LITTLE GRASS SHACK

SURFACE OF PLANET EKOS – 2366.03.26

Starfleet had quickly retaken the planet. Fortunately, casualties on both sides were minimal. The fascists did not enjoy popular support on the planet and Starfleet technology made the task reasonably simple. Orbital phaser bombardment on stun setting from four starships pacified most fascist strongholds. Captain Wallace was not one to squander a huge advantage. Starfleet Command felt it had an obligation to this civilization since the serious cultural contamination years ago and as such, this did not constitute a violation of the Prime Directive. The Federation was not going to renege on that obligation now. Claire flew cover for the ground operations. It was pretty routine. Again, the technological advantage made any encounter seem like a Sopwith Camel challenging an F-22 fighter jet. Claire added three new gold stars from her orbital encounter. This made her an ace.

Federation scientists, peacekeepers and cultural observers arrived by the boatload to strengthen the reinstated civilian government. Back aboard the USS NAPOLEON, Claire received a package from her Grandmother. A letter was attached. Her grandmother expressed her pride and love and within the package was a small medal. It was shaped in a Maltese Cross and had the words, Pour le Merite. Claire's heart leapt. It was the famed Blue Max, awarded to exceptional aviators. The letter detailed how Charles Phillip MacGregor, flying a Spad XIII for the Lafayette Escadrille, had shot down a German pilot in 1917. He landed and removed the medal as a remembrance. He too was shot down the following year.

This letter warmed Claire, as did all of Grandma MacGregor's letters. Just then, Mario, Susan, and Francois stopped by. "Hey, Raven, how ya doin'," asked Susan. She was a petite blonde with blue eyes. Francois was a light-skinned Creole with short, curly hair and a slight accent.

"Come on in, I was just reading a letter from Grandma," she said, showing them the medal.

Only Rancho knew what it was, "Whoa, the Blue Max," he stated.

Claire nodded, "From nineteen seventeen," she acknowledged. Susan mentioned that she, too, had an ancestor who fought in the Great War.

Susan was from Dublin, Ireland, and her accent showed. "Raven, from the sound of your name, I'd say you were Scottish," added Susan.

"Well, I suppose. I certainly wasn't born there and have only been there twice. I was born on the Lunar Colony and really raised in Japan. So, I'm much more comfortable with Sushi than Haggis. Also, I'm a quarter Vulcan, but I don't like to talk about that," confessed Claire.

"Why not?" asked Francois.

Claire thought for a moment and then answered, "Hmmm, well… The Vulcans stiffed my mom because she married my dad, so I can't say I have much love for them. They're very impersonal. I try to get rowdy whenever I'm around them. It annoys them to no end. There was this one guy in my Academy Class, S'ran. Smart as heck. I'd never be able to carry his books. Well, I kicked his butt in physical combat and he got all huffy. So after that, whenever I put him down, I would pump my fist and yell 'ka ching'. So, he tells me that my emotions are out of control. He's got this typical Vulcan 'I'm better than you' smirk. Well, I kissed him full on. He just about threw a fit. I've always tried to live my life with as much emotion as possible."

Checking his watch, Mario tugged Claire by the arm, "Hey, let's go down to the lounge. It's karaoke night."

Claire blanched, "No way. You guys go. That stuff isn't for me."

Francois pleaded, "Come on Claire, we need a foursome." Mario put on his best sad puppy face.

Claire melted, "Okay, okay. Just one song." They towed the reluctant Claire down to the lounge and put their names on the karaoke list. When their names came up, Francois and Susan took the stage. They were phenomenal, with a unique charisma. The crowd went wild. Taking their bows, they gave the microphone to Claire. "Hey, I thought you guys were singing with me," she commented.

Mario pushed her on stage, "This one's all you." Claire stood with a blank expression on her face. The crowd was hushed. She quickly drank her glass of Pinot Grigio. The words to the song then began to scroll up the video screen. What the heck, she thought, and began to sing. She got going and let it all out. When the song was over, there were polite smiles and some nervous laughter from the audience. Claire stepped down, "How was I?" she asked.

