Post 424: Fate is a. . .

Stardate:70831.2240
Title: Fate is a …
Author: TC Blane
Scene: Various
Time: Following the surprise party
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TC grunted under the weight of the bar. Up and away from his chest it rose again and again until after it 21st repetition his arms began to waver and he was forced to set the bar onto its cradle with another grunt. Lying on the padded weight bench, he stared up at the ceiling while he caught his breath.

His mind went over the events of the past few days. They had been a whirlwind to say the least. He had been to Trill and saw some wondrous sights, including a miniature fire-breathing dragon. He had also been shot at by a few of that planets inhabitants. He had participated in a Trill ritual to take on another personality that, by the way, he was not entirely sure he was rid of. Apparently gained a little sister in the process and had begun to look at the ships active Captain in a new light.

He slowly sat up. With a sigh he grabbed his towel and wiped the sweat from his brow and he stood and continued to reflect on the recent events.

The incident on Trill was unfortunate but quite unavoidable. He was not clear on all of the events that lead up to their pursued departure with February in his arms, but what he did know was that he had been a willing participant. One of his crewmates had been in trouble, and anyone who knew him knew that his help in the matter could be safely assumed. Plus it did have the benefit of being fun.

The involvement with allowing one of Grace’s past hosts to “borrow” his body had been something else entirely. He shook his head and he left the gym and headed back towards his quarters. He was now glad that he agreed to it as it was an experience that he will never forget. One that he was still trying to comprehend as in the days following the completion of the ceremony, he has found himself having thoughts and memories that he does not ever remember having before.

He rubbed his temples as he neared the turbo lift. The whole thing made no sense to him and he hoped that he would not wake up one day and forget who he was. Perhaps this was normal, perhaps not, but in any case he would deal with it like he always does, with vigor.

The turbo lift doors slid open and he stepped in. They slid shut behind him. “Deck three.”

The lift started into motion and his mind went back to his thoughts. He grinned when he thought of his dance with February and his adoption as her official big brother. He decided that he liked the idea, she was a sweet kid and what a transformation she had performed. Gone was the quiet mousey little girl that had entered a cocoon and a beautiful butterfly had emerged.

He grinned wildly as he also came to the conclusion that someone else might be playing a part in her transformation. He noticed the looks exchanged at the surprise party with another certain Trill. Now that his thoughts were on the party they turned to Captain Zanh. That was something totally different; a situation he was unsure of as to where it was going. He found himself feeling something that was rare for him, confusion.

Just then the lift paused and the doors opened and Zanh Liis stepped in after a momentary pause at seeing a sweaty TC Blane standing there.

Blane couldn’t help shaking his head at the coincidence. He stepped aside to allow Zanh access.

He nodded. “Captain.”

Liis returned his nod keeping her eyes forward. “Mr. Blane.”

*Damn. Fate’s a bitch.* He thought to himself as the lift door closed.
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Lt. TC Blane
Operations Chief
USS Independence NCC-90791