ZE/D02 - Crew Mess

[Paul]

==

[Charlotte Dawes]

== Morning, breakfast time, before alpha shift. The new crew's first full day on board ==

The mess hall was starting to draw a small crowd ahead of alpha shift’s first full day on the Zephyr. Charlotte and Isabel had arrived early. They had both come straight from a morning workout, still dressed in their exercise clothes. After selecting food from the replicator the two sat down at a large table near the back, they meant to encourage people to join them, the location prime for watching people come and go in the morning rush.

Charlotte took the lid off of her smoothie and stirred the contents with her straw. “So, you were on the Bridge from the beginning yesterday then?” Charlotte turned to the young operations officer with interest. “What was it like up there?”

Isabel shrugged. “Pretty calm, all things considering. I mean don't get me wrong, that was a rush to launch, especially with a new crew turnover. I’ve never worked anything like it. But the Bridge itself, pretty calm. Commander Ameen was acting like it was another day on the Titania. You wouldn't have known.”

“I mean, I was nervous. But it certainly wasn't coming off the Bridge crew.” Isabel picked up a piece of toast and spread a dark colored jam on it. “The only senior staff announced that I didn’t really know was the security chief, but once we got everything underway, even he seemed to have a sense of humor.” Isabel took a large bite of her toast and reached for her coffee. She took a moment to swallow then asked. “What about you?”

Charlotte shook her head. “I didn’t catch the CMO yesterday, but I’m sure I’ll meet her soon enough. And probably the rest of the crew too. The worst thing about being on board during a new launch is rounding everyone up for physicals.”

Isabel nodded. “Yeah, she was on the Bridge. Your new middy from medical was there too. I didn’t catch his name. That’s probably why you missed her.”

Charlotte grinned. "A new midshipman in medical? Fun."

==Open Tag==

[Keir 77]

==Morning Breakfast Security Senior Chief Petty Officer Samantha Reagan==

The Crew mess was clearly of an older design and as such Samantha felt right at home. The smells, layout and tech were all a decade old and oh so familiar. As she was passing through the line an older food service crewman came up and added something to her plate without asking.

She was about to react until she recognized both the food on her tray and the grizzled old chef that put it there. "Damn Cliff I thought they had sent you off to a penal colony;" to which he replied in a growl, "No way I turned it down because I figured you'd be there selling your ass to the guards."
Putting her tray down they embraced, and it turned out that both had heard that the other had died. After a brief catch up Cliff returned to the kitchen and Sam headed over to a table with a familiar looking female Nurse.

The two women would see a very tall red-haired E-8 Security NCO. Charlotte remembered seeing her cozying up with Keir in the observation lounge. The two looked quite comfortable.

"Good morning, I'm Samantha, but Sam is ok, you're Charlotte right, Keir mentioned you?," She reached out her hand to shake Charlotte's and it would be then that the women caught the odor drifting from her rather large tray of food.

The redhead was well over six feet in height and was clearly very fit, but the pungent smell from her platter while not unpleasant was somewhat overwhelming. Noticing their reaction she grinned, "The Chef calls it Toxic Waste; and only the brave and foolish try it long enough to be able to enjoy it; would you like to try a spoonful?," she offered to the Nurse, and then turned to the other woman again offering a large hand which she shook gently.

"So, what is on your schedule today ladies?"

==Tags==

[Charlotte Dawes]

Charlotte looked up as a tall redhead approached the table.

"Good morning, I'm Samantha, but Sam is ok, you're Charlotte right, Keir mentioned you?."

"Hi, Sam. Yeah, that's right. Though my friends call me Char or Charlie. It's usually only Charlotte when I'm in trouble. Please sit down, there's plenty of room if you want to join us." Charlotte gestured to the open table. She couldn't help but notice some unusual items on the woman's tray. Samantha must have noticed Charlotte's curiosity, because Charlotte then found herself being offered a bite.  Charlotte held up a hand and shook her head slightly.

"Hi, I'm Izzy, Operations." The brunette sitting with Charlotte stood up slightly to shake the Vulcan hybrid's hand, before sitting back down.