Susan smiled, "You were ummm…loud. Yeah. You did good, really."

Mario added, "Hey Raven, don't quit your day job."

Claire smacked him on the arm, "Oh, gee thanks," she said. Although she was terrible, Claire had a good time and sang a couple more times. Francois described it as cats being trampled by dying sheep.

Later in the evening, Claire noticed a piano near the stage. Now there was something she wasn't totally lame in. During a break in the singing, she played a little improv jazz. Although certainly not a concert pianist, she was good. Mother had forced her to take lessons when she was a child. She hated the lessons, but loved playing. Francois took the cue and started a song. Claire immediately picked up on it and backed him up. The crowd got into it and sang along. When they were done, applause rang from the audience. Mario sidled up to the piano, "So, you're a woman of many talents. Just not singing." he commented.

Claire smiled, "I'm just a regular diva," she said, picking up the microphone.

Mario took the mike and put it back on the piano, "I think we've had enough arias from you tonight." There was a moment between them. Claire blinked.

"Well, it's getting late," she said, breaking the moment. She put her hand on his shoulder, but turned her head away, "Maybe it's time to turn in."

Mario coughed nervously, "Perhaps you're right. Well, I'll walk you back to your quarters."

Claire looked down, "I'm ok, but thanks for the offer. I'll see you tomorrow." With that, Claire walked away and out of the lounge.

Mario sat on the piano bench and scratched his head. "Women?" he thought to himself.

USS NAPOLEON – 2366.04.02.

The announcement in the morning briefing advised that the USS NAPOLEON was returning to homeport for service. This would give everyone in the Wolfpack a months leave. Claire contacted her parents to see if she could come home.

"Hi mom," Claire said over the communications panel.

Claire's mom waved, "How are things?" she asked.

"We're being given a months leave. I thought I'd come home and see you folks," Claire said hopefully.

"Wonderful. We're going to visit your brother at Pearl Harbor. Your father is anxious to see how well his internship is going. Why don't you join us there?" she said. Claire was a little nervous about seeing her brother. He had been a little cold since her departure for the Academy. However, she always wanted an opportunity to straighten things out with Little Joe.

"Great, I'll be there in a week. Where are you staying?"

Mom replied, "We'll be at the Sheraton. See you then." They both waved and then signed off.

Claire then went to the galley. On the way, she ran into Molly. "How are you, my friend?" asked Molly.

"Good. I'm going to visit my family back on Earth," Claire mentioned, "How about yourself?"

Molly shrugged her claws, "I don't have a family, really. On Gamma Hrujin, we separate the grubs shortly after birth, so I really don't have siblings. Maybe I'll just stay aboard the ship."

Claire replied, "Nonsense. Why don't you come with me? We'll have a great time. You can meet my family."

The giant mantis waved her antennae, "Well, you may not like me after I consumed them."

Claire did a double take, "No, not eat…meet my family."

Molly clicked her mandibles, "Really? That's so kind. I would love to join you." Molly invited her human friend to visit her quarters. Accepting, Claire stepped inside a bizarre room decorated with strange organic sacs and the remnants of Molly's cocoon. Molly pointed at the cocoon, "I'm very proud of this," she stated.

"I see. It's very impressive."

Afterward, they went to Claire's quarters. Molly was quite amazed at the trinkets and wall hangings. "This is truly bizarre. You don't keep your secretions?"

Claire's expression went blank, "Uhh, no. I think we like to throw that stuff away."

"Oh, what a waste."

Claire was both repulsed and fascinated by Molly's culture. It was truly something different. Claire picked up the medal from her grandma, "Would you like to see my Blue Max," she asked.

Molly cocked her insect head to one side, "I thought you humanoids keep those parts private."

Claire again did a double take, "What. Ummm. No. I mean yes, we keep our parts private. I was referring to this medal from my grandma."

The insect clicked her mandibles, "Oh, sorry. I misunderstood you. Yes, please let me see that."

Claire broke down and started laughing, "Oh, Molly. You are too funny." Molly just clicked an odd sound pattern. Claire guessed that this was the Mantoid way of laughing.

