes. You know I don't exactly know where the wedding or reception will be held." and in fact he had no idea. The hall for the venue wasn't listed on his invite.

"I'm sure that it will be announced. Friends of the Bride, groom or other?" he asked.

[Kali Reyes]

[USS Challenger - Reyes' Quarters - Morning Before the Wedding]

"You should totally wear that to the wedding. I would."

There were a couple of fancy dresses in Kali's hands. Anya had gestured to the fancy white one on the left. "Make a religion check, Deltan," Kali said slyly and tossed the dress to the side.

"You're right. It's way too pure looking for you," Anya said, smiling back.

Kali dramatically placed her newly manicured hand over her toweled chest. Her makeup was flawless and her hair was pinned up and curled, waiting to be properly done up. The only deliberation was deciding on a dress. Her bunkmate greedily eyed her wardrobe selection and decided she knew exactly what Kali should wear - or perhaps she was trying to subtly sabotage Kali's choice so she could have a pick at her dresses herself.

"Listen here, my pleasingly bald barnacle," Kali began, sliding into wedding-zilla. "Wear white to a human wedding and I promise you'll have a red wine stain the size of Florida before seating starts. The last thing I want to do is upstage the Captain."

There was a buzzing sound at the door. Kali made to retreat into the bathroom. "Can you-?"

Anya made a derisive sound, her mouth conveniently full of Kali's breakfast of cubed fruit, and made a dismissive gesture before heading for the door. When the door slid open, her eyes brightened and she immediately leaned against the side of the door. "Hellooooo counselor...!"