Cmdr. Clifton / Meeting the shrew / tag: Gavin

[Steve Bruin]

((USS Odyssey))

::Ambassador Gavin MacLaren stood in front of the desk in his room gripping its edge with his head bent as he took a deep breath, held it and let it out. He was about to go to the transporter room and greet a person for whom he had utter and complete contempt. He had no respect for a person who had sympathized with the enemy in the Dominion War. At the time, he had been a UFOP peace negotiator, and the things he had seen still haunted his dreams. The death and destruction had been soul withering. That the woman he now had to greet with the impassivity of an ambassador had given aid and support of that vile enemy strained all the discipline he’d developed over the years of his career. He struggled to put on the diplomatic mask he used during the most stressful negotiations, the one that showed nothing but an amiable facade that hid any personal feeling. He’d perfected it in order to mediate many conflicts, yet it kept eluding him now. The war was over; the destruction and loss of life ended, in no small part to exhausting hours of negotiation on his part and those of his colleagues. Had it been his own choice, the woman who would appear on that transporter pad would have been shipped to the farthest, coldest penal colony in the universe. It had not been up to him; technically, there were no grounds since the Federation did value free speech.

Gavin took another deep breath and stood straight, posture perfect. He wore his formal, black suit, every hair in place, shoes shined and headed out the door murmuring a prayer for strength.

(( Transporter Room))

:: Captain Johanna MacLaren arrived just as her brother did. She might have marveled at how calm, amiable and serene he seemed had she not felt the turbulence of his emotions. Their eyes met and no words were needed. Both knew what their roles demanded. A woman was disappearing down the hall, and they wondered if they’d missed her.::

Johanna: looking at Clifton:: Chief, did we miss...our guest?

:: Clifton hurriedly entered the transporter room, anxious not to be missed while he had escorted Cynthia to her quarters. ::

Clifton: No, I don't think so.  We had a small transporter issue to clear up before we beamed her aboard.

Gavin: feeling the onslaught of Clifton’s emotions like a tidal wave:: Chief, are you going to be able to keep your emotions under control?

Clifton: Well ... a few drinks might help, but with this woman I doubt I could get it down.  Yeah, I'll keep everything in check, I don't want to do anything that would reflect badly on this ship, or the Captain.

Johanna: We’re all feeling the same thing, but we have to do our duty….

::Just as she uttered the words, the transporter began to glow and the familiar swirl of lights alerted them to the imminent appearance of their guest….then there she was.:

Gavin: surprised as always that she was physically attractive, outwardly showing none of the moral bankruptcy of her character at first glance: Senator, I’m Ambassador Gavin MacLaren, may I introduce you to Captain Johanna MacLaren and Security Chief Anthony Clifton.

Senator: Well, it's about time! I've been sitting in that stinking docking lounge all morning, I certainly hope my quarters are ready, Captain Macklin. 

Gavin: without a glance at Johanna: MacLaren is a common name. Oo There isn’t any point in letting her know any of our personal business.oO

Clifton: Sorry ma'am, but we had a little transporter trouble we had to look at before we beamed you up. I mean, look how badly it would be for something to happen to you on our ship.

Senator: Yes, it would.  Now would someone please take me to my quarters?

Johanna: We have quarters prepared for you, Senator. Your quarters are equipped with a replicator and you are welcome to use our lounge facility, Circe’s, if you prefer to socialize there.

:: Gavin just managed at the last moment to show no reaction to the fact that Johanna had not extended an invitation to the Senator to dine with her or any of them. A captain was not obligated to do so, but it was customary.::

Senator: I'd also like someone to help me with my luggage.

:: Three suitcases had materialized alongside the former Senator and she was no shy about letting them know that she expected someone here to act as a baggage handler. ::

:: Clifton stepped up and reached toward the large, black suitcase with his right hand and a smaller, tac bag with his left.  Former Senator Silva suddenly grasped the smaller one and held it close to her. ::

Silva: No!  Not this one, I'll take it myself.  Just bring the other two.

Clifton: Ambassador MacLaren, would you care to help me show the Senator to her quarters?

Tag: Gavin

:: Clifton and Gavin led the Senator to the lift and then to her cabin.  Without so much as a "thank you" she entered and closed the door. Clifton stepped back a few steps and spoke SS, as not to be overheard. ::

Clifton: Did you notice how she clung to that one satchel?

Tag: Gavin

Clifton: Must be something pretty important in that bag. I wonder what that could be?

Tag: Gavin

Clifton: Let's get to the turbolift, we can speak in private.

Tag: Gavin

Cmdr. Clifton

Security Chief

USS Odyssey

also writing Senator Silva (SPC)

Virus-free.www.avast.com