Welcome to the Neighborhood
Posted on Sat May 31st, 2014 @ 11:53pm by Lieutenant Commander Rosaleen O'Donnell & Captain Jey Cleh & Commander Eliana Masters & Lieutenant Vilgi Morr & Lieutenant Commander Adria "Tempest" Desoro & Captain Pete Samson & Master Chief Petty Officer Allison Wilshire & Lieutenant Stacy Pierce
Mission:
New Frontier
Location: Stratkas IV: Offices
USS Chesapeake
"Incoming hail from the planet's surface sir."
The view from the bridge of the Chesapeake was largely unblocked by the immensity of Starbase 80. Those delegated to bridge duty during their time at base had been treated to a view of the planet below. A pristine orb, surrounded by nothing but stars and galaxies into infinity. The people on the surface were undoubtedly unaware of the connection between planet and ship, but ignorance of the fact did little to degrade the quality of the channel.
"Split screen, put it on the viewer."
"Chesapeake, this is New-Frontier Beachfront calling. Is Captain Glover available?" Rosaleen had hoped to catch Glover while he wasn't busy and have an informal chat over dinner. Since they would be operating in the sector, there was a good chance that they would see them quite regularly.
"New Frontier, good afternoon, the captain is away from the bridge at the moment. I can either take a message see if he's available to patch you through."
"If he is available it would be most agreeable. I would like to invite him and anybody he wished to bring along to an ocean-side cookout." It was obvious that she had already been preparing for the festivities...she was wearing a sundress instead of the standard uniform dress that she usually sported.
"Understood ma'am, standby please." The officer on deck muted the channel as he tried to raise the captain. Since the birth of the Glovers' daughter, both the Captain and Olivia had been hard to locate, though the reason was more than satisfactory. To the officer's surprise, a return message was quick in coming.
"Ma'am?" The communications link to the surface was reactivated.
Rosaleen looked up from the PADD in her hand. "Yes?"
"Patching you through to Captain Glover now ma'am."
"Thank you. Hopefully we will see you on the beach. The screen went blank as the comm was patched through.
[Glovers' Quarters]
The image from the surface had been rerouted to the captain's quarters where Rhys had been working from for the past day or so. For now, just about everyone in the family was asleep except for him, wasting the afternoon away with a much deserved nap.
"Captain Rhys Glover, a pleasure to make your acquaintance, what can I do for you?" Rhys began, albeit in a hushed tone.
"Good evening, Captain. Lieutenant Rosaleen O'Donnell...Commodore O'Shea's personal assistant. I just wanted to let you know that the Commodore will be on-station in two days. I'm sure she will want to see you when she arrives. And I also wanted to invite you and anybody you wish to bring down for a little ocean-side cookout and party. Kind of a celebration of what we have accomplished so far. The Redemption crew will be joining us as well."
"Excellent news, I'll be sure to spread the word around," Glover smiled. It would be a well-deserved close to a brief stint away from the bleeding edge of the Frontier. "Let us know if there's anything we can do to help prepare, Glover out."
Stratkas IV: Pratheus Office Complex Beach Area
Strolling lazily around the exterior of the offices, Vilgi dressed down in a pair on knee length shorts and tee shirt contemplated the benefits of have a office complex so close to the beach as he made his way across to where the cookout was set up. A cool box tucked under his arm. A little few dozen ribs that would soon be sizzling over the grill.
"Hello again Commander," Eliana greeted her Bolian friend. Sporting a sundress and holding a cocktail, Masters easily blended in with the other beach goers sharing the area within the general vicinity of the complex.
Before he could respond, the unmistakable hum of the transporter filled the air and the crowd that had assembled watched as their newest guests began to materialize out of the ether. A large contingency of the USS Chesapeake had followed their captain to the surface, and even before the last of them had completely materialized, Rhys Glover took a few steps across the sand to begin introducing himself. They numbered eight, and soon enough, they were indistinguishable from the rest of the party guests.
"Hello to you too." Vilgi responded with a smile after witnessing the arrival of the guests from the Chesapeake, "Seems like your getting into the swing of things. Though I don't think anyone can say it's not well deserved. And it is such an easy place to relax in."
"I have to admit, I'm beginning to think that station life may have its privileges now and then," Masters replied, motioning around at the view. "I'll have to rotate some of my department down here to work at the office. It just wouldn't be fair if I didn't."
Ellie watched as the members of the Chesapeake dispersed among the crowd...
...as did Stacy, who honestly had shown up just because everybody else had, so she felt some obligation to attend. Quietly taking a drink from a passing steward, she moved off by herself to sit and watch the ocean. It was the one thing she missed from home. The only thing.
