Avery couldn't believe it, her life was flashing before her eyes, never had
she thought some lowly adopted child would be able to get ahead so far in
the world, it was all thanks to her mother and father, and her 4 brothers.
She sent them a video mail, telling them of her successes and news and such.
She was a little nervous about Copeland leaving, but it wasn't anything
that she couldn't handle, and with her expecting the news of who the new
First Officer would be since Max had reluctanty resigned because of his
aging parents gave her more confidence than she had expected.

"Barlett to N'Vek"

"N'Vek Here"

"Any word on our friends ?"
"None Ma'am, they seem to be blending in quite well, the only distinguishing
factor between them and humans is the pattern of spots behind their neck, it
crawls into their back, we think at least."
"Wonderful, if anything drastic happens, keep me informed."
"Understood Commander"

"Ensign, Could I meet with you at 0800 ?"
"Certainly Ma'am, may I ask what for ?"
"I'd like you to show me these creatures"
"Yes Ma'am, understood."

The line of communication went quiet. She was standing in her quarters,
still trying to figure out what to Cook. Yes, the captain Cooked, the one
thing she had taken up in Highschool was traditional cooking, even if it was
with replicated ingredients.

This evening she'd be preparing Sole, a fish long extinct from earth,
flavoured with lemon and garlic, served with Asparagus and breadsticks.
THen, for dessert, a great Earth Tradition, New York Style Cheesecake.

That Cheesecake was the only thing she really pretended to make, there was
no way she would ever be able to make the cheesecake without it not becoming
runny...believe me, she tried, all the time.

The table was set, Avery changed into a conservative black dress and
carefully arranged her hair. Just to look nice, she had no romantic
intentions for the Commodore, although he is an attractive man.

He arrived Promptly at 20:00, dressed casually in a pair of Black slacks and
a pleasant Navy sweater.

"Goodevening Avery" ....{she is looking gorgeous)...." You look fantastic in
that dress, it suits you even better as a uniform!"
*Avery blushes*
Barlett" Please take a sit Harmon"

They started with the Sole.
"Delicious, did you really cook this yourself? I am impressed most people
don't know how to cook anymore these days."
"Tell me Harm, are you married"
"Not anymore....we divorced 10 years ago, she couldn't handle it that away
for 6 month or longer, exploring strange new worlds."
"And she took the kids"
"God no, i am glad we never got any kids.....i would have been a louzy dad"

<two hours later>

"Then you are on your own tomorrow, but i know you would be doing fine"
"Thanks you, but i always can count on my XO"
"That is true, we'll i got to go, i really could use some sleep, last night
i spend a lot of time with studiend our 'friends'"
*they both stand up and walk to the door*
"thank you for the wonderfull dinner, and next time when you are back to
DS10 with you're ship, i'll cook for you!!"
"It's a deal...."
*they quickly kissed and Harmon walked out*

End of post
Commodore H.J. Copeland
CO DS10