Near the Nalam Cabin – 15:30

After a quick swim in the brisk stream by her cabin, Riandri lay in a hammock near her cabin, letting the sun warm up her skin as she stared at the sky through the leaves of the large birch trees the hammock was strung up between. Her thoughts were a jumble after the last couple of months and the ramifications of the visitors from another universe but as always her cabin, the one place that reminded her of her childhood home helped to settle her mind. 

As she listened to the wind through the leaves and the sound of the creek made her temporarily forget about the wider world, the war, and the evil versions of the crew. As she thought on it part of her wondered what she would have been like in those alternate universes, would she even be in this part of the galaxy, had the Borg destroyed her world? Given everything she saw from those she encountered she didn’t think she would like her other self.  She was pulled from her thoughts when her combadge’s alarm, sitting next to her towel on a low branch, chimed. With a sigh, she realized she had spent a lot longer at the stream and lost in thought than she had expected. 

Swinging out of the hammock she stepped into her sandals and grabbed the towel and flipped it onto her shoulder before starting to walk back up the trail to her cabin. 

Ten minutes later Riandri stepped through the door of her log cabin, “Computer, play top hits from the early 2000s.” Without pause, the computer started playing music from some random girl group she recognized but couldn’t put a name to. Kicking off her sandals she made her way to the bedroom to change out of her swimsuit and into some clothes more appropriate for the company.

Starbase 1 – 18:30

“She’s made no effort to reach out to you, Peter.”  The woman across from the deck leaned back in her chair, “She continues to be secure and has made no attempts to escape.”

Crawford had asked for the meeting with Lieutenant Commander Harris in hopes of finding some resolution to the reality of a 16-year-old daughter from another universe in the deepest darkest hole Starfleet could find.  She was a rising star in the diplomatic corps and he needed a favor.  She was walking the company line far as he could tell.  “It’s just…there’s a part of me who feels responsible for her.”

Rachel Harris raised her eyebrows, stood, and leaned over the desk, “She is not your daughter, Peter.  The amount of destruction that has been laid waste upon her psyche isn’t something I’m sure we can safely calculate.  If even half of the stories we’ve heard whispered of the Crawford family from the other universe is any indication – monsters is the kindest word I can say in this uniform.” His hands clasped and wrestled with each other, and she chuckled and held up her hand as he stared at her, annoyed.  She explained, “My son does something similar when he can’t argue his way out of something.  You’re not going to save her, Crawford.  I’m not sure anyone can.  Given what the psych examinations are telling us, she’s going to need a lot of time to be reprogrammed from the life she lived.”  She sat back in her chair.

Peter didn’t like being wrong, and he didn’t like not having a path forward.  He swallowed his pride, “She is not my daughter.  But she is someone’s kid.  Just…keep me in the loop?”

She scoffed, “I can give you bare minimum updates…such as ‘she’s still alive’.  That’s about all you’re going to get.  Put some distance between yourself and this, Peter.  You’re going to have to find the time to accept the reality.”

He stood to attention, “I’ll try.  Thanks for seeing me, ma’am.”

She smiled warmly, “I’m still in your coms as ‘second mom,’ aren’t I?

Crawford felt his face reddened, “Yes’m.”

“Then don’t forget to call more often, Pete.  I’m always here.”  He thanked her and headed out of the office.

Cabin – 18:45

Riandri sat outside by the unlit fire pit and barbeque setup she had built many years before in jeans and an unbuttoned loose fitted plaid shirt over her white t-shirt. Behind her, the picnic table was laid out with all the traditional barbeque accoutrements and several plates of various meats and meat alternatives. She grabbed the beer beside her and took a sip before glancing at her watch. “Wonder who will show up first?”

“Do I win a prize?” came a voice from behind her causing Riandri to almost spill her beer. Turning she saw Robert Jeter standing there in jeans and a shirt with two cartoon figures she didn’t recognize, a little kid and a tiger riding a wagon. 

“Your pick of the drinks I guess,” Riandri remarked as Jeter’s smiled and stepped over to the table and poured himself a glass of Saurian brandy before taking a seat across from Riandri.