"Excuse me," Masters said goodbye to Vilgi before finding her way towards the water. The pull of the ocean was almost magnetic to her, and soon enough, she was standing with her feet in the wet sand. There was a calm contentedness about her, as she opened her mind up to get a sense of how the assembled crowd were enjoying themselves. A wave washed over her feet. Unbeknownst to her, elsewhere in the crowd, Commander Ewont'Ost Menkova of the Chesapeake was having a similar revelation.
The lively beach party atmosphere was quite a contrast to the few days she had just spent with her son among the solace and calm of the hill trails. That had been what she needed then, now losing herself in a relaxed crowd seemed like the right thing. She weaved across the sand, smiling and greeting one or two persons. Looking for a trio or small group to join.
Pete was not going to attend the party, he was not very social and really did not enjoy large parties, however he was now a commanding officer and by taking on this role he knew that he would have to be a diplomat. He also knew how important it was to network.
Pete arrived at the party, he was wearing a Marine colored t-shirt, a pair of dark pants and shoes. As far as Pete was concerned this was dressing down for him. He walked up to the party feeling very uncomfortable.
Lizzy hadn't wanted to attend this party, but since she was taking her sister's place, and was now the XO of the station, she realized it wouldn't exactly look good, if she refused to attend. She was wearing a red, knee-length skirt, and a matching t-shirt. Under the skirt, she had her pistol strapped to her inner thigh. Regardless of a party, she was not stupid enough to be unarmed. Not wanting to really deal with questions, she had chosen a quiet place to sit off to the side, under one of the many large beach umbrellas scattered around.
"Nice of you to join us, Commander." Lizzy turned around to find that Rosaleen had managed to come up behind her completely unheard. And given the bikini and small wrap around her waist that she was sporting, it was very doubtful that she had any weapons on her...there was no place to conceal any. "I trust that you are enjoying yourself?"
"I was until you showed up." Lizzy said turning back around to face the beach. It was obvious that she didn't bother hiding her dislike for Rosaleen. "What do you want?"
"What do I want?" She replied with a quizzical look. "I want to enjoy myself and have a bit of fun. Isn't that the point of a beach cookout?"
"Sometimes the point is just to relax... quietly." Lizzy said, before taking a sip of the wine she'd brought from her own stash. It was one of several bottles she'd taken with her, when she left her homeworld. "You seem to be full of questions. Every time we run into each other, you're always asking me questions. Why are you so curious about me?"
Her expression did not change. "I have no idea what you are talking about, Commander. I was merely being sociable and was genuinely curious if you were having a good time or not."
"Ask me again in a couple of hours." was Lizzy's only reply, as she refilled her glass with more of the wine she'd brought. Lizzy fully intended to be drunk, before the party was over in hopes of making it easier to deal with all these people.
Von Hyden and a group from the 405th arrived on the beach. They had entered into the spirit of the event wholeheartedly, including their commander. Von Hyden sported a brightly colored Aloha shirt, shorts, sandals and shades. They had also arrived with three chilled cases of freshly replicated synthahol beer.
"Alright people go a have a good time" Von Hyden told his crews "Enjoy it while you can the hard work starts tomorrow!"
He looked down at his daughter, Tenleith, who was stood beside him. She was wearing shorts, a T-shirt, flip-flops and a floppy hat, she did not look especially happy. "What's up?" He asked
"What do we do now?" she said, looking around nervously
"It's the beach, we have a good time!" Von Hyden smiled back
"Oh... I haven't been to the beach before Falk" she admitted quietly
"Well it's a good job I came prepared then!" It was Lt Victoria Munroe, the Mallard's flight controller. She held up a small bucket, spade and fishing net.
"What are those for?" Tenleith asked shylyh
Munroe laughed "Sandcastles and crabs! Right sir?"
"Right!" Von Hyden grinned " You two go on, I'll check in and then come find you"
Munroe and Tenleith set off down the beach towards the ocean, Von Hyden grabbed himself a beer and went looking for brass...
After a couple of minutes saying "Hi" to various people he realized he didn't know any of the new command staff, then he spotted O'Donnell, talking with another woman and walked over to them.
"Afternoon Lieutenant. This is one hell of an office"
Looking away from Jey for the first time, she turned to see who had spoken. "Commander...I'm glad you could make it to the party. And yes, it most certainly is."
Von Hyden smiled "Thanks for the invite and you can set my desk up right over .... there!" he looked about and then pointed at a open patch of sand near the shore.
