Dinner at Miranda's "
By: Patia Zoei, Chief Counselor, [PC]
Dr. Alyssa Caitlin Northrop, Intel Officer, [PST]

Stardate: 58205.09 1715

Patia's Quarters

Patia sifted through her closet. Uniform after uniform, dress uniform, everyday uniform, uniforms for as far as the eye could see. Did she not have a life outside of work? Finally, at the very back, she found a pair of denim pants with tapered ankles. Next to that was a soft, black shirt. Quickly she changed clothing and slipped into her black boots. It shouldn't be that hard to find something to wear when she wasn't on duty. Her first stop on Qul Tuq, after reading her brother the riot act, was going to be a casual clothing boutique. It felt strange to be out of uniform, but not unpleasant. She glanced in her mirror. The reflection looking back did not remind her of her in the least. She tucked her hair behind her ears and strode from her quarters.

With quick, confident strides, she walked to the Turbo lift. As she entered, she stated "Deck Ten." The rapid motion rocked her on her feet. The doors slid open and she strode through.

When she arrived at Miranda's, she scanned the room. There was no sign of Dr. Northrup yet. She paused at the replicator, "Raspberry Iced Tea." The cold glass appeared and she picked it up as she looked for a table. The table near the large window was empty. She slid onto the bench. She gazed out the window while she waited.

Alyssa looked in her closet, through the multitude of clothing items. Smiling, she pulled out a white silk skirt. It had a nice floral pattern embroidered on it and it ended just before her knees. It had been a while since she'd gotten to wear nice clothes. She never wore things like this on digs....it was too easy to ruin them. No...these were best left for when she was at home....with nothing to snag her clothing on. After laying it on the bed, she pulled out a simple black blouse. Moving quickly, she dressed and added a pair of heels. They were her favorite ones....nice little strappy numbers....tying off around the ankle.

Leaving her hair tied back with the barrette she'd found herself wearing quiet a bit recently, she headed for the turbo lift. "Deck Ten."

When the lift came to a stop, she walked out and down the hallway to Miranda's. The doors to the lounge opened and she glanced around the room. Alyssa caught sight of Patia at a table over by the window. After getting a glass of sweetened ice tea from the replicator, she headed for the table were Patia was. Sliding onto the bench across from her, "Hello.....I hope you had a pleasant day."

Patia smiled. "It was a good day. How was yours?" Her hands were loosely clasped around her tea, the cool glass sweaty against her hands.

Alyssa sipped at her tea before answering, "Oh....pretty good. Spent most of it in the office, reading up on Klingon culture. Don't suppose you'd be interested in sharing a plate of Bregit Lung with me?" She smiled a little, just to show she was kidding.

Patia chuckled. "You know, I am such a fussy eater. I appreciate the offer, but I will have to pass. Are you ready to leave for the Klingon vessel?"

"For the most part yeah....still not entirely sure what to expect. Though I hear that while I'm over there....there will be a Klingon over here in my spot. You all should be in for a heck of a ride." The Archeologist smiled.

"Though the most sketchy thing about all this is that I'm going to be in the Intel department over there.....but what are they really going to tell me? I'm expecting to be bored for the next 4 days."

"That is what I was thinking. I hope it will have a positive outcome for the relations between the two. Is there anything in particular you hope to experience while you are there?" Patia leaned forward, her chin propped on the palm of her hand.

"You know...I don't really know what I'm hoping to experience." Northrop smiled, looking across the table, "I mean....I like to learn about other cultures....and I already speak Klingon. So....this is my chance to observe and learn. Hopefully I won't be getting too many choice words thrown my way."

"But think of the potential for expansion of your vocabulary," Patia laughed. "You know, I have studied languages before. It is always so still and formal. It has the proper context of the language, but that is now how language is usually represented. The chance to use the language in its true environment would be very exciting. Not to change the subject, but I have been wondering what you enjoy most about being an archaeologist."

Alyssa considered the question for a moment, "Well....I think I like the whole aspect of finding things that no one was supposed to. Guess that makes me a tomb raider....but I enjoy it. It's a rush....you have to experience it to understand. But ancient peoples didn't want people getting at certain things...and you have to be smart enough to get past their traps. I suppose that's similar to counseling. You have to be smart enough to get past a person's subconscious to help them, right?"

"It isn't always a person's subconscious I need to work around. Sometimes, it is their conscious, in your face resistance to dealing with their issues that can be the challenge. Either way, you are digging through issues, sifting through barriers. When you think about it that way, it does have a few things in common with archaeology. What made you decide to become a tomb raider?" Patia shifted slightly and dropped her hands to her lap.

"Well...my Daddy did it...and I suppose you could say it was in my blood. I mean...I always loved history." Looking across at Patia, "You know...I've been doing all the talking." Smiling, "What made you become a counselor?"

"History is an amazing area to study. It is wonderful that you can share that with your father. As for me, I decided I wanted to be a counselor on a sovereign class ship when I was a tiny girl. My brother graduated from Academy and prepared to head off on his big adventure. He always said I had a good ear for helping others with their problems. He paid me a very large compliment, in my mind's eye, just after this graduation ceremony. I decided then and there, I was going to be as much like Lio as I could. I wanted to follow the stars, just like Lio. He told me about all the jobs that were available on a starship, and I felt counseling would be the closest fit. I think he was right. I have never regretted making this decision," Patia smiled again.

"Well...you seem very well suited for the job, I must say. I haven't felt this at ease talking to anyone aboard this ship. I hope you take this the way it's intended...but I really like you. You've treated me like a friend....rather than some nit wit little girl trying to play military. Thank you."

"No, thank you. If people feel demeaned when they leave my office, I did not do my job. It is important people feel comfortable speaking to me, or I can't help them," Patia smiled softly. "Thank you for the compliment; I truly love what I do. Also, I don't think you are a nit wit little girl trying to play military."

Alyssa couldn't help but smile back. Patia Zoei had one of those smiles that was infectious. "Well then....maybe we should get dinner then?"

Patia rose from her seat and gestured ahead of herself, "After you."

"Why thank you, Counselor." Northrop stood and headed for the replicator, slowing so that she could walk next to Patia. "So.....what are you in the mood for?"

"A cup of broccoli and cheese soup, if you don't mind." Patia shifted from one foot to the other. She had forgotten how uncomfortable boots could be when she hadn't worn them for long periods of time.

"Patia....you don't wear civilian clothing often do you? You look a bit uncomfortable in those boots." Northrop asked, smoothing out her skirt as she looked at the Counselor. In the back of her mind, she considered just what she wanted to eat.....there were several options. Though her mind finally came down on some pasta with garlic marinara.

"Actually, no I don't. As much time as I spend in the office, by the time I get back to my quarters, it doesn't make much sense to change into civvies. I do think when we get back to Qul Tuq; I need to do a little shopping, though. I need different shoes and a few more options in my wardrobe. It is hard to be a female," Patia chuckled.

"You didn't choose your dinner, Alyssa. What are you going to have?”

Alyssa told the computer what she wanted....then retrieved it from the replicator. On the way back to the table, "You know...if you'd like some help shopping when we get back to Qul Tuq....I saw a few things that I think would look great on you. I could point them out for you." She smiled...and sat down.

Patia gently placed her soup on the table and eased onto the bench opposite Alyssa. "I would appreciate that. We will have to plan a shopping trip while we are docked. Thank you," Patia smiled.

"That would be fun. Can't wait," the brunette said.