...and a side of sunshine.

[ltcmdrtomparis]

::steps into mess, blinking at cacophony...had forgotten it could be so noisy in the morning

Comments

[kes_]

::gives him a look before twisting to locate source of burnt smell::

I told you to turn that one down. If you had simply listened...

::pretends not to hear insulting mutter from jenay_paris, returning attention to person her difficult nature came from::

Mike has Neelix doing training drills, and Chell seems to have come down with a bug. I was happy to fill in.

[jenay_paris]

::turns from position at stove, rolling eyes::

I wasn't.

But I can feel my character building every second.

::sniffs, jumping back at unexpected plume of smoke::

Sorry about all the wasted resources, though.

::passes plate along to kes_, smirking when she hands it over to him in turn::

Just hold your nose while you eat.

[ltcmdrtomparis]

...thanks, sprite.

::catches sight of blonde bun and green-crested shoulders near entrance, raising voice to be heard::

Sweetheart, you might want to head back and save a spot for me.

[kes_]

::raises brow when linnis_paris pointedly turns on heels and heads for replicator instead::

::hastily moves to fill lull when ltcmdrtomparis frowns at shun::

Seven isn't joining you this morning?

[linnis_paris]

::glances over shoulder once...enough to confirm back prickling suspicions::

::flares nostrils, turning back to highly slow replicator settling a glare on it...it'll be worth getting back to the Alpha Quadrant if only for properly working technology::

::adds a foot tap::

[ltcmdrtomparis]

::shakes head...in some ways, they never grow up::

::thumps it for her, earning conjoined blueberry muffins instead of the usual one::

::chuckles::

You might be better off trying the free fare. Just like your mother's cooking, you know.

[linnis_paris]

::ignores him and lifts plate from replicator tray, almost just walking away...at least, until his statement really sinks in::

::twists, lifting free hand to point a finger::

...what, now you're trying to guilt trip me?

[ltcmdrtomparis]

...no.

It was a statement of fact.

::looks at own plate brimming with omelettes::

Smells just like your mother's, at least. Well, slightly singed.

::looks back up, surprised to see her already halfway across the room::

Now, hold on a minute!

[admiralparis]

::continues hour long observation through office windows...despite warning from aching hips to move::

::watches last hovercraft in the Andorian entourage take off, nodding patiently to Lydia's chatter from behind, though absorbing hardly any of it...everything of importance for the day has likely already come through...or will end up on some apparently more capable soul's desk::

::makes mental note to ask Kate Pulaski just what unusual quirks her definition of 'normal duties' might contain::

::has almost decided to simply go for a meal when terminal chimes, earning a start::

Computer, origin of transmission.

USS Voyager, Admiral.

::that gets old bones moving::

[ltcmdrtomparis]

::rocks back in chair, waiting for him to settle...and not missing the lurch and comparable incoordination::

::hides frown and pushes away something that could well be a niggle of worry, focusing on business at hand::

Hope you aren't busy.

[admiralparis]

I believe I can make time.

::settles fully into seat, staring at screen::

::tries and fails to formulate appropriate small talk...couldn't begin to put thoughts into any coherent pattern, much less one that might not somehow cause further offense::

What do you need, Thomas?

[ltcmdrtomparis]

Well, you're probably not going to like it, since it's somewhat personal...

::waits for averse reaction...but gets barely a blink::

::bats eyes as well, uncertain whether to be disappointed or impressed::

Secure channel, I assume?

::at nod, continues::

This hasn't made it into any of our official reports because Chakotay doesn't want to falsely get anyone's hopes up, but...it looks like we might have a viable shot at making it home soon. Really soon.

::cracks a half-smile when that does earn response::

Before we do, though, I need to know that I have your support with something. Or actually, protection for someone.