**Back Log. These events happen immediately before Part One Shane/Rangi j/l...just before Shane walks to the table ===Mess hall=== Michael walked in to the mess hall very late for the ball but looking very smart in the white dress uniform. Marine green stripe over his white collar with his rank insigian below gave anybody an idea of what department he was from. By now the Ball was in full swing, which suited Michael just fine after having to chase down a lost child with the CTO he was in the mood for some fun even some dancing. The only problem was that he had no dance partner. Michael saw what he would describe as a beautiful young lady talking to somebody. Having only been on the ship a matter of hours he had no idea who it was so he plucked up the courage and walked over to her, (If she says no I can always get a transfer). Michael approached her, lowered his head slightly a tradition mark of respect. “Pardon me ma’am, may I have the honour of this dance.” Rangi glanced to her right and saw a young man waiting for her reply. He wore the dress uniform of a cadet and as he raised his head she took a moment to recognise him, knowing she had seen him before but unsure where. "Thankyou...I'd be delighted." she replied and turned to the transporter chief with whom she had been talking. "I'll find out about that and get back to you." she said to him and he bowed, smiled and turned away. Rangi thought {Chief...transporter...children..cadet...McKnight!} and turned back to her new partner with a small smile on her lips. She laid a hand on the arm he offered her and followed him to the dance floor. It was only when they got on to the dance floor that Michael realised he had seen her before. Michael had a closer look at her and remembered that she was one of the command officers who had met him when he had arrived with the children. Michael started dancing with her he was more than a little nervous but he hid it very well wearing a smile as he danced. “You are a very good dancer, ma’am.” "Thankyou.." Rangi replied and smiled politely "...as you are yourself." They moved a few steps to the moderate rhythm. "How are you settling in?..Cadet McKnight isnt it?...I'm glad you decided to come, a majority of the crew are here this evening." She released her hold of her partner as the tune stopped and smiled at him {He doesnt remember me} she thought “Thank you ma’am, I am settling in nicely although apart from a bit of trouble with one of the children.” Michael looked across the dance floor to one of the empty tables. “Would care to join me for a drink, Lieutenant…Commander Summers?” {Almost, you almost forgot her rank didn’t you}. Rangi glanced around, saw Shane was talking to a group of people a short distance away and smiled acceptance at Michael. "Thankyou." She followed him to the table and sat down in the chair he held for her. Michael sat down at the table opposite the off duty medical officer. “I must appear to be ignorant, but what is the ball in aid of? A special occasion or a general unwinding for the crew?” "A bit of both really" she replied." Unwinding after an unfortunate stay at starbase Kinsi....and with it being Christmas time..well...we thought it might be a nice way to celebrate." “Well I was told there was a Ball but not what it was for. That is the problem about coming on a ship later than every body else.” She nodded and the candlelight twinkled on the pretty clasp in her hair."Yes...but you'll soon catch up to pace." She smiled at the young officer."Have you had chance to meet anyone else yet?" she asked. "Just the Marine CO and the chief tactical Officer. They both seem like good officers although my CO seems a little eccentric.” A smile lit up across his face before continuing, “ of course don’t tell him I said that or he will have me caterpillar crawling to the mess hall for breakfast.” "I thought that was standard ODA procedure!" Rangi said, pretending surprise. Michael laughed and realised that he was really enjoying the company of Summers, it was the first time that he had enjoyed himself while on the Chimera although he had only been on the ship a short time. “Well commander I hope that the rest of the senior staff are as welcoming as you.” "Well most of them here...somewhere." she said looking around the room then turned back to Michael. "In a day or so I'll make an appointment for your medical...nothing to worry over...simply routine." She gave him a small smile and glanced in Shanes direction. “Well that sounds easy enough.” Michael glanced at the table. “Would you like a drink, I am quite thirsty myself. “ Rangi looked back at the cadet as he stood up."They have some Algavian wine." she said " I believe its good." “That sounds fine, maybe I will try one. I’ll be right back.” Michael got up from the table and headed over to the bar. *** End Log *** Cadet Michael McKnight Assistant ODA Commander USS Chimera & LtCmdr Rangi Summers CMO / AXO USS Chimera