Molly did have some intuition regarding human culture. "Can we invite Commander Farrare? He has nowhere to go either."

Claire thought for a moment, "Well, I suppose. I don't think my parents will mind." She had been developing a sudden urge to keep Mario at arms length since the night at the lounge. Claire thought about it, but could not explain the feeling. Molly took Claire to the briefing room, where they found Mario. The mantis stepped forward and opened her wings as a sign of greeting to a superior.

"Commander Farrare, Claire wants to invite you to visit Earth with us. Won't you join us?" she asked.

Claire blushed, "Umm, yeah. What Molly said."

Rancho smirked, "Sounds good to me. Where are we going?" he asked Claire.

"We're going to visit my brother at Pearl Harbor. My parents will be there also. I'm sure they'd love to meet you."

Later, Mario ran into Werewolf in the lounge. Over some beers they talked shop about the squadron. After downing a glass, Werewolf commented, "So, what's up with Claire?"

Mario shrugged, "I don't know man. She's like mixed signals city. First, she's real friendly. Then, the other night in the lounge she's iced over. Now, she wants me to go on vacation with her. I don't get it."

Werewolf shook his head, "She strikes me as that type: hot and cold. She's a total babe, but you watch yourself."

Mario sighed, "Women?" upon which they raised their glasses and drank.

PEARL HARBOR – 2366.04.09. – 1545 HRS

The shuttle ride was entirely uneventful. Claire slept most of the journey. When the shuttle had powered down and opened the door, the passengers stepped out onto the walkway. The air was warm and humid. Claire scanned the terminal, spotting her parents and her brother. She ran headlong toward them and gave both her mom and dad a big hug. Joe extended his hand and Claire shook it. He gave her a weak smile. Mario noticed this and commented to Molly, "Something's up." Molly began searching the sky.

Claire introduced her friends. Her family was quite taken aback with Molly, but greeted her warmly. Dad took the opportunity to tell Claire how well Joe was doing at his internship. He was going to be a scientist like his dad. Together, they caught a cab down to Waikiki. The cabbie nearly fainted when a giant green insect handed him some luggage.

After arriving at the Sheraton, Claire, Mario, and Molly checked in. The two "ladies" would stay in one room and Mario in the other. The bellhop took their bags. Mom kissed her daughter on the forehead, "It's so good to see you Claire. We have reservations at the Banyan Bar tonight. We can catch up then." The trio went to their rooms to change and freshen up.

Claire threw open her suitcase and pulled out a swimsuit. She convinced her friends to come along. Molly put on the most comical outfit. The stretchy material covered her thorax and abdomen and was colored pink with yellow dots. The way Molly slid her six legs through the swimsuit was a minor miracle. The three ran down to the beach and plunged into the water. Claire swam a mile easily, taking some time to watch green sea turtles play. Mario followed a few minutes behind with Molly dogpaddling in the rear. Mario came up under Claire and hurled her up out of the water. She came down and wiped water from her eyes, "Ok, bucko. Don't make me hurt you," she threatened jokingly. A little wrestling match ensued until Molly caught up. They noticed that their friend had water wings over her claw-like forelimbs. This was too funny and they burst out laughing. Molly made her clicking noise indicating mirth. Together, they tread water until the sun set. Then, it was time to swim back and change for dinner.

That night, Claire wore a t-shirt and shorts, as did Mario. Molly wore her Tholian silk wrap with a floppy hat. The hat had holes for her antennae to poke through. They met the MacGregor family at the table and sat down together. Mom told them of the plans they had for the vacation. "We're going to see the Pali Lookout, the Arizona Memorial, the North Shore, and the Hula Festival and Luau." After they had toured the Island of Oahu, they would go to Maui. Claire agreed to come along. The last time the family was all together was six years ago, in 2307. Claire could tell that Little Joe was thinking the same thing, but no one mentioned it.

The group had a wonderful time, with each person telling their stories. Mom and Dad were fascinated with Molly and the mantis enjoyed being the center of attention. Mario revealed that he was born in Venice, Italy and that his late father had been a restaurant owner along the Grand Canal. He had been in Starfleet for eleven years and loved the travel. Dad told everyone, "Joe was the top scientist at his intern site. He beat out twelve hundred applicants for the honor of the internship." Claire was always proud of Little Joe and this only increased her pride in him.

