JP: Lt. Cmdrs MacKenzie, Ukinix, Teller, Cpt. Rahman & Flt. Cpt. Kells - No One Expects The Starfleet Inquisition! Part 2
Wil Ukinix
((Wardroom, Deep Space Nine))
Geoff had built up a good head of steam and had been prepared to go on a long and colorful tirade, but the sheepish look of amusement on his CO’s face made him reexamine the faces on the other side of the table. All were fighting laughter and several had wicked grins.
Well, except Rahman, of course. She still looked at him as if he’d kicked her dog.
Teller: ....you got me. You duplicitous monsters. You got me. Ow...my heart..::Geoff clutched his chest in mock agony::
Addison sheepishly cocked her head and offered Teller a look which communicated, “Sorry, they made me go along with it,” though she was sure Teller knew better.
Wil squinted his eyes and glared at Geoffrey.
Ukinix: Nah, #^@$ him, he’s still in my bad books.
Geoff shot a look in Wil’s direction that strongly suggested he’d suffer for his treachery. Alcohol poisoning was the first punishment that came to Teller's mind.
After a few seconds of continued staring, Wil found it hard to hold back a mischievous smile.
Kells: Oh, come on, there’s no need to be humble. I’m sure you know why all of these fine folks would agree
to this little trick. They’re not here just
for that. You know what’s about to happen.
Geoff audibly snorted then tried to compose himself.
Teller: Uh, Cap, respectfully...you could tell me this is a surprise ambo-jitsu tournament and I’d believe you.
Ukinix: Where’s the fun in that?
MacKenzie: Fun for us, anyway.
Kells: (with a grin) You’re gonna get pipped.
Geoff was so surprised and so amped up his response was very nearly vulgar.
Teller: You’re sh….::Geoff quickly course corrected::..hutting the airlock on me.
Addison shook her head in resignation and raised her arms.
MacKenzie: I mean, I did everything I could to try and convince these people what a mistake they were making...
Teller: I’m…::Looking to Kells:: ...you’re serious? And you bunch of jerks knew about this?
Ukinix: ::Cheeky smile:: Might’ve.
MacKenzie: ::glancing quickly to then away from Roshanara:: A little birdie told me.
Kells: A subspace birdie, in some cases.
Teller: I...honestly the court martial seems more believable. This is...sir...sirs, this is an incredible honor.
From one of the corners of the room a figure made his way to the table. As he moved into the light, his older facial features and grey beard were only complimented by the warm, confident slight smile he sported.
Franz: Funny, I almost believed the court martial story too.
The man leaned against the table and crossed his arms, before looking at his son.
Franz: And, to be honest son... ::Staring at table, raising eyebrows:: I wouldn’t put it past you. ::Looking at group:: Hello, officers. ::Larger smile, looking at Roshanara:: Captain. A delight to see you again.
Captain Rahman shifted her gaze towards the elder Teller and then rolled them upward slightly. Utterly shameless. Like son, like father.
Geoff’s jaw dropped once again. He hadn’t seen his father since before transferring to the Embassy, and although they’d tried to keep in touch neither had been particularly good at sending messages. Geoff had also gotten the distinct impression that after his father's last experience on a starship, he never wanted to get on another. Seeing him here now was an emotional moment, and Geoff could feel tears forming.
Teller: Dad?! What the hell are you doing here?
Aron held up his hands, palms forward, in a gesture of surrender.
Kells: This one wasn’t me, I swear.
Teller: Smart guy once said ‘If I’m tall, it’s because I stood on the shoulders of giants.’ Lot of giants in this room right now - thank you. I couldn’t have gotten here without you.
Ukinix: oO That’s because you’re short. Oo
MacKenzie: ::mocking a cough:: Or me. I’ve pulled you out from under more shuttles than I can count...
Teller: Wait...what do you mean there’s more?
Franz: ::To Kells:: Fleet Captain. If I may say a few words?
Kells: Of course.
Aron cleared the way for the father of their newest commander.
With a large, warm smile Franz turned to walk towards his son. He placed his hands on Geoffrey’s upper arms.
Franz: Your late mother and I, we only wanted one thing for you. ::Neutral facial expression:: Children.
You have disappointed on that front so far. But ::smile returning:: I’m very proud of what you have achieved here today, and I know your mother would have been too, bless her soul.
He wrapped an arm around Geoffrey’s shoulder.
Franz: You may only be a crewman third class when it comes to romance ::long sigh::... but you’re a Commander in Starfleet. Congratulations, son.
Geoff snorted and pulled his old man in for a crushing hug, followed up with a non-to-gentle thump on the back. Several of them.
Addison rolled her eyes. Not one for sentiment, she scoffed rather loudly before turning to make another appeal to the senior officers.
MacKenzie: There’s still time to make him walk the plank...
Kells: We could replicate one.
Rahman: Oh, actually, Captain, I was hoping to give Mister--
She put an arm around his shoulder and then turned her head to look at him, squeezing her fingers tightly and bearing a toothy smile like a shark.
Rahman: *Commander* Teller my own congratulations in private, if you don’t mind Mr. Ukinix and I borrowing him for the rest of the night?
Ukinix: >:-D
Kells: (with a shake of his head) Borrow away. Just remember to return him in the same condition in which I lent him out.
Addison stood and offered Geoff a wry smile as she patted him on the back on her way out the door.
MacKenzie: Good luck, Commander. You’ll need it.
Franz: Well son, enjoy your hazing ritual. ::yawns:: I’m off to bed, I’ll see you in the morning. ::To others:: Officers.
Geoff looked to his father like a drowning man eyeing a life preserver slipping away from him.
Teller: Hazing ritual? From you two? Uhhh….Can we get Addison back in here?
Ukinix: ::rubbing hands together:: Right, then. ::cheerily:: I’ve been looking forward to this!
TBC…
===============================
Lieutenant Commander Wil Ukinix
Chief Engineer and Second Officer
USS Veritas
V239511WU0
&
Lieutenant Commander Addison MacKenzie, M.D., Ph.D., FASFS
First Officer
USS Resolution
V239601AM0
&
Lieutenant Commander Geoffrey Teller
Executive Officer
USS Thor - NCC 82607
Fleet Captain A. Kells, Commanding
V239509GT0
&
Fleet Captain Aron Kells
Commanding Officer
USS Thor
V238208LV0
&
Captain Roshanara Rahman
CO, USS Veritas
I238705TZ0