Monsters, Demons, and Things "
By: Patia Zoei, Chief Counselor, [PC]
Giuseppe Silvio, Chief Engineer, [RNPC]

Stardate: 58206.16 0200

==Miranda's==

Silvio sipped his drink and watched the people in Miranda's. After they had resolved the holodeck issue Silvio decided to stop in here rather tan back to his quarters to sleep. Sleeping seemed the bring unwanted dreams. Silvio was avoiding sleep by putting in a lot of work hours. Silvio was also pondering the whole Birkoff Virus issue. Something did not add up about it, there was no way he should be able to hide viruses all over the ship. Silvio decided he was going to pay a visit to auxiliary control in the morning.

The doors opened and Silvio was surprised to see Patia walk in. It was pretty late. His heart skipped a beat as she looked around the room.

She crossed her arms and tucked her hand into the crook of her elbow. A horrid dream had chased her from the warm blankets into corridors of the ship. She suppressed a yawn as a shiver shuddered down her spine. A glance around the room showed Silvio, glass cradled in his hands, in her favorite corner booth.

Silvio watched as she crossed the room, "Hi there," he said as she got closer, "What brings you out so late at night?"

"Monsters and demons and things that go bump in the night," the smile that whisked across her face didn't quite light her eyes. "How about you?" She slid sideways into the booth, drawing both knees up and wrapping her arms around them.

Silvio forced a smile on his face, "Just working. Trying to get this ship ready for QulTuq." Silvio wondered what kind of monsters were going bump in the night for Patia.

"Having success?" She leaned forward, her chin resting on her knee.

"A little," he said, "I am looking forward to turning the ship over to QulTuq. I could use a break." Silvio was not sure what he would do with his time off on QulTuq, "What do you have planned for the station?"

"Undecided, other than a visit with the rat fink who purports to be my brother," a slight smile whispered faintly across her lips. "I have a bad feeling, I can't explain it. I don't really want to go to Qul Tuq."

Silvio arched an eyebrow, "What kind of bad feeling?"

"Someone is there. He was there the last time I was at Qul Tuq. I never saw him, but I felt him. He hasn't left. It sounds crazy, I know it does, but I also know he is there."

Silvio set his drink down, suddenly feeling protective of Patia, "And you think this person might want to hurt you?"

"No, I think he has already hurt me as much as he can. I don't think he wants any more hurt, maybe absolution," she paused, a quizzical look on her face. She shook her head slightly, "I am not the person to give it, though."

Silvio's memory flashed back to the conversation he had with her about Lucio. He remembered it in clear detail and he remembered the hurt she expressed, "This is about Lucio, isn't it," he asked, "The person who did this is on QulTuq, isn't he?"

Stiffly, she nodded. "Why is it that you never truly leave behind what formed you? Forever, bits of him, and what happened, will stay with me." She shuddered. "I don't want to see him."

"I can't imagine you would want to see him. Maybe we should leave QulTuq", suggested Silvio, "and go somewhere else to get away."

"Where would we go?" One eyebrow quirked slightly, interest in the possibility arising.

"We could take a runabout and just fly," said Silvio, "We could go to Betazed."

"Go home? Do you think you want to meet my parents? They are formidable people, and they will know what you are up to" she wiggled her eyebrows at him, a half smile tipped up one side of her mouth.

Silvio tried his best to look offended, "Up to," he said innocently, "I am not up to anything."

"Tell that to my father, and remember, sweet talking Italians are nothing," she made a swift movement with her hand, "nothing, to an old Betazed man." She giggled softly.

"Sweet talking," Silvio let out a sign of mock exasperation, "You never know," he smiled, "He might like me."

"I didn't say he wouldn't like you, I said he would know what you were up to," she shook her head. "There is a big difference. I like that idea, actually, but I do need to see the dope and his darling wife before we leave. I also have three children that need an auntie spoiling."

"Once again, I am not up to anything," he said. "Hey, do you like flowers?"

She tilted her head as she considered. "Yes, I have to say I do, but not just run of the mill, every day flowers. I prefer exotic ones."

"Like what," prompted Silvio.

"Silver wings, which my mother used to grow, are my favorites. They look, surprisingly enough, like silver pixie wings. Landoll lilies are another, their perfume is divine. Are you a fan of flowers?"

Silvio locked the names of those flowers in his mind for future reference, "They're ok I guess."

"Just ok? What is your mother's favorite flower?" Patia quizzed him.

"Papa always bought her red roses," he said.

"But was that her favorite? Or was that what he thought he should give her because women love roses?" Patia raised one eyebrow delicately.

Silvio shrugged, "She seemed to like them," he said honestly.

"Flowers are a beautiful thing," Patia leaned back and yawned. Her attempt to stifle it was unsuccessful.

"You are tired," he said, "we better get Chief Counselor Zoei to bed." Silvio smiled at her.

She shook her head, tension straightening her spine. Softly, a shudder rippled through her. "Bed time it is."

Silvio stood up and offered her is hand, "I will walk you home," he said.

She unfolded her legs and stood up, her fingers clasped in his warm hand. "Thank you, I appreciate that."