With their meal finished, the great Mauna Kea dessert mountain arrived. A huge mountain of cake and ice cream, it was a meal in itself. Dad stood up, "Ok, watch this!" he exclaimed and the mountain erupted strawberry topping. Only the eruption got a little too vigorous and soon Dad and Claire were wiping gooey topping from their faces. The group erupted into laughter with Molly clicking and buzzing her wings. Mario wiped some of the topping from Claire's face with his finger and ate it. "Pretty tasty," he commented, raising an eyebrow.

"I remember you saying I was pretty sweet," she retorted. Claire's mom noticed this and elbowed Dad. Dad was too busy wiping his face with a towel to notice. Mom sighed. Men could be so oblivious.

After Mom, Dad, and Joe had departed, the trio sat at the bar and sipped some drinks. Mario noticed a fly in his beer. He was about to hail the bartender when Molly pointed to the fly, "Are you going to eat that?" she asked.

Mario passed her the beer, "Knock yourself out," he said. Intuitively, Molly could now feel vibrations between Claire and Mario.

"I think it's time for my rest cycle. I'm going to head back to the room to spin my hammock," she stated.

Claire raised her hand, "Hang on, I'll come with you," she called. Claire gave Mario a friendly pat on the back, "We'll see you tomorrow," she said. Mario grunted.

After they had left, he called the bartender, "Keep the Mai Tai's coming."

The next day's trip to the Pali was spectacular. It was the site where King Kamehameha conquered the Island of Oahu by driving the opposing army to their deaths over the cliff. Kamehameha had the advantage of British cannon and muskets as well as their wicked spears and shark-tooth clubs. The following day, the group traveled to the Arizona Memorial to pay homage to the fallen during the surprise attack in 1941. Claire and Mario laid a wreath in the water over the sunken battleship. They listened as "Taps" was played as it has been for nearly four centuries.

Later in the week, they went to the North Shore to see the Hula Festival and Luau. Dad wore his most outrageous aloha shirt and Mom was in a muumuu. The food was fantastic and Claire thought that Chubb would need to hear about this place. Claire had several servings of the rich coconut Jell-O known as haupia. Suddenly, a group of hula dancers emerged and approached their table. They beckoned them to come up to the stage. The group were all given hula skirts and given some basic instruction. Then, they were cut loose. Dad and Joe gyrated wildly like they were being attacked by bees. Mom was the most graceful of the bunch. Molly snapped her mantis forelimbs while wriggling her abdomen. Claire bumped hips with Mario, waving her hands in front of his face.

Later, the two walked down to the beach alone. Torches flickered in the moonlight as the waves crashed down upon the sand. They picked a soft spot and sat down. Looking up at the moon, Claire breathed deeply. She laid her head on Mario's shoulder. He put his arm around her and they sat for a while. Unexpectedly, she poured sand on his head. He made a "pfffft" sound, spitting out the sand and grabbed her by the wrists, "Ok, you little minx," he said. He pushed her back and they rolled together, face to face. Another moment had arrived.

After a few seconds, she turned her head away, "We'd better check on Molly," she said flatly.

Mario let her go and stood up, "Ok, what's going on, Claire?" he said angrily, "Why are you messing with me?"

Claire sat up and wrapped her arms around her knees. "I don't know what you're talking about," she lied. Claire hated lying and her gut ached. She knew exactly what he meant.

Mario kicked the sand, "You know exactly what I mean. You are one of the most introspective persons I know. Don't mess with me. You owe me that much. If you don't like me, fine. Just tell me."

Claire lowered her face into her knees. "You're right. I owe that to you. I'm just messed up. There was a guy I thought I would marry. He dumped me for a Tellerite. I'm still not over it," she confessed. After a moment of silence, she continued, "I'm really scared. I don't want to get hurt like that again."

