About Face, SD 10303.30

[Rochelle Riker 0]

About Face

SD 10303.30

 

"Welcome aboard the Blue Note; I'm Rochelle Riker."

 

"If I were to judge by the looks on your faces, I would guess that you, Colonel Quest, have heard my name before, and you, Lieutenant Zukko, feel like you've missed the first half of the show. Am I close?"

 

"What do you want from us." Ziggy's voice was hard and cold.

 

"Ziggy. After all we've shared, need you ask?"

 

"You have Sammy, don't you. I swear, if you hurt her--"

 

"Then you'll what?" The amusement was gone from Rochelle's eyes, replaced with a burning fury. "Gods, you really are still hung up on that prissy little bi**h, aren't you? You know, over time most people *grow,* Ziggy. I had so hoped that you would be one of them."

 

"So what is it that you want from us?" Dana Quest asked, indicating herself and Marlene Zukko with a nod of her head. "I, uh, assume it's not the same.. interest that made you bring Ziggy back here."

 

Rochelle laughed, a rich throaty sound. "No, you're not my type. In all honesty, the three of you were bonus material. Now instead of one 'dead' Federation officer, I have four. Not bad for a day's work, mmm?" She shook her head when Ziggy opened his mouth to retort. "Uh-uh. There's oh-so-much to talk about, but on this ship, as on your own, the Captain has dibs. And Daddy gets cranky if I keep him waiting. Mr. Rualfo, Mr. Ledogar, Mr. Novak--please see our new guests to appropriate lodgings." She turned her hostess-smile back to the Federation officers. "I know, you space types call them 'quarters,' but I grew up on a planet, not in a vacuum. Now if you'll excuse me, there's so much to do. I have GOT to get out of Pollyanna's polyester pantsuit, and bring my Captain up to date, and have someone look at this shoulder. You remember, Ziggy, don 't you? I carry all my tension right here."

 

When Rochelle turned to walk away, it was clear that she'd left her masquerade as Samantha Riker behind. Her stride lengthened and her hips swayed, and she pulled the clips out of her hair and shook it loose, enjoying the feel of it as it tumbled down her back. "I'm sure you'll all think of a million questions. Well, just try to keep them in mind-we'll speak again soon. And don't worry, darling," she added with a last glance over her shoulder at Ziggy, "you'll be seeing more of me, very soon, too."

 

When she had left the transporter room, Rochelle allowed herself to stop for a moment and simply enjoy what she had accomplished that day. Things had gone absolutely as well as she could have desired. She hoped her father had thought to chill a bottle of champagne. Tonight, she wanted to celebrate the fact that all the pieces were coming together, at last.

 

Rochelle Riker

aboard the pirate ship Blue Note