Looking around at the open sky above them and the mountains towering over them Jeter clicked his tongue a few times before speaking. “It is very beautiful here, I can see why you like it. A bit too open for a spacer such as myself but still stunning.”

“I like it,” Rebecca said grinning.  Har father Jonathan stood to her right and Órlaith to her left.  Her husband Milo and the kids were still on Starbase 75 so she brought with her the only family she had on Earth.

“It is quite stunning. I can’t believe I waited this long to come to Canada,” Jonathan Sandoval added.

“Thanks, I am quite fond of this place myself, built it, well updated it, about 80 years ago. Has become my place to escape to,” Riandri remarked. “Please grab a drink, I will get the barbeque going in a few. Once anyone else arrives.”

“That sounds like a plan,” Rebecca said, “I’m starving.”

“Grab whatever you want on the table, there are chips and such. Wanted to give it a bit longer to see who else shows up for the real food to go on,” Riandri said, “Hope that is ok.”

Crawford waited until the transporter had faded to take a long breath and let it out slowly.  Riandri had invited the crew over to her place in Canada.  They’d had dinner a dozen times since May, and they were quietly feeling out their feelings with each other.  Things had been moving along more and more in the last month, and he was holding onto his promise to her to take it slow.  They’d shared more laughs and quiet moments together than he’d ever with anyone else.  There was something about the way she looked at him that nearly buckled his decks.  They’d come close to a kiss two weeks ago and they’d awkwardly retreated when it became apparent neither of them was sure what was going on.  They’d done lunches and dinners in the mess hall but had steered clear of their quarters.

As he walked up the hill and came into sight, he felt his heart flutter as he caught her laughing about something.  He steeled himself and soldiered on and waved to the crew as he approached, “Evening everybody.”  He gave Riandri a smile and nod while he fixed his drink, and sat down in the chair next to her.  The conversations were overlapping and he leaned over in his chair, “Hey.”

“Hey, you,” Riandri responded with a smile. “Glad you made it, wasn’t sure you would.” She had to admit her stomach jumped as it filled with butterflies when she saw him but her feelings were all twisted when it came to Crawford. There some something about him that she really liked but she wasn’t sure if she could be that open yet with someone. Leaning over towards him she spoke just loud enough for Peter to hear, “Did the meeting go well?”

Peter grimaced, keeping his voice low.  “My friend was forceful in making sure I understand how little I get to know…and that Carolyn’s not reaching out…as well as a lack of information on my alternate’s place in the world.  I’d rather not keep my eyes over my shoulder for the rest of my life…and maybe he doesn’t ever come for me.  It’s all a bit confusing.”

Riandri frowned slightly, concern and annoyance flashing across her face, “I am sorry to hear that. I will keep my ears open for anything and let my contacts know to give us a heads-up if they hear anything. I wouldn’t worry about it too much. If he shows up we will handle him.” With that, she reached over and took his hand giving it a squeeze.

Ming had decided to bring his old friend Joel as his plus one.  He wasn’t seeing anyone and he thought it’d be nice for his old friend and his crewmates to meet.  They also opted to bring some alcoholic beverages along as gifts as they were accustomed to.  Two bottles of Tullamore Dew, their shared favorite, was an Irish Whiskey that they’d spent many a time sipping over ice while chatting (and once or thrice partying with) was one gift while Joel had managed to score some Château Picard should anyone prefer wine.  He’d brought a bottle of red and two of white. Both men made a b-line for where the beverages were and deposited the bottles there for general use.  

Ming went for a glass of whiskey, on the rocks, with a splash while Joel went for a glass of red.  Joel asked his old friend, “Anyone you’ve gotten to start to know fairly well yet?”

Marcus shook his head, “Not really.  I have been spending most of my time drilling the wing.  Aside from that, there’s been a few senior staff briefings and maybe two meetings with the captain and the ship’s XO.   Nobody has been standoffish or anything.  There’s just been seemingly little time to get to know the other more senior officers…Still feels a bit odd to count me among those folks, to be honest.”

Joel smiled and said to his friend, “So you’ve mentioned.  Well, shall we mingle and see what happens?” 

“Sure.  Seems like a fair idea to me,” Ming replied before they started to openly look for folks to talk to among the Denver crew and company.   

