Meeting the New Neighbors

Posted on Sun Feb 26th, 2017 @ 12:42am by Commander Andrew Knight & Lady Catherine Waddington

Mission: Another Day in Paradise
Location: FOB Anchorage, Residential Section: Family Quarters
Timeline: Several Hours After the Rock, Part Two

Drew and Ashley were walking down the corridor of the residential district. They were just coming to their new quarters from the Logistics Center with a cart filled with their meager personal belongings and some household equipment to help set up their new home.

Ashley was glad to still have Uncle Drew in her life, but she was extremely sad about the death of her parents. She's heard the rumors that all the transwarp gateways back to the Alpha Quadrant were now disabled or destroyed. She looked at Drew pushing the cart. "Uncle Drew, are we...are we ever going to get home?"

Drew's thoughts were very similar to his niece's, but he also realized he now head not only his official duties to perform, he would also be acting as guardian for Ashley. At least until such time as she could be transported back to Earth or she came of the age of majority. Options, which he wasn't sure would occur first. He glanced at Ashley and nodded encouragingly. "Of course we will Ashley. I promise. I will get you home as soon as I possibly can."

Another pair of individuals was approaching the intersection down a cross corridor.

Ferguson actually felt in good form, despite recent events. He pushed a cart that was loaded with similar items to the one the Knight's had. He caught Catherine's sidelong glance at him and turned his head. "You really must stop worrying Poppet. Like I told you at the Distribution Center. I am fine."

"Ferguson? How long have you been with our family?" she asked

Ferguson looked thoughtful for a moment as he remembered first coming to work for the Waddington family. "Well, I believe I was 16 when I started out as a valet for your grandfather. I'm 66, so, 50 years now."

"And all of my life you have picked me up from boarding school, come to the parents evenings and when Father took me with him on diplomatic assignments you came with us and acted as his aide and now as mine yes?"

Ferguson allowed himself a nostalgic smile as he remembered his decades of service to Catherine's family. "Quite correct Poppet. Why do you ask?"

"Are you aware quite how lost I would be if you were no longer around?" she asked. "So I will fuss and worry about your health. I would hate to be out here alone."

Ashley and Drew walked in silence. Both lost in their own thoughts, so much so, they did not hear the muted conversation coming from a cross corridor as they reached the intersection. The carts collided and items spilled out all over as both carts tipped over.

Drew immediately bent down to help retrieve belongings, apologizing emphatically as he did. "I am so sorry. I wasn't paying attention. Please forg...." He looked up at Ferguson and then Catherine and lost his ability to speak.

Ferguson knelt down to help Drew in picking up and sorting various belongings, actually glad to have a reason to avoid the direction his discussion with Catherine had taken. "Quite alright sir. I myself was a bit distracted as well." He looked at Drew and noticed him staring at Catherine. He could tell the expression of recognition on Drew's face. "I gather you've met Lady Catherine already."

"Andrew, please meet Ferguson Price. Ferguson this is Lieutenant Commander Andrew Knight." Catherine smiled. "And who are you sweetheart?" she asked looking to Ashley.

Ashley just cast her eyes about the group of people, finally settling them on Catherine with a smile on her face. She thrust out a hand to Catherine. "Hi there. I'm Ashley. Ashley Knight and you must be Lady Catherine. Uncle Drew told me about meeting you aboard the Zumwalt." She glanced down at Drew for a moment and was quick to notice his speechless expression. She returned her gaze to Catherine. "He did fail to mention how pretty you are though."

Catherine laughed partly at the young girls remark and partly her uncles face. "It is very nice to meet you Ashley. How about we help your Uncle Drew and Ferguson with the bits that fell huh? Maybe later we can have a nice cup of tea and chat?" she smiled.

Ashley returned the smile and nodded. She bent over and started helping her uncle and Ferguson with the scattered belongings.

Drew tried giving his niece an admonishing look, but she wasn't having it.

Ferguson on the other hand kept a straight face. His demeanor never faltering for one second. He was, however, having an internal battle to maintain his composure. He found Ashley's straightforwardness very refreshing.

After about a minute all the items were back in their proper place on now upright carts.

Drew gave Catherine and Ferguson an inquisitive look. "What unit are they housing you both in?"

"Its on the Padd they gave us." Catherine remarked. "You all right Ferguson?" she asked as she showed Andrew the Padd

Ferguson nodded and since he was not flushed or seemed to be overly exerted in any way. "I'm quite well Lady Catherine."

Ashley's brow knitted in thought as she looked between Ferguson and Catherine. "Why does he call you Lady Catherine?"

"Because almost two thousand years ago one of my ancestors saved a King and the King made him an Earl and gave him some land. The daughter of an Earl is called a Lady. But you can call me Cat." Catherine explaned

Ashley gave her head a shake, not just to decline Catherine's offer, but to ponder what she thought was silliness in ancient civilizations. "No, I think Lady Catherine suits you." Her smile showed she genuinely believed what she said.

Drew handed Catherine back her PADD. "Your in dwelling 4275. We are actually right across the hall in 4274."

Ashley beamed at the news. "We're neighbors! Cool!"

"That's great." Catherine smiled. "Do you like reading?" she asked Ashley

Drew gave a snort of laughter as he took hold of the cart with Ashley and his belongings. "That is like asking a fish if it likes water."

