Overtime

Chapter 3 - Deception in the old Delphic Expanse

"You'll only need to own a little piece of it," Marty explained.

"And that will protect Wesley? But how?"

"You are a highly respected Starfleet Medical officer," Picard explained. "Plus, Wesley is a former Starfleet Ensign. He certainly deserves Federation protection. But if you own even a piece of that ship, then full Federation protection can be accorded to it, even if there are no Federation citizens on board, and even if it's empty and in a large bay somewhere."

"Does your cousin mind?" Beverly asked, turning a little to face Marty.

"Actually, she doesn't know yet," he admitted. "But I'm sure he'll go for it. She wants her First Officer to stay, and she wants her investment protected. Plus, I'm sure she wants Wes and the others to stay safe."

"I don't even have any money."

"That's quite all right," the captain assured her. "Admiral Nechayev has authorized the issuance of a draft. It will be the equivalent of one hour's work as performed by you."

"I take it that won't buy much."

"It'll be enough," Marty said.

=/\=

The Daranaean finished her painting for the nonce and put her brushes into a cup with cleaning solution. She then stood up and stepped back so as to admire and check her work – and stepped right onto someone's foot. She wheeled around quickly. "Oh! I am so sorry! I did not see you!"

"That's all right," replied a Calafan woman – Yi'imspi. "What is it going to be when it's done?"

"This part is to be the Big – I mean, the Grand – Canyon. Over here, it is a bit like a film and will animate when Coach MacKenzie runs by."

"I see. That's rather clever. Tell me, what else is clever here on the Cookie?"

"There are lots of clever people," Crita replied.

"I suppose there are. Tell me, why aren't you on the Bridge right now? Aren't you supposed to be on your shift?"

Crita was about to answer, and then commented, "I was unaware that my comings and goings were of such interest to someone such as yourself."

"Don't be so defensive; I am only making a little conversation."

"Then why does it sound like prying?" They both turned. It was a Caitian athlete, M'Belle. "Seriously," she added, "if Crita has permission to be here, then Mack knows all about it. And if she doesn't, then I'm sure Mack will figure it all out, by and by."

"Like I said, I was just making a little conversation," Yi'imspi reiterated. "We're supposed to be a team, right? So, we don't keep secrets from each other. Otherwise, the team can't function well, and the chemistry all just falls apart."

"I'm not on the team, though," Crita pointed out. "Wes and Majira and Daniya and I are on staff."

"And you're still being nosy," M'Belle said.

"You know nothing about team chemistry!" Yi'Imspi sniffed, turning on her heel and departing quickly.

"What was that all about?" M'Belle asked.

"I, I don't know. But Coach MacKenzie has a right to privacy, and to tell people if she wants to mention something, or not, to them."

"Of course," the Caitian conceded. "To change the subject, I'm glad I found you."

"Oh?"

"I have a question about your wedding, actually."

"What do you wish to know, M'Belle?"