Paint and Powder

A Star Trek anthology by Andrew Joshua Talon

DISCLAIMER: This is a non-profit fan based work of prose. Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager et al are the property of CBS Television, and creation of Gene Roddenberry. Please support the official release.

Enterprise: "Conundrum"

By Blueshift14

"...so for now, maybe one of us should stay here in - Ten Forward, was it? - and try to make sure no one does anything disruptive while we figure out what's going on."

"I'll stay," the white-haired, violet eyed female that couldn't remember anything before standing on the bridge of this warship not too long ago said to the handsome bearded man. "Honestly, it's about the only thing I'm good for right now; at least I'm not being dead weight on the bridge while I'm here."

"Don't sell yourself short, alright? We're all in this together," the bearded man gave a very reassuring smile.

The white-haired woman smiled back. "Well. I guess we are."

The man chuckled, then turned and left for the bridge, the female pilot sticking very close by as he did. Dammit, the white-haired woman thought. Maybe staying here wasn't such a good idea. Hopefully she could make up for lost time later.

After going around and making sure everyone was calm, making sure to let everyone know the problem was being handled by professionals, she sat at the bar across from the android bartender, trying to look professional and making sure no one could tell how down she was feeling. Apparently, she was failing, as the brunette that gave them the situation - probably a civilian expert brought on board, no way that jumpsuit was regulation - sat down next do her. "You seem troubled."

The white-haired woman snorted. "Those 'empathic powers' pick that up?"

"You seem to be a hard read. Let's call this a 'gut feeling'. You don't have to say anything if you don't want to, however." Damn it, she wasn't supposed to be supposed to be reasonable, she was clearly going after that wonderful beard too! Take a number, sister...

The white-haired woman sighed. "It's just - everyone else on the bridge, you could tell they were supposed to be there. The captain knew everything about tactics, the pilot had the conn, the visored guy had the engineering down pat, the cute bearded guy kept everyone focused, the bald guy - I don't know, the ships diplomat or something? Kind of a weenie, should probably leave the warship before he breaks a nail - even he was trying to make sure everything's working and tried to keep everyone rational. I just - kind of stood there watching everyone else do something useful while all I could do was say something trite like 'that sounds like a good idea!' and 'we should probably do that!'."

The white-haired woman leaned on the bar and groaned slightly. "I don't want to make this all about me - everyone else is trying to figure this out, too. But I feel like I could be doing so much more, but instead of having any relevant skills I'm just - I just feel like I'm empty. Disconnected."

"If I may interject," the android bartender said politely as he handed a drink to another confused patron. "I have noticed that I possess abilities that far outstretch what is necessary for my role as bartender. By the by, would you like a beverage?" At her shake of the head, he continued. "Nevertheless, I have noticed my role seems to be keeping operations smoothly running for the time being under these circumstances."

"Great," the white-haired woman muttered. "Even the drink dispenser is doing more to help than me."

"I disagree," the bartender continued. "I have observed you have been putting far more of an effort than most of this crew thus far. Most seem to be residing in or near where the event first happened and are trying to wait for others to try and solve the problem. You, however, seem to be taking the initiative and pushing forward. You could have stayed on the bridge and waited for the other bridge crew to solve the problem, but instead, you came down with the others to check on the ship, volunteered to stay here in Ten Forward and made sure everyone was calm as the crisis is being solved."

The brunette at her side nodded. "You've been very admirable. I've been sensing emotions running wild all day, and you've managed to calm everyone here in just a few moments. You should feel proud of yourself."

The bartender nodded as well. "In my opinion, you have done an exemplary job."

Huh. The white-haired woman leaned back in her chair. Were they right? Maybe she was trying too hard to do something big and exciting just because this was a military vessel. Maybe before the memory loss, she played some sort of background role, like nurse or - or a counselor, maybe? Seemed weird to have one on a ship that could devastate a continent, but then wasn't this just what she showed? That they needed someone to look after their morale?

She smiled at the bartender. "Thank you. I really needed that. I guess maybe I should just... try and keep everyone happy. I don't have to be a soldier or general or anything." With a wry grin, she added, "Honestly, I'd much rather be a bartender than any of those things anyways."

The bartender got a puzzled look on his face.

"She's complimenting you," the brunette explained, a soft smile on her lips.

"Oh. Thank you," The bartender said before going back to wiping the counter.

Come to think of it... Maybe I should start casting my net out some more instead of just trying to hook the one bearded cutie. Plenty of more fish in the sea.

"You wouldn't happen to remember if you have time off later, do you?" The white-haired woman asked as she leaned forward.

"Really?!" The brunette whispered, trying not to laugh. "He's an artificial being!"

"So?" The white-haired woman whispered back, not taking her eyes off her prey for a second. "Maybe that just means he vibrates!"

A very silly episode, but hey, they could have erased Enterprise's memories too...