A Test of Character Captain Boah'diel inMatta and Lieutenant (j.g) Mary O'Donnell There was one more name on Boah'diel's list, one more member of his Senior Staff who had yet to accept her assignment. He had asked the Admiral if he could seek the woman out himself and offer it to her. He wanted to see her eyes if she turned him down. Dressed in simple sands and greys, he stepped onto the station at Izar and headed for where he knew she had last been seen. Idly, he rubbed a finger over the sigil on his wrist, sending a prayer to his family for a good result. Spending three days turning the Station and environs upside down had done nothing to improve Mary's mood, "When I catch you John Forester I'm going to turn your balls into earrings." She wanted a drink badly, just to soften the edges, but although not aboard the Avalon she was still nominally a member of it's crew. Stopping at a viewport and running fingers through her short hair, she caught sight of another starship that hadn't been there when their ragtag convoy arrived. It was now home to so many of her friends and colleagues. Mary let out a long sigh, "Maybe those idiots have snuck over there too." Boah'diel spotted his prey, a slight smile tugging his lips as he approached her. How few people knew who he was, it often pleased him to see how they reacted to what appeared to be a simple civilian. Sorrean had snorted and told him he behaved like a king going about among his subjects in disguise. "A beautiful ship," he mused to Mary. "Sleek, attractive." "Looks like a starship as opposed the 'abortion' I'm assigned to at the moment." She flicked a finger at the Curry Class vessel, "In wartime I can understand the need for such drastic measures, but it looks all wrong." He stared at the old design and crinkled his nose. "As much as I am aware that there is little need for a sleek design in space, I do believe that one has gone beyond not caring to head straight towards frumpiness." His smile was tight as he added, "Her captain doesn't have the greatest of reputations either or so I'm lead to believe." Mary frowned, "He's changed that's for sure, but that maybe due to his boxed pip. He is still my CO too." She turned and finally took in the man behind her and realised she was addressing a civilian. "I'm not sure I should be discussing 'Fleet business with you though sir." She was ashamed that she hadn't checked the man was in uniform before talking but those two were clouding her normally good judgement. Boah'diel flourished a bow, a quirk of his mouth showing his amusement. "Too late, I'm afraid, you have begun so you must finish. That is the way of it." "No sir, I do not believe so. The information I have imparted may be common knowledge by now, but technically I have breached regulations," She scowled inwardly, "and these are still uncertain times." "Then you should have me arrested," he mused idly, "for attempting to obtain information of a military nature. The law, is it not?" Mary fixed him with her jade green eyes, Why do I get the feeling this is going to bite me in the arse. She placed her hand on her hip, over the hidden pocket on her uniform where a Type 1 phaser was secreted. "Are you going to accompany me to Station security so I can run a check on you then sir?" "No," Boah'diel said with an easy smile. "Run through protocol, first, I think. You have to ask my identity, then call for back-up, then two of you accompany me to the nearest Security office where one of the officers should have my profile and any criminal records available for examination." His dark blue eyes were twinkling as he quoted the regulations to her. Her eyes narrowed slightly. Now I know I'm goin' t'get burnt. "We can do it that way. May I see some form of identification please, sir." "No," he replied, thoroughly enjoying himself. "All I have on me is my comm-badge," which he slipped from his pocket, "and my PADD with your orders on it. Other than that, I am breaking official regulations by not carrying formal identification on me at all times." Leaning close, he suggested, "Perhaps you should arrest me for it." "In that case you'll have to come with me, sir. O'Donnell to Station Security." PADD? Orders? The words sank in. Oh hell, who've I got here? "Security here," a voice said. "Request assistance to bring in an unknown with no identification, looks like some sorta monk." "Monk?" Boah'diel burst into bright laughter. "The High Priest would have a fit!" There was a huff over the line and a snicker. "You've been had, ma'am. That's Captain inMatta. No point bringing him in, the Admiral'd only haul your arse over the coals for it." "Understood." She contained the urge to punch the Captain out, but felt the heat rise in her face. "Make a habit of humiliating junior officers sir?" she growled. "Ah, you misunderstand," he chuckled. "I do not embarrass, I test." He offered out the PADD he was carrying. "New orders, Lieutenant. You will be my chief of security." Mary looked over the PADD carefully, "Is there any reason why I shouldn't forcefeed you these orders sir. I am on assignment for the Avalon, which you are no doubt aware of." Her anger was barely contained below the surface. Those bastards are doing it to me again. "You could certainly try," he mused idly. "If you managed to do as such with a broken back and your neck snapped, I would be impressed." Even if his smile was easy, his threat was clear. Boah'diel was not a violent man but the Desert People called for harsh justice when threatened by those beneath them. "You have been reassigned. Either accept it and move ship or reject it and be put in front of a court martial." She really want to hit him now, "Best accept it," she said through gritted teeth, "Am I still permitted to continue my search?" "You have been reassigned," he said, blinking only once. "That means you drop everything and start as Chief of Security aboard the Renaissance." Pointing back out of the view port, he nodded. "The pretty one." She nodded, "May I ask if the ship has been inspected from a security perspective sir?" "She's all yours, Lieutenant," he said with a smile. "Inspect to your heart's desire." Eyeing her superior, she asked the next question, "And has anyone from the new crew been on board yet?" "I have," he shrugged. "But then I have a secret weapon." He grinned at her, his blue eyes dancing. Mary snorted, "Secret weapon or no', The Security department are always first onto a ship after the passage crew have disembarked." "Ah but our Security team consist solely of you at the moment," the captain pointed out. That caused her to raise an eyebrow, "I will have to be made aware of this weapon of yours as well Captain." "No, you really don't," he said with a tightness to his eyes. "The most you will know is that it is uniquely mine and no one can take it from me." "And if this weapon becomes a security concern on the ship?" she pushed. He shrugged one shoulder. "It won't be. Is a Betazoid a security concern or a Vulcan? Would you make sure as to know each person's personal talents without them knowing it? No, Lieutenant. Unless the time comes when it is necessary, this one is my concern only." "With both the species you mention there are protocols in place should they become a security concern Sir." She said plainly, "But I will not push any further on the matter." "Good," he said with an easy smile. "In that case would you care to join me on an inspection tour sir?" "Lead on." "If there's nothing wrong with me... maybe there's something wrong with the universe!" ~ Dr Beverly Crusher (ST:TNG, Remember Me) --------------------------------- All new Yahoo! Mail "The new Interface is stunning in its simplicity and ease of use." - PC Magazine