Ziggy StarDust

Week 2 in Monty Python Land. Dragons and Bunnies Oh My!!

The Reckoning Tactical Officers Log LtCdr Ziggy StarDust USS Arcadia Ziggy settled slowly onto the bed in his quarters. His ribs hurt, and past experience told him they would for a long time. The allergy he had to the dermal regen patches meant that he had staples and stitches holding him together. The new doctor in sickbay had been fascinated by Ziggy's medical history, poking and prodding on old wounds and muttering notes on new treatment options. When the doctor had left to go check on something in the medical files, Ziggy had convinced a nurse he was supposed to be released, had Dr. Howard sign off on his chart, and had made a quick getaway. Somehow he knew it wouldn't be long before Dr. Honeycutt hunted him down. He could always go and hide in Dana's quarters, but he figured now was not the time. There was definitely going to be fall out. And he knew who's head was gonna roll on this one. Even though he hadn't started the fight, he shoulda known better than to take a bunch of Marines into a bar. But then again, he had taken them into a bar precisely because they were Marines. He just hadn't taken into consideration that they hadn't been Marines for very long. While he hoped they might get in a scuffle, he hadn't intended them to get in an all out brawl with Nausicans and Klingons. A scuffle would help them to bond, build morale as a team, the brawl had practically killed them all. And he certainly had never intended for Dana to get mixed up in it. Ziggy looked up into his closet. There, with his Starfleet uniforms, hung all his Marine uniforms. He reached out and ran the sleeve of one through his fingers. He was still entitled to wear the uniform, and maybe it was time to go back to it. Since taking the tactical position he had been unhappy there. Sure, being back on the bridge was great, and it gave him a chance to be a department head, but he knew that wasn't where he belonged. And he knew that he had disappointed a lot of people. Blackjack for one. Though he hadn't known the Sergeant Major long, he respected the crusty Marine, and the fact that he could see disappointment in the man's eyes every time they ran into each other really got to him. And Dana, he knew she felt betrayed by him even though she had supported his move. She was a Marine at heart, and finally putting her in the uniform was putting her in the right mold. The only problem was, it was the mold that fit him best too. Ziggy stood and pulled the uniform off the hanger.

The two horses galloped across the open field, each stretched out, nostrils flaring, wanting to win. Their riders urged them on with words, in between laughter. The creek came closer and closer, the one shallow crossing hemmed in by trees, with just enough of an opening for one horse. As the paint mare moved ahead, the bay gelding wheeled to the right, to the only other gap. "Ziggy! NO!" Kelly yelled at him, knowing he was going to take the jump. She started to slow Bess, but knew it was pointless, and instead urged the mare on, so she could clean up the mess when Ziggy didn't make the other side. Leaning low over his gelding's neck, Ziggy whispered encouragement. As they approached the bank, he urged the gelding on, hoping the horse wouldn't decide to stop instead of jump. He felt the hesitation, and then he was flying. Was it a dream? Memories? Ziggy shook his head trying to figure it all out. Did he jump the creek? Did he fly off his horse? Why did he hurt? ********** The ring of oak trees on top on the knoll over looked a broad expanse of pasture. It looked deciptively flat from this vantage. Only once you rode out would you discover the hidden dips and valleys, some of them steep and jagged Off in the distance was a rise of hillside, broken and steep. To the right was the line of trees marking the creek, and off in the distance to the left one could just make out the trees that surrounded the main ranch house. It was a special spot, and Ziggy had only brought one other person here. But he knew both women would appreciate it. Just outside the trees the two horses grazed on the native grass, tails swishing at flies in the afternoon sun. Ziggy leaned back against one of the huge oaks. "Well, it's not home, but I can understand why you like it here." Kelly smiled at him. "I thought you would. I can't believe its all mine now. I certainly never expected that." Ziggy and Kelly watched the horses do their slow meander as they grazed. It never ceased to amaze Ziggy that a horse wouldn't stand in one spot and eat, no matter how lush the grass was. They always took a bite or two, and then a step, and then a bite, then a step. If he didn't know better he would think they required movement to digest their food. But there was something fascinating in watching them move around. "So, what's eating at you?" "Whaddya mean?" Ziggy asked, turning to look at Kelly. "I don't have to be half-Betazed to see something's bothering you." He grinned. "See? You would make a good counselor. You can tell when someone has something on their mind." "I know you Ziggy, that's different. And don't try to change the subject." Ziggy sighed and leaned forward, draping his arms over his bent knees. "I think I made a bad career move." Kelly laughed. "Oh?" "No! I'm serious. I think I should have stayed with the Marines." "So why'd you leave? You didn't start your career as a Marine." "No, I didn't. I thought about it, but... well, the truth is, I went through the Fleet academy to watch over Dana. There were times I didn't think she would graduate, and I'm not just talking about the two near-expullsions. I know she hated me be around sometimes, but she knew I was looking out for her best interest." "And you left the Marines because of her too, didn't you?" "Yeah.. Sometimes I feel my whole career has revolved around hers. And I know she'll never leave the Arcadia, so there was no chance for me to move up, unless I changed departments, or left the ship. And I don't want to leave." "Your son is a good reason to stay. But I still don't understand the problem" "When Zel left, and tactical became open, I applied, thinking it would be the perfect move for me. My own department, a chance to move up, bridge duty. It was perfect. I took the position thinking I would stay a Marine. But Moose said he already has two Marines on the bridge, he didn't need me in that capacity too. But, in all fairness, he let me keep my Marine commission. I am simply on temporary duty to the Fleet." "Now I understand. You want to be a Marine again?" Ziggy shrugged. "Yes and No. I dunno..." Kelly squeezed his hand. "You do know. You just have to decide what you want to do about it." He nodded. Suddenly Ziggy felt at peace. The pain was no longer so bad. He felt like he could breathe. ************************ Distantly Ziggy was aware that he was in the shuttle, and there was someone hovering over him. Had it all been a dream? Had it really happened? It hurt to much to think, but he couldn't remember why. It was easier just to let go and float away....

