======= Continued from just as the ceremony ended ======= Hawk watched as Rick went up with a smile to accept his Engineering award. The crew cheers afterward were agonizing to his splitting head. Relief was all he wanted, from the headache and the noise. As soon as they were dismissed and told to enjoy the party, Hawk congratulated his dept chief and dismissed himself form the gathering. Headed for his quarters he tried not to make any contact on his way there either. The last thing he needed was "partying", he had seen enough of that last night. Maybe he would just go to his quarters and sleep. They had a new ship after all, that meant that engineering was going to be VERY busy. She was a new variant and there would undoubtedly be the requisite "bugs". Just as any doctor deals with there bugs and viruses, an engineer have there versions. The only difference being if there patient had a major hiccup the entire crew (or even more) could die very fast. Maybe he could locate some specs or info on the new ship. He was very happy to sit in his quarters and quietly read and rest till the ship arrives. Perhaps he will be forgotten by the new command team, a passing moment of interest on one restful evening, nothing more or nothing less. He hoped that would be the outcome anyways. Upon reaching his quarters he was greeted by base security. Turns out a merchant that was caught with contraband was selling alcohol amongst other things. He had given descriptions of several Starfleet officers that had bought his wares, and one happens to fill the description of him. The two security officers asked for access to his quarters, and Hawk knowing better than to argue granted them admission. Besides they could and would just enter anyways if he refused, the last thing he needed was for Shane or Rangi to have to deal with this mess right now while they were celebrating. There was no evidence in his quarters, as he bought the scotch after leaving his quarters and drank it rather fast. He then disposed of the bottle rather randomly, not in his quarters. Sitting quietly as he wanted to anyways, the two men go through his room. It doesn't take long as Hawk had no personal items and very little space to go through. They of course found nothing and began to question him. Hawk while in a coherent non drunk state, dodges artfully around there questions. There questions end in frustration and threats as Hawk asks them to please leave and allow him rest. He asserted that his current state of aches and pains were due to X'chi wounds, firefight encounters, and lack of sleep. All of these of course checked out as fast as they inquired and they left. Much to his relief he thinks through what just happened. Apparently the events of last night were never reported to sick bay or security, to anyone for that matter hopefully. He was happy that Shane or Rangi weren't upset as one or the other would have reported it to someone if he had crossed the line. Just as Hawk lies down and dares to delve into sleep his door chime sounds. He rises and answers it, just outside is a lovely young lady with a very upset look. "May I help you?" He asks politely "May I help you" She yells "I'll help you, you bastard." She adds sarcastically and smacks him. "Oh boy" was his only words as he held his jaw. ================================================== LT jg Hawk Versey Asst Eng Officer USS Chimera