Post 440: Alchemy's Arrival

Stardate:70916.1730
Title: Alchemy's Arrival
Author: =/\= Zanh Liis
Scene: Starion Bay, Independence Bridge
Time: Following "Realized"
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As the Alchemy nestled gently into the Starion's bay, Salvek began making mental notes of adjustments that needed to be made to the space to better accommodate the new, smaller ship.

He didn't want to make too many permanent changes, however, as he still held out hope that eventually Starion and her crew of would-be rescuers would complete their mission successfully, and bring the missing members of Indy's crew safely home.

Zanh Liis eased the prototype ship into its berth and sighed contentedly as she powered down the engines.

"Been too long since I've done that. I have to make it a point to sit at the wheel once in awhile." She rose from her seat, and she and N'Dura moved toward the gangway.

"Joining us, Commander?" She asked, still unable to stop smiling. Salvek was truly enamored of this tangible result of his years of hard work. *As well he should be,* Zanh thought proudly. *He's given his blood for this, he and Lair both.*

Just as the thought of Lt. Commander Lair crossed her mind, the woman came running up the gang plank and nearly knocked Salvek out of his chair, unable to restrain her joy and wonder.

"I can't believe this! Do you FREAKING believe this?" She shouted, as N'Dura stepped out of her way and she tackled her husband. Salvek nodded to her.

"I am only just beginning to believe it."

"Commander, I take it that you wish to remain here awhile?" Liis strode toward the exit.

"If you would not mind, Captain. I would like to coordinate with Lair Kellyn and begin running checks on the systems, as well as planning for our tests and trials."

"As you wish. Do you think 24 hours will be enough for you to go over everything before we pull out?"

"With some help, I believe that will be long enough." Salvek replied.

"Very good. Take whoever you need from Engineering and Science to get ready. I'll be on the bridge. We set course for Yensul in 24 hours." Zanh replied.

She and N'Dura departed, stepped into a turbolift and headed for that location now. "Chief, please see to it that security is beefed up around Starion bay. I don't want anyone except the people on a list that I will give you- in addition to the people Salvek has already requested access for- to get near that ship."

"Understood, Captain. I will see to it immediately."

"So, what did you think of it?" Zanh asked, and the Klingon grinned, her pointy teeth gleaming.

"I think that Alchemy is a ship with great potential value to the Federation," her expression turned serious once more. "But even greater potential value to the Federation's enemies. We shall have to be on our guard at all times."

"Indeed."

They stepped out of the lift and onto the bridge and TC Blane looked, just for a split second, a little disappointed. As if he wished Zanh's errand had lasted a little longer.

Zanh was clearly amused by the sight of Margolis, Grace and T'Ana standing around the helm, having a lively conversation.

"Well if it isn't the Powerpuff Girls," she laughed. "Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup."

The women scattered and returned to their stations. T'Ana conferred with Reece, taking over his spot at Science as he prepared to go back to the lab to run some routine experiments she wanted him to work on. She was intent on showing him who was boss, it seemed, from what Zanh could overhear of their present conversation.

Reece knew full well that cataloging fungi was what you'd refer to in the Science department as "grunt work." He didn't care.

He was so happy to be where he was that she could've had him scrubbing Petri dishes with a toothbrush and he'd still be grinning. He would show her that he respected her authority- and could suck it up and do the job. Even if it killed him.

"Captain on the bridge," TC Blane announced, and as he moved toward her awaiting orders. Zanh raised her hand.

"As you were, Lieutenant. I've got a bunch of stuff I need to do, and Commander Salvek is busy tending to our new charge. If you'll just finish out your shift here, I would appreciate it."

Blane grinned. "Aye, Sir."

February Grace winked at TC proudly, and then looked up as she heard her name being called by Zanh. "Yes, Sir?"

"Listen, Bubbles, if you're feeling up to it I want you to head down to the Starion bay after your half-shift ends. Take Spot with you. Commander Salvek has requested that you help him with the trial runs of the Alchemy and I suspect you'll need to run some holodeck simulations before you fly her. She's got a hell of a kick."

"Yes, SIR!" February beamed. Reece laughed softly as he read her thoughts as clear as day from across the bridge, still feeling a telepathic link that seemed to be growing stronger, instead of waning as Rigin had predicted it might- as hours turned to days. In her mind, she was basically jumping up and down with excitement.

*Don't get too excited yet,* he thought back to her with amusement. *You don't know what kind of crazy s*it Lair and Salvek can concoct when they put their minds to it.*

*I can't wait!* February thought back at him. Then another thought occurred to her and she looked at Zanh sideways. "Bubbles, Sir?"

"Well I can't call you Specs anymore can I?"

"I'll continue to wear the glasses, Sir, if you prefer." Grace joked, already having resigned herself to the new nickname.

Zanh turned and headed for the ready room. "Not necessary. Bubbles works for me just fine."

T'Ana glared as it became apparent that Reece had just been saved from her "special" work assignment for the day.

"Sorry, Chief," Reece said with an exaggerated shrug. "Guess the mushrooms will just have to mush on without me."

"Oh, don't you worry, Mr. Reece," T'Ana smiled sweetly, "They'll still be there when you're finished with your other work for the day."

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