Peace Prevails

[Ethan Diaz]

A minute or two went by, with Ethan silently sipping his drink and mentally going over tomorrow's very busy schedule. It would be mostly training, of course, but even junior officers might be given additional duties if their superiors deemed it necessary. Then there was Occupational Specialty coursework--essentially like the kind you got at the Academy, meant to supplement on-the-job training and usually done during your off hours. 

"Can I get you another, sir?" The bartender asked, pointing to Ethan's empty glass. 

"Hm? Oh, yes," the midshipman responded absently. Just then, his thoughts turned to home. He'd forgotten to add Lambda Colonial Time to his personal PADD. Was it still daytime back on the farm, or was Sol Valley fast asleep? Either way, it didn't matter too much at the moment. Ethan had already sent a message to his parents before coming aboard, reminding them it would be at least 24 hours before he got a chance to reach out again. It was very strange, knowing just how much time and space there was between them. . . 

Suddenly, he was distracted by movement in his peripheral vision. A couple was settling into the empty seats on Ethan's right--a human male that looked to be about his own age, and a Klingon female. The man introduced himself as Lieutenant Junior Grade Coppola and seemed friendly enough; just as Ethan was extending his hand, the lieutenant turned and placed an order for drinks.

Ethan leaned back on his barstool, watching the bartender expertly prepare a concoction he didn't recognize and pouring out three shot glasses. As a general rule, he only drank on special occasions, but tonight quite obviously fit the bill. Besides, he could very well end up on the same watch as this guy. Might as well start off on the right foot. 

"I don't mind, sir. I'm a Tac Section man myself," Ethan replied. He waited patiently for the bartender to finish, then accepted one of the glasses and raised it in a toast. "My congratulations. And to your very good health, sir." 

He gulped it down and immediately began to cough, the unexpected presence of alcohol flooding his nose and throat. Should've known better. You're at a bar, idiot. . . 

"First Jägerbomb?" Asked the bartender, brow raised and already preparing a glass of water.

"Yeah," Ethan spluttered. Thankfully, it didn't take him too long to recover, but he accepted the water just in case. "I guess I should've announced myself as a novice first." He turned a bit sheepishly back to Lieutenant Coppola. "Sorry about that, sir. Midshipman Diaz, sir--Ethan Diaz. Pleased to meet you." He took a moment to nod to the Klingon female as well. "A pleasure to meet you as well, Miss."



== Tag Lt. Coppola ==