Joint Personal Log - RAdm Waterhouse & LtCmdr Rotek - "Ain't It Good To Know That You've Got A Friend?"

Posted on Sat Jan 3rd, 2015 @ 10:48am by Commander Amelia Waterhouse & Lieutenant Commander Rotek
Edited on on Sun Jan 4th, 2015 @ 1:34am

1,889 words; about a 9 minute read

Mission: A Spot To Kill

Rear Admiral Corey Waterhouse had been tempted to pull out his dress whites for this shindig, even though he knew his wife would opt for a dress, because it was clear the show his daughter and her Captain were putting on was intended as much for the public's morale as their crew's. Instead he elected to disappear into the crowd, yet another suit and tie that wouldn't be noticed... unless someone elected to pay enough attention to spot the sonic screwdriver cuff links — he had to allow himself some fun after all since it was Christmas.

He watched as his wife disappeared into the crowd, blue-grey dress with an iridescent shimmer hugging her curves as she went to find either of their children, or who knows what form of entertainment. He knew he'd see her again in a bit, when she'd satisfied whatever urge drove her. Meanwhile, he could people watch — something he wouldn't have been able to get away with in uniform, for rank drew attention. A familiar figure drew his attention, and Corey approached the half Klingon doctor.

"Congratulations on the promotion," Corey said with a slight nod and a smile.

Rotek nodded in response and straightened slightly. "Thank you sir." he replied, then after a moment added "It's nice to see you sir. How are you doing?"

"I'm doing fantastic," Corey insisted with a grin. He resisted the urge to tell Rotek to call him Corey, there was no need to upset him by wandering so far from the standard order of things. There as a certain measure of comfort in the rules, and if their last encounter was any indication, this man needed some comfort. "Can't help but beam with a father's pride, knowing Pond had a hand in all this." He waved his hand to gesture around, and indicate the event. "How about yourself? New pip's not weighing your down too much yet, is it?"

Smiling weakly, he said, "I haven't had the chance to try them out yet sir. I'm hopeful that I will get used to them." Pausing, he decided to go with his gut and added, "Before I forget sir, I wanted to apologize for my behavior when we first met."

"Nonsense, you have nothing to apologize for," Corey insisted. "She didn't say what, but when I asked after you, Pond said you're going through some hard stuff right now. If there's anything I can do..." Corey reached over and laid a hand on Rotek's arm.

Smiling very slightly, he replied, "Thank you sir. I'll let you know. I appreciate the support." Thinking for a moment he added, "Did you want to grab a drink and take a seat sir? I know I could definitely take a few moments to relax."

"You find the seats, and I'll get the drinks?" Corey suggested. "I think Pond managed to find a source for the real stuff, for those who want it. There'll be synthehol too. What would you like?"

Thinking for a moment, he replied, "A Risan Sunrise, the synthehol version. I see some seats over there sir, I'll grab them before they're gone."

Corey disappeared into the crowd, making his way to one of the bars. It didn't take long for him to join Rotek at their chosen seats, offering up the bright colored drink with a pink umbrella the doctor had requested. Corey's drink was a more subdued tan color, a bright green umbrella perched in the top. He grinned as he sipped it.

"A good bartender is worth their weight in maraschino cherries," he joked.

Taking a sip, he smiled, and said, "Thanks for the drink sir." Pausing for a moment, he sat his drink down and lightly pulled at the collar of his uniform. Sighing, he said, "Do these dress uniforms ever feel comfortable?"

"I can't tell if some people get used to them, or most people who hang around the fleet long enough to become brass just get better at hiding their discomfort, but I can't say I'm a fan either. You'll note I opted for a normal suit after all," Corey answered with a chuckle and a shrug. "I ruffle my share of feathers for actually preferring the standard duty uniform and daring to pick up tools. I only preen if I know someone higher in the food chain is going to be around, and I can't find a reg to cover for me dressing down."

Smirking slightly, he said, "If you don't mind me saying so sir, the formal suit does flatter you. I wish regulations would allow me to wear something more comfortable. I am thankful though I don't have to wear the uniform I did with the KDF."

"Thank you," Corey said with a grin. "The KDF uniform is really only practical for hand to hand combat, though I do like the look of it. I'm sure you wore it well, as you do your dress whites." Corey grinned around a sip of his drink.

Blushing slightly, Rotek replied, "Forgive me if I am being improper sir, but I need to ask. Are we flirting? It's been a while since I've done it, that I'm not sure how to recognize it"

"That question tells me you need to relax and enjoy your drink," Corey chastised with a chuckle. "I promise I don't bite unless I'm invited."

