Kel Laren left the Bajoran temple on the Promenade with a spring in her step and a jaunty walk, making assurances that she would return when she had a chance and asking the priests to convey her best wishes to her parents, both still busily ministering on Bajor. Graduating just in time to see the end of the war, being sent practically back home pending assignment, and a visit to the temple all conspired to put her in a good mood as she practically skipped down the Promenade.

She paused at the viewport on the upper level to watch the wormhole open and close for a moment, gazing out with a mixture of awe and reverence while she absentmindedly reached to her ear to feel for the ornate religious earring that she wore, as if to reassure herself that it was still there. After a moment spent watching the wormhole (Or, she supposed, if you were the right kind of religious, the Celestial Temple), she started making her way toward Quark's, suddenly with a more pensive expression on her face, a heavier step in her stride.

She slid into a seat a the bar and looked around at the other patrons, trying to decide what to order.

Sieng's days before his formal start on the Odyssey are very busy: he revises the Protocol and its intricacies, he studies in depth the spaceship's technical specifications and capabilities in the holographic lab, and he dedicates as much time as possible to introduce himself to the Captain and the rest of the crew. He is a good listener and has a true interest on his future companions. He is often quiet and looks serious, but every now and then his friendly smile shines and breaks whatever minor tension might have been building up.
He is thorough and meticulous, but not paranoid: he just takes his duties seriously.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:57, Mon 01 Jan.

[DS9 - INFIRMARY]

Doctor Bashir and a chattering Lurian emerged from around a corner of the infirmary.  The doctor's glazed over eyes immediately brightened.  "Oh, lieutenant, you don't look well.  Please sit down," he said gesturing Cora toward a biobed before returning his attention to the Lurian.  "I'm sorry Morn, we'll have to continue this later.  Duty calls."

As the Lurian shuffled out of the infirmary Julian Bashir let out a sigh.  "I owe you one.  Morn's a good friend but he never shuts up."  The doctor smirks.  "Now, what can I do for you?"

[DS9 - QUARK'S BAR]

A Lurian strolls into Quark's and sits at the bar next to Lt Elliaph and her companion.  One of the Ferengi waiters quickly produces a drink for the patron and after a quick exchange you gather that the Ferengi is Broik and the Lurian is Morn--apparently a regular at Quark's.  Morn continues talking as Broik wanders off clearly ignoring what his customer was saying causing Morn to turn his attention to the Andorian.

Morn injects himself into the conversation between the Andorian and her companion, drolling on and on about his many brothers and sisters and his shipping business making it difficult for anyone to get a word in edgewise.  The science officer's companion excuses themself as they're quite clearly tired of the Lurian's nonstop talking and is quickly replaced by the Bajoran Kel Laren.

A second Ferengi zips up to the bar and sets down a tray full of empty classes as Laren takes her seat.  "What can I get you?" he asks.


OOC: Roth, where are you reviewing specs at?  I want to reply to you but also don't want to just put you somewhere either.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:25, Sun 07 Jan.

With his best Bajoran farewell, Captain Chysanthos Ithakis weaves his way through the station's operations center toward the turbolift. Ordering the lift to take him to the Odyssey's docking pylon, he regards the two bottles of springwine given to him by Colonel Kira. He had developed a taste for the sweet libation during his time on Admiral Ross' staff and Kira had a line on a stash of a rare vintage. It only cost him a case of Metaxa Private Reserve and one of his last three bottles of rakomelo.

He smiles. Not a fair deal at all, really. She should've asked for a second case.

Speaking of, he should probably donate one of the remaining rekomelo bottles to sickbay for Dr. Plinsburg to have on hand...she needs something good for sore throats and coughs; save those high-tech remedies for the big stuff.

The lift doors open to a lengthy gangway, with the Odyssey's quarterdeck at the other end.

OOC: I made the mistake of trying to write this on New Year's Eve. Kept getting distracted by the stuff on the tele. :) Someone bump into the captain, please!

[OOC: I modified my previous post, clarifying that I was doing the revising at the holographic lab. Not having a library for revising, I thought that a holographic lab might be a suitable location.]

In reply to Chrysanthos 'Chrys' Ithakis (msg # 7):

Sieng Roth is there, greeting the Captain with a smile and shaking his hand. He follows him on board.

Cora tried hard to keep from squealing as she met one of her idols, or heroes actually. Sticking out her hand for Doctor Bashir to shake, she answers his question as she's grinning. "Hi doctor Bashir, I'm doctor Plinsburg, CMO of the Odyssey and I just wanted to meet you as it's been a dream of mine to meet you since we had to write a paper on you at Starfleet Medical. Your work to free the Jem Ha'dar from the Ketracel White addiction was just incredible. I'm sorry, I know I'm gushing but I never thought I'd get this opportunity ever in my career."

