Pop the Champagne (Part 2 of 6)

Posted on 06 Nov 2012 @ 4:40pm by Rear Admiral Lirha Saalm & Captain Jonathan Holliday & Lieutenant Commander Pola Ni Dhuinn M.D. & Lieutenant Commander Evelyn Coleman & Lieutenant Commander Dea Mialin & Lieutenant Theron Rhodes & Lieutenant Aria Rice & Lieutenant Kiri Cho & Commander Andreus Kohl & Commander Scarlet Blake & Lieutenant Commander Amynta Markos & Chief Warrant Officer 4 Cyrus Kiwosk & Command Master Chief Markum Quinn & Amril & Ensign Im'er Mor'an & Petty Officer 1st Class Gabriel Stark & Verity Thorne & Crewman Athlen & Chief Warrant Officer 2 Arthur Willis

2,886 words; about a 14 minute read

Mission: Episode 02 - Resupply
Location: USS Galileo - Mess Hall
Timeline: MD 04 - 1050 hrs

Previously, on Pop the Champagne (Part 1)...

Maenad only laughed, having nothing to say. She took another drink, her glass nearly empty. "I never would have guessed that you could ever find your job boring."

Balancing the plate on the palm of his right hand, Kohl raised a warm oskoid to his lips and took a bite, taking care not to spill any of the sap across his face. He chewed quickly once Maenad asked her question, and then he replied, "Ah, but anything can become routine."

With a shrug Maenad said, "I suppose," and took another large gulp of her wine. She could not remember the last time that she'd drank this early.

And Now, the Continuation...

[ON]

Dea entered Galileo's mess hall. Briefly looking around as she went to order a drink. After that she proceeded to grab something to eat. Given recent events Mialin had spent more time worrying about those under her command and she still would make them a priority. However having to make an appearance at the reception forced her to take care of the basic needs of food and something to drink.

Evelyn walked into the Mess Hall behind a group of people but quickly distance herself. She smiled nodded politely to a few officers she walked by them to the distant corner of mess hall. She walked up to the window at and looked out at the landscape, her arms wrapped around herself. Her mind still reflecting on experience she had during her "health scare" in sickbay.

"You alright there boss?" Cyrus asked from behind Evelyn. A plate of various cheeses and meats in one hand and a beer resting comfortably in the other. Setting the plate down on a nearby table he leaned against the side wall facing the window.

Evelyn blinked and turned around, "I'm fine." she gave him a small smile, she recognizing his face from the new crew file. "You must be the new Security Chief." she stated.

Cyrus nodded. "Yeah, guess you could say I'm the new kid on the block. Cyrus Kiwosk ma'am, but people call me meathead." He looked out the window and sighed. "I suppose congratulations are in order for your bump to Second Officer, though something tells me that the position isn't really wanted by anyone right." He took a sip of his beer and held up his free hand. "And before you start with the ' if I told you, I'd have to kill you' shtick that you intel types are all about: I don't want to know, some things are better left unsaid. I know a tender subject when I see one."

Evelyn observed him, her interest began to spike. "First of all, thank you." She smiled turning her body towards him so he knows he has her full attention, "And as for the position, I really don't know what the story behind that myself." She shrugged, "I'm Evelyn Coleman, by the way. Feel free to call me Eve."

Cyrus grinned and nodded. "Eve it is, until shore leave ends, then you're boss again." He took a sip of his beer. "Cyrus." He said simply. He looked at her and chuckled softly before looking back out the window. "I haven't seen a turn out for a reception like this since Fernandez became a major." He noted. "I've never been one for large crowds, even if they are Starfleet, too many factors to assess, not enough time." Cyrus scratched at his stubble before looking back over to Eve.

"What factors are you referring to?" Eve questioned studying the young man, her smile not faltering.

Cyrus eyed her carefully. Was this a test? "Well for one, people who are dealing with stressful situations have a tendency to be wound up tight. that stress can manifest in different ways. Some times violence." His stare unfaltering as she continued to look at him. "Some one could do something stupid, runs the risk of damaging themselves, others or even the ship." He paused to sip his beer, but still keeping eye contact. "Then there are factors of the alcohol." He gestured to his beer. "It wouldn't be the first time people had troubles and tried to drown them in alcohol, and from what I've heard about the last mission, which isn't much I might add, alcohol will definitely be on their minds." He paused and chuckled. "Then if you want to get picky, there is always the chance that the food was left out too long, and we can't have that." He sighed. "So yeah, lots of factors are in play everyday that people aren't aware of. Hence why I don't like crowds, too many factors." He shrugged.

"Guess it comes from being a marine. Too many people in one spot like this either meant funerals or promotions...and they both go hand in hand." He shook his head and snorted. "It's nice to see another combat trade on the ship. I was wondering if I'd find anyone to talk fields with."

