229: Amiss

By Jariel Camen
80317.2300
Concurrent with Cat and Mouse and Mixed Messages

-=Holodeck Two=-

[[I haven't seen our spotted friends.]] Zanh Liis observed, as she scanned the crowd. It was a case of stating the obvious, as no one had missed the fact February and Dabin had chosen not attend, and everyone knew why.

[[They left me a message with their regrets, and congratulations for Rada and Avery.]] Camen signed back to her. He couldn't help but notice the fact that despite a grueling mission, Zanh Liis somehow still managed to look absolutely radiant.

The more time passed, the more it became rather odd to Camen that Avery had yet to make an appearance. This was after all a party half in his honor, and the setting was by his design.

Camen waited patiently for those giving their best to Rada to disperse. He knew the crowd noise was far to great for the computer to translate for him, so he had prepared a simple message of congratulations for on a PADD.

"Vedek, thank you for coming." Rada said is his always polite and respectful tone. Camen knew the poor gent had been in the unfamiliar role of center of attention, especially given Avery's absence. To keep the experience as painless as possible, Camen handed him the PADD and nodded politely to excuse himself.

"Wait!" Rada asked. "I'd like to read it first."

Camen inclined his head and smiled, urging Rada on.

"Mr. Dengar," Rada began to read. "Your skill and attention to detail have not gone unnoticed by the crew. This promotion has been earned through your hard work and dedication, and you should feel proud of all you have accomplished, and will accomplish."

Rada set the PADD down on the table beside him, and shook Camen's hand. It was a firm and confident shake. Camen was taken aback slightly by Rada's strength.

He took his leave of Rada, and just then heard the voice of Avery Breaux boom over the crowd. "Welcome to the city that care forgot... and none of us that live here mind!"

Camen applauded politely, as did the rest of those assembled.... except for Kieran O'Sullivan. Camen could sense the tension between the two men, and watched from the corner of his eye as the two men eventually found their way into each other's company. Despite not being able to hear their words, Jariel could tell by the body language that the conversation was, at best, awkward.

Trick London interrupted the two with an ornate decanter full of some unknown liquid. It took little more than a passing familiarity with Mr. London to know that the liquid was meant to be an intoxicant. He dispensed it into eagerly awaiting glasses, there was a toast, and the drinks vanished.

Camen went on socializing with the crew. Some more than others, depending on their knowledge of Universal Sign. Jariel did his best punching his "speech" into a PADD for those junior officers who did not yet have the time to learn any signs. Time passed swiftly as he acquainted himself with members of the crew he hadn't had the chance to meet, in their haste to begin their first mission. He even made a few appointments to speak with personnel that were having a difficult time getting used to life on the Sera.

[[Did you give your best to Rada?]] Camen found his way back around to Zanh Liis.

[[Yes I did, and I have my next PADD ready for Avery, as soon as he has a moment alone.]] Jariel had been watching Breaux and politely kept his distance, as the new Chief Engineer accepted the praise of his crewmates.

[[Better hurry up, it’s getting late.]] Liis signed gracefully. Sometimes Camen honestly had a heard time understanding her signs because he felt such affection for her that he became lost in the smile on her face and motion of her hands, as opposed to the meaning of the words.

After a moment he realized she was waiting for a reply, [[Right.]]

Her loving smile would not last however, as she suddenly looked as if she'd seen a ghost.

[[Liis?]]

[[I have to talk to someone. Be right back.]]

Seeing O'Sullivan waiting for her, Camen bowed to excuse her. [[Captain.]]

[[Vedek.]] She gave him the lopsided grin that he knew she knew melted him.

Camen drew his PADD meant for Avery, and greeted one more Ensign on his way to where Avery was. By the time he was ready, to meet Avery, the Engineer was nowhere to be found. He looked towards the door, but only saw Zanh Liis on her way out.

O'Sullivan was missing as well, no doubt something was amiss.

No sooner did the door close, there was a presence at his side.

"Good evening Monsieur le Vedek Jariel."

Camen felt the blood drain from his face as he saw Fleur Le Marc standing beside him. The last time he had "spoken" with her was in a vision from the Prophets, where Fleur, dressed in white satin, ask him to accept her as a gift from the Prophets. A dress startlingly similar to what she was wearing now.

Since that time Camen had tried to avoid speaking with her as he attempted to process the meaning of the vision.

[[Fleur!]] If it was possible to shout in surprise using sign language, the Vedek had just done it.

"La Capitaine, she has left so quickly. Is anything the matter?"

[[I'm not sure. O'Sullivan seemed to need to tell her something, then she left. Probably nothing serious or Liis would have ordered the crew to their posts.]]

[[What is this?]] She asked, using sign, the pointing to the PADD tucked under Camen's arm.

[[Oh, just a few words for Avery.]]

Fleur looked up at the sky. "Such a lovely evening, Monsieur." The Prophets had asked Fleur to be mindful of opportunities to get close to Camen, this seemed as good a time as any. She held out her hand. "Walk with me?"

Camen felt as if he wanted to simply run from the holodeck. His vision from the Prophets had left him confused, and perhaps even embarrassed. The fact Fleur was here and now asking for a moment of his time was probably nothing more then a friendly gesture on her part, and he felt guilty for assuming anything else was behind it. Despite his urge to extricate himself from her presence, he could not help but feel it would be incredibly rude to do so.

[[Of course.]] He smiled, and turned to walk beside her. Her hand fell back to her side, as Camen did not reach out to hold it.

"How is the Captain? You must not see her much with all this ship's business."

[[We make the time.]]

"The Vedek is special. Sometimes I cannot help but feel he deserves a woman who will devote herself fully to him, and his beliefs."

The statement was bold to be sure. Jariel wondered if he was actually talking to Fleur, or the Prophet that took on her visage in his vision.

[[Well, the Captain and I have known each other a very long time. I have no question of her devotion to me, and we understand there is a place in our lives for Starfleet, and the Prophets.]]

"She is a lucky woman to have someone of such patience and understanding. Perhaps sometimes I am even a small bit jealous." Fleur finished with a laugh to make it sound like she was just kidding, despite being completely serious.

[[Well, there is a whole ship of Starfleet's finest men that I'm sure would love to make you feel less jealous of Zanh Liis.]]

"Of course, Vedek." Fleur replied. She stretched out her slender arms and yawned. "It is getting late, perhaps you could walk me to my quarters?"

[[Oh, dear. I promised Mr. London I would help him clean up.]] Camen said.

"I'm sure you did, always helping his friends the Vedek is. So selfless."

Fleur reached out and squeezed his hand.

"Good night Vedek."

[[Good night Ms. Le Marc.]]

Fleur left the holodeck, and Camen sat down near the fountain. He looked up at the sky in complete confusion.

*I don't understand.* He thought. *What are you trying to tell me?*

Vedek Jariel Camen
Ship's Chaplain/Counselor
USS Serendipity NCC-2012