There are 5 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. [Vampire-WW] Pulling in the Plot Threads
From: "Katrina Gischer" <kgischer@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
2. World Weavers Newsletter July 2004
From: "Tree" <treedr@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
3. Farewell everyone
From: "Michael E White" <michael_white2@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
4. [DL-W]Voices In The Dark
From: "Edward L Murray" <elm.murray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
5. [USS-CAPRICORN] - A Chili Reception
From: "carys murray" <carysmurray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
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Message: 1
Date: Tue, 27 Jul 2004 08:52:14 -0700
From: "Katrina Gischer" <kgischer@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [Vampire-WW] Pulling in the Plot Threads
Council Meeting
[snip]
"A small thing?" Aramis mused, leaning back on his throne. "Then come
forward, and speak of this trifle, so that we may get back to more
important deliberations."
[end snip]
Arsellers smiled and slowly - enough to milk the moment, but not
*quite* enough to draw rancor for doing so - withdrew from an inner
breast pocket a small photograph. He tossed it onto the smooth
polished tabletop.
"Camille _ 's daughter. She survived the bloodbath that evening - in
large part, I may point out, due to Tony's actions. She dabbles a bit
in the magics, but doesn't have the true Talent, nor her mother's
drive for power." His eyes drifted to the photo and he mused, "A
pity, she'd have been quite an asset otherwise."
He glanced just briefly toward the Tremere. Armande, of course, was
not in the meeting, but it was possible for a reaction of sorts from
Markus. But only the very slightest widening of the old vampire's eyes
gave any indication of the shock and interest that must be near to
overpowering him.
"She is a curious thing," Arsellers continued. "And has discovered -
at least in part - your little Masquerade...and protects it even." He
shook his head. "Strange creature. Particulars on where to find her
are on the back of the photo."
After a brief pause of indecision, Arsellers decided not to point out
explicitly what was owed him. His mark was on the girl - faint now,
but present - and it would become perfectly clear. And surely the
reminder of the Samedi's previous vile actions couldn't hurt his
cause. He smiled, a full wolfish smile that bared his teeth and would
have sent any mortals nearby scurrying for cover.
"Well, that's all. I did say it was a trifle. Enjoy."
With that, he turned and strode from the Council chamber.
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Submitted by:
Katrina Gischer aka Arsellers Giovanni
NRPG: Sorry sorry sorry this took so long. But I posted it! Ok,
tags to any at the council - and especially Chris. :)
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Message: 2
Date: Tue, 27 Jul 2004 20:27:58 -0000
From: "Tree" <treedr@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: World Weavers Newsletter July 2004
World Weavers Newsletter
July 2004
by
Tree Deutscher
Well... it's me again, yeah I know, you all thought you were rid of
me, but due to the fact that Carys' pc is giving her loads of grief
I get to have the honor of reporting the WeaverCon fun and some
awards stuff.
Thankfully, Washington weather was nicely accommodating with loads
of sun, blue skies, and high temps. (Believe it or not it didn't
rain once!) Despite bad traffic and Eddie getting horribly sunburned
on his `hang out the window' arm, the Murrays and KK arrived
Thursday afternoon on schedule. John and Arle were both plagued by
flight delays but finally made it in and the fun began. On Friday we
did the Seattle Scene and had lunch at the Space Needle. The food
and view were wonderful and we had a great time chatting and
sampling the various drink concoctions we'd ordered. Then it was
off to the new Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame that opened
in June of this year. It was totally awesome and I highly recommend
it for anyone visiting the area.
