"You know, for fun."

[Webmaster 20]

Subject: "You know, for fun."

Date: Wed, Apr 29, 1998 10:42 AM

From: Cmdr Herel

Message-id:

 

 

   "Move!"

   Herel started to pull the crumpled uniform out from under the reticent cat, who finally decided that if he did not move, he’d be on the floor.

   "Oh, thank you so very much."  She quickly crossed the room to stuff the uniform into the reclaimer, off to join the molecules of the three others that had preceded it.  

   "Okay, okay, okay," she thought out loud as she scanned the room to see if anything else lurked in the corners.  How did it get so disgusting in such a short time, anyway?  

   Oh no!  The couch!  What was under the couch?  Herel dropped to her knees and put her face on the floor to see under it.  Not that anyone would look under there, she was sure, but you never know…  Oh.  Socks.  Eech.  She reached an arm under and stretched to grab them.  Mmm.  Socks.  And what the…  She stretched even further to find…  Oh God, what was that?  She didn’t spend much time looking at it, and chucked it next to the small sock pile.  

   "Well Doctor Herel, this is quite a sight indeed."

   "Ow!"  Herel’s banged her head on the coffee table as she jumped.  

   "Blu…"  Herel grinned and turned a bit red as she got out of the cramped position she was in.  "I’ll, uh, just get rid of this…"

   "Why?  I think it would add to the ambiance.  Just drape them casually around the room.  The scent would be lovely as well."

   Herel frowned at Blurox as she embarrassedly stuffed the handful of socks into the reclaimer.  "Did you need something?"

   "Yes.  I found this on an examination table in sickbay and Ann said it belonged to you.  Would you care to explain it?  It does not look like standard Starfleet regulation medical equipment."

   "Uh.  Yes.  I mean no, it’s not," Herel took the item from Blurox.  "Those are cards.  For tonight."  She grinned a bit nervously.

   "Cards."

   "Cards.  You know, for poker."  

   "Poker."

   "Poker.  You know, the game.  Cheap carbonated beverages, cigars, bad junk food…?  You are invited, of course, didn’t you read your mail?  I think you could stand some time off to relax…"

   By now Blu’s ears were flat against her head and she was none-too-pleased with the eager Herel.  

   "The Admiral has granted Shoreleave for the crew.  How you choose to spend it is entirely up to you.  However, I am not pleased with these… things left carelessly about the ship," she waved as she spoke in the direction of the cards, now on the big round table in the center of Herel’s quarters.  "He’s going to think I can’t keep things under control here, and perhaps change his mind."

   "But…" Herel grinned, "the ‘Assorted Aliens’ motif on the cards is a riot!  Look, did you see the Catian?  He’s quite handsome…"

   A quiet, slow growl emerged from the golden Catian, but before she could speak, Herel continued.

   "I’m teasing, I’m teasing!  Honestly, Blu, come and play with us tonight.  The game starts at 2300.  And everyone gets a slice of lime at the door!  

   The tail was twitching, the eyes were narrowed and the hair on the back of her neck was standing up…

   "I have work to do."