=====================Deck 11, Hawks New Quarters===================== Hawk had just returned from the bridge only a few moments ago. He had briefly met with the bridge duty officer, (as most of the crew is preparing for the ball there seems to be very few senior staff on duty) He was directed to deck 11, (as previously stated) and was happy with that as he was only meters away from Main Engineering. He was surrounded by ODA personnel and engineering staff, he felt right at home. He had very little time to delay as the time was already around seven thirty which is the time CMO LtCmdr Summers had given him as the start. He had little interaction with others on a casual basis in the past months as he trained at SB Bragg. Hawk was looking forward to this event which happened to be timed perfect for his arrival. After donning his dress whites and noting that the pips were incorrect he changed them to show his Lt Jg rank. (He had an acting LT bar on the collar) He had held that rank when he left the USS Archer and the Chief Sec post. Since the rank was with the post he lost them when he was transferred to Bragg for ODA training. He noted he was moving slowly in his reflective mind set and set at getting ready. "All the available women will be gone by the time I get there." Hawk joked aloud as he prepared to leave his quarters. He entered the turbo lift and requested deck two as destination. "Time to relax, this could be a very good start to an exciting assignment" Hawk said to the empty lift. ============Mean while at the ball============= <<Snippet from Athena's log>> Athena didn't know weather to be grateful or fearful when the next song turned out to be a slow romantic number. She appreciated the fact that Philip didn't step on her toes, but as the dance continued she hated how the teen's hand kept sliding down her back. Philip's hand slipped lower still and Athena bumped his hand back to the middle of her back. She was trying to be polite and patient but this arrogant boy was testing her limits. She secretly hoped someone would tap Philip on the shoulder and save her from having to finish the dance. She smiled blankly at the teen as she thought about ways to chop off his roving hand that had made it from the middle of her back down to her waist. Athena moved his hand up again and tried to think happy thoughts. <<End excerpt>> Hawk made his way in the room and noted the atmosphere change to one of casual and joyful. He was surprised at the décor as it did seem very appropriate for the event and yet out of place aboard such a vessel. He looked around the room grabbing a drink from a waiter's tray as he passed. Hawk noted several couples dancing to a slower romantic blues tune. One couple struck him as odd however, a younger male was with an attractive black haired lady. He was too young to be with such a sophisticated woman, and it showed. She kept moving his hand up from her....lower..lower back and showing obvious signs and expressions that she was just being polite at the moment. Hawk thought if he was to have a chance with any one in the room this was his chance. He grinned as he made his way to the "couple" and without a moments hesitation tapped the teen on his shoulder. "Pardon me but this lady owes me a dance, mind if I cut in?" Hawk asked as much as stated. The grin on the man's face left when Hawk interrupted. The look upon the woman's face brightened like a flood light had just been turned on in a dark room. Athena couldn't hide her smile as the tall man with the amazing green eyes waltzed her right out of Philip's clutches. She quickly took in is brownish-red hair and how well he filled out his dress uniform before meeting his gaze and saying a soft, "Thank you." ......... Lt. Athena Wellington Counselor USS Chimera & Lt Jg Hawk Versey Assistant Engineering Officer USS Chimera