Post #41 Relaxing Before Duty - part 1

Posted on Wed Sep 30th, 2020 @ 6:03am by Major David Hurd Senior

Mission: Star Base Mercury
Location: Ship’s Lounge
Timeline: A few hours after release from Sickbay

After doing a cursory inspection of his men, Hurd went by his quarters, dropped his bags off, and began thinking of something to do. He didn't have to think long however, as the idea of 10 forward came to him, and that made him some a bit.

Making his way there, he ordered a very old Earth beverage called Mountain Dew, took a seat in a far corner, and observed those around him.

Christina was taking a well earned break from her teaching role, one of the other mother’s was helping out with what children were aboard. Walking into ten forward she ordered herself a well earned drink and a snack tray before making her way across to a seat.

Looking at her, Hurd nodded his head as he said, "Feel free to join me ma'am"

“That’s very kind of you, thank you” Chrissy smiled warmly as she placed her small tray down on the table and took a seat “I’m Christina Monroe, ship’s teacher and resident nanny.”

Putting on a rare smile, Hurd said, "Captain David Hurd Senior, Ships Marines Commanding Officer, pleased to meet you".

“Likewise David” Chrissy smiled warmly as she picked up her drink and took a sip. Putting her glass down she gave Hurd a curious look. “I take it you’re new onboard? I don’t remember having seen you around here before.”

"That's correct, just got here a little over two hours ago", David said running his hand across the large scar on his face. "I must say this ship is impressive, that's why I fought for a transfer here".

“To be honest I haven’t worked aboard many ships before” Chrissy smiled. “I started off as a Nanny for the now Mrs Raymond, looking after her son. I came aboard this ship as Kal’s Nanny and as a school teacher for the other children we have aboard. It’s a small group so far but I enjoy the work.”

Nodding his head, Hurd said, "That's rather interesting". Taking a drink he added, I'd rather have your job, but I go where the Marines tell me to", he finished, smiling and looking at her.

Chrissy nodded as she politely ate her food, finishing what was in her mouth before speaking. “I can imagine that must be awkward, being moved around a lot tends to stop you settling down. I became a nanny not just because I like children but because it gave me a chance to settle down and help a friend at the same time. Amethyst asked me to come here with her and since she’s currently expecting another baby in the next few days it’s a good job I did.”

Hurd nodded. "I don't have any family, so from a certain of view, I understand. Taking a drink, he added, "Your job sounds easier than mine", Hurd laughing. Taking another drink he added, "All I do is lead men into battle and during downtime or shore leave making sure they uphold Marine standards, don't get in trouble or get drunk and start bar fights".

“It must be a full time job just monitoring everyone else!” Chrissy grinned. “Do you get much time for yourself?”

"Well, on average, several hours a day plus a few nights a week." "I have what I believe a very capable senior combat action team so it affords me that."

Chrissy smiled warmly. “That’s good to hear, so what do you like to do in your spare time?” She looked at Hurd curiously as she picked up some more food from her tray and politely ate.

"Well to be honest, not much really, as I don't have many friends", he replied sadly. "Mostly I just sleep".

Finishing off the last of her food Chrissy politely wiped her mouth before speaking. "I find it hard to believe that a man like you doesn't have many friends. Although saying that you have only just got here." She smiled warmly. "To be honest I haven't made that many friends myself as yet, people like us should stick together."

Cracking a small smile, Hurd said, jokingly, "You think you can handle being friends with a gruff old Marine, who's scared up no less?", He asked, again running his hand slightly across the long jagged scare on his face.

"Your scars give you character" Chrissy smiled warmly. "Don't let anyone tell you otherwise! I'd like to be friends if you're happy being friends with the ship's school teacher." She grinned.

Grinning, David said, "Well yes of course I'd like that." Taking a drink, he asked, " So what brought you aboard ship?"

“I originally came aboard as nanny to my friend Amethyst’s son. She was a single parent at the time and needed someone to care for Kal whilst she was working, she asked me to come aboard with her and Starfleet offered me the position of school teacher as well.” She picked up her drink and sipped it before continuing. “I love children so it seemed the best of both worlds.”

"That's admirable," Hurd said nodding. Thinking wanely, he added, "With what I do, I don't think I'll ever have the chance to have kids".

