A/N: As far as the Vulcans showing how to clean up, that may be true. According to what I've written, it was only in the last century that England was cleaned up and only in the last fifty years that vast areas were rebuilt. The reclamation work had to take over two hundred years total. Protein re-sequencers where in wide use on Kirk's Enterprise. I imagine convincing people that it was real food was a major issue. According to TNG, the immediate aftermath of WWIII saw the barbaric courts and the wide use of mind control drugs that Q modeled during his first appearance.
You remember Enterprise, the show, how Archer was always admiring the dishes Cookie was making. I would assume from this that most people got resequences food and real food was a treat. I think I'm pretty faithful to what is called "Canon" in Star Trek. As far as money, the Federation uses some credit system based on energy output ... it's money but they hate calling it that.
Harry was on his way back to Deep Space 9, via Utopia Planetia on Mars. Several items Miles O'Brien had requested were available and Harry had the space. The Glen Lyon had their VIP quarters ready, so they had no issues.
Harry connected his recordings of science fiction shows and with some glee said, "Computer. Load media. Identify and list all examples of star ships of all types." It took a bit of time. "Calculate feasibility of each ship based on known physics and construction materials."
It turned out that the computer wasn't as flexible as he would have liked. He looked at Dobby and Winky who had been watching him make the attempt. "Well, guys? Any ideas?"
Winky and Dobby glanced at each other and then Winky spoke. "Master Harry, traveling back to Deep Space 9 there are many people. Some are engineers. Would one of them know what can be done or how?"
Harry looked at the two elves for a long moment and then grinned widely. "Wonderful idea, Winky. How do you feel about hosting a movie marathon?"
The Royal Engineers, augmented by several Star Fleet engineers that were to be posted on Deep Space 9, were quite enthralled by Star Wars. The Last Starfighter was also interesting to them. Seeing what late-twentieth century Earth saw as fiction was interesting. Harry included the two versions of Battlestar Galactica, but only the first episodes.
The idea of hyperspace vs. subspace was fodder for quite a lot of debate. Harry kept out of it because they had moved far beyond his understanding of quantum physics.
He then explained that he was reviewing these old vids for inspiration on building a ship based on fiction from his world.
Harry wanted a ship which could hold up to attack exceptionally well. What he needed the most help with was what could go into making ships and their hulls.
There were many materials used. Tritanium and was used, as was duranium. Different races used different materials. The Federation used exotic hull materials for ships designed for specific functions. One hull material allowed a ship to get much closer to a sun – but left it vulnerable to disrupter type weapons. Another was used to protect against exotic stellar radiation, but made transporters almost useless with them.
He found information on exotic compounds in the Starfleet database but choosing would be a product of availability and cost. He also wanted to see what magic could do – there were magical refining processes which produced materials that were hard to enchant but made excellent protections against curse-breaking thieves.
There were also spells which would transform different materials, allowing them to be shaped and worked until the transfiguration was cancelled – leaving magical products made from impossibly hard metals in great detail.
Harry owned a statute of Hephaestus, God of the Forge, bought by an ancestor long ago. It was made of titanium but the detail was exquisite. His ancestors were artisans – potters – and had contacts and contracts with people who still revered Hephaestus, otherwise known as Vulcan.
His ancestors had been so impressed that they had learned how to do it and then developed spells and rituals to perform transmutations on a much larger scale. They then realized that their ability to charge large fees would disappear if such magic was known to exist. And so the magic had been hidden away.
His ancestors were, like most people, quite interested in making money.
Harry was not skilled enough to do the exotic transfiguration/transmutation spells yet – but he had plans to become proficient enough to make it useful by practicing.
Two days from Earth, Harry was in his quarters when the door chime sounded. "Come," he called out.
Turning, he watched a grinning Lars Dresbach come into his quarters. "Sir Harry," he said.
Harry said, "Just Harry. We're both about the same age and we don't work for each other."
Lars instantly answered, "I still work for the Royals."
Harry said with amusement, "But it's not like they actually are the government anymore."
"It's tradition!" Lars protested. "Besides, they're pretty decent people all around."
Harry sighed. "Okay. Anyway. Mr. Dresbach. Lars. You came rushing in because …"
Lars immediately focused again. "Yes! Come on! The Lads have something we want you to see!" The Royal Engineers had loved the nickname "the Lads" that Harry had dubbed them with, especially when they heard stories about fictional stories using "the Lads" as a catchall nickname for competent minions waiting to be called in by the hero or by those in charge of said hero.
