Code Breaker

Name: Darren Presley Age: 26 Cryptanalyst There is no computer I can't hack, no code I can't find the key to, and no challenge I won't meet. Don't believe me? Try me.

[calypso-mhai]

Won’t go around doing anything rash and even if I did no one would ever know, [she mumbled into her coffee, mostly to herself, before her golden eyes were locked on him once again. Jesus, his teeth were unnervingly perfect.]

Fine. Normal behavior. Whatever. 

[And she looked down at his hand, hesitating before she clasped it and shook it.] Mhai. Just Mhai. 

[Then the hand was back on her side.] I call you boy because that’s what you are. A kid. You look like a kid anyway. Don’t patronize me. 

[calypso-darren]

Darren couldn't help but enjoy this. He couldn't believe his luck. Her attitude that drew him in and yet seemed to be a wall keeping others at bay was all the more intriguing. A challenge. Oh yes. How he liked those. 

I'll make sure I'm the one to know. Mumble all you want. I'm the ships's professional stalker and they didn't hire me for nothing. If you lift a finger to do something about that Borg I assure you I'll know. 

Bluffing ? Nah. He could hack into all the security cameras. If he took the time. He made their encryption codes after all. But hey she didn't need to know everything. 

Yes very normal indeed. 

He chuckled. His eyes falling momentarily to her hand, grasping her coffee, and then back to her skeptical and a bit annoyed facial expression. 

Well, Just Mhai. This kid is your personal stalker. Patronizing is the last thing on my agenda. 

[calypso-mhai]

  I know she knows what she’s doing. [Out of everyone on the ship, besides herself, Mhai admired the Captain and only the Captain. There was no denying that. But —and dammit, he was right— it was unsettling. Enough for her fingers to ache for a phaser. She could just shoot it. Maybe?

The fuck.] 

Alright. Fine, I believe you, who was suddenly walking around minding your own business and happened to notice me. [The chameloid frowned, and sipped at her coffee.] Whatever.

You say you can help me? Yeah right. How. I don’t even know you, boy. Who the hell are you?  

[calypso-darren]

Darren watched her intently. She seemed to be struggling inwardly but seemed like the type that was strong and didn't really want to show it. Typical. But interesting enough. 

Good of you to know that then. Just don't do anything rash about it then if you agree the Captain has her reasons. 

He let her take a sip of her coffee before chuckling and answering: 

Why is it so unusual for a guy to notice a woman? Much less to notice a woman who has stood in the exact same spot, brooding over something that has her looking upset. I'd say my behavior is normal. 

Darren's grin widened momentarily at her interest. 

Darren. Darren Presley, nice to meet you. 

He held out his hand, as a formality of course. He didn't really know if she would actually reciprocate the gesture. 

Don't worry I'm sure this -boy- can think of something. 

[calypso-mhai]

  [Mhai frowned, holding the cup of coffee in her hands closer to her. She didn’t actually need the caffeine. She was pretty sure it didn’t have any effect on her metabolism, actually, but she quite liked it.]

Definitely not about anything that might concern you. 

[Then again,] that Borg that the Captain brought along? It’s a bad omen. We gotta get rid of it. Wait a fucking minute, have you been looking at me for three minutes?

[calypso-darren]

Darren wanted to quickly reply "Then I'm looking at a woman worrying herself over topics she wants to share but decides not to and use an excuse such as the fact that it -doesn't concern- me." ....but she began talking again so he decided against it.

The Borg.... I suppose... but ...

He ran his hand through his hair, letting a small sigh escape but quickly smiling once more,

I'm sure the captain knows what she's doing. Though, at the same time others probably feel the same way. It is unsettling to have an enemy so close. All in a day's dangers of being on this mission really. If it eases your mind I can help out. 

With this last comment his smile turned into a bit of smirk. He could reinforce locks and put extra security codes, wherever the Borg was, but  the woman didn't need to know exactly how he would -help-. Just offering it would intrigue her. 

I've been walking around, minding my own business. I just -happened- to notice you standing there thinking for the span of about three minutes.

 His emphasis on the word "happened" was clear. 

[go-aboveandbeyond]

Visit Original Link

Tiësto - Red Lights

[calypso-darren]

"Nobody else needs to know, Where we might go. We can just run them red lights. We can just run them red lights. There ain't a reason to stay, we'll be light years away. We can just run them red lights." 

[calypso-mhai]

[Since the fucking Borg had gotten into the ship everything was slowly but surely going to shit, so you couldn’t exactly blame Mhai and her slightly superstitious belief that the creature should be burned to bring back good luck to the ship. Or something. Besides, surely it was evil. All Borg were evil.