“Don’t give up!” Chrissy smiled understandingly. “You never know what the future might hold, if you really want to be a father then don’t give up on your dream.” She sipped her drink again before putting her glass down. “I guess seeing how hard it was for Amethyst raising Kal alone until she met up with Will again, it made me realise if I wanted to be a mother that I needed someone in my life to do it. So far I haven’t found the right man or he hasn’t found me.” She grinned.

Smiling, Hurd said, "Well we have a paradox there, as I'm in the same boat you are finding someone".

“We like minded people should stick together.” Chrissy smiled warmly before she realised how that sounded. “What I mean is ... erm...” She turned a deep shade of red in embarrassment.

Very intrigued, Hurd said, "Don't be embarrassed, what were you going to say?"

“I was ... just going to say at least we’d have each other.” She looked even more embarrassed. “I didn’t mean to sound like I was suggesting ... anything inappropriate.”

His face going red, Hurd gently grasped one of her hands. "I know you weren't, it's ok", he said looking into her eyes, "Will you do me the honor of going out with me", he said smiling.

Chrissy smiled feeling more at ease after her gaff. She nodded as she looked at Hurd “I think I’d like that.”

Looking into her eyes, he said, gently, "I'd like that as well", he smiled. Pausing for a couple seconds, he asked, "So tell me this, out of all the TV shows in the 21st century on Earth, what is your favorite?".

“My favourite tv show ...” She paused to think. “Well if you’re into Sci-fi then definitely Star Trek!” She grinned. “Very much based on this future, anyone would think the creators had been to the future and back to make such a series based on what we do!” She grinned. “Apart from that I love a mix really, how about you?” Her gaze turned to the door as Dallas entered giving him a polite nod.

Master Sergeant Dallas entered and seeing the new CO stopped his advance. He was drinking with Lt Kordells girl and didn't want to be recognized as the jar head card playing buddy.

" Hey Top what'll you have?" the bar keep asked blowing his cover.

" Nothing just looking for any marines in here. We have a busy day tomorrow." he quickly lied.

" Right Kordell said he would play you again when he gets back from the station.

Shifting his gaze as well, Hurd smiled when he saw who it was. Turning to Chrissy, he said, "Watch This". Letting go of her hand,Hurd stood, adjusting the Pistol belt that held his ancient but trusty .45, an Bellied at the top of his lungs, "Master Sergeant Dallas, attention on the deck Marine!".

A split second pause made Dallas react with the command. Pissed to have been called out.

" Sir, yes sir."

Christina watched curiously, picking up her drink to sip the last of it before putting down the glass down again.

Walking over to him, Hurd eyed the man for a moment, saluted, and extended his hand. "Sorry for calling you on the deck like that, but I had to see if all the rumours and positive things I've heard about you were true, and I'm pleased to say I'm more than impressed. Turning to the barkeeper Hurd said, "Get me a shot of your oldest, finest real Whiskey for the Master Sergeant and put it on my tab."

" Well Captain I am much oblidged. I stopped by to...look for some straglers. I didn't expect you til tomorrow. " Dallas replied accepting the glass. " Semper Fi sir."

"Semper Fi Marine", Hurd said, draining the last of his Few and ordering another. "Care to come sit a spell, relax, and talk?", gesturing to where he had just got up from.

“Please join us” Chrissy smiled warmly at Dallas. “We were just ... getting acquainted.” She smiled warmly at Hurd.

" Respectfully no sir. Maybe another time. I actually was hoping to find the XO in here. Lt Foster I mean sir." Dallas declined.

Hurd nodded, "Quite understandable, Master Sargeant." "Do what you need to do and get some rest, I'd predict we are going to very busy tommorrow", Hurd said with a sly smile.

“It’s been nice seeing you again” Chrissy smiled at Dallas.

" Yea, you too ma'am. " Dallas replied still focusing on the new CO.

"Is there something else, Master Sargeant?"

" No sir. Good night sir." replied Dallas as he turned and left.

With Dallas departed Chrissy turned her attention back to Hurd. “Now where were we...”

Having walked back over and sat down, Hurd said, "I think we were talking about favorite TV shows from the late 21st Century", he flashed her a smile. "Mine is a show called "Supernatural", ever heard of it?"

“Are you kidding me?! The best show ever!!” Chrissy grinned. “Believe it or not I have the model Impala in my quarters!.”

"Oh that's somthing I have to see", he replied warmly.

"If you're free now I could show you?" Chrissy smiled warmly. "No alterior motive I promise you!"

"I'm free until 0730 tommorrow, so lead the way" he replied with a smile.

{TBC}