DAY 2 & 3 – INTERVIEWS & ENCOUNTERS

PART II - ENCOUNTERS

Andrea had a full head of steam as she stomped across the main promenade. The area had been growing busier and busier by the day as more businesses opened and more people moved onto Jarvik Station. By day after tomorrow, with the final influx of all the residents, the population would be larger than some planets. As Andrea focused on this and other issues working through her brain, she didn't see the gentleman walking the other way. The collision was imminent. The body that Andy hit didn't move. In fact, had it not been for the two strong arms that grabbed her shoulders, it would have been the Captain on her butt in the middle of the busy station. As she looked the length of him, Andy could tell this was the body of someone who cared about his appearance and took great pains to keep himself in shape. She then looked up into the deepest brown eyes she had ever seen. So dark, in fact, that they appeared unfathomable. The man's hair was also dark, showing only slight signs of graying at the temple. He stood still as Andy finished her exploration of his features, smiling slightly when she made eye contact again. Andrea turned bright red and quickly broke the stranger's embrace.

"I am so terribly sorry, sir. I was miles away." Andrea stammered.

"That's quite alright. It's nice to have an attractive young lady try to knock you off your feet." The voice was rich and smooth, like honey on a hot day. If Andy's blush had been red before her face was now on fire from the suggestive tone in his voice.

She tried to get herself under control as she responded, "Is there something I could help you with?"

The man smiled. "Well, I am looking for my niece. Do you think you could help me with that?"

"Probably. Who's your niece?"

"Lt. Lessa Couchatta," Was the stranger's reply.

Andy smiled. "It's actually Lieutenant Commander now and she should just about be ready to get off duty. Follow me."

Andy led the stranger to a turbo lift and gave the command for the Communications/Security Center. "And how do you know Lessa again?" Andy attempted to make small talk, hoping to draw out a name.

He smiled at her attempts, "I'm her uncle. Just here for a quick visit." The stranger's reply was still cryptic and no name.

Andy nodded as the doors to the lift opened, depositing them on the Security Room level. The squeal from the other side of the room was almost deafening.

"Uncle Kota!" Lessa flew from her console into the outstretched arms of her relative. He returned the hug, affection flowing between the two. "How did you find me?"

"Your captain was kind enough to escort me." He answered simply.

Andy was surprised at his recognition of her rank but didn't comment.

"Why so formal, Uncle? This is Captain Andrea Thoreau. Captain, my uncle..."

Lessa's uncle quickly supplied, "Call me Kota."

Andy extended her hand in formal greeting, "Please, call me Andy."

Kota's smile was unreadable, "It's a pleasure to meet you…Andy."

The sound of her name, in that rich, honeyed voice, sent involuntary chills. His handshake was firm and warm. Andy wanted to run but was held, mesmerized by Lessa's mysterious uncle.

The captain finally found her voice and removed her hand from his grasp, "Well, uh…Lessa." Andy turned to her Communications Officer, "I'll be in my quarters, if you need me."

"Beginning your eight hours, ma'am?" Lessa asked lightly.

Andy scowled, "Yes, Commander. Feel free to interrupt me."

"No, thank you. Doctor Lor made it quite clear what the chain of command is during your," she paused for emphasis, "nap period."

"Ha ha, very funny. Enjoy your time with your uncle." Andy brought the conversation to a close. "Kota."

"Captain." And Andrea left the two family members alone.

"What was that all about?" Her uncle asked innocently.

Lessa smiled. "She's a person with whom you would have much in common, Uncle. She doesn't sleep much either."

Kota watched as the lift doors closed on the pretty captain. He had seen her when she entered the promenade. Her head down, studying the info-PADD intently, she had been oblivious to everything around her. It had been easy to put himself in her path. What he hadn't counted on was the instant attraction he felt the minute they touched. If her blush and stammering were any indication, she was affected as well.

"So, what's this eight hour nap?" he continued as Lessa finished her shift and began walking out of the Communications hub.

"The Chief Medical Officer ordered her to take eight hours off and sleep. Knowing Andy, I doubt she'll close her eyes but she'll at least stay out of sight." Lessa locked her arm with her Uncle's and guided him to the Turbo lift, "But enough about her, why are you here?"

He smiled at his niece's enthusiasm, "I wanted to check on you before I had to ship out, Lieutenant Commander Couchatta." He emphasized her new rank.

Lessa giggled and they continued to talk as the lift doors closed.

Andy was in her quarters, two hours before she had to be. It was 8 pm. She had to stay in her room until after 4 am. She was going to go absolutely insane at the enforced isolation. Andy had decided she might as well try to sleep so she had changed into the sleep pants and tank top she favored. The lights had been dimmed in her quarters and soft music played in the background. She was just about to stretch out when her door bell rang.

She was surprised to find Lessa standing there. "Problems, Commander? I thought you had orders from the doctor?"

Lessa smiled at the captain's somewhat surly tone, "No problems, ma'am. Actually, I've brought you a gift." And she handed Andrea the unusual looking ring.

