Nicci headed out of her office when she saw Lieutenant JG O’Reilly. “I’m headed for something to eat, you want to join me?” She smoked. “I’m Nicorrina Santana.”

Elsbeth smiled in return, glad to have some company. “I was just going to grab something from the replicator. I hate eating alone. I would love to.” They headed towards the promenade.. ”I am Elsbeth O’Reilly, you can call me Beth if you like.”

“Replicated food.” Nicci shook her head. “I didn’t think anyone chose to eat it over a meal.”

“I’m not much of a loner.” Elsbeth confessed as they sat down in the small cafe. That probably seems odd but I just do not like eating alone.”

“Good thing we ran into each other then.” Nicci said with a smile. They ordered their food and sat back “I havent been on board that long but it’s been nice to have the time to settle in.”

“Things will pick up when the Oakland arrives.” Elsbeth said with a smile. “I heard the Paso Robles went to get them.”

“Yes!” Nicci said with a nod. She sat for a moment. “I’ve heard some rumblings, rumors about what kind of shape the Oakland was in.”

“So have I.” Elsbeth nodded. “But I don’t believe they can be true. Her eyes met Nicci’s. “Captain Coleman is the Commodore’s husband, there is no way she would let him settle for a washed up ship that should have been sent to a scrapyard a long time ago.”

“That was my thought as well.” Nicci nodded. “But you know how the gossips talk. Some are saying he settled for this command to be close to his family.” She shook her head. “We really shouldn’t be repeating what has been said it is disrespectful to all of them.”

“I agree.” Elsbeth said with a nod. They fell into silence as they ate and suddenly she dropped her fork. “I have an idea.”

Nicci looked up a little startled at how excited and animated Elsbeth looked. “Okay.” She said cautiously. “Do you do this often?” It was a little surprising how Elsbeth went from being quiet to this excited, almost hyper person.

“You will get used to it!” Elsbeth said with a grin. “My brothers used to tease me and say I was possessed and things but my parents said I have the gift of great ideas.”

“Okay.” Nicci said cautiously. “And do these plans usually work out to the greater good?” She hoped it wasn’t one of those crazy plans that would land them on the wrong side of Commodore Coleman’s desk.

“Most of the time.” Elsbeth said with a laugh. “But don’t you worry, this is a great one I promise!”

“Well…” Nicci said with a smile. “The jury is out on that one since you haven’t shared this inspiration you came up with…yet.”

“I haven’t, have I.” Elsbeth exclaimed. She took a drink from her glass and leaned forward. “What if we plan a welcoming party for the USS Oakland when it arrives.”

“A party.” Nicci said cautiously. “Wouldn’t we need permission for this.” She had a feeling she knew where this was headed. “I don’t know how the Commodore would feel about that.”

“It would boost everyone’s opinion of Captain Coleman’s ship and crew.” Elsbeth continued. “Think about it the USS Oakland has a rich history in the fleet. Instead of listening to these rumors we could have it planned to have a welcoming of the ships return to service. It would take a little work on our part but think of how it would turn the narrative around.”

“We would have to work out a plan.” Nicci could not believe she was getting caught up in Elsbeth’s crazy plan. But she was infectious. Nicci could see it would be a positive thing, the bigger hurdle would be to get it approved. “When do you plan to ask the Commodore.”

“Well.” Elsbeth said with a wide smile. “That is where you come in.” Their eyes met, Nicci started to shake her head. “I thought if you were up for it you could speak with Lieutenant Commander Greenwood.”

“Your plan,” Nicci said with a laugh. “I do the hard work.” She sat for a moment. “Oddly, I don’t mind asking him.” She smiled. “He seems like a really good officer and I do owe him a book.”

“A book?” Elsbeth said with interest. “What is this about a book.” She leaned forward, curious. “Tell all!”

“It’s nothing!” Nicci declared. “I ran into him at lunch a few days ago. I was reading a book and he joined me so that we could meet.” She smiled. “It was like an informal introduction meeting. We talked for a bit and he asked about my book.”

“And…” Elsbeth insisted. “What happened!”

“Nothing happened!” Nicci shook her head. “He is the first officer and I am not attracted to him in that way.” Her eyes met Eksbeth’s. “Don’t even think anything like that. I just have a connection in that I offered to let him read my book when I finished it. I could drop by his office with it and ask him then.”

“It’s a plan then.” Elsbeth grinned. “I knew when we decided to have lunch together something exciting was going to happen.

“Don’t get too excited.” Nicci spoke up. “Lieutenant Commander Greenwood could say no.”

“I could say no about what?” Darrin said with curiosity, standing next to their table. “I couldn’t help but over hearing your conversation. I had a question for you Lieutenant Santana.”

“Please Sir “ Elsbeth said quickly. “Have a seat! Nicci has something to ask you.”

“We.” Nicci corrected her. “We have something to ask you.” She wondered for a moment how this went from a simple lunch to this. She had a feeling that Elsbeth did this a lot. Came up with crazy plans. In an odd way she found her refreshing.

Darrin sat down and looked from one to the other. He took a drink from his mug. “So what is it you wanted to ask me?”

“Well.” Nicci began. “We’ve been hearing all the rumors about the USS Oakland and how it was a dead ship in bad shape and their are some that feel it wasn’t a wise decision to fix her up and put her back in service.”

“I’m listening.” Darrin said quietly. He wasn’t happy to hear this though he had heard a bit of it himself.

“We came up with an idea.” Nicci said. “What if we plan a welcoming party for when they arrive. Elsbeth and I can do the planning. It doesn’t have to be real elaborate, just to show our support and dispel these rumors. We want Commodore Coleman’s husband to have a great start as the captain.”

Darrin thought for a long moment. “I will have to speak with the Commodore first.” He looked at both women. “I think it’s a solid idea and I am impressed that the two of you came up with an idea that will soin this into a positive attitude.”

“It was mostly Elsbeth’s idea.” Nicci said. She didn’t want to take false credit.

“It was our idea.” Nicci insisted. “I agreed with it.

“I don’t care whose idea it was.” Darrin smiled. “You two are willing to do it together. I will speak with the Commodore and get back with you later today.” He stood up from the table. Enjoy the rest of your lunch.” Darrin headed on his way.

“Thank you Commander.” Nicci spoke at the same time as Elsbeth. They looked at each other and grinned. “I can’t believe it!” Elsbeth said excitedly.

“We don’t have a yes.” Nicci cautioned her. “But just in case let’s meet up this evening to start planning it.”

“Yes.” Elsbeth nodded. The girls started talking about ideas as the scene fades.