Saturday we jumped in the van and headed for Mt. Rainier. Our first
major stop was the outdoors `Spirits of Iron' Museum. It is a
wonderful place and shows that just about anything can become art
when one has a vision. Carys, Eddie and KK got the chance to see a
little doe wander through while they waited for the rest of us,
which was neat as no trip to the mountain is complete without seeing
some of the four-legged wildlife. Inside the park, we stopped for a
picnic lunch at Longmire, (considered the halfway point) then headed
towards Paradise Visitor's Center the highest point that can be
driven to on this side of the mountain. After a cooling water fight
at Christine Falls we stopped at Narada Falls. A graceful 168'
waterfall that has an enticing pool on top that literally begs to be
jumped in to. The bravest and most energetic of the group made the
lung crushing trek to the bottom of the falls rewarding them with a
spectacular rainbow view. The rest of us stayed up top waving
happily at them and debated the benefits of elevators. Reaching
Paradise we enjoyed a brief respite at the old lodge before stopping
at the more modern Visitors Center. On the way down there were more
vistas to see and we had a close encounter with a young doe. The
deer in the park have little fear of humans while in their vehicles,
and will come quite close, which was a treat for all. We finally
arrived back here for a fun evening of barbecuing, the awards
announcements, then kicking back and chatting.
Sunday we started with a little crafty fun, then were off to see the
world famous Wolf Haven, a nearby sanctuary for rescued wolves. Our
tour guide was very informative, patiently answering everyone's
questions. It was very interesting, yet a bit heartwrenching to hear
how badly our lupine neighbors have been and still are treated.
After a refreshing ice cream stop we arrived back here for the
ending of a great weekend as everyone readied to depart.
During our weekend we talked about various places for future
WeaverCon's and really hope that more people join in. Even though
the Con's are akin to a whirlwind, as it only lasts a few days it's
always a lot of fun and totally cool getting to meet the `real
characters' of World Weavers. I do hope if you haven't been to one,
to consider coming next year. There is open discussion forum for the
WeaverCon and planning is already going on as to where and when for
WeaverCon 8. Join the group and be part of the fun!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WeaverCon
Now on to the awards
Eddie has done a great job with the awards this year, and the page
is already up. He has done certificates for all and they are totally
awesome! If you would like to receive yours, please send an addy for
them to be mailed to. As always the addresses are for the
certificates only and will not be used for any other purpose. Send
your mailing address to Eddie, elm.murray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
or the awards
site awards@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
those of you that haven't seen it yet, or didn't get an
announcement, check out this years award page.
http://www.geocities.com/elm5.geo/Dragonlands/Awards2004/awards2004.h
tm
Congratulations one and all!
"And That's All For Now Folks"
---oo---0---END---0---oo---
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Message: 3
Date: Tue, 27 Jul 2004 20:37:11 -0000
From: "Michael E White" <michael_white2@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: Farewell everyone
I am heading off to other groups. I would like to invite all of those
who wish to play Star Trek as a tactical board game to check out
another group I put together. This will be my last invitation for
those who wish to clash ship against ship <Smile>.
http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/Starship_Tactical_Simulator/
Good day everyone,
Michael
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Message: 4
Date: Tue, 27 Jul 2004 13:46:20 -0700
From: "Edward L Murray" <elm.murray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-W]Voices In The Dark
[Day 10 to early morning Day 11]
Voices in the darkness woke the young boy Gob, but for now he wanted
to
hear what the voices said so he kept his eyes closed. At first it was
difficult to make out what was being said, other then the fact, one
was
angry and the other more sinister voice, seemed to not care what the
other thought.
".Elister, you can't be serious. Taking the boy will only incite the
warren. You were supposed to take someone they would not notice." The
baritone voice spoke.
"It is not my desire to take but what is needed. Don't you have some
politics to tend too? Leave the boy to us I don't think you have the
stomach for what is needed. The abomination will be dealt with in
time."
The voice was a soft almost forced whisper.
"What about the creature?" the politician asked.
"It still serves a purpose and perhaps a clue on how we can rid the
world of them." Even with Gobs eyes closed he could imagine the
twisted
smile that spoke those words.
"Careful Elister, don't underestimate." but the other was interrupted
by
a loud hissing sound.
"Don't you dare lecture me! You, who pay their tribute and squander
our
resources," The forced whispering voice cut in. "I've seen the demons
that do their bidding until they chose to stop them I've witnessed the
horrors and felt the unholy fire. To long have we waited to take back
what's ours and drive the demons and the creatures that pretend to
protect us from our lands."
"Very well I'll leave you to your pleasures, but mark my words
bringing
that child here will likely be your last mistake." With that the sound
of footsteps fading in the hall was all that could be heard.
