Post 425: That Trill

Stardate: 80901.1530
Title: That Trill
Author: Commander Salvek
Scene: Seven
Time: During the party
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Salvek had graciously agreed, at the behest of Kellyn and Captain Zanh, to at least put in an appearance at the party.

He preferred the quiet solace of his family's company, but as acting first officer knew he had responsibilities to be part of the social atmosphere of the ship. Kellyn rested her head on his shoulder as they danced. Salvek observed the room as the spun slowly..... Trick London, Lily T'Ana, and a very different looking February Grace among others. At a table in the corner the Captain sat with a most familiar person.... the Trill, Dabin Reece.

As the song ended, Kellyn and Salvek stepped apart.

"Time to go to the bridge already?" She asked, sounding disappointed. "I'll come with you. I'd rather run diagnostics up there and at least be with you."

"Not just yet, my wife," Salvek said, "I would like to check something down here."

Kellyn looked over her shoulder to see what he was staring at. "Dabin Reece?" She asked, finally noticing him. "I hadn't heard he was still on board."

"Neither had I."

Salvek took Kellyn by the hand and lead her to the table where Dabin, Maak and the Captain were devouring a platter of seafood.

Maak lifted the empty shell of a lobster tail along with the head of the creature that London had used as a centerpiece. He matched the head with the tail, flipped it around to look the creature in the eyes. He snarled and showed the head to Dabin Reece. "How can you eat a creature that looks like this? And you give Klingons flack for eating Gagh??"

"To each his own, dude." Reece said, "but really, let's just..." Reece took the head and hid it under a lettuce leaf garnish on the platter. "That's better."

"Excuse me." Salvek said, interjecting himself. "Captain, Mr. Maak." Salvek nodded to each.

"Hiya Points! Guess who's coming to dinner?" Reece smiled at the Vulcan, then his expression became serious and he raised an eyebrow, as if mocking the Vulcan, "Indefinitely."

"I was not informed you were staying on board. How is this possible?"

"Sorry, Salvek, didn't have the time to get to that just yet." Captain Zanh said. "But yes, Mister Reece has been transferred to our ship."

"No." Salvek said.

"No???" Reece acted as if he'd been mortally wounded.

"What I mean is, the station needs you." Salvek said.

"Station? Pointy I've mapped out every cubic inch of space within sensor range of that station a hundred times over. The most exciting moment I've had in the last year was when an interstellar asteroid wandered into sensor range and was vaporized by the proximity shields. but now I'm shaking off the dust of that one reactor core town and I'm going to see the universe!" Reece declared, standing and placing his hands on Salvek's shoulders. "With you."

"It's great to have you back, Dabin." Kellyn said "Arie still talks about her "'raffe". Wait till she finds out!"

"How is the little scamp?"

"Not so little." Kellyn said, shaking her head.

From across the room, February Grace slid up beside Dabin. She took his hand and kissed his cheek, then greeted Salvek and Kellyn. "May I have the next dance Lieutenant Reece?"

"Why of course you can Lieutenant Grace. Charmed I'm sure. Salvek, my old friend, see you on the bridge. . .take care Kellyn.

Salvek watched mouth agape as February and Dabin stepped out onto the floor and danced close. As close as Salvek had been dancing to Kellyn moments ago. As close as two people could dance, when they were in love. Zanh Liis got up and placed a finger on Salvek's chin, pushing his mouth closed. "You're going to catch a fly Logic Boy. Have a seat."

Liis slid back into the booth next to Maak, and Salvek and Kellyn sat across from them. "Apparently there were some feelings between them that came out during the zhian'tara. I guess it all began with what happened on the planet." Liis explained.

"Lieutenant? Was he demoted?" Salvek asked.

"Yes for the whole Trill thing. Dabin took the fall. I will need to chat with Admiral Kelly about that, if I can find him while we're in the neighborhood." Captain Zanh looked none to pleased about that fact.

"I still cannot believe Lieutenant Grace and....that Trill."

"The heart wants what the heart wants." Maak spoke up. He skewered the last shrimp with his fork and popped it into his mouth.

"Look on the bright side Salvek, we have another babysitting option once again." Kellyn said.

"I would prefer she practice battle on the holodeck with Commander N'Dura. Nevertheless he is a capable officer, I shall see to it he is utilized as such."

Zanh Liis knew Salvek well enough to know if he said something like that, it probably meant he intended to use his position as acting first officer to make sure wherever Reece was, he was not in Salvek's hair. Which probably meant he would be in Liis' hair. "I'm going to tell Lily to assign Reece's bridge shifts to coincide with yours Commander, so you can keep an eye on him. If you'll excuse me."

Salvek began to protest, but Zanh Liis disappeared into the crowd before he could say word one.

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Commander Salvek
Acting XO
USS Independence