"So, what is on your schedule today ladies?" Samantha asked.

"Bridge duty in about an hour for me. I haven't really filled my schedule up much beyond that," Izzy responded. "My schedule is still kind of in flux at the moment. So, I need to try to keep it open."

"Getting Sickbay organized should be pretty busy. We got up early to get a workout in this morning. We both like to try to keep some semblance of a routine when we can," Charlotte added. "What about you? Busy day?"

"And I'm sorry. What did you say that was? Toxic Waste? What is in it?" Charlotte finally asked. 

==Tag==

[Gath]

When Gath entered the Mess, he was not yet in uniform. His hair appeared still wet, as if he had showered in a real shower with hot water, but was in clean loose fitting workout attire. His shirt was sleeveless and his shorts came almost to his knees, but both revealed chiseled muscle tone. He approached a replicator and inserted an isolinear chip to select a menu option that it generated. The unit then took much longer than normal before finishing the process of producing a plate of food and a drink in a glass that actually had ice in it.

Taking the plate of food, it could still be heard sizzling from the temperature it had been created at. He pulled it close and inhaled deeply. A big smile formed on his face and what sounded almost like a growl came from him, but it was obviously a sound of approval as he headed to a table. As he set it down, it was evident that he had what appeared to be a juicy steak and several fried eggs next to it. The smell was a mixture of seared meat and hot spices. Those familiar would recognise that the eggs had a fair helping of chopped jalapeno sprinkled across them. The Klingon took a moment to savor the moment, pausing and breathing it in, like some kind of carnivorous prayer before attacking it. When he did begin to eat though, he was not the noisy barbarian that some might expect. Gath had wonderful table manners and produced his own cutlery for the task of cutting the steak as he ate like a gentleman. He said nothing, but the look on his face said he was really enjoying his meal.

Just then, a human from Tactical entered, Lt Krandall, his uniform crisp and neat. He got himself what smelled to be a raktajino and strode over to sit down across from Gath with a big smile. Gath said nothing at first, but paused his cutting and eating for perhaps a full two seconds, spent locking eyes with Krandall, before continuing. Gath was not used to people sitting down with him uninvited, but he appeared to take it in stride. Krandall began speaking, as if continuing a previous conversation, but Gath's expression implied there had been no such previous conversation.

"I'm sure that you have your own program you use, because you seem like that kind of guy with his training, but if I may be so bold, could I offer a suggestion?"

Gath's expression turned to more of a skeptical one as he replied, "Bold indeed...but continue..."

Krandall's smile widened, "Normally I'm not one for training programs I haven't installed myself, but I learned that there had been a Marine drop team assigned to this ship at one time and I thought to myself, they had to have trained while they were here, right?"

Gath stopped chewing and looked at him more seriously now, swallowed then added, "They would..."

Tom took a sip from his cup and then started talking more casually, using his hands and elaborating, "See, they needed to train for some very specific kinds of tactics and would have had some of their own software with them, but to use that, they would have to reconfigure the holodeck to accommodate...well, certain variables and allow it to handle simulated live fire and so on that can overwhelm some standard holodecks. A Holosuite wouldn't be able to handle any of it, but a deck can be configured for it. So I took a look and the framework is still there. If you have a solid program, you can scroll through to the design applications page and you'll find inputs for squad tactics for both red and blue complete with a small database of species, weapons and some rater creative simulation variables that I've never seen in a stock system before."

Gath continued to eat, having almost finished his hefty breakfast by now. In between bites, he commented, "You've run some of these simulations?"

Shrugging, he admitted, "I'm still trying to fit into the Tactical thing. I'm a pilot, but they won't let me fly fighters anymore. As a former Marine though, tactical is something you're taught to do on a battlefield. They don't let me do much of that either, but you seem like a boots on the ground kind of guy, so I'm just trying to plant the seeds of thought for someone who might have our best interests at heart. I also like to enjoy some company when I work out, it spices things up, don't you think?" He pointed at what little remained on the plate and added, "The peppers are a nice touch, I like mine like that too. If you're faced with field rations, hot sauce is the only thing that makes the stuff they call eggs edible."

