Star Trek: Terra Alpha

Leo's Blues and Rock Club --

Nick was closing up for the night, his waitstaff had already left for the evening. It did feel good having a place where he could not only conduct business but also connect with people, actually renew some old friendships. Sure he met with some of them while in office, but it was always official business or there was some crisis, always some crisis. And far too many nights where his wife went to bed alone. Granted usually one of them was working on something in their lab, but more often than not she'd beat him there. Even if they didn't make love every night, they enjoyed each other's company. They both knew that as youthful as they were, he was still much older and she wasn't getting younger either.

Walking up to their loft, he could smell her non caffeinated tea already wafting down. The distinct scent of toasted breads or pastry filled the air. He saw her swaying around the kitchen, a pair of earphones on, listening to something she was enjoying. He had to admit, the jazz ensemble that played this evening wasn't his favorite, but they brought in a huge crowd and it was one of his contact's favorites, so it was more tactical than artistic appreciation that they performed.

He walked up behind Alice and held her hips as she danced and he kissed her bare shoulder. "Shhh..." he put his finger to his lips. "Gale's asleep." he pointed to his favorite spot on the couch, where their young son was curled up with a coloring padd and his "Froggie" Instead they danced together in the kitchen, his keen ears picking up the music through her earphones. Eventually he guided her into the bedroom and quietly closed the door before he finally spoke,

"Well, good news... we're getting the alloy we need for our AliceCores and your smart wear line got a big order." Nick said as he pulled off his jacket and shirt. "And... Angel thinks she's got a line on where Trinity is." he smiled slightly. "Oh and do you want to do lunch or dinner with the Prices? Jon thinks it might pick her spirits up a bit."

Rebecca rounded the corner, and saw Nick and Alice in their private moment. Not wishing to disturb them she made her way back to the silent club.

Setting several credit chips next to the register she fixed herself a drink and then made her way over to the stage, and picked up one of the guitars.

Aimlessly she picked out an awkward tune that lacked both rhythm, and harmony, but it was a distraction. She paused took a sip of her drink and continued to play.

Stefan, Tess's little brother, had walked up from one of the 'green rooms' below the stage and raised an eyebrow when he saw Becca. "Ah, thought it was one of Nick's students that hid out in the bathroom." he extended his hand. "Stefan Kellow... we met at the memorial. I tend to pick out other redheads in a crowd." glancing at the drink he cocked his head. "Make you something real?"

Blushing she hastily returned the guitar to it's stand. "Something real? Um.... yes."

"C'mon... let's go into the kitchen, besides, that's where they keep the best stuff." Stefan said with an impish grin beneath his full red beard. "Tess may have gotten the medical skills in the family, but I got the cooking skills and the drink mixing." he patted his slightly round stomach. "Much to my own demerit I might add. Of course as my father once told me 'never trust a skinny chef'." he went to the fridge and pulled out a couple of containers and gestured with his right hand and pulled down a couple of pans from their hooks above the stove. "An' before you ask, no I'm not a Jase or an Ajem, I'm just a bit less closeted with my Siofran abilities than my big sister. So what brings ya here, you're aren't dressed for workin' in the garage or have that recycled canned air scent on you from the Alpha Section spook HQ further down."

She smiled, and thanked him for the drink, "To be completely honest, I'm not sure exactly. Something said I should be here. That I should speak with Nicholas."

"Or maybe it was me." Stefan replied as he started to re heat something in one of the pans. "Did you sense him or just someone here?" he said with a chuckle. "I'm sorry... I've been living with the young version of my big sister and she's been pestering me about seeing someone 'I've been living with you for five months and you haven't had a woman over even once'. What's amusing is, it's not as if she's been bringing home boyfriends either. Of course, half the men she's interested in are our age. I teased Tess for years that she really liked Leo once he greyed."

"Maybe," she said smirking, "but, I wouldn't hold my breath. Though, there are no coincidences. We were destined to meet tonight."

"Perhaps." Stefan said as he gave the pan a shake and sauteed some vegetables, while he glanced at the meat in the other pan. "Or perhaps you need someone outside of your usual sphere of influence. Someone who maybe doesn't know you so well, who can be impartial." he gave her a smirk. "So what is on your mind? You look like a woman in need of counsel. And that, my fellow matchstick headed friend, is one thing us Kellows are extremely good at."

"Me? Oh, I'm not sure there is much more to say that hasn't already been said. Just your classic rock and a hard place sort of situation. Do I sit on the sidelines and let Dominus and their ilk do their thing letting people I care about go into harms way? Or do I join in and become everything that I have despised?"