[NVC Day 27] -- [Open Office] -- [Open to All]

[kirktastic]

With the sentencing over, the Enterprise would soon be leaving Sha'Kwai and returning to its original mission. By this point, Jim was ready for it. He wanted off the planet, his wanderlust getting the better of it. It was the longest stretch of time he had spent in once place minus his years at the Academy - always moving, always traveling, wanting

Comments

[guinan_listens]

The conversation with the pretty biologist the other day had Guinan thinking again about her next adventure. And how she would get there.

A few people had been talking about going to see the captain at his quarters, so after lunch she headed over to where the officers were staying. Guinan wasn't surprised that the captain had scored such nice digs.

Finding the door open was a surprise. "Hello?" she called out, peeking around the corner and seeing him outside.

[kirktastic]

It took Jim just a second or two to remember that face before he perked up. "Hello!" Damn what was her name... Guy... Goi... Guinan? That was it! "Guinan, you look lovely." He gave her a flirty grin.

[guinan_listens]

"Hello, sunshine," she replied, stepping closer to him. "I heard you were seeing people today. Got time for one more?"

[kirktastic]

"For you? Always, always." He gestured towards the deck for her to have a seat. "What can I help you with?" He could feel a calm around her that he liked, that made him feel calm which was rare and difficult to do.

[guinan_listens]

"Thanks," she murmured, taking the offered seat. She adjusted her hat to better shade her face, then looked at his face. It was a good face, young, but strong. Alert. You could see why he was trusted with something as big as a starship.

"I'm ready to try my luck someplace new, and I hear you're getting ready to head out." She tilted her head at him. "Think you might have room for one more?"

[kirktastic]

That was a hell of a surprise. Jim blinked once, then looked interested. "What are you proposing to do on board?" He was curious what she was capable of. "You willing to serve under me?"

[guinan_listens]

"I've spent the last few years tending bar," she admitted with a little smile. "I'm good at that. I'm not Starfleet," she added, pouring herself a glass of the drink, and topping off the captain's glass. "But some might find it a position worth having around."

[kirktastic]

Jim leaned his chin on his palm, studying her. He thought about her words, about his ship, tapping his finger on the table. Finally, after a minute of thought, he smiled. "You know... the Enterprise could use a proper rec room, if you're willing to take on the task of getting it built and running it, working with the galley."

[guinan_listens]

She mirrored his pose, chin on palm and looked back at him. "I get to have real liquor. None of that synthehol garbage. And every Monday night off." She gave him a slow smile. "I promise you'll have the best rec room this side of the Briar Patch."

[kirktastic]

"Oh come on, Monday's the day you need to get wasted the most!" He was completely teasing, but it showed in his eyes. "As far as real liquor... think that'll be tough to get very short notice. How many credits you think you'll need to start up something?"

[guinan_listens]

"Alot," she admitted. "But I know people. They owe me favors. I'll get you a really good deal." And she would. The traders who brought alcohol to Sha'Kwai would sell to off-worlders whenever they could - its not like the Vulcans drank it in large quantities.

"How are you doing, Captain?" she asked. He didn't look tired, but there was a weariness that surrounded him, like an aura.

[kirktastic]

Her change in subject was a bit of a surprise. He grabbed a PADD and typed into it for almost a minute, brows coming together as he studied numbers. "...5000 credits?" He said cautiously. "With another two to renovate one of the rooms on the 'prise into a proper bar and rec room."

He'd go back to her question once he was done focusing with that.

[guinan_listens]

She smiled back at him, then extended her hand toward him. "You got yourself a deal, Captain. It will be shiny." Ideas began flowing through her head.

Guinan got quiet again, then looked intently at the captain. She hadn't forgotten her question to him, even if he had.

[kirktastic]

Her hand was shaken with warmth, then turned over and he kissed the back of her hand with a playful expression in his eyes before letting go. The money was from his own accounts - they didn't have it to spare in their budget - but he thought it would be good for his ship and the crew's morale. Guinan had a natural listening ear that people needed.

He'd have to make sure there were rules set up about the room and shifts and drunkness if it was needed.

She had that look in her eyes, and he gave a wry smile. "Just glad more than anything the trial's over." But last night, with Sybok and Bones... it still wore on him.

[guinan_listens]

"Look at you," she said quietly as his lips brushed her hand. "I'll bet you're very popular with the ladies. Or the gentlemen?" she added, with a grin, then let her face her serious again. "Captain, I want you to know, if you ever need an ear, you have one with me. My people are listeners. We hear, we observe, we offer suggestions when someone asks."

"But nothing goes any further than me. Just so you know."

[kirktastic]

It was weird to think that he... believed her. "Both," he smiled, leaning back. "We need someone like you on ship. We lost the counselor we had briefly, and Bones is completely over worked and he doesn't have that sort of training." Already he was wondering if he could get Guinan paid in that stead...