Gath finally grinned and gave a nod, "They do add a nice little flavor, don't they." The grin widened some more, "Thanks, I'll have to check that out, Tom."

Looking slightly surprised, "You know who I am?"

That made Gath smile, "I'm the Chief of Security, I know everyone on this ship. You're a brave man to risk interrupting a Klingon when he's eating...I like that."

Now it was Tom's turn to smile.

== NRC Lt Tom Krandall, Tactical ==

[Keir 77]

==Security Senior Chief Petty Officer Samantha Reagan==

 
 Sam ate and listened to the women, both of whom appeared to be quite intelligent and competent; however, they did appear to be uneasy at first regarding her presence or perhaps intimidated?
 
 "Back before the consolidation of the Marines with Star Fleet Security I was a Sergeant Major and quite content, however the Federation felt that having Marines and Security were a redundancy, and we were all given an opportunity to join Starfleet. I chose to take the opportunity and have never looked back; now it's my job to protect all of you should you go on an away mission or the ship is boarded."
 
 As she finished her intro Charlotte asked about her unusual dish, bringing a smile to her face, "This, ?" she asked with a smile. "It is a dish that comes from his native Venezuela, would you like to try a bite?" Sam offered by pushing her plate towards the woman adding, "No worries, it isn't lethal and actually quite unforgettable."
 
Sam paused waiting for a decision and then excused herself; adding "I'm going to invite the two officers to join us."; and approached the nearby table. "Excuse me Sirs for interrupting; I am Samantha Reagan a senior NCO and my two new acquaintances and I noticed you sitting here and would like to invite you to join us," adding. "In the interest of getting to know our mutually new crewmates , "Sam pointed at the Medical and the Operations NCO's, "That is Charlotte and Izzy; care to share a table Sirs?"
 
==Tag==

[Gath]

== Including NRC Lt Tom Krandall, Tactical ==

At hearing the invitation, Tom instantly smiled and replied, "How could I refuse such a generous offer from such attractive young women?"

Gath rolled his eyes at Tom as he stood and greeted Sam, "I'm pleased to meet you, Chief. You have an impressive file and my respect. We would be honored to join you and the other ladies. My name is Gath." Gesturing toward Tom he continued, "If he becomes too annoying, just let me know and I'll stun him."

Tom heard that and he looked at Gath with a bit of surprise. "Wait, you'll what?"

Gath smiled enough to show a couple of sharp teeth, "Don't worry, one of them is medical, you'll be fine."

For once, the smooth talker didn't appear to know what to say, though he was obviously trying hard to think up a snappy comeback. Gath just continued to smile and ignored Tom as he picked up his remaining food and changed tables.

As Gath joined the other table, he paused before taking a seat and said politely, "Greetings, ladies. My name is Gath. Thank you for the invitation to join you."

Tom tried to not be left out, "Hi, Tom Krandall. Fair warning, don't get a hand too close to Gath while he's eating, he almost bit me earlier."

Without missing a beat, Gath replied, "Tom, I hate to break it to you, but you're not my type. As far as harming you, don't worry, I won't do anything to you that medical can't fix."  Gath quickly looked to Ens Dawes with a look of mock concern, "You ARE trained in trauma care, right?"

This briefly shut Tom up again as the Tactical officer glanced between Gath and Charlotte, unsure if he was joking or not. Gath's toothy smile returned after a second. Tom wagged a finger at Gath, 'I can never be sure when you're joking and when you're not."

Gath finally took a seat as he simply added, "Good, that's intentional." He then shifted to a more pleasant tone as he said to the ladies, "I certainly hope that you're all getting settled in and find the ship to be your sanctuary against whatever else might be out there. It is my mission in life to make this ship your safe haven in the galaxy. If at any time you don't feel safe, then I want to know about it...and I will remedy that situation, with extreme prejudice on your behalf. That's my promise to you."

