Second chances...

[capt_will_riker]

::draws to halt a few paces away from the main entrance to Starfleet's hub, cocking head to take in building...and remember last occasion for visiting::

::tamps down glare of disgusted indignation with profound effort, tugging at uniform jacket one last time before heading in::

::winces as irony of gesture strikes::

I don't see why we couldn't

Comments

[dee_troi]

You most certainly do not, Will Riker.

::braces one hand on hip disapprovingly as husband's head whips around::

::beckons with other, stepping from hidey-hole created by a combination of foot traffic and afternoon shadow::

Just on time.

Come on, before the Admiral has a heart attack.

[capt_will_riker]

::I hate when you do that.::

::lifts brows at shrug given in response to deliberate telepathic bleed::

::follows anyhow::

I decided to have a quick dinner before walking over. They never feed you here.

[dee_troi]

::purses lips, determined to to show amusement::

If I can survive, so can you.

::pauses once inside doors, turning to quickly straighten his collar and pips::

Now, don't be upset, but there appear to have been a few last minute changes to the roster. Admiral Paris wouldn't tell me anything earlier, but he did say the new staff candidates would be here this evening.

[capt_will_riker]

Candidates? Does that mean I can still veto them?

::takes silence as a no::

We just spent weeks picking out people I thought I might be able to tolerate!

::sighs at reproving look::

....or people who might be able to tolerate me?

Fine, fine.

It can't be that bad, can it?

[ezritigandax]

::slumps down on elbow, absent-mindedly bouncing ball off of briefing room table surface with other hand::

::catches wind of disapproving brown eyes half-way down other side, rolling own::

I don't know where he gets this 'rescue Dax' complex from. I was doing just fine.

::bounces a little too hard, sending rubber sphere flying up at a really remarkable velocity::

::gulps, following trajectory::

::sheepishly extends hand, accepting toy back::

Thanks, Admiral.

[admiralparis]

::passes Trill after a long, hard stare::

I may just be happy to get these people out of the quadrant at this rate...most of them.

::fidgets somewhat under frown that's a near perfect replica of own, carefully avoiding drawing near dr_moira_paris::

::checks chronometer again::

[ezritigandax]

::expels resigned sigh, shoving ball into pants pocket and rocking back into seat::

::waves in direction of intensifying glare::

Shut up, Worf. In case you hadn't noticed, I'm still civilian. I'll be nervous any way I like.

[wesleyrcrusher]

::actually jumps when former crewmate emits a low growl::

Must be nice to be the only person in the universe who can get away with that...

::quickly looks away when annoyed Klingon eyes switch targets, twisting chair to face Trill::

I don't think we've really been introduced.

[admiralparis]

::reluctantly steps forward from position along far wall::

::injects enough force in tone to hopefully remind everyone of their dignity::

Captain...Commander. I'm pleased you could finally join us.

::motions to table, taking own seat at one end and waiting for everyone else to settle::

I don't believe introductions are necessary.

[capt_will_riker]

No...

::takes another look around::

Though I must admit, a couple of the faces here aren't the ones I expected to see.

[admiralparis]

Yes, well...

::glances down table, relieved to see that even ezritigandax has had the good sense to straighten in a reasonable facsimile of protocol::

There have been a few last minute alterations to Titan's senior staff roster.

::gestures to chair nearest own, where daughter maintains arm-crossed silence::

Doctor Theiss reconsidered at the last moment and decided he would prefer to remain closer to home. Fortunately, the doctor here was available.

::pretends not to see half-Betazoid's smile at hedging::

[capt_will_riker]

I see.

::looks the candidate up and down, suppressing a frown and trying to shake loose the niggle in back of mind::

I know I've seen that face somewhere before...::

::looks to wife as she shifts in seat, getting even more nervous at mixture of amusement and recognition on her face::

Deanna?

::gets reproving head shake for trouble::

::gives up for the moment, turning pointedly in direction ofTrill guest::

There's more, I presume?

[capt_will_riker]

::groans::

...all right, all right, welcome aboard.

::remembers original question::

And to answer, Dax...I'll give you the PR answer first. It's been a while since Starfleet has been about exploration, the past few years have been focused on survival and stability. Now that people are...for the most part...physically safe and sound, it's time to focus on morale. We're picking up where we left off...and going farther.

The part you won't hear on news feeds...the Delta Quadrant is the heart of Borg territory. If any hint of them remains, it'll be there.

I assume we're supposed to poke sticks at snake holes.

[ezritigandax]

Oh.

::grins:

Well, if they'd said that, I probably would have come sober.

[admiralparis]

Precisely the attitude I was hoping for.

::edits statement at round of incredulous looks::

Not, of course, that Titan and her crew are expected to welcome unwarranted dangers. Her mission is investigation both scientific and diplomatic...but we want her home in one piece, with as few casualties as possible.

::lets gaze linger on dr_moira_paris momentarily before shaking brief flash of sentimentality...like her brother, the doctor is nothing if not a survivor::

Well. I believe that covers it....and I believe Titan is nearly ready for crew to board. I'll allow Captain Riker to issue all future directives.

[capt_will_riker]

Flattered.

::grans chair arms, shoving self up::

He's right, the refit team is just finishing up today.

You've got the weekend...but Monday at 0800 I'll need everyone aboard...

::favors the Trill with a not so patient stare::

...in uniform, please.