“Excuse me, Lieutenant,” Órlaith announced timidly after approaching the flight chief.

Marcus lowered his drink as he was about to take a drink.  He didn’t mind the interruption.  This was a party and a social affair after all.  He nodded in a friendly manner and smiled slightly, “Hello there.  I don’t believe we’ve met have we?”

“My name is Órlaith.  Órlaith Murphy. I hope I am not interrupting.”

Ming and McCabe exchanged glances and both men introduced themselves.  After which Joel said, “Not at all.  But if you’ll both excuse me I should review the food to make sure the food meets my exacting standards.”

Marcus nodded to his friend, “I’ll expect a report later Chef McCabe.” When his friend departed the Knight’s CO explained, “My friend there is a chef by trade.  A damned good one if I might add.  It was also my old friend’s way of giving us a chance to talk.  You also look like a woman with business in mind.  Assuming that I am right what can I do for you, Ms. Murphy?   

The woman nodded pleased with the response. “It was suggested that I should find something to do on the Denver. I get that you probably won’t be able to get me into a fighter, but I would like to learn what I can from you. I would like to be your… apprentice.”

The Lieutenant looked thoughtful for a moment.  He scrutinized the young lady suddenly switching into professional mode.  He said, “Not a request I often get.  I would be willing I suppose if Captain Talon agrees to it.  Is there a particular goal you have in mind?”

“Well… uh… Okay, I don’t rightly know for sure, but pilot sounds like a fun job, but the truth is I never gave my future much thought until now.  I was more or less just living day by day.”

He added, “I’m guessing you’re not officially Starfleet yet.”

“Uh… no.  To be honest, I’m not even sure if Starfleet is the direction I want to go, but I haven’t taken it off the table either. It is my understanding that I can earn Academy credit through this capacity.  That seems like a wise choice.  I figure out what I do want to do, and if this is the direction I want to go I am already ahead of the game.”

Marcus studied the young lady a moment longer.  He trusted his insights and his insight was saying to give Órlaith a chance.  He said, “I agree conditionally.  If Captain Talon is on board with this I will insist on some Holodeck aptitude assessments.  You’ll have the leeway of course as I don’t expect you to know too much but I would like to see how you handle various ships.  If all goes well to this point I think I’d be willing if not happy to agree to that if you decide to continue with it.  

“I have done some piloting. Nothing in a fighter, and especially not in a combat situation.  I get you can’t get me in a real fighter, but I will do whatever you want me to do. Fuel, load, or wash your ship. I just want to learn.”

The aviator watched the young woman as she spoke.  He admired the sincerity she emitted.  The base piloting knowledge was very much a plus.  The proverbial sticky widget was the fact she was, in fact, a civilian.  The more she spoke, however, the more convinced he became that the right decision was to bring her along. 

Marcus said, “I am glad you feel that way.  I’ve been drilling the Knights at every opportunity I have had.  It’s improved a couple of the pilots’ flying skills and has done wonders for unit cohesion.  I think we’d be able to make room for one more.  I’m also confident Chief Xellath can show you the basics of ship repair and maintenance too if you wish.  Make no mistake….If you want to learn and gain experience you’ll get the opportunity to.”

Marcus offered her a genuine smile, “I think you’ll fit right in, to be honest.  I am looking forward to having you with us.”

Órlaith smiled, “Thank you, sir.  When should I report?”

Knight Acual’s violet eyes narrowed in thought for a second before he replied, “Report to the Denver at 1100 hours tomorrow ship time.  I’ll work on the arrangements.  You can meet me in my office, just off the flight bay, at 1600 hours.  That’ll give you at least a little time to start to get settled in.”  

“See you then sir,” she said with a smile.  “Now,  if you’ll excuse me… I’m going to ravage some of these snacks.” With that, she turned and headed for the snack table.

The next little bit passed as the crew of the Denver mingled before Jeter stood up and looked around, “I don’t know about everyone else but I am getting a bit hungry.” He turned to Riandri, “Mind if I get the food on?”

“Go nuts Chief,” Riandri said with a laugh, the alcohol starting to get to her. The Chief smiled and raised his glass to her and moved towards the barbeque quicky igniting it.