Ashley shot Drew a mock annoyed look as she stepped quickly behind the cart with Catherine and Ferguson's belonging. "You hush up mister." She turned to Catherine and nodded emphatically. "I absolutely love reading." She cast a quick glance to Ferguson. "No worries Mister Price. I got this for you."

Ferguson looked at Ashley for a moment and then cast a sidelong glance at Catherine.

"I think Ferguson managed to save some of my books. If you'd like to read them you may." Catherine offered a little smile on her lips that she was not the only one who'd try their best to make sure that he had an easier life now.

Ferguson caught the look on Catherine's face. "I did at that. Shall we proceed." He gestured down the corridor. "I believe we are just a few more meters down this way."

Ashley noticed a box she remembered her uncle had just a bit of trouble lifting back onto Catherine and Ferguson's cart. She surmised the little treasure Catherine spoke of was in there. She couldn't help but feel a giddiness to actually hold a real book in her hands soon. "Thank you so very much for the offer Lady Catherine. I promise to take extra good care of any book you lend me."

Drew was also appreciative of the offer as well. He looked at Catherine and mouthed thank you silently.

Catherine smiled in response to the mouthed thanks. "Well at least there will be a place for you to make homely." Catherine teased Ferguson goodnaturedly.

"Yes, well I do believe it will be refreshing...to have a well behaved young lady nearby this time." Ferguson bestowed Catherine with a sardonic smile of his own. "Unlike someone I know who would take her father's prize Charger out for romps through the countryside."

Ashley giggled and looked at Catherine askance. "This true Lady Catherine?"

"Yes. Yes it is." Catherine replied with a grin.

Ferguson gave Ashley a mock severe look. "I assume you won't go stealing a shuttlecraft and go gallivanting around the quadrant young lady."

Drew shot a look at his niece. "She better not."

Ashley shook her head. "No worries there Mister Price. I don't gallivant and I don't know the first thing about flying a shuttle."

"I'm saying nothing." Catherine smiled sweetly at Ferguson.

They all arrived at the doors to their new residences.

Ashley handed off the cart to Ferguson. "There you are sir."

Ferguson gave Ashley a slight bow. "I do thank you young lady.

Drew came abreast the door to their quarters. He keyed in the code and the door swished open. "Come along Ashley. Let Lady Catherine and Mister Price go get settled into their new home."

Ashley nodded and shook hands with both her neighbors. "OK. See you guys around."

"When you're settled pop in and have a look at the books." Catherine smiled and keyed in her own codes.

Ashley took hold of their cart and wheeled it into their new home as Ferguson did the same for Catherine and him.

Drew found himself out in the corridor alone with Catherine. He felt his heart go all aflutter just standing there alone for the moment with her. "I...guess I should get inside and help Ashley put our things away."

"Sure. Do pop over for a cup of tea when you are all done." Catherine smiled "'ll make sure I have the books ready for Ashley to look at." she added with a quick wave she vanished into her dwelling.

=====Knight Household=====

Drew stepped into his new home with Ashley and paused for a moment.

Ashley just looked at her uncle and shook her head. "You want to get over here and help Uncle Drew."

Drew nodded and moved to the cart and helped unload it.

=====Waddington Household=====

Feruson was already moving boxes and packages and bags off the cart and sorting them for their final destination. He turned to Catherine and nodded to the door. "Well, young Miss Ashley is a cheeky little monkey."

"I am sure she found you equally charming." Catherine smiled as she looked at the items he was sorting. "Now how about you tell me what goes where?" She asked.

Ferguson pointed at the box with Catherine's books. "How about you sort those out. I am sure Ashley will be over straight away after helping her uncle get their domicile in order."

"She likes to read, it is a good thing."

Ferguson allowed himself a fatherly smile and nodded. "Yes, it is."

"Besides kids make you young is what you used to tell me."

Ferguson's smile only grew as he fondly remembered Catherine growing up. "Aye Poppet, that I did." His expression altered to one of a more inquisitive nature. "I am curious as to your thoughts about Ashley's uncle? He does seem the interesting sort."

"You said I made you grey." she chuckled. "As to Lieutenant Commander Knight, he seems a very respectful man. Most officers are." she said as she placed her books on the shelf. "Why do you ask?"

Ferguson could not contain a chuckle as he touched the top of his head. "That you did Poppet. Regarding Luftenant Commander Knight, though. It is quite apparent to me, and I believe Miss Ashley as well, that he fancies you."

"Nonsense. He was simply being polite."

"Well, I have seen that same expression, he gave you when the carts collided, on many a gentleman caller for you on your father's doorstep." Though Ferguson's expression was one of general curiosity. There was a slight tug on the side of his mouth that indicated he was suppressing a smile.

"Yes it is called annoyance and frustration." Catherine said. "And what new job role are you designing for yourself now? Matchmaker?" She teased. "I am sure he was simply being polite and we did startle the poor man when the carts collided."

Ferguson nodded, though his expression said he was less than convinced. "If you say so Poppet, but I don't believe you need to worry about me being the matchmaker. I think that role may already be filled by a cheeky little monkey." Ferguson gathered up Catherine's bags and took them into the master bedroom to put her things away. Leaving her to mull over their conversation.

"Ferguson you are such a wind up merchant." She called adding "I am making some tea would you like some?"

Ferguson's voice emanated from the master bedroom. "If you say so Poppet. Darjeeling if you please, with just a spot of honey."

She chuckled and shook her head "Coming up."