Post 324: Taxi!

Stardate:70726.1630
Title: Taxi!
Authors: TC Blane and Zanh Liis
Scene: Shuttle bay, Deck 23
Time: Awhile after "...An all expenses paid trip to Trill!"
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TC walked around his quarters gathering up a few articles of clothing and began the process of folding them neatly into a small duffel. He had picked out a clean uniform and some civilian clothing along with small toiletries. He was not sure how long he was going to be on the surface but he was not counting on a extended stay. If for some unknown reason he was able to stay planet-side for any period of time he was sure he could pick up what he needed.

Sunshine milled around the quarters watching his new master pack his bag. The dog knew something was out of the ordinary because it was past the time they usually went for their jog in the arboretum. He continually made a run for the door each and every time TC even remotely made a movement in that direction. The dog's attitude was not lost on the operations chief.

“I’m sorry boy.” He grabbed an extra pair of shoes. “But I’ve got a job to do.” Suddenly he stopped and turned to the dog. “Crap. What am I going to do with you?”

He stuffed the shoes into the duffel and sat on the edge of the bed trying to think up a way to fix the new found issue.

- A short time later –

TC stood in the runabout bay. He had already loaded his duffel bag into one of the storage compartments and volunteered to assist Reece in preparing his runabout Hiawatha for departure. The course was laid in and now they were just waiting for the rest of the away team to arrive.

He still had the dilemma of what to do with his furry partner, who currently was occupying himself by inspecting a pile of crates in the corner. He had already given the runabout a once over and apparently given it his seal of approval.

Simon Biggs approached, greeting Sunshine with a pat on the head and TC with a wave.

"Hey, Lieutenant. Congratulations on your promotion." Simon said with a smile, indicating Blane's second gold pip.

Before TC could thank him, the hatch of the runabout opened and Commander Reece appeared.

He was talking to himself. Muttering something about shore leave, a woman named Jaine, and how he'd been "royally screw-" he stopped as he noticed the two men standing before him. "Taxi is leaving soon, dudes. Stay close."

Sunshine, who was still inspecting the bay, bolted and galloped up to Reece.

He screamed like a girl.

"Nice doggie! Lovely, beautiful doggie. But no doggies on Reece's runabout!" He looked over the passenger list that Zanh had given him- which was far longer than he had anticipated, and sighed with relief when he saw that the dog was not on it. At least, he wasn't officially.

Micah Samson walked through the doors. He was followed closely by Captain Zanh and Vedek Jariel, who was carrying a duffel bag of his own. Apparently the new Ship's Chaplain also had a job to do on this trip.

"Afternoon, Mr. Blane." Zanh said cheerily. She was more relaxed than TC could remember seeing her before. He realized that this was probably due to the fact she may actually have gotten away from the bridge last night after the end of the virus crisis to grab a few consecutive hours of sleep.

"Captain. Vedek." He turned to Samson now, "Hey, Micah, how are you doing?" Samson looked much better than he had the last time that TC had seen him.

"I'm much better, thank you. But I don't know if I'll have the desire to go surfing again anytime soon." Sunshine recognized Samson and was very fond of him already, seeing how the scientist had pulled the glass sliver out of his paw back on Bajor during the rescue mission. This was apparently an animal who never forgot if someone showed him the simplest kindness.

Suddenly, it hit TC. “Mr. Samson.” TC smiled broadly. “Sunshine seems to like you.”

Before Samson could reply he had a leash tossed at him. “He likes to take walks at about six in the arboretum and don’t give him more then two snacks a day.” He grinned. “I’ll bring you back a souvenir.”

"Oh! Wow." Micah was honored that Blane was trusting him with his furry friend this way. He didn't want to let on that he'd already volunteered to watch February Grace's cat while she was gone. He was beginning to think that perhaps, he'd have to visit the cat in her quarters instead of bringing it back to his own, lest he risk Sunshine mistaking the kitten for a new chew toy- or the cat mistaking the dog for a new pincushion.

"I like him too. We'll have fun, won't we boy?" Sunshine actually seemed to smile at Samson. He moved back over to TC a moment, wagging his whole body as if to indicate that it was okay for TC to go, that he'd be fine.

"Sunshine, don't steal Micah's shoes." TC warned. The dog whined.

Reece now wandered over to Zanh, who had moved closer to the runabout. The two began having an animated exchange.

"Sorry, Reece. Gripe all you want. Your leave is contingent upon your completing what you need to do for the Indy. You're not completed yet."

"But the Symbiosis commission?" Reece complained. "That place gives me the creeps! Doctors and big probing machines and needles."

[[Well at least you're not the patient.]] Zanh translated for the Vedek, who knew Reece well enough to know how to guilt him, just a little.

"Jariel, I don't like you today." Reece pouted, boarding the runabout once more.

Ashlyn Trind and Captain Gilmore arrived, and it occurred to Blane that the only person that they were still waiting for was February Grace.

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Lt. (sg) TC Blane
Acting Chief of Operations
USS Independence NCC-90791

and

Zanh Liis
Acting Commanding Officer
USS Independence NCC-90791