From: Ranjani Sabarinathan (rantrek_at_yahoo.com)
Date: Sun May 04 2008 - 00:10:12 PDT
“Misunderstandings, Gossip, Fedcom Lies”
(contd from Jamie’s ‘The Old and the Stubborn’)
Location: GS-2
SD: 2.80503.1423
Scene: Operations
Returning from the CHANTICO, Kate chuckled recalling the previous night of the wager she had made with Poe and won. Had the half-Nuimon lost, she would have to bring Grace breakfast every morning for a week. The Scot grinned remembering running the follicle stimulator over the aCMO’s short, chopped up hair. She was proud of the result, a long mane of silky black hair flowing down around Grace’s face. Kate was in awe of the work done on the other woman’s hair at the time, which made the latter uncomfortable. She was sad Poe was still feeling ashamed wanting to hide it as if having beautiful hair was a sin. The Nuimon hybrid hoped by the end of the week Grace would feel more comfortable with the new hair and decide to leave it like that.
Regarding her assignment to command the raptor class vessel in addition to her duties as station OPS, Kate admitted feeling surprised when Anaqueen informed her of Daisy’s proposal. Despite missing medicine in the past few months, MacNeil had grown to like her new job as Chief of Operations. She was overwhelmed with Daisy’s confidence in her, considering how angry the blonde was with the Scot over blabbering to the reporter. Kate had no command aspirations when joining Starfleet and only wanted to practice medicine. She still loved being a doctor and hoped to one day return to the medical field. But for the moment she would enjoy the new challenges that awaited her.
Spotting Lt. Muller at her station, Kate headed there. Noting the look of discomfort in the aOps’ eyes, the Scottish woman grew concerned. “Is something the matter?” She inquired.
John gulped, wondering if he should tell the chief about finding medical journals on Orion physiology on her terminal or inform Cmdr. Kor of his suspicions or just ignore it. He made his decision. “No ma’am, everything is fine.”
Kate produced a warm smile. “That’s good to hear.” The Scot departed, leaving a very troubled assistant.
Ezri Braxx came up behind him, whispering. “Sir, it may all just be innocent. She is after all allowed to consult from time to time.”
“I hope so,” Muller murmured, guilt enveloping his facial features. “I mean why Orion physiology. Is it something to do with Dr. Poe?” Sighing, he turned his attention upwards to Cmdr. Kor, who just entered the operations center. John stepped away from the console.
Ezri frowned. “You’re not going to tell Cmdr. Kor?”
“I have no other choice.” Muller sighed, feeling torn over his decision.
“What if it’s all innocent? You would have just caused problems for no reason.” The Trill didn’t share her co-worker’s worries regarding MacNeil possibly secretly practicing medicine and totally believed John was overreacting. In fact, Braxx had overheard gossip from a few nurses during a visit to sickbay and grinned.
Ezri brought up using a casual tone. “Apparently I heard rumors that Cmdr. MacNeil was responsible for Dr. Poe’s new hairstyle.”
“What does that got to do with the Orion physiology journals?” John questioned, looking confused.
**Oh men! **The Trill shrugged. “I’m just saying it could be highly probable that Cmdr. MacNeil and Dr. Poe are having some sort of personal relationship.” She paused for a moment, feeling amused at the prospect. “Maybe she wants to give our good doctor beauty tips. Goodness knows Poe needs it.” She rolled her eyes.
“Please,” a crewman from a nearby console, chimed in, sarcasm dripping from his voice. Braxx and Muller realized the young man had only just arrived. “The only thing Orion women like Poe are worth to me is getting high on her pheremones.” Braxx and Muller gaped in disbelief. John inclined his head upwards to see if the ExO heard the horrible remark. To his dismay she had and so did Cmdr. MacNeil. Both women were displeased at the comment. The crewman was in big trouble.
--------------------------
Scene: Main Sickbay
TI: Later…
Kathryn gasped for breath as the doors to sickbay parted to allow her entry. Some of the nurses turned their backs to her giggling quietly. MacNeil heard a few minutes ago about Fedcom reporters ambushing Daisy and Grace like bees swarming around their prey, when returning from the meeting with Ana and was miffed. She was already saddened over Poe’s self-induced isolation from society and was worried the reporters’ latest attack would force the Orion to stay in her shell. As far as she was concerned, Grace should feel good about herself not ashamed or worthless. She made her way to the office, believing the Orion woman decided to hole herself in there.
To her relief, Grace was approaching the half-Nuimon, a sullen look in her eyes. The aCMO sighed in frustration when catching sight of the auburn haired woman staring at her. Poe’s experience with the Fedcom reporters was brutal even though Commander Davidson was the press’ target. Daisy was in the midst of a difficult recovery and Grace never understood why the blonde wanted to walk back to sickbay.
