DAY 2 & 3 – INTERVIEWS & ENCOUNTERS

PART I - INTERVIEWS

Zo was in the Captain's Ready Room getting last minute instructions. "I would like Chef Loc to be here when the Protocol Officer arrives. They need to get to know each other right away."

"Yes, Captain."

"Also, you will need to make sure Lt. Cassidy's quarters are ready. Have a yeoman standing by."

"Yes, Captain."

"With regards to our two engineers, do we have sufficient space for them?"

"I believe so, Captain, but once you confirm whether or not families are involved, I will know for sure."

"Very good, Zo. Anything else you can think of?"

Zo smiled, "No, Captain."

"And you're sure there's nothing else on my agenda for today?" Andy asked regretfully.

Again, Zo smiled, "No, Captain. In fact, Doctor Lor made sure that any other appointments that even might come up were moved to tomorrow."

"That little…"

Zo waited patiently for the Captain's outburst but it didn't come as Commander Long entered the room.

"Little what, Andy? Ferengi?"

Zo knew that was her cue to leave. If anyone could cajole the Captain into accepting her fate, the glib-tongued Jake could do so.

"He's rearranged my schedule." Andy response was indignant.

"And well he should."

"Jake,"

"No, Andrea, listen. He's right. You have got to be on the top of your game. There's too much at stake over the next month for you not to be fully functioning. Get the rest. Now's as good a time as any."

"I don't like it."

Jake smiled, "You just don't like being told what to do. Especially by a little Ferengi doctor."

Andy smiled sheepishly, "Yeah, true."

"So, now that that's behind us, are you ready to meet Kale and Precious?"

"Bring them in."

Jake turned from Andy's desk and walked to the door. As it opened he waved the two candidates into her office. Each took a seat across from the Captain. Jake walked around Andy's desk to stand beside her.

"Welcome, Mr. Kale. Ms. Keever. It's an honor to have you."

Kale, the Andorian, spoke first. True to his species, he was possessed of the green toned skin and independently operating antennae. "It's an honor, Captain, to be here."

Precious responded as well, "Yes, Captain, a true pleasure." Precious Keever was the surprise. She had long blonde hair that she had pulled into a most unbecoming pony-tail. Her eyes were green but you had to get past the thick glasses to see them. Precious Keever was not afraid of hard work and her stout figure showed it. She was toned and her clothes accentuated that fact.

"So, the two of you know what we're looking for."

Each one tried to speak at the same time. They stopped and started, staring at each other.

"Ladies, first." Kale indicated.

"Why ladies first? Can't Andorians go first?"

"I was being polite."

"No need on my account."

"Well, no need to be nice to me, either," was the Andorian's indignant response.

Andy looked at Jake who shrugged his shoulders.

"Look," the Captain interrupted, "Ms. Keever, why don't you go first."

"Alright, I will. I believe that I am more than qualified to work on any medical equipment you may have on this station. I've also seen many different prototypes and have worked in labs developing machinery for hospitals and clinics across the galaxy."

Kale excitedly interrupted Precious, "Well, I've been working in the Andorian Science Institute since leaving Starfleet. I, too, have worked on a number of different types of equipment. And, I have been commended repeatedly for my performance and the performance of my staff."

"Is that so?" Keever looked at Kale, "Well, in addition to my medical work, I served two tours in Starfleet. I was an assistant to the Chief Engineer. My team was responsible for the regular maintenance and care of the warp drive engines. Also, there wasn't a replicator or transporter I couldn't fix."

Kale picked up the argument, reciting his tours of duty and his expertise on a ship as well.

Andy and Jake continued to let the two overachievers argue back and forth. Again, she cast a woeful eye to Jake who was making every attempt not to burst out laughing at the antics of the two candidates. Finally, Andrea had heard enough.

"Stop!" Kale and Precious both jumped at the sound of the Captain's voice. "It's obvious to me you are both qualified. The fact is there's enough work that we need two people. That's why you're here. It's not a competition."

Kale was shocked, "It's not?"

"She just said it wasn't, dimwit. Didn't you hear her?" Precious chastised.

"I'm just surprised, that's all" was Kale's response and the two started their arguing again.

"For the love of Pete!" Andy exclaimed, "Enough!"

Again, the two combatants stopped their battle.

"You are both immediately reinstated into Starfleet with the rank of Lieutenant. Mr. Kale, you will be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of Jarvik Station."

Precious started to respond, but the Captain held up a forestalling hand, "Ms. Keever, you will be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all medical equipment on Jarvik Station."

Kale started to interrupt but the Captain glared back, "There is no reason that, if one of you is busy, the other cannot help and vice versa. I expect the two of you to work together, overseeing the maintenance staffs from each of the respective medical divisions. Understood?"

Again, both Lieutenants tried to speak only to have Andy stop them, "Just nod your heads, please?"

They shared a glance and then nodded. "Lieutenant Kale, do you have family that needs to be transported here to Jarvik?"

"No, Captain, I'm not married. I have a few personal belongings but one of my friends can have those shipped to me."

"Good. How about you, Lieutenant Keever?"