A few moments later, "Oh right boy enough possum."
Gob opened his eyes looking at the hooded figure. His mind flooded
with
the past events that sprang up when he first set his eyes on this
horrid
creature of a man. But the blood shot and slightly glowing red eyes
that
looked back at him from the depths of its hood, for a moment stunned
the
young dragon rider. "Cool Eyes," was Gobs answer as he sat up.
"Hmm, so you would think." The soft whispering voice replied. "Now
then
get up. I've got something I need you to do."
"Well gee mister; you needn't go through so much elaborate trouble you
could have just asked." Gob got to his feet and glanced around the
room. "Though, I suppose I can understand to some degree, everyone of
late has been so absorbed and wrapped up in their troubles. I get that
way too; sometimes you just have to take matters in your own hands."
Gob
continued to babble away as the robed figure guided him from the
cavern
with the two beds and a lab similar to what he had seen Ari set up.
Though some of the bottles they walked by had things he had never seen
and some things he hoped he misunderstood.
*I see you've finely awoken* Came the voice of Nightwind.
Gob got that far off look as he started to answer his friend, but the
tip of a dagger on his throat stopped him Along with the whispering
voice, "I know your vile creature can feel what you feel and see what
you see so make sure he understands any interference and I'll slit
your
throat."
Nightwind Howled with raged, searching for something to unleash his
anger he pulled a tree out of the ground roots and all. The massive
muscles on the young dragon pulsed with a need to lash out. Several
eyes
turned toward the black dragon.
*If that Human* the dragon thought haughtily *harms one hair on your
head my hatch mates will make his death very slow*
Gob laughed despite the situation and gently pushed the dagger hand
away
from his throat. "That's ok mister, if'n I was you I would be more
worried about Nightwind then a small boy like myself. Though Pav'lo
might suggest differently."
{*I'll be ok big guy specially that I know your there*} Gob sent his
love to the Black Dragon.
Nightwind settled down, noticing all the eyes upon him and the big
questioning look on Azhy. *What?*
[Tag Carys]
Gob was amazed at the size of the next cavern, but when he saw what
was
being kept there he knew why. The room was large enough to contain one
dragon. The current occupant was a dragon nearly ninety feet in length
with dark purple colors and lavender highlights. A massively large
chain
was around the next, and around the legs. A metal band enclosed mouth
of
the dragon.
The young dragon rider was horror struck that anyone would harm a
dragon, but the evidence was there with the gashes in the body the
torn
membranes of the wings, the broken talons on one foot the swollen
right
eye. {*NO! he mentally hollered*}
The dragon turned his one good eye to Gob and blasted him with mental
anger and anguish. Yet, the youth did not flinch away. Tears began to
run down his cheeks but he accepted the hate and anger of the
creature.
A whispering voice was the only sound in the cavern. "Magnificent
specimen wouldn't you say, Dragon Rider." A horrible hissing laugh
caused Gob to turn to its source.
"Mister what in all creation, have you done? Dragons are our friends
not. not." But Gob was at loss as to what to say.
"Nay child that is an illusion, it is the dragons that bring the
wraiths, and keep us in fear of them. It is our right and
responsibility
to fight back and expunge the world of these foul beasts." The
whispering voice said as it eyed the creature.
"You're a loon mister. Everyone knows that the only thing keeping
humans
alive is the fire breath of a dragon. Wraiths would overrun this
place
if it wasn't for the warrens." Gob shook his head in disbelief.
"Oh they would love you to believe that, but one time long ago there
was
another beast, much like a horse but upon its head was a single
magical
horn. It was the purest of creatures that walked the land." the
whispering voice started but Gob had enough of this nonsense.
"And there were fairies and nymphs fluttering about and all was good
as
milk and honey.." Gobs cheek burned from the force of the slap that
sent him back several feet.
"You insolent child, I see the warren has failed to teach you
manners."
The skull like faced leered at him from the folds of its dark hood.
"But
enough of this, can you speak to the foul beast."
