You would think that traveling through the galaxy on a space ship with a real live alien on board would be exciting but, in reality, not so much. After Lee, Chip and the Admiral had been given the grand tour of the USS Hammond and been introduced to Hermoid, the alien on loan apparently from another Air Force spaceship; (Lee would never admit it but he could understand why Admiral Starke might be having some inferiority complexes when it came to the Air Force and all their nifty ships); as well as the rest of the command crew, it came down to spending a few days in cramped quarters with nothing to do but read and play games, at least for Lee and Chip.

"Do you have any fives?"

"Go fish."

Lee gave his best friend the evil eye and threw his cards down in a huff. "I can't believe I let you talk me into this."

"It's more fun than watching you gaze adoringly at the F302's down in the landing bay," Chip shook his head slowly, "it was sad and frankly a little disturbing and don't think the Zoomies didn't notice."

Lee squawked, "Hey!" but Chip paid him no mind as he continued; "And what was I supposed to tell the Flying Sub when we got home, you, with another ship's oil on your clothes?"

Lee raised an eyebrow and snorted, "Beneath that perfectly pressed exterior is one very strange individual and yet, you look so normal."

Chip grinned, "Effective mimicry."

"Promise me when your people finally invade that you'll be benevolent rulers." Lee gathered up the cards and started shuffling, ducking the swat Chip aimed at his head.

"Want to get something to eat?" Chip started, giving his friend a wide eyed look Lee caught as he looked up. "What?"

"You're hungry?"

"I'm bored and I could use a cup of coffee and maybe some pie."

"They do have good pie," Chip mused, "although, what's up with the blue jello at every meal?

##########

"I don't know whether to be worried or not Major." Shepherd and Lorne watched the Marines on KP for the week huddled down planning out the menu for Admiral Nelson's visit with all the seriousness of men and women about to storm an enemy beachhead. Lorne distinctly heard "No, no I've heard he's not fond of peaches so that recipe is out," followed by grim nods all around.

Shepherd sighed, he was rather fond of peaches but he didn't want to throw a spanner in the works. Sure he was the commanding officer but even though he knew his people would follow him anywhere and took that responsibility very seriously; in this case he wouldn't want to put that loyalty to the test.

"Did I mention we're both expected in the Staff Sergeant's office at 1400 hours to judge the flower arrangement samples submitted for the table settings while the Admiral is here?" Lorne murmured innocently.

Shepherd rolled his head and gave his Second a look. "Well I guess that answers the question of whether to be worried or not." he drawled. Lorne grinned.

They continued to watch the kitchen crew as Pvt. Rankin demonstrate folding an origami swan from a paper napkin to the approval of his staff mates.

Shepherd sipped his coffee, "Gonna be an interesting visit." Lorne nodded.