Mario sighed. He then sat behind her and put his arms around her, "I wouldn't do that to you. We can go slowly. I'm not going anywhere," he said.

Claire grasped his arm. "I really want to trust you," she said hopefully.

Mario went out on a limb, "A Tellerite, huh? That guy had some lousy taste. You're better off without him," he joked. He dipped Claire back into the sand and again, they came face to face. This time she didn't look away.

Some time later, they walked back to the luau. Claire shook the sand from her hair. Mom saw the two approach the table and elbowed Dad again. He gave her a quizzical look and then greeted the two, "You're missing all the fun!" he called. Mom rolled her eyes. Men could be so oblivious. Meanwhile, Molly was heavily into her fifth bowl of poi. She really seemed to click with the gooey paste.

When they arrived back at the hotel, Claire and Mario sat by the pool. They made small talk, but seemed to dance around the main issue. Claire gazed at Mario, "Whatever happens, I'm going to be straight with you. Sometimes, I get really messed up inside. I guess you're just going to have to put up with me," she advised.

He replied, "Fair enough. I'm a patient guy. Just tell me what's going on."

Claire nodded. "I'm going to have to think about what happened. We'll talk again tomorrow," she said. Mario agreed. He walked Claire back to her room. They embraced for a few minutes before Claire broke off and entered her room.

Molly was fast asleep in her silk-spun hammock. She wore fluorescent yellow pajamas and a felt sleeping cap. Claire sat on her bed, "What am I doing?" she asked herself out loud.

The following day, Molly woke Claire up. "It is time for breakfast. You'd better get dressed," she said.

Claire buried her face in her pillow, "Molly, I'm totally messed up. What am I going to do?" she complained.

The mantis sat on the bed, "You do look rather messy, if I do say so. You can start with a shower." After pulling off the covers, Molly poked Claire's bare butt, "You humanoids are so soft. How do you survive without a carapace?" she commented, referring to her own hard shell.

Claire squirmed, "Hey, quit poking me," she whined.

Molly continued to poke her friend, "It's time to get up," she repeated.

Claire rolled over, "Okay, okay. You win," she cried, heading for the bathroom.

Molly sat watching a show while her friend got ready. Human shows were so entertaining. Gamma Hrujin shows were exceptionally boring. The most interesting station was the Tube Worm Channel; All the Tube Worms, All the time. Claire rambled on about her evening and her feelings. Molly would occasionally say, "Uh huh," but was entirely focused on a show about diving and surfing.

Struck with an idea, the mantis called down to the Concierge, "Hello. This is Molly. I'm in Room Twelve O' Eight. I want to sign up for the surfing and diving lesson. Yes, I can swim. Size of equipment? I don't know. How tall am I? About five foot six. Maybe one hundred and twenty pounds. Waist size? Maybe twenty four inches. I'm twenty four years of age. Oh, and I'll be bringing two or three friends. Thank you."

At the Concierge Desk, sat a young blond man with the look of a surfer dude. His buddy read a surf magazine nearby. The dude waved to his friend, "Hey, man. This one sounds like a real babe. What a voice. She's twenty-four, real slim, just the right height. She sounds like a real winner."

The friend replied, "Dude, is she bringing any friends?"

"You know it, man," the dude replied. With that, they gave each other a high five.

An hour later, Molly led Claire and Mario to the lobby. Joe decided to come along too. Joe approached the Concierge Desk, "Hi, we're here for the surfing and diving lesson," he said.

The dude looked up, "Ok, man. Like, where's Molly. I've been dying to meet her." Molly stepped forward and extended her claw. The dude fell over his chair. "Whoa, this is bogus. What's up with the bug?"

His buddy started laughing, "Dude!" he cried.

Molly was a little confused. "I'm Molly," she said, "Is there a problem?" The dude stopped. It was the same sweet voice. And yes, she was 5'6", 120 pounds with a 24" waist.

"Whoa, sorry. You caught me off guard. I was expecting someone else. Well, how about we get started? I'm Nathan and this is my partner George," he said, pointing to George.

Nathan and George fitted everyone with equipment and picked up surfboards. They headed for the beach. Up front, out of earshot, George whispered to Nathan, "Boy, she's hot. You two are going to hit it off."

