Chapter 5
Armis and Creak followed the Security Officer silently. Creak attracted a few looks but not much more. The Security Officer opened the guest quarters and said: "This is where you'll be staying. I hope it's satisfactory." Entering the room felt to Armis like walking into a cavern. After being cooped up in a cockpit for a month it was no surprise to him that he should feel this way.
The Security Officer was efficient in explaining the amenities, how the food synthesizer worked and how to access the library computer as well as the basic layout of the ship. On her way out, she said: "Restricted areas are of course off-limits. The computer won't allow you into them without command authorization or command level escort so don't worry about going somewhere you shouldn't. If you get lost, and it can happen, just touch any wall panel and ask the computer how to get where you want and it will show you. Here's the commbadge the Captain has authorized for you," she said as she handed it over. Affix it anywhere on your person you like. If someone calls for you, it will chirp once. To answer, just tap the badge once and speak normally. Tap it again when you're done speaking and the channel will close. Will there be anything else?"
Armis looked around and said: "Not right now thank you. Perhaps you'll show me around when you're off-duty?" The Security Officer smiled and said: "I'm flattered but my husband wouldn't like that." Momentarily embarrassed, Armis said: "My apologies. You've been most helpful thank you."
The Officer exited the room leaving Armis and Creak alone for a moment when Creak beeped: "Good try Armis but not good enough." Armis looked down at him and said: "Oh switch off. As for me, I need a shower and something for dinner other than emergency rations."
Thirty minutes later, after a much needed shower, Armis walked out of the 'fresher with a towel around his waist. He looked over to see Creak conversing with the Computer in pure binary, too fast for the Force to translate. On the screen appeared to be an electronic schematic of some kind. Armis said: "What're you doing little buddy?" Creak stopped where he was and said: "Just having an adapter port constructed so I can recharge."
Just as Creak finished his explanation, the replicator slot shimmered and the adapter appeared. Armis took it out of the slot, looked around until he found a power outlet, and plugged one end into it and the other into Creak. Creak said: "I took the liberty of having a fresh set of clothes made for you while you were in the shower. They're over on the bed. I'm going to sleep mode now, I'll see you in the morning Armis." Armis smiled and said: "Goodnight Creak. I'm glad you're here." Creak's lights went dim as he entered his sleep and recharge mode.
After getting dressed, Armis went back into the hall, touched a wall panel and said: "Computer, please direct me to a lounge facility where I can meet other people and get something to eat." The Computer's female voice said: "Follow the arrow to turbolift 3, and request Deck 10, forward. After exiting the turbolift, follow the arrow until you reach your destination." Out of habit, Armis thanked the computer and followed the arrows.
As Armis got closer to ten-forward, he realized the concentration of minds would have directed him almost as quickly as the computer directions. He entered to see the lounge about three-quarters full of people, human and non-human alike, male, female and some of both or neither sitting everywhere around in little conversation groups. Making his way to the bar, he was greeted by a dark skinned woman who had a peculiar echo in the Force that Armis had never felt before.
As he sat down at the bar, she spoke to him and said: "Welcome to ten-forward. My name is Guinan. I'm the proprietor here. How can I help you?" Armis said: The computer told me I could meet people and get something to eat here so here I am." Guinan smiled brightly and said: "That you can my friend. You're Armis Rau aren't you?"
Armis smiled in turn and said: "Yes I am. Have we met before?" Guinan said: "Not officially but since this is the social focal point of the ship, I learn a lot of things before most everyone else. Kind of comes with the territory. What will you have?" He said: "I'm new to this galaxy so as long as it's safe for human consumption, I'll take it." Guinan smiled again and said: "You're my favorite kind of customer, the kind that doesn't quite know what they'll have so they'll try anything. Be right back, I've got a recipe I think you'll like."
An hour later, his meal complete, Armis said: "That was wonderful. What did you call it again?" Guinan said: "It's an Earth recipe called pepperoni and black olive pizza." Armis said: "It was great. Do you think I could get a copy? If and when I get back home, I think it might do well there." Guinan said: "Sure. In fact the recipe combinations are practically endless so it will appeal to a huge cross-section of people, wherever you serve it."
Armis took a credit chit out of a pouch and said: "I'm afraid I don't have any of the local currency but will this cover it?" Guinan smiled and said: "I don't charge anything here in ten-forward. It's all part and parcel of the service aboard Enterprise but thanks for the thought anyway." Armis said: "There are some cultures where I come from who don't believe in profit and loss the same as you do here. It's nice to know that some things are the same." Guinan said: "The Federation is like that but there are other cultures that do believe in profit and loss. Ever met a Ferengi?"
Armis said: "What's a Ferengi?" Guinan said: "It would take too long to explain. You look tired Armis. Maybe you should get some sleep?" Armis stretched in his seat and said: "Madame Guinan, that is the best idea I've heard all day and I think I'll do just that, thank you for the wonderful meal and the enlightening conversation." "Anytime," she said as he left.
Captain Picard was off-duty and relaxing in his quarters to some Picard family label wine after dinner while Chopin played softly in the background. His door chime rang and he looked up from the book he was reading in a lounge chair. He looked up and said: "Come." Guinan was at the door.
Picard got up and said: "Guinan! What an unexpected pleasure this is. Please come in and have a seat. Can I offer you a glass of my family's wine?" Guinan accepted the seat but said: "Not tonight Captain but thank you anyway." Picard noticed the troubled look on her face. He sat back down and said: "Computer, pause playback." The music stopped.
Picard said: "It's a rare thing when you visit me. I'm the one usually going to you. Is something the matter?" Guinan said: "I just met our latest guest, Armis Rau." Picard said: "What's your impression of him then?" Guinan said: "He is very much a stranger in a strange land. He doesn't belong here in this time or this place. He needs to get home as soon as he can."
Picard said: "Have your people ever met other Jedi before him? Is he a threat?" Guinan said: "As with all things in this universe we call home, there are parallel dimensions to its every facet. My people have encountered Jedi before but not in a very, very long time. We have also encountered both kinds." Picard said: "There's more than one type?" Guinan said: "Yes and no Captain. The Jedi have a special set of abilities called the Force." "I know, he told Deanna and I a little about it." he said.
Guinan continued: "The Jedi are only as good or bad as they are taught. Our friend Armis is very much a defender of light but there have been others, fallen Jedi who were not strong enough to resist the call of easy power and quick gain. Not many, but there have been some over time. He needs to go home Captain. I felt it better to tell you this privately rather than in ten-forward. I'm sorry if I disturbed you." Picard walked with her to his door and said: "Not at all Guinan. I welcome your counsel whenever you see fit to give it. You know that. Goodnight."