Evelyn gave him a knowing smile as her eyes shifted to the crowd. "Well if it will put you at ease I don't foresee any incident occurring." She uncrossed her arms, "Cyrus you are a very refreshing voice, adding new perspective on things. I see a party, people enjoying themselves, and you see potential security issues." she nodded, "well you're right. crowds do have a tenacity, especially with alcohol to become rather unruly so it's comforting you're keeping an eye open."

Cyrus shook his head, smiling. "Refreshing...I've been called many things, but I don't think refreshing was one of them." He laughed. " Thanks though. I never thought that anything would happen." He admitted. "I just don't like crowds, but I figure I'm not going to do anyone any good just standing around, might as well meet some people, right?" He finished his first beer, playing around with the empty cup in his hands. "So, how long have you been in Starfleet?"

"Most of my life..." Evelyn thought about his question and added the years in her mind, "I'll say almost 190 years in total." She smirked, looking at him. "What about you? How long have you been part of the marines and decided to enlist?"

The plastic cup crunched audibly as Cyrus heard the age of Evelyn. "Damn, hope I'm that spry when I'm 190..." He murmured. " I was in the marines for about two years on the USS Fitzgerald." He sighed. "I had to take a medical LOA, so I decided to transfer over to security for a few years. " He realized that his explanation was hap-hazard at best, so he tried again. "I applied for the SFMC, and the Security program while I was going through the academy. I completed them both and here I am." He grinned and rolled his shoulder. "Best of both worlds I suppose."

Evelyn smiled nodding, "I believe so, and as for my age, I'm 229." She grinned, "I still have several hundred years before I am even considered elderly." She chuckled mostly to herself. "Enjoying your time on the Galileo?"

"229..." Kiwosk mouthed. "Damn...That's...old." He said bluntly. He blinked a couple times to get around the fact that he was talking to someone who would have seen most of Starfleet's history. He nodded. "I have been. I mean everyone has been really welcoming considering the circumstances."

Evelyn arched her brow at the old comment, "That is good to hear, however word of advice, when someone in appearance looks no older than you, don't assume their age makes them elderly... I'm an El-Aurian and my grandfather lived to be 1800 years old."

Cyrus suddenly felt like a teenager being scolded by his mother back in Victoria. He laughed, big and loud, and nodded. "Got your point loud and clear. El-Aurian eh? That makes a lot of sense." He chuckled again and shook hi head. "Bet my voice isn't refreshing now huh L T? "
Noticing that his beer cup was squashed in his hands he sighed. "I'll have to talk to you later Eve. I think I'm going to get myself a second drink. It's been a pleasure talking to you." He extended his free hand and smiled. "I'll see you around Lieutenant."

Evelyn took his hand and shook it firmly. "Likewise Chief." she nodded

He gave the Intelligence officer his typical two fingered salute and made off in search of another drink and more food.

Kiri slipped into the room behind everyone else, avoiding the chatter, even avoiding the people. Just about everywhere she looked people seemed engaged in conversation, talking smiling. It was a happy occasion, she was proud of herself, celebrating outside of her family was new to her though. It was a private thing not a public one, it was a thing she wasn't very good at. There was food so she thought to occupy herself with that even if it was rather early. She couldn't even make up her mind if she was hungry or not though, her stomach felt tight. The voices all around her fell into an amorphous mass, echoing off each other, food didn't seem very appealing. Turning her attention from the various new forms of appetizers on the tables Kiri looked around again. There were may faces she knew, in her department, the people she had been talking to lately, none of her friends though. Wait, there was Kohl, she should say well done, but. It looked like he was busy, another time. He was talking to Panne, if she was wanted there, wouldn't they be looking for her? That was fine, she didn't really know what to say anyway, it was abrupt, unexpected, she wasn't ready, it might be better if she went to get some work done instead. Being alone in a crowd hurt, it was a mostly new event for her, to be at some form of party, Kiri didn't like it.

From beind Kiri someone cleared their throat. Theron hoped that this subtle gesture would not upset her, but turn and speak to him.

With a whirl Kiri turned, slightly surprised and more concerned that she was in someone's way, it was Rhodes. She hadn't seen him in the room, bowing her head slightly she spoke softly, "Congratulations." What he had done Kiri didn't really know, she didn't even know what she had done to get promoted.

Rhodes tried to glance down at his collar, but it was difficult to see your own neck. He tried to be humble and replied, "Thank you." He looked about the room and then back to Kiri. He said softly, "I am sure this may be uncomfortable for you. It will be much better later today when we can get away from all of this for a while." He still hoped that she wanted to go, but really didn't want to give her 'an out'. "What time should we meet to Transport?"

Looking slightly confused Kiri lent forwards slightly, "I thought that was tomorrow," Shore leave didn't officially start until then and it was the time she had in mind when they had talked. She didn't remember what she had actually told him, if anything about the time. Really she was starting to feel sick, "I was thinking, we could have drinks with some other people in the morning, then go in the afternoon?"

"You are right." Theron corrected. "I do not know what I was thinking." He then smiled, "This will definately help me better get some things accomplished and out of the way. Yes, tomorrow then."

