Post # 53 The Universe and a Cookie

Posted on Mon Oct 12th, 2020 @ 5:03pm by Lieutenant Damien Saunders

Mission: Star Base Mercury
Location: 10 Forward Lounge
Timeline: Current

[ON]

Lieutenant Saunders had entered 10 Forward. He hadn't been there for a while. Damien usually opted for a smaller mess replimat throughout the ship. However, this time Saunders was hoping to grab a drink and cookie and maybe find some conversation.

Having stood at the ten forward bar, he noticed the wall art's impressive changing colors behind the ship's bartender. There was a general hum of quiet conversations going on throughout the scattered tables.

"Hello. What may I get for you, Lt?" Asked the bartender, a pleasant female asked.

"Hi, I'm Damien." He smiled. He had wanted people to use names and get used to them. This was a community, after all. "What is your name?”

“I’m Lesta.” She replied. A bit confused.

“Lesta.” He nodded. “I like that name.” He then witnessed as she was a bit busy. “Lesta, may I please have a tall cold glass of 1% milk, and three chocolate chip oatmeal cookies? The selection grade 3, please.” He had liked the third basis selection from the replicator as it had a bit more softness to them.

“Of course.” She smiled and turned to access the replicator.

Damien tapped his fingers down on the top white glass lit bar. He turned to look around.

He spotted the Commander. He rarely had a chance to speak with him since he had arrived onboard a little ways back.

“Here you are.” Lesta smiled and proudly sat down the order on the bar.

“Thank you, Lesta.” He nodded, reaching the replicated snack.

“Of course!” She smiled.

Damien had turned towards the forward panoramic windows. The starfield was presenting a never-ending horizon of wonder. He smiled. This was why he had enjoyed serving onboard a Galaxy Class cruiser.

“Commander Nash, Sir.” He walked up the gentle rise of steps. He saw that Commander Raymond was alone to the table. Most likely, he had wanted to be alone. A Commander on a starship this busy, he was almost considered a Star.

“May I have a seat?” He gestured to the empty chair opposite.

" Certainly . Just waiting on a double chocolate sundae for the misses. So hows your assignment going?" Will replied.

"Do you have a counseling certification. If so.." He chuckled. "Well, I don't want to take up your time, Sir. It's been... an effort." He was perplexed that starfleet was sending incredible amateurs.

" My wife is the Counselor. We are all stretched and far from home. Just do the best that you can Lieutenant. The Commodore and I have great confidence in you." Will replied.

Surprised at the comment. “Thank you, Commander. I appreciate and affirmed by both of your confidence.” He nodded. He was not fishing for compliments.

Taking a bite of his cookie, he remembered and swallowed. “Sincere congratulations on your newborn, Sir.” He smiled. “How does it feel to be a Father?”

" Frankly it is unreal. Our son Kal, was a surprise from our relationship on the Washington. Flora is extraordinary. She was miraculously designed by an alien being," Will paused. " Bar keep give me a shot of the real whiskey. Mr Saunders do you care for a shot, with your cookie?"

“Thank you, Sir. I would be honored too.” He nodded. He smiled.

As the bartender had come around with the bottle of fair Whiskey, seeing as it was the Commander. Now wasn’t the time to hold out the good stuff.

“We should toast to the newborn!” Damien proposed.

" To the Universe and Cookies !" Will declared as he swallowed his down quickly

"Uh yes... To that." Damien had seen the Commander down his glass fast. He was rather shocked. "Universe... and... Cookies." He then reached and took a bite of his own. "Care for one, Sir?" He slid the plate halfway. "You'd best get something on your stomach." He grinned.

" One more shot." Will said but the barkeep produced his chocolate sundae.

" That's enough sir. You sundae is melting."

" You're right. Mr Saunders it's been real. Let's do this again." Will added as he left with the sundae.

[OFF]