"Ensign Javier Tara's Personal Log: Stardate 59800. Well it's definitely looking as though things are finally making a turn for the better. It seems as though our crew is once again complete. Unfortunately, absent a few crewmembers. The captain appears to be in better spirits; all signs of depression are absent. We are now heading through the Gamma Quadrant again.
"The attraction that the Syrenians held on all the male members of the crew was unbelievable. At least for me, I don't believe that I could have resisted them calling on me. I think I would have followed just as quickly as deceased Crewman Sierra. Their thoughts were so tantalizing not even my 400 years of experience could have held me back.
"Now one of the effects, telekinetic powers, has presented an opportunity for me to study a little more closely. This phenomenon has always intrigued me. With Dweezle joining the crew, I think I will have an excellent opportunity to study the mysterious powers. Just the thought of being able to more an object with your mind...WOW!!! I am going to have to hook up with this fellow and learn from him.
"I have run scans of the ship to ensure that the no aliens or presences reside aboard the Virgo. Nothing to be found. Now that is a relief, the quicker we get all of that behind us the better. It just makes us realize that we may not be the supreme and unbeatable Starfleet that many species believe we are.
"I remember Lazarus gathering fresh fruits and vegetables. I believe I will head to the forward lounge to see if any is left."
Ensign Tara throws on a shirt and heads toward the mess hall. He steps into the mess hall and sees many of his fellow crewmembers talking throughout the room. Noticing no buffets at which Lazarus was speaking, Tara spots him and quickly grabs his attention before Valdago interrupts. Valdago sitting at the bar, almost ready for another drink.
Tara gives Valdago a look of contempt. Still don't know if he is all that trustable.
Lazarus turns to Javier Tara. "Can I get you something?"
"I was sorta hoping for some of the fruits and vegetables that you gathered from Meridian."
Shrugging, Lazarus replies, "Lt. Nori insisted on examining all the supplies thoroughly before they can be rationed to the crew. She is afraid that something may still reside within the goodies, so we are all out of luck for a few days. Believe me you will know when they are available for consumption, the crew will be stirring about."
Tara with a disappointed look said, "Well then I suppose I will have to wait. Don't let them all disappear without me getting a bite. Guess I'll have a drink instead. I've seen some of the others drinking bourbon. Why don't you let me try one of those."
A high ball appears before Tara and he quickly downs the first glass and asks for another.
K'lara walked over to Javier Tara. "What, no blood wine this evening? I've noticed that you have a sweet tooth for a real cocktail. Now you go back to the water-like substance."
"Just in the mood for a change this evening. I was really hoping for some of the foods from that hell planet we just escaped."
K'lara responded with the Klingon coming out. "Ahh, that is not real food anyway."
Tara seeing the aggression was projecting quickly changes the subject. "So how is Lataro doing?"
"He is coming along well. I believe it is time for him to eat, so I think I will join him. See you in the morning." K'lara turns and walks out of the mess hall before Tara has a chance to reply.
Tara looks for Dweezle, but notices that he is surrounded by a group of people. All is listening to his stories of the captain and the last moments of Surok.
Tara orders another bourbon and realizes, There will be a better time for introductions, and no fresh foods to boot. Argh! I can't get anything I wanted out of this evening.
Javier Tara finishes his drink, returns to his quarters, and grabs his PADD to do a little more studying for the next encounter with the Kirusans.