Laren tore her attention away from overhearing Morn talk to the Andorian nearby; say what you will about the Lurian, his droning voice was positively hypnotic. Refocusing on the Ferengi waiter, she considered her options for a second and said, "Springwine for me, please. Feeling kinda homesick today."

She glanced at the Andorian that Morn was talking at and leaned in closer to the waiter to add (quieter, so as not to offend Morn), "And maybe get Blue over there another round? Looks like she might need it."

The captain knows little of Lt. Cmdr. Roth, except what he has read in the man's service jacket. Like Chrys, Roth also comes from an astrogation background, but the nascent XO's command specialties are generally complementary to his own management skills. Had he a choice, the captain wouldn't have picked a fleet specialist as his exec, but Roth's other talents make up for that superfluous capability.

As they check in with the officer of the deck, Chrys asks, "Have you had a chance to settle into your quarters? Last time we talked, it was moving day for you."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:43, Tue 02 Jan.

In reply to Chrysanthos 'Chrys' Ithakis (msg # 12):

Sieng shakes his head with a gentle smile: "I studied in depth the spaceship, including on the holographic deck, but this is the first time I physically set foot on it. I wanted to make this day a proper first day.
After you, Captain!"
This message was last edited by the player at 08:11, Wed 03 Jan.

In reply to Kel Laren (msg # 11):

Elliaph, in her blue-department uniform, turns her smiling face to Kel and says "Why thank you!" and then mouths a more insistent "thank you". Morn may have been widely known as a charming and funny guy, but it was just so hard to get him to turn it off. "The drinks here are way better than synthehol. Gonna miss 'em when we set out on the Odyssey, but maybe I can sneak on a couple bottles. For special occasions."

Laren nodded agreement with Elliaph, in between smiling at the Andorian and fixing Morn with a brief glare, mostly just to ward off the loquacious, gregarious Lurian; he was charming, sure,  but she was going to fall asleep on her barstool if he droned on for much longer.

Responding to Elliaph, she said, "Oh, you're absolutely right. I still have half a bottle from home squirreled away somewhere. Real springwine, not replicated. For special occasions. Don't tell security."

When her drink arrived, she remembered she hadn't actually introduced herself to the Andorian and held out her hand to shake with a brilliant smile, "Sorry, I completely forgot to introduce myself. Kel Laren, security. Pleasure to make your acquaintance."

[DS9 - INFIRMARY]

Bashir shakes Cora's hand.  "Please, call me Julian.  I wish I could have done more for the Jem'Hadar," the doctor replies with a slight sigh.  "Do you like Klingon food?  The Klingon restaurant here is fantastic.  Most of the senior staff are meeting there in 20 minutes to celebrate Nog being made the station's new chief of operations."

Julian he nods to one of the nurses on his staff and exits the infirmary, continuing to speak to doctor Plinsburg.  "I understand the Odyssey is departing for Ferenginar in the morning."


[DS9 - QUARK'S BAR]

Morn leans left and looks left then leans right and looks right as the women talk around him then takes his drink and heads to the Dabo table.

The Ferengi who dropped their drinks of whacks the replicator behind the bar with the palm of his hand and growls.  Turning back to his Kel and Syssha.  "You're from the Odyssey right?  When you see that brother of mine you tell him to get back here and fix this replicator.  My nephew's a good kid but nobody can fix a replicator like Rom."  Quark, looking dejected, says, "Enjoy your drinks," then moves off to greet customers walking in the door.

[ODYSSEY]

Lieutenant Grevin, the Denobulan on watch at the time, greets the captain and Lieutenant Commander Roth.  "Welcome aboard the Odyssey Commander Roth I'm Lieutenant Grevin, intelligence analyst," Grevin greeted, then turns his attention back to Captain Ithakis.  "Sir, the resupply has been completed and ops has confirmed our departure time of 0800.  Chief Riley reports that the grav plating on deck 21 has been recalibrated.  Lastly, sir, Ensign Haras has learned that his wife is pregnant with twins.  I suggested he inform you himself, sir, but he said something about old Bolian superstitions and insisted that I inform you.  So I did some digging and as far as Starfleet Intelligence knows there are no Bolian superstitions related to whom you inform about pregnancies.  Frankly, sir, I think you just intimidate him."  The Denobulan smiles ear to ear.

Cora keeps grinning as Doctor Bashir asks her to eat a meal with him. She nods in reply to his inquiry about Klingon food. Standing again she tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear and waits for Julian to lead the way. She followed him out of the infirmary and back onto the Promenade.