Welcome Home LtCommander Ziggy StarDust Tactical Officer USS Arcadia with the assistance of: Commander Kelutrana Quest Former Executive Officer USS Falcon Ziggy and Kelly walked down the halls without speaking. They had known each other too long to need to waste time on chit chat. Besides, there was a huge gulf of questions laying in between them that was too deep to breach out here. He knew it had to be hard on her, not knowing where to go or what to do. Starfleet had not known what to do with her, she was not a typical MIA. So, they had just left her for now, letting her come up with something. Ziggy knew Moose had offered to let her stay on the Arcadia, but as of yet, he hadn't heard whether or not she had accepted, or even what he had offered her. The holodeck doors swished open as they arrived. Ziggy had not only reserved the holodeck, but he had also set the program. Before them lay an open, windswept plain. It was late spring, the grasses waved in the gentle breeze. In the distance were craggy, broken shelves of rock. Two horses stood grazing: a tall leggy bay gelding, and a stocky appaloosa mare. "I can change the horses." "No... its ..fine." Kelly stepped over to the appaloosa mare, and stroked her neck. Bess reached around and nuzzled Kelly's shoulder. "It's just, well, she should be yours." Ziggy took a long breath. "I know, Dana told me...about..." He couldn't bring himself to say "will", or even to mention they might have thought her dead "I spent a lot of time with her when we were last back home. But, I can change the horse-" "No...." She cut him off. "It's really good to see her again." She turned back to the horse and leaned her head against the mares withers. Ziggy slipped a bridle on the gelding, a recreation of the horse he had ridden in high school. Although he usually rode with a saddle, he had learned to ride bareback, and despite what Dana might say, had excellent equitation. It was just that most horses had boney withers, so he would rather use a saddle. He had purposely given this holodeck horse mutton withers for riding bareback. With a casual grace, he swung himself up on the gelding. Kelly had slipped a hackamore on Bess, then swung aboard, landing with a bit of grunt. She smiled, "It's been a long time." They started off slowly, walking through the grass, letting the horses pick up a path. Each of them enjoyed the simple feel of a horse underneath them, the soft breeze, and the feel of being in a place that had a hold on their hearts. "Did you create this program?" Kelly looked over at him, smiling with a look of happiness he hadn't seen on her face at any time since her rescue. He nodded. "Yeah. I needed a place to get away. I had another one, of the ranch in Texas, but.." He shrugged, not wanting to explain that the place now haunted him with memories of Sam. "So, I created this one. After you went missing... well... " He sighed. "It became even more.. special." They shared a smile, riding side by side, and then her mare moved in front to go down a narrow bit of the trail, into a ravine. For a time there was only the soft hoofbeats against the rocky trail, with the occasional sound of small rocks, knocked loose by the passing hooves, rattling down the trail. At the bottom, the ravine opened up, with steep slopes to either side. It was warmer down in the ravine, the breeze on the plain above whistling overhead, but not where they were. Occassionally a gust would whip around them, providing a bit of refreshment. Ziggy moved his gelding up alongside Kelly and Bess. "Have you decided what you're gonna do?" Kelly chuckled. "I'd ask you if Moose sent you to find out, but I know both of you better than that." She cast him a sidelong glance, then looked up at the cliffside. "What do you think I should do?" He laughed. "You're probably the only person on this ship that would dream of asking me that. My career has certainly had its ups, downs, and sideways." She grinned. "You shoulda stayed a marine. You belong there." Ziggy nodded. "I know. When Moose offered for me to take the Tacitcal post, I tried to tell him I could do it as a Marine. He didn't agree, and I guess I understood his point. So, it became a choice of heading a department, or staying under Dana." "She's a marine at heart too. I never understood why the two of you chose to become Fleeters rather than going to the Corps. But I do understand why you would take the chance to get out from under her command.. and we both know she is a darn good commanding officer." Ziggy nodded. "Yeah.. she is. And I hated leaving her with a bunch of new shavetails, but Jackson will straighten them out." "He's a character, has come by several times to check on me. I'm not sure if he has a crush on me, is under orders from Dana, or is just doing some non com check-on-the-commanding-officers-family thing." Ziggy laughed. "It could be any or none. His daughter is the captain of the Pendleton." "He has a daughter?" She looked at Ziggy in surprise. "Yep. Told me about her, but I haven't met her. I know he's really disappointed that I left the corps." Ziggy frowned, then he grinned over at her. "Good job.." "What?" She feigned mock surprise. "You know what. Get me off talking about you and onto me." They shared a smile. "I don't know what to do, Zigs. Moose hinted at the counselors position, at least until yours comes back. I was qualified once." she half smiled."Of course he could have been making a joke too. But.." "But what?" "A former POW counseling people on how to deal with emotional problems, or their stress disorders. I just know I would tell someone to get a life, or start in telling them what real stress was. That would not be conducive to a good work ethic." She grinned, a bit sheepishly. "I suppose not. But then, I can't really imagine you going off like that. You... well you're not someone that would lose control." She shrugged. "Maybe not. But I just don't know that I could handle listening to such petty things, when I know there is worse that can happen to a person than the occasional bad dream, or spousal spat. And I don't know that I can handle feeling everyones emotions. I can't handle my own right now The curse of being half Betazed." Ziggy nodded. "Yeah, I can see your point. But I know at least one person on board who could use your help, and it wouldn't be something petty. She doesn't know how to handle her emotions about what happened to her either." Kelly knew who he meant, and why he mentioned it. "You still love her, don't you? That's why Dana wouldn't marry you.... even with Michael." "It might have been part of it. But it doesn't matter, neither one will ever mary me. So, I guess you and I will have to walk down the aisle." He grinned lopsidedly at her. "It'll keep Blackjack from visiting you, and even if he doesn't have a crush on you, I always have." Kelly threw back her head and laughed. "God I've missed you Ziggy. You always could make me laugh." "And I've missed you. I've had a crush on you since I was fourteen." He grinned. "You broke my heart." They grinned at each other, and then Ziggy pointed. There was a narrow trail that cut up the steep bank. At the top there was a shelf of rock jutting out, with a small cave behind it. Kelly spun Bess towards the trail, and kicked her up into a lope. Soon the mare was scrambling up the trail, kicking dirt and pebbles back at Ziggy. The trail wound around the great big jutting boulder, taking them around the backside. As they reached the top, both of them kicked their horses into a gallop, racing around the huge boulder to the other side. Ziggys taller horse had the initial lead, but Bess laid her ears back, and with Kelly whispering in her ear, bounded forward, moving in front. Ziggy whooped to his gelding, leaning low and urging him on. Soon they were racing neck and neck with the trail coming to an end. They both reined their horses to a stop, with less than a foot to spare at the edge of the cliff. Sliding off, they left the horses to graze and walked around to the cave. Sitting on the shelf of rock, they looked out over the impressive view. As the sun set, Ziggy slipped his arm around Kelly, and she leaned against him. Quietly he whispered against the top of her head. "You could go home you know. Retire. Or just take a vacation." She sighed. "That's why you chose this program." "No." He shook his head. "No matter what, I would have shown you this. Your ranch has always been home to me, no matter where I was in the galaxy. I just wanted you to know. And if you stay, I wanted you to have the chance to look on it." "You know, you are a real romantic at heart, Ziggy StarDust. Thank you." She gave him a hug, and a soft kiss on the cheek. "I might just have to marry you." They smiled at each other, both their eyes betraying deep sadness. They shared a long hug. Both had suffered much at the hands of Rochelle Riker, and they shared a past that went back long before that. Ziggy kept his arm wrapped around Kelly, and she leaned against him as they watched the sunset unfold before them, and the moon rise. Silently they rose and went to catch the horses, and then rode without speaking back to the ranch, as if they weren't in a holodeck. At the doors, Kelly took his hand and gave it a little squeeze. "Thank you. No matter what I decide, I needed this, even though I didn't realize it." She kissed him on the cheek, and then headed off down the hallway. Ziggy stood outside the holodeck and watched her go. He softly whispered after her, "Welcome home, Kelly."

