Old bones and a soft cushion.

[capt_will_riker]

::drifts between sleep and wake, reluctant to let go of pleasant dreams...lakeside at El-Nar, nothing for distraction but jumping fish and dee_troi's humming::

::groans when a decidedly non-naturalistic beep weighs the scale further toward 'wake', burrowing face further into subject of fantasy's shoulder::

Not answering. My day off.

Comments

[dee_troi]

Will.

::clears padd of own after hours research, sitting it on table beside bed::

::jostles other, slightly less mobile shoulder, putting reproof in voice despite threatening laugh::

It could be important.

[capt_will_riker]

Not important enough if it isn't preceded by a red alert.

::lifts face, met with an entirely disappointed look::

::groans again, a misery me one::

[dee_troi]

::clucks in mock pity...and then shoves him over side of bed::

::slides own feet to carpet after, reaching for comm panel::

Yes, Worf?

[worf_rozhenko]

It is about time.

::at erstwhile look from nearby crewman, clears throat, continuing with message::

We have received a priority communique from Starfleet Command.

[capt_will_riker]

::picks self up with a silent groan this time, pretending not to notice snap or wife's amusement::

Can't Dax handle it?

I thought that was supposed to be one of the benefits of having a former Captain as XO...presumably they can handle just about anything themselves...as long as it doesn't involve a life and death friendly fire scenario, at least...

...well?

[worf_rozhenko]

::grunts to display displeasure at assumption that such a possibility would not have already been examined::

Admiral Paris specifically requested that it be forwarded to your household, Captain.

[capt_will_riker]

::casts immediate look of blame in companion's direction...if she hadn't gone out of her way to cultivate a relationship with the old man and his cursed family...::

Fine.

Give us five to make ourselves presentable.

[worf_rozhenko]

::glowers at panel, though it hardly functions as an adequate substitute::

The Admiral specifically said that uniforms are not a necessity. He simply wishes to speak with you at all possible speed.

[dee_troi]

::watches capt_will_riker's annoyed look transform to one of incredulity, fairly certain own is a reflection::

::It must be urgent::

::tightens belt of robe, hurrying past husband to desk against far wall and taking a seat::

::schools face to neutrality as screen flickers on::

Admiral?

[admiralparis]

Ah, Deanna!

::offers perfunctory nod when capt_will_riker appears behind her::

Captain.

My apologies for disturbing your leisure time.

::tugs self-consciously at collar of own fourteen hours and counting uniform::

This conversation is time sensitive, as I'm certain you'll understand once you've reviewed the data I believe should be uploading to your terminal.

[capt_will_riker]

::reminds self that...at least according to a certain female Paris aboard ship...falling prey to constant, irrational fits of jealousy is bad for health and sanity::

::leans over wife's shoulder, hitting button to split screen and pull up just transmitted file::

A map? Are you sending us on a treasure hunt?

::reads in more detail, brow shooting up::

Is this of...?

[admiralparis]

The Delta Quadrant, yes. Recently received from Voyager. I believe, if you look, you'll see that it isn't merely one map, but potentially several.

::hesitates, looking around empty office::

::shakes paranoia, or at least damns the consequences::

Voyager is in a spot of trouble, and it looks like they'll be attempting an unannounced slipstream home.

[capt_will_riker]

::scrubs hands across eyes, taking another look::

And that has what to do with this?

[dee_troi]

::meets admiralparis gaze, nodding realization::

Attempt being the key word. The Intrepid class vessels simply weren't designed for expansion past the typical warp scale. Back when the Aventine's test drive was being refitted, several of Voyager's sisters were used as test hosts.

Nearly every run failed.

[capt_will_riker]

Ah.

::shoves away fading but still bothersome feelings of being out of the loop, considering::

Exactly how ugly were those failures?

[dee_troi]

Ugly enough that Starfleet concluded it would be more time, cost, and personnel effective to simply build build new ships for the drive if necessary, rather than attempt to redress the older classes.

::glances away from screen and up to tangible companion::

There were a couple of success stories, but I don't believe the Corps ever actually pinned down why they were successful.

Unless the technology Voyager has is remarkably different, they'll be needing blind luck.