"Yes, I had heard we were heading to Ferenginar as well. I've never really dealt with the Ferengi before. Never even met one, actually. I had heard there was a Ferengi that joined Starfleet and went through the Academy. That's pretty impressive, don't you think? Being the first of your species to attend Starfleet Academy I mean. Have you ever been to Ferenginar Julian?"

"Fantastic news! We have to celebrate!" Sieng Roth laughs and doesn't remark the bit about intimidation, but takes a mental note to have an informal conversation with the Ensign at the first suitable opportunity.

Smiling warmly, Chrys immediately thinks back to his own three children, and all of the happy and frightening emotions he experienced when he learned Penny was pregnant...especially Athan, his first. "Thank you, Chief," he replies. "Nice to come aboard to good news. Carry on."

As captain and exec continue toward the turbolift, Chrys chuckles, "I didn't realize I had a reputation already. Or does the word 'captain' really just scare the bejeezus out of ensigns?"

In reply to Chrysanthos 'Chrys' Ithakis (msg # 19):

"You have plenty of time to change your reputation... and make it worse, of course!" Sieng laughs again.

Nikos had decided to take a walk around DS9 to help clear his head. His previous assignment was over and he was now temporarily assigned to the Odyssey, at least until they rendezvoused with  the Asimov. Then it would be the usual scientific missions, sometimes he wondered if he should have taken a different track in life.

His wandering brought him eventually to Quark's, he had heard different views on the place. Inside it was a bit crowded, like the majority of the station. Finding himself a seat at the bar he ordered a Maratekkan brandy.

In reply to Kel Laren (msg # 15):

In reply to The Final Frontier (msg # 16):

Elliaph moves into the Lurian's seat after he steps away and shakes Kel's hand with a grin.

"Syssha zh'Elliaph, Science chief. Sounds like you know how to handle yourself in fights and parties. It's officers like us who keep things lively on long missions. You're from the Odyssey too?" The second bartender's complaints get Syssha's attention. "Did you just say your brother's name is Rom? As in the Grand Nagus Rom? You must be Quark. It's an honor. I think he'll be a bit busy, but we can pass along the message."

[DS9 - PROMENADE]

Julian smiles as Cora mentions Nog. “If you would have told me 7 years ago that Nog was going to join Starfleet Academy, let alone graduate and get promoted to chief of operations, I would have ordered you to the infirmary for a full neural scan.  And Rom,” the doctor says, trailing off, as the pair continue slowly strolling toward the Klingon restaurant.  “I’ve never made the time to visit Ferenginar, actually.  Too much rain.”

“You know, when I was in the Academy, I had this strange idea that Starfleet crews stuck together for decades.  Maybe it’s because of all the reading we had to do about Kirk and his crew.  I knew it was unusual but at the same time I just assumed that’s how it was going to be.”

The doctor glances around the promenade with a wistful look upon his face.  “It’s true what they say.  The more things change, the more they stay the same.”

As Cora and Julian approach one of the tables in front of the restaurant Julian nods to the proprietor and pulls out a chair for Cora.  “We’re a little early but, trust me, it’s best to beat the rush here.”

Before Julian can sit a young Trill springs up next to him and plants a kiss on his cheek.  The doctor offers his chair to the Trill then takes the next seat and makes a quick introduction,  “Cora Plinsburg, Ezri Dax.  We were just talking about Nog and Rom.  Cora has never met a Ferengi.”

The bright-eyed Trill’s jaw drops, “Then you haven’t met Quark!”  Ezri gabs on, mentioning Quark and Jadzia’s friendship and the late night games of Tongo.  After several minutes Ezri stops and glances between her two companions.  “I’m sorry, I’m rambling.  You have to meet Quark though.  He tries to hide it but he is very kind and a dear friend.  He should be here soon.”

[DS9 – QUARK’S BAR]

Quark greets Nikos as he entered and motions him to the last open seat at the bar, next to Syssha.  The Ferengi, never having left ear shot, steps back behind the counter, rolls his eyes and lets out an exasperated sigh.  “Yes, Grand Nagus Rom,” Quark replies somewhat mockingly.  “It should have been me but my own mother gave all these perverted ideas to Zek, like letting women wear clothing, and two years later, Rom, the most lobeless Ferengi I know, is the head of the Ferengi Alliance which has stood 10,000 years but won’t last 10 more minutes with the way things are going.  Can you believe that?  My own mother selling me out for him?”

The bartender is briefly drowned out by patrons yelling, “Dabo!,” as, apparently, Morn won a spin at the table.