"Yes," Kiri gave a small smile, "How can you tell, that I'm uncomfortable?" Now the smaller matter was cleared up, she wanted to know where holes in her mask were, to cover them up. She thought she was good at hiding, even if it wasn't true.

"Well . . " Theron began hesitating, just a little uncertain how she would feel about his answer. "It is not so much what you do, but what you do not do." Theron glanced around to make sure no one was obviously listening in on their conversation in the very noisy room.

Looking at Kiri, Theron continued, "I have trained myself to be very observant to subtle things."

Kiri looked rather concerned, true she wasn't actively talking to anyone and didn't have a group to join in with but did she stand out that much? Her voice wavered for a moment, "What am I not doing?" Talking to him at least was talking to someone, solving part of that problem.

Theron thought for a moment before responding with his right hand stroking his face and chin. "It is just subtle things. I have noticed that when you are in a social mood, you do not actually talk more, but you seem to listen and watch what is going on around you. You did not seem to do that in this situation.

Kiri thought hard for a few seconds, was that all? There wasn't anything she could do about that, "I wouldn't want to eavesdrop on people, they aren't talking to me so it would be rude to listen." There was also the matter that she could barely pick up any single voice other than Rhodes right now.

"You are fine." Rhodes began, "Like I said, it was just my observation. So . . " smiling at Kiri, "Let us have a drink and enjoy the crowd for what it is worth for the moment. Yes?" he ended with an encouraging question.

Feeling rather queasy Kiri nodded, not really wanting to drink, but wanting to take part with someone. Enjoying the crowd seemed rather hard though, it felt rather hostile, malevolent. Swaying very slightly she asked, "What would you like?"

Theron answered, "I think a dark ale would be nice."

Casting her eyes over a table of drinks, Kiri didn't have a clue what most of them were. Stepping closer she looked rather uncomfortably towards Theron before peering closely at the labels, despite not even knowing what language she was really looking for.

Comfortingly Theron asked, "Would you like something to drink? Something sweet possibly?"

Sweet drinks were not really her thing most of the time, sweet food was fine, but drinks just didn't seem right. Sour was more up her street but right now anything other than plain water felt as if it would be rejected. He was likely impatient with her, she couldn't blame him, "Just water," Shaking her head, "I can't see a, dark ale."

Theron waved to a server and said, "Can we get some water for the Lady?"

Kiri felt rather embarrassed by that, she was quite capable of getting her own water. There was no need to command someone to do something like that, to question Rhodes may cause its own problems, right now she just wanted to coast though. Closing her eyes for a moment Kiri took a deep breath.

Oh, no. thought Rhodes. He was concerned that he may have said something wrong by her reaction.

Silence hung in the air for several seconds until the young man came back with her water. Bowing her head and thanking him apologetically Kiri cupped it in both hands she she tried to focus her eyes on Rhodes, something that look longer than it should. Her voice wobbled a little more, "Do you think you will be changing your quarters now?" It was just about the only thing she could think of to ask.

'Ah, deflection' Theron realized. 'A tool of distraction'. "No. For now, I will continue to share quarters with Ens. Davis."

Quinn and Willis entered the Mess Hall, each with a bottle of Markum's private stash of home-brew beer and laughing, walking with an arm slung around the others neck. The two stopped next to a table and sat down, still continuing on about a mutual war story.

To Be Continued...

[OFF]

--

Cmdr Jonathan Holliday
Executive Officer
USS Galileo

CAPT Lirha Saalm
Commanding Officer
USS Galileo

Lieutenant Pola Ni Dhuinn
Chief Medical Officer
USS Galileo

Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Andreus Kohl
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS Galileo

Lieutenant (JG) Maenad Panne
Chief Science Officer
USS Galileo

Lieutenant (JG) Theron Rhodes
Assistant Chief of Security
USS Galileo

Cadet Senior Grade Im'er Mor'an
Red Squad Intern
USS Galileo

Lieutenant (JG) Liyar
Diplomatic Officer, SDD/VDF
USS Galileo

Crewman Athlen
Sociologist, SCC
USS Galileo

LTJG Dea Mialin
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Galileo

LTJG Kiri Cho
Asst. Chief Science Officer
USS Galileo

LT Amril
Chief Operations Officer
USS Galileo

LT Evelyn Coleman
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Galileo

LTJG Aria Rice
Security/Tactical Officer
USS Galileo

LTJG Scarlet Blake
Counselor
USS Galileo

LTJG Amynta Markos
Intelligence Officer
USS Galileo

CWO Cyrus Kiwosk
Security/Tactical Officer
USS Galileo

MCPO Markum Quinn
Chief of the Boat
USS Galileo

SCPO Arthur Willis
Engineering Officer
USS Galileo
NPC'd by Markum Quinn

PO2 Gabriel Stark
Security/Tactical Officer
USS Galileo
NPC'd by Scarlet Blake

PO2 Verity Thorne
Chaplain
USS Galileo
NPC'd by Scarlet Blake

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