Post 265: Thanks for that. . .Part One

Stardate:70629.2020
Title: Thanks for That, I'll Log That Away; Part One
Author: Zanh Liis
Scene: Deck 12 Ship's Chaplain's office/ Seven Forward
Time: Following "The Prophets have Spoken" and "Babies, Me?"
-------------------------------------
=/\=

The revelation that Jariel had once again been gifted with a vision from his gods did not come as a happy surprise to Zanh Liis.

"Oh, swell."

She bit her lip to keep herself from saying what she really thought of their visions.

She had loved this man, literally, for lifetimes. But oh, those Prophets of his. They could always be counted upon to show up at just the wrong moment and toss the proverbial wrench into her works.

[[Don't worry,]] Jariel reassured, [[They're pleased with the offer you've made me.]]

"That's a first. I'm so happy for them," she muttered, a little more bitterly than she meant to.

[[Liis, don't worry. I know that,]]

"You and your Prophets. Package deal. Believe me, I've known that since I was four years old."

[[I was going to say don't worry, I know where my priorities lie. Maybe for the first time in my life, but I do. I know now.]]

She simply nodded, hoping that maybe this time, her place in his life really was secure. Or at least that she would have a chance to really rival them for his affections. It was a competition in which, to date, she had never seemed able to win a lasting victory.

She left him to get acquainted with the features of his new office and headed down to Seven to greet the crew. Since Captain Gilmore was not up to putting in an appearance at the festivities, she knew it was her duty to do so even though her work was backed up clear until Tuesday back on the bridge.

She walked in and was met by Seven's proprietor.

"How goes it, Mr. London?"

"Everything seems to be going very well, thank you. One thing only was missing and now, our event is complete Captain Zanh." he reached for her hand as if to kiss it and she yanked it back. He loved kissing up to her, literally and figuratively, even though he knew it got him nowhere.

"How nice for you. Listen, I wanted to tell you that if you have leftovers when everyone is through, I can think of an emergency shelter we could beam them down to. If you're willing."

"Willing and able," London said with a slight bow. "And I'm sure that we will. Angus made enough for the population of a small planet. But you have to have some first!"

Liis tried to object but Trick handed her a plate and began to pile it high with food.

"Whoa, hold up there, cowboy. Just a little," she allowed.

When she finally stopped him from adding anything more, she looked around for someplace to set the plate down before its precariously tilting contents shifted and began tumbling to the floor.

She spied TC Blane relaxing at a table with two -no- three empty plates in front of him. Sunshine the dog was sleeping contentedly at his feet. The animal looked like the cat that had swallowed not only the canary but the whole cage along with it.

"Afternoon, Mr. Blane." She greeted him casually. She waited to see his reaction before setting down her food. She had sensed for a while now that he was a man who didn't entirely trust her as his leader, no matter how swiftly he carried out every command he was given.

"Mind if I join you?"

-------------------------
Zanh Liis
Acting Commanding Officer
USS Independence NCC-90791