Gob got up and brushed himself off, and calmed Nightwind down. Then he
turned toward the purple dragon. The anger was still there but he
watched the youth as if it knew something was different here. The
young
man walked closer to the creature. He didn't understand how it was
that
he could speak with dragons or other telepaths. Xanthia tried to
explain
it to him once, but it only left him more confused.
{*Greetings Brother*} Gob sent and bowed slightly. He had read a story
once or was it a story someone said he couldn't remember for sure. But
in the story it was a man greeting a dragon for the first time and it
just seemed the way to start since they hadn't been formally
introduced.
{*I am Gob, bond mate of Nightwind*}
More anger shot forth from the purple dragon, but finely it answered.
*Rider, free me so I can ripe and devour my captures*
Gob looked at the fastenings, {*I'm not sure I can, but I'll try. You
are not warren born are you?*}
The one eye looked at him shrewdly, *I am not, for I was born free and
ride the winds my home is ever changing*
{*What should I call you?*} Gob asked.
*We of the wind don't use names like humans or our warren brothers,
but
I see in your mind your different so I'll give you something to call
me
that is as close an understanding as I can make it. Call me Windfree*
the dragon pronounced its name proudly.
"What are you two saying can you speak it," asked the man in the dark
robes.
"Yep, but he isn't too happy about being treated this way and wants to
be let go." Gob answered.
"I bet he does," the whispering voice laughed. "Very well then ask him
where we can find others like him."
"What?" Gob asked surprised.
"Can't you hear boy? I said ask him where others of his kind are."
The
man fingered his dagger as though his patients were running out and he
was read to try more persuasive tactics.
"I can't ask him that, he would be betraying his kind if he did that."
Gob answered.
The man kicked out at Gob but the youth was no longer there. "Damn
fool,
the dragon is not your friend but an enemy."
"Windfree is no enemy he is a wilder and belongs flying on the winds,"
Gob moved over to look at the metal fastenings to figure out a way to
release the dragon.
"Guards!" The whispering voice yelled out. With that several men
wearing
dark leathers and brandishing weapons appeared. "Seize the boy!" he
hollered.
Gob had seen what he needed to see however and made his way toward the
release lever. It was quickly blocked by two guards. The young man
laughed he was an expert at playing tag and felt this would be no
different.
The two men went after the boy but he was quick and not weighed down
by
weapons and armor. They were unable to use the weapons upon the child
which would have meant they didn't need to actually get their hands on
him. More guards joined, trying desperately to get the boy. But the
young man would slip between their legs or wiggle out of their grasp.
Two guards dived at the boy only to have him gone and them colliding
in
mid air, leaving them to rubbing their painful heads.
Watching all this were the dragon and the dark robed man. The boy
managed to get to the leaver after sliding between two guards legs and
leap frogging over one who had fallen down.
"No!" screamed the dark robe figure, "you fool you'll ruin
everything."
The youth didn't listen he pulled with all his weight and the lever
gave
way. The chains released from the dragon that quickly ripped the mouth
piece away. Fire ripped from its throat down upon the dark figure when
it stopped nothing was there. The guards ran in all directions as the
dragon roared, leaving only the boy who stood there with his hands on
his hips.
{*There you go Windfree your free once again*} Gob smiled.
*Not yet little man. Though I could fit down these tunnels I would be
helpless to fight back so I must teleport. But I'll not leave you
behind. Send me a place and I'll port us there if I can. But it will
be
dangerous.* Windfree added.
{*Dangerous?*} Gobs smile broaden, {*Well let's get started then*}
with
that Gob sent an image of the green and climbed quickly onto the back
of
the dragon.
{*I'm coming home Nightwind, I'm coming home, let Ari know I have a
wilder here that will need her attention*} Gob sent to his bond mate.
At first nothing happened but then a pulling sensation like someone
pulling on his bellybutton and they were on the green with part of the
cave floor at there feet.
[Tag Carys and anyone that wants to see Gob return home]
In the cave a whispering voice cursed loudly his dark ropes trailed
smoke behind them from the heat of the dragon. His finger found the
secret latch and he stepped into the holly room of the lost one. Down
on
his knees he prayed to the empty room asking forgiveness. Another door
opened and a dark shadow enters the room. The man looks up sensing the
presence of another. Two fiery eyes look back at him from the shadowy
form of a one horn dark horse.