"No, ma'am, I'm not married either. It's just me and my cat."

"You have a cat." Andy paused, "Very well, Lieutenant, please make arrangements to have your cat and any other of your personal belongings transferred to Jarvik Station immediately. Two days from now, the remainder of the staffs, merchants and their families will be arriving. You will have a very busy time solving the issues that arise with equipment and plant on that day. I suggest, Lieutenant Kale and Lieutenant Keever, you take a long look around the station and get familiar with every nook and cranny."

For the first time since they entered the Captain's office, their response was in unison, "Yes, Captain."

"Commander Long," Andy turned to Jake who had been watching the activities with amusement, "Have Ensign Zo show our engineering TEAM their office and get them assigned quarters right away."

"Yes, Captain." Was Jake's quick response.

"Congratulations, you two are also members of Jarvik's senior staff. Don't make me regret that."

And for the second time, their response was a unified "Yes, Captain."

Andy stood, bringing the interview to an end. Jake showed them out to Zo and then came back in, laughing.

"They've already started arguing again."

Andy shook her head, "Good grief."

"It'll be fine, Andy. If nothing more, it'll be fun to watch."

"Great. That's all I need."

The Captain's desk-com buzzed, "Captain, Lt. Cassidy and Chef Loc are here."

"No, that's all you need." Jake replied. "I'll show them in on my way out." And her Security Chief headed out of Andy's Ready Room. But, before he departed, he turned back, "Oh, and sleep well, Captain."

"Out!"

The doors closed and then opened again quickly as Lt. Brenna Cassidy, the new Protocol Officer assigned to Jarvik Station, entered Andy's office followed closely by Chef Loc. Andy indicated the available chairs and the two sat down.

"Thank you, Chef, for joining our meeting. I apologize for the short notice." Andy started.

"No problem, Captain, I'm happy to help." Andy heard the underlying sarcasm in the Ferengi's tone but let it pass.

The young lieutenant chimed in, "Well, I know that I was thrilled to find out the famous Chef Loc was going to be doing the meals. It is truly an honor, Chef."

Loc preened under the compliments.

"Lieutenant, I know that you've already been briefed from Federation headquarters as to what to expect. I, personally, have no preconceived ideas. I am open to your suggestions."

"Well, then, Captain, I was thinking that on the day of arrival, stringed music, something pleasant, would be nice in the background. And for the main banquet, dancers from several of the represented groups would be in order."

Andy listened as Brenna continued with her plans. Chef Loc, Andy discovered, also had a keen mind for what would and wouldn't work in the situations described. After another twenty minutes of discussion, the Captain was satisfied.

"Well, I believe it's in very good hands between the two of you. I only have one real request, Lieutenant."

"What's that, Captain?"

Andy smiled, "Make me look good."

The lieutenant laughed stuffily, "Of course, Captain."

Andy pushed a button on her desk and Yeoman Capri entered the Ready Room. "This gentleman will take you to your quarters, Lieutenant. My ensign, Zola, is available for any assistance you may need. Also, my entire staff is at your disposal should you have any questions. Thank you, again, Brenna, and welcome to Jarvik."

The lieutenant nodded her thanks and turned to leave with Chef Loc behind her.

"Chef, a few more minutes of your time, please?"

The chef turned and came back to the Captain's desk.

"I need your services, Chef."

Loc was instantly in business mode, "My services, Captain? What might that be?"

"The day after the migration I want to host a small reception in my quarters for the senior staff. I would like you to cater. This will be a paying event, Chef."

The chef smiled, "Ah, profit, Captain, I do like the sound."

Andy smiled back, "I was sure you would. Then you'll do it?"

Loc replied, "I will, Captain, but I'd like to make you a deal."

Andy was wary but replied, "Alright, Chef. What's your deal?"

"I've got some new recipes I've wanted to try in order to get them ready for the new restaurant. I haven't had time for a proper tasting. If I could use your little event for that, I wouldn't charge you full price. You'd be doing me a favor, as well."

Andy agreed immediately, "Done. To be on the ground floor of Chef Loc creations, I'm excited!"

He offered his hand to consummate the agreement. "Done, Captain. Three nights from now, in your quarters. See you then." And Chef Loc left the Ready Room.

After the interviews had wrapped up, Andy had ventured outside to speak to Ensign Zo, only to run right into Doctor Lor.

"I understand your interviews are completed. You could start your eight hours now." The smug little Ferengi told the Captain.

"We agreed, so long as I was in my quarters by 10:00 pm that would be acceptable."

"Very well, Captain, just don't forget." And he left the area.

Andy tried to keep her fury in tact as she turned to the Ensign. "Zo, I…"

"Captain, everything is done for today. Please, go ahead and do what the doctor wants. How bad could it really be?"

Andy started to respond one way to Zo but decided against it. Instead she answered, "Very well, Ensign. Unless the station is under attack, I guess I'm not to be disturbed. And, if it should come under attack, please make sure to tell the enemy leader that Doctor Lor is Commander in Chief."

Zo stifled her laugh but responded, "As you wish, Captain," to Andrea's exiting back.