A Most Agreeable Arrangement

Chapter 2 - Q

A/N: For these first few chapters, I feel like a lot of it is just sort of a recap of Encounter at Farpoint, so I tried my best to shorthand it as much as possible, because if you're reading this story, then you probably already know the events of that episode.

Apologies if it seems a little too familiar! Right now I'm just kind of introducing Lieutenant Fae into the story and establishing her role on the ship. I'll probably just publish the first few chapters all at once now. However, there are cute little friendship moments between Data and Fae already :)

Data moved to take up his station towards the front of the Bridge as I took in my surroundings.

There was a blonde, human woman standing at the station directly across from the door, and in front of the center console there stood a Klingon man.

There was another woman sitting in the seat next to the command chair. Her dark hair was done up, and her eyes were a gorgeous brown with so much depth to them.

I was surprised as I sensed something about her, and she turned towards me, confirming my feeling.

"You're Betazoid!" I smiled, moving towards her.

She smiled at me. "Yes, half-Betazoid."

She stood to meet me.

"My grandmother was Betazoid, and my father was half-Betazoid," I explained. "Neither of my siblings retained any of my father's ability to sense emotions, but I have some."

I extended my hand. "I'm Fae, Lieutenant Kitali Fae. But you can just call me Fae," I shook her hand.

"Pleasure to meet you, Fae. I'm Deanna Troi, I'm the counselor on this ship."

"I'm the Chief of Diplomatic Relations. It's a pleasure to meet you, Counselor Troi."

"The pleasure is mine," her smile was pleasant, and it made me feel as though she really meant it. I could feel her sincerity; her emotions came much easier to me than others.

I had a feeling she and I would be working as a team frequently during our voyages. Her job was as counselor to the crew and families aboard, while mine was to coordinate with outside entities; though I suspected that those would frequently overlap.

Hiring me was meant to ease some stress off of her. Without me, she would have to counsel any of the over one thousand people on this ship who needed it, as well as advise on any alien who came aboard or serve to protect relations on any away teams. With me here, it split the work between the two of us.

I also had a few more qualifications, such as my linguistic, scientific, and archaeological abilities.

Just then, the door opened and the captain stepped onto the Bridge.

I hurried to take my station next to the Klingon officer. He shot me a sideways glance, as if he was sizing me up.

I didn't smile; I just met his gaze evenly.

He seemed satisfied with that, and turned to face the captain.

The captain didn't waste time on an introduction. He knew us; he had seen our files and had been the one to hire us.

I appreciated that. I already found myself respecting him more because of it.

The captain crossed behind me and made his way around to Data's station, stopping next to him.

"You will agree, Data, that Starfleet's instructions are difficult?" Captain Picard placed his hand on the back of Data's chair, looking out the viewer at the stars.