Three transporter beams appeared out of nowhere as Cheon stood in the middle of two women: Seong and Sister. He smiled as he looked at them. “Sweetheart, please introduce your sister to the crew,” he said softly, kissing the side of her cheek.

“Cheon, I am your wife’s duplicate, not her long-lost sister,” Sister teased as she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. She smiled back at Seong. It was an odd display, but she leaned over to kiss Seong on the cheek before leaving them to mingle with the Denver crew.

Seong was stunned for a moment before her senses returned to her. “She is correct, my beloved. She’s not someone who doesn’t know who the crew is,” she teased, slipping her hand into his as they walked over to where the senior staff was mingling.

Sister walked over to Riandri was sitting and stood before her. “May I?” she asked.

Riandri looked up at her and shrugged, “Sure thing.”

Sister bowed slightly and took a seat. She looked at Riandri. “How’s the injury?”

Riandri smirked and rotated her arm without issue, “It healed nicely, thanks to you and Órlaith. Have to say it is not something I want to repeat.” She stopped for a moment and took a drink before she turned to look at Sister, “I am curious, what are your plans now? Will you be staying?”

Sister lowered her gaze for a moment as she considered Riandri’s question. In reality, she had no family in the Terran Empire, and even if she returned, how could she convince the empire that she was the last of her bloodline?

Looking up, she smiled, which was still new to her, and said, “I think I will be after all, the closest thing to family that I truly have is Seong and Cheon.” 

Sister had no idea what her plans were because her main goal had been to destroy Bellitor for her mother’s murder, but that had been slightly taken away from her. She shrugged as her gaze met Riandri’s, “Who knows,” was the most simple explanation she could think of at the time.

Rebecca sat off the side with her father with her ever-present coffee in her hand.  She rarely drank spirits even off duty. As Captain one never knew when off-duty would turn into on-duty and she wanted a clear head.

Jonathan leaned over and refilled his glass with a bottle of mezcal sitting on a nearby table. Sipping it straight he sat back in the lawn chair and stared off into the beauty of it all.  “That’s one hell of a crew you got there.  They’re close, especially Riandri and Peter.”

Rebecca looked over at her father, “What about Peter and Riandri?”

“Have you seen how they look at each other?” He chuckled, “It’s obvious to anyone who has eyes Red.”

Rebecca stared into her coffee, not sure how to respond.  Should she break them up?  There was no regulation against officer fraternization, but she had also seen far too many relationships end badly. “I hadn’t paid much attention,” she admitted sheepishly.

“Well, you had other things going on.”  He grinned looking at Órlaith,  “That one’s a pistol. Now I know what a kid would look like between you and Nicholas.  I was rooting for you hoping you two would get together.”

“Dad!” Rebecca exclaimed. 

Jonathan simply chuckled into his glass.  “So is she my granddaughter or something else?”

Rebecca let that sink in for a moment.   After a long pause, she spoke, “Something else.  Bellitor may have shared my DNA, but she was not me. And officially she’s Uncle Sean’s kid.”

Jonathan nodded, “So that makes her a cousin still.”

“She’s nothing to us. Just an orphan I owe a debt to.  Don’t make it more than it is.”

“Becca, whether you like it or not she has your blood… our blood.  You were probably right to attach her to the Murphy’s. Fewer questions asked, especially since they died in that accident two years ago, but you are the closest thing she has to a mother. Don’t you forget that?”

“So what do I do?”

“Becca… if I had all the answers… well, I don’t know what I would do, but you need to figure that out on your own.  But remember she may look like she’s twenty. She has the intelligence and knowledge of someone beyond that, but she’s still just a child.  Those evil experiments of your counterpart robbed her of a childhood and never has she had a family. Now, it’s your turn like it or not.”

Rebecca nodded, sipping her coffee to hide her frown. “Okay.  You’re right.”

“Of course I’m right. You already knew it too, you just needed a boot to the bum to act on it.”

Jeter stood off by the barbeque humming away to the music that was coming out of the speaker. Before him the burgers and sausages sizzled and popped, turning to look at the others he raised his voice over the other conversations, “Grubs ready folks! Dig in.”

With that, he loaded the first batch onto a plate and took it to the tablets. “Get it while it’s hot.”