Submitted by
Ed Murray
AKA
Gob rider of Nightwind
Summary
Gob hears voices, one is the whispering voice the other is someone
important from town. The man from town leaves and the whispering voice
escorts Gob to a chamber where a trapped Dragon is. After talking to
the Dragon Gob learns it is wild and its name is Windfree. Gob frees
the dragon and they escape. The whispering voice meets up with a
shadowy form that is like a shadow of a unicorn.
Edward L Murray
elm.murray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
instant Messenger Solthan2003
ICQ 77517647
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Message: 5
Date: Tue, 27 Jul 2004 17:12:15 -0700
From: "carys murray" <carysmurray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [USS-CAPRICORN] - A Chili Reception
Medical Center
BD 11 1300
Miaren finished her tour of the Medical Center and returned to sick
bay and
checked on the few patients she had resting. Most would end up being
released by the end of the day, and then they would be empty again.
Which on
one hand was a good thing, but it was nice to be able to have patients
to
look after as well.
Miaren checked her log and saw that the next patient to check on, run
the
final tests before deciding whether or not he could be released was
the
Chief of Security, Lt. Ury Rogan. She smiled and remembered his name,
and
also his looks. She remembered back to the emergency surgery
performed on
him and a few others in the dining room of a restaurant. She wondered
if he
remembered anything.
She stepped into his unit and smiled when he looked up at her. Again
a
confused look crossed his face. Miaren wishing to put him at ease
greeted
him in his native tongue and tried to calm him. She saw that
immediately
when she began to speak a panicked look appeared on this face. She
stepped
closer and continued her speak and took his hand and patted it gently
all
the while trying to soothe him.
"He don't speak Gaelic." A deep rich baritone tone spoke in the same
dialect
Miaren was speaking. She spun around quickly to see who had entered
the
room, and gasped as she recognized him as one of the 3 from the day
before.
Ury also hearing the voice he seemed to recognize looked up and
beamed.
Finally, a face he knew.
"JACK!" he called out happy to see a friend.
"What do ya mean?" she asked continuing in Gaelic, not realizing she
was
speaking it.
"Hey Ury!" he answered Ury and with a wink turned his attentions back
to the
stunned and confused young Dr.
"He's not Scots." Jack answered simply and waited for that bit of
information to settle.
Miaren gasped and turned to Ury who lay back in his bed grinning, and
glad
to know he was not completely crazy. She spun back around to face
Jack and
felt her face flushed and warm.
"I. well I thought.." She suddenly stiffened and drew herself up to
her full
5 feet.
"And just who do ya think ya be comin in here without permission?" she
shot
back at Jack who was stunned at the turn about in the conversation.
"Well, I'm his mate." He answered simply and smiled impishly. He was
impressed with her spitfire. She looked like a puff of air could blow
her
over, and yet she stood her ground, her eyes dancing and sparkling
with deep
emotion.
"Well, he be progressin just fine, so ya can stay for a wee bit." She
announced. She turned back to Ury who sat quietly watching the whole
incident.
"I shall return ta finish up thy tests and if things go as well I
think, ya
be returnin to thy quarters perhaps by the morning." Miaren informed
him.
She smiled and ducked out of the room as quickly as she could and made
her
way to her office.
[TAG Arlene - up to a JP with Ury and Jack? And what DOES Ury think?]
Miaren did not stop until she reached her office and slid behind her
desk
and laid her head upon her desk. She took a deep breath and let it
out
again. She closed her eyes against the tears she felt brushing up
against
her eyelashes. The soft sobs came, causing her body to convulse in
rhythm
to her sobbing. Somewhere between sobs, the situation just seemed to
become
more humorous than sad. She choked on her laughter through the tears
and
leaned back in her chair and laughed until she was spent.
"Damn" she muttered and shook her head. "Blast it all!" she exclaimed
softly to herself and stood up and walked to the door of her office.
