Beyond the Stars, Beyond the Moon

Part 16: Meanwhile

Pov: Chekov

I walk out of the building feeling a bit nervous for Cassie. I mostly expected I'd be by her side for the interview. I knew I should expect a chance that they would insist they were secure enough and wouldn't want me in there with her. I should trust them though. She'll be fine. I just need to distract myself now. I pick up my comm and ask Sulu what he's up to and if I can join them.

I meet them over by the stores we walked past earlier. "So they wouldn't let you stay?" Sulu asks. I shake my head. "Well I'm sure she'll be fine. They got some tight security. Anyway, let me introduce you. This is my husband, Hiro, and our daughter, Demora." I smile and shake Hiro's hand and nod at Demora, who's hiding behind Hiro with her head poking around his waist to get a glimpse of me.

"Thanks for letting me hang out vith you guys. Did you have any idea of what to do to kill some time?" I ask.

"Well it's almost 7pm. None of us had dinner yet. Scotty and Keenser are at the pub by the hotel. That's just 2 blocks away from here. You up for some food?" Sulu asks,

"Da I'm starved. I vas hoping you'd be hungry."

We start the wall over to the pub and I come across the window with that teddy bear and stop. Sulu looks at me. "What's up Chekov?"

"Earlier today ve valked past zhis window and Cassie really liked zhis bear. I zhink I vant to get it for her."

I see Demora poke out behind Hiro again and she comes out and points at a bear also in a yellow command uniform, but has black fur. Hiro picks her up "you like the bear?" She nods. Hiro looks at Sulu and shrugs. "Ok we'll get a bear for you too." Sulu tells her and we walk into the store. I have them gift wrap mine all nicely in the gift bag and Demora wants to hold hers.

We walk into the pub and hear some classic Celt/Rock music; I think I remember them as Flogging Molly. I'm only guessing Scotty requested it. Scotty and Keenser greet us with a wave from the bar and they come sit down with us at a bigger table. A waitress with red hair walks over to take our order for drinks. Sulu and Hiro order some Sake, Scotty has another scotch, Keenser a root beer, Demora a chocolate milk, and I debate if I want a vodka or not. "Ah get the lad some whiskey! It's his birthday tomorrow fer feck's sake!" Scotty tells the waitress. She writes it down and walks off to get the drinks. Sulu turns to me. "That's right! Happy early birthday, brother! When can we celebrate?!"

"Vell, my parents are taking me and Cassie to breakfast tomorrow before zhe Starfleet Ball. I don't have plans after zat besides getting my tux and eweryzhing. But I vant to make zhe Ball special for Cassie. Vhat ever she vants to do before and after."

"How about we throw you a little pre game birthday party before the Ball?" Sulu suggests.

"You don't have to do zat..." I admit it would be fun and it would be nice to actually do something with friends for my birthday for once. I never really did anything for my birthday as a kid either. My parents would give me the option of having a birthday party or going to the museum, and I always picked the museum and kept quiet about my birthday. I'm surprised Scotty and Sulu remembered.

"Yes we do!" Sulu says. "Cmon lad, it'll be fun!" Scotty chimes in.

"Ok ok da. It sounds like fun. Thank you." I agree finally. The drinks come and I gulp down the whiskey greedily. Whatever the brand, it was pretty good. I have to remember to be careful and limit myself. I want to be alert enough to guard Cassie. I order one more drink and then when I finish that one I slow down to water. My cheeseburger finally comes and I eat it quickly. I didn't realize how hungry I was.

I continue to eat and chat with Sulu, Hiro, Scotty, and Keenser while Demora plays with her bear in the corner of the table. The waitress comes back to give her crayons and an ice cream sundae when she finishes her macaroni.

Finally Cassie comms me to pick her up. She sounds odd...I hope she's alright. "I'll be zhere in just a moment!" I tell her and hang up my comm. "I have to go pick up Cassie now. I'll comm you guys later." I put money on the table for my meal and walk out waving goodbye. Even Demora waves goodbye to me and I smile.

I walk to the building where I left her quickly, holding the bag with the teddy bear somewhat behind my back. I hope the bear cheers her up.

As I walk into the building, a tall man with dark hair sits in the lobby starring at me. I nod a polite hello, but he doesn't respond; only continues to stare at me. I walk to the elevator and push the button to go up to the floor Cassie will be waiting for me in the waiting room by Commander Rowling's office. I look back behind me curious about the strange man, but he's gone. I look around but he's no where to be seen. I step into the elevator unable to shake off the feeling I'm being watched.