That actually sounded very fun, she realized. But no, there was no changing her mind. They needed to get rid of it. She’d seen things. She’d seen the incident with Isley. They didn’t need that negativity aboard.

Huh. She realized she’d been standing staring at a spot on the wall for about three minutes. That wasn’t right. Blinking, she shook her head, and threw a look at the person staring at her.] What’re you looking at, huh? Huh?

[calypso-darren]

Darren had walked by this hallway twice. Twice in about three minutes. So maybe he was a bit lost. Either way this woman had been here,staring into space against this wall for those entire three minutes. So when he leaned against the wall next to her and stared for about two seconds and was going to ask her if she was ok he hadn't expected her to snap back to life and confront him. But hey, that's one way to start a conversation. 

Well, I suppose it depends, what have you been thinking about for the last three minutes or so? 

[calypso-kitty]

May I be dismissed?

[calypso-darren]

When he heard the team got back he went to go see.... it only seemed right. But he didn't expect them all to be around the medbay. What had happened there? He turned to the woman next to him and she spoke to him. Uhmmmm.... what?

It looks pretty busy. I don't really work in this side of the ship but... I came to see what the commotion is about. Shouldn't you ask the CMO or whoever's in charge about that..?

Then he thought for a second before she would turn to go....

Wait. Do you know what's going on? Who exactly got injured? 

[calypso-susana]

  [Susana smiles, but the more and more Darren talks, a pensive look takes over, concerned, but he is right. She breathes in, before she shoves a gummy in her mouth and chews to hold back tears.]

Thank you.

Eh —are you sure you are not the bartender? You would do a pretty great job as one. I —yeah. Again, thank you, Darren.

[calypso-darren]

Darren's eyes study her closely as his smile stays constant. 

No problem. I'm always here to listen if you need. 

He laughed a bit, she was very kind and he hoped her problems would work out in the end. If he could take any part in making her smile, he would. Good people like her deserved that from him at least.

I'm sure. I'm the ships's crpytanalyst. Computers, codes, communication systems, technology, all that jazz. But for you Miss, I'll be your bartender any time you need.

But for the sake of the actual bartender on board, try to keep it a secret between you and I.

He winked as he said this , hoping to get another laugh out of her.  

[calypso-damara]

It’s not a phaser, actually. It’s an antique.

[Which raised enough questions she was not really allowed to answer. ”I’m lending it to the Captain” raised enough questions.]

I’m a weapons specialist, I’ve got plenty. Don’t worry about it. Are you?

[calypso-darren]

Antique huh? Sounds fancy. 

He smirked and tipped his head in a small bow.

Oh gosh. I'm sorry I didn't realize I was dealing with an expert. Me? No no. I'm nothing of your stature. Just a humble crew member trying to be of service to a pretty lady like yourself. 

Then as you said, you've got plenty and it is most definitely not the end of the world. Good. Problem solved. So then why, may I ask, are you still not smiling Miss Weopons Specialist? 

[calypso-susana]

  That was fast. [She took out her comm from her pocket so she could fill it with what looked like gummies. Then she placed some on the table, for later, she could take those in her hands.

Right. ‘Tell away’.] 

My best friend and others are in a ship full of Borgs. Mi Donnie is sleeping, but he broke his hand when the asteroids happened. And our CMO is hurt too, and things are complicating, and— [she wrinkles her nose before she drinks again.]

It is…worrying.

[calypso-darren]

I know my way around when it comes to the important things in life..

He paused to chuckle a bit.

Like gummies. 

His smile faded a bit but not entirely. 

Sounds like one heck of a list to worry about and many people to give gummies to. 

Running his hand through his hair a bit he continued:

I'm not sure who or what a -Midonnie- is but I'm sure he wouldn't want you worrying to the point of stressing over his broken hand. Our med bay is fully capable of helping him recover, if anything I'd say he's more than happy to have a wonderfully strong woman like yourself by his side in such a time. 

As for your best friend. Again I'm sure everything will be ok. He or she was sent on the mission because they were thought to be capable of it. Put your trust and prayers in them. 

Just take everything one step at a time. You are more than capable of handling it and the fact that you worry so much shows how much you care. I'm not the best at advice, at least not as good as I am a bartender, but I'll always be here for you if you need to keep talking. 

He popped a gummy into his mouth and chewed, watching her consider his advice.

[calypso-damara]

  I know where it is. Someone’s just borrowing it on the away team. 

