Lieutenant Brenna Cassidy had been on Jarvik Station for three weeks. During that time, she had learned much about the captain and staff. For most of them, this was their first major assignment in the roles they played. The captain was not aggressively hands-on, but she did like to be informed. It wasn't unusual for her to show up in the various areas of the station. She seemed to know most of the officers and staff by name and also seemed to be fairly knowledgeable of the many civilians now employed around Jarvik.

As Protocol Officer, Brenna's job, so far, had been restricted to one specific task: ready the station for the Ambassador's conclave. That meant securing meeting locations and equipment; insuring sufficient rooms were available; providing for entertainment during the reception and formal dinner, and coordinating the menus with the chef-in-residence, Loc. The captain had said very little to Brenna about her personal expectations, leaving most of the major decisions to the lieutenant's discretion. Andrea's one charge had been only: make me look good.

Brenna supposed she should be grateful that the commanding officer was not micromanaging the event. However, there was a part of her that wished the captain had been a little more specific about her expectations. Brenna was certain that if the event didn't go well, she would bare the brunt of the criticism.

Andy looked up to see the young lieutenant gazing over the promenade. She quickly joined her. Captain Thoreau had been duly impressed with Brenna's work. The plans and ideas she had presented had been well thought out – providing elegance and sophistication for the station's first major event for the Federation.

"Lieutenant? Is everything okay?" Andy asked as she joined Brenna.

"Yes, Captain, everything is fine. Just visualizing the set up one last time."

Andy smiled, "Don't worry, Bren, I'm sure it will all be perfect. You've planned everything well. The arrangements are spot on. I'm very pleased."

Brenna turned to face her commanding officer, "Really? You've not said very much."

"I didn't see the need. You've handle the situation quite well. I don't believe in getting involved unless there's a problem."

"Thank you, Captain. I appreciate that." Then the lieutenant was all business, "Now you know exactly when you'll speak and from where, right?"

Andy smiled again, "Yes, Lieutenant, I've got it. And if I don't, you'll be there to make sure I'm in the right spot. Go get some rest, Brenna. You deserve it. There's nothing more you can do now."

Brenna started to speak but decided it was better to simply agree with the Captain. She nodded her acceptance and then left the Captain standing on the observation ring alone.

Andy tapped the communications badge on her uniform, "Lessa?"

"Yes, Captain?" Was the immediate reply.

"Anything else need my attention this afternoon?"

"No, Captain, no other communiqués. Shall I patch you through to Ensign Zola?"

"Yes, please, Commander. Thank you."

Shortly the voice changed to Andy's personal attaché, "Did you need me Captain?"

Andy turned and walked toward the windows on the Observation wing as she spoke, "Not really, ensign. I was just checking in one last time before I call it a day. Anything going on?"

Zola was quiet for a few more minutes before she replied, "No, Captain. I believe we're all clear. I was just about ready to leave myself."

"Very good, Zo. Have a nice evening."

"Thank you, Captain, you, too. Zo out."

Andy tapped her communications badge a second time and made her way to the turbo lift and then to her quarters. She quickly changed and punched a few buttons for a light salad and soda that she preferred before bed time. She had just settled into her couch when the communications console flared.

"Captain Thoreau?"

"Yes, Lieutenant Bryce?"

Lieutenant Randy Bryce was one of the communications crew Lessa had brought on board. Bryce had long roots in Starfleet. His grandmother, also Lieutenant Randi Bryce, had served on board the original Enterprise under the great Captain Kirk.

"I have Captain Riker for you."

Andy instantly jumped up, "Put him through!"

Will's face appeared on Andy's monitor, "Will!"

Will laughed at the enthusiastic greeting, "Hey, Irish! How's it going?"

It had been almost a month since the last time they had spoken. Will's current assignment had him on the complete opposite side of the galaxy and their face time had been extremely limited.

"To what do I owe this pleasure?" Andy replied.

"I just wanted to check in on you before the big event tomorrow. Everything ready?"

Andy smiled. How like her best friend and the closest thing she had to family to think of her on this special occasion. "I think so, Will. The Protocol officer, Lt. Cassidy, has done a fabulous job. All I have to do is show up, stand where I'm told and speak when spoken to. I think I can manage it."