Tactical Officers Log LtCommander Ziggy StarDust USS Arcadia Ziggy settled a little more comfortably into the command chair. The big center chair. Moose's chair. No matter how comfortably made the chair was, Ziggy was not going to find an easy position in it. The responsiblity weighed heavy on him. His job was destruction, blowing things up, firing on things, using hand to hand combat. He was not the best choice for being in charge during a diplomatic delegation. But then again, he was just going to have to learn versatility if he ever wanted to advance. How else could an officer who had stated in science end up spending years of his career as a marine? Maybe it was just that he was still unsure about THIS Moose. The other Moose would never have let him sit in the command chair, especially with such a sensitive diplomatic mission going on. Not to mention after what had happened with the whole debacle involving Samantha and Rochelle. So being given command of the ship was a surprise, and it made him feel uncomfortable. Like it was a test, or a set up. That he was expected to fail so Moose could confirm his beliefs about Ziggy. As he felt the Arcadia make another loop in the endless corckscrew required to keep them equidistant between the two planets, he couldn't help but remember his days at helm. Back then, the other Moose had liked him. Not only that, he had respected him. In those days Ziggy would not have been surprised to be given command of the bridge. Sighing, he moved around in the chair, trying to look calm, cool, collected. Who knew how long Dac would be tied up getting things in order and overseeing the negotiations. If any complaints came in that they were a smidge off course, guess who was going to hear it. And there was Kelly. There was no way Ziggy was going to stop her from going in to see Moose. And he hadn't. If anyone had the right to disturb Moose it was Kelly. Maybe Moose could help her decide what to do next. It was not likely that Starfleet was going to give her a ship, or even an XO position. Yet she needed to do more than sit around the Arcadia playing with Michael, not that Ziggy had any right to tell her so. He sighed again. There was Sam, too. Apparently she still wasn't talking, tho medically she was fine. Ziggy hadn't had the guts to see her again, there was too much pain in her eyes, and he knew there was nothing he could do to make it better. He doubted there was much chance she would even let him try. Ziggy moved again, trying to find the right spot. He was gonna be here awhile.