Harry got up. "I hope this is worth it," he said even as he moved toward the exit.
Lars had already left and was waiting impatiently in the passageway.
They got to the passageway and Harry found people actually waiting. "Okay, Lads. I'm here. What do you people have?"
Lars hit the holosuite controls and called out, "Computer. Run Program Potter Fun 9."
There was a chirp and the door opened. Harry was amazed. What appeared in the holosuite was an image of the Millennium Falcon from Star Wars. The setting was the Mos Eisley hanger bay just as it first appeared in the movie. Harry whistled. "How long did it take to get this running?"
Stephan Smalls waved that off. "We just had the holosuite create that from a scan of the movie. But we felt like it was a good setting to work out details."
Harry nodded. "What kind of details?"
Rebecca Steilson, one of the two female engineers, said, "Come on up the entryway. This is version 9 – we kept running into things which made us start over – but we've worked out a base to expand from."
Harry followed the Engineers in. And much more faithfully than he would have been able to do, the Royal Engineers showed off the Millennium Falcon program. And while it might never become a reality, Harry enjoyed the mockup greatly.
He was even allowed to take it out for a simulated spin. The bridge was cramped and the weapons required two of the engineers to go into gunners stations – just like the movie – but overall it was quite fun.
Harry said, "This is great! It almost makes me wish it was real. Can you imagine …."
Lars grinned. "Computer! Modify Potter Fun 9 to Potter Fun 9A, adding characters."
Holographic characters appeared, specifically Han Solo, Chewbacca the Wookie, and R2D2. The characters weren't complex (Harry was told they needed work) but they were funny.
Rebecca asked the Han character, "How long until the warp drive on this bucket of bolts can get us to Deep Space 9?"
And in perfect mimicry of the movie character's snarkiness Solo said, "Excuse me, your Worshipfulness, but I'll be able to answer questions – once you get out of the way!"
Harry laughed hard at that, which caused Chewbacca to snarl at him. Han said, "You said it, buddy."
Harry said, "Excuse me," and then had to laugh more.
Rebecca explained, "Because the program is really to design a workable model, we used actual engineering terms and stellar locations in the program, even if the characters are there mostly for fun."
Harry grinned, "That was awesome!"
Lars was grinning. "We thought you'd like that."
Harry was curious, "Have you guys considered putting together a holonovel based on those films?"
The Royal Engineers conferred together. "That would be fun – but it would have to be outside of our normal duties."
Harry said, "You already are far ahead of me on making realistic scenes. My first attempts were … simplistic. My twentieth century concert scenes took the computer analyzing and adding videos that I had entered in."
Lars waved him off. "It just takes practice. It's the kind of thing you get used to."
Rebecca added, "The trick is to accurately judge what is better created by the computer and what is better to be programmed by the author."
Harry said, "I'd appreciate your input. We'll be at Deep Space 9 in two days. And then we have a week before the Tellarite freighter comes in with the reclamators. It will take some work with Sisko and Colonel Kira, but outside of that, if any of you want to work together in this, I would enjoy it."
All of the Lads voiced enthusiastic interest.
Major Kira Nerys was running the command area when the report came in. "Major. USS Glen Lyon is requesting docking. Directing them to Docking Point 9."
Nerys smiled. "How many are coming over?"
"Four engineers being assigned to DS9. Sir Harry Potter and his retainers. Sir Harry also reports that there are eight members of the Royal Engineers of Britain that are here for a special project." The ensign looked at Kira. "Special project?"
Major Kira said, "Details coming out next week for general knowledge; nothing to do with the station. They will be waiting for some supplies scheduled to arrive soon." The ensign just blinked at her. "Instruct them that they will be met."
"Aye, Ma'am."
O'Brien and Kira were waiting for Harry as he led the group off of the Glen Lyon. "Sir Harry. Welcome back to Deep Space 9."
"Thank you, Major Kira. Chief O'Brien, I'm glad you're here. I've got four who are to report to you although we'll be borrowing them in a week?" he looked at Kira.
Kira spoke. "Chief. In one week, special equipment will be delivered to Bajor from Earth via a Tellarite freighter. The four engineers Sir Harry brought have been familiarized with the equipment and what will be needed for delivery. It will require four days."