She recalled there were five of them crowding around them making the Orion extremely uncomfortable. Grace remembered pleading with them to leave Daisy alone but a human male reporter just spat on her followed by a derogatory remark about her heritage. The remark was like a knife to her heart. Davidson, despite her weakened state, punched the man. Watching the reporter’s nose bleeding, Grace became alarmed and immediately pulled Daisy away from the angry Fedcom personnel who were hurling all kinds of insults at the officers. They managed to avoid further commotion when security personnel arrived on the scene. Daisy and Grace were escorted by Ariel Mason herself to sickbay, while another security officer handled the reporters.
Daisy assured Grace that the particular reporter was going to pay for the abuse but the doctor just wanted to forget the whole incident. Currently the GATEWAY CO was being treated in one of the private rooms by Dr. Foster. Anaqueen was with the duo at the moment, admonishing the blonde. Two security officers were stationed outside the room.
Poe passed by Kate without saying a word as if it was the half-Nuimon’s fault that she was having a rough day. A hurtful look washed over her indigo eyes as she watched the Orion head straight for the store room where all the medical supplies were kept.
The Scot followed the green skinned woman hoping to see if she was doing okay and offer some comfort. Some nurses were staring at her and Grace hoping to gather more juicy gossip. Crewman Lillian Falcone decided to inch closer to the pair to have the bragging rights of being the first to get the scoop.
“Grace,” Kate addressed the aCMO after managing to catch up with her. “I heard about your encounter with the reporters. Are you okay?” She sounded concerned, which only made Poe feel more discomfort.
Grace’s eyes moved downwards, unwilling to face the Ops officer and replied flatly. “I’m fine, Commander MacNeil. I was just worried about what the encounter would do to Commander Davidson’s recovery.”
“I’m glad to hear you’re okay.” MacNeil nodded. “Is there anything I can do for you?” She offered after a minute of awkward silence.
“No, I am fine.” Poe shook her head. The Orion felt a knot in her stomach when she was standing only mere inches from the other woman. Her breathing and heart rate increased. She felt tingling in her fingers and her cheeks flushed. All of a sudden she felt warm. The doctor was then embarrassed upon noticing in the corner of her eye, Nurse Falcone watching the exchange with great interest. Grace, eager to get away from everyone, quickly excused herself. “I have some work to do.” She hurriedly left the scene, leaving a very concerned Kate and some inquisitive nurses. Falcone had a big grin on her lips. When MacNeil turned around, Lillian and the other nurses returned back to work.
-----------------------------------
Scene: Sickbay- Private Room
When Anaqueen Spankryz was informed of the altercation between Daisy and the reporter, she was incensed not just at her old friend but Fedcom as well. The situation with the press had worsened due to the latest confrontation. Pacing about the room, Ana scolded the blonde CO. “What were you thinking punching a reporter like that!?!” The Trill glared at her fellow officer.
Cade quipped, waving an instrument over Daisy’s fractured knuckles. “She doesn’t.” The civilian was clearly enjoying the exchange between the two women.
“Nobody spits on a member of my crew and gets a free pass,” Davidson croaked, feeling a shortage of breath. The commanding officer of Federation’s largest station was fuming and if security had not arrived, she would have continued to pummel the reporter with her bare fists.
“Can you blame him?” Foster sniggered, putting the device down and proceeded to feel her knuckles, making sure all the bones were set in their proper places. “Women like Poe are only seen as objects by many red-blooded males who feel they can do as they please including abuse them.” His remark received a slap on the shoulder from the patient.
Ana rolled her eyes at the banter and ranted. “Nevertheless, your actions were unbecoming of a Starfleet officer and if you had controlled your rage, we wouldn’t be in this mess.”
“Oh please, Ana!” Daisy reminded using the same tone. “You would have done the same if it was one of your crew!”
Spankryz protested, looking incredulous at the other woman. “I would not!”
“Yeah right.” The blonde sniggered, enraging her friend. “Beneath that imperious façade of yours, I see a very fiery woman who gets very passionate about defending her crew.”
“Fiery women turn me on,” Cade chimed in, waggling his eyebrows at the Trill, who responded with a glare.
Ana sighed, feeling a headache creeping up and quickly massage her temples. She knew Daisy was right and was outraged at the reporter’s actions towards Grace, who had every right to be angry. Prior to seeing Daisy, the Trill had ordered the arrest of the reporter for assaulting Grace. The Fedcom agent was currently placed in another room and would soon be transferred to the brig after his injuries were treated. Security already possessed the entire footage of the altercation. Ana was considering releasing it to the Federation News Service to counter any Fedcom spin.
The Trill warned. “Daisy, Fedcom are on this vicious crusade against you and assaulting that reporter has only provided them the ammunition to attack you further.”
“I have no regrets over what I did, Ana,” the blonde argued vigorously. “Grace didn’t deserve to be humiliated like that.”
Cade sneered. “I wouldn’t worry about Grace as our favorite cheerleader has likely rushed to comfort the poor little Orion woman.” Chuckling and waggling his eyebrows again, the doctor mused. “Oh I wish I could be a fly on the wall in their love nest and get my fix of lesbian porn.” Daisy smacked his shoulder again.