Tactical Officers Log USS Arcadia Lt Commander Ziggy StarDust Marty and Ziggy sat at the small bar, in the small tavern, on the small station. It was not the first choice for a place to meet for a drink, but since it was the only place on the station, they hadn't had much choice. Both would have preferred some dark dive, but unlike most stations, this one didn't sport one. The silence hung between them like a heavy blanket. Since being released from sickbay, Marty had stayed locked in his quarters, not speaking to anyone, not coming out for anything. He had gone a little crazy after Ziggy had finally told him the truth of Michaels parentage. Marty had refused to see either him or Dana, or to meet Michael. When he had finally sent word, asking Ziggy to meet him, Ziggy had come prepared for anything: a brawl, a scene, a yelling match. What he got he was not prepared for. Marty had waved him to the stool without a word, and poured him a shot of tequila from a bottle sitting on the bar. Ziggy recognized it, it was one he had given Marty some time ago, and must have been in storage on the Arcadia. Marty sighed and then finally spoke. "I just want you to know that I understand what happened. But I haven't, I can't, forgive either one of you." "I would-" Marty held up his hand. "No, please don't say anything. Tell Dana what I said. And you both take care of ... your son." "You're leaving then?" He hadn't really expected Marty to stay, but he had hoped. "Yes The Pandora is coming in, with replacements for you. I'll be leaving on her, HQ is still trying to decide where to assign me. So much for a recuperative leave.. but then I didn't really want one." He never once lifted his eyes from his glass. Ziggy took the bottle and poured them each a shot. He raised his glass. "To missing friends." Marty picked his up, and met Ziggy's eyes. "Missing friends." They both tossed back their shots, and then Marty walked out of the bar, never looking back. Ziggy poured himself another shot, and rolled the glass in his fingers, watching the liquid swirl around. One night of drunken passion had cost him two friends. He had only himself to blame. He picked up the glass and made a quiet salute to the best friend he had ever had, before tossing back the shot. "Semper Fi, Marty. Semper Fi."

Horseback Ridin', Tequila Swillin', Torpedo Shootin' Tac Officer

McHale, Ziggy always has some great steak stashed away, not to mention bottles of tequila!!