Post 407: As Planned

Stardate:70821.1630
Title: As Planned
Authors: =/\= Zanh and Biggs
Scene: Quarters of Biggs/Conference Room One
Time: Following the Senior Staff Meeting
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"Personal log of Ensign Biggs, supplemental.

"The promotions of TC Blane and Lily T'Ana passed by without much notice, due to the away mission to Trill. Captain Zanh said that she wanted to do something to change that, and to congratulate them properly. She asked me if I might turn my attention to the situation, which I have done.

"I have come up with a surprise party plan along with the help of Trick and Angus, and I had a thought of getting the band together and doing a surprise gig to celebrate Lily's promotion.

"I find it amusing that the captain put me on this assignment," Simon paused and laughed, "She must have seen me and my pals partying down at Seven on 'TGI Friday' nights and figured I was the man for the job. She asked me to come up with something, and I quote, "Loud, happy, and very surprising." I shall give it my level best. End log."

Simon picked up a PADD and looked at the 'to do' list. His first thing was to ask Captain Zanh to come to the party, and perhaps play a number with the band. *I wonder if she plays any instruments?*

Simon decided to go to the bridge to give her a progress report. He quickly discovered she wasn't there, and waited a few moments outside the conference room.

When the staff meeting ended, he caught sight of the serious looking faces of the officers who were leaving and wondered if perhaps, his plans might be put on hold. He entered through the still open doors and found the acting Captain and XO talking. He hesitated.

"Ah, Biggles, come in." Zanh gestured for him to come closer. "Do you have a report for me?"

"All the preparations for the surprise party have been handled, we just need you to lure Lieutenants T' Ana and Blane to Seven and then we'll all shout surprise. How does that sound?"

"Sounds fine, Simon. Thanks for planning the event."

"My pleasure, Sir." Simon headed back to the door, and finally asked the other question he'd had on his mind. "Will you play a number with the band, Sir? I think the crew would get a hell of a kick out of it."

"What they'd get is a hell of a headache, Ensign. But thanks for the invite. I love music, but I've never had time to learn to play any instruments."

"Maybe we can work on that," Simon said with a smile, adding, "ZL."

"That's acting captain ZL to you, kid. At least formally, okay?" Zanh smiled, then tried to give him a stern look, but somehow with Simon she never could manage it. "But off duty, it'll suffice. Heaven knows I've tormented you long enough. I take it that you enjoyed the program?"

"Yes, Sir. You're welcome to fly my Lancaster someday, if you'd like."

"Now that sounds like fun, but unfortunately, for now I've got work to do. Thanks again Simon, you can go." She thought a moment and called to him as he exited. "You know, Lair Kellyn has a set of pipes on her." Zanh offered. "I bet maybe you could entice her."

"Thanks, I'll give it a go." Simon saluted and disappeared, and Salvek glanced at Zanh.

"Do you think it is advisable to go ahead with this evening's planned festivities?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, absolutely." Zanh concluded. "It's important for the morale of the crew. Besides, we don't want to give any outward signs that anything is wrong, or tip off Corbinsky that we're expecting him to return. The surprise party for Blane and T'Ana goes forward."

"As you wish. Shall I put extra security into place just in case?"

"In case he goes all Phantom of the Opera on us and crashes the big event? Definitely." Liis replied. "And see what you can do with that compass, and Fox's pendant. If he's tracking her, I want to know how, and with what. Thanks, Logic."

Salvek nodded and left. Zanh sighed to the empty room once she was finally alone. "This is going to get messy, I can feel it."

She moved toward the replicator, and ordered a cup of coffee. She took one sip, then heard the door chime again. She rolled her eyes *Now, what?*

The person on the other side of the door was obviously very anxious to talk to her- they were leaning on the bell.

"Okay, okay," She said, at last. "Come in."

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=/\=Zanh Liis
Acting CO
USS Independence NCC-90791