== Tags ==

[Evie O’Fee]

Walking into the crew mess Evie was no longer in uniform, she had a nice green skirt, and matching tank top. The Com badge was worn because of the regulations, but considering where she was it would have been worn anyways. The one thing that she wanted to do was get in a good breakfast to gather her thoughts, it was a big step for her here and she wanted to start it off good. 

While observing the surrounding area, she spotted a few people she knew. Charlotte and Isabel were together, and Evie always did love the name Isabel. She didn't have the opportunity meet the young lady, and it was better to meet like this. Not while she was on a slab where Evie would bring her back to health, those are always the worst introductions. 

Evie went close to Charlotte with a warm smile. "Good morning." Evie said but she looked like the night wasn't too kind to her, but her hair was kept pretty well. "Anyone know what is good here for breakfast?"  She had a few ideas about what to have, but was open to suggestions.

==Tag Charlotte==

[Charlotte Dawes]

== Including temp NRC Isabel Molina, Operations ==

Izzy and Charlotte looked at one another and shrugged as Sam excused herself from the table in a hurry, and both were surprised that the two officers she had invited returned with her to join them. They turned out to be a jovial pair, though Charlotte found herself wondering how much they were kidding around.

Charlotte smiled graciously at the Security Chief’s offer to take care of any safety concerns they may have.

“I appreciate that. Though, I’ll try to not need your assistance anytime soon. Any of you really," she added gesturing to Sam and Krandell. "No offense. Just as I’m sure you’d rather not need mine. Especially in the trauma ward,” Charlotte commented with a dry grin. “Name’s Charlie, Charlotte Dawes.”

“Isabel Molina, we were on the Bridge together yesterday,” Izzy chimed in. “I’m back on today. I’m guessing I’ll see you both again soon.”

As Izzy was getting acquainted with her fellow Bridge officers, Charlotte turned her attention to the Chief Medical Officer who had just walked over. “Good morning, Dr. O’Fee. Are you feeling okay? Have a seat, I can go get you something if you want.”

Charlotte pulled a chair out for the doctor who looked a little worse for wear. “I’m just having a smoothie, but the chef apparently made a Venezuelan dish that Sam said is pretty good.”

== tags ==

[Gath]

== Including NRC Lt Tom Krandall, Tactical ==

Gath and Tom each introduced themselves again, when the CMO came over to introduce herself. Tom's nature was friendly and sometimes a little flirtacious, mixed with the degree of confidence that seemed to come with most experienced pilots. The CMO would recall Krandall's record, because it stood out. His had a caution of having three ejections from fighter craft, thus restricting him from future fighter combat, because of the cumulative abuse it inflicts on the body as a result.

Gath was polite, almost to a fault. He was rather unique, as Klingons go. Most were loud, boasting and looked for any excuse to tell you what house they were from and their long list of acolades. Gath was the opposite. He was polite to the point of almost charming and well groomed. Even his ridges were subtle enough that you almost forgot he was Klingon, once you got to talk with him. His non-verbals though, they spoke of pure predator. His eyes seemed to catch every movement and he was content to listen far more than he spoke. When he did speak, it tended to be in a deep and calming tone that had a surprisingly comforting effect.

Gath responded to the Ens Dawes with a warm grin, "You're quite right, Charlie. If fate smiles upon us, we hope to not test any of our various skills, but there is a sort of comfort in knowing that we're all experienced professionals at what we do. a smaller ship, like this one, tends to form a closer bond amoung the crew. I find it encouraging that we came together here this morning, in a place that rank is set aside. This bodes well for our future."

== NRC Ens Raven Singer, Engineering ==

A woman in coveralls came up behind Gath, holding a steaming mug and looking at the ssembled group, "Let me guess, you all are forming a book club. I didn't expect to hear a speech though, that's a twist." She glanced around with a warm and generous smile and even held up a hand, as if to wave, "Raven..."

Gath was sniffing the air, then asked, "What is that amazing smell?"