Turned he introduced himself to the other woman "Hello, Falk Von Hyden, Commanding the 405th"
"Captain Jey Cleh." Lizzy introduced herself. While she didn't show any disgust, or annoyance with this new person, Lizzy certainly didn't feel much like being bothered. She had only showed up as a means to attempt to keep up appearances. "Medical systems specialist, and Executive Officer of Starbase 80."
"Good evening Lieutenant, thank you for the invitation," Rhys had made his way to Rosaleen, whom he recognized from their conversation earlier that afternoon. "Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves, and I have to admit, with this view, I'll be expecting some transfer requests in the morning. Could I offer to refill your drink?"
She turned to face the newest visitor. "Captain Glover. Why yes, that would be very nice, thank you. " She looked out upon the beach. "It is almost a paradise. Makes it easy to forget where we are out here." She looked up at him with an impish smile, her blue eyes brilliant. "You wouldn't be wanting to give up that ship of yours and settle down now, would you?"
"One of these days, I just might have to look into that," Rhys admitted as he refilled her glass. Though he still had the majority of his career ahead of him, there was going to come a time where it would no longer be fair for him to expect his children to remain content living on a starship.
"I suspect," Glover continued after a pause, "that we'll be frequent visitors in the area if we remain within the task group. It's good to have a stabilizing influence in the area."
Menkova turned from back to the what was turning out to be a rather large gathering, realizing that she had spent a little long with her back to the party starting out to sea than was considered polite. She weaved back through the gathered persons, seeking a little familiarity she caught sight of Glover in conversation with another, all the better for introductions, and made her way over in time to catch the tail end of his comments. "On behalf of the crew I would have to insist on it. Stratkas IV certainly seems to have a relaxing air to it." She stated as once with in ear shot if the pair.
"Just keep your redheads under cover. Everybody here thinks I'm a sorceress or something. They have quite a bit of lore where red hair is concerned. It's doesn't happen naturally on this planet." Rosaleen had experienced a few uncomfortable moments since first sitting foot on the Stratkas.
"I'll keep that in mind," Rhys smiled. Around them, the respective crews of the starbase and the Chesapeake seemed to be getting along quite amicably,
"Interesting if slightly unusual point, I must admit myths and the like are a point of culture I've always been intrigued by." Menkova commented carefully in response, not wanting to make the woman uncomfortable or annoyed unnecessarily. "That ability to create an elaborate and graceful story around a basic fact or principal. It's an art I like."
She doubted the Chesapeake crew knew anything about her abilities...and there was no way she was going to enlighten them. "They are quite interesting, unless you are the focus of their application. But I do get a lot of drinks bought for me, so that is a plus."
"There's always an advantage some where along the line." Menkova responded with a smile before asking. "Aside from your unique effect, the local inhabitants are agreeable to Starfleet's presence both on the surface and the starbase in orbit?"
"Very much so. In the short time that we have been here their economy has already taken an upswing. And once we are fully operational again and the trade routes are open, it will be a huge boost for them economically and culturally. This little planet is literally becoming the center of this sector and even beyond."
---------------
Seeing that Rosaleen's attention was sufficiently taken away from her, Lizzy sat back in her chair, and resumed her quiet relaxation, hoping others would simply leave her alone.
Pete saw the XO on her own. He had been wanting to meet her since arriving on Starbase 80, however she was very hard to get hold of. Pete walked up to Lizzy, he tried to make himself as smart as possible. "Good day to you Ma'am. Marine Captain Samson." Pete held out his hand. "Thought I would come over and say hello, I have been trying to see you for sometime."
Lizzy looked at him for a moment, before taking his hand, and giving it a firm shake. Her grip told him that she was a bit stronger than she looked. "Captain Jey CLeh." She said by way of introduction. Yet another person was bothering her, but looking at this one, she figured taking her sister's place might have it's perks. He was kinda cute after all. "Why have you been looking for me?"
"Well Captain as the commanding officer of the Marine Corps I wanted to come say hello. I want my Marines including myself to be come an integral part of the crew, I do not want an them and us situation on board. We will also be working a lot together and it would be good to get to know each other." Pete smiled at the Captain. So for he was impressed, he believed that first impressions are important and that handshake was very firm.
"People are people." ~No matter how annoying the are~ Lizzy thought to herself. "So I don't think you'll have that particular problem with me."
"That is good to hear Captain." Pete so far was a little shocked by the Starfleet officers that he had met, they were not typical. "I was not going to come to this party but I am glad I did now. I am not very good in social events, in fact I hate them, but I have to make an effort. Well I am here now so I might as well get us both a drink. What do you want Captain?"