She
went back to her rounds and tasks and spent the rest of the afternoon
tiding
up and reorganizing things to make it more workable for her. She sent
Dr Amy
Matheson to check up on Ury and make arrangements for his departure.
She
just did not have the heart to go back and face him.
[TAG - Again ARLE - did you wish to write the meeting between Amy and
Ury?
*wicked grin*]
BD11
1600
Miaren finished up her rounds, double checked her tests and neatened
up the
lab and made sure everything was ready for the morrow. She didn't
realize
how tired she was until she heard someone walk by the open door and
yawn
loudly. After that she found she could not stop yawning herself.
She was ready to head out, with pass down completed, the night shift
on and
everything running smoothly. She heard familiar voices coming closer
and
then Maria peeked in her face opened into a happy smile.
"I was hoping you hadn't left yet." Maria spoke up quickly. "I was
hoping
to go with you to the Chili Fest, Harry may not be able to get away
until
later."
"Chili fest?" Miaren began and then groaned softly. "I forgot. Is it
mandatory?" she asked hopefully.
"Well," She began "You are the head of your department." She finished.
"Come on, you will enjoy it, you can meet the others." Maria
encouraged.
She smiled and nodded and Miaren knew she needed to at least make an
appearance and show support for her commanding officer.
Maria smiled and the two began to walk towards where the chili fest
was
reported to be.
They chatted and shared their day and laughed at some of the tales.
Miaren
was glad that Maria had showed up; she would have gone back to her
quarters,
unpacked a few boxes and retired early.
It was important to meet the others, and get to know them. She
remembered
the times as a child when her parents went to a function neither
wished to
attend, because it was important to show their interest in their
co-workers.
"Are we to bring anything?" Miaren asked as they waited for a turbo
lift.
"Normally, No." Maria replied evenly. "There is a little secret you
need to
understand a bout Av.the Captain." She instructed. Miaren studied
her face
and saw no hint of malice or trickery.
"Captain Avi loves chili. He loves to cook it for everyone. And
usually
after every Shore Leave he offers us HIS version of chili." Maria
softly
replied. Miaren noticed as they stood waiting some of the others
nodded
their heads as in agreement.
Miaren liked Captain Avi. He did appear to be almost hurt this
morning in
the staff meeting as everyone received his news of the Chili. She
pursed
her lips and studied the matter in her mind.
"His version?" she asked innocently.
"Yes, he does have a collection of interesting recipes." Maria
replied; the
chuckles around her added credence to her words.
"I don't mean to sound silly, but how do ya ruin chili? Tis rather
simple
isn't it?" she asked thinking back to her mother's recipe. "Unless ya
mean
he either makes it too mild or too hot."
Several of the crewmembers in the turbo lift chuckled loudly which
drew
Miaren's interest.
"How bad can it be?" she asked worriedly. She knew that it was
important to
keep the crew happy to a point, but she was not going to allow any
insubordination on their part, NOT in her presence. She would stand
as a
friend and protector to the Captain if needs be.
"He eats it with ketchup." Maria chipped in softly watching the horror
spread across her face. Miaren tried to hide the revulsion she felt
and
hoped no one heard her soft gasp.
"Ketchup? HE eats it with ketchup?" she blurted out.
"Well yeah," one crewmember laughed, "It does hide the taste." The
door of
the turbo lift opened and the 3 crewmembers still laughing walked out
and
the door closed leaving just Maria and Miaren.
"Is it really that awful?" Miaren asked deeply concerned. "I wondered
why .
.. ." she left her thoughts trail off.
"Wondered why what sweetie?" she asked sincerely.
"Well, he, or rather the captain did not receive much support for his
announcement." Miaren confessed. "In the morning staff meeting"
"Ahhh," Maria nodded. "Well, he does find the most interesting
recipes. To
tell you the truth it is often wiser not to know what goes in it."
Miaren nodded as the turbo lift doors opened and they both stepped
out.
Down one of the hallways one could hear the sounds of many people
gathering.
Down the other side was freedom.
"What are you bringing?" Miaren asked when she remembered Maria's
answer
which had led to this uncomfortable conversation.