Raven replied, "Sorry, that's me. Fine...Hi, I'm Raven, I'm a coffee addict, it's been 30 seconds since my last sip and no, you can't save me as I won't allow it. When I die, there will likely be a steam cup beside me nd I don't care who knows it."

Gath turned with interest, "That's raktajino, but...I smell other..."

Raven pulled it out of his reach, as if he were going to try and take it, "Secret recipe, you can't have it. There's more of this running through my veins than blood."

Gath continued, "...spices...something I can't place..."

Raven rolled her eyes, pulled out a PADD and after a couple of key strokes a steaming mug materialized on the table in front of Gath. He inhaled deeply and a rumbling growl of approval came from him as he cautiously picked it up and gave it a sip. The growl deepened and he commented, quite impressed, "A true warrior's drink."

Raven chuckled, "My Nana would have gotten a good giggle at hearing that, but you're welcome. I'm still not giving you the recipe though."

Those around him could smell hints of dark chocolate, strong raktajino, some kind of hot pepper and a trace of a few other spices.

Raven then pointed at Tom and warned him, "You! Don't you break my ship, I know about you."

Tom was just biting into a danish and had his mouth stuffed, but looked around, as if she miust be scolding someone else. "Hmmf?"

Raven continued, wagging her finger, "You heard me, flyboy."

Tom just ate his danish and tried to look innocent.

Raven, looking to the ladies, as if they had been carrying on a conversation for hours, "So, any of you ladies ever play a game called billiards?"

== Tag to all ==

[Charlotte Dawes]

== Breakfast Group - Continue Next Posts to Shore Leave Subplots Thread ==

[Emery Tyris-McEntyre]

The new midshipman, Emery Tyris-McEntyre, made his presence known as he entered the crew mess. He dominated the space by his sheer size. He crossed over to the bank of replicators lining the wall and ordered a plate of eggs, bacon, sausage and steak. When the replicator beeped at him a moment later, he picked up his plate and walked to an empty table, took a seat and quietly began to eat.

“There’s your new doctor,” Isabel commented as the Caitian hybrid made his way to the replicator. Isabel put a hand up and waved the midshipman over. “You can join us, we don’t bite. You know Dr. O’Fee, and Charlie here works in medical too.”

“Sorry, I saw you on the Bridge yesterday. I’m Izzy, I work in ops,” Isabel clarified as Emery walked over.

Emery accepted the offered seat and sat his tray in front of him as he sat. “It’s nice to meet you Izzy.” The Caitian Hybrid nodded, smiled.


== temp NRC “Hijacking” done with permission/collaboration. ==

[Amila Ra'an]

==Fairwinds Lounge==

Amila was impressed as she walked into the Fairwinds Lounge. The space had already undergone a significant transformation as the staff made their preparations for the formal dinner. The flags of Starfleet, the United Federation of Planets, and Trill were on display. The staff were working diligently to clear out extra tables, as simple decorations were being placed on the head table.

She first found the chef and explained the change in the menu plans, and the reasons behind it. He received the news better than Amila had anticipated, and was more than happy to add more flavor and options to his plans for the dinner, the previous instructions having left him somewhat limited. He did make a point to let her know that it would be a lot of work to get everything accomplished by the evening, but she thought he seemed happy to be barking out orders as she left the kitchen.

She next wanted to focus on establishing a theme around the two worlds that diplomat C’had Kestir was to mediate between in three short weeks. Their original instructions had included a note that Kestir liked to prepare by cultural immersion. She asked that those flags be brought out to be put on display as well, and began working with the staff to change the visual aesthetic from simple Starfleet table settings, to incorporating visually interesting details from the two planets throughout the room.

Once the staff were tasked with their projects, Amila set to work on her own. She planned to set up two tables, or booths rather, to display and highlight important features from each planet. She hoped to find a few unique items worthy of replicating for display, and possibly for guests to tinker with. She also knew that she wanted holoimagers to project both land and city-scapes from the two planets in their respective booths. While she worked, she listened to songs from local musicians on the two worlds and began to curate a playlist for the dinner.


==Tag any to stop in==

[Keir 77]

==Posted in error==