<<Backlog, which I am only now completing. Sorry for the delay as I have been unavailable for better than a week now. Hawk>> ===============Leaving the Ball===================== Hawk made his way out of the mess hall to bed down for the night. He had enjoyed himself immensely for his first day aboard the ship. Met several of the crew and most importantly, beautiful women. Not that he made it a point to try romance on any assignment but the opportunity was always appreciated. He had danced once with Cmdr Summers while her significant other was indisposed, with him being the ACO Hawk decided to not make a big deal about it, but he did wish to appear cordial and as always a gentleman. He enjoyed a few dances with the ships counselor as well. She was lovely and in need of rescue so he smiled upon his luck in that instance. All in all a wonderful evening he thought. After saying goodnight to Scott, Mercedes decided she definitely needed her bed and some sleep. Taking care of the children and all the dancing at the party had tired her out. Nodding goodbye to some of the remaining crew, she headed to the door. Hawk popped out of his inner thoughts as he realized he had just completed a full circuit back to the mess hall. As he stopped at the door to laugh at himself, another lovely lady exited the event and headed down the hall. The lights were at a lower level but he was sure he had seen this young lady before, (and not earlier this evening either). "Excuse me, but you seem very familiar." Hawk somewhat yelled towards the lady now walking away from him. She paused, turned towards him and looked Hawk up and down. She scrunched her brow and turned her head slightly noting she was getting the same impression as he when it hit him who she was. "Dr. Carpenter .... Mercedes Carpenter from the USS Archer that's who you are. Do you remember me?" Hawk asked It took Mercedes a moment to recall the man that stood before her, but then she realized who he was. "Hawk... Hawk Versey! Is that really you?" "Yeah, it's really me. It's good to see you," he replied with a smile. "Likewise," Mercedes replied. It had been a long time since she'd seen the Engineering officer, still during the days while she served on the Archer. "I'm surprised to see you here... did you get a transfer? It seems there are a couple of former Archer crew on the Chimera. Andersen Foster, Jack Walsh, me and now you... how have you been?" "Fine, and getting better all the time. It seems this post is going to be my best yet. Having a ball the day I arrive and now finding that there are a few individuals I already know aboard, except for Mr. Walsh that is- I never met him actually." Hawk seemed to be a bit intoxicated and really let his mouth run when in such a state. He ended his by asking how Mercedes had been since they last met. "I've been well, thank you. I transferred over to the Chimera quite a few months ago," Mercedes explained. "I enjoy it a lot here. The ship has a wonderful crew." "I have noticed. I read a few of the crew bios on my way here and noted that most have shining records. As for how I got this assignment I left the Archer not long after you left, however my road here was a bit delayed by some training." After sharing a bit more Hawk noticed that Ms Carpenter was becoming inpatient with him. He bid her a good evening and stated that they should plan some activities in the future to catch up a little more. After that the two separated, Mercedes away from the ball and Hawk back into the festivities. ======================================================================== Lieutenant JG Mercedes Carpenter Assistant Medical Officer USS Chimera NCC 96899 & Lieutenant JG Hawk Versey Assistant Engineering Officer USS Chimera NCC 96899