"Thank you," Andrea said hesitantly, "What is it?"

Lessa laughed, "It's called a dream catcher. In mine and my uncle's traditions, we believe that the dream catcher will keep in the good dreams and keep the bad ones out. My uncle swears by his."

"Your uncle?"

"Yes, he's suffers insomnia like you. When I mentioned it, he said we needed to give this to you."

Andy was flattered by their thoughtfulness, "Lessa, I don't know what to say."

The young officer smiled, "Say nothing, Captain. Just put it near your bed and let it do the rest."

"Thank you. I will. And thank your uncle, too."

"I will, Captain. Sleep well." And with that she left.

Andrea returned to her sleeping area, studying the unusual item. "Well," she thought to herself, "I've tried everything else, might as well try this." And she put it near the top of her bed and then stretched out.

It seemed like only minutes and Andy was floating. She was completely relaxed, engulfed by warmth. The deep voice, like rich honey, spoke in her dreams.

"You only needed to know you were protected and cared for. Here, lean back against me."

Andy relaxed into the embrace and felt two strong arms wrap around her. She smiled as the pleasant dreams played around her and she slept.

It was 10:30 am and Captain Thoreau had not reported for duty. Ensign Zola was beside herself. She had contacted Commander Couchatta but the Captain's intercom had not been turned back on, per her agreement with Doctor Lor. As 11:00 am neared and there was still no sign of the Captain, the ensign called Doctor Davies and Commander Long to the Ready Room.

"There's got to be something wrong. She is never, ever late."

Jake laughed, "Maybe she overslept."

Drew joined in the laughter but the Ensign was serious, "Stop it!"

The two men looked at the little spitfire and sobered up. Drew placated, "Alright, Zo, we'll go to her quarters. She's probably just putting in extra time so Lor can't come back on her later." And the two men exited to go check on the Captain.

In her quarters, Andrea awoke with a start. She looked around the room, confused. Had there been someone with her or had she dreamed it? Dreams….dream catcher and she made the connection. The talisman was still at the head of her bed where she had placed it last night. Andrea knew nothing had happened but she couldn't quite clear the fog.

The captain jumped at the sound of her door. "Probably Lor telling me I can come out now," she groused. She opened it and was surprised to see Jake and Drew standing there.

"What's up?" She asked waving them in.

The two men shared a glance and then Drew replied, "Do you know what time it is?"

"Not really, but I figure it's around 6 or 7." Was Andy's nonchalant reply as she dressed.

"Try 11:30 am, Captain," Jake answered.

Andy flew out of the dressing area, her jacket not fully secured, "What! Why didn't someone get me earlier? Are you all crazy?" She hurriedly finished dressing and returned to her seating area where the two most senior officers had remained.

"What's this?" Jake picked up the dream catcher.

"Nothing," Andy replied, "Let's go. I need to have a talk with Commander Couchatta." And the Captain left her quarters with the other two officers trailing behind.

At the Communications & Security hub, Andrea went straight to Lessa and pulled her aside into a small room. Drew and Jake watched the Captain, not sure if she hadn't lost her mind.

Lessa was shocked by the Captain's sudden appearance and order to join her but she hurriedly left her station. Once inside the small room, Andy turned on her Communications Officer.

"What…I mean…where…hell, I don't know what I mean." Andy fumbled for words.

"Are you alright, Captain?" Lessa asked, concerned.

"I don't know, Lessa. I had the strangest dreams and sensations last night."

Lessa smiled, knowingly, "The dream catcher."

"It's just a piece of wood with strings and feathers, Lessa. It's not magic."

Lessa still smiled, "Some say it is magic, Captain. My uncle swears by it."

"Your uncle," here was Andy's real issue, "where is he?"

"He left on the morning transport at 0-900. He had to return to his post."

"He's Starfleet?"

"Yes. He didn't tell you?"

"You didn't tell me." The captain accused, but continued, "I know this is going to sound strange, Lessa, but what did the two of you do last night?"

"It's not strange, Captain. Believe it or not I understand. My uncle and I dined at the restaurant on Promenade 8 and we talked to almost 2 in the morning. The restaurant owner had to run us out. He then went to his guest quarters and didn't leave until the transport this morning."

"I think…" Again, Andy stammered for words, "I don't know what I think."

Lessa spoke, with a tone wise beyond her years, "My uncle is considered a mystic among our race. He is said to possess certain powers and skills passed down from his father and his father before him. I have no doubt that you dreamed something that you cannot explain, Captain. My only question is this: were your dreams pleasurable?"

Andy smiled, "Yes, Lessa, they were."

"And did you sleep well?" She continued.

"Yes, Commander, I did."

"Then all is well, Captain." Lessa stated. She started to leave but turned back to her commanding officer, "I have one more thing to say to you, but I don't think you're going to like it."

Andy shrugged, "Go ahead, Lessa."

"My uncle says to tell you that the two of you will see each other again and, next time, it will be real." And the Lieutenant Commander left her Captain with a perplexed look.