Miles considered that. "Well, I'm glad for the warning. What will the job entail?"
"Equipment assembly. Further details are confidential until the equipment arrives, by agreement between the Royal House of Windsor and the Botanical Institute."
Miles seemed to parse that in his mind. "Alright then." He turned to the waiting personnel. "I'm Miles O'Brien, Chief of Operations, Deep Space 9. Yes, I'm a Senior Chief Petty Officer and you'll be answering to me, even if some of you are Ensigns. I don't rate a sir – you call me Chief O'Brien or Chief. Let's get you all squared away – come with me."
"Yes, Chief," sounded from the four somewhat raggedly.
Harry and the others watched and then turned to Major Kira. "These are the Royal Engineers, all proficient on the equipment being delivered. The King and I have designated them as the Lads – a lot more convenient in a conversation. Do you mind if I take the Lads around for a tour?"
Major Kira smiled and said, "No. But I wanted to be on hand to say," she looked at the group, "thank you. For what you're about to do for my world, thank you is small payment but you at least deserve that."
Rebecca Steilson piped up, "You're welcome. But we intend to enjoy ourselves while we're here and training up your people. So don't mention it. When will our trainees arrive?"
Major Kira replied, "You are scheduled to meet them on Bajor in three days. They'll be gathering at the Institute."
The engineers all seemed okay with that. Lars asked, "Well, we're berthing on the Glen Lyon and she can transport us up and down. So, I guess we're mostly going to be waiting."
Harry answered, "Yes. Dobby and Winky will get me situated and they'll host a meal for everyone tonight." Dobby and Winky nodded and went to check in with the proper people on the station. "Until then, come on. I'll do the tour I promised."
Major Kira said, "Commander Sisko gave me permission to host them, considering the job they'll be doing. So I'll lead the tour."
"Works for me, Major." Harry grinned, "It's always fun following you around." Major Kira turned before rolling her eyes.
Sir Harry had, in the past, complimented her on her well-formed ass. It had been done to make her embarrassed, but she hadn't risen to the bait. But since then, he occasionally teased her. She didn't mind as long as he wasn't obnoxious with it. Compared to Quark's various comments, Sir Harry's were quite tame, or at least far less offensive than Quark's occasional advances.
The Engineers were suitably impressed with the station. Harry looked at a new shop. "What's over there now?"
Major Kira glanced over. "That's a new Klingon restaurant – it was just opened. Dax has been trying to get me to come with her to try it." She added sardonically, "Somehow fresh gagh doesn't do it for me."
Harry winced. "That dish reminds me far too much of my cousin when we were both six. He once made me eat a live worm – quite slimy." Harry didn't say anything more about it.
Lars piped up with, "I've seen gagh. I'm willing to try it."
Harry looked at him. "I'll pay for the meal – as long as I don't have to eat it. Anyone who wants." Most of the Lads looked interested in the idea, though three (both female members included) didn't. Harry mused that it was a wonderful thing being young, dumb, and … he deliberately focused away from finishing that even in his own mind.
"There is someone you all should meet," Harry voiced to the group. Kira looked at him curiously and Harry nodded toward two people eating together at Quark's.
Major Kira stopped the group. "And this is our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Julian Bashir, eating lunch with a resident of the station, Garek, who owns a tailor shop on the Promenade."
The two diners looked over. Bashir spoke. "Hello. Visitors?" he asked Kira.
She smiled and said, "They're with him," and she pointed to Harry.
"Sir Harry, welcome back."
"Master Harry."
"Thank you, Julian. Master Garek. How are you?"
"I am well," Garek answered with his normal tones. "Am I to assume that you and your retainers have returned for more than a visit?"
"Yes. I've had my holiday and now I'm back. These are several employees of the Royal Household of Britain who are helping me with a project."
Garek nodded cordially. "Welcome to Deep Space 9. I am Garek, a tailor of some small skill. I own a shop on the Promenade. Should any of you require sartorial assistance, feel free to visit." Garek looked at Harry. "And if I may ask – when would your retainers be free? A consultation would be helpful."
Harry knew that it was likely about the enchanted undergarments that Garek wore to keep himself comfortable among non-Cardassians. "I'll let them know to expect your call later tonight."
"Thank you." He looked at the others, "Have a pleasant stay."
They went on from there. Lars said, "He's an interesting character."