"Wine." Lizzy said pointing to the bottle of wine she'd brought with her. It was clear to see that she'd had a few drinks from it already. "I brought a few bottles with me to the station. Figured I'd keep them for special occasions."
"Well let me fill your glass Captain. Would it be impolite for me to ask for a glass too and join you?"
~Why me?~ Lizzy thought to herself as she downed the remainder of her glass of wine. "Suit yourself, Mr. Samson." She finally said. "Just make sure you don't drink it all."
Pete smiled, he poured himself a very small glass of wine, he did drink but not very much. He had to be prepared for any situation.
Pete took a seat near the Captain. He then started to observe all the other people around and also took in the natural beauty of the planet.
Pete spent a couple of uncomfortable minutes with the Captain. He quickly came to the conclusion that he was not wanted. He did not blame her after all that is what he wanted.
"Please excuse me Captain." Pete stood up "I would like to formally come and see you on Starbase 80. I will contact you shortly." He nodded at the Captain and left her alone.
---------------
Adria had just arrived on planet side for the dinner. Since her arrival on Starbase 80 downtime simply didn't exist. They were still shuffling flight rotation's. Eventually that would be sorted out. Walking up to the assembled group. "Good evening."
Rosaleen looked for the new voice that had entered the group. "Why good evening, Adria. I am so happy that you could make it." She took a quick look around the beach again. "So what do you think of our back yard?"
"It's amazing. Honestly I wish I could spend more time seeing it from this perspective. My job is in the stars." For one Adria hoped that her evening wouldn't be interrupted by duty but as the 220th's CAG she knew that was always a possibility.
"That may be, but if you don't return to the ground periodically...you can easily forget what you are up there in the stars for. What you are protecting."
---------------
Allison walked down the beach toward the assembled group, drink in hand. She had spent the afternoon planet-side, getting a feel for the place...not to mention spending quite a few credits in the process. She was a constant collector of stuff. That's what others would call it at least. To her they were precious memories from each period of her life. She walked over to a conversation in full progress, standing quietly to the side. Observing...
After a moment, Lizzy noticed Allison standing there quietly. "Something you need, Chief?" she asked.
Allison turned to look see who had spoken. "No...just enjoying the evening. Why?"
"Just... not used to people watching me like that." Lizzy explained. She wanted desperately to just go back home to her moon, away from everyone, but with her sister being held captive by Orions, she had no choice in what she did.
Allison mover closer to Jey. "I apologize, Captain. It was not my intent to make you or anybody else uncomfortable." She paused as she took a drink off of a passing tray. Taking a sip, she was pleased to find that it was a mix of local tropical fruits, and no synthahol. After another moment, seeing that Jey wasn't responding, she continued to speak. "It's difficult...to come into a new post where you do not know anybody. I can relate to that, although admittedly it's been a while. It takes a lot of adjustment as you get to know people, and they you as well. Add to that the fact that a lot of us have been together for quite some time...it can be a bit daunting at first." She paused to take another sip.
"Tell me about it." Lizzy said somewhat sarcastically. She took a long sip of her wine, the alcohol finally starting to affect her as she looked back at Allison. "Always someone with questions, or demands. Seems like everyone wants to get under my skin in the worst way."
"Well, none of that tonight. Just the ocean, the stars, the breeze...I could fall asleep here and not wake up for days." She studied Jey out of the corner of her eye so as not to make her uncomfortable. "Would it help if I told you it gets better with time?"
"Time won't make a difference for someone like me." Lizzy said, as she looked out on the ocean, watching the waves come in against the shore. She didn't seem to notice Allison's studying eyes, or if she did, she didn't seem to care. "I'm beyond help anymore."
'Something is very wrong here.' Thought Allison, but knowing that this public venue was not the time nor the place for that conversation. But Jey needed somebody in her corner. She made a mental note to talk with Rosaleen and ask her to ease off the woman a bit.
But for tonight...there was just the calming sound of the ocean. It did not take long for her to fall asleep.....
----------------
Lieutenant Rosaleen O'Donnell
Commodore's Personal Assistant
MCPO Allison Wilshire
Chief of the Boat
Captain Jey Cleh
Executive Officer
Medical Systems Specialist
Captain Rhys Glover
Commanding Officer
USS Chesapeake
Commander Eliana Masters
Director of Flight Operations
Second Officer
Lt Commander Adria "Tempest" Desoro
220th CAG
LtCmdr F Von Hyden
405th CTAG
Marine Captain Samson
Marine Commanding Officer
Petty Officer 2nd Class Stacy Pierce
Structural Specialist, CoE
Commander Vilgi Morr
Materials and Supply Division
