USS COCHRANE: What here shall miss

==SD: 23.0110.1925 GMT-0600
==Scene: Transporter Room 1
==Time: one hour after Counsel for the Cochrane


==Begin RPG==

Dr. Arn Hemux rematerialized in a strange room. He had never been on a Pioneer class vessel before. In fact, every ship he'd been on was a small or medium sized vessel. While the style of the COCHRANE was similar to other modern ships, this ship had a flavor all its own.

Hemux gathered himself and slowly stepped off the pad toward the ensign operating the transporter. "Very good Ensign. Here in one piece. What a kind gesture!"

The poor transporter operator had no idea how to properly respond to the Bolian Lt. "Yes... sir," he replied, squinting.

Arn easily amused himself with the friendly jibe. He could easily see this as an example of most relationships he'd fostered in his time in Starfleet. Sometimes, those he came into contact with him would see Arn's optimistic, witty, and intellectual foreplay as a great thing to have on standby, whether in the direst of moments or in the most lighthearted and relaxed atmosphere. Others, of course, found the Bolian's personality annoying, unbecoming, and unnecessary.

Hemux figured the COCHRANE to be no different. Arn learned long ago to be himself. To be anything else, to interact under false pretenses, did more harm than good ultimately. Besides, to a Bolian, such behavior was unusual. Fine for a human to some extent and expected of a Ferengi, but the Counselor had to be himself.

"Thank you and keep up the fine work," Arn said with a smile as he gave the ensign a gentle pat on the shoulder. "My things have been transported to my quarters, correct?"

"Yes, Sir. Deck 2, room 109, I believe," the ensign said cautiously.

"Very good. Have a great day!"

"You too, sir."

==

Hemux made his way down the hall, whistling quietly as he went. He enjoyed life, a trait that previous captains found helpful at times, especially when they faced deadly opposition. On the other hand, Hemux proved a good counselor, advisor, and diplomat to these former CO's as well, and he hoped this would continue on the COCHRANE as well.

After a short turbolift ride, Arn quickly found his quarters. The room was large, but standard otherwise. The decor it seemed, was left up to the occupant. *Fine,* thought Hemux, *I am glad I brought a few objects from home.*

Hemux took a quick look around and unpacked a few essentials. Then he causally checked the computer logs to see if any updates had been made since he'd left Starbase Omega. There was only a couple of messages. One was a generic 'welcome to the USS Cochrane' and the other was much more important.

His current orders (and that of the other senior staff) was to come aboard, get settled, and be on standby for a call for a briefing when the CO was ready.

*Typical,* thought Hemux. *Hurry up and wait*

Never one to be bored, Hemux thought this would be a great opportunity to explore, meet, and greet. He checked himself in the mirror, not that he cared much about his looks, and proceeded to the exit.

Arn placed his hands behind his back and linked them together. He walked about the hallways, smiling and nodding at passersby. He observed how busy they appeared, all with intense looks on their faces, some with tools in their hands, and few with interest in talking. Clearly, the last minute tweaking of the COCHRANE was to be expected as it prepared to embark on a new voyage, with a new crew.

Hemux was unsure of where to proceed, so he let his instincts guide him. It didn't matter, really. His primary duties were not needed at this moment, and his usefulness in space dock was rather minuscule. He had few technical skills other than some medical training, and his secondary role as commanding officer advisor and diplomat was especially useless at the moment.

"Engineering," the Bolian told the turbolift.

==

Dr. Hemux appeared in the turbolift doorway. He glanced side to side as if he were not sure he would find himself in the middle of chaos or crossfire. Hemux was partly correct. Engineering was certainly busy. A few officers and enlisted shot him a quick glance, but no one paid much mind to the Bolian. After all, he was a Starfleet lieutenant by rank and senior officer, and few had any business questioning why he was there. Still, his blue topped uniform did seem unusual.

He walked about, carefully observing the crew's behavior. Eventually, he found that at least one of the junior officers were familiar with the ship's crew manifest and acknowledged Hemux.

"Counselor? May I help you sir?" said a junior grade lt. who was previously engaged in repairing a power coupling.

"No, no. Do not allow me to bother you, lt. Carry on, please. I will just be over here, minding my own..." Suddenly, Hemux stopped mid sentence. Something, no, someone, caught his eye. He wasn't sure what disturbed him so, but it was an uneasy feeling he hadn't experienced in quite some time.

Returning to the engineer, he thanked him for his time and excused himself. Arn backed away and strode near the wall on the opposite side of the room. He was trying hard not to appear conspicuous.

He waited patiently, staring at the back of a certain enlisted engineer. He could not be sure of this person's identity until he turned completely around. Arn did not have to wait long.

The Vulcan swiveled in his chair, apparently turning to make a calculation on the computer behind him. For a brief moment, the chief looked up at Hemux. It wasn't long, but it was enough to confirm the Bolian's suspicion.

The Vulcan did not recognize the Counselor of course; they had never met. But Arn was almost sure he'd seen this man before, in an image. But he did not remember the stranger being... Vulcan.

*Very strange,* thought Hemux. For the first time since he had arrived on the COCHRANE, Hemux' smile disappeared completely. Hemux knew he had seen this person before, but he had no idea why his presence was giving him such bad feelings. And where had he seen the man's image? Was it his imagination?

But the emotional attachment was too strong to ignore. Hemux walked away. He was nearly to the turbolift when he went back to the engineer he'd spoken to a few moments earlier.

"Excuse me, lt."

"Sir?"

"The Vulcan chief over there. What is his name?"

The engineer had a surprised look on his face. After some thought, he rose from his kneeling position and peered around the corner to see where Arn was directing him to. "I was not aware we had any Vulcans in engineering currently." He looked at the chief briefly, then turned back to the Bolian.

"Beats me, Counselor. I suppose he just beamed over with the last shift. We've had a lot of people come and go lately. No telling till things get settled who is part of the ship's crew and who is stationed here at OMEGA. Sorry sir."

Arn attempted a smile as a show of appreciation. "Thank you. I shall show myself out."


==End RPG==

=NRGP=
BIG TAG! Surely someone is willing to take this up. Could be anything at this point. I'm just making it up as I go along.

We are snowed in here, so I had time to burn to stay warm.


Respectfully,

Doug
Player Awards: Viper Badge; Starfleet Medal of Promise; Blue Ribbon; Gold Ribbon, Starfleet Leadership Medal

-Lt. Arn Hemux
Surak Medal
Counselor, USS COCHRANE