“Shaddup and stop being so crude,” the blonde snapped. “I doubt there’s anything going on between them.”
“If there isn’t anything happening- there soon will be.” Foster snorted. “Oh imagine the look on the blue klingon’s face...”
Ignoring the civilian’s crude remarks, Anaqueen informed with a firm tone. “Daisy, You are confined to sickbay until further notice.”
“In other words, I’m arrested?” Daisy questioned cheekily.
“Yes.” Ana confirmed dryly.
“And that reporter?” Davidson queried, her brown eyes narrowing.
The Trill replied tersely, thinking of Fedcom. “He’s placed under arrest and will be transported to the brig.”
“Fedcom will have a field day with that,” Cade remarked sarcastically. “They would deem it unfair to see Daisy getting the spa treatment while one of their own is sent to rot in hell.”
“I could care less about that rag,” Daisy muttered angrily and snuggled against Cade’s chest. “Hug me,” she cooed.
“Alright,” Ana concluded. “I better go now as there is some damage control needing to be done.” The Trill Captain left the room and was fortunate to not having heard Cade’s crude remarks about her physique.
---------------------------
Scene: Promenade
TI: 1 hour later
The announcement of a very ‘important’ Fedcom broadcast was causing a lot of buzz in the promenade. The areas near the terminals were packed with curious civilians and Starfleet personnel not on duty who were eager to know the contents of the newscast. For the last hour, Fedcom kept flashing notices at every viewscreen to draw everyone’s attention towards them using words like ‘exclusive footage’, ‘ground breaking’ and ‘Commander Davidson’.
A humanoid woman with long, flowing light brown hair stood at the back, observing the crowd at a distance. She looked bored and wanted to be somewhere else, investigating the lead of a worthwhile story. She was not thrilled with the junk her bosses were fixated on and that time it was the negative crusade against Daisy Davidson. But Cynthia Matilde, Fedcom field reporter, had no choice. Fedcom was the only news agency willing to provide the resources for her quest as long as she did their bidding.
The Trill/El Aurian/Human hybrid had nothing against the tall blonde CO and believed the whole ‘Dominion War Syndrome’ rouse concocted by her superiors were all nonsense. The real truth, according to her, was that Daisy was a dedicated officer and a loving mother who didn’t deserve the abuse from the press. Sadly she was ordered to report on any dirt regarding not only Davidson but also the other members of the senior staff and if there wasn’t any, then make some up. It was the ‘making up’ part she despised. Cynthia didn’t mind the media offering their opinions on the events as long as they didn’t state them as facts like how the analysts on shows like ‘Cooking the Goose’ did.
The terminals flickered to a flashy background and blaring trumpet music before the screens settled on a perky, Betazoid brunette. {{Breaking news!}} She squealed, her brown eyes brightening with excitement. Some of the audience, including Matilde, groaned.
{{We have obtained iron clad proof that the GATEWAY CO, Commander Daisy Davidson is suffering from ‘Dominion War Syndrome’}}
Laura Harris, owner of ‘Spill the Beans’ muttered to her husband. “I thought their sources were the so-called proof.”
“Why don’t they leave her alone?” Amy Tsu complained, looking like she wanted to rearrange the anchor’s face. And then in a few minutes, there were oohs and aahs heard amongst the audience as the footage was played. Some even cheered on Daisy Davidson punching the Fedcom reporter.
Cynthia chided, smiling sardonically. “Morris, you’re such an idiot!” She referred to the reporter who was currently lying in the brig for spitting on Grace Poe; of course Fedcom did not air that part. As part of their spinning game, they only showed the footage of Davidson hitting Morris and a close up of the reporter’s bleeding nose as an attempt to garner sympathy from the viewers.
Cynthia knew Fedcom was not going to show what really happened as that would go against their agenda. During the meeting with the other four reporters who pounced on Daisy and Grace, Matilde chewed into them over their lack of discretion. While her co-workers were whining over the unfairness of Spankryz’s arrest of Morris, she felt he deserved it for his atrocious behavior towards the Orion.
The footage transferred to a panel of analysts who unanimously criticized Captain Spankryz’s ‘mistreatment’ of Morris as if he was an innocent little victim and ‘letting Daisy the evil villain off the hook’. Cynthia knew Davidson was confined to sickbay. She rolled her eyes at the whining over Starfleet’s bullying tactics and violating civilians’ rights, even speculating over the possibility of another martial law. Matilde sighed, deciding to leave the scene to return to her son.
************************************************************************
NRPG: This one went longer than planned :) Cynthia Matilde is my new protected NPC Fedcom reporter who will make an appearance from time to time in our storylines.
Ranjani Sabarinathan
Speaking for...
[/\]o..
Lieutenant Commander Kathryn MacNeil, MD
Chief Operations Officer/2nd Officer
GATEWAY STATION- 2
and
[/\]....
Captain Anaqueen Spankryz
Commanding Officer
USS COMMENDATION, NCC-10021 (Non RP ship)
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