Will laughed and nodded, "Let the professionals handle the heavy lifting, right?"

Andy laughed, too, "You got it!"

"Well, I wish I could be there but it looks like I'm stranded out here for at least another few months."

"I understand. I wish you could be here, too. So how's Deanna?"

Suddenly, another face appeared, "I'm fine, Captain. Thanks for asking."

"Should know she can speak for herself, huh?" Andy laughed as Deanna snuggled in her husband's lap.

"Of course, you should, Andy. I wish you all the best tomorrow. And…" Deanna stopped as she looked closer at the screen. "What have you been doing, Andrea? You look more rested and relaxed than I think I've ever seen you."

Andy blushed under the scrutiny but replied, "I've actually been sleeping."

"What?" Will's reply was mockingly seriously, "You sleep?"

"Stop it," Deanna corrected her husband and turned back to Andy, "Well; whatever it is that's allowing it, you keep doing it. That's an order!"

Andy smiled, "Yes, ma'am, Commander."

"Alright, Andy, we've got to go but just know we're both thinking about you. We'll talk again, soon. Riker out."

"Bye, Will!" Andy called as the screen faded.

She slumped back against the couch. She enjoyed these brief moments but they sometimes left her with the realization of how alone Andy truly was. She got up and began clearing away the dishes from her half-eaten meal. "Might as well turn in" Andy thought to herself.

Before she could dim the lights, the communications console flashed again. "What is going on?" Andy spoke aloud before replying, "Yes, Lieutenant?"

The voice that responded this time was not that of the young lieutenant. This voice was rich and deep as it responded, "I haven't been a Lieutenant in a very long time. Still fishing for information, Dre?"

Andy smiled at the image of Lessa's uncle that appeared on the vid-screen. "No, I was just expecting a different person, that's all. What are you doing? We just spoke a couple of days ago."

Since the night of the party, three weeks ago, Andy and Lessa's uncle, Kota, had been communicating regularly. Most times it was like this, late at night, but usually Lessa put him through. This was new as it had by-passed normal security channels.

"I was just trying out the new connection my niece set up for us. She thought you might be uncomfortable with it being announced all the time that you have a gentleman caller."

Andy blushed slightly at the comment, "Is that what you are, my gentleman caller?"

Kota smiled back, "I kind of like the term. But enough of this. Are you ready for tomorrow? I'm hearing quite a bit of chatter about it."

"Anything I should be concerned about?" Andy asked all business.

"No, nothing in relation to security issues. Mostly, people are excited about seeing the station and enjoying the sampling of the food from the great Chef Loc."

"Yes, I suppose that does sound impressive."

Kota instantly recognized the pathos in her tone, "What's going on, Dre?"

"It would be nice to have a friendly face."

"But Ambassador T'sao will be there. I thought she was your friend."

"She is but she'll have her own duties to address."

"As will you, Captain. You won't and don't have time to feel sorry for yourself."

Andy recognized the softly delivered rebuke, "I'm tired of this mysteriousness between us, Kota. Why won't you tell me more about you and where you are? In fact, why couldn't you come be here, too?"

Kota smiled, "I will reveal all to you soon enough, Dre. This is a new command for me just as Jarvik is for you. Our focus needs to be on the responsibility at hand, not each other, not right now. Besides," he continued, "I'll join you soon enough and when I do, I don't plan on having to share you. I will be your only priority as you will be mine. Understood?"

Although the words were delivered with meaning, the double entendre was not lost on Andy. She blushed slightly as she made eye contact with Kota. "Understood."

He smiled mischievously, "Good. Now, no more whining. It's so unbecoming a senior officer."

Andy was struck by the comment, "I had a very good friend tell me the same thing when I first got here."

"Smart friend but I would not have pictured you for a whiner, Ms. Thoreau. You must correct that annoying habit."

"Yes, Uncle."

His smile was rueful at the use of the familial term, "Kota, to you, my dear. Now get some rest. You've a busy weekend ahead of you. I'll check back in when it's done. Yes?"

"Yes. Speak with you soon. Sleep well."

"You, too. Kota out."

Andy smiled as the screen went dark a second time. Her two favorite men, in the same night. This was going to be a good weekend!