"Ketchup." She answered showing her the bottle. "Captain Avi can
never get
enough Ketchup." She replied.
Miaren nodded. "I know I need to attend to make a show of support,
but if
everyone is bringing something, I need to as well." Miaren stated.
"Well, here, you take mine, and I will go back and get another bottle.
Cook
won't mind." Maria offered and handed Miaren the bottle and shoved her
closer to the doorway.
"I can wait for ya here.' Miaren offered suddenly nervous about
walking into
a large room of strangers.
"You go ahead, half your staff is in there I bet, you will be fine, I
will
be right with you." She smiled and encouraged her to move forward.
Miaren nodded and took a deep breath and squared her shoulders and
walked
into the room like she had 100 times before. She hoped no one could
hear
her knees knocking.
She recognized a few faces from the morning meeting, and saw some from
the
medical center and she managed a smile and continued to scan the room
to see
how everything was set up.
Miaren heard the booming voice of Captain Avi before she saw him. He
sounded
happy at the turn out and sounded in good spirits. Miaren slowly made
her
way to where he stood with chef's hat and apron on by the warming
tables
that held his large pot of chili.
As she drew closer she could read the writing on his apron; BLESS THIS
MESS.
Miaren chuckled at the message and smiled as she approached as Avi
turned
when he heard a chuckle and caught her eye.
"Welcome Miaren." Avi replied happy to see her and wishing to help her
feel
more at ease in her new home. Miaren smiled warmly, altho she was
still
rather nervous and held out her hand to shake his and complete the
welcome.
"Tis good to see you as well Captain." She replied.
"Avi, call me Avi," he replied. "This is a social gathering. Relax
Doctor.
You are too tense!" He turned and surprised her with a hot steaming
bowl
of chili. She took it and smiled back at him. She could smell the
spiciness
of the chili, and altho she had been warned it did not smell as bad as
she
had feared.
"Why, this actually smells pretty good!" she exclaimed. She blushed
deeply
when the words she spoke hit her ear.
Avi laughed and then he noticed the bottle she held tightly in her
hand. He
could not quite tell what it was, but he was pretty sure he knew what
it
was. Miaren saw his eyes go to the bottle and blushed again as she
realized
she had not given him his gift.
Miaren juggled the bowl of steaming hot chili with the spicy aroma
filling
the air and managed to get the bottle loose so she could hand it to
him.
"I brought ya a gift, as is proper." Miaren began. She could tell
that some
had been alerted to this little tete-a-tete and so moved closer. She
smiled
as she exhaled her breath and handed him the bottle of his beloved
ketchup.
The stunned look flashed across his face, and looking into her own he
knew
she meant well, but KETCHUP? With HIS chili! He did not quite know
what to
say to her to smooth this over. Perhaps this was how she was taught
to eat
chili. He tried hard to suppress the shudder he felt bolting through
him.
Miaren could tell immediately she has once again made some social
blunder.
Blast it all she thought. "Was I in error to gift ya with something?"
She
asked in all sincerity. Perhaps there were different social manners
for
events such as these.
She did notice that no one had given him any ketchup. Again with the
horrid
thought of eating chili with ketchup she willed herself not to show
him her
abhorrence of such a practice.
Avi stood holding the bottle of ketchup and looked around at the faces
watching him. He could sense a practical joke, he just knew somehow
Harry
had a hand in this. As he tried to puzzle it out he smiled at Miaren.
"No, I am most honored." He began. "Such a thoughtful gift." He
finished
his statement. Miaren studied him and could tell he was irritated by
something. If the gift was acceptable, then why did he appear
perturbed?
Was it because she had been the first? As she could feel the stares
from
those closest to her, she wondered if they were expecting something
more,
was her gift a signal that perhaps there was more to what happened on
the
beach? With that reminder, she felt it was best to beat a hasty
retreat and
slip into the crowd and then slip out.
"Well, I'm glad." She replied and moved to step away. Avi reached out
and
placed his hand on her shoulder, partly to keep her from slipping
away. She
was obviously the key.
He could smell Harry all over this, and where Harry was there went
Maria.