[ODYSSEY – MAIN BRIDGE]

The turbolift doors open to deposit the captain and first officer onto the bridge just as a crewman is stepping toward the lift.  He immediately steps aside and snaps to attention.  “Captain on deck!,” he barks.

With Odyssey docked with Deep Space Nine, only the minimum number of personnel are on the bridge, save for the departing crewman and Ensign Haras, and even then there’s very little to do—primarily routine monitoring as the resupply has been completed and no major repairs were required.

Ensign Haras is laughing with a pair of Humans near at the engineering consoles on the far side of the bridge stands and straightens his jacket.  The very few other personnel on the bridge also stand at attention.  Most of the crew are still getting a sense of their new captain and just how closely—or perhaps how loosely—he wishes protocol to be followed.

The handful on the bridge wait expectantly.

"At ease, at ease," the captain says immediately, adding a quiet, "Thank you, Crewman," as he passes by on his way to the starboard monitoring stations. Nearing the trio, he calls out, "Mr. Haras, I understand congratulations are in order!" He offers his hand for a hearty shake. "And twins! Are they your first children?"

Cora was on cloud 9, she was actually going to have lunch with one of her heroes. She was trying to contain her excitement so she doesn't embarrass herself as she listened to Doctor Bashir speak to her. She was easily able to keep pace with the doctor as they made their way to the restaurant. She was nodding her head and making approval sounds as Doctor Bashir continued to speak about the Ferengi he knew and their home planet of Ferenginar.

She was about to reply, when he switched topics to Starfleet crews and how they stayed together so long. Or maybe that was just certain crews and not all of them. Cora flashed him a brilliant smile as he pulled out and held her chair for her as she sat down. Her face brightened even more as they were joined by the Trill counselor on DS9, Ezri Dax. Shaking the other woman's hand, she shook her head as Ezri mentioned that Cora hadn't met Quark. The Ferengi that owned the bar Quark's, which was a pretty famous bar on the stations Promenade. "Nope, never met the man. Oh, he's gonna join us for lunch? Excellent. I love to meet new people and species I've never met before. I've studied Xenobiology in Starfleet Medical, but I'm always up for learning something more about species I've never encountered before. I mean isn't that part of why you joined Starfleet? To meet new civilizations and stuff?"

As they talked, Cora took in the restaurants decor, kind of interested in how a Klingon restaurant would be decorated. She assumed there would be a lot of weapons on the wall and stuff like that. While's she's met and treated a few Klingons, she didn't know any all that well so she was probably encouraging stereotypes with her thinking that way, but they were her thoughts and as far as she knew there are no telepaths around to read her thoughts so she should be safe.

In reply to Chrysanthos 'Chrys' Ithakis (msg # 24):

Sieng follows the Captain staying one or two steps behind, makes eye contact with everybody on the bridge while saying nothing and, while he smiles to Haras and the departing crewman, he makes sure that the other people on the bridge is aware that he noticed the poor discipline.

Nikos nodded and followed Quark's, taking the apparently last available seat. From the look of things there would likely be a fair few paying medical a visit come morning.

With a quick smile to the Andorian "Greetings Lieutenant." He then turned his attention back to Quark. As Quark finished he took a sip of his brandy before speaking, "Perhaps sir your mother believes you may profit far more with Rom stuck in the position of Grand Nagus. Giving you more leeway to negotiate deals."

The celebration at the Klingon restaurant grows larger as the evening goes on until eventually it spreads into Quark’s, across the entire promenade, the entire station and even onto many of the ships near the station.  It seems that everyone just needs to let go of the War.  For at least the fifth time since the news of surrender broke.  This celebration seems different, however.  Larger, yes, but more hopeful than joyous.  More hopeful for peace.  More hopeful for the future.

--

Aboard Odyssey, Ensign Haras confirms that his wife is carrying their first children, and the extremely nervous young man calms rather quickly while speaking with his new captain and first officer.  He begins going into his childhood, his time at the academy and his first 8 months as an officer leading up to this moment but, catching a glimpse of Lieutenant Commander Roth’s eyes, he abruptly wraps-up his story.

A brief discussion in the ship’s ready room is interrupted by the Bolian who informs them of a small celebration on the station that has erupted into something more and invites them to join him, his wife, and several other junior officers on the promenade.  Quite a change for a man who less than an hour ago had someone else inform his captain of the good news and shook his hand, palms sweating profusely.

The captain exchanges a glance with his exec and smiles.  “Come on.  It’ll do the crew some good,” he says as he drops a PADD onto his desk.

--

Eventually Odyssey’s entire senior staff, many members of her crew and Ambassador T’Vaal run into each other at the party aboard DS9 and toast the honored dead, victory, and new beginnings.