A Night Off

Posted on Sat Nov 4th, 2023 @ 7:00pm by Captain Michael Murphy & Captain Jackson Adams & Lieutenant Commander Katja Becker & Lieutenant Kestra Ral

Mission: Home Sweet home.
Location: Starbase Bar

Captain Adams came into the bar and sat down. He had invited everyone on the ship to join him at 1900 hours. Here it was, 1907 and no one was there. Were they too busy with family to come, or did they just forget?

Jackson was in his civilian clothes. The good Captain never thought that going to a bar in uniform was a good idea, in fact, in his experience, it was bad all the way around.

Walking up to the bar, the Captain flagged down the bartender and said, "Scotch, neat, please."

"Right away", the pretty bartender said.

Commander Murphy walked in expecting to see a large crowd, but instead saw the Captain sitting alone. He moved to the open seat next to him. "I guess I didn't miss anything?"

"Not really. It looks like it might just be us getting drunk tonight. I guess the crew needs to do what they need to do. I have a feeling the mission is going to be long."

Murphy agreed. Any complications would only prolong the mission as well. "I won't be drinking too much, Captain. Not my thing. I do like to take the edge off, though."

Kes already had stopped off at a bar for her drink and a meal, but it seemed there was a gathering of the ship's crew set at an officers lounge. That wasn't her normal hangout. But as part of staff, she thought making an appearance might be wise.

Personally, she wasn't even really sure that her new Captain wanted her on the ship. He hadn't said a word to her after this mission briefing. She guessed she would find out if he transferred her later on. The XO seemed pleasant enough that was a plus. She had been on Bases that both officers hadn't been pleasant to work with.

Walking in, she stopped and then bit her lip. Well, this wasn't what she had thought. Only the captain and XO were here. She gave a mental shrug then continued into the room. Nodding her head she said, "Good evening, Captain, Commander."

Looking over and smiling Adams said, "Well, hello there. How are you this evening?"

"Ah, I am doing rather well " Kes smiled.

"Lieutenant, welcome!" Murphy called out with a smile. "Glad you could make it!"

"Thank you, Sir." When the bartender came back she ordered a "Jestral Tea sweet"

"I've never had that before," Murphy mused. "Do you recommend it, or is it an acquired taste?"

"its a Betazoid beverage and it is particularly comforting in times of anxiety or stress. I suppose it is similar to earth's Chamomile Tea, I try to drink it night before bed and I have always enjoyed it."

The Captain thought he would be coy by responding, "So will it allow me to be smarter?"

Yes, indeed, he needed another drink.

Kes laughed, "Smarter? No but you wouldn't need that. Relaxed yes that it can do. "

"I'll have to try it sometime," Murphy said, making a mental note.

Meanwhile, after a long shift of, in essence, shoveling the garbage left over from the last CMO, Katja was ready for a beer or two or more to relax. It might help with the constant state of uneasiness she was experiencing since the briefing.

A quick stop in her quarters to change into a pair of black leggings and an oversized long-sleeved top made of sweatshirt material which had a stylized Caduceus symbol on it and Starfleet Medical emblazoned underneath it. It was a classy get up - more meant for the gym than the bar...but like who was she trying to impress?

Katja was rather surprised that the bar was populated at this hour, but who was she to judge? She walked over to the CO and XO and took a seat near them. "Vodka with soda, twist of lemon, please." Kajta ordered from the bartender, with a warm smile upon her lips.

"Hallo all. If there are any medical emergencies in the next 15 minutes my professional recommendation is to go directly to sickbay. I know nothing right now." Katja's eyes lit up as the bartender returned with her drink and she beckoned him closer with her hands, opening and shutting them quickly in a 'gimme gimme gimme' manner.

Kestra laughed, finally someone else had showed up and she knew how to have. It was a relief not to be the only one with the commander and Captain. "If any medical emergencies come up they can go to the base sickbay."

"Let's just try not to have any medical emergencies tonight," Murphy said with a grin.

"Oh, I do try. Most of my medical emergencies have happened on shore leave. " Thinking better of leaving it at that Kestra added," And was none of my doing. " she gave a little cross of her heart with her fingers and smile.

He chuckled. He wasn't certain he believed her, but he wasn't worried about it right now.

By the look on his face Kestra could tell he didn't believe her. Smart man. Her off duty time was spent in doing off the wall plans. Like last week's Zero grav walk on the outside of the base. Just to check for damages but it had been so much fun. That and most of her adventures were listed in some security officers log some place...

The drinks continued flowing...


OFF:

Captain Jackson Adams
Commanding Officer

Commander Michael Murphy
Executive Officer

Petty Officer 3rd Class Valentia Ferrón
Yeoman

Lieutenant Steve Ryan
Chief Communications and Operations Officer

Lieutenant Kestra Ral
Chief Science Officer

Lieutenant Katja Becker
Chief Medical Officer