Harry nodded, "He's effectively an exile for some transgression against his fellow Cardassians – not blood-thirsty enough or something. Who knows? But he's a pleasant conversatioNalast if you are prepared to deal with the feeling that he's always snarky with you even when he's being his most pleasant."
Rebecca said, "He seemed to get along with Dr. Bashir. They were eating together."
Harry chuckled. "I think Master Garek was appalled at Julian's lack of guile in his normal interactions with people. He's trying to overcome what he considers an almost criminal naivety in the good doctor. They eat together, giving Garek time to corrupt … rather, teach him."
Kira volunteered, "It is fun to watch them together."
"Still … a Cardassian?" one of the other engineers commented.
Harry answered, "I actually like him. Don't trust him, of course, beyond what I do trust him with. I just remember that he's not Human and shouldn't be judged on Human norms and I'm okay."
"So you don't trust him with anything except what you trust him with? Yes. As clear as transparent aluminum, that," Rebecca commented with amusement.
Harry sighed. "When I am from the phrase was 'as clear as glass'. It's the small things like that which really proves you're somewhere, and some-when, else." Harry forcibly cheered himself up. "Okay. You've all seen the major parts of the station. So, the choice is go back to the Glen Lyon and wait for dinner, which will be at 18:00 station time – four hours off – or, you can come back and watch another movie from my Earth." Harry got a gleam in his eye. "Something a bit different than what you've already seen."
The engineers all looked at each other and then back to Harry. Rebecca, who had taken the lead in speaking for them, said, "An old-Earth movie sounds wonderful."
It took about thirty minutes but soon Harry and the eight Royal Engineers were ensconced in his "theatre" (a room in a magical tent which had his television modified to run on magical runes – something that had cost him quite a bit of money).
"What's the movie?" Lars asked.
Harry grinned, "It's called 'The Princess Bride'."
The movie and the meal were enjoyed by his guests. Harry's quarters had a Federation replicator – one he had brought back with him. None of the magical folk liked the Cardassian replicator's results, though they bore it as necessary.
Part of what had taken so long to set up that day was getting Miles to install the unit. Harry knew how much the Chief despised Cardassian replicators and had specifically brought two: One for his quarters, and one to bribe the Chief with for his silence.
It made all the difference as the elves could replicate better ingredients.
When the night was over, Harry led the group off. "Okay. Just remember that the Glen Lyon has to undock tomorrow. You'll have to make arrangements to transport over for further visits."
"Why?" Lars asked.
Harry shrugged. "This place has 24 docking ports/pads/points. Unless a ship gets deployed permanently – and the closest to that right now is the Glen Lyon – there will always be a limited time for ships to dock. They keep three runabouts on landing pads A, B, and C. The other 21 points are needed regularly."
"So we transport over?" one of them asked.
"There's only one personnel transporter – that's in Operations. The cargo holds can be used, but there has to be something that gets shut down or turned on – I don't know enough about the systems to say."
Rebecca said, "Probably pattern enhancers to help transport or scattering fields to prevent it."
Harry chuckled, "I never paid much attention, but Ops coordinates all traffic." Harry saw the group off. He had vacated so as to let Dobby and Winky clean up. He watched most of the engineers cheerfully move back to their ship. Rebecca, however, waited. Even as Harry was about to ask if she needed anything, she spoke. "You're not in any relationship, right?"
Harry shrugged, "Not at the moment."
Rebecca smiled. "Well, neither am I. And as I'm here for a good few months, I just might enjoy a little slap and tickle as my old grandmum called it. What do you say we enjoy some of our time together?" Her look was quite friendly.
Harry was taken aback. To be truthful, Rebecca Steilson was a very attractive woman. She was in her late twenties, about 5 foot 5 and had an athletic figure, reminding him of some of the girls he was attracted to when he was younger. She had classic English looks with brunette hair. Rebecca kind of reminded him of a brunette version of Ginny Weasley after she had finished Hogwarts and had played Quidditch for a bit.
Finally he said, "I might be interested, but not tonight. I just got back and I haven't made any arrangements with my retainers. How about you come over for another movie night, just you and I, and we can discuss the idea."
"Works for me," she said cheerfully. And then, instead of leaving, she stepped into Harry and gave him a good snog. Once that was finished she stepped back and said, "Are you sure you want to wait until tomorrow?"
It had been some time since he had enjoyed a woman's company. "I can ask Dobby and Winky to not disturb us."
A good time was had by all.