[She didn’t like this guy, how close he stood and the foolhardiness he radiated, which she tried to make exceedingly clear. She wouldn’t introduce herself.] 

You invent guns?

[calypso-darren]

Darren could tell she didn't like him. Everything about her said it. And that made him only want to talk to her more. 

Then why say you've lost it? If you really need one right now I can whip something up for you. Or I'm sure I've got some laying around.

Darren gave her a half smile. 

Yeah. I dabble in my free time. You'd be surprised at what I can make.

He hadn't planned on it beforehand but when he got on board he got right to work. Guns, communication systems, security locks, PADDs, and other mechanics or technology that could be run somehow by codes and electronics, which he always made sure they did, where his speciality. 

[calypso-susana]

  Thank you, [she grabbed the wine, throwing him a softer smile; she was still tired, concerned beyond relief, but…the wine was good. It made her tongue feel funny, it tasted of fruits and wood. Yes, pretty damn good.]

Uhm. [She smiled ruefully down to her glass, her fingers tapping at it with her nails.] You said bartenders are who people usually tell their problems to, so.

But aren’t you going to get something to drink too? I hear they’ve also got candy around here. For the drinks, of course. [It wouldn’t hurt to eat a few, would it. And maybe she could sneak some to sickbay.]

[calypso-darren]

He nodded glad she seemed at least a bit more relaxed around him. 

Go ahead, tell away. 

Darren poured himself another scotch on the rocks and took a sip. It burned. A burn that would burn the fire inside him. How poetic. 

At her request he reached under the counter and took out two bowls filled with different types of candies. Hoping she wouldn't really wonder about how he knew where everything was so fast... he smiled and asked:

Are any of these to your liking? 

[finabrunet]

Shirtless Park Workout | 10.10.13.

[charagifs-deactivated20140420]

[calypso-susana]

  [Oh God, he actually did it. Susana’s eyes darted around, someone could catch them or see them. But —this time, there was genuine laughter threatening to bubble up her throat. She snorted; rubbing her face with the back of her hand before she crossed her arms and rested them on the bar.

Well. Maybe she could have just one small sip. Then she could go back to sickbay. And —she couldn’t say no to those big boyish eyes. It would be like saying no to a kid, as redundant as it sounded.]

Okay. You are right. You are right… you know, you did not tell me your name! But no matter. Uh, I think just wine is fine.

[calypso-darren]

Darren smiled as he turned to grab a bottle of Merlot from the shelf behind him. Not wanting to take his eyes a way for long he turned swiftly back to her and poured her a drink. Her laugh filled him with joy, a genuine unable to hold back laugh was the best kind. 

I'm Darren. Cryptanalyst and now your personal bartender.

He held out the drink for her.

For you miss. 

[calypso-susana]

  [Susi blinked —oh. He was talking to her.] I’m —I was just— [who was she kidding. Her shoulders slumped slightly as she sat down, facing the bar before she turned to him. She may have forced the smile. Dammit, she was trying.]

Thank you. Yeah. Makes you consider maybe it would not be too bad to jump over and serve yourself, no? [The nurse faltered, before she held her hand out. That she was beyond worried didn’t mean she’d start being rude.] 

Name’s Susana. Again —thanks for the seat. 

[calypso-darren]

Darren shook her hand firmly as if he wished his strength to be transferred to her. She looked tired, the dark circles forming under her eyes were evidence enough. 

"Well. I'll do more than just consider it. "

He got up and walked calmly behind the counter,swinging the partition between the counter and the chairs open as if it had no lock, which for him who set up the lock codes for this whole place, it really didn't.

Turning to her and smiling he said:

"What'll it be Susana? You look like you could use something on the house. Don't be shy, it comes free with an added time for you to talk-your-heart out. You seem like you have a lot on your mind and next to doctors bartenders are who people usually tell their problems to. "

There he was, making a fool out of himself for no reason. Well except one. She looked like a good person, good people don't need to be so sad. So whatever it took he'd make her smile. 

Waiting for a reply he stood there with a goofy smile on his face and those reassuring eyes. 

[calypso-damara]

  It kinda is. 

Most people don’t get it. 

[calypso-darren]

Well sorry to disappoint but I'm not most people. The names Darren. Darren Presley. I'd be devastated if I lost a couple of things I own that are special to me also. So what do you say we look for this gun of yours? 

I don't think it could have wandered very far. I haven't invented a gun that can get up and walk itself away from its owner yet so it must be somewhere you've been. How about we start with that? 

[calypso-damara]

Okay, I figured it out.

I’m never going to see my gun again. 

[calypso-darren]

You say that like it's the end of the world.