Nathan whacked George, "Oh, shut up," he groaned. In sync, they looked at each other, "Now that Claire is something," they said in unison. Then, they high fived, "Dude!" they said.

Mario watched the exchange, but did not hear what was said, "Those guys are weird," he mentioned to Claire. She nodded in agreement.

Nathan and George gave basic lessons on surfing. Fortunately, the waves were small. Claire mastered the balance quickly and caught a few small waves. This was exhilarating. Mario caught the instructors checking Claire out. He paddled up to them. "Don't even think about it," he warned and then paddled away.

George looked at Nathan, "Dude, what a wipeout."

Nathan replied, "Totally wasted." Mario did have to admire Claire, however. Her washboard abs and finely toned muscles certainly attracted him as did her finely sculpted features and silky, raven hair. He saw Claire wipeout. He would have to swim to the rescue.

After they had had their fill, they suited up for some scuba diving. Molly did not need a mask as her eyes were covered with a film that kept water out. She did need a modified regulator, however, to fit her mandibles. Nathan and George led them out about a quarter mile on a surface swim. The group then began their descent. At fifty feet, they encountered moray eels, colorful prawns, and the famous green sea turtles. Claire pointed one out to Joe as it hovered nearby. They were having the time of their lives. When they got below 500 pounds of air, it was time to surface. The rich, blue Pacific Ocean greeted them in all its majesty.

The group made their surface swim back to shore and then exited the surf. Nathan and George gathered the equipment and carted it all back to storage. Mario saw Claire and Joe sitting together on the beach. He tapped Molly, "Let's help the guys store the gear." Molly nodded and hoisted a tank over her shoulder.

Claire and Joe looked off into the deep blue sea. "It's been a while, Little Joe," she said.

"Yeah, it has been," he replied offhandedly.

"Boy, you really grew up."

Joe pursed his lips, "Well, when you're not around, things change without you."

Claire knew this was the moment. "I know I haven't been around. It's not that I don't want to be with you, Mom, and Dad. I've got to follow my own path. You're the one with all the brains. I couldn't carry your beakers," she said. Joe sat there. "You make Mom and Dad proud. Above all, you make me proud. I'm just the eccentric daughter. I just want you all to be proud of me too and this is the only way I know how," she continued, filling the silence.

Joe nodded, "I am."

Claire furrowed her brows, "Am what?" she asked. "I am proud of you. Look at you; you're some ace now. You're out there saving the galaxy. How could I not be proud of you. It's just…why did you have to go so far away. You know, we were a team," he said quietly.

Claire smiled, "Little Joe and Antisocial Claire. Remember the time I took care of those bullies for you?"

Joe laughed, "How could I forget. And then they came after you, but I set up that doggie doo trap. I can still see those guys get sprayed."

Claire added, "I learned my pranks from the very best. How about the time when I was sneaking out to date that Kenji Takeda? Boy, he was the bomb. I was sure he was the one."

Joe was busting out by now, "I set up that holo projector in your room. Even Dad was fooled. What about that loser, Hiroshi Mukai?"

Claire slapped her thigh, "No, don't remind me. I can't believe you talked me into carrying that fart machine. I guess it did scare him off. But what nasty chemical did you use to make that smell? You know, you have gotten me out of more messes than I can count." By now, the two were in hysterics, slapping each other playfully.

Suddenly, Joe got serious. "You know Claire, I really miss you."

She agreed, "Me too. You know, I'm going to make you a promise. I'm going to come home at least once a year. I've stayed away too long."

Joe nodded slowly, "I think that sounds like a deal," he said. She hopped up and then pulled Joe up after her. They walked, arm in arm, back to the hotel. Claire's best buddy was back.

At the entrance to the storage room, Molly was chatting with Nathan and George. They were enthralled by her stories of travel and space. Nathan, eyes wide, tugged at his scraggly goatee, "You are one solid bug, Molly. You want to go out some time?" Molly agreed.

Claire and Joe looked at each other. "Some guys are just too desperate," they said in unison.