Stardate: 60303.1944
Title: That New Car Smell, Part 1
Author: Captain Alexander Khavok
Time: Current
Scene: Observation Lounge Starbase 5


Admiral Foster stood quietly in the observation lounge looking at the young officer staring out of the view port. He stood just less than six feet tall with a muscular build. 

*He does know how to fill out a uniform* Elizabeth thought.

Leaning comfortably against a bulkhead the officer gazed intently at the USS Relentless cradled in her berth. His shoulder length black hair was caught in a silver ring at the nape of his neck. There was a certain animal grace,
reminiscent of a large hunting cat in the man's easy movements as he shifted position. The young Captain stretched obviously enjoying his view.

The doors to the lounge swooshed open and a very gaudily dressed Ferengi stomped his way inside imperiously demanding, "Captain! Captain Khavok! Captain this won't do at all!"

From her view Admiral Foster saw just how quickly Khavok could react. Before the echo of the ferengi's first demanding syllable could fade, Alexander had gone from a relaxed position in one of combat readiness, his hand automatically reaching for the phaser holstered at his lower back. Realizing who the interloper was Alex quickly switched his gesture to one of brushing something from his sleeve. Elizabeth noted how quickly he covered and the fact that the stance Khavok chose was one of readiness and not anything that could have been considered directly threatening. She was less pleased at the phaser's presence.

"Administrator Owbron, is there a problem," Captain Khavok asked, no trace of displeasure in his posture or tone.

"I should say so!" Godron blustered, red showing thru the Ferengi's brown skin, "There must be some mistake with my quarters!"

"Mistake," Alex said mildly.

"Yes! I have been relegated to the junior Ambassadorial quarters. This is an intolerable insult for one of my importance and station," Godron howled, stopping just shy of stamping his foot.

Alex made a placating gesture, "I'm certain you are right. I'm sure we can resolve this quickly and quietly."

Godron began to draw in a deep breath as Elizabeth walked into the room. "Gentlemen, is there a problem here," she asked, the sweetness in her voice not masking the steel in her tone.

Alex moving quickly to the position of attention said crisply, "no, sir!"

"Yes Admiral there is a problem, if it wasn't completely obvious by this point," Godron yelled, spittle flying, "I am an Administrator, do I have to explain everything! Are you lackeys the best Star Fleet has to offer?"

Outwardly unaffected by the Ferengi's tirade, inwardly Alex was furious. The Captain would have dearly loved to deliver a crushing back fist to the annoying diplomat. Not for the first time Alex wished he could solve this problem the way the took care of problems during the war. Khavok knew better of course, but it didn't hurt to wish.

For the first time Elizabeth showed some irritation, "Alex, why hasn't this been seen to?"

"I'm very sorry sir, with the preparations to get underway and the new crew…"

"Excuses!" raved Godron.

Foster turned to the administrator, "I deeply apologize for the insult given you by the Captain, I regret that youth can sometimes make mistakes. I have the utmost confidence this can be resolved to your satisfaction."

Godron settled somewhat by the Admiral's remarks raked Alex with a sneering gaze, "yes, I quite see that now. Perhaps time will give this pup better manners."

One of Godron's retinue approached the administrator and whispered ingratiatingly into his ear. Casting a final look of disdain at Alex, Owbron gathered the rest of his retinue and prepared to storm out of the room. Turning back the Ferengi spat, "Admiral I trust you will see to the discipline in this matter." The Ferengi then made his grand exit not bothering to wait for the Admiral's reply.

The doors swished shut and Libby noticed the anger and stiffness in Alex's posture as he glared out of the viewport.

"Alex," she said, "don't be like that, you know why I did what I did."

"Of course, sir."

Elizabeth moved closer to the young man, and put her arm around his waist, "is it to be Admiral and Captain now? Pity things always change."

Alex relaxed a bit, accepting her embrace, "things did get a bit complicated didn't they."

Libby sighed.

A short time of companionable silence passed between the two who were many things: more than friends, not quite lovers, Admiral and Captain. Alex put his arm around her shoulders and gave her a tight squeeze. He then stepped a half pace away.

"What are your orders sir?"

Foster stroked the man's face one last time and composed herself, "for the moment, keep that repulsive slug happy, and prepare for your maiden voyage. I have a list of systems I want checked."

"Yes sir," Khavok said, "May the Captain ask a question?"

"Granted."

"Do I have to keep him alive and comfortable?"

Admiral Elizabeth Foster smiled, "yes you do."

Alex affected a pout and said with mock stiffness, "aye-aye sir."

Elizabeth linked her arm with her junior officer and they turned towards the viewport.

"What do you think of her?" Libby asked.

"Magnificent, she's everything I dreamed of. The refit was more that I could have asked for. I can't wait to take her out."

"Good, just make sure you bring her back."

"I always do."

The Admiral unlinked her arm from the Captain and turned to leave the lounge. Alex watched her leave in the reflection of the viewport. 

"I'll miss you," Alex said softly as the doors swished shut behind Admiral Foster. He turned back and looked for a moment out at the Relentless nestled in her berth. A smile lit his face as he grabbed his bag. The Captain turned from the lounge towards his new home and future.


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Captain Alexander Khavok
Commanding Officer
USS Relentless
NCC-11966
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