He glanced around and did not see either of them. He grinned wider
and
pulled her closer so he could ask her the burning questions that arose
in
his mind.
"How did you know that I. liked ketchup?" he asked nicely. He did not
mind
ketchup, but somehow she had been told or led to believe he liked it a
lot.
"Well, it was mentioned to me that you.well.you have quite a fondness
for
it." She finished. She was not going to say a word about how poor his
cooking skills were.
"Ahh," he replied with a soft chuckle. "I do remember not mentioning
needing to bring anything to this chili palooza." He replied softly.
He
kept his voice low and cajoling so as not to startle her and have her
clam
up.
"No, that be true, you did not mention it once, but tis the proper
way, and
Maria did mention that everyone brings you some to cover the hor." she
stopped and blanched when she almost let the secret out.
"The horrible what?" he asked seriously, altho he tried hard to hide
the
smile and laughter in his voice. He had to admit this was a good one.
He
knew a few things he would have to work into place to pay them back of
course. But then that was half of the fun.
"OH Sir!" she exclaimed in distress. "I am sure it is not as bad as
they
made out, well, this recipe at least. It smells rather good, and
definitely
like chili!" she gushed in her attempt to smooth over and sooth his
possible
hurt feelings.
"And no hard feelings Sir, but if ya wish to douse your chili in
ketchup,
then who am I to say anything? Everyone to his own I say." She added
in a
stronger tone.
Avi threw his head back and howled in laughter. All the strange
little
things that had happened through out the day and his CMO showing up
with a
bottle of ketchup made sense. The audacity of it all just struck his
funny
bone. Miaren looked shocked at first, and then realized that once
again,
somehow, she had been the instrument in which to poke fun at the
captain.
She felt her blush deepen, and she wished she could just disappear.
The
best she could do, was try for the dignified retreat and hope
something else
happened to make them forget.
Avi turned to his special pot of chili and dished up the huge scooping
and
turned back to Miaren. "Shall we partake?" he said with a wink.
"Damn I
have waited all day for this!"
Avi took a large mouthful and the mix of colors and the look of horror
that
flashed across his face unsteadied Miaren. "BE ya alright Captain?"
she
asked as she wondered if it really did taste that bad or perhaps he
was
choking on his large mouthful. She watched as he managed to swallow
and his
eyes watered and the funny sound that he managed to make was a
pathetic
whine.
"Perhaps some of that ketchup WILL help this." He retorted and reached
for
the bottle of ketchup."
"WHO eats Chili with Ketchup?" the voice of Harry could be heard
coming
closer. Avi looked up and saw Harry approaching innocently as a lamb
holding another bottle of. . . something.
As Harry stood next to his friend he place down on the table a jar of
hot
peppers in some strange looking sauce.
"Drake got me these, said they were the hottest peppers 4 galaxies
around."
Harry offered. "I'm sure they would taste so much better than plain
old
ketchup."
Avi laughed and patted the back of his old friend. He was not
surprised
that somehow Harry had managed to add a few of those peppers in his
chili.
The two old friends laughed and slapped each other on their backs.
[TAG- JOSH- What DOES Avi think, how hot is his chili? Will he pay
back
Harry and Maria?]
Miaren saw her chance and made a quick and hasty retreat and somehow
worked
her way out of the gathering and made it back to her quarters.
[SUMMARY]
Miaren makes a small error with her patient Ury Rogan and leaves in a
hurry
to spend the rest of her afternoon settling in. She is about to leave
and
call it a day when Maria shows up and asks to go with her to the chili
feast
of Captain Avi. Miaren reluctantly agrees and they chat on their
where to
the gathering. On the way Maria tells Miaren of the captain's love
for
ketchup and is talked into presenting him with a bottle of it.
After an awkward start the captain is able to figure out who and why
and
laughs at the great joke. While he takes a big bite of his famous
chili he
finds out the other joke.
Harry arrives with hot peppers and they both laugh together, giving
Miaren
the chance to slip away.
Respectfully submitted by
Carys Murray
Aka Miaren Hywell
Chief Medical Officer
USS Capricorn
________________________________________________________________________
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