Blushing even deeper, he took a sip of his drink and tried to let his shoulders relax. Thinking for a moment he said, "I'm sorry sir. I think that all of the ...pain I've been dealing with has made me a bit sensitive and out of sorts. I'm sorry if I offended you."

"You've done nothing of the sort," Corey sighed softly. "I hope that whatever you've been through, you can find the strength to bear it. If there's something I can do to help for now, to let you enjoy the party, please tell me." He considered a moment as he sipped his drink. "An old earth show about a mad man with a blue box put it best I think. Every Christmas is last Christmas, each could be the last time you get to spend with those you love. So make the most of it. Enjoy it."

Taking another sip of his drink, he smiled slightly and replied, "Thank you sir. I appreciate that." Pausing for a moment he added, "Can I ask a slightly unusual favor sir?"

"Of course."

Thinking for a moment, he said, "A ... friend suggested I try to connect with members of my mother's extended family. I don't know where to start to do so. Do you know if you could assist with helping me track down some of them?"

"I wouldn't know where to start, but I'm sure there's some division of the fleet that can help with that. I'll certainly ask around and see if anyone might be able to help you." Corey plucked the umbrella out of his drink, spinning it between his fingers as he took another sip.

Nodding, he replied, "Thank you sir. Any help would be appreciated. My parents weren't very ... forthcoming with information about the extended family."

"I'm sorry to hear that. I hope we get some information for you," Corey said. He wanted to reach over and comfort the doctor, but he wasn't sure if that would send Rotek back into his shell. He settled for continuing to fiddle with the umbrella from his drink.

Taking a long sip of his drink, mainly to cover his nerves, he said, "I'm hope its OK to talk so freely sir, I don't do that very often."

"It is absolutely fine. I wouldn't be sitting here with you if it wasn't."

Nodding, he said, "I guess it also feels weird to be back on Earth. I haven't really been here since my brief time at the Academy."

"It isweird to be back on Earth," Corey agreed. "I think Qu'Vat had finally started to grow on me, well, everything but the food." He chuckled. "How long ago were you at the Acad?"

Thinking for a few moments, he said, "It would have been probably about 7 years ago. After I finished the exchange program between Starfleet and the KDF I immediately applied for a transfer and was approved. I had to spend about 2 years at the Academy catching up."

"That's not bad, considering the differences between the fleet and KDF," Corey allowed. "What's your best memory?"

Finishing the last of his drink, he blushed and said, "To be honest sir, it was spending some quality time with one of my roommates. We grew very close, but it didn't really work out."

"I'm sorry it didn't work out," Corey said with a knowing smirk. "At least you had a chance to enjoy their company."

Smiling slightly, he said "Thank you sir. Unfortunately I heard though the grapevine that he had 'seen the way', and married a woman, who he had 4 kids with before she left him for another man."

"That sounds like someone who was trying very hard to convince himself," Corey said with a head shake. "I can't help but feel sorry for someone in that level of denial."

Nodding, Rotek thought for a moment and said, "If you don't mind me saying sir, I really appreciate being able to be so open with you. I know our first meeting wasn't as cordial. I will be in touch with the information about my extended family if that's ok sir."

"Diz didn't exactly help our first meeting. I love her, but I feel I spend a lot of time apologizing for her. She was forged in fire, and there is no doubt it shows." Corey sipped at his drink again. "I'll take whatever information you have that you think'll help, once I figure out which department to filter it through."

"Thank you sir. I will send that information to you when I return to my quarters," he replied, then added, "Also, thank you for the company, I appreciated being able to just relax and let my proverbial hair down."

"I'm glad. What's the good of a party, even an official one, if you can't enjoy yourself?" Corey's eyes skimmed the crowd in front of them, and spotted his wife wandering alone. "I should probably go make sure Diz isn't causing too much trouble, and see if I can't find my daughter to offer my congratulations. Maybe I'll see you again later in the evening?"

Standing, he inclined his head and said, "I hope so sir. If not, then please give my best to your lovely wife, and I'll be in touch soon."

"She'll be glad to know she didn't alienate you too badly," Corey insisted, likewise standing. He offered his hand to Rotek. "Merry Christmas, and congratulations again on your promotion."

Shaking the offered hand, Rotek replied, "Merry Christmas to you too sir, and thank you, for everything."

On a whim, Corey caught Rotek in a quick hug. "Take care," he said, then he was off into the crowd, whistling along with the holographic band.

Rotek was momentarily stunned, but recovered, and grabbing the small boxes off the table, went to rejoin the crowd.

=/\= End Log =/\=

Lieutenant Commander Rotek
Chief Medical Officer
USS Vindicator NCC78213-E

Rear Admiral Corey Waterhouse
Head of Fighter Design Team
Utopia Planitia

 

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